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REVIEW
AFV Club M40 Bigshot
Teacher
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England - North West, United Kingdom
Joined: April 05, 2003
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Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 05:30 AM UTC
Pat McGrath gives us the low down in depth on this new kit of the M40 Bigshot from AFV Club. Thanks Pat.

AFV Club M40 Bigshot



If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!
ericadeane
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Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 08:55 AM UTC
Nice review Pat! Great photos!


While doing my research, I discovered some additional info. Specifically, a) the T66 tracks were rarely seen after WW2 so may not be accurate for the Korean era versions, b) the instructions indicate that Cyd Charisse is with the 204th FABn when it was actually a 937th FABn vehicle.


In addition to Pat's links, Chris "Toadman" Hughes has some detail shots of two M43s posted on his website that I found useful in my ongoing build:

http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com/m43.htm
http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com/m43pt2.htm

It's a fun kit!
kevinb120
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Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 09:14 AM UTC
Ugh, another super-cool kit coming out . I'm going to need a bigger house(and quit my job for more time) Nice review!
barron
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Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 10:13 AM UTC
Thanks Pat for the review. A very interesting subject.
tony55
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England - South West, United Kingdom
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Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 12:51 PM UTC
Thanks for the review Pat. I have this kit on order from my local shop, can't wait for it to arrive.
Do you have the kit number for the ammo? I have checked with Netmerchants and can't find it there.
Cheers
Tony
Teacher
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Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 12:59 PM UTC
Yep, thanks for taking the time to write this review Pat! It's appreciated.

Vinnie
exer
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Dublin, Ireland
Joined: November 27, 2004
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Posted: Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 09:10 PM UTC
Cheers guys,
I've enjoyed reviewing this and the Dragon Thunderbolt VII kit it really prepares you for the build.


Quoted Text

Do you have the kit number for the ammo? I have checked with Netmerchants and can't find it there.
Cheers
Tony


I think this set
 is suitable
AFV-35017 - 1/35 155 & 203mm Howitzer Ammo & Stowage Case
Plasticbattle
#003
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Donegal, Ireland
Joined: May 14, 2002
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Posted: Sunday, September 17, 2006 - 12:39 AM UTC
Thanks for the review Pat. Not really interested in Shermans, but have always wanted to build something with the HVSS. This might just be the ticket. This has to look cool when built up.
tony55
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England - South West, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 11:01 AM UTC
Thanks for the info Pat.
Here is the link for anyone in the u.k.

http://www.netmerchants.co.uk/product.php/8632/0/

Quite a nice set I think.

Cheers

Tony
tony55
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England - South West, United Kingdom
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 01:49 PM UTC
I forgot to ask. Which kit would you use the 203mm shells with? I have only found the Russian Pion so far and no kit of it.
Thanks
Tony
flakgunner
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Illinois, United States
Joined: January 19, 2006
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 03:15 PM UTC
hey,
thanks for the review Pat,this beast is on my want list!!
Joe
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 05:55 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I forgot to ask. Which kit would you use the 203mm shells with? I have only found the Russian Pion so far and no kit of it.
Thanks
Tony
Italeri's M110, M110A1, M110A2 series of kits used the 203mm but more commonly called the 8".
Frenchy
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 06:12 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Italeri's M110, M110A1, M110A2 series of kits used the 203mm but more commonly called the 8".


...as well as AFV Club's M115 howitzer kit (kit #3550)

Frenchy
bodag
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Ohio, United States
Joined: August 08, 2005
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 06:22 PM UTC
What track would be more appropriate for the Korean era?

Thanks,
Jim


Quoted Text

Nice review Pat! Great photos!


While doing my research, I discovered some additional info. Specifically, a) the T66 tracks were rarely seen after WW2 so may not be accurate for the Korean era versions, b) the instructions indicate that Cyd Charisse is with the 204th FABn when it was actually a 937th FABn vehicle.
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
KitMaker: 12,596 posts
Armorama: 9,071 posts
Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 06:36 PM UTC
The T-80 and T-84 tracks also put out by AFV Club: http://www.squadron.com/NoStock.asp?item=AC35037

Frenchy, you are right, I did forget about the M115. I was thinking modern kits because these rounds come with the original M548 ammo carrier kit.
tony55
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England - South West, United Kingdom
Joined: July 20, 2005
KitMaker: 346 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 08:32 PM UTC
Sabot, Frenchy,
Many thanks guys. I shall look inti these kits. Any views on any of them? Good or bad would be helpful. Thanks again.
Tony
Frenchy
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Joined: December 02, 2002
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 09:46 PM UTC
There's a review of AFV Club's 1/35 155 & 203mm Howitzer Ammo & Stowage Case set (#35017) by Cookie Sewell on TL :
AFV Club 35017

HTH
Frenchy
tony55
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Posted: Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - 11:23 PM UTC
Thanks Frenchy. He rates it pretty high.
Cheers
Tony
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