US halftracks in progress (1 Viewer)

[binder001]

Here are some workbench shots of some US halftracks that I have been working on this summer. First is a 21C M3A1 body on FoV M16 chassis, converted to an M3 armored ambulance.View attachment 1896

 

[binder001]

Here's another view of the ambulance - the canvas top was made from styrene sheet and filler sanded to shape.View attachment 1897

 

[binder001]

Here's a rear view of one of the APCs. This one is a rebuilt 21C M3A1.

View attachment 1898

 

[binder001]

Here is a side view of the redetailed FoV M3A1

View attachment 1899

 

[binder001]

close up of the troops. Note the fellow reloading his M3 "greasegun. This weapon has a hypodermic needle barrel, brass wire stock and cocking handle and styrene ammo magazine.

View attachment 1900

 

[binder001]

Here's another view of the 21C halftrack. The watercooled .30 cal MG was built from brass tube and the 21C receiver, the air-cooled .30 cal is from H-R and the .50 was from Cal-Scale.

View attachment 1901

 

[desk11desk12]

Awesome binder001!

I admire those who have the talent to make these kinds of conversions before the manufactures get around to producing them.

FoV M3A1: is this Pacific or European Theater? The camo paint reminds me of the Pacific but there a few camo vehicles in Europe.

Keep up the good work and keep the pictures coming on your progress.

Carlos

 

[desk11desk12]

Oops,

I just took another look, its European. I just spotted the grease gun and German helmet.

 

[Wraith]

Nice work,

You've just inspired me to have a play with a Motorworks M3 and see if I can get it looking a little more 'authentic'.

Like the tip on the Grease gun barrel. I'd have never have thought of that, but I'll give it ago. It'll no doubt save a lot of time compared to the usual zillionth of an inch drill bit and bag of spare snapped barrels.

I'm looking at the detail on the .50cal rounds. Do these come with the M2 set from Cal-Scale? they look good. I've tried Mission Models .50cal rounds but after about 4 hours, I was still only on the third round / clip, so gave up and drank beer instead. The photos of these make it look soooooo easy.

Simon

 

[Alexdakar]

Excellent stuff Gary!

 

[binder001]

Thanks for the nice words.

1) Carlos, yes the camo is based on the European Theater. Right before "Operation Cobra" the US First Army issued orders to paint black patterns over the OD on combat vehicles. The information on this being an ordered scheme just came out a couple years ago. It shows up on tanks, armored cars halftracks, etc. Obviously not every vehicle got painted, but it was more common than previously thought. The black camo also shows up on some vehicles in Third Army and at least the 14th Armored Division of the Seventh Army.

2) The 50 caliber ammo in the 105rd box (on the mount where the gun is level) is part of the castings that came withht the gun, just carefully painted. The 50 rd box (on the other vehicle, with the gun tilted upwards) is styrene and the ammo came from a Tamiya set, again, carefully painted.

Gary

 

[sceic2]

Very nice work, please show us the finished figures.

 

[OzDigger]

Nice work Gary, and a clever idea for barrels.

 

[noli-poli]

Here is a side view of the redetailed FoV M3A1

View attachment 1899

BYOOTIFUL! ARE THOSE SOLDIERS MODIFIED METAL OR PLASTIC?

N-P

 

[binder001]

The figures are basically Airfix Multipose styrene figures. Most are from the US Infantry Europe set, with many other parts added. You can see a torso in cream-colored resin from a Michael Roberts 1/32nd figure, and he also supplied the M9 bazooka being handed up into the back of one of the APCs. You can also see quite a bit of Apoxie Sculpt filler. I still have to work on some sanding of the basic shapes, then add the ammo pouches, canteens, etc.

 

[Leadmen]

Thanks for posting pictures of your work Gary. I enjoy seeing the talent and interest forum members share. Learned plenty this year. Leadmen

 

[kilted vampire]

Nice job on the canvas work.