Introduction
We all have ideas for items which we would want for dioramas. Frequently, we have great ideas which inevitably get shelved when we get distracted on another project. In dioramas, it's always those little details which bring the thing to life, no more so than items such as this - a simple idea, but one which could really add a certain spark to a WWII diorama...
The kit.
MP 35-115: Soviet WWII industrial lamp (1/35th scale) is one of the latest additions to
Mig Productions constantly expanding range of diorama kits. The lamp is moulded in a light-colored resin and consists of only five parts (4 in resin plus a length of copper wire). MP 35-115 portrays a typical 1930/40s Industrial lamp which could be seen in any dockyard or industrial area in almost any part of the world.
A bit more illumination...
This type of lamp consisted of three sections bound together with a pole mounted between the three sections of wood. A lamp and cables were then attached...
Mig Production's new release, consists of one casting simulating the three (logs?) tied together with cable, the upright and the reflector/light bulb. As can been seen from the photos, the detail is very crisp with both the wiring and the bound sections being convincingly reproduced.
Assembly is straightforward, with only some moulding plugs to remove and holes drilled in the upright pole (to receive the copper wire) and the reflector. Some bending will be necessary along with some sizing.
Particularly noteworthy, is the detail of the binding ropes, the cable and the wooden 'texture' of the uprights. The lamp bulb, may for some be a little 'flat' although replacing this with some clear sprue would be simplicity itself.
It could also be possible, for those of a more technical mind than my own, to actually have the lamp 'working' using fibre-optic cabling or even using one of those miniscule light bulbs available for Model-Railroaders. I'm sure someone will do it.
As to uses, almost any industrial scene could use it convincingly - truly 'generic' !
Final thoughts...
First of all, for value for money, this is hard to beat. Having seen the prices being asked for similar items of this sort, this is an absolute bargain. The quality of the castings is absolutely immaculate as well, no mould lines and with no cleaning up whatsoever (apart from the mould plugs). A great little addition to almost any diorama - a truly BRIGHT idea..
Acknowledgements:
My thanks to
Miguel 'Mig' Jimenez of
Mig Productions for this and the other review samples which he has so generously supplied to Armorama...