LAV-R Light Armored Recovery Vehicle by Dave Blankenship

 This 1/35th scale 2007 boxing of Trumpeter's LAV Recovery vehicle represents a generic NATO camouflaged vehicle since no unit markings (more on the decals later) were include with the kit. With the possible exception of an odd construction sequence suggested in the instructions, the kit went together well. The parts were crisp and detailed, enhanced by a nice set of two photoetch frets for the exhaust screen, engine deck screens, stowage straps, front light mounts, and a few other small fixtures. The crane is nicely detailed and includes black tubing to represent the hydraulic lines. The vinyl tires are well done but lack raised “Michelin” inscriptions. The wheel hubs are excellent.

Now, to the decals...for the most part unusable. I opted to use just one of them. Whomever designed the quite extensive sheet of vehicle stencils obviously had a poor command of the English language or was the world's worst typist and didn't believe in spell checking. I actually got a few laughs reading through the entire sheet. 

A few examples: TYRE POESSORE

                             MICHWAY TOWZING 

                             POZNT DCE HANNER

  The model was finished with Tamiya acrylics and was lightly weathered. My only concessions to “Advanced Modeler's Syndrome” was detailing the the outrigger/stabilizer jacks. I felt they were just too bereft of detail so added hydraulic lines using lead wire. All-in-all, an enjoyable build.