Operation 'Blacktop' WW2 Style

[Braille- dave]

OK gentlemen, something a little rarer...


Diamond T 968 with Williams Bros 'SnoFlyr' snowplough


As used by the RAF from about 1943. These were originally developed for the US Navy, based on a highway model, which was in turn developed from a railway snowplough. The 'SnoFlyr' was also fitted to FWD HAR-1 and SU-COE models. Both of which also were operated by the RAF. Most RAF examples used a Coventry Climax R6 to power the plough, through a transfer box, and supply hydraulic power for the controls and lifting gear.


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I used the IBG Diamond T 968 kit, left the winch off, front bumber and added a frame to the front chassis members for the snowplough.


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I scratched-built the snowplough and the auxiliary engine housing, using plasticard and microstrip and rod.


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The colour is US Olive Drab, mixed to Mike Starmers specification, using Humbrol enamels. Glosscoted, decals added, a little dark wash, then mattcoted.


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Finally dusted the wheels with artists pastels. The base was created using cotton fabric, with black acrylic dry-brushed in places, and a decorators filler called 'One-Time' layered on- This filler is basically a deep filler, and uses micro balloons to get the depth. It's used almost dry, so you can create lumpy snow around the tyres. I tried to get an impression of a cold wind on the airmans Don R.


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[Lee W]

That looks great...totally different but great


Lee

 

[takeslousyphotos]

Fantastic idea....... Great detailing. I like that a lot.

 

[papa 695]

Very nice indeed

 

[eddiesolo]

I like this, great model making. Top work.


Si

 

[Laurie]

Very original Dave and a very nice model.


Laurie

 

[My Model Car Workshop]

Nice model and scene. It looks like real snow. Well done!

 

[Polux]

Lovely build! Very nice

 

[Doug Hughes]

Really good, Dave - a nice bit of old-style conversion work/scratch building. Love the setting, and the snow. Thanks, too, for your 'construction notes' - it's good to know how you achieved some of these great effects.

 

[flyjoe180]

Great job on a unique subject Dave. Love the base and figures too.

 

[Braille- dave]

Thanks for all your kind comments- I must admit I'm quietly pleased with the way it's turned out....

 

[yak face]

Superb work Dave ! as Si and Doug say its great to see a fine bit of scratchbuilding , and the result is fantastic and (in model form anyway) unique. Loving the snowy base too ,although i fear for the poor bloke stood in front of it , I hope hes going to shift when it gets fired up!! Great build in every sense , cheers tony

 

[Braille- dave]

Sorry for extended reply Tony...


He'll be fine! I'm told that in the days before edge markers (Basically 2' foot sticks painted orange) an airman would be sent out to find the edge of the runway with feet or shovel. He'd guide the plough onto the start point for the first run, then get out of the way!


Nowadays of course, at the beginning of Winter, a party of airmen will go out and put marker sticks out at regular intervals down either side of the runways and taxiways...

 

[dougie]

That's a cracking looking vignette, great work

 

[tr1ckey66]

Very nice conversion Dave and nice scratch building skills.


Welcome to the forum


Cheers


P

 

[scorched_earth_policy]

Great build I love the 'simplicity' of the scene, brilliant scratch building too!