Oh most knowledgeable list members, I have a few questions about the M4A2 tanks at Roi-Namur. The first is in regards to the return rollers. From several pictures (most clearly seen on the famous picture of “KILLER” with the Japanese light tank lashed to its engine deck), the return rollers look high to me. Were the tanks at Roi-Namur examples where “an extra bushing was added under the roller axel to raise it” (quoting from Tom Gannon’s fine article in the March “Boresight”)? The second question is in regards to what is under the wooden planking. Would these tanks have been dry stowage with applique’ armor under the wooden planking? From the photos that I have seen these turrets look to me to be “low bustle,” is this correct? Finally, are there pictures that more clearly show the camouflage scheme on King Kong (the photos in Gilbert’s book are great, but the reproduction sometimes leaves a bit to be desired)? There is a nice photo of KING KONG at Saipan in Allies-Axis No. 8 which clearly shows the camouflage scheme and the thinness of the wooden planking (clearly intended only to defeat magnetic mines and not to provide supplemental armor protection), would this be fairly consistent with how KING KONG would have looked at Roi-Namur?
Can anyone recommend additional references (beyond, Gilbert, Estes and Allied-Axes No. 8) that would provide additional photos or written reference? Besides being the wrong turret (at least this is what I think from the photos that I have seen) is the Academy M4A2 Marines a suitable candidate to model the Marine tanks at Roi-Namur? Anyone want to tackle suggesting additional modifications? (I know that the tracks provided with the kit are not correct, as they should either be the steel chevron with no “duck bills” or the older style cleated track on JUNGLE JIM. Also, as I think that the turret is not correct, can anyone recommend a correct turret that I can purchase?). Does anyone produce a 1/35 Japanese type 94 tankette to toss onto the back of a build of KILLER? (I love the photo of Sgt Bruno and his crew standing in front of Killer with Bruno’s “field improvised” shorts.) Though Roi-Namur was not one of the epic fights, as the first use of wading stacks and wood armor I think that this might make a worthwhile project and I would welcome any assistance with my elementary questions.
Dave
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