1:35 Plastic canisters A

Plastic canisters, variant A, in 1:35 scale

The set belongs among diorama accessories, not among kits. It represents plastic canisters in 1:35 scale, that is the small containers that commonly occur around equipment, on vehicle beds, at field positions and in civilian scenes. The maker Offset Scale Models makes this line in two variants designated A and B; what they differ in is not stated here. It is precisely such little things that turn a model on a stand into a believable scene.

Use on a diorama

• Place the canisters irregularly — a lined-up row comes across as artificial.
• You can lay some of the pieces on their side or sink them partly into the terrain.
• Tell the wear apart with paint: new containers are richer, old ones faded and dirty.
• You will suggest the translucency of the plastic with a thin layer of gloss clear coat on an otherwise matte surface.
• Fine scratches and stickers will give the pieces individuality.

Painting tips

First wash the parts in lukewarm water with dish soap, so that the paint holds. Spray a primer and the base color with an airbrush, because a coat applied by hand leaves strokes on a smooth surface. Then use a dark wash in the recesses and a light dry brush on the edges. Suggest dust and mud around them with pigments. The canisters are small, so it pays to paint them on a wooden stick or a toothpick while they are not yet glued into the scene.

Who the set is for

For builders of dioramas and vignettes in 1:35 scale who want to fill a scene with believable little things. It suits models of equipment as well as figure scenes and can be used in a military as well as a civilian setting.

The accessory is supplied unpainted. Paints, glue and terrain materials are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.