I'm dusting off my Italeri M190a6 Kit and I have A Question concerning the semi crescent shaped plate right in front of the turret ring. Was it present on all M109a6's?

I have seen in a build log here on armorama that the builder removed it (https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/195578&page=1 ), but did not site any sources.

I've checked out the photos on prime portal and my copy of Osprey's M109 book, but I didn't see any clear picture of this area.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Doug.

It is the remnants of the flotation gear and it is not present and pretty much any M109 after the M109A1.

If you want accuracy you should remove it.

^^Seconded^^

It is not present on any M109A6 Paladin.

Thanks guys. It looks like I have my work cut out for me. I want to get this one done before I start the Kinetic a2.

Serendipity strikes again.
Read this current thread:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/195578&page=1

Be sure to follow the links. The one to my own build thread shows some good photos of the area in qquestion.
Before you attempt to grind off the cover, back fill it with CA. When you grind off the cover it leaves a paper this film of plastic which can melt if it gets too hot. Filling it with CA gives you more "meat" in the top of the hull.

Thanks Robert. I have been watching that thread, but I guess I didn't pay close enough attention as it answered the question I had. I'm just hoping my very limited scratch-building are up to it.

I've filled the underside, and now comes the waiting game. I just ordered the PE set.

Here's another photo showing the area with the bolt heads plus the plate welded on that Rob mentions (from an M109A4).



Jim

Jim- Thats a great picture of the welded plate, and very difficult area to see! I missed the squared off vent , oops!

The Paladin doesn't need too much in the way of scratchbuilding..the PE set covers most of the problem areas! The little loops around the turret were time consuming..but follow 18Bravo's links, and you'll be fine!

Heliman

I hope so. Does anyone know if there is another make of replacement barrel besides the one from Barrel Depot? Or do you think I should go with the kit part?

Jim, I am pretty sure that is actually a M109A3 sitting up at CFB Edmonton. It still had the flotation gear removed so those features are the same. Looking at the CFR- 68-34813 it was one of the original M109s that were purchased and then upgraded to the M109A1 and then to a M109A3.

Yes, Jason, it is from the Edmonton one on Base. I wasn't sure if it was A3 or A4, so I flipped a coin See you Saturday?

Jim