Eagle IV

German Utility Vehicle 2011 Production

Vespid Models, 1/35 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Summary

Introduction

The Mowag Eagle is a series of wheeled armoured vehicle designed by Mowag a Swiss company now owned by GDELS (General Dynamics European Land Systems).

The Eagle IV is based on the chassis of the Mowag Duro IIIP. It was introduced commercially in November 2003, and received its IOC (initial operational capability) in 2004 with the Danish Army.

It was later purchased by the German Army as one of its main armoured mobility vehicle.

The armoured cabin has a protection STANAG 4569 level III. The anti-mine protection reaches the STANAG 4569 Level IIa standard.

Two Eagle IV in combat configurations are transportable by the C-130 Hercules.

It's combat weight reaches 7,600 kg including 2,400 of payload and high level protection meeting STANAG 4569 level III protection and STANAG 4569 Level IIa mine protection (6 kg TNT under each wheel). The vehicle's width is smaller than the Humvee, which allows two ready to combat Eagle IVs to be transported in a C-130 without special preparations.

Up to 2023, it is the most successful variant commercially (587 vehicles).*

F i r s t L o o k

Vespid Models has built a solid reputation with their stunning small-scale kits over the the last few years and now they have turned their attention to something a little bit bigger.

Vespid's debut 1/35 scale kit is the Eagle IV German Utility Vehicle 2011 Production.

The kit comprises 339 parts in grey plastic, 13 parts in clear plastic, four black vinyl tyres, four 3d printed resin tyres, one photo-etched fret with greater than 60 parts, four self-adhesive reflective foil pieces, self-adhesive masks and a decal sheet with markings for four vehicles.

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Moulding quality is very high with no sink marks or ejector pin marks anywhere they will be visible on the finished model.

The armoured body and chassis are detailed with separate parts for the suspension and additional armour plates.

The front of the body is moulded as a single part.

The rear of the vehicle is covered by a plastic part representing the tonneau. The stretched fabric effect looks very convincing indeed.

The tyres are supplied in black vinyl. I’m not the biggest fan of vinyl tyres but these look well detailed and moulding seams are not obvious.

If you are still not convinced though, Vespid also includes four beautiful 3d printed resin tyres.

The outside half of the wheels are also printed in place.

Interior detail is included. There is a fully equipped driver’s compartment with decals for the instrument panel and display screen, four bucket seats, interior equipment box and the Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) control system assembly also with a decals for the display screens. Seat belts are not included.

The interior is thoroughly detailed and should look convincing when glanced through an open door.

The photo-etched fret includes more than 60 major and minor parts.

The driver’s, co-driver’s and rear crew doors are all detailed inside and out. All doors may be posed open or closed. A set of self-adhesive paper masks are included for the windows, windsceeen and lights. This will make painting a lot faster and easier.

The windscreen and windows are all supplied as clear parts. Headlights, tail lights and indicators are on the clear sprue too.

The Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS) on the roof looks great. This may be rotated after assembly.

Another thoughtful inclusion is a set of four self-adhesive foil mirrors.

Decals supply markings for four vehicles, in four different two and three colour disruptive camouflage.

Colours look good and the printing is in register.

C o n c l u s i o n

This is Vespid Models' debut 1:35 scale kit and it is very impressive.

Considering the high level of detail that we have seen in their 1/72 scale models, the comprehensive fitout in this larger scale including engine, suspension and cab interior should come as no surprise. With the doors open you’ll be able to show off the kit-supplied interior detail.

I really like that Vespid has provided both vinyl and 3d printed resin tyres. For me, it's a no-brainer (I'lll take the resin tyres every time) but I know others who like separate vinyl tyres, so everyone is catered for.

The relatively high parts count makes this model most appropriate for a moderately experienced modeller.

Highly Recommended!

Historical background courtesy of Wikipedia

Thanks to Meng Models for the sample www.meng-model.com