Italeri's 1/35 Crusader III AA Mk III
|
 |
Crusader III AA Mk III
As stated on the side-panel to
the kit box, this tank was made for the British Army. This self-propelled
antiaircraft gun tank was built on the Crusader gun tank chassis which
became obsolete by mid-WWII. A new turret was developed fitted with two
20mm Oerlikan cannons. Only a few were produced but they were used by
the British in Europe to protect armored units and troops from enemy aircraft.
The Kit
The boxart shows the famous Crusader AA Mk III, 'Skyraker', that was
photographed numerous times during the Normandy breakout. As with their
other kit packaging there are some pics of a built model as well as a
Model Master color reference on the side panel.
In the box you will find an ten-page nicely illustrated instruction booklet,
three large sprues of parts molded in olive drab styrene, one sprue of
tracks molded in steel vinyl, and a decal sheet. The instruction booklet
is referenced in multiple languages. All parts are documented in a parts
location diagram. Unused parts are indicated as shaded boxes. All parts
are very well molded with no flash or sink holes. As expected, this version
of the Crusader kit shares the same sprues (minus the turret) with the
older Crusader III gun tank kit. They have rearrange a couple sprues somewhat
to include those parts specifically for the AA tank.
Steps 1 and 2 assemble the lower and upper hull with the suspension. Note
that you are instructed to remove some rivet detail on the front of the
upper hull. The idlers and road wheels are assembled and mated to the
suspension in step 3. This is the most time consuming part of the assembly
of this kit. Step 4 is where you add front, rear, and top hull detail
including drive sprockets, stowage boxes, rear and front plates. Again,
you are instructed to remove (sand off) detail on the rear plate. Steps
5 through 7 are where you get into some serious detailing front and rear
of the upper hull including aerials, light guards, exhaust, tow clevices
and driver's hatch. Pretty much straightforward assembly for a Crusader.
The 20mm Oerlikan cannons are assembled in step 8. From viewing photo
references these are very nice detailed and accurate from the breech and
ammo canisters to the gun barrels. These would welcome some good dry-brushing
to bring out their detail even more. In step 9 you add some interior wall
details to the upper half of the turret. There are some nicely reproduced
weld seams on the turret. Exterior detailing, mating of the 20mm cannons,
and further interior detailing is done in step 10. I suggest drilling
out the molded search light (part 79A) and replacing it with an MV lense
for added realism. The completed AA turret is then mated to the chassis
in step 11 while step 12 completes the kit assembly with mounting the
tracks, tow cables and fender detailing.
The tracks appear to be from the old Crusader III gun tank kit and they
aren't bad as one-piece vinyl tracks go. You also get some spare track
lengths for added stowage.
You have a choice of two Crusader Mk III AA tanks to paint, mark and weather.
Both are painted FS-37087 flat olive drab using Testor's Model Master
enamel or acrylic paints. Markings include British 7th Armored Division
(Normandy) and the Polish 1st Armored Division's /1st Antitank Artillery
RGT (Holland). As usual, Italeri's decals are some of the best quality
around, thin and well registered.
Conclusion
Having built the venerable old Crusader III gun tank from Italeri I'm
sure this version will be just as enjoyable to build. I have also built
the AA version of this tank using a resin conversion turret from an Italian
company. Believe me Italeri's is much better for the price you get a complete
model kit with appropriate markings. For any British armor builder this
unique AFV is a must-have AFV for your collection. I would highly recommend
this kit. I would like to thank Testor's
for the review kit.
|
|
