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Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
REVIEW
M9 ACE
TRM5150
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Massachusetts, United States
Joined: January 03, 2010
KitMaker: 2,159 posts
Armorama: 707 posts
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 04:34 AM UTC
Takom releases a little engineering support to their growing list of plastic offerings to the modelling community with the US Armored Combat Earthmover M9 ACE! Todd Michalak shows us what to expect to find inside with his inbox review of this kit.

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If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!
bill_c
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MODEL SHIPWRIGHTS
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New Jersey, United States
Joined: January 09, 2008
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Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 04:49 AM UTC
Superb review, Todd. "Boogie Nights" comes to bulldozing!
Petition2God
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Colorado, United States
Joined: February 06, 2002
KitMaker: 1,526 posts
Armorama: 1,294 posts
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 06:36 AM UTC
Thanks Todd for the great review.
Personally, the only other thing that bothered me about the kit was no provision of the newer style plastic fuel can instead of the old style "Jerry can". Obviously, that's easily replaceable.
Frenchy
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Rhone, France
Joined: December 02, 2002
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Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 01:44 PM UTC
Good job on the review Todd . And thanks a lot for the link to the NSN Center website.

H.P.
M4A1Sherman
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New York, United States
Joined: May 02, 2013
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Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 06:43 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Takom releases a little engineering support to their growing list of plastic offerings to the modelling community with the US Armored Combat Earthmover M9 ACE! Todd Michalak shows us what to expect to find inside with his inbox review of this kit.

Link to Item



If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!



THANKS, Todd!

Doesn't it figure, though? And here I bought an as-yet un-built resin HOBBY FAN M9 kit on ebay just a few months ago. At least I got it for a good price- less than $50.00, including shipping...

Am I going to get rid of it? No. Will I buy this new TAKOM kit? There's a very good chance that I will. Maybe I should build both kits and offer some impressions in a "side-by-side" build..?
amoz02t
#192
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: November 25, 2009
KitMaker: 1,383 posts
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Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 07:44 PM UTC
Great review Todd. Thank you for putting this out as looks like an interesting kit!
jvazquez
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New Jersey, United States
Joined: September 26, 2006
KitMaker: 857 posts
Armorama: 811 posts
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 07:45 PM UTC
Great review!!


After gathering some pictures on the net on this vehicle (there are not that many) I noticed one omission from Takom, no anti slip on the top parts of vehicle. I don't know if the anti slip is a somewhat new addition or if its always been there. I just wanted to make people aware in case they wanted to create a more accurate vehicle. Otherwise looks to be a great kit!
If anyone has some interior pics out there and is willing to share them that would be hugely appreciated.

Frenchy
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Rhone, France
Joined: December 02, 2002
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Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 09:37 PM UTC

Quoted Text

If anyone has some interior pics out there and is willing to share them that would be hugely appreciated.



The only one I've found so far...



and the corresponding TM drawing (from http://combatengineervehicle.tpub.com/TM-5-2350-262-10/ ) :



and here's what the seat looks like :



H.P.
MAD_DUCK
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Alabama, United States
Joined: March 05, 2002
KitMaker: 434 posts
Armorama: 406 posts
Posted: Friday, January 15, 2016 - 09:52 PM UTC
Since it solid plastic under the driver's copula, You'll have to cut a hole to get to the interior . I'm just going to put an half to 3/4 figure in mine and be done with it.
jvazquez
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New Jersey, United States
Joined: September 26, 2006
KitMaker: 857 posts
Armorama: 811 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2016 - 12:05 AM UTC
Henry, thank you! That will help!


Vince, Yea if there was one downside its that they covered the hatch, but otherwise still looks like a great kit!
bilbobee
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Minnesota, United States
Joined: February 28, 2015
KitMaker: 414 posts
Armorama: 406 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2016 - 03:24 AM UTC
Thanks Todd, nice review and a very interesting subject.
TRM5150
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Massachusetts, United States
Joined: January 03, 2010
KitMaker: 2,159 posts
Armorama: 707 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2016 - 04:03 AM UTC
Hey fellas...thanks for the kind words about the review. I am snipping parts and just about ready to get a blog going for the build on this thing!

A couple of small notes, I neglected to mention there is a suspension aligning tool (part A2)...keeps the swing arms straight in two of the three position options.

Also, there are some ejector pin marks on the topside of the sponsons. The back half are unseen once the tractor is assembled, however, depending where the ejector's apron (sliding back wall) is located you may see one or two EPM's. They are shallow...quick fill and sand or just sanding will rectify all!

Anything else crops up as I go, I will be sure to shout out! I'll try and get that blog started later this evening!
pascalbausset
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Moselle, France
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 1,416 posts
Armorama: 1,379 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2016 - 01:33 PM UTC
Nice little kit; good review that makes me want to buy it !
Thirian24
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Oklahoma, United States
Joined: September 30, 2015
KitMaker: 2,493 posts
Armorama: 2,344 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2016 - 09:28 PM UTC
Excellent video, Todd.
SSGToms
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Connecticut, United States
Joined: April 02, 2005
KitMaker: 3,608 posts
Armorama: 3,092 posts
Posted: Saturday, January 16, 2016 - 09:38 PM UTC
This kit just hit my front door and it is fantastic! Great review Todd.
TRM5150
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Massachusetts, United States
Joined: January 03, 2010
KitMaker: 2,159 posts
Armorama: 707 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2016 - 01:43 AM UTC
Thanks Dustin!!

Thanks Matt! Nice box to hit the step!! Enjoy!

I finally managed to get the blog up and running here on the Big A - http://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/243477

Stop by if you like and watch this one unfold!
skyshark
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: November 16, 2005
KitMaker: 703 posts
Armorama: 499 posts
Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2016 - 04:05 AM UTC
Everybody just needs to be patient, I'm sure a AM one is on the way.
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