I started off doing a full blog on this one, but I'll leave that to others with more knowledge of the M-ATV. So this build will just be a series of photos that I snapped as I progressed. My main goal was to see how the Kinetic kit would build up. Even though there were issues with the Kinetic kit and even more on my end with the build, this one was very enjoyable.

Wanting to keep it OOB as much as possible I limited the additions to the kit with the Def models wheel set, adding bolt heads to the door hinges as they just looked too naked, and a couple of poor renditions of antenna and electrical conduits.

Painting was completed using the Vallejo Desert War set and the weathering (when I get to it) will be done with AK interactive's products. For now, base painting is done, hood/wheels and turret are only placed for the pics, and the clear lenses still need to be added...along with a few other small parts. The interior was painted just to add some color variation, although really nothing will be seen after she's all closed up.















































































Here's the size difference between the Kinetic and Def wheels/tires:

Wow, incredible model! I know zilch about these modern vehicles...

Is this a modified Hummer?

Great job. nice detail on the kit...

Paul

That really looks great James, nice work. Though Kinetic is new at armor modeling I'm still pulling for them and looking forward to their future releases.

Looking forward to seeing this finished.

Happy Modeling,
Joe

Very nice build! I haven't been watching the kinetic vs Panda battles but i have the Panda kit and hopefully it will still go together

Hi James,

Thanks for posting. I have some doubts about this kit, but it looks very nice built nearly OOB. I must have build one, maybe a what-if-scene, creating some Mad Max look.

I.

Thanks guys. Yeah, this kit is a bit rough around the edges...I'd call it a 20 footer

Done for now, need to find some armament as the kit pieces were unusable for me. Once I find something to use the final weathering will be finished...but time for a new project now...

Very nice build.

I really like your model James!
Mine is still in the box and I hope it will end half as good as yours
Anyway, your build makes me feel that its necessary to low the overall height of the suspension in a couple of milimeters if the kit wheels are gonna be replaced with DEF ones
Maybe its just me, but I think it will result visually better, who knows...
Anyone there can compare actual wheels diameter with the kits and the aftermarket ones?
Great job, James! Please, get some weapons and finish it ASAP

To me it looks like the DEF wheels are a little small, especially on the Kinetic model. But I guess for the time being they are the only choice for the Kinetic kit.





Jim

Darn fine job.

Thanks Milo & Hugo...any help on recommendations for a replacement weapon would be appreciated...I know next to nothing of this vehicle

Jim, the DEF wheels definitely look small for the kit as I believe the kit was sized going off incorrect wheel measurements. I think Kinetic were given a rim measurement of 24", which should have been 20" (?) Perhaps DEF should have kept the same incorrect size since they are speific to this kit.

Unfortunately, the kit wheels leave much to be desired so not much of an option there.

Both Panda and Kinetic picked quite a complex vehicle to break into the 1:35 armor market, although I'm very happy to see the M-ATV available in styrene.

Here's the kit wheels in place (kind of), look better?

Nice Job James

Can you tell me what color you use?

Regards.

Thanks Charles & CG, I'm hooked on these modern vehicles now...especially the ones without tracks

I used the new Vallejo Desert War set, gives you plenty of shades to work with:

Desert war news report

The look of your model and the choice of color is excellent.
From what I've read here and on other sites Kintec offering is closer to 1/32 than 1/35. There was a topic here with all the measurements. From the last photos the turret also looks undersized but it could be because of the angle.
Anyway, you did a great job on this one, if you add a figure and a simple base it will be very nice. It's also nice to know that this kit is an easy build (or at least it looks like one), so I'll definitely add one to my collection for the purpose of what-if or the one camouflaged vehicle.

Cheers,
Dimitar

Excellent work, I like your build a lot.

Cheers
Walter

Thank you for the compliments gentlemen. Judging by the image that Jim posted, it looks like Vallejo & Jose Brito did a good job on a color match, and AK interactive did likewise on their OIF/OEF wash and streaking products.

The build was very enjoyable for the most part and all the sub-assemblies made it go quick and smooth...I'd definitely do another one of these.

Still looking for any suggestions on an AM weapon to mount on the M-ATV

Well, I like it and your struggles with the kit do not show at all. But from what I have heard the Panda kit is much worse to work with than this one?

Oh well, after my M1117 I will get either the Buffalo or this and if the Kinetic is a little larger than it looks as though I'll go for it!

I do like this shade of paint, is the Vallejo easy to airbrush? How does it mix and why did you select that brand? Oh and the larger tires/wheels do look better.








~ Jeff

Incase you were wondering, the DEF Model wheels for the Panda and Kinetic kits are the same size. The only fix is for someone to make out of scale resin replacements, I guess

Thanks Jeff. The Buffalo is a bit pricy but looks to be a very nice kit.
Buffalo First Look

The M-ATV should look pretty cool next to it. As far as the Vallejo paints...they're the only ones I use at this point. I like the performance and color choices. Like any brand, a little learning curve.

Bummer about the kit wheels looking better...I think so too. Oh well, I'll dirty them up and see how they look.

Jason, yeah I thought so. It would only make sense for them to scale them out to the 1:1 size otherwise they'd be critized for being incorrect, although larger would be correct for this specific kit.

The DEF wheels have the correct size, but the kinetic model apparently not.

If one were to look at the profile of the tire at the top where you see the suspension/frame you can see more of that with the Def tires than with the stock tires. But, the rear suspension is the area that is showing more of the gap than the front, where it looks like the real thing photo.








~ Jeff