Airfix Model World
{98}www.airfixmodelworld.com {99}
Airfix Model World
http://www.airfixmodelworld.comON THE SHELF
MILITARY KITSCROSSOVER EIGHT-RAD
With a foot each in traditional kit-building and gaming, Italeri can please both
camps with its Warlord Games-branded rendition of this famous armoured
car. The engineering and construction will make for a speedy entrance to the
table top, although modelling purists will undoubtedly want slightly more
refinement. The detail that is present is respectable though, with rather fine
leaf-spring suspension units, tools and other items such as jerry cans. Width
indicator poles are provided, too, as
is a decent turret, main 50mm gun,
separate hatches and a driver figure.
Panel line detail is a little heavy, but
gamers do prefer a more pronounced
appearance. Two colour schemes are
suggested:- Red 111, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteiling
2, Normandy, June 1944 - Red 131, Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteiling
2, Normandy, June 1944
Lovers of large-scale tanks have a superb option in Takom’s new
Renault...reworked to portray the polygonal ‘Omnibus’ turret, which
could sport either the 37mm Puteaux gun or 8mm Hotchkiss machine
gun. Nine runners provide well-detailed components and aspects of
the moulding are exceptional; a
full engine, along with internal
hull features such as ammunition
racks and driver’s controls. The
running gear is impressive, there are
individual track links and real metal
chain. More than 15 photo-etched
brass parts feature, but the real gem
is the resin commander figure, which
displays expert sculpting. Two multi-
tone schemes are provided, but no
unit information is given.Dragon has already offered this half-track in its 1939 format, but here this
example portrays a 1940 machine; the latter had already been boxed as
a Cyber-hobby item. Good value is apparent, as almost all parts on the
runners are to be used. Detail highlights include a slide-moulded, one-
piece gun barrel with refined hollow muzzle, individual Magic Track links,
beautifully rendered engine and gearbox, and photo-etched (PE) metal
mesh for the vehicle side and rear
panels – PE also accounts for other
details, such as the magazine port
on the gun. Open louvres adorn the
separate engine cover parts, and
there’s a complete ammunition trailer.
The gun can also be posed in combat
or travel modes. Colour scheme-wise,
it’s Panzer Grey all the way and the
two liveries are from unidentified
units. A superb kit.INVOLVED HALF-TRACK
Arguably, it was just a matter of time before dozers and tractors came
into vogue, and thankfully it’s MiniArt that has taken the plunge, with
the first of three such subjects this year. This standard D7 with winch
unit will be superb for individual display, but will really forge a reputation
as a diorama piece. Twenty runners provide more than 500 parts,
some of which are very fine. Detail-hounds will love the well-rendered
engine, which can be viewed easily.
Photo-etched brass components are
provided, and the workable tracks
are an involved affair; patience will
be required in the construction of
the individual links and plates. All
that’s missing is a driver figure, but
an after-market firm will oblige soon,
undoubtedly. One Olive Drab US
Army scheme is kept company by a
yellow civilian livery.CORKING CATERPILLAR
GREAT WAR UPGRADE
PRODUCT SPEC
US Tractor D7 w/Towing
Winch D7N
By: MiniArt
Item no: 35174
Scale: 1/35
Price: £35.99
Available from:
http://www.miniart-models.comPRODUCT SPEC
Sd.Kfz.234/2
By: Italeri
Item no: 15653
Scale: 1/56 (28mm)
Price: £19.99
Available from:
The Hobby Company,
http://www.hobbyco.netPRODUCT SPEC
Sd.Kfz.10/4 für 2cm FlaK 30
By: Dragon
Item no: 6711
Scale: 1/35
Price: £49.99
Available from:
The Hobby Company,
http://www.hobbyco.netPRODUCT SPEC
Renault FT Char canon with
Berliet Turret
By: Takom
Item no: 1003
Scale: 1/16
Price: £79.99
Available from:
Pocketbond,
http://www.pocketbond.co.ukArguably, it was just a matter of time before dozers and tractors cameLovers of large-scale tanks have a superb option in Takom’s new99_Military Kits.CC.indd 99 17/03/2015 14:53