No takers? It turns out that the Army, in its infinite wisdom, decided the the pintle could potentially injure soldiers entering or exiting the A7 through the rear hatch. So they simply designed one that is easily removable. (somewhat) A blanking plate goes where the pintle normally would be. The pintle is mounted on a separate plate which is interchangeable with it. So where is it stored? On top of the turret where no one could possibly trip over it and fall ten feet to the ground. And readily accessible at that...



Add pintle mount, seen directly above round access cover in photo.

What is that blue thing next to the round plate?

Part of BFT. I haven't gotten there yet, but since you mention it, it does need to be added, as well as the round cover.

Phantastic work Robert!
The level of detail you put into your model is just stunning.
Thx for adding all the images from the real thing. This makes your build blog extremely interesting and enjoyable.

Keep up the good work.
cheers
Walter

Thanks

Sehr net von Dir...More out of necessity though, since I don't have the kit with me for a while. But more importantly, I find the actual vehicle to be a much better reference than a model someone has built

But if anyone has built the kit there are still some weathering tips specific to these vehicles I'd like to share. I've critiqued more than one M109 build in which the weathering was off because photo references can't always depict what the real thing is made of. Recently I posted a photo of an M109A6 Paladin and how the tracks scratch up the hull to show the underlying aluminum underneath.



The A7's hull is made of aluminum as well. However, it has steel armor plates bolted to it, so that track wear will still show up, only like this:



This is pretty much a feature of every M109 of any type I've seen, yet despite the chipping craze I've never seen it done,

If you have the kit you'll see how off it is.
The lower right portion shown has a diagonal cutout in the kit. Make new plate, add appropriate bolt detail.

Earlier I showed a divot that needed to be filled in. It was for the incorrectly placed engine deck lift ring. The forward two rings are incorrectly placed so there's another divot to fill.
The actual locations for those rings:





Also note the base of the gun crutch in the second photo. The instructions are very vague about the placement

Part C61 needs some trimming, and you'll have to use the photo to get the proper placement. You can simply cement it in without trimming but the entire crutch will not be accurately placed on the hull, even though it appears to be.

Note the orientation of different components of the crutch. The pivot point must align with the springs. There's also the cable detail that's missing. I seem to recall having to carve out a notch (as on the real thing) to accommodate it. Fortunately the photo enlarges pretty well.

Man, this kit...

I'm following along as I got the Panda kit as a gift last Christmas. I had an inkling it had issues (seeing as it is from Panda, after all).

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Robert!

I now have enough interest in casting those parts shown earlier in the thread. If there are any more takers it may bring down the price. Trying to do it at cost.

I may include a few number plates too, which are not in the kit:

I'll take a set of the updated parts.

Cool. Two more added to the list today. Best Warrior Competition runs through 11 Sept. Probably need a week to decompress, then I’ll bust out the pressure pot. If I’m sure I can do that top hatch without warpage I may add it as well.

I'll take a set also. Thanks!

Rick

Okay sir. I will sign up for an upgrade set as well please. Many thanks for your insight and service!

I'm in, I'll take a set! Many thanks!

Andreas

Add me too, please. I just ordered this kit just for this update. How we will know when it's available and how much?

Under the number plate is that a fold up step?
D

Exactly.

As usual I'm late to the party but I'd also be very much interested in these upgrade parts.

That’s a handy feature

I'd be very interested in your improved parts as well