I am trying to build a NZ M-41 from the old Tamiya kit but have only 4 ref pics and no details of any modificiations to the veh made locally. I have seen both OD and tan camo versions and am mainly interested in building a late use (camo)veh before they were replaced. Can anyone help?

Thanks

Johnny Canuck

Hi there,

Here's a photo of a camouflaged M41 just prior to their phasing out - bear in mind that this machine has been fancied up for the 1983 Cambrai Day parade; I've seen NZ armour a tad more weathered and faded than shown in the photo.

More photos here - mainly Scorpions, plus a couple of M113. The cam scheme is described as the 'US MERDC Red Desert camouflage scheme'.

Hope that helps.

acav out

Greetings Johnny.

The short answer:
1. Fit stowage rails between the headlight guards.
2. Cut the mudguards (fenders) off at 45 degrees, both front and rear.
3. Add strengthening ribs to the read side stowage bins (both sides)
4. Add cable drum to turret side (ex Tamiya Centurion)
5. Add tow rope brackets to driver’s side
6. Move .50 cal mount to behind the gunner’s sight, on the outside edge of the turret and fit a second mount level with the rear of the commander’s hatch approx on the center line of the turret.
7. Replace antenna bases with British style ones
8. Add auxiliary generator exhaust and silencer on right-hand exhaust cover.

You can also find more info on ML.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/47209/message/1152011506/Re-+NZ+M41tanks

cheers
David]

Thanks for the information. It will be a great help in trying to get this project done. I friend of mine from NZ started this project when we were in high school (too many years ago) and it just never got done. I bought a new kit and wanted to have something different than Cdn armour so I am going to complete the M41.