Carro Armato M 13/40

Italeri 1/72 Scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

Summary

FirstLook

This, like the recent Matilda from Italeri, is one of those ex Esci kits where the moulds were thought to have been destroyed or lost.

Also, like the Matilda, it originates from a time before Esci started doing link and length tracks.

Even so, it was considered one of Esci's better kits and the only one of this subject in plastic on the market in this scale. Consequently, most Braille Scale modellers will be delighted to see it back.

The Carro Armato M 13/40 tank was a modification of the earlier M 11/39 when the latter's main gun (37mm) in the hull and turret mounted MG were swapped for a 47mm gun in a new turret and the MG moved to the hull. Although the new gun was a big improvement, it still suffered from archaic suspension, narrow tracks and inadequate armour. Many were captured by the British Army and put back into use, particularly by the Australians in the defense of Tobruk.

The main (A) sprue carries the lower hull, suspension, track guards and some of the upper hull parts such as front deck and engine deck with tools and other bibs and bobs. The B sprue has the fighting compartment and turret. This is because the A sprue is also used for a Semovente M40, a vehicle reminiscent of the German Stug III which we hope will appear soon. All parts are well moulded with very little flash and no noticeable sink marks and heaps of rivet detail to make the outer surfaces look very busy. The turret hatch can be modelled open but side hatches are moulded closed. An Italian Tank Commander figure is supplied and of coarse there is no interior detail.

Decals are of the usual high quality that we've come to expect from Italeri with markings for 4 vehicles. The first two are Italian Army, 132 rgt, Lybia, June 1942, one in over-all Sand and the other in Sand with Olive Tiger Stripes. Third is a very attractive three colour scheme on a vehicle in Italy, 1942 from an unknown unit. Last is one of the captured tanks used by the Australian Forces at Tobruk. This vehicle is shown in over-all Sand with White Kangaroos in five positions. I am reliably told by the manager of the Australian Army Tank Museum, Paul Handel, that these tanks were not finished in Sand but a very pale green. I don't know as yet the exact shade.

Of course I would prefer link and length tracks, but what Italeri have supplied are quite well moulded with detail on both sides and I presume in their own material which should be glueable with super glue unlike the original Esci offerings. Alternatively, UM have just released a set of T26 link and length tracks which I'm told can be used on this kit although one and a half sets will be required - food for thought.

The original Esci kit of the M 13/40 has not been available for a very long time and as a dedicated Braille Armour Modeller, I'm very glad to see it back. Thank you Italeri.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Italeri for the review sample.