1:35 British 155mm AS-90 howitzer

British 155mm AS-90 self-propelled howitzer (1:35, Trumpeter)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the AS-90 tracked self-propelled howitzer in 1:35 scale from Trumpeter. The model captures the massive fully rotating turret with its long 155 mm barrel and a hull with running gear rendered in detail. The box contains gray plastic on several sprues, a decal sheet and soft vinyl tracks; the exact numbers of parts and schemes differ between editions.

The real subject

The AS-90 is a British 155 mm self-propelled howitzer which the British Army brought into service in the first half of the 1990s as a replacement for older self-propelled guns. The fully rotating armored turret carries the 155 mm barrel together with a fire control system that allows quick and accurate artillery support. The vehicle is powered by a diesel engine and, thanks to its tracked chassis, it handles heavy going. The AS-90 still forms the backbone of British tube artillery firepower.

Building and painting tips

First assemble and glue the running gear, the wheels and the tracks, because once the hull is closed they are hard to reach. The plastic on this kit tends to be more brittle, so separate the parts from the sprues carefully with a sharp knife and never snap them off. Spray the model with a primer and only then with your chosen finish; British vehicles usually carry a uniform green or a multi-color NATO camouflage. Bring out the panel lines and the rivets with a dark wash and dust the lower areas and the running gear with pigments for mud and dust effects.

Who the model is for

• For modelers interested in modern Western armor and artillery
• For collectors of British vehicles in 1:35 scale
• For builders with basic experience of plastic armor kits
• As a rewarding basis for a diorama on an artillery theme

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.