I finally started a project I have been wanting to do for some time. I am converting an Italeri M109 howitzer into an M992A2 FAASV (Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle). The M992A2 accompanies M109A6 Paladins and provides them a mobile ammo supply. They are built on the same chassis as an M109, with an enlarged super structure to hold all the ammo.

Here is the actual vehicle:


For the model, I am using the lower hull and upper front deck from an Italeri M109 kit. I had a friend draw up a set of CAD files to lay out the super structure in 1/35 as flat panels. I sent the CADs off to Pololu Costom Laser Cutting and had them cut out in 0.040 sheet styrene. The laser cut pieces fit the Italeri hull perfectly and had clean, crisp cuts. The cost was less than $30 as well, much less than any resin conversion or kit would cost.

Here are some of the parts, I forgot to take a pic of all the hull pieces before gluing them together, but these should give you an idea.



The hull superstructure went together very well. Only some minor sanding was required to blend all the parts together.






Once the major parts were together, I started on some of the detailing. I started with the fuel filler access door on the right front of the super structure.


I still need to add bolt heads and clean it up a bit. So far I am pleased with the results. I still have a long way to go though. I'll keep the updates coming as I go along.

Looks as if you're off to a roaring start! You may want to consider checking the position of the TC hatch though.




Initially anyway .

For mine I just used a good old no. 11 blade. About the cost of a BK double cheeseburger!

If you've built the K9 and happened to get the DToys resin upgrade for it, the left rear basket of the K9, with about three snips of the trimmers, is a perfect replacement for the rear basket on the FAASV.

Looks good!

Good to see that you finally started it. I'm sorry I could never get around to finishing my FAASV CAD drawings, work was incredibly hectic and left little time for modeling. But it's good to see another laser-cut scratchbuilding project. Best of luck with the project, I will be watching closely.

Looks good!

Just one question though:


Many of the surfaces of the scratch-built part of the vehicle seem to be flat. Why then are you (in)scribing the panels with the base structure built up?

Would it not be easier to inscribe the panels on the flat base components/parts on a flat surface (the modelling desk) and then glue them together on the vehicle, rather than inscribe them on a vertical or tilted surface?

Looking forward to see your progress!

Harm

We're going to get one in Styrene now for sure!

Thanks all. It should be a fun project.

As to the scribing, I prefer to do it on the built parts so all the lines line up properly. The flat pieces had to be tweaked and the ends took a little sanding to get squared up. Its actually not that bad with a scribing tool.





You're welcome. Its always the way it works for me.

Hi there, great work. I've wanted to do one of these for the longest while, bought the 109 kit, got some reference pictures but no line drawings. If you have, I would really like to get a copy, my semi-functioning email is [email protected].

Thanks for the answer, and looking forward to the next installment.

Harm

Thanks Kurt and Dutch. I'll keep you posted.

I notice on this thread and on your new one in the Constructive Feedback forum that the TC hatch opening is now blanked in. Does this mean you're correcting the location?

I like it !
Looks like efficient way to scratch build things on a very accurate level.
May make us all less dependent on kit industry in the future .... or make up your own little company ?

Keep up the good work !

Cheers
christopher

Thanks guys. No, model company for me. I'll just stick to personal use.

Rob: Yes, I am adjusting the position of the hatch. The opening was a little too big anyways. The hatch would have set in the hole and been too low. Thanks for the tip.

I'm shocked what no resin kit this time? I glad your scratchbuilding this time. This one can turn in to a grate build if you take your time and don't get in to a rush.
http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/cv/eng/M992.html

OK, Whatever. I have built more kits from scratch that I ever have in resin. Thanks for the support anyways though.

Thanks for the link, I already have that one saved. I have all the referances I need.

Looks really good. Looks like an interesting build good job!


Matt

Thanks Matt. I hope to post another update soon.

Very cool build. Hey, thanks for posting. I was thinking of ways to do the up-armor kit for my M1070 HET tractor, and I considered doing laser cut, but I didn't know of anyone who was familiar with doing model stuff. Now I know. Next, I gotta figure out how to do the drawings for the up-armor pieces. The biggest issues are the doors and the emergency exit hatch on the rear of the cab. Very do-able, though. Thanks again!
Larry

Thanks Larry. Good luck on your HETT project. The key is to have good CAD for it. I have no CAD experience and a friend drew them up for me. Pololu was great to work with as well.

Nice start I had to read that you had the Plastic cut I learned hard on those 1/6 scale Flak gun shields.
Better to get it right the first time.

Nice Build Gino ,and yes the plastic kit from AFV Club will be out in Nov.

Sorry could not resist.

Cheers

Thanks Jeff. I was a little leary about cutting them myself and the laser-cut pieces came out perfectly.

I know, I know...the old addage...

(Scratch) Build it and they will come (in kit form)!!!!!

It never fails!!!!!

You're welcome for me pushing the kit along.

[quote I have all the referances I need.[/quote]

Yes, but will you put them to good use?

No, I plan on ignoring them and just building it however I see fit.

:D

But on a side not Gino, I am waiting for your updates and want to say thanks for putting the link for the cutting reference out there. I'm working on some CAD drawings to send over to get cut to try in an attempt to make some thin plastic slat armor out of plastic

Good luck with the SLAT armor Sean. I hope it works. If so, it will be great. I'm looking forward to your results. I hope to get a chance to post an update soon.