Anyway, enough preamble - lets have a look at the toys. 1966 saw the release of two important kits - the US Halftrack and the Matador & 5.5in Gun.
The Halftrack box above dates from the late 1980s and the kit itself builds into a fair representation, although there are apparently a number of detail inconsistencies. But how we all love it.
Above - a bog standard halftrack accompanied by a pair of FAA metal US infantry. This particular stand is currently between engagements but will no doubt be allocated to an armoured division in the fullness of time. Below is a very nicely done (not by me!) conversion into the earlier M3 Scout Car.
Captured halftracks are also present in my boxes, including the one above currently on the strength of 10 Panzer Division (in Tunisia), and JR's 'Hollywood'-style conversion below which serves as a recce company in 14 PD.
The Matador and 5.5in Gun is a particularly useful kit - I have loads of them, although the Matador & Gun rarely serve together.
Above - the 1970s period 'blister pack' in which most of my early Series 1 kits arrived.
This pair were built straight from the box by Steve T - I've not yet interfered with them in any way.
These guns and tow serve as part of the artillery strength of XXX Corps (c.1944). The crew figures are metal castings by SHQ.
Above - this high mileage Matador is currently employed dragging a large AA gun around North Africa.
My Germans have commandeered a few Matadors over the years. The one above belongs to 2 FJR Div.
JR's ever-popular stretched Matador always attracts a lot of attention when it appears in games. The kit was probably quite a new release when this conversion was carried out! Below is the same lorry next to a standard Matador. Both are currently in the employ of III Armeekorps.
Not to be left out, 8 SS Kavalerie Division has this much hacked about 5.5 in service - the shield is from an '88'.
Coming soon - 1967 - and another two new releases!
18 comments:
It's not so much about forgetting, rather the inevitable results of the years rolling by...
Anyhow, before I forget, merry merry and happy holidays.
Regards
Arthur
You could be right - and happy hols to you!
I'm impressed. These are really imaginative. Mine merely put 5.5's for 11 Armd Div. Merry Christmas to you.
Service Ration Distribution
My approach to kits tends to be not "what is it meant to be?", and more "what could it look vaguely like?" Merry Christmas.
As classic as these kits may be, I never had the chance to have, or indeed spot, any. Airfix distribution patterns for Italy are one of the greatest misteries ever.
The 5.5s in russian service really look the part!
Merry Christmas!
I converted one into a Pak43 based on an Airfix magazine article.
Giano
I can barely imagine life without Airfix - it's had a considerable effect on my life! If its any consolation, availability of Esci kits was always a bit hit and miss here.
Merry Christmas!
Fire at Will
I have one of those too! I'll try to find it for a photo.
Best wishes.
thank you Tim..
happy new year..
Erhan
Best Christmas morning reading ever! I have lots of plans now for spare 5.5's!
Carry on dear sir...
Hmm that happens to my kits, they end up looking vaguely like something, but then that's when I'm doing my best to put them together as intended!
Erhntly
Glad you like the post - even if the toys are well short of your standards!
Paul
More 5.5 nonsense still to come....
Ross Mac
Perhaps you just need more practice?
Hi Tim,
I saw the "Hollywood Half-track" on an episode of "Combat" the other night. It was a semi-regular for a couple of seasons. Have a great Christmas,
-Steve
Steven Page
That just proves how realistic the model is!
I have a couple of 5.5s that will probably end up converted into 152s in the Red Army. I just need extra wheels to place alongside the existing ones. I have the replacement 'shark gill' gun barrels ready to install.
Archduke Piccolo
There is something deeply satisfying about bodging together a 122 from a 5.5, even though kits of the soviet guns are now available.
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