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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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| The Chassis - Part 4 | Oct 3, 2006 |
Progress with these complicated projects tends to be two steps forward followed by one step back and this model is no exception. Moving on to the pictures:
1) One of those little steps back became apparent when I added the four remaining braces to the chassis cross piece. Some how I'd got the centre and corner reinforcing plates way under sized, which put the overall proportions of the bracing horribly out of sorts. Only one way to correct the mistake and that's to chop the offending bits off and start again. A bit irritating, but having gone this much trouble to correct the kit, might as well get it as accurate as possible.
2) Another step back, as a trial fit of the hull shows the fuel tank is too narrow to properly meet the edges of the body. Not entirely my fault this time, as I suspect the kit proportions are a little out. I've gained a mil' by extending the tank right to the edges of the chassis rails (closer than it should be!) but for an authentic look I'll need to pinch up the rear section of the upper body later on, but that's something to think about in a later chapter.....
3) The most obvious bit of progress this time is the addition of the first parts of the drive train. The modified Wespe rear drive shaft is linked up to a tricky bit of carving for the transfer box.
4) Tiny 'Luvax' type hydraulic dampers. I wish I'd photographed these before they were installed, as they're awfully difficult to see. They're six part components (not including the brass rod anti roll bar) and building them is just about at the limits of my eye sight. You'll just have to take my word for it that there's one for each wheel!
5) The rear axle has also sprouted the beginnings of a brake system. These first parts are the cables and levers for the hand brake. Pedants will notice that the set up is for the brakes in the 'parked' position!
6) Those tiny dampers are tucked into those sections projecting from the chassis (I've omitted the bash plate on the left for clarity). The small length of visible brass rod links them to the wishbone.
I notice on the photo's that the chassis looks a little bowed, this is a slight 'fish eye' effect from the camera, not a horrible mistake with the build- honest! |
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