I've been watching a few of the threads with a lot of interest. Animal's Alabama Slammer, Vodnik's USMC M923A2, Pete's 5 ton w/extended bed, etc. All of them are doing great work.

I prefer tracked AFVs, like Pete's Brad, or the T2K Thunderbolt. Wheeled AFVs and softskins just don't thrill me as much as the tracked stuff. Don't get me wrong, I've built my fair share of Jeeps, Mutts, HMMWVs, and assorted wheeled vehicles, but I'd prefer to build a tank, APC (tracked) or other AFV. I was considering building the new Tamiya M1046, but thought I'd put it off indefinitely. I even own a Dragon Wagon, although it was a gift.

I think I'd snatch up a kit of the Stryker as soon as it hit the street, just like I did when the Italeri and Esci LAVs came on the market. I may have to force myself to build a wheeled vehicle in the near future.

Both!!! I Can't seem to get enough of either!!!!

For me it's wheels all the way! Only a couple years ago did I get into AFV's - modern and WW II. Never built a Sherman before. I like the AFV's now that I've stuck with them, but I think the wheeled AFV's are simply elegant when done right. Trucks are beautiful.

I have done my share of tracked AFV's but This Animal wants his trucks!! I think it is because during my career Trucks always were a central focal point. I was 18 years old when tha Army trained me to drive them and it has been in my blood ever since. I like to build Track vehicles every once in a while for a break for softskins, but wheeled vehicles will always be number one for me. (++)

So far I am a track kinda guy but someday sooon wheels may spin on my workbench.

Hasty

Hmmmm,
If I had to choose I'd have to say wheels..... I'm drawn to the LRDG, Pink Panther, Rad 8, Krupp Protz, 1/2 tracks (which are technically both, but have wheels), Deuce and a half, I'd love a DW.....

Not sure which I would prefer....I seem to like the Soviet wheeled vehicles like the BRDMs and BTRs, but at the same time I like mobile arty pieces as well...and they are all or mostly tracked AFVs. As well as the 113 and the Bradley are some of my favorite tracks.

Thats not to say that when kits of the Stryker starts coming out that I won't be grabbing onto a few of those....will finally be able to be able to build some of Canada's LAVIII variants that we have been using for a few years.

Was announced here a couple of weeks ago that we are buying 66 of the LAVIII/Styker chassis with the 105mm Tank gun....should be fun once kits are available.

I don't build logistics/ engineer kits and prefer combat AFVs instead due to lack of space, time, and money.

For me, I prefer softskins ONLY if they're open to semi-open (no top) such as the Special Forces. That way, I can see all the gear and weapons being carried although I admit I'm not an interior modeler. Normally I don't model closed trucks although I do have a few Academy combat Humvees and the Tamiya M1025.

I don't really have a preference for wheels or tracks and like to view modern AFV models in terms of armor, firepower, looks, date, and function. Such as I'd go for a Centauro 8X8 for its 105mm gun and 14.5mm AP armor over the Stingray and its 105mm, but lighter 7.62mm armor.

As for the Stryker, I'm thrilled at how the LAV III's hull with all the bolts, protrusions, add-ons, and armor looks, but I prefer a 25mm turret. True, the Stryker has 14.5mm AP protection, but I like the idea of LAV III with 30mm AP frontal, 14.5mm sides, 25mm cannon, and maybe even twin TOW with the DELCO turret. One has to remember that the Stryker needs the eight-man squad to show off its true combat firepower and so far, no one makes the troops with Camelbak, knee and elbow pads, NVG monoculars, goggles, Javelin ATGM, and M4 RIS (see "Concord's Armored Journal #2"). Strykers only carry a M240, or MK-19, or M2 on a RWS, so to "show off" is just the busy "eye-candy" hull, attached gear, and infantry squad, IF one models the infantry squad, that is.

I'm a big "Tech Spec" fan, but not a "Ruler Guy," meaning I don't measure the kit to see if it's accurate. So for me, buying a kit is a balance of all the criteria I want, not just what the AFV travels on.

The LAVIII/Stryker has a multitude of versions to it....the mounting of a M240, Nade launcher or .50cal....is only one version....we here in Canada have been using the LAVIII with a 25mm turret now for about 5 years.

I can live with your idea of if it don't have tracks ain't no good.
Would rather ride to Battle in a tank then APC any time!! (++) (:-)