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First Look Review
Video Review included
135
A39 Tortoise
British Heavy Assault Tank A39 Tortoise
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by: Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]

We recently received the new Meng Model A39 Tortoise in 1/35 scale (plastic). There has been a version of this tank available via resin for a few years now, but this is the first release in plastic. The Tortoise was a late-WW2 design that never saw combat. However 6 units were made and one of them resides at the Bovington Tank Museum in England. We have photos of this tank, recently supplied by Tom Cromwell for our Walkarounds section.

Upon opening the box, the first thing I noted was what a beast this tank must have been size-wise. The lower and upper hull is very large when put together. Overall the kit looks very good. There were a few small notable things. First there are no decals provided with the kit as there are no historical markings or designations for them. There was a small broken wiring line (for the front lights). And there was a small ding in upper decking of the lower hull. This may have been our fault when unpacking or a production issue. I did note that when dry fitting the upper and lower hull together the back section attempted to snap firm but then unset. There appeared to be a small amount of warping going on which looked to be the culprit. Some glue and clamps will likely solve this though.

All parts and sprues were sealed in cellophane plastic bags. No parts appeared to be missing from the sprues.

You can peruse our photos for a better idea of what's included in the kit. We also have a video of the unboxing and my initial comments there as well.

Darren Baker will be following up with a full build at a later date. Stay tuned!
SUMMARY
Highs: A unique and interesting subject available for those on a budget.
Lows: Some minor part issues. Nothing to be overly concerned with.
Verdict: Overall we think this new kit will be well-received by WW2 armor aficionados.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: TS-002
  PUBLISHED: Sep 12, 2012
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.91%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 89.83%

Our Thanks to Meng Model!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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Photos
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About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Hi guys I have now finished building the Meng Tortoise and the 4-part blog can be found here: Part 1 - LINK Part 2 - LINK Part 3 - LINK Part 4 - LINK I hope you all enjoy it. Cheers Mike Shackleton
SEP 14, 2012 - 12:23 AM
Could this be considered a "Paper Turtle"
SEP 14, 2012 - 03:51 AM
Dave it was built and trialed so as such I would say it is not a paper tank, more of we tried it and decided not to further it.
SEP 14, 2012 - 04:06 AM
As foghorn leghorn would say "that was a joke son". Not a good joke, but a joke. "Paper Tiger" - "Paper Turtle"
SEP 14, 2012 - 01:35 PM
Any chance there are aftermaket tracks for this kit? I fell in love with that kit, but those links.... PsheEEew i like sanding but it make me wonder if there is alternatives! Phil.
SEP 17, 2012 - 12:22 PM
The kit is very nice, almost Tamiya-level moulding. I would just add words of warnings. This tank has the most complicated suspension I have ever seen and it is more tedious to clean and assemble than those infamous Bronco modern indy tracks.
SEP 20, 2012 - 08:53 AM
04090 Well that was some build and as you say you have to take your time i have just finished the A39 but i have not painted it yet, cyril
DEC 28, 2012 - 04:38 AM
Just got one of these beasts today. Looking forward to building it. The suspension does look complex but the rest seems fairly straight forward. I'm giving some thought to finishing it in post-war green and black cammo and in the markings of 79th Armoured Division. Now if only they'd do the Conqueror tank next.
AUG 06, 2013 - 12:42 AM
   
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