Hi all,
I wish build AAVP7A1, which kit is good and which upgrade and accessory I must buy.
Thanks.
Miloslav

I have the Tamiya AAVP7A1 with the Upgunned Weapons Station in my stash (it also comes with the older .50 turret too).

Decent kit IMHO, but it lacks any interior of any sort. IIRC, HobbyFan makes both an EAAK armor upgrade kit and an interior for it in resin - but they're supposed to be insanely priced (isn't the interior supposed to be something like over $100????)

Also, I think Blast Models makes a resin suspension/track upgrade for the AAVP7A1, as the EAAK armor required the vehicle to be refitted with the same suspension as the Bradley IFV to handle the extra weight.


(If I am in error, someone feel free to correct me!)

I believe Tamiya's kit with the UGWS is the best option, the only otehr ones are crappy Academy and Trumpeter knock offs. As to upgrades, Hobby fan makes and interior set aswell as the EAAK armor set, there is also a long OOP Kirin set which isnt particulaly great. Blast models makes a set of running gear. For up to date ones you would also need to scratch a new exhaust up top.

Looks like me n Matt were typing at the same time!

I just remembered - didn't I read here about someone buying the cruddy Trumpeter AAPV7A1 knockoff to see if that kit's plastic EAAK would fit, and it was kinda "iffy" at best?

I could swear it was Vodnik................

Edit - I guess we were typing at the same time, Rob!

Don't forget the "BigFoot" tracks like the new ones from AFV or the Fruil ones.

If you are up to it, you can pick up a cheap Dragon MLRS and use the suspension instead of purchasing the Blast kit. Also, Fruil makes a set of metal tracks, which in my opinion, make the best available. This set also includes an updated drive sprocket.

Thanks all, I have Hobby Fan Interier,Fruil and AFV tracks, still must buy Tamiya kit.
Miloslav

hobby easy show the conversion kits



at $101 for the interior

and the EAAK conversion



at $50

all plus shipping and any import taxes

there was also a really good article in a recent military modelling ( the tamiya AFV) magazine on all the upgrades required to build a updated one

HTH

Keith Forsyth

Here's someone scratchbuilding a 1:9 scale working one - with functional waterjets!



http://www.technogap.com/aavp7a1.shtm

I´d realy would like a chep interior option in the market.... I have one from Minihobby and I know it´s a crap but I´ll build it anyway.

Milos, what a bout make a comercial interior of AAVP-7???? In that DVD I sent you, you can find tons of pics of it!!

Bye and think about it, ok?

Marcelo

The Academy kit is the older LVTP-7 with the round headlight assembly recesses and would be improper for use with the EAAK armor.

Greetings Miloslav
I've recently have picked up two sets of the "AFV Bigfoot" track and their great. You have the option to build them with or without track pads for that worn track look, just drill out the bolt detail that would hold the track pad.

Dave

Here's some more info to chew on.

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/Mini Hobby 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 don't recommend it, except to take and use the EAAK on another kit.

Here are some reviews of various LVTP7, LVTP7A1, and AAV7A1 kits by Vodnik.

Academy LVTP-7

Tamiya:
AAV7A1
Older LVTP7-A1

Mini Hobby/Trumpter

Good luck.

Hobby Fan has recently released a AAV R-7A1/ AAV R-7A1 RAM/RS recovery vehicle conversion set (#062) that includes all the RAM/RS parts. It looks quite impressive. I'm afraid the price will be impressive too





HTH

Frenchy

Info update :
I've just found out that Lucky Model lists this set as "available" at....$115.99 !

Frenchy

Hi, thanks all. Now i have complet info.
Miloslav

Hi PM,
it's a bit impressive in US$ but less in Euros
Thanks for the head-up, it looks like I've got another project to add to my wish list.

Marcelo, try to scratchbuild your own interior. It's not that hard but requires some time.
You can have a look at mine displayed on my site (banner below)



Olivier

Hi Olivier

I agree with you, but according to my converter, 87.58 Euros still correspond to 574.49 Francs :-) and I already have enough Hobby Fan stuff on order from Lucky Model (a MICLIC trailer) for the time being. At least the shipping is free

Frenchy

Man, life sucks when the US dollar takes a big dive! I will be getting one of those Hobbyfan Recovery Conversion kits...someday. Got all the research ready to make my own, and then....the curse strikes. At least I had not cut one piece of styrene yet. :-)