Alan McNeilly has put together this series of images of some fascinating developments from Resicast. Artillery is beginning to feature heavily although Armored Cars aren't forgotten either...

Firstly, by way of explanation, these are all projects which are in various stages of development. In the case of some of the artillery, they're coming close to production.

What is interesting is that, although there is a desire for more artillery models (and certainly Armoured Cars) these particular subjects are unlikely to be seen anytime soon from the injection-moulded manufacturers - once again demonstrating the impressive and invaluable job that companies like Resicast actually do.

So, onto the WiPs. It should be mentioned that the design for these masters has been carried out by George Moore, who, over many years has amassed details of British subjects which is difficult to beat!

Beginning with the artillery:

18/25pdr Mk I

This first model, Ordnance, Q.F., 25-pdr Mk 1 or more commonly known as the "18/25-pdr", was to see service in Europe and North Africa in the early stages of WWII, it used the Mk 4P 18-pdr carriage, the ’P’ indicating the use of pneumatic tyres for motorised use.

1937 Quick Firing 18-Pounder Field Gun

The gun, which dated from WWI, was available at the start of the Second World War. The major innovation in this developmental period was the change from horse drawn to mechanical transportation. The axle had been modified with the American designed Martin-Parry stub axle, to accept rubber tires rather than wooden wheels.

4.5 inch Howitzer

The 4.5" howitzer was another WWI weapon, originally developed in 1909. The gun was used by field artillery units with the BEF in France, all 96 were abandoned. British and Commonwealth units used them in North Africa, Eritrea, and Somaliland.

The Armoured Car:

Morris Commerical C9 Armoured Car

The vehicle was based on a Morris Commercial C9 4x2 15-cwt truck chassis. On this chassis a rivetted hull was mounted with an open-topped two-man turret. The armament consisted of either a Boys anti tank rifle, Bren Gun and 4" smoke discharger.The Morris CS9 was in production from 1938. 99 production vehicles were produced, 38 were with the 12th Lancers in France in 1940, all of which were abandoned. 30 were sent to Egypt with the 11th Hussars, and served until mid 1941, with some converted to command vehicles fitted with extra radio equipment.

My thanks to Alan for putting together 99% of this report and to George for his invaluable background notes!