British Tank Destroyer M10 IIC Achilles	Tamiya, 1/35 scale
by Brett Green

Description

Here's my latest project fresh from the modelling bench - Tamiya's new 1:35 scale British Tank Destroyer Mk.10C Achilles.

This kit has surprisingly few parts in common with the recent Tamiya M10 tank destroyer. The Achilles has a new upper hull, turret, mantlet, gun, transmission cover, fittings, stowage, figures and more.

What hasn't changed is the excellent fit and straightforward assembly. 

Tamiya supplies injection moulded rolls and packs as stowage for the turret sides. Inspired by a reference photo, I added some more stowage to the front of the hull. The folded .50 cal mount and the spare road wheel are unused parts from a Dragon kit. Packs and tarps are a combination of Value Gear and home made from Tamiya two-part epoxy putty. The bucket and the little shelf that the box is sitting on were scratch built. Additional straps are cut from Tamiya tape and fixed in place with super glue.

Oh, and I cut off the front mudguards too (they're moulded to the upper hull).

Painting went okay but by the time I got to weathering the model started fighting back. I improved the finish compared to my first attempt, but I'm still not entirely happy with my efforts this time.

On the other hand, I was very happy with the figures. They are really nicely animated and sculpting is excellent. These days they really are as good as many aftermarket resin figures. 

The crew creates an instant vignette when placed in the vehicle. The gunner seems to be warning, "Watch out chaps - there's a Tiger down the road"!

Please note that, although the instructions call out for the crew's berets to be painted black, they should actually be khaki as the Achilles was attached to artillery units, not tank units.

This is another great kit and fast build from Tamiya. I'll be writing my Achilles up in detail for MMI Issue 159.

Thanks to Tamiya for the sample

Tamiya kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited