The latest addition to my 6mm North Africa project is a trio of Scammell recovery vehicles. These aren't actually in any of the army lists as far as I know, and I haven't a clue why I bought them! I'm sure I'll find a use, even if only as 'set dressing' for a supply depot or some other objective.
The "Tractor Heavy Breakdown 6 x 4" was one of many variants of the of the earlier gun tractor chassis. These early models were designed to tow upgraded WWI artillery pieces which were not suitable to fast cross country movement. The Breakdown Tractor was developed in 1939 and featured a 2.5t tonne crane and an 8 tonne winch suitable for recovery of most soft skinned and lightly armoured APV's. Many of those made were abandoned when the British Expeditionary Force was evacuated from Dunkirk in June 1940 and as the war progressed - and loads increased - the remaining examples utility reduced.
Having said all that these were very robust and reliable machines and many saw service throughout the war and beyond as farm tractors well into the 80's. Quite a few have been restored and they often turn up at living history events looking as good as new.
I found this short film on YouTube and it really shows the power and utility of one of these 'small' recovery tractors in action; in this case winching a Churchill tank sideways out of a ditch.
As I said at the start of this post, I'm not sure how to fit these vehicles into my army lists just yet, but after watching that demonstration of their usefulness I'm sure I'll find a way!
The "Tractor Heavy Breakdown 6 x 4" was one of many variants of the of the earlier gun tractor chassis. These early models were designed to tow upgraded WWI artillery pieces which were not suitable to fast cross country movement. The Breakdown Tractor was developed in 1939 and featured a 2.5t tonne crane and an 8 tonne winch suitable for recovery of most soft skinned and lightly armoured APV's. Many of those made were abandoned when the British Expeditionary Force was evacuated from Dunkirk in June 1940 and as the war progressed - and loads increased - the remaining examples utility reduced.Having said all that these were very robust and reliable machines and many saw service throughout the war and beyond as farm tractors well into the 80's. Quite a few have been restored and they often turn up at living history events looking as good as new.
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| A Scammell Pioneer I photographed at the Military and Flying Machines living history event in 2012 |
I found this short film on YouTube and it really shows the power and utility of one of these 'small' recovery tractors in action; in this case winching a Churchill tank sideways out of a ditch.
As I said at the start of this post, I'm not sure how to fit these vehicles into my army lists just yet, but after watching that demonstration of their usefulness I'm sure I'll find a way!
Nice one Lee. As you say they can be set dressing at an objective. Or in a counter attack when they are recovering damaged vehicles. Even as a convoy. It all depends on if toy want an actual historical battle or a what if. Anyway always good to have something different on the table.
ReplyDeleteYup, set dressing, objective markers, any other random idea to get these lovely little bits of kit onto the table :)
ReplyDeleteI take it FoW doesn't have rules for vehicle recovery/repair? I know some other rules do have these, so you could always use them with those if you ever switched rules.
I can well believe they got used on farms as tractors. I know that in the early 90s there were farms using military surplus Unimogs in that role.
FOW does include recovery rules, these vehicle just arn't in the North Africa army lists. I'm deviating from the 'official' lists anyway so I'll make sure they get used somehow.
DeleteHowever you decide to use them, they'll still look great!
ReplyDeleteVery nice models and a good read once more.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee!
Lovely models, and a grand video, that!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking recovery trucks.
ReplyDeletecheers