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Robert Royes
256 articles

Bandai, 1/48, M13 Gun carriage,half-track, Tarkas IV

February 22, 2018 · in Armor · · 17 · 2.6K

I always had a soft spot for the US halftrack, not being an armour guy I limit my ventures to . I picked this up at a model show on the cheap. I thought I could build it for the group build but found out that the M13 was introduced in the Italian campaign. The decals were shot so the markings are of no specific unit. A nice kit, it even comes with the 6 cylinder diesel. of which I neglected to install in fear of fit problems. Had some stuff left over from previous builds so I tried my hand at a little dio. The last photo is my entire amour build collection.

Reader reactions:
5  Awesome

9 additional images. Click to enlarge.


17 responses

  1. Bob, you lucky devil! The one (of several) that got away! I keep hoping someone comes out with a couple of these in 48th. And a bomb truck, a Dodge command car, and a Beep. And an Ambulance!

  2. Nice job, Robert. I remember those 1/48 Bandai kits from the 70s. They were very expensive and I only built two of them, the Kubelwagen and the Hetzer. Your half track is awesome.

  3. Robert,
    Your halftrack looks right at home sitting there on what looks like a real setting of grass and moss. (pictures 8 and 9). It's in good company with your other armor builds ... Well done my friend.

  4. I like it, Robert...those outdoor pics really look good.

  5. Love the guys up the tree! What's the thing with 'Tarkas' ? Yo have a thing about jumping spiders?

    Great to see your work, Robert.

    • An Emerson Lake and Palmer album cover

      1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

      • Hey, Robert, yep - I'm a big Greg Lake fan - just it's also the Latin name of the jumping spider genus. I'm a spider freak.

        • Your learning me again, thanks, I'll never kill a spider if I can help it.

          • Here's the puppy; Tarkas Salticidae...

  6. Man I love those old Bandai kits! Great job!

  7. A fun looking project. Nice job!

  8. Robert, good looking build, I like it on the diorama. Nicely done !

  9. Looks fine, Robert! When I saw Tarkas IV on the 'track, my mind went immediately to the great album "Tarkus," by E.L.P.

    I didn't know about the spider. Nice wee collection of armour.

  10. Nice little piece of armour there, Robert, looks like you really enjoyed yourself.

  11. Hi Robert Royes - I realize this in an old thread bit thought I’d see if you are around and can answer a question. I see you don’t have any figures in your diagrams, particularly no gunner in the twin 50 pod. I’m just finishing this kit - started 20 years ago. I note that the turret won’t rotate upwards if the figure, foot control, and front shield is installed. Did you discover that as well? Love the detail on this kit - but this to be a mistake with the kit. Thanks.

  12. You might be right. As I recall I had trouble putting the gun assy. together, besides which I really don't do figures well. I wish I still had the model, it was destroyed, along with a few others in a house renovation. It was a nice kit, would be nice to see the old Bandai kits produced again, what armour I do I like the size of 1/48.@dborth

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