My latest project is an M1083 5 ton truck with an armored cab as an artillery prime mover for an M777A2 155mm Howitzer. It is inspired by (not an exact replica) of the one below in Ukraine.
With the lovely Cheshire Cat grinning face on the front of the cab.
I started with the Trumpeter M1083 standard truck (01007) with a soft cab. I will be swapping out the cab for the left over armored cab from the Trumpeter M142 HIMARS kit that I replaced with a corrected 3D printed cab. I am also swapping out the doors from the Trumpeter Armored Cab M1078 kit (01009) since they have larger windows similar to the ones above.
Here are the cab and doors.
I added interior parts to the doors including the pull handle and handle to open them. I also added the splash guard around the windows.
On the cab interior, I have added the NBC system and a storage box behind the driver and a shelf for a radio behind the passenger. I will be adding a SINCGARS radio, Intercom Control Box, and individual intercom J-Boxes to hook up to. The seats are 3D printed items.
I will also be using a 3D printed instrument panels and other detail items inside.
For the covered cargo bed, I found one on Cults 3D and printed it off. It came in two parts; sides and top. Here it is assembled and filled, before priming. It was pretty easy to work with and, in my opinion, looks pretty good.
I built the frame from the box. I added 3D printed brake cylinders to the front and rear. I also added a 3D printed steering gear box and the connecting arms for it to the wheel. I also made a transmission blank from some odds and ends to fill up the underside of the cab. It isn’t much, but not much can be seen anyways.
I also used the new front and rear bumpers, mudflaps, and some other smaller parts from the Legend LMTV Late Conversion Set (LF1303). The Legend parts go on without any issues.
Here it is with the cargo bed mounted to the frame.
Lastly, here it is mocked up with the cab on as well.
More work to go on it. Interior paint and detailing should be next. After that will be exterior painting. I plan to do it in NATO camo with a green canvas bed cover, as above. I also have a set of Panzer Art Goodyear aggressive tires/wheels for it as well.
It will eventually have a Vargas 3D printed M777 attached to it as well.
More to come later.
I’m really looking forward to watching this progress.
