Oshkosh HEMTT M985 A2 Cargo Truck

Nicked named “Dragon Wagon”, the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) first went into service with the U.S. Army in 1982.  The HEMTT combat mission is to provide transport capabilities for resupply of combat vehicles and weapons systems.

The HEMTT is the backbone of U.S. Army logistics. Standard features include front and rear tow eyes, blackout lights, 24-volt electrical system, and rear pintle hook for towing trailers and artillery.

UNPACKING

Unpacking this model is pretty straight forward.  The model comes with a parts pack and information of the real machine.  It is securely packaged surrounded by high density Styrofoam.

REVIEW

The engineers at TWH Collectibles have done suburb job reproducing, in 1:50 scale, the Oshkosh HEMTT M985 A2 Cargo Truck. This model comes in two colors, camouflage and tan.  For the purpose of this review, the tan model was used.

The model measures 8.25 inches long, 2.25 inches wide, and 2 inches high.  It weights about a pound. 

This model is wrapped in detail, with functioning mechanical devices to numerous to mention.  One feature that caught my eye was the fully functional material handling crane.  This crane, produced by Manitowoc Defense Products, has 360 degrees of rotation and extending three-section trapezoidal boom.  Like the real machine, the model displays two double acting cylinders that is capable of lifting 5,400 lbs on the real machine.  Yes, the crane can be easily displayed in any position, with cargo, without collapsing.  The graphics are clean, crisp, and easy to read.

The cab has opening doors and retractable mirrors.  The interior is amazing with a fully detailed instrument panel (I had to use a magnifying glass to fully appreciate the detail).  There is a highly detailed fire extinguisher.  Also, grab bars, and a detailed overhead.  Every time I see any TWH model, I also wonder how they produced such detail it such a small space. 

The lighting is done in exacting detail.  5 running lights above windshield, head lights, front and rear turn signals, and right and left running lights are all there. 

Engineers did an outstanding job replicating the vehicle’s MTU Detroit Diesel 12.1 liter, 445 horsepower engine.  The model’s engine is fully plumbed and can be viewed by lifting engine’s covers locate on both the driver and passenger’s side of the vehicle behind the cab. The air intake, exhaust, and 155 gallon fuel tank are well detailed a properly marked. 

The two sling points located behind the exhaust have properly configured tie downs.  Even the piping leading to this device is there.

There is a spare tire located directly behind the passenger side of the vehicle with a strap and is removable. 

The model’s front wheels turn and are made of rubber with correct tire tread pattern.  

The real truck's chassis is also used in Oshkosh’s airport firefighting vehicles.    All of the compartments are properly configured and labeled.  The model’s side boards fold down with tie downs on outer board.  It also has removable front and rear payload boards.  The chassis sports a Leaf spring suspension on rear and front axles.

CONCLUSION

For anyone who collects military models, the TWH Collectibles Oshkosh HEMTT M985 A2 Cargo Truck is defiantly a model you need to add to your collection. 

This highly detailed 1:50 scale model has so many functions and features that I did not mention in this short review.  

Any easy five stars!

FUNCTIONS: Functional crane with full motion, 370 degrees of rotation and extending stick Opening engine doors Side boards fold down with tie downs on outer board Removable front and rear payload boards Removable spare tire behind cab on passenger side Shackle loops mounted on front and rear of frame Functional load block Mechanical suspension seats Folding steps to access cab Cab doors open 90 degrees Steerable front 2 axles Door mounted, foldable rear view mirrors on both cab doors 360 degree rotating and swinging, storable tire davitt FEATURES: Identification tag on front of vehicle Air tanks under battery box Mudflaps, rear of front fender, rear of fuel tank, rear axle Pintle hitch on rear Tow loop or guard under pintle hitch Leaf spring suspension on rear and front axles 2 piece windshield Oshkosh logo above grill 5 running lights above windshield 155 gallon fuel tank behind storage box on driver side Site window on angled part of cab on driver side Chock block holder on drivers side between rear axles Outriggers with replicated outrigger pads at rear corners of vehicle Replicated fire extinguisher mounted on storage box MODEL DIMENSIONS: Length: 8.25" (210mm) Width: 2.25" (57mm) Height: 2" (51mm) Weight: 0.95 lbs. (0.43kg)

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