I have been toying with the idea of converting an M198 into an M777A1 Lightweight Howitzer for a while. I recently had a customer ask me to do one. Here is the result. It isn't an exact copy, but captures the essence of it; I think so anyways.

The actual M777A1 Lightweight Howitzer.


My rendition of it. The gray parts are modified Trumpeter M198 parts, while the white and other colors are scratch or from other kits.







Now that I scratched it up, Trumpeter or somebody else can make a kit of it...You're welcome.

Let me know what you think.

It's an impressive build. I admire the scratchbuilding.

Definitely looks the part, Gino. Came out great, I'd be happy with it. Strong work as always!

HeavyArty

Great job. BZ

Regards,

Thanks guys. I am happy how it turned out.

Looks really good, Gino! The modifications worked !

Thanks Pete.

Great job Gino, can't wait to see it under paint. And I agree, no sooner you bust your butt scratch building something or getting your butt kicked by some complicated resin conversion, somebody releases the exact thing you just built

Great way to motivate the major manufacturers. I looked at scratch building one of these, but the measurements were very tight lipped. It certainly looks the part and(since we don't have the measurements) should hold up in competition.

No its not an exact copy Gino but i am pretty sure no one of guys cares .. its very cool mate ..very nice work and yes you caught the essence of it beautifully ,,nice man ..now i want one too
Paint it dude .paint it ..this i seriously want to see .

Phill

First class, Gino !!... Great job !..

Trumpy, Hobbyboss ?....are you listening ?....



Gé

James - Yup, I hope it will be kitted soon. Piant will be on it soon too. Thanks for the encouragement.

Matt - Thanks. I couldn't get measurements either. It is all Mk1 eyeball. No competition for this one, it will be going to a young 1LT who just became an M777 Platoon Leader for Christmas.

Phill - Paint will be on it soon. Glad you like it.

Ge' - Thanks. I am hoping Trumpeter will do one.

Gave Trumpeter good referenced including drawings a while ago. They only have to DO it!!!!

Gino, your typical great work! Looking forward to seeing it painted!

Hans - I hope they do. Come on Trumpeter.

Thomas - Thanks for looking in on it. Hope to get it painted today. Keep checking back.

Gino:
Nice job capturing the essence of the 777 without measurements! Your Lt. Is gonna be a happy camper when he sees what Santa left under the tree. Now get the beastie painted before Trumpy announces the release!

Marc

Someone earlier said "First class".

I agree!




Jeff

Marc - Thanks for looking in and the compliments. I'm sure the good 1LT will be pleased.

Jeff - Thanks.

I just put paint on it last night. I hope to have some completed pics over the weekend.

Nice modifications, Gino! These howitzers are pretty impresssive, especially when firing almost in a vertical, mortar like, position.

Youtube video

Looking forward to see it finished.



Jelger

Gino,

Thanks for taking the hit for the rest of us...with your fantastic scratch-build/kitbash now done, the rest of us can sit back and wait for the major manufacturer's kit to hit the shelves. I tip my hat to you, sir.

C'mon Trumpeter, get the plastic into the molds already!

Jelger - Thanks for checking in. Glad you like it.

John - Hopefully any day now Trumpeter will announce an M777...I can always wish anyways.

Mike triple 7 wishes here as well!

Hi Gino -

Very nice work! That is one clean bit of re-working!
Looking forward to seeing it painted
Cheers
Nick

Thanks amoz02t and Stickframe. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will see a kit soon.

Gino--- Amazing! Is it any wonder that they assigned you to the Pentagon....
DJ