DML M2/M2A1 Half-Track:
Comments from Frank V. De Sisto / Vinnie Branigan/ Terry Ashley/ JW Cesafsky
FRAME
•The large idler springs are simplified with the mounting base lacking details
•M2 -early (Tunisia) types did not have the spring on the rear idler
o Leave off the springs (A21& A22)
o Cut the raised mounting bracket from K4& K5 & fill the remaining hole
o Cut off the spring mounting lug on the lower idler axle (D31)
•A simpler, smaller spring was used prior to the ‘standard’ type included in the kit
•M2- the mount for the winch power take-off must be removed from the transmission cover
•M2 - C13 is the power take-off for the winch, so don’t fit this
•M2 - assemble the roller (C1 & C2) earlier and remove the central seam
•The White 160AX engine instructions show fitting the fan incorrectly, place it on top of part A36
•Make an exhaust pipe bracket to hold the pipe on the outside return roller hex bolt
•Test fit the winch mounting (C4) as the locating points are not precise
•Be certain to fit the winch motor/front bumper (C20 & C22) on the correct sides
•Break, fuel, electrical lines will all need to be added
•Cut top off air cleaner, keeps hood from fitting on chassis. fill hole in bottom of part only the bottom is visible
SUSPENSION SYSTEM
•Brake assembly parts A9 &A8 are reversed on the instructions
•The wheel hubs (A3 & A4) part #s are reversed but the illustration is correct
•Open the small recess in the front wheel rims and add the air valve stem
•Some vehicles show oval holes with raised lip on the sides of parts D-32
•Some bogie covers had casting numbers on D-32
•Some vehicles show round holes with raised lip near the front bottom of parts D-21
•Add four hex bolts to the return roller mounting brackets (D-34)
•Add four small rivets to the front of the inner suspension arms (D32)
•Replace the center pins of parts D22 with slightly smaller diameter plastic rod
•Ensure the outer suspension arms (D22) are assembled with the slight raised profile pointing up
•Use care with parts D5, tweezers may be needed
•The instructions should show the first bogey part D34 sliding into part D32 the other way around, but the other bogey is shown assembled correctly
INTERIOR
•Replace the molded on driver’s foot pedals
•Add bolt detail to the cab floor
•the gear shift levers (B13 & B25) doesn’t have the correct contours
•Add the release cable to the hand brake with wire
•The driver’s seat details do not match reference photos
•The seat cushions should extend out past the seat frames by about 2mm
•Make the specific antenna masts per references from plastic rod or other material
•Add antenna cables where necessary
•The SCR-508 radio (J16) is provided with a special box (K3) that doesn’t match most photos
•If using the M49 ring mount, photographs show the right side ammo locker re-configured
•Use the correct MG pintle(s) for your vehicle as both early and late are provided
BODY
•M2 – remove the jerry can racks from the engine compartment sides (B11 & B14)
•Front engine compartment is screwed together, not riveted as depicted on the kit
•The jerry can mount should be a thin metal ‘L’ bracket
•Replace the molded on ‘T’ engine cover closure handles (B11 & B14)
•Replace the modeled on door handles, inside & out (B10 & B12)
•There are ejector pin marks under the fenders, rear floor, & driver’s compartment that need filling
•The fender mounting brackets are not included in the kit
•Fill the large open area under the rear body floor (K10) forward seat with plastic card
•Use care with the three small supports for the armored window cover which are very fragile
•Carefully align & mount parts K7 (rear bumpers/light housing)
•Open a small hole on each fender to install the headlights. Wire leads need to be added
•Replace the chain provided in the kit as it doesn’t accurately represent typical US type chain
•Carefully dry-fit the forward cab & rear compartment before gluing to ensure a good fit
Simplified spring units could do with the end mountings reworked. Image of early spring unit (right)
Exhaust bracket added
Driver's foot pedals from thin card, bolt heads from Calibre35 set #35052 and gear levers from wire
Most 1AD half-tracks had yellow stars, blue reg numbers, yellow names on the lower door edge. The official air ID marking for Tunisia was a white star on blue roundel on the vehicle hood. The M36 Mussette Bag was the personal pack of motorized units including armored infantry. The M1928 Haversack was also seen.
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