Here are a couple of photos of a new five ton gun truck armor that was designede by a couple of Vietnam gun truckers for the units in Iraq. The entire crew walked away from this and the total armor package was transfered to another five ton truck in about four hours. There was only one crew member injured and that was from some debri that hit him and a broken finger. The concept is a proven design of the Vietnam era. You can not beat the old five tons. More weapons and can carry the weight. More photos here. http://photos.kitmaker.net/showgallery.php/cat/13094

Was it hit by a rocket?

wow, those trucks do look tough. Thank you for the great photos. Any model kits of them avaliable?

The truck was hit by an IED. It was two artillery shells wired together, called a double stack, that caused the damage. It was detonated by the front tire. The driver was able to drive the truck another 1/4 mile before. The crew member was wounded by sand and rocks thrown into the air from the crater from the explosion. The truck named Iron Horse was on it's first mission and only an hour out from the assembly area for the convoy. They found parts of the truck 50 yards away.




You can use the M 923 big foot truck kit by Italeri and scratch build the body armor to replicate this truck. I am planning to build an example of the Ace of Spades that is in Iraq as well.

Hey! Thanks for posting the photos Dave. Always more and more modeling inspiration!

Gunnie

And this is why the Marines should be happy and glad for the MTVR...engine in front just like the M939.

Imagine the same thing happening to an FMTV with the cab in front.

Nice photos!

Hey All
i'm back..been sick for a while..but animal you get anymore info
on the ace of spades..let me know..would like to see unit markings and such..already have the ace of spdes decal from a huey..

it feels good to be back,,and boy do i have a lot of catchin up to do....
laters Guy
Ray

That is truely amazing that they were able to survive that and keep driving. Great story and great pictures.

All said in one word Scott: Amazing!
Cheers and good modelling!
Prato

All right Gunnie, when are you planning to recreate the battle damaged gun truck?

Heh heh - I've been collecting information and parts for a few months now - Dave's photos just gave me more impetus to dive right in...

Gunnie