Lost Directions: September 2008

Friday, September 26, 2008

Matchbox Churchill AVRE

PK-177. A great kit. A nice variation of the Churchill---not only a box girder bridge but a 'flying dustbin' to boot!

Kit PK-72. I have just one of these. Too late in the war--like the Pershing--to get some good battles going. I imagine isolated 16 or 45 year-olds with Panzerfausts taking them on.

I recall reading that these were issued to the British 11th Armoured about two weeks before the Germans launched the Ardennes offensive (Battle of the Bulge.) The 11th were drawn into the battle and swapped out their new Comets for their old Shermans because the crews wouldn't be familiar enough with them before they got into combat. (Shame these weren't in combat during Goodwood.) Thoughts, comments?

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Airfix Crusader II/Crusader III

Revell German WW2 Artillery

This is to a soft-plastic kit. More information, especially on the gun can be found at Plastic Soldier Review.

Keil Kraft Thorneycroft 1 1/2 ton Parcel Van

I forget the manufacturer. They made a number of civilian vehicles for 00 scale model railroads. Mostly British - steam tractors, buses etc. If anyone knows the company, let me know. Thanks.

ESCI Sturmgeschutz III G

Airfix White Half-Track M3A1

Curious, the fenders are more like the lend-lease M5 used by the British/French/Soviets. (This is not a kit of the M5 as it would have rounded corners and welded sides instead of riveted.)

Airfix LTV 4 Buffalo & Jeep

Airfix GMC DUKW 353

Airfix Bren Gunner Carrier and 6 pdr. Anti Tank Gun

Curious that this is the only plastic kit of any of the British carriers. And it's showing its age. Isn't it time another manufacturer makes a more elegant version of this?

Matchbox Char B.1 bis/FT17

In my opinion, one of the most refreshing kits out there. Especially when released. Most Matchbox kits included figures from their soft-plastic range. I always wish they made more French infantry.