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When I heard about this kit being released, I thought of a
TAMIYA copycat kit but I was pleasantly surprised. The two kits have
similarities, but the TRUMPETER kit will not disappoint the builder.
Having built both kits, I can say that each has good/bad areas but the
finished result is satisfaction. Though the TAMIYA kit represents an early
JSIII (late/mid 1945), the TRUMPETER kit is the Post War version.
The TRUMPETER offering is molded in light green plastic that is very soft,
almost toy-like. It cleans up very nice but be careful not to exert too
much pressure when sanding the wheels or small parts. You just might take
off more than you want or break it altogether. This version of the "Pike"
(the nickname given because of it's pointed hull front) has the oversized
fenders and hull storage boxes typical to the "M" type. I appreciated the
fact that TRUMPETER included rear smoke canisters as part of the kit! The
hull sides and rear deck is separate pieces that went on without problem.
The travel lock and exterior fittings where placed without a hitch after
some usual minor cleanup and seam line scraping. The outer round fuel
tanks are tricky, but if you've done Russian Armor before, you know what I
mean. If you get carried away, you get the flat spots! Be Careful!! ! The
headlight yearns to be filled with an MV lens, but I did not have that
size hanging around. :)
The turret is very impressive with the huge 122mm gun and the molded on
cast effect. It's very crisp and will standout really well with an oil
wash and a bit of drybrushing. As stated, the plastic was soft and after
losing two of the grab handles on the turret, I decided to replace them
all with fine wire. As a suggestion, I do that on most of the kits I build
anyway. I held off mounting the Machine gun till after tricking out the
paint job.
The wheels were next and I had no problem here again. Just make sure to
line everything up right as you go. The Suspension arms locks are not the
best......but if that's the worst, I could live with it.
The Rubber Band type tracks painted up well and the links stood out with a
little dry brushing. Don't try to give these a wash.......I've melted many
a plastic track in my day :) I started out spraying them black and then
going over it with dark gray and finishing with a silver drybrush to hint
at wear. A light dusting of pastel rust would add a little color, but I
chose to stop here.
As a rule, I build in four sub assemblies..... turret...... upper
hull..... lower hull....... wheels. I paint these all together but when
assembling the finished product I mount the wheels/tracks to the lower
hull first. Then follow with the upper hull and turret. This way, if I
need to make adjustments I don't have to risk breaking the whole darn
thing. :)
I wanted to take advantage of the Egyptian markings. A nice big black
Eagle on the front turret sides (4th Armored Division, 1967) so I E-mailed
a model buddy and was suggested to go with a British 8th Army like
tan/brown. After I painted the entire kit sans tracks black first, I chose
POLLYSCALE Middlestone. I drybrushed progressive shades of a lighter color
till I had the effect that I look for. After sealing with TAMIYA Gloss, I
gave the beast a dark brown oil wash. Simple drybrushing followed and the
detail just JUMPED out at you!
I was very please with the ease of assembly and fit if the TRUMPETER kit.
I must admit, I will not be hesitant to purchase any of this company's
products in the future. Now..............on to the Swedish "S" Tank!!!!
THANK you to John Noack and TRUMPETER for the review sample! |
