AFV Club 35304 M-109A3/M-185A3 Shop Van 1/35

AFV Club 35304 M-109A3/M-185A3 Shop Van is an exceptional plastic model kit in the popular 1/35 scale, dedicated to advanced military modeling enthusiasts. The presented model depicts the American workshop truck based on the famous M35 2.5-ton 6x6 (“Deuce and a Half”) truck, more specifically its specialized versions: M109A3 Shop Van or M185A3 Shop Van. These vehicles were used as mobile workshops for supporting military field units.

The M109A3 and M185A3 vehicles were part of the equipment of the United States Army and many allied armed forces, playing a key role in mobile technical support. The first versions debuted during the Cold War era (1950s–80s) and continued to serve for decades in numerous conflicts and missions, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. The Shop Van proved invaluable during combat and logistical operations, providing immediate repair capability for equipment without having to withdraw damaged vehicles from the operational area.

• Scale: 1/35
• Historical period: Cold War, modern conflicts
• Country of use: USA, NATO, allies
• Material: high-quality plastic
• Extras: clear parts for windows and photo-etched details for maximum precision
• Category: plastic model kit
• Approximate dimensions of the finished model: length approx. 21 cm

The AFV Club kit stands out for its excellent reproduction of external details, especially in the workshop body section. Accurately rendered side textures, a complete 6x6 suspension, realistically recreated cabin interiors, and optional interior equipment for the workshop compartment allow for an authentic final effect. The model is designed for intermediate and advanced modelers – I rate the difficulty at 4/5 due to the multitude of details and the need for precise assembly of photo-etched parts as well as the cabin and specialist body components.

I highly recommend this model to collectors of American vehicles, fans of military support equipment, and enthusiasts of realistic dioramas. Thanks to its high level of detail and the possibility to build the vehicle in one of two iconic versions, the AFV Club 35304 set provides a great base for creating a unique model, perfect for enriching any collection.