Kit Review: Dragon Models Limited 1/72 scale Armor-Pro Series Kit No. 7481; SAS Raider 4 x 4 Truck; 75 parts (70 in grey styrene, 5 clear styrene); pr e-order price US$12.95 via Dragon USA Online
Advantages: nice, new kit of this popular vehicle in this scale; wide varie ty of armament and some options for Northwest Europe
Disadvantages: wheels do not look right
Rating: Recommended
Recommendation: for all Commonwealth Jeep fans
DML has followed up on its 1/35 scale Willys Jeep kits with a new one in 1 /72 scale that highlights the British scout vehicles used in Northwest Euro pe. This follows the pattern of the larger kits and is nicely done with a l ot of parts for this scale.
The entire chassis is separate but the springs are molded integral with th e frame. The running gear consists of one piece with a separate muffler/ski d plate assembly. But the wheels do not look right and apparently some of t he problems with shape found on the larger scale kits have found their way into this one.
However, they appear to be the only major flaw in the kit. While it does n ot come with any stock Jeep parts such as the windshield (top bows are incl uded for other versions later on) it comes with a full interior and the mod ifications that include twin extra fuel tanks in the passenger compartment and a rack of ?flimsies? on the rear of the vehicle. The interior does include the shifter and 2/4//transfer case assembly levers plus a nicely de tailed dashboard.
The model comes with a number of weapons, specifically no less than six Vi ckers K machine guns and a Bren gun on a swivel mount. Three armored glass windscreens are provided as well.
The sole finishing option for the kit is a ?Mickey Mouse? black over o live drab scheme with no markings. No decals are provided.
Overall this is a nice little model of a Jeep and finally brings 1/35 scal e molding quality to 1/72 Jeeps.
Thanks to Freddie Leung for the review sample.
Cookie Sewell