What uniform are you wearing at the time?

I'm considering putting a commander figure in the hatch. Was the (post-war version) woolen battle dress uniform still in service at this time? Maybe in Britain or Europe?

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I'm considering putting a commander figure in the hatch. Was the (post-war version) woolen battle dress uniform still in service at this time? Maybe in Britain or Europe?

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Whilst 1949 Pattern Battle Dress was in use up until (I think) around 1967, it is extremely unlikely to have been worn by Saladin Crews - save for parades etc.

They would more likely have worn the green pattern Combat Dress or AFV Crew coveralls - or indeed a combination of both ie Combat Smock over Coveralls.

Sadly decent figures suitable for this are few and far between but the venerable Tamiya Stretcher party set - with no small work - could be suitable. You might consider the Firing Line figures (Google DJ Parkin)and utilise these as they're designed for Saladin and Ferret Scout Cars; in both cases I would recommend replacing the heads with either Ultracast or Hornet Heads. Certainly figures should be portrayed with radio headsets with say, fuse wire for cabling, but I'm sure I'm teaching people to suck eggs here. The Firing Line figures are quite reasonably priced and although I've highlighted them for use in Armoured Cars they're also useful for populating Centurions and Conquerors - and even Chieftains come to that.

I must just add a rider that I was never an armoured corps soldier so I'm sure that those who served during Saladin's time will add further information as they see fit, however, I hope this helps.

The last thing I want is a 2015 version of the 1970's Tamiya Saladin, and that seems to be indicated here. Tell me I'm wrong!!

Whilst 1949 Pattern Battle Dress was in use up until (I think) around 1967, it is extremely unlikely to have been worn by Saladin Crews - save for parades etc.

Many thanks to all who contribute here. Although I have never seen the Accurate Armour kit, I am not surprised that it is much nicer than the Dragon Kit. I have seen, and built, the Tamiya kit and I can say the Dragon is so much better than it every was. Only two things I can add here, the brake adjusting hole in the wheel ( and I did not even know what that hole was for till I read it here) is on the wheel but is represented by a raised disk. I can be drilled out. For those interested in Saladins in Malaysia see:

https://plus.google.com/photos/115599270779959726365/albums/5812845204873604337/5812845578225002770?banner=pwa&pid=5812845578225002770&oid=115599270779959726365

Hopefully I did not mess something up with that but it really has some great pics!!

I'm getting the feeling that this post is leaning towards the AA kit as the way to go...accuracy, detail, ease of workmanship, etc., vs. the Dragon kit, which from my reading dictates accuracy that is somewhat lacking or completely missing altogether.

This could be a game changer for me when purchasing this vehicle. The last thing I want is a 2015 version of the 1970's Tamiya Saladin, and that seems to be indicated here. Tell me I'm wrong!!

I can afford the AA version, but at the same time I don't want to have to spend money un-necessarily to get accuracy.

It also appears the well meaning, and welcomed, kit reviews concerning this kit seems to be purposely, or conspicuously, missing from the Dragon kit review section of Armorama. But then again...when more than one 'review' shows up in the forum on one particular vehicle such as the Saladin, it gives a 'third eye' opinion rather than a singular view of a kit, which I prefer.

I'd rather have the advice/opinions/suggestions/preference of dozens, if not hundreds, than the view of just one person. As the saying goes..."there is no 'I' in team"...and that just might work here for this kit.

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I'm getting the feeling that this post is leaning towards the AA kit as the way to go...accuracy, detail, ease of workmanship, etc., vs. the Dragon kit, which from my reading dictates accuracy that is somewhat lacking or completely missing altogether.

This could be a game changer for me when purchasing this vehicle. The last thing I want is a 2015 version of the 1970's Tamiya Saladin, and that seems to be indicated here. Tell me I'm wrong!!

I can afford the AA version, but at the same time I don't want to have to spend money un-necessarily to get accuracy.

It also appears the well meaning, and welcomed, kit reviews concerning this kit seems to be purposely, or conspicuously, missing from the Dragon kit review section of Armorama. But then again...when more than one 'review' shows up in the forum on one particular vehicle such as the Saladin, it gives a 'third eye' opinion rather than a singular view of a kit, which I prefer.

I'd rather have the advice/opinions/suggestions/preference of dozens, if not hundreds, than the view of just one person. As the saying goes..."there is no 'I' in team"...and that just might work here for this kit.

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John, I have three Saladin kits, both of the AA kits, with and without interior and this one from DML (Black Box) so I don't want to tell you or anyone else which one I prefer or what another should purchase. I am trying to build this item with the intent of sharing my 'personal' feeling about the kit contents, fit and finish.

Yes of course it will look like a Saladin and anything is better that the old Tamiya kit. Some of the dissapointments I am feeling are with the for's and against that are apparent and blatently (sp) obvious. Such as, nice weld seams around the barrel guide where they meet the mantlet but no back to the exhaust muffler? They provide the commanders spotlight and right angled adjustable mounting but no commanders MG or mounting? They point out 'no glue' for the hatch torsion bars so they can be opened but why? there is no detail on the inside nor surrounding the openings?

In the end the choice is the individuals to make, if I have helped in anyway with the decision without upsetting anyone then that works for me.

It may however be that when I am finished with this simple build It will be my last posting here as I don't like the undercurrent and personal sniping that I am currently reading elsewhere!

Have a great evening.

Keith.

OK, so at least the tires are of a reasonable size, but shouldn't they have raised writing on them such as brand, Firestone...Goodyear, etc., and pressure and wheel size info?