I modified the top hatch to remove the arms that extended out from the side and cut another disc from the silhouette machine to hold the thermal sight. I also added a 3d printed machine gun from Bravo 6 as that is what his machine had.
I also drilled a mounting hole for the second antenna.
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Another unique touch on his ride was a camel skull mounted on the front grill. I found a set of cow skulls in 1/35 scale and chopped off the horns. Close enough as it conveys the look.
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Looking better and better. The extra radio rack you have used is a SINCGARS radio, but they were not fielded until after ODS in the late 90s. The additional radio was most likely a Series-46 radio. Verlinden made them or they are available in Tamiya/Academy M151 1/4-ton kits.
Series-46 AN/VRC T-524A Radio
It could have also been a second AN/VRC-160 radio set like what comes in the Tamiya kit.
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That is probably it. Too late for me now.
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A very nice build so far. Please consider using resin stowage. It looks much better than injection molded stowage.
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Thank you for the response… it is a very interesting and unique Humvee and you really did a great job replicating the peculiarities of that particular vehicle.
Will keep following the build.
Mario
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I like it as well. But in relooking at the photos, I would offer one small suggestion. I’d redo the shield around the screen with much thinner plastic - even brass sheet. You already have the pattern, which looks good, Brass shim stock cuts very easily with kitchen shears. I initially didn’t think about it because we had some pretty thick shields in our own gun trucks, but your photo shows how thin they are.
One thing on your radio choice:
While your friend’s unit, the Tuskers (2nd Armored Brigade, 1st Armored Division) did not have SINCGARS issued to them in time for ODS. 1st Cavalry Did. It is documented that they deployed with them.
So - I feel if a group of scouts were astute enough to acquire a tank thermal sight, (that probably took some doing) they might also have been able to arrange a dope deal to get a radio, Especially given their mission. It looks good. I’d leave it with no hesitation.
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I initially did the plate containing the sight in thin plastic sheet. It looked too flimsy so I added a thin circle around the edges to give it some interest. I assumed the sheet was attached to the original hatch in some manner as the sight unit appears to be pretty heavy. My friend said that he recalled it was simply strapped somehow onto the “roof” of the hatch but did not recall exactly how. So this is pure conjecture on my part.
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Getting a bit closer to finishing this one. Diorama base is in progress and getting some of the small details finished. Still a ways to go.
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Looking good. I like the burned-out turret on the base.
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The TTS ways a great sight, much better than the M1A1’s thermal channel.
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Weren’t the M1A1s eventually fitted with the TTS?
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No, the M1s had a different thermal system.
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It looks great. Good job finishing it up. I’m sure your friend will love it.
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I like it. Nice base too.
Personally, I would just tighten up one thing - the VS-17 panel. Its proportions are off. I can measure mine if you like, That, and that fact that it need to be secured somehow. There are tie downs on the trunk, and bits if cords attached to the panel, The other way to go is hundred mile an hour tape, but that’s a bit of a waste - it has to go all the way around the panel, One tiny bit of wind gets underneath and it’s gone. Unless of course I can’t see the tie downs. It’s hard to be certain from the photo.
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You spotted one of the things I did. I’d left holes in the panel for tie downs and forgot to do them.
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Really enjoyed following along on your build. Nice work. Thanks for sharing.
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Looks great, Mike!
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