

The vehicle
“The Morris Commercial C8 FAT (Field Artillery Tractor), commonly known as a Quad, is an artillery tractor used by the British and Commonwealth, during the Second World War. It was used to tow field artillery pieces, such as the 25-pounder gun-howitzer, and anti-tank guns, such as the 17-pounder.” [1]
“The Ordnance QF 25-pounder, or more simply 25-pounder or 25-pdr, with a calibre of 3.45 inches (87.6 mm), was a piece of field artillery used by British and Commonwealth forces in the Second World War. Durable, easy to operate and versatile, it was the most produced and used British field gun and gun-howitzer during the war.” [2]
The kit
Airfix 1/76 kit [3].
Assembly

The worst thing about these vintage kits is that they come with no clear plastic cut outs for the glass. Therefore, I had to trace the holes on Tamiya masking tape, attach that to a plastic sheet and then cut them out. A lot of sanding down and re-attempts were done before they were glued in place with a canopy glue. Even then, they are not perfect, but better than nothing! The whole process was as boring as it sounds.
To me, the wheels for the tractor look a bit too big!
Painting





The base colour was AK Interactive Real Colours “S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab” (RC875).
Weathering


Usual things here – minor amounts of chipping at this scale, rust paints, oil wash (“Raw Umber” and “Starship Filth”) and pigments (“Europe Earth”, “Airfield Dust”).
The base

I cut a base from 4mm thick MDF sheet. AK Interactive “Neutral Texture for Earth” (AK8023) was applied and, once dry, various paint tones. After sealing with a gloss varnish, an oil wash was added. This done, I flattened it all down with matt varnish and then dripped pigment fixer to the whole surface and dropped on pigment until the surface was covered. Basing glue was then painted along the sides of the track and 2mm grass flock dropped from a static applicator. All of these I got from WWScenics. A few extra bit and pieces – other bushes, stones – were added and it was done. To secure everything, I usually dill holes in the wheels of the model to insert 4mm brass rod and likewise the base in the appropriate place.
References
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