M-20 Prime Mover

[Chariots of Fire]

With a bit of down time and a time back at doing some fire apparatus building (put on the back burner) I'm venturing back into the large truck stage of model building.  This time I decided on the Diamond T M-20 prime mover that was first designed directly for the British Army during WWII and then was adapted to US use, some of which was during the Red Ball Express supply routes of 1944.  There are a couple of good sources of detail materials available for the project.  One is Tankograd and the other is a photo book from David Doyle publications. 

One change I have had to make it to go back to plastic strip stock for the truck frame.  Finding good brass channel stock is just about over and KS is not making any more.  The frame is in its initial stages having been built up with strip stock for the web and flanges, with some brass add-ons.  It will continue to be built up over time.  In addition, I have two 3D printed 12:00 x 20 tires in molds that when finished will be used to cast the 10 resin tires.  An interesting feature will be building a Hercules diesel engine.  Once the truck is done I'll tackle the Rogers trailer.

Below is one of the publications and a closeup of the frame with the brass detailing that has been done.

[Proud Kraut]

A great kickoff for another modeling project. Looking forward to see a lot of WIP posts.

[Chariots of Fire]

These newest details have been a long time coming.  Finally got the tire masters and was able to get them cast .  Same with the wheels, although I had to make an adjustment in the rears to keep the overall width at the specified 100".  Springs and torsion rods are made of brass stock.  Each set of rear springs are soldered leaf by leaf at the ends starting with the smallest first.  Tubing and square stock was used for the torsion rods and the attachment points on each axle.  1/16" diameter tubing was used for pins throughout.  Next up is the front end.  The cab will come later.  The driver's side door is done along with the brass hinges but is not installed.

 

[SGM (ret.)]

Impressive scratch-building work there!

[ArtyScout]

Here we go again!! Looking forward to some serious WIP pics.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[Proud Kraut]

Outstanding, thanks for sharing new photos of your WIP here!

[Chariots of Fire]

An update on progress on the M-20.  Springs and detail pieces are finished for the front end.  The front axle and kingpins are finished along with the wheel inserts.  The template in the lower right is for making the holes for the lug nut wire.  It centers the 10 locations without having to measure each one out.  Easy peasy.  Next up is the tie rod and steering arm for the front axle and to finish the lug nut drilling.

[Proud Kraut]

Incredible detail, great work so far!

[ArtyScout]

Looks like a real automotive or truck repair shop.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[Chariots of Fire]

14 hours ago, ArtyScout said:

Looks like a real automotive or truck repair shop.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

Hah!  I'm hoping to get those parts together soon and get on to the next phase!

[Chariots of Fire]

It's up on all 10's!

[ArtyScout]

Cool, I like the fact that the wheels can be turned. Very nice, so far.

 

Semper Fi.

 

Manny

[Proud Kraut]

It has as much parts as the real one, right? Awesome!

[Chariots of Fire]

4 hours ago, Proud Kraut said:

It has as much parts as the real one, right? Awesome!

It may have once I get done with the chassis!😆

[Chariots of Fire]

Got a bit more done with the radiator, hood pieces and cab.  Adjustments are being made along the way to be sure that everything is in the right place.  It's critical for the front fender placement and for the winch that sits behind the cab.  The one door that is made will need to be adjusted as well since I had to take some length out of the rear of the cab.  A slice down through the middle of the door should do it and I can then glue the two pieces back together.

[manayunkman]

Your work is amazing!

 

How are you going to make the space for the door?

[Chariots of Fire]

The door outline will be drawn on the side and then rough cut open with a dremel.  Final trim will be with the Xacto, files and sanding boards.

[ottodog8]

Amazing work! 

[Brian Dentino]

Your builds are true works of art!  I love watching your WIP threads as you slowly build these ultra-realistic vehicles.  Also, just wanted to say that I enjoy your choice of less than well known vehicles.  Thanks for continuing to take the time and share these amazing pieces!

[Chariots of Fire]

11 minutes ago, Brian Dentino said:

Your builds are true works of art!  I love watching your WIP threads as you slowly build these ultra-realistic vehicles.  Also, just wanted to say that I enjoy your choice of less than well known vehicles.  Thanks for continuing to take the time and share these amazing pieces!

Hi, Brian.  I like doing the support vehicles as opposed to the actual fighting vehicles.  There are so many tanks, halftracks, etc. out there, doing something out of the ordinary is kinda fun.

[Proud Kraut]

Excellent work so far. Thanks for sharing some more WIP pics!

[Chariots of Fire]

Quick update on the M-20.  The radiator, hood and cab location are now set.  Two screws hold the cab in position on the frame.  The radiator needs some side trim and I need to do some minor tweaking of the hood top and sides and get the hinges done.  Right now they are only taped together.  Doors are fully hinged and can be opened.  The cowl vent also opens with a lever in the cab.

[Proud Kraut]

Very nice!

[Chariots of Fire]

Things are beginning to take shape.  With the radiator, hood and cab in place the next thing to do was get the tires and wheels painted.  That was done today.  They are now mounted on the axles but can be removed by taking out the center screw and washer on each wheel.  The hood has been hinged for opening.

[Chariots of Fire]

Work on the front fenders was done today.  Starting with a blank of Renshape, the fender profile was glued to each block and roughed out with a bandsaw.  The top edge was sanded smooth using a disk sander.  Then the underside was thinned out using a sanding drum in my Dremel.  The lip on the outside edge was left so that the fender edge could be rounded off.  The right side fender is done.  Left one still needs some rounding and final sanding.