This is my latest project for a customer. It is the old Tamiya M577 kit updated to an M577A2 from the mid-'80s.

I took the tamiya hull and added the second shock and moved the rear idler wheel up about 3mm to bring it to A2 standards. I also switched out the engine deck for an A2 version left over from Academy's A3 kit. I also added smaller fittings like the lifting loop, second exhaust for the crew heater, handle for the trim vane, and A2 exhaust stack and guard. I also added the fuel can rack for the generator fuel cans.






On the inside, I took the interior from a Tamiya M113 kit and modified it. I added the fuel tanks and tables along the hull, fuel transfer pipes, ramp pulley, radio racks, and other small fittings.



Here it is with the interior painted and outfitted with paperwork, maps, and gear.






Ceiling too.


Next up is exterior painting. It will be in 3-color NATO camo.

Very good job Gino. I had this kit and didn't fair well with it. Of course that was before I knew what I was doing. I really like the way your interior came out very well done. Great job.

Great interior Gino, looks like you've put a lot of work into it. Keep the updates coming, looks great!

Cheers -

Tim

Thanks guys. Will do.

hi gino

this looks like a really great build im looking forward to more pictures bit just a couple of questions...
what tracks are you going to use & what colour will you be painting it.........

good luck
neil

Thanks Neil. The tracks will be the kit rubber band ones (preference of the customer) and it will be painted in 3-tone NATO camo.

Gino-- how did you do the lights? Where did you find them? I assume those are Verlinden RT 524 radios (VRC-46) on the shelf...if not, where did you get them? Beautiful work
Stay safe
Alwaysput two rounds center mass of target !
DJ

I've been praying 'til my knees bled for an aftermarket interior for this kit, or for a new kit with full interior. After seeing this - even though it looks beyond my limited skill - I'm inspired to give it a try. THANK YOU for sharing!

Cordially,

Dennis

Hi DJ,

For the ligts, they are just left over lights from the parts bin. I'm not sure what they were from. I added a mounting bracket to them with sheet styrene. I painted them with chrome silver, then clear red over the red ones. Thats it, nothing special.

The radios are modified ones from the old Tamiya/Academy M151A2 kits. I cut off the KY-57 (?) that is attached to them and closed the side. I then cast them is resin. The base and KY-57 are cast from the Academy M113 kits. Handmikes are from ProArt's SINCGARS set. The rest are pieces that I cast from various sets.

Hunter 6, glad I gave you some confidence. Good luck w/it.

Gino-- thanks, great work.
Stay safe
DJ

Thats a new one to me. The radios don't weigh that much and the rack is on the same side as the radios. I have only ever seen fuel cans in the rack and I don't think any M577A1s had the rack either.

Looking good Gino.
So they still use these big things.
Strange indeed.

nice ! i am ver impressed with what youve done to the kit!
do you have any pics of the interior or drawings that you could point
me in the direction of please

i will be following this one with great intreast

Thanks, glad you like it.




Check out Prime Portal to see a bunch of interior and exterior pictures of M577s.

They have some for your M113A1 Fitter's Vehicle too, Canadian, not Aussie.

Canadian Fitter 1
Canadian Fitter 2

Prime Portal is a great resource. I use it all the time.

The original purpose was indeed a ballast rack to hold ballast plates to trim the vehicle in the water. I think the fact that no one 'swims' the M577 anymore negated the use of ballast plates.

Paul

Guess you learn something new every day. I have never heard about that.

Very nice job, but it looks too clean everyone of the ones I saw had a very lived in look.

Darryl

Thats because it wasn't done yet. I hadn't even finished painting it.

Its done now. Check it out in the Armor Forum.