ADVANCED BUILD
Gary Radford explores the world of armoured reconnaissance with Gecko’s new 1/35 Scimitar Mk.2.
Alvis’ FV107 Scimitar is one of the longest-serving versions of the CVR(T) (Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)) project, which first entered service with the British Army in 1971. The type’s baptism of fire came during the 1982 Falklands conflict when British forces liberated the islands following the Argentine invasion. They were retired from the British Army in April 2023, being replaced by the new General Dynamics Ajax. It’s history continues, though, with examples still serving today with the Ukrainian Army against Russia.
The Scimitar’s low ground pressure and small size made it useful where movement was difficult. The Mk.2 differed from the original version as it had an upgraded Cummins BTA 5.9 lit diesel engine, an improved hull to give better mine-blast protection, new armour and suspended piston-mounted seating in all crew positions. It carried a 30mm RARDEN (Royal Armament, Research and Development Establishment Enfield) cannon and a coaxial L37A1 7.62mm general-purpose machine gun for protection. Scimitars were used by reconnaissance regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps and ‘recce’ sections of the arm…
