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LAV-AT: Lesson in Frustration?

Hammerhead

The kit-instructions are printed on the smaller 23x18cm format and as a result, the drawings shrunk too. Especially for constructing the Hammerhead this fact is not beneficial. As the parts do not fall together as one might expect and the instructions are very unclear I had to refer a lot to sources from the internet and finally, I could complete this segment.

Another “goodie” is the turret which carries the “Hammerhead”. Turret upper surface and lower surface do not fit together and the gaps have to be filled with plastic-sheet. No interior-detailing is available too.
 

Hull

The construction is rather straightforward, but some ejector marks on small parts and some sink lines have to be corrected. But Italeri offers another surprise for the modeler: the commanders copula is to be glued on the vehicles roof—nothing new so far, but the roof does not have the opening which gives access to the vehicle. If somebody wants to built an open commanders hatch than he has to cut out the opening in the roof first….

Italeri is providing US-Jerrycans, but from WWII. Those are definitely not in use with LAV’s and I replaced them with more appropriate ones from my parts-boxes.
 

Eduard Etched Parts

I got them from Czech Republic, at czech price, but was shocked about it anyway. After opening the bag I detected a 2nd sprue and got calm again. The instruction consists of 4, DIN A4 pages in colour and is very clear. The PE frets contain many belts and buckles. The other parts are not that difficult to make on your own and thus it is the question if it is really necessary to purchase this set.

Copyright ©2002 - Text by Werner Kampfhofer. Photos by Wolfram Bradac. All Rights Reserved.