Hi there,

I purchased the Italeri M998 HMMWV "Desert Patrol Hummer" over the weekend. My intention is to build up a OIF diorama. It has been pointed out to me that there are many versions of the Hummer in service. I was wondering if anyone knew whether this "desert patrol" version was on the ground in Iraq?

TIA,
Cipher

I did a write up about the various Italeri HMMWV kits here: The Much Maligned Italeri HMMWVs, the bit about this kit is on page 2. The Desert Patrol HMMWV was tested at the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, California and was not accepted into service by the Army or the Marines.

Regardless, the kit is inaccurate for the prototype tested at the NTC. That truck did not have a tailgate and the rear doors go from roof to cargo bed. The kit one has the doors go to the top of the tailgate. Additionally, there were Jerry can racks on the sides of the shell that are missing from the kit.

None of these inaccuracies will detract from building a good looking HMMWV. I may have photos of the prototype some where if you want to try your hand at accurizing the kit.

Hi Sabot,

Can you recommend a hummer that might be suitable for a OIF diorama? I'll definitely build the Italeri up, but I'll look for another one that is more suitable. I've seen one from Academy. I think its an M1025 "armoured armament carrier" (#1350). It has a slanted roof.

Cheers,
Cipher

Cipher,

Just buy new Tamiya M1025. It is the best Humvee model in 1/35 scale. Academy is good, but Tamiya is just much better. But remember - new M1025, not old Tamiya Bushmaster! Bushmaster variant was another prototype that never entered production and model is based on Italeri parts.

Regards,
Pawel

Academy is a good one. I haven't seen the new Tamiya one, but I hear it is nice.
Academy also makes the M966 TOW carrier. It is the same kit as the M1025, but the M1025 only has a gunner figure. The M966 boxing includes a driver, passenger and gunner as well as all the parts to make either the machine gun armed M1025 or the TOW armed M966.

Italeri also makes the M1036 TOW carrier (M966 with a front winch). It is a passable kit when built buttoned up.

Personally, I would convert or base everthing on the new Tamiya Humvee, everything else is light years behind...... Jim

jimbrae!have you got the new Tamiya Humvee?import or waiting for the UK release? went to Hannants in lowestoft on Saturday,they reckon it'll be here in approximately a month....IFOR and Gulf variants waiting to be modelled

After running around town today, I managed to find the Academy M966 TOW carrier. I really like this one since it does contain the additional figures. Detailing looks pretty nice as well. I'm quite impressed with Academy. I'll be on the look out for more of their work.

Cheers,
Cipher