Technically the first "Tank" ever produced (in 1915)
Little Willie is actually just a prototype - a test bed for a new track drive system (among other things).
The design will eventually produce the British Mark 1 Tank for WW1 use.
The original Willie now sits on display in the Bovington Tank Museum in England
however it is virtually stripped of all its internals.
While working on my Autocar Armored Car, I met a fellow over at the Landships Forum (Chris Gresham)
who is building his own 1/4 scale version of Little Willie (in steel). He was the first to suggest Willie as
a paper model and offered me his plans and drawings.
I have since done as much research as I can to find photos and information that will allow me to design
this paper model. Unfortunately the amount of technically info and photos is limited to mostly photos of
the exterior and speculation by those involved in the saving of the Tank for the Museum.
As a result, I am speculating too...using the plans and photos I have gathered, and referring to Mk.1 Tank
details to create the basic elements of the chassis and the tank interior. I am not claiming technical accuracy
and I am creating simplified and stylized components to create the basic layout of the chassis and drivetrain.
I'll recap my prototype build so far using the photos I have already taken and continue from my current point.
I originally had difficulty acquiring accurate measurements and working out an accurate scale size.
My intended goal is to produce a 1/18 scale model...however my prototype build works out to 1/16.6 scale.
I will be adjusting the scale of the parts once my design and build is finished.
Everything is 65 and 110lb cardstock...but a number of parts are laminated to double layer card and in some
areas, laminated to Bristol Board (showcard).
