Sorry to all my friends here in the forum. I have deleted this posting as it has been sold to FSM for use in the magazine.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me. Thanks.
Rounds Complete!!
PLEASE keep us posted redleg12! As a former 56th FA (Pershing) Grunt (1972-1974), I for one, look forward to seeing this WIP and completed! I was with B-2/4Inf assigned to 1/81FA.
56th FA Brigade
http://www.usarmygermany.com/units/FieldArtillery/USAREUR_56th%20FA%20Bde.htm
I have a front view pic of the tractor with partial launcher, doesn’t show much and well, we wern’t supposed to photograph any of these so the pics ain’t that great. The missile is covered with tarps. I can dig out and post if desired.
This one’s going to be fun to follow! Rare subject, even rarer kit, looking forward to it. [tup]
Minimortar - Yes I know, trying to do research on this is tough as all the photos were classified. I have a few but one of the best is on the cover of the box.
The kit also has the M757 tractor. After I finish the EL thought of converting the tractor to the PL unit. That will tak a bit of scratch building. I’m thinking about it so I can have all the cables from the EL going somewhere.
Bill - I am honered you would look. I will try to give as much as I can on this. Hope everyone can put up with my slow speed (I have to work to model [|(] and spring cleanup is coming). But at any speed I will keep it going.
Thanks both for the reply.
Rounds Complete!!
Heya Mike[:)]–this is going to be a cool unusual build for sure-- I remember you posting on this one in November or so-- glad to see you’re gonna 'git ‘er done’!-- did you find the correct tires for it yet?-- hope so![:D]-- September isn’t as far away as it seems right now![(-D]— best of luck-------tread[8D]
Ah…You have arrived!!. Thanks for the reply. Gino sent me a set but I am still looking for the “just right” tires. Oh well have lots of work before I need the tires.
Yep…I want to bring this one in Sept…With the spring gardening around the corner, the usual household jobs , work and, and , and…well I just keep trying to find time. With all that, I am determined[oX)]. Back to sanding, filling and milliputty!!
You take care my friend
Rounds Complete!!
…
Looking pretty cool! It reminds me of some hi-tech Midievil Inquisitor’s torture device! LOL!
Looks like you’re doing a hell of a job! I can’t believe some of the old standards–the sink marks and part numbers molded in–SHEESH! The things we take for granted today! [:)]
Karl
Its a challange. The part numbers are exceptionally annoying. The time it takes to take them off each part is a [censored].
The other interesting thing is nothing here is common to what you would see in a normal armor kit so it takes a bit of study before you pick up the glue.
It’s time consuming!!!
Thanks for the comments.
Rounds Complete!!
Keep up the great work Redleg. I remember you posting when you bought this kit. I have learned to hate injector pin marks. Didn’t catch them on my Mark IV f2 and it showed after weathering. Now, I’ve got them in the most f’d up places on my M10. Your build is looking beautiful and an unusal subject.
Moose
Thanks for the comments. This kit is a molding challange, but I hope the finished product will reflect the care I am trying to take.
Rounds Complete!!
heya Mike[:)]—progress comming along nicely!!-- man, I HATE HATE HATE those sinkholes pinmarks and part #s—you sure they are not casting #s?[banghead][(-D]—thats the crap that makes me build my own parts also------- keep the posts a comming-- I am enjoying this one buddy------tread[8D]
Great progress so far Redleg 12… keep it up! I kind of had a feeling that this was going to require some ‘work’.
[:P]
Tread
Thanks for the look. Nope they are the part #. On a sprue the small parts have their part number right on the sprue. The larger parts, for some god forsaken reason they put on the part. I dont mind if it is inside an assemble but some are in plain view.
This is one of the reasons I think they had one of the old kit companies like Renwal do the casting.
I’m trying to work out a good one (will take pictures for next weeks update), the side platforms are supposed to be grating. I have pin marks in the grating.[banghead][|(] I think that one over this week.
We will keep them coming. Always great to hear from you.
Rounds Complete!!
Rounds Complete!!
Starting to really take shape Redleg… Excellent (and exciting!) progress made since your last update!
There was one example outside on display at Ft. Sill several (10?) years ago. I don’t know if it’s still there or not. If you need any further ref, perhaps an email to the museum there may be helpful. Im sure that they would be thrilled about what you’re doing.
Certainly looking like what I remember from my last visual 34 years ago.
What are you planning on for markings? I can look to see if my limited ref shows complete bumper numbers (for 56th FA) if needed.
The (West) Germans at the time also had a few units as well, sans the warheads.
Cool stuff, man! Looking forward to the paint! [:P]
Karl
Thanks…me too on the paint…I have to get through some details first but its soon.
Mini
I have a few pics including some from WS but what I have is a claer shot of a trailer # (B210). The unit was the 1BN 81FA. The other side is not as clear but it looks like (7A 1/81 FA).
If you have a better marking, that would be great. Thanks
Rounds Complete!!
heya mike[:)]
man you’re doing this build justice my friend-- I’ll be with you till the end on this baby!— looking forward to every update[:)]-------tread[8D]–p.s. I’ll probably get to see it for real in Danbury[yeah]
Red,
Sorry for the delay…
The bumper numbers that I have found are 7A 1F 81 and D-213. Note no dashes but spaces on the 7A… and the dash at the battery vehicle number.
Interesting that our vehicles were marked 56BG 2-I-4 / B-43 (for ex.)… A little more consistant.
A Google Earth search for Inneringen, Germany still shows the long gone launch pad and due north out of the site and just beyond the crossroads, the area of Fort Black Jack is still there… 34 years after I left.
Enjoying the look back…
