One challenging model (US-6)

[Scott]

Here is a link to a paper model of a Russian Studebaker-based rocket launcher: http://model.icegroup.ru/main_en.phtml?page=model_en .

It is the "Katyusha" model. The download is a .rar file, so you'll need to find and download Winrar (it's like winzip, but different).

This is an incredibly detailed paper or card model. It even includes a detailed dashboard and engine, suspension, etc. I don't know if I'll try to build it, but it will be fun if someone can make it through it!

There are also instructions in PDF in the rar file. All the parts in the instructions are labeled by number; there is very little text and what there is is Russian.

Here is a picture of part of the chassis:

[sbca96]

Very cool, I remember reading an article that in some places in Russia
they still refer to "trucks" as "Studebakers", since the US gave them
tons of those 6x6's after WWII. The story went on to say that an order
was being placed to GM or Ford (or someone) and the person in Russia
placing the order wanted X amount of Studebakers, they replied that it
isnt available anymore. After some translation, it was found they just
wanted trucks. Perhaps another rumor, but still good fun.

Tom

[Roscomacaw]

The USA provided Russia with nearly 200,000 US6 trucks for their use in WWII. Not after WWII. They WERE so respected by their military that "Studebaker" became synonymous with Whatever word it is they have for trucks.
Most of what Studebaker made of the 6X6s went to Russia, whereas US forces used the GM equivalent. One primary US use of the Stude 6X6 was in forging the AlCan hiway. If anyone caught the feature about that hiway on the History Channel last night, you got to see LOTS of footage of the Stude trucks working in support of that project.

Miscreant at large.

1957 Transtar 1/2ton
1960 Larkvertible V8
1958 Provincial wagon
1953 Commander coupe
1957 President 2-dr
1955 President State
1951 Champion Biz cpe
1963 Daytona project FS

[Scott]

My ex-wife's grandfather helped build the Alcan highway. I knew him before I was into Studebakers, so I missed a chance to get some stories from him and now he's long gone.

[sbca96]

I meant that instead of selling the 6x6's to the Russians, after the
war they just gave them to them. Was cheaper then shipping them all
back to the U.S.. Of course, they GOT them during the war from us.

Tom

[Scott]

Here is the engine:




And mounted in the chaassis:



and two more:


Except for a little foil I saw in the headlights and a clear window material, practically everything is card stock. Incredible.]

[sbca96]

And the tires ...

but dang .. thats very cool.

A friend who was in the military was telling me of the target practice
that they do with the larger weapons. They use "old" military trucks
that they take from storage. Since the old 6x6's arent up to the task
of todays battle field, they use them for practice. He told me of one
he was told to drive out to the range. It was a Studebaker, and had
only a few thousand miles on it. Other then some minor rust from not
being used and sitting, it was in great shape, and ran well. Not much
was left after a few tank busters hit it. I think that they should
have a "trade in" program, where you can bring your rusted out 6x6 you
are attemepting to restore to your local storage yard, and drive home
in a "new" 6x6. Pretty unfortunate that good vehicles meet this end.

Tom

[Scott]

Tom,

You won't believe me, but the tires are also constructed of card stock. If you look at the files in the rar file, you'll find all the treads and parts for the tires to cut out. It's almost beyond belief (for me), but true.

Here's one more:


Sorry, it's kind of big.

[sbca96]

Dang! The tires are also?? Wow .. I was convinced those were from a
model kit of some sort. Its amazing what you can do, if you put your
mind to it. Wow!

Tom