Waltzing with the Matilda MK.III/IV (Kit #35300)

    Tamiya’s 300^th armour release in 1/35 scale adds to their reputation for accuracy and attention to detail.

Background

In the early days of the war in North Africa, the Matilda proved highly effective against Italian and German tanks, although vulnerable again to the larger calibre anti-tank guns. During Operation Compass, Matildas of the British 7th Armoured Division wreaked havoc among the Italian forces equipped with L3 tankettes and M11/39 medium tanks. Though quickly outclassed by German armour and high speed tactics, the Matilda continued to serve in various theatres until finally relegated to a secondary role by 1944.

Opening the box for the first time

Upon opening the box you find the crisp tan plastic mouldings Tamiya has been known for, and as the final product proves, fit and finish are also what we’ve come to expect, and what most other companies can only hope for. The decal sheet is also a treat, giving you several variants; I went with the T6943. The instructions, though somewhat confusing, also mirror the attention Tamiya has paid to the modelling process.

One note of caution here; although many Tamiya kits can be tackled by relative newcomers to modelling using some diligence, this kit requires a better knowledge and understanding of the model making process. I recommend that you try several other kits before jumping into the Matilda. Because of the suspension and the compound surfaces of the armour experience building other kits will be a definite asset. You will also need to reference the instructions for similar fitting on the left and right hand sides of the hull and bogeys.

Putting it all together

As with all modelling, a modeller is only as good as the tools they use, so take your time removing items off the sprues. Another recommendation is to only remove items as you build the components, that way the tricky left/right issues are nullified, and folks be ready to deal with the bogeys… there are a pile of them.

Tamiya’s color recommendations and paint schemes give you options from plain to challenging. With the scheme I chose (the most challenging but I think nicest) Tamiya acrylics supplied the most accurate representation. A new product from Tamiya, Mark Fit, helped to seat the decals right into the beautifully textured hull and turret.

Adding your touches

Like many Tamiya kits, this one just calls for subtle weathering with pigments and oils. While dulling the colors (something you have to do otherwise the scheme I chose would look garish) it gives the real feeling of the North African desert and the searing sun fading and bleaching the paint. Although I didn’t use the figures, a pair of crisply cast figures is supplied for those wishing to add the ‘human’ touch.

Conclusion

In this day of hit-and-miss kits, Tamiya continues raising the bar, not only for competitors but for the modeller by giving a variety of schemes and from the extras on the sprues, even more variants of this once under-represented subject. As I said before, this is not a kit for beginners, but unlike poorly moulded kits being a challenge, the Matilda is a complex tank very accurately recreated in 1/35^th scale.

Building this right out of the box you will be creating a piece of WWII history that is sure to draw compliments and disbelief that you didn’t hit the aftermarket aisle at your local hobby store. I highly recommend this kit.

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