Introduction:

The M-ATV SOCOM is a member of the Oshkosh family of M-ATV mine protected vehicle designed especially for Special Forces units.The M-ATV SOCOM variant features a modified cargo deck, intended to accept specialized equipment based on the requirements of each mission, as well as larger front windscreens for increased visibility. The rear storage is accessible through an armored cargo access hatch in the passenger capsule, which can seat five while operating a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) or four with a gunner.

Live Resin produces a comprehensive four-part set to deliver the complete M-ATV SOCOM CROWS II system in 1/35 scale. The first set features M153 CROWS II with M240 (LRE-35223), the second set includes CROWS base and armored hatch (LRE-35224), the third set provides the back armor cradle with ammo (LRE-35225), and the fourth delivers spent shells in CROWS II basket (LRE-35226).

Review:

This review covers the M-ATV SOCOM Version upgrade. Part 4 - Spent shells poured on Crows II basket and scattered (LRE-35226), while the reviews of other M-ATV SOCOM sets from Live Resin can be accessed here: link.

The set is packed in a zip-lock bag safely secured between hard cardboard backings. The CAD box art images show the contents of the set and the pieces used with CROWS II basket.

The kit consists of two large resin carrier sprues;the first includes three identical pieces featuring a block of spent 7.62mm shells, while the second delivers 80 individual shells. The grey resin looks good, with microscopic details of the shells visible under high magnification.

Cleaning the shells is very easy as the carrier stubs are attached to the bottom of each individual shell. I didn’t use the X-acto blade for removing these from the block, instead snapping them off with my finger. Due to the minimal attachment point, each stub snapped exactly at the contact point with the shell… a few passes with the sanding paper and that’s it.

Assembly:

There’s really not much to assemble in this set. The large block of spent shells fits nicely to the CROWS II basket (LRE-35223), but some filler is needed to make things optimal. The individual shells can be used in the basket as well as scattered on the roof of the vehicle to enhance the realistic appearance of the CROWS II system. Ammo belt link clips would also come in handy, however these are not included in this set.

Conclusion:

I like this set as it provides a very nice addition to the wonderful CROWS II system available from Live Resin. The set includes 3 blocks of spent 7.62mm shells and a ton of individually cast shells as well which can be used with CROWS II basket. The resin looks good and the pieces are easy to clean. As far as I know, there are no shells of this caliber available on the 1/35 scale market, making this set a very welcomed addition bound to boost the realism of the CROWS II system to a whole new level.

Thanks to Yaroslav from Live Resin for this review sample.