Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $79.95 Review Sample provided by Stevens International: Website: www.stevenshobby.com History The FMTV was developed as a needed replacement for the ageing M35 and M939 series of vehicles. Out of this development came three vehicles, the M1078, M1083, and M1088 tractor-trailer cab. The M1078 being the smaller of the three became the replacement "deuce and a half" was based on the Austrian Military Steyr 12M18 truck and built by BAE systems here in the USA.. The air drop ability and the ability to create different versions through modular design gave high marks for the vehicles. In Iraq the FMTVs proved themselves as capable of doing the job and a new version emerged, the armored cab. Kit The kit comes in Trumpeters standard grey styrene in its standard sturdy box with all parts neatly stacked in individual bags. The wheels, Cab, PE, Clear part, and decals are placed in a divided compartment. One thing to note, Trumpeter has wrapped foam around some of the more delicate parts. Part layouts are as follows: 8 grey sprues. 1 clear sprue. 1 fret of PE. 5 vinyl tires. 1 decal sheet. 1 cab. Construction layout is in 19 step with several sub steps, beginning with the frame, suspension, various frame attachments(bumper, fuel tank, etc.), bed, and cab. Two color schemes are provided, one being the NATO tri-color and the other being Desert Sand. Initial inspection of the kit sees no major flaws in design or construction build. On the next installment I will cover the build steps. My thanks to Mike Bass and Stevens International for the reviews sample. I'm looking forward to the build..