Quality
Sharply moulded in good quality styrene this kit is typical Tamiya fare.
The chassis is simple but adequate with individual rear leaf springs, a front subframe with integral springs and hubs, separate bumpers (fenders) and a separate exhaust pipe. There is no articulation for the steering, which isn’t surprising given the scale.
Inside the cab and truck bed things are equally simple, the dashboard and steering wheel are finely moulded, though some instrument faces wouldn’t go amiss.
The seats are a bit basic but with the optional tilt fitted they will do the job. As usual with this type of kit Tamiya haven’t bothered with floor pedals but there is a gear stick to be added.
There are some raised ejector-pin marks on the inside of the tailgate which can easily be removed with a sanding stick. On the back of the rear seats are more pin marks but these are much deeper and will need filling to look tidy, particularly if the tilt is to be omitted.
The exterior of the kit is well appointed though the bonnet (hood) and door handles could use replacement and the distinctive Austin winged badge is missing from the front of the bonnet above the radiator.
Instructions
No doubt aided by the simplicity and low parts-count the usual Tamiya style of pictorial assembly instructions are clear and easy to follow, construction is covered in 8 stages with a colour and marking guide covering a variety of Army and an RAF ‘Tilly’.
The RAF version is unlikely to be accurate; the Tilly Registers archives don’t contain any references to the Austin variant being used by the RAF, at least not officially, and even if they were borrowed or transferred from Army or RN units the colour scheme Tamiya have listed is incorrect for a wartime vehicle and in fact seems to be based on a contemporary restoration. Matt blue-grey is a post-war finish that began appearing on RAF motor transport in 1946 and ’47.
An Army pattern camouflage scheme would be the norm, although there were a number of variations on it so if you want something different a bit of research will be needed.
Decals
The decal sheet provides for the schemes detailed in the instructions as well as giving a selection of additional unit and divisional markings to allow you to mix-and-match if you want too, also included are a variety of serials and typical allied recognition stars along with a decal for the bridge-classification plate.
Conclusions
The ‘Tilly’ is another fine addition to the line of 1:48th scale subjects from Tamiya, and quite an original choice. Alas it’s not really suited to applications in airfield dioramas but as the Tilly saw service with Army units in all theatres of WWII except the Far-East it should still be a popular choice for those of us with an interest in British AFVs and softskins.
