Can anyone suggest a good M109 howitzer kit? I happen to have a couple of 1:1 scale batteries worth on my base and was looking to build this fine machine. I understand Italeri put out a kit some time ago, but it's OOP.

Thanks...

There's one on e-bay right now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3136807732&category=2588 " TARGET="_blank"> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3136807732&category=2588

I saw that one, but the barrel looks too short, and the fume extractor looks odd. I'll keep my eye on it.

There's also this one http://www.greatmodels.com/inventory/images/Italeri/it372.JPG " TARGET="_blank"> http://www.greatmodels.com/inventory/images/Italeri/it372.JPG at http://www.greatmodels.com " TARGET="_blank"> http://www.greatmodels.com .

Here is some info on the various M109 model kits available. I posted it about a year ago. They are all basically the same Italeri kit. You may also find them in the Testors yellow box. I have the Testors M109/G and M109A2. I also have the newest M109A6 Paladin. It is virtually the same kit but has a different turret from the rest:

#235 M109/G short barreled 155mm Vietnam era or German version
#238 M108 short barreled 105mm
#239 M109A2 Modern version that can also build an Israeli type
#246 M109E4/G/A1-A2/E4 best because it contains all options in one kit (less Paladin)
#372 M109A6 Paladin latest version currently being fielded in the US Army

The Revell of Germany version boxes the German used M109A3GA1 (#3016). Although I have never inspected this kit, I assume it is the Italeri kit with a sprue of West German specific fittings added. Perhaps with West German style tracks too? I also highly recommend the Skybow M108/109 individual track links (#TP3502). The Italeri tracks are very stiff and hard to get to lay down in a proper sag.

Great Models still lists the RoG one for $13.70. I bet a normal US M109A-something variant can be made straight from the box, unless they added German tracks. However, if you (Canada) uses those types or if you replace them with the Skybow tracks, then all is well.

Acording to Janes, we're driving the M109A2... so I guess #239 should do the job, except it's OOP. Looks like #372 with backdating is the only choice. I'll have to use aftermarket tracks because I think we use Deihl tracks on all our stuff. At least the 113s and Leopards do. More research!

Mike, then the Revell of Germany is probably the best bet for your kit. The differences between the A2 and A3 are probably add on parts to kit #239.

Mike,
Best bet would be to find one of the other kits in the series. Backdating a Paladin would be very difficult. The entire turret is different and the kit turret would be nearly impossible to convert. You should be able to find one on Ebay or at a well stocked hobby shop.

Actually, I managed to get a line on the #246 kit. It looks like it builds into almost any model. Failing that, I'll probably go with the Revell kit... but it looks OOP too.

No one's suggesting buying a Paladin and backdating it. The Paladin is probably the last kit to buy if you want an earlier M109/A1/A2/A3/A4/A5. Revell of Germany has reissued the M109A3GA1, kit #3016. The Great Models webstore lists it at $13.70 and is item number rmg3016 with 100% availability. I can't tell too well from the photos, but it looks like it may come with Diehl tracks. The photo does clearly show rear view mirrors and German style smoke grenade launchers.

Let's see if I can link their photo:

Thanks Rob. I'll make a couple of phone calls when we go back to work on Wed. I' sure one of those arty types across the road from me can answer my questions. I didn't check at Great Models, I looked at the Revell Germany site... doh!

I have both kits and just compared them.

The kit to make the M109, A1-A2, G, and E4 is the one to make the standard NON Paladin version of the kit. It looks like the parts to make the E4 version build into the Isreali version, but I am not sure as there are NO MARKINGS inthe kit for the E4 version.

The Revell of Germany kit will build the M109, the A1-A2, and the G version, as well as the "updated" G version. It does NOT have the parts to make the E4 version, but has a load of parts on a new sprue E to make a better German version...including a new barrel with "sagging bag". It also has the "diehl" tracks, not the normal ones associated with the M109.

So there it is. Also, try www.squadron.com to see what they have...(I could not check it just now.)

And there are many goodies to add to a M109A1-A2...like the warriors (ex-KMC) interior and exterior parts. This really makes the kit stand out.

BTW, I just finished the Paladin and I built a M109A1 years ago...the kit builds best into a M109A1. As you work away from it, it gets to be more work to clean up correctly. Just so you know.

Thanks Jaques, good info on the different track type. I wasn't sure since the German version wasn't high on my priority of attainable kits. I do have future plans on building the M109 through M109A6, but they'll probably have an M109A9 by the time I get to them.

hey mike heres an offer for you.
.if you have to get the paladin..i have all the parts you need to..make the back date..we could just swap out..hows that sound to relieve the stress..
Ray

Just curious....in reality whats the updates on the Paladin over earlier models.

The main difference in the KIT is a new travel lock and a new turret. Otherwise, it is pretty much the same kit as the A1.

On the REAL DEAL, the army sends in a old M109 and the lower hull is reworked/rebuilt, and then a new turret is added, with a new gun (not sure of the caliber but the size is still 155mm) and all new electronics. It is much more of a shoot and scoot vehicle, though its shot range, unrefueled range, and fire rate are not up to the same standards as other front-line artillery pieces such as the 2S19 and the Pzhb 2000.

hey guys..thanks for the tip on GMW..just put my order in for a fwe sets of tracks..and all the resin sets..has anybody used the Trakz.co stuff they show there
the biggets plus i descovered..was the warriors contains a better breech than the kit original...squared block..agani thanks for the tip
Ray

I had the occasion to speak to one of my Arty friends today. We are using the M109A4++ with the Deihl tracks. He tells me that the major differences between the A2 and A4 are minor adjustments to the upper hull and turret, most of which can be easily scratchbuilt. So I'm off with my digicam next week to get some reference photos.

I just picked up the Testors/Italeri M109A2 kit on ebay. The box art makes it hard to tell, but it looks like it has the Deihl tracks. If not, I can always go aftermarket.

Here are a couple of links to the different versions from FAS if anyone wants to check them out...


http://www.kithobbyist.com/largescaleplanes/articles/FigureSculpting101/figuresculpting101.htm

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m109a6.htm

Shaun