This will be my new build, an RC 1/16 scale M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. The following posts are from the planning stage, explaining what i am going to do.
The model will have the following features;
- OKMO M2A3 Bradley SLA and SLS 3D printed kit from DKLM converted into a M3A3 Cavalry fighting vehicle
- MATO Panther metal gearbox replacing the plastic gearbox coming with the kit
- AFV_Model Bradley/MLRS metal tracks with rubber pads and sprockets replacing the Sherman tracks coming with the kit.
- Elmod Fusion control board
- Servo operated opening rear ramp
- Scratch built detailed rear crew compartment interior
- Turret rotation with scratch built rotating turret basket
- 25mm gun elevation, auto cannon recoil and flash
- TOW launcher elevation with raising and lowering of the module
- Opening hatches
There are multiple versions of the Bradley. Some research is required to determine the variant.
Below is the initial M2 Bradley of the 1980s, coming with useless firing ports at the rear, trim vane for amphibious operations, little armor and early tracks with the triangular rubber pad. Pretty sure the squad firing ports would only have been useful during a zombie apocalypse to shoot at zombies hanging out on the streets.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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The M2A2 had the firing ports blocked and featured new engine and spaced laminate add-on armor. The trim vane at the front was removed. Also shown here with early tracks.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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M2A2 with the later Bigfoot tracks. The difference between early and Bigfoot tracks are the larger and squarer rubber pads, the rest of the track is the same.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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The M2A3 below is totally digital and has the Improved Bradley Acquisition System (IBAS) and Commander's Independent Viewer (CIV) on the turret and shows latest T161 tracks. It has additional active and passive armor.
The main difference between the M2 IFV and M3 Cavalry vehicle is the crew compartment configuration. The M3 provides more 25mm ammo and TOW missiles, reduced infantry squad.
The latest M2A4 is now in production and is aimed at restoring the Bradley's mobility due to the increase of weight in previous versions.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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Shown here are the OKMO M2A3 Bradley kit coming partially assembled from Carson of DKLM.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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The armor and components come in multiple layers, which allow the builder to put on the fragile parts only at the end of the build. The model is expensive but is very nice and well printed.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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View of the chassis with the plastic Sherman tracks on.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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Views of the turret.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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View from the rear. With its large opening ramp, the model is screaming to get a detailed interior. Notice how wide the Sherman T-80 tracks are. I am concerned that OKMO designed the side skirts too wide to accept the T-80 tracks. TBD later.
- M3A3 Bradley US Cavalry Fighting Vehicle - RC 1/16 Build
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Continuing on following post
