From: Think Tank Subject: Think Tank Vol 0017 18/12/1999 Think.tank@tesco.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS' INDEX 1: Request for Advice on Tamiya kits 2: BATUS Ferret 3: Re: Crusader Gun Tractor (Prepare to Delurk) 4: Model kits 5: Staghound Mk III 6: Scammell Pioneers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: Think Tank over holiday period -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS This will be the last issue for a couple of weeks (see below) but in the meantime I wish everyone a good Christmas and a happy New Year (go on, use the time to build something!). Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: John Harris [john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk] Subject: Request for Advice on Tamiya kits I wonder if anyone else can help this chap, I'll any answers get posted to the 'e-group'. I'll pass it on. Cheers John Harris ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Sunday, December 12, 1999 2:33 AM Subject: Request for Advice I acquired something I did not know existed. I purchased a Tamiya 1/35 T-92* airborne tank. It is built, but the two subsidiary machine gun turrets have disappeared. Might you be able to recommend someone with an interest in old AFV kits or kitbashing who might have spare turrets or an unbuilt kit? Thank you for any assistance which you can provide. John P. Milsop *It is unusual to see a kit of a prototype which did not reach production. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: MALCOLM IRESON [ireson@carltons36.freeserve.co.uk] Subject: BATUS Ferret Please find enclosed a photo of a Ferret in BATUS being used as a range control and command centre. I don’t know whether you are able to print pictures on the weekly news page, but if you are, please feel free. The photo was taken in the summer of 1992, while serving a `BATUS exercise` in Canada, with 1 Bn Devon + Dorset Regiment (the range controller in this instance is Royal Irish Regiment). As far as zap numbers are concerned, I can only comment on Warriors, which as you rightly say were put on the back right hand stowage bin. 432`s had their zap no`s on the right hand side of the hull in line with the driver’s hatch (I also have photos of both above vehicles if you are interested). Back to your original question, as far as I can remember, Ferrets were no longer used as serving exercise vehicles from the time BATUS had Warriors as they could not keep up with the battle group, so they were only used as targets, or painted up pretty colours and used as range safety/range command + control. I hope this is of some help to you, all the best, Malcolm. The vehicle in Malcolm’s photograph looks to be painted sand and green with a white turret and side panels, indicating squadron range safety. I had always thought that range safety staff vehicles were green as all the photos I had seen were uncamouflaged, but it would seem that at least some were so painted. If anyone would like a copy of the photo (.jpg file 34K in size), the easiest solution is to email me offlist. By the way, are those zap numbers white on black? Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: Les Pickstock [J.L.Pickstock@lboro.ac.uk] Subject: Re: Crusader Gun Tractor (Prepare to Delurk) The Crusader was written up completely with drawing in the PSL Guide to Modelling the Crusader. This series of books were written to accompany certain Airfix kits (HMS Victory and the 1/24th Stuka spring to mind). You may be able to find a copy S/H as I think they are long out of print. The book contain many 1/32nd scale drawings including the engine compartment, turret details as well as plans for the gun tractor and the 40mm Bofors version Les Pickstock. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Geoff Cooke [Geoff.Cooke@tesco.net] Subject: Model kits Thanks for the help at the weekend and advice. I am interesting in locating modern armour kits and conversions 1/35. Would like to find Leclerc, AMX 30, AMX 13, AMX 10?, and ZSU 23/4. Many thanks Geoff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: David Clark [dagh@ozemail.com.au] Subject: Staghound Mk III I am trying to determine whether the Staghound Mk III served in NW Europe in WW2 and, if so, when and with which units? I have a 1/76 Ostmodels kit (ex-Cromwell) that I would like to finish with authentic markings. Mike Taylor (who did the update to the Peter Hodges book) says that they were not introduced until after hostilities ended. Don Dingwall (Canadian Tracks) says they were used by the 12th Manitoba Dragoons and he is about to post some photographs on his site. Thanks David (MAFVA 7797) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Brian Carter [brian.c@netcomuk.co.uk] Subject: Scammell Pioneers With the imminent release of the AA Pioneer Recovery truck to be followed next year by the Gun Tractor, if anyone has any questions I own a full size recovery tractor and are hoping to shortly purchase a gun tractor. Happy modelling to you all. Brian C -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: Listmaster Subject: Think Tank over holiday period There will be no issue next weekend as I will be off net due to being isolated from any wall ports into which I can plug a modem. I will therefore incorporate all messages received between this issue and 1st January into the first edition of the last year of the 20th century. ;o) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Lockie (Think Tank Listmaster) Visit the Miniature AFV Association website at http://homepages.go.com/~mafva/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume