Challenger
1 .Mk.3 MBT
Decal Sheet No. T35002
Review by Peter Brown
With several kits and decal sheets for Challenger 2 in Iraq available, the older
Challenger 1 has been overlooked but that has changed with the release of this
set. It has complete markings for three vehicles, and I mean COMPLETE as it covers
not only Regimental and other badges, vehicle registration numbers, tactical
markings, white and blue two-language SFOR shields, tactical signs, vehicle names
and IFOR lettering as required but also crosses for the first-aid boxes in two
styles, Union flags both as complete decals and two-part red-white and blue colour
separations despite the fact that the one-part ones are in perfect register,
and labels for the fire extinguishers and ammunition boxes.
Instructions are very clear, with multi-view coloured drawings showing where
the standard markings are applied, descriptions of tactical markings and callsigns
alongside detailed decal placement and colour schemes for the specified tanks.
The subjects depicted are:
- King's Royal Hussars callsign 21 of A Squadron, Kosovo 1999 which
was fitted with the add-on armour package as used in the 1991 Gulf conflict.
- Queen's Dragoon Guards D Squadron tank in Bosnia 1996, tank 31
was in basic form with metal bazooka plates and typical green and black
camouflage.
- Queen's Royal Hussars B Squadron 1996 Squadron Leader's tank also
in basic configuration painted in plain green.
A bonus comes in the form of extra tactical symbols and numbers, stencil-style
letters and numbers for vehicle registrations. Taken with the spare Regimental
badges these allow either different Challengers or other vehicles from the
same or different units to be marked up.
All these markings are neatly printed with glossy finish as separate items
on thin backing film. They are ideal for the Tamiya Challenger, either
kit 35154 Gulf standard for any of the options or for the non-uparmoured subjects
the original basic kit 35134, or else the Hobbycraft clone 35-9004 which included
the extra armour sprues.
Echelon state these are a limited run of 500 sets so if you want them,
better to get them sooner rather than later. The sheet will also be available
shortly in 1/72nd as sheet T72002
Available direct from Echelon Fine Details
Page created 31 July 2004
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