Highs: Excellent production quality in a new-tooled kit. Lows: Limited markings & photoetch. No clear parts for vision ports, lights, etc. Verdict: Clearly designed for easy of build, but with accurate details, this kit is sure to please many modelers.
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About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim) FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES
I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...
Thanks for this review. Tamiya did a good job but could have done better. The lower hull is a miss, the hatches should be flush with the belly.
The roadwheel hub misses 6 bolts. Strangely enough Tamiya represent those bolts on the idler hub.
The way the turret dust cover is represented forbids you to build the tank without the cover.
I don't understand why Tamiya gives you the engine ventilator grille as a PE part and not the other grilles. The good point here is the nicely represented ventilator.
The suspension looks good and the hull sides has the appropriate details. The tracks are accurate with the guide horns offset. But the spare track links are less detailed and the bracket is wrong.
Concerning the decals, the bridge class discs should be the same diameter and one Duroc decal is missing. The names were painted on the both sides of the turret.
All in all, it is a very good rendition of a late AMX 13/75 tank.
Olivier
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