What a fantastic display of Armortek models there was at Stoneleigh, a credit to Armortek and to the various owners who brought their models along. The pièce de résistance for me was, of course, the M2 halftrack. My first impressions were WOW!!! It sat there all shiny and new, Mark started her up for me and she burst into live with the unmistakeable burble of the White engine. This beast, for it is quite large, looks like a halftrack, sounds like a halftrack and as I discovered later steers just like a halftrack (you try getting my M3 out of my barn!). It is a first class model well up to Armortek's standards.Now, unless you have developed a shrinking ray gun, no model is 100% correct in every detail. You have to compromise between authenticity and cost. Having cast my eye over the M2 here are my thoughts on where you will need to add some extra detail. Please note however that Dave Dibbs/Armorpax are producing some of these parts, but not possibly all at the moment. An opening there for Mike Stannard perhaps?
The first thing I noticed is that the armour is not quite scale thickness. I don’t know what gauge Armortek have used, but to be to scale the windscreen armour should be 2mm thick and the rest 1mm. A simple fix would be to glue plasticard to one face to bring it up to the correct thickness. When it is painted you will never know. Those of you who need to keep everything metal may have to fabricate new. Please bear in mind however that weight is a problem as the battery size you can use is limited. More weight means less running time, probably a good reason why Armortek have kept the initial weight down.
The floors/running boards are smooth metal. These should be fabricated from chequer-plate, using the originals as patterns.
There are no instrument gauges, switches or data plates. I can take close-up digital images of mine to help you replicate these.
There are no gear change/transmission leavers or foot pedals.
The front seats need to be fabricated. The two outer ones need to be folding and the middle one for the M3 needs to be tipping.
The gusset reinforcing plates and rivets are missing from the join between the chassis and the bumper.
I can’t remember if a tow hitch was fitted.
The M2 requires tripod brackets on the rear armour.
Can’t fully remember but there did not appear to be enough bolts in the armour.
The bonnet catches and grab handles are missing.
There was no skate rail (M2 only).
Some of the door fittings are missing.
Filler caps & fuel lines need to be added to the fuel tanks.
Grab rails need to be added along the bottom edge of the front & rear seats.
Adding the above will give you a pretty damn accurate halftrack. If you need detail shots/measurements of these parts just let me know.
Has any of the above put me off buying the model? Not on your life!!! Like all these models adding extra detail makes it yours. Mind you, if your making a part make one for me! I can butcher a bit of metal and blow holes with the welder as well as anyone, but making a small detail piece that looks like it should, no way!!!
Hi Mark, I’m glad you think my review was fair. I was worried that it might come across as a bit negative. That was not the intention. I was just pointing out where owners could improve the breed if they wished. Even if they left it ‘stock’ it is still a very nice model and very reasonably priced. I’m glad that there is such an interest in aftermarket parts for the halftrack, a bit different to the Sherman! I know Dave is very busy on the Maxson mount, could Mike Stannard come in and produce some of the other parts? Also a pulpit mount for the M2A1 & M3A1 would be right up his street (hint, hint!).
Deck Type 4 is the one that I would like to go for, at 1/6 scale close enough for me and I would expect most people too!