SLA M3 Halftrack

[Sherman 18]

Alright I teased about a top secret project.

I went and started with this DML M3A1 halftrack, well because it is cool. You guys should know by now that i can't just build something from the box. I was hoping this could/would kick start me out of my funk that I've been in. I think it has. The progress has been trouble free, I mean things are just clicking. So here it is as of Sunday night. Still lots and lots to do.

reference images

the kit

I started with the rear compartment floor, a drill press, dremel, files and 120 and 320 sand paper were used to remove the seats

I then added holes for the fuel gauge and fuel gauge plug in the fuel tanks. I also filled in the seat indentation on the right tank with styrene strip and some putty. I made the fuel gauge cover and plug from styrene tubing and strip

Added casting texture to rear suspension

I opened the battery box and started to scratch build the second battery box that Israel added to the halftracks

Since the battery box is open now I made a battery to stick in the box out of styrene strip

Added a brake line to the rear differential

I removed the molded in gas can support on the right and left side of the cab. I then filled the hole with strip styrene. You can see where I opened up the lower part of the right side cab for the battery.

Yes the M113 engine from an Academy kit does fit

 

[Piet]

Good start ,are you going with the tarp frame version ?

 

[The Zod]

Looking good man. Interesting choice for the country that is using it.

 

[moon puppy]

Just some minor adjustments. Notice the exhaust pipe comes out under the drivers door and not the right track?

 

[Sherman 18]

Good start ,are you going with the tarp frame version ?

Not sure, I'm still on the fence about that.

Thanks

 

[Sherman 18]

Looking good man. Interesting choice for the country that is using it.

Thanks

 

[Sherman 18]

Just some minor adjustments. Notice the exhaust pipe comes out under the drivers door and not the right track?

It has dual exhaust do to the two stroke diesel engine replacing the gas inline six hyeah

Those Israeli's seem to like to Hot Rod that old military equipment

 

[Sherman 18]

A little more done, chassis is now complete

I added some On The Mark PE mesh to the floor, and used some scrap Edward PE in the other places

I tried some Vallejo primer for the first time. Still need to hit some spots, but I like how it lays down.

That is all for now :salute

 

[lupanzer]

Most excelent!...great job

Luiz

 

[moon puppy]

Looking good, like the randomness of the floor plates.

 

[ij001]

Hard yards again eh Jeff ??

Ian.

 

[jknaus]

Cool beans Jeff
James

 

[Hippy Ed]

:hmmm

 

[MrT]

 

[Sherman 18]

Hard yards again eh Jeff ??

Ian.

Hard yards, I had to look that up

I would say no, the problems I cause/ed have been pretty easy to solve hyeah

 

[randy_ditton]

Hi Jeff,

Really like the details you are adding to this halftrack

Randy

 

[Sherman 18]

Thanks guys!

I did a first for me, making an instrument panel. I shaved the gauges off a couple Academy M113 kits

Changed the seat cushions by filing them smooth. The IDF style are different than whats in the kit.

Working on the radiator armor

 

[moon puppy]

That's a freakin' close shave!

Funny how the radiator armor looks, the lens distorted it making the top look curved, which I'm sure it's straight. Can't always trust that picture can we?

 

[Hippy Ed]

:hmmm

 

[SA Dave]

If I tried that shaving thing I would be minus some finger tips

Looking great