As some of you may remember, just before last Christmas, I built an M7A3 BFIST for a friend’s son who is a 1LT in 3 ID at Ft Stewart, GA. After building his, I decided I wanted one for myself.
I recently received the Orochi M3A3 for a build review from Jim at Armorama. You can read the build review here for the basic build and issues w/the Orochi M3A3 kit.
I decided I would use this one for my M7A3 BFIST. Again, I scratch-built the new targeting box. And of course, again, I forgot to take any pics of it before I painted it. I also changed the rear light guards to be taller to accommodate the two addition antennas for the two additional radios to talk to the FA BN. There four radios total on a BFIST. That was all it needed for the conversion. With the exception of the CIPs, which came from the spares box, the rest is all Orochi.
This is the basic vehicle I was looking to achieve.
Thanks Stik. Yes, the targeting box is in place of the TOW box. It has a laser designator and high power optics in it to designate and select targets. The onboard computers then calculate the target location to a 10-digit grid and sends it to the firing battery to lay steel on target. It is a quite efficient system.
Yes, they are called CIPs (Combat Identifier Panels). They show up in thermals as a cold spot against the heat of the warmer vehicle to ID it as friendly.
I don’t know much about the Bradley beyond its use as an IFV. I just did a search and didn’t realise there were so many different versions. I am guessing this is the equivalent of the British Warrior FV 514 and 515 FOO and BC vehicles.
You have done a real nice job on it. I think you have really captured the look of it, great work on converting it. I do like the weathering as well, the dust around the edges and the bolts is just perfect. You have really captured that nicely.
Bish - Thanks and I’m glad you like it. I am very happy with the way the finish turned out as well. I really like the dusty look. You are correct that this is used in the same way as the Warrior FV 514. The US doesn’t really have a vehicle we use specifically for FA Battery Commanders like the FV 515 BC version. The closest we have is the M577/M1068 which is used as a command post vehicle at all levels across the US Army, not just at FA batteries. FA Battery commanders have a HMMWV and roam between the gun line and Bn, etc. in it. Our FOs are attached to the maneuver companies (Inf or Armor), hence the BFIST, so they blend in with the rest of the company.
Arty I was just going to say the overall dusty look is fantastic and small things like the lenses really makes it work. I like the way you sprayed and blended the camo but its the way the dust lays in there that sets it off nicely. Terry
Nice looking machine! If it wasn’t for your last M7 build I wouldn’t even know such vehicle even existed. I especially like the multi colour camouflage with the dust on top of it. What’s next now? Thanks for sharing and have a nice day
Thanks Pawel, I’m glad you like it. It was a fun build. I think next up may be the 1/35 Academy MH-60S with all the extras. Keep an eye out for it in the Helicopters forum soon.
