Builds 1/35th scale M42 Duster by AFV Club

[Daz]

but the M113 has given me an idea for a diorama. I have a half built one of these in the stash, might be time to finish it
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21.5 minutes worth of time seeing as your on a go slow

 

[Rodney2q]

I think one of Vietnam war referenbce books has an amusing anecdote about the Duster. I'll have a look and see if I can find it.

 

[SPROCKET321]

the details inside the open turret are excellent, but so fine, and very fiddley, have to be patient and allow parts to dry and harden before going on the next stage.

there are only three PE items in the kit, two are these sighting vanes

metal barrels attached, now for their muzzle brakes/flash hiders

 

[Goldbricker]

but the M113 has given me an idea for a diorama. I have a half built one of these in the stash, might be time to finish it
View attachment 473212

Tis a Gasoline engined variant, the AFV club or Academy ones are better

Ditch the .50' for a later Tamiya one that actually have the spade grip and D80030 mount

.50 Cal M2HB Mounts: One Style Does Not Fit All!

Thin the brush guards
Replace the crap tracks
Replace the figures, fuel cans

 

[Rodney2q]

Found the bit about the M42 Duster - it's in the Osprey book Armour of the Vietnam Wars...

It describes the M42 as a pretty rare beast - many US troops never even saw one, however the Dusters were invariably placed in positions where their firepower was needed, resulting in the crews seeing a lot of action. During enemy attacks the Dusters were priority targets for the enemy and always drew heavy fire as the enemy tried to destroy them.

Apparently Duster crews spent a lot of time on road security and convoy escort duties as well as firebase security. To ease the boredom the Duster crews frequently carried tranistor radios and cassette players on board so the crew had some music. ACcording to the author of the book Jimi Hendrix was the music of choice during firefights.

Phan Rang 1967... three Airborne soldiers who had completed their one year tour spent their last night on the base before shipping out in the morning. They had spent the last year operating in the mountains and jungle far from roads and base camps, but as experienced infantrymen they were put on perimeter guard for their last night.They were posted next to a Duster.

Airborne - "What is it?"

Duster crew - "It's a Duster, an M42"

Airborne - "You guys Armoured cav?"

Duster crew - "Naw, we're ADA"

Airborne - "AD what?"

Duster crew - "Air Defence Artillery"

Airborne - "Looks like it can really rock and roll"

Duster crew - "Want to see it mow some grass?"

Airborne - "Sure"

The Duster crew fired off four long bursts into the bush...

Airborne - "Bet it draws a lot of fire"

Duster crew - "No lie, GI"

The airborne soldiers picked up their kit and walked away to find somewhere further away from the Duster to spend their last night.

 

[SPROCKET321]

the muzzle brakes/flash hiders are odd pieces, here they are resting on front of the hull next to the drivers hatch, shame as they hide the excellent muzzle crowns of the metal barrels, but they were on Vietnam Dusters, so on they go.

 

[SPROCKET321]

the salt technique, real patients needed here, wet the hull with a brush and water with washing up liquid in it, sprinkle salt in the areas you want the effect to show worn, blistered, peeling paint. overspray with a different shade of Olive drab. left to dry somewhere warm, stage one.

 

[jagman2]

2nd one shows some pretty slick fellas reloading!

 

[Rodney2q]

2nd one shows some pretty slick fellas reloading!

Nothing says "f*ck you, get some!!!!" quite like quick firing AA guns used against dismounted ground troops...

The M163 Vulcan 7.62 Gatling gun was trialled in Vietnam and used against ground targets. Highly effective I believe.

 

[SPROCKET321]

the second stage of the salt technique, slight variation of green to the last overspray, gives a very subtle result, but it doesn't look overdone, here's the front hull escape hatch.

the peeling paint has worked quite well at the back of the turret just above the turret ring.

the camera focused up this close shows up some construction mistakes, hairs, real dust...

 

[SPROCKET321]

the front track guard still has traces of salt left to be scraped off

so does the rear deck

 

[Simmerit]

very nice build and paint job

 

[SPROCKET321]

Thanks Si.

the final pieces, the track breaking tools, tow gear, M60 and it's mount and some four round clips of 40mm.

 

[Daz]

the front track guard still has traces of salt left to be scraped off
View attachment 473674
so does the rear deck
View attachment 473676

Use vinegar then, works on my chips



Cracking job

 

[Rodney2q]

the second stage of the salt technique, slight variation of green to the last overspray, gives a very subtle result, but it doesn't look overdone, here's the front hull escape hatch.
View attachment 473668
the peeling paint has worked quite well at the back of the turret just above the turret ring.
View attachment 473669
View attachment 473670
the camera focused up this close shows up some construction mistakes, hairs, real dust...
View attachment 473671

Never seen that before - probably a bit of overkill for smaller wargame models - but it looks very realistic.

Every day a school day...

 

[Rodney2q]

Nothing says "f*ck you, get some!!!!" quite like quick firing AA guns used against dismounted ground troops...

The M163 Vulcan 7.62 Gatling gun was trialled in Vietnam and used against ground targets. Highly effective I believe.

Oops! My mistake - the M136 Vulcan was a 20mm system...

Anyway, here's a clip of it doing its thing...

 

[SPROCKET321]

Finished, track breaking tools fitted, spade, pick, sledge hammer, a place for everything, and everything in it's place.

 

[SPROCKET321]

on the whole, an impressive kit of a little known piece of kit.

 

[Helm]

Nice job as ever on that mate.

 

[Daz]

on the whole, an impressive kit of a little known piece of kit.
View attachment 473968

Great job.....now take 30 seconds off before you start work on the next masterpiece