M8E2 Cargo Tractor

[wibblywobbly]

Ok, I sold the last one I built, but quite fancy having another one, so made a start.

HL Perishing base, lop the front and rear off, turn the transmission covers the other way up, drill new drive shaft holes and then Jack the motors up 12mm. The easy way is four pieces of 3mm styrene.

That is all that is needed to sort the lower hull, the cargo truck is front wheel drive, which means the suspension is the wrong way around, but it would take a lot of work to resolve that. I already know that it works fine so it can stay this way.

I have started on the upper hull, the windows are a pain to do, but it's getting there.

For anyone who doesn't know about these beasts, I will attach a pic of one.

RobG

[wibblywobbly]

A pic of one

[971wright]

Hi Rob Nice to see you building again ,is that a Long Tom on the back in the bottom photo.

regards pete

[wibblywobbly]

Call it styrene addiction, either that or the fact that I am a fairweather motorcycle rider and need something to do over the winter...

It does look like a Long Tom, though they were mainly used to tow the Skysweeper. Interestingly a 1/16 kit of the Skysweeper was available but I haven't seen one for ages? I think this is one, they came in various forms, and were the first radar equipped anti aircraft gun. Korean era stuff I guess?

[wibblywobbly]

Did some more of the cab today, plus a few other minor bits. Filled hairline cracks as these will stick out like a sore thumb when the paint goes on. Roof is roughly cut out but this can't go on until the windows are in and the interior is painted. Double skinned the rear deck.

Need to get to Frome model centre to stock up on styrene tubes and rods before I can do the rear.

[wibblywobbly]

Getting to the fiddly bits now, and trying to do as much as I can without buying expensive precut strips and things. Side bins done but need detail added, winch housing done but no hydraulic arm yet, lifting platform done complete with A frames.

Will try and get to shop tomorrow to buy tubes and some other bits and pieces.

[wibblywobbly]

The rear loading deck is just about complete. All of the bushes function, and the whole thing works as nature intended, however, it will be glued in place so that it doesn't get damaged when it gets run on rough ground.

[SovereignZuul]

Nice update.

Fun to see some "utility" vehicles on the rare occasion they pop up.

[wibblywobbly]

Thanks, I have built so many tanks over the past 6 odd years that I like doing something different. I have a Bulldog sitting in the parts box though, so will either leave it as a Bulldog, or maybe convert it into something else? Time will tell....

[wibblywobbly]

Roof is on, took a lot of sanding, but I got there in the end. Windows are installed, hatches on storage bins, and the timber slats have been applied to the rear of the cab and the loading deck.

Now need to build the timber compartments that cover the deck, then I can start on completing the cab, radiators, lights etc.