The kit comes in the typical packaging which we have come to expect from Italeri, a box which opens to slide out the contents... What IS different is the presentation. The front carries a very nicely done rendition of the D.U.K..W. , whereas the reverse has three illustrations of (the four) decal options (front, elevation and rear views) - very nicely executed indeed. Color references are given for ModelMaster paint - all the FS numbers are included...
The Contents
This is a fairly simple kit of only 49 parts. Most noticeable is the large upper and lower hull parts. All panel lines are engraved - an indication as to just how far 1/72nd has come. Nice, discreet detail which give a good scale appearance. The chassis is basically all there and again the detail is good and crisp. The problems come with the wheels and here it lets down the rest of the kit.. Two sets of wheels are provided - one for the modeller and the other (sensibly enough) for the wargamer. However, BOTH of the wheel sets are hollow. Now this shouldn't cause many problems with the 'look' of the finished model. I do however like to know that the wheels are complete (o.k. i'm a maniac...) The rope fenders are beautifully moulded as is the front spray.shield. Sadly lacking is a canvas cover for the cargo compartment, although I am confident that one of the AM Manufacturers will soon have one available (along with a new wheel set?).
The two forms of assembly are interesting, obviously Italeri are looking towards the 'Wargames' market. This is confirmed with the inclusion of a nicely presented booklet with some wargames rules - nice touch!
Conclusions
Well at this price, you can't really go wrong. With the addition of some figures, some cargo and perhaps the tarpaulin, this could build into a stunning little representation. As it is the basic kit is excellent and will build into a nice replica.
The other point worth mentioning, are the decals: 4 options are provided, One British at Normandy, One U.S.M.C. vehicle at Iwo Jima sporting a really attractive three-tone scheme, and two others of the U.S. Army in Germany 1945.
If you have never built a 1/72nd scale kit before, cut your teeth on this one - a truly recommended buy!
SUMMARY
This is one of Italeri's more recent releases. Timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings. This has always been an attractive subject for modellers in both 1/72nd Scale and 1/35th. The only other 1/72nd (plastic) kit of the D.U.K.W. is the rather ancient Airfix offering, which although sold as a 1/72nd scale kit is in fact 1/76th scale...
About Jim Rae (jimbrae) FROM: PROVINCIA DE LUGO, SPAIN / ESPAñA
Self-employed English teacher living in NW Spain. Been modelling off and on since the sixties. Came back into the hobby around ten years ago. First love is Soviet Armor with German subjects running a close second. Currently exploring ways of getting cloned to allow time for modelling, working and wr...
