Trumpeter 1/35 British Challenger II

By Dave Manter

Background

Further development of the Challenger 1 by the Vickers Defence Systems Company resulted in the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank, of which 386 have been ordered by the British Army, with deliveries running from 1994 through 2000. Oman has ordered 18 Challenger 2 MBTs. With the introduction of the Challenger 2, all of the remaining Chieftain and Challenger 1 MBTs will be phased out of service with the British Army. Although similar in appearance to the Challenger 1, the Challenger 2 MBT has many new improvements including a brand new turret armed with the latest 120mm L30 rifled tank gun firing a new Armour Piercing Fin Discarding Sabot Tracer projectile with a depleted uranium penetrator. The new computerized fire control system, all electric gun control and stabilizing system, and stabilized sights for the commander and gunner give a high degree of first round hit probability under both day and night conditions. Standard equipment includes a thermal camera over the manlet of the 120mm gun which provides a picture for the gunner and commander, as well as an Nuclear, Biological, Chemical system, mounting points for additional fuel drums at the rear, and mounting points for a Combat Dozer Blade at the front of the hull.

The Kit

Five trees of the now familiar dark green Trumpeter plastic fill the box as well as the upper and lower hull, the upper and lower turret and the beautifully molded rubber track links. Also contained in the box is one of the largest decal sheets that I have ever seen supplied in an armor kit. They are printed beautifully and contain markings for several vehicles. The instruction sheet is laid out in a book format and the artwork is stunning. Construction is typical for most armor kits and starts with the lower hull and running gear. This is followed by the construction of the upper hull and then the turret details. The turret is divided up into 7 steps and this will let you know how much detail is included in this kit. This contains 414 parts and all are molded to the highest standards. There is virtually no flash and the detail is simply stunning. Trumpeter is manufacturing some of the finest armor kits on the market at this time and if you haven’t tried one yet, do yourself a favor and pick one up.

Conclusion

Trumpeter continues to pump out magnificent armor kits at very reasonable prices. The molding technologies have improved so much over the last couple of years you really need to look at some of the new kits to appreciate what the model kit manufacturers are offering to us now. Museum quality models can be made straight from the box without the need for aftermarket products. There are a few individuals out there that take it upon themselves to pick apart every new kit that comes along, but if you are in this hobby because you like to build models, then treat yourself to any of the new kits from Trumpeter. You will be glad that you did!

My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review sample.

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