Model Magazine International 12 2003 - 01 2004

I'm not going to make comparisons between Skybow's version and the AFV Club offering as I haven't built the latter kit. If you do want a side by side review of the both kits, Terry Ashley's excellent Perth Military Miniatures web site give an in depth comparison of the two. The first thing you will notice when you start to build this kit is that Skybow have broken with tradition as regards the construction sequence given in the instructions. Are you ready for this? Brace yourself - they start with the turret and not the lower hull and running gear! I know this sounds outrageous behaviour, but it's true. It's just shocking if you ask me (you sarcastic old bugger, Ed) Well anyway, I did as directed and Started with the turret, as 1 find the running gear the most tedious part so I always tackle that bit later on during the construction!

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FineScale Modeler 09 2003

The compact (only 12' long) Bren gun carrier was a forerunner of modern armored personnel carriers. Officially designated the Universal Carrier, its original purpose was to cany infantry safely through small-arms fire. A light Bren machine gun was to be mounted on the vehicle to provide suppressive fire. The Universal Carrier proved too lightly armored for combat. The open fighting compartment left soldiers exposed to snipers and shrapnel from shells exploding overhead. Nevertheless, it was agile and fast for a tracked vehicle (30+ mph) and could negotiate rough terrain with ease. The majority of Universal Carriers never sported a Bren gun, but the name stuck. When France attempted to reassert control over its Indochina colony after World War II, equipment was in short supply. French forces made do with second-hand equipment from the United States and Britain, including many Bren carriers. Most were rearmed with U.S.-made Browning .30-caliber machine guns, as was the case with the subject of Boh Collignon's model.

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