Converting PSC M5 into IDF Halftrack in 15mm

Here is what you need to have to convert the M5 into one used by the IDF in the Yom Kippur war.  First item is Battle Front M3 Halftrack Stowage AIS671

Before assembling the M5 you will need to do the following.

.

 

 RH window armor removed

 Removed door handle and tiedown handles.  The door

needs to be removed so the decal will not distort. 

Found that out the hard way.

 Side equipment add

 Rear stowage added

Front machine gun installed.

The M5 was painted with Tamiya paints. The mix is 

 33% XF-57
Buff
+
33% XF-59
Desert Yellow
+
33% XF-20
Medium Grey

  I got this mix of a IDF modeling sight.  This according the modelers there

   is the correct mix for the 73 war. Decals are for Battle front sets.  Need to paint the front roller     black. 

There are few more things to be painted before the M5 is ready for gaming table. Mud flaps, gas cans on the sides of the hood need to be added and the machine guns.  The books I used for reference are Israeli Half-track Vol 1& 2 by Tom Gannon.   The Halftracks after the Yom Kippur war where upgrade along with many changes where made to the interior.  The big visible change was the mount of the fuel track outside of the vehicle where the rear stowage is on.

Some more information on IDF uniform's

Thought I would post this on the blog.  One of the reader of my blog sent this information in a email.  This is very helpful to me in painting my IDF troop

Good morning Gary,

Are you still looking for IDF uniform info. I volunteered for logistical support for the IDF in 86-87. I still have my uniform and some photos from then. I will be happy to unearth them if you still need assistance. Not much had changed then from the 70's. Israel has a wonderful way of making things last and retooling kit and vehicles for continued 2nd and 3rd line use. I had worked on and serviced 30 and 50 cal MMG from the 40's, rode in and serviced old US WWII half tracks that were still very operational in the 80's!

The one basic thing I can tell you is that most of the IDF infantry uniforms at that time were made from a very similar clothe and color of our own US Army OD green type fatigues from the 60's. The variation in color is due to the elements and laundering. The tankers jump suit was a slightly brighter or lighter green with the infantry being a standard type of OD green. During the Arab Israeli Wars there are always reservists being called up. These troops have a more motley mix of color variations and kit as their stocks come from old storage, older kit, or directly from the soldiers personal closets and storage cabinets right into battle. A quick stop at the local base and supply depot to muster their units, then issued web gear, helmet, basic kit, rifle and ammunition and to the front lines. So basically for the earlier conflicts you really can't go wrong with different shades of OD green. Active military units will have newer and cleaner looking uniforms and kit, and the reservists will have more worn and faded uniforms and a mix of kit with some newer items added in, just as your photos have shown.

I hope this helps and doesn't make things more muddled.

Cheers,

JB

When I get more photos I will post them here.