Our LRDG Chev

[Andrew H.]

Today I cut a new stencil for the truck out of clear plastic sheet, scaling it off the photo. The designation T9 shows that "Te Aroha III" was the 9th Truck in T patrol of the LRDG. The letters T9 are white or desert-yellow on a matt black square and they are placed on the front RHS mudguard, the tailgate and both sides of the tray. I know you can buy ready-made stencils but I enjoy cutting them myself with a craft knife (especially inside by the heater on a miserable day like today!). I have already made stencils for the truck number "L4618825" which appears on both sides of the bonnet, and "INSPECTED" which is on the front bumper. I could not cut out the centre of the "9" in the T9 stencil without leaving a big hole, so I will have to spray it on like that and then tidy it up with a small brush afterwards. Onwards and upwards.

[Andrew H.]

On reflection, I think the outline of my number "9" is a bit top-heavy and may need re-drawing, as we like to be as historically accurate as possible. My mates are suggesting that T2 would be more appropriate for "Te Aroha III" as the truck was re-numbered T2 for the Barce raid in which the LRDG destroyed thirteen enemy planes on Barce airfield and damaged many others. Nearly all of the trucks in T patrol (including "Te Aroha III") were destroyed by retaliatory enemy fighter attacks, as they scurried back to base after the raid.

[Igor Shadrin]

Hi Andrew,
Highly appreciated with your lovely project, and dreaming of my own...
Mind bringing my opinion...
The lower part of the "9" character at your drawings seems to be a bit different:

[Andrew H.]

Thanks Igor,
Yes I agree with you and I have made a new drawing, which I think is more accurate. However, we may decide to use T2 instead - not sure yet.

[Igor Shadrin]

Andrew, I also tried to correct it. It's not that perfect, but maybe it will help. Also attached the 1/35 kit decals scan.

[Ilian Filipov]

Originally Posted by Andrew H.

... and "INSPECTED" which is on the front bumper.

Hi Andrew,
Yep, the front bumper was the usual place for this stencil on LRDG Chevies (where present), but the one who painted it on T9/L4618825/Te Aroha III apparently was in disagreement with the rules. Note on her the "INSPECTED" stencil is on the right fender, facing forwards, starts approximately behind the marker light and runs to the bonnet sides diagonally behind the headlight fairing, ending under the net/canvas/sandmats front bracket.
HTH
Cheers!

[Andrew H.]

Hi Ilian,
That's news to me! I will have another look at my photos. Or maybe you can refer me to the relevant photo?
Andrew

[Andrew H.]

Hey I have just noticed it. Well spotted Ilian !! I have never seen "inspected" placed there before, on any LRDG truck. We will have to change ours for historical accuracy.

[Ilian Filipov]

Hi Andrew,
The only picture showing some of those non-standard markings on T9 is well known to you, it is from the IWM collection, Catalogue number E 12348, this one:
http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib...at=photographs
The place of the "INSPECTED" stencil is well visible if you know what to look for. The font is typical for this stencil, something like that:
http://www.fonts101.com/fonts/view/U...305/GI_Stencil
Also note that Te Aroha III has no census number stenciled on the front bumper, just a small "V" in the center, below the hole for the hand crank.
Have here a picture you may also like. Sorry but I can't recall from where it came. Some T-patrol vehicles in line, Te Aroha III in front, her name is very well visible. Behind her are T1/L4618820/Tirau II and T4/L4618942/Te Paki.



HTH
Cheers!

large.jpg

[Andrew H.]

Thanks Ilian,
Yes your first link shows the photo I looked at to find the correct stencil position after you mentioned it. Its not very clear so I attach a sketch showing where I think it is meant to go. I have certainly never seen it like that on any other LRDG truck. Do you have the book "Kiwi Scorpions"? It has many good photos, although few of them are clear enough to see any really fine detail.

[Ilian Filipov]

Hi Andrew,
Indeed, the IWM picture isn't much good, being too bright. But since the PhotoShop was invented such problems aren't problems anymore
The part of the photo of interest was enhanced a bit and I think it is more user-friendly yet:



Only this part enlarged:



How I see the place of the "INSPECTED" stencil, somewhat crude and approximate rendering but as close as I was able to do it:



Sorry for the pic, but there is no real Chevy 1533X2 in my garage, so I was forced to use my 1:76 model for this.

Regretfully I don't have the book "Kiwi Scorpions" but I know it is good one. I hope some day it will be within my reach and I also hope I'll find some new photos in it. BTW, I suspect the pic of the trio I've posted above is from this book.
Cheers!