Just thought I would pick a few photos to show the level of detail you will get with this kit.

Still waiting for that second Mk23 kit and trying to do further research so I will know what to do with it when it arrives.

Looking great so far. Those pipes look great.

Mikey, you are one scary guy!! As a truck modeler, I'm surprised the Mk23 flew off my radar; I'll have to check that out!

Loving this build...more please!!

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Maybe it is a version they are offering to the European market. Still not sure what is between the cab and lift mechanism though.
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That is a support to hold the X-Frame container loading fixture (CHU) when it is not in use. Then there is also the modular (electro-hydraulic) LHS control box behind it. It is the same one used on the HEMTT LHS


(Photo courtesy of Henri-Pierre)

Anyone happen to know what this structure might be?

I thought it was torsion bar suspension for axle #2 and then I saw the third image and that changed my mind. How I don't know what this bar might be.








These are frame stiffeners, used by Oshkosh on all the longer frame Mk23 series vehicles.

If anyone has questions about how to make the front axle steering flexible or just general questions about the Mk. 23 be sure to check out Gino's "New Product Review/Build Log" on Armorama at:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/review/9242

Purely conjecture, but could it be a stiffener for the frame? Maybe that section of unsupported frame with the weight of the hoist/load at that point has a tendency to fail, so they added a bit more beef to that area.

Thanks for the nod above too. I'm glad it was helpful.

Hi Mike, what a great looking model so far.

Thanks Ronnie. - I appreciate the encouragement.

Gino - I just do not know what to make of that structure. Doesn't look like the 8x8 has it so for now it doesn't affect me.
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OK while I am waiting for the second truck kit to arrive from China here's the plan:

First: Add the rearmost cross member to the existing frame. Once the glue is hardened back there I will cut that part of the frame and shorten it a scale 14".

Second: Use the existing frame and kit parts to build the last two steering axles. Mount the two axles to the existing frame and set the wheels at a proper steering angle. Then build the frame tray to hold the two rear steering gearboxes.

Third: When the second kit arrives use those parts to build the #2 fixed, non-steering axle plus pass thru differential and use parts of the second frame to extend the overall vehicle to it's finished 32' - 9 1/2" length.

Step One: Shorten rear frame 14" - ROUNDS COMPLETE!

Step Two: Building the two rearmost axles and modifying them to steer. Off to a good start.


These three photos are real - no photoshop here.

Hi Mike

You probably know these drawings already....



Full size

H.P.

Looking good. I have no idea about the bracket you are asking about. Too bad these arent going up n down the road on dropdecks so I could get some pictures.
Pictures just dont exist for these trucks...

Once again this is photoshop and NOT actual cut plastic but the picture gives a good idea what is going to happen. What the final look of the steering gear will be, however, is another matter. (But I have an idea forming in my mind.)

Photoshop or not - looks great! Very nice work!
Yes - the steering - looking forward to that!


Cheers
Nick

Frenchy - thank you very much!!!!!

I have been trying to find this very drawing of the Mk23 4x4 without any success.

This is perfect timing as the last few days I have been wondering/planning just how I might cut the frame and the load box to build the shorter 4x4 bobber out of the left over spare parts from the two kits. WOW!

Taylor - Too bad we don't live nearer to a Marine or Navy base. In San Diego or Camp Lejeune it might be a different story!

Talking about steering gear on the Mk23:


Main driver controlled steering gearbox.


Secondary slave steering gearbox.

A Pierce Fire Equipment image we have seen before - the two-axle "rear steer" structure:


Close-up of the steering gear deck:


Close-up of unequal pitman arms with steering deck and gearboxes removed.

On a side note, I guess the 4x4 variant was the one used as a base by Oshkosh for their TerraMax UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) to compete in the DARPA Urban Challenge 2007 edition :


This prototype was fitted with a steerable rear axle :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSPd6TyXPAo

H.P.

Steering gear deck installed:

I used the steering gearboxes here that were originally intended for the front axle. I will finish the steering work on the front axle assembly when the second Mk23 kit arrives.

Looking good. The steering gearboxes and shelf came out nicely.

Thanks Gino - F.Y.I. gonna use old left over Deuce and half winch driveshalfs and U-joints for the steering shafts here.

As requested to assist in positioning of the steering parts/wheels.