miniart 1:35 Bergepanzer T-60(r)

[James H]

1:35 Bergepanzer T-60(r)
MiniArt
Catalogue # 35238

 

 

The kit
MiniArt’s Bergepanzer T-60(r) is the TENTH incarnation of this kit in only 2 years, and it another of their ‘Interior Kits’ which are proving very popular these days, with many contemporary companies also choosing this busy approach to new releases. It’s also packed into a surprisingly small box that is crammed full of styrene. You’ll need to be careful taking everything out if you intend on putting it all back in again afterwards. There are a total of TWENTY-SIX sprues in this release, all moulded in light grey styrene. No clear parts are needed. The plastic is also supplemented by a single PE fret, length of rope, a small decal sheet, and the beautifully produced 16-page, glossy instruction manual.

This Bergepanzer is of course based on the chassis of the T-60, and of course contains no upper turret. This is instead replaced by the crane and winch assembly that was used for vehicle recovery and repair. I’ll now look at the sprues, with a brief description of what is on offer, and any observations of mine. Note that the unusual sprue nomenclature is due to the multiple versions of this vehicle and is designed to make things at least easy to follow as you proceed through construction.

Models of this type tend to start with the interior being built upon the hull floor section and is no different. The highly detailed floor section is dripping in detail that will look great with washing and weathering. Onto this is initially added the forward axle and drive unit, supported by a chunky mounting. The driver’s seat and pedals are then added to the mix, followed by the disc brake units. The driver’s compartment is fully detailed with thee various levers to control direction and turn for each track unit. 

Of course, you also need a fully detailed engine and gearbox, and the parts supplied are beautifully detailed and will help to create a faithful replica of the GAZ-202 6-cylinder engine. Everything has been replicated internally, such as the battery packs, fire extinguisher, clean air system etc. As well as the many styrene parts that build this area up, there is a smattering of PE for levers etc. All interior walls are equally as detailed as the hull floor, and with the same levels of detail in both styrene and PE. 

Perhaps one of the most tedious tasks will be to remove and clean the individual track links, and there are 86 required per side. These are also working tracks and just click together with no need for separate pins etc. Thee swing arms appear to be able to be positioned, so if you want to pose on a rough terrain, you’ll need to balance how to do this. 

It’s no surprise that the crane/winch is a new feature for this kit, and these homebrew-style adaptations look to have been nicely captured by MiniArt, with a small amount of PE also thrown into the mix for things like cross members and brackets.  

 

Sprue A
 

 

Sprue Ab
 

 

Sprue Ba
 

 

Sprue Bc
 

 

Sprue Ca (x3)
 

 

Sprue Cb (x2)
 

 

Sprue Ce (x3)
 

 

Sprue Cf (x11)
 

 

Sprue Ci (x5)
 

 

Sprue Da
 

 

Sprue Dc
 

 

Sprue Ec
 

 

Sprue Ej 
 

 

Sprue Hc
 

 

Sprue Jg
 

 

Photo Etch (PEa) and rope

The small PE sheet is packaged into its own little wallet to protect it from the rigours of being in a box so full of plastic! (Not actually true as MiniArt do this as standard!) A 1/2m length of cord is also supplied to replicate the rope. 

 

Decals

This very small decal sheet which is printed by Print Decograph (in-house?),and it’s very nicely printed, in that the inks are thin, solid and there is minimal carrier film. Register isn’t important here as the few markings are either white or black. The only combination is the company logo!

 

Instructions

MiniArt’s instructions are always straightforward, being defined by line drawing constructional sequences and clear parts and paint ID throughout. The project is broken down into forty-three stages, with paint references given for Vallejo, Mr. Color, Life Color, Tamiya, Testors, AK, Revell, Mission Models ands Humbrol paints. The last two pages are taken over with colour images of the two schemes provided.

 

Conclusion
With Takom’s own Bergepanther set, it’s nice to see MiniArt apply the same magic to the T-60 chassis and provide modellers with even more opportunities, especially when it comes to diorama work. The kit is relatively inexpensive and will provide many hours of building and painting enjoyment. Detail is excellent and thee kit superbly engineered. Moulding quality is to the high standards we expect from MiniArt, with little to no flash anywhere, and minimal seams to clean up. 

My sincere thanks to MiniArt for shipping this out for us to take a look at. MiniArt kits are available at most good online retailers. 

 

[Martinnfb]

Extremely oddball, but super interesting. Thank you for the preview James.

[JeroenPeters]

wow....

cool little kit!

Lovely review!

[Bomber_County]

Unusual subject, great review thanks, haven’t ever built MiniArt but I am now intrigued......