Tamiya 1:35 M2A2 Operation Desert Storm

The kit proposed by Tamiya company includes a plastic model kit of American armored transporter in 1:35 scale.

Research on the American Abrams basic tank highlighted the need to replace M113 armored infantry vehicles with a newer version. Between 1976 and 1980, the work has continued on design and testing the vehicle M2 Bradley. In principle it was supposed to match the speed and mobility of Abrams, to provide them support on the battlefield. The new vehicle was equipped with a 25mm cannon in turret and anti-tank BGM-71 TOW rocket launcher. Transport range of M2 housed 9 soldiers with combat equipment, in the original version of the vehicle, they could carry fire from the firing holes on both sides of the vehicle. The M2A2 version introduced in 1988 has abandoned that idea in favor of improved armor. Transport capacity was reduced to 6 soldiers. The vehicle also lost the ability to swim. At the same time, Bradley was equipped with a more powerful engine, which caused a great performance. Fighting experience of the Gulf War resulted in further modifications in the ODS (Operation Desert Storm) package. M2 are equipped with better viewfinders, the newest-generation navigation, thermal vision for the driver and the new digital system of communication and command for the vehicle. The ability to transport was increased by an additional soldier. Due to the cases of fratricidal fire, Bradleys and other vehicles were equipped with CIP identification panels. Landing troops have been provided with the Javelin anti-tank missiles, for anti-tank purposes. M2A2 ODS took an active part in the war in Iraq in the composition of the 3rd Infantry Division (armored-mechanized), being one of the most effective means of combat of U.S. Army.

Tamiya kit allows the assembly of US IFV Bradley M2A2 ODS model, along with two members of the crew (commander and gunner). Box includes a part of the hull, 6 sprues with model elements, the transparent rangefinder cover, rubber tracks and decals (allows reconstruction of vehicles from 1st or 3rd Infantry Divisions).

Plastic parts should be cut out of frames, fit together and glued according to the assembly instruction. You should paint the whole model using modeling paints according to the proposed paint scheme in the instruction. It is important to remember that some plastic parts require painting before gluing. In the end, it is needed to apply decals according to markings or graphics in instruction.

Paints recommended by the manufacturer for best results:

Vehicle:

• Tamiya XF-67 (spray TS-61), XF-68 (TS-62), XF-69 (TS-63) (NATO camouflage)
• Tamiya TS-46 (desert camouflage)
• Tamiya XF-1 (wheels bandages, caps grenade launchers)
• Tamiya XF-56 (tracks, towing rope)
• Tamixa X-10 (MG)
• Tamiya X-18 (cannon)
• Tamiya XF-62 (backpacks, bags)
• Tamiya XF-63 (sleeping bags)
• Tamiya XF-20 (foam mattress)

Crew

• Tamiya XF-57, XF-67, XF-68, XF-69 (uniform, woodland camouflage)
• Tamiya XF-57, XF-60, XF-68 (uniform, desert camouflage)
• Tamiya XF-49 (strap of the helmet)
• Tamiya X-18 (goggles)
• Tamiya XF-1 (shoes)
• Tamiya XF-15 (leather)

Set contains:

• The assembly instruction.
• Frames with plastic parts.
• Decals.
• Rubber tracks.
• Soldiers / crew figures.

Kit does NOT contain paints and glue.

Here are the basic tools and materials you need:

• Pilers for cutting plastic parts.
• Modeling penknife.
• File or sandpaper.
• Cement for plastic models.
• Brush or airbrush.
• Modeling paints.

If you are not sure of any accessories or colors of paints you need for your model kit, please ask us, we will be glad to help you.