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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 3 | May 13, 2007 |
Have you ever heard of the term "Mission Creep". I've heard it used both in the Military as well as business worlds, the basic concept is that as a project progresses, it grows in complexity. I am suffering from that, in a bad way.
This is the almost finished crew compartment, with the new styrene bulkhead and some of the plumbing. Hard to see on the right side is the sub-compartment for the fire suppression system. The various little squares are going to be placement for the fuel tank control valves, battery switch, and oil filler access. You can also see the driveshaft cover too.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a single photo that shows the entire bulkhead, only sections of it. So while all the parts on it at this point are correct, I was unable to get a consistant size reference so locations and sizes are not going to be as accurate as I would like. I still need to add various stowage boxes, many of which are only given in the vehicle equipment listing, so I have to guess on their exact locations in the compartment.
As mentioned in the discussion pages, the engine brace provided by Verlinden is not correct. They give an M3 Medium tank style brace, while the later M4 brace is what is shown in all the technical manuals. This was sourced from Tank Workshop, as well as the fire extinguishers, as part of their radial engine set. The TWS parts are not just more accurate, but also better made and detailed. They were all also perfect fits with no modification.
Oh, and I also haven't gotten around to replacing the melon sized knobs on the shift lever and parking brake yet. I may actually leave them, as I just have so much plumbing/wiring left to do.
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