M1008 TROOP CARRIER WITH TARP, 1/35 - AK Interactive AK35031

The M1008 is the basic pickup truck variant of the first family of light military utility vehicles manufactured by General Motors since World War II. The first generation of GM vehicles developed under the CUCV (Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle) program was based on the civilian Chevrolet C/K series and included, in addition to the M1008 pickup, the M1009 utility vehicle, the M1010 ambulance, the M1028 shelter carriers, and the M1031 chassis-cab model.

Between 1983 and 1987, nearly 75,000 vehicles were produced, the majority of which were delivered to the US Army (68,210 vehicles), the remainder went to the US Air Force (3,578 vehicles), the US Marine Corps (2,973), and the US Navy (504).

They were used by US forces around the world, including during the Gulf War and the UN operation in Somalia. Although the withdrawal of the vehicles from active US service began in 1994, several CUCVs remained in use in the following years – for example, with the SFOR contingent in Bosnia in the second half of the 1990s or even during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Many CUCVs were also sold or donated to allied nations, including Albania, Greece, Latvia, and Lebanon.

This model kit represents the basic cargo truck version of the vehicle, equipped with a tarpaulin cover for the cargo bed. The included decal sheet features markings for two US Army vehicles, and one vehicle each from the US Marine Corps, US Navy, Army National Guard, and Lebanese Army – each in a different overall color or camouflage scheme.

Main features of the kit:
– Over 130 plastic parts
– Photo-etched parts
– Window masks
– Printed MRE boxes
– Detailed chassis and cab interior
– Front wheels with optional steering
– Tarpaulin cover for the cargo bed
– Decals for 6 painting and marking options