MiniArt Austin Armoured Car 1918 Pattern 1:35 – build review

Full review with Mark Rooks

Just before we get started, here’s a look at how it all turned out…

Introduction

The Austin Armoured Car was a British Armoured Car produced during the First World War. The vehicle is best known for its employment by the Imperial Russian Army in the First World War and by different forces in the Russian Civil War.

In addition to the British-built Austins, a few dozens of vehicles were manufactured in Russia in 1918–20. These are usually referred to as Austin-Putilov or – if fitted with a Kégresse halftrack chassis –Austin-Kégresse.

The kit

This particular MiniArt version is of the Austin Armoured Car 1918 Pattern used in British service with the Royal Irish Constabulary in Ireland between 1919-21 in the Irish War of Independence.

The kit is provided with a full interior including a lovely representation of the Austin 4-cylinder, inline, 4 stroke, water cooled petrol engine along with detailed transmission, brake and steering systems and also includes the Hotchkiss armament and ammo in both turrets. Also included is a fret of photo etch with some of the smallest detail I’ve ever seen! All hatches and doors can be assembled in open or closed position.

Read on…