U.S. 2 1/2-ton Cargo Truck Accessory Set
Modeling the U.S. Army in WWII

Neo Grade
CA-0002

It's not quite visible from the product photo but the real star of this set are the 165 resin jerry cans loaded into the back of this deuce and a half, giving you a good start on your Red Ball Express wagon.

You are also provided with handles for the cans, cast in three blocks of 55 cans each. The smart modeler will realize that by stacking one slab on top of another, you can eliminate many of the handles for the bottom part of the load, just focusing on those visible on the ends. But there also are 20 additional separate cans, so one way or another, it will take you a while to get a handle on this situation! Fortunately, the caps are molded in place.

The set includes an alternate front bumper wrapped with rope and chain, and plenty of stowage to strew on top and over the fenders. There also is a machine gun mount (but without a .50 machine gun); there might be an issue straightening the slender resin mount posts and MG ring. The whole shebang is supported by six wheels with traction chains.

The parts are well cast with minimal flash or pour plugs to remove. Much of this equipment appears to be sourced directly from Tamiya's Allied Vehicles Accessory Set and the U.S. 2 1/2 Ton 6x6 Cargo Truck Accessory Set without making any particular improvements over either, save for the amassed load of Jerry cans and three new long tarps. There is some value to this set, but each modeler will need to determine what that is relative to the costs involved.

Thanks to Neo Grade for the review sample.

-tss

 

Modeling the U.S. Army in WWII © 2002—2008 Timothy S. Streeter