Italeri- Autoblinda AB 41 with Bersaglieri

History

Developed by Fiat-Ansaldo, the AB series of armored cars were used for reconnaissance by units of the Italian "Regio Esercito". After the initial AB 40, the AB 41 featured a more powerful engine and was armed with the 20mm Breda 20/65 gun, in addition to an 8mm Breda Mod. 38 coaxial machine gun in the turret. The car was four wheel drive with driving positions in the front and rear, a top speed of 70 km/hr, and was well liked as a dependable vehicle on and off the road. Some issues with the design included difficult access to the engine, an unprotected fuel tank, and the lack of a bulkhead between the engine and the crew compartment, which made it a grueling hot environment, especially in the desert. The one-man turret meant that the commander also acted as loader and gunner for both the 20 mm (0.79 in) and its coaxial machine-gun. It was protected by riveted plate armor and was deployed extensively on the North African front, as well as wherever Italians served in WWII. It was also used post 1943 by both the Italian and German units.

The Kit

This newly released version of the original 2005 kit features a sprue with a complement of six Bersaglieri figures in various in-action poses and with three different types of headgear which appears to be from the 1997 figure release (#305). There are ample pour plugs attached to each component of the figures on the two sprues, so cleanup will be necessary before attaching the parts together.

Sprue A contains parts for the chassis frame and some tools. Sprue D has parts for the turret and exhausts.

Sprue B (x2) contains parts for the wheels and suspension, lights, and jerry cans.

Sprue C is the largest sprue and has parts for the main hull body, engine cover, guns, and mantlet. 

Lastly, there are 6 vinyl tires and decals for three schemes. Instructions are typical A4 format and are broken down into 15 steps with the figures. There is a nice color guide for the figures, and the three included schemes.

Conclusion

This looks to be a straightforward build. I didn't have the chance to get this kit when it was first released, but the new schemes and inclusion of the figures make this one a worthy pick up for those who don't have this in the stash. The only sink marks that are not on an inside surface are those in the wheel wells, which should be easy to clean up. For those who don't wish to address them, the large wheels should easily hide them. More to come soon...

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Advanced builders, pending Full Build

Thanks goes out to Model Rectifier Corporation for this review kit.

Reviewed by Michael Reeves

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