Bandai, 1/48, M13 Gun carriage,half-track, Tarkas IV
I always had a soft spot for the US halftrack, not being an armour guy I limit my ventures to 1/48. 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.
9 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on February 22, 2018
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!
John Healy said on February 22, 2018
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.
Louis Gardner said on February 22, 2018
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.
Craig Abrahamson said on February 22, 2018
I like it, Robert...those outdoor pics really look good.
david leigh-smith said on February 23, 2018
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.
Robert Royes said on February 23, 2018
An Emerson Lake and Palmer album cover
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
david leigh-smith said on February 23, 2018
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.
Robert Royes said on February 23, 2018
Your learning me again, thanks, I'll never kill a spider if I can help it.
david leigh-smith said on February 23, 2018
Here's the puppy; Tarkas Salticidae...
Rob Anderson said on February 23, 2018
Man I love those old Bandai kits! Great job!
Greg Kittinger said on February 23, 2018
A fun looking project. Nice job!
Terry Schuler said on February 23, 2018
Robert, good looking build, I like it on the diorama. Nicely done !
Jeff Bailey said on February 24, 2018
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.
George Williams said on February 24, 2018
Nice little piece of armour there, Robert, looks like you really enjoyed yourself.
Robert Royes said on February 24, 2018
Thanks guys
David Borth said on May 21, 2020
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.
Robert Royes said on May 22, 2020
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