Tamiya 35356 - 1:35 British Self-Propelled Anti-Tank Gun Archer

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the British Archer self-propelled anti-tank gun

The Archer surprises at first glance: a powerful 17-pounder gun mounted on a Valentine chassis with the barrel facing rearwards. Forced on the designers by the small chassis, the arrangement turned out to be a tactical advantage — after firing, the vehicle could immediately drive forward and leave its position without turning around.

Tamiya 35356 is based on new tooling from 2017. It reproduces the low, open-topped fighting compartment, the long 17-pounder barrel with its distinctive muzzle brake and the Valentine running gear. The tracks are of the link-and-length type, with individual links in the curves and longer runs along the straight sections.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the hull, fighting compartment, gun and running gear
• Link-and-length tracks (individual links and longer runs)
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35356
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 191 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-and-length tracks)

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

Assembly:

The build goes smoothly — the parts fit very well, and the low, open fighting compartment allows the interior with the gun breech to be displayed. It is worth painting and washing the interior before closing up the structure. The link-and-length tracks require some patience: the longer runs go on quickly, while the individual links in the curves are best fitted gradually to achieve a natural track line.

British olive and khaki shades are a good choice (e.g. Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab or XF-51 Khaki Drab), following the scheme selected from the instructions, which include the manufacturer's paint codes. A wash will emphasise rivets, weld seams and superstructure detail, while pigments can suggest dust and mud on the running gear. A matt varnish suits the finished model.

Tools required:

• Sprue cutters
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers (for track links)
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Self-Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk.I Archer:

The appearance of heavily armoured German tanks forced the British to find a mobile platform for the effective 17-pounder gun. As the gun was large and heavy while the available Valentine chassis was small, the designers chose an unusual solution: they mounted the gun in an open fighting compartment facing rearwards.

This layout limited the arc of fire and required careful positioning of the vehicle before firing, but it also brought a significant tactical benefit — after firing, the Archer could immediately drive forward and leave its position before the enemy could respond. Its low silhouette made it easy to conceal in ambush positions.

Archers entered service late in the war and fought in Western Europe and Italy, where their 17-pounder gun proved effective against German tanks. Around 655 were built, and after the war the vehicles remained in use with other armies for some time.

Original vehicle specifications (Archer):

• Length: approx. 6.68 m
• Combat weight: approx. 16 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 17-pounder (76.2 mm) anti-tank gun, mounted facing the rear
• Chassis: Valentine infantry tank
• Fighting compartment: low, open-topped
• Production: approx. 655 vehicles
• Tactics: ambush fire followed by immediate withdrawal

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company began in the timber trade and wooden products, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came its first 1:35 scale tank — a scale that, thanks to Tamiya, became the worldwide standard for armour modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds, well-thought-out kit engineering and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, comprises hundreds of releases covering vehicles, guns and figures from around the world. Tamiya instructions are clear, richly illustrated and include paint codes from the company's own range. Alongside model kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, putties, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.