Great Wall Hobby German WWII Maybach HL42 TRKMS Engine 1:35

Reference: L3522

Review by: Bill Curtis

Our thanks to The Airbrush Company for supplying our review sample

N.B. Check out Andy Argent’s fantastic Build of the GWH Flak 43 – a slightly different version of this GWH Maybach Engine – in Finished Now.

Initial Assessment

The kit comes in a card box with opening at the ends and consists of 67 parts in grey plastic on two sprues. Also included is a small etch fret attached to the bag containing the sprues, so be careful not to throw this away. The build instructions are on the back of the box.

Gallery

Click on Image to Enlarge/go back.

Accuracy

Straight from the box you will get a good representation of the engine, but for the ones who require complete accuracy, you will need to make some changes.

Part #2 is not required as this was not fitted. Part J28, the air compressor, is not fitted and will require the pulley and belt removed from J33. Part J1 valve cover only has the two star parts J9, so the middle filler needs removing. J7, the oil cooler, has a pipe which need to join to the water pump (parts J13, 19 and eight) onto the thin side of J8, a new oil reservoir will need to be scratch built and fitted to the rhs of the engine.

Quality

Moulding quality is, as usual, very good with no knock-out marks and minimal flash that will clean up easily. Clean-up of the small parts, of which there are quite a few, will be better carried out while still attached to the sprues, or you stand the chance of losing them to the ‘carpet monster’. I think everything is covered on the engine and with careful painting will look very realistic indeed. The etch brass is very nice and will enhance the engine, but be careful as some parts are small.

Instructions

Instructions are printed on the back of the box as exploded views. These are clear and after a careful read will be easy to follow.

A list of suggested colours is included in the top-right corner of the box back, but is only for the Mr Color range.

Decals

None supplied.

Conclusions

This engine will fit any of the GWH SWS kits and I do like the idea of supplying the engine as a separate item, as if you are not going to open the bonnet it would be hidden. The kit is excellent and I’m sure with care will build into a great item straight from the box. For the purist, a little corrective work will make it perfect.

Highly Recommended.

Bill C.