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WIP M577A2 w/interior
HeavyArty
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Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 01:57 AM UTC
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.
210cav
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Virginia, United States
Joined: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 02:31 AM UTC
You obviously have a great deal of time on your hands Good job as always, stay safe
DJ
bison126
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Correze, France
Joined: June 10, 2004
KitMaker: 5,329 posts
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 05:46 AM UTC
Nice build Gino. I like your interior but I wonder where the crew is sitting. No need to say I don't know this variant that much

Olivier
Tankrider
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Oklahoma, United States
Joined: October 07, 2002
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 06:02 AM UTC
Gino,
Looks great as well as brings back memories from the 20 years of misspent childhood!!! I especially like the pivoting lights in red and white.

A several suggestions, mainly based on Oliver's comment. You might want to look at adding a "plywood" bench/equipment storage box down the middle of the track interior. They were commonly added, as you know. for atorage of office supplies as well as seating. If the box does not work, then how about a couple of folding chairs... The top needs some hand loops to hold the hand mics. Finally, where is the $^$$#%$#$# coffee pot???

I need to track one of those kits down and do something similar. Again, great work and make sure you keep busy and safe.


John
HeavyArty
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Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 06:48 AM UTC
Thanks guys. The kit comes w/a couple folding chairs, I haven't added them yet. The soldiers will have somewhere to sit. It was fun to add all the details. I may add a few more; like a helmet maybe. We'll see.

sauceman
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Ontario, Canada
Joined: September 28, 2006
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 07:14 AM UTC
Looking good Gino!

You put alot of work in the interior, very nice, the details sure pay off!

The only tidbit that i can see is the Generator mount on the right side. The brace is resting on the cover for the radiator cap. All I did was move it ahead and trimmed it a little.





cheers from the sandbox
210cav
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Virginia, United States
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 07:25 AM UTC

Quoted Text



I need to track one of those kits down and do something similar. Again, great work and make sure you keep busy and safe.


John


John-- pm me, I have one in the stash.
DJ
PS--I told you guys to take than unautorized bench out of the 577, didn't I?
sauceman
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Ontario, Canada
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 07:39 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I told you guys to take than unautorized bench out of the 577, didn't I?


Never heard a word



cheers from the sandbox
PLMP110
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Alabama, United States
Joined: September 26, 2002
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 07:45 AM UTC
I don't know the different variants, but I saw this one at the truck stop just the other day. Makes me want to build one too.





Stay safe.
Frenchy
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Rhone, France
Joined: December 02, 2002
KitMaker: 12,719 posts
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 07:57 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I don't know the different variants, but I saw this one at the truck stop just the other day. Makes me want to build one too.


This one is a M1068, fitted with a more powerful 5kW Diesel APU.

HTH
Frenchy
HeavyArty
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Florida, United States
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 08:15 AM UTC

Quoted Text

The only tidbit that i can see is the Generator mount on the right side. The brace is resting on the cover for the radiator cap. All I did was move it ahead and trimmed it a little.


Hi Rick, I was thinking about redoing that area. You got me. Guess I'll work on that.
ptruhe
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Texas, United States
Joined: March 05, 2003
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 08:32 AM UTC
Looks good. A few details missing but it's really nice to see this kit with an interior.

On our M577 the table tops where a bright green laminate and it still had the foldup seats mounted on each side.

Paul
Burik
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New Jersey, United States
Joined: March 12, 2002
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 08:39 AM UTC
Very nice Gino. Love the interior. Inspiration for me too.

Bob
HeavyArty
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Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
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Posted: Friday, September 26, 2008 - 06:54 PM UTC
Thanks guys. The leg on the generator is now properly placed. I have added helmet inside as well. More pics as I get it closer to being done.
Tankrider
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Oklahoma, United States
Joined: October 07, 2002
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Posted: Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 02:26 AM UTC

Quoted Text

PS--I told you guys to take than unautorized bench out of the 577, didn't I?


Damn,
Told on my self again... Gotta stop doing that

DJ,
Com'on, the D-10 577 was legendary. Fell off of the train to Bliss and we had it running a week later. The scour marks on the upper left side were marks of pride. That damn safe with the COMSEC beat the crap out of the inside but we made it work. I had not though about that for a while. Now adays, that would have gotten someone relieved vice the butt chewing back then by LTC Long. Ahhh, those were the days when we all were 10 foot tall and bulletproof. Will PM you.

John
210cav
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Virginia, United States
Joined: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Saturday, September 27, 2008 - 03:35 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

PS--I told you guys to take than unautorized bench out of the 577, didn't I?


Damn,
Told on my self again... Gotta stop doing that

DJ,
Com'on, the D-10 577 was legendary. Fell off of the train to Bliss and we had it running a week later. The scour marks on the upper left side were marks of pride. That damn safe with the COMSEC beat the crap out of the inside but we made it work. I had not though about that for a while. Now adays, that would have gotten someone relieved vice the butt chewing back then by LTC Long. Ahhh, those were the days when we all were 10 foot tall and bulletproof. Will PM you.

John


The things I learn about you now.....and those hoodlums you led! PM me Buddy.
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