Oshkosh HEMTT M-985 A2 Cargo Truck
The HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) is the workhorse of the U.S Army with a 8x8 chassis configuration and a 12.1 litre diesel engine generating 445 hp giving it the ability to traverse the most unruly terrain and the 1:50th scale model from TWH Collectibles is an amazing replica with a host of functioning parts and detailing giving it a truly life like appearance.
The underside of the chassis reveals a complete drivetrain with driveshafts visible from the transfer box to all four driven axles. The suspension system is fully functional with springs used to create the realistic movement with the front two axles having working steering. Storage and fuel tanks are positioned along the chassis between the wheels with flexible hydraulic lines running on the underside of the chassis.
The engine is mounted behind the cab and can be seen by opening the two gull wing doors to reveal the engine block, exhaust pipe work and cooling system, complete with replicated fan blades. The exhaust has a photo etched mesh cover with side positioned hydraulic tank and air filters. Tiny authentic markings can be found on the engine covers, filters and hydraulic tank which gives a more realistic appearance and the spare tyre is mounted to the opposite side of the engine bay with a tie down rope and rotating tyre davit.
The rear of the model has a HIAB 8108/2 crane mounted to the chassis with two stabilisers that can be lowered by rotating them. The screw thread is hidded inside the piston and never shows which is another great touch on the model. The crane can be folded into the travel position or manipulated into a lifting configuration. The boom extends and the winch can be rotated with the supplied winding key. The warning and operating instructions have been accurately reproduced and even the tops of the levers have tiny printed markings indicating what each lever is used for. Flexible hydraulic pipework has been added to the lift and tilt cylinders and the crane can be rotated by 360 degrees The rear of the chassis also has a pintle hitch with opening jaw along with front and rear mud flaps which are made of flexible rubber with the Oshkosh logo visible at the rear
The front cab has a fully replicated interior with printed dials, steering wheel and fire extinguisher all visible throught the opening doors and front glazed windscreen. The cab access steps are moveable with small chains used to keep them in their lowered position while the side mounted rear view mirrors can be angled close to the cab.
The bed of the truck has cast tie down ring details and grab handles all visible while the sides of the truck body consist of three drop down doors on each side that are held in position using two small pins which are connected to tiny chains and two flip up brackets to keep the central door in place. This is an amazing feature on the model with each door having the ability to be opened independently. The end boards can also be removed to give a larger flat surface for carrying oversized items. Each of the door panels has wire tie down brackets which greatly add to the model's appeal and printed warning messages are present on the doors.
Two versions of the model are being produced. The desert tan version and the camouflaged version. The models are supplied in a two piece polystyrene carton with outer printed cardboard box. A miniature brochure is supplied which gives details of the HEMTT and the various different configurations of truck currently in service along with a plastic tool to aid in opening the doors and compartments without causing any damage.
This is an amazing model and the first military model to be produced by TWH Collectibles. There are a number of different configurations of the HEMTT in service and an entire range could be modelled in 1:50th scale with fuel carriers, bridge layers, DROPS systems, light equipment transporters and recovery vehicles being just some of the possibilities. There are also a range of other Oshkosh military vehicles that could appear in model form in the future.
See the HEMTT in action - Video1 Video2 Video3 Video4 Video5 Video6
Model Specifications |
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Model Dimensions Length: 8.25" / 210mm |
Box DimensionsLength: 13" / 330mm |
Versions ProducedDesert Tan and Camouflage |
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