Review
This offering from Hobby Boss of the LAV 300 arrives in the usual sturdy cardboard tray and lid. The contents are individually bagged unless a sprue is duplicated or in the case of the upper and lower hull. The parts count from what I am looking at is reasonable and photo etch is also low and so a model that should be suitable for all level of modellers. Looking at the various moulded parts the gates are of a reasonable size and not excessive in number and so again due to good access for removal and limited cleanup needed all bodes well for the modeller. Also worth note is as usual Hobby Boss has used foam and bubble wrap packing where mouldings need extra protection.
Everything in this release builds up from the lower hull and so from a stable base. The steering can only be shown going dead ahead which I am not a fan of but so be it. The geometry of the suspension is also set for a flat level surface and would require quite a lot of skill to reconfigure. Looking at the parts used here I am happy that detail is of a reasonable level and no obvious or major additions missed. A down side for many is that the tyres for the model are supplied in vinyl rubber which is a big Marmite subject in the hobby.
The ramp and rear access door is supplied separately and so could be shown open, but you would need to be clever to disguise the lack of an interior beyond some seating and minor detail at the drivers’ position. It is my opinion that this model has a lot of possibilities for a super detailer as in addition to the rear access to drivers’ hatch and side hatch are also separate items and so detailing is worth consideration if able. The area above the engine bay is also provided with separate parts and while I suspect that this has been done for additional finishing variants in the future it also open up display possibilities. The external exhaust is a nice detail as photo etch has been provided for the vented guards and will look good I believe.
The turret is a surprisingly bare aspect of the model despite visually appearing accurate. The surface detail of the turret appears to be well replicated but I am unable to comment on accuracy of the detail. The rear turret basket is dressed up with photo etch mesh detail and is an aspect I like to see. The main gun is moulded in four parts with the barrel and muzzle break being complete moulded parts and so reducing the clean up issues that can be encountered. The collar where it enters the turret is in two halves and may need careful cleanup of the area. The hatches and viewing devices are nicely replicated as is the base of the aerials. The defensive MG is ok but is an area that could be dressed up and so improved if desired and able. There is some metal cable included with the model and I have a real dislike of the material Hobby Boss provides in this regard, but thankfully it does not look to be used in this release.
Two finishing options are included for the model but with a complete lack of information on what the finishes represent. I do know through searches that at least one of the finishes is for a Philippine Marine Corps vehicle.
Conclusion
Overall this release is a pleasing offering from my limited knowledge of the subject and comparing what is provided against online information on the vehicle. as is usual the negatives for me are the lack of information on the finishes provided and is something I feel should always be provided. The negative for many will be the vinyl rubber tyres, but I am not going to list it as a personal low and the detail present is good. From what I have been able to check via online content the detail is generally accurate, but please remember I only have a mk.1 eyeball on this subject. The plastic and other material parts provided for this release score well with me.