Introduction

The guys at Plus Model just keep churning out little goodies to spice up your dioramas or vehicles. This latest is no exception: a two-part German wireless station (read radio for the most of us). The Torn. Fu. b1 radio set was a short range radio introduced in 1936 for the German army. The range varied between 6 and 12 miles, depending on the particular type of transmitter being used. The set was designed to be man-portable and weighed in at close to 45 lbs.

Contents

The kit consists of only two small pieces: the accumulator and the wireless set itself. Both are very well-molded in a light gray resin that holds some very nice detail. The wireless set in particular is well done with some incredibly delicate handles that are first rate without any trace of the normal resin flash. The accumulator piece is quite a bit simpler, but also well done with just a tiny strip of molding plug needing removal.

the review

For what it is, this is a very nicely-done item, however there are a couple of issues. First, every reference photo I could find of the radio shows a rather prominent mount for various antennae sets, which is conspicuously absent. It would have been nice if Plus Model had included at least some abbreviated instructions showing different antennae arrangements, lengths, etc. Also, I wish that Plus Model would have included a wiring diagram for the set, as it is now the modeler who will need to come up with a reference to correctly wire up the connection between the two boxes, as well as any headphones or transmitter.

Try this one.

Conclusion

Even with these drawbacks, this is still a very nice and extremely-affordable addition for a modeler. A bit of paint and a quick wash and drybrush should really make the excellent detail pop out on it. You will need at least a basic reference for wiring and antennae arrangements, but otherwise it’s ready to go.