#KitReview – Vespid Models 1/72 A34 Comet MkIB

[RossM]

The A34 Comet was the last in the long line of British cruiser tanks to see service during the Second World War. However, while the Comet began to enter service in 1944, it did not see combat until 1945. This was because the first division to be equipped with the Comet, 11th Armoured Division, was, redeployed to see action during the Battle of the Bulge as it began to be refitted with the new tank. Nevertheless, the Comet went on to see service with the British Army through to the 1950s. The Comet also served with several other nations, including Finland and the Republic of Ireland.

The kit presented here is the new 1/72 kit of the Comet by Vespid Models. Vespid are a new name in the braille scale world – so far, they have released four kits of two tanks, the Comet and the German Maus. Vespid has produced two kits of the Comet, the A and B versions. The primary difference between these two versions of the Comet relates to the types of exhaust used. The A version used a system known as the Normandy cowl, while the B version used a fishtail type of exhaust. The boxing presented here is the B version. Overall, as the images hopefully illustrate, this is a nice-looking kit with finely recessed panel lines where appropriate. While I will not comment on the accuracy of this kit, early indications are that the kit is a good representation of the Comet. The kit includes photo-etch parts and a turned brass 77mm main gun.


Additionally, in this boxing, Vespid have included a resin cast mantlet cover. This is an important inclusion as the mantlet cover is a prominent feature of the Comet and features prominently in historical photos of the tank. Strangely, this was something left out of the first boxing from Vespid, so it is good to see this rectified. Finally, the kit includes markings for four vehicles, three British and one Finnish vehicle.


To conclude, my initial views are that this is a good-looking kit. The kit is a much-needed update over the ancient 1/76 Comet by Matchbox. I am looking forward to building this kit and will report back on how it goes together. Enjoy the pictures.

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