Well, even though I have been a member of Armorama for a few years, I have never actually posted a blog (as far as I can remember), so I though this would be a good time to start.
When Tasca released their M32B1, I knew I just had to build one, but with a twist. I wanted to make the version with HVSS suspension and based on the M4A3 chassis (i.e. the M32A1B3).
Its taken me a while to get started, but now the build is in full swing and hopefully I'll get it finished before it ends up on the shelf with a number of other shelf queens :-)
This first post will be a little image heavy, since I have done some work on this project already.
First of all, though, one of the pictures that inspired me (posted here for discussion only):
The kit I am using as a base is Tasca's Korean War M4A3E8 combined with the Tasca parts I needed from the M32B1 kit (sprues purchased separately from the Tasca site to save sacrificing a complete kit).
I will also enhance the model with CMK's interior set, Voyager update for the M32B1, and use some printed parts from Click2detail parts for the necessary conversion items.
So, lets get started!
Interior detailing:
Since the M32 has that interesting "turret" with two large holes, a great deal of the interior will be visible, so I opted to go with the lovely CMK interior set, with the addition of some scratchbuilding and Tasca M32 parts.
Some progress so far (the larger assemblies only dry fitted at this stage):
As can be seen in the picture below, a lot of the interior is visible through the openings (the late turret from Click2detail is being used for this build):
Winch:
I plan to have some of the floor and work platform panels removed to allow visibility deeper into the belly of the vehicle. This necessitates building the full winch assembly (Tasca only includes the top parts).
A little scratch building to create the missing items was needed. Note that the lower platform that the winch assembly is standing on is a "best guess" and will not be visible once all the other fittings and stowage boxes around the winch are in place. There must be something there on the real vehicle, to bring the winch up to the height it is supposed to be. I have also borrowed one or two parts from the Tamiya Dragon Wagon winch assembly.
... and the assmebly test fitted into the hull:
Taking a short break from the interior, I started some work on the exterior.
Since the boom was a different affair on these late M32's, I felt that the best (and most fun!) route would be to scratchbuild a new boom.
In the pics below, you can also see the click2detail hull fittings.
Again, most parts only dry fitted at this early stage.
One other item I really want to have on this model is the "remote control" towing arm, which could be lowered by cable to recover vehicles without exposing the crew to enemy fire.
I have the printed part from Click2detail, but unfortunately it was too large and as such did not fit. I have made the guys at C2D aware of this and they have been very, very quick to respond and have launched an investigation on the part and the corresponding drawings. They also offered to send me a replacement part once they have completed their investigation and updates. Don't let this put you off buying printed parts from C2D since they are very, very nice. I am not associated with the company, but appreciate great service, fast responses and nice products.
Eager as I am to keep the build going, I decided to scratch build the part.
The first pic below is a sort of "before and after" sequence of the actual hook, and the second picture is the completed part from various angles.
And the towing arm test fitted on the model:
So, there it is, that's as far as I have come so far.
Comments, advise and feedback is very much appreciated.
Thanks for looking, back again soon.. :-)
