The instructions themselves seem easy to follow and reasonably clear, but Das Werk has included some links to construction videos within the instruction manual in the form of Quick Response code boxes. The modeller will need to have a Quick Response code reader installed on their phone or some device equipped with a camera to access these, alternatively they may be accessed via the Das Werk website : https://www.das-werk-models.com/
I would advise looking at these videos before starting work on the model as there they show aids to construction that seem to be important, but perhaps not obvious from the instructions themselves (which are printed in colour complete with printed coffee stains!).
The kit also contains a correction leaflet showing some errors in the instructions concerning the labelling of the sprues which could lead to some confusion during construction so DON’T throw this away!
There are markings for eight vehicles.
Most of these are for vehicles in early-war dark grey with variations on the identification numbers and number plates. There is also an option for a vehicle in a scheme form later in the war in dark yellow over-sprayed with green and red / brown. All of the vehicles are shown as being from ‘Unknown Units’ so I’m not sure whether all the colour and marking options represent actual vehicles or just fairly typical schemes for the time. There are also some instrument transfers included for the dashboard.
There is a slogan ‘Erika auf urlaub’ provided for the doors of one vehicle which may add a little interest to what could be essentially a rather drab colour scheme. I believe this translates as ‘Erika on leave’ (it’s nice to see Erika finally having some time to herself). A picture of this particular vehicle that I found on the internet suggests that the rear-view mirrors were positioned slightly differently from the way that they are in the kit so it might be worth checking your references if you decide to model a particular vehicle.
The transfers look quite matt on the sheet so I’m not sure how these will perform in practice.
The kit offers several configurations in which the truck and trailer can be modelled – including having a vehicle being driven across the trailer to be loaded onto the back of the truck. In combination the truck and trailer were capable of transporting two light tanks such as the PzKpfw 1 or PzKpfw 2 and so the kit with a few added vehicles could form the basis for an interesting diorama.
The Das Werk kit may perhaps seem a little simplified and some of the parts may look a little heavy when compared to those of other manufacturers. For example, there is no engine provided (over and above the lower sump area which can be seen on the underside of the model) and even if a suitable after-market item were available there is no way of opening the bonnet to display it without some pretty drastic surgery. Some pictures (though not all) show that there were windscreen wipers fitted to at least some trucks and these will need to be supplied by the modeller of they are required.
This looks like an impressive kit that will build up into a large and eye-catching model and I look forward to building it in the near future.
Here’s my summary…
Dai W.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | **** |
| Level of detail | *** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Instructions | *** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | **** |
| Overall | **** |
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