Introduction

Bronco Models has re-released one of their very early models of the A34 Comet, but this time it has been released with a set of workable tracks. When Bronco Models first released their version of the Comet it was very well received as if my memory is correct, this was the only injection moulded plastic offering of the Comet available.

Contents

The packaging for this release is the typical cardboard tray and card lid that Bronco Models use. The contents inside the box are packaged in individual plastic bags. The contents break down as follows;
5 grey sprues
The hull tub
4 loose wheels
A bag of individual track links
A photo etched fret
A decal sheet
A length of string/twine
An instruction booklet

Review

This will be a very short review as the model has been reviewed many times in the past and I will concentrate on the quality of the product and parts that have been made available that were not previously included. Moulding quality is very good considering this model is about a decade old, and this model was also one of the first models that Bronco Models released. I did find flash on one of the wheels and this can be seen on the provided photographs. The seam lines are on the heavy side in some areas, but then modellers should be used to tackling this issue on even the latest releases.

The detail moulding on the model is softer than what Bronco Models are known for today, but it is of an acceptable standard. The photo etch provided now offers an engine intake grill cover, Bronco Models has also provided 3 options here for an early war, late war and post war finish. I do like that Bronco Models has provided these options in a single package. The vinyl rubber tracks of the initial release are gone and in their place is a set of individual workable track links. These track links look very good and are I believe the tracks offered as a separate purchase when the model was originally released, it’s just a pity Bronco Models has not included the resin gun mantlet shield ideally in plastic. The track links go together very easily and seem to be reasonably robust once together; I should point out that I did not clean up the six track links I cut free and they still went together easily and they move freely.

Looking at the upper hull of this model I would suggest a little scratch work is undertaken. I feel that the 10 handles on the rear engine deck plus the four on the engine access panel that are a part of the mouldings be removed and replaced with wire, this simple upgrade should not be beyond most modellers. The other benefit of this model is that having been around for a while I believe there are various upgrades readily available for it. Due to the barrel being split lengthways an after-market option will be a big improvement in my opinion.

Bronco Models has supplied decals for a good mix of Comet Tanks, six in total. These finishing options are;
IRONDUKE 1st Royal Tank Regiment, 7th Armoured Division, Germany, April 1945
COBRA 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, 29th Armoured Brigade, 11th Armoured Division, North Germany, March 1945
CELERITY 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, 29th Armoured Brigade, 11th Armoured Division, Belgium, March 1945
CRUSADER 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, 29th Armoured Brigade, 11th Armoured Division, Germany, April 1945
3rd Royal Tank Regiment, Sek Kong Camp, New Territory, Hong Kong, 1957
Finnish Armoured Brigade Training Unit, 1961 – 1980

Conclusion

The model is easily identified as an older model, but that should not deter you from a purchase at the right price; no price has been set that I can find at present from my usual retailers. The tracks are really nice and go together quickly, easily and are robust. The modeller will ideally show this model a little love to make the most of the offering.

A34 Comet review by Jan Klarbæk AKA Mr Mox