SMM3564D Ferret Mk.2/2
This unusual beast was a Mk.2/1 Ferret (small turret) fitted with armoured extension collar between the hull and turret for better observation. From photo evidence, all were fitted with square driver’s hatches. This was a local modification undertaken in the Far East. A second variation on this theme was intended to produce an open-topped liaison vehicle with better observation, and cons. Although the increased height allowed easier observation, it had the disadvantage of making the vehicle more visible. Although a British modification, some were also used by the Royal Hong Kong Defence Force.
SMM3564H2 Rear Hamper (BAOR and GW1)
During service, especially on exercises and operations, crew space is at a premium in such a small vehicle as the Ferret. The only practical solution was for individual unit workshops to create hampers over the rear deck, still allowing access to the engine covers. For this reason, Ferret hampers tended to have hinged rear legs, the front ones just resting on the deck, held down by the weight of gear stowed away.
This is the second hamper from SMM. This is a ‘large-size’ hamper representing those used in BAOR. There was a huge variation, with very little standardisation. Even worse was Gulf War 1, where seemingly no two hampers were identical. Many had very long legs, so you will have to adapt!
Cable reel parts (including PE frame) all included.
SMM3564H3 Rear Hamper (United Nations)
During service, especially on exercises and operations, crew space is at a premium in such a small vehicle as the Ferret. The only practical solution was for individual unit workshops to create hampers over the rear deck, still allowing access to the engine covers. For this reason, Ferret hampers tended to have hinged rear legs, the front ones just resting on the deck, held down by the weight of gear stowed away.
This is the third hamper from SMM, and probably the first to be introduced into service. Unlike later larger lash-ups, these small baskets seemed to have been made to a pattern with only minor variatioins. The biggest was that some of them had sheet-metal, hinged lids.
SMM3564H4 Telescopic Clark Masts
These masts were used in BAOR and during Gulf War 1 – and no doubt in many other vehicle applications (Sultan, Warrior, etc.) and theatres.
Here, they are designed to be used with Ferret Mk.1/2 (SMM3564B). Also used on Mk.1. The masts would be telescoped upwards with a regular antenna attached to the top, to extend range as a re-broadcast station.
Two covered and two uncovered masts are supplied.
SMM3564K1 Ferret Early Hatches
Early production Ferrets had square driver’s hatches on the sides. This applied to early Mk.1s (SMM3564A), Mk.2s (with small turret SMM3564C), and all subsequent conversions.
SMM3564K2 Ferret Early Sidelights
Sidelights changed five times during the course of production. The sidelights given in the Airfix kit are Type 3 (parts D7/D8) and Type 5 (parts D43/D44) (the familiar towers with sidelight and indicator). A sixth was also introduced in Hong Kong, exclusively for their own Royal Hong Kong Defence Force Ferrets (SMM3564C and D).
SMM3564P Ferret Alternate Driver Hatches
When driving in wet weather, the driver needed protection. A simple hood with a clear screen and wiper blade could easily be fitted in the aperture of the open visor.
For driving at night, a Passive Night Intensifier Driving Hatch was available for Mk.1,1/2 and 2. Note this is NOT infra-red, but simply an image intensifier. The sight used is Periscope AVII L7A1.
SMM3564Q PSP Matting
(3D-printed, 2 planks supplied)
Marston Mat, popularly called pierced (or perforated) steel planking (PSP), is a standardised, perforated steel matting material developed in the USA shortly before World War 2, primarily designed for the rapid construction of temporary runways and landing strips. PSP was widely used in the British Army on many different wheeled vehicles.
Please bear in mind that PSP was NOT designed for Ferret, and vice versa. The holes in the matting were incorrectly spaced for the sand channel mounts fitted as standard to Ferret. Units and crews therefore had to ‘adapt’ the holes to fit the mounts. Check your own references.
The PSP in this set is 6-feet wide – the width of the Ferret. However, as you can see, it was often cut to narrower widths, normlly between the sidelights. Carefully cut the resin parts to suit your own model.
All available from: https://www.scorpion-miniature-models.co.uk
