This is the penultimate armoured car with just the Morris CS9 to be put together and painted (probably next week).

The MkII was a clear improvement, with a slightly longer wheelbase, real four-wheel drive and welding assembly for the later part of the nearly 900-built.

The initial armament was unchanged in the Union Defense Forces (Mobile Field Force model), with two Bren-guns (one turret, one in a hull left ball mount), but the British “Middle East models”, serving in North Africa, received a redesigned turret equipped with an extra Boys 14 mm (0.55 in) antitank rifle, with a coaxial Bren 7.7 mm (0.3 in).

It was later equipped with additional mounts for an extra AA Bren and/or a rear AA pintle mount for a Vickers cal.303 (7.7 mm).

The Mark II was more agile in the desert, but suffered from poor protection, despite an angular shape with well-balanced slopes.

They also had extra fixations for spare parts, tires, extra storage or sand recovery/unbogging ramps.

Many makeshift armament and modifications were added during the course of the conflict. Production comprised 338 vehicles of the British “Middle East” version and 549 of the MFF or “Mobile Field Force”.

Hopefully the second Australian Platoon will be finished for tomorrow as there is just washing, dry brushing and a bit of basing to go.