Marmon-Herrington Mk I South African reconnaissance armoured car

[BarleyBop]

So the Brits had a problem: Italy was firmly entrenched to the west of Egypt and the Suez, but they had also colonized the Horn of Africa to the East.
That could not stand, so they decided to confront the Italian and Colonial armies to the east.
South Africa stepped up to the challenge and one of the vehicles they put into the fight was a South African armoured car, built onto an American Marmon-Herrington truck frame and engine.

While researching this vehicle, I came across an amazing build with scratch-built enhancements that blew me away.
Unfortunately, I spent the whole day trying to find the links to that build, the pics of which must not have been easily dowloaded.
So I have no reference pics to show, or the great walk-around video of an actual vehicle.

If anyone recognizes some of the details of my build, which pale in comparison to the ones that inspired me, please let me know so I can make the proper attributions.
I also scoured my bookmarks, of which there are many, with no luck!

So, to that builder who shall remain anonymous for now, I tip my hat!
They say the best way to learn is at the feet of a Master; wherever you are, you earned that accolade!

 

[BarleyBop]

The kit was from IBG; with my limited number of builds I have to say I was pretty happy with it.

It came together right around the same time as the BEEP, so they shared some time on the bench summer/fall 2023.
As I was going to try some scratch enhancements, no shiny aftermarket PE baubles this time.
I added the figure summer 2024.

 

[BarleyBop]

As per usual, my unexpected fascination with engines asserted itself (no surprise to you auto and aircraft builders whose engines I've been drooling over!)



reference photos of period MH engines seem to show plugs wired through some conduit?
So I tried to emulate that.
I realize that military engines of the time may not have been so colorful, but it does add contrast and make details pop!







always plenty of water, oil and fuel on hand!

 

[BarleyBop]

first pass at the kit radio was, m'eh... but I spruced it up somewhat by the time it took its place in the back of the car.


Radios are fun, and there are plenty of references on the internets... now this plugs in here, and that to that, the power goes in here, the headphones....

 

[BarleyBop]

if I recall, the Master really wanted to bring a rather unexciting interior and turret to a higher level of authenticity.
Details such as view port covers, stowage nooks in the fighting compartment, ribbing in the turret, rivets and the hatch mechanisms, he had added based on the actual vehicle. Darn! I wish could find those pics and links!

Anyhow, here is what I was able build with Polystyrene, copper ribbon, aftermarket rivets, brass rods and tubing... some is simplified, some of the Master's work just too far beyond my abilities.

My first encounter with resin rivets!



added stowage straps on the wall, ammunition case on the floor below the turret



ribbing, turret ring with handle, a nice little styrene swing for the gunner in the turret!



I was pretty happy with my hatch mechanisms, and you can just see a document pouch on the wall; additional sliding viewport covers, inside and out.

 

[BarleyBop]

The fighting compartment starts to come together!








for reference: the totality of the kit turret

 

[BarleyBop]

Home stretch!

I tried making my own decal of the SA flag, had to touch it up as the orange just wouldn't print properly





"Another fine day in the Horn of Africa!"
... and the slight mottling of the dry-brushing comes through! I can probably afford to go farther; baby steps

 

[airdave]

As per usual, my unexpected fascination with engines asserted itself (no surprise to you auto and aircraft builders whose engines I've been drooling over!)

View attachment 133108

reference photos of period MH engines seem to show plugs wired through some conduit?
So I tried to emulate that.
I realize that military engines of the time may not have been so colorful, but it does add contrast and make details pop!

View attachment 133109

I thought I recognized that fuel pump!

Not specifically a "military engine"
Thats just a stock Ford 3ton Truck chassis (Canadian) with a Ford V8 Flathead (American).
So yes, those colours would most likely have been accurate for that engine...at least until things got dirty.

The sparkplug leads had a cloth outer cover. Just the way they were made.
I guess it was just additional protection for the rubber underneath.
(and yet, the sparkplugs were still left unprotected from wet!)

 

[BarleyBop]

Ha, glad you recognized it! I don't know much about 'em (engines) but love the looks of them!

And I can't resist adding a few details... seems only right!
Especially since they typically get less exposure in the modeling world than the windshield wipers!

Cheers

 

[BarleyBop]

Postscript:
I finally found that source referred to as 'The Master' from which I learned (and emulated) so much!
It was in a back issue of Military Modeling International Vol 45 No.5 2015.
The article was by John Prigent, where he fully details the IBG Mk.1 1:35 kit, titled 'The First Marmon-Herrington'.

 

[Grumpa]

I love your work so far, great attention to detail.

Jim.

 

[Jakko]

John Prigent always wrote good articles about how to add details to a kit, backed up by all kinds of photos that I certainly had never seen before. Too bad he passed away not long ago

 

[BarleyBop]

John Prigent always wrote good articles

Yes, that one was certainly an eye opener for me, mixing research, scratch building techniques and respect for the subject matter in a thoughtful approach.
Sad to hear of his passing. I will certainly keep my eyes open for other articles by him.

your work so far, great attention to detail.

Thanks for your comment Jim. As noted above, on this particular build, it was by following John Prigent's lead that I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed detailing a model, drawing from great reference material and photos.