Hey guys,
Been awhile since I posted, damn work. I still have been building things, and getting better at scratch building too. Now I am going to attempt to make a diorama of a maintenance motorpool for a friend of mine. I have a few questions though as to what would be in a rear area ( Iraq/Kuwait) Army motorpool. So far this is what i have: 1 24"x24"x3/4" piece of birch plywood. Italeri's Shelter- I added an interior, AFV's M88, Italeri's 5 ton truck with some modifications, Italeri's Oshkosh Fuel truck -still to be built, Tamiya & Academy's Humvees- also to be built. I have plenty of 55 gal drums, sand bags, packs, and field equipment-- I like resin casting. I also have scratch built a porta-potty, and made resin copies.
What I would like to know is: 1) were there guard towers. 2) were there sand bag bunkers or defensive fighting positions. 3) were tents erected for either storage/ work space/ or quarters. 4) water supply--what was commonly used. 5) was the ground concrete, asphalt, sand, other , or a combination.
Seems like a lot, but from trying to remember way back to 1982-3, I think i may be missing things.
Any comments or suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks
Joe

Whats in a motorpool? Why, mechanics swimming of course.
Sorry Joe, I'm on my 3rd Rum & Coke.
In my day a motorpool [ U.S. stateside ] was only a holding area for vehicles issued upon requisition, proper paperwork and channels and all that. - Cheyenne

I don't know if anyone makes one but a milvan would look good. Some oil, tranny fluid, and antifreeze containers plus maybe drip pans, folded tarps and a broom.

Paul

Depends on where the motorpool is. In Iraq, we have pretty much built up our facilities now. They are hardened with concrete pads. Porta pottys would e present. All the items could be there. Sleeping areas would be farther away in case of attack so you are no too close to vehicles that could explode. There are concrete box-like anti-mortar/rocket bunker made of concrete somewhere aroud the perimeter. Sounds like you have what you need though. good luck and take some ics when you get further along.

How about an equipment crane/hoist to remove an engine?
A tool shed?
From the Iraqi photo's I've seen, I don't recall any guard towers, guard stations at ground level -yes, towers,don't remember any....

While I was in Iraq, our motor-pools had everything you described. We did have guard towers, but they were further out along our perimeter. When we later moved, we occupied an Iraqi airfield and the a/c shelters were used for our maintenance needs. I'll see if I can find some pics of ours and get them posted for you. "Q"

It sounds good so far. If this is more for maintenance purposes, what you have sounds great. I would also suggest a line of fixed/to be fixed vehicles outside the shed or something like that. But I await pictures; sounds like a big endevour. Good luck.

Jeff

Thanks for all the replies so far guys. I am expecting this project to last thru the summer. One good thing, is when i go to florida for vacation, i'll bring back a few pounds of sand. Soon as i get a chance i will post a pic of the rough layout i had drawn on the plywood.
Now for another question: For the ground, should i use plaster with sand sprinkled on, celluclay, white glue with sand mixed in, or if anyone has an alternative.
Thanks again
Joe

Joe, the best method I have found for ground work is sanded tile grout. The same stuff you would use for a counter top etc.. The sand grains are extremely fine and look a lot more convincing than regular beach sand. It can be found pre-colored as well. Simply mix some elmers or simular white glue and water in with it to give it some tooth, spread with an art knife or what have you, and once it starts to set a little you can press in tire tracks, foot prints etc. It takes paint well also. You want the consistancy to be lieka paste. Not too thin, and not too thick, although thick is easier to dal with than thin. Something else you might want to think about adding into the scene is some scaled down 4x8 sheets of plywood. Our guys got a hold of these and would use them as make shift portable floors to keep from having to lay directly in the sand. I think thin sheets of Basswood would look convincing for this. Hit them with some random oils splotches etc for that greasy look. Hope this helps you out. "Q"