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In-Box Review
135
Special Forces GMV Conversion
Special Forces GMV Conversion Set - for Tamiya Humvees/Academy 1350/1363
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by: Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]

These U.S. Special Forces GMV/Humvees have seen quite a bit of action in Afghanistan and Iraq over the past decade. And after looking through numerous photos of them online, one thing seems very clear; there is no one standard configuration for a vehicle of this type. By configuration I am speaking about doors (attached/removed), weapons, gear, etc. So for this conversion kit there is still a lot for the modeler to decide how they want their finished model to look like. Most of these choices will likely come down to weapons. The conversion kit comes with several options that we will outline below, but there are likely other options as well that are not included with Legend's upgrade kit.

The Kit
For modifying such a small/medium vehicle, this is really a massive conversion kit. Besides the 1/4 pound (112g) of small resin parts there are (4) photo etch sheets, a lead sheet, a plexi sheet, a decal sheet, copper wire, and brass wire. The weapons choices are a set (2) of SAW M249 machine guns, a 50 caliber mg (for the roof mount), and an M134 mini-gun. The placement of the M134 is a bit of a mystery. I assume it would be roof mounted, but the instructions and photos only show the 50 cal in that location. Also on hand is a M72 LAW and (2) AT-4's with decals.

Details include things like a P/E ammo rack for the roof, sagged tires, rear gas cans and rack, roof underside details, smoke dischargers, windshield wipers, and much more. Check out the photos for more info and details.

Conclusions
Not being a Humvee or Special Forces expert, I am not going to even talk about kit accuracy here. However I think there is ample info and reference material on the Internet for any modeler to use this kit to maximum advantage. The cost is going to put some modelers off. We saw prices ranging from $80 (USD) to $120 so check carefully when pricing online. There may be better (or worse) bargains out there but keep in mind this set has a lot of parts to really enhance a low priced kit (we found an Academy kit for as little as $10) into a real unique show piece. And for some modelers that is worth the cash outlay. It doesn't hurt that this conversion looks really cool and menacing fully decked out.
SUMMARY
Highs: Lots of parts and photo etch goodies.
Lows: Instructions could be more clear about items like the M134 mini-gun.
Verdict: Overall this kit is going to speak to modelers looking for a unique conversion project.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: LF1212
  Suggested Retail: $80-120 (USD)
  PUBLISHED: Apr 15, 2011
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.91%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 87.61%

Our Thanks to Legend Productions!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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Photos
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About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Thanks for the review Jim, it gives me a good idea of what's in the Legends kit compared to the Pro art version. The m134 is indeed mounted on some GMVs but hasn't seen widespread use as far as I know, nor is there any standard configuration for mounting the weapon. Heres one version: Anirudh
APR 15, 2011 - 10:39 AM
A fantastic conversion, and in my opinion way better than the Pro Art set. I did find the lack of an elaborate comms gear quite disappointing though. Special forces humvee's seem to be crammed with all sorts of different radios and sat nav devices, the basic SINCGARS provided isnt enough really.
APR 15, 2011 - 11:54 AM
You might as well get the kit, man. It's based on my photos, which you should be receiving any day. As for the Mini-Gun, here's a nice little clip that shows how it's configured. Run the ammo feed chute to the middle of the three large ammo cans, as it has the motorized feed lid. You'll have to leave out some of the PE stowage in the front to allow for the large cans. And I'll speak for its accuracy: Pretty darned! I loved the Pro Art kit, (had three of them) but they lacked many details found in the Legend conversion. I would still recommend the Pro Art stowage for this kit though.
APR 15, 2011 - 11:57 AM
To be honest if I were to build another GMV (because you can't really have too many) I'd get the Legends kit, but for the one Im building now I think it would be a bit unnecessary since I've already scratchbuilt most of the parts the Legends kit comes with. In any case, with your photos I reckon I'll be able to add most of the required details to it. The M134 photo is really useful though if I were to build another with it attached. Anirudh
APR 15, 2011 - 11:56 PM
   
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