Tamiya 35277 - 1:35 Challenger 2 Photo-Etched Part Set

Tamiya photo-etched parts set for the Challenger 2 tank model in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35277 is a dedicated detail-up set for the Tamiya British Challenger 2 tank model in 1:35 scale. The set contains photo-etched parts reproducing different types of engine grille mesh – features that look too thick in injection moulding – plus a name plate intended for the display base.

Replacing the plastic grilles with thin, precisely made metal mesh gives a finer and more realistic result on the engine deck, which is clearly visible on the finished model.

What's in the box:

• A photo-etched fret reproducing different types of engine grille mesh
• A name plate for the display base
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Set specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35277
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Dedicated model: Tamiya Challenger 2 (Desertised, 35274)
• Type: photo-etched parts (engine grille mesh, name plate)
• Material: thin metal sheet

Photo-etched parts – thin, delicate detailing components

Photo-etched parts are produced by chemically etching a thin metal sheet, which gives them a thinness and detail sharpness unattainable in injection moulding. They are particularly well suited to reproducing meshes and grilles, such as the air-intake and outlet grilles on the engine deck.

The parts are bent and shaped according to the instructions and then attached to the model – usually with cyanoacrylate glue. For a clean result, it is worth ensuring an accurate fit before gluing. The set is intended for the Tamiya Challenger 2 model, which makes assembly easier.

About the vehicle – Challenger 2:

The Challenger 2 is a British main battle tank that replaced the earlier Challenger 1. It received improved second-generation Chobham composite armour and a modern digital fire-control system. It is armed with a 120 mm L30A1 rifled gun, which sets it apart from most contemporary Western tanks, which use smoothbore guns.

Vehicles deployed to Iraq received a series of desert modifications, including canvas side skirts, additional armour and a cover to reduce exhaust heat emission. The engine deck with its characteristic grilles, for which this set is intended, is among the most visible features of the model.

Original specifications (Challenger 2):

• Length with gun: approx. 11.5 m
• Width: approx. 3.5 m (up to approx. 4.2 m with appliqué armour)
• Height: approx. 2.49 m
• Combat weight: approx. 62.5 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 120 mm L30A1 rifled gun
• Secondary armament: coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a 7.62 mm machine gun at the loader's hatch
• Powerplant: Perkins CV12 diesel engine, approx. 1200 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 59 km/h (road)
• Range: approx. 550 km

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka. The brand is best known for its plastic assembly kits in the Military Miniature Series, but its range also includes dedicated detail-up sets for its own kits – photo-etched parts, turned barrels and detailing accessories. A hallmark of these sets is their precise fit to the specific Tamiya model for which they were designed, which makes assembly easier and allows the level of detail to be raised without modifications. Alongside kits and accessories, Tamiya offers a full range of paints, glues, tools and brushes.