Here they are:
And the suspension is not workable, confirmed.
Hosted by Darren Baker
Orochi's new M3A3 is actually ... an A2 ?
reichelite
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 5 posts
Armorama: 5 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 01:25 AM UTC
I just saw photos taken from the 53rd Shizouka Model Exhibition which presented the new M3A3 from Orochi, and realized it may not be the A3 variant, because the rear TOW loader hatch is more like A2 type.
Here they are:
And the suspension is not workable, confirmed.
Here they are:
And the suspension is not workable, confirmed.
Tankrider
Joined: October 07, 2002
KitMaker: 1,280 posts
Armorama: 1,208 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 01:33 AM UTC
I would call the a M3A2 because of the rear hatch but more by the addition of the Laser Range Finder mounted behind the BC's hatch. I would surmise that Orichi used an early M3A3 as their reference, hence the older crew hatch.
My $0.02
John
My $0.02
John
18Bravo
Joined: January 20, 2005
KitMaker: 7,219 posts
Armorama: 6,097 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 03:20 AM UTC
John,
I'm not sure that there was an"early" A3 variant.
It is true the early M3's had the same rear hatch as the M2's, but I think that they were all upgraded by the time the M3A2 came out. I for one have only seen the M3A3 with the newer hatch. It looks as if I'll have do an M3A3 from the Meng kit (Damn!) as I did from the Academy kit a few years go.
Interesting how the nameplate says M3A2, and someone has written over in pink with M3A3.
I'm not sure that there was an"early" A3 variant.
It is true the early M3's had the same rear hatch as the M2's, but I think that they were all upgraded by the time the M3A2 came out. I for one have only seen the M3A3 with the newer hatch. It looks as if I'll have do an M3A3 from the Meng kit (Damn!) as I did from the Academy kit a few years go.
Interesting how the nameplate says M3A2, and someone has written over in pink with M3A3.
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 06:39 AM UTC
With the CITV on the right rear of the turret and without the redesigned TOW loading hatch (rounded hatch with integrated periscopes), it is simply an M2A3 IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle), just like the Meng kit. The TOW hatch and different interior layout are what would make it an M3A3 CFV (Cavalry Fighting Vehicle).
bison126
Joined: June 10, 2004
KitMaker: 5,329 posts
Armorama: 5,204 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 07:33 AM UTC
I'm by far less a specialist than you all but I read M3A2 on the red label at the bottom of the display case.
So Orochi seem to know this is not a A3
Maybe they aren't aware this is a M2A3 though.
So Orochi seem to know this is not a A3
Maybe they aren't aware this is a M2A3 though.
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 08:26 AM UTC
But it is an A3, but it is not an M3. It's M2. M2A3 to be exact. Disappointment- there is no need for another M2, unless it is much cheaper than the Meng one
Tankrider
Joined: October 07, 2002
KitMaker: 1,280 posts
Armorama: 1,208 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 08:40 AM UTC
Quoted Text
John,
I'm not sure that there was an "early" A3 variant.
It is true the early M3's had the same rear hatch as the M2's, but I think that they were all upgraded by the time the M3A2 came out. I for one have only seen the M3A3 with the newer hatch. It looks as if I'll have do an M3A3 from the Meng kit (Damn!) as I did from the Academy kit a few years go.
Interesting how the nameplate says M3A2, and someone has written over in pink with M3A3.
Rob,
To clarify my first statement above: "I would call the a M3A2 because of the rear hatch but more by the addition of the Laser Range Finder mounted behind the BC's hatch." After reading what I posted, it should read like this: “I would not call the model a M3A2 because of the rear hatch as it has the integrated Commander’s Sight/Laser Ranger Finder unit”. I would agree with Gino that this model as depicted is a M2A3 because of the hatch and the integrated sight on the back of theturret.
Is the fault Orichi's?? Did their graphics guy mess up on the model's name plate, did Orichi mix up their references, like DML did on the M103A1 (I can talk that someplace else) or did the company take a shortcut on their molds and replicate the M2 series crew hatch? Again, I don't know and I am not trying to assign any blame, just opining...
I am not throwing stones at anyone or their efforts as Orichi is bringing out another new Brad… Can’t complain about that, right???
John
18Bravo
Joined: January 20, 2005
KitMaker: 7,219 posts
Armorama: 6,097 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 10:48 AM UTC
Yeah, I understood your comment, however when I reread mine I realized that while I understood what I meant, it might be confusing to others. At least we both know what we're saying. The one aadvantge to this kit, if you can call it that, is you canbuild the "standard" configuration without the A/C units straight from the box.
pascalbausset
Joined: February 05, 2002
KitMaker: 1,416 posts
Armorama: 1,379 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 01:29 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Yeah, I understood your comment, however when I reread mine I realized that while I understood what I meant, it might be confusing to others. At least we both know what we're saying. The one aadvantge to this kit, if you can call it that, is you canbuild the "standard" configuration without the A/C units straight from the box.
The front BRAT are from the "light" model, Meng's kit have the more heavy one (heignt from the tiles) The side BRAT arrangement (Bradley Armor Tiles) are from the most seen on OIF pictures type
18Bravo
Joined: January 20, 2005
KitMaker: 7,219 posts
Armorama: 6,097 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 03:11 PM UTC
Yeah, but I'm not even counting that. I already have the Legend and Blast sets. This kit does nothing for me... Not saying it's not worthwhile, but I'd rather just do another Meng kit.
reichelite
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 5 posts
Armorama: 5 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 11:08 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Interesting how the nameplate says M3A2, and someone has written over in pink with M3A3.
About those pink letters : the original poster of the photos said it was a "printing error", that it should be M3A3 not M3A2.
Vodnik
Joined: March 26, 2003
KitMaker: 4,342 posts
Armorama: 3,938 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 11:16 PM UTC
Quoted Text
it should be M3A3 not M3A2.
Unfortunately it is neither...
reichelite
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 5 posts
Armorama: 5 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2014 - 11:35 PM UTC
OK guys latest news: Orochi has made an official response claiming that the one presented on the show used "early test components" which will be replaced by correct ones in commercial products. CAD graphic included:
Official link ( written in Chinese though ):
http://www.orochihobby.com/Product/pro/pid/10.html
Official link ( written in Chinese though ):
http://www.orochihobby.com/Product/pro/pid/10.html
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Friday, May 16, 2014 - 03:24 AM UTC
The CAD shows an M3A3 with the proper TOW reload hatch. We'll see if the model comes out right or not. Any hint at an interior like originally suggested?
Tankrider
Joined: October 07, 2002
KitMaker: 1,280 posts
Armorama: 1,208 posts
Posted: Friday, May 16, 2014 - 10:38 AM UTC
Quoted Text
The CAD shows an M3A3 with the proper TOW reload hatch. We'll see if the model comes out right or not. Any hint at an interior like originally suggested?
Gino,
Ya know, the Orichi kit, a couple more antennas, and a scratchbuilt targeting box and you will have a M7 BFIST. I saw one today that started me thinking...
John
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Friday, May 16, 2014 - 12:45 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Gino,
Ya know, the Orichi kit, a couple more antennas, and a scratchbuilt targeting box and you will have a M7 BFIST. I saw one today that started me thinking...
John
Yup, I'm actually building an M7A2 BFIST using the Tamiya kit right now. It is for the 3 ID Museum project. I should have it done soon and I'll post some pics.
reichelite
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 5 posts
Armorama: 5 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 17, 2014 - 12:07 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Any hint at an interior like originally suggested?
As far as I know, the Orochi kit doesn't have interiors.
And why you guys keep calling it Orichi ? It's OrOchi actually.
JmeDubya
Joined: July 25, 2013
KitMaker: 124 posts
Armorama: 124 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 02:09 PM UTC
This is one of the brand new M2A3s drawn from the propositioned stocks for use on deployment to Grafenwoehr last week by the 2/5cav 1st CavDiv, it has the original (tamiya) tow loaders hatch at the rear. It's seems like both hatches have and continue to be used on all mods of the Brad...
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 02:13 PM UTC
Quoted Text
This is one of the brand new M2A3s drawn from the propositioned stocks for use on deployment to Grafenwoehr last week by the 2/5cav 1st CavDiv, it has the original (tamiya) low loaders hatch at the rear. It's pretty obvious both hatches have and continue to be used on all mods of the Brad...
Yes, M2A3s still have the original hatch.
The Orochi kit was billed as an M3A3, which has a different top hatch.
It seems as though many people are confused by the different Bradley versions and subtypes or marks that are in use. The major types are the M2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and the M3 Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (CFV). They have minor differences with the most notable being the top TOW loader's hatch.
M3 CFVs have the redesigned hatch with vision blocks on the top hatch. M3's also have a different interior layout which includes addition TOW missile racks and only two seats for a couple scouts in the rear.
The M2 IFV has the vision blocks on the rear deck, as in your pics.
The A3 is the latest subtype or mark of both M2s (M2A3) and M3s (M3A3) which includes interior upgrades and the most visible exterior upgrade of the CITV on the right rear of the turret.
M3A3 top hatch.
I hope that clears it up some.
JmeDubya
Joined: July 25, 2013
KitMaker: 124 posts
Armorama: 124 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 02:53 PM UTC
My bad...
I thought we were talking A2 mod vs A3.
I thought we were talking A2 mod vs A3.
WilliamDeCicco
#161
Joined: May 03, 2010
KitMaker: 392 posts
Armorama: 373 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 25, 2014 - 03:57 PM UTC
It sounds good if it has a interior. It would be the 2nd best kit next to meng.
aristeidis
Joined: September 15, 2012
KitMaker: 621 posts
Armorama: 592 posts
Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 - 11:37 PM UTC
On preorder at Hobbyeasy: http://www.hobbyeasy.com/en/data/rygljuvqbs53cir2gw96.html Release end of July and price 65USD 
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 02:00 AM UTC
At that price, without an interior, I don't think it is worth it. The only "improvement" it has over the excellent Meng kit is an M3 TOW reload hatch, maybe. The metal barrel and tracks are not needed in my opinion. I probably will not be getting one.
KenLawrence
Vendor
Joined: December 14, 2002
KitMaker: 123 posts
Armorama: 116 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 05:25 AM UTC
Quoted Text
At that price, without an interior, I don't think it is worth it. The only "improvement" it has over the excellent Meng kit is an M3 TOW reload hatch, maybe. The metal barrel and tracks are not needed in my opinion. I probably will not be getting one.
Greetings,
It is always a good idea to get all the facts about a kit before posting comments. $17 for metal tracks is very, very inexpensive. Most metal track sets bought separately retail for $38-50.
The M3A3 kit also includes the following items for free when compared to the price of the Meng M3A2 kit:
This kit includes moveable wheels, Orochi metal gun barrel, 1:35 figure of bomb disposal expert, resin parts, paint mask, PE set, clear parts and 2 types of markings.
It is a very good value for the money at $74.95.
Orochi is a subsidiary company of TAKOM. They along with TAKOM are an independent company not affiliated with Meng or any other company.
If you have a local hobby shop, we encourage you to place your pre-order for this kit with them. They will charge you sales tax, if applicable, but not freight.
With overseas sellers, please be sure to verify the freight charge with their country's Post Office just to make certain that they are not "packing" the freight charge to increase their profits.
If you do not have a local hobby shop, you can place your pre-order with us at:
www.pacmodels.com
We are the exclusive authorized distributor for this kit for the U.S. and Canada. Thank you and
Best Regards,
Ken & MaryEllen Lawrence
Pacific Coast Models, Inc. [email protected]
HeavyArty
Joined: May 16, 2002
KitMaker: 17,694 posts
Armorama: 13,742 posts
Posted: Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 05:46 AM UTC
Sorry to disagree with you Ken, but I still don't see the value and I feel a lot of what you list are unnecessary extras.
The metal tracks are unnecessary since the Bradley tracks are live tracks w/no sag and should be tight, and half of the run is covered. Also, live tracks are best represented by plastic in my opinion. Same on the metal barrel, unnecessary.
Oh boy, the wheels are movable. That is not a bonus. Neither are the PE parts as a model of this quality and price should have them. The same on the clear parts and marking options. The paint masks are cheap and shouldn't raise the price of the kit at all.
The resin bomb disposal figure doesn't go with a Bradley at all. Bomb Disposal units do not use Bradleys. It is a figure that is not needed either.
What other resin parts are in the kit? This has never been addressed.
I am not impressed. I would much more prefer an accurate M3A3 with interior, without the gimicky parts, for the price that is being asked. In my opinion, the best part of the Meng kit is the very detailed interior and that is why it is priced where it is at.
The metal tracks are unnecessary since the Bradley tracks are live tracks w/no sag and should be tight, and half of the run is covered. Also, live tracks are best represented by plastic in my opinion. Same on the metal barrel, unnecessary.
Quoted Text
moveable wheels, Orochi metal gun barrel, 1:35 figure of bomb disposal expert, resin parts, paint mask, PE set, clear parts and 2 types of markings.
Oh boy, the wheels are movable. That is not a bonus. Neither are the PE parts as a model of this quality and price should have them. The same on the clear parts and marking options. The paint masks are cheap and shouldn't raise the price of the kit at all.
The resin bomb disposal figure doesn't go with a Bradley at all. Bomb Disposal units do not use Bradleys. It is a figure that is not needed either.
What other resin parts are in the kit? This has never been addressed.
I am not impressed. I would much more prefer an accurate M3A3 with interior, without the gimicky parts, for the price that is being asked. In my opinion, the best part of the Meng kit is the very detailed interior and that is why it is priced where it is at.
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