ET MODEL - M-ATV MRAP Weighted Road Wheels

Written by Vinnie Branigan

A look at a set of resin replacement weighted wheels for the Panda kit.

M-ATV MRAP Weighted Road Wheels

(For Panda Model)

Manufacturer: ET Model

Scale: 1/35

Material: Resin

Serial Number: ER35-030

Price: £10.87

Introduction

ET Model from China has a rapidly expanding catalogue of photo-etched and detail sets for a wide variety of kits in varying scales, together with a very prolific release schedule. This set provides replacements for the four road wheels and spare wheel in the Panda M-ATV MRAP kit.

Contents

The set is supplied in a semi-rigid transparent blister pack for protection, stapled to a cardboard header. The set of five cream-coloured resin wheels (including spare) are wrapped within bubblewrap for further protection.

Each of the wheels are supplied still attached to a small pouring block, which in the case of the road wheels is on the area of the tyre that would be in contact with the ground and therefore invisible. In the case of the spare wheel, the area of the tread pattern that is marred by the attachment point is approximately 6x2mm and for a better appearance would need to be re-carved with the tip of a scalpel blade.

The moulding of detail on each of the wheels is sharp, and there's no flash or air bubbles evident on any of the wheels. With regards to the four main road wheels, there are two types within the set produced from two masters, so that each wheel when installed, does not have the tyre sidewall logo's etc., at the same place relative to the ground. From the pics shown below you can clearly see the manufacturer's logo 'MICHELIN X', along with size and other details. In addition the centre hub is marked 'OSHKOSH' and has other detail. The tread pattern on each of the wheels is sharp, and even includes depth wear indicators. The tyre sidewalls even have that realistic rippled look you get with large tyres due to the built-in reinforcement.

The spare wheel is of course un-weighted, although there is that attachment point to deal with. Many modellers will be happy just to rotate the wheel so that this area is turned downwards, rather than trying to re-instate the detail. As with the road wheels, the tyre sidewalls have logo's etc on both sides, and the bolt holes are clear.

Conclusion

A great set of wheels for extra realism. Cleanly moulded, almost drop in replacements for the kit items at a reasonable cost.

My thanks to ET MODEL for the review sample.