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Armor/AFV: Braille Scale
1/72 and 1/76 Scale Armor and AFVs.
Hosted by Darren Baker
Early AAV7s
nikon1
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Kansas, United States
Joined: April 11, 2005
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Posted: Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 03:13 AM UTC
In Dragon's AAV7a1 RAM/RS, they include parts for the earlier turret. what changes would need to be made to Dragons AAV7a1 to back date it to an AAV7?
Ch
HeavyArty
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Posted: Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 03:34 AM UTC
If it is truely a AAV7A1 RAMS/RS with the Bradley running gear, it would need the entire running gear backdated to the original LVTP7A1 style. Also, if it has the RAMS/RS exhaust /muffler, it would have to be removed and just a flapper stack put put in its place. If not, it is basically a turret swap and leave off the swim plane on the bow.
nikon1
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Posted: Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 04:27 AM UTC
Thanx, Gino. The kit actually comes w/two seperate sets of running gear. One is for the AAV7a1 and one for the RAM/RS w/the return rollers.
Ch
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
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Posted: Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 05:27 AM UTC
Don't forget the headlight assemblies. The later version has a small rectangular 2-light group. The older version has a large circular recess with a 3-light group.
HeavyArty
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Posted: Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 05:38 AM UTC
Yup, Sabot is correct. It depends on how far back you want to take it. If you want it as an original LVTP7, you also have to modify the headlight set-up too. For an older LVTP7A1, you just need to make the changes I mentioned above. Sounds like it will be pretty easy with the extra parts included in the kit. Good luck.
nikon1
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Posted: Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 07:36 AM UTC
Thanx for the help. I will do the later version. I'm planning on using the AAV7a1 RAM/RS as the starting point once I finish my current RAM/RS model. Would the exhaust stack go behind the commanders cupola or to the left of the turret?
Ch
HeavyArty
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Posted: Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 07:58 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Would the exhaust stack go behind the commanders cupola or to the left of the turret?
Ch


The AAV7A1 standard stack is in the middle of the top deck, to the left rear of the rearward vent grill. You can see it clearly below on a build from Austarlia.




Bunch more great pics there too: LVTP7A1
junglejim
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Alberta, Canada
Joined: February 18, 2003
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Posted: Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 10:02 PM UTC
Sounds like you're talking about the 1/72 kit # 7237? Couple of problems, with the kit you get the Bradley type road wheels, so you'll need the earlier type from somewhere. Also the tracks are the 'big foot' type, instead of the earlier chevron pads. (running gear changes as Gino mentioned). Although the kit gives you alternate side plates with the proper road wheel arms for each version, you'll still need the road wheels and track.
The hull has the armour attachment points molded on, I don't think these would be seen on 'early-early' vehicles?
The older exhaust stack is already molded in place, just don't remove it as the instructions tell you. I would be betting that given the alternate parts, an early version is in the works from Dragon anyway.

Jim
Frenchy
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Rhone, France
Joined: December 02, 2002
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Posted: Monday, October 16, 2006 - 02:14 AM UTC
Talking about tracks, some OIF early model AAVs (non RAM/RS upgraded) were fitted with new Bradley style tracks, just as in the picture below :


HTH
Frenchy
nikon1
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Kansas, United States
Joined: April 11, 2005
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Posted: Monday, October 16, 2006 - 03:38 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Sounds like you're talking about the 1/72 kit # 7237? Couple of problems, with the kit you get the Bradley type road wheels, so you'll need the earlier type from somewhere. Also the tracks are the 'big foot' type, instead of the earlier chevron pads. (running gear changes as Gino mentioned). Although the kit gives you alternate side plates with the proper road wheel arms for each version, you'll still need the road wheels and track.
The hull has the armour attachment points molded on, I don't think these would be seen on 'early-early' vehicles?
The older exhaust stack is already molded in place, just don't remove it as the instructions tell you. I would be betting that given the alternate parts, an early version is in the works from Dragon anyway.

Jim


Thanx for the info. I majorly botch3d my RAMS/RS model by placing the older running gear on the model. Fortunately for me, I have a Dragon Armor AAV7a1 that I can strip and modify much easier than tearing the RAMS/RS model model apart. I will post pictures of the process of the conversion
Ch
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