Kit Ref: 03227
Price around: £10.35 GBP (June 2014)
Review by Geoff Coughlin
Our thanks to Revell for supplying our review sample. Revell model kits are available from all good toy and model retailers. For details visit www.revell.de/en, @RevellGermany or facebook.com/Revell
A little bit of background
In 1942 this Leyland Retriever with a captured Italian caravan body was allocated to the English General Montgomery as a travelling vehicle. Hence the nickname “Monty’s caravan”. This vehicle accommodated two rooms divided up as a washroom and a living/map room. Montgomery claimed that he only gave up his caravan to King George VI and Winston Churchill. The Daimler Mk.II scout car, 6,626 of which were built was the most widely distributed English armoured scout car from World War II and was used by all the Commonwealth armed forces.
This boxing
The first thing to note is that I believe this model is a re-boxing of the old Matchbox kit (PK-175). Having said that, the moulds still seem to be turning out a decent-looking model of an interesting subject that will make up into a nice vignette as it includes not only “Monty’s Caravan”, but also the scout car, 3 figures and base.
Some observations on the kit
On the plus side:
- The vehicles are quite well moulded with texture to the canvas caravan cover
- Wooden side panels have moulded detail
- You get 3 figures, including a Monty look-alike
- You get a display base to set off your models
- Good quality decals featuring 2 options (see photos)
On the down side:
- No clear parts for Caravan are included (you’ll have to make these from clear acetate or other material, but that’s not too difficult
- There are sink marks on several of the parts
- Lack of detail within the Caravan and Scout car.
In summary
A welcome re-release of this small set for sure that should have wide appeal given that it is pretty unique. Also a good opportunity to add more detail if you wish.
Geoff C.
Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | *** |
| Accuracy | *** |
| Level of detail | ** |
| Instructions | *** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | *** |
| Overall | *** |