Hobby Boss 1/35 Meng Shi 1.5 ton Military Light Utility Vehicle – Convertible Version for Special Forces Kit First Look
By Dave Manter
| Date of Review | June 2013 | Manufacturer | Hobby Boss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Meng Shi 1.5 ton Military Light Utility Vehicle – Convertible Version for Special Forces | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 82469 | Primary Media | Styrene, photo-etch |
| Pros | New subject, great details | Cons | Armament shown on box art is not included |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $42.99 |
First Look
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The EQ2050 Mengshi (also known as Dongfeng Armour) is the 1.5 ton capacity, four-wheel drive troop/cargo carrier truck developed and built by Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM). The vehicle was based on the General Motors High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) with some minor modifications. According to Chinese media reports, the military version WQ2050 is made with 100% Chinese made parts.
Another wonderful brand new kit from HobbyBoss, this time it is the Meng Shi Special Forces light utility vehicle. The kit consists of just over 160 parts on 10 sprues molded in tan styrene, 10 parts molded in clear styrene and 12 photo etch detail parts. Also included are 5 rubber tires and a decal for the instrument panel.
All of the parts are very well molded as we have come to expect from HobbyBoss and there is no noticeable flash present and the seam lines are minimal.
The instruction sheet is very well laid out and will be easy to follow. Construction is broken into just 14 steps. Steps 1 thru 3 have you constructing the suspension. This is very detailed but please note that this is a "curbside" model and no engine is provided. Steps 4 thru 6 have you constructing the highly detailed interior. Steps 7 thru 11 have you constructing the main body panels. The doors can be built in the open or closed position. The windshield is a split design and you can build the passenger side up or down. Step 12 has you construct the gunner's station. Steps 13 and 14 have you finish up the external detail.
This is a very well-engineered kit that features great details. No problems should be encountered during the build. The one disappointment of the kit is that the armament that is shown on the box art is not included with the kit! Only the light machine gun on the gunner's station is included.
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!