Is the Revell 1/35 M1038 just a rebox of an Italeri kit? If so, what's the quality like? Is it a good, workable kit or does it need lots of work?

Rebox yes, quality is the same as Italeri. IMHO the Italeri softtop HMMWV is still a good base to work with. Only major drawback are the "armored" glasspanels in the fabric doors instead of thin foil windows. Depsnding on the version you want to build I recommend an interior update set and of course new tires.

Yep,I hate to say it sometimes but 9 times out of 10 Revell is reissue of another's mold with they'er name on it.

The basic kit is a rebox. Revell did make their own parts for the soft top, soft doors, lower rear door blanks, etc. The newer parts are pretty nice. The rear soft top has the correct square profile, as opposed to Academy's M998 soft top which is filled up like a balloon.

Thanks guys. I think I'll get an Academy M998 slantback when I can then.