Introduction

With all the talk of SAS jeeps lately, I thought many would like to see what is in the box of Legend’s all new SAS jeep conversion set. My first impression when opening the box was “wow, that’s a lot of stuff to put on two jeeps!” The bag just about fills the standard Legends box.

Looking through the set, I see very little “repeat” from other sets, including their former SAS conversion set. The highlight is the civilian tread pattern wheels, something that has never been done for jeeps in 1/35 before. The look is perfect, and you get 4 front wheels and 2 spares. (you also get the same in the separate wheel set). The spares have the locking plate molded on (just like the kit), and it would have been nice if it was molded without, but it shouldn't be too hard to remove and drill out the appropriate holes in the hub.

Unlike a much awaited recent plastic offering, the jerry cans have been correctly represented. The ones on the hood are strapped down, while those in the rear are in racks. Now having the rear jerry cans molded as one part with the racks are fine, however it would have been nice if the type had been mixed a little to add some variation. As it stands, each rack is either all German, or all US type. This may have been a good place for separate cans and photo-etched racks. The older Legend set (1017) had the racks represented in PE, so if you can find one of these you may choose to use them in lieu of the all resin rack/jerry can combo.

Weapons all look good, though a few will need some gentle heat/hot water to get perfectly straight. An extra Vickers is included. The .50 cal looks nice, as does the MP40. No other weapons are included so if you want any rifles or other personal weapons you will have to hit the spares box.

The one photo etch fret included is oddly enough marked for the “SAS Land Rover”. Now there currently isn’t a set marked as such on Legends website, so maybe something in the works? Regardless, the items included are three sand channels, MG mounts, and various other bits to help detail up. I'm actually pleased that the PE was kept to a minimum.

Parts included

• 4 Civilian pattern jeep wheels, (note only the FRONT wheels are provided),
• 2 Civilian pattern spare wheels ,
• 4 count jerry can rack w/ cans (2 US style, 2 German style),
• 1 Rear stowage casting,
• 15 Rucksacks, 6 different types/ castings,
• 2 Shovel/tied tarp casting,
• 1 Duffel / sea bag laying on side,
• 2 small rolled bedrolls,
• 2 desert condensation cans (go on front grill),
• 2 “flimsies” or British style water/ fuel cans,
• 2 British style ammo box,
• 5 British infantry helmets,
• 1 M2 .50cal w/ air cooled barrel,
• 7 Vickers K guns,
• 18 Vickers Ammo cylinders,
• 4 MP40,
• 2 3 count of German Jerry cans for hood w/ straps,
• 2 2 count US jerry cans for hood w/ straps,
• 4 Single jerry cans w/ strap, standing for side of body (2 German/2 US),
• 4 US E-tool (late war style),
• 2 toolbox, sun compass, spare wheel mount (copy of kit part),
• 6 Canteens, British style,
• 4 German water bottle/canteen,
• 2 Binoculars,
• 6 German Potato Masher grenades,
• 2 .50 cal ammo belts,
• 8 Vickers ammo boxes,
• 7 .50 cal ammo boxes,
• 1 Dash mounted ammo box for M2 50cal,
• various gun mounts,
• plethora of other smaller ammo pouches and other bits,
• 1 PE fret with sand channels and other details,
• brass wire, instructions.

As you can see from the list, what is included is very comprehensive, and provides not only enough to deck out two SAS jeeps in two different configurations, but also enough will probably be left over to use on other projects. So overall, the set is a fantastic value, at least in my opinion.

This set would also be very useful for anybody wanting to do any of the LRDG jeeps, or an early SAS Jeep in the Italian or NWE campaigns. Though not as loaded down with jerry cans and gear, they still carried the various machine guns and some of the stowage would be applicable. Basically with this set, and proper reference, you can do a wide variety of subjects.

Conclusion

So, overall this is an excellent kit! Yes, there has been some minor regression away from providing a lot of photo etch parts compared to the older set, but this may be due to the overall impression we as modelers are giving manufactures that we don’t like lots of photo-etch, so we now find companies like Legend doing as much as possible in resin. Still, the casting is top notch and with some good painting it will look fantastic! My thanks to Legends for providing the review sample, and no doubt I will be starting on a pair of SAS jeeps very soon!