Autoblinda AB 41

1/35 scale

Italeri

Reviewed by Brett Green

Italeri's 1/35 scale Autoblinda AB 41 will be available online from Squadron.com

Italeri has delivered modellers some interesting and otherwise neglected subjects in recent times. Their forthcoming 1/35 scale Autoblinda AB 41 certainly falls into both of these categories!

The Autoblinda AB 41 was an important vehicle that saw use by both Italian and German forces from the deserts of North Africa to the steppes of the Soviet Union. Despite its significance, this is the first time a kit of the Autoblinda AB 41 has been offered in injection-moulded plastic.

Italeri's 1/35 scale Autoblinda AB 41 comprises 139 parts in very crisply moulded tan plastic, plus six soft vinyl tyres.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Detail and moulding is very good indeed. It is also pleasing to note that all crew and engine hatches are moulded separately. Although an engine and interior are not included, the extra work would be worth the effort with these hatches glued in the open position.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The vinyl tyres are also well done. A traditional problem with soft vinyl tyres is the unsightly seam around the centreline, which is usually tricky to remove. With these tyres, however, the seam is almost invisible. They could be used with no cleanup whatsoever.

Construction should be straightforward. The body and chassis are both made up from multi-part assemblies. This parts breakdown is a reasonable compromise in order to ensure nice, crisply raised rivets and other surface detail on the exterior of the vehicle.

Many military vehicles are drab, but that accusation could never be levelled at the Autoblinda! Two schemes are supplied for German vehicles, and three for Italian. For those modellers who feel a little intimidated by the wild mottling required, there is one option of plain Dark Yellow.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

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The instructions are well laid out, and it is nice to see full colour painting guides.

Italeri's 1/35 scale Autoblinda AB 41 is a well presented model of an interesting vehicle with a wide service history. It is great to see this armoured car on the market.

Recommended.

Thanks to Italeri for the review sample.

Review and Images Copyright © 2005 by Brett Green
Page Created 08 July, 2005
Last updated 13 July, 2005

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