Cromwell Gun Tractor

[enginepeter]

At the beginning of Covid, some 2 years ago I started my latest project, a 1/16 Crusader Gun Tractor.
Unfortunately, Bovington closed their research department so I was restricted to research on the internet. There were some very helpful photos from the Overloom museum on the Leicestershire Modellers website. Of course there was plenty of information on the Crusader Tank itself and a lot of gaps were filled with the purchase of an Italeri 1:35 kt.

Tracks were made using Panzer 4 tracks then grinding/filling etc to get a better profile. The end result was just over 1mm larger that true scale.

To get the motors/gearboxes fitted meant I had to add 3mm to the main hull width.

All metal work was made as close to true scale as possible using aluminium or brass sheet.

I wanted to display the cartridge boxes for the 17pdr shell so the dummy floor had to be as low as possible, restricting internal space. I had some Li-ion batteries so these proved ideal.

Sound were captured from You tube and other videos.

Below are some photos before starting stripping it to paint. Painted photos to follow later!

[tankme]

Nice work.

[c.rainford73]

Wow that is a work of art!!

[stu_the_flat]

It looks amazing. was it powered by the same engine? if so it must have been quite something to drive!

[enginepeter]

Thanks for you comments. Yes it was powered by the same engine but it was governed to,I think, 25mph. I saw comments that with removal of the governor it could exceed 50mph and had also raced and beat a motorbike! I would not have liked to be on board and and items towed would have been smashed to bits.

[HERMAN BIX]

what a magnificent piece of scale work Mr Peter. Superb

[Kaczor]

Great craftmaship. I've never heard of this version of Cromwell.

[enginepeter]

Thanks for your comment. The Crusader hull was also used for a dozer, fitted with anti aircraft guns or as a ARV.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Wow, enginepeter: I had not seen a post from you for a bit and then like magic this unique handiwork shows up.

[enginepeter]

Thanks - As you can see my time has been fully occupied!!