Paper M-10's an US. Infantry (oki Flats) Advance.

Once again we have had to scratch build an armoured force that would be used for a wargame table. We chose a different setup this time. We have rediscovered 30mm modern flats. But in doing this, we found that armour is virtually nonexistent! As you may know, there is a large selection on 30mm WW II flats available, both painted and unpainted. We made up a U.S. Tank Destroyer Company of four M-10's. This is the 3" gun motor carriage, two infantry companies with two machine gun sections with each infantry company (not very realistic). Our opposition was two Porche Elephants, one infantry company, found in the English magazine of August 1970 "Scale Models". Reduce their plan to approximately 3/16" to a foot to make it a 30mm. Trace on to gold/yellow (this should give a yellow/sand color used in basic color for German tanks) 90 lb. card stock as many as you need. Their tracks and boggies are cannibalized from the Airfix Panther Kit.

The M-10 Plan in center-fold is the right size for 30's. I would suggest you take the plan to an instant-print shop or xerox it and use as heavy a stock as you can. We used a 110 lbs. olive green color stock.

The method of assembly can be seen in photos. Step 1, cut out with X-acto knife or razor blade and fold as in Step 2. The 3" gun can be made by sanding a small wooden dowel, to a taper. The gun breach is made from scrap balsa. Score and fold hull section as marked on plan in centerfold. We used a clip or clamp to hold the hull together until glue is dry. While hull/boggies are drying, start assembly of turrent. Glue top and bottom part separately. When dry, slip top over bottom section. With X-acto or razor cut top of turret out and cut small hole in gun mantle for gun barrel. Glue a nail with a head in center of turret bottom, drill small hole in top of hull for turret to fit into.

More AFV Series

AFV Series No. 1: Italian Armored Vehicles
AFV Series No. 2: British Comet Cruiser Mk 1 Tank
AFV Series No. 3: Soviet KV 1 Heavy Tank
AFV Series No. 4: US M-10 Tank Destroyer
AFV Series No. 5: US M5 Stuart Light Tank