Bronco 1/35 WWII British Field Accessories Set
By Eric Christianson
Overview
Bronco Models has released a nice set of British field accessories in 1/35th scale. Aside from a gaggle of ubiquitous Jerry cans, this slick new set comes with a variety of items that I've never seen rendered in plastic before. Cups and funnels and lanterns and frying pans... the list goes on.
The set comes in a small, side-opening box with instructions and painting suggestions on the back, and contains three identical sprues of soft light-grey plastic, a relatively large sheet of photo-etch detail, and a sheet of decals of stencils. The PE and decals really add uniqueness to many of the items. Expecting a run-of-the-mill modeling experience, I am more than pleasantly surprised by the engineering and design of everything – these were made with the modeler in mind.
Jerry Cans
There are enough parts to assemble 18 Jerry cans. Here is where Bronco's engineering really stands apart from the rest. Too often, Jerry cans are attached to the sprue along their fine edge, where the two halves are seam-welded together. Many times it is next to impossible to keep from damaging this edge when you remove it from the sprue. Bronco provides two beautifully molded halves, one of which contains two exaggerated (male) locating pins.
Over these pins drops a delicate photo-etch piece that acts as the seam line. The PE has holes that match the locating pins so you can assemble all three parts with just two small drops of plastic cement - without having to use CA glue. Nice. The seam runs the entire circumference of the can, and small notches are set into the three-pronged handle to allow for it. If cleaned properly, the handles even snap into place. Two types of pour nozzles are provided, including three with extended necks. When completed, these look GOOD and are a snap to build. Bronco has set the bar here.
Ammunition Crates and Cans
There are enough parts to assemble 9 large ammunition cases and 32 (!!) other types of cans in three different shapes. The ammo crates are six-part affairs, while most of the other cans are molded in two parts, plus a PE handle and small cap. All can receive stencils from the decal sheet, if desired.
Everything Else
Rounding out the contents are (three each of a) shovel, spade, pick-axe, bucket with handle, funnel, frying pan, food/kitchen storage case, and a hand-held lantern. There are also six nicely rendered cups with handles. The funnels are a little thick, but everything else looks really nice.
Conclusion
Assembling these should be a fun way to spend an evening in front of the TV. Once the parts are clipped and cleaned, assembly looks like it will be a snap. I really love the unique way Bronco chose to design the Jerry cans – for modelers. The fit is excellent. As a military modeler, it seems like I never have enough of these things around, and I am happy to see some real effort put in to designing these better. I highly recommend this set for anyone who needs to fill up the back of a truck or AFV.
I would like to thank Bronco Models and Dragon Models USA for providing this kit for review, and to Internet Modeler for giving me the opportunity to review it.