Tamiya 35264 - 1:35 M2A2 ODS IFV Bradley

Plastic model kit of the US M2A2 ODS Bradley infantry fighting vehicle in 1:35 scale

The Bradley combines two roles long thought incompatible: it carries six dismounts and at the same time has the firepower to destroy a tank. Tamiya 35264 depicts the M2A2 ODS, the version upgraded in the light of experience from Operation Desert Storm.

The 2003 release is based on 1985 tooling supplemented with new parts specific to this version. The model is notable for its extensive external stowage — rucksacks, sleeping bags and identification panels — which gives the vehicle the look of a hard-worked field mount rather than a museum piece. The modeller can choose between two types of 25 mm cannon barrel.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, turret and running gear parts
• Choice of two 25 mm cannon barrel types
• Vinyl band tracks
• External stowage: rucksacks, sleeping bags
• Identification panels
• Two half-figures: commander and gunner in body armour
• Waterslide decal sheet for six marking options (three from Iraq, three from NATO/KFOR missions)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 35264
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 187 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (extensive external stowage)

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

Building the model:

The hull and turret are built from large, well-fitting parts, and the vinyl band tracks shorten the work on the running gear. Most attention goes to arranging the external stowage — rucksacks and sleeping bags — and fitting the identification panels; these are worth painting separately before being attached to the hull. The 25 mm barrel type is best chosen to match the marking option.

Paint colours depend on the mission chosen: a desert sand tone (e.g. Tamiya XF-57 Buff or XF-59 Desert Yellow) for the Iraqi vehicles, or the three-tone NATO camouflage in green, brown and black for those in the Balkans. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps to avoid decal silvering, with a matt varnish as the final finish. A wash brings out the welds and hull detail, while pigments on the tracks and lower hull 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)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Wash to bring out details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – M2A2 ODS Bradley:

The M2 Bradley was designed as an infantry fighting vehicle able to keep pace with the Abrams and give its passengers not only transport but real fire support. It is armed with the 25 mm M242 chain gun and a TOW anti-tank guided missile launcher, which allows it to engage enemy tanks.

The M2A2 ODS (Operation Desert Storm) was an upgrade based on lessons from the Gulf War. It introduced improved navigation and combat identification systems — a direct response to the friendly-fire problem that emerged during Desert Storm. The roughly 30-tonne vehicle is powered by a 600 hp Cummins VTA-903T diesel.

The crew numbers three, with a troop compartment for six. Bradleys served in both Gulf wars, in Iraq and on peacekeeping missions in the Balkans, where the distinctive identification panels became part of their familiar appearance.

Original vehicle specifications (M2A2 ODS):

• Combat weight: approx. 30 t
• Crew: 3 plus 6 dismounts
• Main armament: 25 mm M242 chain gun
• Anti-tank armament: TOW guided missile launcher
• Powerplant: Cummins VTA-903T diesel, 600 hp
• ODS features: upgrade based on Operation Desert Storm experience
• Service: the Gulf wars and Iraq, peacekeeping missions in the Balkans

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 covers vehicles from around the world and from every era, from the Second World War to modern fighting vehicles. 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.