Academy 1/35 M2A2 Bradley "Operation Iraqi Freedom" By Robert Folden

M2A2 Bradley

This modern AFV was named in honor of General Omar Bradley, the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle was designed to combat the Soviet built BMP family of armored fighting vehicles. First produced in 1982, by FMC [later renamed United Defense and now known as BAE Systems Land and Armament], the Bradley first saw combat in the Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. The M2 and M3 Bradley's have proved their worth by destroying more enemy armor than the M1 Abrams main battle tank. The current versions, the M2A2 and M2A3, are serving in the Gulf once again, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. The Bradley's primary armament is a 25mm cannon capable of 200 rounds per minute. This is backed up by the M240C coaxial machine gun. The Bradley is also fitted with a TOW missile system firing two anti-armor, wire guided missiles.

The Kit

Academy's M2A2 OIF is based on the US Army's current usage of the Bradley, put into production in 1988. The M2A2 is fitted with additional explosive reactive armor plates, designed to combat IEDs and anti-armor RPGs. An updated power plant allows for the additional armor, without sacrificing the vehicle's top speed. Additional ammunition storage was also added. The -A2 is currently deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the Global War on Terror. Please review Kent Kirkpatrick's in-box review of this kit for part sprue details.

Construction

Academy's M2A2 is based of its already popular M2 series of kits. This becomes evident upon opening the box. The box contains 7 sprues, an upper and lower hull, and flexible tracks. Also included are decals for two units, both part of OIF 1 [the initial deployment of troops to Iraq in 2003]. Contained in these sprues, however, are several unused parts, left over from previous variants of the Bradley kit. Construction begins with the assembly of the road wheels and lower hull components [steps 1-5]. The assembly of the rear hatch and ramp gives the builder the option of open, closed, or even moveable. The kit, however, does not include an interior. Steps 6-8 detail the assembly of the upper hull. This is a straight forward process; however the tools were left off until after paint. As with the rear door, hatches on the upper hull can be left open, or moveable. Steps 9-12 cover the assembly of the turret. Great care needs to be taken when assembling the main gun mount. Step 9 gives the illusion that the gun can be made to elevate freely, or positioned to any angle. However, in step 12, parts G29 and G33 need to be glued to both the turret housing and the gun mantle. This can only be done with the gun in one position only. Similarly, the TOW housing can only be built in the open or closed positions, and require specific parts for each option. Step 13 calls for the joining of the upper and lower hulls, the turret, and the installation of the tracks. Painting is highly recommended PRIOR to this step. Tracks come in the form of vinyl "rubber band" tracks. The ends are joined using pins that are heated to "fuse" the ends together. The tracks in my kit were too short to join together, however the kits armored side skirts hide this perfectly.
The M2A2 OIF features the US Army's Desert Sand paint scheme. Subtle weathering can be achieved with preshading the plastic or primer with dark gray. Final paint is Model Masters US Marine Armor Sand. Detail painting consists of the vision blocks done in Tamiya Clear Blue, and the tools, painted with various shades of metal and brown. The armor plates on the sides of the hull are shown in dark gray. NATO black with a light rub of graphite simulates this perfectly. This technique is also used for the barrels of the main gun and coaxial gun. NATO black was also used for the rubber on the road wheels and tracks. The tracks were weathered using light colored dirt mixed with a touch of sand. The kit includes extra road wheels and drive sprockets for accessories, however no stowage. I added stowage from my spares box, most of which had come from various Academy Abrams and Bradley kits. These were painted with various shades of green, brown, black, and sand to simulate the different camouflage patterns and fading of packs, tarps, bags, and other essential equipment. Decals are very simple, consisting of chevrons and unit numbers. A little decal solvent helps snug them down over the armor.

Conclusion

The Academy M2A2 Bradley OIF is a highly detail, accurate representation of the Bradley's used currently in Iraq. It is a straight forward, easy build with virtually no problem areas. My review kit was built in a single weekend, and painted over the course of the following week. It was a very enjoyable build, and I am extremely pleased with the final result. It makes a god addition to any modern armor collection. I would like to thank MRC for the review kit.