Kieth Moody reviews and builds the Panhard VBL with 12.7mm M2 Machine Gun from Tiger Models in 1/35th scale.

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Thanks!

Great review Keith, thanks for sharing it.
Here are some comments. There is no difference between the desert and NATO vehicles in real life apart ... the painting scheme
The wheel rim with numerous bolt heads is the newer type. You can choose the type you want providing you use the same type for the four wheels.
Concerning the antenna base next to the cupola, it is present but bolted closed. The one in use is that right behind the driver.
Concerning the conduit you mention on the windshield frame, this is not a feature for this type of VBL. Here is picture.



Finally the Tamiya NATO paints are not correct for the French camouflage.

Olivier

Hi there Olivier. Appreciate your comments and thanks for taking the time to read my review. It is always good to get more input / research about the real vehicles. Regarding the conduit, and the rear antenna, certainly all of the photos I had referenced had one but not the other - it so nice to know that is not always the case. It makes me feel that for these items TM should have at least made them optional for the modeller to decide. However, given the actual real vehicle that TM were presenting does have the conduit (and it is also represented even on their box art) and does not have the rear antenna. Certainly TM's illustration work is confusing about such things - which doesn't help matters. The wheel rims are also very specific (at least in the sourced photo I have), I have yet to see a photo of the different tread pattern though - desert or NATO, it also seems to be the same (???). Interesting observation about the desert/ NATO schemes. I agree with you, the camouflage treatments do seem to be the main differences. Both schemes can also have either the rear cupola or the front 'passenger' ring-mounted machine gun configuration. This is always a challenge when doing an O-o-t-b review - you are at the mercy of the manufacturer and a review should include how accurate they got it - operational needs notwithstanding (my reference photo doesn't have any side mirrors either...all of this adds to the personalization I referred to in my review)! Good point too about the accuracy of the Tamiya paint reference. With that in mind it is clear that TM also took the easy way out with that as well (their box art seems to indicate the conduit etc., as olive green, whereas it appears that it should be more of a drab olive...). Looking at your photo, I note the yellow inner antenna attachment housing, and lack of accessories (including tow cable) on the driver's side rear panel too. BTW: how to add pictures in the response (I am using a Mac), as I would like to show my source photo for comparison.

Keith,
one of the problems with the VBL family of vehicles is that IT IS a family of vehicles with variations from a variant to another. So you'd better have picture references.

The yellow ring in the antenna base is a simple plastic cap to prevent rain from entering the vehicle when the antenna is removed.
The vehicle on my pictures (I have a series posted on my site) was in a motorpool which explains why there is no accessories fitted to the sides.

To insert a picture in a message, you need to have it uploaded somewhere on a website and include the link with the [img] button at the bottom of the message field.
If you don't have a web host for your pics, you can use the gallery of Armorama. It works with the same login and password as the main site.

HTH
Olivier

Olivier is totally right with all his comments.
I can only say that TM worked with Model Miniature on this kit and MM has a VERY impresive database about this vehicle. As I used to drive this vehicle I must say I'm well impressed with this kit. It's a excellent model kit.
To say even more, I just got my Hobbyboss VBL today and At first look it's...well lets say it's a hybrid. From this what's in the box you can't build any specific version of the VBL. I'll start writing the review soon...

Olivier/ Onkos1 - Agree with both of your comments; this is true of any vehicle and yes it is - overall the model is - as my review stated - very good (not 'excellent' though IMO) but not without its issues (cost being one of them - for about the same $$, I can get a 1/35 TAKOM T-55 AM/AMV...). The link to the photos I was referring to is as follows (I don't get an img link at the bottom of my message field...): http://www.primeportal.net/apc/jean_thomas_rembert/vbl_3rd/index.php?Page=1 This clearly shows that the vehicle (at the time of the photo) in a particular configuration. You will also note the exact same vehicle registration details as that used in the TM 12.7mm M2 version AND box art. My point is also that if TM use a particular configuration on the box art then they should at least offer the same configuration (even if as an option) within. Also the TM camouflage scheme isn't quite right... IF MM and TM had done so much research then why the discrepancies and inconsistencies (I just did a quick google when I got to the decision point of to proceed or not...and it was the very first set of images!!!) and the all too obvious attempt at being Tamiya - when they are clearly not? Onkos1 - looking forward to your HB review - since it is priced (at my FHS - "Favourite" Hobby Store - not quite 'local' :-) - !!!) exactly the same as the TM version. Previous experience with HB has been far from favourable - (a low-grade Trumpeter - which in Trumpeter's early days was nothing that special - not that I consider they have improved much. It is interesting that HB took over Tristar and are now releasing Tristar kits with only a change of logo...and some of those kits were *questionable*...) which is why I went for the TM kit...

I wasn't abble to find when appeared the new wheels and tyres but they were in use on VBL since a few years both in Afghanistan and widely in Mali!
I have too the new TM VBL+turret and i'm really impressed by this kit (specialy with the wheels option!!).
It looks a great detailled kit, and a good base for add all the equipments (armour, new antenas, anti IED systems...) you wants by your own.

The new wheels are not a mark of particular version, it's just an improvement for any VBL!


Mali:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/901991_516523078393422_1841693234_o.jpg
Afstan:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/92/dd/a2/92dda25b25b10d02130d08dac8cd20c0.jpg

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n98/Hishambas/VBL_Greece_zpswb7nla4v.jpg

http://www.nato.int/events/0812-afghStudent/photo-2.jpg

My guess is that those newer wheels started to be fitted to the VBL when the PVP entered service. The wheels are the same and both vehicles are built by the same Panhard company.

Keith, your point is relevant. Why showing a detail on the box art that is not in the box? Unfortunately this is quite regularly done by many manufacturers.

Olivier

Keith

Check your "local" luckymodel.com. TM is cheaper than takom and HB. Price is about $30 and for T-55 and HB VBL you have to pay $36 and $34. Si it's not expensive. Especially when HB costs more than TM and simply is a piece of sh.t.

Hi Stephane thanks for the links - the Mali vehicles do look cool and have their own configuration - especially the tow cable wrapped around the front..and different equipment options. TM does provide a great platform to modify from and plenty of personalization possible - though it would mean sourcing new decals from somewhere... Hi Olivier - sadly you are correct and reviews need to address these issues - and this is an O-o-t-b review... Hi Onkos1 - Actually I was not referring to Luckymodel.com (I have a better source). Where I go, I can get the TM VBL, HB VBL for the same (IF I should ever want the HB that is...) and the T-55 for pretty much the same cost. It's interesting the Tamiya model of the Japanese "VBL" - the 1/35 No.275 JGSDF Lt Armored Iraq Model, I can get for way less than Luckymodel. As such equating a real Tamiya equivalent - or being able to get the T-55 for very much almost the same, the TM is expensive...especially with the attendant issues - from an O-o-t-b perspective...

Well. Talking about prices Again. We all have our sources...generally speaking if you check the reccomended retail prices of mentioned kits, then TM is cheaper than Takom and HB, and based on that you shouldn't say it isn't.
I managed to buy Tamiya T-72, and two Dragons BRDM's for £10 each last weekend, and based on that I should say that TM is expensive. But I can't because I have my source...
In my opinion when you write the review you should compare the prices of similar models.
So generally TM is cheaper than HB. Takom's T-55 is more expensive than Tamiya's T-55 etc.etc.

Last thing I hope...you don't want the HB VBL...
I'm actually thinking about writing a letter to HB and ask to get my money back...

Onkos1 - Thanks for the tip about HB - figured as much... Btw: If I am able to obtain kits from my retailer at a certain price - then surely that becomes my reference and price point - I would hardly go to an even more expensive source would I? The definition of 'expensive' is not just an absolute term (i.e. a LOT of money) it is also relative to what I am getting for that money - both in terms of overall value and opportunity cost (i.e. what else can be bought for the same amount). All I am saying is comparing kits (Tamiya JGSDF, and TAKOM's T-55) I consider TM's VBL over-priced... Wish you all the best with HB... I wrote to Aires Models over their Hasegawa 1/48 Spitfire IXc Resin upgrade set - they weren't even remotely interested or even bothered...

Yes Keith. But you are writing a review not for yourself but for modelers around the world. Not all of us have our own sources, and some are buying models from shops and pay a R.R.P. So the price point should be based on that. Not on the fact that you can get it cheaper...Please remember that.

Hello

For french modern marking i suggest to do your own by using the excellents FFSMC decals sheet!

http://ffsmc-productions.com/en/33-135-scale

Notice that you can find photos of different configurations (turrets, front armored little turret), and equipments (add on armour, anti IED antenas...) for VBL in Mali and Afstan!

In Balkans/Afstan/Mali there were sand/Brown and Nato style camo VBL even if the last one is the most common.

Onkos1 - Thank you for clarifying your point - I shall bear that in mind, though it really is very difficult to consider the entire globe's RRP, when I am only making a very general point myself i.e. as far as I am concerned (since it is my review), the TM VBL is still overpriced - by whatever measure you care to consider, much like your view of the HB offering...Which, since you have bought, you might want to build and review - just to let everyone else know that too...(if only to save people finding out the hard way perhaps???) Stephane - Great info and appreciate the added link! As the OOTB review part is now complete - I am able to consider giving a more individual finish - perhaps...!

I think expensive is relative. This kit can be had for about $25-26 from Hong Kong Ebay dealers with another $12 or so for shipping. I personally don't find that expensive at all.