US M577 Command Vehicle

When I first decided to purchase this model I had no real idea about how, or even if, I was going to use it. The US M577, a modified M113 with a raised rear compartment, was used in a number of specialised roles as a command post, communications vehicle, artillery FDC, as well as a field aid station.

Whilst this gives you many options on how to field the vehicle it also imposes some limitations. For instance, in the divisional armored cavalry, these vehicles were primarily higher-level HQ vehicles at Troop and Squadron level and will not be seen in most wargames unless you are conducting attacks against such HQs. Similarly, as an artillery FDC it will be located at the heart of an artillery fire base.

One possible use that may be particularly relevant is that of a Field Aid Station - especially in games larger than company level. The vehicle is ideal as a battalion aid station.

The Kit

The kit comes in 5 parts;

Main hull assembly
Roof plate
Rear hull assembly
Left and right running gear

Unfortunately there are no crew, passenger figures, or externally mounted weapons. This poses some problems since an externally mounted .50-cal would usually have been present on this vehicle. Instead, all hatches are modelled closed even though this configuration is completely at odds with the pictorial record. It would have been a vastly improved model if, like the M113, the driver and commander were present in their respective places. Not only would this have given the model a greater sense of authenticity but it would also have added more visual appeal to what is, to all intents and purposes, a metal box container on tracks.

On the whole the model is cleanly cast and yet, despite the side mounted stowage racks, it still looks spartan compared to the M113 ACAV model. For instance, there is no discernible trim vane on the front of the hull, the externally mounted petrol engine (used for supplying power for the interior command compartment) looks more like a simple stowage box and so forth. As far as value for money goes, each gamer must be his own judge, but I felt pleased that I was only buying one of this model since there really is not much to it.

Assembly

The model goes together reasonably well although there are a number of things that you need to be aware of. Since the main body of the model is in three separate parts you need to be careful in what order these are glued in place. I started by gluing the roof onto the main body. Be sure to get the rear edge absolutely flush with the edges of the chassis sides or else you will have problems putting the tail end piece in place. In order to get this piece flush you will land up with a slight overhang around the other three sides - this will require some filing to correct.

The rear assembly suffers from a similar problem but with the added drawback of leaving noticeable gaps around the edges where it is glued to the main chassis (particularly along the top edge). This required both filing and filling.

With a multi-part model like this it is inevitable that when putting it together you will need to carry out some finishing work. I can't understand why the model was produced in three parts and not just cast as a single item with the main body area hollowed out as in the M113? This would certainly have been easier and less hassle. Still, the corrective actions that are needed are so minor as to be of no real consequence.

The tracks, like in other Peter Pig models, are simply glued in place and fit snugly without any problems.

Painting the Vehicle

I painted this vehicle in the familiar fashion (as mentioned and covered in other articles) with a 'make-up' sponge using the sponging technique. Paint colours used were also the same. The model was first undercoated in black and then a base coat of Color Party 'Olive Drab' was applied.

Once the base coat was dry I then applied a single highlight. The highlight is a mixture of the olive drab basecoat and yellow.

I then repainted all the stowage in black and proceeded to paint individual stowage items various shades of green and brown. These were then given a thin wash of chestnut ink. When the ink was dry I drybrushed each piece again with its original colour just to bring out the deep shadows and recesses created by the ink wash.

Metallic items were painted black and then a mix of Bolt-gun Metal and Tin Bitz.

Finishing

I added a little bit of weathering - mostly mud and dust to the lower body and running gear. At this stage I decided that I would use the vehicle as the Troop HQ - like everyone else, I dream of being able to field a full Armored Cavalry Troop!

As a command vehicle, the model is bristling with radio antennae and so you can expect it to draw a lot of fire - if using the Incoming! rules, make sure that your opponent abides by the rules concerning 'target proximity' or else this vehicle might disappear a bit more rapidly than you would like!

Because of the side stowage already on the model, there is not much that you can add yourself. Perhaps a roll of anti-RPG fencing could be added but the model will look cluttered.

For those with the time and inclination, the model will be greatly improved by the addition of a commander, driver figure and some passengers. This should not be too big a job for anyone with the right tools to drill out the requisite holes.

Basing

I cut a base for the model from good quality picture framing card (called 'mounting board' here in the UK) measuring approximately 1½ x 2½ inches. I applied an identification sticker to the base and then a layer of coral sand affixed with PVA glue.

The sand was then drybrushed with successive coats of Bestial Brown and Snakebite Leather and finally highlighted with a Snakebite Leather and White mix. Electrostatic grass was glued to the top of the base using PVA and finally the model was seated on the base using a contact adhesive.