Formations
F075
U.S. water jerry
cans were distinguished from gasoline cans by the cam lever cap,
which was hinged at the topside of the lip of the can's wide mouth.
The two-pronged lever flipped to release the pressure holding the
cap in place. The fuel can, of course, used a screw top.
I've used resin
water cans made by Resicast and found them to be a good product,
and Formations has met them with an equally as good rendition.
In this set,
Formations provides 12 cans, three cast into vehicle racks with
straps, and nine loose cans.
Construction
is simple. Carefully remove the can, handle, and cap from the carriers.
Trim the backside of the cap so it sits flush on the raised mouth
of the can and the two prongs of the lever rest on the handle. Formations
kindly provides three extra handles and spouts to cover "any
assembly mishaps." And we've all experienced a few of those,
haven't we?
Formations has
molded the cap and lever assembly as one piece, whereas Resicast's
cap and latch are separate pieces which enable the top to pivot
upward as in real life (but the fit isn't foolproof). Formations'
cap seems a bit under scale compared to period photos, but Resicast's
cap corresponds better to these pictures.
Neither Formations
nor Resicast cans reproduce the joined seam that runs vertically
down the back spine of the can. In this regard, they are both beaten
by a new offering from Tasca, to my knowledge the first U.S. water
jerry can in styrene. And it's hollow.
So, while this
can offers a good crisp casting and is easily built, this is a very
rare instance where Formations may not be the final word.
Review sample
courtesy of Formations.
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