robt Posted September 29, 2014 Share Posted September 29, 2014 This is my first “real” post here on the forums, minus a very brief intro. I haven’t built a model in about 16 years, although my collection continues to grow. I consider myself a collector at this point in time, with a hard drive and book shelves filled with reference materials/photos for future builds. I pulled a kit from storage that I thought might interest some. Its a Lassen Project Unimog Series 401. It’s based on the 51 Mercedes Benz Unimog. The closed cab wasn’t available until 53. The kit has been in storage for some time now. The shrink wrap was broken long ago, but this is the first time the sprue have been removed from their individual packages. The detail/engraving is above average for plastic kits produced some 14 years ago. I hope the photos show some of the details. I also hope to get some photos of the directions up soon. When I opened a kit, I would place the directions and decals into a separate binder/plastic to protect them from moisture and aging. I have about 2 dozen binders, all broken up by production year (1:1 car’s production year) and make that I need to go through. Seems the Unimog is not in my 1950-1959 binder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclescott58 Posted September 29, 2014 Share Posted September 29, 2014 Great review. This is where photos help a lot. But, the info you passed on in your text is important too. It would be nice to see the instructions in future, after you find them. I'm curious about seeing how the body goes together on this one. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt T. Posted September 29, 2014 Share Posted September 29, 2014 Nice photo review! I never even knew this kit existed (or the manufacturer, for that matter!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robt Posted September 29, 2014 Author Share Posted September 29, 2014 Here are the directions and decals: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carsntrucks4you Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 Here some pictures of my Unimog 401 that had build in 2001. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unclescott58 Posted September 30, 2014 Share Posted September 30, 2014 Rob, thanks for sharing the instructions. That does help get a better idea of what all those part do and how they go together. Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooknladderno1 Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I love Unimogs! I have a few of the Revell of Germany ones, but wish to build this: I purchased two 1/24 scale Schuco diecast as the basis for these. They were offered by American LaFrance several years ago, but don't know how many - if any were ever sold.I may do one as the "concept" vehicle above, and one in my fictional fire department's livery. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robt Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 (edited) Scott - Thanks. I have some other kits I'd like to post in the near future. Matt T. - Although not completely positive, I believe this may have been the only kit produced by Lassen Project. I have seen sample artwork for the 53 Unimog Series 401 closed cab with a snowplow in my searches. Most of my web searches always bring me to forums in Dutch/German/French. I've used Google Chrome to translate but haven't had any luck finding more info. I came across this kit by chance and have yet to find another here in the US. I've gone on Dutch hobby sites and have seen it listed. I've sent a few emails about purchasing one, but never got a response. David - I too love Unimogs. I think about all the different builds I could get from the Revell kits. I have multiples of the different versions release by Revell. The only drawback, are the tires. I find in the older kits that the tires to start warp and just look awful. I've seen someone offer resin version. I may have to purchase a set and try them out. Years ago, when I lived in Boston, I noticed the "T" had a Unimog they used for maintenance. This is the only image of it I can find. I may have to take some creative freedom and build it. Edited October 1, 2014 by robt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robt Posted October 1, 2014 Author Share Posted October 1, 2014 Michael - It would seem you may know if this kit was the only kit produced by Lassen Project. Are they still available? If they did make the 1953 Series 401 with the closed cab and snowplow, how do I get one? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also, your build is beautiful. I plan to do light weathering as well, no rust though. I'd also like to place some type of load in the back, agricultural in nature. Bails of hay maybe? These were originally designed/built for agricultural purpose. Any info or advise on the build? Any fit problems I should plan for when building? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carsntrucks4you Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 Michael - It would seem you may know if this kit was the only kit produced by Lassen Project. Are they still available? If they did make the 1953 Series 401 with the closed cab and snowplow, how do I get one? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also, your build is beautiful. I plan to do light weathering as well, no rust though. I'd also like to place some type of load in the back, agricultural in nature. Bails of hay maybe? These were originally designed/built for agricultural purpose. Any info or advise on the build? Any fit problems I should plan for when building? Rob, Lassen Project is out of business since 2002. Klaus Lassen had planned a closed cab version of the Unimog and a Kaeble truck. As far as I know the master of the closed cab version was ready for production it was never released. This little kit was to expensive and to special for normal modelers. It was the time were Revell/Germany had there Buessing an Krupp trucks available and they also failed. I my opinion he was a modeler and not a business man, and thats the reason why he failed. This little kit is my favorite kit, well engineered lots of details and a fun to build. As far as I can remember there were no fitting issues with this kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bennyg Posted October 1, 2014 Share Posted October 1, 2014 (edited) Looks pretty nice to me. Got to produce trucks that the majority likes though. I loved the look of those bussing and Krupp trucks. Never built one though. Some friends of mine have built them and they are top notch parts fit wise, etc. Ben Edited October 1, 2014 by Bennyg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robt Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Rob, Lassen Project is out of business since 2002. Klaus Lassen had planned a closed cab version of the Unimog and a Kaeble truck. As far as I know the master of the closed cab version was ready for production it was never released. This little kit was to expensive and to special for normal modelers. It was the time were Revell/Germany had there Buessing an Krupp trucks available and they also failed. I my opinion he was a modeler and not a business man, and thats the reason why he failed. This little kit is my favorite kit, well engineered lots of details and a fun to build. As far as I can remember there were no fitting issues with this kit. Thanks Michael for the info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robt Posted October 2, 2014 Author Share Posted October 2, 2014 Looks pretty nice to me. Got to produce trucks that the majority likes though. I loved the look of those bussing and Krupp trucks. Never built one though. Some friends of mine have built them and they are top notch parts fit wise, etc. Ben Ben - I've thought about getting the Bussing and Krupp. I might have to take a second look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazefox Posted October 29, 2014 Share Posted October 29, 2014 Krupp titan is nice puss tirs are so heavy if frame isnt striaght the heavy tires will weigh it down flat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.