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HELP ID nuclear missile truck and if there`s scale model of it?


rockpopandchips

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Hi a little help needed.

My old man used to work on these when he first joined the RAF and as he is about to start drawing his pension I thought I would be great to see if I could build a scale model to go with the water colour of it on his wall.

I think the are made by vouden ( something like that) and they are a modified cement mixer/carrier, but thats all a know. I could ask him but as I have never shown an interest before he would start asking questions and I want it to be a complete surprise.

Cheers Brian.

nukewatch430_zpsw2bjeb80.jpg

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Hi Brian.

You might want to check out "KitFormServices.com" as I seem to recall that they have made Foden cab conversions in the past that you graft on to a readily available DAF XF kit. Not sure if the Foden is currently in production. KFS also sell a mass of bits and pieces (like axles, legs, wheels etc) that would help you build the trailer.

Alternatively, look for anything produced by Nige "OkyDoky" on BM for inspiration on where to start. He's the resident genius on how to make 1:24 military vehicles out of off-cuts of tin foil and yoghurt pots. His outstanding modelling really does need to be seen to be believed.

Good luck with your project.

Kirk

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Thanks all, all very great info as well.

Kirk, that website is full of great stuff, you truck builders are spoilt for choice. Typically the model I want to make is not a simple as buying airfix kit, which is what I was hoping for.

He did some training on the Valcans and a few tanks so I might look into those as well, if I can find a simple solution to the Foden

Thanks again

Brian

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Hi a little help needed.

My old man used to work on these when he first joined the RAF and as he is about to start drawing his pension I thought I would be great to see if I could build a scale model to go with the water colour of it on his wall.

I think the are made by vouden ( something like that) and they are a modified cement mixer/carrier, but thats all a know. I could ask him but as I have never shown an interest before he would start asking questions and I want it to be a complete surprise.

Cheers Brian.

nukewatch430_zpsw2bjeb80.jpg

What time period and what Missile?

Are you looking at the blue steel AEC Mandator transporter, or the AEC Mammoth major (Beasts) that were used in the 1970's/80's to transport the warheads? or the later Fodens?

Selwyn

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The carriers are known as 'Truck Cargo Heavy Duty' (TCHD). The Fodens replaced AEC Mammoth Majors and have themselves now been replaced by Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks. They are part of quite an impressive convoy which includes it's own dedicated communications, police, force protection and fire cover.

Here's the latest Actros TCHD MkIII........

Convoy-32145-169-UNC_zps4r2deuik.jpg

Edited by paul_c
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Apparently removing the Mercedes star badge from the grille is a specified task in the conversion. Could this be because it would be an easy target for a protester to convert to a peace symbol? If so then it suggests they may not be guarding the trucks as well as they ought :yikes:

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What time period and what Missile?

Are you looking at the blue steel AEC Mandator transporter, or the AEC Mammoth major (Beasts) that were used in the 1970's/80's to transport the warheads? or the later Fodens?

Selwyn

Its the Foden Im looking for at the moment as he has a picture of one of these on his wall at home.

Cheers Brian

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Brian, you don't state the scale you're looking at building in. If 'OO' is an option have a look at the Knightwing range they do a 8 wheel Foden and a 3 axle trailer that will get you somewhere close. The Foden is a slightly earlier model but should be a good start

www.knightwing.co.uk

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The Foden in the photo looks like an S108 chassis with an S10 cab ,unfortunately I do not think it is available in model form.

However as previously mentioned the Knightwing kit could be a good start.
The cab would require some plastic bashing, the chassis is probably just right.

The AEC Mammoth Major offers more choice especially with diecast models

A good source of reference might be the RAF mt drivers website

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ASAM www.asam.co.uk do a large range of 1:48 trucks, although you'd need to add a fourth axle and do some scratch building for the trailer!

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I think you'll find the folks guarding the convoy know more ways to hurt you so fast you won't realise you've been hurt until you're lying down.

Comacchio Group RM refers.

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Kirk ,,,,,,,,, thanks for the praise, and Brian, happy to offer up some ideas that might get you where you want to head. There are loads of folks on here and other sites that have plenty more skills and always been there with advise for myself.

A scratch build might appear daunting, but it can be very satisfying once you get your teeth into a project, especially one as personal as yours. Very manageable and fairly cost effective at 1/48 scale ! ,,,,,,,,,, There will also be folks who have converted these die casts who can advise you on chassis construction to hold a heavy cab.

If you are on Facebook, I can introduce you to a fantastic modeller who builds and converts in this scale ! His detail is amazing ! Carol Westerhoff

ASAM do a cab which would be a good basis and I am sure they might also suggest a good set of wheels or chassis bits that might get you close to starting a scratch build in 1/48 scale. There are suppliers of wheels and bits in white metal that you could build up around a soldered brass chassis and then scratch build the trailer in either plasticard or combination of brass, aluminium foil and plasticard.

A103 FODEN 4000 MK1 SLEEPER CAB 4x2 TRACTOR

http://www.asam.co.uk/gal03b.html

A103%20FODEN%204000%20MK1.jpg

Hope you do take on the challenge as would follow your blog

Nige

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Making your life a bit easier you could ask ASAM if they would supply you with an 8x4 chassis and the Foden cab !

Asam%208x4%20tractor%20chassis.jpg

I think the only things needing change would be possibly fuel tank, mud guards, side locker, cab height, single wheels on both rear axles and front bumpers. ASAM might well advise you where you might obtain replacement parts too.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Ha! Never seen one of these in my life then today waiting at a junction near Burghfield a mysterious unmarked convoy went passed and I knew exactly what it was. Aside from the scary one, the interesting vehicle in the convoy was a mahoosive recovery vehicle - presumably to ensure that the main one never sits on the side of the road waiting for the AA.

Every day is a learning day, eh?

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Foden 4000 series, S10 mk4 sleeper cab.

Its an 8x4 and has single rear tyres on the drive axles. I've one of these cabs in progress from an italeri 1;24 scania 3srs, a major task TBH. As with all dozens they are specially built for this task, not modified standererd trucks. Foden custom built every vehicle. Some went to Russia with armoured cabs for there nuclear 'tidy up' just after the wall fell

Apparently removing the Mercedes star badge from the grille is a specified task in the conversion. Could this be because it would be an easy target for a protester to convert to a peace symbol? If so then it suggests they may not be guarding the trucks as well as they ought :yikes:

Nope, Mercedes didn't want to be associated with nuclear transport

They run in the following order, stand off escort, escort commander, spare tractor unit, truck/trailers, fire tender, convoy command, SEG traffic car.

Then following about 2 miles behind, convoy support Renault magnum with trailer, support coach, recovery truck, deputy convoy safety officer.

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