Kinetic 1/35 RG-31 Mk.3 Canadian Army MRAP w/RWS Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | July 2013 | Manufacturer | Kinetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | RG-31 Mk.3 Canadian Army MRAP w/RWS | Scale | 1/35 |
| Kit Number | 61010 | Primary Media | Styrene, Photo-Etch |
| Pros | Well engineered and lots of options | Cons | Nothing noted |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $74.95 |
First Look
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As Operation Iraqi Freedom transitioned from combat to peacekeeping, the number and intensity of improvised explosive devices (IED) grew significantly leaving many of the US forces' combat vehicles vulnerable to insurgent attacks. In a push that hadn't been seen since World War II, the US Department of Defense sought off-the-shelf solutions to provide much-needed protection for the warfighters in-theater, but these solutions needed to be delivered in a VERY ambitious timeline. Contracts were issued to multiple US and international companies for adapted armored cars and riot vehicles, with the better solutions fitted with mission equipment and shipped overseas. These would become the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) combat vehicles. One such vehicle selected for MRAP service was the South African RG-31 Nyala which was developed from the Mamba APC. The RG-31 is in service with a number of armed forces around the world including United Nations peacekeepers and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Kinetic has released this second kit of the RG-31 in 1/35th scale styrene and is very nicely done. Molded in tan styrene, the kit is presented on five parts trees plus one tree of clear parts, one tree of black parts, one fret of photo-etched parts, and one set of rubber (vinyl) tires. Among the features and options in this kit:
- Detailed boat hull underside armor plate
- Detailed suspension and drive train
- Full interior with seating for eight
- Remote Weapons Station (RWS) with M2 .50 caliber machine gun
- Full rack of communications equipment
- Positionable overhead hatches
- Positionable rear entry door
- Rubber tires and styrene wheels separate for easy painting
The kit provides markings for three different CAF RG-31 Mk.3s serving in ISAF/Afghanistan.
This is a great-looking kit on its own and provides the basis for any number of variations based on the wide range of countries using this vehicle.
My sincere thanks to Lucky Model for this review sample! This kit is available directly from Lucky Model at a lower price - check it out!