United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
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Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 07:36 AM UTC
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the pictures my friend! They're great! Still waiting for the turret & detail sets from the USA but I've got lower hull set & the AFV Club replacement tracks so far. I'm going to get hold of the Barrel Depot barrel for the M109G version & also the CMK engine set. I noticed on Accurate Armour yesterday that they do a .50cal M2HB with shield or even the M113 ACAV conversion set which will provide a good little addition to the turret detail. Hopefully, I'll end up with a pretty good rendition of the real thing.
If there are any spare parts in your collection that you might want to off-load then let me know.
All the best, Chris.
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
United Kingdom
Joined: March 12, 2002
KitMaker: 352 posts
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Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 09:22 AM UTC
I'm sitting on all the sets...didn't realise one of them is hard to find
always planned on doing an Israeli M109
United States
Joined: January 27, 2009
KitMaker: 70 posts
Armorama: 65 posts
Posted: Monday, February 15, 2010 - 08:17 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted Text
Squadron still sells them under the Trakz brand. Chris M it's still a nice mold.
Only the Turret interior and basic exterior detail set are available now. The lower hull interior is OOP and very hard to find!
I have seen a comment about how it wasn't very accurate. I have the set and am wondering what exactly is amiss with it.
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
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Posted: Monday, February 15, 2010 - 08:27 AM UTC
To be honest, I couldn't tell you right now as I haven't done my research fully, yet.
I'll be getting my head into the books in the next couple of weeks so I should be able to enlighten you then.
If anbody else knows...
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
Colorado, United States
Joined: January 20, 2005
KitMaker: 7,219 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 10:48 AM UTC
Quoted Text
I have seen a comment about how it wasn't very accurate. I have the set and am wondering what exactly is amiss with it.
Bill, I think I still have your email address. I'll send a you a few comparison photos and you'll see what I mean.
A strong man stands up for himself; A stronger man stands up for others.
Admit nothing. Deny everything. Make counter-accusations.
He is not Khan who calls himself Khan. Afghan proverb
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
Armorama: 1,143 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 10:54 AM UTC
Hey Rob,
I have this set too. Any chance of sending me some photos aswell?
My email can be found under my profile.
Thanks mate.
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
Armorama: 1,143 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 03:53 AM UTC
Hi guys,
I got the Trakz turret interior & detail set this morning. It's looking good.
Has anyone checked out the M109 engine at Real Model? #RMA 35032. Compare with the CMK engine. This gives you an alternative.
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
Idaho, United States
Joined: September 03, 2003
KitMaker: 448 posts
Armorama: 245 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 08:23 AM UTC
I have both engine sets. The CMK set is a very simple plug to put inder the main grill. If that's all you want then it's OK. If you want a more full compartment, then the Real Model set is the way to go. Sprue Bros. has it in stock.....
http://store.spruebrothers.com/135-real-model-m109-engine-with-compartment-itarev-kits-a35032-p4251.aspx This is a good thread. I've been sitting on all the above mentioned sets and plan on building an M109 so am very interested in seeing how this goes. I'm very interested in whatever photos you guys come up with for reference.
Anyway, good luck on rounding up everything and keep us posted!
The latest survey shows that
three out of four people make
up 75% of the population.
"Entitlement kicks gratitude right out the back door."
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
Armorama: 1,143 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 08:31 AM UTC
Will do Leroy!
Thanks indeed for your input. I'm glad you like the thread. This is a great topic, isn.t it?
All I need now is the Barrel Depot M109G barrel & some 155mm ammo & I'll be good to go!
Oh yeah, and some GCLaser.com real wood laser cut 155mm shipping crates! Have you all seen these?
Can anyone recommend a good ammo manufacturer? Keep the info coming guys.
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 08:44 AM UTC
Verlinden and AFV Club have 155mm ammo sets. For the money, I would go with (and have myself) the AFV Club set.
The AFV Club ones are plastic and include 155mm and 8" (203mm for your M110) ammo, powder cans, and pallets, along with decals for them all. It makes a bunch of rounds and powder cans.
The Verlinden set is resin and has a few extras in the way of fuses, a fuse can, and a pallet. This set makes 1 pallet of 8 rounds, 8 separate rounds, and 4 powder cans.
I have seen the wooden ammo pallets on eBay but haven't tried them yet. They do look good. I have the same company's jeep crate though and it looks excellent.
The rest of their
1/35 laser-cut wood pieces look great too.
Field Artillery --- The KING of BATTLE!!!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
Showcase
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
Armorama: 1,143 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 08:48 AM UTC
Okay Gino,
Thanks mate.
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
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Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 12:14 PM UTC
I've got another question for you.
If the M109 was "semi-permanently" emplaced in dug in positions would there be ready rounds stored in the racks inside the vehicle or would the rounds be stored in bunkers nearby?
Help would be appreciated here.
Thanks fellas.
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 01:25 PM UTC
Usually, in a semi-fixed position such as a Firebase in Vietnam, the rounds would be stored in the bunkers in the sides of the position. They would only be uploaded if the gun was going forward for a raid or moving to an alternate position.
Field Artillery --- The KING of BATTLE!!!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
Showcase
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
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Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010 - 01:11 PM UTC
Hiya fellas,
As I'm going to build an M109 SPG from the Vietnam war I decided to buy a metal barrel from Barrel Depot to replace the kit part. I purchased the Barrel Depot M109G barrel (#35014) from redfroghobbies which advertises on this site.
The barrel arrived after making its way across the Atlantic Ocean but I believe it is missing the muzzle brake. Now, tell me I'm wrong here but the Barrel Depot piece (#35014) should have a muzzle brake supplied with the part, shouldn't it?
I've emailed redfroghobbies the other day but I've heard nothing back as yet. I dont want to raise merry hell if I am wrong.
So could somebody point out what I should get with #35014 M109G barrel from Barrel Depot, please?
Thanks guys.
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
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Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010 - 02:14 PM UTC
I think it should. I have the M109A2 barrel and it comes with a muzzle brake.
Field Artillery --- The KING of BATTLE!!!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
Showcase
England - East Anglia, United Kingdom
Joined: October 09, 2005
KitMaker: 2,556 posts
Armorama: 2,199 posts
Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010 - 02:17 PM UTC
Hmm this is odd, I too have that barrel and mine didnt come with a muzzle break either, I got mine in a box of items via trade and figured the previous owner just lost it, but perhaps not...?
'As all else failed we raised our fists and weapons,
Not born as soldiers, but driven to the end'
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
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Posted: Friday, March 12, 2010 - 02:21 PM UTC
Hi fellas,
Thanks for your response.
I just checked out Real Models & they've got one there. This has the muzzle brake.
Weird, eh?
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
Armorama: 1,143 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 09:37 PM UTC
Hi fellas,
I've finally read the Verlinden warmachines M108, M109, M109A1/A2 book.
Those of you who have read it will realise that there is only 1 page devoted to an M109 & that is a photograph of the front of the vehicle.
I've got the Trakz M109A1 interior detail set here but what do I need to leave out if I'm modelling a Vietnam era M109? What's in the A1 that's not in the M109?
Thanks fellas.
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Thursday, March 18, 2010 - 11:08 PM UTC
The main pieces to leave off are the turret ammo bustle box, hydraulic rammer on the cannon breech, and curved powder can rack. I'm not sure about the rest of the interior.
Field Artillery --- The KING of BATTLE!!!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
Showcase
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
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Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 - 12:09 AM UTC
Hi Gino,
Thanks for that.
Well, that's a start, anyway!
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
Joined: October 03, 2007
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
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Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 - 05:10 AM UTC
some questions I've been meaning to ask for a good while on this ammunition set.
* the over all shape of the round dosn't look right. A regular 98lb. HE projo
does not have the undercut in the middle O.D. like the ones in the picture has.
Perhaps an optical illusion?
* In Vietnam from early 1968 and later all 155 ammo (HE) has a white nylon
wiper band right below the brass driving band. These wipers (I cannot think of
a better wording) were to actually clean the barrel I.D.. They came off almost
as soon as the round left the barrel, and you'd see them laying on the ground
out in front of the gun
* is the decale sheet dated? And are there lot numbers on it? Also did the kit
come with the sheet metal bands that were installed to protect the driving
bands?
gary
P.S. love the jeep in the crate!!!!
Joined: October 03, 2007
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
Armorama: 1,357 posts
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 - 05:17 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Usually, in a semi-fixed position such as a Firebase in Vietnam, the rounds would be stored in the bunkers in the sides of the position. They would only be uploaded if the gun was going forward for a raid or moving to an alternate position.
ammo resupply is a real chore in the combat zone, and storing ammo in an M109 would just not be fun at 98lb. a piece. If the SPG was in a revetment the ready racks (bunkers or however they wanted it done) wouldn't be far from the rear of the gun. But the area around the gun is open and clear of everything. Powder is always stored covered from the direct sunlight (bunkers are prefered). There will not be any trash close to the gun no matter whatkind it is.
gary
Joined: October 03, 2007
KitMaker: 1,388 posts
Armorama: 1,357 posts
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 - 05:28 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The main pieces to leave off are the turret ammo bustle box, hydraulic rammer on the cannon breech, and curved powder can rack. I'm not sure about the rest of the interior.
Gino,
I was thinking the M109's I shot at Sill had the hydraulic rammer as well as a short three foot long manual labor one. Perhaps I'm wrong as I was only around them for four or five days. I do remember the insides of the turret be very busy, and not a lot of room. Seems like the later ones have some kind of a ventilation fan system as they said something about that. Our bore vac went south the last day we shot, and that was a pain! That muzzel brake weighs ton, and we got to remove it (we didn't put it back on thank God!)
gary
Florida, United States
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 - 06:46 AM UTC
I'm pretty sure the straight M109 had only the manual rammer and the hydraulic one was an M109A1 addition, could be wrong though.
Field Artillery --- The KING of BATTLE!!!
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell
Showcase
United Kingdom
Joined: October 04, 2009
KitMaker: 1,209 posts
Armorama: 1,143 posts
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2010 - 06:59 AM UTC
Hi fellas,
Can anyone provide me with some good photos of a straight M109 interior as used in Vietnam?
Pleeeease?
And what was the colour of the interior?
Joe.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right...unless you are going all the way".
On the bench:
Tamiya SAS Green Hornet Land Rover
