After getting inspiration from the boxes Marcelo(Urutu) created for his M113, I have completed the graphics for modern British GP rations in 1/35 and 1/16:

Here is the .pdf file:
http://flashpages.prodigy.net/ptruhe/armormod/britratsgp.pdf

Before printing ensure that it's set to 100% zoom. I think they look pretty good but comments and suggestions are welcome.

This might be of use to Figures and Dioramas but I didn't want to double post.

Also, if someone has the specifics for modern DS rations then I'd be happy to work on a set of those. Thanks for the help from the guys at www.mreinfo.com

Paul

Very nice Paul, and thanks....I'll have to try them to finish my bren carrier. I even have come brown card stock paper left from work I can use to print them on.

Paul,


I think they will be a big hit through out this website .

Pete

Thanks Paul ...It'll give me something to add to my Challenger II..

Rick

These are great! Does anyone know what percentage would be used to get 1/25 scale? Thanks!

I think I'll be able to find a home for some of these boxes. Thanks a lot Paul.
How long has this type of ration box been in use? Could Peacekeeper load some onto his Bren carrier if in service dates coincide?
Tom

Cory,

What I got from the guys at www.mreinfo.com is that the 1:1 scale dimensions(for the small box) are 7.5" x 7.75" x 4.5". The long (7.75") side is the one that has M.O.D. USE ONLY and NOT FOR RESALE written along it. So divide by 25 and fiddle with the zoom setting until you get it close.

Tom,
All I know is that GP rations came after the GS rations which I think were used in Op Granby/Sabre. I have no idea about size difference or box labelling for GS rations.

Paul

Very Nice Paul and thanks very much, these are just what I need.

For 1/25 enlarge the 1/35 ones to 140% or minimize the 1/16 to 64%.

I hope you understand what I mean.

Thomas

hi mate

i was wondering what scale is that 432 varient and where did you get it from ?, i was a detachment commander for the Royal signals in one during the 80's and early 90s in BAOR (7 armdbde)
cheers

mark wilson

Mark,

That is a 1/35 FV432 with Peak GPMG turret from Accurate Armour. It was my first full resin kit and a bit of a challenge but looks good in the end.

Paul

Beat me to it!

im currently in the process of assisting a new AM company produce a set with these included.

just for everyones information-the smaller box is a single 24 hour ration pack, with the larger one containing 10 of these.

ive never seen one on the outside of a vehicle though, would you want your food there?

thanks for a useful item paul

regards

joe

just an aditional point, ive looked at pauls link and well done mate

they are 100% accurate

regards

joe

Hi Paul,

Thank you very much for the Rat Packs, I can't wait to try them out!.

Just for your info about the 432. All the vehicles I ever came across (I actually drove one in the '80s) were painted with a silvery grey inside. The colour came from the heat reflecting material used. From my shoulders up I froze, below them I cooked... And not too slowly either!

That looks like a lovely model and I really wish some manufacturer would produce a kit of such an important, widely used vehicle in 1/35th plastic. They were found just about EVERYWHERE the British Army operated. Even today there are large numbers of them found lurking in many British Army Barracks.

However, the Ration boxes look GREAT! thanks again!

Paul,

Thank you, they look better than I expected - my Challenger wants them

Piotr

Hi Paul

Just found a compo box that you might be intrested in its the 4 man 24 hours ration box.
If you want to have a look i will down load the pics to you.

Pete

Sounds great. I'd be happy to look at them and see what I can work up.

Thanks,
Paul

I've got dimensions and pictures for the "4 Man Ration Pack" so I can start working on this box but I don't know if these are GP or GS. I'm guessing these came after "Compo Ration - 4 Men" which I don't have measurements for.

I'll still hunting for pictures of a GS ration box. From all the pictures I've looked at, it seems the British don't strap ration boxes all over their vehicles.

Does anybody know the start date for GS rations? My understanding is that they were phased out sometime around 1999. Were GP rations started before GS rations were fully phased out?

Thanks,
Paul

Thanks.Will add some nice detail to my AS90. I have been wanting these for a while:0)

In my Mob, All through the '80s' ration boxes were broken down and stowed inside the vehicles. It was considered extremely unprofessional to carry anything outside the hull unless it was in a special bin or fixed basket.

Armoured or Mechanised Infantry (in 432s', Saxons, etc) were also expected to have enough rations in their Webbing to survive for 24 hours (as the absolute minimum) outside their vehicle.

CEFO - (Combat Equipment Fighting Order) consisted of Ammo puches, Kidney pouches, water bottles Respirator pouch and Bumroll (Poncho). The Bumroll also normally contained a full NBC kit. Usually there was also the odd extra pouch or two added to Webbing to carry other little bits and pieces.

Non-Mech Infantry were expected to have several days rations in CEFO and CEMO (Combat Equipment Marching Order) i.e. full Webbing as above plus Bergans and sleeping bags (aka Maggots).

None of the above was expected to be seen on the outside of any vehicle apart from the Vehicle Commander and Driver's personal webbing which wasn't worn inside the wagon.

Just some info I hope will help.

Thanks for the template. These will certainly add to several projects I have planned.

Thanks for the info Murdo. Any thoughts on where I could find any images of GS rations?

Paul

Hi Paul,

Thaks for the PDF and the link. Some WW2 boxes/stores would be great.

Whic kiots are those?

Cheers

Al

Thanks Paul,

They are great, I will be adding one or two of those to a do or vehicle soon.

Where did you get the 81mm Mortar and how can I get one? It looks great.


Regards
Neil

The L16A2 mortar is from Firing Line:
http://home.clara.net/djparkins/fline/flmaster.htm

Have to be careful with this one. I hadn't glued the tube into the base plate socket and the strain was too much for the bipod. It started to bend at the top.

The FV432 with PEAK turret is from Accurate Armour of course.

Paul