Review - Reality in Scale #35243 German 88mm Ammo Boxes

I'm taking a look at what should be a very popular vehicle or diorama accessory given the huge appeal of German WW2 topics. Set number 35243 comprises two types of 88mm wooden ammo crate. The first type, which holds x3 shells, is for the Tiger 1, and the second box, holding a single 88mm shell, is for the Tiger II.

 

 You get x6 of each type of box - a useful number - and Archer decals for both types, with alternative stencilling options and a good number of spares. Once again, the quality of the casting, and the sculpting is excellent. The wooden boxes feature fine but discernable wood graining effects which will be tested when I come to paint them. The hinge, latch and hasp details are also well represented, and consistent. There are no moulding marks or mould plugs to remove - just get them out of the packet and go.

 I decided to paint up three of each box, using Tamiya acrylics to represent boxes painted up in green, grey and dunkelgelb. All of these colour options are realistic, as is plain wood if you prefer. I base sprayed / pre-shaded with a dark Tamiya mix of red brown and black, followed by the base colour. I brush painted a layer of Johnsons Kleer on the boxes where the decals were to go, followed by more layers of Johnsons Kleer when the decals were layed down. As you can see by the photos, the Archer decals look great, and no carrier film is visible.

 

 A matt varnish followed, then an oil wash of dark brown. A light drybrush with Humbrol Linen followed this, finished off with a few spots of muck and grime using Vallejo acrylics applied with a small piece of scotchbrite.

 I think that the end results look great, and I'm very happy with them. Once again, a nice little set from RiS, and one that I'll be making good use of in future projects.

The only small niggle I have is that it would have been good to have a few open boxes with lids in the set as options. Maybe a separate issue in the future just comprised of open 88mm boxes would be good. If they follow the same quality as the RiS German weapons boxes, then they would be on to a winner.

Highly recommended.