Joe,
I was just looking at the sprues of that kit in my club meeting today. Should be a great build.

Gaz

Gary,

How did the tracks look? I'm thinking of getting Friuls unless Takoms tracks are truly workable.

Joe,
The tracks are link and length, so won't be workable. Fruils are great for vehicles that have saggy tracks, but these US machines don't have sag.

Gaz

As Gary says, link and length, with some knock out pin marks to content with too.


No gap between the links on the runs - so it depends on how much that irks you.

Fruils do tend to sag between return rollers, which should not be the case on a live track vehicle. As there is no scope for movement in the Idler wheel mount on the kit, if the length of links on the Fruils are longer than the Takom span is, you will have slack to contend with. Maybe some surgery on the idler mount would fix that, but until someone tries the combo, it will be guesswork.

I know Bronco makes indy links in styrene, but don't know if they will fit the sprocket. Their AS90/Leopard 1 tracks do not fit the Takom Gepard sprocket (from experience trying that after ruining the Takom ones with spilled glue)

Thanks, guys.

I think I’ll wait and see what I can do with the Takom tracks....

I think I'll participate with Eduard's Bf 109 F-4. Usually I steer away from planes flown by aces, but Hans-Joachim Marseille's plane in which he scored his 50th kill is too tempting: it has simple camouflage suitable for brush painting and decals included with the kit fit this campaing nicely (the 50th kill was a P-40 near Fort Acroma at 21 Feb 1942). And anyway the F is the best looking 109 variant

I'll post picture of the kit once I start the build later in November.

Pasi,
Tgat will be great! I've seen many og Marseilles' late planes but few of his earlier machines.

Looking forwad to it.


Gaz

I’ll be entering with a Panzer Iii, just not sure which one yet

Welcome, Jacob!
I'll be looking forward to it.

Gaz

Alright everyone!
There are only 30 days left before this campaign kicks off in earnest. Feel free to post your pre-build photos.

I've created the membership list in the original post for this thread.

Best wishes,

Gaz

Ok folks,

Here's my entry into the GB... Takoms M3 Grant with Panzer Art resin and barrels. I also may be using the Star Decal set... just haven't decided on the final markings. I also ordered the Mission Model paints for the Caunter camo... so far I really like these paints.

Will Bronco 35029 A13 Mk. II Cruiser Tank Mk IVA fit in this campaign?
If it does I'm in.



I need to get this kit built, the dimensions of the box doesn't fit in with the other piles of boxes in the stash ...

I can't wait to get started on those indy link tracks,
2 x 120 little pieces for each track
Yummy
/ Robin

Hi Rob,
Here is a quote I dredged up:
"By November 1941 and the start of Operation Crusader the A13 was still in use with the 7th Hussars, 7th Armoured Brigade. Once again the brigade was posted on the British left, giving it the longest distances to travel but the fastest tanks. This was the A13's frontline swansong, and it was gone for the battles of 1942."

A perfect excuse to get that odd-sized box out of your stash.

Gaz

Solution Robin, buy more Bronco kits

Certainly saw action in Op Crusader:
https://rommelsriposte.com/2015/02/28/david-fletchers-tank-chat-the-a13-cruiser/

One was used as the Command Tank for 1st Army Tank Brigade HQ, 8 with 2 RTR (including one as Command tank and another a CS) and 5 with 2nd Squadron, 7 Hussars as part of the 7th Armoured Division, XXX Corps - one of them also a Command Tank.

This pic is supposedly of one in Libya 1941.


This is a bit early, 1940, but hey I just love the Pith Helmet!


Great to see more interest here. Welcome aboard Joe and Robin

Need some help from my British weapons aficianados. Would this Quad





work with this artillery piece and limber




for this group build?

I'm amazed that somebody with more knowledge about British gear hasn't answered yet. I did some searching, but didn't find anything with definitive dates.

That being said, The Canadians started building trucks on this frame for the British army in 39'.

So, Unless somebody speaks up with some certain facts, I'll allow it.

Gaz

Thanks, Gaz. That was my concern... the Canadian nature of the Quad... was not sure if this was limited to Canadian units and thus not in desert.

Good, as this will be the second entry after I finish the M3 Grant.

Most 'Quad' tractors used by the British Commonwealth at the time were Morris C8, not Ford built CMP. The 60th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery had 25 Pounders pulled by Morris C8 during their battle at Sidi Rezegh during Op Crusader. The 4th Regiment Royal horse had Morris C8 as well.

The 3rd Royal Horse artillery unit was armed with 2 pounder AT guns at the time, not receiving their 25 pounders until later.

I have no information on other artillery units involved in OP Crusader.

Whilst the basic Canadian Military Patten (CMP) chassis trucks had been in production for some time, and many F15 or F30 with the Cab no 11 can be seen in photos of the period, the Ford CMP FAT (Canadian Military Patten Field Artillery Tractor) Cab no 12 as depicted in the kit only came into production during 1941. They did not hit units in the Western Desert in time for Operation Crusader, hence official photographs in archives of Ford CMP FAT in the desert, are dated 1942 onwards.

Now over to Gaz to rule whether close enough is good enough...... I want to see it built, or Joe go crazy trying to put the Bronco kit together!

What about the Gazala battles in June 1942? Were they used then? Also, if the Morris needs to be used do you know which version?

As I've already said 'yes', I won't retract it. And as Joe is already doing another build which fits into the campaign, there's really no reason to say no. And the Gazala portion of the campaign is deep into 42.

So, either way both builds are cool with me. It's all about having fun and sharing the experience. And like Peter, I'd really like to see it built.

Looking forward to that Diana, too Peter.

Gaz

If the gun itself qualifies, could the tractor be seen as some kind of diorama accessory ?
;)

Enlisted with a Dragon Panzer III L unless I acquire something British before I start.

Stick a British steel helmet on it and its fine

See earlier in the thread Rory. Panzer 3 Ausf L has been accepted already. The build is open to all sides and any vehicle, land or air, used in the campaign.



Glad to see the Ford CMP FAT Quad is in Joe. In relation to your question, google Morris C8 and you will get all the info you need on that British built vehicle. Quite similar in general shape appearance..

Well Gary, never say never mate.

8 RTR had Valentines with Caunter scheme - look close at these






They were part of the 1st Army Tank Brigade and used Valentines during Op Crusader, so go for it.

...and slightly off topic, the Crusaders with 'sunshield' camo to make them look like trucks. Not the centre road wheels painted black to give the impression of shadow between truck wheels