Tamiya 1/35 British Universal Carrier Mk II - Kit Review

A review of Tamiya's original 1976 release, in 1/35 scale, of the British Universal Carrier Mk II, Kit No. 3589, which was also released under the older style kit no. MM 189.
Re-released in 1994, with "New Parts", under Kit No. 35175 ("European Campaign"), and again in 2001, under Kit No. 35249 ("Forced Reconnaisance"), this original 1976 issue, features, Classic Style, Japanese, and English/German, assembly instructions, with Paint Call-outs by Name, vinyl tracks, 2 crew figures with accessories, and weapons, and Painting, and Markings (including Division & Tactical) for 7 Universal Carriers, in 3 Theatres of Operation; North Africa, Europe, and Burma.

[@Kitsnbits]

Was going to pick that up,it mostly would of been the 1994 release,good informative review as always.

[@PetesKits]

Thanks, glad you liked the review. I actually managed to pick up 2 of these original Carrier kits, from 2 different private sellers, for the same price, so really happy with that score. Cheers!

[@Kitsnbits]

@@PetesKits you got a bargain there then,good on you.

[@PetesKits]

@@Kitsnbits Love my bargains. Means more money for paints! Cheers!

[@StephenLyons-tl8ie]

Would HAVE been.

[@westring8119]

hello Pete,how are you?i'am very enjoy to see an another unboxing of little kind Tamiya's kit!the suspension is well defined,amity Patrick

[@PetesKits]

Hi Patrick, Glad you enjoyed the video! I love the detail in this little kit. really looking forward to buildng this one soon. Cheers mate!

[@MatterusOD]

Hi Pete. Nice little kit. A re-release may be on the cards as Tamiya are re popping a few oldies. I'll pick one up. (Riich version is nice but expensive and has a million parts, a lot that wont be seen once it's loaded up). I just purchased the 25pdr Field Gun and Quad Tractor, which has the two separate Japanese/English instructions and no paint call-outs but has the newer Tamiya Tech Tips sheet included and new decals (but copywritten 1974 still). Also the Ford GPA (later issue re-issue). Still great kits. Thanks for the review. Matt 🦘🦘🦘

[@PetesKits]

Hi mate. Yeah, I've looked at the Riich kit too, but for such a small vehicle, way too many fiddly bits for my liking. The Quad, and 25pdr, are one of Tamiya's ongoing kit runs (must get one myself, now that you mention it). As for the Ford GPA, built one back in the 70's, and just missed out on an original issue the other week, unfortunately. Still on my shopping list though. Glad you liked this review mate! Cheers!

[@martinoconnor4314]

Nice one Pete, that is a nicely detailed kit with it being nearly 50 years old. Will you be building it or is it going to sit on a shelf in a collection? I'd build it, I'd have to!

[@PetesKits]

Hi mate. Yeah, I was really impressed with the detail in this little kit. Since I now have 2 of these originals, I will build this reviewed one, since it's, "Oh my God!" 😅 ,no longer "mint", and keep the other one on the shelf, so to speak. It's currently sitting in the "to build" pile, about 2nd from the top! So I'll get around to it soon! Cheers mate!

[@martinoconnor4314]

@@PetesKits Thanks Pete, "Mint" means no fun!, will you be making a video of the build?

[@PetesKits]

@@martinoconnor4314 Hi mate. Very true. "Mint" does mean no fun. Love to have things that have a history. Physical things that have scratches, dent's, marks. They have a "life", a "soul", so to speak. And yes, this one is earmarked to a build vid in the near(ish) future. Cheers!

[@martinoconnor4314]

@@PetesKits I look forward to it, I've clicked on the bell so I'll be notified when you post new vids. Regards, Martin.

[@andymoody8363]

Wrong rifles for Western Desert and pretty much Italy and Burma as well. The No.4 didn't replace the No.3 until the Normandy campaign when it became the standard issue until the end of the war.

[@PetesKits]

Thank you for this. I didn't realise the No.4's were that late in the war. Might have to do some digging around for some No.3's. Thanks again! Cheers!

[@andymoody8363]

@@PetesKits No problem, I wasn't being picky but I know how important accuracy is to modellers! Although production of the No.4 started in late 1941 it never got to N Africa, Tunisia or the Far East although there are photo's that show it late in the Italian and Burma campaigns in 1945. The No.4 equipped all the commonwealth forces in NW Europe from June 1944 where it was standard, and remained so until replaced by the FN FAL in 1957.

[@PetesKits]

@@andymoody8363 No worries mate. It's impossible to know everything, so when I get these kind of updates, and corrections, and just general comments, I really do appreciate it. I love finding out facts like this. It's the little details that add to the whole picture. Plus, it gives me something else to research, and look for, in my kits, and that's never a bad thing. Cheers! Thanks again!

[@andymoody8363]

@@PetesKits Cheers Pete, I'm looking forward to see more of your excellent work.