M777A2 155mm Howitzer
Comments
NeulingExcellent work! Now waiting for the tracked version with the prime mover .........
Rick TaylorThanks guys! It was a lot of fun to build. I had been waiting for years for a kit of this piece. I finally talked Vargas into doing something post 1939. His kit is pretty nice. The judges at the IPMS / USA Nationals liked it also. This won first place in the howitzers and mortars category.
Maurizio LaudisaFantastic job! I've ordered one and look forward to seeing it… I'm hoping I can reach out to you for some assistance in case I get a bit lost…. Cheers!
Maurizio LaudisaHi Rick, I've completed mine, take a look at my album if you have a minute. Cheers.
Album info
The US Army needed a lighter 155mm Howitzer for its airborne and light infantry units. They selected a design from Vickers in the UK which is 2,900kg lighter than the M198. This amazing weight reduction is due to the extensive use of titanium and a recoil system that doubles as the sleigh. The design of the trails is also unique with the front trails folding back and the hinged rear trails folding up for travel. The howitzer is renowned for its accuracy and light weight. It is a world-class towed howitzer and is used by a growing number of Army's including Ukraine.
The kit is 3D printed resin from Vargas Scale Models. It is the only 1:35th scale kit of this subject. The kit comes with a selection of ammo and gun implements. Instructions are minimal but adequate. The details are crisp and 3D print striations almost non-existent. The fit was decent with only a few adjustments needed. I added hydraulic and electrical lines from lead fly tying wire. I used the Aber Pneumatics kit to add airbrake lines and "gladhands". I created my own decals and data placards from photos. The breech is under sized and lacking slides, so I did a bit of scratching to correct this. I added a scratch-built antenna on top of Djiti matching unit.
I finished the howitzer in RC Real Colors paints, Winsor & Newton oils, AK enamel-based weathering products, and AK pigments. I ended up with an excellent replica of the M777A2 gracing my display case. I liked the kit so much I bought another to build all folded up and going down the road behind a prime mover.
