Military Modelling - July 2013

AFV reviewsThe new Fiat Topolino in 1:35 scalefrom Bronco Models, including aposter of the box art.Bronco ModelsFirst among a couple of newreleases from Bronco Modelswhich are now in production istheir little 1:35 scale Fiat Topolino.Essentially the same car as theFrench built Simca (which Tamiyahave kitted), Bronco have gone forthe Italian Fiat built version. Smalldifferences in detail between thetwo, such as the Bronco kit havingtwo windscreen wipers ratherthan one on the Simca, but a bit ofdetail identified in photos as wellas some surviving examples.Moulded in a sand colouredplastic, this includes the basiccar, which also has the enginedetail that can be displayedby opening the bonnet or lefthidden away. The doors can bemodelled open or closed andtwo Afrika Korps uniformedfigures are also included in thekit, which has a rack for jerricanson the roof, and it also hasa small German infantry carttowed behind. One of the littlebits of care I was impressed bywas apparent on opening thebox. The main bodyshell comespacked in its own vacformedpackaging within the box, toprotect it while in transit throughthe distribution and hobby shopsystem to get to us.It isn’t an over-complex kit,though there is some fine detailto be fitted in the way of smalletched-brass parts to add thatfiner detailing. With the enginecompartment included, thefirewall and the two seats in themain passenger compartment,there are spare wheels to go onthe back (one or two dependingon your preference) alongwith an equally good choiceof colour and marking options.You have the choice of a PanzerGrey example, with Red Crossmarkings, an Afrika Korps optionor a ‘captured’ one, repainted inOlive Drab and sporting whiteallied stars. The Afrika Korpsoption will be most popular Isuspect, as it goes with thetwo uniformed figures that areincluded in the kit, and featuredon the box art. The other pointto highlight is the inclusion of aposter of the box art (minus thewords), which will look goodmounted in a clip-frame on yourstudy wall. Thanks to BroncoModels for our sample, this is onsale now.AccessoriesA recent 1:76 scale releasefrom Kingfisher Miniaturesis a slightly more unusual, andhence interesting conversion ofthe British Challenger tank. Itfeatures a Driver Training turretfor Challenger, that you just addto the hull of a basic plastic kit.The main parts are neatly cast inresin, and only need some basicclean-up, plus some fine detailsin white metal, including suchthings as the wing mirrors. Youcan glaze the windows in thecab, and the crew seating whichis included will be visible inside.A very good set of assemblyinstructions are provided andaccompanied by some photos ofthe assembled model to showjust how it will look. Availablefrom Kingfisher Miniatures,9 Plaza Court, Eriswell Road,Worthing, West Sussex BN113GZ. My thanks to Alastair forour sample. Their website iswww.kingfisherminiatures.co.uk and you can email them atkingfishermins@btinternet.comThe latest copy of MAFVA’s Tanketteis issue 48/2.PublicationsTankette 48/2 is here, and as eversome interesting features, includingsome useful scale drawings. Oneof these features is from one ofmy old friends, John Rulton, wholooks at the very early days ofthe small scale resin models thatwere available after Eric Clarkestarted his series of polyester resinmodels, featuring subjects thatwere considered then as neverlikely to be covered in plastic. Nextis a feature about the South Walesbranch of MAFVA. This is followedby some background on the ThorBallistic Missile and transporter,which is accompanied by afine scale drawing in 1:76 scalefrom Mick Bell. Next there is aconversion of the Tamiya Centurionto make an ARV Mk.2, which AlanBrown did a very neat job with.Add some reviews, some MAFVAclub business and a few colourphotos from On Track and you haveanother interesting issue. Tankettecomes with being a member ofMAFVA, and details are availablefrom Gary Williams, 45 BalmoralDrive, Holmes Chapel, CheshireCW4 7JQ or emailmafvahq@aol.comBox art and the main resin drivertrainingcompartment for the 1:76scale Challenger conversion byKingfisher Models.www.militarymodelling.com59