Buffalo 6x6 MPCV in 1/35...

Now I have to admit that when I first saw the news about this one, I was excited to see Bronco do a 1/35 kit for it.  One of the modern series of Mine Protected vechicles now in use by Armed Forces around the world, including both the US and the UK, the Buffalo is essentially using truck components to an armoured body to protect the crews from mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) such as has been used to deadly effect in Iraq and Afghanistan over recent years.

The Buffalo is more of an engineers vehicle as it is intended to carry 4 technicians as well as the 2-man crew, and is equipped with a remote control arm to explore roadside threats without the crew having to get out into harms way right at the outset.  Used in large numbers by the US armed forces, there are also some in service with the British and French armies among others.  It is made by a company called Force Protection in the USA.  If you are interested in photos of the real thing as reference, then a search through Google for images will result in plenty for the Buffalo MPCV or Force Protection.

As for the kit, what can I say, not built yet but this has immediately gone to be one of the rellist for consideration to be my 'kit of the year' when we get to the end of 2012.  Anything else will have to go a long way to beat this for me (maybe a second version with the addition of the bar armour as well...).  I would say this is not for beginners I'd suggest, there are hundreds of small parts and it will be a significant build project.  The detailing is beautiful however, and just to illustrate that I did put a couple of detail photos in the album below to show a couple of examples.  There is detailing both inside the troop comparmtnet as well as the chassis and external detailing.  Even the robot arm is a highly detailed little build in it's own right.  You'll get an idea of the complexity when you see below that the instruction stages stretch to come 50 pages in the booklet that comes in the box.

The large, heavy treaded tyres have been done by having the two wheel halves, then the circle of heavy tread fits around them, very effective.  Inside the cab the seats have seat belts moulded in place on them, and the dash board is fully detailed, with individual transfers for all the instruments included on the transfer sheet.  The radio rack is also included, as are some little accessories such as clear plastic bottles of water (in two sizes) and a couple of nicely done M4 rifles as well, plus the linings for the interior of the troop compartment.

Externally, as well as all the little details including clear plastic for lights and mirrors, there are 3 different diameters of flexible piping to fit around for various cables/conduits and an etched brass fret for yet more detailed fittings.  Options are given for different antennae mounts, depending on which of the 3 versions provided for in the kit you go for, and rooftop access hatches that can be modelled open or closed.  Those three marking options include the 101st Airborne Div and the USMC, both in pain sand finish, or a French example in sand with a dark brown disruptive camouflage.

For a closer idea, have a look through the album below which shows the sprues and parts provided in the box, along with all the instruction stages.  While it will not be a quick build, this is one I am really looking forward to.