As seen elsewhere on the web, this one’s for Gino. But i don’t think the USMC AAV and A 10 are necessarily a match
Colour profiles,
Built kit
4 Likes
A Bradley with the new MILES, interesting. The CVTESS (Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System, Army Laser Tag) update parts are 3D printed. Empty smoke grenade launchers as well. Magic Factory Facebook page says it will be out in April. It looks pretty nice. Another one to get.
Markings for two 3ID vehicles out of Ft Stewart, GA.
It also includes markings (or lack of) for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) prototype that was tested at Ft Stewart as well. Not sure what new parts would need to be added to the exterior, but it looks like a standard M2A4 Bradley.
Soldiers ‘seeing’ outside the Bradley with Army high-tech goggle
3 Likes
Hay Gino,
Is that monochrome grayish colour the new standard?
1 Like
I think the grayish color is forest green. That’s the color for monochromatic green vehicles.
Perhaps the AAV in the background is a foreshadowing of a future release?
1 Like
Until they fix the multiple inaccuracies endemic in their other Bradley kits, it’s another ho hum release from them. At least it has the separate handles on the armor plates for those who haven’t mastered the cut and lift technique. And yes, that is the new color for all of the late model Bradleys coming out of the factory.
While it may not be likely to find a Bradley and an ACV in the same combat space, it’s possible. I’ve done the research on it, and it wasn’t for Magic Factory, but rather a different company that I’m pretty sure at this point would do a better job of it.
5 Likes
Gino, these inaccuracies you mention, are they detail or more overall shape in nature? Is there a more accurate alternstive? Thanks.
1 Like
Rob actually mentions the inaccuracies. They are mainly detail items and there is unfortunately no better option. All the Bradley kits have some form of inaccuracies. The Meng and Magic Factory kits are the best in my opinion though. Also, I can overlook or fix the above mentioned inaccuracies. Other’s opinions will vary.
2 Likes
Thanks, appreciate the reply. At least we’re a bit further along, accuracy-wise, from having to rely on the old Tamiya kit!
2 Likes
Not necessarily. In many ways, the Magic Factory kits are a step backwards, ommiting improvements that had already been make. I outline many shortfalls in this thread:
All comments apply even though I was building a different version.And of course there are more, including something I only discovered months after the fact - the tracks are not correct.
Some of the inaccuracies may seem trivial tov some, but as a whole, that many shortcomings is unforgivable given the amount of reference material available. And as for fixing them, folks are still ignoring inaccuracies in the old Tamiya/Academy kits, even though they’re glaring and easily fixable.
Shout out to Jacques Duquette for his 3D printed parts, but even so, you gotta put in more work than that to get any of these kits right.
Then of course there are the things that aren’t quite inaccurate, but can certainly be improved upon, like the overly thick turret basket, which can easily be replaced with brass shim. I’ve posted those fixes on other threads, with photos.
4 Likes
You don’t see a lot of Bradleys painted in the brown color scheme; but they’re out there in the wild.
This one’s in Estonia. And it is part of 5/7 Cav, 1 ABCT, 3rd ID.
that color is the same as used on the M1A2 SEP V.3 of the 3rd ID just not sure if the Bradley has the NATO Green on the upper surfaces
Thanks for documenting the issues with the kit is such detail, it’s very helpful.
I’m in the scoping stages of a 1/16 CAD/print A4 Bradley project, but haven’t reached the go/no go point. I was hoping that I could use the Magic Factory kit as a point of departure.
This could be even more work than I thought! Maybe ASLAV is easier.
One issue you’ll have is that are several parts not even included in the kit.
1 Like
Yikes. Being OCONUS, it’s difficult to routinely get access to Bradleys. Seriously on the fence with proceeding, but I really enjoyed converting a Tamiya kit to M2A3 back in 2006 (& working out of M3A2 with Lima Troop, 3 ACR at JRTC back in the day).
I believe it’s CARC-X.
There aren’t any complex curves on the whole vehicle, except maybe the rear bustle, which neither Tamiya nor Academy could get right. You can use the Magic Factory kit as it scales out well, save for the track. I would just pay attention to the details I’ve mentioned, i.e. bolt sizes, spaced armour, etc.
I did a 1/25 Merkava II once based on a Centurion hull by simply placing the parts on a photo copier and enlarging them, your project is a little more involved, but not daunting in the least.
Got a micrometer?
1 Like
As you say, the basic elements are pretty straightforward, I’ve done more work with fewer references before.
1 Like
That newer more brown drab green cooler is part of the evolved/new CARC paints (aka CARC E), still coming out and the Vehicle system PMs guide the paint plans. As with many things in the Army it won’t all be done at once so you will see a mix of colors and schemes on vehicles. And replacement parts won’t always match either.
2 Likes
Any Chance somebody will come out with an M-6 Linebacker(or at least A Conversion Kit)?
1 Like
