Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Millitary miscellany; Tanks, AFV, Trucks and other Soft-Skin vehicles etc.
Post Reply
User avatar
Corricon
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 1035
Joined: September 3rd, 2017, 2:32 pm
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs

Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by Corricon »

In response to a previous post I thought I'd add a bit more detail on how this one will be achieved. I will be employing the SandSModels conversion kit yet again, however this time it is for the Airfix kit. Initially I built the hull up as per the Airfix instructions, leaving out the sponson gun:

Image

Next I laid the white metal parts out roughly where they were to go on the kit:

Image

Next I added the hull conversion parts and also dry fitted the tracks:

Image

The reason for dry fitting the tracks was to see if all the added metal would be weighty enough to allow the tank to sit down onto the tracks.
Next up will be the turret and jib assembly.
Steve
Now a full time modeller!
User avatar
JohnRatzenberger
Why is he so confused ?
Posts: 15708
Joined: April 5th, 2011, 3:42 pm
Location: Living on a sandbar - Nags Head, NC.

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by JohnRatzenberger »

That's a good point on checking how the white metal parts effect the tracks, and testing that before hand.

The T-2 / M-31 is one of my favorites. I long ago started a major conversion, to include full interior, of the Tamiya Lee but set it aside. It's still boxed up. Since Academy came out with a new Lee and a couple folks have new aftermarket for the T-2 conversion and since I've learned something about making tool chests and cabinets, I keep wanting to drag it all out again. Sigh ...
John Ratzenberger :???:
It's my model and I'll do what I want with it.
User avatar
Corricon
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 1035
Joined: September 3rd, 2017, 2:32 pm
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by Corricon »

As I'd just put the Cromwell aside to dry that I am making via the workbench window I thought, as I was in a 'building mood', I'd tackle the crane head and turret parts for this M31 TRV:

Image

Next up I will need extend the rear stowage boxes to the edge of the hull before I get to add some paint to it
More updates to follow.
Steve
Now a full time modeller!
User avatar
gnomemeansgnome
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 5269
Joined: July 16th, 2013, 4:03 pm
Location: No Fun City

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by gnomemeansgnome »

This is a very cool conversion.
Ego no habeo consilium.

ICBM = Insatiable Collector and Builder of Models
User avatar
Corricon
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 1035
Joined: September 3rd, 2017, 2:32 pm
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by Corricon »

This afternoon, just for once, I managed to get some more done to this one. The rear stowage boxes have now been extended to the rear and to outboard of the hull:

Image

Hopefully it'll get some paint tomorrow.
Steve
Now a full time modeller!
User avatar
gnomemeansgnome
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 5269
Joined: July 16th, 2013, 4:03 pm
Location: No Fun City

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by gnomemeansgnome »

I wonder if those dummy cannon barrels ever got in the way or fooled the enemy. Interesting conceit to have them, either way.
Ego no habeo consilium.

ICBM = Insatiable Collector and Builder of Models
User avatar
Corricon
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 1035
Joined: September 3rd, 2017, 2:32 pm
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by Corricon »

This has now had it's first coat of OD:

Image
Steve
Now a full time modeller!
User avatar
Corricon
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 1035
Joined: September 3rd, 2017, 2:32 pm
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by Corricon »

There has been more progress with this.
First off I fitted the tracks and completed most of the paintwork:

Image

Then I fitted some extra stowage:

Image

This was then painted and it is also kleared ready for decals:

Image

Updates will follow.
Steve
Now a full time modeller!
User avatar
Corricon
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 1035
Joined: September 3rd, 2017, 2:32 pm
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by Corricon »

A little more progress this evening and managed to get the markings applied. It now needs flatting down, a few touch ins and some weathering and it'll be complete:

Image
Steve
Now a full time modeller!
ShaunW
NOT the sheep
Posts: 26118
Joined: November 26th, 2011, 6:11 pm
Location: Pontefract West Yorkshire

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by ShaunW »

Nice one. The S & S parts make for a good looking conversion.
Doing - Tamiya 1/35th Universal Carrier.

Work is the curse of the modelling classes!
IPMS#12300
User avatar
Corricon
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 1035
Joined: September 3rd, 2017, 2:32 pm
Location: Huntingdon, Cambs

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by Corricon »

Had a good session this morning and the TRV is complete, with some rigging, chain and a crew member:

Image
Steve
Now a full time modeller!
ShaunW
NOT the sheep
Posts: 26118
Joined: November 26th, 2011, 6:11 pm
Location: Pontefract West Yorkshire

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by ShaunW »

Very nicely done, Corricon.
Doing - Tamiya 1/35th Universal Carrier.

Work is the curse of the modelling classes!
IPMS#12300
User avatar
ntrocket88
Active Participant
Posts: 827
Joined: July 2nd, 2012, 11:49 pm
Location: New Jersey, USA

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by ntrocket88 »

Excellent work!
Neil

'With every model I learn a little more...and then the next one takes longer!'
User avatar
gnomemeansgnome
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 5269
Joined: July 16th, 2013, 4:03 pm
Location: No Fun City

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by gnomemeansgnome »

Nice!
Ego no habeo consilium.

ICBM = Insatiable Collector and Builder of Models
User avatar
PTB11
Modelling Gent and Scholar
Posts: 2462
Joined: April 30th, 2015, 12:50 pm
Location: Belfast

Re: Airfix 1/76 M3 Lee/Grant to a M31 TRV

Post by PTB11 »

Excellent work. It looks great.
Regards, Paddy.

On The Bench
Fujimi 1/72 A-7E Corsair II
Post Reply

Return to “Tanks, AFV and other Military Models”