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Armor/AFV
For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
Small steel bridges for many applications
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
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Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 04:15 AM UTC
Fred's comment has me thinking back once again on this subject of repurposed railroad bridges:

Something I also wanted to mention would be that the smaller scale RR truss bridges would make excellent roof support trusses when building factory, industrial or motor pool diorama structures in 1/35th or larger scales.

Here is a model system using laser cut wood or heavy card stock that I recently found on eBay. While this particular building system may not be the best on realism, it does provide a good illustration for what I had in mind.





I am considering doing such a dio with my M4 High Speed Tractor to which I have added considerable engine detail. This cut-away motor pool setting would allow me to realistically set the ammo storage box to the side and expose the added detail of the engine.
Kenaicop
#384
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Nevada, United States
Joined: August 23, 2005
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Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 04:34 AM UTC
Reminds me of tank turret repair school at Aberdeen in the mid 80’s, those big industrial buildings with the bridge cranes overhead, fond memories.
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
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Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 04:36 AM UTC
Ditto, I spent a lot of volunteer time in the motor pool buildings at Knox that were operated by the Patton Museum restoration staff.




Bridge crane is just above.


I plan to pose the ammo storage locker of my HST as being off-set onto turret stands while work progresses on the M4's engine.


Nice little A-frame, chain hoist, gantry crane I can model as well.
Kenaicop
#384
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Nevada, United States
Joined: August 23, 2005
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Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 05:23 AM UTC
I’d sell my soul to do that kind of work. 😢
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 05:30 AM UTC
Sometimes working at the Museum on Knox, I felt like a wartime defense worker.

Me and a buddy of mine reinstalled/repaired/restored the como and radios in a Stuart and two Shermans for the Museum. Here we were working in a WWII era motor pool on a restored and running WWII tank. We had NOS parts and were opening packages that still looked brand new. To top it all off I was using my Dad's tool set from when he worked for Vultee Aircraft Corp. during the war on B-24's!




Vultee required that every worker engrave each tool with their name. So I know that every tool with my Dad's monogram it in this toolbox worked on B-24's! The riveted aluminum plates were added to the toolbox so it would also double as a step stool.
Kenaicop
#384
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Nevada, United States
Joined: August 23, 2005
KitMaker: 1,426 posts
Armorama: 1,316 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 05:45 AM UTC
Wow, that’s crazy! In a very good way
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 06:45 AM UTC
I have grown up with those tools always in my life and in my hands. I cherish them as much as any young girl ever cherished their Mother's pattern china or a christening dress or the dress they were married in.

OK, maybe I am over the top now just a bit.
165thspc
#521
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Kentucky, United States
Joined: April 13, 2011
KitMaker: 9,465 posts
Armorama: 8,695 posts
Posted: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 08:53 AM UTC
Another "Motor Pool" shop example. (Found on line, author unknown.)

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