Introduction

American AFV Tools is a set of 1/76 tools by Armtec, a cottage industry manufacturer and distributor from Enfield, Connecticut, that debuted c. 1971.

This review is a trek down the track of nostalgia as one of my vintage kit celebrations. Since Armtec sets are not uncommon to find and still useful, I present this as a 'public service announcement' or an educational review, to just fill in the gaps - all of those are my reason for eclectic model reviews.

Armtec American AFV Tools

American AFV Tools was the 3rd injection-molded accessories set. It was made for 1/76 models (which is OO scale in model railroading). Most European model companies (and some Japanese ones such as Fujimi and Eidai) chose 1/76 as their "braille scale" military scale and it is the same as OO scale, enhancing the integration of military models with model railroading.

American AFV Tools set is 9 pieces:

Jerry cans x 2
Crowbar
Track wrench
Spade
Axe
Sledge hammer
Pickaxe head
Pickaxe handle

Molding is fair-to-good. Some edges are soft. There is a sink mark on the crowbar. The gas cans are bowed inward. The parts are reasonable to scale. However, the jerry cans look bad. Each part is attached to the common sprue with a hefty connector.

I am amused that printed on the back of the packaging is, "Not for sale in U.S.A. or Canada."

Instructions

None, except what is printed on the back of the package.

Conclusion

This tool set can enhance older 1/76 military vehicles. These are not up to today's standards, nor are they poor quality. They are useful.

Armtec was founded by Mr. Ray Pape, offering modelers unique and superior accessories and weapons than what were included in kits, as well as kitting full kits of subjects not offered by mainstream model companies.

The first sets were 1/76 - then the predominate braille scale for armor. Armtec expanded into 1/35 and 1/48, and a few 1/72 aircraft products. They also kitted vac-formed conversion kits and cast metal kits; Crest Reproductions manufactured "exclusively for Armtec" those metal artillery and vehicle kits.

Mr. Pape is also the founder of Craftec Hobbies, a hobby shop in East Windsor, Connecticut.