Hobby Boss 1/35 USAF XM706E2 Commando Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

As the U.S. Air Force built up flight operations in Vietnam during the mid-1960s, they faced insurgents that would penetrate the base perimeters and inflict casualties and damage to the forces and aircraft there. The Air Force selected the Cadillac-Gage V-100 armored car for its security forces to provide the means to safely patrol the perimeters as well as interdict intruders. The V-100 was designated as the XM706E2 Commando and entered service in 1968. One survivor is on display at the National Museum of the USAF.

As I recall, the only kit I've ever seen of the Commando in 1/35 was the Verlinden resin block that was shaped like a V-100. This is the first plastic kit of this subject I've seen and HobbyBoss has done a nice job of this. Molded in gray styrene, this kit is presented on six parts trees plus one tree of clear parts, one small fret of photo-etched details, and four rubber tires.

• Positionable side entry doors
• Positionable top hatches
• Crew compartment included
• Detailed suspension and drive train
• Overhead shield with pintle mounts
• .50 caliber machine gun and M60 machine gun provided

If you're looking for an interesting project that will look great on its own or posed with your 1/32 Vietnam-era USAF aircraft, this will provide a familiar sight for Vietnam-era veterans who've seen these vehicles and their crews around their bases keeping them safe.

You'll also note that there is a new importer for Hobbyboss kits here in North America as MRC has picked up the product line and have kits that have not otherwise been available in some time. Check them out or have your favorite hobby shop do that for you.

My sincere thanks to Model Rectifier Corporation for this review sample!