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First Look Review
187
VW Crafter Bus
VW Crafter Bus High Roof
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introduction
Herpa announces Item 094252, VW Crafter Bus High Roof, as a new type;
    The current Volkswagen Crafter is now also added to the Herpa range as a bus. The finished model initially comes with a red body, while the Minikit is produced with a white body, ideal for conversions.

Herpa currently catalogues 138 Volkswagens and 13 Crafters.

The Model
VW Crafter Bus High Roof is packed in a form-fitted cradle that is contained in Herpa's red carton with a clear display window. It features a holographic license or Volkswagen on one end.

The model is completely assembled except for a small sprue holding two separate optional mirrors. Assembly is first rate. Molding of parts is, too. The parts are crisp with no flash, sink holes, mold seam lines, or visible ejection circles.

The plastic of the body is smooth and featured raised and recessed detail, as appropriate. Most of the surface detail is molded on. Clear plastic for the windows is clear and not distorted.

Herpa carries their models on a hybrid plastic-rubber material.

Detail
Headlights and brake lights are simulated with clear, and tinted clear lenses.

Interior detail consists of seats for passengers and the driver. A steering wheel is inserted into the dashboard. I can't see if any side consoles or other items are molded.

Tread detail is molded into the shoulder of the tires but not into tread. Good hub detail is present.

Underneath is shallow relief representing everything under the body.

Finish
Smooth glossy plastic was used for the body. The model is primarily molded in color. Black and silver chrome wraps around various components.

The VW emblems are painted on. Herpa does not use decals.

Conclusion
Herpa's VW Crafter Bus is a good looking 1/87 model of this people mover. It features excellent exterior detail and finish. The interior is impressive as well. Herpa cars snap together and it is possible to remove the body to insert figures into the seats, where they will be visible through the clear windows.

Clear and tinted lenses are used for the headlight and brake lights. The model is assembled without flaw. Two optional unattached side mirrors are provided to detail the exterior.

My only complaint is that I would like detail molded into the tread of the tires.

Modelers and collectors of modern buses and vans should appreciate this good looking VW. It will be at home on a display shelf, in a diorama, or on an HO scale model railroad layout. Recommended.

Please remember to mention to Herpa that you saw this item here - on Auto Modeler!
SUMMARY
Highs: Clear and tinted lenses are used for the headlight and brake lights. A detailed interior and two optional unattached side mirrors are provided to detail the exterior.
Lows: My only complaint is that I would like detail molded into the tread of the tires.
Verdict: Modelers and collectors of modern buses and vans should appreciate this good looking VW. It will be at home on a display shelf, in a diorama, or on an HO scale model railroad layout.
  Scale: 1:87
  Mfg. ID: 094252
  PUBLISHED: Mar 10, 2019
  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.



Comments

Very nice looking model. A little bit of dirt and a pin wash to highlight the lines and that would look great in any modern HO diorama or layout. Cheers, D
MAR 10, 2019 - 12:40 AM
   


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