Flames of War: Daimler Armoured Car Troop (Plastic)

Daimler Armoured Car Troop from Battlefront Miniatures for their Flames of War 1/100 15mm scale series consists of 2 sprues that can be built up into :-

• 2 x Daimler Armoured Car
• 2 x Dingo (MG) Armoured Car

Kit also contains a sprue of tank commander figures to be used with open turrets.

History

The Daimler Armoured Car was one of the most successful British Armoured car designs of the Second World War proving very capable in its role of armed reconnaissance, scouting and liaison. A total of 2,694 vehicles were made. They entered service in mid-1941 and fought in the Western Desert, North West Europe and some made it to South East Asia and served in the reconquest of Burma.

After the war they continued to be supplied to many Commonwealth nations through the 1950’s and 1960’s and some were still in service as late as 2012.

The Daimler Armoured Car was a Birmingham Small Arms design. It was developed in parallel with the Daimler Dingo scout car a small armoured vehicle for scouting and liaison roles. The Daimler Armoured Car being built on the same layout but larger, with a more powerful engine and fitted with a turret armed with a 2pdr anti-tank gun and co-axial Besa machine gun.

With full independent suspension, four wheel drive and advanced design gearbox the Daimler Armoured Car was a true go anywhere land vehicle. Its rugged nature and reliability plus an ability to manage 1:2 inclines made it ideal for reconnaissance and escort duties.

The Kit

The Daimler Armoured Car troop kit is up to the usual Battlefront Miniatures high standard. The parts are well moulded and flash free. They all fitted together and assembled very nicely. The turret on the Daimler Armoured Car will rotate and can be finished either closed or open to be fitted with one of the supplied commander figures. There is only an exploded diagram of the two models on the back of the box in way of instructions but I had no problems and completed all four models in under half an hour. With a quick spray of undercoat and desert sand paint they are good to go on your Flames of War battle table as depicted above.

A number of optional bits and pieces are provided for the Daimler Armoured Car. Namely a spare wheel, spare petrol cans and perforated sand channels that assist if bogged down.

There is also one alternative armament offered the so-called Littlejohn adaptor. This is a dart shaped end to the gun barrel that worked on the squeeze bore principal to increase the gun’s armour penetration. This meant it could penetrate the side or rear armour of some German tanks.

Conclusion

The Daimler Armoured Car Troop kit with its four easy to build vehicles is excellent value and given that a typical late war recce troop in north-west Europe would have two Daimler Armoured Cars and two Daimler Dingo scout cars it seems ideal. A must have if you have a British army force.

Only one slight niggle, considering they entered service in Mid-1941 I’m not sure why Battlefront Miniatures has chosen to give the Daimler Armoured Car Troop kit a “L ” Late War rating. I feel it should me “M” Mid-War. Time to get the felt tip out!