Introduction

This is another review sample I was given by Armorama and it is both my first WWI kit and my first Takom kit. This review article is meant only as a first impression and to give you an overview of what’s in the box before I dive into the build and cover it with a build log.

Presentation

As mentioned, my first Takom kit and I am impressed with the presentation. The box is sturdy and well printed and while it’s packed with parts, it’s not so full that one has to wonder how to get the parts back in or even fear that parts got broken when packing.

The individual sprues are packaged separately (or rather, when there are two of the same, they are in the same bag) in plastic bags which are re-sealable in most cases, a nice touch I think.

The instructions are a nicely printed booklet and seem reasonably clear. The painting instructions are printed in full color with colors indicated in MIG Ammo colors, unfortunately not one I have in my inventory. No other paint color brands are indicated, which I find a bit unfortunate – but then also manufacturers like Tamiya and Revell only indicate their own brands.

While these points may not necessarily reflect on the quality or accuracy of the kit, they are still worth mentioning.

Contents

The box contains 17 sprues in light grey plastic, a bag of track links, a PE fret, a sprue of poly caps, metal chain and the decal sheet.

The parts are well molded with no sink marks, little flash or any other blemishes noted.

Some sprues are obviously the same as in previous releases (i.e. Mk. IV) with at least 3 sprues being completely new. The most obvious and it seems most important improvement over previous releases is the tracks. These are very well molded single link tracks that only require you to snap them together. A quick pass with the file over the molding attachment and then you simply snap them together. I quickly tested a few and it really is easy. It probably won’t take you any more than 15 minutes to assemble one whole track, which is clearly a great improvement over the previous releases.

The box contains parts for two versions of the Mk.I, one being applicable for two marking options for the Somme in 1916, including the steering wheels at the back. The second build option is applicable for a Mk.I in service in Palestine in 1917. This one has elaborate crane assemblies on the roof but lacks the steering wheels. For this version there is also a cart onto which you can place one of the gun sponsons. While this is a nice touch to present the interior in a Dio… there is no interior apart from the sponson. So if you really want to choose this option, you need to source a complete interior for the hull somewhere.

Conclusion

Takom have really done their homework on the track and the rest of the kit looks great too. I find it a bit strange that they give you such a great option to present the interior when there is no interior. If I were their marketing guy I would have made a separate interior kit and included the cart in that, but maybe there’s a reason why I don’t work in marketing…

Looks like a great kit, let’s dive into it!

Takom Mk.I Male Build Log