Author Topic: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968  (Read 24478 times)

Offline LemonJello

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Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #25 on: March 17, 2014, 06:18:57 AM »
This is a work of art-in-progress.  The added bits are seamlessly integrated into the base kit.  Amazing, simply amazing.

Offline FAAMAN

  • 'bin building for years ....... and it feels it!
  • Always thought of himself as a 'straight' modeller
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #26 on: March 17, 2014, 05:24:29 PM »
You always were jealous of me coming first in our intake and getting S-K-Y-H-A-W-Ks (not $h!#duck!) whilst you were left languishing on poor old S-2Gs. ;D ;D

Is this a Navy tank? ;D Or have you just lost your colour definition? ::) I believe you need to green this some fella!! ::)

As usual, superb work you old Screwbird!!  8) 8)
"Resistance is useless, prepare to be assembled!"

Offline Kerick

  • Reportedly finished with a stripper...
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #27 on: March 18, 2014, 02:01:32 AM »
Guy, do you plan to install a searchlight above the gun tube?  It would be appropriate for that period when your M41 would be in service.  The same searchlight as used on the M48 and M60 would be ideal for your project.

I second this motion!

Offline father ennis

  • I got paint older than most of you guys ...
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Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #28 on: March 18, 2014, 10:27:19 AM »
Don't know if you are aware of it but you can clean out those vision blocks and add them later if you want. Done it myself so's I know.  Really excellent build here,lad.  Hate to see you gone but the RW has to come first. I can assure you you will be missed, my friend.
I may be old but I'm not dead ... yet anyway ... !!!    And NO I did not know Richard III !!!!!!

Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
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Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #29 on: March 18, 2014, 09:28:14 PM »
Thanks, gents! :icon_alabanza:

As the gentleman, above, has suggested that I fit a searchlight over the barrel... It may well happen (M-48 detail set).... One day.

:icon_music:

Guy

PS: Re: this
You always were jealous of me coming first in our intake and getting S-K-Y-H-A-W-Ks (not $h!#duck!) whilst you were left languishing on poor old S-2Gs. ;D ;D

Is this a Navy tank? ;D Or have you just lost your colour definition? ::) I believe you need to green this some fella!! ::)

In case you've forgotten, dude, I came 2nd by about half a mark & chose to work on real planes (with prop's, & pistons, & stuff). ;)

Marines is almost Navy; but, no, it's not staying grey, it's going to going to be standard US OD.... With weathering & trying some new techniques (like dot filtering?). :)
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline Brian da Basher

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Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #30 on: March 20, 2014, 06:29:25 AM »
I really like how the paint made all those parts cadged from other kits blend right in!

With all those cool guns, I'd sure hate to meet this beast in a dark alley!

Brian da Basher

Offline finsrin

  • The Dr Frankenstein of the modelling world...when not hiding from SBA
  • Finds part glues it on, finds part glues it on....
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #31 on: April 02, 2014, 02:45:29 AM »
Those additions really enhance look of M-41. 
1950s tanks (M-41, M-47, M-48) have class to start.  This makes it better :)
« Last Edit: April 02, 2014, 01:52:03 PM by finsrin »

Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
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Re: RAM's M41AS Vietnam 1968
« Reply #32 on: May 31, 2014, 07:57:18 PM »
Just because I've got nothing better to do, right now, I'm going to give you the run-down on why the M41 build occurred (apart from because I had one in the stash).

The theory behind the M41's in RAM's service is that, with National Service & the increased demands on available resources due to their operations in Viet Nam, the RAM's found themselves short on armour in the field but unable to afford to buy anything. They approached the US with an eye to leasing something. The US needed its remaining M48's & their M60's but was in the process of introducing the M551 into service. As the M551 was replacing the M41 in US service, this meant that there were M41's to spare. Slightly modified these entered service with the RAM's as the M41AS Rowell (after Gen. Sydney Rowell, the only army officer to become an honorary Marine), obviously becoming the "Syd" in RAM's vernacular.

Just for fun I'll give you the run-down on what my model & dio will depict.

The diorama it will be placed in will include the Italeri SAS Pink Panther Land Rover, from which the loader's mg came, modified & painted as a RAM's vehicle plus figures in the Land Rover, on/in the M41AS & on foot. The vehicles & troops (maybe with a civilian or two) will be depicted travelling along a road in South Viet Nam.

The write up will include something along the lines of;

M41AS Light Tank
Bravo-3, 2 Troop, B Company, Royal Australian Marines Armoured Regiment depicted on the road near Nui Dat during the Tet Offensive two days prior to being separated from the main force by a spirited Viet Cong attack. Whilst separated from the rest of the RAM's forces Bravo-3 received a hit to the turret from an RPG rocket. A partial penetration of the armour knocked out the turret & wounded the gunner (Lance-Corporal Thomas Lieberstadt), loader (Marine Jeremy Davenport) & commander (Sergeant John Richter). The driver (Corporal Clarence "Clarry" Cranfield) was unharmed. As Corporal Cranfield attempted to extricate his tank from the ambush a second RPG knocked out the right track. Corporal Cranfield then got out of the driver's compartment & into the turret, where he used the .50 calibre machine gun to knock out the enemy RPG position. During the next 25 minutes Corporal Cranfield engaged in an almost constant battle with Viet Cong troops moving in on the tank. Alternating between firing the .50 calibre heavy machine gun, at the commander's cupola, & the 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun, field-mounted next to the loader's hatch, & administering first aid to his crewmates, Cranfield was forced in one instance to resort to using his side-arm to shoot enemy personnel from the hull of the tank. After 25 minutes troops of D Company, 2 RAMR, reached Bravo-3 & extracted the wounded men from the vehicle, by this time Corporal Cranfield had, himself, been wounded twice, once in the left arm & once in the face. Luckily both wounds were minor. Unable to hold the ground D Company destroyed Bravo-3 in situ, with a satchel charge, & withdrew to the main RAM force, so an accurate body-count is unavailable. However, experienced Marines amongst the relieving troops estimate that Corporal Cranfield may have killed up to 20 Viet Cong & may have wounded up to 3 times as many. For these actions Corporal Clarence Cranfield was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

PS: The designation has changed slightly from M41AM (Australian Marines) to M41AS (Australian Service), it just seemed more right to me & had been my initial working designation (until I forgot it :-\ ).

:)
« Last Edit: May 31, 2014, 08:06:35 PM by Old Wombat »
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline FAAMAN

  • 'bin building for years ....... and it feels it!
  • Always thought of himself as a 'straight' modeller
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #33 on: June 01, 2014, 06:57:09 AM »
 :)
"Resistance is useless, prepare to be assembled!"

Offline Volkodav

  • Counts rivits with his abacus...
  • Much older now...but procrastinating about it
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #34 on: June 01, 2014, 12:42:48 PM »
A VC in any other conflict

Offline Rickshaw

  • "Of course, I could be talking out of my hat"
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #35 on: June 01, 2014, 12:49:25 PM »
Only a DSM?  Yes, thats about right for the stuffed up Vietnam era awards system.  I've read citations which would, in other conflicts have earnt a VC.  The award of medals in Vietnam is still a bugbear amongst veterans.  Cranfield deserved a VC, I'd suggest from this account.   8)

Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
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Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #36 on: June 01, 2014, 11:03:32 PM »
I'm pretty sure he was just glad to get out of it alive! ;)
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline Silver Fox

  • Talk to me Goose!
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #37 on: June 01, 2014, 11:11:05 PM »
I would suggest, with all due respect, that the LAST thing the poor Corporal would wish to see is a bloody VC! Seems he has seen his fair share recently

Besides, where would he keep the little pajama-clad blighter?? :)

Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
  • "Define 'interesting'?"
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #38 on: October 07, 2014, 07:11:54 AM »
Well, "there was movement at the station for the word had got around..."

The RAM M41AS is sitting on the dining table waiting expectantly because (Ta-dah!) yours-truly has broken out the airbrush equipment!

I'll be trying to fit in a crash-course on operating it today & will try to get the basic paint work done on this before the weekend, when I intend to take it to the SAPMA Expo as a WIP.
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline FAAMAN

  • 'bin building for years ....... and it feels it!
  • Always thought of himself as a 'straight' modeller
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #39 on: October 07, 2014, 12:08:38 PM »
Wot airbrush do ya have, jus' take your time with it and you'll even amaze yourself with the results!! :D :D
"Resistance is useless, prepare to be assembled!"

Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
  • "Define 'interesting'?"
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #40 on: October 29, 2014, 02:45:22 PM »
Well, it's been a cruddy 6 weeks on the modelling front - I've barely been here at all because I've been using what teeny-weeny little time I've had to build.

This has got OD paint on it & decals, that's it.

I haven't taken any photo's & my camera's packed away 'coz I fly back to CI too-early tomorrow.

Sorry! :icon_crap:

PS: Neil, I've got a Badger & an Iwata Neo - I used the Neo.
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline Blackbat242

  • Newly Joined - Welcome me!
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #41 on: July 04, 2015, 01:27:56 PM »
OK, Old Wombat - now you've done it!

Let me introduce myself - I am a former USMC Sgt (aviation, I fixed avionics on A-6Es & F/A-18s in the 1980s), and I have 6 different Alt-History Aussie military programs going (they vary by start year, diverging point, and whether other nations are also diverging [I've got 2 friends that tend to run the UK, US, Canada, or a completely alternate Peru/central SA nation]).
Their start-dates are: 1935 (solo), 1945 (group with the US and UK), 1950 (solo), 1954 (group with UK & Canada and a little US), 1962 (solo), and 1980 (group with the UK, Incafed [Incan Federation}and some US).

That said, the 1950 & 1954 Alt-Australia buys the M41 (and a few M42s) just after the Korean War, and the 1962 has some picked up as Oz gets involved in Vietnam - very much like your plan. The 1945 may well have Australian M24s just in time for Korea and M41s built with the 90mm gun from ~1956 on.

As for "spare M41s", the US Army handed over M41s to the ARVN fairly early on (the first ARVN M41 units saw combat in 1965), and around 200 were eventually transferred - so you should be able to get as many "in-country transfers" as you want.

Offline Rickshaw

  • "Of course, I could be talking out of my hat"
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #42 on: July 04, 2015, 06:44:39 PM »
Blackbat242, you might therefore be interested in the Australian Army's acquisition of the M41as1, the M551as1 and an alternative history of the Great Southern Land...

Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
  • "Define 'interesting'?"
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #43 on: July 04, 2015, 11:58:47 PM »
Holy thread revival, Blackbat! :icon_surprised:


My Alt History begins its divergence in 1790 & has been moderately described up to 1915, so far - I really must get back to it soon. ::)


Link to the thread: http://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=3682.0
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
  • "Define 'interesting'?"
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #44 on: July 16, 2018, 09:55:27 AM »
Crikey, it's been a long time since I posted on this build! :o

After a l-o-n-g hiatus & then sitting in my modelling space on the dining table for about 4 months, now, next to the Matilda I was building 6 months ago when I started entering a mojo-failure phase (I started coming out of it a week ago - YAY! ;D ), there is movement happening on this.

Nothing to photograph, yet. I've just painted the Fruilmodel tracks (which I built in early March), put some weathering on it (OK, a lot), almost finished the crew (not the ones I had almost finished FOUR YEARS ago - which I only found yesterday in a box of Vietnam era figures for the diorama this is going in), & sorted some stowage to busy it up a bit with, which I'm about half-way through doing.

Hopefully I'll have some photo's up in the next week or so. :smiley:


Many thanks to Volkodav, who reignited my motivation to build ... anything ... by starting a conversation on converting a M41 for Australian use post-WW2. :icon_alabanza:
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline FAAMAN

  • 'bin building for years ....... and it feels it!
  • Always thought of himself as a 'straight' modeller
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #45 on: July 16, 2018, 06:04:12 PM »
I know what you mean by Mojo-fail, my Mojo fell off a few months ago just after I was told by PM on another forum in a nice friendly way I was a "crap modeller  :smiley: ".
For some reason it's knocked me for a loop  ::) ::)
Get into it Wombat, your skills are in desperate need of a good shake  ;) ;) ;) ;)
"Resistance is useless, prepare to be assembled!"

Offline Old Wombat

  • "We'll see when I've finished whether I'm showing off or simply embarrassing myself."
  • "Define 'interesting'?"
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #46 on: July 16, 2018, 06:56:00 PM »
Thanks, mate! :smiley:


My feelings on the matter of criticism are as follows;

1) I build for myself. If I like it that's what matters, if others like it that's a bonus, if they don't ... Meh! Who cares?

2) A true critic will highlight the good, explain the bad & provide suggestions for improvement. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they haven't quite got the point but they criticise with the intention of helping the recipient improve.

3) Only the weak attack the person & their opinion is worthless.
"This is the Captain. We have a little problem with our engine sequence, so we may experience some slight turbulence and, ah, explode."

Offline Brian da Basher

  • He has an unnatural attraction to Spats...and a growing fascination with airships!
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Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #47 on: July 17, 2018, 06:06:07 AM »
I like your approach to the hobby, Mr Wombat.

The late, great Al Superczynski said "Build what you want the way you want to and above all have fun!"

Sound advice.

Brian da Basher

Offline Kerick

  • Reportedly finished with a stripper...
Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #48 on: July 17, 2018, 08:16:16 AM »
Glad to see this build back in action!

Offline Dr. YoKai

  • Was in High School when mastadons roamed the plains...
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Re: RAM's M41AM Vietnam 1968
« Reply #49 on: July 17, 2018, 11:34:11 PM »
What he said. I get mojo-fade from time to time, and will go for weeks just sifting through the parts boxes. Glad you're pulling out of it.