With AFV Club's Churchill III gradually filtering into the stores, AFV's sister company, Hobby Fan have announced two releated sets.

The first of the sets is extremely welcome:

HF586 - British Churchill Tank Crew (II) Western Front; contains 3 figures

This set will, naturally enough, be suitable for ANY Late-War Commonwealth Tank (or AFV). The figures are cast in resin and 1/35th scale.

The second release:

HF064 - British Churchill Tank Accessories

This set is specifically designed for the NEW AFV Club Churchill III. I must admit to initially having been a little confused by the large canvas sheet mounted between the front fenders. Over to Terry Ashley of PMMS for the explanation:

...photo evidence shows this had the appliqué armour fitted as well as the canvas “dodger” slung between the front fenders to keep dust away from the driver’s position...

As the subject of one of the vehicles in the new model is for a 'Kingforce' vehicle (with the 'dodger' fitted' this seems to explain this unusual fitting. Apart from the screen, the set also includes stowage for the vehicle.

Both sets are available NOW from:

Lucky Model (LINK) and, as a bonus, both are Post-Free!