The M706 (also known as V-100) Commando was a multipurpose, fully amphibious armored car deployed in Vietnam, where it served as a reconnaissance, security, and escort vehicle.
A surprise for 2008, HobbyBoss' M706 is the first 1/35 scale plastic kit of the Commando. Initial examination revealed an up-to-date, clean, flash-free molding. Features include a tow chain, vinyl tires, extensive clear parts, and interior details. There are a few extra parts that may apply to future versions.
I started construction by installing the interior parts in the hull-floor component. Details include the engine compartment casing, seats, and driver controls.
The V-shaped upper hull is impressively molded in one piece and slips easily over the lower hull.
All hatches and gun ports are given as separate parts. Be prepared to spend some time here - there are a lot of them! Vision ports are provided as well-executed clear parts - and there are a lot of them, too. I chose to install and mask them before painting. You could wait until after painting the hull, but the surrounding mounts would need to be painted.
The tow-chain port, Part C21, has no detail behind it and exposes the chassis interior. I am not sure if there is a winch there, but I would block off the area with sheet styrene.
The vinyl tires are neatly molded, but there is no option to articulate the suspension.
I painted my Commando with variations of Hobby Color olive drab colors. Decals are provided for two vehicles; they went down well on the basic gloss olive drab paint with a touch of setting solution.
My primary references were the old
AFV Profile Vol. 62, Commando, Twister and High Mobility Vehicles, by Christopher F. Foss (Profile Publications), and Jim Mesko's
Armor in Vietnam: A Pictorial History (Squadron/Signal). Squadron also has
Cadillac Gage V-100 Commando, by David Doyle, in its Walk Around color series.
I finished my M706 in 10 hours, and it's a good representation of the vehicle. Hats off to HobbyBoss for issuing this interesting and unique subject. It can be handled by modelers of intermediate skill and above, and all builders of modern armor will want to put this kit in their collection!
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