I started this build in 2006 sometime, and last worked on it in 2007. Since then, I've deployed 2 more times, and now I'm finally at a point I have enough time to continue it.

Here is the initial thread

At the time, I really didn't have a direction for it, so I was kind of just following my imagination. Pretty much everything had to be scratchbuilt, since at the time, no one offered most of the pieces I needed. The market is much changed now

During my 3rd tour, I was operating as a Combat Advisor working with the Iraqi Army, and I had been signed over 2 M1114s to use to blend in with them outside the wire. I decided to build it up like the truck I personally operated out of. We tried to keep these as discreet as possible, but inside was a different story. We had multiple radios, and all sorts of self recovery and survival gear. Just some quick pics-





So, I picked up some more etched parts to use, since they were available now. I have the Voyager M1114 kit, and a BFT kit marked from ET Model, but I'm pretty sure it's from Voyager (I can't remember now, since I ordered it months ago).

The Voyager etched Frag 5 doors are nice. My scratchbuilt pieces were scaled off the real thing, and the etched pieces are pretty much spot on-


All it took was a reshape of the door opening to use the Voyager doors as opposed to the MIG doors-


The BFT shelf went together nicely. For any of you that plan on referencing these pics, keep in mind, this IS NOT a standard radio setup by any means, and you will probably never see it again. We needed this for the amount of channels and ranges we were operating on. I used the VAA (electrical base) from the M1114 kit instead of the BFT kit-




Like I said, now I have ample time to work on this. The next biggest project will be the IBISTek fuel can rack. It's good to be back in the game! More to come!

Glad you're back safe & sound....

Those ref phots above are great, thanks. Any more you can share?

The build looks excellent and detailed so far. Will follow with interest.

Cheers
Sean

I've got tons of pics. Anything you're looking for specifically?

I've been busy with real life (and other model projects), but did manage to get some stuff done. Here's a small update-

All the doors are finished. I ended up drilling out all the bolts holes and using rod to simulate bolt heads. The front right door needed to be cut apart and re-assembled to fix some serious warpage. I may need to end up leaving it in the open position to keep it from being noticeable. No pics of that.



I got the fuel can rack finished for the most part, but need to pick up some more plastic stock for the frame. I used some old Verlinden cans, added two more handles and modified the cap to bring them up to date.



I also got a good start on the turret and cupola.

Looks good so far James...Good luck...