Model Armour

US M1A1 75mm Pack Howitzer

Manufacturer:  Vision Models

Scale: 1/35

Material: Styrene, brass

Serial Number: VM-35001

Price: TBA

Introduction

Vision Models from Taiwan is a company new to scale models, and they've chosen this kit of the U.S. 75mm howitzer to be their first release. 

Although I know next to nothing about this gun, and have even less references on it, in order to get it out there quickly I've decided to build and show it to at least let people have some sort of idea of what to expect from this manufacturer.  So if there is a glaring inaccuracy in the model...I ain't going to be noticing!  I'll leave that to others!

The kit

When I first opened the box I was surprised by how little there seemed to be inside it.  Not being familiar with the gun I hadn't realised how small it was going to be.  In addition to the six-page instruction booklet, there are two sprues of olive green styrene, one large and one small, and a tiny machined brass cylinder.

On closer examination the moulding looks fairly sharp, with some fine detail.  There are also unfortunately, some awkward ejector pin marks to remove.  There's a little flash around some of the smallest detail, but nothing that would prove too taxing to remove.

There are a number of construction options to be considered before assembly begins, as the first thing shown on the instructions are the optional parts to be used according to whether you wish to display the model in fighting or towing mode, and if in fighting mode, whether or not you wish to model the gun elevated or not.  There is also an option to produce the gun as the WWII version or Post-WWII, and for this purpose different wheels are provided.

Assembly doesn't take long, since it's a small model, although some of the detail is excellent.  The engineering of the parts is unusual in places too, but works well.  The plastic itself I didn't like.  I get the same feeling when I work with the plastic that AFV Club uses. It's a little 'soft' and doesn't respond well to 'scraping' with a scalpel blade...which is one of the main methods I use to clean parts off the sprue.  Some of the smallest parts are quite fragile, and a couple of them broke, even though I was being careful when removing them from their sprues.

The assembly of the model through up some interesting anomalies...with some parts fitting extremely well, and yet others needing 'adjustment'.  The instructions were perfectly clear throughout, with no mistakes being found.   Also detailed on the instructions are a metal gun barrel (VA9001) and metal ammunition (VA9002) which are not included, but presumably can be purchased separately.  Having said that, there are shells styrene shells included in the set which look well-moulded and will probably look just as good when painted up.

Conclusion

I have to say, that for a first release, even with the ejector pin marks....this is outstanding.  I really hope it's a success and that Vision Models go on to even greater things...because if this is any indication they have a great future ahead of them.  Recommended.

My thanks To Bronco Models (distributors) for the review sample.