Introduction

Resicast have been producing some fine stowage sets these last few years. I previously reviewed their Churchill Stowage Set No 1 here on site back in April 2009. The link is below:

Churchill Stowage No 1

Just released in March this year comes the 2nd stowage set for the Churchill Tank. This set introduces a change in direction for the company regarding content. Previously their stowage sets have contained enough stowage for two vehicles, an option I very much prefer. However, with the release of this set that option has changed as I believe each future release will contain stowage for one vehicle only. This change is market driven, it would seem people would rather pay for one stowage set than slightly more for two, so don’t blame the company. The dual sets were without doubt great value, but that is 'market forces' for you.

The Set

Presented in the standard Resicast format the set comes in 3 zip plastic bags. One for the overall contents and information card, with the stowage being contained in the other two. The set is shown displayed on the cover card on a Churchill AVRE, but the turret and AVRE fitting are not included so don’t get confused as to what’s in the bag.

Cast in a light grey resin the parts were free from damage or any air bubbles. Clean up should be minimal but you will need a good razor saw to remove the cast plugs cleanly.

The set contains 10 pieces of stowage for the turret and hull of the Churchill Tank. The card depicts the product and manufactures details.

Inside the first bag are 4 short track sections, a smallish rolled bundle, nicely roped up and a rack containing a 2 gallon can and a bundle.

Inside the 2nd bag are the larger stowage items. The first of the items I looked at was the turret side stowage item. This is positioned on top of a length of Churchill track and consists of a large rolled tarp, a bundle, tankers helmet, Besa ammunition box, small pack and a spade. Elements of the track are visible above, below and at the end of the piece. Little clean up will be required here and this item should look good on your up-armoured tank.

The next of the pieces is a slightly smaller one, again mounted on top of some Churchill track. This consists of a similar sized tarp as above, this time with 2 tankers helmets fixed on the side.

The 3rd item from the bag is a rolled camouflage net. This is designed to sit on the fender hanging over the side. The scrim looks good and the net has visible rope detail holding it in place. I was able to pop this onto both an old Tamiya Churchill and the new AFV Club Mk III without any problems, very handy.

The final piece from the 2nd bag was a large tarp designed to hang over the rear plate of the tank. Again minimal clean up would be needed and the tarp has nice rope detail in place.

Overall these items were excellently cast with great detail, and with no sign of damage. Little clean up will be needed but remember normal precautions apply when working with resin..

Conclusion

This is a very handy set of stowage, to first add some additional armour to your Churchill and then some of the typical items that one can see on a tank. Although shown on an AVRE I doubt if you would have any problem adding this to any Churchill tank, but of course check you references for the time period as this is the type of equipment one would see from about later '43 onwards.

The pieces are well cast and the detail is excellent, and these items will add to any Churchill you might build. From my point of view you can never have enough stowage and equipment. Placement is optional for most of the pieces, so buy and enjoy.

Another really useful set from Resicast.