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Built Review
135
Fruit Crates
Fruit Crates
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introductions
Fruit Crates from Matho Models is a set of seven (7) 1/35 photo-etch wooden fruit crates, of two types. This is set 35089. Matho Models does not include fruit in the set.

Fruit Crates
Each etched brass crate measures 1.5 x 0.9cm (9/16" x 3/8"). The two types are:
    Solid bottom x 3
    Slated bottom X 4

There are 39 parts to this set. Each slat crate is assembled with 11 pieces, and five parts assemble the other type. Each type includes corner gussets and the slat bottom includes four skids and two handles.

Each part is held to the fret by a small attachment. The pieces have grooves to facility bending.

Instructions and decals
Matho Models' high-quality instructions can be found on their web page for this product, and via Click here for additional images for this review, below. There are no painting instructions or decals.

Assembly
Using a Hold and Fold®, needle nose tweezers, machinist squares, a hobby knife chisel blade, and superglue (CA), I assembled one of each type in 65 TV-distracted minutes. (The second slat crate assembled much quicker - practice makes perfect!) The handles on the slat crate are tricky to attach as they set upon the minuscule surface area of tiny "L" corner gussets.

After the CA dried I tried to file off some burs left from cutting the parts off the fret. Most of the parts broke loose. The next crates I assemble will receive a preparatory surface preparation with sandpaper or a vinegar bath, enhancing the grip of CA.

I don't have any 1/35 fruit so I put one crate to use with HO (1/87) scale pumpkins.

Conclusion
Fruit Crates should be useful for any 1/35-ish scale scene that need that civil touch. Milled wooden crates have been in use all around the world in one form or another for hundreds of years so these crates are versatile beyond the 20th century era.

Etching of the to-scale parts is precise. They bend easily. I must use magnifiers to properly position some parts; surface preparation for gluing is recommend in my experience, as are tweezers for the tiny parts. (Typical of working with P/E.)

I have no complaints about this set and recommend them.

Please remember to mention to Matho Models and retailers that you saw this product here - on ARMORAMA.

Click here for additional images for this review.

SUMMARY
Highs: Precise etching and fine scale size.
Lows: De minimis.
Verdict: These quality creates are versatile and should be welcome for any scene that need that civil touch.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35089
  PUBLISHED: Apr 30, 2020
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 93.75%

Our Thanks to Matho Models!
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.

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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

These look great and I can imagine a certain number of people rubbing their hands together in unbridled glee. I'm not one of them as I doubt any ever found their way on to the engine deck of a Panther. For me, end of story. I've got too much invested in WW2 German armour kits to suddenly say "hey, I've always wanted a Middle East market place dio!". Nope.
APR 30, 2020 - 12:04 PM
The crates look great, but they really missed an opportunity by not including fruit or other contents for them!
JUN 10, 2020 - 01:05 PM
   
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