1/35 A1E1 Independent Vickers 1926 Heavy Tank

Accurate Armour is known throughout the modeling world as a top-notch maker of highly detailed multi-media conversion sets, accessories, and full kits, with a mind-boggling selection of subjects. Here's what the fine folks themselves have to say about this amazing beastie:

"The 32 Ton Vickers INDEPENDENT A1E1 was produced in 1926 then tested and modified until 1933 in great secrecy due to its many innovative features; such as 398 bhp V12 Air cooled engine, 20 mph top speed, laryngaphone communications for the eight man crew, and hydraulically operated controls using a steering wheel for all but very tight turns.

Designated A1E1, it was the first UK "A" tank (E1=1st prototype) and was armed with a 3-Pounder QF (47mm) gun in main turret and 0.303 MG's in four auxilliary turrets. Modified during the trials in many ways, INDEPENDENT lead to significant advances in UK tank technology, but was too expensive (and perhaps too good!) to be accepted for production. It was however the tank at the centre of the notorious Baillie-Stewart treason case, and features of its design were copied by other nations prior to WW2.

INDEPENDENT was further modified in 1940 for UK home defence, and now sits at the RAC Tank Museum in Bovington where I first measured and sketched it for this model in 1981!

This 1/35th scale resin model kit depicts the vehicle in 1940 and as she is today, and includes a photo-etched brass detail set, decals and full illustrated instructions.