Reviewed by Geoff Coughlin (Jun 2013)
Price around £17.99 GBP
Our thanks to Airfix for supplying our review sample; get this impressive kit here now at: www.airfix.com
Background
During the fierce battles in the narrow streets of many Italian towns, buildings like these were bombarded by both sides to try and extract dug-in troops. The layout of this building makes for some inspiring diorama work and represents one of these buildings, broken and shattered that will make an excellent setting for any 1:76th scale armour project of the period (probably 1:72 too as they aren’t that far apart in terms of scale). Airfix certainly has many kits of Allied and Axis force types that you could incorporate into a suitable diorama and display base.
We have already reviewed a number of these building from the Airfix range so do check them out in the Armour Kits area of Here Now.
Main resin moulding
The one-piece resin moulding has a sticker that says that it is made in China and that’s 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 that will prevent your paint from adhering properly.
Finally remember to wear a suitable mask when working with resin and keep your work space well ventilated; this advice is essential if you are cutting or amending any of the resin parts.
Etched brass
It’s great to see Airfix including photo-etch (PE) with these and available as detail sets for other armour projects. Here etched brass window frames are provided and this will help you create accurate-looking frames for use in the resin window apertures. An alternative could be to use the brass as a template for creating frames with a little more depth from plastic strip.
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 when the first resin building was released and what a welcome addition this one is to. 1:76 scale is still popular, thanks to the likes of Airfix and their range of AFVs, so this new armour kit is very welcome for that reason alone – the range continues to expand ☺
Highly recommended
Geoff C.