Any commments on the accuracy of this kit? Is it a copy of the Tamiya offering? I only need the lower hull and running gear for a conversion:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AIRFIX-LEE-CHALLENGER-1-MK-3-BRITISH-MAIN-BATTLE-TANK-1-35-SCALE-MODEL-KIT-/261052425810?pt=UK_ToysGames_ModelKits_ModelKits_JN&hash=item3cc7efe652

Thanks, Ian.

... the moral aspect notwithstanding I mean.

I got a Trumpeter T-72 with mineroller, which is a direct copy of the Tamiya kit with copied and adapted Academy roller parts. When you compare the sprues directly the moulding of the copy appear very very crude and lacks sharpness and detail. If Lee other (sometimes adapted) copies like their T-34 are any clue, you should be in for the same kind of problems with that kit.

I'd try to locate a Tamiya original if I were you, some can be found at very low prices nowadays.

Cheers,

Christophe

Yes, the CC Lee kit is a poor copy of the Tamiya kit. I can't comment on the usefulness of the running gear and lower hull. If the price is OK, you could probably take a chance with it.

RobG

I thought the Airfix kit was the Hobbycraft kit reboxed. The Hobbycraft kit being the first generation Trumpeter offering. The Lee kit may not be the same, as all the Lee kits I have seen are crude, crappy copies of other companies kits. Either way, I would probably pass. The Lee kit will be motorized too.

I think the seller just stuck Airfix in there as it is a more well known name than Lee is.

The Lee one is definitely a Tamiya copy, right down to the instructions.

If Airfix re-released a Challenger, (which I have never seen), it is likely a copy of the Trumpeter kits via Hobbycraft. 2 completely different kits.

You are correct. The eBay link goes to a CC Lee Challenger 1 Mk 3, which is a poor copy of the Tamiya kit. He probably stuck the name Airfix in there by accident or to attract attention using brand name recognition.

Airfix did rebox a Trumpeter Challenger II, which is a different kit and different version than the CC Lee kit.



This is the CC Lee kit called "Airfix" in the eBay auction.



RobG

That the Airfix kit is a Challenger II, where as the Lee one is a Challenger I Mk. 3.....2 completely different tanks.

n/t

RobG

The Lee Challenger is horrid and a very poor copy of the Tamiya kit. I bought 5 of these when they were released in Australia and sold for $5 ea (they were just worth that). I bought them solely for the Water jerrycans which were quite useable. The rest of the kit is poorly moulded, ill fitting and the tracks were crumbly and not complete castings. I would avoid this like the plague even for the running gear. The Tamiya can be had cheaply on Ebay from time to time
Al