Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the assembly, painting, and display of your Trumpeter 00399 1/35 M1134 Stryker Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) scale model kit. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning assembly. This kit is designed for experienced modelers aged 18 and above due to its complexity and the nature of the materials involved.

Figure 1: Product box showing the M1134 Stryker ATGM model kit.

Safety Information and Warnings

• WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including phthalates (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
• This kit contains small parts and is not suitable for children under 3 years old.
• Recommended age for assembly is 18+. Adult supervision is recommended for younger modelers, though this kit is specifically for adults.
• Always use appropriate safety equipment, such as eye protection, when cutting or sanding plastic parts.
• Work in a well-ventilated area when using paints, glues, and solvents.
• Keep all tools and materials out of reach of children and pets.

Package Contents

Your Trumpeter 00399 kit includes the following components:

• Plastic sprues containing model parts
• Rubber tires
• Photo-etched parts
• Decal sheets
• Instruction manual
• Painting and marking guide

Figure 2: Included instruction manual and painting & marking guide.

Figure 3: Example of plastic sprues containing model components.

Figure 4: Included rubber tires, photo-etched parts, and decal sheets.

Setup and Assembly

Before you begin, ensure you have a clean, well-lit workspace and the necessary tools. This kit is an unassembled kit, requiring careful construction.

Recommended Tools (Not Included):

• Plastic nippers/sprue cutters
• Hobby knife (e.g., X-Acto knife)
• Plastic cement/glue
• Tweezers
• Sandpaper or sanding sticks (various grits)
• Files (small, fine)
• Masking tape
• Paints and brushes (or airbrush)
• Decal setting solution

Assembly Steps:

1. Review Instructions: Carefully study the included instruction manual (Figure 2) to understand the entire assembly sequence. Identify all parts on the sprues.
2. Part Preparation: Using nippers, carefully remove parts from the sprues. Trim any excess plastic (flash) with a hobby knife or sandpaper. Be gentle with small or delicate parts.
3. Dry Fit: Before applying glue, dry fit parts together to ensure a proper fit. If parts do not fit well, gently sand or trim as needed.
4. Assembly Sequence: Follow the numbered steps in the instruction manual. Typically, assembly proceeds from larger sub-assemblies (e.g., hull, chassis) to smaller details (e.g., weapons, antennae).
5. Gluing: Apply plastic cement sparingly to the mating surfaces. Hold parts firmly together until the glue sets. For photo-etched parts, use super glue (cyanoacrylate) or specialized photo-etch adhesive.
6. Sub-Assemblies: Assemble major components like the chassis, hull, turret (if applicable), and weapon systems separately before combining them.
7. Tires: The kit includes rubber tires. These can be added towards the final stages of assembly or after painting the wheels.

Figure 5: Main hull components and additional sprues for detailed assembly.

Finishing and Display

Once the model is fully assembled, you can proceed with painting and applying decals to achieve a realistic finish.

Painting:

• Refer to the included painting and marking guide (Figure 2) for recommended color schemes and camouflage patterns for the M1134 Stryker ATGM.
• Clean the model thoroughly to remove any dust, grease, or fingerprints before painting.
• Apply a primer coat for better paint adhesion and a uniform base color.
• Apply base coats, then camouflage patterns, and finally detail painting. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
• Consider using weathering techniques (washes, dry brushing, pigments) to enhance realism.

Decals:

• Ensure the painted surface is smooth and glossy before applying decals. A clear gloss coat can be applied if needed.
• Cut out each decal carefully. Dip it in lukewarm water for a few seconds until it slides freely from the backing paper.
• Position the decal on the model using tweezers. Use decal setting solution to help the decal conform to surface details and eliminate silvering.
• Once dry, apply a clear matte or satin coat to seal the decals and protect the paintwork.

Figure 6: Example of a finished M1134 Stryker ATGM model.

Maintenance and Care

To preserve the appearance of your finished model, follow these care guidelines:

• Cleaning: Dust your model regularly with a soft, dry brush or a can of compressed air. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions, as these can damage paint and decals.
• Storage/Display: Display your model in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity. These conditions can cause plastic to warp, paint to fade, or decals to peel.
• Handling: Handle the model by its sturdy parts (e.g., hull) to avoid breaking delicate components.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Parts don't fit: Dry fit parts before gluing. If a part is too tight, gently sand the mating surfaces. If too loose, use a small amount of filler or plastic card to shim the gap.
• Glue marks: Use glue sparingly. If excess glue appears, try to wipe it away immediately with a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of thinner (test on scrap plastic first).
• Paint issues (e.g., brush strokes, uneven finish): Ensure paint is properly thinned. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. Allow adequate drying time between coats.
• Decal silvering: This occurs when air is trapped under the decal. Use decal setting solution to help the decal conform to the surface and press out any air bubbles. Ensure the surface is glossy before application.
• Warped parts: If a plastic part is slightly warped, you can often correct it by gently heating it with a hairdryer or hot water and then bending it back into shape while it cools. Exercise extreme caution to avoid melting the plastic.

Specifications

User Tips

• Take Your Time: Model building is a hobby that rewards patience. Rushing can lead to mistakes and frustration.
• Test Fit Everything: Always dry fit parts before applying glue. This helps identify potential fit issues early.
• Thin Your Paints: Applying multiple thin coats of paint provides a smoother, more professional finish than one thick coat.
• Reference Materials: Look for reference photos of the actual M1134 Stryker ATGM to enhance accuracy in painting and weathering.
• Work in Stages: Break down the build into manageable sub-assemblies. This makes the process less daunting.

Warranty and Support

As a scale model kit, this product typically does not come with a direct manufacturer's warranty for individual parts once assembly has begun. However, if you discover any missing or significantly damaged parts upon opening the kit, please contact the retailer or Trumpeter customer service immediately with proof of purchase.

For technical assistance or inquiries regarding specific parts, it is recommended to contact Trumpeter directly through their official website or customer support channels. Please have your model number (00399) ready when contacting support.