MiniArt 1/35 British Tank Riders Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

MiniArt is a prolific model company from Russia that takes any subject they tackle and adds a level of detail found in very few companies. Their figures kits are a great example. Take this Tank Rider set and look closely at those details. The facial as well as the more subtle items like straps and belts are finely produced which will make them easier to pick out and paint versus the softer detailing found in other brands.

I am particularly fond of tank riders. When done right, you can add these to the engine deck or against the turret of the appropriate tank and you've added a mood and theme to what otherwise would have been yet another static tank model.

This set is molded in light gray styrene and presented on two parts trees. The set consists of five figures, all seated in different poses and all wearing gear suited to the weather the cooler climates of northwestern Europe. Since each figure is composed of a number of different parts, you have the opportunity to 'tweak' the poses of each figure so that it appears to be seated naturally on the tank rather than appearing to be a modeler's afterthought.

This is another great kit from MiniArt and I sure hope we'll see similar quality figures of more modern subjects in our future.

My sincere thanks to MRC for this review sample!