M60A2 AVLM Build

[HeavyArty]

Some of you may remember a few years ago (Damn, it’s been 7 years!!) I converted the Dragon M48 AVLB into an M60 AVLB.

M60 AVLB conversion

After doing it, I kept getting the following comment:

"Okay, now do the AVLM. "

So now I am.

This is the M60 AVLM. It is an M60A2 AVLB chassis that has the bridge section removed and replaced with two MICLIC (MIne Clearing LIne Charge) launchers.

I started with the Dragon M60A1/A2 AVLB kit, which wasn’t out yet when I did the AVLB. I am building it as a later model on an M60A2 chassis.

I built the bridge raising equipment up front and added a few missing details to it such as pins that hold the bridge and a couple connectors for the hydraulics.

I also added grenade storage boxes for the smoke launchers.

In the back, I added details to the bridge/AVLM support and added a second I beam to support the rear of the MICLIC launchers.

I opened the hatches and detailed them with 3D printed handles. I am not sure why Dragon molded them shut, but they were easy to cut from the cupola and reposition open. I replaced the undersized jerry can holder with a 3D printed one as well.

I also used a 3D printed outer sprockets with mud release holes on the Dragon inner sprockets.

Here are the MICLIC Launcher parts. They are all 3D printed and the same ones I used on my M200 MICLIC trailer a while ago. One launcher will be empty and the other with a live load and rocket.

More to come later.

[GAF]

Good stuff, Gino! Great engineering vehicle.

Gary

[Pawel]

Oh yeah! Another cool project! Good luck with it Gino!

[HeavyArty]

Thanks gents. Its been fun so far.

[Pop]

Heavy, you never cease to amaze me. Will definitely keep up with this one.

[HeavyArty]

Thanks Pop.

[S.Hollowell]

Cool project Gino, coming along nicely.

[HeavyArty]

Thanks, Solomon. I do like to build unique pieces.

[HeavyArty]

A small update today. The kit comes with the older aluminum wheels. These later AVLMs had steel wheels. To achieve this, I 3D printed 14 wheel sets for it.

I also did a few spares while I was at it.

[RBaer]

Cool wheels. The spares look especially useful.

[HeavyArty]

Thanks Russ. The 3d printing does really makes some nice pieces.

[HeavyArty]

An update on the AVLM.

I finally found time to get some paint on it, CARC Sand using Krylon Almond spray. It will be closer to CARC Sand once dullcoated and weathered. I marked it as a PrePo draw vehicle from 3ID in OIF 1. It is from 3ID, 10 ENG Bn, B Company, 1st PLT. The 22 was the 10 ENG Bn ID #, and the up chevron (^) denoted 1st PLT. The sideways E denotes Engineers.

I also painted the 3D printed roadwheels. They came out nicely. I did a couple in green to represent new/replacement roadwheels.

I also laid some paint on the MICLIC launch racks, ammo bins, and rocket.

More to go on decals and detail painting. I have a set of AFV Club T142 tracks for it, replacing the horrible Dragon Styrene tracks in the kit.

[RBaer]

Very well executed Gino. I have to admit to a soft spot for something different.

[HeavyArty]

Thanks Russ. I should have some completed pics up tomorrow.

[HeavyArty]

More progress.

I have completed construction on the AVLM. I added the MICLIC launchers to the vehicle. I also added AFV Club T142 indi-link tracks and a spare roadwheel on the front glacis.

I realized I didn’t take a pic of the front decals before. Here they are, sort of..

And a shot showing the rear markings and back of the MICLIC launchers.

Some close up pics of the MICLICs .I also added decals to the MICLIC ammo holders and launchers themselves.

Next up is weathering and final detail painting of gloss for the lights and vision ports.

More to come.

[djmodels1999bis]

Lovely job! Interesting project too.

[HeavyArty]

Thanks, Domi. Work continues on it.

[HeavyArty]

The M60A2 AVLM is complete.

I did a couple drybrushes with a rusty and a metallic paint to show wear. Then a drybrushing of a sandy color close to the base coat to tone them down and blend it all together. Then I laid on a couple washes of a dark brown and a sandy color to complete the weathering and make it look sufficiently dusty.

Here is the finished product overall.

Some detail pics.

Front and rear.

This was a really fun and rewarding build. I really like that I can make almost any part(s) I want or need with 3D printing. I really like how the MICLIC launchers look on the M60 AVLB chassis too.

[S.Hollowell]

Nice work, the soot on the rear grilles is a cool touch.

[HeavyArty]

Thanks Solomon. I do like to add the small details to help bring it to life.