My 2026 Heritagecon build will be slowly getting started. Last year I built RFM’s Leo 2A6M CAN with full interior from C Sqn LDSH, and the year prior I built M4A3E8 Argyle II from A Sqn LDSH.
Continuing with the LDSH/Canadian armour theme this year I am building “Cuddles” from C Sqn LDSH serving in Korea. Cuddles was a M4A3 VVSS 76 equipped with an M1 Dozer Blade.
Here are training images of the Dozers that would be employed by Canadians in Korea
Cuddles was used in Korea to clear obstacles, build defensive positions, and dig tank scrapes under fire along the Jamestown Line. It played a key support role during defensive operations, particularly around Hill 355.
To correctly depict Cuddles aftermarket is required. Heavy Hobby 3D printed T-49 Tracks & Guards, DEF Models Canvas Mantle, Panzer Art Barrel w/Cover, Master Models M2 and No19 Wireless set and finally the Lanmo models M1 Dozer for VVSS
Well already hit the first snag. The Heavy Hobby tracks and end connectors are incredibly brittle. The pins are supposed to friction fit into the end connectors but they require quite a bit of pressure. I have already snapped 2 end connectors and broken the pin on one track.
I think these will end up being more trouble than they are worth which is disappointing. I am going to try and few more and if the issue persists I will bin them and use either Quick Tracks or the Gecko plastic
I am just going to replace the tracks with Quick Tracks. I tried to build a further run and had 3 end connectors explode on me. Oh well not all 3D printed parts are created equally.
On the hull the Heavy Hobby guards were used, as well as a master model 1919 barrel. I added the hatch grab handles with 0.3mm wire. Upper glacis has some sloppy gap filling work but it will be covered with cast texture next.
Heavy Hobby is 0/2 in my book. The guards are printed in a single block and packed super close together. Using a fresh Hobby Blade and fine nippers still resulted in 3 periscope guards and one light guard falling apart. I think if they printed the periscope guards on one block and light guards on another this could have been avoided.
I have returned from vacation and started work on the Dozer blade. It’s a mix of 3D printed components and PE. Weld beads are done via PE.
Instructions call for the use of 0.5 wire to recreate grab handles and to be used with the moving joints but none is included with the kit which for the cost is a disappointment.
There is quite a bit of clean up required on the 3D printed pieces and the arms require careful fitting to the dozer body again for the cost, slightly disappointing.
I have tried various 3d printed links. ET Models M4 tracks provide a handy little jig and tool which holds the end connector as you push it into place with even pressure. I’ve used the ET Models jig and pusher on Panzerwerk Design links quite successfully too.
The Heavy Hobby track sets …well they all ended up in the bin.
If you don’t mind a bit of gluing then the Masterclub produced M4 tracks are good too. I like them for the weight.
Hope that assists.
“Cuddles” was originally called Arnhem during the workup training conducted at Fort Lewis as part of A 1/2 squadron before being renamed C Squadron before deploying to Korea in 1951. US serial # 30101260, came directly from US Army depot stocks along with the ARV and was part of the Squadron Headquarters troop , Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)
No major updated but I tried my hand at enhancing the cast texture on the model. I used Nightshifts method using Tamiya glue and Tamiya putty and I think it came out alright.
