Introduction

In the last 18 month to two years, Resicast have been producing a range of update and stowage sets along with a range of figures suitable for use with the old Tamiya LRDG 30 cwt Truck kit. The LRDG will always be a popular subject area for modellers and with the recent release of the Fitter’s Truck stowage and update set yet another finish option has been provided for modellers. I’d already embarked on and finished a project on the RT truck and Breda Gun Truck conversion prior to the release of those update sets but the availability of the Fitter’s Truck conversion proved too much to resist.

Special thanks are given in the instructions to Sean, Arno and Miran for their contribution and information input and this version of the Fitter’s truck is one with the ‘early stowage’, which would suggest another version with later stowage may be in the pipe line. This would fit in well with the other options already offered with either early or late stowage. These sets allow a wide choice of options for the modeller in relation to the old by ever popular Tamiya LRDG Chevrolet 30 cwt truck.

Contents

The set comes packed in a nice sturdy cardboard box, which displays the manufacturer and product details and has several photographs of the completed update which are useful as references. The parts are packed in small zip plastic bags, 16 in this kit, with a separate rear bed bulk stowage item and a set of instructions. The parts are further protected by being wrapped in bubble wrap.

The parts are cast in a light grey resin and as one would expect from Resicast are highly detailed. You will need a sharp razor saw to deal with the casting blocks and there is some flash that will need to be cleaned up but apart form that the parts seem free from any damage, but be warned there are some very small parts that will need careful handling.

Review

The kit contains a compete update set for the front cab, this is also available as a separate item (35.2342), and contains the replacement dash board, gear, break and pedal levers, sun compass, canvas doors , fire extinguisher, replacement SMLE rifles, POW and bumper. The original review of which can be seen here Live links and which already covers these parts in detail.

The new elements are correct replacement panels for the truck bed sides and the bulk stowage items connected with a fitter’s truck. The truck sides are nicely represented with good detail on both internal and external sides and the bulk stowage consists of a number of separate and combined items to produce a very pleasing load for the back of the truck. The stowage can be broken down in to two parts which are clearly listed on the front page of the instructions. These consist of Compulsory stowage items (19 parts) and Optional Stowage items (15 parts) which should allow modellers to personalise the overall finish to the truck. The bulk item is made up of various ammo boxes, a spare radiator, open topped box with various item inside, partially covered by a tarp with various rolled canvas elements above and below. Added to this are the two spare wheels, long and short planks, a font load, and a rear load. The rear load is of various ammo boxes and a folded tarp, the front top load , POW cans and boxes to mount above the main load. The additional stowage contains items such as water bottles, more spare POW cans both 2 and 4 gal, a stretcher, spade pick, spare springs, open tin cans, small packs and an axe.

As well as providing a fine set of replacement tires for the Tamiya kit 3 x additional tyres are provided, two spares for rear bed stowage and one tyre covered with a tarp for inclusion on the front or side of the kit. Early armament on these vehicles consisted on a Lewis gun mounted on a swivel pintle and an appropriate weapon and mount is included in the kit for same. To help finish off the build additional detail is provided with the inclusion of s set of PE sand channels, a nice length of fine chain and a set of PE drop chains for the tail of the truck bed. The stowage should allow the modeller to display the kit with the tail gate open or closed up.

The instructions consist of a 10 page A5 booklet which contains a full listing of the parts and a series of build pictures linked to the numbered parts which should allow a fairly straight forward build.

Conclusion

This appears to be a very highly detailed and accurate set of stowage and updates for the Tamiya kit. It will allow modellers more choice of finish and takes away the struggle of scratch building (which although very enjoyable can be time consuming). Both this set and the other options already available may lead to more combined vehicle patrol displays but whether you’re building for a stand alone vehicle or to incorporate several different styles on vehicles in a diorama this set should certainly be a plus for many.

I’ve been criticised by some here on site for being too close to Resicast. The simple fact is I’ve been a customer of theirs for quite some time and I particularly like the outstanding quality and variety of their British and Commonwealth kits and I make no apology for that. Neither do I make any apology for my association with the owner of the company as both of us share the same passion for all things British in the modelling world. Therefore if that makes me bias, then I am, but it doesn’t diminish the quality and detail of yet another extremely useful update set, which I’m sure will bring pleasure to many.