Tamiya 1/35 British Challenger British Challenger 2 (Desertised) is a decent sized kit but all that extra plastic comes at a cost.
Reviews on the internet suggest that the same model offered by Trumpeter and purchasing a dedicated detail set is the best way to go.
However, like most models, there is just something about the box art that lures you in and makes you want to build a Tamiya 1/35 British Challenger 2 (Desertised).
Everything about this model screams build me so there was great hope when cracking open this kit about what could be achieved.
The only restriction on this build was the time scale in which it needed to be completed. But that was not really a problem as these tanks by Tamiya pretty much build themselves.
This kit comes with a price tag of around £39.99 on Amazon but as stated, you do get a lot of plastic for your money and it is simple to build.
Tamiya 1/35 British Challenger 2 (Desertised)The Build
This kit is your typical Tamiya kit. There are however many more smaller parts in this kit than the other tanks prevoiusly built from their range.
This project was tackled very differently from previous builds. All the parts were removed and carefully cleaned up and sorted. Only once this once done was the assembly process undertaken.
Overall the model went together really well. There were some issues with fitting the front armour and the headlamps. The other pain was the making of the two cables. These came as string though there did appear to be some plastic ones in the kit.
Another area worth thinking about is the fuel drums on the rear of the tank. Extra care is needed with them as seem lines are very visible.
Apart from that, the model went together with no real issues.
British Challenger 2 (Desertised) Painting
Painting the tank was quite a challenge. After mixing various shades of dark yellow with buff and then adding white the colour was achieved that gave the desired look.
On the box the tank is shown as quite a bright yellow, to help make the paintwork reflect that the model was clear coated in Tamiya clear yellow.
Weathering the Tank was certainly lots of fun. Basically, every type of wash shade was grabbed off the shelf and applied here and there. Chipping was applied using some dark grey paint and dabbed on with a bit of sponge.
This part of the project is of course the fun bit. How far you go is really down to personal preference.
Tamiya 1/35 British Challenger 2 (Desertised) Conclusion
This is everything you would expect from a Tamiya model. The fit is near perfect and actually building the tank is really not very difficult. Once complete the model does make a nice display piece of a tank.
Sadly this kit did not quite capture the imagination. As a result, this is not a model that makes a possible revisit and second build. If another Challenger Tank was to land on the bench for a second time, it would be the trumpeter offering.
Tamiya 1/35 British Challenger 2 (Desertised) Photos
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