PMMS
Resicast
Wasp Mk.II
Resicast 1:35 Set No.35.173
Review by Peter Brown

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Having seen Terry's review of the 3" Mortar Carrier conversion I ordered one of the Wasp sets. For some reason, flame throwers interest me so this one appealed even though the Wasp has been overshadowed by the Churchill Crocodile. While they were far less well protected than the Crocodile, Wasps were smaller and as they were part of the equipment of Medium Machine Gun units in Infantry Divisions they could be used as and when the commander wanted without having to borrow a few Crocodiles for a short period.

Their full title was "Flame Thrower, Transportable, No 2" or the simpler form "F.T. Transportable, No 2" with appropriate Mark to tell the different types apart. These are -

No 2 Mk I had two internal fuel tanks and large fixed flame gun mounted over the front Bren-gunner's barbette. These as far as I can tell were used for training.

No 2 Mk II used the same internal fuel tanks but with a traversable flame gun mounted in the front compartment. This type was first used in Normandy in July 1944.

No 2 Mk IIC had a single, larger fuel tank external on the rear of the Carrier and the barbette-mounted flame gun. It was more vulnerable as the tank was not under armour, but the rear compartments could carry one or more men with suitable weapons which increased their offensive and defensive capabilities. This type replaced the original Mk II in service in 1945, apparently some II were converted to IIC standards but with only one fuel tank.

Resicast have produced conversion sets for all three types -

I bought the Wasp II set 35.173 though some parts will be similar for the others, fuel systems for 35.175 and 35.173 will be the same and flame gun the same for 35.173 and 35.136

The sets also provided the basic Carrier update parts of new tracks which are in white metal. These will bend easily around sprockets and idlers as well as providing the noticable sag of the top run. Most of the small details are as in the Mortar Carrier, etched parts are the same and the sheets includes several parts listed as "not required" which include some etched details on the Wasp II etched set applicable to the other types.

Resin parts also include the flat-backed style headlights seen on Canadian-built carriers, these are also "not required" though any conversion from a Canadian carrier would need them. New hull front plate and bulkhead between the front and rear compartments with better detail are provided, although unlike the 3" Mortar set there is a new engine cover and radiator shroud which as a bonus provides a new radiator face with neat detail in place of the plain plastic part.

Etched parts
Resicast
tracks
Resicast

For the specific Wasp parts there are the two large fuel tanks, smaller cylinders to pressurise the system, flame gun and connecting hoses in resin. Large pipes between the two need to be cut from the length of plastic rod provided and there are etched details for the large knurled wheels for the pressure bottles.

Instructions come as a duplicated booklet with photos of the model during construction. This is good enough though adding part numbers to the photos might help. This is a more involved conversion as all the pipework has to be assembled and it will need to be painted as assembly progresses. Colour details are not given, I expect the carrier and most of the Wasp parts are SCC15 Olive Green though the pressure bottles may have been colour coded.

Highly recommended

Resin parts
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Resicast
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book

Universal Carrier 1936-48
The 'Bren Gun Carrier' Story

New Vanguard No.110
Osprey Publishing
ISBN 1 84176 813 8

Good overall coverage of the Universal Carrier.

book

Universal Carrier Mk.I/II
Military Vehicle Workshop Series MV-12
Allied Command Publications

Includes many images from the technical and workshop manuals to privide excellent external and interior details.

Book Ground Power Magazine
No.90 11/2001

GALILEO Publishing Co.,Ltd
Book

Ground Power Magazine
No.91 12/2001

GALILEO Publishing Co.,Ltd

My example was bought direct from the Resicast via their website and thanks to Graham Sellar for supplying it promptly.


Page created 8 July 2005

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