OK on the turret top of the Italerie M-109 kit just forward of the TC hatch (the one with the 50 cal) there are some bar looking things molded on . Are these aiming stakes? If so aren't they painted red and white striped?

Barrel cleaning rods by any chance?

good possibility

Romanowski got it, they are barrel cleaning rods. Usually, the aiming stakes are stored in the Gunnery SGTs truck, since he is the one who goes on the advance party to initially pick the location of the firing point and begin laying the guns. They may also be stored inside the gun.

Wonderful !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks guys. Well that puts me at the decal / wash stage in my "Incoming" campaign entry....a very Happy place indeed !!!!!!

I hope this is not to late to be helpful. Try this link for some great in action shots of the M109:

M109 in OIF

Don

I've already painted it the early woodland cammo scheme from the late 70's. This is what I remember them wearing when I was in and worked with them. Down to finishing stage on the kit.