hi all i was thinking of building the afv club m88 in vietnam but does anybody know what is the differnce between the m88 and the m88A1 did they both serve in SE Asia are they very differnt kits?

M88 had a gas engine and did not have the additional generator, "Little Joe", in the square protrusion on the right rear of the cabin, where the vice sits on top of on the M88. Only the M88 was used in Vietnam.

M88A1 was a later development, mid-late '70s. It replaced the gas engine with a more powerful deisel one. It also incorporated the external "Little Joe" generator. The vice was repositioned to the left rear on the engine cover as well.

The AFV Club kits are different as they replicate the changes for the external generator well. Also the Vietnam M88 version comes with PE for the headlight guards and individual link tracks as well.


For a more modern one, the M88A2 "Hercules" is the latest version with a more powerful engine, improved braking system, stronger square boom, added armor plating and side skirts, and an extra winch added to the front glacis. There are a couple conversion sets in resin for A2s, but they are very expensive and you still need the basic M88 or M88A1 kit to convert it.

Both the M88A1 and M88A2 are still used today.

The M88 was gasoline powered and served in Nam. The M88A1 is diesel powered and is still in use today. Biggest visual difference is an auxillary power unit that is in the right rear of the superstructure of the M88A1.

many thanks guys for your help m88 it is then

Gino and Robin are within a minute TOT, and all's right with the world!!!

Tom

We had little joes on our M48a1's back at VMI. I thought those were used just to help power up the gas engines. I know we used gas burning 88's in my battalion in Germany and I left in "79