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Vehicles / Military - 6mm to 49mm
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Displaying Reviews: 1 - 1
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Average Reviewer Rating:
 
Number of Reviews:
1
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A Very Tidy Opening Shot!
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Reviewer
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Reviewed by Antar Howarth (info@totalmodel.com) June 29, 2005
Over the last couple of years 28mm has emerged as the scale of choice for many WWII wargamers. There are already figures aplenty and more seem to be released every month. Whilst some companies focus on troops other have opted for a more scenic approach and concentrate instead on developing terrain. Today you can buy everything from road sections to entire ruined tower blocks. If your pockets are deep enough - and your dining table wide enough - you can re-enact the battle of Stalingrad in an entirely new dimension.
You would think the new 28mm kids on the block would be grinning from ear to ear but their takeover of the wargaming scene is not quite as complete as it may seem. For some inexplicable reason they forgot to invite the vehicle manufacturers to the party! Despite the abundance of figures and scenery, 28mm vehicles are surprisingly thin on the ground. A few examples have tiptoed onto the market over the last 24 months but in nothing like the numbers one would have imagined. Thankfully it now looks like things may be about to change. Bolt Action Miniatures recently took the plunge and produced the first 28mm vehicle in the shape of this tidy little Universal Carrier.
The vehicle is produced as a single resin casting. This includes the entire body shell, interior and tracks. The casting also incorporates a sturdy base - so if you're someone who likes to mount (and I count myself amongst that number) you can leave the plasticard and craft knife in the toolbox. The kit comes complete with a small bag of white metal components including a driver, a pair of Bren guns a few stowage items. Barring any unfortunate events, this kit could be assembled in a matter of minutes.
The first run of these vehicles was cast in a shiny resin compound similar to the coating found on a toffee-apple and just as brittle. More recent vehicles are cast in a much denser and more forgiving polyurethane resin. That said I'm happy to report that this casting is extremely clean throughout. There are a few air holes dotted around but no show-stoppers. All the lines and angles of the bodywork are sharp and true with not even the merest suggestion of warping. There is also some nice detail to be seen in and around the armour plating. The undercarriage is equally well turned out. Considering the complex shape - hull, tracks, base - Bolt Action are to be commended for producing such a neat finish.
The only minor issue of note is the vehicle's design. The entire model looks a little too long and low making it appear slightly squashed. The armoured bay surrounding the driver is also a bit short which only serves to enhance the overall effect. Even so it should be remembered that this is - first and foremost - a wargaming token. In that respect alone it stands head and shoulders above many similar pieces I have seen. Moreover this is only the first offering in what could develop into one of the only dedicated 28mm WWII vehicle ranges on the market.
This is a very tidy opening shot and I hope there will be many more to come. If you're looking for vehicles to compliment your 28mm figure collection take a look at Bolt Action Miniatures - sooner rather than later!
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8
out of
9
people found this review helpful
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