Jake McKee builds and shares his thoughts on the M1120 HEMTT Load Handling System from Italeri.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

I have built quite a few of the Italeri HEMTTs and haven't really encountered any fit issues. They are not the best detailed kits, but are not that bad. With a cheap Eduard PE set, they can look really good.

I just used the basic HEMTT parts from the M1120 LHS to convert an M983A2 HEMTT tractor as I used the LHS-specific parts on my ongoing M1074 PLS.

One issue I see with yours (and it may just be for the pics) is that your wheels are mixed up. The shallow wheels are for the front. The deep wheels with the ribbed centers are for the rear. All your wheels are missing the center caps as well.

The one single missing part on the Italeri HEMTT that I would choose to add if I included nothing else; the one steering gearbox seen under the left front fender, between the first and second axle.

@HeavyArty - Absolutely correct with the wheels .. I left the caps off so I could remove the wheels for painting and weathering. I clearly put them on in the wrong order for the photos! Regarding the fit/detail... as mentioned, I may be getting spoiled, but I really had struggles with this kit that I haven't had in a lot of other newer kits. Very well could be my own skill level, but still...!

These are seriously nice kits of an important vehicle family and I'd like to pick one up some day. Everyone should. Seriously.

I just finished assembling this kit and I'd definately give you an A+ on your review. Every problem I encountered you called out, and I couldn't have described them better. The knock out holes and gluing the frame extensions and roller square had me quit for a couple of days. Then there was the gas tank...

It'll look great on the shelf, but damn it was a pain... And now I have to paint it.

the vinyl tires looks great..!

I know this is intended as a OOB build however adding the Eduard etch set covers many of the release pin marks spoken of here and adds much to the level of detail.

Drat, I've got the drop side, tanker and gun truck to build - with all these faults.

Wish I'd looked for the Trumpeter rig.