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Armor/AFV: IDF [Israeli Defense Forces]
Armor and AFVs of the IDF army from 1947-today.
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IDF M88A1 mods?
Jeepney
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Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 01:35 PM UTC
What external modifications did the IDF make on their M88A1s? From the few pictures I have it looks like they only changed some stowage positions on the hull sides. The tracks they use are also different. Some M88A1s have another winch on the hull front similar to the winch of the M88A2. Are there other noticeable modifications I missed?



Thanks!
Maki
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Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 07:50 PM UTC
Hey Jeep.. are you doing an IDF vehicle? I must admit I havent seen many pics of IDF M88.. I'll try to look something up when I come home later today..

Mario M.
Jeepney
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Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 09:06 PM UTC
Hi Mario! I'm not sure yet. It seems that I bought the incorrect AFV Club tracks for it. It was indicated on the box that the tracks can be put on an M88A1 so I thought the US Army used them but after asking around that wasn't the case So I have a choice of whether to use the tracks somewhere else and stick with the kit tracks OR use those tracks and make an IDF ARV. Pictures are a bit scarce but if the mods are doable I might just proceed with the IDF version.

Thanks for checking Mario!
Maki
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Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 09:29 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I'm not sure yet. It seems that I bought the incorrect AFV Club tracks for it. It was indicated on the box that the tracks can be put on an M88A1 so I thought the US Army used them but after asking around that wasn't the case So I have a choice of whether to use the tracks somewhere else and stick with the kit tracks OR use those tracks and make an IDF ARV. Pictures are a bit scarce but if the mods are doable I might just proceed with the IDF version.


Sorry to hear you spent money only to found out that the tracks can't be used on your model.. IDF version seems like a good alternative, I have some websites with IDF stuff so I'll look it up. Perhaps some of our Israeli friends here can also help you out...

Mario M.
Jeepney
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Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 09:57 PM UTC
On the other hand, if I don't use the tracks I'll be encouraged to get an M60
80a2
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Flevoland, Netherlands
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Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 10:23 PM UTC
take a look at this sitefor some pics:
http://idfmodelling.free.fr/m88.html
and AEF desings got an upgrate set to make the IDF M88
http://www.aefdesigns.com/Israile_Images/Israeli_Armor_2.htm
i'm planing to build it to with the AEF upgrade.
Maki
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ARMORAMA
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Posted: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 - 11:44 PM UTC

Quoted Text

i'm planing to build it to with the AEF upgrade.


So I guess you have AEF conversion.. How do you like it? I have heard numerous reports on AEF bad quality. What exactly do you get in the upgrade?

Mario M.
80a2
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Flevoland, Netherlands
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Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 04:15 AM UTC
I havend buyd it jet #:-) since I have other spanding to do first ...
but i trust AEF, I hear from the idf modelers that it is quite good so....
shiryon
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Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 12:34 PM UTC
AEF does have a set to modify the vehicle to IDF standards but it is one of the older ones. Accurate armour is soon to release an upgrade set for the IDF M88 (master by Rick Howden) the modifications are basically whats mentioned above plus some extra Fire extinguishers. the commanders weapon also seems to missing on the vehicles I've seen but it would probably be a mag if you want to put one on.
]
Josh AKA shiryon
Jeepney
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Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 12:40 PM UTC
Thanks for the pics 80a2! I can't justify the cost of update sets though so I think I'll have to scratchbuild the bare minimum needed to convert the beast. I think I'll go with this almost stock one:





Remove the grenade boxes, add more stowage, and I'm home free. I hope
Maki
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Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 08:21 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Remove the grenade boxes, add more stowage, and I'm home free. I hope


I always liked how IDF soldiers ride on tanks.. So, some figures could really be a good "stowage items", what do you think? I have seen Capt. Jack's (DreamCatcher) new IDF figures that could be nice on your IDF M88...

Mario M.
Jeepney
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Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 08:30 PM UTC
I'm thinking I'm thinking... #:-) I'll leave a few hatches unglued then
Vroaar
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Noord-Holland, Netherlands
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Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 09:24 PM UTC
Hi, the AEF set for the M88A1 mentions an infantery com-box and .50 ammo boxes but I can't find these on the pictures of the real vehicle. Does anyone know where these items are supposed to go?

Thanks,

Nico
Maki
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ARMORAMA
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Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 - 10:24 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi, the AEF set for the M88A1 mentions an infantery com-box and .50 ammo boxes but I can't find these on the pictures of the real vehicle. Does anyone know where these items are supposed to go?


I'm not sure about com-box, but .50 cal ammo should go to the rack on the left side of the vehicle just before the left door. Here's the pic:



BTW, check out Rob's Motorpool gallery here on Armorama. Great pics of M88A1..

Mario M.
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