I was planning on building some Marine and Army OIF Hummers (TOW and armament carrier). What would make a correct OIF Hummer? I'm guessing the tires would be the first to go. Anything else? Also how are Marine TOW Hummer platoons organised? Any modifications for the vehicles or special kit for the crew?

Don't know if these pictures will help or not, but here is a place to start:

OIF Hummers

Don

The Tamiya kits are a good place to start (I'm not talking the Bushmaster version here). They Need new radios, but that's about the biggest knock on them I have heard. Additionally the style of door (armored vs. unarmored on the Weapons carrier version) has been questioned but as far as I know that's about it for the BIG stuff.

Both Tamiya kits come with parts for Army or USMC versions.

There are probably more HMMWV variants than any other tactical vehicle in theater. Remember, the HMMWVs being used come from active Army and Marine units, pre-positioned contingency stocks, CONUS and USAREUR based units, National Guard and Reserve forces. Some are stock, others highly modified by unit personnel, still others modified at the factory or depot. I think it would be safe to say that there is probably no one "correct" OIF HMMWV.

This is not necessary. A lot of Humvees in Iraq still use old style tires and wheels, so you can use what you get in Tamiya kit.

Cheers,
Pawel

I'm currently working on the M1025 (among other kits) and I think it is one of the best Tamiya kits I've built, beats the Academy piece of crap. New radioes from Verlinden and that's about it, I'm thinking. All ready have two of the Modern U.S. Accessory sets from Tamiya. What about different styles of brush guards? They can be scratchbuilt using brass wire or styrene on a jig or something. I' m envisioning a Marine M1025 and a M966 in the Iraqi desert and an Army armoured M1025 in a partially bombed out city block. Thanks for the help. Happy modelling.

Hello
I'm currently in Iraq and every HUMMER here is different from every other (not by serial #). The vehicles now have some many extras, different brush-guard, door styles, shelters, cab covers and the hundred styles of homemade armor. I have many different photos from OIF.
I will some in my gallery soon.