AFV Club 35351 - 1:35 M51A2 5-Ton Dump Gun Truck

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the M51A2 5-Ton Dump Gun Truck

The AFV Club 35351 kit depicts the M51A2 5-ton Dump Truck converted into a “Gun Truck” used by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. These field-modified vehicles were equipped with armor plating and mounted machine guns to protect supply convoys from ambushes along dangerous routes.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: AFV Club
• Model length: approx. 23 cm
• Difficulty level: intermediate / advanced

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or tools. Assembly required.

About the build:

The kit features finely molded components, including detailed chassis and engine parts, a functional dump bed, realistic tires, and optional photo-etched details. Armament options include several Browning M2 heavy machine guns for the cargo bay. The model can be built as a field-converted Gun Truck, reflecting the improvised yet effective defensive vehicles of the Vietnam War era.

Recommended tools:

• Modeling knife or sprue cutters
• Files or sandpaper
• Plastic cement
• Fine brushes or airbrush
• Acrylic or enamel paints in U.S. Army Vietnam colors (Olive Drab, black, metallic)

About the M51A2 5-Ton Dump Gun Truck:

The M51A2 was a 5-ton 6×6 dump truck derived from the M39 series, built by REO and AM General. Originally designed for heavy-duty transport, it was adapted in the field into a Gun Truck configuration during the Vietnam War. These armored and armed trucks provided crucial convoy protection against ambushes, serving as mobile fortifications equipped with multiple .50 caliber machine guns.

Vehicle data:

• Manufacturer: REO / AM General
• Drive: 6×6
• Engine: Continental R6602, 6-cylinder gasoline, 224 hp
• Payload capacity: 5 tons
• Weight: approx. 9 tons
• Top speed: approx. 80 km/h
• Range: approx. 600 km
• Armament (Gun Truck): 1–3 × M2HB .50 cal machine guns

About AFV Club:

AFV Club is a leading Taiwanese manufacturer known for high-quality plastic model kits with exceptional accuracy and detail. Their military vehicle models are highly regarded for precise engineering and realistic representation, appealing to experienced modelers and collectors alike.