Changes in awareness in the modern world have led to a number of new features in the typical urban setting. Alternate fuel, mass transportation, electric cars, and new ways of collecting and sorting waste for recycling. To be honest, I had never heard of containers of this type before, but online searching produced a number of images from across Europe of large recycling containers, color coded for the sorting of waste materials.
PlusModel, in keeping with the times, now offers a set of sorted waste containers for those modelers looking to add something different to their diorama.
THE SET
The set contains just 10 pieces in resin, plus a small etch fret. Each sort bin is made up of a base, container body, top bar and two lifting rings, plus a two part opening representing a rubber flap. Instructions are in simple line drawing form. There is a decal sheet with markings in Czech for white or clear glass and colored glass, and English for plastic, metal and paper. There are also the triangular recycling symbols. As near as I was able to determine, this type of container is referred to as a "bell" container, and can be made of either fiberglass or plastic. It appears to be of approx. 1500 liter capacity and stands about 1.8 meters tall.
Removing the base and body from their resin pour blocks was fairly simple. There are seam lines running down both sides of the container, but the actual items made from plastic also appear to have a seam. The top bar and lifting rings are on a separate small pour tab and removing the rings does take some care to get them off without breaking. To fit the rings into the top bar I had to drill out the locator holes. The included picture shows the ring base extending up from the plate, but photos online of similar containers show the ring against the top bar.
The only color guide is from the card insert which shows orange for metal and green for the colored glass. Again, based on online references, white is used for white or clear glass containers, green for colored glass, orange or red for metal, blue for paper, yellow for plastic, brown for biodegradable kitchen waste. Different countries may have a different system, so the symbol on each container is essential for identifying the type of waste to go in.
Lacking in the decals are the large instruction diagrams normally seen on Czech containers. The decal sheet as a whole seems limiting with the lettering. I don't know what specific bin it is supposed to represent; though I saw several similar online, I did not find an exact match.
I did very much like the two part flap cover for the opening as the etch parts can be bent or formed to show old or damaged flaps.
PlusModel has this set listed at $19.40 US at their site, which seems a little steep and may discourage potential buyers from such an unusual accessory choice.
SUMMARY
Highs: Simple accessory for a modern diorama, photoetch adds a nice touch.
Lows: Decals seem incomplete in comparison to markings found on actual containers. Mix of English and Czech decals limits choices.
Verdict: The set builds up as a nice representation of a sort bin, but seems an odd accessory choice.
Our Thanks to Plus Model! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Russ Amott (russamotto) FROM: UTAH, UNITED STATES
I got back into the hobby a few years back, and wanted to find ways to improve, which is how I found this site. Since joining Armorama I have improved tremendously by learning from others here, and have actually finished a couple of kits. I model to relax and have fun, but always look to improve. ...
Darren, you mentioned the real ones are made of plastic or fiberglass, I know here in England these bins are targeted often by 'arsonists' who take great pleasure in setting light to them, as a result all the ones I know of are metal in a attempt to limit fire damage, have seen cast iron ones that are the same sort of shape. Also these bins have another problem, people dumping rubbish around them, normally you find old push bikes, clothes, large kids toys etc piled up next to them, worth remembering if your planning on using one
Bronzey
Alex the review was written by Russell and I only published it. I am aware of the issues you mention but it depends on the area as to what they are made of, I do however agree that metal is the more common material.
I went with the description found on a Czech site that makes the containers. Before I received the review samples, I didn't even know these existed. We use large square metal dumpster containers here, or curbside bins.
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