Diamond T wrecker - converting a tank transporter into a recovery truck - part 1

 I have always really liked the Diamond T wrecker and wanted to convert the Heroics & Ros Diamond T tank transporter tractor unit.  Here is a wrecker parked outside the musee de la liberation in Normany - picture culled from the internet.

This project was another one resurrected from the "in progress" pile at Christmas,  as explained in my earlier post M5 High speed tractor

On with the build!

I had already removed a lot of the rear deck, leaving two wedge shaped sides and the rear box behind the spare wheel.

Here's the original tractor compared to the cut down version (which has been wire brushed, hence shininess).

I bent a staple to make an A-frame from beside the spare wheel to the cab top.

I added at staple to make a frame either side of the generator between the cab and wheel.  Two pieces of .4mm rod to make the acetylene & oxygen tanks.

I tend added two strips of plastic to anchor the rear deck extension.  The strips are the side lockers.

Rear deck added and lockers trimmed to size.

I added a tailgate.

The wrecker has a winch at the front and the bumper has a raised section.  I filed the bottom of the bumper away at the radiator area and added a strip on top to make this feature.

I also added rear mud flaps to tidy up the rear area.  No, you probably won't see much of them...  😀

Here is the rear deck finished.  I added locker lids to the lockers and a plastic carved top to the cab to represent the canvas tilt.  

At this point I'll review the changes to date....

It looks like it can handle rescuing anything....   it also is now definitely different to the original model.

Montebello - BBB "training" game

 On wednesday evening i played my first BBB game in the real world this year - Montebello (20 May 1859, French & Italians v. Austrians).  The small number of models needed, simple terrain and asymmetric forces involved makes it a good starter game, though it is by no means simple or easy.  

Large numbers of not very good Austrians are held up by a smaller force of very good French.  

As this was a week day at the club and we only had two players, the photos are not part of a detailed AAR, more they give a flavour of the game.

I provided my 1809 French & Austrians as i do not have troops for this war, but at least the colours are about right.

Mike had never played before, but got into the swing of things and used his better class, fewer troops to bottle my forces up.  The scenario gives him 3 Generals, useful to positively influence die rolls, whereas I had passive troops, some fragile and no generals at all.

In the end it came down to the final turn of 7, with both of us needing to storm a village for a win, which neither of us did!  Classic BBB !

Pictures from the game...

Austrians slowly deploy, having already had one unit become spent & low on ammo...

The first use of one of my new bridges - see previous blogs - Bridges 1    Bridges 2 

Later in the game, Austrians mass for the charge, but passivity, a lack of generals and low dice, plus French firepower, will slow them down.

The map - the battle can be fought on a table as small as 4' x 4'.  

 

Battlefield Accoutrements - Bridges 2

 Over Christmas I finished off most of my bridges, as described earlier in this post - Bridges 1 and got them table ready.  I've added some rivers and troops for effect:

1.  Bridge in good condition.

Napoleon views his troops as they cross the river.

The same scene with a "hasty bridge" - created by your engineers and sappers from whatever was to hand....  handy for crossing the Berezina!

Finally, retreating armies often burnt bridges in order to cover their retreat.  So here is a suitably burnt bridge!  

 The troops are Baccus 6mm on 1" square Warbases 2mm mdf.  The river sections were made by S&A scenics - I got them last year then moved house, so they have only just had their first combat outing...