GCLaser
hails from Genoa City, Wisconsin, where they have been offering
laser-cut micro-plywood railroad structures and detail kits since
2003. In August 2007, they launched an ambitious line of 1/35 scale
laser-cut wooden containers, such as ammo boxes, pallets, and numerous
sizes and styles of crates and cable reels you can use to fill up
your deuce and a half. Other unique sets include wooden tank applique
armor as seen PTO Shermans and a workman's shanty to fit in the
bed of a Tamiya or Italeri cargo truck. The catalogue contains both
U.S. and German items. The promotional photo below shows the initial
range of the product line.
The wooden boxes
are thin slices of a fine-grained wood. The thickness of the slices
varies according to item portrayed, and while I don't have measurements
on hand for this item, it seems to be appropriate. The product is
particularly good for portraying opened boxes.
The hardware
(hasps, latches, and banding) is a grey-colored paper of heavier
stock called Strathmore paper. It too is laser cut. String is provided
to serve as rope handles in some sets.
Each box is
a mini-model. I used carpenters glue and a toothpick; GCLaser suggests
using a CA glue, but I prefer using a good wood glue on wood. The
items can be painted in enamel or acrylic paints, or left natural.
The only downside to the natural look is that the laser burn marks
on evident on the part edges. The laser burn is deep enough that
trying to sand it off removes too much of the edge. You can minimize
them by positioning the burned side down or touching up the parts
with paint.
From the samples
I received, the sets do not contain markings (beyond a "US"
burned into the lid of the foot lockers). But with no decals available
and the old Pre-Size dry transfers virtually impossible to find,
you'll have to create your own.
Neither water slide decals or dry transfers work well on wood unless
it has been sealed, preferably with a gloss coat to reduce silvering.
Give the decal a shot of flat finish it will help protect the marking
and seal it to the surface.
35-0001 |
37mm
(tank) 6 rnd. box (6 pack) |
35-0003 |
75mm
Tank, 2 rnds. (6 pack)
|
35-0004 |
155mm
Howitzer, 8 rnds. pallet (4 pack) |
35-0011 |
203mm,
Howitzer, 6 rnds. pallet (4 pack) |
35-0012 |
U.S.
Army Foot Locker (2 pack) |
35-0013 |
.50
Cal., 220 rnds., linked (6 pack) |
35-0014 |
75mm,
Tank, 4 rnds. (6 pack) |
35-0022 |
.30
Cal, 4-Can Linked, 1000 Rnd, Tank (6 pack) |
35-0025 |
Tank
Sides 3 Board Sherman Marine |
|