Heya, Folks,

Was just looking at the Tankograd publication on the LAV/Strykers that I just picked up from Squadron. That stand-off bar armor sure looks cool, but I would hate to have to make it myself. I was wondering what the chances (however slim!) are --- given the leaps that have been made with slide molding technology --- that Trumpeter might mold the bar armor and include it with their kit?

What thinks yuse?

Much Aloha,

Johnny B.

I don't think it is feasible. The plastic would be so thin that it would bend/warp. I think it will need to be a metal. Now, we have seen Dragon and others putting PE in their kits but it would make the kit too expensive for many potential customers, so I only see this as being an AM thing. Accurate Armor did it for the Challenger kit and the Warrior too.

I suppose Trumpeter could decide to model it, but it would have to be so thick as to be way out of scale.

Without slat armor we will be unable to model combat versions of the Stryker,at least to this point. And besides the slat itself, there are flat blast panels that the slat attaches to (and seems to have a stand-off attachment itself), which typically are quite difficult to see in most photos, so someone will really have to get a good all round look at a Stryker w/ slat to properly model it.

And besides the slat armor, it has been pointed out in some recent threads that there are other new armor packages for the air guard sentries and the VC. So, when the model finally does come out it seems we will have many options to think about before building the kit. But for most people it seems like a US-based (and soon Germany-based) Stryker will have to be modeled.

Gee, that's never stopped anyone before.

I would agree though that Accurate Armour is the most likely candidate, as they have already been doing similar sets.
I don't think we're too far off from seeing things like this as a mixture of metal rods and injected plastic. Dragon is already doing the PE/injection combo.

I don't think it would be too hard to scratchbuild from strip and rod -- it would just be time consuming.

I agree that it would not be impossible to model the armor out of round stock and plastic, but as I have a six month old, my modelling time and energy are pretty limited... Just hoping to take the lazy way out...

Heck, even if Trumpeter just molded the attachement points and support frames, I would take care of the rest... I'd even try re-working any over-scale pieces they supplied...

Agreed, Bravo, those AA aftermarket sets are nice-looking --- I would welcome a good set for purchase to spruce up the Stryker....

Aloha, amigos,

Johnny B.

Trumpeter is coming out with a model of the BMP-3M which has bar armor as part of it's armor package, so I would guess that they may do the bar armor in the Stryker kit or they may have it in a follow on kit.

BMP-3M:

The BMP-3M has only two small straight sections on each side of the rear hull for their version of bar armour. Not too hard to produce and include in a kit.

It would be very different to produce this for the multiple angles of the Stryker armour. I can't see a company like Trumpeter including a full set of bar armour in their inexpensive kits.

I think Accurate Armour will be the best bet with the excellent sets already produced for the Challenger 2 and Warrior under their belts.

I am sure we will see a ton of after market parts to spruce up the Trumpeter kit.

That BMP-3M is really ... uh ... ugly. And in a bad sort of way. That thing looks nasty... the rubber flaps make me want to gag ... get it off my driveway.

The SLAT Armor on the Stryker is not round like the BAR armor on the Aussie Lav's, the SLAT Armor is actually flat and about 3 inches wide.

Ric

Now THAT'S an important detail that I was unaware of! That'll make a difference if I have to try and make it myself...

Thanks, Ric!!

Much Aloha,

Johnny B.

"...The SLAT Armor on the Stryker is not round like the BAR armor on the Aussie Lav's, the SLAT Armor is actually flat and about 3 inches wide.,,,"

Howdy fellas,

Could someone post some pics of this type of stand-off armour, preferably up close?
tia

Tread.

PostScript: Oh, and in regards to the BMP-3M.....aside from the rather new, 'Fugly' look to it, it also looks to be somewhat overweighted with the added full-perimeter applique armour don't you think?.........what horsepower engine powers the BMP series anywho?

Agreed, AA is the most likely candidate to do an AM SLAT-armour set.

The BMP 3 has a UTD-29 500 HP multi-fuel Diesel engine.

As far as I have read the only prospective client for the add-on armour packages was the UAE for their BMP 3s. I don't know if they actually purchased it.

Those boxes ont he side of the BMP-3 are to help in keeping bouyancy. I think they may also serve as additioanl stand-off armour.

You guys should love the BMP-3...low profile, lots of firepower, good ATGM protection. Better (at least looking at it on the outside) than sitting in a Bradley. At least so long as you are 5'2"... :-)

For the slat armor of the Stryker, modern injection molding can do it. They make far more delicate parts right now, especially DML. Yes, I think scale Injection pieces can be made if Trumpeter wants to. Now, they just have to properly package them so that they do not break in transit and we are set!

Where did you get the info about the boxes being used to aid buoyancy?

The add-on reactive armour package called KDZ-kompleks dynamicheskoy zashiti) weighs in at 4,150 kg total extra weight.

It is comprised of steel plates and most likely some kind of ceramic spaced plates. It will protect the hull and turret from up to 14.5 mm AP rounds.

The armour is covering the largest degree of the vehicle's front and sides. It is funny, not for the troops, that the only add-on armour for the rear troop compartment and the rear mounted engine is inexpensive bar armour.

Another good shot of the SLAT armor.

Good to see even still in the 21st Century that the use of good old sandbags still provides an added level of protection.

Thanks for posting the photo Gino.

Yes that is a great shot. Thanks for sharing Gino.

It'll only be a matter of time and the market will be deluged with AA sets for this kit. I am just happy to see somebody doing it in plastic.

Now when do we get to see the actual kit...? Or at least a sneak preview...?

Much Aloha,

Johnny B.

Trumpeter had the same master at IPMS Nats as they had at the Nuremburg show. Here is a link

http://www.ipmsusa2.org/EventsGallery/2006_Nats/Vendors/New%20Folder/Trumpeter-Armor/page.html


Well I guess I do not know how to do a hot link here. I do not see any on the edit page.

Thanks Burik!

The kit looks great --- no bar armor, but ya can't have everything.

Thanks again...can't wait for this one. I wonder when "late 2006" is...

Aloha,

Johnny B.

Howdy fellas,

Wow Gino!....not only do I appreciate your first set of pics, but that last one is SUPERB!! Reason? It gives me {almost} one of the most important views of a 3-view...hence, combined with the other pics one could put together a fairly enlightened attempt at building a jig for said "SLAT" armour.
Not that that would be me necessarily ...considering I'm still working on my phantom ATC (H) project...{at least that's the rumour}.

But, if one wanted to take on such a task, it would indeed be more possible now....of course, having one of these "late November 2006" kits already built to act as a proper 'base' would help greatly

Tread.

PostScript: I do have to say tho', even though I don't generally model 'modern' stuff....that Stryker sporting those 'SLAT' outer clothes is intriguing as H-E-double hockey sticks!!