Bronco Models 1/35 Loyd Carrier No.2 Mk.II Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The Loyd Carrier is one of several tracked vehicles produced for British Commonwealth forces in World War II for use as scout vehicles, transports, and prime movers for infantry support weapons. In the case of the Loyd Carrier, it was used primarily to move the 6 pdr anti-tank gun, crew, and ammunition around the battlefield. Produced from off-the-shelf components, the Loyd had a drive train from a Fordson truck, the track from the Universal Carrier, and the engine from a tractor. Over 26,000 examples were produced with initial service in 1939 and some remaining in service into the 1960s.

Bronco Models has released this new-tool kit of the Loyd Carrier in 1/35 scale and I must say this kit is impressive. Molded in green styrene, the kit is presented on 20 parts trees plus one fret of photo-etched parts. Given that this is a small open-topped vehicle, it shouldn't take very many parts to replicate, but Bronco Models provides a completely detailed engine and interior including crew stowage.

Some key features of this kit are:

• Nicely detailed engine and compartment
• Positionable engine hood (bonnet)
• Machine gun mount on engine hood with mounted machine gun
• Detailed suspension including metal springs
• Detailed drive train
• Detailed link and length track
• Ammunition boxes
• Supply boxes
• Rucksack and bedroll stowage
• Spare fuel cans
• Spare road wheel and spare gun carriage tire stowage
• Options for open top, open top with frames installed, covered top with sides open, covered top with sides down

The instructions are well-illustrated and walk you through the assembly and painting of this gem. Marking options include:

• 9th Carpathian Rifle Battalion, 3rd Carpatian Rifle Division, Italy, Summer 1943
• 11th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, 49th Infantry Division, France, June 1944
• 1st Netherlands Reconnaissance Squadron, Netherlands Independent Brigade Group, Princes Irene Brigade, Sept 1944
• 1st Netherlands Independent Motorized Fighting Group, Princes Irene Brigade, Sept 1944
• 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 15th Scottish Infantry Division, Netherlands, Oct 1944
• 2nd Netherlands Independent Motirozed Fighting Group, Princes Irene Brigade, Sept 1944
• 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, 53rd Infantry Division, Netherlands, Oct 1944

This is a gem of a kit and an AMS modeler's dream. All you need is a set of crew figures and an anti-tank gun in tow (if you're modeling the prime mover role) or just the figures if you're doing a recon vehicle. In any case, the nice selection of details and stowage in and on the vehicle will provide an impressive model that will take up very little space. Very well done Bronco!

My sincere thanks to DML for this review sample!