I want to do the M557 ( Thanks to Don Busack ) for the Bucket Bonanza campaign, and I'm trying to figure out wether the Tamiya M557

would be useable for the modern style M557...
Anyone who can help me out here?
Also; who knows were to get it, seems like it is OOP since ages...

Hello again Jurgen !

Tamiya's M577 is available on Blast-models website. Apparently, it is a limited re-release ....(www.blast-models.com)
I' still have to make my mind about building an OIF M577 or an OIF M1068 (thanks to Don's pics) as both are used in Iraq, even if choosing the M1068 means scratchbuilding the new generator. So I'm gathering pics and info about both variants. I think you could improve this old kit with parts of Academy M113A2 kit or from the recent Tamiya OIF M113 ...I think it would even be possible to mate an Academy M113 complete hull (minus the roof top parts ) with the M577 rear hull top parts as the Academy kit is basically an improved copy of the Tamiya M113.
Just send me a PM if you want to exchange info about this...
HTH
Frenchy

I am going to be doing another photo shoot this next weekend. If they have a M1068 there, I can shoot the generator from all angles if that will help. Let me know what areas you need me to concentrate on and I will do what I can.

Don

The Academy kit is a musy have!! since the detailing on the Tamiya m113 is prehistoric!!
andthey still starge more for it...
I'm also planning to build this kit once

Yes. It is basically an M577A1. Wth some mods to the engine intake and exhaust area, it can become an A2 pretty easily. There are plenty of M577A2s out there in the fleet. We still had one with tiller bars for steering at Ft Stewart (3ID) and we took it with us to Iraq. We also haed a couple of M577A3s, with stearing yoke. Also, as noted above, the Tamiya M577 parts could be mated to the Academy M113A2 to get a more accurate M577A2 model.

You could probably order just the sprue of M577 parts from Tamiya and add them to the Academy kit too.
Tamiya sells whole sprues for about $5 each. Here is the Tamiya contact info:
http://www.tamiyausa.com/contact/index.php

Hi Don
As you can imagine I've already downloaded your M1068 walkaround pics, but "in profile" pictures of each sides of the generator housing would be cool (I have its dimensions but pics would be helpful). Some top views would be OK too , provided you'll be allowed to climb on the beast ! The TM drawings I have show some differences between M577 and M1068 "upper hulls" features...

Thanks in advance, and keep on the good work !

Frenchy

But... I have NO clue what sprue number to ask...
And if it's in the US, what kind of shipping costs would they charge me?

Hi Don, if you can takes pics from the inside of the rear compartiment (if its not a secret defence!!!!)

TIA
pascal

Most of the M577 specific parts are on sprue "C". The parts for the extension framework, the wooden floor parts and a few others are on sprue "D" but they should be easy to scratchbuild. Sorry I can't help you with the shipping cost, maybe you could e-mail them and ask

Frenchy

Sorry, didn't look at where you are. You could try one of the Tamiya Europe reps for parts too. Check here: Tamiya Europe
They can probably get them for you as well.

Good luck.

If you can find the original M577 kit then there isn't too much work to be done to update it. The shocks aren't that visible. Hardest part is fixing the radiator cap and exhaust.

Paul

I'm not sure but I believe the antenna arragment is different on the current version of the 577, the one's I saw in Iraqi Freedom looked different from the ones from my Desert Storm days.

http://www.farymann.de/english/applications/applications_apu.htm

hope this helps

reb

Yes, some M1068s (latest version of M577) have a new Quick Erection Antenna Mast System (QEAMS). It goes on the right rear of the track, it attaches to the hull above the right rear track shroud. It cranks up to a hieght of about 30 feet. Also, OE-254 long range antennas can be attached to the hull as well.

The standard whip antennas on top are still used too, when not using an OE-254 or QEAMS.

http://www.tacom.army.mil/tardec/m113/

reb