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1/35 M114A1 155mm Howitzer in Viet Nam, 9-29-13, Finished

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  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, March 17, 2013 7:09 PM

Nice to see you back on the firing line Mike! Looks like you're off and rolling on the latest fire mission. Beer

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Sunday, March 17, 2013 7:17 PM

Interesting piece Mike, I remember the old Italeri kit from my youth. Good luck with the rest of your build.

Terry.

  • Member since
    March 2013
Posted by vindicator on Sunday, March 17, 2013 10:12 PM

Yes! The king of battle!   Fire for effect!  One shot, twelve kills!  Artty lends distinction to what would ordinarily be a vulgar brawl!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, March 18, 2013 5:43 AM

Vindicator - There is no problem that cannot be solved by the proper placement of a high explosive projectile!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Spartanburg, SC
Posted by subfixer on Monday, March 18, 2013 6:53 AM

Gotta love the cannon-cockers in this forum. Get on it, redleg!

Are you planning on doing the tire and wheel details like in the top photo? It would seem that these artillerymen had a little extra time on their hands.

I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by gunner_chris on Monday, March 18, 2013 8:03 AM

Looking forward to another redleg fire mission!

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Monday, March 18, 2013 9:36 AM

looks good so far Mike

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Monday, March 18, 2013 11:18 AM

Nice work so far!

BTW: Does the kit come with the crew?

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, March 18, 2013 7:35 PM

Subfixer - I have not decided yet on the final markings. I have a bunch of photos from different units. Trying to decide what markings I have the best shots of to reproduce.

Gunner - Aiming point identified....thanks for the comment

Tojo - Always a pleasure to have you stop in

Gamera - Thanks and no, the kit does not include a crew. Though I am not a figure person, Master Box just cane out with a new kit of US Artillery Crew. Now it will be more for WWII but a bit of creativity and you can make them for VN. Otherwise if you want correctness you need to look resin

Thanks Guys!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Kincheloe Michigan
Posted by Mikeym_us on Monday, March 18, 2013 8:39 PM

Actually RedLeg the Master Box set would really be for between Korea and Vietnam as the gun in the background looks like a Long Tom and Long Tom was used in Vietnam.

On the workbench: Dragon 1/350 scale Ticonderoga class USS BunkerHill 1/720 scale Italeri USS Harry S. Truman 1/72 scale Encore Yak-6

The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15   http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, March 18, 2013 9:21 PM

Mike -  the M1 155mm gun was first deployed in 1942 and used extensively during WWII. The early war versions used a civilian tread tire. Late in the war, 1944' the army began the change to military tread. The Long Tom was towed by the Mack NO 7 1/2 ton truck. By Korea the M1 used military tires and was pulled by the M4 18 ton tractor in the late 50s t was redesign acted the M59. I have not seen any evidence of the US using the Long Tom in Vietnam Nam.  It may have been given to the ARVN but early use. By the time the US deployed combat troops, the M107 175mm gun was deployed

As for the figures, look at the boots and leggings on the box photo. These are WWII or early Korea.

Lastly you are correct that they are  a Long Tom crew since you have a soldier holding a 95 lb. projectile.

If it was the M1 (later M115) 8 inch howitzer, a single soldier was not going to hold the 200 lb. projectile.

Thanks for stopping by.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Kincheloe Michigan
Posted by Mikeym_us on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 12:24 AM

I figure Mike if you want a more appropriate Vietnam crew you could always use the HobbyFan M102 crew it looks like they could be used with the 155mm projectiles and powder bags.

redleg12

Mike -  the M1 155mm gun was first deployed in 1942 and used extensively during WWII. The early war versions used a civilian tread tire. Late in the war, 1944' the army began the change to military tread. The Long Tom was towed by the Mack NO 7 1/2 ton truck. By Korea the M1 used military tires and was pulled by the M4 18 ton tractor in the late 50s t was redesign acted the M59. I have not seen any evidence of the US using the Long Tom in Vietnam Nam.  It may have been given to the ARVN but early use. By the time the US deployed combat troops, the M107 175mm gun was deployed

As for the figures, look at the boots and leggings on the box photo. These are WWII or early Korea.

Lastly you are correct that they are  a Long Tom crew since you have a soldier holding a 95 lb. projectile.

If it was the M1 (later M115) 8 inch howitzer, a single soldier was not going to hold the 200 lb. projectile.

Thanks for stopping by.

Rounds Complete!!

On the workbench: Dragon 1/350 scale Ticonderoga class USS BunkerHill 1/720 scale Italeri USS Harry S. Truman 1/72 scale Encore Yak-6

The 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron the only Squadron to get an Air to Air kill and an Air to Ground kill in the same week with only a F-15   http://photobucket.com/albums/v332/Mikeym_us/

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 3:57 AM

Hello Mike!

I've been waiting for this one! Gary (squeakie) already told me about the thing with the barrels - could I ask you for a side by side comparison? I would like to build this kit some day and I guess I'll have a hard time finding the correct barrel, so maybe I could convert it some way? Apart of that I wish you good luck with this build and I'll be watching (for a splash! See? I've got the terminology on Big Smile) Have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 5:37 AM

Mike - Yep the Hobby Fan crew would be much better for the period.

Pawel - I was waiting for you!!!. Gary is following along on another forum. As for the barrel, the metal barrel I am using is the add on Bronco barrel for the M1 version. The M114A1 metal barrel from Bronco is actually the A2 barrel and not correct for VN. As for exact length, I am not going there.

One thing for sure...this kit is FAR superior to the old Italeri/UPC//Peerless Kit.

As for the terms...laid and safe....ready to fire!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 5:39 AM

Gotta love it when you can plainly see "love" in a build!

Yee--haw, Mike. It's lookin' good!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 9:54 PM

Karl - As always thanks for stopping by. You know artillery is my life blood....love is an interesting word. Passion is the way I feel. Thanks for noticing!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, June 9, 2013 7:48 PM

It has been awhile since my last update. Spring always brings lots of distractions.
First, here are the tires with Mr. Surfacer to close up the seams. This photo gives you a better idea where the seam is on the tire.
Began work on the lower carriage. The base for the lower carriage involves two steps of the instructions. No real fit or seam problems with this assembly.
The trails also involve a few steps in the instructions. After the main assembly of each trail, only minor seam sealing was required on each. I have added some of the hanger brackets. I will have to fabricate empty ramming staff/aiming post brackets as the kit brackets come with the staffs in them. Here are the partially completed trails.
Also worked on the upper carriage assembly, which is split into two halves. The right half has a bunch of items to be added. I left off the sights which will be painted a slight shade different and will be added once the howitzer is mounted so the sights are level and pointing in the correct direction. What is added is all the gearing and gear boxes for the traversing and elevating mechanisms.
In between glue and filler drying, I also went off to the wood shop. I made the base and after staining and sealing, I applied 3/8 inch Styrofoam with the cutout for the spades to allow 6400 mil (360 degree) traverse. On the wider solid side I will scratch build an ammunition bunker. Here is the start of the base.
That’s it for now. Hope to keep going thru completion now that I am back at the bench. Time for some primer soon as the assemblies come together.
As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.
Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, June 9, 2013 7:58 PM

Looking good, as usual, Mike. Nice to see you back on to this build. I"m just about to post up another one myself!

What a weird place for the seam on that wheel?!

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by gunner_chris on Monday, June 10, 2013 3:04 AM

Good to see you back at it - always a fan of your work

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, June 10, 2013 6:10 AM

Karl - Thanks for stopping in. It is a weird place, it is right at the tread line. The good thing is with a little bit of work it fades away nicely. I am sure the seam position had something to do with how the sprue was molded.

Chris - Thanks, and thank you for being a fan!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Monday, June 10, 2013 11:38 AM

Hello Mike!

Good to know you're online again, I've been already wonderin'! I got a correct barrel for my howitzer in the meantime, but it will have to wait until it's built. For now I'm waiting for what you have to show - very interesting! Good luck with this one and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, June 10, 2013 7:40 PM

Pawel - Glad to see you too. I will have more soon. I plan on a firebase ammunition shelter on one side of the base.  As for being back online, thanks, it feels good to get back to the bench. Looking to drive this one home. Soon will be getting into added details!!

Thanks for stopping by.

Rounds Complete!!  

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    August 2008
  • From: S.W. Missouri
Posted by Pvt Mutt on Monday, June 10, 2013 9:09 PM

Was wondering about you,thought you might have re-enlisted.Wink

Carry On Trooper

Tony lee

Shoot Low Boys They're Ridin Ponys

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, June 10, 2013 10:06 PM

Looking great as always Mike.  Nice job so far.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 5:51 AM

Tony - Thanks for the welcome back.... re-enlist...no there is a scary thought. Just going through a VERY busy time here at the castle!  Hoping to spend more time in the miniature motor pool. Thanks

Gino - Thanks as always..I am always happy to see my brother stopping by.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 4:20 PM

Good to have you back at the bench Mike, summer's always a good time to hide out in the bunker! Wink

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 7:49 PM

Bill - I am hoping to get some bench time for fathers day!! Feels great to be back at the firebase!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Hoodsport, WA
Posted by Dogfish_7 on Saturday, June 15, 2013 8:05 AM

This will be fun to watch!


Bruce

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, June 16, 2013 5:12 PM

Dogfish - Great to have you drop into the firebase.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, June 16, 2013 5:12 PM

Back again. Finished up the trails by adding the brake lines, scratch PE holders for staffs and the tow pintle and trail lock assembly. The trails were then assembled to the lower carriage assembly and the spades added to the trails. At this point I primed the lower assembly with Vallejo OD primer.
 
The upper carriage halves and the barrel assembly were put together. After sealing the seam on the two halves of the upper carriage, this upper section was primed with Vallejo OD primer.
Parts that will need metallic finishes were primed in Tamiya Flat Black. These parts include the internals of the breech, equilibrator piston and stay rods, and the barrel. After drying they were all painted with Alclad Dark Aluminum except the barrel which I painted with Alclad Pale Burnt Metal. Here is the barrel and breech screw.
I also continued work on the base, sealing the Styrofoam with Celuclay tinted with a cheap Dark Sienna acrylic. Inside the spade trench the walls were covered with a strip cut from and old file cover and glued on. Then the edges were sealed with Celuclay. Once all the Celuclay dried, I primed the base with a thin coat of PolyScale US Earth. That is drying as I write so will have a picture next update.
That’s it for now 
As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.
Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Hoodsport, WA
Posted by Dogfish_7 on Monday, June 17, 2013 7:37 AM

Thanks. Always wanted to see how one of these went together.

Bruce

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Monday, June 17, 2013 5:21 PM

Nothing to say, but to sit back and watch. I like how you know what to call everything.

Rollin', rollin' rollin',......!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, June 17, 2013 7:30 PM

Dogfish - Glad you are enjoying the build. It will all come together soon.

Karl - Even after all these years, all that good training and many years of being with the howitzers, the knowledge is still there. Good to know the training lasts.....forever!! I am off to go check on my equalibrators!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Monday, June 17, 2013 10:32 PM

Now, doog,

Being a red-leg requires some boffin-like skills.  Why, even the lad more stout of brawn than brow have to be clever enough to not drop the rounds coming off the trucks on themselves ,the gun captain, the commo wire, the truck drivers, and the like.

Now, they may look at you quizzically when you speak, but, that's because the hearing loss means they have to squint to lip-read.

But, they know their p's & q's, particularly the reciprocating ones.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 5:52 AM

Capn Mac - What.....What did you say.....I can't hear you.... I can't walk so well from dropping a projo on my foot.... two fingers missing as the got caught in the breech...flash burn on my arm.....can't smell as my sinus was destroyed by muzzle blast.....and I am a redleg!!  LOL  Thanks for stopping by and for the fun comment.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by gunner_chris on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 12:46 PM

redleg12

Capn Mac - What.....What did you say.....I can't hear you.... I can't walk so well from dropping a projo on my foot.... two fingers missing as the got caught in the breech...flash burn on my arm.....can't smell as my sinus was destroyed by muzzle blast.....and I am a redleg!!  LOL  Thanks for stopping by and for the fun comment.

Rounds Complete!!

hahahahahahaha what an awesome summary of a gunners career

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 7:26 PM

Roger that...

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 8:29 PM

CapnMac82--Hey man, I know ALL ABOUT "hearing loss"! It's an occupational hazard!

Glad to hear you're keeping your wits about ya, Mike!

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 11:55 PM

My boss at my part-time job sent me off to a class which was to make we junior middle-managers into 4.0 whiz-bang nobbins of the newest incarnation of combining all the arms into Combined Arms wonder.  So, the room always had a fascinating skew of talents and skill/tool sets on hand.

So, we are being all schooled up on the various fires that could called into one's battle-space.  One of the youngsters in the back of  the room--AF, Coastie, maybe a Postman--asked about direct-sighted artillery fires.   The crossed-cannon-ed instructor with the impressive fruit salad remarked about how a commander who let the bad guys in close enough that the red-legs were direct sighting probably ought be done over for hazarding.  "Unless they're Marines--they'll treat their tubes like rifles with unique ballistics, given half-a-chance, harumph."

That's the kind of thing that will stick with an impressionable navla officer.  Particularly  one charged with not getting just the SPG & towed tubes over the littoral, but all the trains onto the same shore as well.  (Hard to get many M-114 on an LCU(L) in Roll-on, Roll-off configuration, but better than slinging them under CH-53s and having the crews having to wait on the trains to catch up.)

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Thursday, June 20, 2013 7:24 PM

Karl - Thanks for stopping in

Mac - No Redleg I know wants to fire either a beehive or killer junior. A beehive is a round made special for final defense, it has 300 fleshettes or essentially razor blades. Killer junior is firing an HE round with the fuse set to about 1 sec. When it blows, the dirt is kicking up just in front of you. If you are firing this way you are in a world of hurt. On the other hand, when you fire a beehive round it is known as the boots and goo round....100 wide and deep that's all you will find. If you have to fire beehive, bring them in close enough to maximize the effects of the round.

Thanks for the comments

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, June 23, 2013 5:50 PM

Back at it this week as I got some work in here and there though quite a busy week.
On the lower carriage, I painted the tires with a 50/50 mix of NATO & Flat black. The main color is Tamiya JSDF OD. The fittings on the air lines are painted with Alclad Steel. The cylinder on the carriage jack is painted with Alclad Aluminum. After the paint dried the entire lower carriage, except tires, was coated with Testors Acryl Semi Gloss.
The upper carriage was painted also with JSDF OD. The equilibrator piston and retainers were painted with Alclad Aluminum. Also the piston for the breech was painted with Alclad Aluminum. Elevating and traversing gears were painted with Alclad Steel. The entire upper carriage, except the barrel and screw breech, were then coated with Testors Acryl Semi Gloss.  

The barrel was given the greased look with a light coat of MIG Smoke pigment washed onto areas of the barrel.
Here is a view from the breech with the breech open. The inside of the breech is also painted with Alclad Aluminum.
Well that is this week’s work. I will begin casting the pile of crates, drums and ammunition needed and finishing up my work with wood.
Also picked up Bravo 6 Vietnam Helmets to have around the position.
As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.
Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, June 23, 2013 6:13 PM

Looking good, Mike----good to see you keeping it going over the weekend. Man, this place slows down between the workdays! Toast

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, June 24, 2013 5:24 AM

Looking great as always Mike.  I really like how the bare metal barrel came out.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, June 24, 2013 5:59 AM

Karl - Thanks for the peek, Yep, this place is REALLY SLOW.

Gino - Thanks, I was happy with the way the greased look turned out

Thanks guys for stopping by.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: On my kitchen counter top somewhere in North Carolina.
Posted by disastermaster on Monday, June 24, 2013 6:55 AM

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WnCJlq_kUA8/SSe4h7iPyYI/AAAAAAAANKQ/R6Ai_ynROXQ/s200/Snidely+Whiplash.bmp Good effect Mike!

Such finesse and attention to detail ✓✓✓✓✓.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w226/redleg12/M114-17_zps0afea8bd.jpg

 ....ahhh, so it's not just me up early this morning....

                             http://www.smiley-lol.com/smiley/fatigue/adubde.gif

            (I think I could use a beehive round)

             sorry I've been so AWOL  lately

               I'ma watchin'...

               and I'ma goin' back to bed too..........   http://www.smiley-lol.com/smiley/fatigue/yeuxrouges.gif

Sherman-Jumbo-1945

"I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now"

 

 
  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Monday, June 24, 2013 7:36 AM

Great to see you back on this again. As usual looking good, I too think the greased barrel is a great touch.

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Hoodsport, WA
Posted by Dogfish_7 on Monday, June 24, 2013 8:31 AM

Coming together nicely!

Bruce

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, June 24, 2013 8:47 AM

Steve - always a pleasure to have you stop by and always love you creative comments. Especially all your friends you bring along.

Gamera - thanks, it is the little details that I love

Bruce - thanks for stopping by and for the comments.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, June 30, 2013 8:35 PM

So in order to make things look like wood I used…..wood. Under the base plate are 6 scale size projectile base crates stacked to elevate the carriage made with 3/32 plywood. The blocks behind the spades are also made from 3/32 inch plywood. The same plywood was also used to make the communication table on the trail. The table was then clear coated and painted the same color as the howitzer.

As you can see in the last photo, I added the bridge marker disc to the trail. While in the decal work, I made a custom Viet Nam map for the AG shield. It is a copy from a photo and scaled to size.

Next up was to complete the brake lines. The kit has the brake lines along the trails but has no lines from the wheels to the hydraulic brake unit and also has no lines from the trails to the brake unit. Using the Aber hydraulic line fittings kit and 32 gauge wire wound into a spring for the strain relief for the lines. Then the lines were painted with the same color as the howitzer.

Completed the final assembly of the lower and upper carriages and the shields. Still need some touch up to go and the panoramic telescope head I will put on once I build a collimeter and put it on top of the ammunition storage and line them up.

Hopefully I can get most of my casting done over the coming holiday. Now it is time for all the little details!

As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, July 1, 2013 5:15 AM

She is coming out great Mike.  The brake lines and wood really make it come to life.  Great job so far.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, July 1, 2013 5:29 AM

Gino - As always its a pleasure to have you stop by the firing point. Thanks

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Monday, July 1, 2013 7:05 AM

Hello Mike!

Lookin' good as always! Could you please write more about that commo table on the trail? Was it common? How was it used? Thanks for sharing and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, July 1, 2013 6:34 PM

Pawel - See the picture below. Everyone made their own set up that worked for that crew. I like the look of this and decided to add it to the build. In this setup the crew has a TA312 - Telephone and a remote speaker system. The table also left room for a clip board to keep the firing record.

Thanks for the comments and for stopping by.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Monday, July 1, 2013 10:10 PM

Wow, more excellent work.  I've got competing memories of the smell of paint on sun-heated metal, and the smell of grease and hot oil.  Oh, and pre-cat paint on plywood, and the smell of broken sugar pine packing crates.

Did I mention that the memory of the taste of burnt propellant is making me thirsty (lucky me, not one drop of 3.2 anywhere nearby--plenty of ice-cold Shiner instead).

Now,  as long as my tinnitus does not act up, all good <G>

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 5:47 AM

CPT - I have to find an air freshener for the studio with that odor!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 9:18 AM

Mike - thanks a lot for that info! I have to look that telephone type up! Good luck with your project and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 8:59 PM

Pawel - Here is the TA 312..

www.bunkerofdoom.com/.../ta_312_2.jpg

Here is the remote speaker unit, A/N GRA 39B

farm3.static.flickr.com/.../4129451029_8d89f7a36f.jpg

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 2:02 AM

Mike, thanks again - you did all the work for me! Big Smile

Have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Hoodsport, WA
Posted by Dogfish_7 on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 6:48 AM

Nice touch with the brake line details!

Bruce

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 6:56 AM

All those little details are RIGHTEOUS, Mike!

The map decal is brilliant!!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 7:52 PM

Dogfish - Thanks for the comments, love my details

Karl - You know me...love the little things. as always thanks

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Thursday, July 4, 2013 7:54 PM

redleg12
I have to find an air freshener for the studio with that odor!!

In my "grown up" life, I've had opportunity to be on a job site when the rental agency would deliver some piece of equipment that had been out in the sun a while, and the agency had lubed up just before delivery.  So, it would have that mix of hot metal, fresh lube, hint of burnt diesel from the delivery truck . . .

Then, the hard hat & workboots would combine to make a person keep being distracted by a lack of LBE.

Some of those days needed an extra beverage after work--such is life & memories.

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Thursday, July 4, 2013 8:16 PM

Pawel
I have to look that telephone type up!

It's the phone that followed the EE-1, significantly smaller & handier, too,  If still with the limitation of needing a pair of D-size batteries.  But, the connections were/are compatible with a whole range of r/t equipment--so you could install a headset rig and/or a speaker for the person installed at the switchboard. 

It only took a simple grain-of-wheat lamp wired  on top (multi-tool screwdriver-only modification) to show if a line was in use (or being tampered with).  It was "wire friendly" too.

The replacement TA-1/PT needs no batteries, but, it's much harder to to adapt to local needs--like adding a speaker for the mortar squad leader, or rigging a lamp instead of ringers for the OPs.  Ok, so the hard cases for the TA-1s are a bit more water-resistant than the carriers for the PA-312; but the TA-1 are a lot less water-friendly, which is a major issue when taking them across a littoral on a regular basis.

But, I may be biased in this.

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Friday, July 5, 2013 1:58 AM

Hello! Now ain't that a signal talk Big Smile I like this subject, telecommunications is my business after all!

Thanks for the info, have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Friday, July 5, 2013 5:45 AM

And remember none of this is high tech.... the TA-312 uses 2 BA-30 or D size batteries. The AN-GRA 39B uses 6 D size batteries. The alternate is to use the battery from a PRC-77. You remove the jack from the battery and connect the wires directly to the terminals. The speaker would eat up batteries.

Rounds Complete!!.

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Sunday, July 7, 2013 1:58 AM

Now, Redleg, you know that's a sea-story; one has ever had a working GRA-39 AND 6 working BA30s . . .

(The logic that goes:  "Hey, the beachmasters already have a commo section; let's colocate the FAC with them" is a fascinating teaching tool.  I'm not sure that the lessons learned have that great a utility . . . .other than to be part of "Things I will not do as Ops Planner")

Oh, and I'm still jealous of how you got that greasy look just using smoke.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, July 7, 2013 8:05 AM

Capn Mac - Yep....BA-30....always in need!! Thanks for the comment on the barrel. It is a unique look.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, July 7, 2013 7:18 PM

This week is a little bit of everything. First working on the ammunition storage bunker, I created the back wall, which will not be visible except looking through the front. I used some stock ammunition crates for the base and a bunch of Tamiya drums. The drums are painted with Tamiya Flat Black and the center bands are Flat Red. The crates are painted with Tamiya Buff.

Next is the communication table. The TA-312 and AN/GRA-39B are from stock parts along with the hand set. The commo equipment are painted with Poly Scale US Dark Green and the handset with Vallejo black. The wire is coiled from 32 gauge stainless wire also painted black. The DA 4513 to record is a copy of the actual form filled out partially. A filled out form is folded and on the side of the GRA-39 and the pad for recording upcoming missions on the table.

I plan on having some helmets around the position. Using Bravo 6 Vietnam Helmets. The paint is Vallejo US Uniform Green (light green), US Dark Green, US OD for the band and 50/50 mix of Beige and Rust for the reddish beige color. The insides are painted Saddle Brown.  On two helmets the bug container is painted with Poly Scale Dark Green. The one helmet I used a decal of a pack of Marlboro and the Zippo painted with Tamiya Metallic Grey.

On the resin side, started with the kit ammunition and powder container glued to some scrap resin for a pour bar

Next, get out your Legos… and create mold boxes around the items to be molded.

Then mix up rubber mold compound, I use Smooth Cast Mold Max 30, pour the molding compound into the mold boxes. Then it is off to the pressure pot and let the molds cure overnight under 30 psi of pressure.

That’s it for now. I will start casting as soon as the molds clear curing. Also lots more details to create.

As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Sunday, July 7, 2013 7:44 PM

Got to love the use of the Legos Mike! Nice to see the factory is getting ready to churn out the supplies you need to stock this one. Nice work as usual on all the little details. Wink

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, July 8, 2013 5:37 AM

Bill - There is always a use for everything even the old Legos!! Time for the arsenal to open. Thanks for stopping in and for the comments.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Monday, July 8, 2013 7:56 AM

Mike - nice work on the details! Do those red bands on the drums have a special meaning? Good luck with your project and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by gunner_chris on Monday, July 8, 2013 1:36 PM

Your attention to detail is unreal.

And I love the use of something as simple as lego.  I've heard of it used to help square off building/structure making but not for this.

When you mention pressure pot, just as simple as a pressure cooking pot (great for rations if you don't have heater packs)?  Please elaborate if you don't mind?

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, July 8, 2013 6:41 PM

Pawel - Some of the different petroleum manufacturers marked their drums with company colors. As I remember Texaco would have a red stripe and logo. Also diesel would be marked with red at times. Could be either. Was just trying to get a little depth to the color!!

Gunner - The pressure pot is this pressure paint tank

www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-gallon-pressure-paint-tank-66839.html  

By using the the pressure pot and putting 30 psi of pressure on the wet resin in the mold or the mold resin itself, it forces the bubbles out of the mix and forces the resin into the mold. The molded part then comes out with no bubbles or fisheyes.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Ontario, Canada
Posted by gunner_chris on Monday, July 8, 2013 9:00 PM

redleg12

Pawel - Some of the different petroleum manufacturers marked their drums with company colors. As I remember Texaco would have a red stripe and logo. Also diesel would be marked with red at times. Could be either. Was just trying to get a little depth to the color!!

Gunner - The pressure pot is this pressure paint tank

www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-gallon-pressure-paint-tank-66839.html  

By using the the pressure pot and putting 30 psi of pressure on the wet resin in the mold or the mold resin itself, it forces the bubbles out of the mix and forces the resin into the mold. The molded part then comes out with no bubbles or fisheyes.

Rounds Complete!!

That's not a cheap piece of kit unless you do a fair amount of resin, but if you're going to do it right you sure need the right tools.

Thanks

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Monday, July 8, 2013 9:57 PM

Yeap, I too love all those little details you're adding there!

And interesting, I'd never thought of putting the resin under pressure, good idea!

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 5:55 AM

Gunner - If you are going to do resin there is an investment. It is a payback over time.

Gamera - Thanks for the peek. Glad to have given you a tip!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 9:03 AM

Man, those helmets look great!

Cool stuff, Mike!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 6:37 PM

Karl - Coming from a fantastic figure painter in you, I am humbled by you comment. Thanks

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    October 2010
  • From: Hoodsport, WA
Posted by Dogfish_7 on Thursday, July 11, 2013 3:49 AM

Icing on the cake!

Bruce

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Thursday, July 11, 2013 5:53 AM

Dogfish - I like cake!!  Thanks

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Spartanburg, SC
Posted by subfixer on Thursday, July 11, 2013 11:41 AM

On the pressure pot thing; This method provides positive pressure to force bubbles out. Would negative pressure pull the bubbles out? I have a Food Saver vacuum system that I sometimes use for marinating meat. It pulls out the air, permeates the meat with liquid and greatly reduces the time required for marinating. I wonder if this might work for resin molding. Any ideas?

I hope this doesn't turn into a thread hijacking. If it will, I will place this question in the appropriate forum section. Thanks.

I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Thursday, July 11, 2013 7:38 PM

Subfixer - Not a problem..... vacuum will also work. The main thing you are trying to do is remove the air bubbles from the mix.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, July 21, 2013 8:17 PM

Well been busy working on casting. Once the rubber sets you cut the mold on either side to remove the master. The mold on the left has had the master removed. You can see the space on top for the pour block. The one on the right still needs the master removed.
I use a 5-gallon pail lid which fits inside the pressure pot. With handles on the lid, it allows me to fill all the molds and carry them to the pressure pot, seal and pressurize.
Well 10 parts of A, 9 parts of B, a bit of time in the pressure pot and…..
Clear molds, dust with a bit of baby powder and go again. Filling the ammunition bunker. Back soon.
As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.
Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, July 22, 2013 7:29 PM

Nice to see the ammo dump is getting a resupply Mike, keep at it! Yes

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, July 22, 2013 7:34 PM

Bill - You always have to rotate your stock and keep your lots straight!! thanks for stopping by the dump!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, July 28, 2013 7:03 PM

Well I have continued to fill the ammo bunker. I have cast about 100 rounds with about 60 powder cans. Also finished casting the needed 105mm crates and smaller crates for fuses.
Next will be to remove all the casting plugs, clean up the pieces and send them to the spray booth.
I have added the support crates and used Verlinden PSP plated for the floor.
I have to finish painting and decals the 105mm crates to add the as roof support columns.
As for the howitzer, I completed some weathering with MIG Vietnam Earth. Added a couple of helmets and completed the communication stand as well
Back view
Front view
Here is a close up of the communication stand, TA-312, record of fire and helmet with a pack of Marlboro!
That’s it for now, time to start creating all the other toys, ramming staff, swab bucket, lanyard, aiming posts, collimator, etc, etc.
As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.
Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: On my kitchen counter top somewhere in North Carolina.
Posted by disastermaster on Sunday, July 28, 2013 10:37 PM

 http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Surprise/terrified-026.gif It's always intriguing to watch your builds come together Mike. 

 http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Surprise/surprised-012.gif I cannot see a detail you have missed. The end is in sight    

                            I rate it ahttp://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt84/SVT-GT500/smileys/smiley-point-laugh-upside-down.gif

                                             http://fast1.onesite.com/community.wizards.com/smileys/mana_10.gif

  BTW, I also used a silicone mold to cast a flying saucer before using the master to build it (over in the Sci-Fy section) ..... it really isn't that hard.

Sherman-Jumbo-1945

"I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now"

 

 
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, July 29, 2013 5:40 AM

Steve - Always a pleasure to have you stop by....flying saucer....does it have tracks!! Be well my friend

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Monday, July 29, 2013 6:20 AM

Mike, I"m loving those small, but significant details and personal touch to this model. Personally, I would never think that a simple artillery piece would be an interesting model to build or view, but you make it so with your attention to detail and passion about it.

It's looking really fine.

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Monday, July 29, 2013 1:02 PM

Yeah, Mike, it's geting really interesting with that bunker, but the howitzer is also a sight to see! Looking forward to the next updates, good luck with this one and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, July 29, 2013 7:57 PM

Karl - Thanks, there is a lot more to us Redlegs than most realize!!  It does not have tracks and is not the tip of the spear but it is the king of battle and what every soldier want when in a fire fight.

Now if I really went obtuse I could model the army tactical laundry vehicle...LOL

Thanks old buddy

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 5:28 AM

Pawel - Thanks for the peek. Yep, the ammunition bunker will interesting...after all the ammunition next is a whole bunch of sand bags. Thanks again

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Goffstown, NH
Posted by New Hampshire on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 6:00 AM

Was it the Beatles who said "Happiness is a warm gun.....and an endless supply of 155mm to go with it"? Big Smile

Brian

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 8:03 AM

Mike: She looks sharp! Looking forward to the final touches!

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 8:32 PM

Brian - Thanks and yes....nothing like a hot barrel!

Gamera - Thanks, glad you drop in for the peek

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, September 15, 2013 8:41 PM

It has been a while. Let me get caught up. Lots of casting and scratch work. As you saw in my last update I was casting projectiles powder cans and other needed items. Also made custom decals for the ammunition crates, powder cans and projectiles.

Sooo, first looking at the howitzer, the ramming staff is a .040 wood dowel cut 1 inch long and a punched disc from .020 styrene at .160 diameter. The swab is also .040 wood dowel 1 inch long. The swab is a ball of airplane tissue wrapped in the end. The swab is weathered with Tamiya Smoke. The end of the ramming staff is Alclad Steel.

The pail is a Tamiya accessory kit and painted Alclad Steel. Inside the pail is half full using tinted clear furniture urethane which gives the clear oily water effect in the pail

The lanyard is a scale 18” lanyard using shipbuilders string and small section of .040 styrene rod shaped for the end and 26 gauge SS wire used to create the lanyard end and hook

Next is the powder drum painted black and red and “partially buried”. Inside the drum are 5 powder increments that came with the kit as excess powder charges. To the left is a scale 2 meter aiming stake made with styrene rod and painted red and white, scratches with Alclad steel and aged with a mix of steel and rust pigment.

Next I made the walls for the ammunition enclosure using 1/32 inch plywood walls and the beams are .1 inch basswood. After making the back and side walls, here painted with black for some shading prior to painting using Marine Green.

Next the walls were assembled. The roof supports of the 105mm crates, with custom decals. The shorter powder cans are for green bag charges and the taller for white bag charges. All the cans have a custom made decal. In the second bay of the storage shed is crates for fuses with custom made decals. The roof is made from resin planks covered with air-dry clay sand bags. The planks are painted to match the walls and the sand bags are painted Tamiya Drab Green.

The section chest is from the resin parts box, the oil can from a Tamiya accessory set with a custom decal for “bore cleaner”

Next up the projectile, scratch colimeter, final assembly and weathering. Trying to finish up for Armorcon at the end of the month.

As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Sunday, September 15, 2013 11:14 PM

Looking great Mike.  I really like the ammo bunker and powder cans.  Awesome as always.  I can't wait to see it finished.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Monday, September 16, 2013 3:39 AM

Oh yeah, Mike, I like it a lot!

That dio not only looks good, it's also very educational! Shows many tips on how to run a gun emplacement :-)) Thanks for sharing and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, September 16, 2013 5:36 AM

Gino - As always you are welcome at the firing point!!

Pawel - Considering this is an era you love to research & model, I am humbled by your comments.

Thanks again

Rounds  Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Monday, September 16, 2013 6:22 AM

Mike, your builds are not only a pleasure to watch, they're an education in what these kinds of emplacements would look like. Stuff that guys like me would never know or envision. Really cool, and great detailing here.

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Spartanburg, SC
Posted by subfixer on Monday, September 16, 2013 8:56 AM

I love this one, Mike. You even have that Vietnam red dirt down pat.  Bravo Zulu

 

 I have always advised my kids if they chose the Army for a career, to chose artillery. Seems to be a lot of great guys in that branch, too.

Lee

I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, September 16, 2013 5:33 PM

Very nice work as usual Mike, always love seeing all the little details come to life when you're pulling together an emplacement. Beer

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, September 16, 2013 6:45 PM

Karl - thanks...as I have always said, these sites are for teaching, learning and for fun. I am glad to bring some insight to modeling artillery.

Lee - thanks for the kind words. Always loved the guys I served with!

Bill - Thanks for stopping by and for the comments.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Monday, September 16, 2013 7:14 PM

I think it looks pretty darn great. Maybe some day I'll get my M40 back out.

Wouldn't there be tire tracks, or does that all get blown away?

Like this very much!

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, September 16, 2013 7:25 PM

G - Thanks, as for the tire tracks, this is a Viet Nam fire base. The weapons were not moved much except to shift azimuth. Not many vehicles in a VN fire base.

As for the M40, here is a peek at my M40 and there is a link to my build log on the same page;

www.redleg2scale.com/.../M40.html

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, September 22, 2013 8:46 PM

Cleaning up the final details. First, for my old buddy Gary, the old fashioned aiming post light held in place by 100 mile an hour tape. The flashlight is from Verlinden, painted with Polyscale light green and the lens is Tamiya Clear Red. The tape is OD decal.
The projectiles all use Tamiya Flat Copper for the rotating bands, the PD fuse is Alclad Burnt Metal, the MTSQ Time fuse is Black. Illumination rounds are Flat White, WP Smoke and HC Smoke are Tamiya Cockpit Green and HE rounds are Tamiya OD Green. After all the paint then all the decals and a seal coat of semi-gloss.
The coilmeter on the roof of the shed used a tripod and yoke from the Academy machine gun kit. The unit is .1 diameter tube, the eye piece in the rear is .060 tube and the focus knob is .020 rod. The lens in front tis is an.075 dia MV lens.
The ready rounds include 5 HE with PD fuses, 1 HE with MTSQ Time fuse, and 2 WP Smoke with PD fuses. The pallet is ,040 basswood, stained with VN Earth pigment and drilled for the bases of the projectiles.
Near the breech, is a 30 cal ammo can for the primers. Two more cans were in the ammo shed middle area along with a 50 cal can used for fuses. Cans are painted with Polyscale dark green
At this point I have to finish with weathering the ammunition shed and some of the loose items but here is the front view thus far
Here is the view from the rear.
Just about done. Once I weather the ammunition shed and some loose items I will be all set for Armorcon.
I will post some final pictures next week.
As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.
Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: N. Georgia
Posted by Jester75 on Sunday, September 22, 2013 10:02 PM

Um, wow!  That stowage is insane! Nice work!!

Eric

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, September 22, 2013 10:10 PM

Eric -Thanks...it may not look it but there is about 70 projectiles, 70 powder cans and between the 210 decals....looks goof and believe me it was a pita. Glad to be thru it. Thanks again

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    March 2013
  • From: Puebla, Mexico
Posted by garzonh on Monday, September 23, 2013 7:33 AM

Awesome representation and setting of the howitzer.

So many rounds and details, I only have a question, shouldn't the sandbags be a little bit more "dusty" in that brown/clay dust?

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Monday, September 23, 2013 9:55 AM

Sheesh, Mike-I believe you've outdone yourself on this one---that looks freakin' tremendous!Your stowage stash is a model in itself!

Do you do figures? Man, this would look cool with a dude hanging out next to all that heavy slag!

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, September 23, 2013 1:38 PM

"Fire For Effect!!"   This looks awesome MIke.  Great job on all the rounds and powder.  It looks like it just needs a couple guys to fall in on it and start processing a fire mission.  HOOOAAHHH!!!  

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, September 23, 2013 4:47 PM

Nice work populating the bunkers Mike, have fun at Armorcon, you've earned it! Yes

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, September 23, 2013 8:48 PM

Garzonh - Yep, as i said I still have some weathering. I will be working with VN earth pigment to finish up. It will be nice and dusty on the sandbags.

Karl - As always I appreciate your keen eye and kind comments. As for figures, you know me, I inhale with figures. Besides artillery figures are hard to find. Someday!! Thanks again

Gino - Safe and ready to fire! Thanks for checking out the position.

Bill - The ammo dump was busy on this one. Thanks for the peek

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 7:50 PM

redleg12

G - Thanks, as for the tire tracks, this is a Viet Nam fire base. The weapons were not moved much except to shift azimuth. Not many vehicles in a VN fire base.

As for the M40, here is a peek at my M40 and there is a link to my build log on the same page;

www.redleg2scale.com/.../M40.html

Rounds Complete!!

Your GMC makes me cry like a baby...

Now one thing I have noticed is that you redlegs all immediately knew that the barrel assembly is wrong. I would have ignorantly just built it. So I'm curios to know, whats the correct info and where do I find it (for the M40)?

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Goffstown, NH
Posted by New Hampshire on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 8:58 PM

Now that is some master modeling!  As usual I am impressed!

Brian

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 6:01 AM

GMorrison - OK, if you want to see what needs to be modified, you can read my build log here

cs.finescale.com/.../1180092.aspx

If you need to look at a walk around of the real deal, you can look here

www.redleg2scale.com/.../M40.html

Any other question feel free to contact me

Brian - Thank you, your comment is truly appreciated.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    September 2013
Posted by Firebpm on Friday, September 27, 2013 7:55 PM

The attention to detail is second to none! I cannot imagine the patience required for some of the more repetitive tasks (painting and decals on ammo). Thank you for sharing your talents and artwork Sir!  

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, September 29, 2013 7:59 PM

Well, after final weathering with MIG Vietnam Earth pigment, here are the final photos of the finished model.
Front View
Rear view
Gunners Side view
Views of the ammunition storage bunker with ammunition
Powder drum and aiming post
Colimeter
Bore Cleaner Storage
I finished in time to take it to Armorcon where it earned a gold medal. Hope you enjoyed this mission. Next up Nike Hercules AD missile
As always if you have any comments, please feel free to drop in.
Rounds Complete!!
EOM!
 
 
 
 
 
 

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    January 2007
Posted by the doog on Sunday, September 29, 2013 8:38 PM

Mike, let me be the first to say "BRRAAA--VOO!!  Bow Down Congrats on the Gold--Toast--WELL DESERVED!!

This is almost really like TWO models---the gun, and the background supplies. Really, I can't say which looks better--they're both so expertly rendered!

YesYes

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Sunday, September 29, 2013 8:58 PM

Karl - I am humbled by you comments, as always thanks

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Sunday, September 29, 2013 9:11 PM

Congrats on the Gold Mike.  Well deserved.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Monday, September 30, 2013 2:31 AM

Yeah! Congratulations, Mike! Good luck with your future builds and have a nice day

Paweł

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, September 30, 2013 5:40 AM

Gino - As always thanks for stopping by my firing point and for going along with this fire mission!

Pawel - Thanks, since you concentrate on Vietnam era modeling, it was great to have your comments.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    August 2008
  • From: S.W. Missouri
Posted by Pvt Mutt on Monday, September 30, 2013 10:03 AM

G O L D

No Way

You thought no one would even notice it

Buddy were you ever WRONG

Wrong wrong wrongYesStarStarStarStarStar

Way to Go

Tony lee

Shoot Low Boys They're Ridin Ponys

  • Member since
    March 2013
  • From: Puebla, Mexico
Posted by garzonh on Monday, September 30, 2013 10:43 AM

Very nice my friend!!

Good work, and good weathering.

Now you can attach the gold to the model base...

See ya.

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Essex England
Posted by spacepacker on Monday, September 30, 2013 11:51 AM

I know I hav'nt poked my head over the top before now, but I have been watching and all I can say is ,,,,,

I'm 'Gobsmacked'...cheers....Kenny

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, September 30, 2013 6:51 PM

Tony - Thanks...it is great just to display the work...the gold is just a bonus

Gazonh - Thanks...the gold won't be attached but will sit next to it on the shelf

Kenny - Thanks for peeking out and thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed it

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Monday, September 30, 2013 7:05 PM

the doog

Mike, let me be the first to say "BRRAAA--VOO!!  Bow Down Congrats on the Gold--Toast--WELL DESERVED!!

This is almost really like TWO models---the gun, and the background supplies. Really, I can't say which looks better--they're both so expertly rendered!

YesYes

True that.

And doog you bring up a very good point. I am "generally" not in favor of dioramas that have TWO or more strong subjects, as the eye is confused about what the story is.

But Mike you went beyond the beyond on that ammo bunker (and it's background!) I've never really seen anything like that, at least as far back as those locomotive maintenance sheds people used to spend a squazillion hours detailing back in the day. And even then, putting a detailed steamer in there usually ruined the effect.

Very very well done, sir.

And thank you for the info on the GMC as well. Very kind of you.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Monday, September 30, 2013 7:33 PM

G - I normally don't consider what I do as a diorama but more of an enhance base or vignette. That said, the details need to enhance the overall build. I have seen some works that you describe, but I try to not go that far. This one is "busier" than normal and glad you feel it works in this case.

As for the M40 info, your welcome. Part of the hobby is to help your fellow modeler. Glad to be of assistance.

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Texas
Posted by wbill76 on Monday, September 30, 2013 8:16 PM

No surprise to me that this one took Gold Mike! Well deserved in all respects with your usual attention to detail and of course personal subject mastery in play with this beauty! Beer Beer

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 5:53 AM

Bill - Thanks for the comments, I love my details. As for my knowledge, modeling helps keep the brain active so I can remember these things....recommended by AARP!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Spartanburg, SC
Posted by subfixer on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 9:04 AM

Gold?! What, they had no platinum??  A most excellent job, Mike, heartfelt congratulations to you.

Lee

I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 7:44 PM

Lee - Thanks...LOL

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: N. Burbs of ChiKawgo
Posted by GlennH on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 12:42 PM

Did the same model in my very amatuer fashion adding to the collection of things I have been on, drove, or fired. Your picture of "Pure Hell" was taken by me at FSB Tomahawk. 2/11 arty 101st anb. 1970. Very cool that you found it and were able to use it.

A number Army Viet Nam scans from hundreds yet to be done:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/southwestdreams/albums/72157621855914355

Have had the great fortune to be on every side of the howitzers.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Saturday, April 30, 2016 6:48 PM

Thanks Glenn....it was great hearing from you.

Rounds Complete!!

 

 

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: N. Burbs of ChiKawgo
Posted by GlennH on Thursday, February 15, 2018 11:08 AM
Dang I wish those pictures were still around. I would be furious to this day if I had depended on that site for my photos! They ruined millions of posts on god knows how many forums.

A number Army Viet Nam scans from hundreds yet to be done:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/southwestdreams/albums/72157621855914355

Have had the great fortune to be on every side of the howitzers.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Thursday, February 15, 2018 6:39 PM

Glenn

I understand. yes Photobucket....well lets not discuss it.

As for the photos, you can see the finished model on my web page here

http://www.redleg2scale.com/model%20gallery/M114.html

You can also see some of my other builds on the same site. If you are looking for more information you can either PM me here or contact me through the web site.

HTH...Enjoy

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Thursday, February 15, 2018 7:20 PM

Truthfully, I am surprised there are any free hosting sites left.  After all, they are a business and people are not printing pictures any more.  I don't know how they make money at all.  Photobucket now offers a non-commercial third party hosting plan for $99 a year or $8.25 a month.  All the pop-up ads go away and the upload speed is back to a lightening pace.  All my prior pictures are back up and showing as well.  It is worth it to me, but to each their own.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Thursday, February 15, 2018 7:50 PM

Fotiki at $25 per year works for me

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: N. Burbs of ChiKawgo
Posted by GlennH on Thursday, February 15, 2018 9:54 PM

HeavyArty

Truthfully, I am surprised there are any free hosting sites left.  After all, they are a business and people are not printing pictures any more.  I don't know how they make money at all.  Photobucket now offers a non-commercial third party hosting plan for $99 a year or $8.25 a month.  All the pop-up ads go away and the upload speed is back to a lightening pace.  All my prior pictures are back up and showing as well.  It is worth it to me, but to each their own.

 

Flickr is free now with huge storage. All I have ever used and not sure why I even pay extra to them anymore.

A number Army Viet Nam scans from hundreds yet to be done:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/southwestdreams/albums/72157621855914355

Have had the great fortune to be on every side of the howitzers.

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: N. Burbs of ChiKawgo
Posted by GlennH on Thursday, February 15, 2018 9:54 PM

redleg12

Glenn

I understand. yes Photobucket....well lets not discuss it.

As for the photos, you can see the finished model on my web page here

http://www.redleg2scale.com/model%20gallery/M114.html

You can also see some of my other builds on the same site. If you are looking for more information you can either PM me here or contact me through the web site.

HTH...Enjoy

Rounds Complete!!

 

 

Thanks. I'll save it.

A number Army Viet Nam scans from hundreds yet to be done:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/southwestdreams/albums/72157621855914355

Have had the great fortune to be on every side of the howitzers.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: SW Virginia
Posted by Gamera on Friday, February 16, 2018 7:45 AM

Redleg, thanks for the link. I didn't even know you had the website. Going to have to spend some time looking though all your awesome builds this weekend. 

 

BTW: Frankly when I went to paid hosting, it's worth every penny to get away from the tsunami of pop-up ads on PB. I wish I'd switched years earlier. 

"I dream in fire but work in clay." -Arthur Machen

 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: New Jersey
Posted by redleg12 on Saturday, February 17, 2018 7:28 PM

Rather than paying the annual fee to photobucket I keep my own web site. I do post some items on Facebook. all my builds are available on my web site

www.redleg2scale.com

You can follow my builds on Facebook. I still watch here, and though here and some other places like Armorama were my start and great 10 years ago. Anyone here is always free to contact me through this site or my web site!!

Rounds Complete!!

"The Moral High Ground....A Great Place to Emplace Artillery."

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: N. Burbs of ChiKawgo
Posted by GlennH on Monday, February 19, 2018 9:16 AM
Visited your site the other day. I only wish those pictures opened bigger to better show your beautiful work.

A number Army Viet Nam scans from hundreds yet to be done:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/southwestdreams/albums/72157621855914355

Have had the great fortune to be on every side of the howitzers.

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