K086
INDEPENDENT A1E1
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INDEPENDENT A1E1
The 32 Ton Vickers INDEPENDENT A1E1 was produced in 1926 then tested and modified until 1933 in great secrecy due to its’ many innovative features; such as 398 bhp V12 Air cooled engine, 20 mph top speed, laryngaphone communications for the eight man crew, and hydraulically operated controls using a steering wheel for all but very tight turns.Designated A1E1 it was the first UK “A” tank (E1=1st prototype) and was armed with a 3Pr.QF (47mm) gun in main turret and 0.303 MG’s in four auxilliary turrets.
Modified during the trials in many ways, INDEPENDENT lead to significant advances in UK tank technology, but was too expensive (and perhaps too good!) to be accepted for production. It was however the tank thought to be at the centre of the notorious Baillie-Stewart treason case, and features of its’ design were copied by other nations prior to WW2.
INDEPENDENT was further modified in 1940 for UK home defence, and now sits at the RAC Tank Museum in Bovington where I first measured and sketched it for this model in 1981!
This 1/35th scale resin model kit by Derek Hansen depicts the vehicle in 1940 and as she is today, an etched brass detail set, decals and full illustrated instructions are included. I would also like to dedicate this model to my long suffering wife and all those who have watched me add a few bolts/rivets and details from time to time over the last 30+ years!