Can Academy HUMMERs be used for OIF, or were there major modifications made to them for use in Iraq? Beside the identification panels, of course. Also, do they go together reasonably well?
The reason I ask, is that I found out I can get 3 of the Academy kits for the price of one Tamiya kit. So, unless they are really bad kits, I think that's an excellent deal. Thanks.

I got one the M966 with TOW. They do look good but has lots of accurization problems like the windows are smaller etc. At a distance, they still do look like a Humvee. The kit is A-ok, but the roof feels a bit shorter than the body, so you may need some adjustments. The doors are moulded shut So you may need to saw it to open.

If I were you, grab Tamiya's offering. A bit better than Academy's

I have the tamiya offering and you are right about the price but you are paying for quality, I have the weapons mount version which comes with a choice of weapons plus a driver and gunner, it can be tweaked to OIF just by adding the CIPs. I plan to do a blackhawk down diorama with my one. Definately spent the extra tenner on the tamiya kit.

Regards.

Oh btw, the nice thing about Academy Hummers are the extra set. Too bad they ain't that much detailed but hey, they still look nice though :-)

Academy HMMWVs are just fine and are just as good for OIF as any other HMMWV. Academy vs. Tamiya question, it depends on how much work you want to put into it. If you want a shake the box, and get a HMMWV, go with Tamiya. If you are willing to add a few items and scratch a few details, then Academy is your best bet. Academy is better for the price too.

Thanks for the input guys, you've been helpful.
Gino.. I'm still a beginner and I was wondering.. how does one go about improving a kit. Do you keep comparing pics that you have with the kit.. part by part? Do you have to take measurements? What are the basic things that you start doing to improve on a kit?
Thanks in advance. I find your acvice always helpful.

Hisham,
Depends on what you want to do. Can be something as simple as replacing some weak detail with finer looking pieces, such as bolt heads or tool box handles. It could be heavily converted and scratchbuilt to make a diferent version than the model represents. For referances, photos are great. I am lucky that I am in the military and get to see or serve on many of the vehicles I build on a regular basis. I would start out simple, replace some weakely molded details, add a scratch built tool box ,etc. As you do more and more, you will see your skills improve and takle more challenging conversions/scrachbuilding.