When people think about the Matilda tank they think of the Matilda II, however Gecko Models has gone and released a 1/35th scale offering of the Matilda I which is a very different beast. This vehicle has fully exposed suspension, wheels, running gear and tracks. The offensive weaponry consisted of a Vickers heavy machine gun rather than an anti-tank gun. Luckily for me Bovington Tank Museum use to have two of these on display until the last display change and so I have a good set of images to check this release against and I will share those with you.

The model offering is very well packed in a robust flip top cardboard tray with an additional card lid for the artwork. The sprues are for the most part individually bagged which means they are well protected. There is a reasonably large parts count and is not a weekend build by any means. This large parts count is due to Gecko Models looking to provide as much detail as possible, that effort does mean there are a number of small parts that will test the modellers skill set. There is a decent amount of photo etch, fortunately the majority of these parts are of a reasonable size but some small parts will test ability. Due to the level of photo etch in the box it may be worth avoiding if you are not comfortable in its use.

The first surprise with this offering is that Gecko has provided a decent interior only avoiding the engine bay. I am not in a position to comment on the accuracy of the interior however everything included is logical and so I am prepared to take it on faith that the details are correct. This interior detail does mean the modeller can leave a lot of hatches open to expose what is there. On the subject of hatch detail the very large hatch above the driver is designed to accurately depict it in either and open or closed position and will allow a very good view of the interior. The interior detail does extend into the turret and this is also well seen if the hatch doors are left open.

Moving to the exterior of the model and I am very impressed as I checked the instructions and parts against my reference images of the real vehicle and Gecko Models appear to have nailed it in every aspect. I tried very hard to find fault on the detail front and could not find anything of concern. Even the tools are correctly placed with the jack blocks also included. Looking for areas that I know some will grumble about and the tow cable comes to mind as it is supplied as string and a decent cable would have been better, with that said many modellers have their own preference for cable material and so this is not a deal breaker.

The suspension and tracks are worth mentioning as it is an aspect that causes some to avoid a model. The suspension is accurate form what I can see looking at reference and I should add it is not a workable area. The tracks are provided as link and length which is a great compromise between those who love the individual links as you get the level of detail they seek, the fans of rubber band tracks due to their ease of use are also catered too as they do not have the task of individual links needing removal and clean up plus there is not6 much in the way of assembly.

For me the model is finished off by the inclusion of a tank commander figure of the correct dress and period. Hand and facial details are good but for me it is just a case of liking to see figures included with vehicle models and I have to say that when it comes to quality of the figures and inclusion Gecko Models scores very highly.

Gecko Models has provided three finishing options for this release which are:

4th Battalion RTR, B Company, 10th Section, BEF, France, Early Months of 1940

4th Battalion RTR, B Company, BEF, France, Early Months of 1940

4th Battalion RTR, BEF, France, Early Months of 1940