{"id":11578,"date":"2019-03-13T12:00:59","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T12:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/?p=11578"},"modified":"2021-10-29T02:57:50","modified_gmt":"2021-10-29T01:57:50","slug":"impressions-spectre-ltv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/2019\/03\/13\/impressions-spectre-ltv\/","title":{"rendered":"Impressions: Spectre LTV"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Humvee, despite being seen on the battlefield all over the world, was not designed for a combat role. It was a utility transport, unarmoured, suited for rushing around behind friendly lines. However, nothing goes to plan, and every since 1993, they have found themselves in the line of fire. Post 2001, they soon became upgraded and burdened down, the sheer weight of upgrades needed to survive the counter-insurgency world stressing power units and risking lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, to fight the rise in IEDs in both Iraq and Afghanistan, the US Army developed the MRAP program. These Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles were easily able to survive strikes that would destroy humvees, carrying troops straight through hostile lands. However, these vehicles were huge to maximise protection, and their sheer size made them less appropriate for the modern battlefield against near-peer adversaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After another US Army run military procurement program, Oshkosh (the makers of the M-ATV) eventually won with a smaller vehicle that shared many of the features of it’s bigger brother but more suited for a wider range of combat operations. This vehicle is slowly being rolled out to full scale productions, but reports from troops in the field are very positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Having made the Humvee, it was only a matter of time before Spectre would look at assembling it’s replacement, a vehicle they have called the LTV. Thanks to the common systems (such as stowage or turret packs), a whole host of options are ready for players wanting to build one. The LTV is a modular vehicle, the rear deck easily switched. For this initial release, Spectre chose to go with the vehicle most suited for support your SOF ground troops. Although it should be noted, the pieces for the rear deck came in a separate baggie to the rest of the vehicle. I’d be keeping my eyes on Spectre to see what else they have up their sleeve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, the LTV is a multi-part resin kit. Much like the other Spectre kits, there is some clean up required, along with the usual washing. I only noticed one minor piece of protruding resin but it wasn’t anything that required more than a quick file down and a spot of green stuff. Assembly was relatively simple too – I recommend just taking it slow and looking at the website as a reference. The most troublesome thing was the rear access hatch, but that simply glued in place on the back of the cab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you can’t have a vehicle without stowage and addons<\/g> so I decided to break out a few pieces to make it looked lived in. A rear gun mount took one of Spectre’s upcoming resin M240 (a preview the team passed me to take a look at), ideal for covering your operators dismounting. In addition, a jamming antenna adds some vertical height while some packs make it feel like a home base. Finally, a Javelin tube lets the vehicle be used as a resupply when the operators need to grab a new ATGM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And here it is assembled, in the bare resin. As you can see, lots of detail in the resin. I didn’t find any air bubbles in my vehicle and I’m really happy with the quality. There are a few barely visible print lines that came over from the master (mainly on the windows) but the undercoat and paint covered them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

And from behind, you can see the detail on rear section, especially on the outer edges of the cargo bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Painting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In terms of painting, it’s the usual tricks. Desert Tan spray from Humbrol over a black undercoat, touched up with some brush work. From there, blue on the windows, black on the tyres, etc. Drybrush grey over the black to give it a shine, drybrush Iraqi sand to show dust. Agrax Earthshade wash, dabbed off to make sure it doesn’t look odd. Then finally, Desert Tan and Iraqi Sand drybrushes<\/g> to give it the sandy look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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So size comparisons, between the three SOF vehicles with heavy weapons you can pick up from Spectre. As you can see the LTV sits tall over the humvee and the technical, even with no weapon mounted. It isn’t that much wider either, making it still able to fit down most city streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Okay, the M-ATV continues to be stupidly sized. Not only is it taller, but it’s also longer and wider (making me very worried about the idea of some of the actual MRAPs in 28mm). The LTV presents a really nice compromise between the Humvee and the M-ATV, much like in real life. In addition, you can see that both vehicles tower over the operators that use them. They are all a sight to see on the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Overall, I’m really impressed with the LTV. It’s a lovely satisfying chunk of resin to assemble and put on the table, perfect for giving your operators a tactical edge. There will be nothing cooler than the sight of this rumbling down the table toward the bad guys, a few of your shooters using it for cover while it’s RWS hammers away to keep the enemies head down. Expect to see it on the field soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, I might just be looking at picking up a few more, letting<\/g> me deploy an entire team to the field in mine resistant<\/g> vehicles. Of course<\/g> before that, I think I need a few more weapon options. Maybe something with a selection of options to blow enemies away.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Humvee, despite being seen on the battlefield all over the world, was not designed for a combat role. It was a utility transport, unarmoured, suited for rushing around behind friendly lines. However, nothing goes to plan, and every since 1993, they have found themselves in the line of fire. Post 2001, they soon became […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":11590,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1093,951,957,903],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","category-impressions","category-vehicles","category-wargaming"],"author_meta":{"display_name":"Michael Charge","author_link":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/author\/chargedog\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_20190312_204652-e1552424925199-scaled.jpg","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/IMG_20190312_204652-e1552424925199-scaled.jpg","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["Features<\/a>","Impressions<\/a>","Vehicles<\/a>","Wargaming<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Features<\/span>","Impressions<\/span>","Vehicles<\/span>","Wargaming<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":"0","relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 7 years ago","modified":"Updated 4 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on 13\/03\/2019","modified":"Updated on 29\/10\/2021"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on 13\/03\/2019 12:00 pm","modified":"Updated on 29\/10\/2021 2:57 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pvEn5-30K","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":11117,"url":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/2018\/09\/28\/project-humvee-weapon-options\/","url_meta":{"origin":11578,"position":0},"title":"Project Humvee – Weapon Options","author":"Michael Charge","date":"28\/09\/2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Last time we looked at Project Humvee, we'd just finished adding another chassis to our convoy. In this post, we're going to add some more weapon options. When running scenarios, it's nice to be able to pick from a selection of gear, so the hot-swappable turret system is perfect. But\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/category\/features\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180927_214416-e1538090792422-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180927_214416-e1538090792422-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180927_214416-e1538090792422-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180927_214416-e1538090792422-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180927_214416-e1538090792422-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180927_214416-e1538090792422-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10360,"url":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/2018\/06\/15\/project-humvee-initial-impressions-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":11578,"position":1},"title":"Project Humvee – Initial Impressions","author":"Michael Charge","date":"15\/06\/2018","format":false,"excerpt":"You know, after the 9 posts that was Project Technical, I think it's safe to say that pickup trucks with guns mounted on them are pretty great. On the other hand, there is something to be said for a vehicle that is actually designed to carry a group of infantry\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/category\/features\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_20180612_231614-e1528844272882-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_20180612_231614-e1528844272882-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_20180612_231614-e1528844272882-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_20180612_231614-e1528844272882-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_20180612_231614-e1528844272882-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/IMG_20180612_231614-e1528844272882-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10974,"url":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/2018\/09\/07\/project-humvee-vehicle-3\/","url_meta":{"origin":11578,"position":2},"title":"Project Humvee – Vehicle 3","author":"Michael Charge","date":"07\/09\/2018","format":false,"excerpt":"In the last Project Humvee post, I has a chunk planning out Vehicle 3 in the project. Well, this week I managed to get around to assembling and painting it in preparation for next week's game. First stage was assembly. This was exactly the same as mentioned in back in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/category\/features\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180907_002107-e1536277546436-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180907_002107-e1536277546436-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180907_002107-e1536277546436-scaled.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180907_002107-e1536277546436-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180907_002107-e1536277546436-scaled.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/IMG_20180907_002107-e1536277546436-scaled.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":10480,"url":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/2018\/06\/29\/impressions-am-general-humvee-enthusiasts-manual\/","url_meta":{"origin":11578,"position":3},"title":"Impressions: AM General HUMVEE Enthusiasts’ Manual","author":"Michael Charge","date":"29\/06\/2018","format":false,"excerpt":"In a complete reversal to my previous vehicle-based project, I decided to pick up my reference material at the start of the project rather than just as it was coming to an end. Osprey does produce a New Vanguard on the Humvee series written by Steven J Zaloga. However, it's\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/category\/features\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/IMG_20180628_213831-scaled.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":10882,"url":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/2018\/08\/31\/project-humvee-stowage-and-painting\/","url_meta":{"origin":11578,"position":4},"title":"Project Humvee – Stowage and Painting","author":"Michael Charge","date":"31\/08\/2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Last time in Project Humvee, we took a look into the basics of the Spectre range and assembled the chassis for the first two vehicles. This time around, prompted by the need to get some vehicles ready for an upcoming game, we're going to cover the next step for this\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/category\/features\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/COmms.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/COmms.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/COmms.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/COmms.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11113,"url":"https:\/\/hntdaab.co.uk\/blog\/2018\/09\/21\/force-protection-foxhounds-complete\/","url_meta":{"origin":11578,"position":5},"title":"Force Protection – Finishing the Foxhounds","author":"Michael Charge","date":"21\/09\/2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Wargamers like building themselves piles of lead. This is a known phenomenon. Of course, having a blog does like to remind you of these lead piles, especially when you start cleaning up your blog of old posts. 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