I decided to model the track that I commanded for several years with 3d ACR. Red4 (Grim Troop, 1st Platoon) When I took over the track it initially had all the bells and whistles that it should. During our first firld problem my driver got a little too excited and backed us into a rock wall. This is what explains the lack of dors on my sponson boxes. The track remained this way for the entire time I had it. Could never get new doors no matter how many time we ordered them...go figure. Tamiya M2A2 served as the base for the build. I added the particulars for my tracks stowage etc. The unit markings were scanned and made into a stencil for the sides. They are a little larger than the 1:1 pieces, but I like the way they look. If you can't tell, it is a grim reaper holding his scythe. Also used Gino's method for the anti skid and it worked out great. Thanks for the tip Gino!! Some day I hope to do a full detail build of one along the lines of the other Bradley here on Armorama. That is simply an amazing build. Thanks for looking. "Q"

I think it's very good job,I love m2 and lav-25

Looks great Matt, nicely weathered and worn. Few questions, the orange blanket…how did you make it, what barrel did you use and how did you make the camo net.

Joe

Gorgeous. Man, that is some nice painting and weathering.

Bob

Joe, thanks for the kudos. The orange panel is a VS -17 panel made with two part Aves epoxy putty. Rolled thin on a sheet of glass with baby powder and a small rolling pin. Cut to size then laid in place and allowed to dry overnight. Removed, primed white, and then shot with Testors flourescent orange. The barrel is by Model Point (I believe) I've had it along time. The camo net was made using the same putty rolled into a "worm" and laid in place. A mixture of white glue/water was applied with a small brush then coated with crushed "Fancy Majorum" leaves, left to dry, repeated until I got the coverage I was after. Once completely dry it was painted with washes of Polly Scale paint. All of the straps holding things in place were made with the putty as well. Thanks again for the kudos. "Q"

Looks great. I'm glad the anti-slip method came in handy. One question, is the title a typo? It is built as an M2A2, not an M3A2. As you probably know, an M3A2 has a different rear periscope set-up. They are on the top hatch as opposed to the top of the hull. The weathering looks great too. Great job.

Supposed to be an M3A2, but I screwed up and forgot to move the periscopes. Go figure. I'll make sure and fix that on my next build though. Good catch. "Q"

Matthew,

this is a bloody good looking Bradley !!!!

I like the anti slip finish .

Cheers
Michael

Michael, Thanks for the kudos. Much appreciated. "Q"

One sweet build I like everything on it.
Use of Putty is even better.
Great job.
Nice to see the Human element {backed into a Stone wall}
Does that bring back memories of military service and equipment I have seen trashed and the Government wanting to take it out of a Service mans pay.

One question I have the Academy kit will it build the same thing I think theirs is listed as OIF.

Thanks

The Academy kit is basically the same version. It represents a new-build M2A2 ODS Bradley with new front armor and no signs of the old flotation system mounts. It also has the newer angled armor plate on the TC's side of the turret. It also has more of the ODS updates in the kit; such as anti-foul bars for the TOW wires, new driver's hatch, and new front tow rings. However, it still has the old style chevron block track which hasn't been used since the late '90s.

The Tamiya M2A2 ODS represents one that has been upgraded from an earlier version. It has older style armor on the front, remnants of fittings from the flotation system, and the "T" shaped armor on the TC's side of the turret. It has the correct, current, square block "Bigfoot" tracks on it as well.

Both are correct for an M2A2 ODS vehicle operating in Iraq. They are just a little different in their versions. The Academy one needs new track to be correct though.

Very nice Bradley! I really like the subtle weathering and the damage to the rear of the vehicle.

Matt,

Very nice. I think I'm going to give your method for a VS-17 and the camo netting a try.

Thanks for the kind words guys. Using two part epoxy putty for various things is really easy to do. Hope it works out for you. Thanks again. "Q"

I decided to take my Bradley to a contest in Phoenix this weekend. I was rewarded with a first in my category for my efforts. Just thought I would share. Thanks, "Q"

Congrats.

Ditto as Gino said and thanks Gino for the reply.

Well deserved! Congrats!

Fantastic Bradley.

Awesome Bradley! Where did you get the tow bar? I could use a few of those...

Andy

Sorry for the late reply. Been on the road the last couple weeks. I got the tow bar from one of my Dragon M1 kits. I think the M1A1. I have several of them and can't recall exactly which one. Its cast very nicely with seperate hinge pins and knuckles that fit tight enough I didn't have to glue them. Only thing missing are the locking spring pins. Other than that, they're good to go.
"Q"

Missed this one by some strange reason... However, great work Matt. It is allways good to see models looking like this.

Erik

Thanks for the kudos Erik. "Q"

Nice work,that is so cool modelling a vehichle that you actually served in

Hey Matthew

Very nice model indeed. I have to agree. Could you tell me what scale the model is?

Grtz