The Modelling News: Preview: The Type 59 & big gun LAV from Hobbyboss in July

The Type 59 & a big gun LAV are the subjects of Hobbyboss' June items. We look at the colours, decals, sprues & build up kits in our preview...

Preview: The Type 59 & big gun LAV from Hobbyboss in July

LAV300 90mm Cockerill Gun

by Hobby Boss

Model: 84573

1/35th scale

The LAV-300 was an attempt by Cadillac Gage Textron to improve upon the aging LAV-150 and to provide something heavier that could carry more men or firepower. Around a dozen variants were offered. This is an FSV variant armed with a 90mm Cockerill Mk.III L/36 gun, the same weapon as the LAV-150 90 uses. The gun was installed in a two-man turret. For its caliber it packed quite a punch and was able to deal with older Soviet tank models thanks to its wide range of available shells (including APFSDS, HE and HEP) – something potential customers would probably be most interested in.

The colour scheme presented in this kit

The decals in the box

Made of light Cadaloy steel, this vehicle provided a lot of punch in a very light, air-transportable and amphibious package. Despite its qualities, it never gathered as much attention as its predecessor and only roughly 200 vehicles were sold between 1982 and 1994 to several customers. The LAV-300 stopped being offered in 2000. A few units probably still remain in service.

Model Length: 200mm Width: 75mm

Total of 5 sprues ,upper hull , lower hull and tires

The kit consists of over 290 parts

Multi-slide moulded upper hull and lower hull

Rubber tires

- Photo-Etched parts included

The kit built up by Hobbyboss' model makers

PLA 59 Medium Tank

by Hobby Boss

Model: 84548

1/35th scale

The Type 59 is the 1st generation Chinese tank. The first prototypes of the vehicle were built in the 1950s, and serial production started in 1958 and lasted until 1985, with the production of approx. 9500 vehicles of this type. The Type 59 is powered by an engine 12150L V-12 520 hp. The basic version of the vehicle is armed with a single 100 mm tank gun and 2 machine guns: 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm.

The colour schemes presented in this kit

The decals in the box

The Type 59 is a license copy of the Soviet T-54 tank. Initially, immediately after obtaining the license, the Chinese Type 59 vehicles were supposedly deceptive to their Soviet counterparts, but with time they began to be modernized. The first modernization was the Type 59-I version, which received night vision systems, laser rangefinders and much better observation devices. Another modernization is the Type 59-II, which had a 105 mm caliber cannon, with a nice stabilization system and an autoloader. The power unit was also changed, with an engine power of 590 hp. Due to the very simple operation, low cost of purchase and operation, as well as decent firepower, the Type 59 tanks were exported to many countries, including Cambodia, Congo and Tanzania. They also took part in the 1979 Sino-Vietnam War. Tanks of this type are believed to have been withdrawn from the Chinese army line, but are still held in reserve.

Model Length: 257.3mm /Width: 93.4mm

Total of 16 sprues , lower hull , upper hull and turret