| Catalogue No.: | 35014 |
| Scale: | 1/35th |
| Media: | Mixed (see below) |
| Review Type: | In box |
| Rating: | Highly Recommended |
S u m m a r y |
| Contents: | 195 parts (157 in light olive plastic, 34 etched metal, and four vinyl) |
| Price: | around US$23 |
| Advantages: | The Revell GmbH kit at lower prices; very well done moldings and interior |
| Disadvantages: | Tiny metal parts frustrating to some modelers; very tiny model for relatively high price |
| Comments: | Recommended for modern armor fans |
F i r s t L o o k |
This kit has been around for a couple of years now, but in its European release from
Revell GmbH. It was the companion kit to the Scorpion when released as part of the rather
wide ranging Revell/DML/Italeri/AFV Club reciprocality arrangement. As such, it really
isn't a new kit, as it was previously out. It also shares most of its lower chassis
components with the previously released "special" kit with the 2 cm turret (AFV
Club AF35-S03).
But for those who did not get the previous kit – mostly due to its absolutely
usurious price of nearly $50 in the US – this is a little gem. The kit has a partial
interior (no engine) and the finest TOW launcher I have ever seen, numbering some 29 parts
plus etched metal trim. While this kit is small – about the size of a main battle
tank in 1/72 or 1/76 scale – it is better detailed than nearly any of the kits on the
market of those subjects.
The kit comes with a choice of markings – one of two different numbered vehicles in
UN markings from Somalia or one from Fallschirmjaeger Battalion 262. This unit is listed
on the instructions and the box art as part of the European joint Franco-German corps.
Overall, the fit appears to be excellent. There is a set of tripod legs provided for the
TOW as well as four missiles; a jig is provided if the launcher is to be displayed
dismounted from the vehicle. The kit retains the etched metal drive sprockets, which some
modelers have found very fussy and easily damaged during assembly. The tracks appear to be
a throwback to the "Bad Old Days" of one-sided detail, but examination of photos
of Wiesels and the one which was at the AUSA show about three years ago show that this is
correct. The interior is a smooth belt, something like the old M3 halftrack tracks or the
M114 scout carrier, and the twin sprockets do the work of keeping the track moving.
Overall, for the quality of the moldings and the accuracy which this kit appears to
present, and the much lower price, the model is a nice addition to the collection of
modern armor fans.
Thanks to Shirley Lin of Hobby Fan Trading Co. for the review sample.
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