Tamiya Matilda Queen of the Desert in 1/48

This July, we should see the Queen of the Desert, Matilda from Tamiya released in 1/48 scale. Previously it was only available from Bandai.

Details from the official website:

This is a 1/48 scale plastic assembly model of the British Matilda previously available in 1/35 scale. Historical background: The Matilda was developed as a heavily armored infantry tank and was one of the British Army's main tanks in North Africa during WWII. The Matilda swept aside opposing Italian tanks and was respectfully called the "Queen of the Desert" by German forces. During Operation Battle axe to lift the siege of Tobruk in June 1941, German forces famously used their 88mm AA guns in the anti-tank role as they were the only effective counter against Matildas.

Source

Kit Length=127mm
★This is a 1/48 scale plastic assembly kit model of the British Matilda infantry tank.
★The heavily armored form of the Matilda has been accurately reproduced.
★The cast metal surface texture on the turret and hull have also been realistically depicted.
★Assembly type tracks recreate realistic sag effect.
★Commander torso figure and 3 marking options included.
★Metal chassis weights enhance the model's presence.

Source

The kit was announced during Shizuoka Hobby Show back in April 2012. Other releases includes:

• 1/48 Ilyushin IL-2 Shturmovik
• 1/48 Type 22 Zero Fighter "Tora-159"
• 1/35 Elefant
• 1/24 Toyota 86
• 1/6 Yamaha Motocrosser YZ250
• 1/350 IJN Heavy Cruiser Chikuma
• 1/700 CV5 Yorktown

Source

The 1/48 Matilda is based on 1/35 Matilda, released in 2009. The 1/35 Matilda was a 300th kit release from Tamiya. Here are some links that I have found for those of you interested in learning more about the Tamiya Matilda:

• In Box review Matilda Mk. III/IV (1:35) :: Armorama
• In Box review Tamiya 1/35 Matilda Mk. III/IV Infantry Tank :: Military Modelling
• Tamiya Matilda Options (1/35):: Missing Lynx Forum
• Tamiya Matilda (1/48) :: Missing Lynx Forum

Since the 1/48 Matilda is based on the 1/35, those links will come in handy. Especially the Missing Lynx Forum on 1/35, it discussed the modification needed to build an accurate model.

Overall, right now, it is the best Matilda on the market and a great addition to the growing 1/48 AFV world.