Introduction

The Otter Light Reconnaissance Car was developed in Canada using the Canadian Military Pattern frame. While easy to manufacture, due to the frame already being tried and accepted, the Otter was not really liked by the troops that used it, compared the Humber and Staghound. Some Otters were modified in the field for other uses, including anti-air protection for convoys, forward artillery observation, etc.

The latest conversion kit from LZ Models offers a replacement for the cylindrical turret, replacing it with a straight shield and .50 cal HMG mounted. While I was unable to find any real information on this particular conversion, other than the black and white photo supplied by LZ Models, I am unsure how many vehicles were converted in this manner and what the purpose was. While this could have been a conversion for a forward artillery observer, the photo looks to have marking for a reconnaissance unit.

Contents

The conversion for straight shield conversion from LZ Models for the Mirror Models Otter kit comes in a small zip lock bag, with a card stock label. Inside the bag is a small fret of photo-etched, 7 resin parts, and a small two sided instruction sheet. The PE fret contains the shield, as well as parts for the .50 cal MG. The resin parts are the main body, barrel and mount for the .50 cal.

Review

While the photo etched shield is straight forward, showing the bend mark clearly, the remaining detail is for the MG, includes handle brackets, a lever for the cocking handle, and sights. The main parts of the MG are done in resin, with a separate body and barrel, as well as the handles and cocking handle. The mount is also cast in resin. The cast detail is well done, with the exception of the cradle cast on to the body. There is also no ammunition can or bracket.

Conclusion

Overall this conversion is an option for those afraid of the cylindrical PE turret included in the Otter kit or a great different look for your Otter, or even a reason to build a second kit. While the detail in this small conversion is well done, it is missing a few items that would be nice to have in the set. I recommend this conversion for those who would like to do something different with their Mirror Models Otter kit.