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Modeller Build Logs
Humber LRC MKIII |
| By Alex Hill | | Started: | Jul 5, 2006 | | Updated: | Oct 8, 2006 |
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The LRC was part of a group of Humber vehicles which were, to varying degrees, derivatives of the Super Snipe. Whilst the MKI and II were limited by the use of a 4x2 drive train, the MKIII utilsed the independently cross sprung front axle from the Humber Heavy Utility and 4x4 15cwt trucks.
Armour plating was a less than confidence inspiring 1/2'' maximum, off-set by a respectable 45MPH top speed courtesy of Humbers own 4.1 6 cylinder petrol engine. In practice armament varied, but officially it was equipped with a .55 Boys anti-tank rifle and a Bren. However, as the war progressed the Boys ( already out classed by enemy armour in 1939)was relegated to use against light bunkers and anti-sniper duties, so most late war LRC's are generally seen without the rifle fitted.
Which brings me to the BLOG. The primary aim is to build IMA's Humber LRC with a detailed interior, but if sufficient references can be found, the scope may widen to include an engine and an improved drive train.
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| First Impressions | Jul 5, 2006 |
The first thing that strikes you about the kit, is that it comes in a fantastic hard plastic polystyrene lined box (picture 1). It might seem a minor consideration, but with with so many models being bought mail order, it's nice to see someone using such robust packaging.
Upon opening the box, the results are also very impressive. After a thorough examination of the parts, I couldn't find a single air bubble or any evidence of significant warping. There's a slight mold mis-match on the two sides of the body (picture 2), but nothing that can't be smoothed over with a little filler and sanded away. Fit of these main components can't be faulted and it should prove a very simple kit to build and an ideal kit for the resin beginner.
Of course the flip side of 'simple to assemble' is a simplistic level of level of detail. I don't intend that as a critism, but if you're after a super detailed kit, there's a lot of ground to cover on the underside and interior. Comparing the kit instructions illustration of the drive train (picture 4) to an illustration of the front axle of a heavy utility (picture 3) shows how much needs to be done. Despite some nice pictures from Dennis Stronks, I would still need a little more information to start scratch building all the necessary parts. Unfortunatly, none of my usual sources have a technical manual for the LRC, so I'll end the chapter with a request for help tracking down some decent references for the Humber's under carriage. |
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