"Explosion
Proof Vehicles" are just what they sound like. These military
vehicles utilize V-shaped hulls to deflect the blast from land mines or
IEDs away from the occupants of the vehicle. They tend to be
heavily armored and very, very heavy. The class is also called
MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected). The Cougar from Force
Protection is one such vehicle employed by the US, British, and South
African military, among others. There are several versions, and
the 6x6 version can weigh up to 50,000 lbs.This is my 3rd military truck from HG (now calling themselves Trasped), and I pre-ordered it before it was even officially available based on photos I saw from a convention display. The specs are almost impossible to believe in terms of scale realism. It has the correct V-shaped hull, real 6x6 drive with all metal gears and solid axles, 2-speed transmission, beautiful scale engine, motorized gun turret, 2 full sized spare tires, and fully detailed interior. With my other two models, the P408 and the P801, I ordered the "basic" version without any light and sound and then added those myself later. While this strategy wasn't very cost effective, it did give me the opportunity to dig into the guts of the model so it didn't just feel like an RTR. I was low on funds when I ordered this one so I employed the same strategy. That was a big mistake. The information available at the time of pre-order was very limited, so I wasn't aware that the basic version also lacks the winch, the smoke unit, and the scale engine. Adding these later would cost hundreds of dollars but is only about a $70 difference if you just order the "deluxe" version. I never got around to upgrading my copy with all the options.
This is a very well built truck. I can't really think of any complaints. The 550 brushed motor is very capable, and the model has plenty of power in low gear and plenty of speed in high gear. It is an incredibly heavy model which makes for realistic motion over the bumps due to the inertia. The scale details including the opening doors and compartments are amazing. I only wish that it had been a kit and it would be perfect.
I eventually sold this model not because there was anything wrong with it, but because I bought the Cross RC TC-6 which is a similar truck with similar features but with the added bonus of being a full builder's kit. I decided I didn't need both of them so this one had to go to make room.
