The M88 is a heavy recovery vehicle used mostly by the United States and Israel. It was first produced in 1961 and first saw combat in Vietnam. It has been updated and modernized over the years with the introduction of the M88A1 (1977) and then the M88A2 'Hercules' (1997). This conversion is for the M88A1 kit by AFV Club to update it to the M88A2.

The conversion kit

This is a very extensive refit of the base kit. Not only does this set include many updated complete armored panels for the M88A2, but there are several photo-etch sheets, a plexi-panel, metal rods, and metal wire included as well.

As with other recent resin sets we have been provided for review, this one appears to have very well detailed resin parts. There are several parts that will need special care and caution to remove the excess resin. Most notably the crane/boom arm assembly (see photo).

The instructions for this set are a one-sheet (double-sided) array of photos showing the finished kit or sections. The photos are all in full color.

There is no decal sheet provided with this conversion.

Conclusions

This is yet another conversion that will interest many ARV modelers. Heavy recovery vehicles are kind of a subject unto themselves, but certain most modelers will see the potential for dioramas or interesting displays of scenes like this. I can make any grand claims regarding it's accuracy. There have been other M88A2 conversions offered before that by all accounts have not met the grade, hopefully those with more knowledge of this very well documented vehicle can add their approval (or not) of this kit based on the photos provided.