It’s been an especially long time since we were able to announce a new super-sized, pre-assembled vehicle to our collecting community but happily one seems to have surfaced. Merit International informs us that they plan to release a 1:16 scale Oshkosh M-ATV Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) this fall, fully built, fully painted and fully ready to take on any Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) their customers might have ready for them (MIL68605). The MRAP is one of those vehicles that came out of the Army’s need for a vehicle that could withstand the blast from a roadside explosive device after a number of Humvees and other lighter, less protected vehicles were destroyed during Operation Enduring Freedom. Its also a vehicle many collectors have been after for some time, in any scale, so its especially welcome news that Merit plans on doing it right and in a big way. Priced at just $159.99, this beefy vehicle is expected some time this fall. Due to its size, it does not qualify for our free shipping discount. We will post actual photos of the replica once they are provided to us.