M777A2 155mm Medium Howitzer

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.