Shar2 Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 AEC Mk1 Armoured Car 1:35 MiniArt MiniArt have just released this earlier version of the AEC armoured car and it does contain a lot of the same sprues as the MkII so rather than repeat what was written in our review HERE this review will concentrate on the differences. Naturally these are mainly concerned with a different smaller turret with the smaller gun, but there are quite a few external and internal changes between the two vehicles. The Mk1 used a Valentine MkII turret which carried a 2pdr gun. 129 AEC MkIs were built and apart from the 2pdr the turret was also fitted with a 7.92 BESA co-axial machine gun. It appears that they were mainly used in areas of North Africa such as Egypt, Libya and also in Syria.The kit comes in a deep top opening box which is not as sturdy as some, but should still give good protection if kept in the stash for a while. Inside are twelve sprues of medium grey styrene, four separate grey styrene tyres, one of clear styrene and a small sheet of etched brass. Quality is the same as the MkII kit with good detail, no flash but still with the multitude of moulding pips probably due to manufacturing limitations. It's good to see that MiniArt haven't just rested on their laurels by regurgitating the same kit with just a different turret. Whilst the internal details don't seem to have changed too much the hull is of the correct shape and is quite a bit different at the front end, matching that of the real vehicle. Of course the turret sprue is also new as are the internal turret details, even the slightly awkward stage of having to cut the cartridge case to size is eliminated.The ModelAs stated above the hull is of a slightly different design, but the interior details appear to be very much the same with the exception of some storage bins and equipment around the fighting compartment. The main difference in this version is the turret and basket. The build begins with the construction of the gun breech with it's three recuperators which is fitted through the mantlet and the elevating assembly. To the breech the two piece breech block is attached, followed by the gun sights and two piece cartridge catcher. To the right hand side the BESA machine gun breech is fitted and once the numerous PE bolt heads, gun firing controls and turret training motor assembly have been fitted to the turret halves the turret can be fitted around the gun/mantlet assembly. The turret roof is next for attention, with the two optical sights and their covers, PE aerial mounting base, mount and styrene fitting, a PE cooling vent cover for the rear of the turret roof, several other smaller fittings and finally the two piece turret hatch. The radio is the same as the previous kit and is fitted to the rear of the turret ring. With the drivers compartment hatch fitted to the upper hull deck the turret is fitted into position and locked in place by the lower turret ring. If carefully glued this will allow the turret to be poseable. On the outside of the turret three storage containers are fitted to the rear, whilst at the front the machine and main gun barrels are attached. The turret basket is then assembled. This begins with the fitting of the commanders seat and upper segment of the inner cartridge rack to the basket floor. The circular upper segment for the main cartridge rack that runs around the entire turret basket is fitted with two L shaped supports and the racks filled with 2pdr shells in their containers. The spent cartridge container and the four BESA ammunition boxes are the glued to the basket floor, and yes it does look a bit cramped in their now. The completed basket assembly is then fitted to the lower turret ring and the whole turret/hull decking assembly fitted to the lower hull.Apart from the turret and front hull, the main visual differences with this mark is the large storage boxes fitted on both sides between the wheels. To each of these the very important sand channels are fitted and held on by PE straps. On each of the rear mudguards two PE brackets are folded to shape and each has a three piece water/fuel can inserted. The mudguard assemblies are then fitted to the hull, with the forward ones fitted out with lights, mirrors and towing eyes. Lastly the engine hatches are attached and the four shackles fitted to the towing eyes with separate shackle pins.DecalsThe small decal sheet gives options for three vehicles, all of unknown units, unfortunately. The decals include just the vehicle identification numbers and are for the following:- Syria 1943 in an attractive sand and earth brown scheme Egypt December 1942 in overall field green Libya1942 in overall sand. ConclusionThis is another super kit from MiniArt and brings yet another lesser know military vehicle to the mainstream modelling community. With the parts being significantly different the completed model will make a very nice companion to the previously released MkII. Although not for the inexperienced modeller I can highly recommend this kit to those who either love these types of vehicles or would like something different in their collection. Review sample courtesy of 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehnz Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 Oh, bit I do like the look of that. Really like that rugged 4 square look of the AECs & the slightly less organised look of the Mk I suits them even more. Not my scale but cripes I'm so tempted. Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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