M26 Engine & Detail Set
1/35 Set No. 1881
Review by Terry Ashley
Consisting of 66 cleanly cast resin pieces in the usual grey/green resin, approx 180 etched metal pieces, two lengths of plastic rod and the instruction sheet the set is quite comprehensive.
The quality of the resin is again excellent without any blemishes with only the usual casting blocks to be removed. While the overall resin quality is good a few of the parts have ‘soft’ details compared to some contemporary resin makers.
I have been critical of Verlinden’s etched part quality in the past but I am pleased to say the etched pieces I this set are a big improvement with all the parts cleanly etched with good definition.
The main parts of the set are the engine and transmission for the M26, thanks to Tamiya moulding the engine bay doors separate no surgery is required to fit the engine, but you may chose to remove the centre engine deck section (between kit parts G1) to fully show the engine.
The engine bay consists of a plain floor and forward bulkhead with the engine,
transmission and fan assemblies moulded separate but only ¾ depth due
to the floor being raised to go over the working suspension bits in the Tamiya
hull. The central fan/radiator casting has details on both sides but is solid
in the middle with separate engine and transmission added to both sides instead
of the full length engine/transmission fitting between the fan/radiators, but
this probably nit picking and not that noticeable on the finished bay.
Other fittings such as air cleaners, engine fittings, final drives and exhausts
add to the basic engine assembly. The side fuel tanks finish off the engine
bay but there is a lot of plumbing you can add yourself not included in the
kit to really bring the bay to life.
For the hull there is the six large fender storage boxes provided in etched metal with separate lids, hinges and fasteners to allow you to show these open. The large storage rack on the right turret side is also in etched metal as are many other smaller items such as head light guards, hatch latches and many more. You are also given one of Verlinden’s excellent .50cal MGs for the turret roof.
Unfortunately the weakest point of this and other Verlinden update sets
is the instructions, in this update set you get a single ‘letter' size
page with text instructions on one side and diagrams on the other.
There is only one exploded view drawing of the engine bay construction and it
is vague to say the least with many of the etched parts only getting a mention
in the text instructions, the box top illustration does help here but you will
need your own references to take full advantage of this update set.
The 150mm length of 3mm wide tubing provided is a mystery as it doesn’t
get a mention in the text or drawing instructions.
Overall a good update set for the Tamiya M26 with plenty of details to add as well as the engine bay. It may be possible to add the engine to the Dragon M26 but major surgery would be required on the rear hull to open up the hull doors but it could be done.
Recommended.
Page created 23 February 2003