That version of the Duster is an early M42A1 from before Vietnam and has not hit the shelves yet. The AFV Club M42A1 Vietnam version is already available. It will be interesting to see what is different between the two.

I did not realize there was a difference between the M42A1 and the M42A1... I do apologize for the error, as we were provide no information from AFV Club, other then the image. Thank you for clearing this up.

Gino I know it says early version but did the earlier ones have the reinforced barrel suppressors on them? cheers keith

The long awaited Duster! Too bad I have a Tamiya waiting to be built. Yeah, ancient kit, I know, I know. But it's paid for so I hope to see this one built here soon to change my mind. Is there a review of it anywhere? That might do it as well. ~ Jeff

I'm not sure when the barrel reinforcement was added. From the box top, the only difference looks like an M1914 .30 cal as opposed to an M60 on the side of the turret. We'll see what the differences are when it comes out. The Vietnam version is really nice. Here is a review at Perth. It looks to be light years ahead of the old Tamiya one.

You are not kidding about it being "light years" ahead of the Tamiya. And I am not surprised either. Aluminum barrels and PE, this does look nice! Thanks for pointing out the review. My "want list" is starting to look like a spread sheet from work ... and thats no joking either. I need to 'release' some kits in my stash or just quit looking! I wonder if I can get by with mounting the Tamiya M42 turret on a Chaffee chassis? ~ Jeff

according to David Doyle M42 duster walk around book, the earlier dusters had the conical flash suppressors, during Vietnam the three pronged suppressor was introduced with the reinforcing rings being added to later vehicles. I also believe on the earlier ones, the commanders and drivers hatch opened as normal but the piece in between also folded back creating a large hatch so ammo could be passed to the turret crew. I have the later one, which i think is a completed skybow project rather than a complete new kit AFV kit as the wheels and suspension are different to AFV clubs M41 Bulldog, and they were basically the same, i would have thought they would have used them. It doesnt take anything from the kit, and it makes the Tamiya one look like the toy it is. Keith