"Trucks for Jock Columns " Topic

Just seeking a bit of clarification on the size of trucks used in Jock Columns. I was under the impression the pre Gazalla motorised British infantry were carried in 15 CWT trucks.

Therefore as I use the Battlegroup Tobruk rules for 15mm , I will be looking at replacing the entry in the motor Rifle platoon ie under rifle section "Mounted in a Medium Truck " to mounted in 2 light trucks.

Am I on the right tracks here? I appreciate in reality they were probably mounted in whatever was available as transport was a valuable but relatively scarce commodity in the desert in 1941.

Pre Gazala it was mainly Morris 15 cwt and 30 cwt trucks when they could get them. As you say, it could be any Italian or German truck as well. Don't forget there are some Chevy trucks in there as well!

As you approach the Gazala time frame, you start to see the CMP 15 cwt truck as well as the Bedford 30 cwt truck. The trucks do get larger because the 6-pounder starts to make an appearance at this time as well. The 15 cwt trucks do not make good Portees for these guns.

Don't forget that the Bren Carriers are also be used as weapon carriers and scouts.

This is one of those theaters where you can kinda do what you want and you will still be accurate. Keep mixing it up and you will stay on the right track!

Any truck that ran.

I share trucks between everyone in North Africa.

By the time of Gazala, IIRC, about 80pct of the transport park of Panzer Armee Afrika consisted of captured trucks.

B

Yes, it does seem in NA, with rolling stock any thing that you could get your hands on. That could drive/move/run. And all you have to do is paint over the original owners' insignia. E.g. after Kasserine Pass the Germans had a number US vehicles in their columns, etc.

Thanks guys .
It appears my approach was on the right lines but it is great to get that confimnation from very knowledgeable people.
I am not criticising FOW as it is something that I don't do ,but I have to say they are missing on some of the flavour in desert games by removing transports from their lists.

I think QRF could be my friend here as they do an amazing assortment of soft skins as I do not want too many CMP types to avoid that "standard" truck look. FOW are probably going to be my best source of Italian trucks,

Legion 4 – that was because the Yanks ran away and left loads of perfectly good transport lying around – NOT in this case because the Germans were short :)

Mysteron. Check out Gaming Models gamodls.com/index.html

They do a nice Italian Dovunque 35. I was trying to find the Dovunque or, failing that, the Lancia with an empty truck bed option for some portee items. FOW has both but cast either with the tarp in place (Dovunque) or partially covered and cargo in place (Lancia). The Gaming Models Dovunque was the ticket and not bad at $5 USD a vehicle. Also note you get one free vehicle with every 10 ordered if you have a large enough order. And finally he will apply a single color free of charge. I like to have him paint it black which saves me time on priming.

Legion 4 – that was because the Yanks ran away and left loads of perfectly good transport lying around – NOT in this case because the Germans were short :)

Very true ! And that is another reason why Patton replaced Fredendall. Of course I was not there to prevent all this from happening … so …

Thanks Marc33594.

Peter Pig also do a nice but rather large Lancia truck in 15mm . The only problem I find ordering from the Battlefront back catalogue is that it can be a while before your models are cast and shipped out. Ordering direct from the USA for me is not cost affective because of shipping costs and possible customs intervention.