Kit: 6452
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Italeri, from Model Rectifier Corp. (MRC), 732-225-2100
Price: $59
Comments: Injection-molded, 286 parts (10 resin, 12 photoetched, 5 vinyl), decal
Pros: Excellent molding; interesting, unusual subject; good references with instructions
Cons: Photoetched metal is a bit thick

Italeri takes the next step after its AB 41 armored car kit, modeling the intriguing desert weapons carrier AS 42 Sahariana. Looking like a World War II Humvee, the AS 42 was one of the more unusual vehicles fighting in North Africa.

I was impressed with the contents of the box. Italeri has provided everything experienced modelers look for, including a complete plastic/resin engine and transmission, photoetched-metal parts for the sand channels, two resin crew figures, even a reference on the AS 42 – nice touch! The kit is well-molded in yellow plastic.

I started construction with the chassis and suspension components (these are identical to the AB 41 kit). I also built the complete engine and transmission, even though it wouldn’t be seen. All the parts fit well with no hindrance installing the engine compartment walls and hood. Instructions are provided showing how to open up the engine-compartment doors.

The crew compartment builds up neatly from four main components; this is when I painted the interior.

The vehicle is festooned with gas and water cans. Italeri has helped out here by molding them as four separate racks of five cans. All you have to do is add the handles and filler caps.

After installing the towing eye (part 44c) on the rear of the kit, I found I needed a second part for the front – but only one 44c!

With 29 parts, the 20mm Breda cannon is its own little kit. It built well and looks convincing.

I spent a fair amount of time adding all the details (seats, sand channels, machine gun, tripod). The kit’s vinyl tires have a different tread pattern from that provided in the AB 41 kit. They required minor cleanup to remove the center mold seam.

I painted my Sahariana in various desert shades of Tamiya paint. Decals are provided for one vehicle. They applied well on a gloss undercoat. I did not use the Italian tricolor decal for the engine deck; inspired by the model in the reference guide, I painted it instead.

My model took a short and very enjoyable 19 hours. I must congratulate Italeri on offering such a complete model kit of a fascinating subject.

– Jim Zeske