Some of you may remember a few years ago ('22) I did a conversion of Trumpeter’s M1083 5-ton into an M1088A1 Tractor version.
When I did it, the LTAS cab M1078 was expected to come out soon. Well, it finally did come out late last year. I left the original cab loose so I could add an LTAS cab later. Later has come.
I built the LTAS cab from the new kit and added it to my M1088A1 to become an M1088A1P2 LTAS armored cab version.
I didn’t take any in progress pics, but it built up w/no issues, just as it is in the instructions. I only added a few placard decals on the dash and the grab handles inside the door frames, but that is it.
I painted it Tamiya NATO Green on the interior and a CARC Sand using Krylon Ivory spray on the exterior. I drydrushed with a couple sandy colors then did a dark brown and sand washes to dirty it up and give it an in-use look.
I love how this came out. I really like the contrast between the sand and the NATO camo. I also really like the Trumpeter LTAS cab and have another to use as something…eventually. I still have the very nicely detailed A1 standard cab to use as well.
I just reread your original tractor conversion article, and I am so impressed with your ability to repurpose parts from different kits for a new model. It’s really old school modeling at its best
And your work pays off, now Trumpeter will issue the tractor in two different versions
