Here ya go guys, my idea for a new Oshkosh Heavy Vehicle. May I introduce the HRCT, or, the Heavy Recon. Communications Tractor.

My own modifications to the M978 Italeri kit will include a fully detailed interior with computer screens and radar displays as well as sleeping and living equipment.
I tried this before with an M26 frame and cab, but due to the fact that the M26 was quite the antique for such technology, Animal's conversions inspired me to try with the M978.
Dave, I dedicate this build to you, I figured no-one could get this idea from my mind to the workbench, but, here I go thanks to seeing your recent HMMT work including Mad Max! and your latest trailer-toter we talked on recently!

Look for pix soon,
Cuhail

Just a thought here.........on all the Oshkosh line drawings the body does not extend below the horizontal centerline of the wheels....... I'm thinking it has something to do with ground clearance!!!!

you can see the line drawings in the Brochure's on the Oshkosh website.

Matt has a point. The plans look great and I am looking forward to seeing this one. I would shorten the body panels in the middle and the rear to get the clearance needed to keep it off road capable. I don't think it will alter the over all look that much. But it would be more convincing.

THIS is the reason I love you guys! Thanks! I agree with you Matt, it does make real sense to raise those panels up a bit. Clearance is a factor with a vehicle such as this.
But, what do you think of the idea itself? I'd like to know if I'm nuts, or, is custom oddball armor a valid undertaking?
Anyway...

More soon with pics of the build.

Cuhail

I think it is a viable concept vehicle. With the new technology today a vehicle like this could be an asset to the mission. Some of our gun trucks in Iraq started out as models built by people just like you and me. Soooo, who knows. Besides we have the what if forums posting so we can do any thing we like. Right? It is a perfect vehicle to add to the T2K 2004 Campaign also.

Hey Cuhail! I love your Ideas man, in fact, I'm going to do one of this big conversions for the sci-fi campaing, I'll try to show you guys my idea when I have it on paper

hmmm another truck for move it campaign more like! :-) :-) :-)

gonna look good though and with your good building skills it will look extra good

It's like the E2C Hawkeye.....of the ground I Like the idea!!!!

Thanks for all the good words, guys!
T2K04, Here I come!
Move it!? It's in there!
Animal, Matt, Keep the reality of this kind of truck in my sights. As I post pix, I think you guys will be #1 in my R&D consultations
I have one or two pictures in my gallery of the built frame, I just haven't posted them here yet. I will do that today though.
You guys ROCK!

Cuhail

Picture #1 is too dark! But, I'll post it anyway.
This is the rear view of the frame, painted black ( as are ALL my AFVs) in true Amoconian style. I really like how my drybrushing comes out on a black subject.
Of course, I haven't done any detailing yet because I'm not sure what will be visible of the frame at a later date. I just wanted everyone to know that this "dream project" of mine really has been started.
I am going to enclose the engine compartment and put access hatches on the main body, but, I haven't decided whether they will be positioned open or closed. I kinda want to suggest "stealthy" so I'm still pondering how I will vent exhaust.
Matt, I saved those tech drawings you posted here and will alter them with my designs so we can have a front view too. Thanks!
Guys, I am on the way!

Cuhail

Hey Cuhail, I'm looking forward to this build. Are you going to use any AM wheels on this one? I built a HEMMT some time ago and was surprised how innacurate Italeri's tires are.

Ya know AJ, it's funny you mention that. I am not really a buyer of AM items, but, you're right. The tires on this monster suck! I didn't like the tread pattern at all. I'm hoping that Animal mentions he has a set of resin tires and wheels for an Armorama buddy( hint, hint, nudge, nudge ). I figure if anybody does, Dave does. But, on the whole, I don't really care about whether the tires are correct, just that they have some better "meat" to 'em.
Not a "biggie", though.

Cuhail

Well, Animal used kit wheels and tires. So... if anybody has molds for resin tires that are better than the Italeri ones, let me know.
On a differant note, I've been working on the interior of the driver's compartment and as it shapes up, I'm wondering what kind of "extra" stuff to put in there. I figure maps, an M-16, radio, CD player, etc. Anybody have any ideas as to what else? Maybe a laptop?

Cuhail

Just thought I'd throw in a side shot of the frame.

Soon, the Interior!

Cuhail

O.K. here we have the Cab installed.

The wires protruding out from underneath are for interior wiring. (see Cuhail's HRCT Interior thread)

Howdy Murph'!

Man, with a real name like "Murphy Mc Craken", why do you even bother with any other call sign?
I mean, Murphy Mc Craken is a cool name!

Anyway. I am loving your HRCT build up sir. And I must confess up front to being just a tad self-indulgent with my praise. Your wonderful HEMTT based build-up reminds me of my T2K '03 entry. A HEMTT based gun platform named 'Elvis'. She was originally named the 'War Wagon' (after one of my favourite John Wayne flicks), but the crew manning the vehicle just felt the name 'Elvis fit best....you know....the 'King' of the road and all....

The points brought up by matt, and concurred on by animal were very strong design issues I had to wrestle with when I was building 'Elvis'. In fact it was even more important in my case because I converted the normal eight-wheeled, 10-Ton version of the Italeri HEMTT kit, into the upgraded, ten-wheeled, 16-Ton PLS-based version. None of my additional improvements fell below the wheel centerline. That is, except for the protection around the front set of wheels, and that is made of a flexible, segmented curtain of Kevlar draped down to barely below that same centerline.
Since I have a new digital camera (for Father's Day), I just need to get a bit more familiar with it and I will post pics. I do have a few old pics that might suffice for now if you are interested...

Another thing. While I was brain-bashing about 'Elvis', I also thought about rerouting the exhaust. Not because of heat signature (good thinking), but more for discharge of diesel smoke which I felt was a very telling signature. The original plan I had was to reroute the exhaust downwards towards the undercarriage and vent, through a louvered system, just in front of the rear set of tyre's. I felt this would both outwardly reduce the evidence of smoke (by mixing with the disturbed dust caused by the tyre's, but also limit the vehicle's heat signature by spreading it onto an already heated surface (the road).
Maybe that same kind of thinking can be of help to you.

Additionally (I'm sure you've already thought of this), with all of the computer's, electronics, personnel, etc. You are definitely going to have to think about your deadliest foe......heat. Meaning, the standard design of the HEMTT truck has the massive engine located at the same level as the driver/co-driver, and the (potential) passengers. It will also (in your design), be located directly in front of, or more importantly, directly upwind of all of these computers/electronics. Soooo, my compadre. Aside from having this design concern, you have also completely enclosed the engine within the (from appearance's) same outside skin as the C&C/Personnel compartment.
Now, I'm not saying all of this (and taking the time to type it all, since I'm a very slow typist) to throw 'wrench's' at you......no, no, no. I am doing my very best to assist you in any way I can.

Tread.

Whew! You've given me a bunch to think about, Tread. Don't get me wrong, this is the constructive criticism that will help me make this an awesome model. I appreciate it all.
Heat. A very important factor as you say. Maybe with the brass grill material I have, I can wrap the whole engine compartment. Or, I can isolate the engine compartment from the rear compartment with a firewall and a blower fan on the roof. An air conditioner unit on top of the comm. section is an option too.
As far as the side skirts and clearance goes, The whole of the comm. section will be above the frame and the side skirts will be over the hub-line of the wheels. Matt pointed this out and I keep it in the front of my mind. I am re-doing the drawing of the HRCT to better show the plan.
I would love to see Elvis! I love Animal's Mad Max HEMTT guntruck and knowing your skill, Elvis should be a showpiece as well.
Thanks Tread, you have helped my pattern of thinking as much as Dave and Matt and the Lord knows I need the extra thinkers.

Cuhail
By the way, I think I found Elvis, is this her?

He He He, nice!

That's her alright! That picture was taken at the very last minute of the build. She hadn't even gotten her proper post-apocalyptic weathering dress-down yet....

Think I have enough stuff on her? "Elvis' was originally designed as a 'stand-alone' vehicle. But after reviewing the intertwining storylines that were going around back then, I decided to make her one of the primary lead vehicles in U.S. trans-state convoys.
She participate's in the storyline entitled 'LoneStar / Red Star'. I believe one of animal's excellent vehicle's also participate's.
I added some additional items after that picture was taken (if you can believe it). But I won't go into that here. This thread is about your HRCT, and that's where the focus need's to remain.
I think I speak for many people here when I say, we just LOVE those big, HEMTT-based gun truck's!

Also, something I didn't make quite clear in my previous post (after rereading it). My design for the exhaust outlet is indeed just in front of the rear set of tyre's, but, it is pointed (via the "louvered" configuration I spoke of) more directly towards the center of, or more directly underneath the drive axles. The reason is, that diesel fumes are not really fumes at all, they are in fact, particulates. Meaning, they are small particules of unburned oil. Dropping these 'particulates' directly in front of the rear tyre's would be detrimental to traction as you might imagine.

Tread.

Oh, also. The wheel/tyre combination I used on 'Elvis' was taken from the Accurate Armour Super HET kit. They are the 16-Ton variant that the PLS version of the HEMTT family wears. I could be persuaded to cast you a set................

Tread, you are Superman if you would do that and I will personally tell EVERYONE you are one of the greatest people around! Tires! WOW!
The exhaust, I believe, will be re-routed tomorrow since I haven't covered it up and it is possible to do. Strangely enough, I know the differance between fumes and particulates, but, keep doing that in case I don't know stuff in the future.
I re-drew the line drawing that Matt posted to more of a representation of what we talked about and I'll post them in the next post. ( I haven't uploaded it yet )
Tread, you are the greatest!

Cuhail

Alright, I had a little trouble uploading this picture, but, I finally got it! Tread, Matt, Animal, here is plan #2 for the body style.

As Matt and Animal pointed out, my clearance to the ground was a problem, so, I raised the skirts a bit. As Tread, my best friend pointed out, the enclosing of the engine would probably create a heat problem so I uncovered it and will add a air-conditioning unit to the front (negotiatable) end of the comm. unit. The panels are by no means etched in concrete and will most likely be different, but, still there somewhere.
Any more sugestions? This is the best time to make them as I am going to be detailing the interior for a few days.

Cuhail

Now you are talking. This is a very viable concept. Now lets see it all together. I really like the looks of this one. Harden the cab for some protection for the driving crew and you have something out of the real 21st century. Love it!!

Lookin great!!

Thanks guys,
I am going to start the comm. box very soon. I finished the cab today (except mirrors and stuff due to fragility) with all the wiring of the interior lighting working well. The MARS light will NOT flash due to the fact that during testing, I burned it out. Since it was all hidden wiring, I would have to tear the s**t out of it to replace it. Not worth the effort. It didn't flash as well as I thought it would anyway. Oh, well.
I haven't decided how I am going to wire the communications shack yet, whether to use fiber optics (which I have about a mile of) or just the flat light sheet. I'll let y'all know as it goes!

Back to work
Cuhail

Howdy Murph',

I just got home from work, and was checkin' the thread's, and I need to tell ya. If you've got the like's of animal's blessing's....you've waaaaay ahead of the game!
I've been brain-bashing this one pal, and all I can tell you is; I come from the 'design' side of things. Being an Architect by trade, I guess it's part of the curse.
From all of my mental fretting's over the overall design on 'Elvis', I wrestled with many design concern's.

If I may? Just for clarification, is this vehicle being considered for the T2K '04 Campaign, or the Move it! Campaign?
The reason I ask, is because your idea has 'what-if' written all over it. But, either way, the 'core' questions/consideration's still remain.

I would (really) like to share my input with you on this beastie, especially since you are such a superbly balanced designer. It is our gain here at Armorama, that you are strong enough to embrace the invaluable input of some of the priceless buggers on this site and that is why I, along with other's, feel elevated by sharing our opinions with you.........

One last question sir. If you would take the time to 'draw us all a picture' of how you see your HRCT being deployed. That would be greatly helpful.

{.....what I'm trying to get to here Cuhail is; Is your HRCT designed for Off-Road, Cross-country travel on highway, completely 'rear guard' duty, or, 'front line' service, Hot climate/Cold climate, altitude concern's, supply issues, Air/Land defenseability (sp?), armed escort vehicle's, range/comm limitations, etc, etc......well, you get the idea........

Thx,

Tread.

hmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I found another person who puts a lot of thought into their models. I like the scheme of this even if it is a modern (or post modern) vehicle.

The ideas of the heat signature etc are new to me after all most of the trucks I build are lacking hoods doors and a few other things to try and let the heat out! not keep it in.

So you are doing a good job mate and all I ask is you keep it up.

After all we can't have more then enough trucks can we?