MiniArt 1/35 Soviet Field Kitchen KP-42 Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

If an army runs on fuel and ammunition, its soldiers definitely run on food. In World War Two, the Soviet Army developed a simple field kitchen unit that could be towed behind a Jeep, Gaz, or truck that could feed its soldiers when they are not busy purging the Motherland from its Nazi invaders. The KP-42 was a simple design that could be mass-produced to support the numerous combat and combat support units across the western front.

Right before the holiday break, MRC announced that they were becoming the official US importer of MiniArt kits and send over this sample of one of MiniArt's many interesting offerings. This kit is the first KP-42 field kitchen release from MiniArt which contains the two-sprue kitchen kit and a third sprue with four figures.

Molded in light gray styrene, this kit is presented on three sprue trees. The detailing is nicely done and offers the AMS modeler an opportunity to have even more fun with the addition of other figures and items available from other kits or aftermarket sources to bring this scene to life.

The trailer unit is a standard military frame which looks to be based on a US lend-lease utility trailer design and the box cargo bed was replaced with this combination cooking pot/heating unit and a stowage box. The designers were kind enough to provide a working platform for the cook to access the cooking pot. Two food jugs are also provided and mounted to the trailer when not in use.

The wheels are an interesting affair - three layers make up each tire with the wheel hub attaching to the center later. At least painting these wheels/hubs will be easy.

Four figures are included in this release and these figures are attired for spring/autumn climate. One standing figure is a cook designed to stand on the kitchen platform ladling food into one of the food jugs. A second standing figure is a typical soldier sent to bring food back for his unit officers. A third figure is posed kneeling whilst he picks up wood to keep the kitchen heating unit fueled. The fourth figure is all-essential spud peeler seated next to a bag of potatoes and peeling them. KP is one of those universal duties...

MiniArt has released a second version of this kit with the same kitchen unit and six figures, this time wearing winter gear.

This is a nice kit that would create a nice vignette out of the box, but combined with some other items left over from other kits or some aftermarket items, you could really tell a nice story with this kit.

According to MRC, the MSRP is $36.50 and you'll find street prices will vary out there. Shop around, you'll definitely want one of these.

Thanks to MRC for the review sample.