Here is my latest and final model for my dio. It is the Taymia M1046 Humvee TOW USMC during OIF. I used the Eduard PE set for a few extra details, the Blast Models Update sets for some additional details. It isnt finished, I still have some additional work to do, but I am pleased with it so far. The windows on the front are from an old Italeria kit, they were a decent fit and allowed me to keep kit windows tucked away in the box, out of the way of paint, glue and fingertips!

The interior will have some additional gear, but as the top wont come off once finished, I left most of the TOW kit out of it. The radio is some old Verlindin set from the spares box, I didnt want to spend the extra to have the new SINGARS sets, I figure most wont notice it. I have 3 Marines to put in it, the Warriors set (driver and gunner), will use the kit driver as backseat passenger and shotgun rider will be out on the road with right front door open to see some of interior. The doors are tacked into place with a drop of glue to allow for painting and weathering. Hope you all enjoy.

Any questions or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Melon

The camo paint job is excellent. I can't wait to see it when it is complete. Good work!

awsome job, looks like a very clean build, cant wait too see it weathered up

Nice paint job. Can't wait to see it when you are completely finished.

However, I do have one slight nit pic. It deals with the TOW missiles in the storage rack. You have them reversed. The Yelow band marks the High Explosive Warhead. While the brown band identifies the rocket motor.

The only reason I noticed that is that I spent 18 years as a TOW crewmember and 6 years in the M966 TOW Humvee.

Question, are you going add any more detail to the TOW weapon system? I.E. cables, etc?

I can not wait to see the weathering job, because so far it's going outstanding. Is it going to be put into a dio.

That resin gun it looks great, and the mounting is awsome. Those radio wires come with the Euard set I was thinking about getting the set.

I haven't done a camo pattern yet was it hard.

Happy Modeling

Very nice build indeed.
Do you know if the rear door extraa rack is a USMC feature or will it suit an Army M1046 as well?
I intend to build one and yours is really inspiring.
Thanks for sharing.
Just one point, you might have replace the radio set by new ones as they aren't so expensive at all.

Waiting for more in progress pics with weathering done.

nice work, i like the radio. really lookin forward to see the finished model

Ryan,
Check out this article I wrote, if you havnt. Its a break down on the TOW system showing all its cabling. I took all of it from my school manuals.

TOW Weapon System

Thanks to all who responded.

To Manchu34, I noticed the error after the Solvaset had been applied to the decal. The decal was too soft to move at that point. I definately will get it correct on the TOW mount. I plan on adding more cables to the TOW system, I downloaded some good reference shots last night, I see I still have some work to do. IIRC, there is a main power cord that runs from the control box and one that runs to the thermal site. If you have any upcose shots of these cables, that would be great.

The radio wires are nothing more than solder wrapped around a thin piece of brass wire. Save your money, make your own. Sorry Eduard. :-)

Bison, the rear rack was a Marine Corps idea. All USMC vehicles entering Iraq during OIF had "LOGLITE" applied to them. M1A1 had fuel bladders strapped to the outside, Humvees had racks attached to the rear, everything they would need in Iraq was strapped to the outside of combat vehicles to lighten the load placed upon the logistics troops following behind. Though my ref pics, the Army didnt apply this idea during their move north, at least at a division level idea. As to the radio, I cant justify spending $20 more on this kit. With the Blast upgrades, the Eduard, the kit itself, plus the crew this will top $150 for the whole thing. This is only one vehicle in a larger diorama, when the top goes on, it is going to stay on. The radio bugs me, but I will have to live with it. Plus, the old one looks OK, If you can look at it and know what it supposed to be, then I did an OK job a modeling it. :-)

Thanks

Melon

Ryan,
Here goes the load plans for the M1046 per the Army Operators TM 9-2320-280-10:

TOW CARRIER STOWAGE PLAN LOAD
1 Missile Guidance Set (MGS)
2 M16A1/M203 Rifle
3 Flashlight
4 Binoculars
5 AN/GRC-160 Radio
6 TSEC/KY-57
7 Gasoline Cook Stove (strapped to airlift bracket)
7.1 Jack, Scissors (A2 only)
8 M16A1/M203 Rifle
9 Night Sight Vehicle Power Conditioner
10 Adjustable Gunner’s Platform
11 Traversing Unit
12 Radiac Meter
13 Night Vision Goggles (2)
14 NBC Footwear
15 Battery Pack, Night Sight
16 NBC Overgarments (strapped to body)
17 Boresight Collimator
18 Night Vision Sight Case
19 Coolant Cartridge Cases
20 Radio Antenna (on cargo shell)
21 Combat Rations
22 Optical Sight W/Cover
23 Night Sight Battery (under tanker roll)
24 Camouflage Screen and Support System
25 Tanker Rolls
26 Tripod
27 Telephone
28 DR8 Cable Reel
29 Combat Rations
30 M13 Decon Kit
31 Ammunition (M16A1)
32 Water Can
33 NBC Overgarments (strapped to body)
34 MGS Battery Assemblies (2)
35 NBC Footwear (2)
36 Missiles (6)
37 Tanker Roll (strapped to roof)
38 NBC Hood Masks (4)
39 Launch Tube (strapped to door)

Thanks for the diagram. I may detail the interior now just for giggles. If I have the time, I plan on entering my dio for a show on Feb 19 in Columbus, OH. Still have to finish some detail work on the tanks and figs.

Does anyone know the color of the three lenses on the TOW sight? The color you might see or which one has the anti-laser coating?




Thanks again

Melon

Ryan,
All the lenses have the coating on them. On the night sight, it has a silver shean to it, almost mirror like when you look at it. I would paint it chrome silver and then paint a coat of Tamiya Claer Smoke over it. On the Optical Sight, the smaller lense is darker than the larger lense, but both look realy dark. Just paint those black and over coat it with clear.

Hope this helps out a bit.

Great work on your M1046. Camo scheme looks awesome ! Crew gear looks cool too.

Reminds me of when I drove M998's for the Company GySgt at Quantico.

Cheers !!

Alpen

SEMPER FI, MARINE !

I'll see what I can dig up. If I can't find aby close-up photos, I've got some manuals, etc and I'll add those cables, scan it and upload them or email them which you what.

What I have seen, besides the box cover, is a green look.

Jeff

Very nice job Melon, for the antenna wire I used steel fishing line or guitar string (MI - 1st) wtih CA glue...

Regards...

I just noticed a few things.

1,) Are you putting on the winch hook?

2.) what did you use for the radio and espectially, what did you use for the handsets? I have been thinking of scratchbuilding mine and wasn't sure if there was an AM set available.

Jeff

Navy
The radio set is some old Verlindin set that came from my spares box. The handsets are scratch built, some plastic stock and soldering wire coiled around a .40in brass rod. I went to Radio Shack to get the fine and ultra fine soldering wire. Good stuff. Has been very useful on the TOW mount.

The winch hook will go on with the mirrors. Not sure why I am waiting, but it will go on last.

The old Verlinden VRC-46 looks good, but hasen't been used since late 1980's, mawbe earlier. It was replaved with SINCGARS. MR Models makes an aftermarket SINCGARS set.


I think Pro Art does as well. They look really great and bring the HMMWV models into the present.

Yes Gino, Pro art does a great set with a variety of sets and even a bagpack one. The set comes with a sheet explaining the wire connections and the proper mixing of the various elements.

olivier

very excellent, the back reminds me of
the racks on Afrika corp tanks!!
We come full circle!!
Ron Hoover

hi there,...how about putting wiper marks on the windshields..can't drive with those sands on.