Introduction:
I Love Kit released the US C-RAM with HEMTT A3 kit (#63526) in 2023, offering a 1/35 scale model of a Mobile Centurion prototype variant, featuring the Phalanx weapon system mounted at the rear of an Oshkosh HEMTT A3 heavy truck.
DEF Model recently released a set of resin replacement wheels US C-RAM with HEMTT A3 Sagged Wheel Set (DW35175), designed to upgrade I Love Kit model.
Review:
The set is packed in a large side-opening cardboard box, with an image showing the contents of the set.
The box contains a plastic bag with 8 resin pieces, masking sheets and masking instructions.
I inspected the resin pieces and found an excellent cast. There are no defects in the resin and the details are sharp and perfectly defined.
The magnified image showcases the details of one of the wheels well.
The casting blocks are located on the bottom of the road wheels and no detail should be compromised during cleanup.
The wheels in the set are depicted with Michelin 395/85R20 XZL tire, an all-terrain, all-position radial tire designed for special service and tactical vehicles.
DEF Model 1/35 scale offering compares well to the real tire; the distinctive Michelin XZL tread pattern is authentically recreated and sidewall details perfectly delivered with all the markings and inscriptions easily identifiable. The level of details is incredible… check out the MICHELIN X, 395/85R20, XZL+, even RADIAL REGROVABLE markings on the sidewall. Wow!
As for the rims, I couldn’t find many photos of HEMTT A3 without wheel protectors. The A3 was a prototype vehicle with a diesel-electric drive system and was never fielded, so on-line references are very limited.
Wheel protector covers are supplied with C-RAM from I Love Kit (part A35) and these can be used with DEF Model wheels. DEF website shows how to position the covers optimally (link).
This set includes 8 road wheels in four slightly different variants, labeled A to D on their carrier blocks. These wheel variants have differently oriented rim and sidewall details in relation to the tire ground contact, which ensures that wheels A to D fitted to the same side of the vehicle do not look identical and repetitive.
One more thing to note is that the wheels in this set are depicted with a slight compression at the tire ground contact, thus depicting the weight of the vehicle. Also, I really like how DEF Model replicated the tire “stressed skin” sidewall. This effect occurs due to flexible radial sidewalls and is clearly visible on real tires.
Fitting the wheels:
The set is designed as a direct replacement for the I Love Kit and the resin wheels have the same rear opening as the kit wheels. Therefore, no alterations are necessary when fixing DEF Model wheels to I Love Kit model.
Wheel masks:
A welcomed addition to the set are 4 pre-cut masking sheets. These can be used when painting the wheels, allowing airbrushing without overspray. Also included is the instruction leaflet which shows two different ways of applying the masks and painting the wheels.
Conclusion:
US C-RAM with HEMTT A3 Sagged Wheel Set (DW35175) from DEF Model delivers 8 resin replacement wheels designed for I Love Kit offering. The wheels are perfectly cast, feature impressively defined details and are supplied in four slightly different orientations to avoid repetition when fitted to the same side of the vehicle. Pre-cut masks which help in painting the wheels are a bonus.
Altogether, this is another great set of resin wheels from DEF Model, offering a big improvement to the kit vinyl tires/plastic rims. Highly recommended.
A big thanks to DEF Model for this review sample: