IBG 72130 - 1:72 Carro Comando M14/41with 13.2 Breda Modello 31 MG

1:72 scale plastic model kit of the Italian command vehicle Carro Comando M14/41

IBG 72130 is an assembly kit reproducing the Italian command vehicle Carro Comando M14/41. It was built on the chassis of the M14/41 medium tank, in which the turret and gun were replaced by a command superstructure providing space for radios, observation instruments and crew.

This variant was armed with a 13.2 mm Breda Modello 31 heavy machine gun in a hull mount – a weapon with considerably more firepower than the standard 8 mm machine guns. The model includes photo-etched parts and one-piece running gear and tracks that ease assembly in the small scale. It is an interesting subject showing the command element behind Italian armoured and self-propelled artillery units.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts
• Photo-etched parts
• One-piece running gear and tracks
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 72130
• Manufacturer: IBG Models
• Assembled length: approx. 68 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The one-piece running gear and tracks speed up assembly, but modelling tweezers and cyanoacrylate glue are useful for the photo-etched parts and small details in 1:72 scale. Italian vehicles from the African theatre are typically finished in sand tones, sometimes with patches of green and brown; details and recesses can be emphasised with a wash, and dust achieved with pigments. The whole is best finished with a matt varnish.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement and cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes of various sizes or an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash and pigments for dust effects

About the vehicle – Carro Comando M14/41:

The Carro Comando was an Italian command vehicle developed on the chassis of the M-series medium tanks, in this case the M14/41. In place of the conventional turret and gun, the vehicle received a superstructure housing radios and observation instruments, making it a mobile command post. Its main task was to lead self-propelled artillery units such as the Semovente da 75/18 and to maintain communication between batteries.

Defensive armament consisted of a 13.2 mm Breda Modello 31 heavy machine gun, originally designed as an anti-aircraft weapon. Command vehicles, although lacking the firepower of line tanks, played an important role in coordinating the actions of Italian armoured and artillery formations, where reliable communication was often a major challenge.

Original vehicle specifications (Carro Comando M14/41):

• Type: command vehicle on the M14/41 medium tank chassis
• Armament: 13.2 mm Breda Modello 31 heavy machine gun (hull mount)
• Powerplant: Fiat-Ansaldo diesel engine
• Equipment: radios and observation instruments
• Role: leading self-propelled artillery units
• Period of use: Second World War

About the manufacturer – IBG Models:

IBG Models is a Polish model company from Warsaw, known for plastic kits in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35 scales, with a particular focus on Polish subjects and less commonly modelled vehicles and aircraft. The brand is valued for modern tooling, well-equipped kits – often with photo-etched parts and resin components – and careful reproduction. IBG develops, among others, extensive families of Italian M-series vehicles, British trucks and Supermarine Spitfire and PZL aircraft. IBG products are aimed at modellers who appreciate refined execution and out-of-the-ordinary subjects.