History

For the last several years, UM has produced a number of armored train components in 1/72 scale. It appears they are branching out and creating products of German armored train cars. The back of the box includes a short history of the vehicle, “Manufacturing of the heavy ‘S.Sp’ reconnaissance armored cars started in 1944. These cars were able to operate independently or as a train made up of similar cars. Several types of heavy armored cars existed. Artillery cars were armed with Pz. III (N) tank turret with short KwK L/24 75 mm gun. These cars had 20 mm of armor protection. Their weight (depending on armament) reached 18 tons. Maximum speed – 40 km/hr. Combat effectiveness of heavy armored car was almost equal to BP-42. ‘S.Sp’ participated in combat operations on Balkans from November 1944.”

Tamiya’s kit practically begs to be used in a diorama and this could make a great start. It has:

• complete sets for left and right wings
• ammunition trays
• gun bays
• access panels with PE locking rods
• feed chutes
• 4X .50 Browning machine guns with PE top covers and charging handles

Again, some of the pour stubs on the gray parts are thick and you’ll need to be very careful with the cream color .50 gun barrels and feed chutes. They’re extremely fragile. I’d recommend you have some experience with resin, modifying kit parts, and PE before you tackle this one.

Osprey’s newest edition to their popular New Vanguard Series is an overview of the Mil Mi-24 gunship, popularly known by its NATO code name, Hind. Using the now-standard format for the New Vanguard series, the author explores the Hind’s development, its various variants, and a short combat history not only in the ex-Soviet Union and Russia, but the other countries who field this gunship.