Since we talked a lot about LANMO models that are coming out and yet I could not find a review, i decided to buy this kit. Good price, good box art… To preface this I really like Lanmo/Heavy hobby and have a bunch of their conversion and detail sets, where the only complaint was unclear instructions, but the fit and 3d parts were amazing. This however is not a great product.
The plastic parts - sinkmarks, pinout marks, soft plastic, tooling marks on the plastic. The sprue connections are overly thick and mar the sides of the part.
The photo etch - decent but for the most part unnecessary, and with no clear markings where it needs to go (two pistol ports are PE and there is no locating mark on the armour). PE hinges with no instructions how to bend them, fortunately the plastic ones look good.
The 3d prints - It has 2 - the MG42 which is nice, and the engine cover to replace the plastic one that has sink marks. The engine cover is unfortunately too big by about 5 to 10% and does not fit well so I used the plastic one as the engine will not be visible.
Instructions - not clear enough and some parts are mislabeled…
Fit - not great, there are many dimensional issues that affect the fit. The hood is a bit too short for the opening, the top and bottom of the turret do not fit flush, but the soft plastic and tamiya extra thin can make it work.
I hope this was a rushed job to get their first kit out, and that the delay in launching the AB41 is due to them fixing all of these issues. So as first kits go, an admirable effort, but there is room for improvement, it will build up to a fine model if you put in the time, but it is not a shake and bake kit.