1/48 RNZAF WW2 International 1 1/2 ton Refueller
Aug 29, 2021 14:16:55 GMT 12
Dave Homewood and ams888 like this
Post by 30sqnatc on Aug 29, 2021 14:16:55 GMT 12
My latest RNZAF SW Pacific ground vehicle project is an International M-3-4 1 1/2 ton refueller. These were built for the US Navy and US Marines and probably provided to the RNZAF in theatre. An open cab Crash Fire appliance on the same chassis appears to have also been used in the SW Pacific by the RNZAF. More on that in the future 
Information on WW2 era IH trucks is pretty sparse so the model is based on general overall dimensions for that model of truck and a handful of photos each of which seems to show individual variations. I believe these may include fuel versus oil tankers. Some have round rear mudguards and full side bins while others have rectangular mudguards and just a centre side bin although it is not clear if the rear bins were never fitted or have been removed or damaged in-service.
In the RNZAF Museum photos below showing a Servicing Unit moving on a landing craft there are al least five of these refuellers showing the numerous variations of this vehicle. A common modification seems to be removing the doors from the rear mounted pumping unit. There is also a single IH M-3-4 Crash Fire vehicle.
Rear view. Note the very distinctive curved rear support structure.
Not an RNZAF vehicle but shows the hard life they suffered in use.
The model is based on a 1/48 Tamiya GMC 6x6 fuel truck with the fuel tank from a Hasegawa Isuzu TX40 Fuel Truck. To turn the GMC into the IH involves changing it from 6x6 to 4x4, adding new rear suspension and reducing the wheelbase to 139 inches. The IH cab requires a new bonnet and mudguards.
Information on WW2 era IH trucks is pretty sparse so the model is based on general overall dimensions for that model of truck and a handful of photos each of which seems to show individual variations. I believe these may include fuel versus oil tankers. Some have round rear mudguards and full side bins while others have rectangular mudguards and just a centre side bin although it is not clear if the rear bins were never fitted or have been removed or damaged in-service.
In the RNZAF Museum photos below showing a Servicing Unit moving on a landing craft there are al least five of these refuellers showing the numerous variations of this vehicle. A common modification seems to be removing the doors from the rear mounted pumping unit. There is also a single IH M-3-4 Crash Fire vehicle.
Rear view. Note the very distinctive curved rear support structure.
Not an RNZAF vehicle but shows the hard life they suffered in use.
The model is based on a 1/48 Tamiya GMC 6x6 fuel truck with the fuel tank from a Hasegawa Isuzu TX40 Fuel Truck. To turn the GMC into the IH involves changing it from 6x6 to 4x4, adding new rear suspension and reducing the wheelbase to 139 inches. The IH cab requires a new bonnet and mudguards.
