Tamiya British Tank Mk.IV Male – Build Review

Tamiya’s 2014 addition to WWI range is a wonderful new option for all Great War fans out there. The vacuum that was on that subject, with only Emhar outdated kit out there is finally filled.
And it is filled with class. The model is motorized, with a new-generation type of tracks. Unboxing of that kit was very pleasant surprise, and now onto to build review of it.
As you might expect,
as typical Tamiya model, you can expect fair, fast and very easy build. Usually, their kits /in 1/35 tanks/ are built withing 5-6 working hours. They don’t have any major issues, and to be frank, most of them does not have even minor issues.
Anyone who has built Tamiya once, does NOT want another company to make his/her favorite model. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, but I might say, Meng Model, AFV Club, Bronco Models and even Trumpeter sometimes do their job as close as possible to Tamiya. However, I have never seen anything like Tamiya in any other company, although some of the latest Meng stuff are close. Japanese kit maker does, and that is for years now – fine, accurate, easy-to-be-build and interesting models. They are only to be admired. Nothing less than that.
But now, enough with kind words for Tamiya, let’s focus on that model.
The fit of the whole model is…perfect.
I won’t bother you with that, since you all know what to expect.

Parts need little /if any at all/ glue to stay put.
Contrary to what I expected, the engine parts and wiring are not hard to be done. Explained very well in the instructions, they come mostly as a bonus, than as a hassle.

Interesting is to mention, that the upper part of the hull can be left unglued, which is done in order to make the maintenance of the motorized parts. That is clever, especially if you wanna keep it in working condition. I wouldn’t suggest that, because it will ruin most of the weathering, but everybody has their priorities…

The guns are relatively easy to be built, and the only thing that I found annoying was the small wheels, and their high number. Tamiya tape will come handy here, so either get some, or prepare for a hassle.

However, every average modeler is capable of dealing with that with a little patience. After all, you will have a moving tank in the end!
The cool thing that’s worth mentioning /probably the coolest!/ are the tracks. They are giant step ahead of every other’s company effort to make tracks good. These are AMAZING! They are stiff enough and work well enough with minimum effort to be attached one to another. They look sturdy, and I believe that even in real mud, they will work fine.

Attaching them is easy, the thing you gotta be careful for is the alignment of the metal sprockets, which are the main tank sprockets actually. They must be done with care, in order to keep tracks away from damage.
Other then this, you just need to buy the kit. Everything else it work itself out. Nothing wrong noted. I mean – NOTHING! The whole building process took me 1 day, or more properly – 28 hours from start to finish, and I believe that I’ve spent not more than 7.5-8 on the bench.
If engine wasn’t attached, and greasing time and alignment time spared, should’ve been not more than 5 hours.
Actually that was my initial plan, but I am so glad that I’ve changed it!
Stay tuned for painting and weathering article of that wonderful model!