Vehicle make: White Motor Co.
French Dinky 822 M3 US halftrack
The French Dinky M3 US halftrack
Available both with and without gun it was advertised in the July 1962 Meccano Magazine.
French Dinky introduced model 822/1, the M3 US Half-track in 1960. In Drab Bronze Green and at 118mm long, the model cost 700 Fr. (Old Francs), about 14/-. This first version did not include a ring mounted, plastic machine gun. In 1963, a modified version, 822/2, identical in its dimensions included a model of the ring mounted Browning, which in reality, was fitted on the vehicle. The updated version cost 7.80 FR. (new Francs), about 15/6. The model remained in production until its withdrawal in 1971.
In the US, The White Motor Company produced 43,000 M3 half-track vehicles, some manufactured by sub-contractors, Autocar and Diamond T. Designed to use commercially available components, The White Company standardised production in 1940. The vehicle came with one of two engine types, White 160AX or 1HC red Diamond, but with a non-synchromesh gear box and no power steering. Initially unpopular with troops, the vehicle lacked protection from shrapnel bursting overhead and had thin armour along its sides. These deficiencies led to the vehicle being called "Purple Heart Boxes", reflecting America`s often posthumous award for bravery.
Oddly this model didn't have the US star marking.Cost 9/11 available in olive drab finish at 1:56 scale. French Dinky in detail...