Bronco M1114 Up Armored Tactical Vehicle

Nathan Dempsey
Nicely done 🙂

Neuling
Very good work with love to details and realistic weathering.

Scott Higginbotham
Thanks guys. The kit is challenging but fantastic once finished. Lots of etched brass but it really adds to the end result.

FTilhonLinden
Very well done! I'm impressed!
I know it's been a while but maybe you might have some additional comments to share about the kit? I'm considering building this one next and I'm curious about anything you might have to say about the kit.

Scott Higginbotham
Hi and thanks for the comments!

I do love Bronco kits, but all the etched brass detail can be quite a challenge. With patience and perseverance however the results are astounding! Very much worth the effort... and I have my wife to thank for talking me out of chucking it out the window half way through.

I bought the kit 2nd hand and it came with DEF sagged tyres. They add a huge amount, but they aren't straight forward to fit. Much test fitting was involved. The decals for the situational display don't fit at all but that's a minor issue overall. I also added various storage bits from Meng, Tamiya etc. The engine can be shown "visible" but don't bother, it's not a "proper" engine and looks rubbish so I simply glued the engine hood/ bonnet in place.

Overall, if I was ever tempted to make another HUMVEE kit, would I get another Bronco kit? Absolutely! I can't wait to start my Ford Jeep, Humber Armoured Car and M24 Chaffee kits by Bronco!

Hope this helps. If you have any specific questions please ask.

Scott

FTilhonLinden
Thanks for your response! It's settled - I'm getting this kit!

First off - I love this version of the HUMVEE with the armour and Rhino because it's like the perfect symbol of the situation several years into Iraq. In 2003 coalition forces turned up with regular HUMVEEs that eventually had to be upgraded and in the end replaced by MRAPs in respons to what I think of as an IED arms race with insurgents. This kit captures it so well, and your build definitely adds to that. I'm also into armoured cars right now, currently building the M-ATV, check my profile.

I don't have a lot of experience with photoetch but it sure is a challenge. From what I can see you did a good job!
I didn't notice the tyres at first but now that you mention it they certainly do look cool. We'll see if I'll end up spending the extra cash on them! 🙂
The engine won't be an issue for me. Unless kits start coming out with realistic in-scale workable hinges (which is probably a fantasy in 1:35) I'll always keep doors, hoods and trunks closed. That's just me though!

I'm sure I will have more questions later when I start working on it! 🙂

Scott Higginbotham
The only bit of advice I'd give at this stage would be to get yourself a photo etch bending clamp thingy (if you don't have one already). Worth their weight in gold to get straight bends. There are several in the market

Bendingtool (Master Tools 09933, No)

Rui S
Great work 👍

Erik Torp
Sweet build! Will you add some figures?

Villiers de Vos
Very nice work.