Part 2: The Build

This is yet another new release from Dragon Models of their ever growing '39' -'45' series of kits. A versatile Truck chassis utilized by the Armed Forces as a replacement of the light weight M-2 Scout Car and Troop Carrier in motorized Divisions. While a little larger in size than its predecessor, the M-2, this vehicle virtually replaced the M-2. It was immediately converted to many other uses, in many variants, for the many needs of our Military forces during WWII. When used properly, this could be a devastating vehicle capable of maintaining a high volume or rate of fire against ground targets as well as its primary role of Anti Aircraft protection against any marauding enemy Aircraft in all theatres of U.S. operations. These vehicles also soldiered on after WWII and served our ground forces through several wars such as Korea and Viet Nam. These vehicles still see service today in some smaller third world countries. Initial view I spied crisply detailed parts on 13 plastic frets with 2 more for the figures included; of these parts some 66 will be not used and relegated to your growing parts box. There is also one fret of Photo etched parts that contains 17 pieces. Also included is a length of cord for the Winch Cable and a small section of Chain. This is capped off with a great decal sheet that is includes 6 separate vehicles from European and the Pacific theatres. A Quick listing of upgrades includes items such as:   Full drive train w/motor, Radiator and oil sump, slide molded and more accurate Sprocket and Idler wheels, Detailed bolts and ribs on differential housings, more detailed Spring Housings, Armored front grill that can be used with Photo etch slats or done as a whole in Plastic, open or closed and Bogies that display additional spring detail. Front Tires with weight Bulge molded in with increased detailing of the Hubcaps as well as further detailed Bogies and wheel couplings. The Crew section includes upgrades such as:   Front Window Armor that can be displayed opened or closed and their struts, Crew Cab doors that can be displayed opened or closed, detailed Dashboard and Photo etched Visors and Windshield Wipers for further enhancement and lastly side walls that can be displayed up or down as wanted. The Quad .50's:   Pedestal Plate with full details, more detailed Cradle assemblies, A retooled and complete fighting compartment, 12.7mm MG Magazines (with decaled lettering), Accurately shaped forward gun shield, Pedestal that can rotate and finally the four 12.7mm MG's that can be displayed in at least 4 different positions and have hollow Muzzles thanks to slide molding. Let the madness begin: The first 6 steps are mainly concerned with the building of the Chassis. I suggest that you read and reread these steps carefully as there are some parts you may want to relegate to the parts box such as the Engine and several other parts due mainly to the overall build you have chosen. My kit is shown with the Engine Bay doors closed. You will need to make the Front Road wheels as when you reach step 4 in which you are placing the completed Bogie assembly onto the Chassis proper, you will need to tack them onto the front axles in order to get the Bogies to be at a proper angle for your needs. On my example, I attached the Winch assembly after the Vehicles paint was applied and it was ready for completion. It was easier to place the Cable without having to come back and touchup any surrounding painting mistakes. I did find the 2 piece tracks a somewhat delight as I did not have to clean and fight with Individual track links nor any paint peeling, non glue able rubber band tracks. They look real good and the only worry is that you must put the back half on first then fit all else to it, otherwise, you will be breaking and repairing most of the Bogie assembly to get them to fit on at all! Did I hear a familiar cringe? The Chassis assembly was then given its base color and set aside for drying and later for weathering prior to the upper components being added. I did jump ahead to step 17 to add the Armored Radiator Cover at this point. I used the open grill version on this review kit. I also pre-painted this piece and added it to the Chassis assembly. I then set out a piece of blue painters tape (or double sided can be used) and laid each pre-painted slat on it according to its corresponding position, added Future Floor wax and when this was dry, the White Star. After the Star decal was added I carefully slit it between each slat. These were then added in the position I desired in the Armored Radiator cover. Crew Cab Starting with step 7 the real fun begins! The Crew Cab proper. I built this as per instructions but held off on the Seats for reasons of additional parts fittings and the placement of the Dashboard. When placing the sidewalls I added the lower door sections for alignment purposes (the rear upright post on one side section was broken off on my review kit but was not a problem to repair at this point. When all parts were added and completed up to step 10, I painted the whole affair with the base coat color and set it aside to dry. The seats were painted also then weathered completely to the desired results before gluing in place. For my kit I added dials and info panels to my pre painted dashboard from Archer Dry Transfers before placing the dashboard in place. The upper half of the doors had the PE visors added and were attached to the Vehicle at the final stage. **** Paint but do not add the Glass as of yet or the PE wipers. The only other big decision is in which way you would like to display the front shield or armored visor. Step 8 has you put together the 2 figures included in the kit.1 Driver and one MG operator. This is a good time to do this if you are going to use them. Gnat Swatter Steps 11 to15 is the building of the great noisemaker. Quad .50 machine guns! This machine will go together quite easily and with no hitches. A few things to consider first; Some pieces need to be pre painted before installation with care given to the prism (part B6) for aiming. I covered the glass with blue painters tape first before painting. Part B25 is painted but left off for the reason of adding the gunner. If you put this piece on you will not be able to put in the figure. After building all parts G1 and G2, the MG Ammo cases and pre painting along with weathering them before attachment, you must add the yellow and white lettering decals. They would be near impossible to attach after the build is complete. The Gun build is simple and straight forward and the MGs look fantastic. However care must be taken and alignment from all angles MUST be adhered to or the whole thing will look as if some 'Jabo' struck first. This I promise! Gun Bay Steps16 and 17 are the final destination for this kit. After all sides were attached to the floor plate and allowed to dry while checking for square, I added all major components except the Ammo cases and upper side shields. All were pre-painted and set aside to dry. It was now time for the major parts to be added to the Chassis and checked for alignment at the attachment points. After having given the glue time to set I weathered the interior to its final appearance. Ammo cans were then added as well as the Radio by using Elmers White Glue. I want to thank Dragon Models for providing me with this kit for review via IPMS/USA.

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