ok, as promised. The FSM article was in December 1999, pages 26 and 27. Mike Siggins built it based on drawings from the manufacturer at the time. It was described by him as a Combat Engineer Vehicle. Assuming it is based on correct prototype info, it weighs 70tons. combat loaded. It has a massive mine plow at the front and a Power arm with bucket.

I am looking for info onthe M1 series bridgelayer right now.

Here's one that' been sitting on the back burner for a few years;

The M1 AVLB is out there, we had several at FLB Dogwood when TF Scorpion was there (June-September 03), when I first saw one I did a double take, ...they do exist...

well, I went to one of the reliable sources and found this:

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/wolverine.htm

And its rated capacity is 70 ton loads.

anybody know if there are more than just the six proposed prototypes?

Jacques:
If you go back and look @ my post of the Grizzly AEV, you'll see that it is not like the ARV article that was printed in FSM. Even the front blade is different. And the crane(opposite side)
My post about the AVLB is that the current bridge is a 60T rated bridge unable to handle the M1, but the New Wolverine M1 AVLB is a 70T bridge, so it can take the M1's now in service.
The Grizzly AEV is to field a vehicle capable of breeching obstacles, that can hang with an Armor Brigade on the move. Which the M728 and M48/60 AVLB is uncapable of diong. (they are TOO SLOW) and you cant cross the bridge with an M1.
There are M1 AVLB's and M1 CEV currently in FSD phase of testing, which have been put on HOLD as posted before by MATT

Hey Rotor, I think things are being a bit cross-wired between us:

1. The XM104 Wolverine has prototypes being evaluated and has a 70Ton rated bridge. This is what I have been speaking of all along. And actually, the M60AVLB has a 70ton rated bridge on it for the 15Meter gap and 60Ton rating for a 18Meter gap. I have a friend of the family who is a current crewman in Iraq on them. As has been stated, the M60AVLB is slated to be replaced because of the way the bridge is deployed, the bridge is limited in use, and for lack of speed to keep up with the manuever element. Here is the link for the M60AVLB and the info: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m60a1-avlb.htm

2. The Grizzly is a Combat Engineer Vehicle. The article IN FSM is the same, but based on the first prototype, as the vehciles being fielded now, including having the Power loader arm on the correct side (Right or passenger side). I think you are confusing this article with the older Military Modeling article on the M1 ARV which had the Crane arm mounted on the Left (drivers side) of the vehicle and had a stabilization plow on the front, not a breach plow. Here is a link to the Grizzley, which is what is featured in the FSM article: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/grizzly.htm

So I ain't lifting my leg...I think we are trying to say the same thing. I need a break!