Over the years, it has not been uncommon for the military to buy what is basically off the shelf equipment. While this rarely extends to materials used in direct combat, often times what is produced for the civilian market can easily be adapted for military use.

The use of what we now call SUVs is one that has gone back for many decades and so it is with the Cheverolet Blazer two door. This kit is a four wheel drive version with a large grille guard and the addition of tow hooks. Aside from that, it looks very much like a civilian Chevy Blazer of the late 70s/early 1980s. I'm sure a reader can pin-point things a bit better than I.

These vehicles were found just about anywhere that the US military was operating at the time. Though the Army (both active and reserves) was probably the greatest operator of the type, I've seen these painted Insignia Blue and used by the USAF as well.

The PJ Production kit is very nicely molded in a tan resin. Aside from one 'open' tow attachment, I saw no problems with air bubbles and the detail is excellent. There is the usual resin flash, but it should be a breeze to remove. You get a full body and the interior is mated with the main chassis components. This makes final assembly easy as you can paint the body separately from the rest of the kit. The interior includes a nicely done dash, steering wheel, high-back front seats and a nice rear bench seat.

The suspension includes both transaxles and drive shafts along with  tailpipes. A tow pintle and four smaller hooks are included as well as a nicely done grille guard and the two large side mirrors. As this vehicle has those rectangular headlights, it won't be possible to use aftermarket lenses in this one unless someone has recently developed some. The vacuformed windows are nicely done and some rough test fitting showed no problems with fit.

Instructions are on a small sheet with four basic construction steps and any interior colors specifically mentioned. On the other side is a full-color paint chart which is basically two greens and a brown. I'm sure that most will either brush paint this scheme or do some rather intensive masking! The sheet also includes Humbrol, Gunze, Tamiya and FS 595 color information.

Along with all of the PJ Production kits, this one is a real beauty. It is not so complex as to be difficult and can probably be built by most over just a few short sessions. It is a great way to be introduced to resin kits in general and if your tastes are more towards wheeled military vehicles, this would be a great one to have.

July 2006

My thanks to PJ Production for supplying the review kit. You can order direct from the hyperlink.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by asite that has over 300,000 visitors a month, please contactme or see other details in the Note toContributors.

Back to the Main Page

Back to the Previews Index Page