09 May 2013

MiniArt Gladiator (1/16th scale)

The much-anticipated kit has arrived; and save for the condition of the box (thanks to our good ol' USPS!), it does not disappoint!

The kit represents a murmillo, based on the latest research (see Junkelmann). Kit breakdown can be seen here. It is comprised of 38 (you actually get 42 pieces, but 4 are for the spares) well-molded polystyrene pieces that at first glance are extremely good -- I do not say 'excellent' because there are some very shallow sinks along the crest, etc. that might be missed by the unwary, but that ultimately could be worked into the weathering of the galea, etc. Also, there is the typical bit of flash, etc. one has come to expect from Eastern European and Russian kits, but this is absolutely nothing to be concerned about! I may reconsider once I get into the kit, but I have a very good feeling about the overall production quality. 

Assembly should be fairly straightforward. So much so, that there isn't an assembly guide per se--not that one is needed!

Finally, this kit includes a decal for the shield. Most of you know how I feel about these contrivances; however, it could prove useful as a template, mask, stencil, etc.

I stand by my original assessment:  this kit will satisfy OOB--or, as the basis of a super-detailing project. Either way, assuming the modeller does his/her part, it should make for a handsome addition to any collection. . .

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