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In-Box Review
135
SAS Jeep conversion set
1/35 SAS Jeep Conversion set – for 2 Vehicles
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by: Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]

Introduction

With all the talk of SAS jeeps lately, I thought many would like to see what is in the box of Legend’s all new SAS jeep conversion set. My first impression when opening the box was “wow, that’s a lot of stuff to put on two jeeps!” The bag just about fills the standard Legends box.

Looking through the set, I see very little “repeat” from other sets, including their former SAS conversion set. The highlight is the civilian tread pattern wheels, something that has never been done for jeeps in 1/35 before. The look is perfect, and you get 4 front wheels and 2 spares. (you also get the same in the separate wheel set). The spares have the locking plate molded on (just like the kit), and it would have been nice if it was molded without, but it shouldn't be too hard to remove and drill out the appropriate holes in the hub.

Unlike a much awaited recent plastic offering, the jerry cans have been correctly represented. The ones on the hood are strapped down, while those in the rear are in racks. Now having the rear jerry cans molded as one part with the racks are fine, however it would have been nice if the type had been mixed a little to add some variation. As it stands, each rack is either all German, or all US type. This may have been a good place for separate cans and photo-etched racks. The older Legend set (1017) had the racks represented in PE, so if you can find one of these you may choose to use them in lieu of the all resin rack/jerry can combo.

Weapons all look good, though a few will need some gentle heat/hot water to get perfectly straight. An extra Vickers is included. The .50 cal looks nice, as does the MP40. No other weapons are included so if you want any rifles or other personal weapons you will have to hit the spares box.

The one photo etch fret included is oddly enough marked for the “SAS Land Rover”. Now there currently isn’t a set marked as such on Legends website, so maybe something in the works? Regardless, the items included are three sand channels, MG mounts, and various other bits to help detail up. I'm actually pleased that the PE was kept to a minimum.

Parts included

• 4 Civilian pattern jeep wheels, (note only the FRONT wheels are provided),
• 2 Civilian pattern spare wheels ,
• 4 count jerry can rack w/ cans (2 US style, 2 German style),
• 1 Rear stowage casting,
• 15 Rucksacks, 6 different types/ castings,
• 2 Shovel/tied tarp casting,
• 1 Duffel / sea bag laying on side,
• 2 small rolled bedrolls,
• 2 desert condensation cans (go on front grill),
• 2 “flimsies” or British style water/ fuel cans,
• 2 British style ammo box,
• 5 British infantry helmets,
• 1 M2 .50cal w/ air cooled barrel,
• 7 Vickers K guns,
• 18 Vickers Ammo cylinders,
• 4 MP40,
• 2 3 count of German Jerry cans for hood w/ straps,
• 2 2 count US jerry cans for hood w/ straps,
• 4 Single jerry cans w/ strap, standing for side of body (2 German/2 US),
• 4 US E-tool (late war style),
• 2 toolbox, sun compass, spare wheel mount (copy of kit part),
• 6 Canteens, British style,
• 4 German water bottle/canteen,
• 2 Binoculars,
• 6 German Potato Masher grenades,
• 2 .50 cal ammo belts,
• 8 Vickers ammo boxes,
• 7 .50 cal ammo boxes,
• 1 Dash mounted ammo box for M2 50cal,
• various gun mounts,
• plethora of other smaller ammo pouches and other bits,
• 1 PE fret with sand channels and other details,
• brass wire, instructions.

As you can see from the list, what is included is very comprehensive, and provides not only enough to deck out two SAS jeeps in two different configurations, but also enough will probably be left over to use on other projects. So overall, the set is a fantastic value, at least in my opinion.

This set would also be very useful for anybody wanting to do any of the LRDG jeeps, or an early SAS Jeep in the Italian or NWE campaigns. Though not as loaded down with jerry cans and gear, they still carried the various machine guns and some of the stowage would be applicable. Basically with this set, and proper reference, you can do a wide variety of subjects.

Conclusion

So, overall this is an excellent kit! Yes, there has been some minor regression away from providing a lot of photo etch parts compared to the older set, but this may be due to the overall impression we as modelers are giving manufactures that we don’t like lots of photo-etch, so we now find companies like Legend doing as much as possible in resin. Still, the casting is top notch and with some good painting it will look fantastic! My thanks to Legends for providing the review sample, and no doubt I will be starting on a pair of SAS jeeps very soon!
SUMMARY
Highs: Covers TWO jeeps, and plenty of gear to do it right. Civilian tread tires!!!
Lows: Could have used some PE in some places instead of cast resin
Verdict: Outstanding...and coupled with the Tamiya jeep, I personally think it looks better than what we have seen so far.
Percentage Rating
93%
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: LF1233
  Suggested Retail: $36.99 (LuckyModel)
  Related Link: Item on Legends Website
  PUBLISHED: Sep 21, 2011
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 91.16%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 87.61%

About Andy Renshaw (skyhawk)
FROM: FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

I started modeling around 8 years old when my dad bought me a Monogram 1/48 A-7. We built that together, and after that he turned me loose. Along with armor and figures, I also enjoy building aircraft and trains (model railroading), and tend to cycle between the genres. Recently married, I have...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Renshaw [ SKYHAWK ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

I just picked up a Tamiya Jeep for $10 so I think that can justify springing on this update set - it looks like it's overflowing with parts!
SEP 21, 2011 - 03:52 PM
The Swash Design sets also have the civilian wheels. Cheerio, Arno
SEP 21, 2011 - 04:15 PM
Unfortunately they're also OOP. Apart from anything else, there's a difference in price between that and the Legend set of around $70... A crew isn't going to be a problem either: http://www.mbltd.info/3598.htm This set is In-Progress from Masterbox. Really useful Review by the way! Personally, this is one of the most difficult Reviews to do, i've done about 6-7 Reviews of Stowage Sets and they really leave you wondering what to say next...
SEP 21, 2011 - 08:09 PM
Thanks for taking the time to review this set. After reading Terry's review of the not so startling cyber hobby attempt this confirms what I thought that the legends set and a Tamiya Jeep are still the way to go. I really wonder if DML's people actually looked at photos of the real thing or if they just massaged their old 35th RC jeep and added the bare minimum of SAS related detail. That looks to be a very useful set. One thing still missing though are the very obvious T Handled Bonnet catches which DML managed to include Al
SEP 21, 2011 - 10:45 PM
True...this set doesnt cover any of the "missing" details that the taymia kit needs (T latches, break/clutch/ gas pedals), however all of which are fairly simple to add. Tank workshop also has the T-Latches Tank Workshop T-Latches Now speaking of those "missing details", Im personaly thinking about mastering up those items, plus some other unique jeep items (canvas doors, capstain wrench, Ford GPW parts, USMC items, etc) for a general "Jeep detail and accessory set"... would there be a resounding interest in such, or am I the only jeep nut out there? also if you liked this from Legends...there is a few more neat conversions comming down the pike...and that is all ill say about that!
SEP 22, 2011 - 04:05 AM
A couple of minutes ago, SKP sent me details of this NEW set for the Willys: Looks like T Handles to me...
SEP 22, 2011 - 04:12 AM
A couple of minutes ago, SKP sent me details of this NEW set for the Willys: Looks like T Handles to me... [/quote] HOLY SMOKES, look at those reflectors!!! thats just amazing... only thing with PE T handles are how thin they are. They are actully fairly thick in real life, probally at least 1/2" or so, so resin would look better. Of course you could build up these a little with some super glue or white glue and they would probally look pretty darn nice.
SEP 22, 2011 - 04:30 AM
Andy, Nicely done review, the set is exstensive to say the least! Ryan
SEP 22, 2011 - 06:08 AM
I wish I saw this review before I ordered the Cyber-Hobby SAS Jeep,now I stuck with the kit & still going out & buy the Legends conversion!!!
SEP 22, 2011 - 03:36 PM
   
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