The Italeri LAV 25 Mortar Carrier. How good is this kit overall? how does it rank in 'ease of build' , are there any glaring problems, and is this vehicle ok for OIF?

Basic kit is pretty good. It is the same hull as LAV-25 with a different upper deck and interior. The LAV-25 kit was easy to build, lots of small detail parts though, if that is a problem for you. I have heard that the interior configuration is not accurate, but it looks pretty good to me. Here is one that was put on display here a while back:


And a link to more photos.LAV Mortar Carrier

Like what Gino said this kit is fairly easy to build, have done a couple 'o this myself. There are some inaccuracies with the kit though, like the tires for one, but there are AM parts available to correct this, that is if you're into the accurate stuff.

I'm thinking of this one too if time permits me to build something for myself. Does anyone make AM tires for this and what about detail sets for the interior? Any thoughts?

The Italieri LAV-M is good to go for OIF, AEF Designs has some AM stuff for it, as well as external stowage, the modern fuel cans are available from Maple Leaf, and several companies make correct wheels for the kit. My unit received both type of tires for the LAV, one set was intended to be used as left or right side only, the other (I want to say Michelin made them) could be used on either side of the vehicle. My user gallery has an external shot or two of the LAV-M, if nothing else it will give you an idea of what we carried. Also all the LAV's I saw in OIF carried 'Gypsy Racks' because 1st MARDIV/IMEF used a principle called LOG Lite and we all carried extra fuel, water and rations. Any questions feel free to PM me and I'll answer as best I can.