cemcraft

My thanks to everyone for their help. Looks like it will be the Dragon M2A1, K59 suspension upgrade and a full LionRoar PE set. Have to start saving my pocket money for this project! Next step will be to start accumulating reference material. Bruce

I think I've pretty well decided on the Dragon M2A1 Half-Track. There are two 'big' PE sets available, one by Eduard and the other by LionRoar. Having only worked with Eduard details on aircraft - any feelings out these as to which might be the better set? Bruce

That's the type of project I had in mind - all the bells and whistles. Love to do an M2, M3, M4 Half-Track. Bruce

Thanks for the info - though I'm not bothered if the PE comes with the kit or needs to be ordered separately. Bruce

I'd like to really challenge my model making skills by taking on an armour project, 1:35 or larger scale (eyesight is not what it used to be) and I'd like to include lots of Photo Etch components. I'm not usually an armour modeller, in the past it's mostly been 1:48 aircraft where armour is a 'Target of Opportunity'. I'm not especially fussed about the subject though I'd rather keep it to WWII. Any recommendations? Bruce

Was also wondering if anyone had used one of the No.5 bulbous nickel alloy handles (SM No.0805) Looks to be a lot more comfortable to grip than the bog-standard handles. Bruce

Good point, though you can never be too careful these days. No, I was looking more at the Stainless (mostly from their sterile category) vs the carbon steel (non-sterile). I would think that the stainless blades would hold an edge longer but correct me if I'm wrong (entirely possible). Bruce

Thanks for the info, one question from a 'Newbie' - looking the the Swann Morton web site can be a little overwhelming with regards to their vast product range. The part of their product range that you carry - Sterile or non-sterile? Carbon or Stainless? Bruce

I'm looking for a couple of issues of Scale Aircraft Modelling. Volume 11, No.2, November 1988 Volume 11, No.4, January 1989 Both issues should contain articles on a B-17 B/C/D Build. If anyone has copies that I can buy or if you are willing and able to scan the articles in question it would be appreciated. Bruce

Thanks very much for that. Really appreciate the info. Bruce

I've managed to find out a little more about the radios and their applications. There were two types fitted to these vehicles, the SCR-193 & SCR-510/BC-620. The SCR-193 had a 30-60 mile range and was often used for air support. The SCR-510/BC-620 was used by U.S. Army reconnaissance units. It had only about a five mile range and was used for calling in artillery support. I have mixed feelings as to which radio was found in an armoured jeep belonging to the 82nd. Both types of seem to make sense? So far my research has not been able to identify the correct type for this unit in this period (or any other for that matter). I haven’t been able to find any material which points directly to either set up being used by the 82nd so that info, one way or another, would be very helpful. Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Just starting on my research for this build but am having trouble finding info on this detail, anyone know - or can someone point me to reference material that may shed some light??? Bruce

I'm preparing to model a B-17D using Bill Koster's conversion. I'm told that an article was published on this build in one of the modelling mags somewhere around 1987 - 1990, the modeller was reportedly Jim Howard. Anyone know which mag and which issue??? Bruce

My thanks to everyone - it seems to confirm what it is that I've heard on the grapevine, that the Hold & Fold, in whichever size it is that you own - is the weapon of choice. I would still love to hear from someone about the Fender Bender as when it was available it seemed to be regarded as head and shoulders above the rest - but has the market moved on?

I'm planning on modelling an 82nd Armoured Jeep from the Bastogne period. Looking at the PE sets from Minor for the 1:35 Tamiya kit. They offer two PE sets each of which contains a different radio type. The GM35007 - Features the SCR-193 Radio The GM35002 - Features the SCR-510/620 Radio Set Just starting on my research for this build but am having trouble finding info on this detail, anyone know??? Bruce

Looking at buying my first PhotoEtch bending tool. At the moment there seems to be two readily available - the Etch Mate 3c and the Hold & Fold 5-Speed. I have heard very mixed reviews of the Etch Mate 3c with some not liking the composite materials or the groove in the base unit along the fold line. This makes me lean towards the the 5-Speed. My first choice would probably be the Ausfwerks Fender Bender but that unit is out of production. What do others like or dislike about the respective designs - is there room for improvement, what would you like to see these units do that gives you a problem with their present design? Bruce