1:72 Crusader Mk. I

Crusader Mk. I 1:72 (IBG Models)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the British Crusader cruiser tank in its first production form, the Mk. I. The model in 1:72 scale comes from the Polish manufacturer IBG Models; it is a modern tooling with finely engraved detail. In the package you will find plastic sprues, a small photo-etched sheet for the finest features and a decal sheet for period markings. The kit is supplied unassembled and unpainted.

The real subject

The Crusader (factory designation A15, in army service Cruiser Tank Mk. VI) was a British fast cruiser tank of the Second World War. It was marked by its long low hull, Christie suspension with large road wheels and power from a Nuffield Liberty aircraft engine. The Mk. I carried a 2-pounder anti-tank gun and on some vehicles also a small auxiliary machine gun turret at the front. Crusaders became known above all in the tank fighting in North Africa, where their speed was valued but mechanical unreliability and thinner armor were a problem.

Building and painting tips

A small scale puts the emphasis on care. Assemble and complete the running gear and the wheels before you close the hull up, so that you can reach all the surfaces easily. Glue the plastic with liquid modeling cement and the fine photo-etched parts rather with cyanoacrylate glue. Apply the base coat over a primer; for a desert scheme sand and khaki shades suit. Create the weathering with a dark wash into the recesses and dust pigments on the running gear and the lower parts of the hull.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of British armor of the North African campaign
• Modelers who like the small 1:72 scale and a faster build
• Anyone interested in dioramas of desert battlefields
• More advanced beginners who can manage work with small photo-etch

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