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.

US M5 High speed tractor - model redeemed

 Some while ago I bought a few US M4 high speed tractors from Heroics & Ros.  Whilst most of the castings were OK, one had suffered in the mould and was not going to be "table worthy".  It was bent to the left and the cabin area was only about 2/3 of the required height.

The model nearest the camera is the donor vehicle.  As the running gear was in better condition and height than the bodywork, I decided to create a M5, adding a cabin and reducing the rear deck.  Then it got put in a drawer until this Christmas, when I thought I'd have a go at rescuing it and finishing the model.

Here's the US M4, M5 & M6.

Here's reference photos for the cab.

Suitably armed with a plan, I removed all the bits I did not want and filed down the rear deck and around the sides.

This was then boxed off.

I added the cabin, the rear deck, the rear overhang for the engine radiator, tools, MG mount & cover, front bonnet and fender.  I added the prominent side bars to each side of the running gear.  Sorry, too busy making to photo each stage!

I also bent the legs on a 105mm Howitzer and added a stowage box so the tractor has a load to pull.

Most of my artillery will be truck towed, but as I had the model anyway, I thought I might as well try to make use of it!

As ever, I hope that this inspires you to have a go at making your own.

D-Day Dakotas

 A few photos of my D-Day Dakota Fleet.  Fuselage codes CJ - 71st Sdn, & CU 72nd Sdn, both from 434 Troop Carrier Group, 53rd Troop Carrier Wing.  Based at Aldermaston.

The planes are Tumbling Dice 1/600.  The USAAF decals are Doms Decals.  The wing stripes are painted by hand - as were the originals!  The D-Day markings do make the slightly boring OD over light grey a little more eye-catching.

The initial D-Day drops of 82nd & 101st Airborne took place on the night of 5/6 June, so this must be one of the follow up drops on 6 June.

3 planes from each squadron:

After running into the Luftwaffe.....