Tamiya 1/35 scale A34 Comet plastic model kit review
This tank makes an amazing build, but beware of small, fragile parts
Kit:35380
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Scale:1/35
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Price:$55
Pros:
Excellent fits; clear instructions for installing tracks
Cons:
Lack of interior; small, fragile parts
Comments:
Injection-molded plastic (olive drab); 298 parts (2 vinyl); decals
The British A34 Comet, with a speed of 29 mph and a 77mm high-velocity gun, became a great asset for the British and the Allies in the closing months of World War II in Europe.
Molded in olive drab plastic, Tamiya’s 1/35 scale A34 Comet parts show well-molded panel lines and rivets and have the exact number of link-and-length tracks for each run. The kit parts fit perfectly throughout, speeding up the assembly. The lower hull comprises several panels, including inner and outer sides that sandwich the Christie suspension.
I left the posable driver’s and machine gunner’s hatch closed to hide the lack of an interior.
Pay attention when adding the return rollers because one pair on each side has a tab to align the tracks — don’t inadvertently cut them off.
Diverging from the instructions, I left the wheels loose and assembled each complete track run off the model. Then I attached the wheels to the tracks and fitted the complete assemblies to each side of the hull. It took a bit of effort, but it worked perfectly and made painting easier. Of course, you can build the runs following the instructions, too.
The small parts are finely-molded and fragile, so be careful. I broke one part of the tow cable (Part D12) while gluing the sections together. Optional Normandy cowlings are provided for the rear engine screen — which one to use for the marking options is clearly indicated — or you can leave them off.
Like the rest of the kit, the turret with its mostly one-part gun went together without problems. Remember to paint the interior of the hatches if you plan to use the two crew figures. When putting the tankers together, ensure their arms are positioned just right with the hatches. They have excellent features, but you will need a good magnifying glass to paint them.
I base-coated the tank with Model Master Olive Drab (No. 1711) and over-sprayed it with Tamiya NATO Green (No. XF-67). The decals went on without problems over a coat of clear gloss.
It spent about 40 hours building Tamiya’s Comet, including the figures. I can easily recommend it to anyone with a little experience; the kit is a winner, and you won’t be disappointed.