British Universal Carrier

The ominous title, forced reconnaissance, sets the mood for this inexpensive kit. Decently crafted soldiers, especially the machine gunner, look pensive and on guard. All are hunkered down, somewhat exposed in the mildly armored carrier. It's easy to imagine them not so alone, but instead supported by infantry and tank. This is where the kit would shine, as a key ingredient to interesting dioramas. How's the build? The model goes together well, with a few tight-fitting connections here and there. Small ammo boxes, Jerry cans and assorted containers fill the carrier with detail. You have a choice of desert decals and soldiers, or three European versions. So there is flexibility here. What's the bottom line? Tamiya does well replicating this overlooked workhorse of the British military. The kit is affordable. Yes, it is an older Tamiya, but a good one. In the making of dioramas with other kits, or as a fun stand alone project that is a nice change from tanks and jeeps, this model fills the bill. All told, an unexciting, but high value item. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.