Introduction

There are few companies that have done more for the modeller who likes to produce dioramas, modified figures or just adding items of interest to their vehicle models than MiniArt. MiniArt is one of the Major manufactures with an incredible release schedule of new items usually in 1/35th scale. One of the latest items from MiniArt will have appeal for every model I suspect and that that set is listed as German Grenades and Mines.

Review

This offering from MiniArt is packaged in one of the end opening card boxes used for their figure releases and contains an instruction sheet with a sealed plastic bag. There are:
6 grey plastic sprues
1 clear green sprue
1 clear brown sprue
1 sheet of photo etch
1 decal sheet

We are provided with 20 green bottles and 20 brown bottles that are to replicate Molotov cocktails, decals are provided to indicate this use however you could just as easily use the bottles for anything you wish that is suitable for a bottle. MiniArt has also provided crates for the storage of the bottles.

There are two sizes of stick grenade offered and I admit I was not aware that they came in different sizes. A number of the stick grenades are provided on runners to be shown as packed in wooden boxes. Also supplied are 3 of each of the two grenades as individual items and again decals have been supplied. Also supplied in the same area is a single M24 anti-tank grenade bundle that makes an interesting item and lastly there is a box of Mod 39 HE egg grenades with the grenades moulded in place and a further 5 are provided loose.

Next up there are 8 magnetic anti-tank mines with a provided box and another provided loose. These hollow charge magnetic mines have a very pleasing shape and are pleasing to the eye, as such they should make an eye catching part of a vignette or similar. I will say that I would have liked to see more of these supplied loose.

Lastly there are 5 anti vehicle mines in two types, 3 of one and 2 of the other. You are provided with three German Tellermine 35s Mines and two Tellermine type 43 mines; it is my understand that the type 43 had an anti tamper fuse installed.

Conclusion

I think this offering from MiniArt is a useful set with a range of uses. I would have liked to see a few other loose inclusions but I am sure MiniArt will release such a set soon. The only item I would have liked to see included with this offering is the ‘Bouncing Betty’ mine that was so feared by Allied troops.