Hello all, I was wondering if someone could answer some questions for me? I was wondering what changes would need to be made to bring the Tamiya 1/35th AAV7 AmTrack up to Operation Iraqi Freedom specs? Also, to build a current AmTrack, which of the two Tamiya kits should I get? (I think one has the headlights in a circular frame while the other has them in a more rectangular frame.) Also, is there anything I should be aware of with this kit as opposed to any other modern armor kits, such as the Abrams or Bradley? Any info anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Chris,
Give it a few minutes, one of the Marines (Mike Mummy) on the sight or any of the other guys building this track will sure to give you all the info you need.

I do know that it is the kit with the rectangular head lights you mentioned is the one for OIF.

There are two configuarations in use today. The older AAV7-A1 configuration can be found in the Tamiya AAV7-A1 with UGWS (Up Gunned Weapons Station), it is correct for a modern, OIF vehicle. It will build up straight out of the box. The newer version that is being brought on line, and was/is being used in OIF, is the AAV7-A1 RAMS/RS. It is a rebuilt version with upgraded engine, transmission, and runnig gear, all from the Army's M2 Bradley. The running gear is changed to that of the Bradley with all new components and new track. Blast models makes a conversion set for the new running gear. Also as part of the RAMS/RS upgrade is a new, external exhaust pipe/muffler and cover behind the second hatch on the left side. No one makes a conversion for the exhaust, it would need to be scratched.

EAAK armor was on most of the OIF AAV7-A1s as well. There are a few EAAK sets out there, none of them cheap. Trumpeter/HobbyCraft also did a version with EAAK. The EAAK is usable, but the hull is all out of wack since they added a motor and other stuff into it. I will be using the Trumpeter EAAK on the Tamiya hull for mine.

The version with round headlight openings is the older LVTP-7 and is an Academy kit, not Tamiya. It is actually a copy of the Tamiya kit with new pieces to backdate it to an LVTP-7.

If you do a search, you will find this vehicle has been a hot topic lately.

Hello
The Tamiya kit AAV7, the one with square headlights and the small commander turret is the correct kit to use for OIF. This variant was there in a good bit of numbers, but most, if not all, have been outfitted with EAAK armor, the slatted looking items bolted to the side in pictures.

To bring the Tamiya kit up to date/latest design, you would need to upgrade the suspension, the additonal EAAK side armor, and update the muffler. New tracks are also part of the upgrade, as well as additonal stowage for the sides and the movement of radio antenas.

There are a few ways to update the suspension, Blast Model Co of France makes an update set for the suspension that includes the newer tracks. You can also canibalize an old Dragon MLRS kit, as the suspension upgraded used the Bradley/MLRS suspension and powerpack (which is hidden). The resin update set from Blast is expensive. An old Dragon kit can be had for around $10 to $15 US Dollars.

The additonal side armor, or EAAK is also available in the after market. Hobby Fan makes a nice, but expensive (at least in the US market) armor kit to add to the Tamiya kit. Another manufacture acutally made an updated AAV7, but it is not a great kit, most use it's armor to modify the Tamiya kit.

The muffler is not available just yet, there are rumors and heresay that Warriors is going to release a full update set that includes the muffler. Scractchbuilding one would not be that difficult, its a cylinder with a mesh covering to keep items and people from touching the hot muffler. Some one should be able to help you with reference photos.

In regards to OIF, almost every variant of AAV7 were used and continue to be used all over the world by US Marines. Use your reference pictures and decide which model/upgrade you want to depict. There really isnt a need to change the Tamiya kit if you choose not to, as the entire fleet of AAV7's were not upgraded. Also, I would recomend purchasing a book from Hardcorps Models, the new one that covers the AAV7 in OIF with great pictures.

There are plenty of experts on this site to fill you in with any missing information or advice on how to build the model you choose.

melon

Just a few pics from OIF of all three models

This first photo is the Tamiya AAV7 UGWS kit, but it also has the EAAK attached to it.





This photo shows an upgraded version, notice the running gear and suspension as well as the end of the muffler. The square items welded to the hull are the mounting plates for the EAAK armor.




This photo shows both types of the current standard being loaded onto transports, that is, with and without the EAAK added.

Are there any photo-etch sets for the AAVP7A1 or perhaps the LVP7 that could be used?

Mike.

Eduard has an LVTP7 set for the older, original Tamiya version. The Eduard set number is 35784.

I would imagine you could use a few parts from this set on the AAV7 UGWS kit.

Link to Eduard kit.
http://www.eduard.cz/./products/card.php?id_product=4193&name=&catalogue_nb=&type=1&pgroup=2&scale=4&product_month=&product_year=&page_start=200

Actually the Eduard set is for the Academy LVTP-7 (an even earlier version) but most parts should be useable anyway.

Cheers,
Christophe