Trumpeter 1/35 British Challenger II
|
 |
Background
Further development of the Challenger 1 by the Vickers Defence Systems
Company resulted in the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank, of which 386 have
been ordered by the British Army, with deliveries running from 1994 through
2000. Oman has ordered 18 Challenger 2 MBTs. With the introduction of
the Challenger 2, all of the remaining Chieftain and Challenger 1 MBTs
will be phased out of service with the British Army. Although similar
in appearance to the Challenger 1, the Challenger 2 MBT has many new improvements
including a brand new turret armed with the latest 120mm L30 rifled tank
gun firing a new Armour Piercing Fin Discarding Sabot Tracer projectile
with a depleted uranium penetrator. The new computerized fire control
system, all electric gun control and stabilizing system, and stabilized
sights for the commander and gunner give a high degree of first round
hit probability under both day and night conditions. Standard equipment
includes a thermal camera over the manlet of the 120mm gun which provides
a picture for the gunner and commander, as well as an Nuclear, Biological,
Chemical system, mounting points for additional fuel drums at the rear,
and mounting points for a Combat Dozer Blade at the front of the hull.
The Kit
Five trees of the now familiar dark green Trumpeter plastic fill the
box as well as the upper and lower hull, the upper and lower turret and
the beautifully molded rubber track links. Also contained in the box is
one of the largest decal sheets that I have ever seen supplied in an armor
kit. They are printed beautifully and contain markings for several vehicles.
The instruction sheet is laid out in a book format and the artwork is
stunning. Construction is typical for most armor kits and starts with
the lower hull and running gear. This is followed by the construction
of the upper hull and then the turret details. The turret is divided up
into 7 steps and this will let you know how much detail is included in
this kit. This contains 414 parts and all are molded to the highest standards.
There is virtually no flash and the detail is simply stunning. Trumpeter
is manufacturing some of the finest armor kits on the market at this time
and if you haven’t tried one yet, do yourself a favor and pick one
up.
Conclusion
Trumpeter continues to pump out magnificent armor kits at very reasonable
prices. The molding technologies have improved so much over the last couple
of years you really need to look at some of the new kits to appreciate
what the model kit manufacturers are offering to us now. Museum quality
models can be made straight from the box without the need for aftermarket
products. There are a few individuals out there that take it upon themselves
to pick apart every new kit that comes along, but if you are in this hobby
because you like to build models, then treat yourself to any of the new
kits from Trumpeter. You will be glad that you did!
My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review sample.
|
|
