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Tamiya Universal Carrier Mkii Reconaisance
Brand: Tamiya
Part No: HC-35249
Shadow Stock: Usually ships next day
The Tamiya HC-35249 Universal Carrier Mk.II Reconaisance focuses on one of the most numerous British armoured vehicles of the Second World War. Centred on the Universal Carrier Mk.II, it highlights the vehicle’s development, key improvements and operational role in British armoured formations.
Historical Background
- Origins trace back to the Vickers-Armstrong D50 Machine Gun Carrier (1934), which entered service in 1936 as the Machine Gun Carrier Mk.I.
- In 1938, the Bren Carrier Mk.I appeared with a more powerful 85 bhp Ford V-8 and served as the platoon carrier for mechanised infantry.
- From 1940, production shifted to the Universal Carrier with a revised three-compartment layout to standardise roles.
- The Universal Carrier Mk.II (from late 1942) introduced a welded, waterproofed hull, new track guards and revised stowage arrangements.
- With total production exceeding 100,000, it became the most numerous armoured vehicle built.
- By 1944, Motor Battalions—armoured infantry tasked with supporting tank units—used Universal Carriers alongside M5 and M9 Halftracks, often operating near columns of Cromwell, Churchill and Sherman tanks.
This Tamiya presentation of the Universal Carrier Mk.II will appeal to enthusiasts of British WWII armour and those interested in reconnaissance-focused vehicle history. Part number HC-35249 provides a concise window into the evolution and frontline use of this iconic carrier.
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About the British Universal Carrier Mk.II Forced Reconnaissance
In 1934 Vickers-Armstrong Ltd built a small Machine Gun Carrier known as the V-A D50 as a privated venture. The V-A D50 entered service in 1936 as the Machine Gun Carrier Mkl; armed with a .303 Vickers water-cooled machinegun. In 1938, the Bren Carrier Mk.I replaced the Machine Gun Carrier Mk.I in production. This was a far superior design with a more powerful 85bhp Ford V-8 engine. The Bren Carrier Mk.I was the Platoon Carrier, for use by the newly mechanized Infantry Divisions for mobile fire support. In 1940 it was decided to cease the production of the previous Carriers and concentrate on the production of a Universal Carrier. The Universal Carrier Mk.I had a different layout with three compartments. The Universal Carrier Mk.II entered production in British factories from late in 1942. It was an improved model with a welded and water proofed hull, new track guards and revised stowage arrangements. Carrier production totaled over 100,000 making it the most numerous armored vehicle ever built. By 1944 the Motor Battalion was one of the main recipients of the Universal Carrier. Motor Battalions were "armored infantry" units specially trained to support tank units and protect them from enemy infantry and anti-tank guns. These troops were transported in Universal Carriers and M5 or M9 Halftracks. Each Armored Brigade had its own Motor Battalion, which was assigned as the fourth regiment of the brigade. Carriers and Halftracks of the Motor Battalion are often seen in columns of Cromwell, Churchill and Sherman tanks as they are advancing in forward areas near to the front line.
Key Info:
- Brand: Tamiya
- Part No: HC-35249
- Barcode: 4950344996469
- Scale: 1:35
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