Introducing the Tamiya 1:35 British Universal Carrier Mk.II model kit – a precise set allowing you to recreate one of the most recognizable British armored personnel carriers from World War II. This high-quality 1/35 scale model, created by the renowned manufacturer Tamiya, is an ideal choice for modelers interested in military vehicles and the history of the British army.
Characteristics and Deployment of the Universal Carrier
The Universal Carrier, often referred to as the "Bren Gun Carrier" due to its typical armament, was a versatile tracked vehicle utilized by the British Army and Allied forces from 1940 onwards. In 1942, the decision was made to incorporate it into motorized infantry units, where it was intended to serve as a mobile fire platform and provide protection and support for soldiers.
Key applications for the Universal Carrier included supporting armored unit advances, engaging enemy anti-tank weapons, and clearing areas occupied by tanks. Although motorized infantry units often had larger transports, such as the M5 and M9 Halftrack half-tracks, Universal Carriers stood out due to their compact size, speed, maneuverability, and excellent off-road capabilities. These characteristics often led them to serve as the vanguard of formations and as reconnaissance vehicles, including in the Mk.II Forced Reconnaissance variant.
Contents of the Tamiya 1:35 British Universal Carrier Mk.II Model Kit Set
The Tamiya 1:35 British Universal Carrier Mk.II model kit set allows you to build an accurate replica of the British tracked armored personnel carrier, complete with crew. Inside the box, you'll find everything necessary for assembly:
5 sprues with precisely molded plastic parts, featuring high-quality details.
A complete set of rubber tracks, ensuring a realistic appearance for the running gear.
A decal sheet allowing you to replicate vehicles from various divisions:
3rd Infantry Division (Europe)
7th Armoured Division (Europe)
Guards Armoured Division (Europe)
6th Armoured Division (North Africa)
Three crew miniatures, which will add dynamism and historical context to your model.
String, useful for recreating equipment details.
A detailed assembly guide, leading you step-by-step through the model building process.
Assembly and Painting Process
Model assembly involves cutting the parts from the sprues, precisely fitting them, and gluing them according to the included instruction manual. Once assembled, the model should be painted with model paints. The instruction manual includes suggested painting schemes and also indicates which parts require painting before assembly. The final step is applying the decals, which allows you to give the model authentic historical markings.
Please note that the kit does not include paints or glue.
Recommended Accessories and Materials
To complete the Tamiya 1:35 British Universal Carrier Mk.II model, we recommend the following tools and materials:
Nippers for cutting plastic parts.
Hobby knife for precise removal of excess plastic/flash.
File or sandpaper for smoothing surfaces.
Specialized plastic cement for models.
Paintbrush or airbrush for painting.
Model paints, according to the recommendations below.
Suggested Tamiya Paint Colors for the Model and Crew
For best results, Tamiya recommends the following paints:
If you have any questions regarding the selection of accessories or paint colors for this model, please contact us – we will be happy to provide professional support.