Here we have the latest offering from Merit International. The 1/16 scale Oshkosh MRAP. The replacement to the GM Humvee.

Made from 99.9% plastic with the exception for a front meshed grille, door hinges and suspension springs. I originally thought that its main chassis and hull were made of diecast but unfortunately it appears to be the Trumpeter plastic kit which has been put together and painted, then sold under the Merit International brand.

Unfortunately there is no independent suspension but there are metal springs, there is a plastic linkage bar that has a hole where the steering column would have inserted into the linkage but no steering column rod. It has removable spare tire but this one is very loose and falls off. The rims are glued an therefore do not turn except for the tires if forced, which is very weird. Aerials are not complete and only have the masts stubbs. Mirrors are painted matt silver but would have benefited with chrome stickers as used firstly in 1988 on 1/18 scale diecast models by Bburago, Italy.

It doesn't have an opening bonnet/hood which i would expect from a 1/16 scale vehicle as their aircraft have a good amount of moving parts including suspension for the price. For some reason this one seems to have been designed with limitations, perhaps this is due to them considering re-releasing it in the future with an all singing and dancing version at treble the price.

On the plus side, the tires are well detailed with brand of tire, Michellin and the visible tire size, R20 (20 inches). The turret rotates, the browning machine gun elevates up mostly and slightly down. Doors and hatch open and close but appear to be more on the 1/18 door size than 1/16 and not in line with the dimensions of the vehicle. Painted lettering is clear.

Body paint is patchy, well this one is. Looks like this was the last one of the production line where paint ran out so tried to cover as much of vehicle as possible with the last drops off paint, especially around the doors.

On the whole not impressed as the Harrier and Dauntless were far superior which lead me to expect more from this one!

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