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Modeller Build Logs
M-12 155mm GMC |
| By Hans Haase | | Started: | Mar 1, 2007 | | Updated: | Sep 2, 2007 |
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The M-12 is, in allied terms, a somewhat rare vehicle. 100 of these self propelled artillery pieces were built in 1942 and 1943 for the purpose of training and were based on M3 medium tank chassis, with the then-standard M1917/M1918M1 155mm gun of French design.
As the actual invasion of Europe got closer, it was decided that the standard 105mm M7 self-propelled howitzer may be too small for dealing with stronger fixed emplacements, and a number of M-12's were modernized and upgraded for combat use. These became the largest self-propelled US artillery deployed in Europe and saw heavy use throughout the European campaign.
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| Crew Compartment: Part 1 | Apr 18, 2007 |
While I wait for more info for the engine compartment and such, I was able to proceed with what was left of the "tray" that the interior sits on. The Verlinden transmission assembly gave only a minor improvement in detail over the Academy parts, but it does have a bit more detail. More important is that it also has a much more correct angle to it, as the back end should be higher than the front. In the M12 this angle is much more steep than a Sherman or M3, because the engine is significantly closer to the transmission.
However, I did choose to use most of the Academy control linkages, simply because the resin ones are far too fragile. This was especially true with the shift lever and it's framework, which fell apart as I tried to clean it. I also used the seat pedestals from Academy, with the Verlinden seats.
Eduard provided new tread to put onto the driver pedals, but the pattern did not match any reference photos I have of Sherman controls. The Academy parts have the right pattern, but needed to be sanded down a bit as they were too exaggerated.
While it does still need a couple of spots filled, and may get some additional detail, this area is basically ready for paint and installation into the hull now. You can also see how much of the original tray I had removed, as it now only covers the floor in the drivers compartment. |
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