Guys:
Well I'm finally back to the workbench!
After a thoroughly enjoyable sifting through the stash I decided to start an M4 High Speed Tractor. I have both of the HobbyBoss offerings of this vehicle but decided to go with the 3in/ 90mm version. If you're not familiar with this kit here is the boxing:
I also thumbed through some research material and found some interesting ideas to scratch-build to customize the build.
Scratch-build #1:
The text for this photo says that the wood blocks were experimental and were added to further distribute the weight of the vehicle. This vehicle was based in Oahu so I imagine it worked in boggy areas due to the amount of rain. Close inspection reveals that this is the 155mm/ 240mm version (other HobbyBoss Kit) of this vehicle but oh well...I like it so I decided it would be plausible for my 3"/90mm version to have this same experiment and so it shall! I'm still pondering how to best make the wood blocks. Balsa wood is the obvious choice but I think styrene blocks would glue-up better and bond better...we'll see. Either way the kit-included vinyl tracks will NOT work, so they have to go! I'll be buying some replacement Bronco indies real soon.
Scratch-build #2: After seeing this photo of the M4 WITHOUT the storage box on the back (note the background vehicle):
AND this photo:
I thought it would be REALLY COOL to build a small version of the flatbed of the M8E2 and replace the kit included mortar rounds storage box. I'm thinking something about 1/2 the size but with the same look. I'll use to-scale 4X's for a wood deck surrounded by a metal frame. The wood WILL be balsa with extruded styrene pieces for the frame. I'll simulate the handles/ hooks by bending small gauge wire.
Anyway...that's the plan! I am well along on the build portion and will be posting some progress pic's soon. For anyone following along who hopes to build this kit, I've found some discrepancies in the instructions so I'll copy/ post those too.
Here's a sketch of the flatbed and wood block tracks idea, this is going to be fun!
Thanks for checking in...
SMJmodeler