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Academy 1/72 U.S. M977 8X8 Cargo Truck

By Carl Kietzke

Overview

academy_M_977__parts.jpg
The Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) has been a part of the US Army’s inventory since 1982. The basic chassis can be found under 5 different HEMTT vehicle families and 5 different types of military/civilian fire apparatus. My motivation for obtaining this kit was to evaluate how easily I could produce the fire apparatus versions for use in a future diorama. 

The Kit

This is another gem in Academy’s 1/72nd Ground Vehicle Series. The model represents the M977 standard cargo truck. It is molded in a tan plastic on 3 sprues. There are more than enough parts to keep one occupied, and all are cleanly molded. A small clear sprue and decal sheet round out the box contents.

Accuracy

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Everything in the box looks good. I will have to build this one before I can pass relevant comment on the accuracy, as the sheer number of parts and the way it was engineered make it difficult to gauge in the box.

Conclusion

I think that this is yet another winner from Academy, in a scale compatible with my favored aircraft. It opens a whole new door for modern aircraft dioramas and simple vignettes. At about $20 the value for money is well up there. Now, how about the tanker and wrecker versions as follow-ups to this kit?  I purchased the review kit at Skyway Model Shop.

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