Connecting the Troopers of Today with the Veterans of Yesterday.
Modeling of armored vehicles, 1956 - 1962
As an avid builder of airplane, railroad, ship, and car models, I am wondering if there are others who enjoy such hobbies.
Does anyone remember the M-52 105mm self-propelled howitzers that we had at Ft. Meade, MD? There are no commercial models available. However, there was one on the internet of 1:35 scale. When I inquired, it was a resin model and had sold for around $13,000.00.
I am in the process of constructing my own. So far I have used two M-41 Walker Bulldogs, an M-4 Sherman, some plastic sheets, and a .50 M2 machine gun kit to get mine going.
Is anyone else working on such projects?
Please advise. Thank you.
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Permalink Reply by Sigmund Fertig on
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Good morning my friend, very interesting stuff. I was stationed in Bamberg,s 2nd Battalion, Howitzer Company, we had 5 M-52's and 3 M-59 Personnel Carriers, one of which was mine and I operated an ANGRC-19 radio, CW operator ( Morse Code ) my driver was a guy about the same stature as I from Texas ( Richard Cross ) It was his job when he shut the engines down
to climb out of his hatch and put up the antenna.
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Permalink Reply by Robert Burns Wadley on
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Hi. Sigmund.
It is always great to get a note from you. Once again, you have surprised me with your experiences. When our 1st Battalion arrived in Bindlach, West Germany, there were no M-52s to be seen. Instead, the howitzers were mounted on half-tracks. After that, I believe that our support became 81mm mortars in the M-59s and then later on they were in the new M-113 type vehicles.
I am really jealous that you all had the M-52s. That was the first armored vehicle I ever drove, but I later learned to appreciate the M-41 Walker Bulldog. Of course, when we got to Germany we had the M-48 Patton, but by then I was driving the "Old Man".
I remember one very hot and dusty day at Grafenwoehr. We had been fighting the war all day. The C.O. became agitated about the tanks bunching up as we took a hill, and radioed the tank commanders to spread out. One tank commander, Master Sergeant Aiken, told his driver, "Move over away from the others. That is what the 'Old Man' keeps harping about." Then, realizing that he was not on the intercom, he said, "I mean, that's what he don't want." Ahhh, those were good days when we were young warriors.
I wish I could have been with you, either driving the M-59, or sparing you on the CW while you enjoyed your "Franks and Beans" followed by my favorite, Chocolate Pound Cake.
I hope that you never keyed the radio while Cross was attending to the antenna.
Pictures of the model that Dave Gettman looked up have been a big source for the detailing that I am doing on my version of the M-52. I fear that my efforts do not measure up, but I believe you will be impressed with what I have done. My model is over 90% complete. Right now I am attending to hinges, hatch handles, and rivets. After that I will paint it and post a few pictures for all of you M-52 crewmen to enjoy.
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Permalink Reply by Arthur D. Lovelace on
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I I remember Sgt Aiken. I was in B Trp 2nd platoon from March 1960 til I made e-5 and was transferred to 1st platoon. Was extended 6 months because of Berlin wall
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Hello Sgt. Lovelace: Sorry I missed you. I left Binddlach in February 1960. For a long time, I regretted that, but at the time it seemed like a good idea. I recently learned that my sweetheart there, her mother, her sisters, her brother and his wife are all deceased from one cause or another. I am 78 now, so I guess that should make sense. I do remember when the Berlin crisis began. They moved some of the very large M-103 tanks up to the border area. We had the 50 ton Patton tanks and were totally amazed at the size of the interior of the turrets on those things. Thank you for your note. Robert
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I just missed you. Arrived at theRock and immediately sent to Graf iin March 1960. Was driver of B22 jeep for year or so. Went to Hof ,Kronach, Bindlach and Graf 3 or 4 times . Was extended 6 months when Berlin Wall was built. Stayed 32 months in Germany. Loved the work, enjoyed the German folks and managed to learn some language . I'm 77 and finally retired. 30 years as physical science tech in Fed govt, 3years in Army and lastly 19 years managing apt complex. Lots of model builders
here in Alaska. Those long winters lend themselves to inside activities. Sorry to hear of your losses. I was engaged to a beautiful girl from Naila but her parents would not give permission. They did not want to lose their daughter to the States. Life goes on. Wound up Marrying a Canadian Indian and married 44 years. Two smart beautiful daughters ? Hope I have not talked too much. Take care
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Well, I see you answered quickly. It is nice to read of your accomplishments. I see that you have made a success of your work and your family life. Regarding my model, I wonder if it is possible that you might have accumulated some interior photographs of the M-52 SP howitzer or the M-59 personnel carrier?
Do you live in a city in Alaska, or do you have a cabin out in the wilderness? There is a local TV station that shows videos of gold mining operations, crab fishermen, and bush pilots that work in Alaska. The whole adventure of Alaska just seems overwhelming.
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Thanks for the response. I was never around the Equipment you are modeling. 2nd ACR was primarily M-48 tanks, M113 APC's, M38A1 jeeps and later M151 jeeps. I presently live in largest city (Anchorage)in Alaska. Pop. about 250,000. Earlier lived in Skagway(Pop 6000), Juneau (pop 15000). Wife traveled a lot for our Faith so Anchorage was more accessible. Wife was from Yukon Territory and we moved to Alaska from California in 1969. Love it here. Wilderness 10 miles out of town with moose, bears and other assorted wildlife showing up on our streets at times. Best of luck on your modeling research. Art
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Hello Sgt. Lovelace: Sorry I missed you. I left Bindlach in February 1960. For a long time, I regretted that, but at the time it seemed like a good idea. I recently learned that my sweetheart there, her mother, her sisters, her brother and his wife are all deceased from one cause or another. I am 78 now, so I guess that should make sense. I do remember when the Berlin crisis began. They moved some of the very large M-103 tanks up to the border area. We had the 50 ton Patton tanks and were totally amazed at the size of the interior of the turrets on those things. Thank you for your note. Robert
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Permalink Reply by Dave Gettman on
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Hello Dave:
Yes, this is the very model that I was referring to with a value of $13,000.00. Although it was supposed to be "no longer available" I see that it is now worth over $15,000.00. I will contact them when I get the money together. I think I have less than $75.00 invested in the model that I am creating.
Thank you for sending me the link.
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Robert, it says they want 126 Euro for it. That is under $150.
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Dave! Thank you. I have little experience with the Euro or its conversion to US dollars. The kit indicated
€ 126,80 and I just plugged that into an internet conversion program. I see now that it just removed the comma, which must indicate whatever "cents" are involved. I ran it again as 126.80 and arrived at $149.30, which is much more reasonable.
That resin model is very detailed at 1:35 and I would have been glad to pay that amount for it. However, I have put a lot of effort into my own 1:35 model of the M-52. When I am done, I will decide if it is good enough to keep. At this point, it is a labor of love.
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