Lookin' good, Gino!!

What he sad

Thanks guys. Work continues.

So the build is really done this time.

I made the hand holds/foot loops from florist wire, wrapped around a home-made jig to get them all the same shape and size. They look pretty good to me, but might be a little thick.



I then added them to the top and bottom of the armored side skirts. From my reference pics, there were quite a few different ways they were configured. This setup seemed to be the most common.




I also added the securing loops for the various tools. I will be going with the molded-on bungi rubber hold-down straps since they look better to me than the flat strips in the PE set.



Lastly, I added the Aber barrels to the M231 firing port guns. They look pretty nice to me. Much better than the kit barrels.



Next up is paint, but probably not until next week as I will be on a business trip all this week.

Safe travels, Gino!

Thanks Richard. First leg, so far, so good.

I have been able to paint and decal it. I painted it Testors Model Master Dark Green (FS34079), which is the same as Forest Green. I used the decals from the Tamiya kit. They went down fine over a coat of gloss and with a little decal set. I then dull-coated it and painted all the periscopes with clear green and a couple coats of gloss.

I had to change plans on the tracks. The Hobby Boss triangle block track didn't fit onto the Dragon MLRS sprockets. The pitch of the holes and teeth were off and didn't line up. So I used a set of tracks from the Dragon MLRS instead. They are just as nice indi-links and longer link-and-length sections for the flat top and bottom runs. They went together well and look pretty good to me.











Next up is some gear and weathering, then it will be done.

Looks pretty damn awesome, Gino!

Thanks Richard. I do like how it is coming along. I should have it finished soon.

It is finally complete. I added some bags and gear from the spares bin and drybrushed it using a few different muddy brown colors.

Let me know what you think. I am very pleased with the way it came out.

Looks great, Gino. The mud effects definitely works!

You make it look easy, man!

Superb!

Thanks guys. It was a joy to build and I am very satisfied with how it turned out.


What is everyones opinion on adding a RAWL (Rotating Amber Warning Light) to the left rear? It looks like about 50-50 on having them or not in pics. I'm not sure when the lights started showing up or were required. Opinions?

there was usually no us army vehicle without a beacon light during reforgers

According to Army in Europe Regulation 55-1 (2005), "The leading vehicle of each march unit must display a blue flag (NSN 8345-00-543-6912) and at least one but not more than two rotating amber warning lights (RAWL).../...The last vehicle of each march unit will display a green flag (NSN 8345-00-543-6913) and at least one but not more than two RAWL.../... The convoy commander will determine which remaining vehicles should be equipped with RAWL based on visibility, weather conditions, and convoy spacing."

I've vainly tried to find a late 80's version of this document, but there must be one out there .

H.P.

Thanks guys. I have already added the light to the left rear.

I have the exact same kit in my stash, and was planning on European theatre as well, so this thread will be an inspiration for me, thanks!!

Glad mine is an inspiration, Hans. I'm looking forward to seeing yours.

Your usual great work Gino! Should have put an "FM" in the troop compartment for that lived-in look...

Thanks Thomas. I did think about the FM...

Great looking finish Gino, and just to confirm, while I was out in BAOR from 83 to 90 on Chieftain and challenger, while on the roads every tracked wagon we had was required to have the working amber light fitted. On night moves we would put black masking tape around the half of the light nearest the crew so it didnt blind us all time. John

Thanks John for the compliments and the confirmation.

Great work!

Thanks Freddy. Glad you like it.

Just like Florre, i also have this kit in my stash with similar AM stuff. Your work IS an inspiration and help to make it really looking good kit.

Nice work!

Tamás