Stalwart Update and Conversion Sets

Inside the Armour (ITA3), 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Zack Sex

FirstLook   

Chris Meddings of Inside the Armour (ITA3) has produced an impressive range of update and conversion sets for the Airfix Stalwart that elevate the base kit to an entirely new level.

While the Airfix Stalwart was a much-anticipated and highly popular release, it was not treated to the same level of refinement seen in Airfix’s outstanding recent 1/48 aircraft kits. Several areas benefit greatly from replacement or enhancement. Notable among these are the exhaust mesh screens, moulded as solid clear plastic, and the solid plastic light guards, which would have been far better rendered in photo-etch.

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Airfix also moulded the cab windows with the windscreen wipers integrally formed on the clear parts. For this reviewer, these issues—combined with sink marks seen on early production kits—make the model somewhat problematic out of the box. Fortunately, Inside the Armour comes to the rescue.

The essential starting point for upgrading the Stalwart is Set A335089 – Stalwart Exterior Set. This includes the much-needed light guards, superior early and late hatch options compared with those in the kit, plus replacement tools and radio fittings.

The interior also receives welcome attention with Set ITA335090, which provides replacement radios, Clansman radio equipment, and the all-important boiling vessel, among other items.

Set ITA335095 includes replacement clear windows, individual windscreen wipers, and masks for the glazing, greatly improving the cab’s appearance. Meanwhile, Set ITA335091 offers a refined roof section with correctly rendered mesh, replacing the solid moulded kit parts. Many of these upgrades are available individually or as bundled sets, allowing modellers to prioritise corrections as they see fit.

For those wishing to model a REME vehicle, Set ITA335097 provides an Atlas crane, while Set ITA335098 supplies a 105mm ammunition load. Together, these sets dramatically enhance the appearance of the rear deck in REME configuration.

Rounding out the range are two superb 3D-printed figures depicting British Cold War-era soldiers typical of BOAR Stalwart crews. Sculpted by Ukrainian master figure modeller Sergiy Alekhno, the figures are marked “Works from Free Ukraine”. Figure ITAF001 is shown crouching with arms resting on his knees, while ITAF002 is standing and pointing to his left. Both are beautifully executed and full of character.

All of these 3D-printed items are of very high quality and are strongly recommended. I have laid out a selection of the sets in the accompanying photos to give modellers a sense of the upgrade potential on offer. Inside the Armour also produces replacement wheel sets; however, for this build I used ScaleX sagged wheels, which were already on hand.

Care is required during assembly, as many of these scale-accurate parts are understandably delicate. With careful removal and attachment, however, they transform the Stalwart into a truly standout model and a must-have for any British Army of the Rhine or Cold War British Army equipment enthusiast.

Zack Sex

Highly Recommended

Thanks to Inside the Armour for the review samples www.insidethearmour.com