introduction

Following on from their release of kit No 35.1234, a C.D.L. turret for the Matilda Tank, Resicast have also released a Crane unit for the Mitilda Tank for use by CDL Units.
The kit was mastered by Sean Dunnage.
This set offers yet more choice of finish for those interested in modelling ‘The Queen of the Desert’.

The Set

The set comes packed in a medium size strong cardboard box with the manufactures and product details on the top. A colour picture of the finished build is included for reference. The kit parts are packed in zip plastic bags further wrapped in bubble wrap for safe transportation.

The kit parts are cast in a light grey resin and consist of cross beam, beam, cross beam supports, 2ton block, pulley wheel for same, 5ton block and block drive, crank wheel and crank wheel guard, pulley wheel 5ton, lifting frame and lifting hooks, chain hooks and cable ends, large and small shackles, large and small pins and an extra large pin. Also in the set are a length of very fine chain, large chain and heavy chain. The parts look expertly cast and should require minimal clean up.

The instructions consist of an 8 page A5 booklet listing the kit parts, and build instructions. The instructions are laid out in a logical manner with the part numbers in the pictures corresponding with the kit parts.

The crane is a simple A frame that attaches to the front of the tank. Cable lengths are specified in the build instructions. Modellers should note the information contained on page 7 about using the crane with an unsupported CDL turret.!

The parts are expertly cast and of good quality and detail. Normal precautions apply when working with resin.

Conclusion

This set offers the modeller the opportunity of choosing yet another finish for the Tamiya Matilda Tank. Used as a stand alone model or in conjunction with Kit No 35.1234 (CDL turret for the Matilda) you should have an interesting model or a good combination for a diorama.

The Crane was used for removing the 2pdr turrets and replacing them with CDL types. It should be noted that if you choose the combination make sure the CDL turret has some support below as the weight of it would not be long supported by the crane resin beams.

This is a nice simple conversion that should be enjoyed by many.