Bronco 1/35 scale M1114 Up-armored Tactical Vehicle

Bronco keeps producing kits of interesting subjects: This is the only detailed kit of the M1114 from Operation Iraqi Freedom contained in one box. The kit provides just about everything except the engine block, plus optional armament: M2 .50-caliber machine gun; Mk.19 40mm grenade launcher; AT-4 rocket launcher; and an M4 5.56mm assault rifle. Also provided are jerry cans, ammo cans, and personal electronic equipment. Doors and hatches are posable. Markings are provided for four vehicles.

The illustrated instructions are colorful but busy. You could overlook things (such as adding some of the smaller photoetched-metal parts). Take a good look at the instructions before beginning.

Bronco’s instructions start with the frame and suspension, just like most car models. Building the chassis was no problem. The wheels are novel in that they are three pieces, a tread and two sidewalls. These went together well. A bit of slop in the fit of the wheels to the axles left them a little wobbly. (Note: The brand name on the tires has been altered to dodge the tire manufacturer’s copyright.)

With all the small parts to install, there’s lots of busywork assembling the interior. The hardest part was the computer stand. All those arrows in the illustrations are confusing. With all the optional jerry cans, ammo bins, and weapons, it may be difficult for you to decide what to use. But when you’re through, it looks complete.

Once the car body was installed, the center door jambs did not come out far enough to meet the door tops. This will not be a problem if you leave the doors open.

The seams on the back-side pieces did not fit all the way down, but I corrected that with a bit of persuasive clamping. However, the two-piece louvers for the side vent have a gap between them.

The hood over the engine bay did not sit down all the way in the back. I found the upper engine-deck pieces were interfering; I had to take off a little from Part Ca14 to help seat the hood properly.

The markings I used were the 95th Military Police Battalion. The decals went down fine on a semigloss surface before I weathered the model with Tamiya pastels.

The model’s scale measures out just right, and it’s a good-looking replica of the latest, greatest Humvee. But with the above-mentioned busy illustrations and complicated build, I can only recommend this kit to experienced modelers. Still, this is one serious armored car, with all the armament, personal equipment, and electronic devices ready for any patrol mission in your display case.