My M3 halftrack

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:41 pm

Any experts on US uniforms ?

Re the crew shown at Souk el Khemis.

The three on the right seem to be wearing beanie hats. The only likely hat I can find reference to is the "jeep cap" but this had a peak and none appear to be visible in this picture. Is it likely they are wearing jeep caps and have folded the peak in, or removed it altogether ?

The happy chap in the centre (who reminds me of James Mason!) appears to be wearing something under his helmet. Is that another tankers helmet as per the 2nd from the left ?

At least two appear to be wearing coveralls. Would these be herring-bone twill (HBT) worksuit as per the Dragon Eddie Strong figure ?

Thanks

Adrian.

Dave Dibb (Armorpax) · Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:27 pm

Hi Adrian,

I'm no expert but the thing that looks like a tank helmet but isn't is the cold weather cap, very similar to the USN deck cap with neck piece and chin strap and often worn under the steel pot and sometimes on its own. Can't lay my hands on it at the moment but have some good pictures of the item somewhere. Caps do look like ordinary beanies rather than Jeep caps and may not be standard issue, possibly locally acquired or brought with them although as I said I'm no expert. As to the overall's? I'm not sure but they could be HBT,

cheers

Dave

Tony Read · Post by **Tony Read** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:22 pm

The guy on the left is wearing the first pattern 'Suit, work, one-piece, herringbone twill, OD' overalls (HBT's) identified by the two breast pockets (probably over his normal uniform), service shoes and M1 helmet with what looks like a scarf.

The second guy (appears to me to be the commander) is wearing the 'Jacket, combat, winter' also known as the 'tankers jacket' as it was mostly issued to armoured troops. His trousers are the mustard shade wool and his headware is the 'Helmet, combat winter'. His boots, humm, too high for the service shoe, possibly the 'short' 11 hole parachute boots or 'Corcorans' as they are now known. Might also be a pair of artic overshoes? He is also wearing wool gloves, probably home-front supplied.

The third guy is easy, M1 helmet, tankers jacket, wool trousers and service shoes.

Fourth guy - Looks a bit glum to me! M1 helmet over the 'Helmet, combat winter', 1st pattern HBT's, a 'Belt, cartridge, cal.30 M1918 (dismounted)', and service shoes. He is armed with either the M-1903 or M-1917 rifle.

Fifth guy - on his head is what appears to be a home-front knitted version of the 'Cap, mechanic's, winter, Type A-4'. This was issued to airforce mechanics but was also favored by airborne troops. It is similar to the 'Cap,wool, knit, M-1941' but never had the stiff peak. The 'home-front' items were donated to soldiers by welfare committees. This guy is wearing the tankers jacket over his HBT's over his normal uniform (you can see the mustard trousers poking out the bottom). Must be cold! He is wearing service shoes and is armed similar to the fourth guy.

Sixth guy - the NCO - wool knit cap, tankers jacket, HBT's over normal uniform, service shoes and appears to be wearing his 'Leggings, canvas, M1938, (dismounted)'.

Guy in the halftrack - Wool knit hat, scarf, HBT's.

Hope this helps!

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:00 pm

Thanks for the pointers, especially re the winter cap.

The only place I've found a 1/6th version is in a Korean GI Joe set. Not sure how close it is but I've ordered one to have a look.

I've also ordered a couple of modern beanies for the home-front caps.

Tony, odd you think number two is the commander - I had that role pegged on muber three!

What makes you say number six is the NCO ? There's a patch on his arm but I can't make it out. There also appears to be something on the arm of number one but I can't make that out either.

If you scanned this from a book, is there any chance you could email me a high res scan ? My email address is in my profile and there's no limit on my email size

Adrian.

Tony Read · Post by **Tony Read** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:20 pm

Adrian,

Try this for the knit caps:

http://www.redplanettoys.com/lg_hg_allies_1.html

Don't know if anyone does a 1/6 winter combat helmet, I have a real one to copy if anybody is good with a sewing machine!

The second guy from the left appears to have officers insignia on his shoulder - probably an LT. The sixth guy appears to have two stripes on his shoulder with what looks like a T below, making him a Technician 5th grade. You look to be right about the first guy, looking through my magnifying glass he appears to be wearing Staff Sergeant stripes.

I'll try to sort you out a higher res image.

Tony Read · Post by **Tony Read** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:49 pm

Just remembered this famous photograph which proports to show Joachim Peiper with his Schwimmwagen close to Malmedy and St Vith during the battle of the Ardennes. The guy in the Swagen is wearing a US winter combat helmet!

Dave Dibb (Armorpax) · Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:17 pm

New I had a pic somewhere, Tony seems to have filled in the 99.9% I couldn't

I know Dragon were doing some sort of Ardennes thingy with the Schwimmer, did they do the winter helmet with it? if so you might be able to source one from one of the parts etailers

cheers

Dave

Tony Read · Post by **Tony Read** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:35 pm

Thats the puppy Dave!

Guy wearing it looks a bit pale though!

Dave Dibb (Armorpax) · Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:21 pm

Tony Read wrote:Thats the puppy Dave!

Guy wearing it looks a bit pale though!

He needs to get out more, has to spend all his time locked away from the sun making model parts for tank people

Tony Read · Post by **Tony Read** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:51 pm

Dave - that made me laugh so much, I nearly choked on my digestive!!!

Found this on the web - figure is based on the Schwimm-driver in the photo I posted, AND is wearing the winter combat helmet! The figures are available as limited editions - can anyone find a supply of the helmets?

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:41 am

Hmm, $129 for a hat

Seems a little expensive even for me

Although I suppose I could seel off all the other parts of the figure

Adrian.

Tony Read · Post by **Tony Read** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:50 am

I did see one a little bit cheaper than that

but can't remember where! Probably on one of the evilbays! Don't know if its worth contacting 'JimmyD711' to see if they can supply hats?

BTW, Adrian - did you have that halftrack book?

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Tue Mar 04, 2008 8:54 pm

> BTW, Adrian - did you have that halftrack book?

I do indeed

I'd forgotten how many great pictures there are in this particular book.

Real life is preventing any modelling time at present but I hope to have some time later in the month.

Adrian.

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Mon Apr 21, 2008 5:38 pm

The winter combat helmets have arrived from Japan:

To say I'm pleased with them would be the understatement of the month!!

Adrian.

Tony Read · Post by **Tony Read** » Tue Apr 22, 2008 1:10 pm

Crikies! That is the tops!!

Who stocks them Adrian? I want some!!!!!