Although we only review figure sets a few other items get through when they are part of a range that is overwhelmingly figures. Such is the case with this World War I German wagon from HaT. The first thing to say is the kit is made in a nice hard plastic, so is much easier to put together than the softer kits HaT have made. The pieces are nice and sharp and the whole thing fits together very well without any trimming, although we did find a couple of holes that benefited from a slight enlargement. Being a hard plastic this takes ordinary polystyrene cement very well, and some parts don’t even need gluing.

The resulting model is very satisfying and enjoyable to build. It is of a Light Field Wagon 95, one of the lightest of general purpose wagons used by the Germans during the war, which explains why there are only two horses. Everything looks quite accurate and the level of detail is good, with some excellent slender items such as the handholds. The cover is a separate piece and so could be left off, although this is not the intention as the hoops on which it would be supported are missing. The yokes on the animals are optional, which is great, and the harness and all the traces are really well done. The two figures are not the best but certainly plenty good enough, and we always welcome crew figures with any vehicle, although the man with the rifle has braces that are no part of German Army uniform. It’s a bit of a squeeze for them both on the seat, but that was probably true of the real thing too.

So this is a highly useful, accurate and very well produced little model that provides a vital component in the Kaiser’s war machine.

Note. Since this review was originally published we have received reports that HaT have reissued this set with the wagon in a very soft plastic that is difficult to manage and suffers very badly from flash. If as seems possible the first batch was made in a hard plastic and later ones done in a soft, inappropriate material, it is well worth checking which type you are purchasing before parting with your money. You have been warned!