Tamiya 1/35th Universal Carrier

[ShaunW]

Time for another project and this one marks a return for me to 1/35th scale after around three years or so away. This kit is a 1994 revamp of the original 1976 release, with additional parts comprising of the new crew figures, a PIAT and Sten gun together with, I believe, new decals. After the lengthy Sd.Kfz.7 build, I need a palate cleanser and intend to keep my AMS at bay and build this pretty much OOB - we shall see about that though




Despite their age, the parts look good which shows how far ahead of the game Tamiya was in the 70's:





A couple of classic 70's Tamiya figures are included, clad in tropical attire for the North Africa version:





And here is the 1994 sprue;



And finally the newer decals and the original tracks, which are perfectly good as far as I can see:



I'll be making a start shortly as I've been busy with family stuff today.

Thanks for looking

[Cardinal]

I’m sure it will be a fun build Shaun I got a bin full of completed 1/35th models handed to me some time ago and included was a universal carrier that I suspect was Tamiya origin.

[jssel]

Think you will enjoy this kit. Built it two or three years ago and remember that it was ok.

[B4en]

It's a fine kit Shaun and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[flakmonkey]

I remember this one from when I was a boy.

I mean, I'm still a boy, but you know what I mean.

One of Tamiya's golden oldies.

[Clashcityrocker]

I'll be watching this as I have one stashed.

Nigel

[David Silver]

The last time I tried to make one of these the carpet ate most of it, it was the Airfix 1/76 version and I was around eight. I like the two crew figure options.

[iggie]

I think I used the Tamiya carrier as the basis for my steampunk build a while back, but it's a good kit so I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it Shaun.
OOB? You? As if

[PaulBradley]

Cool, I'll pull up a chair for this!

[ShaunW]

Many thanks for your interest, team and I've made a start.

Ah, Jim, ye of little faith, so far, so OOB - although that said I'm already thinking about adding a few control/gearbox rods to the cabin and I've added a few extra creases to the rather smooth seat backs

A few leisurely hours construction have got me here:









So far, the kit has built up very nicely with no filler required and no dramas. At this stage I intend to add the optional tow hook, although I think that the majority of UC's were not fitted with one, but it gives me options should I stumble across a classic Tamiya 6-pounder or a trailer of some description, I'll check out photos to see what else apart from the 6-pdr that these handy little vehicles were obliged to lug around with them.

Thanks for looking

[JamesPerrin]

Great to see this under way.

[Cardinal]

Decent bit of interior detail I see. I tried helping out in finding some pictures of universal carriers with some tow, but only managed to find ones carrying the 6-pounder.

[jssel]

Great start. I’m fetching the popcorn

[B4en]

Aand he's off! You'll have this one done in no time Shaun.

[Stuart]

Looks like a nice little kit Shaun and you're making a great start on it.

I kind of like these little Universal carriers, although I admit I don't know that much about them - they seem like the British answer to the Jeep. If you can pick up a back-order copy of February's Airfix Model World, there's an article about them in Canadian service with some good photos.