I have completed my contribution for the 3ID Museum build that a group of us are doing. It is an M7A2 BFIST from 1-9 FA task organized to A Co, 1-64 AR during the first Thunder Run into Baghdad on 05 April '03.

This is the actual vehicle. It was on the right stowage basket by an RPG that set the gear on fire.




Here is my rendition of it.







More can be seen here, including in-progress shots.

Sir, I looked it up in google and everything but there is very little of the M7 and its designation. What changes are there to the M2-M3 Bradley that make it an M7 if you don't mind, and it doesn't violate OPSEC.

Very nice build Gino.....you got the fire damage looking very good.

Very nice indeed, Gino!

I love the scratchbuilt updates/conversion parts.

I am also curious regarding what the differences are between the BFIST and regular Bradleys.

Fantastic looking piece there Gino- I'm sure the museum will be very happy with it. You have got it pretty much perfect in 1/35-even the slightly slanted air ID panel on the rack that suffered the RPG hit. That area looks spot-on too- the fire damage looks very realistic.

Thanks guys. I tried to replicate it as much as possible. It was a fun build and I am very pleased with it.

For the BFIST, externally, there are only three differences. It pretty much looks like any other Bradley, which is the idea. The differences include the TOW box having a flat plate at the back as opposed to the two missile ends. The two rear light brackets are extended and have antennas attached to them. Finally, on the side of the right rear storage box, there is a holder for a reel of commo wire. Internally, the rear compartment has a large seat with an operator's station with a Fire Support computer and radios. The TOW box is full of electronics used to combine the Bradley's sight system and a Fire Support Computer to quickly locate targets and pass them digitally to a firing unit. It is a very nice system.

Here is the inside:


One I did a while ago w/a full interior.

Looks nice, Gino. You did a good job replicating the burn spots from the RPG hit. The museum should be happy with this as an addition to their collection. It is a very fitting tribute to the Soldiers who crewed that vehicle. Just think how proud they would be if they go to the museum with their kids and can show them a display that has their vehicle represented. Hoo-ah!

Cheers,
James

Thanks James. I have been in contact w/some of the crew members during the build. The best compliment I got was from the driver, who said,"Holy *&*^, it looks like I could hop in and drive it away!" I knew I had nailed it then.

Great work as always Gino.

Yeah, you can't beat a compliment like that. I'm sure it was a good feeling to know that they appreciated the work you did in recreating their vehicle in miniature.