Introduction

The model kits released today are usually of a very high standard and so built straight from the box we can get a reasonable model, but they are very much all the same with the exception of the quality of the finish. One item I picked up was the BESA machine gun barrel from RB Model, a product that can be applied to I believe every British armoured vehicle produced during World War 2 and I believe onto the 1950's.

Review

I recently picked up a Tamiya Cromwell Mk IV and wanted to dress it up a tad to get something a little different. One of the items I purchased for it is a couple BESA machine gun barrels for the turret and hull from RB Models. These arrived in a Ziploc bags with a sticky label that has the product data printed on them.

The barrels are provided in two parts that I believe will aid in the installation of the barrel due to the weapon often being housed in a robust casting. The two pieces do not require any clean up before use other than the waste material behind the main barrel needing to be snipped off, something that anyone can manage and they fit perfectly together, I would also say that it provides an area to hold while painting and/or joining the parts together. The muzzle has been hollowed out and that in combination with the crisp detail on the barrel parts results in a very easy to use improvement that I find eye catching.

Conclusion

The BESA Barrels from RB Model are a great addition for all British armoured vehicles from the World War 2 period and a little after. There use is easy and the improved detail over ejection moulded plastic is no contest. Another great import from the Czech's along with the Bren gun.