Hi Gang,
like the title says, can I build an AUF-1 from Mount Igman by using Meng AUF-1 turret and Meng AMX-30 B2 hull?
Hans-Hermann

If you mean whether turret from AUF-1 kit fits the hull from AMX-30B2 kit,the answer is yes. I´m buildind a vehicle used in UNIFIL operation in Lebanon. For that version also tracks coming with Meng kit are wrong type. I bought Friul set ATL-144 to cure that.

I actually wonder if the hull of the original AMX-30 B2 has the neccesary modifications of a "late" AUF-1. Or to say it more precise, what are the differences between the Meng kit ("Early"???) and the guns used on Mount Igman in 1995/96.

The Mount Igman Au-F1s were Au-F1 T, which are basically what the Meng kit gives you. The AMX-30B2 hulled Au-F1 TA you are describing did not serve in the Balkans, entered service in 2004 and 104 of them were converted from redundant Au-F1 turrets and rebuilt AMX-30B2 hulls, mostly converted from the AMX-30B2 batches built new in the 1982-1986 period. This much can be deduced from the hull serial numbers on the Au-F1 TAs. What is not completely obvious is if the turrets used on the Au-F1 TA were from the Au-F1 batches delivered early in the production run (1980 to 1989 builds) or if they were converted from the Au-F1 T or Au-F1 TM types that remained in service as the most modern types available after the cold war ended. Funny enough the original Au-F1 (sometimes called the Au-F1 H, but only after the Au-F1 T entered service around 1988)was still in service with the 68e RAA until 2006.
If you are going to build an Au-F1 TA, use the Hobby Boss turret and the AMX-30B2 hull from Meng, but you will need to change some minor details. Au-F1 TA is the only type to mount twin antenna on the turret roof.
There is an explanation in my AMX-30 Family book from Kagero available now. Merry Xmas!

MP Robinson

Don't forget that the Au-F1 TA had a turret riser ring due to the raised engine deck.
If my memory serves it should be 12cm high.

Thanks guys, I`ll do my ALENCON gun OOTB.
H.-H.
P.S. Of course with adding the DIEHL type tracks.

So this very detailed review of Meng kit will be useless to you (and it's in French, to make things more complicated ) :

http://france135.positifforum.com/t1055-amx-30-auf1-french-self-propelled-gun-meng-1-35-ref-ts-004-plastique-injecte-et-photodecoupe-revue-en-4-partie-1ere-partie

but it includes accurate camo schemes templates....

H.P.

Salut H.-P.
I know this already, but I decided to ignore it since I want an easy OOTB build.
Merci bien
H.-H.

Olivier is quite right right about the turret riser used on the Au-F1 TA, but I think that this is included in the Au-F1 kit from Hobby Boss, along with the correct tracks for a 1995 Au-F1 T of the sort used in the Balkans or at any time after about 1994. I should have mentioned that in my last post.
In the Hobby Boss kit the purpose of the turret ring riser was for the T-72 GCT kit... but it would work fine for cross kitting to make an Au-F1 TA.
As for the Au-F1 article on France 1:35, IT IS THE BEST RESEARCHED AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT EVER DONE ON THE AU-F1 in any language and is a wealth of information that should not be ignored. The guy knows his stuff.

Merry Xmas to all!

MP Robinson

One more question: Are there any recommended colors for the French three-tone camo?

Can't help with this question, but maybe this article can ?

http://militaryphotoreport.blogspot.fr/2013/10/nato-colors-and-study-paintings-on.html

H.P.

Hi H.H.!

Some time ago I built Meng's AMX30 and painted the beast using a mix of Humbrol and automotive paints (RLM79 and NATO Black).

You can see the result here

Right now I don't remember the correct green that I used but I'll find the jar at my workbench.

Cheers!

Marco

And one more question:
I just got HobbyBoss DIEHL type tracks for my AuF1. Can anybody (Frenchy) find me some informations about the real tracks e.g. designation, manufacturer. I plan do to a review of the set here and I need some background informations.
TIA
Hans-Hermann

I just finished my attempt on this one. It can be seen in Scalemates.com if someone is interested...