I've been given a built Italeri M32 Recovery vehicle - to say the build is 'lacking' would be an understatement... however I've wanted to build this vehicle for a long time:
http://leicestermodellers.weebly.com/m32-arv---kosovo.html
I was involved in its recovery from Kosovo and was thinking the donated model would be an ideal base to build upon.
Is there a tweak list anywhere for the Italeri M32? So far I can see that I'll need to change the tracks, make the door in the front of the turret larger and change the position of the antenna pot. I've also ordered the voyager set for the Askura M32 - hopefully this should fit and add a lot of the empty brackets and fittings. Thanks.
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Italeri M32 Recovery Vehicle
barra733
Joined: January 03, 2015
KitMaker: 282 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 03:28 PM UTC
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
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Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 04:18 PM UTC
Having extensively detailed the Asuka/Tasca one, I'm very aware of the Italeri kit's shortcomings. It depends on what you want to fix. The biggest flaw is that rear of the turret is too narrow -- by about 5 or 6 mm. Asuka sells individual sprues -- maybe buy the one for the turret and the A-frame? Italeri took this shortcut because they didn't know that the M32 omitted the armored ventilation cover on the right side. Their turret is narrow because the incorrectly kept the ventilation cover. On the real M32, this (and the fuel port opposite) were patched over since neither that fan nor the Little Joe auxiliary generator were needed.
Italeri recycled their M4A1 hull (large hatch) for their M32B1. Most M32B1s had the small hatch hull. Only one photo has surfaced of a large hatch M32B1 -- but it's confirmation that this combo did exist.
If you care to look, here's my Asuka M32B1 blog: http://www.track-link.com/forums/site_blogs/20306/flat
Italeri recycled their M4A1 hull (large hatch) for their M32B1. Most M32B1s had the small hatch hull. Only one photo has surfaced of a large hatch M32B1 -- but it's confirmation that this combo did exist.
If you care to look, here's my Asuka M32B1 blog: http://www.track-link.com/forums/site_blogs/20306/flat
barra733
Joined: January 03, 2015
KitMaker: 282 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 05:38 PM UTC
Thanks Roy - I think looking at what I have (a poorly built Italeri kit) and the version I wish to build I won't go over the top on the base kit. The one we brought back from Kosovo is missing all its external fittings so there's a bit of leeway in not having to fit everything. I might have to have a look at the Askura turret though... Any idea if the larger pulley feed turret door is included in the Askura kit?
barkingdigger
Associate Editor
#013
Joined: June 20, 2008
KitMaker: 3,981 posts
Armorama: 3,403 posts
Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 07:11 PM UTC
Sounds like a great project! (Love those "as found" pics)
The Asuka/Tasca kit has the narrow front cable opening. I made a 3d-printed one at Shapeways (complete with drilling template for the alignment holes in the turret face - it uses pins to get it all lined up), and Mike Kalbfleisch has an entire turret at SW too. (Used to be on C2D but they are out of action now...)
IIRC Mike also had a full set of the post-WW2 extra shackles etc for the hull front on C2D at one time, but these have not been loaded to SW yet. (Your pics have these, hanging off the front lift-rings.)
But - you can always scratch-build all of this stuff with a little patience! It's always hard to decide how much cash to throw at a build, and I often find myself building parts I could buy just to keep costs down while increasing the "play value" of the build. Either way, I can't wait to see the finished build.
The Asuka/Tasca kit has the narrow front cable opening. I made a 3d-printed one at Shapeways (complete with drilling template for the alignment holes in the turret face - it uses pins to get it all lined up), and Mike Kalbfleisch has an entire turret at SW too. (Used to be on C2D but they are out of action now...)
IIRC Mike also had a full set of the post-WW2 extra shackles etc for the hull front on C2D at one time, but these have not been loaded to SW yet. (Your pics have these, hanging off the front lift-rings.)
But - you can always scratch-build all of this stuff with a little patience! It's always hard to decide how much cash to throw at a build, and I often find myself building parts I could buy just to keep costs down while increasing the "play value" of the build. Either way, I can't wait to see the finished build.
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
Armorama: 3,947 posts
Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 08:13 PM UTC
The Asuka JGSDF M32B1 has the later turret with the wide mouth cable hatches. Maybe see if Asuka can sell that sprue to you? The kit # is 35-029
barra733
Joined: January 03, 2015
KitMaker: 282 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 02, 2016 - 05:12 PM UTC
With regards to the rear of the hull being too narrow: if I added 2-3mm spacers to the outside of the rear hull; and then used plastic card 'sides' back to the apex of the turret sides - would this rectify the problem? This would obviously need a bit of blending and the gaps at the top of the rear sides would also need to be filled...
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
Armorama: 3,947 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 02, 2016 - 05:32 PM UTC
Yes! That would work. Remember to remove the ventilator on the right side and the armored fuel port on the left side. During the M32 conversion process, both ports had a round patch welded in. You can make out my weld bead circles in this picture of my M32B1
http://www.track-link.com/forums/attachments/site_blogs/19f51c744a93a362f8893efe0af0675d_62432.jpg
http://www.track-link.com/forums/attachments/site_blogs/19f51c744a93a362f8893efe0af0675d_62432.jpg
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 02, 2016 - 05:50 PM UTC
Quoted Text
With regards to the rear of the hull being too narrow: if I added 2-3mm spacers to the outside of the rear hull; and then used plastic card 'sides' back to the apex of the turret sides - would this rectify the problem? This would obviously need a bit of blending and the gaps at the top of the rear sides would also need to be filled...
Sort of...I converted/kit-bashed a TASCA M32B1 into an M32B2 using an early M4A2 56-degree Diesel-engined Upper & Lower Hull and associated parts, which I had in my "Spares"-inventory. I had to rework the -B1 Boom Mounts in order to fit the welded Upper Hull of the -B2 variant. I used the "early" production-style Bogie assemblies with the horizontal Return Roller Brackets, and the "dished"-style Road Wheels throughout. The Voyager M4A2 and M32B1 PE sets were used to upgrade the kit-bash, along with various resin goodies, including individual stowage bits and pieces from several different "Stowage" sets, in order to add some "character" to the vehicle, which has LOADS of "character" to begin with!
I added Crew figures to the mix, of which several were converted from various plastic and resin individual US Tanker & Maintenance figures and sets, just to set them apart from what you originally get in the box or bag. Some of these guys received resin HORNET Heads from different sets, to set the figures even further apart. I'm one of those guys who just won't let well enough alone! 
Suffice it to say that the "extra work" on this simple conversion were well worth it, and I had a lot of fun in creating this "little something that's a bit different"...
I'm surprised that NO ONE in the model-manufacturing industry has yet offered a plastic, or even a resin kit or conversion of -B2 variant of this relatively well-known WWII US ARV...
Also long-overdue is the M32's predecessor, the M31, based on the M3 Lee... 
The M31 has been offered by no less than three different aftermarket manufacturers, CALIBRE 35, VERLINDEN -for a short time- and LEGEND, but never in plastic, as far as I know. I think it's high time that both the M32B2 and the M31 were...HEY, DRAGON OR ASUKA! Here are your opportunities!!!
Metadyne
Joined: October 03, 2016
KitMaker: 29 posts
Armorama: 28 posts
Posted: Sunday, October 02, 2016 - 06:15 PM UTC
hi there, newby on this site, I was in Kosovo at the time of the NATO incursion, there was some interesting old armour laying about the place, remember the Sherman on the Pristina small arms range.
that's me fooling about in the turret with my colleagues. There was a WW2 75mm Mountain piece not far from this, by the time I got permission to recover it the Americans had it away, teach me to dither.
that's me fooling about in the turret with my colleagues. There was a WW2 75mm Mountain piece not far from this, by the time I got permission to recover it the Americans had it away, teach me to dither.
barra733
Joined: January 03, 2015
KitMaker: 282 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Monday, October 03, 2016 - 01:49 PM UTC
Ok, so thoughts so far on updating the Italeri M32 into the 'Kosovo' M32:
1. I need the Voyager M32B1 etched brass set PE35513.
2. Tracks are Chevron type T48 (pads fitted both correctly and upside down). Bronco AB3538.
3. Wheels seem to be three different types -
Concave dished (TWS 350030) - also includes the correct idlers.
Welded spoke with small holes (Suggestions?)
Convex dished (Suggestions?)
4. Larger cable feed door in turret front - will probably scratch due to high postage costs on shapeways.
5. Remove air intake and fuel filler fittings on rear hull and blank off holes.
6. Widen rear of turret by 5-6 mm. A good example of this here: http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/thread/1315056632/M32A1B3+Netherlands+Marines
I have looked at the Asuka sprues site, however the majority of the M32 sprues have sold out.
I'd be interested if anyone could suggest further options for the wheels... or if anyone would be willing to part with a few spare wheels..?
Thanks for all the help so far!
1. I need the Voyager M32B1 etched brass set PE35513.
2. Tracks are Chevron type T48 (pads fitted both correctly and upside down). Bronco AB3538.
3. Wheels seem to be three different types -
Concave dished (TWS 350030) - also includes the correct idlers.
Welded spoke with small holes (Suggestions?)
Convex dished (Suggestions?)
4. Larger cable feed door in turret front - will probably scratch due to high postage costs on shapeways.
5. Remove air intake and fuel filler fittings on rear hull and blank off holes.
6. Widen rear of turret by 5-6 mm. A good example of this here: http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/thread/1315056632/M32A1B3+Netherlands+Marines
I have looked at the Asuka sprues site, however the majority of the M32 sprues have sold out.
I'd be interested if anyone could suggest further options for the wheels... or if anyone would be willing to part with a few spare wheels..?
Thanks for all the help so far!
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Monday, October 03, 2016 - 02:08 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Ok, so thoughts so far on updating the Italeri M32 into the 'Kosovo' M32:
1. I need the Voyager M32B1 etched brass set PE35513.
2. Tracks are Chevron type T48 (pads fitted both correctly and upside down). Bronco AB3538.
3. Wheels seem to be three different types -
Concave dished (TWS 350030) - also includes the correct idlers.
Welded spoke with small holes (Suggestions?)
Convex dished (Suggestions?)
4. Larger cable feed door in turret front - will probably scratch due to high postage costs on shapeways.
5. Remove air intake and fuel filler fittings on rear hull and blank off holes.
6. Widen rear of turret by 5-6 mm. A good example of this here: http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/thread/1315056632/M32A1B3+Netherlands+Marines
I have looked at the Asuka sprues site, however the majority of the M32 sprues have sold out.
I'd be interested if anyone could suggest further options for the wheels... or if anyone would be willing to part with a few spare wheels..?
Thanks for all the help so far!
There are two more types of Road Wheels to consider, if you ever decided to build another M32:
1) Early-Production Welded, Spoked, Manufactured, (see Early-production M4s and M4A1s)
2) Mid-Late Production, Stamped
Just thought I'd mention these...
Of course, you may even want to convert an M32B1 into an M32B2 someday, like I did...
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
Armorama: 3,947 posts
Posted: Monday, October 03, 2016 - 04:34 PM UTC
I think you'll save yourself lots of trouble and get a more accurate final product if you simply buy the Tasca/Asuka M32 JGDSF from Hobby Easy.
tracks: check
turret: check
fits your PE set: check
accurate suspension: check
will have at least 2 of your needed wheels: check
Tasca offers the small hatch M4A1 hull -- does your Kosovo M32B1 have the small (likely) or large hatch (less likely but is the subject of the Italeri kit)
These reasons above simply SHOUT for you to buy the JGSDF kit rather than try to correct the deficient Italeri M32. Rather than buy 4-5 additional aftermarket items, buy the one kit. That's my advice. Good luck Ian!
tracks: check
turret: check
fits your PE set: check
accurate suspension: check
will have at least 2 of your needed wheels: check
Tasca offers the small hatch M4A1 hull -- does your Kosovo M32B1 have the small (likely) or large hatch (less likely but is the subject of the Italeri kit)
These reasons above simply SHOUT for you to buy the JGSDF kit rather than try to correct the deficient Italeri M32. Rather than buy 4-5 additional aftermarket items, buy the one kit. That's my advice. Good luck Ian!
HDSC2D
Joined: March 12, 2013
KitMaker: 170 posts
Armorama: 141 posts
Posted: Monday, October 03, 2016 - 08:22 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Sounds like a great project! (Love those "as found" pics)
The Asuka/Tasca kit has the narrow front cable opening. I made a 3d-printed one at Shapeways (complete with drilling template for the alignment holes in the turret face - it uses pins to get it all lined up), and Mike Kalbfleisch has an entire turret at SW too. (Used to be on C2D but they are out of action now...)
IIRC Mike also had a full set of the post-WW2 extra shackles etc for the hull front on C2D at one time, but these have not been loaded to SW yet. (Your pics have these, hanging off the front lift-rings.)
But - you can always scratch-build all of this stuff with a little patience! It's always hard to decide how much cash to throw at a build, and I often find myself building parts I could buy just to keep costs down while increasing the "play value" of the build. Either way, I can't wait to see the finished build.
I had to do some adjustments to the files for the brackets and fittings for shapeways. Here is the set for the M32 and M32B3: https://www.shapeways.com/product/2D5XDABL7/m32b3-brackets-and-fittings
HDSC2D
Joined: March 12, 2013
KitMaker: 170 posts
Armorama: 141 posts
Posted: Monday, October 03, 2016 - 09:08 PM UTC
And this set is for the M32B1: https://www.shapeways.com/product/W76YVNCAS/m32b1-brackets-and-fittings
With both these sets you can model the post-war MWO ORD G1-W25 modifications for the recovery hook. With the M32B3 set and Tasca parts you can create an M32, M32B3 (you will need my early M4A3 engine deck to create a small hatch M32B3) or M32A1B3 (T14E1). With the M32B1 set you can also create an M32A1B1 (again with Tasca parts or kit bashing)
With both these sets you can model the post-war MWO ORD G1-W25 modifications for the recovery hook. With the M32B3 set and Tasca parts you can create an M32, M32B3 (you will need my early M4A3 engine deck to create a small hatch M32B3) or M32A1B3 (T14E1). With the M32B1 set you can also create an M32A1B1 (again with Tasca parts or kit bashing)
HDSC2D
Joined: March 12, 2013
KitMaker: 170 posts
Armorama: 141 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 12:40 AM UTC
Roy Chow is right, don't even bother with Italeri, the Asuka/Tasca kit of the M32B1 is lightyears ahead of the ancient Italeri offering and has the correct small hatch M4A1 hull that the M32B1 in your photos has. Those pictures also show all the MWO ORD G1-W25 modifications for the retrieval hook and the late turret with the wider front and rear cable access doors. In addition to ofering those parts on Shapeways, I also offer the convex wheels as well.
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 08:58 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Roy Chow is right, don't even bother with Italeri, the Asuka/Tasca kit of the M32B1 is lightyears ahead of the ancient Italeri offering and has the correct small hatch M4A1 hull that the M32B1 in your photos has. Those pictures also show all the MWO ORD G1-W25 modifications for the retrieval hook and the late turret with the wider front and rear cable access doors. In addition to ofering those parts on Shapeways, I also offer the convex wheels as well.
THANK YOU, Michael and Roy!!!
BOTH of you have confirmed my own opinions regarding the "OLDIE-MOLDY" ITALERI M32B1 kit- It's basically a piece of junk, when compared to the ASUKA/TASCA kits! I just didn't want to offend Ian in any way,
, by saying what you two guys have so eloquently explained... PS- Michael! I've just signed up to receive the online updates from your site! Your PRICING IS EXCELLENT! You can expect me to start throwing some business your way!!!
barra733
Joined: January 03, 2015
KitMaker: 282 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Tuesday, October 04, 2016 - 10:53 PM UTC
Agreed all - thanks for all the help and advice.
barra733
Joined: January 03, 2015
KitMaker: 282 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 - 01:14 AM UTC
Now the only problem is where to find the Asuka JGSDF M32 kit... it seems very rare with most suppliers showing zero stock. Any ideas..?
HDSC2D
Joined: March 12, 2013
KitMaker: 170 posts
Armorama: 141 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 - 02:37 AM UTC
Thanks Dennis,
I appreciate that! The M32 has sort of been a passion of mine, since so many were converted from tank hulls there is quite a variance between each one, I even went so far as to go to Circleville, OH to take measurements of a small hatch M32B3 to design an accurate late turret and fittings for my sets.
I appreciate that! The M32 has sort of been a passion of mine, since so many were converted from tank hulls there is quite a variance between each one, I even went so far as to go to Circleville, OH to take measurements of a small hatch M32B3 to design an accurate late turret and fittings for my sets.
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 - 06:01 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Now the only problem is where to find the Asuka JGSDF M32 kit... it seems very rare with most suppliers showing zero stock. Any ideas..?
I don't find the M32 JGSDF anywhere, except for ONE that I found on ebay, selling for the astoundingly HORRENDOUS price of $102.16 US Dollars + $13.00 USD Shipping!
If I were you, I would buy the TASCA M32B1 from LUCKY MODEL.com, which has it priced at $38.99 USD + $13.50 USD Shipping. (see below for GB Pounds)
For the rest of the "modification parts" that you'll need to build your "Kosovo" M32, I HUGELY suggest going to SHAPEWAYS!
In GB Pounds, that's 26.04 + 9.01 Shipping, which is THE CHEAPEST I could find... Other overseas online Hobby Houses may have better pricing- It's worth your time to search around on your computer...
barra733
Joined: January 03, 2015
KitMaker: 282 posts
Armorama: 255 posts
Posted: Wednesday, October 05, 2016 - 11:56 PM UTC
Ordered the Asuka 'standard' M32B1 and Voyager etched set from Lucky. Also ordered the M32B1 brackets set and large turret door from Shapeways.
ericadeane
Joined: October 28, 2002
KitMaker: 4,021 posts
Armorama: 3,947 posts
Posted: Thursday, October 06, 2016 - 12:31 AM UTC
Sorry it took me so late g to reply Hobby Easy has the JGSDF version for 40.90GBP
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