Introduction

With all the camouflage schemes that are available on German WW2 vehicles, the idea of someone in the process of painting a vehicle is a nice offering to give a theme to a diorama or vignette. I have seen a figure in the process of painting previously in a Tamiya set and MiniArt now takes up the challenge and provides a two figure set, which features one figure painting with a paint brush, and another with an air brush.

Review

This offering from MiniArt, is provided in an end opening carton wrapped in clear plastic. This method has been used for quite some time and I do wish that they would upgrade to trays and lids, as a far more robust form of packaging, especially when it comes to storage. The contents are tightly packed together, inside a plastic bag in the box. The front of the box clearly shows what is included in the contents, with the rear doing a good job of covering the construction and painting of the offering. The mouldings are of a good quality, with some minor seam lines that will require some attention. Removal from the sprues will require care, due to the finesse of the parts, and in some cases the number of connection points.

The two figures, one is stood up using an air brush. The other is knelt down using a hand brush, both stances look natural, and if I am honest the figures themselves look like they are on jankers or if you prefer punishment detail. The figure that is stood up is wearing a loose fitting jacket and trousers, with no insignia present and is also wearing a cloth cap which has the look of a workers hat, rather than a military hat. Lastly the figure is wearing shoes and gaiters that would seem appropriate. The figure that is kneeling down, appears to be wearing coveralls, the same style hat as the other figure and shoes. Both of the figures have appropriate crease detail in the clothing, which looks natural. Careful painting to highlight this crease detail should result in visually appealing figures. Hand and facial detail are as I would expect from MiniArt, at the stage the company has reached and so meet my requirements. Some minor clean up of the hands, will further enhance the figures detail wise.

Included with this set is a compressor for the air brush, all aspects of this item look appropriate, and it has a very good level of detail in the various component parts. The modeller will need to provide a power line to the compressor and an air line from the compressor to the air brush. There are a lot of choices that can be used for this purpose and I personally would opt for fuse wire. In addition to this the set is finished off with two step ladders of differing heights, and two buckets. Details presented here are of a good standard.

Conclusion

This offering from MiniArt, provides the modeller with a very good set of figures and equipment, for the creation of an appealing diorama or vignette. The ability to replicate a vehicle in the process of being painted is to my mind a great offering. The set will enable the modeller to show a vehicle in the process of being painted in a number of settings, the only other piece that may have benefitted the set, but could be easily replicated is planking from one of the step ladders to a vehicle for one of the figures to be placed upon. I personally cannot critique any aspect of this offering, as everything that is included looks good to me.