M1224 MaxxPro MRAP

Bronco, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

FirstLook

It is always nice when a kit that has been advertised for quite some time finally becomes reality, as we see here with Bronco’s latest, the M1224 MaxxPro.

There are some other brands that have released this vehicle recently, although I must say not to the level of this one when it comes to detail. I know that seems a big call, though having built one before, I can see a lot of differences.

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Thumbnail panels:

What are these, you may ask? The biggest is that you get a full chassis, with complete engine, suspension, driveline, under armour plating. 

The interior is also a lot more complete, with well-detailed seating, radios and other electronic devices, and the driver’s cab with a very detailed dash and all the accessories such as navigational, comms equipment. Very impressive.

Externally there are finer details such as the air conditioning units on the vehicles sides, and highly detailed gunners turret on top of the vehicle.

Inside the actual box, on opening, you are confronted with a heap of grey plastic. 28 spues of various sizes for a total of 878 parts, a fret of photo-etch with 59 parts, a detailed decal sheet, 4 x vinyl tyres, and a 39 page instruction book, with well-drawn and detailed images. The last two pages are colour profile sheets, all in sand colour.

Looking through the instructions, this is when one will see the level of detail within.

The process of construction begins with the chassis and driveline over the first 38 stages, followed by the interior and exterior over the next 44 stages. Not a quick and simple build, that’s for sure!

As stated, the chassis and drive line is very detailed, and I was very struck with the engine and transmission detail - a great touch for an impressive kit.

There are areas where I believe care will need to be taken, such as aligning everything correctly with the chassis, or one will have further issues along the way with the build. I also thought the individual body panels were a surprise. These could create issues if not done right as well.

As a plus with the individual panels and chassis detail, it leaves the modeller with options to do this kit in a maintenance scenario, or as one damaged by an IED. 

Conclusion

In summary, I think that this is a fantastic kit, with a high level of detail right out of the box, although I would say it is not one for the beginner or a modeller who wants a quick fix.

Another fine issue from the team at Bronco.

* Historical information courtesy of Wikipedia.

Thanks to Bronco for the sample http://www.cn-bronco.com/en/index.php