Cromwells Mk V*

The Mk V* ("Mark Five Star") was essentially a lengthened Mk V - which again basically was a Mk IV, but with much improved engine and control, resulting in a tank both notably faster and more maneuverable. It was used with much effect during the final allied offensives in 1918. (The lengthening of the tank was a remedy to the problem of the germans building wider and wider trenches - the same dilemma that was the basis for the "tadpole tail" Mk IV.) 

It must be said right away: this is a superb kit, perhaps the best WW1 AFV kit I have ever seen, even better than the brilliant Mk VIII, manufactured by the same firm and also reviewed here. And as far as I know this is the only kit made of this important vehicle. It is packed in a small cardboard box, and is made in that creamy yellow, easily worked resin typical of Cromwell. The main parts are a hull and two side tracks assemblies - of course fully detailed on the back - and the side sponsons. Both the male and female variant can be built. 

The tracks comes in the shape of small lengths and individual links. In addition to this you get a large number of smaller parts, including hatches, MG:s - a lot of them: your spares box will get plenty of Hotchkiss guns after building this, if they survive the gluing that is: they are VERY frail. The mouldings are of excellent quality, and the only small problem are the moulding plugs under the main parts and the side sponsons - by the way something that can be found on practically all Cromwell kits.

Both the Drivers Compartment and the Aft Cupola comes as separate parts. (The main use of the Aft Cupola - typical of the Mk V - was to make it possible to connect to unditching beam without climbing out - and thus exposing yourself to hostile fire.) A number of hatches, including both visors and the top hatch on the Drivers Compartment, can be set in a opened position. The pair of hatches towards the rear of the tanks are just a fractions too big, which you will see when you put the long exhaust pipe in place - which, by the way, you must supply yourself, and is best made with lead wire. In the kit is also included a plan.  

There are some small problems of fit here and there - e.g. the strips guiding the placement of the drivers compartment are placed wrong, and must be removed if that part is to fit -, and the track for the lower part of the running assembly must have their guiding blocks removed in order to fit, but still, this is without a doubt a SUPERB kit! (For views of a completed Mk V*, see Hans von Oerles site.) 

Both the accuracy and the crispness of the moulding is top notch. There are no decals or painting instructions. Included in this kit are also a simple diorama base and two figures: one crew man and a marching figure. The kit can be bought directly from Cromwell Models.