1/72 Matilda Scorpion mine clearance vehicle

[Ron Bell]

I ordered the Osiris Models (now no longer operating) Matilda flail. It was very nicely detailed, amazing in some respects actually if you look at the chain flails, but the Matilda used in the kit was one of the very earliest ones with the armored co-axial M/G and the different exhaust system. I couldn't find any photos of the use of these earlier vehicles, so I went on the hunt for an ESCI Matilda, it being the most readily, if rare, 1/72 version of the later mark vehicle. I finally tracked one down (no pun intended) and set to work adapting the Osiris flail mechanism to the ESCI kit. It fit quite well actually and took minimal work with only the addition of the support beams to the sides of the Matilda being necessary. I did need to add the lane indicators to the rear however, but these hadn't been included in the Osiris kit either. One other small addition was the flail operator. He is a modified seated figure that has lost his arms and legs but he now fits in the rather cramped space. One drawback is that the commander figure from the ESCI kit has a face more reminiscent of a chimpanzee than a brave warrior.

[Dick Montgomery]

I see what you mean about figure's face. Reminds me of my Senior Class picture from high school.