Trumpeter 1/35 MK23 MTVR Cargo Truck Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

The Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) program is a US Marine Corps-led effort to replace the M929 series of 5-ton 6x6 utility trucks developed in the late 1980s. Oshkosh Trucks developed the MTVR series as a 7-ton 6x6 family of utility trucks currently in service with the US Navy and Marine Corps. The series includes:

• MK23 cargo truck (8m long)
• MK25 cargo truck w/winch
• MK27 cargo truck (9.8m long)
• MK28 cargo truck w/winch
• MK29 dump truck
• MK30 dump truck w/winch
• MK31 tractor
• MK36 wrecker
• MK37 HIMARS resupply

Trumpeter continues to surprise modelers by producing kits of contemporary military vehicles, especially utility vehicles like the MTVR and the LMTV. This kit is yet another nicely detailed example which represents a utility vehicle that has also seen service in Iraq and Afghanistan operations. Molded in light gray styrene, this kit is presented on nine parts trees plus separately provided cab, hood, and cab floorboard. This kit also includes one tree of clear parts, one fret of photo-etched parts, and a set of vinyl (rubber) tires. According to the specs, this kit is comprised of over 430 parts.

Among the features and options in this kit:

• Detailed chassis and drive train
• Detailed suspension system
• Detailed cab
• Gun ring mount atop the cab
• Positionable cab doors
• Detailed cargo bed

Unfortunately, the kit does not provide the option of a covered cargo bed as depicted on the box art. The kit also doesn't provide any engine or support gear under the hood, there is an oil pan plate that fits in the chassis frame to depict the underside of the engine when viewed from the bottom, but you won't see anything if you pose the hood open.

The kit provides markings for a desert and a tropical camouflaged vehicles as well as a set of generic numbers so you can replicate a vehicle of your choice.

This is a nice kit and despite the lack of engine detail (which might show up in the aftermarket), many modelers would probably wish to depict the truck at work. With the help of a simple bending jig and brass wire, you can create the frame for the cargo bay cover and then cover it with your preferred medium. Truck kits like these can be built as-is or serve as the basis of a good vignette or diorama with the addition of a few figures and some cargo.

My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review sample!