I am currently building Italeri's M978 representing a vehicle used in OIFand hope I can get some assistance on a couple of questions regarding colour schemes.

I have looked at many photos on line of the M978 in Iraq and all the photos I have been able to find seem to show them in the standard NATO three color scheme. However, I have also seen some photos of some really excellent models painted in sand. Does anyone know if sand colored M978's were in comon use?

I am still undecided whether to go NATO three color or sand, but if I go three colour, what is the correct color for the underside? The photos I have seen dont show the inside of the chassis rails - does the camo extend all the way under? If not, which is the correct color?

Thanks,
Iain

Yes, sand M978s were just as common as camo ones. The base color for the camo vehicle is medium green. Any part not camo (like the underside), will be medium green.

Gino,

Thanks for the quick response:




I have a couple of supplementary questions...

Would the sand and camo vehicles be likely to serve with the same units?

Would the sand colored vehicles have sand interiors or would these still be the base green color?

Thanks once again,
Iain

Yes, both green camouflage and sand could be found in the same unit.

No, the interior is not painted sand when the vehicle is sprayed. It stays green.

Yes, sand and camo vehicles were mixed in units. It all depends on how the unit got their vehicles. If they were draw vehicles from PrePo stocks, they could be either sand or camo. Some units drew all their vehicle, some brought some and drew some, some brought all their vehicles.

I was commander of A Battery (Target Acquisition), 1st Bn, 37th FA (MLRS), 3ID in OIF 1. I brought most of my Radar specific vehicles and drew HMMWVs, 5-tons, etc. I had a mix of sand, green, and camo trucks.

For the interiors, it depends on what the original color of the vehicle was. If it was camo from the factory, the interior will be green. If it came in sand, the interior will be sand. When repainted (camo to sand) the interior is not usually repainted.

Gentlemen,

Once again, my thanks. I have decided to go with a sand exterior / Green interior. Now I just need to decide on the unit to get the markings right.

I couldn't find any pictures of a sand colored M978 on Prime Portal. Does anyone know another site that I can try?

Thanks,
Iain

Iain:

I have some pics of 3rd ID fuelers I took while at Ft Stewart this past summer. It seems to me most of the frame, at least that what is visible, is painted sand. You could make things interesting by painting one or two things green, as if they got replaced. This is very common on all types of vehicles. I am traveling right now, but if you can wait til tonight I may be able to send you some photos.

Also note that it was common for crews to personalize their vehicles for stowage options. Some crews used a sort of zig-zag of cargo straps behind the driver's side of the cab, to create a sort of basket to toss large objects into. Also, the 3rd ID seemed to have fabricated either a wooden or metal board in the same area for the same purpose. 3rd ID crews at least in the 2nd Bde had orange/red/blue ice chests as well, with white tops. They stowed them on either side behind the cab.

I just got back from the NTC at Ft Irwin and noticed some crews even put their packs in between the driver and co-driver, and they could not even see each other. I have a photo of one if you are interested. It is from a Stryker Bde. I asked the driver if this was normal and he said it was. I still doubt it (after my trip I came to the conclusion that many soldiers did not care what information they gave you, and would purposely mislead you since they felt they had classified vehicles and tactics to protect). Maybe it was that way just for the FOB, where it was at the time. I can't see how that would be okay for driving since he could not see to his right at all.

Bob

Bob,

Any photos you are able to provide would be much appreciated. I like the idea of having a couple of replacement parts to add interest.

Do you know if anyone makes 1:35 ice boxes? Failing that, do you know where I can get a photo of an actual example?

Thanks,
Iain

Check this post, Ice Chests for sale.

Gray casts and sells his own. They look good and are pretty cheap.

I think Verlinden has one in their M1 accessory set too.

Gino,

Thanks for the link. I have left a message for Gary and hope to hear back from him.

Once again, I am grateful for the help and advice on this forum.

Thanks,
Iain