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SKP MODEL
Product Specifications.
SKP011, Humber Mk.I Scout Car. 1/35th-scale styrene/multimedia kit containing 130 styrene parts, 12 etched brass parts, three dry-transfer decal marking schemes and 12 pages of instructions in 16 steps.
Introduction.
During the Second World War, the British Army fielded a relatively large variety of Armoured Cars and Scout Cars, some improvised and some purpose-built. Two Scout Cars saw rather wide-spread service. One was the Daimler, the other, the subject of this kit, was manufactured by Rootes Group/Humber to the tune of 4,300 examples. These wheeled AFVs were unique in that they had no turret, but were fast, compact but very lightly armed and armored. This fitted British doctrine which sought information without having to fight for it.
Recently, SKP Model of the Czech Republic released their first injection-molded styrene kit. They chose to issue the Humber Scout Car since it was used by the Czechoslovak Independent Armoured Brigade in NW Europe and was also retained in post-war use. Unfortunately for them, shortly after this kit was issued, Bronco from Hong Kong also issued a kit of this type. So, rather than having a share in the market with a unique first offering, this kit was quickly relegated to the “also-ran” position. This is a pity, since it really is not a bad initial offering; certainly it is NO “dog”!
Wheels and Tires.
The wheels and tires are conventionally-molded in hard styrene and feature good, if restrained bolt detail. The rims closely match photos, but the tire pattern suffers from the limitations of the injection-molding process. This is especially apparent in the tread design. If the modeler can accept that limitation, he only needs to add a bit of wire for the tire inflation valves and move on.
Suspension System.
The suspension system is broken down into multiple parts and it appears that the main components are well represented. Of course I have absolutely no idea what the actual components looked like, since (at the time of writing this review) references on this vehicle are pretty much non-existent. I hope to remedy that upon receipt of the new book from SKP. Stay tuned.
At any rate, judging from my experience with other kits and actual vehicles, the parts as given are probably rather basic. For instance, there are virtually no nuts and bolts seen anywhere; these things commonly held together such things as transfer cases, axle housings, suspension components and steering linkages. In addition, the modeler is instructed to “scratch-build” the “U”-shaped bolts that held the axle units to the leaf-spring bundles; no metal rod is provided in the box, so the modeler must source the material himself. This should not be too big a problem, but it would not have killed the manufacturer to include a piece of brass rod in the box.
Hull.
The hull of this tiny 3-man scout car is made up of many faceted plates, welded together at some very odd angles. Therefore, the manufacturer had to resort to molding many separate flat panels that will need to be assembled in order to get the proper appearance. Basically, they appear to have captured this feature quite well, but since there are so many panels that need to be assembled, this kit may not be for beginners. I removed and carefully cleaned up all of the main multi-part components. I “trued” EVERY edge of every part using various sanding media and if the fit was not good, I went back and did it again. Following this path, I found the fit to be more than acceptable.
There were still some problem parts, however. These include a “short-shot” (B1, the rear plate) and part A6 (the upper bow plate). B1 needed some sheet styrene, while A6 needed much extra tweaking to get it in place as well as a tiny bit of filler.
The engine deck doors are all separate. If wishing to purchase SKPs resin engine and compartment (review upcoming here at ToT), leave these aside since the engine set includes new etched brass doors.
All other details except for weld beads (which are well-done) are then added to the main hull. These include tools, lift rings, tow points and clevises, head-lamps, horn, fire extinguishers, mirrors and stems, various body panels, hatch lids, spare tire and mount and a pair of POL “flimsies” with etched brass mounting frames. Some rib details for the fender/stowage locker assemblies are also provided as etched brass parts, while the tools and fire extinguisher also receive etched brass clamps and brackets.
Superstructure.
This consists of a main section to which the front plate is added. It has nice weld bead detail, while the front panel has one view-port flaps molded in place. To the main part are added all hatch lids and view-port flaps as well as an etched brass first-aid kit container and antenna base with mount. No antenna mast or brush guard for the base is provided. It should be noted that none of the hatch lids or view-port flaps can be modeled opened without extensive work by the modeler; they all mount directly to prepared spots on the main components. The roof plate features separate sliding hatch lids as well as a multi-part mount for the pair of included Bren guns. There is no detail inside this little guy, so if leaving the lids open, a figure will be needed to plug the void. With proper preparation, this part fit quite well to the hull.
Molding, Fit and Engineering.
This kit is not molded in the more sophisticated way that its Asian counterparts are. It reminds this reviewer of the first kits that came out of Eastern Europe in the very early 1990s. There are quite a few rough edges that will need attention, but the plastic is rather soft and very easily “worked”. There was one short-shot and the sprue attachment points will require some attention to properly remove. On the other hand, surface detail on the hatch lids and view-port flaps was quite delicate, as is the weld bead detail. But, I reiterate, when approached in the proper fashion, an experienced modeler will have no problems and the use of filler and sheet styrene can be kept to a bare minimum.
Accuracy and Details.
Visually, the details seem to all be there and some are quite delicately-rendered. I have no scale plans and only a few photos to compare the kit to. In that regard, it holds up rather well in comparison.
Instructions.
The instruction booklet is well-done, with the steps broken down into easily-digested increments. I would deviate from them only in the area of adding the small detail parts; get the main parts in place and cleaned up, then add the small items. No numbers are provided on the parts sprues, so the included “parts map”, which includes the numbers will need to be referenced quite frequently. The three markings schemes are each provided with full-color five-view placement drawings using the proper British color names and codes.
Decals and Markings Information.
New dry-transfer markings are provided for a total of three scout cars. These are crisply-printed and exhibit excellent registration, particularly on the shield design used by the Independent Armoured Brigade in NW Europe. They mark the following vehicles:
• UK 1st Armoured Car Regiment, Iran 1946.
• Czechoslovak Independent Armoured Brigade, 1945.
• Unknown unit, Czechoslovak People’s Army 1946-50.
The markings for the Independent Armoured Brigade are confirmed by the photograph seen on the last page of the instruction sheet, but I have no references for the others.
Conclusion.
Had this kit been on the market 12 months ago, I imagine it would have done quite well. But it is a victim of circumstance and will probably suffer for it. This is a shame, because with some basic skills and some TLC, it could be made into quite a respectable replica. Regardless, it is certainly worthy of consideration.
Recommended.
Frank V. “Curley Stooge” De Sisto
References consulted for this review included:
1. “The British Reconnaissance Corps in World War II”, Osprey Elite 152, by R. Doherty & R. Chapman.
2. “Armoured Cars: Guy, Diamler, Humber and A.E.C.”, AFV Weapons Profile 21, by B.T. White & M. Lee.
3. “British Tanks of WWII, (1) France & Belgium 1944”, Concord 7027, by D. Fletcher & A. Wrobel.
4. “British Tanks of WWII, (2) Holland & Germany 1944/1945”, Concord 7028, by D. Fletcher & A. Wrobel.
SKP Model kits are available direct from the manufacturer; for details visit their web site at: www.skpmodel.eu.
