Australian Military Vehicle Review

Aussie Armour 1/35 scale Series III Land Rover and GS Trailer
Reviewed by Mick Toal

As the name implies, Aussie Armour is devoted to producing a  range of resin kits and conversions for peculiarly Australian  subjects. The quality produced by the ever-growing ranks of "cottage industry" manufacturers can vary from abysmal through to superb, but Aussie Armour has consistently produced work at the upper end of the scale.   Among Aussie Armour's 1/35th scale products are a conversion to produce the standard Australian variant of the series III Land Rover from the Italeri kit and a complete kit of a 1/2 tonne General Service (GS) trailer,  which was designed and manufactured in Australia.

The quality of the yellow resin mouldings is very good, with no air bubbles, easily removed flash and thoughtfully  positioned molding plugs.  Instructions are easy to follow, and the builder is guided through the Land Rover conversion with a detailed graphic while a series of photographs accompany the trailer kit.  Included in the Land Rover conversion is a fulfiller recess and cap, canvas roof side walls, a right-hand drive dashboard, Australian pattern plastic water jerry cans and holders, and an intricate scrub bar for the front of the vehicle. Purists may wish to replace or modify the wheels supplied by Italeri, which have a European six stud pattern not used on Australian vehicles. The parts just drop into place, and an Aussie Land Rover can easily be replicated in an effortless afternoon.

As appealing as the Landrover conversion is, the GS trailer is a masterpiece of resin casting and thoughtful kit design.  Although the flawless castings are delicate, clean-up is easy, and construction a breeze. By holding the parts in place and running thin cynoacrylate glue along the joins, a trailer quickly takes shape. The only enhancement needed is centre brace for the tarpaulin, which is readily crafted with brass rod.   This little beauty is amongst the best designed and most accurate resin kits I have ever had the pleasure to build.  The GS trailer entered service in the 1960s, was a common sight behind Australian Land Rover in Vietnam and will soldier on for a few more decades yet. Highly recommended - the kits are not only great quality presentations of unusual subjects, they are also great value -especially when the exchange rate of the ailing Aussie dollar is taken into account!  The  Land Rover conversion retails for about $15, the trailer about $16.

Aussie Armour  also produces other Australian 1/35th conversions