The Vehicle

In order to break into the fortified zones on the European continent, the Allies anticipated needing a new class of vehicles, assault tanks, which placed maximum armor protection at a higher priority than mobility. Nuffield responded with 18 separate designs (AT1 through AT18), each design larger and heavier than the last. The AT 2, the subject of this kit, was never built, but served as a stepping stone to the eventual development of the AT 16, or Tortoise, two of which were built, but the war ended before they were needed.

Don’t be fooled by what looks like a turret on this vehicle. It’s actually a fixed superstructure such as on a Sturmgeschutze. In the AT 2 version, it mounted a 95mm howitzer.

This is a review of the Revell ’85 Oldsmobile 442/FE3-X show car. I built it as a factory stock 442.

Engine

Zero to very little flash was on the engine components. Two items I disliked were the valve covers and oil pan molded to the block. Should have been separate pieces.

Interior

Extremely distinct engraving on the interior pan. Door panels are separate pieces as are the front seats. The rear seat is molded to the interior pan. Dashboard allows two different decals for the gauge cluster and there’s two steering wheels.

Body

The body offers several variations. If you want to build the FE3-X version, additional body panels are available as well as three different front clips. Fortunately the front & rear bumper assemblies also attach to the frame when installing – makes for easier glue points.

I painted the car with Tru-Color metallic cameo white covered with a 2 part urethane clear.

IPMS/USA thanks the Eduard team up front for sending us this absolutely stunning set for the new Eduard FW-190 series. I received this set when difficulty was experienced by another reviewer having some issues out of his control in getting the sets reviewed, so I volunteered and got “The lot”. Hooo boy…

Another note: right after I got the sets, I had work and a funeral interfere with MY life, so these took some time to get done; particularly since I was working out of a hotel (as I am now again on OTHER review items) so I’m a bit behind.

First off, Eduard has produced some of the best sets, bar none, for the FW-190. In this review I used both the engine sets and the upper gun deck sets; here are my observations.

First, the sets fit great. I had a few difficulties with figuring out what went where, but was able to overcome and get them installed. The upper MG’s in particular need care in installation, or you can really have them out of whack.

Thank you to Matho Models for providing a neat diorama accessory for review, produced with innovative technology. Thank you to the IPMS Reviewer Corps for allowing me to review these birdhouses! Matho Models has a widening line of 1/35 scale details and bases. Their website has scale search options using larger and smaller scale product lines, but at this time, 1/35 dominates.

Quickboost has produced replacement “fishtail” exhaust parts for the Academy 1/72 PBY Catalina kits. The resin replacement is a simple drop-in for the kit’s plastic parts. There is no modification required to the kit parts to use these resin replacements.

A side by side evaluation (see photos) indicates a replacement of superior detail that will provide a more accurate rendition of the exhaust assemblies. Check your references for the appropriate set to use (some models of the Cat had a straight pipe exhaust). Be sure to wash the parts in soapy water to remove mold release agents and prime prior to using your favorite modeling paints. Also, remember that you must use epoxy or CA glue to attach these parts to styrene plastic.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to the IPMS Reviewer Corps and Quickboost for the opportunity to review this item.