Reference from the ICM website,

While developing a combat vehicle for mechanized infantry units under the MICV (Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle) program, the United States also developed an armored reconnaissance vehicle under the ARSV (Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle) program. In spring 1977, both programs merged into FVS (Fighting Vehicle Systems), creating the unified Bradley Fighting Vehicle platform. The concept included two variants: the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and the M3 Bradley cavalry fighting vehicle, crewed by three soldiers plus two scouts. The M3 Bradley retained the same primary armament as the IFV but carried more ammunition — 1,500 rounds for the automatic cannon, 4,300 rounds for the machine gun, and 10 TOW anti-tank missiles for heavy armored targets. Equipment included a portable ground surveillance radar, specialized radios, night vision devices, and space in the modified troop compartment for a motorcycle. The M3 Bradley later underwent upgrades to enhance protection and improve firepower.

Upon removing the cover, there is a reinforced white inner box that does a good job of protecting the kit’s seven gray plastic sprues, and decal sheet (I recently heard on the Beyond the Box Art podcast that ICM’s boxes are designed to withstand the rigors of delivery services, and this box meets that standard). The instructions span 12 pages and cover 38 steps. The downloadable instructions are also available separately online (https://icm.com.ua/technique/m3-bradley/). Take care with small pieces (grab handles, etc.) as the plastic is fragile and can break when removed from the sprue gates.

This is a former Revell M2/M3 Bradley kit (No. 03143) that was first issued in 2005 (with the hull tub dating to 2001 Kit No. 03124). The ICM boxing uses new decals and keeps it relevant for modern armor builders. The inclusion of decals for four colorful Bradleys, where only one is overall green, is nice and really highlights the M3 Bradley’s early career.

There are minor notes that I have identified here by their instruction step:

Step 06: The link and length tracks assemble well if you take your time. Of note, the top run of the track is not visible once the side skirts are installed.

Step 10: Watch the orientation of Part 23 to ensure the tow cable is facing outside (ask me how I know). The M3 variant does not have vision blocks in the rear troop ramp, so two inserts are provided (Parts 106 and 107) as blanks.

Step 11: The main troop ramp (Step 10) is held by hinges (2 x Parts 25 and 26) that require them to be glued together, but not to the ramp. This is superfluous as there is no interior. Save yourself some pain and glue the ramp in place on the hull, then glue the hinges. While not workable, they are solid and a lot easier to assemble.

Step 15: The M3 CFV did not have weapon firing ports in the troop compartment (they were also eliminated in later M2 variants), so blank ball mounts are provided (Parts 124 x 4).

Step 18:

There are two rear troop compartment hatches provided. Part 108 is used for the CFV variant; Part 45 for the M2 IFV variant.

The spare ammo cans (Part 44) are to be mounted directly onto the rear hull. Save yourself frustration and install Part 44 into the storage rack (Part 115 in Step 25), before installing the rack onto the hull.

Step 23: Exercise caution removing Part 111 from the sprue gate and sanding the nubs as this piece is very fragile. The good thing is that it can be glued onto the glacis in segments and look the same as if it had been installed intact.

Step 27: The connection point for the mantlet (Part 64) to the barrel elevation (Part 61) is very fiddly and temperamental. Refer to photographs to get the correct orientation and depth, trim the connection point and glue for strength.

Step 29: Take care removing and cleaning up Part 76 (ring sight).

Step 36: The TOW launcher provides the option of stowed (36.a) or firing position (36.b). Refer to Step 37 for which option is preferred.

There are four marking options for this kit:

• M3 Bradley, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Knox, Kentucky (U. S. Army Training Center, Armor), January 1983 in a summer verdant MERDC (US Army Mobility Equipment Research & Development Center) scheme
• M3 Bradley, 3rd Infantry Division, West Germany, mid-1980s in an overall green scheme
• M3 Bradley, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized). Fort Polk, Louisiana, April 1990 in NATO three-tone scheme
• M3 Bradley, 197th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized), Operation DESERT STORM, Saudi Arabia, 1991 in overall green scheme

I painted the summer verdant MERDC scheme of 2/6 CAV using the ICM Acrylic Paint Set for US Armored Vehicles 1990-2000s (Item No. 3087 reviewed here: https://reviews.ipmsusa.org/review/acrylic-paint-set-us-armored-vehicles-1990-2000s). However, when I applied the 2/6 CAV decals, they disappeared into the camouflage paint scheme. I then added the 1/5 CAV decals to reflect the 5^th Infantry Division Bradley.

The decals are delicate and conform well to the model, have no silvering, and really look the part. Care must be taken due to their small size and fragility as a few wanted to curl back onto themselves.

Of note, both the Bradley M2 and M3 versions can be built from this kit as the parts for both are included, and the differences were pointed out in this review. The only difference is the decals included in their respective kits for Infantry (Kit No. 72912) and Cavalry (Kit No. 72913) Fighting Vehicles.

This is another beautiful braille scale model that has been given a second life, much like their real counterparts fighting for Ukrainian independence and is highly recommended.

Slava Ukraini!

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