Designing and Building
the
Models and Diorama
the
Models and Diorama
Most of these models and dioramas are the work of the Curator of Models -- John Loughman
I have seen the work and effort that John puts into making these items, and words cannot describe it.
I have a 1/25 Centurion tank sitting on my computer with all the Vietnam Modifications -- the only thing missing is the smell and noise!
I have seen the work and effort that John puts into making these items, and words cannot describe it.
I have a 1/25 Centurion tank sitting on my computer with all the Vietnam Modifications -- the only thing missing is the smell and noise!
H.M.A.S. Sydney
The finished job on display at the museum.
The finished job on display at the museum.
The start of the hull.
The finished job---- Er, there was about 6 months work in between these photos.
H.M.A.S. Sydney
One of John's diorama's
This model of the H.M.A.S. Hobart was not done by John.
This model of the Riverine Craft was also not one of John's models
This group of tanks passed over a mine but the A.P.C. being not as wide did hit the mine. An infantry guy with a M60 was blown from the top of the track , 30 ft into a forked tree. He landed on top of the M60 - knocked out. It was quite some time before he was seen.
There is a funny story connected with this display. There were two guys that had worked together in the museum for about six months, Graeme Smith a armoured officer and Col Jones, who was an infantry grunt. One day we were looking at this display together, I knew that Graeme was the crew commander in the A.P.C. just behind the damaged one, but the Col asked where the incident took place and also the date. When told by Graeme he said, "I was there, I was the guy with the M60 and I was blown into that tree!" This was the first time that they had come together since that day in Vietnam, but had in fact been working together for a few months and never recognized each other -- amazing!
There is a funny story connected with this display. There were two guys that had worked together in the museum for about six months, Graeme Smith a armoured officer and Col Jones, who was an infantry grunt. One day we were looking at this display together, I knew that Graeme was the crew commander in the A.P.C. just behind the damaged one, but the Col asked where the incident took place and also the date. When told by Graeme he said, "I was there, I was the guy with the M60 and I was blown into that tree!" This was the first time that they had come together since that day in Vietnam, but had in fact been working together for a few months and never recognized each other -- amazing!
John is now working on a model display
of the
Mine field clearing project in Vietnam
of the
Mine field clearing project in Vietnam
The Australian Army constructed a large minefield to stop ready access from the Viet Cong supply lines.
The Sth. Vietnamese army were to watch over the mine field, a job they did not carry out very well and allowed the Nth Vietnamese to remove many thousands of mines, many which were later used to kill and injure Australians.
It was then decided to clear the minefield. The first attempt was to drive Centurion tanks over the minefield as the mines were only anti- personnel mines, named "Jumping Jacks."
But in fact they did considerable damage to the Centurions bins and tracks and suspension stations.
They then converted two Centurion Tanks to mine clearers. But only one was used as it was also an unsuccessful idea and more damage was inflicted.
The last attempt of many, was to use APC's modified to run truck tyres at the side and rear of the APC's. They converted three but only used two. This design cleared most of the mines.
The Sth. Vietnamese army were to watch over the mine field, a job they did not carry out very well and allowed the Nth Vietnamese to remove many thousands of mines, many which were later used to kill and injure Australians.
It was then decided to clear the minefield. The first attempt was to drive Centurion tanks over the minefield as the mines were only anti- personnel mines, named "Jumping Jacks."
But in fact they did considerable damage to the Centurions bins and tracks and suspension stations.
They then converted two Centurion Tanks to mine clearers. But only one was used as it was also an unsuccessful idea and more damage was inflicted.
The last attempt of many, was to use APC's modified to run truck tyres at the side and rear of the APC's. They converted three but only used two. This design cleared most of the mines.
The Anti - Personnel mine - "The Jumping Jack"
Damaged tracks and road wheels being replaced on a Centurion used to run over the mines.
Call sign 32 C fitted with the mine boom - this was the tank used, the spare was never used.
The RSJ was used to hold the heavy chain level - the chains dragged over the ground set off the mines.
Some of the dameage inflicted by the Jumping Jacks on C/S 32 C
John has just finished his models of 32C, the Centurion mine tank.
As always with Johns work -- they are excellent.
Below are latest photos of John's work on this Diorama
You can see the work and detail that has gone into it so far
Below are latest photos of John's work on this Diorama
You can see the work and detail that has gone into it so far
Centurion 32B on security protection
Another shot of Centurion 169099 C/s 32B on watch
Its a big layout -- then it has to be transported 400 kls to the museum -- no small job itself.
John starts on the APC's for the Display
The finished job which as always is excellent.
Next item was 169122 --- The ARV call sign 30D
This name has been mistaken for a Centurion Tank name. BUKU BOOM BOOM was the name on ARN 169007 commanded by Sgt. Jock Browning.
Two of the APC's have the name BUKOO BOOM BOOM on their rear, which, while similar, is indeed quite different
The start of the resen model, much harder than the plastic to work with, and the ARV has heaps of little bits, a nightmare to buils I would say!
Starting to come together
Looking pretty good now.
A great job, a credit to John's work
