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Hello everyone, This is my take on Border Model's Crusader Mk. III tank. Mark III was the first version of Crusader (and maybe even the first version of cruiser tanks) that crews actually liked. Beside the 6 pdr as a great improvement over 2 pdr mounted on all previous tanks, most of the reliability issues that plagued previous cruiser tanks were finally sorted out. However, it came too little to late, and after brief use at the late stages in NA theater (El Alamein and after and Operation Torch) it was retired and used only as specialized vehicles. This model should represent 3rd County of London Yeomanry tank, as seen on a reference photos from the beginning of 1943. 3rd CLY arrived in North Africa in September 1941. They were taking part in Operation Crusader, Gazala Battles and battle of Alam Halfa, where they fought as a composite regiment together with 4th CLY. They suffered great casualties during these engagements and did not take part in the Battle of Alamein, as they were out of the line, retraining and re-fitting, near Cairo. The training continued until early 1943, and during this time they received a number of 6 pdr Crusader and Sherman tanks. First Crusader Mk. III tanks were received on January 19th and soon participated in trials. They were compared with the Sherman III's that the unit received at the same time. Here are some comments about it's performance from the was diaries: The 6pdr was fired by 50 all ranks and proved very accurate at ranges from 1500 yards. Little mechanical trouble was experienced with Crusader 6pdr tanks - possibly the new Crusaders are more reliable. C Squadron went to ranges ref Cairo Black Hill 610809 and carried out an AP shoot from 6pdr Crusaders. The 6pdr was found to be extremely accurate weapon but difficulty was experienced in observation of fire owing to the flash and blast of the gun. However, at the end, Sherman Mk. III was selected, and all received Crusaders were sent away to be replaced by Shermans. Not sure where these Crusaders ended up, probably as replacements in other units. After North Africa, 3rd CLY was sent to Sicily, where they landed on July 10th July as part of 4th Armoured Brigade. It's not certain how these tanks were painted. However, high contrast on black and white photos suggests that it was probably Desert Pink ZI/Dark Olive Green PFI combination, which was the than actual scheme for newly issued tanks, so I decided to go with that one. Model was painted with MRP lacquers and some Gunze and Vallejo for detail painting, and weathered with MIG's nature effects and VMS pigments. Model was mostly built OOB. The only additions are tow cables (not sure why Border Model haven't included them?), aerials, and some wiring. Decals were also changed with Archer Fine Transfers decals, because Border's squadron markings provided are not correct. In General, Border Model is a great, well balanced kit. The only issues worth mentioning are missing tow cables, wrong markings and tracks. Tracks actually look quite nice, except awful pin marks. Also, once assembled, they are very fragile, I managed to break them few times. And here are the reference photos. There are few more shots online of the same tank. Thanks for looking, and thanks for feedback! Cheers, Nenad