S & S Models

1/72 (20mm) AML 90 Armored Car

Kit Number AML90

Reviewed By Howie Belkin, #16

MSRP: £5.50 GBP +postage

7 resin and metal parts

S&S Models is a U.K. company that falls between the Cromwell Combat Ready resin line and the Armourfast injection molded kits both in quality and price.  Before I review this specific sample, I think U.S. Braille scale modelers would want to know that S&S offers many WWII and modern vehicles you can’t find anywhere else for anywhere near their low prices!  For example, there’s a Sherman Duplex Drive (double “D” under $12!), Sherman A.R.V. and a B.A.R.V., Armoured Dozer, Centaur Dozer, just about every Churchill including the funnies, and don’t worry, plenty of German vehicles you don’t already have.  Modern vehicles include the U.S. MLRS, U.K. FV 432, Russian SA13, French AML 90 and much more.  What should really catch your attention is that there are many accessories allowing you to convert your own injection molded models by simply buying the dozer blade for your Sherman, Centurian/Chieftan, M48/M60 or T55, or a Sherman Flail, or hedge cutters or stowage.  There are also guns, missiles and crews available.  Most items are available in 20mm (1/76) and 28mm scale.  S&S models are ideal for wargamers and builders who want a model that’s simple to complete and looks good out of the poly bag, or provides a great start to improve upon.

The sample AML (Auto Mitraileuse Legere) 90 armored car was built by Panhard and used by about 40 Armies until replaced ten years ago by the AMX-10 series.  Over 4,000 were made including this 90mm 4x4 version, making it a significant and highly successful vehicle.  The model consists of one solid resin piece body and separate turret, four metal tires (there’s no backsides but you can’t see that once assembled) and cannon.  There were very few air bubbles, minimal flash and like most resin kits, no decals.  I built mine with U.N. markings from my spares.  The spare tire, perforated unditching plank and detail molded onto the one piece hull are exceptional, almost as good as Cromwell.  As a veteran of so many nations, you can find details and a scheme that’ll please you from either of two sites:  http://www.chars-francais.net/archives/aml90.htm or http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Panhard_AML.

I recommend it for its good value, and if the rest of the line is on par, then S&S Models offers some excellent additions to your Braille collection.  Thanks to Shaun Matthews for the review sample.  You can visit S&S Models and order from them at www.sandsmodels.co.uk.  They accept Paypal to simplify matters, and since they don’t weigh much, talk to Shaun about airmailing your order.  Thanks to Shaun for the review model.

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