The tiny FV432 Mk.2/1, British APC is a popular vehicle with the British and international forces, the modellers of the world seem to like it aslo, which kind of say why Takom would want to make a newly tooled kit of this tiny APC. Clayton is making his, but he thought he would show you what's in the box before he puts glue to plastic....
FV432 Mk.2/1, w/Interior
From Takom
1/35th scale
Injection moulded plastic plus photo-etched details
four decal choices included
Price:¥4,320/ $39.45 USD/ €36.10
Product Link at Hobbylink Japan
Kit review
It never ceases to amaze me how spoilt we are as a hobby in this day and age. The volume and quality of releases over the last few years is nothing short of incredible. Which leads me to the next release to cross my bench… Takoms’ FV432 Mk2/1.
I have to confess, my knowledge of this vehicle was negligible prior to investigating this release. So minimal in fact, that I knew absolutely nothing of the vehicle prior to this release.
After starting my research, I was astounded that the FV432 and I hadn’t crossed paths in the past. This is essentially the British equivalent of the US M113, and has seen a great deal of action in many theatres over a long period of time.
I couldn’t believe what I had been missing out on, and I couldn’t believe this vehicle had been previously neglected (to the best of my knowledge), by the mainstream model manufacturers.
HISTORY
The FV432 entered service way back in 1963, and over 3000 vehicles were produced between that time and 1971. The amazing thing is, a good, upgradable base design has seen around 1500 of them still in active service 50 years later!
The 432 was designed to be adaptable and to carry out multiple roles without major modification. Whilst its’ key role was that of a ‘battle taxi’, it could be quickly turned into an Ambulance, a command post or a motar carrier. The 432 platform was also used as other specialist vehicles such as the ABBOTT 105mm Self Propelled Gun, the FV434 Fitters vehicle, and the FV438 Swingfire.
Weighing 15 tonne, and powered by a Rolls Royce B60 multi-fuel engine, the FV432 could reach speeds of 53 Km/h with a range of 580kms. The vehicle had a driver and a commander but had the ability to carry an infantry of 10 men to battle.
The FV432 was armed only with a single 7.62mm GPMG and two sets of smoke discharges. It was protected by a layer of armour only 12.3mm thick.
Space was always an issue for the fully equipped infantry the FV housed, so upgrades in the 1990s’ would see additional stowage bins fitted to the sides as well as the addition of the open mesh basket in the top of the vehicle.
THE KIT
The kit contains 496 parts over 8 moulded grey sprues (including the base and top section as separate pieces) as well as one clear sprue. In addition to that, there are two photo etch frets, a small decal sheet, instruction booklet and a track jig.
Let's take a closer look –
Two lots of SPRUE A contain the suspension elements as well as the wheels and drive sprocket for the vehicle. Mould quality looks to be very good and uncomplicated. There is a good level of detail around the nuts and bolts of the wheels.
Another double up with Sprue B. Grab handles, extinguishers, radio gear and seats are all present on this sprue. I am a little concerned at how some of the finer parts will fare when being removed from the sprue as the connectors seem quite bulky, and the parts are very fine.
The detail on the radios looks very good though (at least I assume they are radios – happy to be corrected).
Sprue D contains the track sections. For me, I love the link and length method for the tracks. For the majority of us, it speeds up one of the most painful parts of building armour, and that has to be a good thing right?
As a gesture of goodwill, Takom has supplied us with a jig, to further simplify the track construction. To my knowledge, this is a first for Takom? I think it is a great idea and would like to see this incorporated in future releases. Let's just hope it actually works now…
Sprue E has the engine grills, rear section as well as a number of hatches. Again, to my eye, the moulding is top notch.
Sprue F houses the sides of the FV, the fuel tank, machine gun and a number of other bits and pieces. As mentioned earlier, there are some fine parts here I fear for during the removal process, but we will have to wait to see how they go.
Sprue G has a number of the internal parts of the model. Instrument dials and detail look to be very sharp and will paint up nicely. Again, I fear for some of these fine parts.
The chassis of the model is moulded in a single piece.
The top section of the FV432 will attach directly to the bottom section. There are a lot of locator holes and raised areas, so hopefully, the positioning of all the parts will be straight forward.
The photo etch frets. The larger of the two contains the mesh for the storage bucket, although this will only be required on later versions of the vehicle. The small fret contains the headlight guards and a number of other details. I first saw this style of light guard in the AMX kits Takom released, and was really impressed how they presented on the model, so I’m looking forward to working with these. The other thing of note is the two sections of PE that have been pre-bent, presenting a subtle but even curve.
The clear sprue provides the numerous periscopes and lenses for the model.
From what I can initially see, the decal sheet seems to be in good register and offers the modeller the markings to produce four schemes for the vehicle.
The instruction booklet is beautifully presented as per the Takom standard. The line drawing on the front cover with some information on the vehicle, all finished with a matte celloglaze.
The model is constructed over 36 steps, although, that would actually only be 33 if you were not building the version of the vehicle with the additional storage basket and bins. The drawings are clear and seem easy enough to follow on first glance.
The kit comes with 4 options for the schemes.
1. The urban markings of the Berlin Brigade – 1980
2. Royal Scotts 7th Armoured Brigade
3. Unknown unit sporting NATO green and black camouflage
4. OPFOR – training unit
Interesting and varied schemes are a big draw card for the kit. As usual for these Takom kits, the paint colours and schemes are all courtesy of AMMO.
Now, one of the most basic but refreshing things in the kit. The instructions actually call out the interior colours! Thank the maker! How often is this detail overlooked? It drives me loopy! Congratulations are in order here though, as there is a very generous serving of detail for the interior scheme.
So that covers off on the contents of the kit, now it’s just a matter of getting a start on it.
Given the interior detail and the ability to open hatches, sub-assemblies, pre-painting and planning will be in order. There is a really high level of detail in the kit, and it looks to have the foundations of a really nice little model.
As mentioned earlier, I didn’t even know the FV432 existed prior to getting my hands on the kit (insular I know…), so I can’t vouch for any accuracy in the kit, but from what I have seen I can’t fault it.
As many of you already know, I built the Chieftain a while again and finished it in the Berlin Brigade scheme, so I think I will do the same for this one. As with the Chieftain, I will be releasing a Berlin Brigade mask set for anyone wanting to paint one of their own.
Eagerly awaiting the build.
Clayton Ockerby
Thanks to Takom for sending us this kit to make up for you all, Check out their kits on the Takom Facebook Page
See more of Clayton’s work at his website “Workbench Hobbies” or join him on his Facebook page
