I got a bit tired of other projects, so started something new.
A small build, being Tamiya’s Universal carrier, originally from 1976. The sprues do not show that!
It will depict such a vehicle from the P.I.B. during the liberation of the Netherlands, autumn 1944.
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Initially I had the idea to add a Vickers MG on top of it, but found out that, in order to make it correct, I would have to alter the interior considerably, apart from getting a separate set for just the correct Vickers.
So digging around online I found the following info:
Scout platoon 1944:
- 2 officers, 41 other ranks
Platoon headquarters:
Universal carrier*:
- 1 platoon commander, second lieutenant to lieutenant (OF-1), armed with .38 caliber revolver
- 2x driver-operators, private (OR-1), armed with No.4 Mk.1 rifle
- 1x driver-mechanic, private (OR-1), armed with No.4 Mk.1 rifle
*equipped with Bren gun and No.19 radio set
This appears to be the version Tamiya had in mind, so I’ll roll with that.
Everything just falls together, so keeping it separate will make things easier to paint.
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More progress.
Basic colours are applied, but I did not follow Starmer’s mix, because the Oliv drab I used is much more yellow then the other one.
No XF-62 either, but XF-52. You can see the actual colours on the lids.
Getting the figures to fit was a bit of a hassle and the driver is not glued in place, but hanging on for dear life to the steeringwheel. I also hung the Bren as per images from a restaured vehicle, since the gunport on all P.I.B. vehicles is closed.
a few details
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The first 2 crewmembers are done, so time to “close up” the vehicle.
The original grey helmets looked ridiculous. Made the radio operator look like Charlie Chaplin!
So I made 2 tankhelmets out of sanded down US helmets and the radioman got another British helmet.
I am also looking at the 4th crewmember and here my spares are very limited… limited to one, actually. But I am not all that thrilled about him, so chances are he will vanish back into the sparesbox again.
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Some more steps are done, decals are added and I opted for the red square, since that is infantry/machanized.
The tarp is umbrellafabric, rolled around a metal rod, so that shaping and bending it would be easier.
I also made a new camouflagenet from bandage gauze.
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Some more progress has been achieved.
A commander has been recruited and while I await his arrival, I turned my attention to the logistical side; the stowage.
But first the radioman. He is ready to be put to work, but has to wait until some gear has been installed first.
Looks not great up close, but is sufficient once in place. Painting was a hassle due to his hunched posture.
The rear has become a colourful assortment of gear and supplies with grandma’s white enamel bucket, with dark blue edge to be added, as cherry on top… or bottom.
Bren ammunition boxes/pouches:
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Nice work Bert! Will you add the large Dutch flag to the front, as shown in the photo? That would be a colourful addition!
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Bert??
No, no Dutch flag. They are just crossing the border, so no liberation celebrations yet.
I got the figure for the commander and he is directing the vehicle toward the destination.
I had to make him fit, so had to alter left foot and both legs. Now the foot rests on the mudguard, the left leg has the right angle, as has the right, with the knee now leaning on the seat.
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So that’s where he went! All he told me was that he’d gotten a new assignment and needed me to walk him to a mailbox, and then he disappeared! Glad to see he’s turned up somewhere.
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Sorry Ron…
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Excellent job on that Universal Carrier Ron. Love the gear stowage especially! Nice job on the figures too.
There’s almost no room for the driver in that vehicle it seems, it must have sucked driving that thing, extremely cramped!
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I added more details and gear and I am running out of British stuff now.
The bucket and the first aid box are to bring in more colourful elements.
The commander’s face did not at all turn out as I intended and the final wash made the disaster complete. Creating variation in British uniform brown is harder then it is to do in black!
It is what it is…
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