M2A3 started - finished and on a base!

[cb1]

Well, my first WIP is under way.
The Academy M2A2 with the Legend M2A3 resin conversion along with the the new Voyage PE sets.
Today I started cleaning up all the resin parts and I worked on the PE turret bustle rack.

The first two pictures.

I have to clean up the bustle rack some more. It was a pain in the neck to get the bend right.
and some of the cleaned up resin

I'll be adding the Fruli tracks "big foot" version as well.

Cover me! I'm going in!

 

[Arturius]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

 

[jknaus]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Nice start. Looking forward to more.
James

 

[moon puppy]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Woo hoo! Thanks for sharing Chris.

 

[phantom II]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Congratulations ! Cheers, Christian B)

 

[cb1]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

thanks guys!
I just about finished the resin clean up and I'm going through the PE instructions.....

and the PE frets...

I started attaching the resin bits. fit is really nice.

 

[Iron Mike]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Don't you just love those clear, concise instructions from Voyager Model?? :pinch:

 

[moon puppy]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

You know, someone could make a fortune on selling aftermarket instructions for aftermarket parts.

 

[cb1]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

yea, those instructions are quite a challenge. LOL I plan on using as much as my eyes and sausage fingers can handle. I've asked a lot of questions to Iraqi War Veterans about the current configurations and antenna placement and I got quite a few answers.
Once I get the main armor bits on I'm going to add the non slip coating. I've studied a lot of first hand pictures that I received from the Vets I've spoken to so I think I can get the pattern right.

as for the antennas, the Voyager kit covers the two versions that are in use.

and when I asked about that dome antenna I got this answer.

"the round dome is a Chameleon CREW system, mostly used by the Marines and only used on Army Brad's in the Ramadi area for a short time. The other two are DUKE and are pretty much the standard. So essentially, unless you're building a track serving around Ramadi in 05-09 you're better off leaving the Chameleon off of it."

nothing beats info straight from the boys who work with the vehicle. My experiences with the Bradley are limited to the A0 version from 1984/87 so I went to the Vets for info.

more to come!

 

[chukw]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Needs more PE!

 

[panzerace007]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Yeah , what CHUK said !!

This looks like an Epic Build !! I love all of th Shiny Stuff !!!

:drinks :erik

 

[cb1]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

well I got the turret rolling along ok. I'm trying very hard to use as much of the PE as praticable.
One thing I did correct on the kit is the gun mantlet, on the A2 and later only the center section moves and the rest of the mantlet is stationary.
So I cut out the center and fixed the sides of the plate to the turret. This allows the PE to sit correctly (as best as I can do!)instead of folding the forward edge.

I also put together the commanders sight. Next up is I have to put the microscopic bits of PE in place.

I have not received word on the non-slip coating on the turret yet so I'm going with no non-slip on the turret as the A0 was.

now, my first question for the Masters is : what is a good way to clean excess CA on the brass? nail polish remover?

Thanks!
CB

 

[MrT]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

The M2 is looking good.

You could use polish remover, but I would be afraid it would make the parts come apart. I use my knife to carfully remove any excess.

B)

 

[Iron Mike]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

I'm not a "master", but using a solvent on the excess CA sounds like it might cause more harm than good. Careful sanding of the excess, maybe? I have been using Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive on my PE, dries clear and mostly invisible, the excess can be removed before it hardens too.

The adhesive can be found at craft or hobby stores and Wal-Mart, less than $6 US. Hope this helps some.

 

[MrT]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Mike you are a freaking genius :woohoo: I'm off to walmart right now.

B)

 

[Iron Mike]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Credit where credit is due, that tip came from the real master, chukw!!

 

[MrT]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

All hail

 

[cb1]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

one of the Veterans on another board I read gave me this, awesome walk-a-round shots.

No non-slip on the roof of the turret.

http://www.primeportal.net/apc/pierric_boudehen/m2a2_ods/index.php?Page=1

there are other great armor pictures on that site as well!

 

[cb1]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

More work on the turret today. Still have some stuff to add. I found some "medical tools" at today's DFW Gun Show to help me put this together without my sausage fingers messing it up LOL

The turret is getting pretty heavy with all this stuff.

slow but steady!

 

[jknaus]

Re: M2A3 started - first WIP

Looking great. That sure is a lot of electronics its festooned with. And reactive armour. Must be killer on the suspension and engine moving that around.

James