Wednesday 13 May 2015

Review, Sarissa Open Lorrry (51)

The completed model
When finished the Sarissa Lorry is not too bad as a backdrop terrain piece for any conflict set between about 1914 to 1945 including Russia and other isolated places.

The finished model is also  robust and light so easy to store.

But that ends the good news and the rest is downhill.

Clock the awful steering wheel and the way the bonnet is made from stuck together layers. It is impossible to get those into line without a great deal more patience than the average wargamer is likely to enjoy. The rear had one of those tow bars you find on toy train sets. OK it's easy enough to snip off but the whole kit has a Noddy-Toytown feel.

The plans

Not the easiest model I have ever put together, the tiny chassis pieces and axles are very difficult to get off the sprue without fracture.

Including Empress driver

Scaling is another issue. I painted up a driver from Empress to go in the cab. Hmmm!  Empress models tend to be on the small size for 28 mm but they're not that small.

Empress driver in 1:43 diecast

To make the point here is an Empress model in a 1:43 (28mm nominally covers about 1:56 to 1:48) diecast model. 

Regretfully I can't recommend this model not even at its low price of £7.50. Spend more and get a resin lorry from one of the many  ranges from other manufacturers, notably Bolt Action, Sloppy Jalopy, Shattered Empires.

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for a good review. I have just had a similar experience with a warbases Tachanka. No instuctions and very fiddly, I had a piece left over but it looks OK for £5....

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    1. Yah, just assembled a Warbase truck.As you say, very fiddley, no instructions.

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  2. I might be on the look out for a lorry of this period. While not perfect it may do for what I have in mind..... I appreciate knowing the hassles you have had in advance of any purchase by me. Cheers Mate.

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  3. My local modelshop has a lovely diecast lorry of a similar age for £7.00. I know which I'd buy based upon your review...

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    1. I agree, Steve. Diecast models are a great resource for civilian and softskin vehicles.

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