Hey guys, just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction concerning the interior of the M4 High Speed Tractor. Thanks for any help.

Any thing specific? Google brings up a lot if you try a search.

http://hmvf.co.uk/topic/20770-m4-high-speed-tractor-picture-walk-around/

http://www.toadmanstankpictures.com/m4_hst.htm

http://www.mafva.net/other%20pages/M4A1%20high%20speed%20tractor.htm

It is always a good idea to include a search of Armorama's past threads as well:

http://armorama.com/forums/136075&page=1

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/192836&page=1

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/features/2229

https://armorama.kitmaker.net/forums/258617&ord=1&page=1

Those "seat cushions" were actually just flat canvas zippered bags filled with either straw, sisal or folded blankets. They were really an irregular looking affair.



I felt I needed to at least rough up and divide those broad, super smooth, unrealistic seats provided in the HobbyBoss kit.

Above is my take on the seats but in this photo they are still awaiting the application of the etch seatbelts that every HST was supposedly equipped with.

Top photo from HobbyLink/Doyle/MMiR found on line - used here for discussion purposes ONLY.
It appears the backs of the seat cushions just MIGHT have been smooth black leather.


I think this middle photo came from the Doyle MMiR book as well.
In this photo the seat backs appear to be CANVAS.
Note the crumpled condition of the seat bottoms.
Again photo reproduced here for discussion purposes ONLY.


There are photos out there of an M4 that show the seats to be ALL black leather. However I believe those images to be of a restored museum vehicle as seen below and may not be accurate.

Thanks to Mr. Hitriak it appears the original seat backs were canvas as well! Thank you Sir!

Dan, one more image you may be interested in:

Just slightly off topic

But the cab interior is not the only place to add vehicle detail!


Above photo by Brian Culbertson

I did a little detailing work in other areas:

I plan on doing a vehicle maintenance dio and scratch building a chain hoist to lift off the rear ammo enclosure in order to see all that beautiful added detail.


The above image comes from the collection of EASY 1 Productions - From the disc entitled "TM 9-785; 18-ton High Speed Tractor"

Follow them on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/Easy1CD/

Eduard also offers several etched brass sets for the M4. One of which includes the nicely detailed seat belts.

Awesome, thanks guys

What do you call 'a moderate level of detail' then Mike??

Nice job there

Thanks Peter - I appreciate the comment.

An old hobby competition adage says; "He who has the best references wins!"

I can highly recommend the many Tech Manuals available from Easy 1 Productions. Great reference material at usually a much lower price than the reproduction (or original) paper Tech Manuals AND in a much smaller package!


(Mike Koenig Photo). This is an unsolicited endorsement: I have no business involvement in Easy 1 Productions.

Some of the images in this thread come from the collection of EASY 1 Productions - From the disc entitled "TM 9-785; 18 ton High Speed Tractor M4"

Follow them on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/Easy1CD/

In response to Dan's question elsewhere on this site I offer this info about the cloth top over the ammo locker. Note this resin cloth top for the ammo compartment, it WAS available from "Scale-Link' in the UK unfortunately they may now be out of business:

Not exactly sure if the crane arm could also be covered by this same canvas top OR if there were a separate cover for the boom. Hard to tell in this photo.

Looks like the resin canvas cover (made by Masters Production) is still available from Scale Link (but hurry up ! ) :

https://www.scalelink.co.uk/acatalog/Masters_Productions_1_35_scale___WW2.html

H.P.

I tried searching for Scale-Link on line with no success. Thought they might be out of business. Sorry.

Yes, better hurry, only 2 left in stock!