Tamiya 35263 - 1:35 M1025 Humvee Armament Carrier

Plastic model kit of the US HMMWV M1025 in 1:35 scale

A wide track, a low body and a gunner's ring on the roof — the HMMWV defined the look of the US Army at the turn of the century. Tamiya 35263 depicts the M1025 Armament Carrier, the armed version fitted with a gunner's ring and heavy-duty suspension.

The kit is based on new tooling from 2003. The modeller's key decision is the armament: the ring can mount either the M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun or the Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher. The windows are reproduced as clear parts and the wheels use vinyl tyres. Two figures, a driver and a gunner, allow the vehicle to be shown in action.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with body, chassis and equipment parts
• Choice of M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun or Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher
• Ammunition boxes
• Vinyl tyres
• Clear parts (windows)
• Two figures: driver and gunner
• Waterslide decal sheet for four marking options
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35263
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 131 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: the kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model requires assembly.

Building the model:

This is an accessible kit, well suited to beginners — the body is made up of a small number of well-fitting parts, and the vinyl tyres simply slip onto the wheels. It is worth deciding on the armament (M2 machine gun or Mk.19 grenade launcher) before painting, as it affects the marking option. Masking the windows before painting the body is a sensible step.

Paint colours depend on the chosen option: a desert sand tone (e.g. Tamiya XF-57 Buff or XF-59 Desert Yellow) for Middle Eastern vehicles, or matt green in NATO camouflage. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps to avoid decal silvering, with a matt varnish as the final finish. A wash brings out the body and weapon detail, while pigments on the wheels and fenders add dust effects.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Glue suitable for clear parts
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust effects

About the vehicle – HMMWV M1025:

The HMMWV, pronounced "Humvee", entered US Army service in the 1980s as the successor to a whole family of light tactical vehicles, including the legendary jeep. Its wide, low body, four-wheel drive and high ground clearance let it handle rough terrain while providing a stable platform for weapons and equipment.

The M1025 is the Armament Carrier version, fitted with a gunner's ring on the roof and heavy-duty suspension to carry the extra load. The ring most commonly mounted the M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun or the Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher. Power comes from a V8 diesel engine.

HMMWV variants have served in every American operation since the Gulf War, and their silhouette has become one of the symbols of the modern US military. Armed versions performed reconnaissance, patrol and escort duties.

Original vehicle specifications (HMMWV M1025):

• Type: 4×4 light tactical vehicle
• Powerplant: V8 diesel engine
• M1025 features: roof gunner's ring, heavy-duty suspension
• Typical armament: M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun or Mk.19 automatic grenade launcher
• Operator: United States armed forces
• Service: from the 1980s — the US Army's standard light tactical vehicle

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. It began in the timber trade and wooden models, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. Two years later came a 1:35 tank kit that established the scale as the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for exceptionally precise tooling and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. The Military Miniature Series also covers modern subjects, from main battle tanks to light tactical vehicles and carriers. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.