Blast Models 1/35 Hummer OIF Weapons Ring First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | August 2005 | Manufacturer | Blast Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Hummer OIF Weapons Ring | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 35050 | Primary Media | Resin |
| Pros | Absolutely gorgeous resin castings, excellent instructions | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (Euro) | €15.05 (Approx $18.40 USD) |
First Look
Blast Models of France has released several detail sets targeted for the recent Tamiya Hummer kit. This set in particular is a VERY detailed update to the kit turret ring to bring it up to date. This set renders several weapons configurations. In addition to the turret ring, this set also provides those unique smoke dischargers as well, one for each corner of the vehicle.
The weapons ring isn't the simple loop of styrene that is provided in the Tamiya kit. This set provides the framework that reinforces the top of the vehicle, the ring itself, the universal gun mount, gun shield, and even the strap inside the vehicle used to enter the ring from inside.
Your choice of three weapons are included in this set: the M2 50 caliber machine gun, the Mk.19 40mm grenade launcher, and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW).
This set is really one of four detail sets for the Hummer to bring it up to contemporary OIF configuration, 1) the armored door set, 2) the new tires and wheels, 3) the detailed turret ring, and 4) the equipment external stowage set.
With this set installed, you have a manned weapons ring that was in wide use in the early phases of OIF and OEF. The main differences since then is the addition of the side and rear armor to protect the gunner from all sides. There are also several remote-controlled gun mounts being tested over in Iraq, the gun is still there, but the operator is replaced on the outside by cameras and servo motors.
From what I could tell, the best (and perhaps only) way to obtain Blast Models' products was directly from them. A visit to their website at www.blast-models.com revealed that Blast Models is an interesting online hobby shop that sells a variety of products over and above their own product line. The site is multilingual and very easy to navigate. I ordered this set and my order arrived via airmail a week or so later.
If you've been looking for a way to bring your Tamiya kit up to OIF/OEF standards, here is what you're looking for. This set is recommended!