Here is my latest work. I have been working on an M7A2 B-FIST from A Co, 2-7 IN, 3ID during the invasion of Iraq. This vehicle is part of a larger project that a group of us has been working on for the 3 ID Museum. We are all donating models that depict vehicles from the first Thunder Run. A large diorama with these vehicles will be on display at the 3 ID museum.

This vehicle depics HQ 71, 1-9 FA attached to A Co, 2-7 IN as it looked after the first Thunder Run, which was the armored raid into Baghdad on 5 April, 2003.


During the fight, it took an RPG round to the left rear. This is the timeframe I will be depicting.


I have basically completed it to where it is ready for paint. I still need to add the RPG spall and hole to the left rear. I added anti slip using Rustoleum texture spray paint. I updated it with pieces from the Legend M2A3 set (cream-colored) and added a bunch of scratch pieces (white styrene). The stowage baskets are Eduard PE pieces, which are very nice.

Here it is so far:






Thanks for looking.

As always, all comments are welcomed.

Gino, Great work! One question is the targeting system where the tow's were, or was/is the glid and other equipment hand held by the SM in the rear.

She's looking really good Gino, love the anti-slip and the small bits added. I really need to get started on mine so I will contact you soon.

Happy Modeling,
Joe

I saw this over on ML earlier- I've got to say she's looking real nice un-painted right now, showing off all the added bits. The Eduard stowage baskets and the rustoleum are superb.

I'm just wondering Gino- will you be able to post some pictures of the scene you and the group you are working with are doing? It sounds like a fantastic project and I would love to see it all coming together.

Joey - Thanks. The TOW box now has electronics gear inside as part of the targeting system. The GVLLD is not used. The Bradley's Laser Range Finder in the Gunner's Primary Sight box is upgarded with one that can designate. Also, new software and computers are used in coordination with the on-board GPS to give a 10-digit grid to the target. It is really a nice system and very effective.


Joe - Thanks. I like how it is coming out as well. Let me know what help you need.

Karl - Thanks for looking in. I don't know when we will all be finished and I will not be there when the dio is all put together. I'm sure we will get some pics though. I'll make sure I post them when I do.

Gino, very nice. As always, the anti slip surface looks great. Will you be putting the MILES tape around the turret?

It is interesting that this BFIST left side rack is as long as the right side, but on other Bradleys it is shorter.

Bob

Nice work Gino, good to see more of the dio builds on here.



cheers

Bob - thanks for the compliments. I do plan on adding the MILES tape. I haven't gotten to it yet, but it will be there.

Richard - Thanks for checking in.

Hi Gino
isnt 51 the markings for A cpy 1-64 Arm...not 2-7 inf.
just checking ;-)
mark

Hi Mark. Yes, the 50 series was the Bn ID number for 1-64 AR, 51 being A Co's number. A Co, 2-7 IN was task-organized to 1-64 AR as one of their mechanized infantry companies. Likewise, A, 1-64 AR was task-organized to another unit (2-7 Inf I think). We (US Army) very rarely fight as pure battalions with all tank or all mech companies. Task-organized units wore the Bn ID number of the Bn they were task-organized to. Hope that clears it up.

Gino,

Really nice work! Quick question. She took an RPG round (it looks like to the stowage and rear quarter). Did it pen all the way, or was she still running?

John

That's some really nice work you've done, Gino. I like the look of that anti-slip.. looks precise.

Could you please give me the part number for those PR storage baskets? I've been looking for something like this for a project I have in mind. Do they come as such, or are they part of a complete set?

Looking forward to seeing pics of the diorama.

Hisham

Gino

Which kit is this, Tamiya or Academy
Cookie

John - Thanks for the compliment. As for the RPG, yes, the round penetrated the hull and sliced the lower hull fuel tank under the turret. I was told by one of the crewmen that the tank did rupture, but did not ignite, to their good fortune. I don't know if the vehicle was repaired or not after it was turned in at depot when 3 ID redeployed.





Hisham - Thank for looking in and I am glad you like it. The set is Eduard #36004 M2 Bradley Stowage Boxes.



It includes 2 long bins for the hull sides, 2 water can bins (not used on my vehicle), and a bunch of strap tie-down (also not used on my vehcile). They are pretty nice.




I started with the Tamiya kit since it has most of the features that the actual vehicle had. Tamiya's represents an older M2A2 that has been rebuilt to M7A2 ODS level.

Hi Gino

when Bfsts are attached to a unit they took on their unit number hence 51 as that is A cpy 1-64 arm number.

C cpy 3-15 inf was the attached unit to 1-64 arm with 2ptn going to A cpy 1-64 arm. their unit number was 43>

2-7 inf was 1st brigade. they relieved 3-15 inf at obj curley.

sure thats right...
mark

I'm not sure why or the reasoning, but this was an A, 2-7 IN B-FIST that was with 1-64 AR on the first Thunder Run. I have been told this by a couple of the crew members. Just the way it was.

hi Gino
ahh right, just wandering as it carrys all the markings of 2 bde 1-9 FA. must have aquired it due to operational needs (broke down ;-))
so vehicle came from 2-7 inf but was the crew 1-9FA
mark

Yes, the crew and vehicle are owned by 1-9 FA. B-FISTS are Bradley Fires Integration Support Team (FIST) vehicles that are assigned to an FA Bn and the crew are all artillery forward observers, MOS 13F. The vehicle and crew task-organize to support an infantry or armor company when they train and go to combat. They are the company commanders artillery advisors. They plan and execute fires for the infantry company.

Hay I thought you finished that thing long ago or is this one a new project? Any way I know with your skill it's going to come our awesome man!!!

Very clean build, I especially like how well refined the scratch built details are.

Thanks Calvin and Captain C. This is a new one for the 3 ID Museum. I have done both an M7A2 B-Fist and a 3 ID OIF M2A2 before, but not this one.