Model Cellar is a US company producing a range of fine resin cast figures kits, historical miniatures, and accessories focusing on World War One subjects. Their latest offering is a set of resin cast wheel treads for the Roden 1/35th scale BL 8-Inch Howitzer MK. VI, kit number 813. The Roden kit appears to represent a post-war Finnish army example. The biggest challenge in converting to a World War One example is the wheel treads. Roden molded the treads in vinyl to represent the post-war rubber treads. During the Great War, the treads were made of steel. In addition, Roden molded the treads with the slats pointing in the same direction. During the war, the treads were opposed. This offering from Model Cellar provides the wheel treads as used during the Great War.
Contents
Eight resin wheel tread sections.
Review
The delicate wheel tread sections are taped between protective resin cast end caps before being cushioned in packing peanuts in a small cardboard box.
The treads come in four sections per wheel. They are extremely well molded – no flash, no pin holes, no voids, no gels, no pour blocks. I have a done several all resin kits and use resin details on other kits; but, have never seen parts cast this well. The Model Cellar parts are ready to use directly from the box. They are very thin to conform to the finished wheel outside diameter. They include the four-rivet pattern that was most commonly seen. Model Cellar adds the rivet detail on the inside lip of the treads that is missing on the Roden kit parts.
To install, simply glue them to the rim of the wheels with cyanoacrylate glue.
Conclusion
This is the fastest way to back date the Roden wheels to the WW1 design and will save you hours of scratch building. The casting quality is superb. Thank you to Model Cellar for providing the review copy.
SUMMARY
Highs: Extremely high-quality casting. The parts are ready to use straight from the box. Lows: None.Verdict: If you are building the BL 8-Inch Howitzer as a World War 1 subject, this is a must have.
Our Thanks to Model Cellar! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
I second Rick's assessment of these well made and flawless castings. I've seen a lot of resin in my time, and Model Cellar has nailed this one. This is a "must have" for Roden's 8" BL Howitzer-- these wheel treads will certainly make building the model much easier and better looking.
VR, Russ
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