Introduction

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter box type with high roof, ultramarine blue is a new model from Herpa. It is item 093811.

This review examines this new Herpa release of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter box type (van) with high roof. It is one of 518 Mercedes-Benz, 54 Sprinter types, and 130 models in the series Model Railway currently offered by Herpa. Herpa introduces this model as

New type! Mercedes-Benz recently introduced the independently developed new Sprinter. Next to many technical refinements, the new model also features a chassis facelift. Herpa releases the new Sprinter promptly in ultramarine blue and as Minikit in White.

Sprinter

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a light commercial vehicle, built by Daimler AG of Stuttgart, Germany, as a van, chassis cab and minibus, and sold as a Mercedes model, except in the U.S. where it is built from complete knock down (CKD) kits and sold by Freightliner. The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 to replace the famous but outdated Mercedes-Benz T1 van. The second generation Sprinter was introduced in Europe in 2006. The first generation (VA Chassis) North American Sprinter was launched in 2001 in the U.S., and originally branded as a Freightliner. Units sold to the rest of North America were badged as Mercedes until 2003 when they received Dodge branding.[1]

The Model

This Merecedes-Benz Sprinter is factory assembled and ready to go. It’s securely packed in a form-fitted tray that also has a space for optional parts. The tray is held inside Herpa’s red carton with a plastic film window, opening via tabs at each end. On one end is a metallic holographic license label by Daimler.

The model is skillfully molded and except for the side view mirrors, fully assembled without any blemishes or flaws. Doors, hoods, and access panel lines are defined with fine recessed lines, as is the grille. The door handles are raised. Soft tires mounted on detailed hubs support the model.

The molding is almost flawless. The body and wheel hubs are molded in color. The Mercedes-Benz logos are painted with chrome.

Side view mirrors are included attached to a sprue. The model has slots where these are to be inserted, and it is a simple process.

Detail and Trim

Herpa’s interior is almost worth popping the body off for. Inside are bucket seats, the steering wheel, console, stick shift and dashboard!

The underbody is a basic representation molded with low recess and relief detail. All detail is molded on.

Herpa's tires are soft plastic tires slipped over the plastic rims. The tires have no tread detail.

Individual clear and tinted lenses simulate the headlights and tail lights.

Paint and markings

This model is molded in color. I can not find any part of this model that is painted other than the Mercedes-Benz logos. The color is ultramarinblau / ultramarine blue.

Conclusion

Collectors of modern minivans and model railroaders of today's era will appreciate this model. It is skillfully molded without any blemishes or flaws. Separate side view mirrors and a good interior are impressive. However, the underbody is a single part featuring molded-on detail and there is no tire tread detail.

Overall this is a sharp HO scale modern M-B Sprinter van. Recommended.
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References
[1] ©2018 Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. Sprinter. [Web.] 2018.