MPC Huge Farm or Fire Wagon conversion is the latest project from our very good friend Greg Liska. Greg took the wagon and converted it to carry siege artillery. We will let Greg give you his thoughts on his project.
MPC Huge Farm or Fire Wagon Greg’s comments
I ended up with the hulk of one of these monsters and decided to make it fit to haul siege artillery. I found another one and bought it so that I had a pair to haul a gun section.
The sides are real wood and it’s all that’s keeping that body from going banana shape. I tried the hot and cold water bit 4 times on each and it was better, but nowhere near flat.
The hitches are a complete improvisation with whatever was in my parts drawer. The seats and tool box covers are made from card stock and foam board. This is not masterpiece work, but appropriate for the level of detail that MPC presented. I didn’t have a lot of free time this weekend as I have a friend in the hospital. I’m somewhat surprised I got it done. Hope you get a kick out of the reutilization of an old classic.
MPC Huge Farm or Fire Wagon My Comments
I found Greg’s project a neat idea. While we have caissons to bring up field artillery, we have nothing to carry to the siege artillery. I did quick glance over the internet and could not find anything on how the heavy artillery was carried. (I am sure Erwin will have at least three links later today.) I know that the trains were used by the north to move artillery.
It is toy like but it does the job. Back when we were younger we would found it great. I do not need all items to be historically accurate. I just want to pay and have fun.
AWESOME work, now I know what to do with mine I got recently thanks to a link post here from eBay, as it come with some scuff and minor scratch I will do a copy cat work .Great job Greg from factory !!!
With out posting “direct links” .I can tell by memory is correct the way done.
It was carry and horse separated ,carriage wheels were dismounted and removed to avoid damage in kick back effect or elevated in the center ,carriage base used as platform.
In others the cannon was dismounted an used, his process require more work and hands .
I think the first exact were used by French ,later every body did their own.
By the way is the same way naval cannon were carry on and off ships in landing to inland or vise versa.
Awesome idea very close accurate. More than toy.
Wonder if ever any toy maker did any like this in plastic. I had saw two in metal old style but odd.
In my opinion, the idea itself, as well as the actual result, IS a masterwork.
Very nice! Are those the original MPC wheels? Most were more flimsy that what you have on there. Great job on the harnesses etc. Neat.
Wow, thanks guys. I wanted a little more detail, but decided to just get the job done after getting back from the hospital. As Erwin pointed out, there were big wagons to move the big guns, trains could be used but they can’t put the guns right into position. The wagons can also take them on the long haul. The big ones used at Vicksburg had to be taken mostly by wagon due to the undeveloped state of the region around the city. I was reading Grant’s memoirs at the time when I got the first wagon body. It inspired me to do this.
The wheels are actually MPC wheels. One wagon had it’s original wheels, the other one got the newer, slightly larger wheels. To make them stand straight and upright (as much as possible) I placed very small rubber bands on the ends of the axels after placing the wheels on. They still turn freely, the rubber bands are tight enough to stay at the end of the axel. 2 of those axels are ‘replacements’. These were pretty beat up hulks.
Oh yes, I see that the far wagon has the regular MPC wheels. I surmise you did the head conversions as well on the MPC drivers. … and that some REL escorts on Timmee horses are helping out. Once again, VERY nice.
I especially like that 6-horse team, 3 horses abreast.
They NEEDED it! Just an unloaded wagon that big shouldn’t be pulled by just one or 2 horses. I knew I needed a lot more if it was going to haul siege guns.
Greg did perfect after I look in books again…
In fact most toy brands limbers caisson cannon train are done incorrect with too few.
In reality in campaign the 12 “French”pound(standard main caliber from 1800 till 1861) required 6 to 8 horses minimum. Other wise will never be able to transport fast the cannon and horse will get tire to kill point.
Artillery horse train often carry double that.
Generally was done in pairs to avoid compensation pull force /pull (either pair of two or 4 …
Every cannon was suppose to be follow by a train just extra two caisson/limber, the animal from these often swapped with the one for cannon train carriage to avoid over use and death of animals.
Team of 3 as Greg DID correct was used too specially in heavy machine that was not meant for fast change position as standard artillery was.
Yes, those conversions were done about 8 months ago when I decided to separate my 60mm ACW guys out into a separate Corps. I wish the Rel guys had longer legs! The very neutral pose they are in is perfect for a formation traveling where contact is unlikely.
Yes, those Rel guys have the most bowed legs of any of my mounted toy soldiers. Brings to mind “rickets”?
Excellent work Greg. It’s cool that you get use out of these type of figures.
Like you said they are fun to play with and that’s the way it should be.
Now if they only had an officer to lead them.
Maybe a General.
With a hat on.
Who combs his hair with an egg beater.
hmmmm………
Why Sir, General Salad would never consort with the likes of that blue-belly scum!
Hi Greg
What a great display of imagination. Please let me know if you need extra wheels. I have lots of Britain’s versions in white metal that may be suitable for conversions like yours.
I will keep this in mind! Nice to know I can get some wheels when I need them.