Stryker A1 ICV (M1256)
How to convert an M1130 by AFV Club, 1/35 scale,
into a Stryker A1,
using Priamide Models conversion sets
The Stryker A1 version is the latest evolution of the Stryker platform.
It is based on the DVH version with significant changes in the engine deck area and the introduction of an external unit on the right side of the vehicle. Wheel rims have a different design.
The model I’m building is based on the AFV Club M1130 kit with 3D printed parts that I designed and are included in two conversion sets:
- “Stryker DVH conversion set” that I designed a couple of years ago and I have updated for this model
- “Stryker A1 conversion set”, a new conversion set including the parts specific to the A1 version: engine deck hatches, rims, external unit and other parts
I didn’t attempt to replicate the “double V” vehicle bottom because it required massive modifications to the hull and also because the bottom of the model is not visible, so it wasn’t worth the effort to make it.
Here is the completed model.
I decided not to weather it, assuming this vehicle had just been assigned to a field unit.
History of Construction
Front Armor and Fuel Tanks
The most visible differences between a 1st generation Stryker and a DVH (Double V-Hull) version are in the front armor area and the rear fuel tanks, see photo below as a reference, where the DVH version is at the left.
To address these differences I used the following parts from my “Stryker DVH conversion set”
where:
• Part 4 of my conversion set replaces part E14 of the AFV Club Stryker scale model
• Parts 2 and 3 replace parts F26
• Part 1 replaces part C1
• Parts 5 and 6 replace parts C22 and C23
Front-side Armor
The other major differences between DVH and 1st generation Strykers is in the front-side armor and lifting points.
Lifting point “1” has been moved forward: I closed the gap with plasticard in parts E6 and E7 and created a gap in parts D16 and D17 where to place the lifting points.
Lifting point “2” is not present anymore in the DVH version.
Side armor plate “3” has a different shape and position.
This modification requires some “surgery” on the model hull and the intallation of three new panels on each side.
These panels are included in my “Stryker DVH conversion set”.
This is where I started from
and this is the hull after “surgery”
I have then placed the panels from my conversion set and added plasticard (white part) to close the upper gap.
Engine Deck
Then I modified the upper hull.
Deep “surgery” was needed because the engine deck of the A1 is completly different than the M1126 and M1130.
Here are photos of the original hull and of some intermediate “surgery” steps; last picture shows the upper hull ready to receive the new engine deck.
To make this “surgery” I used a Dremel with a PVC cutting disc, an X-Acto cutter and sand paper.
And here photos with the new engine deck in place but not glued yet: engine hatches, hydraulic hinge, external unit
Miscellanea
Another difference between the A1 version, the original one and the DVH one, is the position of the tow bar on the right side of the vehicle.
In the A1, due to the presence of the external unit, the tow bar has been moved downwards (see photos).
In my model I therefore removed the tow bar attachment plate and added a new one, designed by me; both the tow bar and the attachment plate will be included in my conversion set.
The A1 version of the Stryker has different rims than the previous versions.
In the photo, on the left are the old version rims, on the right are the ones I designed for the A1 version.
Note that the new rim on the bottom left is slightly different from the others; it is the one that goes on the driver’s side, in the front position.
I have also designed the BFT antenna with its mount and the horn on the driver’s side.
Included in my conversion set there is also the DVE (Driver Vision Enhancement) camera, to be placed in the left front edge of the engine deck.
That’s All Folks !!!
Model completed in November 2025
