It looks like I'm building my models faster than I can paint them.
I just finished assembling my HMC M8. This is a nice Rubicon Models plastic kit, and it allows you to build either the M5A1 or the HMC M8. I only have good things to say about this Rubicon kit. The only thing that could have made this kit even better if it had a few crew figures to go with the open topped turret if you build the HMC M8.
I built it straight out of the box with nothing extra being added. I did however remove something. I wanted to build my HMC M8 without the sand-shields. The reason for this is because I like the look of the exposed track (and details), but also because most of the combat photos and combat footage I have seen of this vehicle shows the HMC M8 without the sand shields. There are a few shown with them attached, but most did not have them.
What is great is that you can assemble this kit with or without the sand shields - even though it is not in the build instructions. You have a choice because the way Rubicon made the model kit. However, if you choose to not use the sand shields, you will have to modify the main hull (Part A03), and some research is needed. You need to remove some of the front fender as well as those triangle supports (see picture below). This is easily done, but as always some care is needed. I also removed the runners (including the long one in the middle) on part A03 that is used as a guide for the sand shields. In fact, you can see one of those longer runners I cut off in the picture below. It is that thin circular coil piece to the left of the model. It coiled as I cut it off. The piece of plastic above that is some of the front fender I removed.
I really like this plastic model kit, and even better, this is the only known 1/56th (28mm) scale HMC M8 available in plastic!
