Review by: Geoff Coughlin (Oct 2011)
Our thanks to Airfix for supplying our review sample.
Background
As the Allies battled their way into German towns in 1944 and 1945, many houses were ruined as the opposing armies fought ferociously from street to street.
This model represents one of these broken and shattered buildings, which will make an excellent setting for any 1:76th scale armour project of the period. Airfix certainly has many kits of Allied and Axis force types that you could incorporate into a suitable diorama and display base.
Main resin moulding
The one-piece resin moulding has a sticker that says that it is made in China, which is logical I guess with so much coming from that part of the world these days. The subject is ideal and will find many takes for those interested in this scale.
The quality of the moulding is high, with fine definition to the roof tiles and surfaces of the building. The broken internal timbers are also well done.
There is little in the way of flash and surplus resin, so are almost ready to use as supplied. Don’t forget that you need to wash all the parts in tepid soapy water as this will remove the release agent used in the moulding process, which will prevent your paint from adhering properly.
Etched Brass
Now I can’t remember Airfix ever including etched brass in a standard kit before (but some of you will probably know differently!), but here etched brass window frames are provided, which will help you create accurate-looking frames for use in the resin window apertures.
Acetate window panes
A very nice touch this and clever to use clear acetate to represent the glass window panes. Depending on how you want to display your town house, you could sandwich a small square of acetate between two etched frames and this is likely to look more accurate than just one side.
Instructions
A painting guide is provided on the back of the box and, although Humbrol colour references are given, the fact that the front and rear aspects of the completed model are in colour will help you to complete your model authentically.
To Conclude…
I am no armour modeller, but I love armour models and the fantastic results that can be achieved from the kits and accessories available. I don’t think that I ever imagined Airfix would produce a package like this and what a welcome product it is.
1:76 scale is still popular, thanks to the likes of Airfix and their range of AFV’s, so this new armour kit is very welcome for that reason alone. Let’s hope that this is the start of a range of new and exciting models like this one.
Highly Recommended.
Geoff C.