This new engine update set from PlusModel is designed for the original kit but should also be able to be used on the new.
Consisting of 33 cleanly cast resin pieces in a pinkish resin, a small etched fret, two short lengths of copper wire and a small decal sheet the set is quite comprehensive. The casting quality is excellent overall, there are a few small air bubbles but these were all ‘internal’ and didn’t break the surface (apart from one) and will disappear with a coat of paint if you don’t disturb the surface. Many of the body parts have details included on both sides fro very nice detailing.
There are the usual casting blocks to be removed and you should take care with some of the finer parts.
The new resin parts replace the Tamiya parts (A9, A20, B8, B10, B11, B13 and B14 with modifications to A27) which is virtually everything forward of the firewall with new fenders, side panels, front grill panel and upper hood as well as the engine istelf. The firewall needs a bit of surgery to remove the forward section and replace with the new resin firewall but nothing the average modeller can't handle.
The engine is very complete with a multipart main block, separate accessories and etched parts for the engine compartment. The decal is for the large data panel on the inside of the hood to produce a very nice and busy assembly.
The small instruction sheet has exploded view drawings of the engine and fitting of the fenders and hood etc. and with careful study you shouldn’t have any problems assembling the set.
Overall a very nice little update set that will add some nice details to the old or new Tamiya Protze kits.
References:
Plus Model have some excellent photographs of the Protze engine on their web
site.
Krupp Protze in detail Special Museum Line No.18 Wings & Wheels Publications. ISBN 80-86416-67-0 |
Krupp at War Schiffer Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-88740-399-9 |
Trucks of the Wehrmacht Schiffer Publication Ltd. ISBN 0-88740-686-6 |
Page created 11 March 2003