Every time I see the headline for your thread, my mind reads M7 BFIST as M7 PRIEST and I think wow, NATO still fields those things?
It would be interesting if the M7 Priest was still in use today. The 105mm gun hasn’t changed that much, so who knows.
Cool model, GIno–you always bring quality stuff. Nice weathering as well.
Does this have a single block track? The photo shows a two-block track, not quite the same?
Thanks Doog. Always good when you stop in. There is a new Bradley track that some are being fitted with. The one in the pic has the new double block tracks, however, there are no AM or other exact matches to them. I chose to go with the more common single block track as seen on most Bradleys still. I do have a set of tracks off the Academy ROK K9 howitzer that are very close to the new tracks reserved for a later M2A3 build.
[quote user=“HeavyArty”]
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 here 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.
Here is the result.
More here.
Let me know what you think.
Very nice build. My daughter drives one of these. Are there any aftermarket parts for the targeting box. I want to build one for her.
LoL–I just had a mental image of a gutted Brad with an M20A poking out . . .
We don’t really have a modern equivalent to M3 and M4 chassis that isn’t already an SPG.
Hmm, an M88 rigged like an Abbot, to shoot over its own tail, maybe? Spade would already be in the fight spot, just need a platform for ammo service to the gun
Mind, given the need for ammo supply, it would seem that a semi-trailer mount served by the same prime movers in the trains already would e logical. Maybe. Perhaps.
Or, gee, our already mature SPG inventory seems sufficient.
Dang it, talked myself out of what-ifs [:)]
Now that I can actually reply, damn gov’t firewalls.
There is now a 3D printed Targeting Head that I helped design. It is available from Model Monkey: https://www.model-monkey.com/product-page/1-35-m7a3-bradley-b-fist-sight-laser-designator-optics-box
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It looks great as well and is a direct replacement for the TOW box.
When you build it, be sure to post it here. I would love to see another BFIST.
Good luck to your daughter. My daughter is a brand new ADA 2LT who is finishing up OBC and reports to her first unit at Ft Hood next month.