M151 A1&A2
Conversion & Detail Set
No. 1548

Designed for Tamiya Kits 35123, 35130
Review by Terry Ashley

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I'll start right off by saying this is one impressive conversion and detail set.

The set allows you to substantially detail the Tamiya M151A2 kit or backdate it to the A1 version. All the major parts for both the A1 & A2 are included and depending on the version you choose, they'll be a few bits left over for the spares box.

It has 86 resin pieces cast to the usual Verlinden standards of no blemishes or air bubbles present anywhere. The usual casting block have to be removed first, this requires care with some of the bigger pieces to avoid damage. The windscreen casting being the most fragile, in fact one in my set had a small crack in the side support inflicted during transit. This was no problem to fix with a bit of superglue.

The etched set contains many small detail bits along with a new front bumper, engine compartment bits and exterior detail.

Choose early the version you wish to build and sort out which bits you need for that version.
The engine and engine compartment really gets the detail treatment. New sidewalls and fenders, new front grill with headlights and new hood all replace the kit parts. A fair bit of surgery on the kit parts is required initially and care is needed when removing the plastic from the kit. The instructions detail where the cuts should be made to the kit parts to help with this.
A full engine is included with many small accessory bits also. Two drawings are included on the instruction sheet of the engine with all it's plumbing to help in adding this and the many small parts.
Quite a few etched parts also go into the engine bay and all this along with new bumper makes into an impressive front end for the Mutt.

The interior is not left out either. A new instrument panel, new windscreens, new rear body panel plus many small detail bits all go really dressing up your Mutt.

Of note is the impressive instruction sheet, a big improvement of earlier efforts with Verlinden detail sets. Consisting of 4 x A5 pages, two with construction drawings and two with text explaining the surgery required and the placement of all the bits. Lets hope this style of instructions continue as it certainly helps during construction.

Overall an impressive detail set. It's not for the beginner due to the amount of surgery needed on the Tamiya kit, but will turn the small Mutt into a stunner.

Highly recommended for Modern US vehicle modellers or anyone who want's to turn out a winner.

The Resin Bits

Alternate parts for A1 or A2 version

Accessory bits

Main Engine bits