Armor/AFV: Modern Armor
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Australian LAV (ASLAV) (Renamed Topic)
Boggie
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Posted: Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 05:28 AM UTC
Jason
Thanks for the "to do" list I really appreciate it. I can do most of what you've suggested and I can add the GPS (front or rear) when I get it. I have a Blue Force from Pro Art Models as well. I was embarrassed to ask if what I saw on the back of this ASLAV was in fact a Blue Force Tracker.
Photobucket
I'll hunt for pictures of the cables running from the RWS into the middle front AMU. Nomenclature please (antenna mount unit?). Is the extra AMU mount like the one in this same picture on the rear right? This ASLAV PC is in Iraq correct, none had bar armour in Afghanistan correct?
I'll see if I can find a better pic of the pintle mount on the new CC. Would they still have that installed if they were using the RWS, for back up perhaps? Good news on the tie downs as well.
Thanks for your help Jason.
Bill
ppawlak1
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Posted: Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 01:17 PM UTC

Quoted Text



If you are doing a 25, i suggest callsign V0C from the Al Muthanna Task Group. Not only is it the car that features on the Echelon Decal sheet (which is 100% accurate), its was the CO's car and is probably the most photographed ASLAV in Iraq ever.



Thanks a lot for the tip Ray.

I'll need to track down some pics of that machine . I have the Echelon Decals coming but I'm not afraid of trying to use stencils to paint any markings required for other vehicles.

I'd still like to do one of the '25' from 2006 in the link above if possible. From what I can tell the PHII kit from MH will at a minimum need the following changes:

1. Digital Compass Antenna at rear antenna Mount (included in MH PIII update ?)

2. Commander's Sight Head same as Gunners Sight Head ? Still waiting on MH bits to see what needs to be done.

4. Spall lining fitted - Vision blocks in Rear Doors and sides need to be welded up.

NB: Added Gas bottle @ Turret not fitted to these vehicles from what I can see.

http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/20061213a/20061205adf8185016_0283.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/20061213a/20061205adf8185016_0228.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/20061213a/20061205adf8185016_0218.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/20061213a/20061205adf8185016_0212.jpg

I can see from the Defence Department links above that these machines all have Turret baskets, and don't have the large storage box on the RH Hull side. Two of the three '25's' have another piece of equipment in it's place (fourth link) just forward of the Jerry Can stored at the very rear of the RHS. What is that ? (16388 has that ).

Have I missed any other differences between these vehicles and the MH PhII '25' conversion ?

It's interesting that vehicle 16303 doesn't have the spare wheel fitting at the rear, and also that the other two 25' s on the site have large black X's painted / stuck on the LH Hull and Front 'Nose' hatches. Is this for transport reasons ?

BTW: I also see that those 2nd CAV '25's' have got the Wedge Tailed Eagle Symbol painted on the Turret in those shots, was this the first time the unit ' badge' was added to the vehicle ?

Cheers,

Paul

jasmils
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Posted: Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 04:10 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I'll hunt for pictures of the cables running from the RWS into the middle front AMU. Nomenclature please (antenna mount unit?). Is the extra AMU mount like the one in this same picture on the rear right? This ASLAV PC is in Iraq correct, none had bar armour in Afghanistan correct?


Yep correct.


Quoted Text

I'll see if I can find a better pic of the pintle mount on the new CC. Would they still have that installed if they were using the RWS, for back up perhaps?


Nope, the only back up is the F88C or Browning HP 9mm.




Quoted Text

I'd still like to do one of the '25' from 2006 in the link above if possible. From what I can tell the PHII kit from MH will at a minimum need the following changes:

1. Digital Compass Antenna at rear antenna Mount (included in MH PIII update ?)

2. Commander's Sight Head same as Gunners Sight Head ? Still waiting on MH bits to see what needs to be done.

4. Spall lining fitted - Vision blocks in Rear Doors and sides need to be welded up.


Correct plus the Trimvane.



Quoted Text

I can see from the Defence Department links above that these machines all have Turret baskets, and don't have the large storage box on the RH Hull side. Two of the three '25's' have another piece of equipment in it's place (fourth link) just forward of the Jerry Can stored at the very rear of the RHS. What is that ? (16388 has that ).


The large stowage box is part of the Bar Armour mod. The box in its place is the drivers windscreen box.
Also all of thses cars will have the gas bottle mount attached. You can just see it in one of the photos.

Quoted Text

It's interesting that vehicle 16303 doesn't have the spare wheel fitting at the rear, and also that the other two 25' s on the site have large black X's painted / stuck on the LH Hull and Front 'Nose' hatches. Is this for transport reasons ?


It is thermal tape.

Quoted Text

I also see that those 2nd CAV '25's' have got the Wedge Tailed Eagle Symbol painted on the Turret in those shots, was this the first time the unit ' badge' was added to the vehicle ?


Ray?
We used to paint our unit/sqn signs on anything that didn't move for more than 5 min's.
Most Sqn's have a trrop and unit markings somewhere on the car.

Cheers Jason
ppawlak1
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Posted: Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 05:08 PM UTC

Quoted Text




Quoted Text

I'd still like to do one of the '25' from 2006 in the link above if possible. From what I can tell the PHII kit from MH will at a minimum need the following changes:

1. Digital Compass Antenna at rear antenna Mount (included in MH PIII update ?)

2. Commander's Sight Head same as Gunners Sight Head ? Still waiting on MH bits to see what needs to be done to the C's Sight.

4. Spall lining fitted - Vision blocks in Rear Doors and sides need to be welded up.


Correct plus the Trimvane.


Cheers Jason




Thanks Jase,

Can you elaborate on the Trimvane please ? Not sure what that it.

EDIT: Dummy I am - found it, it's in the Ph3 conversion kit also !!!

The Driver Windscreen package doesn't appear to be part of any "conversions" available ATM so I think '16303' in Afghanistan 2006 is a good candidate for a build for a PhIII '25'. I'm still surprised it didn't have a spare wheel holder etc.

There are some really good pics of that vehicle on the Defence Dept Web site - it's great Hi Res' Stuff too

I'll have to look harder for some more pics of the Gas bottle brackets. Know of any good ones Jason, Ray ?

Paul



Boggie
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Posted: Monday, September 08, 2008 - 12:22 AM UTC
Jason
Thanks for answering my questions. I haven't found any pictures that shows the cables running into the center AMU but if I remove the cap would the cable just run down through the hole into the cabin below or would there be a rubber or metal cap that the wires run through?
I have noticed the trim vane upgrade now that you mention it, funny how when you're looking for details you have to know what to look for before it presents itself.
Regards
Bill
PS I have updated and replaced the top camo pattern outlines anybody want to comment on that?
WBR
ppawlak1
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Posted: Monday, September 08, 2008 - 09:23 PM UTC

Quoted Text


PS I have updated and replaced the top camo pattern outlines anybody want to comment on that?
WBR



Looks good Bill. I think you'vd got it right - time to paint

Paul
Boggie
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Posted: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 - 03:05 AM UTC
aul
In light of the new information and details I'll be reworking some parts before I move on with the paint. If I'm going to do this I'd like to do it correctly, as much as I can anyway.
Here is a nice shot of the newer commanders hatch, from ADF image site.
Photobucket
Cheers
Bill
ppawlak1
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Posted: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 - 09:20 PM UTC
Well my MH stuff arrived today, so now it's time to study the bits and see where everything goes

I'm a little nervous about cutting out and replacing those engine grills

Paul

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Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 12:31 AM UTC
Paul
I felt the same way about the engine grill but it wasn't that bad. Just remember to cut inside where you think it should be and dry fit, file, dry fit, file and so on, it fit perfectly for me.
What kit are you using for the base, Trumpeter? Will your be a Phase 2 or 3 when you complete the conversion?
Be sure to post lots of pictures because when Mouse House finishes the newest 25 conversion I'll be building one too.
When you get to the lead bits that's when to start worrying.
Enjoy yourself.
Regards
Bill
ppawlak1
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Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 08:41 AM UTC
Bill,

I've got the Trumpeter 25 kit so it'll be just the right donor for my MA112 conversion.

I also got the wheels hubs (I have the Trumpeter XML Tyres), spare wheel and hanger, the MAG58 & wing arm mount ,and the MH Phase 3 APC conversion kit is on the way. I'll be using the Ph3 kit for the GPS & Digital antenna, Trim Vane etc for the '25' - so it'll be a Phase 3 I hope

I think the engine grill fitment will start this weekend.

Paul
Boggie
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Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 09:43 AM UTC
Paul clever guy, you upgraded without waiting for the new release of the MH ASLAV 25 Phase III.
I'll order the ASLAV 25 when MH releases it soon (I hope) with the hopes that they will include all the bits and pieces necessary to do the conversion. Does your conversion come with the rear tire mount as in MA116, the Platt Mount and MG MA117 and MA109/MA112 bits and pieces for the details? Since there is no way for anyone that buys the Trump Lav 25 to have any of the above mentioned it might be a good idea to sell a set for an entire conversion, kinda like the Big Ed with Eduard perhaps the Phase III ASLAV 25 Big Mouse set? They could do that with the ASLAV APC as well so when one orders the conversion for Phase III you will have all the bits you need to do the conversion completely, what do you think?
Here's another 25 top view for your project.
Photobucket Image Hosting
Bill
ppawlak1
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Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 03:47 PM UTC
Bill sounds like the way to go - your 'super conversion' above.

I have all the bits you've mentioned PLUS MA129 is on the way

My vehicle will hopefully be the following one from Operation SLIPPER (although the vehicle below doesn't have the spare wheel or attachment !!)


http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/20061213a/20061205adf8185016_0059.jpg

http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/20061213a/20061205adf8185016_0218.jpg



http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/global/opslipper/images/gallery/20061213a/20061205adf8185016_0266.jpg


If I could get a windscreen box for the LHS Hull I'd do one in the third link above.

I'm thinking of scratching the turret baskets and the 'camo rack' (LHS Hull) - they'd look a bit crisper in brass and styrene. I'll see how the resin parts clean up before I go that way. If the 'camo rack' in the kit was empty I'd be able to put ammo boxes in as per the links above - so if I use the resin rack it'll contain the 'camo' cover and no boxes.

Paul
ppawlak1
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Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 04:26 PM UTC
Thanks Gary.

How'd you do that ? Edit : just figured it out :-)

BTW: The third link has the Windcreen box and spare tyre holder.

Paul
ppawlak1
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Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 06:46 PM UTC


Another pic

jasmils
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Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 11:29 PM UTC

Quoted Text

If I could get a windscreen box for the LHS Hull I'd do one in the third link above.



Something like this???



ppawlak1
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Posted: Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 11:44 PM UTC
Yes please Jason !

16391 (31 A) & 16388 (3 I) both have the Box and the spare Wheel & Holder (which I've now got). It'd be a shame not to use that lovely MH Spare tyre and the spare wheel carrier on this build.

By the way I'm 'playing' with the Engine screen and Trumpeter Upper Hull and have got a really clean / neat fit whilst dry fitting / filing. Hopefully on the weekend I'll add a little putty (I'd like to use very little). and have that part of the build finished


How do I get my hand on that Box Jase


Cheers

Paul
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Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 12:16 AM UTC
Paul
I'm happy to hear that you've passed the first obstacle, installing the grills. I'll be interested to see what you think of the MH muffler and shield arrangement. Will you chop off the shock absorber bumps and replace them with the round ones? You may want to refer to some of Romeo Kilo's posts about having to move the bumps to accommodate the muffler and shields. You can see what I did about my shields.
You talk about a windshield box on the 25, did it used to be used for holding the windshield for the driver once upon a time? The pictures Jason posted, are they two versions or the same object showing the front and back?
I'm glad you agree about the Big Mouse conversion set. I understand why the individual parts should be sold separately too but for those of us that want to do the entire conversion it may be logistically easier and less expensive perhaps, to buy it all together.
How's about showing us your progress so far?
Bill
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Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 11:35 AM UTC
Hi Bill,

Looking at your Muffler and Shield I think it is really the way to go (it looks really crisp and clean). Do you have measurements for the shield you made in brass ? What else did you change in those parts ?

As far as I know the '25' kit doesn't come with different bump stops. I'll check Ray's posts.

Not sure about how often 'the box' was used to actually hold a windscreen , from what I can see in earlier posts here it really hasn't been used much on the vehicle. Jason will probably be able to answer the question about his pics - I suggest it's the same box. I'd be great to get some pics of the real thing from different angles though. I love the stowage he's got in there BTW.

I need to get a new camera so pics will be a little while, my current camera is really no good at taking close up shots. I'll check a few places on the weekend for a nice SLR (although money is a little short ATM).

Last night I finished 'dry fitting' the MH engine grill to the hull - pretty much a perfect fit with no lost plastic except for at little at the very front where the hatch is. I managed to wet sand back the 'excess plastic' at the hull edge (old Trumpeter grill edge and fitting) so there was no need to add any plastic to fill gaps adjacent to the right of the grill.

I'll just add some putty to the front to fill the gap to the hatch on the nose this weekend and glue the grill in place I think.

Cheers

Paul
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Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 12:40 PM UTC
Paul
I didn't keep notes on the dimensions sorry. The dimensions of the MH one is fine it just didn't have that sharpness that brass plate has and after all that's what it is made of in life, steel sheet.
I saw a picture that showed the muffler shield up level with the engine grill and I couldn't get the MH muffler where it was supposed to be so I cut off their shield and made it in brass. I also made the brush guard with a more steep downward angle if that makes sense. I also noticed that between the shield and the body there were spacers that set the shield and the brush guard off from the body and that gave more room to position the muffler properly. By rebuilding the components of the muffler guard and shield I found the correct position that made me happy but it wasn't a lot of fun. I also made the various brackets that support both the muffler and the heat shield and used Calibre 45 nuts with washers for added detail. I then added the exhaust pipe that comes from the body into the muffler and hollowed out the muffler exhaust pipe, I thought of cutting that off as well and making my own out of brass tube but I had to move on or stall.
Does the 25 you want to depict have a brush guard and the shield, some don't?
Strange muffler
Photobucket
no guards or shields
Photobucket
low angle of muffler
Photobucket
Bless Prime Portal for these great details, a muffler to ponder
Photobucket
Good luck with the work
Bill

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Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 02:44 PM UTC

Quoted Text


You talk about a windshield box on the 25, did it used to be used for holding the windshield for the driver once upon a time? The pictures Jason posted, are they two versions or the same object showing the front and back?



Its designed to hold the drivers windscreen, but I have never ever seen anybody use it, so it routinely gets used for other stowage. Thats the same part showing front and back. Looks like the Tow rope bag next to a .50 liner. Awesome work on the part Jason.

My 25,

Havnt made any progress, its just tacked together. I have scratched my own exhaust, as the car im doing has no brush gaurds at all. Im sure that the new MH conversion when realeased will have this type of exhaust, so i wont be using this one anyway.

Is this the conversion you are using Paul? It didnt come with the suspension bumps as the PC conversion does, but its easy to round out the kit ones. Im curious to how you will fill the gap between the engine deck and the front engine hatch without covering the panel gap. Do you just grind a line into the putty when cured? I tried that and it ended up flaking the putty off. In this photo its still smooth as i havnt figured out a way to do it yet.

I am still waiting for another MH order before i make any progress, Im happy that somebody finally made some 25mm ammuntion belts and boxes. I plan on hacking off the lids to the ready round bins in the turret and loading them up.
jasmils
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Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 03:07 PM UTC
G'day Team,
As with all products realised onto the market, at times improvements are made to certain parts (just look at a Dragon Premium Kit). This is due to either casting technology, information at hand and other issues.
We try to have the best and most accurate kit available, but as stated sometimes things slip thru.
We look forward to seeing our product being made and posted onto web sites as this helps us to help you. Product improvements are usually made once the original mould has run its course then a new or improved part is then cast. As in this case with the muffler.

Below is the new muffler but is just tacked on and not yet square.
Bill, if the muffler is missing the guard, it means that the car is or was at sometime fitted with Bar Armour. The guard is removed and one of the mounting points is utilised for the Bar Armour.
There is also a small difference between the Phase II and Phase III muffler, but this is to small in scale to worry about.

The windscreen box is fitted to all Phase III cars and yes it fits the driver’s windscreen. But when it is not being used for this you can find stowage in it instead.

Paul, the box will be available at some time in the future but I cannot give you a time frame.
I need to get the Bar Armour done first. Also with the cammo net holder on the left side, the Phase III is differant to the Phase II. At this stage if you want to model the Phase III from Afghanistan, you will need to sratchbuild this part.


Ray, cheers for that. Spot on, it is a .50cal liner and sand bad with tow rope.

Cheers Jason






ppawlak1
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Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 03:07 PM UTC
Ray,

Thanks for the info.

I managed to keep most of the original plastic (the triangular section) in front of the grill. I just need to replace the very narrow bit that runs toward the hull edge.

I'm going to try to make a sliver of plastic and glue it on, then use putty to finish it off. It'll be a little bit of trial and error I think with the engine hatch fitted.

I'll let you know how I go.

Paul

jasmils
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Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 03:22 PM UTC
Looks like we were all trying to post at the same time.
ppawlak1
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Posted: Thursday, September 11, 2008 - 04:15 PM UTC
Thanks for the info on the camo cage Jason.

Do you have dimensions or a drawing of the Phase 3 cage ?

Paul