DML 1/35 Saladin Mk.2 British Armoured Car Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | March 2015 | Manufacturer | DML |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Saladin Mk.2 British Armoured Car | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 3554 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Simple build, nice details | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $79.95 |
First Look
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The FV601(C) Alvis Saladin armoured car was introduced into the British Army in the late 1950s and remained in service until replaced by the Scorpion CVR(T). Surplus Saladins were exported to allied nations where they saw service in the Omani Army during Dhofar in the 1970s, in Cyprus, and even the defense of Kuwait in 1990. Powered by an eight-cylinder Rolls Royce engine, the Saladin could move up to 72 kph. Its main gun was a 76mm canon that was supplemented with two M1919 machine guns.
DML has released another subject that has not been previously produced in styrene, this time this Saladin Mark 2 armored car. Released under their 'Black Label' series, this kit is really a simple build with only one photo-etched part used for the engine grille. The kit is molded in light gray styrene and presented on seven parts trees plus the turret shell, one tree of clear parts, six rubber (vinyl) tired molded in tan, and one small fret with one photo-etched part.
Some key features of this release are:
- Detailed chassis
- Detailed suspension
- Positionable crew hatches
- Movable turret
- Nice exterior details
This kit is a simple build that isn't over-engineered with tiny parts but doesn't skimp on details either. Whether you're looking for a NATO warrior or one of the allied army scout vehicles for your next project, this kit will give you an interesting subject that will look nice on your shelf. Hopefully someone will release a nice set of British Army crew figures for this kit as well.
My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!