The Modelling News: Preview: Two new releases from Trumpeter in August

The Freccia & Jeanne d’Arc are the subjects of Trumpeter's August items. We look at the colours, decals & build up kits in our preview...

Preview: Two more releases from Trumpeter in August

VBM Freccia

by Trumpeter

Model:09606

1/35th scale

Veicolo blindato medio (VBM) Freccia 8×8 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) is a medium armoured vehicle developed by the consortium Iveco-Oto Melara. It is the first digitised vehicle to enter into service with the Italian Army. The VBM Freccia IFV is based on the chassis of the 105mm-armed Centauro tank destroyers developed by the consortium during 1992-96. The first prototype of the vehicle was ready by 1996.

The colour scheme presented in this kit

The decals in the box

The vehicle has been modified to provide greater anti-tank blast protection for the crew. The interior layout of the Freccia has been optimised to carry a crew of eight soldiers, with two men in the turret and a driver. The first VBM Freccia IFV was delivered to the Italian Army in February 2009, at Cepolispe in Montelibretti, Rome.

Model Length: 240.9mm Width: 100.8mm

Total of 6 sprues, lower hull, upper hull and tires

The kit consists of over 430 parts

The main tires are hollow rubber with very good tread pattern

- Photo-Etched parts & brass wire included

The kit built up by Trumpeter's model makers

French Navy Helicopter Cruiser Jeanne d’Arc 2008

by Trumpeter

Model:05635

1/350th scale

Jeanne d'Arc was a helicopter cruiser of the French Navy. She was the sixth vessel of the French Navy named after Joan of Arc ("Jeanne d'Arc" in French), a national heroine of France and saint of the Catholic Church who distinguished herself in the Hundred Years' War by helping France turn the tide of the Lancastrian phase. In peacetime, Jeanne d'Arc was used for teaching and training purposes; however, in case of emergency or crisis, she was to have become a fully capable helicopter cruiser.

The colour scheme presented in this kit

The decals in the box

Toward the end of her service life, Jeanne d'Arc became unsuitable for the role due to the increasing size and weight of helicopters. Jeanne d'Arc was built as La Résolue, as her predecessor, the Jeanne d'Arc of 1930, was still in service. She was renamed Jeanne d'Arc in 1964. The ship was retired in May 2010 and decommissioned in September 2010.