Introduction

It is not that long ago when World War 2 British Airborne figures, hardware and equipment was the premise of the resin manufacturers and a smattering of injection moulded plastic offerings. Move forward to today and Bronco Models has made huge inroads in satisfying the modellers who are interested in this area of World War 2, and making it affordable to a wider number of people. So far we have seen Jeeps, artillery guns, and the promise of a Horsa glider all in 1/35th scale. On top of this Bronco Models has supplied us with more British Airborne figures than I believe have been released in the previous 40 years. To further satisfy this area of the model market Bronco Models has now released a weapons and equipment set.

Contents

This product is packaged in a large cardboard tray and a card lid

• 24 grey sprues
• 1 photo etched fret
• A decal sheet
• An instruction booklet

Review

First Impressions
Bronco Models have always produced fine model kits and this one is no exception, the mouldings are clean and well laid out. There are no moulding faults that I can see with this product. I will mention that this review model is one of the early releases of the kit that has a moulded part that needs replacing, the fault was publicised by Bronco Models themselves and an E-mail to Bronco Models with your address is all that is needed to obtain the corrected part. After the fault was discovered it was corrected and so will Not affect all packaging’s.

Welbike
The Welbike that is provided with this product is very nicely detailed. It is supplied with three finishing options; the finishing options that can be assembled are, in use, folded prior to use and folded in its drop container. Details are very good with photo etched parts being provided for the wheels spokes and the chain drive, plus a few much smaller parts. The Welbike drop container has very nice detail inside and out, giving this aspect of the product a good number of display possibilities, perhaps even a bike in the process of being assembled. The instructions also provided a diagram for the brake and throttle cables; I suggest some very fine wire rather than the stretched sprue suggested in the instruction booklet. The only down side I can see is that there is no former or jig for shaping the photo etched spokes.

Collapsible Trolley
I cannot say that I have ever seen one of these anywhere before, but it is a good idea for troops dropped in the middle of nowhere to get about while carrying heavy loads or injured comrades. The canvas portion of the trolley has very nice detail imbedded in the surface and with careful painting should look convincing. The locking handles used to assemble the real item I presume, have some great detail present.

BSA Bicycle
Below is a link to a review of the bicycle used in this offering and which is an excellent inclusion in this product.
WWII British Military Bicycle Live links

No 18 Wireless
This is another great inclusion in this offering and will make for a great diorama accessory. The radio itself looks to match reference pictures and the canvas cover has nice crease detail. The head set and microphone have good detail with the photo etched parts in the mix. Bronco Models has again suggested stretched sprue for the cabling on the headset and microphone; however I would use wire instead.

Pigeon Container
The pigeon container and pigeon is a fantastic and unexpected inclusion in the product. There have been some that have questioned the accuracy of this part of the set, but a wooden box with photo etched bars and carrying handles looks good and acceptable to me. I also feel that this opens up all sorts of storylines in a diorama.

Weapons
The PIAT included with this set is supplied with a photo etched loading chamber and separate projectile, which is a nice touch. Also included are three PIAT ammunition containers, so all the bases seem to be covered.

• 3 Bren guns
• 3 Sten MkIV's
• 3 SMLE rifles
• 3 Webley revolvers
• 3 holstered Webley revolvers

Equipment

• 5 Wicker Panniers
• 9 backpacks
• 4 Type E Airborne Containers
• 4 Camouflaged Helmets

Conclusion

I cannot find fault with the inclusions in this product from Bronco Models, and I cannot really think of anything that has been missed other than some collapsed parachutes perhaps. The Bren guns included in the set have been slide moulded and so are a good inclusion, the other weapons however do not have this luxury. I know this set is listed as ‘World War 2 British Airborne Weapon and equipment Set’, however if you build dioramas, vignettes or just like to have eye catching additions for vehicles or figures, this set is one you will want to have available.