Tamiya 35234 - 1:35 US M20 Armored Utility Car

Plastic model kit of the U.S. M20 Armored Utility Car in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35234 depicts the M20 Armored Utility Car – a U.S. armoured vehicle based on the M8 armoured car. In place of the gun turret it has an open compartment with a ring mount for a .50-calibre heavy machine gun. The vehicle was used for reconnaissance, command, liaison and transport. The model includes additional accessories.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull and running-gear parts
• Open compartment with a .50-calibre machine-gun ring mount
• Additional accessories plus reproduced wheels and 6×6 drive
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35234
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 143 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. It is worth painting the open compartment in stages before final assembly. Emphasise the final result with a wash, dry-brushing and weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – M20 Armored Utility Car:

The M20 was created as a turretless version of the M8 armoured car. The open compartment and machine-gun ring mount made the vehicle well suited to reconnaissance, command and transporting soldiers and supplies. It was used on many fronts alongside the M8 cars.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 5.0 m
• Width: approx. 2.5 m
• Height: approx. 2.3 m
• Combat weight: approx. 6.6 t
• Powerplant: inline-six petrol engine, approx. 110 hp
• Max speed: approx. 89 km/h
• Armament: .50-calibre machine gun on a ring mount
• Crew: 2 + soldiers
• Feature: turretless version of the M8 with an open compartment

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.