Finished - 1/32 M757A1 E/L and Pershing 1A Missile - Lots of Pics

PLEASE keep us posted redleg12! As a former 56th FA (Pershing) Grunt (1972-1974), I for one, look forward to seeing this WIP and completed! I was with B-2/4Inf assigned to 1/81FA.

56th FA Brigade

http://www.usarmygermany.com/units/FieldArtillery/USAREUR_56th%20FA%20Bde.htm

I have a front view pic of the tractor with partial launcher, doesn't show much and well, we wern't supposed to photograph any of these so the pics ain't that great. The missile is covered with tarps. I can dig out and post if desired.

Minimortar - Yes I know, trying to do research on this is tough as all the photos were classified. I have a few but one of the best is on the cover of the box.

The kit also has the M757 tractor. After I finish the EL thought of converting the tractor to the PL unit. That will tak a bit of scratch building. I'm thinking about it so I can have all the cables from the EL going somewhere.

Bill - I am honered you would look. I will try to give as much as I can on this. Hope everyone can put up with my slow speed (I have to work to model and spring cleanup is coming). But at any speed I will keep it going.

Thanks both for the reply.

Rounds Complete!!

treadwell wrote:

Heya Mike--this is going to be a cool unusual build for sure-- I remember you posting on this one in November or so-- glad to see you're gonna 'git 'er done'!-- did you find the correct tires for it yet?-- hope so!-- September isn't as far away as it seems right now!--- best of luck-------tread

Ah....You have arrived!!. Thanks for the reply. Gino sent me a set but I am still looking for the "just right" tires. Oh well have lots of work before I need the tires.

Yep...I want to bring this one in Sept....With the spring gardening around the corner, the usual household jobs , work and, and , and....well I just keep trying to find time. With all that, I am determined. Back to sanding, filling and milliputty!!

You take care my friend

Rounds Complete!!

Looking pretty cool! It reminds me of some hi-tech Midievil Inquisitor's torture device! LOL!

Looks like you're doing a hell of a job! I can't believe some of the old standards--the sink marks and part numbers molded in--SHEESH!  The things we take for granted today!

Karl

Its a challange. The part numbers are exceptionally annoying. The time it takes to take them off each part is a .

The other interesting thing is nothing here is common to what you would see in a normal armor kit so it takes a bit of study before you pick up the glue.

It's time consuming!!!!!!

Thanks for the comments.

Rounds Complete!!

Moose

Thanks for the comments. This kit is a molding challange, but I hope the finished product will reflect the care I am trying to take.

Rounds Complete!!

Great progress so far Redleg 12... keep it up! I kind of had a feeling that this was going to require some 'work'.

Tread

Thanks for the look. Nope they are the part #. On a sprue the small parts have their part number right on the sprue. The larger parts, for some god forsaken reason they put on the part. I dont mind if it is inside an assemble but some are in plain view.

This is one of the reasons I think they had one of the old kit companies like Renwal do the casting.

I'm trying to work out a good one (will take pictures for next weeks update), the side platforms are supposed to be grating. I have pin marks in the grating. I think that one over this week.

We will keep them coming. Always great to hear from you.

Rounds Complete!!

Rounds Complete!!

Starting to really take shape Redleg... Excellent (and exciting!) progress made since your last update!

There was one example outside on display at Ft. Sill several (10?) years ago. I don't know if it's still there or not. If you need any further ref, perhaps an email to the museum there may be helpful. Im sure that they would be thrilled about what you're doing.

Certainly looking like what I remember from my last visual 34 years ago.

What are you planning on for markings? I can look to see if my limited ref shows complete bumper numbers (for 56th FA) if needed.

The (West) Germans at the time also had a few units as well, sans the warheads.

Karl

Thanks...me too on the paint...I have to get through some details first but its soon.

Mini

I have a few pics including some from WS but what I have is a claer shot of a trailer # (B210). The unit was the 1BN 81FA. The other side is not as clear but it looks like (7A 1/81 FA).

If you have a better marking, that would be great. Thanks

Rounds Complete!!

heya mike

man you're doing  this build justice my friend-- I'll be with you till the end on this baby!--- looking forward to every update-------tread--p.s. I'll probably get to see it for real in Danbury

Red,

Sorry for the delay...

The bumper numbers that I have found are 7A 1F 81 and D-213. Note no dashes but spaces on the 7A... and the dash at the battery vehicle number.

Interesting that our vehicles were marked 56BG 2-I-4 / B-43 (for ex.)... A little more consistant.

A Google Earth search for Inneringen, Germany still shows the long gone launch pad and due north out of the site and just beyond the crossroads, the area of Fort Black Jack is still there... 34 years after I left.

Enjoying the look back...

minimortar wrote:

Red, Sorry for the delay... The bumper numbers that I have found are 7A 1F 81 and D-213. Note no dashes but spaces on the 7A... and the dash at the battery vehicle number. Interesting that our vehicles were marked 56BG 2-I-4 / B-43 (for ex.)... A little more consistant. A Google Earth search for Inneringen, Germany still shows the long gone launch pad and due north out of the site and just beyond the crossroads, the area of Fort Black Jack is still there... 34 years after I left. Enjoying the look back...

Mini

Here was a photo that I was using from 1/81. Note the bumper number

Thanks for the info. There are not many pictures since the Pershing was classified. I have about 8 to 10 but most from a distance.

Since the 70s saw many changes in US vehicle painting there are many mixes. I will stay with OD and white markings. The kit decals have white decals sor the missile. If they are not going to work out I can go with OD and black lettering as I also have pictures in that style. I don't have any good shots of the unit in camo and that would be a to recreate.

If you have any good shots let me know. I have not commited to OD but will start as the base color no matter.

Have to work on a bunch of scratch details next before I get to full finishing.

Tread

As always it is a pleasure to have your comments and yes...I'll be in Danbury in Sept. The Pershing will hopefully also be there. As it gets closer we will make plans for meeting up.

Baer

Thanks for looking in and your comments. This kit is a challange. I thank many of the people on this site who have and continue to help me. My skills may not be the best but I am going to give it one hell of a try.

Karl

Thanks for tuning in and your moral support. I know the Pershing is not your cup of tea but your comments are always welcome

Sorry I have not been back to everyone sooner. I'm on a buisness trip. 3 cities in 4 days. I'm headed home tomorrow one tired puppy.

Rounds Complete!!

Red

This is the best 'bumper number' pic from my personal collection: (D-1/81)

Several more scattered here:

http://www.usarmygermany.com/units/FieldArtillery/USAREUR_56th%20FA%20Bde.htm of which you're aware of.

I was not aware that there were camo versions later on after I left in '74. I have not seen any photos of those.

Rounds Complete!!

redleg12 wrote:

Well it's been two weeks and with traveling for work and the Easter holiday work on the Pershing slowed down. Before we finish the davit crane we began working on some details to be scratch made. First we installed handles.... Nest we fashioned wire handles.... Rounds Complete!!

Hey man, its looking fine! I'm surprised at the detail you're squeezing out of it with the lack of research material available!

the doog wrote:

redleg12 wrote: Well it's been two weeks and with traveling for work and the Easter holiday work on the Pershing slowed down. Before we finish the davit crane we began working on some details to be scratch made. First we installed handles.... Nest we fashioned wire handles.... Rounds Complete!! Hey, who's this "WE" you keep speaking of? YOu got a silent partner working there with ya or what?! Hey man, its looking fine! I'm surprised at the detail you're squeezing out of it with the lack of research material available!

Karl

I wish I had a silent partner but after a day of spring chores outside, fixing the wifes computer and writing this update I was delerious..... That's what I get for majoring in engineering and not taking any english courses...then again I grew up in NYC and at least I don't use words like "fourgetabutit". 

As for the detail, I have 9 photos at different times and nicely from different angles. A couple are good enough to zoom and see some of the items. Considering how many you can find of a Sherman or Panther, 9 is almost 0. But I am making the best of it.

I will edit my we to I...Thanks

Mini

Glad to see I'm bring back memories. For the old soldiers, that's what this hobby is about.

GA

Thanks...me too, sometimes the details go on and you can't wait to finish....I'm getting there...I have to be like a vulture!!

Rounds Complete!! 

Rounds Complete!!