I guess I'm on a Humvee "kick" lately ... I'm interested to know what Humvee varients are on the market. As I understand it, the Tamiya kit is the one to beat, with the Academy version a close second with the "Hobbycraft" and ESCI versions a very distant last.

In particular, I'd like to know whether the M1114 version is available. It would appear that this version is significantly different than the standard armored version or the modified ones.

Suggestions on kits/conversion sources ...etc?

Thanks!

I'm sure someone will come along with a better list but I know Tamiya, Academy and Itareri all make Humvees.

Not sure brand to brand and I don't know M #'s but I've seen

Maxi-ambulance
Tow carrier
Open bed troop carrier
Hardtop (full length top)
Hardtop (with sloped rear)
Soft top
Avenger SAM-AA

Hi Nailcreek,

You are right to say the Tamiya one is the one to beat as it appears to be the most accurate and up to date of the lot.

EPI built the Tamiya M1025 and added quite a bit more resin parts to it. Check it out here:
Update on my OIF M1025

Coca also built the M1046 Humvee and did quite a superb job of it too. Check it out here:

coca's built - USMC Humvee

I built the Academy M966 and certainly found it a bit more of a challenge to get it together. The rest of the photos for my built can be found in my photo album. Im moving onto the M1046 as well so once i complete that, i should be in a better position to compare them more accurately.

For the various kits, in 1/35 you are right, Tamiya is the best hands down. Some AM and addons include Blast-Models four sets. What the blast sets are is add-on OIF armor and accessories since the original Tamiya is pre-OIF (the M1046 TOW version is overall OIF current). Four kits, wheels, half-doors and accessories, full door and side armor, and a weapons accessory (with M2, Mk.19 and M249 SAW - for that look at my gallery under my Humvee section). Pawel did a series of reviews of the Blast Model additions

Armored doors for OIF Hummer (for Tamiya kit)
Humvee late type weapons ring & other details set
Humvee Wheels, Aggressive pattern with new rims
OIF Hummer Accessories (for Tamiya kit)

As for M1114 kits/conversions, the link below goes to the new link for the only M1114 conversion available in 1/35 from MIG Productions. I think Verlinden had/has something in the works but until then, this is it. MIG's set is brand new and good all around.

http://www.armorama.net/news/1181

I'd recommend getting the Blast weapons set (an example can be seen in my gallery under the Humvee folder), as well as the Pro Art SINCGARS radios since all of the kits (Italeri, Academy, and Tamiya) use ODS versions. The set is a little hard to find, but shows up on ebay occasionally.

Jeff

Marcel covered the available kits fairly well. I did a couple of articles on the Italeri HMMWVs a few years ago. I have a fondness for the old Italeri kit. I used to build dozens of them for friends and fellow soldiers.

Back then, there were only the Esci and Italeri models. and I had to convert them myself. They have a lot of flaws, but were well engineered and went together easily.

Now, the Tamiya kits are much better as are the Academy kits.

The Much Maligned Italeri HMMWVs

Thanks ... I think I'm going to try and find the MIG M1114 conversion, as well as build up a "hillybilly" armored version.

I never cease to be amazed by the ability of US servicemen (and women) to "adapt and overcome" in terribly adverse circumstances!

Now I just have to get my workbench set up again ... it's been about 10 yrs since I've built anything!