Post by mshackleton on Aug 8, 2012 12:43:24 GMT -5
Catalogue No.: CB35068
Scale: 1.35
Reviewed by: Michael Shackleton
Chaffee in British Use
Because the Chaffee went into production late in the war and the US Army was the most important customer, it was not extensively exported under Lend-Lease. Britain was the only significant recipient. Of the 842 ordered, the British only received 302. According to the WD numbers log, two block of numbers were allocated to M24 Chaffees: T330410-T330809 and T352200-352399. They were only deployed in small numbers, replacing Stuarts in the last few weeks of the war. Although they saw very little use before the end of hostilities, it is known that at least two British Chaffees were lost in combat. The most well-known photos of British Chaffees are probably those taking part in the victory parade in Berlin. What happened to them after the war I cannot tell you, but if you have any information I would be interested to know. Once source I found claims they were transferred to Holland. Again, it would be good to know more if anyone has some reliable information.
Revised Turret
Following their release of the American version of the M24 (early production), Bronco have now released a British version. Rather than burden you with another in-depth contents review, I will refer you to my earlier review of the American version here: modelerssocialclub.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=miniart&action=display&thread=1155 and try to describe the differences between the two kits.
The biggest problem with the original American release was that Bronco made an error with the turret – see the review above. This has now been addressed and Bronco should be commended for listening to various modellers who brought up this problem on various websites. The sprue containing the revised turret is identical apart from the obvious retooling of the fold line across the turret roof panel. I still think that the turret sides, particularly around the rear roof panel, are too high. On the real thing they are SLIGHTLY higher around the edge, but only to the depth of the weld bead. The kit has a definite taller edge all around the turret. This can be improved with some gentle scraping with a sharp knife and/or file.
The revised turret is behind the original turret
If you bought the initial American version and wish to replace the turret with the more accurate version, the turret is available separately for the price of shipping (catalogue number CB35069SP) - see here: www.track-link.net/forum/news_industry/23365. The American kit has now been available with the updated turret for the last few months, but check inside the box before buying in case your local friendly hobby shop still has some old stock.
A resin replacement turret will also be available from Tiger Models very soon.
British Version
How does the British version differ from the American version? On opening the box and inspecting the sprues, the two kits seem to be the same. However, the British kit offers just one crew figure as opposed to the five American figures of the previous kit, the decals are different (not surprisingly) and the etch fret has been reworked slightly to include the commander’s external gun sight frame. Other than these, the sprues are, indeed, identical.
As to specific changes between the American and British versions, they can be listed as follows:
1 The British ones had stowage bins fitted on the track guards either side of the turret.
2 British style fire extinguishers would (almost certainly) have been fitted but these are missing in the kit. Trying to locate where they would have been mounted is difficult, simply because photo evidence is thin on the ground.
3 In most - if not all photos - British Chaffees don’t seem to have been fitted with side skirts.
4 Some Chaffees - not all - had gun-sight frames on the turret roof in front of the commander’s cupola.
5 A No.19 radio in the turret bustle.
6 A No.19 aerial mount on the front turret roof.
7 A second aerial mount on the left-rear turret side. The American bracket is retained slightly lower down, though not used.
8 Apart from marking options 3 and 4 (see Decal Options and weblink below), it is unlikely that any British Chaffee carried a .50 Calibre on the roof. Photos of the Option 3 tank prove that it did, but it seems to have been an early delivery or a test tank, so it may be the exception rather than the rule. Apart from these two options, the moulded on roof brackets should be removed.
9 First aid box relocated to the left rear mudguard.
10 All have float mounts on the hull rear.
11 Some - but not all - carried one half of a spare road wheel on the glacis access panel.
All of the above are covered in the kit, other than the lack of the external fire extinguishers.
Compared to the instructions for the American version, the British instructions have been re-jigged slightly to accommodate the British changes. One addition in the final step are CAD drawings showing how the tow rope was fixed to the tank at either end. This wasn’t clear in the original American M24 instructions and something I brought up in my review. I wonder if Bronco read it and took note? It is nice to think they take notice of us modellers.
Decal Options
Before you make your model, it is best to look at which of the decal options you want to build. Most of them have tiny detail differences that are helpfully included in the colour profiles. They are also mentioned as options as you go through the instructions. I’ll mention the differences below.
Option 1: T330414 Kelly’s Aye. HQ Troop, 5th Royal Tank Regiment, 22nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, Germany 1945. See www.ww2talk.com/forum/weapons-technology-equipment/6278-british-m24-chaffee-4.html for photos of the actual tank. You need to register to view photos on the WW2Talk website forum.
Roadwheel on glacis.
Aiming cage on turret.
No US aiming device on roof.
No .50 calibre on the roof.
Toolboxes on each trackguard.
Twin aerial mounts on turret left-rear.
No.19 aerial on turret roof.
No.19 radio in turret bustle.
Option 2: T.330512 Chieftain. C Squadron, Reconnaissance Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, 1946. This is featured in the Osprey New Vanguard book. See www.network54.com/Forum/47208/thread/1301778744/British+Chafee,+1946 for a photo of the actual tank.
No roadwheel on glacis.
No aiming cage on turret.
US aiming device on roof (part F20).
No .50 calibre on the roof.
Toolboxes on each trackguard.
Twin aerial mounts on turret left-rear.
No.19 aerial on turret roof.
No.19 radio in turret bustle.
No turret bustle stowage box.
Option 3: T-330411. Newly Delivered Tank for experimental purposes, England, Winter 1944. See www.ww2talk.com/forum/weapons-technology-equipment/6278-british-m24-chaffee-3.html for photos of the actual tank.
No roadwheel on glacis.
Aiming cage on turret - this is incorrect on the middle profile drawing.
No US aiming device on roof – not correct in the instructions.
.50 calibre on the roof.
No toolboxes on the trackguards - this is incorrect on the profile drawings and instructions.
Twin aerial mounts on turret left-rear though the upper mount is a simple L-shape (part E48 in the kit)
No.19 aerial on turret roof.
No.19 radio in turret bustle.
Option 4: T441275 Annie. 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, 22nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, 1944-45. See preservedtanks.com/Profile.aspx?UniqueID=1196 for photo of the actual tank. This is in a collection at Muckleburgh in the UK and the profile reflects this preserved tank. I’d take this with a pinch of salt as it is most likely an American Chaffee (I get the feeling it is ex-French Army or Dutch) painted in British colours. The museum example has float mounts on the lower hull front and rubber block tracks. However, the markings may well be based on a WW2 British Chaffee, but I’d say the profile - as it is drawn - is incorrect for a genuine wartime example.
No roadwheel on glacis.
No aiming cage on turret.
No US aiming device on roof.
.50 calibre on the roof.
No toolboxes.
Single aerial mount on turret left-rear.
No No.19 aerial on turret roof.
Option 5: T330553 Trigger Happy. 1st Royal Tank Regiment, 22nd Armoured Brigade, 7th Armoured Division, 1945. See www.ww2talk.com/forum/weapons-technology-equipment/6278-british-m24-chaffee-4.html for photos of the actual tank.
Roadwheel on glacis.
Aiming cage on turret.
No US aiming device on roof.
No .50 calibre on the roof.
Toolboxes on each trackguard.
Twin aerial mounts on turret left-rear.
No.19 aerial on turret roof.
No.19 radio in turret bustle.
Additional ammo box on right turret side (part Da11).
Options 4 and 5 are shown in a grey shade of green though I don’t know why as all five options are described as Overall Olive Drab.
I’ll refer you to the review on Armorama which queries the validity of Options 1 and 4: armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Reviews&file=index&req=showcontent&id=7930.
The crew figure
The British/Commonwealth tankies of WW2 wore the same basic temperate uniform as other troops. The principal uniform was the Battledress (BD) Serge or 1940 Pattern BD with the box pleated pockets and concealed buttons. These were superseded by the 'Austerity Pattern' from June 1942 although they were never fully replaced. In inclement weather, the tankie could rely on the normal issue greatcoat or oil-skins. These were totally impractical for use in armoured vehicles, of course. A more practical piece of kit was the issue Leather Jerkin, an item which had its origins in WW1. This was a much more practical garment to work or drive in. Later in the war the 'Pixie Suit' was introduced.
The figure supplied with Bronco's Chaffee is dressed in early BD Serge or 1940 pattern and beret, with ammo boots and gaiters. He also wears the cold weather 'Jerkin, Leather'. Leaning against a vehicle having a brew, this figure is very versatile and with a change of head can be changed to represent any soldier from any arm of the service - infantry, logistics, medics etc. The possibilities are almost endless.
Overall, the figure has excellent detail, is well-moulded and free from flash although there are some very fine seam lines. The uniform is accurate and hangs naturally, with good creases, folds, buckles and straps, etc. The face is excellent for styrene, well-defined and has good character. The fingers aren't as good though, being about average, I would say, but still acceptable.
Because of the aforementioned seam lines, a little clean up is required, just like most if not all styrene figures. Fit is very good. The jerkin has separate flaps at the front which are commendably thin but some may want to thin them out a little more. The fit of these is fairly good but filler may be required, although I found the arm helped hide the fit on one side. This is an easy fix though and not something that would concern me. The figures work out at around 50-51 mm which is about 5 foot 8 inches or so - within acceptable norms IMO.
Conclusions
A very fine model indeed is all I can say. Now the turret has been corrected, I cannot fault this kit. I have to admit it has always been one of my favourite machines so I am very happy indeed to see a modern plastic kit of this tank.
The Bronco M24 is not a shake-the-box kit. It is a model for the more experienced builder. However, it is not so complex that it will put off any competent builder. Take your time, and you will be well rewarded with the result. It is extremely well detailed including very fine casting marks on many parts. It offers some of the best moulding I’ve ever seen with things like track guard mounts and the track guards themselves which are very thin and close to scale thickness. All of the rear deck panels and the glacis transmission plate are separate parts making things easy for after market people to come up with different interior sets. The kit has open hatches, all of which have interior details. The sprockets and idlers have lightening holds moulded in. There are many other nice touches, as already detailed above. However, there are some toy-like options such as a recoiling gun and workable torsion bars.
Regarding the figure, this is a great character to place alongside your Chaffee, other tank or fighting vehicle or can be used as a stand-alone figure which, with a change of head, could represent any arm of the British/Commonwealth armies throughout WW2. It is accurate and well detailed, not flawless, but I would certainly class it as extremely good.
Overall, very, very highly recommended. As good as it gets!!
Vehicle References
See previous review and those already mentioned above.
Figure References
British Army Uniforms and Insignia of World War Two; B Davis, Arms &
Armour Press 1993.
The British Army, 1939-45: North-West Europe; M Brayley & M
Chappell, Osprey Publishing 2001.
World Army Uniforms Since 1939; Mollo, McGregor, Smith and Chappell,
Blandford Press 1981.
World War II Tommy, British Army Uniforms European Theatre 1939-45
in Colour Photographs; M Brayley and R Ingram, Crowood Press 2007.
This model was kindly supplied for this review by Bronco Models.
