Pre-order - Trumpeter 09612 - 1:35 British MBT Challenger 1 Mk.3 Gulf War

Pre-order product! Orders will be fulfilled after the model is released by the manufacturer. Estimated availability: late September 2026. The delivery date is approximate and may change due to circumstances beyond our control.

Plastic Model Kit of the Challenger 1 Mk.3 Gulf War Main Battle Tank in 1:35 Scale

Trumpeter 09612 is a rebox based on the new-tool 09611 (Challenger 1 Mk.3), enhanced with parts specific to the version deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 (Operation Granby on the British side). The kit includes ROMOR-A passive reactive armor elements mounted on the hull and turret sides, additional storage boxes for the rear turret bustle, and a commander figure in desert uniform.

Approximately 670 parts spread across 14 sprues, along with separate upper and lower hull components, individual track links, and a photo-etched fret, create a highly detailed model kit. The completed model measures approximately 336 mm in length. Challenger 1 Mk.3 tanks became famous during the Gulf War for destroying around 300 Iraqi armored vehicles without suffering any losses in tank-versus-tank combat.

Inside the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret, and running gear components
• Individual track links
• Photo-etched parts
• ROMOR-A reactive armor components
• Additional stowage boxes and desert accessories
• Water-slide decal sheet with Gulf War markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalog number: 09612
• Manufacturer: Trumpeter
• Completed model length: approx. 336 mm
• Number of parts: approx. 670
• Difficulty level: advanced

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Building the model:

The individual track links require patience during assembly but provide the most realistic track sag effect. Before assembling the turret, it is recommended to paint the fighting compartment interior, especially if the hatches are intended to remain open. Installing the ROMOR-A reactive armor elements is straightforward, but care should be taken to position each block correctly according to the instructions.

Challenger 1 Mk.3 tanks deployed during Desert Storm were painted in British Gulf War Sand (for example Humbrol 94 or Tamiya XF-59 Desert Yellow adjusted in tone), applied as a rapid overpaint over the original BAOR green-and-black camouflage. Reproducing this slightly uneven field-applied finish can greatly improve realism. The reactive armor blocks were painted in the same desert tone. A matte varnish finish combined with gray or brown washes is recommended to highlight details.

Essential tools:

• Model sprue cutters for removing parts from sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched parts
• Paint brushes in various sizes and precision tweezers
• Model paints and matte varnish
• Model wash and optional pigments for desert dust effects

About the vehicle – Challenger 1 Mk.3:

The Challenger 1 was a British first-generation main battle tank introduced into service in 1983 as the successor to the Chieftain. Developed by Royal Ordnance Leeds from the Shir 2 project (a modified Chieftain originally intended for Iran), the Challenger was especially notable for its Chobham composite ceramic armor, which offered exceptional protection against shaped-charge weapons. The Mk.3 version was the final and most advanced Challenger 1 variant, featuring upgraded fire-control systems and additional equipment.

During Operation Granby (the British designation for Desert Storm in 1991), around 220 Challenger 1 Mk.3 tanks were deployed to Saudi Arabia. Before the offensive, the vehicles were fitted with desert filtration systems, additional cooling equipment, external 200-liter fuel drums, and ROMOR-A reactive armor packages (an externally mounted ERA system developed by Rolls-Royce). Challenger 1 set the record for the longest confirmed tank-to-tank kill in history at 4.7 km and completed the campaign without any losses in tank-versus-tank combat, destroying approximately 300 Iraqi armored vehicles.

Technical data of the original vehicle (Challenger 1 Mk.3, Gulf War):

• Length: 11.56 m (with gun forward)
• Width: 3.52 m
• Height: 2.95 m
• Combat weight: approx. 62 tons
• Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
• Main armament: 120 mm L11A5 gun
• Secondary armament: 2 × 7.62 mm L94A1 machine guns
• Engine: Rolls-Royce CV12 TCA, 1,200 hp
• Maximum speed: 59 km/h (road)
• Range: approx. 400 km
• Armor: Chobham + ROMOR-A (Gulf War configuration)
• Production: 1983–1990, approximately 420 units built

About the manufacturer – Trumpeter:

Trumpeter is a Chinese model manufacturer based in Zhongshan, specializing in large and highly detailed military vehicle, warship, and aircraft kits. Its 1:35 armored vehicle series is one of the most extensive in the industry, covering subjects from World War II through to modern combat vehicles. The new Challenger 1 line in 1:35 scale significantly expanded Trumpeter’s catalog with a highly anticipated British Cold War and Gulf War MBT, previously available mainly in older and less detailed Tamiya kits. Additional aftermarket upgrade sets for this model are widely available from hobby retailers.