Military reviews
DREADED TIGER
Airfix’s re-boxing of the Academy Tiger I ‘Early Version’ might have modellers hoping it is the full-interior offering, but instead this is the basic kit (13264).
EXQUISITE TRANSPORT
There’s a terrific amount of detail on offer with Gecko Models’ new 1/35 Bedford MWD 15-cwt truck. If you're traditionally an armour modeller, this kit is an ideal, well-detailed entry point into 'soft-skin' vehicles.
VINTAGE SCENIC MILITARY
Long-in-the-tooth modellers will recognise Matchbox’s old 1/76 toolings in these new Revell First Diorama products. That’s no bad thing, says CHRIS CLIFFORD.
BUDGET TANK-HUNTER
Italeri has re-released its venerable 1/35 Panzerjäger kit and, despite its age, it’s a viable and wallet-friendly option says CHRIS CLIFFORD.
RUSSIAN BATTLE TAXI
Zvezda’s 1/72 T-15 Armata is a stunning kit for any modeller who prefers modern armour in a small scale, as CHRIS CLIFFORD discovers.
Beutepanzer Boxing
Ukraine’s ICM is adept at extending its original releases to offer something different – and that’s certainly the case with its new 1/35 Marder I on FCM 36 base. CHRIS CLIFFORD reviews this fascinating package.
FIRST PANZER
Takom’s splendid large-scale Panzer I returns in Ausf. B configuration, with a replacement runner for the variant’s changed engine deck and new lower hull; otherwise, the remaining 36 frames and turret top are unchanged.
DESERT DIORAMA
Italeri has combined with Master Box to provide a tank and figure set depicting a British 8th Army Crusader Mk.II and supporting five-man squad.
QUARTER-SCALE SOVIET
Tamiya’s line of 1/48 tanks continues with this newly tooled T-34/85, which depicts the 1945 model with angular track guard fronts and a revised turret.
DESERT GUNNERY
Always a firm to get the most from its moulds, ICM has combined its 1/35 Model T Light Car Patrol (35663) with its same-scale Vickers machine gun (35712) to form a heavily armed version of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps vehicle.
MINIATURE ARMOUR
Modellers thinking 1/72 was small for armour may be surprised at Brengun’s exquisite 1/144 scale resin and photo-etched (PE) brass Mark IV Female tank.
AMPHIBIOUS ATTACK
While Soviet/Russian armour is popular with modellers and manufacturers, types operated by the Naval Infantry appear less so, and Revell’s re-boxing of the Toxso 1/72 kit is just the fourth offering in this scale.
DEATH'S HEAD ARMOUR
Dragon’s range of 1/35 Panzer III kits seemingly cover all sub-types, with this iteration depicting an Ausf.M.
AGRICULTURAL AXIS HAULER
MiniArt’s existing 1/35 rendition of the Lanz Bulldog tractor has now been released as a German military version. CHRIS CLIFFORD appraises the kit's large array of contents
SHOOT AND SCOOT
Academy’s M12 returns in Airfix packaging with a new set of markings for two late-war machines.
PETITE DEFENDER
French armour subjects are gaining in popularity, with the Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée (FCM) 36 light tank being ICM’s latest new-tool offering.
ARMOURED DEMAG
On a theme of small-scale German half-tracks, Special Armour has re-boxed MK 72’s 1/72 Sd.Kfz. 250/1 Ausf.A Demag-built troop-carrier, which features a hexagonal cross-section.
DINKY-SIZE GENERAL
Intended for wargaming via the Art of Tactic linkup, this 1/100 snap-together M3A1 is ideal for those just entering the hobby, with low parts count - just 11 items on the single styrene runner - and ease of construction.
TANK AND ‘BATTLE TAXI’
Having surprised and delighted modellers with its newly tooled 1/72 Chieftain Mk.10/11 combo, Takom has included different parts to allow an earlier Mk.5 tank to be built, plus original components for a same-scale FV432 Mk.2/1 armoured personnel carrier.
DOWNSIZED DISH
Brengun appears to have ‘downsized’ the ex-Extratech 1/72 FuSE-65 Würzburg-Riese radar system in subsidiary firm Hauler’s range to produce this 1/144 version.
THE LEADER’S HEAVY HITTER
Dragon’s 1/35 JS-2 Stalin II Soviet heavy tank includes parts for three options: either a JS-1 early model with 85mm gun, a JS-2 with 122mm weapon or a JS-2m with a late-production simplified hull front.
