Being mostly interested in 1/35 armor models I did a number of Bronco’s and Tamiya’s quarterscale kits during the last year. I was so used to plenty of aftermarket solutions available for 1/35th scale modellers that it was surprising to see how limited the choice is when it comes to 1/48th scale. Few manufacturers, limited range and quite high price per set and amount of material when you compare to 1/35th scale offerings. Of course when you have a set dedicated to particular vehicle you can use it all, but what if you don’t need the full set on your model? What if the idea of manufacturer doesn’t match your references? What if you want to have a set that can be used for several models? What if the items are oversized? Sadly, but these were my impressions from the market. I had to re-sculpt sandbags, add tie-downs, fix not properly casted rope elements and moreover, it took me ages to clean up some of the delicate elements from casting blocks and then polishing the resin.
So, when I got the information that Value Gear Details were transferring their knowledge of 1/35th scale to 1/48th scale I felt happy. This small company lead by Steve Munsell is specialized in making generic accessorizes that fit any model of any time period. What is offered to quarter scale fans is 4 sets – 3 sets of tents, tarps and crates together with a separate set of crates only.
Review
All 4 sets are packaged in ziploc plastic bags stapled to a cardboard backer together with an informations sheet on resin handling, usage of CA glue, adjusting shape of resin items, painting sequence suggestion (good idea) and even paint striping precautions! I have to admit I’ve never seen a manufacturer of resin products giving such basic and at the same time very vital information. For example I never thought that brake fluid that some modellers use to strip the paints from styrene would eat the resin.
Tents, Tarps & Crates Set #1 includes 16 crates and 11 rolls, together 27 parts. To be more precise these are 2 long rectangular crates, 3 medium sized rectangular crates, 9 wide crates and 2 small rectangular crates; 5 single rolls with tie-downs, 1 double blanket, and 5 double rolls/tents with tie-downs. The casting quality is excellent and no clean-up is required (similar to other sets). There are no casting defects or missing parts of the tie-down straps. The detail on them is really down to scale (see how it looks on the back of Staghound) and folds are nicely done.
Tents, Tarps & Crates Set #2 includes 16 crates and 11 rolls, together 27 parts. 1 huge crate, 7 long rectangular crates with different height, 2 medium sized long rectangular crates, 4 medium sized wide rectangular crates and 2 small crates; 7 single rolls of different length, 3 double rolls and 1 roll on the blanket. Again, great detail when it comes to wood texture, folds, straps and tie-downs.
Finally, Tents, Tarps & Crates Set #3 also has 27 parts included: 16 single tarps/rolls of different sizes, 6 double rolls and 5 rolls on crates. As with 2 previous sets no clean-up is needed and the detail is as sharp as it is possible for 1/48 (and even better!). Personally, I like that set most (out of sets #1-3) as the combination of rolls on crates looks as an absolute winner. And only 4 items were sufficient to cover the whole engine deck of Staghound.
Another item is Crates Set #1 that contains 32 crates of different sizes - these are the same that are included in Tents, Tarps & Crates Set #1-2, just combined together. Definitely the crates would be a great addition to diorama or next to airplane models, from WW1 to modern times.
Conclusion
Overall, I think these are excellent sets that after some planning could be arranged nicely on any kind of model. No removal from casting blocks is required and that means that after washing them in soap water you can start painting with desired type of paints (maybe even using the recommended sequence from attached info sheet which looks very simple and convenient). As previously mentioned, set #3 is my personal favorite as I don’t put many crates on my models, but given the relatively low price all of them together would be a nice addition to your box of accessories.
p.s. Images of painted sets are taken from Value Gear Details webpage. Please visit it for further info, pricing and tips.
SUMMARY
Highs: Great quality, no clean up required, universal items that can be fit to any vehicle and time period. Relatively low price when compared to single-vehicle oriented sets from competitors. Lows: Too many crates in sets #1 and #2?Verdict: Very highly recommended.
Our Thanks to Value Gear! 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.
Will that work on thick resin castings, ie., tent rolls, tarps, etc? I know that works well on things like sword blades, scabbards, pole arms, etc., but these are thin items.
In addition to the suggestions about using hot water to bend the resin, you can also use a hobby knife or razor saw to cut out parts.
VG keeps their prices low by creating generic stowage, though their new Sherman series in 1/35 are intended for Sherman back decks (and include field-modified stowage platforms in many of the sets).
If you are trying to bend a rolled up resin tarp over something a curvy as a Staghound fender, it is very, very unlikely to work. Polyurethane resin is a thermoset material, It can be moved a little with head, but is not a thermoplastic like polystyrene. It simply can not be moved that far. If you really push it, it will tear/break along the outside of the curvature.
A thin part may be able to be moved that much, but not a thicker piece. Anything thicker than, say 5ish mm is not going to move enough to drape nicely over a truck fender in 1/35 scale.
Do NOT buy a flat piece of stowage assuming you can move it to any shape you want later. You can't. You can get some movement out of it, but not a lot.
It really isn't _that_ hard to make rolled tarps and the like yourself out of epoxy putty and fit them exactly where you need them.
Paul
You can even keep it simple and make a folded blanket which will fit around the arched surface (or even on detailed areas)and you set the resin parts into this, which helps them fit on most surfaces. I also like the value grear stuff, and a simple trick like that above means you can add them easily and also build them higher, convincigly.
Good review Roman.
Thanks, Frank.
True, it is all about knowledge, skills and time. You can do everything from scratch (if you can), you can combine the best of the two worlds, you can use what is on the market. When it comes to the latter - I would rather take something that is really easy to work with and VG sets are on that list.
Comments