T-Model

M1114

Frag 5 with GPK turret

Some time ago T-Model released their first kit, an up-armoured M1114 vehicle (kit #TM-7201) with which they set a very high standard, right from the start. Here you can find a preview and the build review of this model by Francesco Giovagnorio.
T-Model next started to release a couple of variants of that vehicle, which, from a business point of view, is a very logical step.

This kit contains a model of that vehicle, equipped with the Frag 5 protection kit and the GPK (Gunners protection) kit. One of the drawbacks of the original HMMWVs family are the vertical side doors, which were very vulnerable to roadside bombs. Several upgrades have been implemented since in order to protect the crew from the ever increasing IED charges. This Frag 5 kit sports really thick armoured doors and ballistic glass windows, which gives this variant a badass look. Another drawback of the up-armoured HMMWVs occurs during an accident or attack, when the heavily armoured doors tend to jam shut, trapping the troops inside. As a result, the Frag 5 upgrade came with steel rings on their doors, so that another vehicle can rip the door off, freeing the troops inside.

I'm not entirely happy with the turret choice on a Frag 5 version. In preparation of this previews, I have been looking at a lot of pictures of Frag 5 vehicles in action and noticed only a few vehicles are equipped with the GPK. The Objective Gunner Protection Kit (O-GPK) turret is much more seen on Frag 5 vehicles and would have been a more logical choice.

What's in the box?

To start with, you get every plastic sprue (A, B, C and G) from their first kit. Needles to say, numerous parts are marked "not for use" on the instructions sheet. Since they have been reviewed extensively by Francesco, I will not discuss them here anymore.

The quality of all the new sprues is just as superb as the original ones, sharp detail all over and flash lines are minimal.

The PE set is definitely bigger than in the "old" kit and gives you all the parts needed for the basic M-1114, the Frag 5 with GPK and the weapons sprue.

The only PE "choice" part is the PE grill for the hood (bonnet), which you can use to replace the plastic grill moulded in place. The other PE parts on the sheet are not replacements for plastic ones in the kit, so you have no other option than to use them. That aspect makes this kit not suitable for beginners, because it involves a lot of fiddly work bending fragile PE parts.

One very positive point is the technique chosen for the PE sheet. The parts are not connected to the sprue with the traditional attachment points, they are ready to use and an adhesive sheet holds everything in place. No need to cut them lose and file away those pesky PE leftovers.

• In his build review of that vehicle, Francesco mentioned that his model also had AC grills on the passenger's side (Part B11), which is wrong. My model contains the same sprue, but must have been corrected because that AC grill has disappeared!
  

• Francesco also warned us about the windshield position and how easily this could go wrong. If not correctly done, this would lead to many problems positioning the hood and roof. And guess what? T-Model has designed the sidewall for the Frag 5 version with an extension that has already the right angle for the windshield.

Review sample provided by T-Model

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Article Last Updated: 05 March 2018