A big Boyce McClain’s Collectors’ Corner welcome to Italeri
the plastic model kit manufacturer from Italy.
Although I’m familiar with the name Italeri and have seen
its models on hobby shop store shelves I’ve never had the opportunity to
examine anyof its models-until now.
Recently Italeri released four new models and after looking
at them I’d like to make this general observation about them and then go on to
greater detail about each model kit.
First up are the boxes the models come in. Each features a beautiful full color painting
of the model contained within. Instead
of being wrapped in plastic the boxes are secured by two plastic sticky tabs
that when sliced with an X-acto blade allow the box to open easily.
Within each box are parts attached to part trees. The part trees themselves are of slightly heavier
construction than seen in most model kits and the parts are secured firmly to
the tree.
Some slight flashing
and tabs are evident but are easily trimmed and the parts fit snuggly together
with no gaps or unevenness.
Decal sheets are also included as is an instruction sheet to
guide during assembly, painting and decaling.
A brief history (in several languages) of the history of the object the
model is fashioned after is included in the instructions.
Overall the model kits are pleasing to the eye and well
designed.
Four models were recently released and they include two
aircraft, a tank and figures.
First up is the smallest kit of the bunch: six D-Day U.S.
Paratroopers. Consisting of two part trees
the model has easily detachable parts and because of its size and simplicity
the assembly is easy as the parts for each soldier are grouped together.
Paint application and colors are illustrated on
the back of the box. All six figures come with weapons, one carries
communication equipment and each looks absolutely authentic in their period
military garb and accessories.
The Junkers JU 86 D1 aircraft model is a special Limited Edition
rerelease of the original 1973 release of the same model. A special Vintage Collection slipover sleeve
with an open slot for a silver sticker designating the model’s number out of 2500
makes it a real collector’s item.
The WWII German Bomber model is scaled at 1:72 and packed
with details. Its long fuselage easily
accepts the two front wing assemblies, rear wing and tail combo and upper and
lower gun turrets and wheel assembly.
Two crewmen are included that are easy to spot through the transparent
front windshield and top gunner position.
One of Germany’s earliest bombers the original was not well
armored and had moderate firepower.
However as the war progressed improvements
were made and the Junkers became formidable bombers that boasted an impressive
run.
Check out the open upper gunner canopy, tri-blade propellers
and upper fuselage and pilot
compartments-talk about detail!
The M4-A1 Sherman Allied Tank while small in size as compared
to most other WWII tanks still made for a formidable foe. Light, maneuverable and able to get into
places larger tanks couldn’t the Sherman Tank had a small crew but still packed
quite a punch. Its 76 mm main gun and it’s upper and lower mounted machine guns
kept most adversaries at bay.
A medium size tank, the Sherman had little effect on the
larger Axis tanks. Still with its
smaller size and greater speed it relocated easily and made for excellent
coverage for Allied troops.
The model includes separate treads for easy snap on and removal
and a single figure. Parts are already
military green so paint application is minimal, the white deals really pop and
once assembled the Sherman model appears for all intents and purposes a perfect
smaller version of its larger namesake.
Germany’s Ju 87 G-2 Stuka Kanonenvogel was used primarily
against the Polish during the beginning days of WWII.
As the war progressed it became evident that the Stuka was
far outclassed by its Allied opponent’s aircraft.
The Stuka then shifted responsibilities to ground support
and that decision proved vital to Axis forces.
The Stuka was so successful in its new assignment that it became a thing
of legend. Later the Stuka would prove
effective against the Russian armored divisions.
The Italeri model (scaled at 1:48) includes a color
instruction sheet excellent for paint and decal application and super decals.
Parts fit snuggly together and of all four models released
the Stuka is the most complicated with the largest number of parts. From its three blade propeller to its slide back canopy,
retractable landing gear to its firepower the Stuka model is an impressive piece
of model making.
Careful attention was given to its engine, undercarriage weapon
mountings, interior and exterior canopy details and rear wing and tail
assembly. No matter how you stack it,
the Stuka is a superior model.