Takom releases a little engineering support to their growing list of plastic offerings to the modelling community with the US Armored Combat Earthmover M9 ACE! Todd Michalak shows us what to expect to find inside with his inbox review of this kit.

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Thanks!

Superb review, Todd. "Boogie Nights" comes to bulldozing!

Thanks Todd for the great review.
Personally, the only other thing that bothered me about the kit was no provision of the newer style plastic fuel can instead of the old style "Jerry can". Obviously, that's easily replaceable.

Good job on the review Todd . And thanks a lot for the link to the NSN Center website.

H.P.

THANKS, Todd!

Doesn't it figure, though? And here I bought an as-yet un-built resin HOBBY FAN M9 kit on ebay just a few months ago. At least I got it for a good price- less than $50.00, including shipping...

Am I going to get rid of it? No. Will I buy this new TAKOM kit? There's a very good chance that I will. Maybe I should build both kits and offer some impressions in a "side-by-side" build..?

Great review Todd. Thank you for putting this out as looks like an interesting kit!

Great review!!


After gathering some pictures on the net on this vehicle (there are not that many) I noticed one omission from Takom, no anti slip on the top parts of vehicle. I don't know if the anti slip is a somewhat new addition or if its always been there. I just wanted to make people aware in case they wanted to create a more accurate vehicle. Otherwise looks to be a great kit!
If anyone has some interior pics out there and is willing to share them that would be hugely appreciated.

The only one I've found so far...



and the corresponding TM drawing (from http://combatengineervehicle.tpub.com/TM-5-2350-262-10/ ) :



and here's what the seat looks like :



H.P.

Since it solid plastic under the driver's copula, You'll have to cut a hole to get to the interior . I'm just going to put an half to 3/4 figure in mine and be done with it.

Henry, thank you! That will help!


Vince, Yea if there was one downside its that they covered the hatch, but otherwise still looks like a great kit!

Thanks Todd, nice review and a very interesting subject.

Hey fellas...thanks for the kind words about the review. I am snipping parts and just about ready to get a blog going for the build on this thing!

A couple of small notes, I neglected to mention there is a suspension aligning tool (part A2)...keeps the swing arms straight in two of the three position options.

Also, there are some ejector pin marks on the topside of the sponsons. The back half are unseen once the tractor is assembled, however, depending where the ejector's apron (sliding back wall) is located you may see one or two EPM's. They are shallow...quick fill and sand or just sanding will rectify all!

Anything else crops up as I go, I will be sure to shout out! I'll try and get that blog started later this evening!

Nice little kit; good review that makes me want to buy it !

Excellent video, Todd.

This kit just hit my front door and it is fantastic! Great review Todd.

Thanks Dustin!!

Thanks Matt! Nice box to hit the step!! Enjoy!

I finally managed to get the blog up and running here on the Big A - http://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/243477

Stop by if you like and watch this one unfold!

Everybody just needs to be patient, I'm sure a AM one is on the way.