The M1097A2, Heavy HMMWV with an increased payload capacity, will replace the M1037, M1042, M1097 and M1097A1 heavy shelter variants. It is designed to carry heavy electronic systems, weapons platforms, and can be configured to act as a command post; the M1097A2 may also be configured as a troop carrier.

This is ICM’s first HMMWV, and the second kit available in 1/35 scale (Italeri No, 6484 was introduced in 2018). This versatile and rugged vehicle is in service with the US military, NATO forces and other militaries around the world. The two marking options in this kit include:

1. C-3, Charlie Company, 1-18 Infantry Regiment, 1^st Infantry Division in NATO tri-tone camouflage
2. 784^th EOD Company, 184^th Ordnance Battalion in desert tan

Upon opening the cover, there is a reinforced white inner box that does a good job of protecting the kit’s five plastic sprues, clear sprue for glass, four rubber tires, and decal sheet. The 12-page instruction manual covers 59 steps, split into major subassemblies of the chassis (good engineering and following instructions ensure the truck sits on all four wheels), cab, and exposed cargo area.The downloadable instructions are also available online at https://icm.com.ua/ua/technique/humvee-m1097a2-transporter-vantazhiv/

And thanks to the IPMS 2024 Nats, during the “The Effects of War on ICM Holding Company and Ukraine”, ICM’s Modelling Family (literally and figuratively) informed the modelling audience that their models have construction video links. The link for this M1097A2 model’s instructions is available here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7KmNW_JzrY).

The model builds straightforwardly, and the sequence is logical. There are minor notes that are identified here by their instruction step:

Steps 4-7: This is the assembly of the engine and, while basic, is hidden under the hood once the vehicle is assembled.

Step 12: Rotate the drive shaft 90^o so it fits properly (dry fitting this model is essential for a good fit that doesn’t surprise later).

Step 16: Insert Part C41 into the differential first and rotate it to find the angle it fits into assembly from Step 15 to fit properly.

Steps 25-26: Recommend painting the wheels separately before mounting the tires. Unfortunately, there is no sidewall lettering, most likely due to copyright issues.

Step 27: Recommend mounting the wheel assemblies after painting the HMMWV as the connections are fine and won’t hold too much handling.

Step 29: Follow the instructions to paint and decal the instrument panel, then insert the clear windshields. I assembled everything and left the instrument panel detailing and windshield installation until after painting the HMMWV. It would have been easier to follow the instructions and mask this area as it is hard to get into the small, enclosed space once built.

Step 34: Parts D7 (x2) are sun visors that require sink hole clean up. These are very visible in the open topped HMMWV.

Step 49: The hood is a five-piece assembly (main hood, each side panel and lifting hooks (2)); it would have been easier as one piece for the hood. As this is one piece in a real HMMWV, take the time to sand the seams before installing the lifting hooks and assembling the hood to the body in Step 56.

I followed the instructions, and it was easy, if not tedious, to build. Attention and care must be used as there are a lot of fiddly bits that appear to scale on this smaller 1/35 model. The tolerances are tight; glue and paint can make a big difference during assembly. Take your time and test fit routinely.

The HMMWV was painted in overall US Army desert tan. The decals are crisp, clear, thin, and settled in well. I screwed up and one of the EOD decals flipped over on itself and I could not get it to flatten out. I tried the 1^st Infantry Division decals, but they are printed over the tan block seen on NATO tri-tone camouflage. I made replacement decals and stuck with 1^st Infantry decals. ICM has taken the guess work out of the paint colors with their Acrylic Paint Set for Humvee US Military Cars (Item No. 3059); it has colors for the NATO three tone camo scheme and desert tan. This set has been previously reviewed.

My minor complaints are the lack of sidewall detail and seatbelts in this open vehicle. Fortunately, a seat belt kit is available through Quinta Studio (QR35003) and HMMWV tires are available through numerous aftermarket companies.

I had a lot of fun building this gem from ICM. HMMWVs have been around for decades, and they are in service across the world. This kit builds into a great model with lots of detail. This is not a kit for beginners, and while there are a lot of building steps, they are logical, easy to follow and enjoyable. While tanks and fighting vehicles get the limelight, there is definitely a place for wheeled utility vehicles. I was lamenting the lack of doors and something to put in the back (aftermarket companies will most likely fill this void shortly), but then found out that ICM recently announced their upcoming M1097A2 Cargo Carrier Humvee (Kit No. 35436). Now there is no need for aftermarket doors, seats, rear cargo tailgate or troop seats; just wait for that kit to hit the market!

Slava Ukraini! (Glory to Ukraine!)

Profuse thanks to ICM and IPMS/USA for providing the review sample.