Paul Bradley Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I just acquired the Tamiya 1/48 Universal Carrier Mk.II and have an idea for a diorama. Does anyone know if the RAF used these, and if any were used in Normandy after D-Day, to support flight ops? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Test Graham Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 The RAF did not normally use the Universal Carrier but I've a feeling I've seen one in the distinctive Malta camouflage in RAF surroundings. I was going to say that it was dragging a belly-landed Beaufort off the runway but on reflection that would be a sight too heavy and I'm probably remembering a Matilda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Bradley Posted February 17, 2012 Author Share Posted February 17, 2012 Did the RAF Regiment use them, perhaps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanguin Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I suspect that Carriers were generally Army property; if the RAF Regiment blagged any then it was probably much later as the Regiment was only formed in February 1942. As to Malta, I suspect that the defenders were soldiers for most of the war. The manpower situation was such that at some times it was down to all hands that were available, irrespective of badge or colour of uniform. Now, there are two photographs that may interest you. Graham was absolutely correct about the Beaufort and the Matilda tank, see here about half way down the page: http://www.ww2incolor.com/forum/showthread...e-desert./page4 However, there is this thread from Britmodeller, found lurking in the aircraft section, scroll down this to the end: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.p...77&hl=malta A carrier, Malta 'dry stone wall' camouflage, towing loaded bomb trailers with a Wellington in the background. Winter with an unusually thick layer of mud on the ground..... I think the crew are probably army, not RAF, despite the hats (which were in general Army use as the Field Service Cap despite the apparent adoption of the beret years before). Note the 'Malta Cross' plate on the front of the carrier; this may just be a Malta Command badge but equally may indicate that the carrier is actually assigned to a Malta Defence Regiment unit. The serial number T28576 may be of some help (I will ask if anyone can help on the Missing Lynx site). All the best, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Bradley Posted February 18, 2012 Author Share Posted February 18, 2012 Interesting - Thanks, John! I have a 1/48 Wellie..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maltadefender Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 Interesting - Thanks, John! I have a 1/48 Wellie..... And the Malta GB coming up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanguin Posted February 20, 2012 Share Posted February 20, 2012 Paul, This thread may be of some help in terms of the badge on the Carrier and there is another image linked in the thread too. http://www.network54.com/Forum/47208/threa...help%2C+please- I don't know if you have noticed, but the Wellington shown in the original picture I found is a Mk II with Merlin engines.... Malta had a whole range of Wellingtons serving during the war, though, so you can do your own research but if you want to stick to the picture then try this for the MKII in 1/48th: http://modelingmadness.com/reviews/allies/gb/earingwimpy.htm http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.p...topic=234911647 The pilot story: http://www.killifish.f9.co.uk/Malta%20WWII/North_Africa.htm http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/...d-war-ii.355726 And a few wrecked Malta Wellingtons: http://www.killifish.f9.co.uk/Malta%20WWII/Wellington.htm The Malta Wellington squadrons seem to have been 38 and 104 with a number of detachments from N Africa and transients 'borrowed' as they staged through the island. Have fun, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Bradley Posted February 20, 2012 Author Share Posted February 20, 2012 Nice - thanks, John! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian M Posted March 10, 2012 Share Posted March 10, 2012 The RAF did not normally use the Universal Carrier but I've a feeling I've seen one in the distinctive Malta camouflage in RAF surroundings. I was going to say that it was dragging a belly-landed Beaufort off the runway but on reflection that would be a sight too heavy and I'm probably remembering a Matilda. I have seen that picture, The Uni was pulling bomb trollies away from an aircraft, (might of been a Lancaster) I was thinking that would make a good diorama.... Ian M Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Bradley Posted March 11, 2012 Author Share Posted March 11, 2012 So where would I get the bomb trollies? Accurate Armour, perhaps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therollercoaster Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 So where would I get the bomb trollies? Accurate Armour, perhaps? AA don't do the trollies, just the DB tractor, try Flightpath, they make a variety of trolleys, the Type 'B' looks like the one you're after http://www.djparkins.com/acatalog/1_48th_WW_II.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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