M-ATV MRAP Weighted Road Wheels (for Panda)

[Mike]

M-ATV MRAP Weighted Road Wheels (for Panda)

1:35 ET Models

The new M-ATV, the winner of the M-RAP competition for the successor to the M1114 HUMVEE has a set of centrally inflated and monitored tyres that can be inflated and deflated to suit the terrain, as well as over-inflated if damaged to maintain a respectable pressure if pierced by small arms fire. The new Panda kit contains a set of styrene hubs and vinyl/flexible styrene wheels, which do a reasonable job of replicating the real thing, but for the perfectionist, and those wanting a super-accurate set of wheels with realistic sag, a replacement set of wheels is a must.

The new set from ET Models arrives in a small clamshell box with header card, and inside the extra bubble-wrap inside are five wheels of incredible detail and finesse. Each of the four road wheels also has realistic looking sag above the contact patch, and the spare has no sag, with a hollow hub and all of the mounting holes for the central boss ready to accept the wheel nuts. The sidewall detail is exquisite, with delicate ripples so characteristic of this kind of tyre, raised manufacturer's data stamps, and crisply defined aggressive tread blocks. The tyres also have the realistic bulge of the sidewall often seen on off-road tyres, that is difficult to reproduce in flexible materials.

The set is designed for the Panda Models kit, which has a large circular mating surface with the rear hub, which is replicated on the rear of the roadwheels. I have the more refined Kinetic kit however, and although the rear of the tyres have different sized mating surfaces, I'm certain that they can be adapted with a bit of work, and I fully intend to put the work in when the time comes to build the kit, unless a Kinetic specific set comes through in the meantime.

Conclusion

The detail on these wheels is stunning, and up there with the best. They're a must-have if you're unsatisfied with the kit wheels, and worried that they will either melt the styrene hubs (which vinyl seems to do), or sag progressively over time (my worry), making your finished model look like it's been the victim of some tyre slasher.

Take a look at these pictures, then look at the kit parts. Then back to the pictures. You want some now, don't you?

Highly recommended.

Review Sample courtesy of