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First Look Review
187
M-B Sprinter Platform & Tarp
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Platform / Tarpaulin, Municipal Orange
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introduction
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Platform / Tarpaulin, Municipal Orange is a new model of the popular 2018 M-B Sprinter from Herpa. This Sprinter version features a tarp covered flatbed. It is item 095044.

This model is one of 620 Mercedes-Benz and 178 Sprinter types currently offered by Herpa. Herpa introduces this model as
    New shape! The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with tarpaulin structure is also used in municipal areas. The vehicle is printed with warning markings on the body edges.

Sprinter
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a light commercial vehicle, built by Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany, as a van, chassis cab and minibus, and sold as a Mercedes model, except in the U.S. where it is built from complete knock down (CKD) kits and sold by Freightliner. The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated Mercedes-Benz T1 van. The second generation Sprinter was introduced in Europe in 2006. The first generation (VA Chassis) North American Sprinter was launched in 2001 in the U.S., and originally branded as a Freightliner. Units sold to the rest of North America were badged as Mercedes until 2003 when they received Dodge branding.[1]

The Model
Like the previously reviewed Merecedes-Benz Sprinter, this one is also factory assembled and ready to go. It’s securely packed in a form-fitted tray that also has a space for optional parts. The tray is held inside Herpa's red carton with a plastic film window, opening via tabs at each end. On one end has a metallic holographic Daimler license label.

The model is skillfully molded and except for the side view mirrors, fully assembled without any blemishes or flaws. Doors, hoods, and access panel lines are defined with fine recessed lines, as is the grille. The door handles are raised. Soft tires mounted on detailed hubs support the model.

The molding is almost flawless. The body and wheel hubs are molded in color. The Mercedes-Benz logos are painted with chrome silver.

Side view mirrors are included, attached to a sprue. The model has slots where these are to be inserted, and it is a simple process.

Detail and Trim
Herpa's cab interior is worth popping the body off. Inside are bucket seats, the steering wheel, console, stick shift and dashboard! Modelers can remove the cab to add figures but I suspect they will have to be the legless figurines.

The underside is a mixed bag but improved over earlier Sprinters I have looked over. Under the cab is a flat area with low bas-relief detail. Under the bed is excellent detail: chassis frame; rear axle and driveshaft; leaf springs; muffler and exhaust pipe; spare tire; bumper.

On the front of the cab is the grille and clear lenses for the headlights. (Unfortunately, Herpa did not use tinted clear lenses or even paint for the brake lights.)

Herpa uses soft plastic-rubber hybrid tires slipped over the plastic rims. The tires only have detail along the shoulder but not on the tread.

Paint and markings
Herpa mainly molds this vehicle in color: communal orange; black chassis; gray chassis; silver wheel hubs. Paint is used for the black chrome and door handles. Even hair-sized window trim is painted on. Herpa details the Mercedes-Benz emblem on the grille with chrome silver paint. Herpa also details the truck with red and white warning markings on the hood and on the corners of the rear bed. Herpa does not use decals.

Conclusion
Collectors of modern minivans and model railroaders of today's era will appreciate this Herpa model. It is skillfully molded without any blemishes or flaws. Separate side view mirrors and a good interior are impressive. The underbody is improved but the tire tread detail has not been improved, and there is still nothing simulating the brake lights.

Overall this is a sharp HO scale modern M-B Sprinter truck. Recommended.

Please remember to mention to Herpa and retailers that you saw this model here - on Auto Modeler.
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References
[1] ©2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. Sprinter. [Web.] 2018.
SUMMARY
Highs: The model is skillfully molded without any blemishes or flaws. Separate side view mirrors and a good interior.
Lows: No tire tread detail. No brake light color.
Verdict: Overall this is a sharp HO scale modern M-B Sprinter for collectors, modelers, dioramaists, and model railroaders of the current era.
  Scale: 1:87
  Mfg. ID: 095044
  PUBLISHED: Mar 31, 2020
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.46%

Our Thanks to Herpa!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of ModelGeek. All rights reserved.



   


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