Paul A H Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 WWII British Armoured Car (Pattern 1920 Mk.I) 1:72 Roden The 1920 Pattern Armoured Car was a mild revision of the original 1914 Armoured Car, which had been used in the First World War, most notably by T.E. Lawrence during the Revolt in the Desert. Based on the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost chassis, it was powered by a water-cooled straight six engine developing 80hp. The 1920 pattern revisions saw the introduction of new wheels and thicker armour for the radiator, while subsequent revisions included the addition of a commander's cupola. The original Vickers Gun was retained as the main armament, although some vehicles were fitted with a Maxim Gun instead, and some were adapted to carry the Boys Anti-Tank Rifle or the Bren Gun instead. During the Second World War, the 1920 Pattern Armoured Car was used in the Western Desert campaign and the Middle East, until being withdrawn due to the availability of more modern types. Three original examples exist today, one at Bovington, one Maintained by the Irish Defence Forces and one in private hands. A number of replicas have also been produced. Following hot on the heels of their FWD truck (and their slightly older 1:35 scale Rolls Royce Armoured Cars) comes this all-new kit from Roden. As is their custom, the kit is packed into a compact end-opening box adorned with the kind of high quality artwork that we've come to expect from the Ukrainian manufacturer. Inside the box are four sprues of grey plastic and a small decal sheet. The mouldings look to be up to the usual Eduard standard, with plenty of fine detail. Construction starts with the running gear, and Roden have done a good job, with each component picked out individually. The double rear wheels fit into the rear axles and drive shaft, while the front wheels have to be joined to the steering mechanism. The fuel tank and exhaust system are moulded separately, while the leaf spring suspension is moulded in place with the sides of the chassis. Some nice details, such as the starting handle, have been provided too. Construction moves on to the upper portion of the vehicle, but before the bodywork can be assembled, Roden suggest stowage boxes and spare fuel container. The tool box actually folds up from a single piece of plastic, which is an unusual approach but should work well with what would otherwise be a fiddly part to assemble. The rest of the armoured bodywork is made up of various flat-ish parts, while the turret is made up of ten parts. The wooden area at the rear of the vehicle is nicely detailed and could be used to hold all sorts of bits and bobs to add visual interest. There is no interior detail, but extra details such as the headlights and spare wheels are all present and correct. Two examples are provided for on the decal sheet: Armoured Car Pattern 1920 Mk.I 'Ajax', No.1 AAC Squadron, Egypt/Iraq, 1940/43. This vehicle is finished in sand-coloured camouflage with a distinctive air recognition marking on top of the turret; and Armoured Car Pattern 1920 Mk.I, Irish Cavalry Corps, Blarney, Ireland, 1941. This vehicle is finished in overall blue-grey. Somewhat strangely, the vehicle depicted on the box artwork isn't shown in the instructions, but the Royal Tank Corps decals are included, so you can still finish your model in this scheme if you so wish. In usual Roden style, the painting notes use Vallejo colours for reference. Conclusion This looks to be a really neat little kit that will no doubt be even more impressive when built. The overall level of detail, including the running gear and the way the bodywork has been depicted with dozens of tiny rivets, is excellent and it will make a fine addition to a collection or diorama. Highly recommended.Review sample courtesy ofUK Distributors for 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Looks pretty good there Paul. Julien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 That does look a very nice kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 It appears they've quietly released a few more versions, I've just acquired this one: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malpaso Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Some of the desert ones were rebuilt on Fordson truck chassis. That version on sand tyres might be a prime example. As RR only made chassis in those days, still calling it an RR armoured car is a classic example of grandfather's axe / Trigger's broom / Theseus' ship! But it's still an interesting prototype nonetheless, I may even be tempted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted June 14, 2016 Share Posted June 14, 2016 Roden actually don't call it an RR (presumably for copyright reasons).....I'd expect the kit parts to be identical to the above with a different wheel sprue and a new weapons sprue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tempestfan Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Yep, they probably don't want to pay a trade mark royalty (even though I have no idea if they have a TM registered for toys, like Boeing did). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted June 15, 2016 Share Posted June 15, 2016 Count on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tempestfan Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 There are a host of TM's registered for them to Nice class 28 (which contains toys, and which I couldn't all go through), but interestingly the/a German entry is for "toys and games, excepting toy cars and car miniatures" (DE996320). So either models are uncovered, covered by a separate application, or owned by a third party. Pity one can't post links to TM search results anymore with TMView... here's the search engine, anyone interestd may enter Rolls Royce as search term, and "28" under Nice class in "advanced". 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted June 16, 2016 Share Posted June 16, 2016 See that's what I love about this place.....You learn something new every day, cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julien Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 There are a host of TM's registered for them to Nice class 28 (which contains toys, and which I couldn't all go through), but interestingly the/a German entry is for "toys and games, excepting toy cars and car miniatures" (DE996320). So either models are uncovered, covered by a separate application, or owned by a third party. Pity one can't post links to TM search results anymore with TMView... here's the search engine, anyone interestd may enter Rolls Royce as search term, and "28" under Nice class in "advanced". In Germany there was a court ruling on the use of trade marks on models; http://www.internationallawoffice.com/Newsletters/Intellectual-Property/Germany/Klinkert-Zindel-Partner/Federal-Supreme-Court-rules-on-use-of-trademarks-on-scale-models JUlien 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt.Squarehead Posted July 2, 2016 Share Posted July 2, 2016 Cheers again.....An eminently sensible decision, but I guess it only covers visual 'logos'? (the site won't let me back on for a second look unless I sign up) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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