Base Model Background - From Wikipedia

The Oshkosh M-ATV is a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle developed by the Oshkosh Corporation for the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) program. Intended to replace M1114 HMMWVs (Humvee), it is designed to provide the same levels of protection as the larger and heavier previous MRAPs, but with improved mobility.

Base Model - Ryefield Models

Normally I prefer to build 1/48th scale aircraft, but will occasionally build 1/35th scale military vehicles. I saw an article on the M1240A1 M-ATV on line and was taken with the detail and the appearance of the vehicle itself. In searching for models I found that Panda and Rye Field Models both offered versions of the vehicle. I especially liked the Rye Field Models RFMRM5032 version as that offered the option for an open hood, revealing the nicely detailed engine compartment, as well as a full interior. I ended up ordering the kit on line.

The Item

If you want to bring your M20 Armored Utility Car model kit to the next level, this excellent photo etch detail set is just the thing for you. This extensive PE sheet has most of the appliqués that can be added to the kit to provide a fully detailed rendering of the M20 vehicle.

PE parts generally require certain tools to bend/and manipulate the parts for a good fit. You’ll find those at online and local hobby shops. Adhesion can be done in a variety of ways including thin cements, paint, or even floor polish, depending on the part’s requirements. This set comes with instructions and the parts are correspondingly numbered on the fret tree.

All-in-all this set will definitely enhance the appearance of your armored car.

The Item

If you want to bring your Amphibious Assault Vehicle-7A1model kit to the next level, this excellent photo etch detail set is just the thing for you. This extensive PE sheet has most of the appliqués that can be added to the kit to provide a fully detailed rendering of the AAV-7A1 vehicle.

PE parts generally require certain tools to bend/and manipulate the parts for a good fit. You’ll find those at online and local hobby shops. Adhesion can be done in a variety of ways including thin cements, paint, or even floor polish, depending on the part’s requirements. This set comes with instructions and the parts are correspondingly numbered on the fret tree.

All-in-all this set will definitely enhance the appearance of your AAV-7A1 truck.

From Dennis Oliver’s Introduction,

"The American-build M4 Medium Tank, christened Sherman by the British, served in every theater of war from North Africa, Sicily and Italy to north-western Europe and finally in the Far East. From late 1942 it was arguably the most important armoured vehicle in Britain’s arsenal, with the possible exception of the Churchill. Field Marshal Montgomery, the overall commander of the British and Commonwealth units fighting in the Mediterranean and later in Normandy, considered the Sherman to be a universal tank, capable of both close infantry support and mobile warfare."

I've previously built two of the 48th scale Tamiya tanks: the M-10 Tank Destroyer and the M1A2 Abrams, and they are great for a non-armor buff like me, both in size (not too big for the display cabinet) and part count (low to moderate, can be built in a week or two).

The M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage was a variation of the Stuart M5 light tank, powered by twin Cadillac V-8s with a 75mm M3 howitzer. Production yielded 1788 units from early 1942 to January 1944, and M8s served in Italy, Western Europe and the Pacific theater.

You get decals for two tanks: 106th Cavalry Reconnaissance Group, operating in Germany February 1945, and 758th Tank Battalion, Fifth Army operating in Italy, April 1945.