Needing a cruiser tank to replace the Crusader, the British army issued specifications for a new vehicle. Paired with the 600hp Rolls Royce Meteor engine, a modified Merlin, the resulting Cromwell was fast and relatively well-armored.
Although Airfix has previously re-boxed 1/35 scale armor from other manufacturers, notably Academy, this is the British stalwart’s first all-new vehicle in the popular scale. Features include posable hatches, a choice of link-and-length plastic or vinyl “rubber band” tracks, a Cullen cutter, stowage boxes, photo-etched metal (PE) details, and decals for two late-war British tanks in Europe, one from the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, 7th Armour Division, the other from the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, 7th Armour Division.
Assembling the hull from the bottom up with many parts didn’t prove to be a problem. After the glue dried, I added the Christie suspension arms and outer hull sides. This assembly was painted and set aside, while I built the road wheels. This revealed the kit’s only major accuracy issue; the wheels are molded with six bolts, but photos show that Cromwell wheels had eight. You can ignore the issue, try respacing the bolts and add the missing ones, or wait until aftermarket wheels are available.
Choosing the link-and-length tracks. I painted and attached the running gear. I also test-fitted one of the vinyl tracks, but it was too short around the running gear and looked too taut.
The upper hull comprises many parts but presented no fit issues. It is here that you must decide which marking option to build because one is fitted with the Cullen cutter and the other has stowage boxes and a wading kit.
After painting the upper hull, I attached the lower hull and added tools and fire extinguishers.
I built the turret back plate and rear sides first, then added the front sides. Before attaching the turret top, I drilled the required holes. Once the top was on, I glued the gun mount and turret front in place. If you choose to pose the hatches open, there is detail on the inner faces.
I painted the solid molded lights silver because no clear lenses are provided.
I painted the model with Tamiya Olive Green (No. XF-58) and weathered with Tamiya Red Brown (No. XF-64) and Buff (No. XF-57) and added Vallejo Environment Mud and Grass (No. 73.826) to the cutter. The decals went down easily, except for the white stars that cross the large bosses and my first attempt resulted in a wrinkled mess. I cut the top and bottom from the circle before applying it to the rear of the turret. I touched up gaps on the bolts with Vallejo Model Color Cold White (No. 70.919).
I spent 17 enjoyable hours building Airfix’s Cromwell, and fans of British armor will want to add it to their collection.