Hi, this is my M-818 tractor build 2 years ago. Painted with Tamiya Acrylics and pigmients.

It looks very good, but why does it have USMC markings on the back of the truck but 1st Cavarly Division (US Army) markings on the front bumper? 215 FSB was one of my old units back in the day.

Hi sabot, just made that USMC and number up. No specific vehicle number.

It can't be both a USMC and US Army vehicle as you now have it. Best bet would be to paint over or remove the USMC number on the BII box.

Ok thanks Gino for the info will paint over the USMC. Don't actually know the correct markings, again tahnks for the correction.

The weathering looks really good, the only thing that I would add is some grease on the fifth wheel. Those things are loaded with grease like this pic...



Also love the rusty effects on the door, really nice.


cheers


P.S. where did you get the cargo straps? They are awesome!

Thanks Rick, I will do the grease on my future builds. The cargo belt was sratchbuilt using styrene and a lead foil.

Well you did an outstanding job!


cheers

Here we go again! You know Gino has not ran the whole US military by himself. Maybe you would like to wash his feet while you're at it. I think Sabot answered your question just as good as Gino. I'm not knocking Gino's military experience but a lot of us have served and been down range and every day you look on Armorama it's Gino,Gino,Gino!!!

Hello Val,
This is an all around great looking truck, one more little thing…the front signal and reflectors should be orange, again it is truly beautiful.

What kit did you use and what other scratched built mod’s were made?

Happy Modeling,
Joe

Dude…is that really called for, Gino’s a great man, modeler and Solider There’s no need for this sort of reply.

Happy Modeling,
Joe

Who should he thank? You? Me? Get over it...
Totally uncalled for.

Hi Joe, thanks for pointing that out. The kit is from Real Model and I did a few things to it. I have sratchbuilt the thing that holds the mirror from wires, the door armor, the anti slip plate from PE, the cargo strap, brake hose, shackles and few bits and pieces in the cab.

Don't mean to offend people here. I'm not an expert either just building models for fun and critism are most welcome. Again thanks to all of you who pointed out all the corrections needed.

Nice build...brings back my times!! Not much to add that has not already been said!

As for the Gino thing -
As a fellow veteran, retired Army officer, and artilleryman, I honor all my "brothers". He amoung many deserve our praise. As for his knowledge, after you strap it on for 15 or 20 years, you tend to learn a bit and see a bit. As far as him as a modeler, he give his precious time to answer peoples questions here and on other forums. He is a valuable resource to the modeling community.

In general he deserves all the praise and thank yous we can give him....not the trash written
above.

Thanks Gino for me!! Keep you powder temp low

Rounds Complete!!

Thanks guys. Didn't know I had such an admirer out there. Whatever.

Don't worry, my powder temp remained steady. Did get a good chuckle though.

I'm not worried about folks adding info to my responses; I've got more time in service, outrank Gino and have more time in a TC's hatch in a wider variety of tanks than he does, but he's definitely the better modeler.

The 215th FSB (unit identified by the front bumper markings) was never equipped with that version of 5 ton tractor. The unit was originally the 502nd FSB supporting the 2nd Armor Division's Tiger Brigade until just after Desert Storm in 1991. The 502nd may have had 800 series trucks in the late 80s. By the time the 502nd reflagged and joined the 1st Cav as the 215th FSB (a newly created unit designation in 1991), they were fully equipped with M939A2 series 5 ton trucks (aka 'Bigfoot').

In 1994, I was pulled out of my tank company command at 1-12 Cav (kicking and screaming) to take command of the HQ Company of the 215th FSB. The Assistant Division Commander (Support) of the 1st Cav remembered my time as the 3-32 AR Battalion Maintenance Officer and knew that company needed help. He asked (told) me to go fix that unit.

Putting an armor officer into a support battalion to take command of one of their companies (thus stealing one of the few commands a logistics captain can have in a division) does not win you any popularity contests.

But, I do think your model is a beautiful build. I am very impressed with the workmanship. You just guessed wrong on the bumper markings, but that's no big deal.

Can't we all just get along?

Man you would think I pulled Gino's primer out of the breech and refused to give it back. You sure you have not been chosen model czar! Just playing!!!

Gino....

I don't know about that. If I recall correctly, I had a corporal in my battery that was regularly having Army vehicles "follow him home". Since we were in a pretty remote location, it often took us a while to get the paint and stencils to change the tactical markings.

Unfortunately, the "USMC" markings on this model are not at all correct......so I agree with removing them.

I haven't been keeping up with the posts on here, but your location looks like you are back from the sandbox. If so, welcome home, Soldier.

Semper Fi,
Dave

No! Thanks for asking though.

Semper Fi,
Dave

Hi there Val. So I see that this build has found it's way here. Very nicely done indeed.