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In-Box Review
135
German Railroad Staff
German Railroad Staff 1930’s – 40’s
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by: Darren Baker [ CMOT ]

Introduction

I have been saying from some time that MiniArt must be working on a 1/35th scale train and one of the latest releases further increases that belief. The set of four figures in 1/35th scale titled ‘German Railroad Staff 1930’s – 40’s’ is just screaming “where is my ride?”. So let’s take a closer look at what has been supplied in this offering.

Review

MiniArt is well known as a provider of figures and diorama elements with this offering fitting in perfectly with their range of products. This offering is provided in one of the end opening cartons usually used for their figures, I do wish MiniArt and others would switch to boxes rather than end opening containers as they tend to be more robust and also provide somewhere to keep the items built until needed. Inside there is a single bag containing five sprues in grey styrene. The instructions and painting suggestions are on the rear of the carton.

MiniArt in this release has provided a stoker, and engineer, a guard and possibly a driver. The figures have natural stances and a natural look to the clothes worn. The guard wears a smartly cut uniform as you would expect of the period. The cut of the uniform is indicative of prior to and early during the war when smartness was more important; as the war progressed material became a resource with limited supply and I was told one of the reasons kids in shorts became a common sight. The peaked cap does have insignia present, but I could not clearly identify it as presented on the box art. A disappointment for me is that the horn used by the guard/conductor is broken where the handle is concerned.

The other three figures are wearing loose fitting work jackets and trousers. One of the figures is stooped shuffling coal, the other is oiling and unspecified item and the final is carrying a torch and a bag. All of the clothing looks appropriate for the roles being carried out and definition is of an acceptable level. I was also quite pleased to see that in addition to the items shown in use with these figures there are additional parts such as a signal arm and a train lantern which are so collectable today.

The faces and hands of these figures is of a good quality; the guard/conductor does have a moustache present which is pleasing. Three of the four faces do have an older appearance so far as my old eyes can see, but as we all know it is more often our abilities that dictate the result achieved. The hands are very nice in some cases and acceptable in others, but a little work by the modeller will bring them all up to a nice standard.

Conclusion

This offering from MiniArt is a great release in my mind as I am sure it means a locomotive cannot be far away. The figures are a diverse group which is good to see as it allows them to be used in a large diorama setting performing their roles, or in smaller groups working together in a role.
SUMMARY
Darren Baker takes a look at a recent figure release from MiniArt in the form of German Railroad Staff 1930’s – 40’s in 1/35th scale.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 38012
  PUBLISHED: Oct 04, 2020
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 85.88%

Our Thanks to MiniArt!
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.

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About Darren Baker (CMOT)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...

Copyright ©2021 text by Darren Baker [ CMOT ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

These do look interesting and hopefully there is a locomotive in the future. But they will work with any of the 1/35 locos already out there (although there isn't a need for an "ash cat" shoveling coal on the WR360 C12). With as high as the man with the oil can is holding it, I suspect he is intended for a large steam loco. These look good.
OCT 04, 2020 - 12:15 PM
Miniart has a variety of rolling stock but it doesn't all go together I don't think. There is Imperial Russian stuff and then stock from the WW2 era. I think it would be great if they did some locomotives.
OCT 04, 2020 - 12:54 PM
It all goes together. The standard covered van ('Normainiy tovarnly vagon' or 'NTV'), was introduced in 1892 for all private and governmental railways with a gauge of 1524mm, and manufactured until 1931; then frequently updated. I am willing to be their "Railway Non-Brake Flatbed 16.5 – 18 Ton" has a similar history.
OCT 05, 2020 - 01:53 PM
   
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