This is the AFV club M-88A1 OOB . The M1A1is a tamiya , the shelter is the italeri kit , both oob . What I'm trying to depict in this dio is a M1A1 getting a mine-plow instaled by a M-88 . This scene is based on my tank when I was there in 1999. We were assigned to be the plow tank , so we had to leave the "dust bowl " and go to a seprate motor pool to get the plow put on . I tried to adjust the suspension on the 88 to show the weight of the plow , i didn't quite get it right but i have a back up idea for that . This is a rough draft for the dio , so it is far from being finished . Any in put is allways welcome

pic # 1 this is how i adjusted the suspension of the M-88 i drilled out the inside of the hull to allow the arm to swing free

pic # 2 i used foam to lift the rear of the hull to get the arms to set in the right position

th m-88 with plow

M1A1and plow

I want to give the m-88 that worn and used look so i left off much of the equipment that is normaly attached to it such as track blocks road weels ect. and replaced them with verlindin bolt heads

over view of the dio .

Lookin' good, Carl! Now you need a Humvee and the DML tank crew. hehehe Can't wait to see it when it's finished.

Rob

Toadster:

What a great scene for your dio----as Dave would say "Really neat and cool".

The third pic showing the M88 with the plow is really sweet.

I believe many will agree that you and Brother Abrams are invaluable resources regarding the Abram's and its associated equipment. I appreciate your modeling efforts here, and for the opportunity to learn from you also, because "you ride and command the real deal" my friend.

Keep us posted---this one has the possibility of being a show stopper.

Steve

Awesome !

What is that shelter/container in your last picture ?

This is going to be a super dio. I will be following you on this one.

Jan I have a bunch of these shelters. Want one?

What could i say verry good build and layout

Toadster,
that's gonna be a heck of a dio #:-) , make sure to have enough staff around. Can't wait to see more of it
Andreas

TT
What kind of ground cover? Will it be a concreted pad area,or packed ground?
Is this a view of the 88 moving towards the M-1? If it is only holding the plow,and the M-1 is moving,you could have the spade "down",you remember how that looks.

Lookin' sweet Carlton! Those bolt heads make the 88 look used. I think the suspension is set just right. Those plows aren't that heavy are they?

Can't wait to see the final product!

Howdy TT,

As we have all come to expect........superb work my friend!!

Ya know....first I had to deal with your excellent kit-building skills, then I had to learn to accept your genrousity in the form of a well needed 'freebie'.......now I have to swallow my jealousy of your sheer SPEED in building these things!!!!!!!

.......................................................yer killin' me...........

Good on ya Toad!!

Tread. #:-) #:-)

Toadman,

Most impressive, dude. This is so nice, that I have the itch to do another M1A1, though I am not well versed in Modern Armor, I might ask you for which end to put the plow/shovel thingy. Good on Ya, Toadman. It's so neat.

Thanks to everyone on the comments , this has been on my "to do list " for a long time . I only took a few pics of the real m-88 when we were there in 99 , so a lot of this dio is from memory (and a short one at that #:-) ) There was a conex container for a tool shed so the shelter will do for now , might go back and scratch the right doors for it . I think the M-88 was permanetly assigned to the motor pool , it was in well used condition . The motor pool was ran by civillians , most of wich were retired millitary personel . Trying to scratch build the two guys that put the plow on will be a lot of fun ! The ground work will be a concrete pad , i just used the blue sheet for test pics . I still have a lot of storage to put on the tank so it looks like a up-hill fight from here on . Oh well - misery loves company !
TOAD - 13 OUT

Yeah, right!

Check it out Lord WWH, See! Correct Lens Color!!!!

Sweet paint job on the M-1.
I really like the action conveyed in this scene, while it's subtle, it's pretty cool.