M1083 Armored Artillery Prime Mover and M777A2 Ukraine

Armor/AFV Modern
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My latest project is an M1083 5 ton truck with an armored cab as an artillery prime mover for an M777A2 155mm Howitzer. It is inspired by (not an exact replica) of the one below in Ukraine.

M1083 2
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M1083 1
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With the lovely Cheshire Cat grinning face on the front of the cab.

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I started with the Trumpeter M1083 standard truck (01007) with a soft cab. I will be swapping out the cab for the left over armored cab from the Trumpeter M142 HIMARS kit that I replaced with a corrected 3D printed cab. I am also swapping out the doors from the Trumpeter Armored Cab M1078 kit (01009) since they have larger windows similar to the ones above.

Here are the cab and doors.

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I added interior parts to the doors including the pull handle and handle to open them. I also added the splash guard around the windows.

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On the cab interior, I have added the NBC system and a storage box behind the driver and a shelf for a radio behind the passenger. I will be adding a SINCGARS radio, Intercom Control Box, and individual intercom J-Boxes to hook up to. The seats are 3D printed items.

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I will also be using a 3D printed instrument panels and other detail items inside.

For the covered cargo bed, I found one on Cults 3D and printed it off. It came in two parts; sides and top. Here it is assembled and filled, before priming. It was pretty easy to work with and, in my opinion, looks pretty good.

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I built the frame from the box. I added 3D printed brake cylinders to the front and rear. I also added a 3D printed steering gear box and the connecting arms for it to the wheel. I also made a transmission blank from some odds and ends to fill up the underside of the cab. It isn’t much, but not much can be seen anyways.

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I also used the new front and rear bumpers, mudflaps, and some other smaller parts from the Legend LMTV Late Conversion Set (LF1303). The Legend parts go on without any issues.

Here it is with the cargo bed mounted to the frame.

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Lastly, here it is mocked up with the cab on as well.

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More work to go on it. Interior paint and detailing should be next. After that will be exterior painting. I plan to do it in NATO camo with a green canvas bed cover, as above. I also have a set of Panzer Art Goodyear aggressive tires/wheels for it as well.

It will eventually have a Vargas 3D printed M777 attached to it as well.

More to come later.

32 Likes
2

Damn, that looks nice, really like the covered cargo bed :+1:

3 Likes
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That covered cargo bed is the best I’ve ever seen. Watching this build fo sho!

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Great job.

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5

Really nice job! Can you pls share de cults 3d link for the covered cargo bed?

2 Likes
6

Welcome aboard!
:smiley:

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7

Excellent work! Looking the goods.

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8

A new great built. This covered cargo bed appears much better than the previous Tankworkshop one.
Folds are more convincing and side walls seem to be in resin too, with all the bungee cords molded on.

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Thanks all. I really like the covered cargo bed as well. Here is the file for it.

:delivery_truck: Coverd Tray (MT04-TT-1)・ 3D File for 3D printing・Cults

I did have to play with scaling it a bit, but it wasn’t too bad. It comes with a base as well, but I mated it to the bed floor part from the kit. It does include the bed side walls with the tie-down bungees as well.

4 Likes
10

Wow! That looks groovy, Gino!

:beer_mug: :cowboy_hat_face:

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11

Thanks Richard. So far, it’s been a fun build.

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12

Wow, your 3D printer is paying dividends just to get the parts you want. Looks great so far!

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13

Thanks. Yes, I am really enjoying my 3D printer. I can print up almost any needed part or a whole kit. Gotta love it.

2 Likes
14

What printer are you using Gino?

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15

I have an Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra. It is easy to work with and gives great results.

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16

How much did it cost, because i was thinking of replacing my old one

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I got it as a Christmas gift, but I think it was around $300-$350.

I have done a few figures as well, just playing around. There are all sorts of SOF figures available too. Hint, hint. :wink:

2 Likes
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I don’t have the space for a 3D printer, unfortunately, although I know that there are a lot of neat and cool figures to buy and print with having a 3D printer that it’s silly not to have one. :face_with_peeking_eye:

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19

you know whats going to happen now Gino since you did all that Trumpeter will release a kit of the the Truck with a M777

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Of course. I actually hope they do. The Vargus one isn’t cheap.

1 Like