The M114 A1E1 CRV is a Vietnam War-era tracked command and reconnaissance vehicle. It was developed as a lightweight, low-silhouette vehicle to complement the M113 armored personnel carrier. Like the larger M113, it was constructed out of aluminum and could be transported by cargo plane or even airdropped. The M114 had a crew of three, was powered by a 160hp GM V8 engine, and was amphibious, ideal for deployment in Vietnam. However, it proved to be mechanically unreliable and underpowered, and its aluminum hull left the vehicle vulnerable to land mines.
Takom’s M114 is the first plastic kit of the armored fighting vehicle. The smaller vehicle and relatively low parts count make for an enjoyable, reasonably quick build.