This kit from Master Box features an assortment of weapons used by Commonwealth troops during the Second World War. This is a welcome addition to the 1/35th arsenal, since some of these weapons are rarely, if ever, offered in this scale. The box contains one sprue of 40 gray plastic parts wrapped in a really large plastic bag. 15 weapons and 6 helmets are included.

The weapons consist of 2 Enfield Mk. III rifles (1 w/bayonet), 2 Enfield No.4 rifles (1 w/bayonet), and 5 Sten submachine guns of various types. Also, there are one each of an Enfield Mk. 2 revolver, Boys anti-tank rifle, Bren gun, Vickers Mk.1 machine gun, Lewis gun, and PIAT anti-tank weapon.

Background

Arguably the most recognizable Allied vehicle of World War II is the timeless and versatile ¼ Ton 4x4 Truck, a.k.a. “Jeep.” While used for a myriad of tasks by Allied ground forces, scouting and reconnaissance were near the top of the list. Some variants of recon Jeeps were outfitted with .50-caliber machine guns, some with armor plate, and some with dual bazookas in lieu of the .50-cal – the latter during the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944, and serving as the subject of this kit.

The Kit

Dragon’s little armored bazooka-toting ¼-tonner is a compact package of modeling art. The 4 sprues and body of light gray and the single sprue of clear styrene parts are nicely detailed and very crisply molded with virtually no discernible flash. The hefty fret of PE, including the armor plating, straps, and hood and windshield latches, is very crisp and fairly well matched to the kit. A small sheet of decals is also provided.

History

On November 1, 1950, a new jet fighter appeared in the skies over Korea to counter the B-29 bombing raids which, up until then, had gone unopposed. This was the MiG-15’s debut and the beginning of a long and distinguished career for the entire MiG jet-powered series. Although the MiG was effectively countered by the F-86 Sabre, it wasn’t because it was lacking in performance. In fact, it had a better rate of climb, service ceiling, and heavier armament. The difference came down to the training and attitude of the UN forces. A number of Soviet “volunteers” managed to make ace in their MiG-15s. The MiG-15 had some issues with maneuvering at high speed that limited its Mach number. Then entered the MiG-17 which wrapped a redesigned airframe around the same engine. With a redesigned wing platform, the MiG-17 was more than capable of taking on the best America had to offer.