the idea is to create a model that represents the trucks as used during the 1982 operations in lebanon
the aef kit is an entire mess in terms of quality and measurements
the solution was to correct and salvage as many parts as possible
and to scratch build all the other parts and components that can not be used nor salvaged
the project started by converting the blue cabin from the monogram kit
separating the engine cover and rear sleeper unit by use of hand-saw
then closing the large opening at the rear end with a styrene sheet
next is re-creating a correct engine cover that represents a DM800 series based on actual measurements and drawings and references (thank you Paolo)
the chassis was badly wrapped and twisted and bent, a quick fix was dipping it in boiling water for a few seconds and aligning it to a satisfactory result
next is scratch making the front and rear leaf springs
I was thinking something M60 based but battle damaged ? I found this but its not damaged, and not sure if its the right truck version …
Picture used for reference and discussion only
Superb stuff, as always Guilbert! Do you happen to know between which years this truck was in service with the IDF? It would be interesting to know how long they were kept in reserve…
In this case, you could go with Sho’t Kal Gimel/Dalet, Magach 3/5, Merkava Mk.1.
If you don’t want a tank, you can go with a pair of various M113 variants, as well as the M125 mortar carrier, the M150 TOW and the M163 Vulcan. As for artillery, the M109 is a solid choice, or the M88 in case you want an ARV.
For an off-the-beaten-track option, you could pick the Sherman based MAR-290 Episkopi. Of course, you would need to scratch-build the launcher, but judging by your works so far, you could probably do that while having breakfast.
