Model kits of this vehicle contain the radiator protectors in the open or closed version - but what moves them from one position to the other is left to anybody’s guess. TM 9-705 shows that there is a lever reaching up to the dashboard on the passenger side, but neither the ancient MAX kit and its reincarnations by Italeri and even Zvezda (kit 3519) nor Tamiya’s kit offer that part. The MAX-type firewall has a rectangular hole in the right place and Tamiya correctly adds a fire extinguisher here, but that’s it.
Fortunately, the M3 etc. halftracks had the identical cab, and according to the instructions shown on Scalemates, Dragon gives the respective lever and its sheet metal guide as part B18. So, could anybody with such a Dragon kit in their stash please measure and/or photograph this part for the modeling community?
TIA, Peter
I can’t provide any measurements of kit parts but can include this:
The lever end is to the same scale as the louver end, so you ought to be able to make a reasonable facsimile.
KL
Not the Dragon instructions but a photo from the manual.
Item R is the shutter control
A. Trouble light receptacle. B. Stop light switch. C. Blackout and service lights switch. D. Dual fuel tank selector switch for fuel gage. E. Instrument cluster [clockwise from top: ammeter, oil pressure gage, water temperature gage, fuel gage]. F. Throttle control. G. Ignition switch. H. Starter motor switch. I. Speedometer. J. Heater switch. K. Dash light. L. Voltmeter. M. Screw. N. Map compartment door with key. O. Windshield wiper tube. P. Windshield wiper assembly. Q. Vehicle registration plate. R. Radiator shutter control lever. S. Fire extinguisher bracket. T. Heater. U. Voltmeter push switch. V. R. H. ventilator control. W. Choke. X. Transfer case shift lever. Y. Hand brake lever. Z. Transmission gearshift lever. AA. Accelerator pedal. BB. Spark. CC. Brake pedal. DD. Foot dimmer switch. EE. L. H. ventilator control. FF. Clutch pedal. GG. Horn button. HH. Gearshift instruction plate. (Picture from TM 9-705 Scout Car M3A1.)
The rod that runs from the handle to the louvers is not straight, but has a bend in it close to the cab:
Thank you very much, all of you! With these combined informations, I’m sure I will be able to “make a reasonable facsimile”, as Kurt put it.
Peter