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Public Relations

It was not too far back in time that the very idea of a single 35th scale kit of a modern South Africa armoured vehicle, let alone 3, would have been a distant fantasy. Takom recently surprised us with the G6, along with Trumpeter and Hobbyboss tossing their respective Rooikat and Olifant MK2 kits into the ring as well.

This diorama presents a scene from one of a number of annual display days where the South African army shows the public where some of their hard - earned tax money goes. The Rooikat is a good kit, nice detail and fit with no real issues to speak of. The Hobbyboss Olifant is a slightly different story. Overall fit was good with no trouble encountered with the hull and turret, but the tracks were a real issue. Best replace them with an aftermarket set if you can. One major issue is that Hobbyboss failed to include parts for the prominent main gun mantlet under the spaced turret armour. All you have is a flat plate where the whole assembly should be, a surprising and rather mystifying omission on their part. Despite that and a few other minor issues, it builds into a nice replica of the real thing, plus it's the only game in town except for some obscure and expensive resin offerings. Kudos to both Trumpeter and Hobbyboss for the subject choice of two rather rare and little known vehicles. May we yet hope for a Ratel 20 or 90?