Jump to content

M40 Gun Motor Carriage & M43 Howitzer Motor Carriage


Proud Kraut
 Share

Recommended Posts

Proud Kraut

Lars,

Just came across another reference, especially for the M43 projo racks:

panzerserra.blogspot.de/2017/02/m43-howitzer-motor-carriage-203mm-t89.html

 

Peter

 

Peter,

 

thanks for the link! Seems I have had found this page the same time you did. Looks like the M43 conversion will become a more difficult project!

 

Lars

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
Proud Kraut

I had to pause modeling and this project for several reasons. At least I got my hands on the old AFV-Club M115 Howitzer kit. So I can now build a M 40 and the 203 mm M 43. Here's the kit:

 

180519 00.jpg

 

180519 01.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Proud Kraut

Dfinitely NO kit for modeling beginners. It took me two hours even to apply all the cables and chains for the rear gate.

 

180521_02.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Proud Kraut

Terry, thank you!

 

I finished the Tamiya M 40 today. I must say this is really a great kit. Details, manual, decals, everything's excellent with one exception. I really missed an aluminium gun barrel. It's a shame that such an excellent kit has still a plastic gun consisting of two split halfs. Here are some pictures before I'll start the AFV-Club variant.

 

180523_01.jpg

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nice build so far Lars. I think we have all gotten spoiled with the aluminum turned barrels. I remember always hating to see that seam on the gun barrel when the two halves were put together. But an experienced modeler like yourself and I can overcome such things. I can't wait to see how this comes out.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lars,

There IS an aluminum replacement gun tube, Tamiya item #12670. It's rather expensive, though, but also contains 10 turned brass projectiles. I guess that if it had been included in the kit, that might've influenced sales figures...

Peter

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
Proud Kraut

Unlike my last dios (M31 & M36) this one will take a little bit longer I'm afraid. Holidays, family affairs, house & garden.... But now it's high time to move on. I started with the 8 inch gun of the M43 today.

 

gun.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Proud Kraut

Thanks guys!

 

Great work Lars.Looks like a complex build.

 

Well done

 

Indeed, the gun contains of 54 parts; each HVSS has 19 parts, lol.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

Well, it' s been a while. High time to go on with this project now. After having finished the chassis I'll continue with the ammo racks. These are the main difference between the M 40's and M 43's interior. PzAufkl posted a link to this build report: http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2017/02/m43-howitzer-motor-carriage-203mm-t89.html with more details and original pictures of a M 43.

 

 

Mag0.jpg

 

Mag1.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As you can see on the following pictures my first attemps are not very successfull. I need more practice...

 

Mag3.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have you thought of using a larger drill bit? Try a larger bit using your hand only. Another tool to try is a tapered reamer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have you thought of using a larger drill bit? Try a larger bit using your hand only. Another tool to try is a tapered reamer.

 

Thank you! Unfortunately I don't have any of these handy right now. I will definitely get me a set of reamers the next time.

 

This is what I have so far. For sure no masterpiece but good enough for being not visible at the finished kit finally.

 

Racks2.jpg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Lars, I wouldn't expect a masterpiece with a WIP photo. That's why it's a WIP. So far so good. You know what you have to do to make it to your liking.

Patience my friend, patience. I myself, I like the preliminary look.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...