Trumpeter's 1/35 M1126 Stryker (ICV)

Kit: 00375
Scale: 1/35
Manufacturer: Trumpeter, from Stevens International, 856-435-1555
Price: $39.95
Comments: Injection-molded, 330 parts (15 photoetched-metal, 8 vinyl
Pros: Good fit; good external detail; optional parts
Cons: Ejector-pin marks; vague decal instructions

Designed for "quick reaction" forces, the eight-wheeled Stryker entered service in March 2002 as the U.S. Army's first new fighting vehicle since the Abrams tank in the 1980s.

With its release of the M1126 Stryker ICV (infantry carrier vehicle), Trumpeter continues its line of modern armor. Injection-molded in light gray plastic, it's a well-engineered, easy-to-build kit.

In the box you'll find especially nice detail in the suspension, separate vinyl tires, both sides of the hatches, separate vision blocks, and a .50-caliber machine gun and mount, along with an optional photoetched-metal fret with jerry-can mounts, wire cutters, and grille screens. Two sprues of packs and tarps are a bonus. Markings are included for three vehicles.

Building the drivetrain up from subassemblies presented no problems. I checked alignment to make sure the axles were square because, in the next step, the axles go through these suspension pieces. After they were dry, the shock absorbers on the right side needed adjusting with a pair of flat-nose pliers to square them with the sides.

The wheel hubs comprise three parts, with the vinyl tires going over the rims. I tried painting the tires with clear flat acrylic, but it wouldn't stick to the vinyl. I was able to dry-brush Floquil mud on the tire treads.

The hull back, with its ramp/door, fit with no gaps or alignment issues. I chose the photoetched-metal jerry can mounts over the plastic ones - they look better and they have photoetched-metal tiedowns. I painted the water cans Tamiya dark yellow.

Dry-fitting the hull top revealed a slight gap on the upper right rear I repaired with gap-filling super glue. The ejector-pin marks on part number C2 also needed gap-filling super glue. There's no cable for the winch, but you don't see it on the real ones, either. I used the photoetched- metal wire cutters instead of the plastic part. I painted wood handles Tamiya buff and applied Testors Metalizer to the metal parts.

The driver and commander stations are a complex assembly of multiple parts. I was disappointed that the vision blocks were not molded in clear plastic. From color photos I have seen, the vision blocks look red; I first painted them Testors copper, then overcoated with Gunze clear red.

The kit was painted Tamiya NATO green and weathered with Tamiya pastels. I put the decals on over a gloss coat of Future. The decal instruction doesn't reveal unit bumper codes.

My reference for this review was Osprey's Stryker Combat Vehicles, by Gordon L. Rottman.

It took 26 hours to build my M1126, and it was a fun time. It looks ready to go on patrol. This kit is a nice addition to anyone's modern U.S. military collection.

- Tom Foti