IPMS/USA Detail Review: Bronco Models 1/35 A13 Cruiser Tank Track Link Set

Bronco Models

1/35 A13 Cruiser Tank Track Link Set
For the Bronco Models Cruiser Tank

Stock Number: AB3516

Reviewed By Mark Aldrich, IPMS# 39295

MSRP: $14.95
Reviewed tracks supplied by Stevens International: Website: www.stevenshobby.com

I'm gonna tell you right now. I am VERY glad I never got into the A13 Cruiser tank. This release from Bronco Models is designed to be used with their A13 Cruiser kit. The original kit comes with the vinyl single piece track. The A13 does not have return rollers and this usually means there is a slight sag to the track as it rests on the large road wheels. This set had to have been designed for the die-hard model maker.

Inside the box are four eight-inch long by four-inch wide sprues. Each sprues contain 124 individual links. This computes out to 496 total pieces. This is more than some newer 1/35 armor kits come with. The track is similar in design to the T-34 track. One shoe has a guide tooth in the center with a small connector piece joining it to another tooth piece. These appear to be smaller than the track on a Panzer I. The detail is incredible! You can see the casting codes on the connector pieces. Bronco Models did a really great job on these. There is absolutely no flash on any of the parts and no ejector pins marks of any kind.

If you are building the A13, this is a definite must have. These you may want to get and have ready as Bronco Models is also releasing an A13 MK II kit. These appear to be the same track used on this as well. I checked out the posted reviews of the Bronco A13 and the reviews that show the track pieces have no comparison to these. While the single piece track is nice, the detail is nowhere near as defined.

I personally think anyone that would assemble these tracks needs to be committed to an asylum. However, if I was into the A13 this would be the track set I would use.

I would like to commend Bronco for making this excellent looking set, Stevens International for providing the review sample and IPMS/USA for the site to display this for all the A13 Cruiser tank fans.