Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
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Mk23 MTVR & 16.6 ton LHS
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Friday, March 10, 2017 - 09:43 AM UTC
The added torque rods and plates make my 16.5 ton LHS look all the more heavy duty and visually complex!
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Friday, March 10, 2017 - 01:11 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Pawel they fit perfectly and make a quick 20 minute install out of what would have otherwise been 2 - 3 days of tedious scratch work!
Highly Recommended!
I'm glad you like them
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 14, 2017 - 11:10 PM UTC
I certainly wish I had figured out the following BEFORE building all those Mk23 conversions!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Following on many of Nick Haskell's (Stickframe's) great vehicle builds, I have been trying to come up with my own way of making coil springs for the many Oshkosh TAK-4 suspension units being offered.
Fortunately, I just recently lucked into a new product at my LHS; offered by Plastruct:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PLASTIC COATED WIRE! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
Modification of Panda's M-ATV MRAP 4x4 shown above which is currently on my work bench.
First I selected a drill bit that would give me the desired inside diameter of the spring and clamped the bit in my table vice. Then I took two pieces of the plastic coated wire and holding them tightly by their ends with a pair of pliers, I began to wrap the wire around the drill bit. (I tried using just a single strand of wire with hopes to expand the spring lengthwise after bending but this proved inconsistent.)
In the end, bending two pieces of the wire at the same time, I get the correct "coils per inch" spacing in the bend. The Plastruct wire has the perfect hardness to permanently hold this bend when complete. Afterwards, it is a very easy task to "unscrew" the two coils from each other when done.
p.s. The plastic coating that Plastruct uses on this wire does not react to our model solvents so Superglue with be necessary to attach the springs to the model.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Following on many of Nick Haskell's (Stickframe's) great vehicle builds, I have been trying to come up with my own way of making coil springs for the many Oshkosh TAK-4 suspension units being offered.
Fortunately, I just recently lucked into a new product at my LHS; offered by Plastruct:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PLASTIC COATED WIRE! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - Modification of Panda's M-ATV MRAP 4x4 shown above which is currently on my work bench.
First I selected a drill bit that would give me the desired inside diameter of the spring and clamped the bit in my table vice. Then I took two pieces of the plastic coated wire and holding them tightly by their ends with a pair of pliers, I began to wrap the wire around the drill bit. (I tried using just a single strand of wire with hopes to expand the spring lengthwise after bending but this proved inconsistent.)
In the end, bending two pieces of the wire at the same time, I get the correct "coils per inch" spacing in the bend. The Plastruct wire has the perfect hardness to permanently hold this bend when complete. Afterwards, it is a very easy task to "unscrew" the two coils from each other when done.
p.s. The plastic coating that Plastruct uses on this wire does not react to our model solvents so Superglue with be necessary to attach the springs to the model.
Stickframe
#362
Joined: December 01, 2013
KitMaker: 1,661 posts
Armorama: 1,202 posts
Posted: Wednesday, March 15, 2017 - 01:58 AM UTC
Hi Mike - -
I really appreciate the nice words-especially coming from you, the king of all things trucks and model trucks! thanks very much -
Your idea with the plastruct is very interesting - I've used their coated wire before, but only in larger (1/16") diameter - the smaller diameter looks great for what you're doing.
As to the MATV, on one hand a favorite build of mine, on the other, a real pain to get to come together correctly. I've built a few of them, as I do like the end result. I'm with you in wondering about the approach to the drive line (and, my own editorial - the suspension in general - is a headache - the parts don't fit well etc - there is a lot of clean up work etc to get it to come together correctly) - the long driveshaft and whatnot.
All of that said, I'm 100% confident you'll do a great job with this - looking forward to your next update -
Cheers
Nick
I really appreciate the nice words-especially coming from you, the king of all things trucks and model trucks! thanks very much -
Your idea with the plastruct is very interesting - I've used their coated wire before, but only in larger (1/16") diameter - the smaller diameter looks great for what you're doing.
As to the MATV, on one hand a favorite build of mine, on the other, a real pain to get to come together correctly. I've built a few of them, as I do like the end result. I'm with you in wondering about the approach to the drive line (and, my own editorial - the suspension in general - is a headache - the parts don't fit well etc - there is a lot of clean up work etc to get it to come together correctly) - the long driveshaft and whatnot.
All of that said, I'm 100% confident you'll do a great job with this - looking forward to your next update -
Cheers
Nick
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 03:13 AM UTC
Thank you Nick, always a pleasure!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
On another note:
Blackdog really should make their up armored Mk23 cab conversion available separately from the gun truck conversion kit!!! Hint, Hint!
I sent them an e-mail making that request.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
On another note:
Blackdog really should make their up armored Mk23 cab conversion available separately from the gun truck conversion kit!!! Hint, Hint!
I sent them an e-mail making that request.
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 02:03 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Blackdog really should make their up armored Mk23 cab conversion available separately from the gun truck conversion kit!!! Hint, Hint!
Their cab armor is significantly inaccurate, so I would prefer if someone (Legend!) released a correctly designed set.
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 16, 2017 - 10:04 PM UTC
That is unfortunate Pawel about the Blackdog offering. I never really looked at their armored cab closely but I knew somehow that it was a bit of a compromise. I have been considering whether I could build one of my own from scratch. I would like at least one of my Mk23s to have the up-armored cab.
mother
Joined: January 29, 2004
KitMaker: 3,836 posts
Armorama: 1,370 posts
Posted: Friday, March 17, 2017 - 09:37 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text
Blackdog really should make their up armored Mk23 cab conversion available separately from the gun truck conversion kit!!! Hint, Hint!
Their cab armor is significantly inaccurate, so I would prefer if someone (Legend!) released a correctly designed set.
So right Pawel, better resin casting and detail.
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 - 07:01 AM UTC
This kit is just begging for Trumpeter (or someone) to offer an up-armored cab version. I bet Trumpy would make more money if they did the cab as an after market add-on. I'm ready to buy at least one but probably more.
RotorHead67
Joined: May 07, 2003
KitMaker: 1,174 posts
Armorama: 772 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2017 - 03:14 AM UTC
Michael;
I commend your efforts and skill, LOOKS GR8
But ....i think the rear stear is only located on the rear most axle like the PLS HEMTT
Todd
I commend your efforts and skill, LOOKS GR8
But ....i think the rear stear is only located on the rear most axle like the PLS HEMTT
Todd
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 09, 2017 - 05:59 AM UTC
Well Todd . . . . building that would hardly be any fun at all!
RotorHead67
Joined: May 07, 2003
KitMaker: 1,174 posts
Armorama: 772 posts
Posted: Monday, April 10, 2017 - 11:25 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Well Todd . . . . building that would hardly be any fun at all!
what is a proposal and what actually is fielded is not always accurate
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 06:19 AM UTC
This vehicle has never been accepted by the Navy for standardization or full production. I don't recall ever saying that it had. Neither has the short frame 4x4 Mk been accepted that I am also building and publishing elsewhere on Armorama. (Not sure about the 7 ton 6x6 LHS version.) Clearly Oshkosh has a modular construction format and the company is more than willing to build anything the Government would be willing to pay for.
I can't call this a "paper panzer or whatever" because a number of copies have already been built. I can't call it "fantasy" for the same reason. It is what it is until the Navy pushes the GO button and orders it. All I CAN say is that it exists, the Navy and Marines have or are currently testing the vehicle and Oshkosh is already offering a version of the 8x8 to our Allies in Europe and the Middle East for sale. (Exhibited full sized prototype at the 2016 Eurosatory Defense show in Paris)
I have documentation that it exists, is currently for sale in Europe and that at least the US version has 3 axles steering so . . . .
Fortunately for us all, Trumpeter has done an equally excellent job of replicating the modular Oshkosh TAK-4 suspension. This allows the modeler to produce almost any variant of the Mk that the Oshkosh engineers may conceive. Which is exactly what I am enjoying doing here!
I can't call this a "paper panzer or whatever" because a number of copies have already been built. I can't call it "fantasy" for the same reason. It is what it is until the Navy pushes the GO button and orders it. All I CAN say is that it exists, the Navy and Marines have or are currently testing the vehicle and Oshkosh is already offering a version of the 8x8 to our Allies in Europe and the Middle East for sale. (Exhibited full sized prototype at the 2016 Eurosatory Defense show in Paris)
I have documentation that it exists, is currently for sale in Europe and that at least the US version has 3 axles steering so . . . .
Fortunately for us all, Trumpeter has done an equally excellent job of replicating the modular Oshkosh TAK-4 suspension. This allows the modeler to produce almost any variant of the Mk that the Oshkosh engineers may conceive. Which is exactly what I am enjoying doing here!
RotorHead67
Joined: May 07, 2003
KitMaker: 1,174 posts
Armorama: 772 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 11:31 AM UTC
Michael;
no complaints on my end. You're doing an awesome Job
I enjoy stepping away from OOTB builds as well. I support all your efforts, keep up the GREAT WORK!!!!
no complaints on my end. You're doing an awesome Job
I enjoy stepping away from OOTB builds as well. I support all your efforts, keep up the GREAT WORK!!!!
RotorHead67
Joined: May 07, 2003
KitMaker: 1,174 posts
Armorama: 772 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 11:36 AM UTC
mike;
Being in VA, I HAD THE opportunity to see the USMC and the Navy using
(3) Different versions of the Mk. 23. The std,Armor Cab with up-armor troop compartment,and the Tractor.
they used the Tractor to tow the Riverene Force Assault boats.
Being in VA, I HAD THE opportunity to see the USMC and the Navy using
(3) Different versions of the Mk. 23. The std,Armor Cab with up-armor troop compartment,and the Tractor.
they used the Tractor to tow the Riverene Force Assault boats.
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 11:59 AM UTC
Quoted Text
mike;
Being in VA, I HAD THE opportunity to see the USMC and the Navy using
(3) Different versions of the Mk. 23. The std,Armor Cab with up-armor troop compartment,and the Tractor.
they used the Tractor to tow the Riverene Force Assault boats.
To be exact those were three versions of MTVR
The first two could have been Mk.23 indeed (although Marines also use a lot of Mk.25 - with winch), but the tractor was Mk.31 RotorHead67
Joined: May 07, 2003
KitMaker: 1,174 posts
Armorama: 772 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 12:08 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Textmike;
Being in VA, I HAD THE opportunity to see the USMC and the Navy using
(3) Different versions of the Mk. 23. The std,Armor Cab with up-armor troop compartment,and the Tractor.
they used the Tractor to tow the Riverene Force Assault boats.
To be exact those were three versions of MTVR
YES TO BE EXACT EXACTLY
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 12:23 PM UTC
I think we have all lost the thread of this current conversion.
To the best of my knowledge here is the list of Marks as accepted by the Navy/Marine Corps. If there is not an assigned number next to the Mark the vehicle has NOT been accepted by the USN/USMC.
4x4 Short bed (Not accepted as standard.)
6x6 Standard Cargo Truck, 7 ton (Mk23 or Mk25 w/winch)
6x6 Long wheelbase cargo variant, 7 ton (Mk27 or Mk28 w/winch)
6x6 Long wheelbase with LHS Load Handling System; 9 ton (Mk??)
8x8 Long wheelbase with LHS Load Handling System; 16.5 ton (Mk??)
6x6 Semi-tractor (Mk31)
6x6 Dump truck (Mr29 or Mk30 w/winch)
6x6 Wrecker (Mk36)
HIMARS missile launch vehicle (Mk37)
HIMARS missile resupply vehicle (Mk37)
To the best of my knowledge here is the list of Marks as accepted by the Navy/Marine Corps. If there is not an assigned number next to the Mark the vehicle has NOT been accepted by the USN/USMC.
4x4 Short bed (Not accepted as standard.)
6x6 Standard Cargo Truck, 7 ton (Mk23 or Mk25 w/winch)
6x6 Long wheelbase cargo variant, 7 ton (Mk27 or Mk28 w/winch)
6x6 Long wheelbase with LHS Load Handling System; 9 ton (Mk??)
8x8 Long wheelbase with LHS Load Handling System; 16.5 ton (Mk??)
6x6 Semi-tractor (Mk31)
6x6 Dump truck (Mr29 or Mk30 w/winch)
6x6 Wrecker (Mk36)
HIMARS missile launch vehicle (Mk37)
HIMARS missile resupply vehicle (Mk37)
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 01:38 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I think we have all lost the thread of this current conversion.
To my knowledge here is the list of Marks as accepted by the Navy/Marine Corps. If there is not an assigned number next to the Mark the vehicle has NOT been accepted by the USN/USMC.
4x4 Short bed (Not accepted as standard.)
6x6 Standard Cargo Truck, 7 ton (Mk23 or Mk25 w/winch)
6x6 Long wheelbase cargo variant, 7 ton (Mk27 or Mk28 w/winch)
6x6 Long wheelbase with LHS Load Handling System; 9 ton (Mk??)
8x8 Long wheelbase with LHS Load Handling System; 16.5 ton (Mk??)
6x6 Semi-tractor (Mk31)
6x6 Dump truck (Mr29 or Mk30 w/winch)
6x6 Wrecker (Mk36)
HIMARS missile launch vehicle (Mk37)
HIMARS missile resupply vehicle (Mk37)
Additional interesting in-service version, although not by the US military, is British Army tanker truck using a MTVR tractor:
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 07:31 PM UTC
I am guessing that in the US this semi-tractor would still be classified as a Mk31. However the Brits do not use the same nomenclature so I do not know how this vehicle might be classed in Briton.
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 - 12:59 AM UTC
I realize I have ask this question elsewhere before but here goes:
Has anyone recently seen in the after market any news announcements for decal sets in 1/35th to be used with the various 20' and 40' containers coming onto the model market???
And someone, please tell Italeri I am not going to have multiple containers on my dios and vehicles all marked "China Shipping"! That really steamed me - buy a 20" container kit at a somewhat steep price and hbe offered only ONE set of markings without even the inclusion of a US Army option.
What the h%ll.
Has anyone recently seen in the after market any news announcements for decal sets in 1/35th to be used with the various 20' and 40' containers coming onto the model market???
And someone, please tell Italeri I am not going to have multiple containers on my dios and vehicles all marked "China Shipping"! That really steamed me - buy a 20" container kit at a somewhat steep price and hbe offered only ONE set of markings without even the inclusion of a US Army option.
What the h%ll.
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 - 03:53 AM UTC
F.Y.I. - Some new progress photos on the Oshkosh Mkxx LHS 8x8 coming soon I promise!
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 - 08:47 AM UTC
I know it has been quite a while since I posted anything on this Mk LHS project. Sorry about that. I'm kind of a fickle modeler. I work on something like gangbusters for a time and then get bored and move on to a new project. If I'm lucky I might get back to an abandoned project in a "reasonable" amount of time.
Well besides working on a couple of 1/35th scale aircraft, a French WWII truck and a few tanks, I got back to this monster. Lots of detail work yet to do but it is coming together. I hope you like it!
Well besides working on a couple of 1/35th scale aircraft, a French WWII truck and a few tanks, I got back to this monster. Lots of detail work yet to do but it is coming together. I hope you like it!
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 - 08:53 AM UTC
There's more:
165thspc
#521
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 - 09:19 AM UTC
I still need a Container Handling Unit (CHU) - Com'on Trumpeter, you teased us with a CHU when you announced your new HEMTT LHS and then brought out the HEMTT without the handling device dang it!
Without the CHU a container has to be strapped to a Flatrack to be handled at all. The real Mk LHS from Oshkosh comes ready to utilize the CHU with an extra fold away pair of container loading guides at the rear as well as the standard Flatrack loading rollers. I still have to research, design and build these container guides. Hopefully Trumpeter, or someone else with the nerve, will finally be ready with the CHU when my Mk LHS is fully ready.
A similarly designed vehicle with the CHU in action.
Without the CHU a container has to be strapped to a Flatrack to be handled at all. The real Mk LHS from Oshkosh comes ready to utilize the CHU with an extra fold away pair of container loading guides at the rear as well as the standard Flatrack loading rollers. I still have to research, design and build these container guides. Hopefully Trumpeter, or someone else with the nerve, will finally be ready with the CHU when my Mk LHS is fully ready.
A similarly designed vehicle with the CHU in action.
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