IDF Nagmachon Doghouse Conversion Set

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IDF Nagmachon Doghouse Conversion Set
Ref. # LF1162
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Legend
Price: £69.99
Material: Resin & PE

Introduction

The Nagmachon was a development of the earlier Nagmashot, with the turret of the Centurion removed and the installation of a fighting compartment. With the installation of both passive and reactive armour, this provided secure infantry transport for the IDF, although being open from above it did prove vulnerable in urban environments, so a further structure was later added on top, the vehicle then being designated as 'Nagmachon Mifleset'.

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The kit

Included in the well protected package is everything you get in the IDF APC Nagmachon Conversion set (#LF1154), Plus of course, everything necessary to build the 'Doghouse' structure or turret. Ethelian Middleton has built the Nagamachon conversion set that is the subject of the afore-mentioned review, and that can be found HERE.

Given that the contents of that conversion set are identical to this one apart from the 'Doghouse', I'll restrict my comments in the main to the additions in this set, but I can't do that without commenting on the overall quality of this set and it's presentation.

Although to the average modeller that buys mostly injected plastic kits from the mainstream manufacturers, this kind of conversion can look extremely expensive, if looked at in context it represents remarkable value for money. Firstly, it's a subject unlikely to be produced in injected plastic. Secondly, it's a resin production that will in all likelihood not be produced in the same numbers as an injected plastic kit, and thirdly....there's an awful lot of resin for your money in the box!

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Although complicated looking, in part due to the sheer number of parts, if you're looking for your first major resin project, a Legend conversion set such as this could be a wise choice. I say this because of the quality of the casting. Very little flash that's easily cleaned off the parts, no air bubbles to speak of anywhere, and the parts are easily removed from their casting blocks. If you're worried about the instructions, don't be. The four full-colour A4-sized photographic sheets supplied in the kit are very clear, and begin with a parts map for easily identifying the correct part, the rest of the four sides showing clearly where each of the many parts goes.

In addition to mass of resin included in the kit, there are also two photo-etched sheets included in the kit, as well as a length of nylon cord, various diameters of brass rod, and brass wire, as well as a small acetate rectangle.

The 'Doghouse' is an armoured, octagonal structure fitted to the top of the fighting compartment. In addition to the two hatches and multiple vision blocks, there are also stand-off mesh panels supplied in the form of photo-etch. As you can see from picture 16, it's a complicated looking structure on it's own, but if you look at picture 19 you'll see that the bulk of the 'Doghouse' is supplied as a single hollow casting, making construction a lot easier than it could have been!

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Conclusion

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As I type, this set is winging it's way to one of our members for a full build review.....so watch this space!

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My thanks to Ian Hanratty of Friendship Models for the review sample

For full information on all the Legend range, please see Friendship Models