Bronco Models has released a new 35th scale British Cruiser MK. I (A9 MK. I) & a MK. I CS (A9 MK. I CS) in 35th scale. This tank has two main points that caught our eye straight away - see what's new with this variant, and some history on the real thing in our preview...
A new cruiser from Bronco Models
Preview: British Cruiser Tank Cruiser MK. I (A9 MK. I) & MK. I CS (A9 MK. I CS)
Bronco Models
Kit #CB-35153
1:35th scale
New tooled kit
Plastic injection parts including transparent parts
Photo-etch parts included
Product Link on the Bronco Models Website
Bronco has sent news that they have another of the family ( well two others really) to add to their new model list in 1/35th scale. Those liking large pendulous appendages with pointed bits hanging from the front of them will like the look of the new Cruiser MK. I (A9 MK. I) & MK. I CS (A9 MK. I CS) in 35th scale. Don't know anything about it? we have some info on the real thing and then what's coming from Bronco in our preview...
History of the Cruiser Mk. I (A9) Tank
Developed in 1934, Tank Cruiser MK. I, code A9, was the first ever built British cruiser tank. The A9 is designed not only to perform reconnaissance and patrol tasks but also capable of making forays deep into enemy territory.
The A9 played a very important role in British tank technical development; such as it was the first British tank employed periscopes and hydraulic turret traverse system. It was also the first British Tank with a hull shape that can provide ballistic protection from anti-tank mines and being the first vehicle to perform deep wading. Tank, Cruiser, MK. I (A9) according to their own weaponry can be sub-divided into two variants.
1. Tank Cruiser MK. I (A9 MK. I)
Equipped with a QF 2-pounder cannon, one coaxial mounting 0.33 inch Vickers water-cooled machine guns in the gun turret. Another two 0.33-inch Vickers water-cooled machine guns, mounted in the two machine gun turrets.
2. Tank Cruiser MK. I CS (A9 MK. I CS)
The CS (Close Support) version had a 3.7 inches (94 mm) howitzer in the gun turret assigned for infantry support role with other weaponry remain unchanged.
The production run A9 tank weight 12.5 tons, has 15/64 inch (6 mm) to 35/64 inch (14mm) armour plate and could manage 25mph (40.23 kph) on road, while off-road 15 mph (24.14 kph) only.
The A9 tank had been intended to sacrifice armour for speed that made it relatively poorly armoured. As a result, it was ineffective to perform the cruiser tank duty such as forays deep into enemy territory. A total of 125 A9s were built.
A9 Cruiser Mark I specifications
Dimensions (L/w/h) 5.8 x 2.5 x 2.65 m (19.8 x 8.4 x 8.8 feet)
Total weight, battle ready 12 tons
Crew 6 (commander, driver, 2 machine gunners, gunner, loader)
Propulsion AEC Type A179, 6-cylinder, petrol, 150 hp (110 kW)
Suspension Two triple wheeled bogies with coil springs
Top Speed 40 km/h (25 mph)
Range (road) 240 km (150 mi)
The CAD drawings show us a lot more about this newly tooled kit
Some of the feature set of this new model from Bronco
This variant of the cruiser is seen in many varied and interesting colour schemes we are sure modellers will like
This kit should be out in about a month from Bronco's Distributors Worldwide.
