Next project on the bench is Meng's M2A3, which is something completely outside my comfort zone. I normally build Axis armour and the occasional Allied piece and I decided to have a go at something modern to put my skill to the test.

So far, I have assembled most parts of the running gear and everything seems to go on like a charm.








I will be needing all the assistance and guidance from modern armour modellers, so please do stop by and provide your input and feedback.

Thanks

Christos

Looks like you are off to a great start. I too have been working on the Meng kit, backdating it to an M2A2 ODS, 3ID during the initial invasion of Iraq. You can check it out here. I am almost finished with it. I just added all the gear and started weathering it last night. I hope to have an update soon. The kit is great and goes together really well. I found the working suspension a pain to keep all level and ended up gluing it solid as I didn't need it to articulate. That may be something you want to do. Keep up the great work on it.

Hi Gino,

I was kind of hoping you would show up and if you wouldn't, I would have gotten in touch!

Thank you for the thumbs up, much appreciated. And thank for sharing your blog, defo one to watch closely!

Cheers

Christos

Running gear is now fully assembled and mounted and I might follow Gino's advice and fix it in place, it seems just too unstable.


I have also started working on the interior and while I was anxious about fit and all, soon I realised this kit is engineered to near perfection. Everything goes on so easy, I just can't believe it!


So far, so good. I am loving this bad boy!

Added I few bits and bobs to the interior, assembled the main engine block and dry-fitted it to check the fit.









I'm loving this kit, so far it goes on like a charm!

That's all for now, all comments are welcome

Christos

Its coming along nicely. Keep up the good work.

Thank you very much for the thumbs up, Gino! I'm loving this build and it's really fool-proof; if I can build it, anyone can!

On a different note, what's your opinion of Vallejo's Iraqi Sand as a base colour? I ordered it along with the Vallejo Desert Yellow to allow me to play with various tones on the ERA blocks

Sorry, I can't give an opinion on the Vallejo Iraqi Sand as I have never used it. A little variety in color is good though.

ΟΚ, thanks.

I'll run some tests before I apply the base coat

More progress on the M2A3 today. Engine, air intake, transmission and driver's compartment have been completed.





On a different note, I started my personal page on FB, where I have uploaded all of my builds so far. Some are bad, others are better. By doing so, I believe I can demonstrate my development and improvement. So, if you wish to follow or simply check out it, then click here

Thank you

Looking good so far Chris.

Have you fixed the suspension into place? In case you have not, take in mind that the vehicle might sit a little high on the suspension due to lack of weight.

Thank you very much for the good word Niko!

I did fix the suspension in place, but pushed it a bit down to try and simulate some pressure from the vehicle's weight - hope I got it right!

:)

The interior is coming along nicely. You may want to add the height adjustment lever coming off the driver's seat mount. Tamiya had it in their interior, but Meng missed it. You can see it on mine in the below pic (silver rod w/black tip).

Hi Gino,

Thank you very much for the good word and the heads up regarding the lever; I know nothing about modern armour and even less about their interior, so it is easy to miss out on many things!

Another thing, how about the armour on the side skirts? I read that it is spaced and Meng missed it, what's your thought on this one?

Cheers,

Christos

The lower portion of the side skirts do have two layers of spaced armor, but they are pretty close together and not really noticeable as separate pieces in 1/35. It is not a big deal to me and I would leave them as is.

You can see the spaced armor lower plates on this M6A2 Linebacker.

Once again, I'm indebted!

The tyres' wear is very interesting, I wouldn't think they'd let them get so worn out. I might try to replicate this, I didn't glue the "tyres" to the hubs and I can easily remove them!

p.s. M6? looks like an M2 to me!

M6 Linebacker. It has anti aircraft Stinger missile launcher in place or TOW launcher

Hi Pawel,

As soon as you mentioned the Stingers, I noticed the launcher is very different to the one on the M2s

Thanks,

Christos

The interior has been painted and I now need to add the decals and paint the smaller details before I can move on to other assemblies.





I also added the missing height adjustment lever (Thanks Gino)


That's all for now, thanks for watching

Christos

Having received some feedback, I decided to re-work the interior (and my photo settings) and revisited the paint job. I think I only need to add the decals a couple of tubes to the engine to mate the lower hull to the upper.






I repainted the interior with a lighter colour (sky green mixed with white) and painted the engine, transmission and air intake with the correct colours this time.

Looks far better now, what do think?

Christos

It is looking fantastic.

Hi Carlos,

Thank you very much for the kind comment, much appreciated!
It's a great kit and really a joy to paint (and build).

Cheers,

Christos

This is starting to look nicely. very nice tone of colour to it and paint detail.

You are quite welcome Christos. I practically lived in an M2A2 ODS version for a few years back in the day, watching your build really takes me back to the early 90's.

@Hyder
Thank you very much for the good word, much appreciated!

@Carlos
I only hope my build brings up memories you are fond of, because the memories from my military service are a mixed bag!