A comparative review of T-Rex Studio's 3D printed fire extinguishers for British AFVs of the Second World War era.
- TRE-35112 or TR35112
- £10 (when reviewed)
- From Super Hobby
I may have developed a minor obsession with finding the perfect fire extinguishers for British tanks of the Second World War. Deciding that the typical plastic versions just don’t cut it, I tried Panzer Art’s cast resin effort (which I don’t recommend) and SBS Model’s printed exterior and interior set (which I do).
But as the SBS set is quantitatively challenged, I was soon in need of a resupply, so I plumped for this T-Rex set for a tenner from Super Hobby. Let’s take a critical look at them and see how the two products compare.
USP
The (possibly) unique selling point of this T-Rex set is the inclusion of some loose extinguishers and empty holders; which are just the thing for heavily-used or knocked-out vehicles. The holders have fastened straps, which may not suit everyone, but I think that it was a wise decision given that open straps would be very delicate.
Detail and accuracy
The accuracy nerds among you will want to know the finer detail differences between the SBS and T-Rex interpretations. The SBS design has a cap on the nozzle, which dissects its mount; while the T-Rex design has no cap (except on the loose bottles) and the nozzle is topped by the mount.
The SBS retaining strap is more detailed, though it is also a little thicker. On the other hand, the T-Rex has a slight edge in the fidelity of most other areas.
Which is better? Well, the SBS interpretation matches a photo of one mounted to a Sherman in a museum. However, such a small difference is not going to bother me much because I value detail more highly.
For accuracy, I’d have to give it to SBS. In detail, T-Rex just edges it. It depends on what you care most about, so I’ll call it a one-all draw.
Quality
They are both high-res prints at a glance, though a close-up examination of the SBS found some layer lines which required a little light sanding. T-Rex’s resolution is incredible, not only edging SBS, but almost any manufacturer. I don’t think that I’ve seen a smoother print.
Or a thinner print. The thickness of the T-Rex mounting bracket rivals photo-etch and looks amazing, but it may be best avoided by the heavy-handed modeller. The print mounts are also very thin, though, so I found that removal is not too difficult.
Both prints had one or two small imperfections — scratches on the SBS and a couple of small holes on the T-Rex — but they were easy to fill.
Here, we have a clearer winner. I’ll give a point to T-Rex. The print resolution is surely the benchmark, the mounting brackets are scale thin, and they need the least preparation of the two.
Value
No contest. £10 buys enough parts to complete up to four AFV models if two of those have empty mounts. Unused parts can be stored in the foam-lined tin. The SBS set (around £6) fits out just one AFV exterior and interior. Add in the option of empty mounts and/or loose bottles and this is another point for T-Rex.
Highly recommended.
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