Tamiya 35249 - 1:35 Uniwersal CarrierMk.II Forced recon

Plastic model kit of the Universal Carrier Mk.II 'Forced Recon' in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35249 depicts the British Universal Carrier Mk.II (also known as the Bren Carrier) in a 'Forced Recon' reconnaissance scene. This light, open-topped vehicle with a low profile served British and Commonwealth forces for reconnaissance, carrying infantry, towing and transporting equipment. The set includes a reconnaissance team of figures.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, interior and running-gear parts
• Reconnaissance team figures
• Reproduced road wheels and tracks
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35249
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 104 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 interior in stages before final assembly, and dry-arranging the figures to compose a coherent scene. 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 – Universal Carrier Mk.II:

The Universal Carrier (Bren Carrier) was one of the most widely used light tracked vehicles of the Second World War. Produced in vast numbers, it served British and Commonwealth forces for a wide variety of tasks – reconnaissance, carrying infantry, towing weapons and transporting supplies.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 3.65 m
• Width: approx. 2.06 m
• Height: approx. 1.57 m
• Mass: approx. 4 t
• Powerplant: Ford V8 petrol engine, approx. 85 hp
• Max speed: approx. 50 km/h
• Armament: light machine gun
• Crew: 3
• Feature: light, universal tracked carrier

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.