I am getting ready to start my next build for next AMP's show. I want to do a 3CID RCA M7 Priest used on D-Day and the couple of weeks following. The Canadian's added extra sheet metal on the sides, and from the images I have seen, these seem to be either welded or riveted. I am looking for interior images of the fighting compartment, as for the riveted version, what was the plate riveted to?



This one seems to be welded, with and extra grab bar added. It may also be riveted, just not sure as the rivets don't seem to be a prominent as the first.


Any interior images would be great help to see how these are actually mounted.

SgtRam, here is a glimpse of the interior of a Priest with the additional side armour and its attachment method.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=m7+priest+d-day&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi9s5eV047bAhUE5YMKHe3PDEEQ_AUICigB&biw=1920&bih=931#imgrc=Ja3L8Z8CSa458M:

Hope this link works.

There is also a good illustration of the attachments on page 44 of the Tankograd Technical Manual Series 6007 10mm Howitzer Motor Carriages M7 & M7B1 Priest. It came from the British Army Publication "Long Immersion Instructions of 105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage"

Eric

Looks like T-section uprights added to the hull, with the extra armour plates either bolted or riveted to them with attachments on either side of the web in a zig-zag pattern. (Probably bolted rather than riveted if done at a depot workshop?)

I'm not sure this is actually armour. I _think_ it is the Brit deep wading kit. The American deep wading kit had angled additional sheet metal, but I though this was the equivalent Commonwealth set-up.

Could be wrong though.

Not sure if this is of the same arrangement, looks to be the same type of add on plate as Eric's link, and has a clearer shot of the rivets.

Eric

Thanks, that is definitely a start, and I will have to look for that Tankograd publication.

Kevin

Progressing a little more, started adding details to the inside of the front armor. I must say, the Eduard details sets are nice for this, especially the instrument panel. Just remember to paint under the plastic dial piece with some white paint.



The extended armor has now been completed with my "guess-timate" of the supports, which rivet details added.



The interior is starting to take shape, I guess I can start on the gun.



I just need to remember to use Lee Enfields instead of the Garands.

I am now waiting on some tubing I ordered to create the ammunition tubes.

Kevin--- Wow! Great job, what size tubing are you getting?
Thanks
DJ

Thanks, the Eduard PE set which supplies the end caps calls for 3.4mm, the closest I could find was .125" (3.2mm), so will have to see how that works. I think I should be ok if no one gets the calipers out.

Nice work so far Kevin. Your guesstimate looks great.

Here's another view of one of the T-sections (but maybe it's too late.... ) :



H.P.

Frenchy

Thanks, does look like the rear one should be closer to the end, which yeah a little late, but I do see a piece of angle iron that I could reproduce. Thanks!

Kevin

Looking great so far Kevin!

Thought I had posted an update last week, so here is work from the last couple of weeks.

I have completed the gun assembly, went together pretty well, as usual the Dragon instructions are a little off, placing of part C29/C30 are not required, as they will prevent the Priest style shields from be attached.



Ammunition stowage was added with tubes from AFV Club and rounds from RB Models.



I also changed out the rifle holders from the American style to the British style straps.

Using plastic strips, I built the front stowage rack.


It is now taking shape as I start to figure out stowage, mostly from Value Gear.



So time to start completing the exterior details, and getting close to primer.