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In-Box Review
135
Market Umbrella
Monroe Perdu MPD-044 Market Umbrella 1:32-1:35 scale

by: Charles Reading [ CREADING ]

In the box

This is a small yet interesting detail piece that fits into any time frame from turn of the century to present time.
The kit comes in a 5"X7" plastic bag with a photo quality glossy print of the finished product against a background of a finished Monroe Perdu building.

This is a laser cut paper kit consisting of one 4"X4.5" sheet of cream colored paper, containing the canopy of the umbrella. One 4"X5" sheet of card stock, containing the umbrella supports and stand. One 4" length of wood 'cocktail stick' for the umbrella pole and a sheet of instructions which includes a section on assembly and one on painting/weathering tips along with simple illustrations showing where bends should be placed on the support frame and pole length for 1:35 or 1:32.


the kit

Market Umbrellas are found worldwide and this example can be used to depict street scenes from outdoor cafes, beach scenes, roadside stands just to suggest several.
The built kit is compatible with 1:35 or 1:32 scale figures and the open umbrella measures to approximately 7'6" across in 1:32 scale.

As with most laser cut paper the umbrella can be painted pre or post assembly. I think it would be interesting to paint this as a colorful beach type (perhaps with stripes?) You will want to be careful not to be too aggressive when painting as the paper can potentially become over saturated and thus tear. Use light coats and give plenty of drying time to lessen the chances for problems. The photographed piece was stained with coffee after assembly.


wrap up

Monroe Perdue Studios continue to develop and produce interesting and inexpensive items that add detail and color to dioramas. This new release is another small often overlooked common attribute at any public area, beach, cafe or sidewalk market that will add subtle detail to any diorama or vignette.
SUMMARY
Highs: This is another simple yet effective piece in the Monroe Perdue line that can be placed in many eras and situations and remain accurate and not out of place. Easy assembly, quick build.
Lows: Relatively delicate finished piece so you'll want to have a spot ready for it on your dio.
Verdict: This new release from Monroe Perdu Studios will add subtle detail to any diorama or vignette.
Percentage Rating
98%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: MPD-044
  Suggested Retail: 8-10 USD
  Related Link: Monroe Perdu Studio site
  PUBLISHED: Sep 02, 2007
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.80%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.43%

About Charles Reading (CReading)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

I live in the mountains north of Santa Cruz California. I have been building now since the early 1990's when I rediscovered modeling. Most of my kits are built with dioramas in mind. I took a "creative block" hiatis for a couple years - 2011 to 2013. I wasn't active in the modeling world. During tha...

Copyright ©2021 text by Charles Reading [ CREADING ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I like this Scott because firstly it looks really good and secondly it's a piece that you would nearly have to design the diorama around it. I mean that it would really make you think about how and where to use it.
SEP 06, 2007 - 10:35 AM
An interesting little tidbit, could be used as a nice sun shield for some poor sun baked tanker.
SEP 06, 2007 - 10:36 AM
   
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