Accessory, Griffon Model L35A039, The Ready Round Rack for WWII American M3 75mm GMC

GRIFFON MODEL

L35A039, The Ready Round Rack for WWII American M3 75mm GMC. Update for the 1/35th-scale DML kit. Contains one etched brass fret, 19 turned brass parts, 19 sections of brass tube and one page of instructions.

The release by DML of a kit of the oft-requested US M3 75mm GMC was a most welcome addition to the stable of new-tool US WW2 half-track kits. The kit is essentially quite well-done and certainly will enable the modeler to create a fine replica with whats in the box. But, like so many kits, a little more detail could not hurt. One of the first after-market companies to appreciate this has been the Chinese firm, Griffon Model.

Griffon has actually released several sets for the DML kit as well as an all-in-one super set containing all of them. This review will concern itself with the set that will enable the modeler to detail the ready rack for the 75mm gun, complete with separate turned brass rounds.

It is a relatively simple upgrade that requires the modeler to create the ammo racks from etched brass and pre-cut brass tubing, and place it within the DML kits boxed-off area beneath the gun mount. These are a simple swap for kit parts R1, R16 and R17. Small holding clips are then added and the modeler is done. A total of 19 turned brass 75mm rounds can then be inserted or left out as the modeler sees fit. Each round gets an etched brass base with etched data to complete the picture. This configuration allows the modeler the option of varying the number of rounds in the racks. However, it is unfortunate that a couple of spent cases were not included for maximum flexibility. The final etched brass item is what I believe to be a part to represent a typical snap-on canvas cover for the open ammo rack. It should be suitably wrinkled by the modeler and then placed so as to appear drawn out of the way of (or covering) the ammo racks open end.

The installation of this accessory should be well within the skill level of nearly any modeler who has had a minimum of experience with these types of after-market accessories. It is simple, well-engineered and will make quite a difference on the finished model, especially when compared to the simplified way in which the base kit depicts this feature.

Highly recommended.

Frank V. De Sisto

Griffon Model products are available in North America from DragonUSA, at: www.dragonusaonline.com.

Visit frankdesisto.com

Delete abwehr 2x from email address.