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In-Box Review
135
Brick Sidewalks
1/35 Brick Sidewalk Sections
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by: Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]

introduction

Along with all the building kits that Dioramas Plus produces, there are also some accessory sets. One of these is item DP-10, listed as Brick Sidewalks.

The kit comes in the usual “bomb-proof” packaging of a very sturdy box with attractive labels and the contents securely wrapped with plastic wrap which is all sandwiched between layers of paper. See some other reviews if you want to see pictures of how well Dioramas Plus’ kits are packaged. Needless to say my sample arrived completely free from damage.

review

Inside the box you will find three straight sections and two corners. Each section is 1 ˝” (3.8 cm) wide and 8” (20.3cm) long, so one set will give you plenty of sidewalk for most modest size dioramas. All sections are well cast in Hydrocal (plaster), and show great detail and relief with the bricks and concrete curb.

At first glance the sections seem a little thick, however this may be a advantage as it allows the modeler to use another material to make the street (either a resin or latex texture sheet), or scratch built, and the resulting thickness of the street will give the curb the correct height.

One issue will have to be addressed when butting the sections together. The brick pattern should be staggered between each row of bricks. When two sections are aligned, the bricks do not line up correctly to form a continuous pattern of staggered bricks. Removing one row from either of the sections will correct this.

The only other issue is at the corner. The corner sections have one edge that looks to have bricks that are thinner than the others. Remove this “thin” row and all will be good.

To use, clean up any butting edges so there is a smooth transition between each section. You can then align the sections on your base, and cut them to fit the area you are working on using a handsaw. Also you could scribe the curb to represent stone blocks instead of the poured concrete. Painting can be done with the rest of your diorama base using your favorite methods.

conclusion

Needless to say, another great item from Dioramas Plus that I’m sure will find lots of uses on many dioramas. I will be incorporating these in with the “Brick Ruin” diorama build log I have already started in the forums. The review for the Brick Ruin can be found Here on Armorama. Thanks to Dioramas Plus for the review sample.
SUMMARY
Highs: Great detail and easy to use.
Lows: Brick pattern does not line up when butting together sections. Thin row of bricks on corner section.
Verdict: Overall an easy to use and well detailed item. The few issues are very easy to deal with and fix so should not be a problem to most modelers.
Percentage Rating
92%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: DP-10
  Suggested Retail: $19.95 + S&H
  Related Link: Item at Dioramas Plus website
  PUBLISHED: Jul 04, 2009
  NATIONALITY: European Union
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 91.16%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.00%

About Andy Renshaw (skyhawk)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I started modeling around 8 years old when my dad bought me a Monogram 1/48 A-7. We built that together, and after that he turned me loose. Along with armor and figures, I also enjoy building aircraft and trains (model railroading), and tend to cycle between the genres. Recently married, I have...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Thanks for the review. I think that the issues you have with the bricks not being staggered (plus price) is a deal breaker for me. When I purchase something aftermarket it is either because I can't make it myself or to make a part of my diorama "easier" for me. When I have to make the "corrections" to a piece of 20.00 hydrocal/plaster that you mentioned, well that is too expensice an addition for me... JD
JUL 05, 2009 - 03:59 AM
I understand your disapointment, however I will have to say that "correcting" this by just cutting off one row of bricks is nothing to get excited about, especally since you have to clean up the mating edges anyway (something that is standard on ANY plaster kit). Also, thinking about how long it would take to scratchbuild 24" of sidewalk plus corners more than makes up for the $20 price tag. An hour of my time is worth far more than $20, and it would take several hours to scratchbuild this (depending on methods). you could save some time by using some comercialy available brick sheet, however now you just paid $$ for the materials which you still have to cut and fit. Not to mention compare this to some resin offerings out there. so its all up to the modeler. For you, its not worth it. For another its a great time saving (and even cost saving) item that can be used even if a few minor corrections are needed. Andy
JUL 05, 2009 - 05:31 AM
   
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