French Light Tank AMX-13/90

Ron Garcia
Pretty easy build. A little experience with PE and individual track links would help, but even someone with just a few tank models under their belts shouldn't have a problem with this kit.

I like how Takom made the wheels separate from the rims. The clear periscopes were also a nice addition. Takom provides plenty of spare links so a bit a sag can be added to the tracks. The PE for the radiators was also nice. The vinyl dust guard is also nicely done.

On the negative side, I just don't understand why Takom has to have such huge sprue gate attachment points to the parts. Some even overlap the parts, making cleanup tedious at times - especially when it is between molded on detail. The brush guards for the double headlights are WAY over engineered. I left off parts TP7 and TP21 altogether and didn't notice it one bit.

The instructions would have you attach the fenders before adding the tracks. Common sense says to reverse that. If you leave the drive sprocket loose, you can simply remove the track assembly after it dries, paint it, and then reattach it with no hassles. The fit of the fenders; however, was not the best. Both sides wanted to sag down instead of staying at a 90 degree angle. Some fast setting cement and sprue wedged between the tracks and the fenders fixed the problem.

Overall, a nice kit for your collection. The unusual oscillating turret makes this model unique, so it is worth having just for that.