JFTM under the 'Die Waffenkammer' line produce some of most magnificent resin kits, the A34 Comet tank kit did not disappoint. The model was exceptionally cleanly cast with very intricate detailing. I recommend that the parts are cleaned to remove the mould release agent prior to assembly and that a hard wearing undercoat primer is used as the resin used can easily chip.
The tank was assembled with ease and once I overcame the release agent issue painted well. It was painted in the standard scheme I use for late war British, using Vallejo 'Soviet Uniform' as the base coat inked with with Army Painter 'Strong Tone' wash. The model was finished off with light dry brushing, Tamiya mud for the tracks and hull and a light application of weathering powders.
JFTM 1/56 A34 Comet Tank
The A34 Comet tank was the final word in British Cruiser tank design. There had been attempts at marrying the 17pdr anti tank gun with the Cromwell body in the past, namely the A32 Challenger which proved unsatisfactory due to the high turret profile.
The Comet tank is based on the very heavily modified Cromwell hull with the addition of additional road wheels and return rollers which was a departure on the Christie wheel arrangement. The tank was armed with a new weapon, the 77mm HV gun which was purpose designed for fitting into the tight confines of a tank turret. The gun fired the 17 pdr projectile with a much shorter cartridge case. It had an additional coaxial Besa machine gun to the main armament and further machine gun in the bow.
The Comet entered service in mid 1945, missing the majority of the NW Europe campaign. It did however take part in the Rhine Crossing hence its addition to my 28mm collection. As late as the 1980s three Comet tanks would serve with the Irish Defence Force. The tank became fast obsolete with the arrival of the British Army's first Main Battle Tank, the A41 Centurion tank in the late 1940s.
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