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Nicely done, The Shadow. I particularly like the M7 in the background. I've collected about 6 of the Solido M7 Priests with the intention of repainting, decaling, and building a consist of them. Using the Atlantis models, I've also considered doing the same thing with the towed 8" like the one Trainbros89 built. (Which is also nicely done, BTW).

Jim,

Thank you.  The Solido M7's are hard to come by at a reasonable price.  I like to get them as cheap as possible because I then have to upgrade them to something less toy-like.  Have you heard of Peddinghaus Decals from Germany?  They offer sets for 1/48 vehicles.  You may be able to get a set for Priests that allows you to have multiple different numbers.

I have about six of the Atlantis 8" howitzer kits in the "to be built" collection.  Maybe someday I'll have the time...

@RoyBoy posted:

What is the time line or theater difference between the white star and the white star with the white circle around it?

I thought the star with the circle were D-day and later, but maybe that is not so?

The circled stars were for all Allied vehicles, including Commonwealth forces, in the European Theater only. Before that policy was put in place right before the Normandy invasion, British/Canadian vehicles ran the risk of fratricide from American gunners due to what were markings which varied from unit to unit.

The 'surround' star was not used in the Pacific, had limited use in Italy at first, and never used on stateside vehicles (unless it was one of those rare ones which was shipped back from England).

Marine Corps and Navy vehicles carried no stars.

As for stateside Army vehicles, sometimes they didn't even use a star at all. In some cases, they'd use a large white version of the Service Command insignia that would apply for that part of the country.

@Jim Brenner posted:

Nicely done, The Shadow. I particularly like the M7 in the background. I've collected about 6 of the Solido M7 Priests with the intention of repainting, decaling, and building a consist of them. Using the Atlantis models, I've also considered doing the same thing with the towed 8" like the one Trainbros89 built. (Which is also nicely done, BTW).

Though I have a few Solido tracked vehicles I bought the first time I went to Europe, I'm not a fan of them on my layout because they're all 1/50 scale. Next to my 1/43 scale vehicles, they look very odd. I have one CCKW in stateside markings hidden in the bushes next to a 1/48 scale MB Jeep in the backdrop on my layout for forced perspective. So far, only one visitor has ever noticed them, as I have a lot of trees in front of them.

Last edited by p51

Thanks for the information about the stars. FWIW, I came across a picture on The Google showing a newly built M3, M4, and M7 outside a plant in (I think) New Jersey. It was probably taken in 1942 or very early 1943. All three vehicles used similar suspensions and I think that was why the photo was taken. None of the vehicles had markings, but that was probably because they had not yet been inspected and accepted into government service. A consist of newly delivered vehicles on its way to Camp McCoy, WI, has a certain attraction and would fit in with my Milwaukee Road beer line.  After all, beer and redlegs are a naturally occurring phenomenon. 

On a more serious note, I agree about the 1:50 scale, but Solido is about the only game in town for artillery. Aside from the Atlantis models, the only other models I've come across are old Life Like models of M40 motor howitzers and 155mm Long Toms. They are 1:40 scale and are hard to find.

Jim

(1st Bn, 2nd FA, 8th Inf. Div., Baumholder, Germany, 1979-1982).

@Jim Brenner posted:

Thanks for the information about the stars. FWIW, I came across a picture on The Google showing a newly built M3, M4, and M7 outside a plant in (I think) New Jersey. It was probably taken in 1942 or very early 1943. All three vehicles used similar suspensions and I think that was why the photo was taken. None of the vehicles had markings, but that was probably because they had not yet been inspected and accepted into government service. A consist of newly delivered vehicles on its way to Camp McCoy, WI, has a certain attraction and would fit in with my Milwaukee Road beer line.  After all, beer and redlegs are a naturally occurring phenomenon.

On a more serious note, I agree about the 1:50 scale, but Solido is about the only game in town for artillery. Aside from the Atlantis models, the only other models I've come across are old Life Like models of M40 motor howitzers and 155mm Long Toms. They are 1:40 scale and are hard to find.

Jim

(1st Bn, 2nd FA, 8th Inf. Div., Baumholder, Germany, 1979-1982).

Jim

would love to see pics of your MR Beer Line! I model MR late 20's to 40's in O 2 rail

The latest mayhem:

Pair of Solido Dodge WC-54 trucks (US Army Signal Corps and Medical Department) on a B&M 40' flat (AHM):

IMG_2537

Can't remember the manufacturer- Soviet cargo truck and homemade crate loads on a shrimpy NP flat (K-Line?)

IMG_2544

Big shout out to Mike at K4 Decals for producing a FANTASTIC sheet of US Army vehicle decals!!!!!!  THANK YOU!!!!!

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