Production of the M2 Infantry Fighting Vehicles began in 1980. Based on operations in the Gulf War in 1991, a further improved M2A2 ODS (Operation Desert Storm) was later developed in 1996. The M2A2 ODS featured the latest in electronics, including a laser range finder, missile countermeasure device, GPS and digital compass antenna sensor. After friendly fire incidents in the Gulf War, a CIP (Combat Identification Panel) was developed and attached to the sides and the rear of the M2A2 ODS. In March 2003, M2A2 ODS units attached to the 3rd Armored Infantry Division were at the front line in the Iraq War.
- Overall length: 193mm
- Laser range finder, GPS antenna, rear sensors, and box exhaust have been accurately replicated.
- It comes with the option of two 25mm cannons.
- Tracks with highly durable pads.
- CIP attached on both sides and the rear.
- Plenty of extra attachments including personnel equipment such as alice packs and sleeping bags.
- Body armor-wearing commander and gunner half-figures included.
- Decals for 3 different vehicles deployed to Iraq and 3 different vehicles deployed on NATO operations.
- MSRP: $62.00 USD
- Stock Number:Â 35264
The Kit:
This article was drafted a few months ago pictures and all but seemed like every time I was about to add a few comments and publish it, something always came up. So here it is, a Bradley M2A2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle from Tamiya kit 35624. I indulged this model kit (and myself) in an Eduard photo-etch set. For an OOB model kit builder, I wanted to make this kit a step further with these upgrades (including a brass M242 Bushmaster) and some scratch-built elements.
The kit is the usual Tamiya quality with crisp molded-on detail. By the time this kit was built, there were at least 2 extra photo-etch sets from Eduard to compliment the one I used. One of these sets is specifically for the interior. All the stowage used on the Bradley M2A2 came from Tamiya’s US Stowage set 35266. Â The photo-etched barbed wire comes from Verlinden Productions set # 719.
The provided tracks are the ‘rubber band’ type. We’ve grown accustomed to white metal tracks and other styrene single links tracks. In my opinion, these tracks a very good representation. Nicely molded with zero flashes or to worry about. The dust between the links is Vallejo Dark Yellow Ocre 73103.
Painting and Weathering:
This model was painted and weathered then with the AK Interactive OIF & OEF Weathering Set # AK-120. The US Modern Vehicle Sand Color AK-122 has very nice pigmentation. I was surprised at how far this .17ml bottle went. The paint atomized superbly with my AZTEK A-470 airbrush OIF & OEF AK-121 Enamel Wash and AK-123 Streaking Effect were used. Some dusty effects were created using Tamiya XF-57 Buff.
As I have mentioned countless times, I don’t build repeats or variants. But Tamiya model kits are such a breeze to work with, that I wouldn’t have a problem building a NATO scheme version of the Bradley M2A2.
Highly Recommended!
I enjoyed my time as a Cavalry Scout on the M113 and HMMWV, but the 12 years on the M3 variants were by for the best. I was diagnosed with kidney disease which left me non-deployable, so my last 4 years were spent as an instructor. I’m very late on a detailed build but I did do an RC one just because I wanted to hear the sounds of the vehicle again. I have one more RC build that will have PE parts but afterwards I have a Meng M3A3 with interior, PE, turret weapons, every single upgrade that is available. I have a full platoon, if God grants me enough wake ups, to build and I’ll be gifting them to fellow instructors. I’ve looked at every M2/M3 series build and review on the web, each giving great pointers that I’m looking forward to incorporating. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Bruce
Wow, what a beautiful finished kit. I am a U.S. Army, Cavalry Scout, veteran. This was one of the vehicles that I trained on, and most fun, fired. I was light cav, so I did not crew this vehicle once I was deployed to my unit. We were attached to infantry, and they used this vehicle, will the Scouts used the HMMWV as a recon platoon. I plan to build out the entire array of my Combat Brigade, and this is on my list. I can only DREAM of creating a finished product like this. I live in the Philippines, so it is very difficult and expensive to get the products I need, especially all the aftermarket kits that dress these models up that way you have done. The MRE boxes really bring back memories, not especially good ones either. Awesome kit, thanks for sharing.
UPDATE:
The Eduard photo etch set has been added to the review above. Here it is to save you some scrolling time: Eduard photo etch set # 35781. There’s more metal on that set than a Motley Crue concert 🙂
Thanks for reading Justin.
The reason I don’t build variants boils down to allotted building time. My main favorite subject is 1/48 and 1/32 aircraft. But I love building a little bit of everything including toy modifications. In fact, this site started as my toy modifications blog back in 2008 www fromtoytoprop dot com.
About your second question: I could build an early version and late version. Not that everything in between was not important. But I find the history of early and late versions and how they came to be and late days more interesting. Next to my desk I have a Dragon Tiger I (3 in 1) kit # 6406. It is a Late Tiger with parts to build the very late of the late. I’m looking forward to build the very late 😉
BTW, that’s a very nice kit. I hope this answer your questions.
Great review George! My I ask why you don’t build repeats or variants? And, like, how much of a variant do you consider not enough to build again? For instance, would you not build a Stug. III if you have already built a Stug. IV or do you consider those completely different?