Trying to think of Bradley builds I haven’t done yet.
With my collection of Bradleys kits from all eras I can pretty much bash together anything, save the BFIST, but even that one is coming out now, so I’ve decided on an M3A2 ODS. I know there have been others done, notably by Vodnik and RonW, but I think mine will differ sufficiently to make it something new. I’ll be using parts from the Meng M3A2 as the base kit, as well as parts from both the Tamiya and Academy M2A2 kits. Each has parts the other lacks. I’ll be using side armor plates with the older style mounts for the spaced armor, as well as the maintenance platform. Of course it’ll retain the older style doghouse, which makes it different from RonW’s excellent build.
The toughest part will be removing the roof armor from the Meng hull, but even that shouldn’t be too challenging.
At least I won’t have to scratch one of these again:
I don’t know if anyone remembers that from about fifteen years ago, but it took a minute to make. And as I said, removing roof armor instead of adding it this time:
There are pieces of spare turret bases to make the shot trap armor. Note bolts inside side armor plate - still missed by kit producers to this day.
I won’t need to scratch one of these this time either, so it should go well once I get started - and that won’t be soon. But I figure if I get all the stuff together and make it official I’ll have to get to it before 2025.
Sounds like it will be nice. Personally, I would use the Academy hull so I didn’t have to remove the extra armor plates and add Meng’s better detailed parts onto it.
I can’t begin to fathom why that would be a better option. As I said in the other thread, this COA seems best for me.
The Academy lower hull has so many issues It’s not even worth fooling with. Two decades ago maybe.
The suspension arms are ficticious and have nowhere near the correct shape, On top of that they’re all different lengths. The idlers are poorly done, and there are no shock absorbers. And while I recently posted my very simple method for filling in holes, it’s something I only like to do on the old M2 OG kits. There’s no other choice with them.
This is the Academy hull - a far cry from anything offered since.
Maybe so. I guess it depends what AM you have for the Academy kit. I have all sorts of AM updates for mainly the lower hull as I see that as the worst part of the kit too.
As for lower hull aftermarket, I assume you mean the 3D printed upgrades available for the M2A2 kits. Again, a spare kit gives me everything I need and more - track, wheel, shocks, final drives. I’m sure that stuff is good, but you can’t beat getting a whole kit, especially if many of them are still free.
Aside from that, I am no stranger to some of the newer aftermarket.
On the top are there Legend road wheels, of which I have many sets. (also free) Note sprocket and idler parts)
Then there are the very recent DEF Model wheels sets. Also (cough) free…
One of the big shortcomings on the M2A2 kits are the idlers and sprockets, I use these kits for that. They come with shocks as well. I believe I sent you a set last year for a build.
Um, 18bravo…I have accurate 3D Printed Bradley suspension pieces up on eBay for you to look at. And for one, I have roadwheels without the &^&% rims unlike all other wheels out there. I also stand by my idlers and sprockets. Based off the M2A2 ODS at the Minnesota Military History Museum at Camp Ripley.
I’m trying to get my mojo back to work on the Bradley mantlet for the Tamiya kit. Seeing you guys working on builds helps. Keep up the good work.
Jaques,
I’ve seen your work and it is nice. But one of the things I’m trying to do is use up some of the excess kits and parts I have. I’m sure the wheels are nice without the rims, but I remove them myself with little effort.
FWIW, I’d highly recommend your items for anyone else without an assload of stuff lying around.
As the MLRS sprockets and shocks are barely visible, I’m going to use them up. Too bad the tracks are so nasty or I’d use them as well,
Indeed there are no rims on the backside either. But they do exist in the kit. In the above post I said I wouldn’t bother removing them, but it turns out I already have. It only takes seconds to do and I guess I got caught up in the moment,
Maybe not a waste of time after all if someone is actually going to look for that detail on my model,
I’ve decided on an M3A2 during the initial liberation of Iraq. I’m going to hold off on the DEF Model track for the moment. I don’t mind spending money but I could damn near purchase another Bradley for the price. It turns out the old MLRS track is not quite as horrid as I first thought. It does lack the pockets and bolt detail on the ends though.
