M6 Bomb Carrier (1 Viewer)

[noli-poli]

M6 Bomb Carrier

Started work on the M6 Bomb Carrier. The conversion involves the use of 2 kits...1/32 FOV 2 1/2 Ton Truck and First Gear 1/30 scale Power Wagon.

In selecting the the model to use for the cab, I considered the KC truck as it fits the cab profile of the M6. However, the current market price of the model prevented me from using it and look for alternative. The closest I can find is the FOV 2 1/2 truck. Scale wise, FOV is slightly smaller compared to KC or Figarti...but amazingly, the cab size is exactly the same

The M6 was designed for low silhouette and shortened wheelbase using the WC63 chassis(M6 wheelbase is 125" vs. WC63's 126"). The M6 uses the same cab and tire size as the 1 1/2 ton and the 2 1/2 ton trucks. Provision is made for the use of dual tires front or rear when required. For this model, I will use dual tires for the rear.

The First Gear Power wagon chassis will be the main "spine" for this project. This requires the removal of the Power Wagon cab and attaching/transplanting FOV engine cover and driver compartment with the cab removed. The chasis of FOV and FG were a perfect match with minor modifications on the axles. Attached are the ealy stages of the conversion process. I will be posting more pictures as the project progresses.

N-P

 

[noli-poli]

M6 Bomb Carrier Conversion

The reference photos for the project...please scroll down and read on.

N-P

 

[wayne556517]

Awesome mate can't wait to see the finished product...............{bravo}}

 

[noli-poli]

M6 Bomb Carrier
...an Update


Constructed tarp/canvass cover. Used hanger wire and bent to shape. Opted to use J7B Weld instead of soldering as it will gave me the flexibility to adjust while drying (I slightly glued in place with super glue to hold it in place and then seal the joints with J&B Weld). File joints to shape after 24 hrs.


Constructed tarp/canvass cover using paper mache. Wet first layer of newspaper with water and Elmers glue (cut to shape and aligned with windshield and tar/canvass cover support). Repeated the same procedure when the first layer was dry (2 layers is good enough). Painted when dry.

Built up the rear panel flooring using balsa wood interspersed with a fine wire to simulate typical military flooring found in most Army trucks (you can also use "diamond" grated flooring style...you can find this in most local hobby stores).

Attached are photos:

N-P

 

[noli-poli]

M6 Bomb Carrier
...more photos

 

[desk11desk12]

Noli

WOW what great talent you have

Great project !

I still remember the awesome M15 and M26 trailor you made.

Carlos

 

[noli-poli]

Noli

WOW what great talent you have

Great project !

I still remember the awesome M15 and M26 trailor you made.

Carlos

Thanks Carlos.

Nest steps...

Construction of the A-Beam (more of a horseshoe) support, hoist platform, and the 3-man seat on the rear panel.
...currently trying to figure out how to bend the I and H-beams

 

[noli-poli]

...working on the hoist support and A-frame. I thought it was an easy task bending the plastic I-and H- beams (the heat tends to melt the plastic and/or bend it out of shape).. I have a metal bender but there are no miniature size available. I used balsa wood instead (its is easy to bend by soaking in the water for several minutes and bend to desired shape) and scratchbuild the I- and H- frames. Using the 1945 hoist/pulley mechanism instead of the early 1941.

Next steps...

1. Work on the 3-man seat on the rear panel
2. Finishing touches: a. Add windshield w/ wipers, add a pintle, add decals (doing research on this. I plan to dio this with KC P51 Mustang. Need to know USAAF unit and correct bumper codes).

Noli-Poli (N-P)

 

[Leadmen]

Thanks Noli for showing us your latest modeling project. The pictures are great and I enjoy viewing your progress in completing another great model. John

 

[johnnybach]

I'm not a vehicle man myself noli, but can still appreciate a fine modeller. Well done - its a beauty so far - looking forward to the bomb going in! johnnybach

 

[noli-poli]

I'm not a vehicle man myself noli, but can still appreciate a fine modeller. Well done - its a beauty so far - looking forward to the bomb going in! johnnybach

...thanks Johnny.

 

[noli-poli]

Done!

Attached are photos of the finished model. Just need to apply unit code decals...not sure whether same USAAF unit as the "KC "Ding Hao" P51B Mustang or 2nd Armored /17thEngineer Battalion. The unit utilised M6's as regular wreckers.

...oh yes, I need to attach the hook.

N-P

 

[noli-poli]

More photos...

 

[noli-poli]

More photos...

The "rough edges" will be covered up as I accessorize the model with more details such as personal duffel bags, etc...in particular the back of the 3-man bench on the rear panel. The bench parts were so tiny and needed a combination of super glue (Gorilla Glue is recommended) and epoxy to keep it in place

Not sure if a bomb was carried onthe back panel as seen on some re-enactor photos. The M6 was only equipped with a hoist and no way can it "roll in" the bom b on the rear panel unless lifted by hand. In historical photos I've seen, the M6 pulled the M5 Bomb Trailer (or the M22 liftt truck for attaching torpedoes and heavier loads) between ammo dump and the airfield. The M6 carried the M1 lift truck as an accessory and is loaded behind the bench.

N-P

 

[wayne556517]

Mate your the master this is superb well done.

(Love the cam job on the 2nd Calliope...^&grin can't even see it.)

 

[noli-poli]

Thanks Wayne...

UPDATE: adding finishing touches. Still waiting for decals. Decided to use 9AF unit code, same unit sa the KC P51 Mustang "Ding Hao (9*354FG SVAV-5)

 

[wayne556517]

SUPERB mate love it..............{bravo}}{bravo}}{bravo}}{bravo}}{bravo}}{bravo}}

 

[noli-poli]

Final photos...finished up on the hoist hook and secured at the pintle. Applied decals to reflect unit

About the unit code:

9 * 354FG SVAV 10:

9th Army Airforce/354th Fighter Group/Service Group-Aviation/Truck#10. (The KC P-51 Mustang "Ding Hao" is from the 356Th Fighter Squadron and is organic to the 354th FG).

My next project is to scratch-build the M1 and M5 Bomb Trailers thst M6 pullrd from ammo depot to the airfield.

N-P