Italeri M101: does it come with a crew

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Hi

I want to build a WWII era diorama with a US artillery-piece. This 105mm gun is cheap and easily available. Does it come with a crew? What vehicle would be its prime mover? Deuce and a half? Where would I fine ammo crates and shells?

Thanks!

2

Yes it comes with a crew, but they are not very good figures. There are some aftermarket ones available that are far superior. I think the prime mover would be the 1 1/2 ton Truck, but am not certain on that part. Verlinden makes an aftermarket resin 105mm ammo set that includes crates and shells.

3

The Testors and Italeri boxed ones come with a crew. The Revell of Germany boxed one does not. The AFV Club Big Shot 1 1/2 ton or Italeri kit of the same truck is the proper prime mover.

4

The prime mover for the 105 was either a deuce and a half or M5 High Speed Tractor. The WC63 1 and 1/2 ton truck was used in infantry anti-tank gun companies to tow 57mm anti-tank gun M1.

5

Have to agree with Toadman here. M101s were polled by CCKWs and M5s. The Italeri crew isn’t that bad. You can see how they can turn out at my Showcase I below.

6

During the mid to late 1960’s the 82nd and 101st airborne Division Artillery were M101 and M102s and were towed by a 3/4 ton truck. This was because the 3/4 ton truck was air transportable and could be dropped by parachute.