Yup, Brads are always cramped for space, and they can get really messy.

Great pic! Maybe more room than the old '113's?
Dan

Not really. The crew area in the rear actually has less room. Only 6 guys fit back there and they are tight. Including the 3-man crew, it only holds a total of 9.

Here is how tight they can be when full combat gear is worn.

Its good to be a Tanker!

This one is fun to follow. Great attention to detail on the interior. Stay warm!

I've never seen a backdated build of the Meng Bradley's before. Usually backdated vehicles don't interest me much. However, I like this backdated build of the Bradley, which as far as I've seen is unique.

Chris - Thanks. Like I said, I love adding the small details that really bring them to life.

Hyder - Thanks. I haven't seen a backdate of one of these yet either. I figure now that I am doing it though, Meng will come out with an M2A2 ODS version now.

You know you're pretty much guaranteeing us a backdated Meng kit version don't you?

Yup, you're welcome.

I have just about completed construction. Just a few more minor things to add. Here is how it looks overall.




The side stowage baskets are resin items given to me a few years ago by a fellow modeler. They build up well and add dimension to the racks that the Eduard metal ones lacked, in my opinion.

On the turret, I backdated the Gunner's Primary Sight (GPS) box to the smaller older version. I used a cast of the Tamiya M2A2 ODS kit GPS and added doors and detail parts from the Tamiya M2A2 ODS as well as a few detail parts from the Meng kit, and some scratch parts.




I also rebuilt the right side armor next to the TC back to the older "T" style armor plate at the bottom.



Lastly, I used older style ammo can boxes from the Legend M2A3 set.


I installed Academy side skirts since they do not have the ERA mounting bars. I had to reshape the front left corner since it was too tall. In the process, I also cut the wrong angle and had to attach a filler piece to restore the correct shape.


Lastly, I had to restore the tray that held the swim barrier across the top of the rear ramp. I used sheet styrene, angle styrene, and Archer rivets on it.


That's it for now. As usual, all comments are welcomed.

Gino, what unit will this be? Any particular vehicle? Looks great. Maybe after you do this someone will come out with a proper ODS A2.

Thank Bob. This one will be from C/3-15 IN. I am using the pics of the column of C/3-15 IN Brads going under the highway signs on the Thunder Run 2 as my primary reference.



As always, I'm sure Meng or someone else will come out with an accurate and awesome M2A2 ODS right after I finish this one. You're welcome.

Great job, Gino
Dan

Thanks Dan. Hope to have it painted soon.

That particular track was Lt Nye's. Bumper R65. There was a triangle on the TOW box. Let me know if you want to know more about that track. All of them had that triangle if you are not meaning to do this track in particular. The duffel bags had blue tape on them.

Bob, I haven't decided on a particular track yet. Send me via email whatever other pics and info you have on them. I can only see the right side of the turret and rear in the pics I have. Anything else will be most helpful.

Hiya
Think the Bradley with 51 on the side and the burnt one at the airport were both B-fst artillery tracks
Mark

You are right. The A Co, 1-64 AR M7A2 BFIST (Bn ID # 51) is what I built for the 3 ID museum build. This will be an M2A2 ODS from C Co, 3-15 IN (Bn ID # 43 on the sides).



I still haven't been able to get it painted, damn snow and cold weather. I did add a couple things: an FBCB2 antenna on top of the gunner's primary sight box, and a small spot light in front of the TC's hatch. I Hope to get it painted soon.

I haven't posted in a while, but I have been working on the Bradley, slowly. The snowy, cold, crappy weather had slowed me down since I was about ready for paint. I did get it painted with Testors Model Master Sand (FS 33531). I have also applied home-made decals to it. I decided to mark it as R65 (C Co, 3-15 In, XO's Brad) as seen in the above pic going under the highway sign. C Co vehicles were remarked with R bumper numbers since there already was a C Co in TF 1-64 (C/1-64 AR). This vehicle has a couple unique features such as the FBCB2 antenna on top of the GPS and a light added in front of the TC.

Here is another pic of it.


And my version so far.






Next up is the tracks and some gear. The actual Brad only had a 3-man crew and no dismounts, so there was not a whole lot of gear on it like most had. I think I will use a bit of artistic license and put a full compliment of gear for 9 guys on it (3-man crew and 6 dismounts). That should fill it up well.

Looking good. Coming along nicely. Kind of a shame to hide all you work under all the gear you're planning to add.

Seems like plenty of gear even with the three man crew. Nice job on the markings/decals.

that bradley is looking good.

Thanks guys. I like it so far. I still haven't decided on how much gear to add to it. I have completed 9 sets of rucksacks, duffel bags, sleeping bag stuff sacks, and various other items. I also folded 10 MRE boxes and 10 water bottle boxes. The tracks are done and I have a couple rolls of concertina as well for the front.

Here is all the gear I have prepared for it.

Looks awesome Gino! Very well done, well laid out, and explained build. You've inspired me to try one. I've never been crazy about the updated bloated looking BUSK Bradleys, but a backdated OIF M2A2 like this is up my alley

Thanks James. Glad I have inspired you. I'm looking forward to seeing your excellent example as well.