Rubicon Models
Rubicon Models => Work In Progress => Topic started by: Rubicon Models on January 26, 2015, 09:12:47 pm
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The M3 Half-Track Personnel Carrier had been on our drawing board for as long as we could remember. The project was put on-hold several times, giving way to other projects... until now!
Still on our drawing board, if we were to turn this into a kit, we want our M3 Half-Track to be flexible and easy to build! The initial goal is...
- Multi-variant - choice to build the kit into M3 / M3A1 / M3A2
- Expandable - should be able to upgrade to become a Mortar carrier, or a GMC or HMC...
- 3 sprues maximum at competitive selling price!
At the present stage, there are just too many parts and components; probably need to reduce parts count to turn this into a selling product!
The basic M3 Half-Track Personnel Carrier:
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3HalfTrack01_zps6561c11c.jpg)
The updated M3A1 version:
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3HalfTrack02_zps7b5b40e9.jpg)
The M3A1 version with Canvas Top:
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3HalfTrack03_zpsb9d69d91.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3HalfTrack04_zps04c0a531.jpg)
Any comments and suggestions on this M3 project is welcome!
;)
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yes looks very nice indeed with plenty of post-war conversion potential
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Well done...I especially like the fact that you can build it as the basic M3. Definitely be buying several of these.
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If the GMC option is available, I'ld get 2! Royal Canadian Dragoons used them right til the end of the war.
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It`s a great idea to have multi possibilities with this kit. and a nice approach I look forward to keeping watch on this model.
Cheers.
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More work is done on the M3 Halftrack... this time some digital sculpting on the tarpaulin - two versions of it!!
M3 version without the MG mount:
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3CanvasTop02_zps8c9660b7.jpg)
M3A1/M3A2 version with MG mount opened or covered:
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3CanvasTop01_zpse2121eb9.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3CanvasTop03_zps9b32694f.jpg)
A little more touch up will closed the 3D drawing phase and move to 3D prototyping!
;)
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Do you have to add the canvas covers . I wanted to spend an afternoon messing about with tissue paper , white glue and water . Going old school ! ::) What a great idea for different canvas tops , you guys are awesome
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Do you have to add the canvas covers . I wanted to spend an afternoon messing about with tissue paper , white glue and water . Going old school ! ::) What a great idea for different canvas tops , you guys are awesome
We are not only gamers! We are also old school modelers who knew the pain... da pain, da pain!
;)
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IF you could do it in such a way , that with a small conversion it could be turned into the version the IDF used after the war I would be thankfull
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Some firms like sandsmodels are already picking up on after market changes, so you can build some variations with a minor extra investment.
I"m sure Shaun can help you once the vehicle is out.
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This is only the beginning of the week and we are flooding the forum with our new 3D printed parts for the M3 Half-Track!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FBM3OnePieceBody01_zpsc680f87e.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FBM3CabinampFender01_zpsfd247918.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FBM3Winch01_zps0decd214.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FBM3Body01_zps933ad97f.jpg)[/URL]
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FBM3TrackLinks01_zpsa46475b7.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FBM3lrmTarpaulin01_zpsd4aa04ab.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FBM3lrmTarpaulin02_zps0f241c37.jpg)
These are not the final parts on the plastic sprue, but 3D prototypes for us to toy around to come up with the final design... probably they will be on the sprue! :D
Comments and advice please!
;)
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Wow, that one-piece body is impressive! As are the tracks. Does this mean there will be space on the sprue to supply some nice internal detail? Maybe have the seats, ammo boxes and other details as single-iece inserts.
Please also look at providing some nice machine guns. A half-track will be used with figures, so it really ought to have chunkier weapons...
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Very clean, and a great looking finish. Making the seats and rifle holders glue in place, then the changing of the 1/2 tracks type from infantry carrier to howitzer or anti aircraft are made much more easy Fantastic start.
Cheers
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That is mighty impressive!
Do you think there will be an M16 upgrade at some point?
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I like the idea of the one piece rear body with door opening . So many variants to kit bash . :)
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This is the first time ever our critics had an unanimous praise (?) on our prototype! It is a bold and expensive experiment for us, but think is worth the try!
;)
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Do you think there will be an M16 upgrade at some point?
Probably not, the M16 has a different rear body armour plate layout. Will need a new body for it!
But we will do some GMC or HMC at a later stage. A mortar carrier is also planned.
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A M16 should be a easy conversion if the body is made in soft not hard plastic . Trim the sides down . Fill in the door . Make new sides out of plastic sheet . The difficult part IMO is getting four decent 50 cal machine guns for the turret . The tomb stone style ammo drums should be a snap to build up from plastic card and then cast as you'll need at least 12 . I guess I better start looking for matching machine guns :)
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ripley: That's very true for kit-bashing, but not practical for us to make a new mould... The M16 was on our variant list, but after matching it with existing technical drawings, it is close to impossible to rearrange the armour details on the M3 without sacrificing the integrity of the one piece body structure; thus need to kick it out of the eDrawing list! :(
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No , I don't expect you guys to make every version , there's no fun for us kit bashers if you do that . Just give us a great base kit , we'll do the rest :) . Mulling over using the Zvezda 1/72 scale Bofors as the base gun to build a T28E1 twin 50 cal / 37 mm GMC halftrack in 1/56 . Lots of ideas ...
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More images for the M3 Half Track...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-01_zpsvol4v94t.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-02_zpsrfmlroyd.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-03_zpsplsptclv.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-04_zps3hfjwj46.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-05_zpsfcp35n7k.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-06_zps5ryjayvh.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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These components look very good - especially the racks. Not sure where the stowage boxes fit in though - maybe they belong to a different version?
There was no M3A2 - it was planned as a replacement for the various types, but never went into production. The ring mount on the left is the M49, which was fitted to the M3A1. Are you sure the other one existed?
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These components look very good - especially the racks. Not sure where the stowage boxes fit in though - maybe they belong to a different version?
The stowage boxes fit right onto the rack.
There was no M3A2 - it was planned as a replacement for the various types, but never went into production. The ring mount on the left is the M49, which was fitted to the M3A1. Are you sure the other one existed?
There are prototypes for the M3A2. The difference between the M3 and M3A2 are minimal, that's why we have included them for possible release. The IDF had done similar upgrades to existing M3 and M3A1 after the war and had used them thereafter.
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There are prototypes for the M3A2. The difference between the M3 and M3A2 are minimal, that's why we have included them for possible release. The IDF had done similar upgrades to existing M3 and M3A1 after the war and had used them thereafter.
Not sure I understand. You're going to include the M3A2 prototype as an option?
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Not sure I understand. You're going to induce the M3A2 prototype as an option?
We have not decided yet... depending on how much space we have left on the sprues. After WW2, the M3 was still in use during the Korean War and by the Israeli... we might attract some customers from that era!
As a matter of fact, we have other variants drawn up as well, but not shown. We might replace the M3A2 with those!
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It's your call, of course, but I can't see much to be gained from including a version that never saw service.
The IDF used M3s and M3A1s, which were (prior to the 70's) either unmodified or heavily customised with turrets etc.
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Some M3 types , mortar carriers and SPGs , did have stowage boxes of various sizes or racks either side of the rear door, so those parts are great for us kit bashers . I'm thinking the second type of 50 cal ring was an IDF modification post WW 2 , I don't see any of that type on the WW 2 half track pictures in my books . Aside from that , the kit parts look great .
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Some M3 types , mortar carriers and SPGs , did have stowage boxes of various sizes or racks either side of the rear door, so those parts are great for us kit bashers . I'm thinking the second type of 50 cal ring was an IDF modification post WW 2 , I don't see any of that type on the WW 2 half track pictures in my books . Aside from that , the kit parts look great .
The rear stowage rack and the revised gun ring are based on the M3A2 design (which was not produced), and was adapted by some M3A1s during the Korea War, and later by the IDF, all post-WW2. We have drawn them up as part of our digital library collection because these modifications are minor and easy to draw.
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The stowage racks appeared on WW2 M3A1s and M5A1s (and, as a result, on some IDF half-tracks). Your version of the stowage racks looks great, and I hope you include them in your kit.
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More images on the chassis/body of the M3...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-07_zpsxxzw4wlf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-08_zpstcvgcqjz.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-09_zpsibdfaz2o.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-10_zps5wf771kn.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Love the canvas tops. Especially the M3 version - perfect for a half track looted by the Africa Korps!
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Could this be the basis of a M3 White Scout Car as so much as already been sorted.
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Could this be the basis of a M3 White Scout Car as so much as already been sorted.
There is still a lot of work need to be done on the basic M3 Half Track. Once done, we might look into the M3 White Scout Car.
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Pretty much a work in progress, some detail work still needed to be done, but the overall design are shown here!
Even though we have made quite a few other variants, we have not shown them all...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3%20Half%20Track%2002_zpspxf1dgnh.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-01_zpsxv61u2lq.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-02_zpsbnzo8fc3.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-03_zpsa1ouc4wz.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-04_zpsintsbjov.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-06_zpsmgh9unaa.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-05_zps6zdpebdl.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-07_zpsm0kiqo2k.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-08_zpso3guxtas.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-09_zpshmcoezf1.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-10_zpsdckmwctf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-11_zpsjshlks0a.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3-12_zpsshrczgyy.jpg)
Please Note: NOT ALL will be used to produce as a plastic kit. These are prototypes for us to play around and to create the best M3 Half Track plastic kit for the masses. We might incorporate the missing prototypes to another kit or an expansion kit later...
Please feel free to comment!
;)
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Wow - this kit is really shaping up…
I really like the M3 with pedestal-mounted .30 cal. I think the .30 cal should have the earlier curved cradle, but that probably doesn't matter.
The M3A1 looks great too. Is that radio installation right though? I thought the radio set went behind the middle front seat, and was smaller, but I'm not sure. I also thought it was the box-like BC-620 set that was fitted. The only photo I could find of an M3A interior is below, and it's not very clear.
I've just noticed that your canvas hood overhangs the windscreen. This isn't correct - it should be flush with the top of the windscreen.
The rear stowage racks on your "M3A2" were retro-fitted to the M3 and M3A1 in September 1943. I've seen a couple of photos of halftracks in service fitted with the ladder-like side racks, but they seem to have been rare. I think the "M3A2" version of the .50 cal pulpit might be based on an inaccurate kit, like the Tamiya one.
The M4 Mortar Carrier was built on the M2 half track, not the M3. The mortar carrier version of the M3 was the M21, which had a forward-facing mortar and a different internal arrangement to the M4. It would be great if you could include the M21 version in the kit, but I guess that's quite a lot of extra parts.
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I've just noticed that your canvas hood overhangs the windscreen. This isn't correct - it should be flush with the top of the windscreen.
We have modified the way the canvas top rested on top of the vehicle. This is because there is a "thickness" to the plastic and we want it to be removable too! The only way to make it look natural and fit our requirement, we need to do it creatively and in a logical manner.
If you look at our first canvas top sculpt and then compare it with the current one we are using, then you will see the differences on the changes.
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The M4 Mortar Carrier was built on the M2 half track, not the M3. The mortar carrier version of the M3 was the M21, which had a forward-facing mortar and a different internal arrangement to the M4. It would be great if you could include the M21 version in the kit, but I guess that's quite a lot of extra parts.
We have two different references on our design; one of which is from Squadron/Signal Publication "Walk Around M2/M3 Half-Track". This is the first standardized variant available on both the M2 and M3 series. There is only 3 parts for our current variant, to include the M21 version would require a lot of work and many extra parts.
We still have not decided on what to include in our first M3 kit, but we tended to offer just the basic variants, followed by MMC / HMC etc.
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Like the M3A2, the M4 version of the M3 never went into production.
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Sprue layout of the M3/M3A1...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3A1%20Line%20Drawing%20FB01_zpscdtjwgoh.jpg)
The M3/M3A1 Half Track is going to be released in Q3/15 (July to Sept time frame). We are also working on several variants based on the M3 chassis - the M21 Motor Mortar Carriage (MMC) equipped with the M1 mortar (81 mm) is one of them.
Due to limited sprue space on the M3/M3A1 kit, the tarpaulin originally planned to be incorporated with the base kit will not be included. The tarpaulins had to be sold separately as an option in one of the upcoming expansion kits for the M3/M3A1.
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21-150519-FB-1_zpsl0vin4mq.jpg)
;)
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Good to see this progressing.
Looks as though you're still including those stowage boxes that don't appear in any photos of WW2 half-tracks, and that weird radio mounting that replaces some seats.
Also - there are four .30 cals - why? They rarely had as many as three.
Seems to me like you could have saved some space on the sprues...
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Looks as though you're still including those stowage boxes that don't appear in any photos of WW2 half-tracks, and that weird radio mounting that replaces some seats.
The stowage boxes are for the rear racks which do appeared very late war... and into the Korean War; and the radio set was mounted on many M3A1s.
Also - there are four .30 cals - why? They rarely had as many as three.
The BA rules allows three .30 cals MGs on the vehicle and they are clip-ons as well; another one is for the standard M3.
;)
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Like the M3A2, the M4 version of the M3 never went into production.
The M4 is the MMC based on the M2 chassis. The M21 (rear mounted) and M21A1 (front mounted) MMC are based on the M3 chassis; both were in production.
The M21 had seen battle (during the 4th battle of Monte Cassino, May 18, 1944) with the Polish 1st Carpathian rifle battalion, 3rd Carpathian Rifle division, part of the famous Polish II corps lead by Lt Gen Wladyslaw Anders.
;)
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It's looking good. I will need 5 of these for my US armoured infantry.
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Looks as though you're still including those stowage boxes that don't appear in any photos of WW2 half-tracks, and that weird radio mounting that replaces some seats.
The stowage boxes are for the rear racks which do appeared very late war... and into the Korean War; and the radio set was mounted on many M3A1s.
Any photos of these stowage boxes or that radio?
I'm wondering why anyone would bother with the racks on if there's also a stowage box. I do wonder why you tend to include this kind of marginal stuff on sprues, when you've had to drop something much more popular like the hood. Including a hood also gives your kit even more of an edge over Warlord's (I'm sure your detail will be sharper!).
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Pinky, there are two large pieces for the tarpaulin that is as large as the chassis itself, plus two smaller parts for details. Even if we removed all the "marginal stuff" from that sprue, the four tarpaulin pieces will not fit. The thickness of these pieces compared with other parts on the same sprue also proved to be a challenge during the mould injection process.
We also do not want to add an extra sprue to make the retail price higher. The tarpaulins will be featured in an expansion kit more or less the same time as the base kit; much like what we did for the SdKfz 251 series. Customers who wanted the tarpaulins will have to buy the more expensive kit instead of the base kit.
;)
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Here are some photos of the rear racks on the M3A1...
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These are for the radio... not too much from the web, but we have a Squadron book with full details.
Also included is a resin kit of the same chassis!
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(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21-150519-FB-2_zpsbcncahog.jpg)
There are two versions of the M21 81mm MMC. The one previous shown (in this post) is the upgraded version M21A1 with front facing mortar. The one here is the original M21 equipped with a rear facing mortar. Both vehicles had a reinforced floor designed to allow the mortar to be fired from within the vehicle; and is removable to fire on the ground as well.
;)
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Pinky, there are two large pieces for the tarpaulin that is as large as the chassis itself, plus two smaller parts for details...
Hey, it was just a suggestion. I'm a WW2 AFV fan (in case that wasn't obvious), a consumer - and someone who wants to see Rubicon conquer the 1/56 scale AFV market. That's why I bother to post here (and that includes spending quite a lot of time checking facts). You guys are the kit designers, but you've asked for feedback, so that's what you get. And that includes suggesting ways to make your kits more attractive than Warlord's (e.g. by including a piece like the hood, which attracted a lot of positive feedback). And trying to help you avoid the inaccuracies that have marred some of your kits.
With that said, I don't know who your researchers are, but (as this thread demonstrates) they're still getting stuff wrong. I'd like to see you avoid the mistakes that can undermine your otherwise terrific models. Please take the comments below in that constructive spirit!
Stowage boxes - nice photos, although the third one is an M2, not an M3. The stowage racks (not stowage boxes) were added to all versions of the half-track. There were different types of stowage boxes on some of the special purpose half-tracks, such as the M4 (see below). The stowage boxes in your kit appear to be redundant.
Radio - your top photo appears to show a radio installed in an M2, not an M3. The bottom photo is a resin kit - I dunno what it's based on. I'm no expert on WW2 Allied radio equipment - it's a rather complex subject - but I think the radio in your photo is an SCR-528 (the same radio installed in US tanks but not normally in the personnel-carrier half-tracks). Or it might be an SCR-608, which was used by the artillery. I'm not sure which version the radio in your kit depicts, but I still question its inclusion.
Mortar carriages - as I originally pointed out, the mortar carrier version of the M3 was the M21, not the M4 (as your prototype was labeled). Only 110 M21s were built; they all had forward-facing 81mm mortars, and about half of them were used by the Free French. Most of the mortar carriers used by the US Army were M4s (572 built) or M4A1s (600 built). All of these had rear-facing mortars, although some units (including 4th Armoured) re-positioned them to face forwards. The only real differences were that the M4A1 had a reinforced floor and mounts for firing from within the vehicle. There was no M21A1.
Your latest drawing shows a vehicle that didn't exist i.e. an M4 (although the ammo storage is different) built on an M3 hull. Here's a top view of the M21. Aside from the position of the mortar, the layout is quite different from your drawing.
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Pinky: Thanks for the pointers. We would try our best to make our products as historically accurate as possible. With several WW2 vehicle projects (with up to 6) going on at the same time, it is quite easy to overlook features that are similar yet very different, and hence the errors.
Depending on the complexity of the researched vehicle, we only allow up to a maximum of 4 weeks to complete each research. It is another 9 weeks from 3D drawing to the completion of the mould making process. We do have a very tight schedule!
This is why we used this forum to show some of our work-in-progress drawings and prototypes. Things that we show here are not always correct or might not even be produced. This forum is a platform for us to interconnect with customers and to exchange ideas.
By raising issues and posting things that we have “doubts” is one way to raise awareness among customers like you to tell us things that we don’t know or missed. We only have a few researchers whose mother tongue is not even English; they basically have to go through dozens of available publications to cross-reference each studied subject (sometimes in English, Chinese, and Russian). All of them do not have a World War Two background before working for us… it is sort of a “learn-as-you-work” process, gaining knowledge as they work!
Of course, we do have an overworked project manager who is in charge, helping us to keep track of all on-going projects; from start to finish… he had more key issues to resolve on a daily basis!
Your feedback is something that we valued very much, so thanks!
Will try to raise this up during our production meeting…
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Well I hope it helps. If it's any consolation, I've now bought 4 each of the Rubicon T-34/76 and the T-34/85. Such nice kits - especially the T-34/76 with the 1943 model turret.
One book your researchers should consider acquiring is 'British and American Tanks of World War Two'. It's quite an old book, but it's still very authoritative and contains a huge amount of useful information about Allied armour (including half-tracks), and helps put a lot of the otherwise confusing variants into perspective. Anything by Steve Zaloga on US armour is also very reliable.
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This is just as fresh as it can gets, direct from the factory! First test run for our M3 Half Track chassis using multi-slide mould...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M3%20Slide%20Mould%20v1_zpswrvjt0ul.jpg)
;)
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Any idea what the dimensions of it are?
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Been quiet on the M3/M3A1 Half Track for a while. Factory & studio had been busy with other OEM projects. Finally had the moulds done!
The following is our first test shots for the M3/M3A1 Half Track...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3%20Test%20Shot%20A%20150702-1_zpskpktvjmu.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M3%20Test%20Shot%20B%20150702-1_zpshmkor4n4.jpg)
Still have minor shrinkage issues and loose ends to fix, but overall quality looks fine!
;)
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I see crew... ;D
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I see four .30-cal and one .50... Do you need so many guns? Don't get me wrong, extra guns are welcome, but other stowage is also welcome.
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I see four .30-cal and one .50... Do you need so many guns? Don't get me wrong, extra guns are welcome, but other stowage is also welcome.
The multiple MGs are for gaming use. The M3A1 half track can mount 1 x 0.5 and 3 x 0.3 cal MG, whereas the M3 can have a forward mount 0.3 cal MG.
We are also working on an Allies or US stowage kit, here are some of the contents:
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Stowage%20Kits/US%20Stowage%203D%20Print%20150704-1_zpsbe1fkedn.jpg)
Don't ask! No release dates yet!
;)
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Gets the neck beard ready..
Officially in an armoured infantry platoon, only the platoon commanders m3 would be armed with a .50 cal, the rest would be armed with .30cals. However in reality, by late war most were armed with .50cals as they were acquired by the units and it was just easier for supply.
Neck beard over.
It's a nice option to have in there.
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Love the half track body . So many variations I could build from that . Also really like the crew figures . Very basic in detail but I see that as a plus , with a change of head / helmet and uniform color you could have a Russian , Brit or German driving the half track . Nice to see your moving forward on the US stowage . BUT , if the items , top center are supposed to be kit bags , then the back packs are way over sized . To me the packs look to be at least 2 or 3 times bigger than they should be in 1/56 scale , I would venture they would be closer to 1/35 scale . And I believe they're called ruck sacks not ransacks , that brings a whole other image to mind :)
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Sorry about the spelling, will correct them as needed. As for the crew figures... this is our first trail effort with digital sculpting.
Our initial thinking was...
- If we were to do the figures in "true" 1/56 scale, the figures will be too small for gamers.
- We have basically scaled them up by more than 15% to reach this size! Still is a little bit smaller.
- Decided to do uniform as generic as possible.
- With heads separated so that you can swap using your own bits.
- Even if sculpt failed terribly, the driver will be block by view inside the cabin.
As for the rucksacks, they are in fact in 1/35 scale for detailing purposes, the rest are in 1/56. The US Stowage kit is pretty much still a very early WIP project, something that we will continue to do when we have the spare time to.
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I am so loving this machine . I had the opportunity to crew in one at a show at Gloucester really awesome I`ve never forgot it.
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This is our initial design of the decal sheet for the M3/M3A1 half track. Comments and suggestions welcome!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Waterslide%20Decals/DCUampA002-1_zpsgktfmsez.jpg)
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OMG - more decals! And the truly insane can even make up their own serial numbers!!
Only one real comment - as with the M5A1, the Free French markings should include their colourful serial numbers.
The bridge plate seems to have been 9 or 10, but there are virtually no photos of actual vehicles with them. There must be a definitive reference for this somewhere!
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OMG - more decals! And the truly insane can even make up their own serial numbers!!
This is why I am getting "Waterslide Decal Sickness"... no decals for at least a month for me!
Only one real comment - as with the M5A1, the Free French markings should include their colourful serial numbers.
Again, no space! Will think of various decal sheets later, but definitely not now! You can give suggestions of what kind of sheets are needed!
The bridge plate seems to have been 9 or 10, but there are virtually not photos of actual vehicles with them. There must be a definitive reference for this somewhere!
This I can comprise! Will do both (9) and (10) on this one!
;)
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Maybe drop the map of France symbol? It seems less important than the French serial number. You did a nice job doing them for the M5A1/M8. Otherwise your French version is a bit incomplete. Don't let decal fatigue lead to corner cutting!
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Maybe drop the map of France symbol? It seems less important than the French serial number. You did a nice job doing them for the M5A1/M8. Otherwise your French version is a bit incomplete. Don't let decal fatigue lead to corner cutting!
Don't want to start an argument... really exhausted switching between reference material and the computer displays!
Not much references on the Free French licence plate for the M3, only 1 picture (from reenactment) showing a single plate on the unditching roller. Should be on the sides just like the American. Did two plates with the same number... or should I do two plates with different numbers?
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/Waterslide%20Decals/DCUampA002-2_zpsorcx6mce.jpg)
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How about a US armoured infantry symbol? ;)
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Not much references on the Free French licence plate for the M3, only 1 picture (from reenactment) showing a single plate on the unditching roller. Should be on the sides just like the American. Did two plates with the same number... or should I do two plates with different numbers?
Here are paintings of 2 Free French half-tracks from Zaloga's Osprey book on the US half-track. This book isn't 100% reliable (it's quite an old title now and Zaloga's artwork has improved since), but these paintings are based on photos. There's also a photo of a French Foreign Legion half-track below. The top painting shows how the serial number was applied to front of the winch version. It looks as though the serial number was painted behind the roller on the other version. Can't blame you if you're fed up with this though...
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...and here's what Track 48 did. I reckon a couple of basic French-style serial numbers would do it.
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Painted up M3 & M3A1 from our Test Shot #1 plastic...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB01%20M3_zpssoluv6ri.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB02%20M3A1%20with%20Winch_zpsjm9qfqgr.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB03%20M3A1%20with%20Roller_zpstupzxpnn.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB04%20M3A1%20with%20MG%20options_zpsylb7ecqg.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB05%20M3-M3A1_zps7vxb8aik.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB06%20M3-M3A1%20Storage%20Racks_zpszkjti0tj.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB07%20M3-M3A1%20One%20Piece%20Body_zpsd8mhv49h.jpg)
Enjoy!
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Well that does look good. The moulded detail is really well done. The fully armed M3A1 is especially nice - great work on the machine guns and the rear stowage racks. I think my favourite version is the basic M3, partly because I want one for my Afrika Korps.
I'm not going to re-open the discussion about the radio and stowage boxes. They still don't look right to me, but they're optional and I doubt anyone's going to mind. Overall, it looks very superior to Warlord's kit. Could we have a side view of the wheels and tracks?
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Without being an expert, I think it looks very good. Lots of options for the bits box.
I suppose you are going to do this one Pinky?
(http://beutepanzer.ru/Beutepanzer/us/M3_halftrack/halftrack-08.jpg)
(from http://beutepanzer.ru/Beutepanzer/us/M3_halftrack/halftrack-02.htm (http://beutepanzer.ru/Beutepanzer/us/M3_halftrack/halftrack-02.htm))
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I suppose you are going to do this one Pinky?
Yes, that's it, although I might Germanise it a bit more. The Germans captured a lot of half-tracks during the initial fighting around Kasserine Pass (that photo is from a series showing 10th Panzer withdrawing from Kasserine - half their transport consists of captured vehicles). Some were used entirely unchanged, while others were repainted and re-marked. With Rubicon's Ausf C in the works, I was thinking of a mixture of M3s and Ausf Cs.
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Is there any plan for at 75mm AT or 75mm/105mm howitzer versions? Armoured ambulance?
Is the M21 still likely?
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Is there any plan for at 75mm AT or 75mm/105mm howitzer versions? Armoured ambulance?
Yes, an AT version is planned, but probably not this year.
Is the M21 still likely?
The M21 is long done, awaiting crew sculpts... should be Q3 or Q4!
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Thanks for the reply!
Will need a few M21 for my armoured infantry company
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With our digital sculpting in full swing, we are reviving some shelved projects
that require figures. This is the 3D prototypes for the 81mm M1 Mortar and
its components...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M21%20Mortar%20160622-1_zpsvq3uozoi.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Looks good. 2 comments - the end of the mortar ammo tube should be hollow, rather than having a protruding disc. And I don't recognise the radio type - the portable infantry radio was taller and narrower, with a lid on the top.
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Looks good. 2 comments - the end of the mortar ammo tube should be hollow, rather than having a protruding disc. And I don't recognise the radio type - the portable infantry radio was taller and narrower, with a lid on the top.
1. The ammo tube has a tube cover that is removable... cannot mould them hollow using a two-part mould.
2. The radio you are referring to is an EE8 phone used by most 81mm Mortar sections. The SCR536 also emerged from time to time, but rarely... We probably will not include the portable radio (2 parts) due to limited sprue space. The EE8 (together with the handset) is too small to be a standalone item in 1/56 scale.
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I was referring to the SCR-300, which was the standard portable field radio.
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Nice.
Will this be a standalone set to add to a separate M3 half-track kit or an all in one kit (M3 plus mortar sprue)?
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Will this be a standalone set to add to a separate M3 half-track kit or an all in one kit (M3 plus mortar sprue)?
It will be an expansion set much like what we did with the SdKfz 251 series. This expansion sprue will include:
- canvas tops for both M3 & M3A1
- M21 MMC expansion kit (with 2 crew)
- M1 Mortar on ground in firing position (with 3 crew)
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Is there a chance open doors / Windows for M3 half tracks ?
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Is there a chance open doors / Windows for M3 half tracks ?
Those are multi-slide moulds, quite expensive to make. When we design the M3,
already decided not to have open windows or doors because this is a wargamer
models; need to minimize part counts.
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One of the joys of a one piece body mold , Steve . It can be done , but lots of room for error and cutting your fingers with your Xacto blade / saw :-[ . Much easier to get the BA halftrack which has the cab sides as flat pieces and hack away . Maybe in the future if Rubicon produce a M5 / M9 halftrack , they might rethink the mold design and give us open doors . Their first tanks didn't have open hatches , the newer ones do so they are improving :)
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3D prototypes of our M21 Mortar squad...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M21%20Crew%20160625-01_zpscnl0ebxm.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M21%20Crew%20160625-02_zpscoiwzrna.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M21%20Crew%20160625-03_zpse8wx1kjo.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/FB%20M21%20Crew%20160625-04_zpsxdr3q9r6.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Very, very excellent!
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Agreed - these are excellent looking figures!
It's a slightly pedantic point, but a mortar squad won't normally include anyone using binoculars because are mortars are indirect fire weapons. A figure using a radio to obtain fire coordinates is more likely. He's a very useful figure, however, so it doesn't matter.
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we can pretend that's they're firing at less than 500m and checking the ranging in :p
Although radio arms would be cool for the 5000m firing...
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I know this is out now, but I couldn't help but put in a cheeky prod for the M5/M5A1 half track. Some folks didn't use the M3 :-(
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TS1 plastic finally arrived at our studio! This is one of those outstanding
projects that we would like to get done long time ago. Still waiting for the
dismounted mortar team to get done...
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Plastic%20161208-01_zpsfqko4ipx.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Plastic%20161208-02_zpstlsar9qm.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Plastic%20161208-03_zps4o270fqv.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Plastic%20161208-04_zpsl4tx96lx.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Plastic%20161208-05_zpssmgrisqb.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Plastic%20161208-06_zpsv1l2umvi.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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This looks great - it even has a proper radio. Any chance of making the .50 cal look chunkier? The attachment to the pedestal also looks a bit odd.
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Test assembly of the M3/M3A1 Expansion Set is done - minor
issues but overall quality is quite good. This is basically a value-
added kit that we hope we can duplicate for all our base kits.
A "3-in-1" kit that includes:
(1) M21 MMC with 2 crew
(2) Canvas Tops for the M3 & M3A1
(3) 81mm Mortar Team (dismounted / not shown)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-01_zpstn4oxodf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-02_zpsqnae0qdd.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-15_zpslmlh6a4p.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-16_zpstx3jgiig.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-03_zpsyksvesmz.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-04_zpsywdjg6ob.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-05_zpsuxqriun5.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-06_zps1ohrv86j.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-07_zpsizdbdbhg.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-08_zpsex7nysmf.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-09_zpsmvi6t0ld.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-10_zpsw6fjgak0.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-11_zpslhzcxwql.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-14_zpstsv3u55z.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-12_zps4lifaghw.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20Primed%20161209-13_zpshmhvbbl4.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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It's all good, except that (as mentioned before) the canvas hood overhangs the windscreen too much. It's quite noticable.
-
;)
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It's all good, except that (as mentioned before) the canvas hood overhangs the windscreen too much. It's quite noticable.
The canvas hood was sculpted long time ago, and the extrusion was
there to cover up the armoured windshield when it is closed. Not much
we can do as this is a first generation sculpt (more than a year and a
half ago) and we do not have the means to modify it anymore.
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This model looks great. Is there any chance for M5 Commonwealth variant?
-
This model looks great. Is there any chance for M5 Commonwealth variant?
There are currently just too many vehicles (projects) to do right now. Since we already
have a M3, we had to put the M5 on hold for a while.
-
The M21 MMC finally had her closure after so much delays - waiting for the digital sculpts to get done!
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-01_zpszwsllesm.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-02_zpstanjtdoj.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-03_zps4yjocavr.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-04_zpsbodcdga6.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-05_zps7sdisv19.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-06_zpsdso3xphp.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-07_zpsi1cennjj.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-08_zpsmqwn8ldl.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-09_zpsn8exfncd.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-10_zpscjqfctsy.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-11_zpsdgntxz0g.jpg)
(http://i1373.photobucket.com/albums/ag377/RubiconModels/M3%20Half-Track/M21%20TS1%20170116-12_zpsyblolxpq.jpg)
Enjoy!
;)
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Excellent! :)
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Do you think you'd be able to put a 75mm and 105mm guns on a single frame for the early war half tracks?
-
A single sprue upgrade for the M3 kit is a great idea. I'd like to have the M3 75mm GMC too. But maybe with the T48 57mm GMC as an option, rather than the 105mm version. The Soviets used them as the SU-57, quite successfully.
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It's awesome model :-) Is there any chance for Allied UK/Commonwealth version?
-
It's awesome model :-) Is there any chance for Allied UK/Commonwealth version?
Do you mean the M5 half track?
There are threads mentioning this here:
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=495.msg5063#msg5063 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=495.msg5063#msg5063)
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=445.msg5609#msg5609 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=445.msg5609#msg5609)
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=132.msg4447#msg4447 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=132.msg4447#msg4447)
-
It's awesome model :-) Is there any chance for Allied UK/Commonwealth version?
Do you mean the M5 half track?
There are threads mentioning this here:
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=495.msg5063#msg5063 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=495.msg5063#msg5063)
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=445.msg5609#msg5609 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=445.msg5609#msg5609)
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=132.msg4447#msg4447 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=132.msg4447#msg4447)
Yes, your right :-) It's M5 I'm talking about (and possibly M15/M16 if you'd be so kind to release for it any upgrade kits ;-) ) but I can't refrein myself of mentioning that you've never make any comment on possible M5 (and derivatives) in any of these topics :-)
-
It would be nice to have the proper HT for my Canadians & Russians . The only M5s in model/ war game form I know of are the PSC 15/20mm ones . Not even in 1/35 , unless you want to spend big bucks from Shapeways . We'll just have to make do with the M3 for know . 99% of the gamers I know wouldn't know the differences any how ::)
-
M15 and M16 has different bodies, so would need more bits
-
It's awesome model :-) Is there any chance for Allied UK/Commonwealth version?
Do you mean the M5 half track?
There are threads mentioning this here:
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=495.msg5063#msg5063 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=495.msg5063#msg5063)
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=445.msg5609#msg5609 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=445.msg5609#msg5609)
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=132.msg4447#msg4447 (http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=132.msg4447#msg4447)
Yes, your right :-) It's M5 I'm talking about (and possibly M15/M16 if you'd be so kind to release for it any upgrade kits ;-) ) but I can't refrein myself of mentioning that you've never make any comment on possible M5 (and derivatives) in any of these topics :-)
Hi, Rubicon mentioned this back in January.
This model looks great. Is there any chance for M5 Commonwealth variant?
There are currently just too many vehicles (projects) to do right now. Since we already
have a M3, we had to put the M5 on hold for a while.
-
Hi, Rubicon mentioned this back in January.
This model looks great. Is there any chance for M5 Commonwealth variant?
There are currently just too many vehicles (projects) to do right now. Since we already
have a M3, we had to put the M5 on hold for a while.
Oh man, you're right.... but It was almost year ago. So, if nothing has changed since then we have to keep waiting :) thanks anyway :)
-
Why not try your hand at converting the M3 ? Thin down the front fenders , sand the rear corners , change the head lights and IRC there were some differences in the rear bumper area and the battery box under the right passenger door
(https://s2.postimg.org/wluc5nfh1/M3_A1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/wluc5nfh1/)
(https://s2.postimg.org/y0vwudvzp/M5_A1.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/y0vwudvzp/)