M55 203mm howitzer (USA)

thingiverse

This is a 1:76 model of a gun I have long wanted to model, as it makes for an impressive beast! It is based on a .obj file available for free download on the 3dmag.org site, among others, to whom my thanks. This model had rudimentary running gear, so I have replaced it in its entirety with parts taken from an M48A5 model in SketchUp (provided by Sketchy@best et al.), which duplicates real life, as the M55 used these components... It was fun to combine bits and adapt them to suit a different pattern of suspension. The files are large because the track modelling is detailed (yet seems to print well...). The model is split into parts for printing, as the whole unit takes too long to output, and has too many supports. Even one side of the suspension took around 4 hours on my Ender 3, using non-optimised settings (I am a novice). Just finished printing the other bits, and I attach some pictures for information. Generally printed well, and removing supports (not quite done in the photos), was not too bad. The M53 version (155mm) should be an easy derivative, if anyone wants to create it. I hope that this additional artillery piece is of interest. Enjoy!