Tamiya 35132 - 1:35 M2 Bradley IFV

Plastic model kit of the American M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle in 1:35 scale

The M2 Bradley changed the way armies thought about carrying infantry: not just an armoured box to bring soldiers forward under fire, but a fighting vehicle with a 25 mm cannon and a TOW anti-tank missile launcher, able to fight alongside the tanks. Tamiya 35132 reproduces the baseline M2 in 1:35 scale from tooling dating to 1985.

The model captures the vehicle's angular hull with its rear ramp, the two-man turret and the twin TOW launcher on its side. The troop compartment interior is reproduced, complete with seats and TOW missiles. The turret rotates once assembled, and the launcher can be built either raised in the firing position or stowed alongside the turret.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running gear parts
• Detailed troop compartment interior (seats, TOW missiles)
• Rotating turret with 25 mm cannon
• Twin TOW launcher, buildable raised or stowed
• Vinyl band tracks
• One commander figure
• Waterslide decal sheet for two options: 1-15 Inf./3rd Infantry Division („Still Smokin", West Germany 1985) and 2-41 Inf./2nd Armored Division (1984, MERDC camouflage)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35132
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: 192 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (detailed troop compartment)

Please note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This is a kit for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The build is clearly laid out and the vinyl band tracks shorten the work on the running gear. It is worth painting and finishing the troop compartment before closing up the hull — once the body is together, access to the seats and TOW missiles is limited. Decide early on the position of the TOW launcher, as it changes the whole look of the turret.

For painting we suggest US Olive Drab (e.g. Tamiya XF-62) for the West German-based vehicle, or the multi-colour MERDC scheme for the other option — the instructions give the pattern. Applying the decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a good final coat. A wash will bring out the hatches, grilles and turret detail, while pigments can recreate dust and mud on the tracks.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out detail
• Optional: weathering pigments for dust and mud

About the vehicle – M2 Bradley:

The M2 Bradley was developed in response to Soviet BMP-type infantry fighting vehicles. The US Army needed a vehicle that would not only deliver an infantry squad to the battlefield but could also destroy enemy armoured vehicles and support its own infantry with fire. It entered service in 1981.

Its armament consists of the 25 mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, a coaxial M240C machine gun and a twin TOW anti-tank guided missile launcher. Firing ports in the hull sides allowed the dismounts to use their M231 firing port weapons without leaving the vehicle. The crew numbers three, with six soldiers in the troop compartment. The Bradley went on to become one of the mainstays of the US armoured and mechanised forces for decades.

Original vehicle specifications (M2 Bradley):

• Type: infantry fighting vehicle
• Main armament: 25 mm M242 Bushmaster cannon
• Secondary armament: M240C machine gun, twin TOW launcher, firing ports for M231 weapons
• Crew: 3 plus 6 dismounts
• Powerplant: Cummins VTA-903T diesel, 500 hp
• Entered service: 1981
• Role: transport and fire support for mechanised infantry, engaging armoured vehicles

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company started out in the timber trade and made wooden models, releasing its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the world standard scale for military modelling. The brand is known for precise tooling and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases covering vehicles, artillery and figures. Tamiya instructions are clear and well illustrated, with painting guides referenced to the company's own paint range. Besides kits, Tamiya offers a full range of accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.