I know that there were some discussions a number of years ago on the subject, but I find it very hard to swallow that they were only used at Corps level Al.
The Crusader Gun Tractor was produced with pulling 17pdrs in mind in the first place and differing accounts give anything from 200 to 600 Crusaders being converted to the task between Mar '44 and Apr '45.
I know that the 1/2 track and other vehicles were used quite extensively too, but where did all the CGT's disappear too if they weren't used at Div A/Tk Regt level?

I wonder if it's because about the only identifiable CGT pic is of a Corps unit?

Hi Ken,

Can't say. In Phil Greenwoods article which I used as a build reference, his build represents one from Guards Armoured, 21st Anti Tank Regt, which he startes had 2 Batteries of Cursader towed guns Z Battery and 2nd (Minden) Battery.

I was going to do an 11th Armoured Div vehicle, but no Crusaders are shown for them.

I've chosen a 30 Corps vehicle 73rd Anti Tank Regiment, RA (TA). Be the first Corps finish I've done.

Kevin,

Thanks mate, hadn't thoguh about Canadian, too late now lol, lol.

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

Here's the beasty with some decals, not kleared in yet. Vehicle from 73 Anti Tank Regiment RA (TA) which formed part of XXX Corps up to Oct 44. The marking show 3rd battery but they may need changed to 4th battery following the latest info update from Derek.

No decals coem with the conversion, so mix and match your own. These are from Accurate Armour (Div Sign and Star) and Finger Print Design for the RA Markings.

.



Al

Fantastic work Alan!

Al sorry this is a bit late, but I found a picture of a restored Gun tractor at a museum and the interior is also painted green if that helps you sleep better tonight? Very clean and tidy bit of work...One question that was on my mind was the exhaust system you painted it in brown/red primer color could you possibly tell me what you used?

Jaymes

Hi Val,

Thanks for looking in and the comments.

Hi James,

Humbrol Matt 70, which I tend to use for Red Lead. Green was the way to go on this one.

Just need to double check the battery sign, final painting and weathering to do, then sort out a load and some crew.

Cheers

Al

Very cool Alan, I like the low profile of your version. It kind of resembles a UC on steroids. You may have answered this already, but I was wondering what the purpose of the spare wheel is? I'm guessing that if this GC towed a trailer, that the wheel would be a spare for it but I don't know enough about these to speak either way.

The wheel is a spare for the towed 17pdr - and nearly matches the Bronco wheels. I say nearly as there's an extra ring of bolts on this one that aren't there on the Bronco 17pdr kit.

Nice job Alan.

Hello Al,

Picking up on what Ken has said about the number of Gun Tractors made / converted I had a quick check on the numbers I have. Although I only have 86, the majority un-matched, they all start T12, ranging from T123850 to T128235.
Now I am not sying that there weren't any starting T18 but you might be better off using a T12 number.
Of course someone will now prove me wrong.

Great work though as usual Al.

Cheers
Kevin

Hi Ken,

Thanks and thanks for pointing out the AOS number, must have been in a dream at the time.

Hi Kevin,

Thanks, I just used a generic number as the WD numbers from the kit fell apart when placed in water, showing their age somewhat. There were several T12's on the original decals plus a T44. I'm not going to loose any sleep over the WD number, If I come across a T12 I'll switch them if not, then as specific vehicle pics don't seem to exist why worry.

Thanks again.

Al

Hi folks,

With the correct AOS number, Thanks Ken






Now just need to double check on the Bty sign!

Al

Alright that makes sense. So were these intended solely as artillery tractors?

Hi Jeremy,

Yes, I believe they were. Of course they used the Crusader for the Anti aircraft versions as well. They had a lot of these outdated vehicles avilable for the job.

Al

Hi folks,

Might seem like an odd question but what if any stowage would have been on the engine deck? Would they have carried additional rounds here, general kit or would the deck have been too hot?

The raised tyre got me thinking about that, plus the air coolers.

Al

Hi folks,

Kevin Tucker sent me some images which he thought you might find interesting.















Thanks Kevin.

Al

The very vehicle you're modelling Al (AoS-wise that is).

And I guess that answers the stowage question too.

Looks like a furniture removal van!

& yes apart from the gun tanks, there were 3 AA versions & an ARV, as well as the gun tractor, using up older & obsolete chassis'

Hi Ken, Jon,

Yes, not sure when the pics were taken.

OK some updates. Firstly my thanks to Derek Barton who as always keeps me right on the RA markings and if I've got this right I should now have a vehicle from 73rd Anti Tank Regiment , Royal Artillery. 195 Battery, B Troop, who were with XXX Corps up to Oct 44.

I added a T12 number for Kevin, Accruate Armour supply some neat pad-locks and I've added some track stowage to the front plus a re-cycled ammo stowage box, and sorted out some general stowage for the deck from Resicast.









.

Thanks to all, things are moving along.

Al

That's really looking the business now Alan.

Um, I don't know if it's possible at this late stage, but the spare track should be behind the securing bars on that bracket. Looking at mine though, I doubt if it would fit (I left it empty with just the bars in place).

Hi Ken,

Thanks, Yes not sure how that would work with the part unless you cleaned out the backing before hand and reversed the part. I don't have a clear picture but I had thought of adding a couple of securing bars over the top or one down the middle.

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

Here we are with the stowaeg loaded. I used a straight bar to hold the tracks in place.













Also made a start on a few additional 17pdr ammo boxes and added the side hatches. I've added some support straps at either side of the harches but I donlt know if these would actually be needed? Staryed a bit of light weathering too.

Al

Alan, you rocks !!!!

Morning Marcos,

Many thanks, love the picture . Derek from AA is going to sent me the missing frontal hook plate but I'm about done on the build. I'll need to see if I can alter the kit tow cable to fit or make a new one for the front.

With the Resicast Artillery Officer figure for scale and the weathering about done.



Made a start on some extra ammo crates from the Bronco set which is a very neat ammo set.



Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

A quick walkabout of things as they stand at the moment. I can see a lttle silvering on a couple of the decals that needs dealt with and I've added a tow cable to the front - anything else?















Thanks

Al