Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
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GunTruck
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Posted: Monday, February 18, 2002 - 10:19 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Many thx Rob. As always, your input is both appreciated and 'spot-on'. I guess I've been a little self-indulgent here. I've had it in my craw lately to build a modern armour piece (Leopard/Merkava/etc) and just wanted to 'include' it in something a little less static than a 6" x 9" wooden 'Hobby Lobby' base.
Orrrrrr, maybe I (my evil twin of course) was thinking of creating a dio that is different enough from all the other WW II dio's where I might have a fighting chance at competing with the modeling likes of people like Gunnie.....
Fat chance huh?

Tread.



Compete with me?!? Nah! I have an idea though, dioramas that really interest me (from a competition standpoint) aren't ones of battle settings. I gravitate towards ones that show the humanity of the soldiers - the ones with that all to infrequent down time when weapons are stripped and cleaned, food is wolfed down, letters are written and read, etc. In the limited times I went into the field, after the hustle and bustle of the day - it got kinda lonely out there. A scene capturing that would be nice...

Gunnie
Epi
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Posted: Monday, February 18, 2002 - 10:53 PM UTC
I like Rob's last idea. Im thinking of doing a scene with a Maintanence Team since Im in a support unit. MR models has put a couple of conversions for there Iterlari's 5 Tons and a couple of HUMMER shelters and a Bradley engine. I was thinking of a Bradley getting a overhual next to an Expando Van and a couple of Hummers, also having a M88 ready to pull the pack.
210cav
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Posted: Monday, February 18, 2002 - 11:30 PM UTC
General question: has anyone built an M-88 in 1/35? If so, can you provide some details. I want to get one (like I need another kit to build). However, I note the price ($49+). So, I want to ensure that I am getting my money's worth. What about after market products for an 88?
thanks
DJ
Epi
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Posted: Monday, February 18, 2002 - 11:48 PM UTC
You came to the right place with that question 210Cav. Ive built the AFV M88. All I have to say is awsome!!!!!! Well worth the price. MR Models and AEF Designs has an interior for it too. I need to take better pictures of mine, but you can see it on the HETT in the photo Gallery. Oh, I forgot, Real Models has a conversion kit to make the M88 into a M88A2 Hercules. I have one in the store I work at.
Sabot
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 12:55 AM UTC

Quoted Text

However, I note the price ($49+).

I just bought one off of someone on Hyper Scale for $30 delivered. Keep your eyes open and search eBay, Squadron Mail Order Specials and Model Expo special sales.

I know someone answered my question that the Revell of Germany M88 kit is the AFV kit with Bundeswehr specific parts added, but can the RoG be built as a US M88A1 too? (does it include all parts necessary?)
210cav
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 01:26 AM UTC
The danger in discussing any question with you fine fellows is your inate ability to get me fired up to spend more money. I love it!!!!
Thanks guys
DJ

M-88 here we come........
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 01:34 AM UTC
On more to chime in on the M88 - it is worth the asking price! Post some pics when you get done with it!

Gunnie
210cav
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 03:43 AM UTC
Gunnie--you bring up a point that I trust my fellow modelers discuss. What is the best way to send a photo to the site for posting?
DJ
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 03:46 AM UTC
Once Jim catches wind of these recent postings - he'll setup a folder for you to upload images directly into. He then gets them into the Gallery section. Shoot him an e-mail if he doesn't pick up on this thread...

Gunnie
210cav
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 03:50 AM UTC
Gunnie--thanks. I will give Jim until first formation tomorrow morning to respond. If he does it, fine. If not, we take him to see the Man.
Thanks again
DJ
GeneralFailure
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 04:04 AM UTC
DJ,
to upload pics, just ask Jim. He'll set you upt with the tools needed.

Jan
Maki
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ARMORAMA
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 04:14 AM UTC

Quoted Text

On more to chime in on the M88 - it is worth the asking price!



Hey, but there are two M88 available from AFV Club; I believe one is the Nam version and the other one I don't really know? What is the difference between those two?

Mario M.




Sabot
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 04:36 AM UTC
The M88 used in Nam was a gasser, the M88A1 is the other and is diesel (or JP8). I have the second kit but do not know the difference between the two of them. The kit even comes with a scale chain and wench cable.
Epi
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 11:27 AM UTC
Hey guys, there are some slight differences between the 2. First of, if you are going to use the Real Models M88A2 conversion, you can use either kit because the conversion gives you a whole new upper hull. The Vietnam kit comes whith a gun shield for the .50 Cal and there are some slight differences between the 2 hulls. You cant use the Vietnam kit to do a modern version and vice versa. I have both kits in my store and check to see what are those differences because I cant remember right now.
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 11:29 AM UTC
The main difference between the two kits comes in an APU added to the right, rear, side of the superstructure in the M88A1 to provide power with the engine turned off. AFV Club captures the area accurately in the M88, and for the M88A1 kit, provides the APU and a minor weld bead detail change to replicate this addition for the newer variant. There is an additional detail in an armored shield for the commander's cupola for the M88 Vietnam variant too.

Gunnie
Epi
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 11:37 AM UTC
Thanks Gunnie, I knew someone else would remember. I knew it had to do with generator but I didnt want to seem like an idiot and say something I didnt know.
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 11:41 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Thanks Gunnie, I knew someone else would remember. I knew it had to do with generator but I didnt want to seem like an idiot and say something I didnt know.



Aw Pete - don't worry about that! How many guys can you have around who think they know everything? However many that might be - I don't want to be one of them. No one should hesitate to chime in - that's what makes a good forum.

Gunnie
Epi
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 12:00 PM UTC
EXACTLY!!!!!! I didnt want to be one of those guys either. Plus it gives everybody else to add something and not one person to take all the thunder.
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 12:24 PM UTC

Quoted Text

EXACTLY!!!!!! I didnt want to be one of those guys either. Plus it gives everybody else to add something and not one person to take all the thunder.



:-) I learn a lot from you guys. ALL of you are responsible for all the putty I'm gonna buy in the next week...

Gunnie
Sabot
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 12:25 PM UTC
Ahhh, the M88A1 introduced the "Little Joe" APU, learn something new every day. One of my M88s is having the main wench replaced and will be occupying valuable bay space for the next month.
Epi
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 12:33 PM UTC
Just a little bit of useless info, but those M88's are a beast to drive. While I was in Saudi, I was on a detail to load the ships with all the vehicles (thats where I managed to get my track license amunst other vehicles I learned to drive.) I had to put a 88 in a space that only fit it. There was about 5 to 6 inches between it and the other vehicles, talk about be nervous. I think that was worse than parrallel parking during you drivers test.LOL
GunTruck
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Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 - 12:57 PM UTC
Man - I would have loved to get to drive one of them. Some of us can only dream...

Gunnie
GunTruck
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Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2002 - 12:00 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Ahhh, the M88A1 introduced the "Little Joe" APU, learn something new every day. One of my M88s is having the main wench replaced and will be occupying valuable bay space for the next month.



Hey Sabot - was/is the "Little Joe" APU something that's been carried on to other vehicles - like an Abrams perhaps? That's an interesting nickname - reminded me of the Little Joe rocket with Apollo capsule on it...

Gunnie
210cav
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Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2002 - 12:21 AM UTC
Gunnie--the M-1 and the APU, ah, what a story. We were among the first to receive the M-1s in Germany. 3rd Infantry Division, 3/64 Armor, Schweinfurt. Must have been some time in 1980. Much pain endured with engine fires and the like. We asked "where is that APU?" The Ordnance guys (like Rob), said "it's just around the corner." Well, I waited some twenty years and finally saw a working one mounted in the left rear of the M1A2 SEP. They took the 57 gallon fuel cell out and placed the UAAPU in there. UAAPU stands for Under Armor Auxiliary Power Unit. This provides electrical and hydraulic power to the tank. You will note that our extremely capable M-1 NTC modeler mounted an external APU over the right rear of his model. Looks nice on the model. Wait till you hit the first tight corner. Amazing story. God only knows how much they poured into the UAAPU.
DJ
Sabot
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Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2002 - 01:16 AM UTC

Quoted Text

was/is the "Little Joe" APU something that's been carried on to other vehicles - like an Abrams perhaps?

As far as I know, the Little Joe is the APU on the M88 and the 3' long wrench used to adjust the idler arm on the M-60 series tanks (and M-48 and M88). That APU that hung off the back was a pain and we turned ours in in 1992. Smaller Honda generators were being tested in the turret bustle rack while I was in Germany in 1990. Mainly to power the optics and radios at nighttime.