I am currently working on an Academy M2A2 Bradley O.I.F. And I have several questions about this model, I hope someone here can help me with.
First on the Bradley there is a half round part that is just above the tracks that is painted flat black. What is this part for?
Second is this model seems to have several extra parts (hopefully I haven't forgot to place them on the model). To include a part that appears to go on the cargo rack on the turret that appears to extend the rack and a couple of parts that appear to cover that tracks. Are these parts just extra parts that are used to update the model or change the bradley in some way?? The instructions seem not to cover these and other parts.
Third is that I seem to have read some were on this site that this or a similar model from Academy has an interior set included is this the one or did I miss out??

I know this is a lot to ask help with but I really would appreciate any help with this!!! Thanks in advance!!!

Maybe these two links can provide some help:
http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/modern/academy13205reviewcs_1.html

and

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/academy/acd13205.htm
This one also has a link to some more info (No, I didn't check the contents ....)
/ Robin

No idea what you are refering to about a half round piece painted black. Can you give a part # or describe it better? The only things around the tracks painted black are the return rollers. They are round and actually go below the tracks.

The extra parts are left over from the original M2 kit. They are not used on the M2A2 OIF version.

The M2A2 OIF kit does not include the interior. The original Academy M2 had the same interior as the original Tamiya M2 that it was a copy of. The original interior will still fit and can be modified to present standards for an M2A2 with interior though. If you can get your hands on one, they are great starters for an interior.

The PMMS review below is great. The M-L review is so-so at best. Stick with Perth's for better reviews which include pictures. There is also a great review by Saul Garcia of it here at Armorama; M2A2 OIF.

The biggest issue with the kit is the tracks. They are the original triangle block tracks that haven't been used since the early '90s. They will need to be switched out to build an accurate M2A2 ODS as used in OIF. Tamiya has the correct square block rubber band tracks from their M2A2 ODS kit that you can buy from them for about $5. Blast, Fruil, and AFV Club all have indi-link tracks for M2A2s as well.

I have this model as well and plan on building it with a full interior. It looks to be a great kit, better than Tamiya's M2A2 ODS. Here is an article by Vodnik on what you can do to improve it some more as well.

Good luck and feel free to ask any further questions.

Gino, I think he is talking about the ruber flaps/covers that are mounted on the side of the armor just above the lower skirts. If so, those are just used so that anything secured behind them won't fall off while goinging through brush or something like that.

HTH

Frenchy

Peter is correct on the part above the track. I have been looking at the instructions just now. The other part for the turret he is refering to is the old style Bustle Rack.

Ric

Ah ha, now I am following. Yup, the flaps are used to store things behind, usually water cans, so they are not torn off from debris and other stuff that may snag on the side of the Bradley.

Thanks guys!!!! You managed to answer all my questions even with vague descriptions!!! It's one of the reasons I can't do without this site. And I am always impressed with everyones willingness to help, Thanks again!!

Also I've researched alittle and found some of the mystery parts are from the M3 Bradley ( I believe) Here are some photos of the parts in question.



The parts I questioned are the side skirts and the front grille like piece. As well as the Bustle Rack.



Thanks again

The front grill thing is no longer used. It went away with the old M3A I owe ya one's. The skirts were changed out for the newer Armor that goes up alot higher than the older side skirts as you have pictured here. The Bustle rack was changed so that it had a squared off appearance. The extra part in the kit is for the old Bradleys. The kit directions have you use the right ones.

Ric
BTW Merry Christmas

Yes, the left over parts are for the older M2, M2A1, M3, and M3A1. With The M2A2 and M3A2, the new side skirts were added and front plate omitted, along with the new bustle rack ( which first appeared on the M3A1).