Under The Scope:
Universal Hobbies CLAAS ARES 657 ATZ (1:32 Scale)
By Geoff Wilkinson (Residing in Chelmsford, Essex, UK)

Universal Hobbies (UH) ongoing adventure into the 1/32 scale Farm Models discipline is certainly gathering pace, with a dearth of new models currently being released and promise of more to come in 2006. But for now, I'll concentrate on the recently released (July 2005) CLAAS ARES 657 ATZ.

I have selected this model to review for two main reasons; the first being that this model reflects the real world introduction of CLAAS designed European tractors, rather then the re-liveried Renault Tractors that CLAAS inherited from their acquisition (in part) of Renault Agriculture, secondly, UH have made a minor change to their rear linkage that allows for the attachment of mounted implements by other manufacturers (more on this later).

As always first impressions are what count when looking for new models to add to the collection. In this respect UH delivers, with well designed packaging and presentation, with the model itself held securely in place by polystyrene inserts, and plastic coated wire restrainers to protect it from transit damage. The version I purchased for £16.99 ($30.00) is supplied in the "CLAAS Dealer Box" which I always go for in my collection, but a lower cost and general release alternative is available from UH in their standard "Country Models Box" which retails in the UK for £14.99 ($26.00).

Moving on to the model itself: On first inspection you are drawn to the now customary UH high quality paint finish and attention to detail (just take a look at the detail inside the cab), a nice touch on this model is the opening hinged bonnet which reveals the detailed engine, radiator and air filter. Furthermore, on the rear there is the addition of a top link (fixed) for the 3 point linkage which adds further realism to the model. Just feast your eyes on the photographs to see what I'm talking about and make your own judgement!

Which brings me nicely to the changes made to the linkage as mentioned above. As can be seen from the photographs the model displays very well with the SIKU Grssner 5 furrow reversible plough and the BRITAINS fold up cultivator. However, the fit isn't perfect and takes some fiddling to attach and secure the implement in the right place as the UH links are slightly too wide, and long on the link ends. But for display purposes it does the job and perhaps I am being a little too critical. It will also be good to see some of the new UH mounted implements that will become available shortly, as I am sure they will fit perfectly on the UH linkage setup.

Overall this is another superb model from UH and I give it a rating of 9/10, but as always with UH models they are one for the collectors and not your day to day toy for the ankle snappers (children) due to the delicate nature of some of the detailing

Well that's all for now folks, and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous farm model collecting 2006

Geoff Wilkinson