AEC Mammoth Major 8 with 4 Inch Mk IX Gun (Ex-Navy)

Discussion in 'Modelling' started by Neilie, Apr 6, 2017.

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  1. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    In the weeks following Dunkirk, the Royal Artillery having left the majority of their guns in France, resorted to some unusual means to obtain firepower. A number of commercial and military lorries were hastily converted to “gun trucks” and fitted with various guns they could get their hands on. Some of the heavier lorries, namely AEC and Foden were fitted with ex-Naval guns mothballed by the RN.
    Some time ago, Dave Rhodes had sent me some plans done by Dick Harley, who I’m sure most of you know as a frequent and knowledgeable contributor to Tankette magazine of the MAFVA. I knew at some time I would build one and the inspiration struck, so armed with Dick’s plans, some photos including some from the IWM, some early articles and an EFE model of an AEC Mammoth 8 Wheeler not to mention much encouragement from Dave, Dick and Les Freathy, I started to build one of the “Suzies” so nicknamed by the Army. It is entirely scratch-built save for the cab, cab interior and wheels. The gun is the Naval 4” Mk IX and was built from plans and photos kindly forwarded by Dick. As usual, colour info was solicited from Mike Starmer and here, I have to say I strayed a little and used G4 Dk Grn for the disruptive rather than the Dk Tarmac Mike suggested….sorry Mike… just thought it fit in better! The white rear and gun are thought to be camouflage for the caves along the chalky cliffs of Kent. As this was only designed to fire backwards, they presumably would be driven into the mouths of caves along the coast. The markings are minimal as shown in the IWM photos with only an “8” on each door and a “20” speed sign on the rear. No front view was available to show any other markings but it is thought some of these vehicles served with 115 Bty of the 32nd Field Regiment in Kent during the summer of 1940.
    Sorry for the lengthy post, but I thought such an unusual vehicle deserved a little explanation.

    Cheers,

    Neil DSCF3724.JPG DSCF3726.JPG DSCF3729.JPG DSCF3730.JPG DSCF3733.JPG DSCF3732.JPG DSCF3724.JPG DSCF3726.JPG DSCF3729.JPG DSCF3730.JPG DSCF3733.JPG DSCF3732.JPG DSCF3724.JPG DSCF3726.JPG DSCF3729.JPG DSCF3730.JPG DSCF3733.JPG DSCF3732.JPG DSCF3724.JPG DSCF3726.JPG DSCF3729.JPG DSCF3730.JPG DSCF3733.JPG DSCF3732.JPG
     
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Neil great show mate
    thank you for posting

    regards
    Clive
     
  3. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    Thanks Clive.....It seems I got a little trigger happy with the picture posting so maybe someone can fix it....I was trying to revert back to just the thumbnail photos but it posted all my attempts plus the full size....oh dear!!

    Cheers,

    Neil
     
  4. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Neil

    You have done it again - well done lovely job

    TD
     
  5. CommanderChuff

    CommanderChuff Senior Member

    Neil,

    Great model, assuming that the gun is scratch built please could I have copies of the drawings and photos, it was interesting about the white camouflage which is another unknown to me, I am back to my ambulance coach now, thanks for posting,

    David.
     
  6. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    Hi David....sorry I missed this earlier. Thanks for the comments and I will try and send the info through the message feature.

    Cheers,

    Neil
     
  7. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Wow, what an unusual vehicle!! Well done, Neil. Was your base colour SCC2?
     
  8. Neilie

    Neilie Member

    Thanks Chris for the great comment. This vehicle was in use before SCC2 came on the scene and the base colour is G3 Khaki Green with G4 Dk Green disruptive. I mentioned the latter in my description but neglected to mention the base so thanks for asking.

    Cheers,

    Neil
     
    Chris C likes this.

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