Trumpeter 1/35 Canadian AVGP Grizzly (Early)
By Joe Lotz
Stock #01502
MSRP: $35.95
HISTORY
The Grizzly is part of the Canadian AVGP program from 1977 and which included the Husky, Cougar and Grizzly. These vehicles are based on the 6-wheeled Swiss MOWAG Piranha I. Initially they were equipped with propellers and swim vanes for amphibious use. But this was later removed since it was decided that it was not needed anymore. About a hundred vehicles were loaned to the African Union for their mission in Sudan, were one vehicle was destroyed by an RPG. One Grizzly was given to the Edmonton Police as a donation and in 2008 44 vehicles were sold to Uruguay. The Grizzly is not in front line service anymore.
The Grizzly is the APC version with a crew of 3 and can carry a section of infantry. It is equipped with a Cadillac Gage Turret with a 7.62mm MG as well as a .50 cal. The combat weight is around 11 tons.
THE KIT
When opening the box you will find 6 light gray sprues, 1 clear sprue, 6 vinyl tires, A small PE Fret and the lower and upper hull halves. Decals are provided for 2 versions. One is for a Canadian vehicle during the IFOR mission in former Yugoslavia and one for a white Canadian UN vehicle. All parts are very nicely molded with crisp detail. Several of the parts were wrapped in some foam sheets. There are no visible mold seems. No injector marks appear to be in visible places. Unfortunately, the barrel of the 7.62mm MG was broken in half in this review kit. There is also no interior provided in this kit. But I am sure soon Aftermarket kits for this model will hit the stores.
This is a kit that will bring fun to any modeler of modern armor and everyone that is looking for a different subject. Even the less experienced modeler should not have a problem with this kit. I would like to thank Stevens International for providing me with this review kit.
