1:35 Leyland “Retriever” seats set

Leyland Retriever seat set 1:35 (PANZER ART)

A resin accessory from the Polish maker PANZER ART in 1:35 scale. It is not a kit of the vehicle but castings of seats for the cab of the British truck. The cushions and backrests have modeled sagging, stitched upholstery and the shape of the frame, that is details that in injection molded plastic are usually reduced to smooth panels. The benefit is greatest on models with the doors open or the canvas pulled back, where the interior is visible.

The real subject

The Leyland Retriever was a British heavy truck used during the Second World War in supply and support service and also as a chassis for purpose-built bodies. The cab was plain, with simple upholstered seats that quickly sagged and wore in service. It is exactly worn upholstery that brings an interior on a model to life at once.

Building and painting tips

Wash the castings in lukewarm water with dish soap and let them dry, as otherwise the paint will not adhere. Cut the casting blocks off with a saw and level the surfaces with a file; it is advisable to sand wet and with your airways protected. It is glued with cyanoacrylate glue (super glue). Paint and age the seats before gluing them into the cab, as once the interior is closed you will no longer reach them. Upholstery looks good in a matte finish: a base shade, a darker wash into the stitching and folds, then a light dry brush on the edges of the cushion. Set the metal frame apart in the shade of the vehicle and add wear in the places where the crew climbs in.

Who the set is for

• Modelers who build a truck with an open cab or a visible interior
• Builders of British support vehicles in 1:35 scale
• Makers of dioramas with figures in the cab
• Modelers with experience in resin

The set is supplied unassembled and unpainted, as resin castings. The base model, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.