Olivier Carneau builds Heller''s latest French IFV and walks us through its strengths and weaknesses.

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Thanks!

Very nice review.
It looks as if Heller certainly has come a long way.
I'm glad you took the time to note the kit's deficiencies - I might actually want one of these, but have never seen one in person.
The thing I have seen is the Qinetiq RPG net, and that is going to be tough even for aftermarket companies to pull off. Even without the hex blocks, that netting is way out of scale.
I'm thinking the blocks would almost have to be set in some sort of squash mold with very fine photo etch mesh already in place. Another option, no wait, I'm going to have to run this by someone because I think this second option will work!
Thanks for the review.

An excellent review, Olivier. Good to see that Heller raised their standards.

Thanks for pointing out the differences for building a UNIFIL vehichle (which I want to do).
Are there any UN-Decals for the UNIFIL deployment in this kit?

I´m sure some aftermarket stuff (resin-wheels, pe-sets etc.) will follow soon.

Really great how many excellent modern kits were released the last months!

Cheers
Walter

hi !
The box is ONLY for an Afghanistan model, but...
i build an ONU VBCI but no stickers in the box you must paint or print them...
Little differences : armor plate front and rear luggage rack, no minimi...
look at my building post

Thanks for the comments. I tried to mention all the mistakes that Heller made but it's really good to see the new staff is eager to play with the big companies.

There are no UN decals in the box as it is only focused on the Afghanistan version. For sure some will be released as the markings are quite simple. The only "difficulty" would be to get correct ID plates to depict an accurate vehicle. Of course the MLC marking must be 31.
I agree with Robert about the nets. Even if the supports are simplified they can do the trick but the mesh should be replaced. Perhaps there is a suitable reference in the Aber PE mesh range.

Olivier

Dear Olivier
Thanks you so much to take your time to write this review.
Very nicely written.
And hope that some AM company will take their time to release some extras like wheels, barrel for the main gun and whynot Qinetiq mesh.

Hope to have a new VAB from Heller or someone else.
Thanks again
Seb

Many thanks for the great review Olivier!

Great review! This is much better than their VAB!

Perhaps a solution for the netting is just cutting small styrene round rod into shape, and gluing it on each corner?