This is the latest project that I am working on. I used the M923A1 "Big Foot" kit by Italeri for the conversion to the M-931. Thanks to Rob's motor pool photos I have been able to start the conversion on the tractor. I still have the trailer skids and the rest of the fifth wheel to complete. Then add the air and electrical lines before I paint. The trailer is a total scratch build of the M-172 Trailer. Thanks to Pascal and Joe W. for ref. photos. The biggest problem is that do not have the correct wheels for the trailer. Had to use what I had that were close. This is in no way as nice as the ones that Shermie2, aka Joe, makes. But I try.

Howdy Dave,

Ooooooh man!.....another stunner from animal. I am really liking your 'trend' as of late, of taking standard off the shelf truck kit's and turning them into tractor units...
Nice use of available inventory......'adjust and adapt'...heck, you would have made a damn good Marine! We're used to taking what we've got available......and makin' it better than it was ever intended to be. That's one of your talent's Dave.

Now...that I've thrown enough 'butter' your way. Once again, it would be awfully nice if you would at least include 2 or 3 'in-between' shots for those of us who admire your work. Otherwise we're going to start thinking you're using a bloody magic wand or something!!

Tread.

BTW.....nice trailer work. What are the tyre's/wheels taken from?

Sometimes I wonder what else Joe has Hiding in his Library...........

Dave,
Looking good. I did the M931A2 tractor a while back that I will have to take some shots of for the Heavy Hauler Campaign.

Dave, quick and good als always.
Just one thing, the A2 trucks are equpped with the CTIS (Centralsed Tires Infation System) so the wheels are different :





The trailer is very well. But its hard to find good wheels for it. There is 2 size of weehls. I think to take the Tamiya GMC wheels (good size with enlargement of 2-3 mm) but the tread is not good.
(++)

Hi Dave
The truck and trailer look good, did you have to shorten the chasis on the italeri kit and did you make plans for the trailer or get them from some one. Hope you keep posting the in progress pictures.
Cheers
Ralph

OK it will be an A1 then. Much easier than trying to find the newer wheels.

Ralph, I shorten the chassis on the tractor and the plans for the trailer are actually from Joe Wallace. He built the trailer and tractor before my attempt and his is much better that mine could ever be. I have been a fan of Joe's work for quite some time now.

Yes Dave but, are the new fuel cells right for the A1 ?

Another thing, as I'am planning (for my third live) to build a M172 trailer, have make a plan or have you some measurements ,so i don't need to make this work :-) I was in contact with Joe for this trailer and have his documents (old and new TM, pics...)

TIA
Were are waiting for the next truck what's a FMTV, a MTVR ........
Cheers pascal

I have decided to change the fuel tanks and I also noticed that I miscalculated the length of the chassis so I have shorten it to the proper length. Thanks Pascal for the info.

Yes Dave, some more works, but make a right kit is better.
For the length of chassis, were dont see on pics, and I never think that you have omitted this important thing.

But we all are humans :-)

Say me for 1/35 M172 dimensions TIA

cheers
pascal

Animal "Dave" Thanks a lot I got the kit canvas and it was great. But I would have started it but had to get the HELL out due to hurricane Charley. I am in Port St. Lucie with family in a Hotel. We'll head back about 10-11 o'clock Sat. And as soon as I get back hopefully it'll be there.

But your kit is coming along great I got mine Thursday before the evak.I looked at it and almost fell over with detail. I can not wait till yours gets finished so I can study it for reaserch for my Kit.

Thanks again

Happy Modeling


PS The packing job was increditable, what is the scratches on it for is it for texture?

Glad you got the part. I just got our power back on at about 7:30 EST. We got hit pretty bad by Charley. Our house is OK but I lost all my beautiful oak trees. We lost our power at 10:10 on last Friday and it is HOT!!. I got a lot of catching up to do on these forums. You guys have been busy!!

Dave, Glad you and Tom and all our other FLA modellers came through Charley O.K. Truck is looking great. Any chance you could send me a copy of the plans for the M-172 trailer. I have wanted bo build one to go with my M931A2 for some time, but can't find enough referances. For the wheels I was actually looking at some off one of the Monogram 1/32 racing rig trailer. They are civilian pattern and smaller than standard 1/32 truck tires. Check this photo: Not a good photo, but you get the idea.

It is so good to see you back buddy, you have been in my prayers since Charlie passed your way, glad to here you and family are OK, trees can be replaced, you can't.