Hi! I have decided to build the Staghound MkI (Late Version) and have not decided which version to build, Italeri or Bronco. I have built several Italeri kits but never tried a Bronco. I would welcome any advice on which is the better quality kit.

The Bronco has more parts, but their instructions can be devious ( I have built 1 product so far and have another on the bench right now.). There was floating a review online that compared the two. The conclusion was that the two were compariable, but the Italeri was an easier build due to the simplification of its engineering.

Here's a review from this site:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/2840

Mike T

Bronco has the edge in quality. Italeri's kit has a gun tube with no taper whatsoever, so at the very least, you will need to buy a metal barrel (Bronco already includes one, and it is correctly shaped). Incidentally, the new "Tamiya" Staghound is the Italeri kit with a couple of Tamiya figures thrown in.

Hey Ron,
Here are a few reviews of the kits including the Tamiya rebox of the Italeri kit:

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/italeri/it6459.html
http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/britain/italeri6459reviewbg_1.html
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/bronco/cb35011.html
http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/britain/staghoundsz_1.html
http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/tamiya/tam89770.html

I have both the Bronco and Italeri kits but haven't built them.
Upon inspection, the Bronco kit is the more detailed of the two, has an accurate 37mm barrel but very complicated and sometimes bewildering instructions.
The Italeri kit would be an easier build, more legible instructions, a nice colour reference booklet on the Staghound but will require a replace cannon barrel.
The Tamiya kit is basically the Italeri kit but with the addition of the figure sprue from Tamiya's N.W. Europe Universal Carrier.
Which one is the better kit is up to the eye of the beholder.
Cheers

jjumbo

It'd been nice (considering the work that went into both) if the Site's own Bronco Stag Reviews had been included:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/3509

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/2840

The comments about the Bronco instructions are correct ALTHOUGH the instructions are MUCH better for the Mk.III. Accuracy wise the gun from the Bronco Mk I is MUCH better than Tamiya/Italeri's - this needs to be replaced completely.

Sorry about that Jim !!!
An error of omission on my part, I should have included a live link to the review that Mike had in his post.
And I didn't even think about the Mk. III review as Ron had only mentioned wanting to build either the Bronco and Italeri Mk. I's.
Must be still recovering from New Year's Eve !!!
Cheers

jjumbo

I have the Italeri kit and got it because of the reviews. I figure I can (and did) get a new barrel to make it OK. I think 3 firms make the U.S. 37mm. Dealing with abstract,goofy instructions with a good chance of botching tiny parts assy. just didn't sound like fun,which is what I'm after.
I can always add more detail if I desire.
The 2 penny cheer!
Rick

Rick,

Any idea who makes the best metal 37mm barrel?
Darryl

Thanks guys. I think that I will go with the Bronco kit. Having built models for about 30 years now, I am use to difficult instructions. Perhaps a resin cast interior may show up someday. I prefer to built models that are detailed inside and out.

Darryl,
I got a couple of Barrel Depot 37's from Hobby Easy a while back when they had a sale and then a couple more from Modelpoint USA when they had a sale. Haven't decided which I'll use. They can be used on Stuarts and Greyhounds also. Great service from both shops(just a satisfied consumer!). Modelpoint USA also has the best prices on Fruil' tracks in North America imo.
Rick

Thanks, I will check them out

Darryl

Hi Ronald

Take a look at this build of it by the talented Rick Lawler to see what can be achieved from the Bronco kit.

Rick's Build

I also have a copy of Military Modelling October 2007 which details not only Steve Zaloga's excellent build of the Bronco kit but also has pictures and articles on the Stag. Might be worth tracking down a copy to help with detailing.


Cheers

Alan

Hi

For anybody reading this thread and considering the Italeri kit take a look at this example from Anthony Sheeds showing what is achievable with this version. Built straight out the box if my memory serves me correctly.


Anthony's Italeri Staghound

I'd be happy building either makers kit. I'd be even happier if I could build it to the level these guy's do


Cheers

Alan

Both are beautifully done. I have the MM October 2007 issue, its a great reference.
Darryl

It's not good - it's absolutely superb. One of the problems you may begin to encounter, if you get really obsessed with the Stag, is the limited number of images of the vehicle 'in-theater'. Particularly frustrating are the lack of images of its post-war use (Israel, Lebanon etc.etc.) I'd also like to see images of the Cuban ones...