Hey guys,

After searching through these forums, i got the hint that Tamiya's M2A2 was the best one to be building as it seems to be most accurate one. I just had the urge to build this beast. I literally woke up one morning while my missus was snoring away and thought to myself....damn i need one of those M2A2 on my table for display...i dont know why so here's starting my research on it. I've gain quite a few M2A2 reference photos from a previous thread but im needing some clarification on the 2 M2A2 kits that Tamiya released. I realise one of them was more specific to ODS but the kit itself wasnt that much different.

Looking at the images from the 2 kits below, the only difference that i could see was:
1) The crews equipment
2) CIP panels
3) decals
4) The figure's pose.

The rest looks the same but dang the price difference between the 2.

The question i have is, are the 2 really that much different to warrant getting the ODS version as oppose to the earlier model?

M2A2 IFV


M2A2 ODS

Well, the ODS adds items found on the vehicle now in combat. If you want to model a Desert Storm or 90s M2A2, the older kit is fine.

If a current operational vehicle is desired, then you'd want the ODS. If you went the after market route to pick up current OIF fittings, it would cost you much more than the later M2A2ODS.

Do yourself a favor and get the IFV version. The extra "gear" they supply for the ODS version, frankly, stinks. The Green rectangular bag on the front is supposed to be a camoflage net in it's case. Anyone who has been around these knows that a single net wouldn't eveen cover half of that vehicle. Second, the ALICE packs on the side are all wrong. The infantry use a Large ALICE pack. The ones represented by Tamiya are all mediums which aren't issued to the Infantry. I hope this helps in your decision.

Sorry Eric, but I have to disagree with you. The added gear is not that bad and it does include large rucks and medium rucks, sleeping mats, Gortex sleeping bags in stuff sacks, nice duffel bags, and a bunch of other gear. Further, the bag on the front could also be a tent bag. The small crew tents fit in a bag that is just about that size. It is definitely worth it. Also, the added pieces to build an M2A2 ODS in current ops in OIF are needed from the ODS kit. You won't find most of them anywhere else. Also, you need the new track that comes in the ODS kit as well.

As Sabot said, you can get most of the add on pieces (minus most of the ODS upgrades to the Brad itself) from AM companies, but they would cost you twice as much as the ODS kit.

The best one to get is the M2A2 ODS kit. It comes with all the parts in the M2A2 IVF kit and a completely new sprue that has the two crewmen, added gear, new fluted barrel, spare road wheels, and ODS upgrades on it. It also comes with decal options for vehicles from 3ID in OIF 1 (the invasion).


Here is a review of the new kit, which shows the new sprue (last pic on bottom of page):
M2A2 ODS

Here is Vodnik's excellent article on detailing and correcting the Tamiya kits as well.

And his article on the ODS Upgrades as well.

This is excellent stuff Gino thanks for this. Im afraid i was so eager to get it that i ended up getting the older kit and only just saw the replies on these post. Im now trying to get it changed for the later one and will spend the extra for the ODS version. Me and my impulsive nature.

Yup, should have waited for the feedback. Hope you get it switched out.

If you can't, here is another option. Tamiya will sell the new tracks, Sprue F (new one), and decals separately as well. Not sure if the total (M2A2 IFV + new parts) will be more or less than the new kit, depends on how cheap you got the M2A2 for. I did the same with an old M2A2 kit I had. I got the track and new sprue for $17, including shipping. Contact the New Zealand distributor for more info.

You can find the new M2A2 ODS directions here, just click on the Assembly Guide numbers.

Good luck.

It does appear the Tamiya Gods are smiling down on me as its is being delivered from the supplier to the retail store as we speak and they have agreed to swap it for the one i purchased.

The greed inside me is whispering for me to get both kits however but lets hope the good side gets the better of me.


Cheers again Gino.

you can also check on the buy, sell, trade forum too for extras, i have gotten some goodeals there. there is a am set in there for 15 bucks, thread is stuff for sale



reb