From: Think Tank Subject: Think Tank Vol. 0051 02/09/2000 Think.tank@tesco.net ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS' INDEX 1: Sextons 2: IDF 'HUMVEEs' 3: Sextons II 4: Bellona Military Vehicle Prints 5: Panhard 178 6: Italy 7: Sexton All Stars -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD INDEX 1: London MAFVA Open competition 2000 2: Tankettes for sale -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MODELLERS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: John Harris [john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk] Subject: Sextons Hello all, There is (or was) a Sexton at the Aldershot Army Museum, actually in the car park, and parked near a grassy knoll which allows views of the interior. What I don't know is how many 'post-war' additions or alterations are in the preserved vehicles, I think that the Sexton survived until the Abbot was introduced, could anyone confirm that? Cheers John Harris john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk UK Military Modelling http://www.ukmilmod.force9.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: John Harris [john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk] Subject: IDF 'HUMVEEs' Hello to one and all, I've just got the AEF Designs conversion for the IDF HUMVEE "Patrol", the kit is quite good, certainly above average for resin conversions, it's a pity that they are not readily available in the UK, though mail order seems reliable. The kit includes several colour photos of the real thing, but I wondered if anyone had any further references or photographs of this vehicle. The vehicle competed against an indigenous patrol vehicle, but I understand it won the contract, at least in part, because the basic HUMVEEs would be provided "free" under US aid agreements. Incidentally, I've added a list of AEF's new releases to my web site, look under 'Model Manufacturers' Thanks in advance. John Harris john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk UK Military Modelling http://www.ukmilmod.force9.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) From: John Harris [john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk] Subject: Sextons II Sorry all round, the brain is in "slo-mo" this week, there is a Sexton at 'Fort Nelson', near Portsmouth. I think this example is a runner and is used in displays of firing, so I presume the gun is complete. John Harris john@ukmilmod.force9.co.uk UK Military Modelling http://www.ukmilmod.force9.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) From: Malcolm N. Waite [mw99@rapid.co.uk] Subject: Bellona Military Vehicle Prints Hi I don't suppose anybody out there has a Series Twelve they would like to dispose of. Have been tidying up again and found 12 missing from set. Regards Malcolm Waite Liverpool -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) From: john.baumann@talk21.com Subject: Panhard 178 With reference to Mike Fosgett's request, Item 10): Think Tank Vol.0050 26/08/2000. There is a Panhard 178 A/C residing in Saumur Tank Museum, unfortunately its interior is stripped bare although the vehicle is the subject of long term refurbishment (it hasn't progressed much since 1986!). Sometimes it's on museum display and other years it goes ride-about on tours during the course of various promotions. Apart from previously mentioned sources, I have several (mainly) French published articles on this AFV, including a partial mirror image of the interior. The rail version of this appeared in Paul Malmassari's Armoured Train book. I have no recollection of this being in Czech Service unless I missed something along the way. I would be happy to copy the material I have for the cost of 3-4 International Reply Coupons. While I am always willing to help members with requests, people still wonder why I am always harping on about SAEs and IRCs. It is quite unfortunate that UK mailing costs have recently escalated to the point where it may cost anything up to £2-3 to post minimum weight envelopes Stateside. Contrary to belief, none of us get any central funding so this can become quite a drain on personal resources, to the point where I can no longer sustain such form of subsidy. John Baumann, MAFVA Information Officer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) From: Listmaster Subject: Italy It has been suggested that we should visit Italy later this year and Sorrento and Sicily are on the "possibles" list. Anyone have any experience of either, particularly with regard to military sites, model shops and museums? Alternatively, any other areas of the country that are worth visiting, as it seems a shame to waste the trip on holiday stuff ;-).. Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) From: Daniel Taylor [d-taylor@dircon.co.uk] Subject: Sexton All Stars Many thanks for the myriad responses to my questions about roof stars and Sextons. Astonishing how many of you have been planning to build the latter for some years. I get the impression that modelling is more of a relay than a straight race. Anyway, as sometimes happens, more questions present themselves as soon as one scratches the surface. First, the stars. The observation that the ruling governing the stars having one point directed to the rear of the vehicle appears to work with a couple of exceptions (according to the photographs I have looked through. You'll possibly know the picture of a troop of Shermans passing through the square of Douvres-la-Deliverande. The one taken from the church tower looking down on the tanks. The subject Firefly has a star on the centre of its rear deck with the point facing forward. For reference, it can be found on p565 of ATB's D-Day then and Now. The other is of a bunch of MT on an LCT bound for France (damned if I can find the ref. now). Again, a star pointing forward so there seems to have been a little variation before the regulation came into effect. Second item, the Sexton. As there was clearly some form of rolling development programme, plus bags of retro fitting of improvements, it is a little unclear what sort of fit was appropriate for the early part of the Normandy Campaign. If I am right, the following features would be about right: Rear swept return rollers Chevron (M3/4 type) track with same drive wheel Single piece cast or three piece final drive housing. According to the photos I have seen, Canadian Dry Pin track and its 17-tooth drive wheel came in somewhat later (maybe post war?). Is this about correct? Are there any other points I should be mindful of? Thanks again for your help. Dan Taylor Stars - the Douvres shot also appears in After the Battle magazine, Issue 1, p29. I think the MT shot may be the one published in p.42 of Wise's "D-Day to Berlin", which shows several British jeeps. The same tome contains a photo (p.19) of US MT on an LST, with several jeeps showing stars on canvas covers for their folded down windscreens. Five point forwards, two rearwards ;-) Sextons - the CDP track was the original design, I suspect because Canada was lacking in sources of rubber to make live track, so the CDP skeleton design was adopted. It also appears on the Grizzly and Skink. However, once in NWE, there was obviously more difficulty in securing replacement CDP track (and its special sprocket) so it seems that before long, regular M4-type track and sprockets were used instead. Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADERS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & NOTICEBOARD -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) From: john.baumann@talk21.com Subject: London MAFVA Open competition 2000 May I remind people that the MAFVA London Group will be holding their Annual Open Competition on the 9th September at St Mary's Church Hall, Edith Road, West Kensington, London. Further details may be obtained from Peter Bailey on 01474-536232 John Baumann, MAFVA Information Officer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) From: Listmaster Subject: Tankettes for sale The following information has been received via Paul Middleton and will shortly be sent to Tankette for an advertisement, so this is your advance opportunity. A long-standing MAFVA member in Kent has a collection of 187 issues of Tankette, from Vol.3 No.5 to Vol.35 No.4, less 12/1 and 31/3, cost £90 the lot. Apparently he also has a collection of 900 kits (of which I have no details) but wants to sell those as one lot as well. The prices quoted are ex-shipping, so please bear that in mind if you are not in the local area! His address is: Roger Lewis 116 Shorncliff Road Folkestone Kent CT20 2PQ Tel. 01303 256252 PLEASE CONTACT ROGER DIRECT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED - I HAVE NO MORE INFORMATION THAN THIS. Robert -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Lockie (Think Tank Listmaster) Visit the Miniature AFV Association website at http://homepages.go.com/~mafva/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of Volume