My wife picked up all three of the Takom Chieftain models today and while I am not going to write a full review, I thought you would all like to see what is in the various boxes. These are the very first Takom Models I have looked at and I am quite pleased with the moulding quality. There are no obvious faults in respect of the plastic parts from my initial inspection. I like that the individual track links are supplied removed from any sort of sprue, with only the track pads needing to be removed from a sprue. The barrel is split along its length which I do not like, but I suppose the intricate detail on these barrels and requirements of mass production make this a necessary evil. I will say I am very disappointed to see that Takom Models has not supplied metal cables with separate eyes due to the reasonably high cost of the models; instead you get it all as an injection moulded part.
SUMMARY
Highs: I like the tracks supplied with these kits and the good quality moulding.Lows: I do not like the tow cables in the offerings.Verdict: We have waited a long time for new Chieftain offerings and these look very worthy offerings.
About Darren Baker (CMOT) FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM
I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...
Working at Canadian Forces Base Suffield it is always great to see some BATUS coverage. But I agree with Darren a bit more British Army of the Rhine would have been nice to see in the kits. I can’t complain too much, the kits are amazing!
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I think the BATUS tanks are great and from a marketing perspective it adds a pop of colour for the paint schemes. Every British armoured solider should relate to a BATUS tank as some point or another!
Perhaps a solution would be for those wanting UK or BAOR deployed Chieftain markings to contact Echelon Fine Details and provide detailed reference images in order to create a decal set of a variety of Chieftains.
All three kits adorn the shelves of HobbyTown in Columbia SC.
Great pricing as well. (10% off for AMPS and IPMS club members)..
Well done them for stocking the latest releases as soon as they can get their hands on them.
And for supporting the local hobby clubs.
Keith.
One thing that puzzles me is the option of a BATUS and two Suffield schemes - I thought they were the same thing? Or is BATUS a particular thing that can be separate from the Suffield location?
Hi Tom,
They are indeed the same thing British Army Training Unit Suffield otherwise known as BATUS. It's a fantastic place to practice fire and manoeuvre. As long as there are no vehicles or men within your 45's (the white lines on the roof of the turret) then you are clear to fire, dependant on any local safety restrictions imposed by the safety call-signs (Redtops).
Max
Any chance of a build review of the Mk11, Mk10 or Mk5/5P at any point soon? I am interested in getting one or other - or maybe all three. Thankfully I can get them for way cheaper than £53.99 - wife "permitting" of course...;-)
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