Military Model Scene

Among the most recent batch of releases from Tiger Models is this one, the French Army AMX-10RC.  In service since the early 1980's, there are around 300 in service with the French Army and it is still operational and is used for the reconnaissance role.  Built by GIAT it mounts a 105mm main gun and has a crew of 4.  The gun is provided with 4 types of ammunition, APFSDS (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot), HE (High Explosive), HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) and Smoke.  It is equipped with NBC (Nuclear Chemical Biological) protection and has received a number system upgrades over its' service lifetime.  It has all 6 wheels driven and uses a 'skid' steering system. They were used in the Gulf War, and this is reflected in the chosen colour scheme for the model and illustrated on the box art.

Moulded in a sand coloured plastic, plus a sprue of clear parts for light lenses and vision devices, two etch brass detailing frets and tyres in a soft black vinyl, which fit well to the wheel hubs.   There are some parts which need mould seams to be cleaned up during the build, the stowage basket on the back of the turret comes to mind as an example but nothing that isn't easy enough to deal with using a sharp craft knife or file.  The fit of parts I have found to be excellent and didn't experience any problems in the build overall.  I have yet to paint mine but will update this piece as I get it done, and in this process will fit the lights, fine etch guard frame onto the roof mounted sight, along with the etch mesh parts for the 4 engine deck grills plus the dust shields over the wheels.  So more yet to be added to this one....

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The other good news is that there is now a UK importer for the Tiger Models range, and appropriately enough this is Tiger Hobbies UK Ltd, though not connected with Tiger Models in the Far east other than having a similar name.

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Robin