Revell 1/35 ATF Dingo 2 GS A2 PatSi Kit First Look

By Sundiata Cowels

First Look

During the 1990s, the Bundeswehr began studies on the effectiveness and survivability of transport and wheel and tracked vehicles in the role of security in low intensity conflicts.

They determined that, in many cases either the vehicle in question was fast but too lightly armored (Unimog transport trucks) or very well armored and too large (TPz Fuch) or just downright too heavy (SPz Marder) for effective operations in MOUT and anti-vehicle mine laden environments.

To that end, the Bundeswehr saw a need for a highly maneuverable, moderately armored and high speed vehicle that could be utilized for patrol and security detail. As a result the Dingo series of armored security vehicles was born.

The latest version, the ATF Dingo 2 GE A2 PatSi is a variant that is currently in service in Afghanistan by both German and Czech ISAF teams. It can carry six armed troops, has all-wheel drive (with tires that will still run on empty) and a roof mounted MG3A1 7.62mm machine gun that can be operated from inside the vehicle if necessary. The ATF Dingo 2 also has auxiliary heating, air conditioning and a filter system to screen out biological or nuclear based contaminants.

The crew (including the soldiers) sits inside a "safety-cell"; a complete reinforced cage incorporating a wedge shaped anti-mine lower hull.

At 12.5 tons, the ATF is six times heavier than your average SUV, but still light enough to be transported via helicopter or cargo plane into forward operating areas.

As of 2013, 149 units of this latest variant had been sold to German and Czech ground forces.

Revell-Germany's kit of the ATF Dingo is officially licensed by the vehicles' manufacturer KMW so it is bursting at the seams with details.

With 229 kit parts molded in clear and dark green styrene, arranged on ten trees, Revell-Germany has made what should build to be an exceptional kit straight out of the box even for the AMS modeler.

Highlights include:

• New tooling and excellent exterior scribing details
• Clear styrene for all windows and headlights/braking lights
• Complete engine, drive train, suspension and undercarriage frame
• Vinyl tires
• Complete interior
• Choice of building doors and roof hatch open or closed
• Decals for instrument panels
• Decals for 4 vehicles (3 German and 1 Czech)
• Metal whip antenna
• Color call outs for Revell series of paints

It's great to see that the license agreement between Revell-Germany and KMW pay off so well. Aside from adding some 1/35 scale ISAF German soldiers to the completed model, there is nothing to else than I can see that could compliment such a nicely rendered kit. This model is on my short list to build for this year.