M985A2 HEMTT w/M989 HEMAT build

Modeling Subjects Armor
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I started on another project I have been wanting to do for a while. I am building an M985A2 HEMTT w/M989 HEMAT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Ammo Trailer).

This combo was used by MLRS Bns as ammo carriers. They held eight MLRS rocket pods; four on the truck, four on the trailer. This was the configuration we used in 1-39 FA (MLRS), 3ID during the invasion of Iraq in '03, which is how I will depict it. They have since been replaced by the M1120 LHS as ammo trucks in MLRS Bns.

The main differences in the truck that make it an M985 is that the rear crane has an added block and tackle that increases the capacity from 4500 lbs to 5400 lbs. There are also added foot holders and tie downs in the bed to secure the MLRS pods.
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I am using most of the parts from the Trumpeter M983A2 tractor (# 01055 with the M870A1 trailer), frame rails from the Trumpeter M1120, and the load bed and crane from the Italeri M977 kit.

So far, I have the frame done. I had to add about 3/16 of an inch to the rear of the M1120 frame (under the crane mount, so unseen) so it would equal the length of the Italeri M977 frame. All other parts of the frame lined up.

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HEMTT Drive Train
HEMTT Drive Train600×540 117 KB

I modified some areas to match the real deal as opposed to how the model companies think they are. First, I tilted the transfer case rearward so it lines up w/the engine. I also changed the first and last axle to have a non-geared central part. Only the two inner ones are geared so the prop shaft can continue on and power the outside set of axles. I also had to lengthen the prop shafts between everything now that the angles were changed.

Here are some more pics that show the mods. I also added all the torsion bars to the axles as well. The kit only includes the two from the frame to the rear axles.
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For the non-geared axles, I cut off the kit part and added two non-geared centers from the Meng M911 kit. I had ordered a sprue that contains the load axle to build my M920 a few years ago and Meng sent me two of them by mistake. Each had one non-geared axle for the rear of the truck. I cut the covers off these axles and added them to the M985 axles.

Rear
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Front. The M983 in the set w/M870A1 has been updated with a new sprue that also contains the front air brake parts that were missing from the earlier M983A2 tractor kit.
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The basic M983 kit also contains the steering gear boxes and all the linkages. These allow the steering to be positionable and are very nice.
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That’s all for now. More to come later.

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Oh yeah - that’s the kind of project I like! Good luck with it and have a nice day!

Paweł

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Thanks Pawel. I am enjoying it. It is my kind of build: big truck with lots of kit-bashing and scratch work.

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HeavyArty, this is a project that I can sink my teeth into! The HEMTT truck are made right here in my hometown of Oshkosh, WI along with the MRAP and others. They’re always test driving them around our town so it’s great to get some up close looks at them. I’ve always wanted to build a model of each of the vehicles that the Oshkosh Corp. makes for the armed services. I’ve slowly started colecting the various kits and hope to get started soon. I’ll be following your build closely.

TJS

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Thanks Tom. Good luck on your Oshkosh builds as well. Sounds like you have lots of references riding around town too.

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That’s super cool Gino! Neat to have all the extra information to superdetail the kit- I’m lucky to finish one right outta the box. Looking forward to more!

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Thanks Gamera. I also enjoy doing the research and digging for that extra info. I am a bit of a book (well interwebs these days) worm.

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I currently have the m983 and patriot launcher waiting for paint when the weather warms up. I’m gonna tag along to see how you paint the interior.

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If you just can’t wait as it will be a while before I get to that point, here is an M1074 PLS I did a few years ago that you can take a look at the interior on. I also used the Trumpeter M983 as a starting point.

https://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/3/p/172589/1917614.aspx

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Work on the M985 continues. I basically have the rolling chassis done. I added the fuel tank, BII box next to it, and battery box on the opposite side from the M1120 sprue. They are more detailed than what comes in the M983A2 kit.
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On the rear, I added the stabilizing legs for the crane. I extended them by cutting off the outer leg sections and adding the telescoping square tubes out of square stock styrene.
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I also added some additional details to the rear crane. The actual crane boom has three sections that telescope out to give it more reach. Italeri molds it with the second section fully in, and the third section extended. To make the full three sections workable, I followed Michael “165thspc” Koenig’s recent article on “Detailing that Italeri HEMTT Crane”.

I added the second section and filled in the underside gap. I added holes on the mount and a square section of tubing as a rest for the upper crane. I also added new, longer actuating levers on the control panel. Next up is adding some hydraulic lines.
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I have also completed the cargo bed. I added the foot holds for the rocket pods from 45 degree angle iron styrene, and added the tie-down loops from styrene rod.
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I also completed the engine cover with radiator, which will be added after the engine is painted, and the muffler assembly.
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Next up is the cab. It is very detailed in and out.

11

That’s awesome Gino!

Hope you put a mirror under her so people can see all the extra work you put into the chassis!

12

Thanks Gamera. It has been a fun build so far.

13

Wow, quite the project! Looking good so far. What scale is this?

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Thanks keavdog. It is 1/35.

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I have added all the hydraulic hoses on the crane. There are quite a few. I used 0.20 styrene rod for the fixed ones, and thin wire for the movable ones.
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I also finished the construction on the cab interior.
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The truck is pretty much done with construction. I need to start painting it next. The subassemblies need to be painted, then assembled, and interior decals and details added. For now, I will set it aside though.

I have moved on to the trailer. A while ago, someone on Armorama (sorry, I can’t remember who it was) was selling a started M985 w/M989 HEMAT and M26 launch pods. It went too fast and I missed it at the time. I was able to buy the M989 and launch pods from the guy who bought it at the time, thanks Brett.

I have taken the started trailer and added to it. It was only the load bed, tongue and light details started, along w/the sides of the bed (I removed the sides).
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I added the frame underneath from C-channel styrene. I also added a left over spare trailer tire mount from the M983 kit. The trailer spare sits on the work platform on the truck.
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I will be using modified springs left over from a HEMTT and rods for the suspension. The tires will be the Def Model tires for the PATRIOT trailer. They look right to me and are the correct size. I will be using pieces cut from the container in the M915 kit for the sides of the bed. They have the correct corrugated look and are the exact length needed.
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More to come in a couple weeks. I’ll be on vacation next week; going to meet my new grand daughter (GD#2).

16

Amazing work on this beasty. She’s gonna take up some realistate when complete.

BK

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Thanks Brandon. Yup, it’s big with both the truck and trailer combo.

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Nice work on the monster! And happy vacation. It’s good to spend time with the kids, none of my own but it seems like yesterday my nephews were ten or so years old and they just graduated high school… [O]

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I agree, it is looking very good and will up to your usual high standards. Can’t wait to see the finished product.

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Thanks gents. I am enjoying this one. The new granddaughter is beautiful too!