1:35 British BSA M20 motorcycle w/Military police set

British BSA M20 motorcycle with military police 1:35 (Tamiya)

This plastic kit in 1:35 scale joins the British military motorcycle BSA M20 with a figure of a dispatch rider in the saddle and a standing military policeman. The set brings a finely rendered engine and wheel suspension and, as a bonus, it also contains road signs that can be cut out and placed on the post supplied. The policeman figure offers parts for several arm positions, so you can treat the finished scene according to your own idea.

The real subject

The BSA M20 was a single-cylinder side-valve motorcycle of 500 cc with an output of about twelve horsepower. The British army used it on practically every front of the Second World War, where it served for communication duties and for escorting supply columns. Tens of thousands were built and the M20 became one of the most typical British army machines of its day.

Building and painting tips

The heart of the build is the frame and the engine of the motorcycle — give attention to clean gluing and cleaning up of the seams. The small metal and glossy elements come out well once different shades are applied, and after the base coat a gentle emphasis on the edges and light dusting of the lower areas with pigments will help. With the figures it is the painting that decides: work from the base tones of the uniforms to lightening and shading of the faces and hands. A matched khaki palette holds the whole scene together.

Who the model is for

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.

• For lovers of British army equipment of the Second World War
• For modelers who enjoy combining a vehicle with figures
• For diorama builders who can use a motorcycle and road signs
• For collectors of unusual subjects in 1:35 scale