Looking for info for a M-110 A-2 Sp Howitzer project...

First lets talk afermarket parts. The Barrel Depot makes an alumium barrel for the A2. Eduard makes a PE set for the M110A2. I don't know of anyone who makes internals such as the engine or driver compartment.

If your dad served in VN he did not serve on a M110A2 as that version came into the US Army in 1978. He most likely served on the original M110. The main difference between the two is the M110A2 had a longer barrel with a muzzel brake. The original M110 had a shorter barrel with no muzzel brake. The M110A1 was in between the two and entered sevice in 1976 and was quickly change to the M110A2. The A1 had a longer barrel with no muzzel brake.

The PH set is good for all 3 versions with some minor modifications. There barrel for the M110 is OOP but like the M110 kit you may find it on ebay.

Here is a shot of an M110 in Viet Nam

Another shot of one firing in VN

Here is the M110A2, notice the longer barrel and the muzzel brake on the end

To complete the family of vehicles os the M107 which was a 155mm gun on the same carriage

No matter which version you build, have fun with your dad. It will be a salute to him and will honor his service for you to build this with him.

Have fun.

Rounds Complete!!

All of Redlegs info above is good, with only one correction.  The M107 had a 175mm gun.  He usually has the answers for VN era artillery and other details.  Although there is no engine set for the M110 series, there is an M109 engine set from CMK that will fit and looks close enough.  It is an option if you are looking to put something under the hood.

Good luck and have fun.

As I read my young brother Heavy's  response and think of the Italeri kit, it does not lend itself well to an engine. With the heavy gun on top and to the back, you would have to make the whole top hull come off to view the engine. There is nothing to view under the barrel. everthing inside is up front.

If you make the model in the friring position, then the drivers hatch will be closed and you would see nothing.

A better thought to show interior detail, if it is in travel mode then you may want to think more about the drivers compartment. You would not see the engine but you could see a simple gage rack.

I can't lay my hands on the drivers compartment photos just right now, but if you interested I'll get them up for you.

If you do build it in the firing position, you may want to look at AFV kit 35017, 155 & 203 mm ammunition. Big rounds look good around the big gun!

As for Heavy's correction, yes it is a 175mm gun. A typing error on my part and I should know better, I started on those. Guess I will have to go through misfire procedures for my typing.

You and your Dad have fun, thats what counts!

Rounds Complete!!

Rounds Complete!!

While I have not built the specific kit you are asking about, I did build the M107 version in the late 80s. I remember the vinyl tracks giving me a fit and they did not last very long. Sergeant-at-Arms Models makes a set of resin tracks to replace the kit tracks. I have not tried them because I have not built another one of these kits since then. Here is a link to the tracks:
http://saammodels.tripod.com/companies/spdesigns/usa/index.htm

I do have some photos of an old M578 VTR that uses the same chassis. The pictures may be of some use to you. http://gallery.kitmaker.net/main.php?g2_itemId=1346

HeavyArty wrote:

All of Redlegs info above is good, with only one correction.  The M107 had a 175mm gun.  He usually has the answers for VN era artillery and other details.  Although there is no engine set for the M110 series, there is an M109 engine set from CMK that will fit and looks close enough.  It is an option if you are looking to put something under the hood.   Good luck and have fun.

The transmission is virtually the same for the M108, M109, M107, and M110. Not sure about the engines, but think they used a Detroit 8/71 deisel engine. I've got several pictures of the XTG-411 if you happen to want a picture of one for a super detail project, and may also have some of the complete power pack if I look around.

gary

squeakie wrote:

HeavyArty wrote: All of Redlegs info above is good, with only one correction.  The M107 had a 175mm gun.  He usually has the answers for VN era artillery and other details.  Although there is no engine set for the M110 series, there is an M109 engine set from CMK that will fit and looks close enough.  It is an option if you are looking to put something under the hood.   Good luck and have fun. The transmission is virtually the same for the M108, M109, M107, and M110. Not sure about the engines, but think they used a Detroit 8/71 deisel engine. I've got several pictures of the XTG-411 if you happen to want a picture of one for a super detail project, and may also have some of the complete power pack if I look around. gary

Yes, Gary is correct. When the century series of howitzers were being fielded in the early 60s they were eventually all equipped with the Detroit deisel engine.   

From the M109 to the M107/110 there are some differences on how the engine and transmission are mounted. And I think there is a difference in the 110 transmission from the 109. The difference in hp generated is 425 to 405. But unless you are looking for perfect accuracy you could do what Gary described above.

Rob - Thanks for the tracks note. I have built the M107 myself and can attest the kit supplied tracks are a . Thank god for 5 minute epoxy.

I have one of each of the M110s on the shelf and will definitely invest in the aftermarket tracks for them.

Rounds Complete!!

First i just want to say ....wow.....thanks for all the info.  Was not expecting all that info and pictures to boot :)  We are still not sure if were going to be going with a "gun pad" type setup with the gun in service or if we are going to be going with an "in repairs" version with the gun and chassis being stripped down, as my father did that as well and has MANY (some might say too many :P) pics of the innerworkings.  Originally the plan for the layout was to be like this, with a 5 1/2 ton truck with a scratchbuilt wrecker system on the back dropping the engine in. 

So i think for now, im going to start looking for CMK m-109 Engine set HeavyArty suggested (thanks btw) and to start tracking down where i want to buy all this stuff from.  So that makes me think, can any of you fine fellows suggest some where online that might have a majority of the kits im going to be wanting, as my local stores here in Northern Ohio kinda arnt the best?

 And again thanks from the both of us.  Fingers crossed, he should be out of surgery by about 8-9pm tonight, and actaully awake somtime tomorrow. :)

John

First off, best of luck with your Dad's surgery.  He will be in our prayers.

For on-line suppliers, I prefer Great Models, Squadron, and Sprue Brothers.  They all have great service and a large selection.

On a side note, there is no Vietnam-era 5-ton kit on the market either.  For an 5-ton wrecker, you would have to scratch/convert one using an Italeri M925 truck and an AFV Club M35 truck, or get the really expensive resin one by Real Model.  If you want to go the scratch/convert method, check out this thread at Armorama.  I did an M54 using it for a Vietnam guntruck. 

Good luck.

First..I hope all is well with your Dad and wish him a speedy recovery.

As far as the help...that's what this forum is all about. Everyone shares and everyone learns.

It was a pleasure to put up the information for you and your dad.

Have fun

Rounds Complete!! 

redleg12 wrote:

squeakie wrote:  HeavyArty wrote: All of Redlegs info above is good, with only one correction.  The M107 had a 175mm gun.  He usually has the answers for VN era artillery and other details.  Although there is no engine set for the M110 series, there is an M109 engine set from CMK that will fit and looks close enough.  It is an option if you are looking to put something under the hood.   Good luck and have fun. The transmission is virtually the same for the M108, M109, M107, and M110. Not sure about the engines, but think they used a Detroit 8/71 deisel engine. I've got several pictures of the XTG-411 if you happen to want a picture of one for a super detail project, and may also have some of the complete power pack if I look around. gary Yes, Gary is correct. When the century series of howitzers were being fielded in the early 60s they were eventually all equipped with the Detroit deisel engine.    From the M109 to the M107/110 there are some differences on how the engine and transmission are mounted. And I think there is a difference in the 110 transmission from the 109. The difference in hp generated is 425 to 405. But unless you are looking for perfect accuracy you could do what Gary described above. Rob - Thanks for the tracks note. I have built the M107 myself and can attest the kit supplied tracks are a . Thank god for 5 minute epoxy. I have one of each of the M110s on the shelf and will definitely invest in the aftermarket tracks for them. Rounds Complete!!

I worked for Allison for 33 years, and believe it or not the XTG 411 is still being built. There are maybe three versions, plus one real oddball that I think is out of production right now till somebody wants to buy a hundred or so (it's made to fit inside a Russian T54/55 tank). The only real noticable differences in the others is wiring hookups and various cables that will go unseen. There were two different engines used, plus at least one oddball prototype (used a Cummins deisel). There's an on again and off again new self propelled gun project that's evolved thru maybe four prototypes (all are 155mm). Suspect that you all will be seing an electric drive SP down the road that will not be using powder charges. Look for 4000fps velocity from a 98lb. projo that hits armor like a punch press.

    Like I said if any of you need a scan of a powerpac photo let me know as I still have a few gathering dust.

gary

HeavyArty wrote:

First off, best of luck with your Dad's surgery.  He will be in our prayers. For on-line suppliers, I prefer Great Models, Squadron, and Sprue Brothers.  They all have great service and a large selection. On a side note, there is no Vietnam-era 5-ton kit on the market either.  For an 5-ton wrecker, you would have to scratch/convert one using an Italeri M925 truck and an AFV Club M35 truck, or get the really expensive resin one by Real Model.  If you want to go the scratch/convert method, check out this thread at Armorama.  I did an M54 using it for a Vietnam guntruck.  Good luck.

something to keep in mind here (concerning five ton trucks). All of them I ever saw used in RVN had a strait stick transmission and a winch on the front. But I think the 10 ton wrecker might have had the HT 750 transmission in it.

     Also in most arty units (155 and larger bore) the only thing that they used a duce and a half for was mess hall, motor pool, and como. Hauling ammo and of course towing a pig was done with 5 tons.

gary

Also in most arty units (155 and larger bore) the only thing that they used a duce and a half for was mess hall, motor pool, and como. Hauling ammo and of course towing a pig was done with 5 tons. gary

Don't forget the M-548.  We had them at Ft Sill and took them to Iraq in 90/91.  Most were broke down and towed by a Hemmt or M88 though. 

Gino,

I just started the M109 by Italeri and was wondering about a motor set for it. Thanks for that info.

I remember the M107 175mm, with the long drooping barrel. Being in an 8 " unit, I wondered how it could possibly be very accurate.

Regards,

Earl

Here's a link to one of the later M110s that I did--it has reference material with detailing parts and detailing suggestions.

The guys are correct here about the frustrating tracks--some of Italeri's worst, stiff offerings. I used a resin set from a German company,  Perfect Scale Modelbau.

Here's the link for the tracks:  M107-110 tracks

Here's the build log: M110A2

Good luck, and I hope your Dad is fine!

Praying your Pops is just fine!

I'm glad I'm not the only one here that had to "pull a pack". What a pain! Will be waiting for updates... Bob