MiniPainterMatt  | 26 Dec 2012 7:08 p.m. PST |
Two questions about the PSC M3 Halftrack: Does anyone know the release date? Does anyone know whether it will permit conversions into other variants (esp the GMC)? Thanks!
Matt |
| nazrat | 26 Dec 2012 9:14 p.m. PST |
If they do it like the 251s (and I'm reasonably sure they will) then they will release the box of regular halftracks and then another with all the bits for other versions. No idea on release, though. |
| taskforce58 | 26 Dec 2012 9:28 p.m. PST |
They have to fix their website first. |
| Hornswoggler | 27 Dec 2012 4:36 a.m. PST |
Still waiting for 251 Ausf Cs in 1/72… :o( |
| Griefbringer | 28 Dec 2012 8:48 a.m. PST |
As regards release date, I think the same applies as with most other plastic manufacturers: they are ready when they are ready, and there will probably be a news item posted on TMP once this happens. It seems to be difficult to estimate accurate release dates until the moulds are almost ready. That said, my impression was that it is under work and quite high on their priority list, so we will probably see it released sometime next year. |
| angusin | 15 Mar 2013 3:32 p.m. PST |
Already out since yesterday… but no pics yet.
link |
| jameshammyhamilton | 15 Mar 2013 3:55 p.m. PST |
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| Hornswoggler | 15 Mar 2013 9:37 p.m. PST |
The M3A1s depicted on the box art appear to be late pattern (demountable headlamps, hood gas cans and mine racks) with "winch" front end. Interesting to see how many differences between the M3 and M3A1 build ie whether it's just MG configuration or if there are options with respect to some of the other features. |
| 1815Guy | 16 Mar 2013 6:22 a.m. PST |
Its a shame the 1/72nds always seem to follow on very much later with PSC…… :o( |
| Hornswoggler | 16 Mar 2013 7:01 p.m. PST |
Its a shame the 1/72nds always seem to follow on very much later with PSC…… :o( I second your :o( |
| (Stolen Name) | 17 Mar 2013 1:27 p.m. PST |
Wow they include 40 figures too and at £3.80 GBP = AU$ 5.70 as against $13.50 USD with 3 crew.
I have el cheapo ones personaly but maybe time for some new M3's that I can make into Gypsy Caravans! |
| mysteron | 18 Mar 2013 4:31 a.m. PST |
I think the 1/72nds will be caught up escpecially the US stuff as they( PSC) are closely involved with Battlegroup Overlord as the main distributer . As a business person you really wouldn't want to miss this boat with just having your 15mm stuff available . |
| mysteron | 18 Mar 2013 4:57 a.m. PST |
Just an update following on from above. 1/72nd Halftracks are scheduled for release at Salute ( April 2013), which is the same time as the BattleGroup Overlord. So there is something for you 1/72nd gamers after all :D |
| Weland | 18 Mar 2013 10:39 a.m. PST |
Creating an upgrade sprue for the GMC, M15, M21, M16, etc would be great. Similar to the 251/D sprue. The upcoming M5 Stuart box will be another good buy. |
| Hornswoggler | 30 Mar 2013 7:06 a.m. PST |
I have just been looking at the sprue and build instructions for the US halftracks (15mm version), which are now up on the PSC website. Some quick comments based on what I can see (or deduce) from the images. The good. Usual array of stowage options from PSC. Pedestal or pulpit MG mounts, .50 and .30 MGs. roll bumper or winch front end configuration, rivets in place if mine racks are left off, etc, etc. The less good. MG pulpit appears to have been moulded with the side armour extension peculiar to the M3A2 (which never saw service). This duplicates an error contained in the Academy US halftrack and will need to be removed for an accurate M3A1. The headlamps (which are moulded in place on the mudguards) appear to represent late pattern demountables. I would need to check references but doubt these would be common if using the pedestal MG option to create the M3 version. The picky. The armoured visor is moulded onto the bonnet so quite a bit of work if you prefer to model it open. It would also have been nice if the mines were not moulded in place in the mine racks as it is far more common to see all sorts of other gear carried in them – but at least they only take up half of the space. The purley personal. The driver and co-driver are moulded in their seats. I know I am in the minority here, but some people do like to model their vehicles without any crew figures (but with seats!). I know I am just gonna have to suck it up and get used to this with PSC. |
| Lion in the Stars | 30 Mar 2013 4:49 p.m. PST |
The purley personal. The driver and co-driver are moulded in their seats. I know I am in the minority here, but some people do like to model their vehicles without any crew figures (but with seats!). I know I am just gonna have to suck it up and get used to this with PSC. Why wouldn't you want a driver in the vehicle (assuming that the vehicle crew is more-or-less separate from the squad)? That's a great deal, by the way. $26 USD for a whole platoon makes an Armored Infantry company affordable! |
| Hornswoggler | 30 Mar 2013 5:12 p.m. PST |
Why wouldn't you want a driver in the vehicle (assuming that the vehicle crew is more-or-less separate from the squad)? Well in fact with this kit there are two guys moulded in their seats in the front but as I said, it is purely a personal preference of mine; my drivers are members of the squad and do get out and fight with their grease guns ! |
| number4 | 30 Mar 2013 11:21 p.m. PST |
Only if they survive a shell hitting the vehicle or want to risk court martial for leaving their posts in combat. Their SMG's are for self defense – the dismounted squad should be at least several hundred yards further forward….. |
| Hornswoggler | 31 Mar 2013 3:12 a.m. PST |
Not always… FM 17-71: Crew Drill for Half-Track Vehicles…
22. DISMOUNTED ACTION …
c. Dismounted action with machine gun.—For dismounted action with the vehicular machine-gun, the order in a above includes "DISMOUNT WITH MACHINEGUN." At the command of execution— …
(7) Driver.—At command or signal, moves the vehicle to cover and rejoins the squad with his submachine gun, one box of caliber .30 ammunition, the spare parts roll, spare barrel, and the vehicular first-aid kit. If the driver must remain with the vehicle, as in a defensive position, this equipment, except the submachine gun, is taken by No.—6.
link I might also add, further to the earlier post, …(assuming that the vehicle crew is more-or-less separate from the squad)? that apart from the driver, the other chap moulded in his seat actually occupies the position of the squad leader in an armoured infantry squad. |
| Marc33594 | 31 Mar 2013 4:28 a.m. PST |
Nice catch on the MG pulpit! Given the soft plastic nature it should not be too hard with a sharp #11 blade and razorsaw to correct but still not sure I would have noticed! |
| Hornswoggler | 31 Mar 2013 5:24 a.m. PST |
Cheers Marc, Yes, good it's an easy fix ! |
| number4 | 31 Mar 2013 11:15 p.m. PST |
Got me on that one – although he's still an ammo bearer for the MG rather than 'fighting with his grease gun'… Makes you wonder just how often the hefty water cooled Browning M1917 was ever dismounted for use in offensive actions though! |
| Skelnag | 04 Apr 2013 8:24 a.m. PST |
PSC on the right, BF on the left. I know which I prefer, although to be fair that is a very old BF model. |
