INTRODUCTION
Herpa continues to expand their selection of 1/43 - O scale cast metal models with this new
VW Touareg, item
070942. This model,
VW Touareg, black uni, is part of the series
Private Collection. This new type was designed
... together with the Volkswagen designers the new VW Touareg was developed exactly according to their specifications - making it the perfect copy of the voluminous all-roader. - Herpa
Herpa currently catalogues 324 Volkswagen models with 7
Touareg models.
Showroom
Herpa makes their O scale - 1/43 cars of cast metal and plastic and rubber parts. The model is secured with screws inside a hard plastic display case, which is contained in a Herpa carton.
The model is cleanly cast or molded with crisp panel lines. Rubber-plastic composite tires surround detailed rims to support the car. Separately attached side mirrors are factory applied.
Clear plastic 'windows' show off the interior without any distortion. Herpa uses clear and tinted lenses for the headlamps and brake lights.
Kicking the tires
I tapped on the body and the sound is like plastic, not metal. That makes sense as the roof has a significant tinted clear top.
The tires feature good tread detail and the rims are also very sharply detailed. Note also details like accentuated break shoes, lugs, and "VW" in the hubs.
Underneath the body is nice underbody with a fuel tank, exhaust ducts, and some suspension detail. I have not been able to crawl under a Touareg nor find images of the underside to verify the accuracy of the model.
Atop the roof are luggage rails. They are molded with an authentic gap between the car the the rails.
Headlamps and brake lights are clear and tinted plastic. The windows are clear and not distorted giving a good view inside the car.
That interior is remarkable. Seats, a detailed dashboard and center console with raised and recessed items. It looks very good. Herpa even affixed a rear view mirror on the windshield interior. Supporting that are side mirrors with reflective surfaces.
If only the doors opened. It is a shame to restrict the view of that fine detail.
Windshield wipers are molded onto the windshield. They look reasonable.
Paint and markings
Photographing this model was difficult because the mirror-like paint is especially reflective. The body color is
schwarz/ black uni. Chrome trim is painted on and has a smooth reflective quality.
Touareg is printed on the model as well as the VW emblem. Herpa does not use decals. The printing is sharp, opaque, and legible. This model has an excellent finish.
Conclusion
Herpa has brought another modern delight for O scale - 1/43 modern automotive modelers. This model sports an excellent finish. There is remarkable detail molded inside and out. The interior is super. I appreciate the clear and tinted lenses for the lights, plus the full tire tread detail.
Some detail is simplified.
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