It sure looks the part. Is the targeting box what is mounted in place of the TOW launcher?

Thanks Stik.  Yes, the targeting box is in place of the TOW box.  It has a laser designator and high power optics in it to designate and select targets.  The onboard computers then calculate the target location to a 10-digit grid and sends it to the firing battery to lay steel on target.  It is a quite efficient system.

What are the panels that look like shutters? Some kind of IFF I think?

Yes, they are called CIPs (Combat Identifier Panels).  They show up in thermals as a cold spot against the heat of the warmer vehicle to ID it as friendly.

Well it's a mean machine for sure. A lot of technology in one place. Really nice model, I can appreciate the time spent on details.

GMorrison - Thanks for the compliment.  Glad you like it.  It is a pretty impressive machine.

I don't know much about the Bradley beyond its use as an IFV. I just did a search and didn't realise there were so many different versions. I am guessing this is the equivalent of the British Warrior FV 514 and 515 FOO and BC vehicles.

You have done a real nice job on it. I think you have really captured the look of it, great work on converting it. I do like the weathering as well, the dust around the edges and the bolts is just perfect. You have really captured that nicely.

Bish - Thanks and I'm glad you like it.  I am very happy with the way the finish turned out as well.  I really like the dusty look.  You are correct that this is used in the same way as the Warrior FV 514.  The US doesn't really have a vehicle we use specifically for FA Battery Commanders like the FV 515 BC version.  The closest we have is the M577/M1068 which is used as a command post vehicle at all levels across the US Army, not just at FA batteries.  FA Battery commanders have a HMMWV and roam between the gun line and Bn, etc. in it.  Our FOs are attached to the maneuver companies (Inf or Armor), hence the BFIST, so they blend in with the rest of the company.

Thanks for the info.

Arty I was just going to say the overall dusty look is fantastic and small things like the lenses really makes it work. I like the way you sprayed and blended the camo but its the way the dust lays in there that sets it off nicely.  Terry  

Thanks Terry.  I like how the dirt/dust came out as well.

Hello Gino!

Nice looking machine! If it wasn't for your last M7 build I wouldn't even know such vehicle even existed. I especially like the multi colour camouflage with the dust on top of it. What's next now? Thanks for sharing and have a nice day

Paweł

Thanks Pawel, I'm glad you like it.  It was a fun build.  I think next up may be the 1/35 Academy MH-60S with all the extras.  Keep an eye out for it in the Helicopters forum soon.

She looks great Gino, I too love the dusty look!

Thanks Gamera.  It was a fun build.

Top-notch Gino. The weathering is especially nice.

Thanks Russ.  I enjoyed doing it.

Gino,

Fantastic job on the M7. The targeting box is outstanding! 

Thanks Bruce.  I really like the look of the targeting box too.

Every time I see the headline for your thread, my mind reads M7 BFIST as M7 PRIEST and I think wow, NATO still fields those things?

It would be interesting if the M7 Priest was still in use today.  The 105mm gun hasn't changed that much, so who knows.

Cool model, GIno--you always bring quality stuff. Nice weathering as well.

Does this have a single block track? The photo shows a two-block track, not quite the same?

Thanks Doog.  Always good when you stop in.  There is a new Bradley track that some are being fitted with.  The one in the pic has the new double block tracks, however, there are no AM or other exact matches to them.  I chose to go with the more common single block track as seen on most Bradleys still.  I do have a set of tracks off the Academy ROK K9 howitzer that are very close to the new tracks reserved for a later M2A3 build.

[quote user="HeavyArty"]

As some of you may remember, just before last Christmas, I built an M7A3 BFIST for a friend's son who is a 1LT in 3 ID at Ft Stewart, GA.  After building his, I decided I wanted one for myself.

I recently received the Orochi M3A3 for a build review from Jim here at Armorama.  You can read the build review here for the basic build and issues w/the Orochi M3A3 kit.

I decided I would use this one for my M7A3 BFIST.  Again, I scratch-built the new targeting box.  And of course, again, I forgot to take any pics of it before I painted it.  I also changed the rear light guards to be taller to accommodate the two addition antennas for the  two additional radios to talk to the FA BN.  There four radios total on a BFIST.  That was all it needed for the conversion.  With the exception of the CIPs, which came from the spares box, the rest is all Orochi.

This is the basic vehicle I was looking to achieve.


Here is the result.  






More here.

Let me know what you think.

Very nice build. My daughter drives one of these. Are there any aftermarket parts for the targeting box. I want to build one for her.

HeavyArty

It would be interesting if the M7 Priest was still in use today. The 105mm gun hasn't changed that much, so who knows.

LoL--I just had a mental image of a gutted Brad with an M20A poking out . . .

We don't really have a modern equivalent to M3 and M4 chassis that isn't already an SPG.

Hmm, an M88 rigged like an Abbot, to shoot over its own tail, maybe?  Spade would already be in the fight spot, just need a platform for ammo service to the gun

Mind, given the need for ammo supply, it would seem that a semi-trailer mount served by the same prime movers in the trains already would e logical.  Maybe.  Perhaps.

Or, gee, our already mature SPG inventory seems sufficient.

Dang it, talked myself out of what-ifs

Now that I can actually reply, damn gov't firewalls. 

There is now a 3D printed Targeting Head that I helped design.  It is available from Model Monkey:  https://www.model-monkey.com/product-page/1-35-m7a3-bradley-b-fist-sight-laser-designator-optics-box

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It looks great as well and is a direct replacement for the TOW box.

When you build it, be sure to post it here.  I would love to see another BFIST.

Good luck to your daughter.  My daughter is a brand new ADA 2LT who is finishing up OBC and reports to her first unit at Ft Hood next month.