Bronco

1/35th Scale Chinese PLA 200L Oil Drum Set

Kit Number: AB3519

Reviewed by  Roger Carrano, IPMS# 45853

MSRP: $6.50 Review Sample Supplied by Stevens International: www.stevenshobby.com I like details. Not the kind that sticks out and becomes more noticeable than the subject itself. It's the subtle ones, the kind that enhances the model without taking attention away from the model itself. These Chinese Oil Drums from Bronco are just that kind. The kind of detail that adds to the model, not distract. A model or diorama can be just as pleasing to look at without these oil drums, but they add a certain factor that makes one feel the realism that the builder intended to portray. The Oil Drum Set, which comes in 1/35th scale, consists of six oil drums; two each on a sprue and each drum are made up of four parts, top, bottom and two halves of the drum cylinder. The two halves go together by locating pins with match almost perfectly. The only problem, which is inherent by design, is the seam created when the two halves are glued together. I tried many different ways to minimize this and I found the best way, for me, was using Zap-A-Gap. First I applied it in the middle only, where there were no horizontal lines such as the ones on the top and bottom. It worked great. I then decided to try it on the top and bottom horizontal lines. Not only did it fill the seam but it also filled the space between the lines. Scribing the space between the lines and a light sanding did the trick. As you can see in the picture, that not only are the seams gone but the spaces between the horizontal lines are back. Once you get past that you can see the great work and the details that make this a useful addition to any appropriate kit. The tops of the drums have a filling cap and an air inlet, which add to the realism. Kudos to Bronco for filling a small, but necessary, gap in the making of accessories such as these to enhance kits that are not as popular as the usual subjects. Another great feature is the price. The MSRP for this kit is $6.50, which comes out to a little more than $1.00 each. Considering the fine detail, how can you go wrong? For all these reasons and more, I highly recommend this kit. I would like to thank Stevens Internationals for sending us these drums for review and IPMS for allowing me to review this product.