M16 / M17 Motor Gun Carriage Half Track 28mm

thingiverse

This is a 28mm scale model of the American M3 and M5 Motor Gun Carriage. On July 13, 2017, I loaded the file for the hull of the M3, which was based on my previous design. Previously, I had only loaded the M16/M17 version. These vehicles were supplied to other allied nations and used post-war in Korea and many "bush wars". I started with my previous file of the M5 half-track and made several modifications: - Squared off the back to resemble the M3 half-track model. - Created cutouts on the side and rear of the H/T, allowing for weapon traverse. - Added detail and hinges for the drop-side flaps on the sides and rear. - Raised the floor on the back of the half-track. - Added storage boxes to the rear exterior. - Created a seven-piece gun turret (see assembly notes). - Added bolt detail to the hull. I added a screenshot of Tinkercad showing how the turret and guns assemble, mirrored for the other side. I recommend using 0.1mm "fine" printing for all parts except the gun pack; use "extra fine" - 0.06mm on Cura for the gun pack. I was happy with the design but not the test print. I had run out of my normal grey PLA+ and had to use a black PLA, which stringed an incredible amount and was difficult to clean off because it was black and hard to see until it had been painted. Lesson learned: black PLA has been demoted for use in terrain pieces only. It was also pointed out that my choice of model nationality is in error; only the M17, based on the later M5, was supplied to the Soviets. This model will have to soldier on as a historical enigma. I wanted to test print the M3 hull version, hence the M16, as it was produced in the highest numbers and saw the broadest service among nations. After posting this file, I realized it would not be difficult to create the M17, so any Red Army player can have a historically correct model. I still needed to test print the M3 hull, so one M16 is clearly going to sneak onto the gaming table in Red Army livery. The turret fits on the protrusion in the H/T bed and pivots well.