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.

When the kit arrived I immediately opened the box to check the contents. I saw the kit included five black vinyl tires. I am not fond of vinyl tires and felt I should replace them. I did a search for aftermarket accessories and found that Sprue Brothers offered resin replacements. I placed an order and they arrived within a week.

The kit's vinyl tires are fitted to the axles by four plastic parts. The resin set includes a separate mounting adapter that is specifically for the Rye Field kit. How that goes together will be seen when I start the actual build. This is not a weekend build that is for sure. Lots of steps to the painting and the assembly.

Aftermarket Contents Description

From the DEF Model website:

• US M1240A1 M-ATV 16.00 x R20 sagged wheel set for RFM, Panda 1/35.
• Produce current used Big tire by US army - Michelin 16.00xR20.
• Tire parts are same as DW35054 and added new connection parts for RFM kit.
• Correct tires tread pattern, Fine detail wheels.
• 2 kinds of different pattern directions weighted wheels x2, 1 spare wheel.
• Connection parts for RFM kit and Easy wheel mask. Total 9 resin parts & Wheel mask.

The resin parts are cast in a glacier blue resin and packaged in a small zip-lock bag. The bag, painting masks and instructions are all packaged in a small cardboard box with full color graphics on the exterior of the box. The casting blocks are relatively small and two of the tires/wheels have an "A" cast onto the block, two others have a "B", while a single tire has an "S". There is nothing that explains the "A", "B" and "S" identifiers, but it would appear that the "A" tires/wheels are the front tire, while "B" are the rear, and the "S" is the spare. The "A" and "B" versions do have a slight bulging of the tire at the casting block, while the spare tire appears round.

The Rye Field Model kit is furnished with vinyl tires that mount on plastic hubs. The kit tires are certainly acceptable for the build of the models. The detail is a bit soft when compared to the Resin set. The only reason I went with the resin parts is my personal dislike of the vinyl versions offered by some kit manufactures.

Instructions

The instructions included with the resin wheels is a small, full color sheet with instructions on one side on how to mask and paint the wheels and hubs. The flip side shows various DEF Model resin products in 1/35th and 1/72nd scale for aircraft and military vehicles.

Conclusion

This is the first DEF Model resin product that I purchased and I was not disappointed on the quality or detail. I was very impressed with the parts and look forward to using them when I build the Rye Field kit. The proof will be how the resin parts fit the the assembled model. I certainly recommend this product.

My thanks to my wife for allowing me to indulge in this hobby, and to my wallet for being open at the right time to purchase this product.