Hi
I have a few questions about the new BRadley from Tamya
First what does the ODS mean ? If it means O. D. Storm then I think it s false because that version didn t even exist in 1991
I read on the internet that ODS means Operation Desert Sabre ..what kind of operation was that ?
If both are false what does ODS really mean ?

PS : is the kit a good out of the box kit or does it require as most kits some tons of expensive edouard and and accourate stuff?

Hi,
From what I understand the ODS does stand for Op. Desert Storm. It is called this because the improvements and changes they made were determined to be shortcomings that materialised during Op. Desert Storm. I'm sure someone else can correct me or add to this (Rob are you out there?) when they see it.

Mike

I'm 99% sure Kelly is right! ODS does stand for Operation Desert Storm...and it IS confusing. The ODS version came out after the war and reflects the lessons learned from that conflict.

I guess it is sort of the M2A2.5 version??

Jim/ Jaster

Yes, ODS stands for Operation Desert Storm and refers not to the variant that actually fought in Desert Storm but for the modifications recommended after use of the A1 and A2 during Operation Desert Storm. Clear?

There were a series of modifications done to A2s in production. These are the "true" M2A2ODS. M2A2s that were already in the field received a series of modification work orders (MWOs) to bring the A2 up to ODS standards. These work orders ranged from simple parts kits that were installed by unit maintenance personnel as well as major modifications installed by contractors or manufacturer reps.

Not all MWOs were applied to every vehicle. This could be attributed to a vehicle being deployed when the contractor team arrived to conduct the work or other various reasons for its non-availability.

Not all MWOs were applied at the same time or in the same order. This again would be dependent upon training schedules, availability of MWO kits, etc.

The team installing the particular MWO may not have had enough parts to do all vehicles at a particular installation and by the time they returned a year later, those unmodified vehicles may have been transferred to the National Guard because of a previously scheduled fielding of the M2A3. The new owners may not be worked into the upgrade schedule.

Many reasons and moving pieces to ensure all vehicles get the upgrades. I've had several ODS MWOs applied to my M2A2, but since it is a training vehicle, it's fairly low on the priority list. There's not even any real reason to change the seating since the vehicle is mainly used to repair the engine, transmission and suspension components. That vehicle would go through rebuild before it ever got issued to a line unit.

I have not seen the new Tamiya M2A2ODS so I will not comment on it. I will say that their old M2A2 was basically their original M3 kit with upgraded side armor and some turret parts.

Rob;

If I'm tnterpreting what you say correctly- an M2A2, or M2A2ODS with the old seating arrangement would be a legitimate vehicle?

I'm looking to build something about 1998-2000 vintage for the T2K Campaign...likely a National Guard unit.

TIA

Correct. The seating change is one of the MWOs that would be applied only when the vehicle went back for rebuild.

Well time for my 2 cents worth here , i have the old m2a2 kit on the table now . about 50 to 75 % done and from looking at the link below and comparing it to mine , tamiya corrected the sight housing , the exaust muffler and removed the old wading equipment . there might be a few more things that i missed . (p.s. looks like they threw in a gi gear set also)
http://www.hlj.com/images/tam/tam35264.jpg

Heres a link to the Tamiya America page, that has info on the model and close up pictures.

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/plastic/135militaryminiatureseries/35264.html

Tamiya seems to be listening to us...

The first photo Tamiya released showed what looked like the old M2A2 kit with the new accessory set included.

Later, they released pics with the reworking mentioned above AND the new, correct tracks.

So this SHOULD be a good kit to pick up, but as noone has one on hand yet to either praise or destroy, only time will tell. I have two on order in Japan right now.

Just got news from HLJ that my Bradley is being shipped, can't wait for it to arrive, along with a M113A2 "Desert Wagon"

hehe seems all have made the same order at HLJ
me too have order the m113 and bradley ods and the US marine corps Academy figures