Accessory Review: Armorscale 1/35 Scale Armor Accessories Kit number A35-007: 76.2 cm US M1 (Sherman) ammo; 24 pieces in turned brass; price US $13.00 Kit number R35-001: Russian T-34/76 Large Rear Fuel Tanks; 52 parts (30 in etched nickel, 22 in grey resin): price US $8.00 Kit number S35-001: US Antenna Mount (SRC 610 radio); 3 parts in turned brass; price US $4.00
Advantages: well done and executed parts, good clear directions
Disadvantages: "new kid in town" may not be well known yet
Rating: Highly Recommended
Recommendation: for all armor fans looking for some upgrades
New companies are coming on line all the time, and this one, Armorscale, is a relative newcomer out of Poland. Currently their range covers over 90 different items in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/35 scales, and more items are coming.
The three items reviewed here are typical of their range in 1/35; I have not seen the 1/72 and 1/48 scale offerings, but the 1/35 ones are very nice and relatively inexpensive for what the modeler gets.
First off is the 76mm ammo for the late model Sherman with the M1 series of guns. The kit offers 12 two piece rounds for the gun - projo and casing - and provides for four each of the three main types: HE-FRAG, AP, and APCBC. Detailed color painting instructions are provided, and they will really set off a diorama of "bombing up" a Sherman. (Note that the original rounds were unitary, so they have to be assembled for use!)
Second is a pair of the rear fender polygonal fuel tanks from the late Model 1941 and most Model 1942 T-34 tanks with 76mm guns. The kit offers two exquisitely molded tanks in resin - the seams are wafer-thin but present on both tanks with no nicks or chips, and even have drain plugs molded into their bases - and a set of nickel brackets and resin bolt heads for mounting them to the tank. They also have excellent clear directions for assembly and installation.
Lastly is one of the most miserable things to install on a model tank
- the "whip" antenna base for the SCR-510/610 series radios. Other nations found out that solid whip antennas and trees are not a good combination, and thus put them in swivels for raising or lowering. The US Army, famous for "soldier-proofing" what it cannot protect, simply created spring-loaded bases with a stout cable running up through them and base-loading the antennas. The ones that came with most kits usually had a nasty seam or ejection pin mark on them, and thus were a bear to clean up. At best the modeler could make one from some rodding and Kadee HO scale model railroad coupler springs. These nicely done turned bases obviate the need to do that, and while non-operating (!) are very nice depictions of the originals.
Overall, this company appears to offer very good value for the money and should do well. Currently the American distributor is Chesapeake Model Designs, PO Box 393, Monkton, MD 21111 or check out their listing at
Cookie Sewell