Carrera Revell Churchill A.V.R.E (03297) 1:76 Carrera Revell

[Julien]

Churchill A.V.R.E (03297)

1:76 Carrera Revell

 

 

The Churchill Tank was devised to fight in conditions similar to WWII where emphasis was put on the ability to cross difficult terrain and keep pace with the infantry. This resulted in a heavily armoured long tanks with multiple wheels and the ability to climb steep slopes. The design was rushed into production before it was really ready due to the rush to build up the UK's defences in case of invasion. The Tank would undergo many different design modification throughout its life with later versions being quite capable. Like many Tanks it would be adapted for other roles. One of these being the AVRE or Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers. One of the lessons from the Dieppe raid was the fact that a vehicle was needed to overcome defence obstacle. The Churchill was chosen due to its ability to climb steep slopes and cross difficult terrain. The AVRE was equipped with the Petard Mortar (Or Mortar, recoiling Spigot Mark II). This 230mm Spigot Mortar would fire an 40Lb Bomb Demolition Number 1, or "Flying Dustbin" with a 28Lb warhead. As well as the Mortar the vehicle could be equipped other equipment such as the Canadian Indestructible Roller Device, Bobbins, fascines; and a Small Box Girder Bridge as seen in this kit. This 30' Assault Bridge could be laid by the tank without being exposed to small arms fire. 

 

 

The Kit

even though this say "New" on the Revell box the kit is certainly not new but the matchbox kit from 1983, even though traces of "Made in England" and the original manufacturer have been removed from the moulds the kit number PK-177 can still be seen on the Sprues  Even though the kit dates from 1983 the moulds have held up very well with only a little flash on the plastic parts.

 

Construction begins with the multiple wheel units down each side. The wheels are moulded as part of these and not individual units. Two outer sections with the wheels mount to a centre section, these then fit to the outer armour section. This is repeated twice, once for each side. The fore and aft main wheels are then added before the tracks can be threaded on. The inner hull part is added along with top cover. This then completes the sie track units which can be mated to the lower main hull section. Construction now moves to the upper hull and starts with the turret. The large mortar is assembled and then sandwiched between the upper and lower halves of the turret.  Stowage boxes, aerials and hatches are then added to the turret before it can be placed onto the upper hull section. At the front of the hull the pate with the drivers vision slit and bow mounted machine gun is added.  Under this the attachment points for the front of the bridge go on. Racks for the bridge section winch section are then put on the rear. The winch is made up and added to the tanks rear deck, and at the back the aft bullhead goes in with its towing attachment,  This then completes the main body of the tank. 

 

 

 

The box bridge now needs to be built up. this consists of two halves which fold in the middle. Each side consists of a main top plate under which two boxes are built up, one on each side. These have two side girders and a lower girder. End plates are added at the rear and a single link plate goes onto the front. The two sections are then joined and at the end which attaches to the tank a large A frame is added. A rigging diagram is provided for the cabling (Not included) which is needed to rig the bridge. Once built the model can be placed on the included base if required.

 

 

Markings

There are markings for three vehicles on the small decal sheet. 

 

5th Assault Regiment

6th Assault Regiment

42nd Assault Regiment

 

 

 

Conclusion

Recommended as its still a good kit and does provide some nostalgia. 

 

Carrera Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For further information visit

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[Bigmick]

Love the review.

I built the Matchbox issue for the Churchill SIG but then bought the Matador conversion sets at Telford so need a few more, might get some finished before Bovington next month

[Julien]

It is a nice kit, I just wish they had made a better job on the base.

[Bigmick]

Julien, thats how we rolled in the 1970s, not only did you have a tank kit but it had a base, each tank was different, Sherman had a section of bridge, Panther had a broken wall I think

[Jeepboy]

26 minutes ago, Bigmick said:

Julien, thats how we rolled in the 1970s, not only did you have a tank kit but it had a base, each tank was different, Sherman had a section of bridge, Panther had a broken wall I think

Indeed!  Having the base was a wonderful and previously unheard of bonus.  A well done to Matchbox for that.