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Building the Resicast Universal Carrier Mk I

Conclusion

There comes a point when you’re building a kit that it becomes yours, you take ownership of it and it’s no longer just plastic and resin. Some times this is in the early stages and sometime in the latter, the engine fix was my ownership moment.

This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable builds I’ve done so far. The detail of the replacement parts is 1st class, the instructions excellent in the main, with just two errors I spotted (part SD should read part SS and part T should read part S & T - Axel support Left and Right respectively) and gives the modeller a lot of scope for finish and kitting the vehicle out. It provides an opportunity to model an accurate, interesting and much neglected vehicle.

I learnt a lot along the way which is also good, particularly trying to work with enamel paints, but more interestingly about the carrier itself. On the front of the instructions Graham recommends the book by Nigel Watson ‘Universal Carrier Vol 1’ (ISBN 978-0-955600-90-6) as ‘absolute reading’. I sent off for this reference and would have to agree, it’s a gem of information and something from which I’ll get many hours of pleasure and knowledge.

Other references I found very helpful were the Osprey Universal Carrier 1936 – 48 The ‘Bren Gun Carrier’ Story by David Fletcher (ISBN 1-84176-813-8) and the Military Vehicle Workshop Series Universal Carrier Mk I/II (ref987-184768-983-2) which contains complete stowage and layout diagrams of both the Mk I and Mk II carriers.

For me a good kit is one I want to build again, and this one is most definitely in that category. The kit is well engineered with the builder in mind, the parts a joy to work with both in their detail and user friendliness ie most only require removal with a sharp blade and where a razor saw is need this is kept to a minimum.

Axis builders have their 250’s, American’s now have their half tracks and although not plastic we now have some super conversions for the 30 year old Tamiya carrier that add variety and choice plus excellent detail to a very old and neglected vehicle. Thanks for the engineering and splendid kit Graham but thanks especially to all those who helped, contributed and ‘advised throughout the build, both here and on SMW.