IDF TOW M151

[Stikpusher]

I kicked off this build last night at IPMS. It should go fairly quickly, although I do plan to modify it into IDF configuration as used during the 1982 Lebanon War

the basic idea…



the kit



and steps 1 & 2 completed last night, the undersides



more to come soon…

[Medicman71]

Very cool! Can't wait to see the build.

[Stikpusher]

Thanks Mike. I’m trying to decide if I should do the IDF mods myself, or buy and AM set and save myself some time…

[Medicman71]

Personally I'd buy the AM stuff cause I like doing it that way and I can't scratch build for the life of me.

[Stikpusher]

I hear ya Mike. If I go with one configuration, the AM set works, if I go with another, I’ll go the scratch route…

[Stikpusher]

I have spent quite some time studying the few decent photos I could find of the IDF TOW jeeps and resumed work on this yesterday during the SO CAL AMPS Zoom meeting

I finished up most of the basic body work and added the screen over the radiator grill seen on the IDF M151s



Then I built up the components for the TOW system, but didn't yet glue them all in place. I need to cut the missile rack in half because the IDF ones carry their missiles over and under rather than side by side. Also the ground mount tripod is stowed on the driver's fender instead of under the missile rack on the IDF TOW jeeps.


Lastly I built up the rear seats and the radio components. I still need to do a bit more work on the radios. I swapped out the US jerry can for an IDF type



Now I need to do my best guesstimate of the IDF internal configuration. and do a bit of scratch work... still not sure if im going with a M1919 .30 cal or FN MAG machine gun.... I'm leaning towards the Browning...

[BlackSheep214]

Oh very nice subject!

[Stikpusher]

Well, this one sat on the sidelines for awhile as I worked on some time deadline projects, but now I have resumed work. My biggest thing was trying to figure out the IDF configuration that was changed from the original TOW Jeeps sent to the IDF. After pouring over the few photos that I could find, I am going with an early/mid configuration, and this is where I'm at now.

I had to alter the missile stowage racks, the MGS rack was cooled with a seat, a machine gun pintle point is being added to the dash, and most of the radio and external stowage being reworked.



In a day or two I should have it all together and ready for basic paint...

[Stuart]

A really interesting build Carlos, I do like these TOW or otherwise armed jeeps. It's interesting to think how much damage something so cheap can do.

Really liking the modifications.

[Stikpusher]

Well, with the latest variant of TOW, they can kill anything on the battlefield. But of course the are quite vulnerable to everything out there as well… it’s a trade off.