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Harm
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Mercedes-Benz L1500S German 1.5t Truck (MiniArt 38051) 1/35

February 17, 2025 · in Automotive · · 21 · 151

After a lot of armour-building the last few months, it was time for another civil project.

This from had been on the shelf for a while. It is typical Miniart: Lots of detail and at least as many tiny parts. But that also makes it a pleasure to build. We accept the occasional frustration here and there. I continue to find it an unfathomable thing, how you can assemble the chassis with so much attention and precision, then when placing the body it still turns out not to be completely straight. Superglue then proves to be a savior.

The build is straight out of the box. Miniart gives you options with this kit to make different finishes. For example, the box also contains decals and large crates for a Postal Service version. I chose to build the furniture transporter version and could draw on the sprues with a table, cabinets and chairs. Miniart even provided multiple carpets.

This build also made it possible for me to try some more refined chipping. Although it may be less visible in the photos, the chassis has flaking paint, the same goes for the body and the wood of the bed also shows considerable wear. Another nice project!

Reader reactions:
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5 additional images. Click to enlarge.


21 responses

  1. Nice work on this unusual & interesting subject !

  2. beautiful subject, very nice fascinating work

  3. This is absolutely fantastic, Harm @hptiggelaar
    Especially the weathering on this truck looks amazing.
    How did you create the rust effect?

    • Thank you John @johnb! I airbrushed the rust color on the chassis and carrosserie and used a chipping fluid after that (like a hairspray-technique). The topcoat sprayed over that was chipped of with water and a brush. That gives the chipping-effect.

  4. Awesome job and superb result, Harm!
    Beautiful weathering!

  5. Great work on this build. You have it aged in all the right spots to look genuine.

  6. Beautiful! Now I want one.

  7. Very nicely built and finished.

  8. Great looking truck, Harm. I like the worn look...subtle. Well done!

  9. I keep coming back to admire the realistic paint and rust you achieved on your truck, Harm. It's stunning. MiniArt vehicles are not slam dunk builds but rate highly in the detail dept.

    • What encouraging words Eric @eb801, I really appreciate that. Up until now I did rust-weathering above the top-layer, but now for the first time with chipping effects. Very nice to read that this work is appreciated.

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