Trumpeter 1/35 M1078 Light Medium Tactical Vehicle
By Carl Kietzke
Overview
The M1078 Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) is part of the United States Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV). The Light Medium units are rated at 2.5 tons carrying capacity. The FMTV is built by BAE Systems Mobility and Protection Systems division and it was developed from the Steyr 12M18 military truck. Stewart & Stevenson of Sealy, Texas was the original supplier of the FMTV. Stewart & Stevenson sold their truck division to Armor Holdings, which is now part of BAE Systems. There are 15 members of the FMTV family and most of them can be created from this kit.
The Kit
This kit comes in Trumpeter’s standard, stout box, which is crammed with plastic. There are eight gray sprues, one clear sprue, the cab, a small photo-etch sheet, and a small but adequate decal sheet. All moldings are clean and flash free. The tires are vinyl and are exceptionally well done. The parts count of this kit is a bit high considering there is no engine, but the kit should go together easily.
Accuracy
All dimensions check out within acceptable limits based on data from the US Army Fact Sheet for the FMTV. I have a few minor questions regarding some of the chassis accessory placement. When I consider the continuing modification and upgrade programs for the FMTV, everything could be totally correct. The main thing is, will it look right? I will hold final judgment for when it is finished.
Conclusion
This looks like another excellent military vehicle kit from Trumpeter. The M1078 is long overdue as a kit, since the real one has almost totally replaced all of the M939 family. I have one gripe with this kit: there is no engine. This is the first 2.5/5 ton truck kit that Trumpeter has produced without one, perhaps because it is a cabover instead of a conventional? The M1078, M1084, and M1086 versions were used to prototype a new heavy duty Wildland Fire Engine family, so it fits as a regular automotive subject to me. There are lots of uses and versions to build and the kit is good quality. But the kit IS a bit pricey at around $80. It still seems to be good value for money. I purchased my kit from Skyway Model Shop.