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CMK
Steyr 1500 Cargo Truck
Einheitsführerhaus

CMK 1:35 Scale Conversion Set #3089
Review by Terry Ashley

Tamiya
Introduction:

This conversion set from CMK is designed for the Tamiya Steyr Type 1500A (kit #35225) and provides parts to convert the kit into the later 'Einheitsführerhaus' type which translates loosly in English as 'Unit Cab'. This simplified cab design reduced production time and save on precious metal needed for more urgent production types later in the war. Many different vehicles were fitted with similar simplied cabs later in the War.

The Set:

This set consists of 16 parts cast in light cream resin with just the casting blocks and some fine resin film to be removed before use plus a small etched fret with 27 parts and a sheet of clear film for the cab windows.

This standard of resin casting is good overall with clean crisp detail but there is some minor warping on a few of the larger flat parts that will easily be remedied with a quick dip in hot water, this is actually mentioned in the instructions with the minor warping indicated being due to the casting process. There is also some trimming required on a few parts for correct alignment and straighten edges as with the tray floor to allow proper assembly but nothing too dramatic.

Clear and etched parts
CMK

Assembly is fairly straightforward as most parts simply replace the Tamiya kit parts but there is some minor modifications required with other kit parts such as the driver's controls added to the new resin cab interior parts.

Ensure all parts have been straightened if need be before commencing assembly as this will make things easier with the cab parts fitting together okay with only some minor adjustments required but this may differ on some sets due to minor differences that can occur with resin parts, the main thing is to test fit the parts before gluing.

For the cab interior the driver's foot pedals are cast in with the floor as with the Tamiya kit and you use the kit gear levers and steering wheel parts that fit straight to the resin pars without problems and you are also provided with an etched instrument panel fitted to the forward cab wall/engine firewall. This has holes for the instrument dials but there are no actual dials provided so these will have to be sourced elsewhere with Archers Fine Transfers producing dial sheets that would be applicable.

The two separate side doors can be positioned open or closed as you wish with the clear sheet provided used for the main windscreen and the door windows. These can be cut down if you want to have the window partly open and gluing the clear windows with white glue is the best option as using cyanoacrylate for clear parts usually results in crazing or other blemishes.

There are additional etched parts for the cab but the two wire foot steps under each door will have to be added from wire provided by yourself as this is not in the set.

The Tamiya kit engine hood aligns to the front of the resin engine firewall/cab front without any problems and there is an indentation on the underside of the cab floor that fits over the kit chassis frames ensuring correct alignment. But to fit the cab correctly you will have to remove part of the plastic steering rods as these block the cab from sitting properly onto the kit chassis.

Modifications to the Tamiya chassis as per above
CMK

The rear tray bed assembly firstly requires the edge along the casting block side to be straightened as it is a little 'curved' but this is easily trimmed straight but this exposes thicker edges that will need to be trimmed back to an even thickness. There are no real problems provided you ensure all parts are perfectly flat and straight before assembly but there is one thing to watch.

The two underside mounting beams (parts PUR 11) have to be positioned at the same width as the kit chassis frames but there are no locating marks for these so you will have to measure the width to ensure they align correctly with the chassis. This shouldn't be a problem but use the classic 'measure twice, glue once' routine to make sure the parts are in the correct position.

Fitting the underside tray beams after marking the correct location
CMK

The Tamiya kit spare wheel is added to the underside of the tray bed but the wire retaining bracket is again not included in the set and there are also etched parts for the rear number plate/tail light mounting.

The fitting of the tray side panels may need minor trimming but again test fitting will determine this and there are additional small etched parts for the tray panel latches and tie down hooks. Ensure the tray floor is perfectly flat and level as you glue the side panels in place to avoid any warping of the assembly which will show up when fitted to the kit chassis.

The assembled tray just 'sits' on the kit chassis frames providing you fitted the two mounting beams (parts PUR 11) correctly as mentioned above and you can just glue this in place to finish off the conversion.

Instructions:

These are exploded view line drawings similar to mainstream kit instructions and are much cleared than the photos type instructions used on many resin sets. This makes assembly very simple as there is no confusion at all where things go with all part numbers called out along with a part layout diagram again with part numbers.

The instructions also clearly indicate when Tamiya kit parts are to be used and the assembly sequences are easy to follow but you should still study the instructions before hand as you would with any to eliminate any problems.

Conclusion:

Overall this is fairly simply resin conversion with cleanly cast parts, minimal cleanup required and just some minor warping of the larger parts to deal with. There is minor surgery required on the Tamiya kit to take the resin parts and the fit of the parts is good overall with nothing out of the ordinary for resin sets.

The additional etched and clear parts adds the overall effect and the conversion will give you a different looking Steyr for later war dioramas without any real hassles.

Highly recommended 7.5/10

Resin Parts & Instruction sheets:

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Detail images
CMK
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References:
Steyr 1500A in detail

Wings & Wheels Publications
Special Museum Line No.9
Book

Trucks of the Wehrmacht German Vehicles in WWII
Schiffer Military History
Reinhard Frank
ISBN 0-88740-686-6
Book

Thanks to CMK for the review sets.




Page created June 20, 2008