We take a look at the new M88A2 resin conversion set by Legend for the AFV Club M88A1.

Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Nice one Jim.
I was just admiring this on the advert on the side of the homepage .
It looks every bit as nice in bits as it does built, and its cheaper then I thought it would be to tell the truth.
Andy

Great Review Jim
Who is gonna build it and write a build blog on this beast ??
Cheers
seb

Ditto Seb's question, I can't wait to see a build log/review on this one

Well, I started my build about four or five months ago when I got the conversion. I guess I could start one up, to go along with all of the other unfinished projects I have going on...

Please dont think im having a pop at you Jim with my following comments, because I most certainly arent. But is there any reason why this conversion, and the other recent Legends kits havent been offered/up sent to members of the site to review. You state yourself in this review, and the other recent reviews posted that you cant really make any comments accuracy wise on these subjects, so I just wonder why these havent gone to anyone from the site more knowledgeable on these subjects, to really pick these kits apart and give a detailed review.

Dont get me wrong, pictures speak a thousand words, but if im going to folk out a ton of money on a kit id like to know all the ins and outs and issues regarding accuracy, unless of course the kits are 100% perfect (but no kits ever are) Im still thankful that you have even taken the time to publish the pics, I hope my above comments are read in the friendly manner they are intended.

Rob, the main reason was that we wanted to get the reviews in the publics eyes as soon as possible. Finding homes, shipping/mail times, and then the review process/submission/editing is time consuming. I believe at least some of these are to be used in builds that will be either posted as build reviews or blogs on Armorama. And you have to admit...Jim's photos are some of the best and show all the details :-)

Why did we want these published asap? Its been quite awhile since we saw any review samples from Legend, and hopefully now they will continue sending on a regular basis.

James is correct. The primary reason these reviews were done by myself was because I made the promise to the vendor that they would be reviewed quickly and not over several months (or never). Sadly we have sent samples to folks in the past and never gotten a review submitted. James has been very good about following up with review items though so this hasn't been as much of an issue as it was in the past before we had a dedicated Reviews Editor.

This item will actually be going out to Darren to do a build.

Thanks,
Jim

Thanks Rob for voicing your concerns. I must admit I too was a bit dissapointed to read only about 15 sentances on such a big and interesting conversion... The pics are great and they show the details really well but I feel some more "vehicle specific" text should be included in the inbox review.

On the other hand, I think manufacturers should be aware one can't do much research in a limited timeframe, so popping out reviews as fast as possible is not an optimal way to promote their stuff.

Looking forward to the build review.
Mario

I wish I'd taken pics along the way during my build...I only started it 2 weeks ago, and it's nearly ready for paint! The conversion is my first attempt at a multimedia kit, and am very happy how its going! The cost is worth it, it looks very good so far, and has been pretty easy to build. The boom is a very nice casting, and only slightly warped. I found a tip on here about soaking it in hot water to soften it..worked perfectly!!!!

The biggest hurdle i'm working out is the proper attachment point of the new side skirts? The casting has a large shelf on top, and on the inside , I can see a smaller ledge, but the pour block runs tight to it. Any one know where I'm supposed to cut?

One question....the kit comes w/ the OGPK shield for the 50 cal. Does anyone have a link to one mounted? So far my search is missing the shields.

Jeff

Keep the top shelf. Sand it as smooth as you can. It'll be covered by PE after all is said and done. Remove the other shelf and ribs. Remove all traces of fender braces from the upper hull, and the bolts from the fender. Attach the side plates by laying the shelf on the fender. Add uparmor plates above this.

I got your PM. Send me another with your email address. I'll send photos of the turret. The ones Legend used.

Thanks 18 bravo..pm sent!

guys, I'll try to add a few pics of mine if it's ok?

Jeff,
I've emailed you some good photos that should help you finish. note the exhaust extensions mentioned in another thread. I'm adding those to mine. The curved portion of the AFV sprue works perfectly.

Let's see some progress shots!