CHRIS CLIFFORD lifts the lid on Border Model’s 1/35 Crusader Mk.III, and likes what he finds...
Border’s first Crusader was released last year but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to review one of them. Kit BT-012, Crusader Mk.III British Cruiser Tank Mk.VI, comes with five main parts runners and 12 frames of track pins (all in styrene), a lower hull component, a bag of styrene individual track links, and a clear frame with headlamp lenses. Also provided are two photo-etched (PE) brass frets, a turned metal barrel and even a bonus cutting mat. Decals round off the contents.
Noticeable immediately is a pleasing cast texture on much of the upper hull decking part, and well-rendered bolt detail in many areas of the hull and turret. Starting with the hull, this has basic underside detail and integrally moulded suspension unit brackets; ten of the latter are attached to each side, along with simple axle mounts for the drive sprockets and idler wheels.
Above: Main hull part with suspension unit mounts.
Above: Plenty of detail adorns the upper hull decking.
Once the large suspension armour plates have been attached, construction moves quickly to the rear air filter units, and these are beautifully executed, each comprising seven …
