Very very nice. I remember building mine back in the day. Good work work on yours.

That may be the answer. Looks like I'll be giving it a go.




Thanks Charles, yours is great and an inspiration for mine as well.

The cab extension is underway. I have added 10mm to the rear of the cab, which is a storage are for crew gear on the actual vehicle. I think it is coming along nicely.

Outstanding scratch work.....the lost art...

Scratch building....the sign of a true modeler and artist!!

Rounds Complete!!

Looking VERY good!

Thanks Mike and Mike. It has been a fun build so far. I have done a bit of work over the weekend. I finished the cab extension and modified the front plate by closing off the grill opening, adding an opening for the blackout drive light and horn, and adding an access plate and new clevis attachment points.





I also couldn't admit defeat on the Material Handling Crane (MHC) and not make an M1074. The M1074 w/MHC is the type used by Artillery Bns as an ammo supply vehicle and that was the type I originally wanted to build. I took another crack at the crane and realized I had the front mudguards, fuel tank, and BII box too far forward. Once I relocated these items back to the proper locations, I had enough room for the MHC. Here is how it turned out.




I also set the turned wheels and added the tires. Here it is overall at this stage.



That pretty much finishes all the M1074 PLS conversion parts. Next up is the cab interior. The work continues...

That is a FINE piece of work!

Outstanding!

Thank you kindly Gino. Much appreciated. You are really going all out on this build. But I know the type of modeller you are, so Do not expect anything less from you. 😆

lovely piece of work Gino...

you do realise that it will now be released in plastic, scratching building rule 101...

keith

This big boy is looking great with all the little details.

Rounds Complete!!

Thanks for the support guys. I am really liking how it is turning out. It looks pretty mean in person too. Gotta love the big trucks.

Keith - Yeah, I know. I expect Trumpeter to announce it any day now. You are all welcome....

I really love the attention to detail Sir! Looking forward to seeing this one done!

Very nice!

Hi, Gino!

Have you got a date set for TRUMPETER's M1074, yet..? I think that YOU should reserve the right for that!!!

That is SOME project! KUDOS for Mike's effort, as well!!!

Gino - do you have a plan for possible loads for your PLS? Great work!

Thanks Brian and Dustin. I'm having fun with it so far.

Dennis - I project it will be announced the exact day I finish this one...so a couple weeks probably. Keep an eye out for it.

Michael - I think I will go with a load of 155mm arty rounds and powders (like below). Still thinking about it though.

I hope you cover the construction of the load as part of this thread as well.

Gino, if you go with the Arty rounds, I have a bunch of the AFV Club round and I will probably never use them. They are yours if you want. I'm not sure if I have enough or any decals for them. I sent a bunch to Jim Lewis a couple of months ago.

Gino,man. Outstanding. Just out-focking-standing.

Mike - yup, I will include the load build here. All those rounds and powder cans on pallets will be a build in themselves.

Pete - Thanks, yes, I will take you up on the AFV Club sets. I have a few sets myself, but will need a bunch. Decals are not an issue since many will be hidden on the inside anyways. PM sent on them.

Matthew - Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I am enjoying it and like how it is coming out.

I was working on the cab interior last night. This is a great kit. There is lots of detail there. It blows the old Italeri kit away. More pics soon.

I did not get a lot done over the last week or so. Work has been hectic. I did complete the interior. Trumpeter did an excellent job here. There are also a bunch of decals (placards, instruments, etc,) for the interior. I rebuilt the rear wall sound-proofing/heat shield using A&B putty.



The door panels are fully detailed, even down to the opening for the lock striker on the side.


The seat and their bases are also nicely detailed.


I added back some rivet detail (black dots) lost when sanding the roof for the extended cab. I used Archer rivet decals for them.


Lastly, I made the folding steps under the doors out of some scrap PE frets, PE screening, and small chain.


Hopefully I will get some paint on it this weekend and finish up the interior. More to come...

Have you seen the radio that is included in the kit Gino? I chopped mine up and re-did it to resemble a SINCGAR better. Use an aftermarket radio if you have one sir. I sent in a picture feature of the Trumpeter Patriot System with the M983 so hopefully it will be up soon so you can see my M983 interior.

I really wanted to add the padded heat shield to my HEMTT but couldn't quite figure out how. The putty is going to look nice. Your certainly doing a very good job on your vehicle.

Great work Gino.

Simon