Ultracast

1/35 - WWII British Empire Steel Munition Boxes

Stock Number: Item #135019 - B167 Mk I Item #135020 - P59 Mk II

Reviewed By  Howie Belkin, IPMS# 16

MSRP: $7.95 per set of 5 boxes Website: www.ultracast.ca Now that more Commonwealth military vehicles have been released in 1/35 scale, Ultracast has provided us with authentic munition boxes for dioramas and on-vehicle stowage. In fact many vehicles had empty ammo boxes welded onto the vehicles and used to stow whatever the crew could fit in them. Make sure you point that out to the judges in a contest - before they 'zap' you for not tying the boxes down somehow! These two distinct ammo boxes are distinguishable by their size and stamped pattern on the lid and sides. The B167 Mk I Ammo Box was typically used for: 3 inch Howitzer Rounds (4 per box). 2 inch Mortar Rounds (18 per box). No. 69 Grenades (34 per box). No. 77 Grenades (34 per box). The P52 Mk II Ammo Box was typically used for: 25 Pdr Projectiles (4 per box). No. 68 Grenades (17 per box). 1-1/4 Pd Hand Incendiary Bombs (24 per box). Ultracast advises that they were painted very close to Modelmaster Euro Dark Green No. 1764. The British standard service color was changed some time in 1944 to No. 2 Camouflage Brown. From late 1944 onward, both colors (Dark Bronze Green and No. 2 Camouflage Brown) could be found in service. Ultracast also indicated that a light color green "was used on steel or wood boxes that contained smoke producing rounds." The boxes are crisply cast in a light buff resin, with no air holes or other clean up necessary. Packed five boxes to a resealable poly bag, the pour stubs are easily removed. I had no problem painting them without prepping them with a soap and water wash. I heartily recommend them as an excellent, authentic and accurate item to add to your British and Commonwealth vehicles and scenes. You can find them on Ultracast's website at http://www.ultracast.ca/ or at better hobby shops. My thanks to Ultracast for the review samples.