I am about to start a Tamiya M1046 HUMVEE as a retirement gift for a friend. I would really like to not run into any problems because time is a bit of a factor since I also need to try to do a M901 ITV for the same gift. Any how, I would just like to hear from any body who has built the M1046 about whether or not there might be any things about the kit that may be a bit tricky to pull off. If I know ahead of time I can plan accordingly. Looking it over quick it doesn't seem too bad , but you never know.
Two last questions - is the Verlinden ITV conversion kit still available? Or ,how about the Tamiya FIST track (I think they made one). Obviously I don't have the ITV yet and am trying to figure out which way to go.. any suggestions?

Italeri makes an M901 ITV vehicle in 1/35 scale. Here are a couple going for little money on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2588&item=3187186942
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2588&item=3187434350

Italeri's M113 chassises are not as good as Academy M113s, but at least you can do one OOB. Academy makes an M981 FISTV that should be relatively easy for the average modeler to make it look cosmetically like an M901. Here is a link to that kit on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2588&item=3186412727

I've got both an M966 and M901 in my motor pool if you need some references.

I'm in the painting stage on the M1046 right now. I decided to do this OOTB to take an AMS break . The kit goes together very well, and was an enjoyable build. The only thing I would tell you to look out for are the mold separation lines on both sides of the hood. They are very hard to see actually but once you know where to look you'll find them. Check out this link to an article on building the M1025 on the IPMS Stockholm site, there is a picture that shows you where to look. You also might find it helpful in other areas.

http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2003/10/stuff_eng_isaksson_m1025.htm

HTH,
Mike

Thanks much you two ! That is an excellent HUMVEE on the IPMS site. Plenty of information there too.

Well this isn't a question any more, but I thought I'd show you how this project is doing. The M1046 is nearing completion fast. I need to do the bumper #'s yet and then weather it along with finishing touches. The M901 is done. It is based upon a vehicle from E Co. 2-127 Inf. 32nd BDE. Wisconsin Army National Guard. Yes it is true that we had some all green ones. They were in the 40 series. Anyway, thanks for the help, I couldn't have got this far without you.

I've only done the M1025 Tamiya HMMV but I think it's pretty the same kit. Construction is a breeze, you should concentrate more on painting (especially the underside).