I’m not trying to nit-pick but do you have a picture of the M3A3 transmission being that color. In all the brads I’ve worked on I have only seen a silver transmission and for my modelling knowledge I would love to see this color in the wild as I too want to build the M3A3 and what it to be as correct as possible.
I have seen transmissions in various shades of bare metal depending on wear, fluid stains, etc. No pics, but that is how I am doing it. It will be lighter once weathered as well. It is what it is.
I think it looks cool that’s why I was curious
Thanks, we’ll see how it turns out.
HI Gino,
Unfortunately, I’m not that familiar with actual colors used on this vehicle, or those that are supposed to be used. The work you’ve done looks great - construction and the no doubt tedious process of painting and pulling it all together. I imagine, as you note above, with even modest weathering, the shades will get toned down and look right. The scratched parts and radiator cap are nice touches! I’m betting that with a wash or two, this will look spot on.
Cheers
Nick
Imressive scratchbuilt detail, look forward to seeing more.
It’s building up really well and the detailing and painting are bringing it all together well .. will definitely look the part ![]()
Thanks gents. I have already been playing with the weathering, and it definitely looks different.
Life and work have slowed me down on this one. I have also been busy w/CAD and 3D printing some parts for future projects. More on those later. I have made some time to work on this one though.
I have weathered and detailed the turret interior. I added SINCGARS ASIP radios, an intercom system, interior lights, etc., etc., etc… Most won’t be seen, but I know it is all there.
I have closed it up and completed most of the hull. I failed to take pics before closing it up though. Here is the engine and transmission area after weathering and installing them in the hull.
The inside of the cabin as well. Similar pieces added. The interior doesn’t have any extra gear since it is a maintenance dio. I may add a toolbox and some tools in the back later though.
Driver’s position.
The area under and around the turret. I added the ring that transfers power and such to the turret base and wires going to it.
I have completed most of the hull and turret and will give another update soon. Work continues.
Very nice …. lovely detailing.
Thanks John. I am enjoying it so far and I do like adding details. I am almost done w/the hull and should have another update soon.
Excellent detailing Gino. You’re hitting all the little things that make a phenomenal model. Where do you get all of your incredible knowledge and reference of the Bradley? It seems you’re something of an expert on the vehicle. Did you command a BFIST?
Thanks Matthew. I was on a BFIST, but I was also around Bradleys most of my active-duty career as an FSO of one sort or another. I have a great memory for minutia as well, or worthless crap as my wife says. I will forget a new acquaintance’s name five minutes after I meet them though. ![]()
I have completed the build of the Bradley so far. I didn’t want to use the ERA on it, so I swapped out the Meng side skirts that have the mounting bars molded onto them with flat ones from an Academy kit. I also added the tie-down blocks from a Magic Factory M2A2 ODS-SA kit that I will use the ERA on. The PE tie-down blocks are nice as they are made without connection points, so no sanding, but you still have to fold each piece. Each block is made up of two flat pieces with opposing ends folded, stacked on top of each other. They were still a pain to do.
Here it is so far.
I also found/separated from a larger model 3D pieces for the rubber cargo holders on the front of each side. They came out really well and I am very impressed with them.
To the turret, I added 3D printed empty ammo can holders and the PE tie-downs as well.
The turret overall.
Next up is painting and final assembly, then onto the base and figures.
Very nice work Gino
Thanks Richard. Glad you like it.
Incredible build Gino! It looks like you didn’t miss a detail anywhere. Very impressive model making. I like all the options you picked.
Thanks Matthew. I do like to mix up parts to get what I am after.
Sure your assembly is unique. You are lucky with extra side skirts which fit the Meng kit. I wonder if Tamiya ones could have been usable too.
Thanks for the comments, Alexandre.
“I wonder if Tamiya ones could have been usable too.”
Yes, they fit on the Meng hull just fine. I used them on an M2A2 ODS backdate I did a few years ago. Also, the Orochi/Kinetic and Magic Factory ones will fit as well. All the hulls are basically the same size.














