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Universal Carrier Mk.I
Ref. # 35.1200
Scale: 1/35
Price: 59.50 Euros.
Manufacturer: Resicast
Material: Resin & Photo -Etch
To see higher resolution photographs used in this review, please see the GALLERY ALBUM.
Introduction
Resicast from Belgium have long had a reputation for producing very high quality indeed conversion and update sets. The base kit for one of their most prolific ranges of update and conversion sets has been the Tamiya Universal Carrier. This extensive conversion set allows the modeller to build an extremely accurate Mk.I version.
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The set
You'd be forgiven when opening the box, for thinking this wasn't a conversion set, but a full kit. It's absolutely full of resin. In addition there's a fairly comprehensive photo-etched fret included too.
All the parts are extremely finely moulded, bubble-free and the only flash present is really only attached to the pouring blocks. Although nearly everything comes still attached to it's pouring block, this is really a positive not a negative, since they do provide a degree of protection for the smaller, finer parts...of which there are plenty as mentioned!
Included in the kit is a 24 page instruction booklet detailing where everything goes. Modellers familiar with resin kits will have no problems with these, however, if you're more used to injection moulded styrene kits then you'll have to take your time and get used to them since they mostly consist of black and white photographs showing the parts installed on the finished model. At the beginning of the booklet there is a full list of all the parts included to refer to, and as far as these kind of instructions go...these are amongst the best.
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As far as the Universal Carrier goes....I know next to nothing about the vehicle and don't have any references on it either, so I'll be getting somebody who knows what they're doing to build it as soon as possible for the site! I can tell you however, that from what I can see, nearly everything on the Tamiya kit is replaced, including the tracks and drive sprockets. In fact, the number of replacement parts is stunning. Apart from the structural elements such as replacement engine supplied as one large solid casting, and the floor and engine firewall, the seats, all the controls, glacis plate, front armour plating, lighting, racks, stowage bins...in fact just about everything is supplied even the stowage.
Armaments-wise, there is a wonderfully detailed Boys AT rifle supplied, along with several different versions of the Bren gun, i.e. free, stowed and on a pintle. For a full list of what's included, take a look at pictures 32 & 33 and then browse the gallery album above to have a look at the sharpness of the detail. Exquisite!
On the photo-etched fret the largest parts are the Right and left side skirts, but you'll also find various brackets, handles, and a side bin for the hull.
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Conclusion
The price may sound expensive....but if you're familiar at all with Resicast products, you'll know that it represents remarkable value for money, because what you're getting...dependent on your modelling ability of course....is a show stopper! Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Graham at Resicast for the review sample.
For full details of all these products and the complete Resicast range, plus how to order, please see their website: Resicast
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denotes 
Vinnie Branigan
