First Glance at Rebel Minis Commanche MATV

Two of Rebel Minis' new 15mm Commanche MATVs turned up in the post today. So what are my first thoughts, straight out of the packet?

The kit comes as a crisp and well detailed semi hollow resin body (55mm x 30mm approx) that sits on a substantial metal chasis. Very impressed by the latter. The body is largely clean of mould seams, so another big bonus. Even before I put on the big metal wheels that in themselves add character to the model, the Commanche is lready a tasty looking vehicle.

Now let's talk firepower. The kit is accompanied by a robust metal sprue which holds the following weapon options for your Commanche:

• 0.5 cal MG - one of the best sculpts I've ever seen in 15mm.
• 7.62mm MAG. Again a fantastic sculpt. Very impressed.
• 40mm auto grenade launcher. A tasty bit of kit.
• Rotary Gatling style cannon.
• Open top ammunition box containing what looks like 40mm shells.

These weapons can be mounted directly into a hole on top of the hull OR into the one-piece metal turret which fits neatly over the existing hatch. Finally theres an optional metal gunshield.

OK, I'm impressed. Very Impressed. All too often you buy a 15mm armoured vehicle only to find that the parts, even including the wheels are thin and spindly and ensure the vehicle looks like it would come off worse in a collision with a Renault 2CV.

Especially so the weapons. On the Commanche they are well sculpted and robustly cast. Well in keeping with the vehicle. I absolutely abhor models that turn up with weapons that have barrels thinner than Posh Spice. I'd love to obtain this weapon sprue separately to replace the weapons on some of my other 15mm models.

Any negative comments? Well, the rotary Gatling isn't as good as the one with the Rebel Minis Gila ATV Buggy. Plus, I would have liked a plasma cannon or similar added to the weapons options for a more Sci Fi look. Maybe in place of the 7.62 MAG. But those are really my only niggles.

Well done JBR! And if not on already on the cards, I'd like to see a six wheeler weapons platform version of the Commanche and yes, even a halftrack!

The new Commanche from Rebel Minis projects toughness. I love it. Whether you are going to be evadng Zombi hordes, on a Thunder Run in New Baghdad, or planning adventures in the Forbidden Zone for a small group of 15mm characters, this IS the taxi that'll take you "south of the river" and more importantly, bring you back again.

Cheers

Mark

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INCOMING....... Rebel Minis 15mm Commanche MATV

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After writing about Road to Baghdad this morning, how could I resist Rebel Minis brand new 15mm MATV Commanche? So I ordered two from Mike before I left for work.

I first saw this on JBR's blog and drooled. I'm a Warthog man but the Commanche, whilst not overtly Sci Fi, provides the sort of blue collar transitional all terrain vehicle that any bleeding edge military, post apoc survivor, or colony survey party would be proud of.

The Commanche demonstrates a good balance between firepower, protection and mobility. The model comes with a choice of weaponry and an optional open turret for $11.95. Nice one JBR!

Cheers

Mark

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New Khurasan Miniatures Tracked APC

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Coming SOON from Khurasan Miniatures is this new15mm Tracked Flatbed 'Pickup'/'Technical' which has dozens of applications as a military or civilian transport. I was going to paint this one this morning for Ice Station Zorba, but I thought I'd better photograph it for you before I massacre it :-)

Khurasan Miniatures 15mm Sci Fi

Tracked Flatbed APC

(shown here with new GZG Seated NAC )

The vehicle was designed to accompany Khurasan's forthcoming range of 'Insurgents'. The kit comprises three parts - hull and two sets of tracks. The sort of 'kit' I love. The model is very well moulded and full of crisp detail, it's not just a box on tracks. No air bubbles and certainly no flash or mould lines to speak of on my example. Ready to wash, glue and paint with no further ado.

Dimensions are just short of 6cm long and 2.5cm wide. It's another John Bear Ross, rapid prototyping masterpiece.


As soon as I saw the model, I knew it was ideal for Ice Station Zorba. It is an extremely versatile design which has potential for use as a military APC or civilian ATV to be found in any number of frontier colonies, research stations and outposts.

No product code or price as yet but I'm sure Jon at Khurasan will let us know closer to the release date.

Available SOON from:

WWW.KHURASANMINIATURES.NET

Cheers
Mark
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