introduction

As automobile companies debut new automobiles, so Herpa adds them to their catalog, often in collaboration with the real life development. Mercedes-Benz C-Class T-Modell Elegance, Model 038393, is a brand new release. As Herpa proclaims

New type! After the sedan, six months later the station wagon which Mercedes-Benz named T-model is released in the Herpa range. The model is released in Elegance configuration.

Showroom floor

This model is securely packed in a custom-fitted cradle held inside Herpa's red box. You can admire the model through a clear film window. Herpa and Daimler have a licensing agreement and a holographic license is on the carton.

The model is fully assembled. Molding is excellent with both raised and recessed panels, as appropriate. A nice interior is visible. The windows are clear with no distortion so you can enjoy the interior. Herpa makes their tires from a rubber/plastic composite. Under the car is a single-piece underbody with basic detail molded on; I don't know if that is how the real life underside looks.

Kickin' the tires (detail)

Those tires have fine tread detail molded along the shoulders but none on the tread.

Above them is a sharply molded body. Grille and intake details are deeply molded. On the hood is a photo-etched Mercedes-Benz emblem - nice! Transparent plastic parts, both clear and tinted, simulate headlights and brake lights. Molded wiper detail is in front of the windshield.

Inside the car is a nicely molded interior piece with detailed seats, steering wheel, console, dash, and another photo-etch piece - the rear view mirror! You can see that detail through clear undistorted windows.

finish

Herpa finished the model with opaque glossy paint. The color is
dolomitbraun metallic / dolomit brown metallic. Detail is not obscured. Trim is chromed.

A Mercedes-Benz logo adorns the rear of the car. It is paint - Herpa doesn't use decals.

Hittin' die Straße

This HO scale Mercedes-Benz C-Class T-Modell Elegance is a gem of a model. From the nicely molded interior to the clear lenses simulating head- and brake lights, to the soft tires, the sharp molding, and the photo-etched parts, it is a wonderful model. My only complaint is the lack of detail for the tread.

Modelers of modern railroad subjects should enjoy a few of these on their layouts; collectors of today's M-B cars should, too. Recommended.

We thank Herpa for sending this model for review. Please tell them and retailers that you saw it here - on RailroadModeling.