I have just finished a commission build for the TC of HQ55, TF 1-64AR, 3 ID during the initial invasion of Iraq in March '03. I used the MR Modelbau M1064A3 conversion set with an Academy M113A2 hull, Tamiya M106A1 Mortar carrier, scratch stowage basket, and a lot of smaller changes and updates. It is based on pics of his actual vehicle.

Looks really nice Gino. I am sure the vet will be very proud to show this off to everybody.

I plan on building this version too for OIF. Did you have difficulties with the conversion? Fit, accuracy, etc?

Would the interior have a chance to be green in any of these vehicles?

A couple of minor points. The tanks had 'QTA' numbers. Bradleys had 'QTB' numbers, and M113 based vehicles had 'QTC' numbers. You may want to add the M113A3 based CIP to the front of the vehicle. It is a very easy add.

Gino,
Nice job... I have one of these in the works also. I am planning on doing one from TF 3-15, as I got several pictures of the 3-15 Mortar Platoon firing at OBJ Curley from CSM(R) Gallagher.

It sounds like our recipes are similar, if not the same. I used the Academy A2 hull, narrowed Academy roadwheels, Fruli tracks, and the MR conversion. Instead of using their resin fuel cells, I scratched mine using the MR ones as a template. The interior is complete but I am waiting on a certain modeler with CAD skills, that we know, to finish the drawing of the roof so I can get one laser cut and I will add the details vice using the one from the M106 kit. clean one laser cut.

One Q for you, do you have references that show the POMCUS/TF 1-64's mortars having a sand vice a Army green interior?? If so, can you share it as I might have to do a repaint.

Again, nice build

John

Thanks Bob. Actually, the TC specified they didn't have the front CIP nor the velcro attachment tape for it. As to the QTA vs QTC, oh well, good reference for future builds.

Hi John. Sounds like you are off to a good start too. No, I don't have any references that show the interior color. The TC saw one I had done before and said to make it the same, with the gear and extras from pics he had. The one he saw had a sand interior though, so I went with it.

So few pics of these vehicles in OIF exist... so it would be reasonable to depict a green interior instead of a sand one? Just considering it for the sake of contrast and interest - if it would be realistic.

John,
All of the ones I saw from 3 ACR in Iraq were like this:





So green (Actually 3 tone) would not seem too out of the ordinary.

Nice mortar track.

Never seen the rear hatches painted camo on the inside like 18Bravo's example.

Another variation with at least the hatches painted sand on the inside and what looks like a Mk19 mounted.
http://www.defense.gov/photos/newsphoto.aspx?newsphotoid=5667

I was actually considering the NATO-flage for inside for at least one hatch. Bob, I am planning on leaving my interior green, just wanted to see if Gino had a pic with a sand colored interior, mainly to increase my knowledge as you never know IRT US Army vehicles...

JC

Bob, any idea what the QT_ code was on M109A6s and M992s? I have some pics, but none show them clearly. My next project is an AFV Club Paladin to go with my M992 I did a couple years ago from 1-9 FA, 3 ID during the invasion.

For anyone who is collecting data for a future build, I have found out the M109-based vehicle draw code was QTH.

I happened to find this in my Photobucket library while looking for my Afghan photos. It looks like "QCA."

Interesting, on this pic, it looks like QTH.



I wonder if it changes or there were different ones for different draw grids. I think we (3 ID) drew from both APS 3 (Afloat) and APS 5 (SW Asia).

hi
hope these help. first one 3-15 inf mortar track. second one 2-7 inf mortar track. both from 3002 invasion

https://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/500/3-15_inf_HHC_cpy_mortars.jpg

https://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/500/2-7_inf_m1064_120_mm_mortar.jpg

Thanks for the pics Mark. They are great...




...they show POMCUS Draw M1064A3s with sand interiors.

3-15 INF MTR, 1 BDE, 3 ID from POMCUS Draw w/sand interior


2-7 INF MTR, 2 BDE, 3 ID from POMCUS Draw w/sand interior

Don't know why the pic doesn't show above. It should work now.

Nice build you have there Gino- I'm sure your client will be most pleased. There sure is plenty of stowage on it and the open roof on the mortar versions always lets you get a good view of the interior- nicely finished here. Weathering is nice too, subtle and in keeping with the references. Great work.

Thanks Karl. The buyer loved it.