Here is my latest commission project. It will be an M1A2 SEP from 4ID in OIF. It will eventually be short-tracked with battle damage to the left front and pulled by an M88A1. I started with the Trumpeter M1A2 and added the Thermal Management Unit (TMU, a.k.a air conditioner compressor unit like outside your home) in the turret bustle rack with its corresponding power box. Also added the wire/hose covers underneath the turret. On the turret top, I added the PLGR antenna behind the CITV, FBCB2 box on the side of the doghouse, and a power connection fitting on the left top near the smoke grenade launcher. Also added wires to the smoke grenade launchers. On the hull, I shaved off the left rear fuel tank filler cover and added the access panels, intake, and exhaust for the Under Armor Aux Power Unit (UAAPU). Lastly, I added a power distro box on right rear hull and the mine plow/roller power connection box next to the driver's hatch.

Here it is.
Overall:


TMU in turret basket:


TMU hoses/wires cover and exhaust vent:


UAAPU:

This looks very interesting.

I might as well as the inevitable question: Why did you decide on using Trumpeter as opposed to Dragon or Tamiya? I am not questioning your decision (well, technically I am), just trying to understand your logic.

Also, might I suggest a writeup of the TMU and how you built it. While I knew SEPs had ACs, I have never seen it before, much less know of specifications on building one. It also looks like you used a spare resin piece on it; could you elaborate?

What kind of damage do you plan on adding? Operational damage, RPG or other explosive?




Does this mean you intend to add the mine-roller or is this standard?

As for critiques: In addition to the wire you have or seem to be adding to the rear grab handles, you can also easily add wire or rod in place of the tension bars for the front flaps as well as the front left grab handle

Otherwise, your new owner will be proud.

Jeff

I'll be watching the progress of this build. I usually just slam things together.

Impressed.

Shaun

Gino: This build sounds very interesting. Can't wait to see the short track set-up. Do you plan on using any of the Eduard set? Probably not cost effective, but it gives you a proper MG skate rail, and grab handles for the bins, amongst other things. Royal has a kit too that I like better since it provides real nice smoke grenade launchers and tailight guards.

Bob

Thanks for the compliments guys.

As to why Trumpeter, one, cost , it was about the same as the Dragon kit and Dragon was out of stock at the time, two buyer wanted to go with a relatively cheap kit, so Tamiya's was out.

No great details on the TMU. I just used pics from the web and a few I have seen in person. Check here for some pics. TMU
It is simply sheet styrene panels put together in a box shape with a couple engine screens for the intake and exhaust and some other bits and pieces. The scrap resin was used since it was a good rectangular piece that fit the bill.

Mine roller/plow will not be added. The power box is a feature on all M1A2 SEPs so that the driver does not have to remove a vision block to run the power cord out of his hatch and still be able to close it.

For damage, the first road wheel is bent up and unusable, fender and track skirt are bent up. It is short tracked by removing the 2nd road wheel arm and rotating the 3rd road wheel arm forward 90 degrees so it is facing forward. The track is then shortened and rerouted from the forward return roller, down and around the rotated 3rd road wheel and back from there. The 3rd road wheel becomes the front road wheel. Pretty neat technique for a damaged track and running gear system. I'll post the pics when it gets to that stage.

Bob,
No PE or any other extras on this one. It is OOB and my added scratch items. It is basically ready for paint.

Lookin' good Gino. "Q"

Wow - really nice Gino! It's inspirational - I've got my M1A2 SEP conversion out on the table now - perhaps yours will help spur me on to completing this one.

Gunnie