As a kit it gos together well, no filling on the joints was needed, but there were some sink marks in various areas as you can see by the photo's. I've also decided to make a pre 1978 long barrel M189 version, so this is the original M109. It would appear that the Americans got the Vanden Plas version whilst everyone else got the Popular Plus, but not to worry. Half the parts aren't usd on the RA version and the spares box has grown a litlte, and the only major changes were removal of the rings prior to the muzzle break assembly, adding some nut heads, grab handles, weld lines etc to various areas. I also chose to make a vehicle that would have been around at the of my birth so this fits the bill.
The paint scheme is a little made up as the only colour photo I could find of an RA machine shows a very filthy version, on a virtually ground level 3/4 view, so apologies for that, but hopefully you'll get the idea.
New Driver periscope covers, note the bolts on the front of the turret, these are CMG 0.65mm bolts, the kit omits these.
The rear plough blade support strurt also recieved some CMG goodies.
Various handles made from butty bag twists and copper from some old lengths of stereo speaker wire.
The finish is Olive drab, a dusting of Khaki Drab and flat black.
The odd water marks are from the transport of the model from the garage to the kitchen. Once it's recieved the chez Skipper muck treatment they'll disappear. Hopefully.
If ther are any ex gunners who used this type please post any feed back as it would be most welcome.
