Looking for a fun weekend build? Tamiya has you covered with its new M561 Gama Goat. Parts count is low (104 pieces) and fit is excellent, making it an ideal kit for someone looking to squeeze an easy build into a couple of days.
Crisply molded in green styrene, the parts have sharp, consistent detail throughout all five sprues. (The low parts count was quite refreshing!) Clear parts are transparently scratch-free.
Directions are an easy-to-follow 10-page foldout covering 18 steps to complete the build. A brief history of the Gama Goat is included as a separate insert. Decal placement and a paint reference chart are also included, although the paint guide gives Tamiya paints only. You have the option of building three different Gama Goats: two U.S. Army and one U.S. Marine Corps vehicle.
The first 13 steps are for building the front section, starting with the suspension and moving up to the crew compartment. You will need to decide if you want to have the windshield up or off. (The instructions mention that many of the vehicles shipped to Grenada had the windshields removed.) I waited until the very end to add mine to preserve the clear parts while painting.
The last five steps walk you through building the cargo section. Assembly here is easy and straightforward.
The kit’s figure sits comfortably in the driver’s seat. Leave the steering wheel off until you have the figure positioned where you want it for a good match with the driver’s outstretched arm.
I painted my Gama Goat with Testors Model Master olive drab. (The full-size USMC vehicle may have been overall Marine green, which is slightly darker and greener than olive drab.) I followed with a clear gloss coat of Pledge Future floor polish and applied decals with no problem. They are a little on the thick side, however. I lightly weathered with artist’s oils and pastels.
There are a few details missing that are shown in the box art, such as tow and lifting hooks. Detail fanatics will want to add those.
My Gama Goat took only 12 hours to complete; I was amazed at how simple the build was. I would recommend this kit to any newcomer to the hobby or to anyone looking for a quick build.
Note: A version of this review appeared in the March 2014 FineScale Modeler.