After the completion of the turret interior, I've begun the turret exterior along with the hull.
Here are some shots, others are available in my gallery.
Any comments welcome.





The kit base is the DML USMC one, PE set is from Eduard and some details are scratchbuilt especially for the APU and its conduit

Looking good so far. Cant wait to see some paint on it. What camo scheme is it gonna be in, nato 3 tone or desert.

Matt

Looks pretty good. I like some of the detail you picked up on around the TC hatch. Depending on how far you want to go, there are some details to be added in regards to the .50 cal when you get around to that. I'll bet you have something in mind already. One detail you might want to go with that was very common was a GPS device (would take adding another antenna as well). The TCs generally had then velcroed to the .50 cal mount or just lying nearby. The telephone-like cord can sometimes be seen coming out of the hatch and disappearing somewhere onto the turret, which indicates the GPS is lying on the roof.

There is more to add, if you are interested, for the electrical conduit on the turret roof. It is hard to explain (go to tankxheaven) but there is a slender box-like covering on the conduit right next to the Dazzler. Even though the site has Army tanks, they are built the same in this regards for both services. Also, the conduit has an extension on each side of the turret that covers the bare wire that leads from the smoke grenade launchers. Again, see Tankxheaven.

I can't say for sure about the Marine wind sensor, but the Army one is different looking than what is depicted on your tank. I would not think the Marine and Army would differ here. Anyway, the wiind sensor used today has what looks like two wings on the top. Sensors are in the 'wings' and then there is a small hole in the middle of the tube, near the top as well. I believe between the two 'wings' and the hole in the top center, that is how the wind direction and speed are measured. If I am correct, with your scratchbuilding skills you could easily add the 'wings' I am talking about.

Also, when you get around to mounting the M240 there is a locking handle for the skate rail attachment. It is very simple to add.

Bob

I'd like to have some pics of this indeed.




Yes I intend to add these details as well, but at this stage haven't done it.



I know there are different versions of the wind sensor. This one is the kit one. The tweak list I work with doesn't mention it as wrong shaped. I'll check on the box pics, thanks for reminding me this.

More pics, taking your remarks into account
,
ASAP.

olivier

well looks like thebeastie is going on pretty good . Keep us posted please

Nice scratchbuild.
I can't wait to see it painted.
What is that thing on the back of the turret?? that white thing.

Hi,
this is the APU. I got rid of DML one as compared to Tamiya it was completely wrong , ill shaped and wrong dimensioned. So I decided to scratchbuilt it using Tamiya M1A2 APU as a template.

The wind sensor you used is perfectly OK. Both types of sensors are used on USMC tanks. By the way Army also uses both types of sensors.

Pawel

But what is the function of the APU?
A kind of airconditioner???

It stands for Auxilary Power Unit. IIRC, the APU is used to power the systems of the tank without the engine being on. Tanks use quite a bit of fuel, even when idling. WIth the APU turned on, the engine can be turned off, but crucial systems can be left on, so the crew has the systems they need, and save fuel.

New M1A2s have internal APUs so they are not as vunerable to damage. Which, by the way, I love your APU. Very cool and can't wait to see it done.

Jeff

Thanks for explane it to me.




I know that, a tank out the ww2 drove 800 meter on 10 liter (I thought, i'm not sure, but who cares? )
Smart isn't it :-) :-) :-) :-)

Looks great so far, Jusat one thing to add, unless the picture does not show it well is the anti-skid surface on the top of the hull and turret. Vodnik has done an awesome article on it using Mr Surfacer 500. if you need to know where the anti-skid is applied i have some pictures to show, so IM me.

Herky

Thanks Herky,
the pics don't show it but DML has figured the anti-skid surface unlike Tamiya.

olivier