Dragon Armor 1/72 M2A3 Bradley
| SUBJECT | Dragon Armor 1/72 M2A3 Bradley |
| MODEL #: | 60354 |
| PRICE: | About $20.00 MSRP |
| REVIEWER: | Scott Van Aken |
| NOTES: | Pre assembled and painted. |
| BACKGROUND |
Dragon Armor's latest modern armor offering, the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), originally entered U.S. Army service in 1981. It largely came about as a response to the Soviet Union’s BMP, and was designed as both an APC and a tank-killer, replacing the venerable M 113 (and its multitude of variants). The Bradley is able to keep pace with the M1 Abrams, and it is armed with a 25mm Bushmaster cannon and a coaxial 7.62mm M240C machine gun, as well as a pair of TOW missile launchers. The Bradley has served with distinction in combat in the 1991 Gulf War, as well as in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 onwards, where it has proved remarkably survivable.
This particular upgraded version appeared in 2000, and the vehicle’s systems are now totally digitized, with improved fire control, target acquisition, navigation and situational awareness capabilities. Visually, the M2A3 is easily identifiable by its distinctive Commander’s Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV) mounted on the right side of the turret. All the unique features of the M2A3 are present on this new Dragon Armor offering (e.g. CITV, additional armor, GPS antenna, EPLR antenna), creating an extremely accurate replica of the original vehicle. The M2A3 Bradley is the USA’s premier IFV for the 21st century, and with Dragon Armor's new release, collectors will be ready for action in any theater of war whether in Iraq or elsewhere around the world!
Like Dragon's other full built offerings, this one has a cast hull with plastic parts attached to it. Basically it is the model kit on a metal hull. However, this one is fully painted and ready to display. Of course, the parts have not been prepped quite as meticulously as many modelers would do, but then these are aimed at a different market.
The painting is really first rate. Not only have they hit the colors and camo just right, but the model has been fully dry-brushed to bring out all the detailing. In all the effect is one of a superbly build model.| CONCLUSIONS |
Now I realize that not everyone reading this will find these to be something they'd like, but one never really knows. For one thing, they are reasonably priced when you consider that for about $5 more than the kit, you get a fully assembled and painted product.
January 2008
My thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the review kit. Get yours today at your local hobby shop or ask them to order it in for you.
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