History

In the early 1990’s, Australia established Project Bush Ranger. The idea behind this project was to support an infantry group of nine (9) men for a three-day operation. Development was not without difficulties, but the Bushmaster has matured into one of the premier, light mine-protected vehicles in service world-wide. 299 vehicles have been built in 6 variances, with additional contracts pending. Vehicles have been in Afghanistan, as well as purchased by the Royal Netherlands, British, and Danish armies.

Items in the Box

The model is made from injection-molded plastic, grey in color. The plans are on a fold-out sheet, printed on both sides and well presented. Clear plastic sheets are intended for windows and lenses; also included are a photo-etched detailed sheet and a decal sheet.

Construction

Initially, I started with the chassis buildup, pre-painting and assembling interior details, seats, cabinets, steering wheel, and an air-conditioning supply and return system. Next, I pre-painted the upper body interior, then went to the outer portion, adding many of the exterior details or parts but leaving the glass gun hatches and forward gun turrets for last. (NOTE: the side view mirror supports were made from brass wire as the parts that were supplied in the kit broke because they were fragile.) The body shell was then painted. I then assembled both the gear boxes, attaching them to the A-frames and allowing them to pivot. Next, four (4) drive shafts were assembled, together with the wheel hubs. I deviated from the assembly instruction pictures provided as follows:

• Step 1 – the gear box assembly was assembled to the chassis. Coil springs were then added to the chassis and the underside of the pivoting A-frames. NOTE: This will properly position the hub to the A-frames.
• Step 2 – I added the hubs and the drive shafts.
• Step 3 – I fastened the upper portion of the A-frame to the hubs. I now added the windows in the glass gun hatches and forward gun turrets.

Paint

Acrylics by Tamyia, lacquers by Floquil and ModelMaster. Paint went on well. After a few days of drying time, I added the decals, then over-coated with Testor’s Dullcote.

Conclusion

With some procedure modifications, the kit went together well. There were many tiny parts. The kit is for the more experienced modeler.

I wish to thank Showcase Models and Dragon Models USA for the review item and IPMS/USA for allowing me to review this kit.