Mirror Models Ltd. 1/35 CMP Mk.I Otter Recce Car Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | January 2013 | Manufacturer | Mirror Models Ltd. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | CMP Mk.I Otter Recce Car | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | LS001 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch, Resin |
| Pros | Beautiful detailing | Cons | Instructions |
| Skill Level | Experienced | MSRP (USD) | $59.95 |
First Look
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The Otter Light Reconnaissance Car was an armored car used by the British and Commonwealth armies during World War II. Produced by General Motors Canada, the vehicle was based upon the Chevrolet C15 truck chassis and over 1700 examples were produced. The vehicle was armed with a hull-mounted Boys anti-tank rifle and the Bren machine gun in the open-top turret. Some units in the field modified the armament fit of these vehicle to meet available weapons and ammunition resources.
Mirror Models Ltd. is a relatively new model company based in Ireland and like most other model companies these days, has their kits produced in China. This release is the first kit of this subject I've seen in styrene and it looks to be an AMS modeler's dream. The kit is molded in gray styrene and presented on five parts trees plus a set of resin parts and an extensive set of photo-etched details.
Among the features and options in this kit:
- Detailed chassis and drive train
- Detailed interior
- Positionable entry hatches
- Detailed engine compartment
- Positionable hood
- Detailed turret
The resin parts provide the road wheels and a spare plus the radiator, transfer case and smaller chassis details. The photo-etched fret includes the turret shield, engine hood, hatches and other smaller interior and exterior detailing.
The kit should be built by an experienced modeler as the instructions are produced from color photos with parts annotations showing where assembly steps should happen. This is typical of limited run kits of this type and while I understand this set of instructions is an improvement over Mirror Models' earlier releases, they are still going to need some careful study. The instructions do provide a URL to higher resolution assembly instructions in PDF format.
Markings are provided for Canadian examples:
- Otter Mk.I, 2nd Canadian Infantry Div/11th Field Company RCE – HQ Platoon, Normandy, 1944
- Otter Mk.I, 1st Canadian Infantry Div/4th Princess Louise's Dragoon Guards, Italy, 1944
- Otter Mk.I, 1st Canadian Infantry Div
Note that there are no painting or marking instructions in the kit. The instructions provide a link to the Mirror Models' website for markings instructions and when you access that, you're directed to another website for those instructions. Not exactly a complete package out of the box...
Aside from the instructions, this kit should be an AMS modeler's dream as all of the basics are here inside and out. All one needs to do is select a subject and add the appropriate 'kit' for the crew and perhaps some figures as well.
My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review sample!