tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2005124293298860312024-03-18T13:40:32.749-03:00Panzerserra Bunker- Military Scale Models in 1/35 scaleThe Panzerserra´s blog about military models in 1/35 scale.
World War I and World War II.Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-46982250626877912212024-03-11T12:52:00.008-03:002024-03-18T10:02:21.015-03:00Vickers Independent A1E1 heavy tank - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Tankers!!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Today we will talk about a prototype developed in the mid-1920s, shortly after the carnage on the battlefields of the First World War. This unique prototype built by the British was designed to break the stalemate of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trench_warfare" target="_blank">Trench Warfare</a>, in an attempt to assimilate the harsh lessons learned on European Conflict. This prototype directly influenced several other projects, including those from other countries, which would later fight in WWII. We are talking about the impressive <b>Vickers Independent A1E1 heavy tank</b>.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeZiTq-CHfzcb9obHqBjcbFNQ_xOlSxjrDMoJhQpkFGouj5TWq8gKlImf7Amyo3mvQh4GPgzZpnqTg4njeJDQFDLV0CxAADPu45WKudeG3gQooHuIcCrHHBVF2nKHcFDULi4TpT5exZ7dUuN4jAVG6t9BTp54wsRslh-XOEqrbVbBLpcN8irMh8_eFFAl/s1920/girl%20with%20%20independent.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeZiTq-CHfzcb9obHqBjcbFNQ_xOlSxjrDMoJhQpkFGouj5TWq8gKlImf7Amyo3mvQh4GPgzZpnqTg4njeJDQFDLV0CxAADPu45WKudeG3gQooHuIcCrHHBVF2nKHcFDULi4TpT5exZ7dUuN4jAVG6t9BTp54wsRslh-XOEqrbVbBLpcN8irMh8_eFFAl/w640-h360/girl%20with%20%20independent.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5FsG5bq9SmmaLOYx617XGJA_Dyt7HF7RbCVVqm3_mfUVFgisFgpQzFtyfg-kQjDHn3B0ftqp1dVLA5zg10PNldgFcJDQAKqEcFxmLpL1P8Mv6i_d1VJDp01naT6PJDmlIPoYJPVO-al4vz3qmDmgPTXKAn84sb9o67aoC1nQIoWnN5eXssiVRaisjVuw/s1400/Vickers%20Independent%20Heavy%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20%20%20IWM%20KID%20109.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1400" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5FsG5bq9SmmaLOYx617XGJA_Dyt7HF7RbCVVqm3_mfUVFgisFgpQzFtyfg-kQjDHn3B0ftqp1dVLA5zg10PNldgFcJDQAKqEcFxmLpL1P8Mv6i_d1VJDp01naT6PJDmlIPoYJPVO-al4vz3qmDmgPTXKAn84sb9o67aoC1nQIoWnN5eXssiVRaisjVuw/w640-h422/Vickers%20Independent%20Heavy%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20%20%20IWM%20KID%20109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent Heavy Tank (A1E1)<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 109</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Independent A1E1 is a multi-turreted tank that was designed by the British armaments manufacturer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Limited">Vickers</a> in the Interwar period. Although it only ever reached the prototype stage and only a single example was built, it influenced many other tank designs.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqcxAEzE_SKLAHZr9vYArhXkav0LbtVUQ3Sv6_CK5QB1r584ZWcX0LQuT0xyrTZIPyRkIHlFz-mcoZDDtxMLhh55b59gtbLyDlHxMxsYj2OEyvK-DqUXTJlOLuzYs_dMtzGcN3HCCLRqvAGN1LQbh4aPpoDe5AVXg8aLQkfKy8bD3gLEcVzGnv91bla44/s400/Corporate%20logo%20of%20%20British%20engineering%20conglomerate%20Vickers%20Limited.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqcxAEzE_SKLAHZr9vYArhXkav0LbtVUQ3Sv6_CK5QB1r584ZWcX0LQuT0xyrTZIPyRkIHlFz-mcoZDDtxMLhh55b59gtbLyDlHxMxsYj2OEyvK-DqUXTJlOLuzYs_dMtzGcN3HCCLRqvAGN1LQbh4aPpoDe5AVXg8aLQkfKy8bD3gLEcVzGnv91bla44/s320/Corporate%20logo%20of%20%20British%20engineering%20conglomerate%20Vickers%20Limited.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corporate logo of British Engineering Conglomerate<br />Vickers Limited</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The A1E1 design can be seen as a possible influence on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union">Soviet</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-100_tank">T-100</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-35">T-35</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-28_(medium_tank)">T-28</a> tanks, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany">German</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neubaufahrzeug">Neubaufahrzeug</a> tanks, and the British <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_Mk_III">Medium Mk III</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_Mk_I">Cruiser Mk I</a> (triple turret) tank concepts. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEior3ag9lW_UCHI6NPnKRv-HJzibJ7_W_olfR2a_VQg_u3S2TEp3_KrQqMnRpOBXgBCtM9UOUHG0AAbF-WbG06Mm6crRuSbD7MSjL7as_hN7zIGirpKHb4DjyS0VN7SgqlDXARmg4H5FnPE1ztfatmVnfuOicvAiYuG7ju4HVVPwjCo0FuGkUE-kxKXiHY-/s1280/Trumpeter%2009590%20T-100%20tank%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEior3ag9lW_UCHI6NPnKRv-HJzibJ7_W_olfR2a_VQg_u3S2TEp3_KrQqMnRpOBXgBCtM9UOUHG0AAbF-WbG06Mm6crRuSbD7MSjL7as_hN7zIGirpKHb4DjyS0VN7SgqlDXARmg4H5FnPE1ztfatmVnfuOicvAiYuG7ju4HVVPwjCo0FuGkUE-kxKXiHY-/w640-h374/Trumpeter%2009590%20T-100%20tank%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet T-100 heavy tank<br />Trumpeter 09590 kit box art</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbbnfKuq-j1JLyrxljOW7T0aw45qS7Eoesr6aAA8JeS1r3jI-WMRvU6W5INNyy1qLo9vIrj8B2L7QmJUNqggcVH69ac7tjpMlzIIEX3nsPad2TGPYL_CzmRbTw162oKTUTSt7SSDuV2uI8ulU3F1mWjAFFYlFJH5Ujg5XN5sNb0GX2pCu37853KXTTHKQ/s1280/Hobby%20Boss%2083841%20T-35%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbbnfKuq-j1JLyrxljOW7T0aw45qS7Eoesr6aAA8JeS1r3jI-WMRvU6W5INNyy1qLo9vIrj8B2L7QmJUNqggcVH69ac7tjpMlzIIEX3nsPad2TGPYL_CzmRbTw162oKTUTSt7SSDuV2uI8ulU3F1mWjAFFYlFJH5Ujg5XN5sNb0GX2pCu37853KXTTHKQ/w640-h426/Hobby%20Boss%2083841%20T-35%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soviet T-35 heavy tank <br />Hobby Boss 83841 kit box art </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjkszK3vKgZTChf_iRz78uvBZSCYjjcaGApkh2ZGr7_aTuyLwh03O_UKFMkLf7XhL2cHq-BPv9A7xrr2Al8KQ4tBppksk1HWTGRI_qvUFhdp8O3MI1iakwHZrDs_j4Ma3fwFq8baBmI5sT1J4m1ojTkGf-rr6xQ7Ts_fOWraWKgJpuJ2KndbG1u8Oqwqm/s1280/Hobby%20Boss%2083853%20T-28%20(Riveted)%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjkszK3vKgZTChf_iRz78uvBZSCYjjcaGApkh2ZGr7_aTuyLwh03O_UKFMkLf7XhL2cHq-BPv9A7xrr2Al8KQ4tBppksk1HWTGRI_qvUFhdp8O3MI1iakwHZrDs_j4Ma3fwFq8baBmI5sT1J4m1ojTkGf-rr6xQ7Ts_fOWraWKgJpuJ2KndbG1u8Oqwqm/w640-h426/Hobby%20Boss%2083853%20T-28%20(Riveted)%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Soviet T-28 heavy tank<br />Hobby Boss 83853 kit box art</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx260NOdVwIVp5O-zUyRVqSKm3jzgWPqvpViI6GXEPsDbg4B5NrAJgeqCCCQ3R_yN-sVPTC0AjnUmq-wdZ1IXGywlB2OixHlKk7RFtaG7Zxi0KJuETc87L3G8yfXn1v0ySejI2BaICuSCnbaYD33XGBeWh-P-WnK3PE_J2shAx3SNVmxItTwmdxfHK-lV/s1280/Dragon%206968%20Neubau-Fahrzeug%20tank%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCx260NOdVwIVp5O-zUyRVqSKm3jzgWPqvpViI6GXEPsDbg4B5NrAJgeqCCCQ3R_yN-sVPTC0AjnUmq-wdZ1IXGywlB2OixHlKk7RFtaG7Zxi0KJuETc87L3G8yfXn1v0ySejI2BaICuSCnbaYD33XGBeWh-P-WnK3PE_J2shAx3SNVmxItTwmdxfHK-lV/w640-h412/Dragon%206968%20Neubau-Fahrzeug%20tank%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> German Neubaufahrzeug tank <br />Dragon 6968 kit box art</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLtxQgoH4PSDaHa8QSBq8Sgirmic5Bg1qcdkK4dYFAiDJqfhD7eOklojqqUKkJGiPQLjTZDGHYlcV7TWYKHmYeERs5Wg_sUP-JJcIC6-xy0WsbdINvThbhBYBYygMWOY3_t4m3NiPQxasVTDhdyf89k_XzXZJ5h-6k14iw5aNNQjA-WuxAQvDASL3VTgM/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20III%20World%20of%20Tanks%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1280" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLtxQgoH4PSDaHa8QSBq8Sgirmic5Bg1qcdkK4dYFAiDJqfhD7eOklojqqUKkJGiPQLjTZDGHYlcV7TWYKHmYeERs5Wg_sUP-JJcIC6-xy0WsbdINvThbhBYBYygMWOY3_t4m3NiPQxasVTDhdyf89k_XzXZJ5h-6k14iw5aNNQjA-WuxAQvDASL3VTgM/w640-h312/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20III%20World%20of%20Tanks%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium MkIII tank<br />World of Tanks art</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATt-ukbPqzi0o2TXTbi9kiFdoyJW5Kj-Pm2knVovA9bbi8qYvPZJSP5fdqTnfCJX8trzc2R807_J5J1Yf1r1Sn_EWjpqR0U_j4htfbEmPvgi_7-JM-fiVdNJDacmOwvgp6z2VHSG_rO2N68O8ORltn5ePFafBOdHSAEbQ4E7lCdXURm-Z42tY94jibAW1/s1280/Bronco%2035153%20Cruiser%20Mk%20I%20CS%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATt-ukbPqzi0o2TXTbi9kiFdoyJW5Kj-Pm2knVovA9bbi8qYvPZJSP5fdqTnfCJX8trzc2R807_J5J1Yf1r1Sn_EWjpqR0U_j4htfbEmPvgi_7-JM-fiVdNJDacmOwvgp6z2VHSG_rO2N68O8ORltn5ePFafBOdHSAEbQ4E7lCdXURm-Z42tY94jibAW1/w640-h342/Bronco%2035153%20Cruiser%20Mk%20I%20CS%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Cruiser Mk I CS tank<br />Bronco 35153 kit box art</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Design</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Vickers Independent was a multi-turret tank design, having a central main gun turret armed with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OQF_3_pounder_gun">3 pounder (47 mm) gun</a>, and four subsidiary turrets each armed with a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/0.303_British">0.303 inch</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun">Vickers machine gun</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQFFEk6EPNs09ZAg_wnNrt-RHrM-Qb0tcib0G2qGhmK1tdwKnMmvSovX0vLhptyhARKfqlH4fg93yycMF12ludjKSqeWu3vqP5CQgGPFhQx4ZbNvj9bgSc2rQ58WztNHX1xV1W9fevO1AfltDJwnsnDa3dT0y9dD3n1k44f7WKrhvqFDryYOf_ecO2IGM/s1280/independent%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQFFEk6EPNs09ZAg_wnNrt-RHrM-Qb0tcib0G2qGhmK1tdwKnMmvSovX0vLhptyhARKfqlH4fg93yycMF12ludjKSqeWu3vqP5CQgGPFhQx4ZbNvj9bgSc2rQ58WztNHX1xV1W9fevO1AfltDJwnsnDa3dT0y9dD3n1k44f7WKrhvqFDryYOf_ecO2IGM/w640-h414/independent%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1 heavy tank<br />main gun turret - left side view<br />Notice the pennant with colors of the Royal Tank Regiment<br />(Royal Tank Corps -1917) </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeN4GUPpODAUDjleNb96Id-Bn2gTwoHyFne0js-hQvmg5CF34Vj7FMIHX4CgK4pLe8cumWsPHgNPSiwMvR4uwmQFE7GJJw80rORFdg7kuiV6ZYQG-nOPgwUW8lGsxpMVJ04oLCRU2fVqIWLgSxekAfGz7McyJA-8dSg_EjdESbWHsMENDMbwtbq_pfTWw/s1400/independent%20tank%20big%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1400" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeN4GUPpODAUDjleNb96Id-Bn2gTwoHyFne0js-hQvmg5CF34Vj7FMIHX4CgK4pLe8cumWsPHgNPSiwMvR4uwmQFE7GJJw80rORFdg7kuiV6ZYQG-nOPgwUW8lGsxpMVJ04oLCRU2fVqIWLgSxekAfGz7McyJA-8dSg_EjdESbWHsMENDMbwtbq_pfTWw/w640-h454/independent%20tank%20big%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1 heavy tank<br />main gun turret - interior view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The subsidiary turrets were mounted two at the front and two to the rear of the turret (about halfway along the hull). </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIbRwBua7V3iXUjLCvN-YKGFr7I4cJtGazbuJMF0YcVXVEtH-5pkGubXefXIdcrQJx0aviYGDUVBzkCSt1XC7tQxzrq5hN6-85NbZQD0SGJe4Q7-MR07E_DNXu_jZjQKJLBR-hyB3NfSPNRj_BzMWBTY1BFdIpFJ0g1XMRHKDQoDfBVd8wqrnO9DkSYrz/s1280/independent%20turrets.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaIbRwBua7V3iXUjLCvN-YKGFr7I4cJtGazbuJMF0YcVXVEtH-5pkGubXefXIdcrQJx0aviYGDUVBzkCSt1XC7tQxzrq5hN6-85NbZQD0SGJe4Q7-MR07E_DNXu_jZjQKJLBR-hyB3NfSPNRj_BzMWBTY1BFdIpFJ0g1XMRHKDQoDfBVd8wqrnO9DkSYrz/w640-h288/independent%20turrets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1 heavy tank<br />front left view, showing 4 of the 5 turrets of the tank.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As strange as it may seem, the machine gun of the left rear turret was able to elevate to engage aircraft. But due to the visibility and rotation restrictions of this turret, its usefulness was more a matter of boosting morale than practicality.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2l39-OKkIJgC9vkbnnMsZhS5g_ns4lRJAqMkrJB93LIvmcrcYzEvkJdenAX_qQPv7Ooq8iTu_YQ0aRKeYssdUokBz3iOkMetmX12jVOY0tHBrQeoJ5GIwJxM674ffdORgR1Lv3OKUHrFyMeW-o_mkJCkdmMUHtiUt1z1qes7uiWlK4lZKpu9WWDyokrH/s1280/independent%20AA%20turret2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2l39-OKkIJgC9vkbnnMsZhS5g_ns4lRJAqMkrJB93LIvmcrcYzEvkJdenAX_qQPv7Ooq8iTu_YQ0aRKeYssdUokBz3iOkMetmX12jVOY0tHBrQeoJ5GIwJxM674ffdORgR1Lv3OKUHrFyMeW-o_mkJCkdmMUHtiUt1z1qes7uiWlK4lZKpu9WWDyokrH/w640-h394/independent%20AA%20turret2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The AA left rear turret.<br />At the very least, curious...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LKKv5hOmclgYBvdaywVeIgTjSmhEylrm2-WSHrwii3rChcNvwgR9XQbeLMu_Ofogl8rbl4oIkNYQ5wCyyBf1tYPWY-7TNqMLNcRkx6ATd9M0e_V8ioHyuqJeRhyphenhyphenPDgLw6WMYunh3C0Qi4XoL0TZfpYc42PKlFp2xKzCaK8-Bl7PbfznqZixEJN368XCb/s1280/independent%20AA%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LKKv5hOmclgYBvdaywVeIgTjSmhEylrm2-WSHrwii3rChcNvwgR9XQbeLMu_Ofogl8rbl4oIkNYQ5wCyyBf1tYPWY-7TNqMLNcRkx6ATd9M0e_V8ioHyuqJeRhyphenhyphenPDgLw6WMYunh3C0Qi4XoL0TZfpYc42PKlFp2xKzCaK8-Bl7PbfznqZixEJN368XCb/w640-h426/independent%20AA%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder how the gunner could engage a plane with that turret...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank was designed to have heavy firepower, self-defence capability, and superiority to enemy weapons. It had a crew of eight, the Commander communicating with the crew through an intercom system. Like the Vickers Medium MkIII, the Independent also featured a hatch on the sides of the hull, within a rectangular recess, but this was rarely used by the crew, as this cavity was constantly filled with earth and clay.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWSAlCcvAtSBLOHRaDFdLWj1cKcYLG0X3c-3k65-M5Tm_SY5c8r449dquBcOfDeU_le5eRJpLFbbAcBXf3SBLxpg3MPgnoZwipgg4DbNeP_NcrPmctgZ2wk_BC0napQzpR7shF1nSSgHFCnvM4R7QyNJtNPWeL7Y7ePsS02Yg8PZx0YkKzuCqN_39OA_Q/s1280/independent%20side%20hatch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWSAlCcvAtSBLOHRaDFdLWj1cKcYLG0X3c-3k65-M5Tm_SY5c8r449dquBcOfDeU_le5eRJpLFbbAcBXf3SBLxpg3MPgnoZwipgg4DbNeP_NcrPmctgZ2wk_BC0napQzpR7shF1nSSgHFCnvM4R7QyNJtNPWeL7Y7ePsS02Yg8PZx0YkKzuCqN_39OA_Q/w640-h426/independent%20side%20hatch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1 heavy tank<br />left side - Notice the side hatch in his rectangular recess.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Independent was never used in combat, but other armies studied it and a few adopted designs derived from it, as we mentioned previously.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Development</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The planning for the A1E1 began in December 1922 when the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Staff">General Staff</a> of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Army">British Army</a> drew up a specification. This called for a tank with a low silhouette; a rear mounted engine and with at least 2.8 m of trench crossing ability. It was to be armed with a three-pounder gun mounted in the front hull and two machine guns fitted to side sponsons. This was, essentially, an updated version of the World War I Mark V tank.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Vickers were invited to design a tank to the General Staff specification. However, they also produced an alternative design with a dome shaped turret for a three-pounder gun, surrounded by four smaller turrets, each of which was fitted with a .303 machine gun. Both designs were submitted to the War Office in March 1923.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In September 1926, the War Office decided to adopt the Vickers multi-tutter design. The tank, with it's five turrets, was considered to be a true "land battleship". The armoured vehicle was to be used for "independent action" and to "work in conjunction with cavalry". The prototype was delivered in October 1926, so construction work on the prototype clearly began well before the order was officially announced. The tank was largely designed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Gordon_Wilson">Walter Gordon Wilson</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIFVoE_GNFR2aItoGLlFsZYR_EssDDlYB05EI4r5b1wFoEKedCy__1FbLIEo6QXU8jbPbU5dSa5ghWzbuEWw3yMADzIEMK-QFhq8itzqJcJLUKo6lfpqWi3b12DiOpUVENc_CNVKHiOQImbcVxV9iSLrW6CmQKOVCF-pnj7WOWE8LFtlc61NlD_stCe4J/s639/Gordon%20Wilson.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="425" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIFVoE_GNFR2aItoGLlFsZYR_EssDDlYB05EI4r5b1wFoEKedCy__1FbLIEo6QXU8jbPbU5dSa5ghWzbuEWw3yMADzIEMK-QFhq8itzqJcJLUKo6lfpqWi3b12DiOpUVENc_CNVKHiOQImbcVxV9iSLrW6CmQKOVCF-pnj7WOWE8LFtlc61NlD_stCe4J/w266-h400/Gordon%20Wilson.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_(United_Kingdom)">Major</a> Walter Gordon Wilson, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companion_of_the_Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George">CMG</a><br />(21 April 1874 - 1 July 1957)<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The engine, a 350hp air-cooled <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrong_Siddeley" target="_blank">Armstrong Siddeley</a> V12, was ordered in August 1926. The drive train used a Swiss Winterthur gearbox. This had oil operated synchromesh which did not need a clutch and drove two compound epicyclic gears inside the track sprocket wheels.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQRe5woG1vUaQED6R72BOlawuAdTQKTTb6QxZSH8CzWhFUeNcIZ5TAKt_0XG6jT5lRbMfgyH7C43hCgZ2pNF6Tu3lsNkP6vxYOxGdYtvmXFj7YgewrSAuuxdC6Ob4KgxIST2apjfhe9hXRdRdyg2I8cSXeywxedkea_CY7wzxIiEJ6dH9G6JQzCdjW3-e/s1250/Independent%20-%20bluprints%201250.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1250" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQRe5woG1vUaQED6R72BOlawuAdTQKTTb6QxZSH8CzWhFUeNcIZ5TAKt_0XG6jT5lRbMfgyH7C43hCgZ2pNF6Tu3lsNkP6vxYOxGdYtvmXFj7YgewrSAuuxdC6Ob4KgxIST2apjfhe9hXRdRdyg2I8cSXeywxedkea_CY7wzxIiEJ6dH9G6JQzCdjW3-e/w640-h402/Independent%20-%20bluprints%201250.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Independent multi-turreted tank<br />Vickers</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> An order for a prototype was formally placed on 15 September 1926 but some work appears to have begun before this date.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWYoIPq0VjIH5ipCmJuT-v1ljke5aD7FvWk7BugRT3PJl5vS8ZV-RPCWNZhMAj1vF3CAEzISNsQe-z9RuFaMy9kxXeA-rAy2L4QjH6QKg7JnGCBcvbQCqpC03bDEw3ox7eL5gyXDJjTay9gfq0jCO0Cj5o2Ua9ssiBOPKAdfboprvqmA22jBRdhet4WIh/s1400/A1E1%20Vickers%20Independent%20under%20construction%201926.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1400" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWYoIPq0VjIH5ipCmJuT-v1ljke5aD7FvWk7BugRT3PJl5vS8ZV-RPCWNZhMAj1vF3CAEzISNsQe-z9RuFaMy9kxXeA-rAy2L4QjH6QKg7JnGCBcvbQCqpC03bDEw3ox7eL5gyXDJjTay9gfq0jCO0Cj5o2Ua9ssiBOPKAdfboprvqmA22jBRdhet4WIh/w640-h396/A1E1%20Vickers%20Independent%20under%20construction%201926.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prototype of Vickers Independent heavy tank <br />under construction - Vickers plant - 1926<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbr8M8JwrPD6BUxmOm8leLBjYr9RJZTDKhrTBtGrGuU_YWmTABjRPjr0T88dfGPuZa9V00q4-3_KJ8SHGBoBNAF08twaBNdFVtJ-28xDs8piYm-UU90uC5r547b_IylhkjsFUqIJzHzxl6erLUNUuQjv9VxR4A75PXXyIWLNtVRGdYKXuu3m0vOnXZFRG/s1400/independent%20building.jpg2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="1400" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbr8M8JwrPD6BUxmOm8leLBjYr9RJZTDKhrTBtGrGuU_YWmTABjRPjr0T88dfGPuZa9V00q4-3_KJ8SHGBoBNAF08twaBNdFVtJ-28xDs8piYm-UU90uC5r547b_IylhkjsFUqIJzHzxl6erLUNUuQjv9VxR4A75PXXyIWLNtVRGdYKXuu3m0vOnXZFRG/w640-h446/independent%20building.jpg2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prototype of Vickers Independent heavy tank <br />under construction - Vickers plant - 1926<br />3/4 front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The prototype was delivered to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Office">War Office</a> in 1926, and the new tank took part in a firepower demonstration for a conference of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1926_Imperial_Conference" target="_blank">Prime Ministers of the British Dominions</a> in November 1926. At the time, it was described as Britain's latest and most secret heavy tank.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBhyEuAnjhN5Pk9CI5U7Ys-07zpiWKYIZZcgrxzizIYWDfTjSKsFj5Nl0Y3hOAVgwe-x1fy0um0U0wUxQHA_BmUaTSUEQbkR3qC-QcSnP-XPhV6nVz9zppUW-feGFt8HD_8pED9R8NJm6Yn_OBh2_7kFC1VLpG2uyTK8JfHsuK85VhjJIfCWflWZ7CNy9/s1280/A1E1%20Independent%20-%20right%20view%20Trials%20-%20November%201926.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBhyEuAnjhN5Pk9CI5U7Ys-07zpiWKYIZZcgrxzizIYWDfTjSKsFj5Nl0Y3hOAVgwe-x1fy0um0U0wUxQHA_BmUaTSUEQbkR3qC-QcSnP-XPhV6nVz9zppUW-feGFt8HD_8pED9R8NJm6Yn_OBh2_7kFC1VLpG2uyTK8JfHsuK85VhjJIfCWflWZ7CNy9/w640-h376/A1E1%20Independent%20-%20right%20view%20Trials%20-%20November%201926.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1heavy tank in muddy terrain<br />at the display during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1926_Imperial_Conference" target="_blank">Dominion Imperial Conference</a> - November, 1926<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: Tank Museum - Bovington<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7JiUURIiTHIjySJX1fCaP-D5fS_yDuZxqLhCdfHkPRcp3-X5omVcZYuRLZldSKPLSiKw_ttu_auaoO6fGQYXzV6l83zSdKNpvvimvLjR4TYFw0wH6rOlcN8wlMmywzjLp7QehUe95JOxdZx9puNuYH2NKINOQTtVKMzueoIJ3Nm1j6VD-IOByjFrqYcP/s1280/A1E1%20Independent%20-%20left%20view%20Trials%20-%20November%20.%20font%20-%20Tank%20Museum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7JiUURIiTHIjySJX1fCaP-D5fS_yDuZxqLhCdfHkPRcp3-X5omVcZYuRLZldSKPLSiKw_ttu_auaoO6fGQYXzV6l83zSdKNpvvimvLjR4TYFw0wH6rOlcN8wlMmywzjLp7QehUe95JOxdZx9puNuYH2NKINOQTtVKMzueoIJ3Nm1j6VD-IOByjFrqYcP/w640-h378/A1E1%20Independent%20-%20left%20view%20Trials%20-%20November%20.%20font%20-%20Tank%20Museum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1heavy tank in muddy terrain<br />at the display during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1926_Imperial_Conference" target="_blank">Dominion Imperial Conference</a> - November, 1926<br />the reason for the number 10 is unknown<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: Tank Museum - Bovington</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMIxa41jg84-Zz9D4l2z5GuDf8Nm2mFMKWPnwkgFr9GXy5M4T4Z4WVN8PkA_rA02Gtc5gIRXjdHdxj6zyO3vdlbixwh5nWLYVzhWWbU7cYBUlxvQ61B6JGYitiqfaidsewnGLG0yTjruEFWL1-4Ui5TumHRWtm_vwBKXVHnNy90R_qc91E3gXzZgKhqM6/s1289/A1E1%20Independent%20-%20Morris%20Martel%20Tankette%20at%20the%20Dominion%20Premier%20Trials%20-%20November%201926.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1289" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMIxa41jg84-Zz9D4l2z5GuDf8Nm2mFMKWPnwkgFr9GXy5M4T4Z4WVN8PkA_rA02Gtc5gIRXjdHdxj6zyO3vdlbixwh5nWLYVzhWWbU7cYBUlxvQ61B6JGYitiqfaidsewnGLG0yTjruEFWL1-4Ui5TumHRWtm_vwBKXVHnNy90R_qc91E3gXzZgKhqM6/w640-h310/A1E1%20Independent%20-%20Morris%20Martel%20Tankette%20at%20the%20Dominion%20Premier%20Trials%20-%20November%201926.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Vickers Independent A1E1heavy tank and a Morris Martel Tankette<br />at the display during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1926_Imperial_Conference" target="_blank">Dominion Imperial Conference</a> - November, 1926<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: Tank Museum - Bovington</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The steering system was quite advanced, by the standards of the time. The epicyclic gears were hydraulically operated and had a servo assistance system. In large-radius curves, the driver used the steering wheel, while in tight curves, the clutch (operated by levers) and the brake system were used simultaneously. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOmXjCmSkKlNaV0tz7AgQSqMPL4HZgqLToeuGhJ1-XJc4YURe0tbdLVhHZ7n3kXACp6eaIOq7eluLoWjB60jzeVppDQVXgRrleFY8IOBMscMCqgoDYBnqwXz4_XwI6WKvCExAdeU5N-37Qz_k7bXbnpgbw5H5qFrh0L4hrXPwwm5Ht4QriHELQ0T9Y9Nq/s1024/driver%20station%20Independent%20A1E1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1024" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOmXjCmSkKlNaV0tz7AgQSqMPL4HZgqLToeuGhJ1-XJc4YURe0tbdLVhHZ7n3kXACp6eaIOq7eluLoWjB60jzeVppDQVXgRrleFY8IOBMscMCqgoDYBnqwXz4_XwI6WKvCExAdeU5N-37Qz_k7bXbnpgbw5H5qFrh0L4hrXPwwm5Ht4QriHELQ0T9Y9Nq/w640-h420/driver%20station%20Independent%20A1E1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1<br />Driver station</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Independent was only 2.7 meters wide, as it needed to be transported by rail, being limited by this gauge. If we look at the relatively narrow width in relation to the length of the tank, we notice that the contact area of the tracks with the ground was relatively long, narrow and therefore unfavorable to changes of direction. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90t2H-83EVCfG99Gt0QTC9oKKs85T2ASPqIWRwsuSpoNMKdtcxawOrjv9rPT9C9PmIywAqKeUPrXpQjS8hmp8mqVaXYq0CH5Dey2evTQU8sY3q7rsaehnmX2p8bG3FPbvj9-C9Hqf9WF_4KeMVcrlSs3DI57-pZwg_YNx_xu_FpZHs63Kx1HEmHkLLzIf/s1280/Independent%20-%20bluprint%20top.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="1280" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90t2H-83EVCfG99Gt0QTC9oKKs85T2ASPqIWRwsuSpoNMKdtcxawOrjv9rPT9C9PmIywAqKeUPrXpQjS8hmp8mqVaXYq0CH5Dey2evTQU8sY3q7rsaehnmX2p8bG3FPbvj9-C9Hqf9WF_4KeMVcrlSs3DI57-pZwg_YNx_xu_FpZHs63Kx1HEmHkLLzIf/w640-h270/Independent%20-%20bluprint%20top.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1 blueprint<br />top view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After extensive tests, which lasted until 1928, flaws and deficiencies were detected, and the engineers focused on the project in search of solutions: the track return rollers, which had rubber tires, were replaced by steel rollers, but later, they returned to rubber ones; the brake linings were changed to use a new material developed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferodo" target="_blank">Ferodo</a>. The brakes thus modified were so effective that it was discovered that the stresses they created were causing the suspension to separate from the hull. That same year, as the tank's transmission was behaving very problematically, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Gordon_Wilson" target="_blank">Major W.G. Wilson</a> was called in to review the tank's mechanical design.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Lv9xjQ_vio2kVPdyFJEMAPqygBn63AjG04ylMx2wyUh8As2eonajqd9mB3XOgKc5Pyd1iZ91TFMv-8Yya2pBsZ4RiW5WMcMJ6XrbOK3xHp6JcTZlwQjeZM2z1lZsGqZrf25g9Z4qk_FoIUrRBJgv5EWKiurTABkj7SYY40EXqvWkP-VD2g6NDjXmWEst/s1600/independent%20tank%20big%20rear%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Lv9xjQ_vio2kVPdyFJEMAPqygBn63AjG04ylMx2wyUh8As2eonajqd9mB3XOgKc5Pyd1iZ91TFMv-8Yya2pBsZ4RiW5WMcMJ6XrbOK3xHp6JcTZlwQjeZM2z1lZsGqZrf25g9Z4qk_FoIUrRBJgv5EWKiurTABkj7SYY40EXqvWkP-VD2g6NDjXmWEst/w640-h338/independent%20tank%20big%20rear%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent Heavy Tank (A1E1)<br />rear right view - version 1926</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9BKTiyZzy4465AXuxkJcGICxVrl7bh7sk0-c23jM7Ef9FNxHIoTYTS1sSq6kpWm9A_aIqLR944P610jWeyLnYmcIAagIncmXAXqo5sIO7cUloG94csVQsWSyJTnjrPqgVynf-Esz63DDBwgmJEe01ZeXlOAgd0dYEA-_FqRoCOC6mBcehYOI8lDzimQI/s1400/Vickers%20Independent%20Heavy%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20-%20fornt%20left%20view%20IWM%20KID%2042.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1400" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9BKTiyZzy4465AXuxkJcGICxVrl7bh7sk0-c23jM7Ef9FNxHIoTYTS1sSq6kpWm9A_aIqLR944P610jWeyLnYmcIAagIncmXAXqo5sIO7cUloG94csVQsWSyJTnjrPqgVynf-Esz63DDBwgmJEe01ZeXlOAgd0dYEA-_FqRoCOC6mBcehYOI8lDzimQI/w640-h370/Vickers%20Independent%20Heavy%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20-%20fornt%20left%20view%20IWM%20KID%2042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent Heavy Tank (A1E1)<br />fornt left view - version 1926<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 42</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2Awl1zvR-YJgLPnkRLLJoNGK4CDMTEByXjegkKesmOt7Ni49n4RehkpjG9sqaSG0xuBWDzM2ta64t4ihiXqRGRhtNTEWZhgm7_sV6OhQdmTDFMrLY1HP8hLJYs3wgcxiGjyTIgmUKUR2cUXhItGWDH4cQmlJOKyeJquU3L8tnk1XdIBDUVoj6uHaYMhF/s1400/Vickers%20Independent%20Heavy%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20%20%20IWM%20KID%20109.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1400" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2Awl1zvR-YJgLPnkRLLJoNGK4CDMTEByXjegkKesmOt7Ni49n4RehkpjG9sqaSG0xuBWDzM2ta64t4ihiXqRGRhtNTEWZhgm7_sV6OhQdmTDFMrLY1HP8hLJYs3wgcxiGjyTIgmUKUR2cUXhItGWDH4cQmlJOKyeJquU3L8tnk1XdIBDUVoj6uHaYMhF/w640-h422/Vickers%20Independent%20Heavy%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20%20%20IWM%20KID%20109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent Heavy Tank (A1E1)<br />fornt right view- version 1926<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 109</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> Following his advice, the transmission was rebuilt with simple, two-speed, epicyclic gears that were mounted inside the sprockets. These gears were connected to the drive sprockets by flexible couplings. Another flaw detected was a certain “flexibility” in the rear part of the vehicle, and this entire area of the chassis was extensively reinforced to strengthen it, and this work ended in 1928. These transmission changes, plus structural hull reinforcements increased the tank's weight to 31.5 tons.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFb1TCYmObTEwz49rBlGMMZgTgM7duLHXZyy4oDfDSBkd5j0Pmu68n0fGQF1thl7MDz-Ln0lp6WNzD2TC32tCfYio5TPBVRE582ApgglvbLRP3HAYAxQOUfOTI2nD0q7ypS3lYAwa3G0PcHAOCdcZu-IMgcbsga2M5JT-scBCDYWme0bSBAKXOnV6F-ld/s1400/rear%20hull.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1400" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFb1TCYmObTEwz49rBlGMMZgTgM7duLHXZyy4oDfDSBkd5j0Pmu68n0fGQF1thl7MDz-Ln0lp6WNzD2TC32tCfYio5TPBVRE582ApgglvbLRP3HAYAxQOUfOTI2nD0q7ypS3lYAwa3G0PcHAOCdcZu-IMgcbsga2M5JT-scBCDYWme0bSBAKXOnV6F-ld/w640-h314/rear%20hull.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison between the initial version from 1926 and <br />after the structural reinforcements and upgrade to<br />the rear transmission, at the end of 1928. <br />Note mainly the axle connecting the two rear drive sprocket wheels</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The Independent had relatively effective armor, by contemporary standards. The armor on the front of hull and around the crew compartment was 28 mm thick and varied between 13 mm and 8 mm elsewhere. In its original form, the Independent had a mass of 29 tons and could reach an excellent road speed of 33 km/h. Its gas consumption was around 2.5 liters per kilometer, although the engine also burned a whopping 17 liters of oil per hour, a problem that was never effectively resolved during the Independent's lifetime.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> An interesting fact is that the design of this tank was the subject of industrial and political espionage, the plans ending up in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union">Soviet Union</a>, where they may have influenced the design of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-28_(medium_tank)">T-28</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-35">T-35</a> tanks. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Baillie-Stewart">Norman Baillie-Stewart</a>, a British army lieutenant, was court-martialled in 1933 and served five years in prison for providing the plans of the Independent (among other secrets) to a German contact.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">In the British Army, it remained in use for tests and experiments and even after much work and development, the entire project was finally abandoned in 1935. The Independent was then withdrawn and sent to Bovington Camp, where with its armament and armor, it formed part of the Bovington Camp defenses, in the uncertain times of the Summer of 1940. After WWII it was posted to the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tank_Museum">Bovington Tank Museum</a><span style="text-align: left;"> in 1949, where it is preserved to this day.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnHGOMtiUtL2sA16peLjbgBAgsDvSFuSFW0TO4Apnq8A-sa3xyGIH2-uwPDbVExDeY3lQQierOWeFs5S2IENJMPhajOEKVh755b4FGFeVeK3v7OLsQ4rmEYi8A6Ygwx0RQRa_Fvg9jorfcN_eU3x8JXvV1_WFasy5lGMdjSuIQMxywrV919u7qvkZmG6Q/s1280/independent%20at%20bovington.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnHGOMtiUtL2sA16peLjbgBAgsDvSFuSFW0TO4Apnq8A-sa3xyGIH2-uwPDbVExDeY3lQQierOWeFs5S2IENJMPhajOEKVh755b4FGFeVeK3v7OLsQ4rmEYi8A6Ygwx0RQRa_Fvg9jorfcN_eU3x8JXvV1_WFasy5lGMdjSuIQMxywrV919u7qvkZmG6Q/w640-h430/independent%20at%20bovington.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent A1E1 heavy tank - version 1928.<br />preserved at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tank_Museum" style="text-align: justify;">Bovington Tank Museum</a> - UK.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Conclusion </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The A1E1 Independent could be considered, in many ways, a true “white elephant”. Multi-turret tanks proved to be a vehicle that presented poor performance, in tactical terms, as it was impossible for the Commander to direct and coordinate the use of fire from a vehicle with multiple turrets. Compared to the <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20III%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Mk.III,</a> its contemporary, it had practically similar effective tactical armament, but weighed almost 16 tons more and was much more expensive.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvNI7bAJs6B9JLFlnkUN_VPgR0cG-BfSnhxGcBPW0HWxrRtbt5rz8jQXyvXFkhl4GbiJV6qLhCpbp_hp0shn2sszcti2YygkSsAXCf8YYzmQxl-xtWvF7Cv8mRDAx_8zYs3xkbxeuTmdoqZ6z4WKUthF2IdzB0ajZ7NhdrNVr-gDB0nGcY5JlD9_e3Oaq/s1600/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20(A6E2)%20and%20Vickers%20Independent%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20IWM%20KID%204490.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvNI7bAJs6B9JLFlnkUN_VPgR0cG-BfSnhxGcBPW0HWxrRtbt5rz8jQXyvXFkhl4GbiJV6qLhCpbp_hp0shn2sszcti2YygkSsAXCf8YYzmQxl-xtWvF7Cv8mRDAx_8zYs3xkbxeuTmdoqZ6z4WKUthF2IdzB0ajZ7NhdrNVr-gDB0nGcY5JlD9_e3Oaq/w640-h320/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20(A6E2)%20and%20Vickers%20Independent%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20IWM%20KID%204490.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20III%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Tank (A6E2)</a> and <br />Vickers Independent Tank (A1E1) <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 4490</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The War Office seemed uncertain about its role: was it a prototype of a new heavy tank or just an experimental program of new armored warfare concepts? In both cases, it was a very expensive project and was therefore discontinued.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Specs:</b><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhof9xu6OtH0EylZ4a7Mkf4DeJ2J5M6tHgbtOkEDQG30AAb-TUkbChfkghUsrLwAXJQQiqKEZP3PU3cB-E7Qm_iWSGojxK2-d-k4zysih7b2Bof77u_S0z_uijRTt8bkGPnGltcZbgZ6asXA2fYYlUQxaq-J8mmSmoEf6KcPXBm9ZoNXOHbtZnh-9yOvGE/s1600/specs%201600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhof9xu6OtH0EylZ4a7Mkf4DeJ2J5M6tHgbtOkEDQG30AAb-TUkbChfkghUsrLwAXJQQiqKEZP3PU3cB-E7Qm_iWSGojxK2-d-k4zysih7b2Bof77u_S0z_uijRTt8bkGPnGltcZbgZ6asXA2fYYlUQxaq-J8mmSmoEf6KcPXBm9ZoNXOHbtZnh-9yOvGE/w640-h344/specs%201600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Vickers Independent </span>A1E1</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers">Vickers</a> (Sheffield) - 1926</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">31,5 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonne" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Tonne">t</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.59 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.67 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.72 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">8</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">13 - 28 mm </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OQF_3_pounder_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="OQF 3 pounder gun">QF 3 pounder gun</a> (47 mm)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary<span style="color: white;">.</span>armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 × 0.303 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers machine gun">Vickers mg</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrong_Siddeley" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Armstrong Siddeley">Armstrong Siddeley</a> <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V12_engine" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="V12 engine">V12</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrol" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Petrol">petrol</a> 370 hp (280 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 forward, 1 reverse</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">coil spring bogies</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">153 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">32 km/h<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>The kit</b><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another 3D printed kit in commission work, manufactured by <a href="https://mry-sfw.com/">SS Model</a> kits. The <b>A1E1 British Independent Heavy Tank (#35568)</b>. Let's see how this girl behaves...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSpCVrdvM51SiPCmgW4GAZgqUWmj3FTBQWrN52j0AZBVSrmcpUWAZnk0LgZA5GvkDhJ9pJohkcvecnJSVU62Hp0WkxiTFPeKGJptpzegr-7oRQZj-DYfrZMgYbBkXIy4nbbJiHdXc6nv7P7BpuZGxadxQrZizwVZxNfYto8HEaiMiFAiRoSHzMjNrJG9m/s1280/independent%20kit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSpCVrdvM51SiPCmgW4GAZgqUWmj3FTBQWrN52j0AZBVSrmcpUWAZnk0LgZA5GvkDhJ9pJohkcvecnJSVU62Hp0WkxiTFPeKGJptpzegr-7oRQZj-DYfrZMgYbBkXIy4nbbJiHdXc6nv7P7BpuZGxadxQrZizwVZxNfYto8HEaiMiFAiRoSHzMjNrJG9m/w640-h624/independent%20kit.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">British Independent A1E1 heavy tank</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><a href="https://mry-sfw.com/" style="text-align: start;">SS Model</a><span style="text-align: start;"> kit (#35568) box art</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQj5FzmuzJTFfnTo3EtpbDjOQgBsFj29WaPXosUVWtdkHbncQdl-h8ZABKu3hWuFjXAjAD9XnGfzPi8XbFq6j0OASxJyf5zF6BdpzO745fkvG-fFOzoJI5kQHUyQNa3aHLZemEqLo5YrzJ9Pof65sOtYLpNjL19ERTsW7YKzotWjzBvTmz9yWrpxiCyoU/s1240/Independent%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1240" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQj5FzmuzJTFfnTo3EtpbDjOQgBsFj29WaPXosUVWtdkHbncQdl-h8ZABKu3hWuFjXAjAD9XnGfzPi8XbFq6j0OASxJyf5zF6BdpzO745fkvG-fFOzoJI5kQHUyQNa3aHLZemEqLo5YrzJ9Pof65sOtYLpNjL19ERTsW7YKzotWjzBvTmz9yWrpxiCyoU/w640-h490/Independent%20001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak with the kit, on the bench. The cover art is a little different...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO_RQkcPcNBMUhSqoKdUhtoW7sA9CS7eUUhX3A6m9r-C8gnI2wPK2zQtpHP73qiYkmNKQa-bHeaj8c_P3H_dnJyFT1gADcB7Vx7Cp2JpDk2onJ06FqRa979pZ-UwjpfvD-F0k5_CR9ea1Y74d26puXYQvrT_FakUm0z0ZddMLWwXgP8VBOEY05aJYNamj/s1280/Independent%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO_RQkcPcNBMUhSqoKdUhtoW7sA9CS7eUUhX3A6m9r-C8gnI2wPK2zQtpHP73qiYkmNKQa-bHeaj8c_P3H_dnJyFT1gADcB7Vx7Cp2JpDk2onJ06FqRa979pZ-UwjpfvD-F0k5_CR9ea1Y74d26puXYQvrT_FakUm0z0ZddMLWwXgP8VBOEY05aJYNamj/w640-h438/Independent%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Few parts to build, as most of the details are already printed... <br />All hatches closed and no decals or metal details. <br />The instruction manual (a simple A4 sheet) is laconic and terrible, to say the least...<br />The bald one is discreetly excited...<br />The kit represents the original version of A1E1 Independent, from 1926.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQXePe9wqCP6Tsqqd3zzJkg-CD4pDsJacalXrh6Rp85PqQwQ1cvA9jfFmjnMWtexIlA2HOBzVqjz7yUkXcSHmB_p6EsVuEyyfajPGdkKs1Z4VmvX_pd5Ht_JgjW4fEmi7SH56eEdIQPUB8i7aZKIQPdOHqHFgyU41TCxUlnsuj_RbBsLdQzQJ2AOY-CQF/s1280/Independent%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQXePe9wqCP6Tsqqd3zzJkg-CD4pDsJacalXrh6Rp85PqQwQ1cvA9jfFmjnMWtexIlA2HOBzVqjz7yUkXcSHmB_p6EsVuEyyfajPGdkKs1Z4VmvX_pd5Ht_JgjW4fEmi7SH56eEdIQPUB8i7aZKIQPdOHqHFgyU41TCxUlnsuj_RbBsLdQzQJ2AOY-CQF/w640-h354/Independent%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kit came with the right ladder fractured, without the parts. <br />Problems with quality control at SS Models during packaging,<br />as in the case of the <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20III%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Mk.III</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0P5OlbbIIriDsr_ByHlokLQo52qrNA2PiWL3FwA-mf5SfzKUUtLgmeRn1Np-1w5bkCFqhRwbwkXZCJvPCQP95pz5jNbo9Dg3hCTVyKUCr5BjO_ZNQtE1gY6d5Vr9E9uFF8O0HTG5xfuqJT9YvtzOr9xrF8St01CriDIou7QL4_dPsvEpfiYgeUJYxb-4/s1280/Independent%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0P5OlbbIIriDsr_ByHlokLQo52qrNA2PiWL3FwA-mf5SfzKUUtLgmeRn1Np-1w5bkCFqhRwbwkXZCJvPCQP95pz5jNbo9Dg3hCTVyKUCr5BjO_ZNQtE1gY6d5Vr9E9uFF8O0HTG5xfuqJT9YvtzOr9xrF8St01CriDIou7QL4_dPsvEpfiYgeUJYxb-4/w640-h410/Independent%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But one thing we can talk about is evolution:<br />the turrets come with their "necks" printed on the hull,<br />unlike the <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20III%20tank" target="_blank">Medium Mk.III,</a> where we had to guess the true positions.<br />Positive point for SS Models!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2UAkQC9Ni-actrkh9He-t8ipVl58PgPznhA4uiTJoY-FcIyWeziMl5T8WDf6jgcWI4ZaFVIkiSQgA8Yo4qRGC6Ttyz23y7WKM8DTnilwV5f-7KarhvqApYPTt3LVq9PFJlYWDpTQywVr-msjCemLccLOAOeUh_34aSQX3JQOpyrtV6MH-PDCu0A_GIbZ/s1280/Independent%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="1280" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2UAkQC9Ni-actrkh9He-t8ipVl58PgPznhA4uiTJoY-FcIyWeziMl5T8WDf6jgcWI4ZaFVIkiSQgA8Yo4qRGC6Ttyz23y7WKM8DTnilwV5f-7KarhvqApYPTt3LVq9PFJlYWDpTQywVr-msjCemLccLOAOeUh_34aSQX3JQOpyrtV6MH-PDCu0A_GIbZ/w640-h238/Independent%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But now, a disappointment: the damn delaminations and<br />resin without complete curing!!! This is terrible!!!<br />Internal view of suspensions - right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycCyVil7Y8Um23NTIe0TlgJ-_8c3CE9Q1ylLeiHtnXMmpdmqTyMNIwaZEAzgd5MBxfKuLI2fHd7lUHbbwzfVkofYF_acDQL0Al-d7XKkCnLaf5cVBhyphenhyphenGg3LsNaXBOGXW8G1LJGDzjcmjNFRowLU7z5m8CcNl4tsCvfu1KJ3hbMEc-ybJVsqh0A93UeTc5/s1280/Independent%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycCyVil7Y8Um23NTIe0TlgJ-_8c3CE9Q1ylLeiHtnXMmpdmqTyMNIwaZEAzgd5MBxfKuLI2fHd7lUHbbwzfVkofYF_acDQL0Al-d7XKkCnLaf5cVBhyphenhyphenGg3LsNaXBOGXW8G1LJGDzjcmjNFRowLU7z5m8CcNl4tsCvfu1KJ3hbMEc-ybJVsqh0A93UeTc5/w640-h280/Independent%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And in the left side too... Disgusting!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G7QfGrj5vM0vkVZ0NAbu-53AV1xsl5qqzW7k3etpR4G14f2cxFY3rxeG9-9w4Ekvzhx2iHRVeVskrUoVxUe_bZaZYHJhIZNuDm8se6VLGVdrOT1Ny-ugPNaUPyUq5j5PCgiy95tWsxJr3o3eJFzH5cMVDO6mqvJKXzrBih0y6HrcilGFmeJ9ZRVzra7-/s1280/Independent%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0G7QfGrj5vM0vkVZ0NAbu-53AV1xsl5qqzW7k3etpR4G14f2cxFY3rxeG9-9w4Ekvzhx2iHRVeVskrUoVxUe_bZaZYHJhIZNuDm8se6VLGVdrOT1Ny-ugPNaUPyUq5j5PCgiy95tWsxJr3o3eJFzH5cMVDO6mqvJKXzrBih0y6HrcilGFmeJ9ZRVzra7-/w640-h384/Independent%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another improvement compared to the Vickers Medium Mk.III kit:<br />reference points for gluing the suspensions!!! <br />Wonder!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNZhwX46G2p_dA2WYzVK3RY8MjF_Wh8fThRGmFMKHp9PDXWO2JvM2iVFpPnlSxUnvzqwlh9mOBaG51IqCMHbUa-zRSSsRPpxz5pqqIOAhVxN20rZ6Ja_DUaOZftQ1Gy2mUC_u3COBqWuoyizbsSJC7Btguh67o0cm4CCkFdu9VBRjAbH9F076ZyiQ1vRB/s1280/Independent%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNZhwX46G2p_dA2WYzVK3RY8MjF_Wh8fThRGmFMKHp9PDXWO2JvM2iVFpPnlSxUnvzqwlh9mOBaG51IqCMHbUa-zRSSsRPpxz5pqqIOAhVxN20rZ6Ja_DUaOZftQ1Gy2mUC_u3COBqWuoyizbsSJC7Btguh67o0cm4CCkFdu9VBRjAbH9F076ZyiQ1vRB/w640-h344/Independent%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The problem is that the fittings are too tight... <br />some are even too tight...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksiTXqdFe1bGy3UxMpMePVbAOTZe52U39A5jpvSQbvhZA3scJ1QyISyL1YCv-oJSAVnC-7_l8fcPSRLrf4YTjc0jNikwz2YivMY8nI2QjmbXcv_G2sOTaxt2dZd35j0zTyK310hMMqqnMz2XE2BuGOLKHN-Ye37mz-bKVHGnoEHrIJWl3LpG496zy0s-u/s1280/Independent%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksiTXqdFe1bGy3UxMpMePVbAOTZe52U39A5jpvSQbvhZA3scJ1QyISyL1YCv-oJSAVnC-7_l8fcPSRLrf4YTjc0jNikwz2YivMY8nI2QjmbXcv_G2sOTaxt2dZd35j0zTyK310hMMqqnMz2XE2BuGOLKHN-Ye37mz-bKVHGnoEHrIJWl3LpG496zy0s-u/w640-h352/Independent%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My solution: I used slightly larger diameter drills,<br />widening the holes, to allow for a less traumatic fit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB064-5U4vzw2Ukc8lQUXQHpuQLx2EJaCgcdimo8dmnDvWGx9TI_6YuLiPbjA8FYqcOO4ghpZSjcbkyCnQXa0my4x6LIAivx4JsU8np9jovRM3vuXsUky2FO2VXBWEvC-RC19oKqyYHGPvSKFUdj1XkIUtb75gOKiqP2VxZSC3zTvHw7XkPq58PUCsK_BQ/s1280/Independent%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB064-5U4vzw2Ukc8lQUXQHpuQLx2EJaCgcdimo8dmnDvWGx9TI_6YuLiPbjA8FYqcOO4ghpZSjcbkyCnQXa0my4x6LIAivx4JsU8np9jovRM3vuXsUky2FO2VXBWEvC-RC19oKqyYHGPvSKFUdj1XkIUtb75gOKiqP2VxZSC3zTvHw7XkPq58PUCsK_BQ/w640-h342/Independent%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I enlarged all the holes (red arrows),<br />except those for the main wheels (yellow arrows)...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVIZbxH5UzcPUNPAfwpEML5jua2Fxx24t4k8GFny_3XlSzPm__xSkMq7ZzqMbhZ1uta2UeQ6U5AsBinu5uOhBIrXd9bCqi7FLIzYn8PlYolxEy6U3Gre78A-natOXhkbGVcKo2a4-dX7QfnMaS2nwPa4nbDNxQp-Zd2pCDX_ai_EuF8JEs7uoYyBI4JPW/s1280/Independent%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1280" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVIZbxH5UzcPUNPAfwpEML5jua2Fxx24t4k8GFny_3XlSzPm__xSkMq7ZzqMbhZ1uta2UeQ6U5AsBinu5uOhBIrXd9bCqi7FLIzYn8PlYolxEy6U3Gre78A-natOXhkbGVcKo2a4-dX7QfnMaS2nwPa4nbDNxQp-Zd2pCDX_ai_EuF8JEs7uoYyBI4JPW/w640-h290/Independent%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, after some work, the suspensions were glue<br /> into their respective places. Important tip: use superglue gel ,<br />as it takes longer to work, allowing you to adjust so many fittings...<br />Left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9WA2C-9Mz0mvd_3F3rhRcGIeuH2gzmhL4P_VC2X8nmfA7OYOiWCwC2xiQcN07kQpiwNtXKTkNYk8Pco9gm6clo6rtL8E1YotHj4JTDyD_kUNRJKgu9yP8YeAD2ISFcbDraeRv026-VkEJDR5Pv4YkIasdVPAby24BcETEmttYoUW1m5Mkhu0ojqBsJae/s1280/Independent%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9WA2C-9Mz0mvd_3F3rhRcGIeuH2gzmhL4P_VC2X8nmfA7OYOiWCwC2xiQcN07kQpiwNtXKTkNYk8Pco9gm6clo6rtL8E1YotHj4JTDyD_kUNRJKgu9yP8YeAD2ISFcbDraeRv026-VkEJDR5Pv4YkIasdVPAby24BcETEmttYoUW1m5Mkhu0ojqBsJae/w640-h288/Independent%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspension - right side.<br />During the gluing and adjustment of the suspensions,<br />some parts of the track links fractured (very fragile...).<br />I replaced them with a super-thin Plastruct rectangular profile (red arrows).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZa7ACJqd-VTDmAiz3Ajz1iz9_Fg-ImWye951nm0JbDLga9aM2u3Nl_bI6Elj-EBacXpy5GugZ1UBaRscHzAzmlEmeKPBlG4gI22dh4wOp27MrUr3H7lMBmfptlht9xBibf-4cDsEfnvMzY8XGYSX72ToiGUmp-opjAIAFBB35RNSm_WjAvi5uItoEwE0/s1280/Independent%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZa7ACJqd-VTDmAiz3Ajz1iz9_Fg-ImWye951nm0JbDLga9aM2u3Nl_bI6Elj-EBacXpy5GugZ1UBaRscHzAzmlEmeKPBlG4gI22dh4wOp27MrUr3H7lMBmfptlht9xBibf-4cDsEfnvMzY8XGYSX72ToiGUmp-opjAIAFBB35RNSm_WjAvi5uItoEwE0/w640-h366/Independent%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main turret fits inside the neck on the hull. <br />It's a very tight fit...to facilitate rotation, I abraded the material<br />with a rotary sanding tool from my Dremel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk_mGWXTCBES6L8LOHTgarSmrPtOJrS754yPtSHO3aILAkSp1bd2J0mmccBkHy6_SrZReOg_H4s0LT_wYvRwT8Cbrej5KXdqtmnvj_CrTtKdzVt68yC55E0umXuIFgHMc02jYclJRPt1e2saxcPbseHNa8AnYkMKw4Ov33Jfii3QStbdKZuh6eeASWSsE/s1280/Independent%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk_mGWXTCBES6L8LOHTgarSmrPtOJrS754yPtSHO3aILAkSp1bd2J0mmccBkHy6_SrZReOg_H4s0LT_wYvRwT8Cbrej5KXdqtmnvj_CrTtKdzVt68yC55E0umXuIFgHMc02jYclJRPt1e2saxcPbseHNa8AnYkMKw4Ov33Jfii3QStbdKZuh6eeASWSsE/w640-h358/Independent%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the secondary turrets are the opposite: the fitting is internal<br />in to the turrets. Same wear with the same tool...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq0Sz8Lm5i_93egRQtVpUTrbi8rqGCkvJkJ72X05QuK5tf8FXJCdRboFtksTxezdEny8k9wLLOxnzZeRw2cE3S1PVdGU19GU5n6SAavclO23LTRf3FTwTbgUurQXPh6TX62Jl1P_iUCbUPAXkS2N4rxreFhPqhMZQbdyCGHFzcyYr0J_zG9QRc2j94dlp/s1280/Independent%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq0Sz8Lm5i_93egRQtVpUTrbi8rqGCkvJkJ72X05QuK5tf8FXJCdRboFtksTxezdEny8k9wLLOxnzZeRw2cE3S1PVdGU19GU5n6SAavclO23LTRf3FTwTbgUurQXPh6TX62Jl1P_iUCbUPAXkS2N4rxreFhPqhMZQbdyCGHFzcyYr0J_zG9QRc2j94dlp/w640-h438/Independent%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abrasion wear on the turrets and hull neck...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTBliIGLygARPmJgN2ww-mjQd-Xye9gqVTrD4_eJPpXbjtAE2Kmu86ouL-sSYdHl5QGKdKntSYBavULBmeHLYMrRo8yTffcHk0UKiJvdkyCXsDCQi-AyENKtl-HQcX-jxaCczDIui6c8-MNYT3YK1FpguLSIe1kPrd0G5WNuhSQxEs57VvIXR1xqiglKt/s1280/Independent%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTBliIGLygARPmJgN2ww-mjQd-Xye9gqVTrD4_eJPpXbjtAE2Kmu86ouL-sSYdHl5QGKdKntSYBavULBmeHLYMrRo8yTffcHk0UKiJvdkyCXsDCQi-AyENKtl-HQcX-jxaCczDIui6c8-MNYT3YK1FpguLSIe1kPrd0G5WNuhSQxEs57VvIXR1xqiglKt/w640-h310/Independent%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the turrets with smooth and precise fittings...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk4c68tmHmsy0_ZIb_yBb0zbOFS6Zl6YddDkBEHknmgmgeFpzWZIBPJ-qqu6dnJr9OUqHpa46dpUuUBzzZtE-sdkLwAM9-HN8Jl9AHYHUTu8HixLuZ0pPeLb8EyvyLwuQPaDfLo7aBvOAU_fuued4Yy1SqjTyRhveP1KjZbEZtlg_w3fBCI5DsCtLchOm/s1280/Independent%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk4c68tmHmsy0_ZIb_yBb0zbOFS6Zl6YddDkBEHknmgmgeFpzWZIBPJ-qqu6dnJr9OUqHpa46dpUuUBzzZtE-sdkLwAM9-HN8Jl9AHYHUTu8HixLuZ0pPeLb8EyvyLwuQPaDfLo7aBvOAU_fuued4Yy1SqjTyRhveP1KjZbEZtlg_w3fBCI5DsCtLchOm/w640-h326/Independent%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the repair on the sides of the right track links.<br />Sculpture with scalpel on plastic...<br />No big deal!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4feLSBjENPi_yjf1KJaFK81O_NoAi2RCZqQ166iUuYwqCZ2lThCATvSp6t73QjZnRlcArgLlnJWVDfg0xtye0nSaCh7fr04va0ptYiq0MZn5hAndGiW0UaesG3YpwfX8I6cqbuQxEEDeGNryxAaS3_Zkdok7P5KyD9CwL_pKAyDCofAM7cPgRvBn8cCmb/s1280/Independent%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4feLSBjENPi_yjf1KJaFK81O_NoAi2RCZqQ166iUuYwqCZ2lThCATvSp6t73QjZnRlcArgLlnJWVDfg0xtye0nSaCh7fr04va0ptYiq0MZn5hAndGiW0UaesG3YpwfX8I6cqbuQxEEDeGNryxAaS3_Zkdok7P5KyD9CwL_pKAyDCofAM7cPgRvBn8cCmb/w640-h356/Independent%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's now repair the fractured ladder on the right. <br />I'm going to use Plastruct plastic angles for this...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXK4s-i8-gWghyJ_vIvYWoDIZEo5lr3faeoDT3q8RdadKba5UrPfhjf80LM_4lMr3q_UgtLMzqjIQ4gJLuABVOxkUyLqbR4Nf65opjoQ-1PtCyrzux3Y8vtJ2q2c1b5UAm1nbFBbxEJCtmkgvqOekGCbMtZwu-sFRoZpVI1BtqTw16EN09C9t-wavmtuI/s1280/Independent%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXK4s-i8-gWghyJ_vIvYWoDIZEo5lr3faeoDT3q8RdadKba5UrPfhjf80LM_4lMr3q_UgtLMzqjIQ4gJLuABVOxkUyLqbR4Nf65opjoQ-1PtCyrzux3Y8vtJ2q2c1b5UAm1nbFBbxEJCtmkgvqOekGCbMtZwu-sFRoZpVI1BtqTw16EN09C9t-wavmtuI/w640-h404/Independent%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs like new!! I took advantage and made the missing straps<br />on the right fender of the tank, with thin copper wire. <br />The repaired tracks complete the set...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The 47mm cannon provided by the kit seems too thin and short to me... So, I had a great idea: why not replace it with the cannon that came in duplicate in the <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20III%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Mk.III</a> kit? They are the same guns, of the same caliber, on the original vehicles. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Let's get to work: the first thing is to check the blueprints and photos of the vehicle and, indeed, the cannon provided is a little short. Ideally, it should protrude a little in front of the hull. See the blueprint below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EXI3s480TysohoGKfpgjbPgV1u67JSFjRXYXsmBBl5BfB2XK54cdqO_upObc-hGi7KO5MRFhZb9W5sxugpmkPKYDLeRI5jV-XljnLSj91IN7doChu1f4jXVzq7VdwIb-2tdn1uL4u9ord6Eow_N3iYwN_iqN0CGEMOhJTxw3n1QgS6q_QvijQAuZDIIM/s1280/Independent-side%20main%20gun%201280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1280" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EXI3s480TysohoGKfpgjbPgV1u67JSFjRXYXsmBBl5BfB2XK54cdqO_upObc-hGi7KO5MRFhZb9W5sxugpmkPKYDLeRI5jV-XljnLSj91IN7doChu1f4jXVzq7VdwIb-2tdn1uL4u9ord6Eow_N3iYwN_iqN0CGEMOhJTxw3n1QgS6q_QvijQAuZDIIM/w640-h224/Independent-side%20main%20gun%201280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The relative position of the 47mm gun with the front of the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAqEiGVUhvEEqFzj3JP5fBwhbot91nH3IKBqXcRDj3x1H9bt2nkdNwqgA4nEfzFCEy3uUS_uxGHgQ08YYDjs4tHitRVQA5D14S_jFsfk63PWIwFAakc9srAspPMA7nrzPAn-66LFqjAjmAp9wZWRzXwV7fkvHUMSw_fUvPIr4EJ9M6_O2B86YxpAK_5kS/s1280/Independent%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAqEiGVUhvEEqFzj3JP5fBwhbot91nH3IKBqXcRDj3x1H9bt2nkdNwqgA4nEfzFCEy3uUS_uxGHgQ08YYDjs4tHitRVQA5D14S_jFsfk63PWIwFAakc9srAspPMA7nrzPAn-66LFqjAjmAp9wZWRzXwV7fkvHUMSw_fUvPIr4EJ9M6_O2B86YxpAK_5kS/w640-h328/Independent%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two 47mm guns: one weak...the other strong!!!<br />The barrel cut to the same size as the <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20III%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Mk.III</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUOPEXqhbJZ6gxkFjURSaM7HK4Xij35JTSmMc6HOaiAzC_WFGrw95vXljhIqteBcVCKyrLeziOiMnJDbMD3mmgPhM8J3q8QrhRB7VP0tL6r49_xG3CdUcmfTELefje7QNNuSCQDQRT1CtPq4UzqelLwzgKpmpSMkBwLPlBDZVUARWn4f33b-439H4eS2v/s1280/Independent%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUOPEXqhbJZ6gxkFjURSaM7HK4Xij35JTSmMc6HOaiAzC_WFGrw95vXljhIqteBcVCKyrLeziOiMnJDbMD3mmgPhM8J3q8QrhRB7VP0tL6r49_xG3CdUcmfTELefje7QNNuSCQDQRT1CtPq4UzqelLwzgKpmpSMkBwLPlBDZVUARWn4f33b-439H4eS2v/w640-h390/Independent%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the "new" gun installed in the turret.<br />Tommy was happy with the change!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWWrTCaDfmgcsARN6bKsI3VnTPj1VZRyGISn3xrfl-aRcjuD5ERuoHRLESJfk8vF0jeqtLb5ZpaSXSzEr2UIZbFdO-oSkZM1Xt2bGPMA7JP4aWG70KGowKMXYTUY3NrdUXC_nALaRhznoL7t-ghPR4oFR1HetYvH_LEii0NwvcQFhX2_S55Oynlv4caIM/s1280/Independent%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWWrTCaDfmgcsARN6bKsI3VnTPj1VZRyGISn3xrfl-aRcjuD5ERuoHRLESJfk8vF0jeqtLb5ZpaSXSzEr2UIZbFdO-oSkZM1Xt2bGPMA7JP4aWG70KGowKMXYTUY3NrdUXC_nALaRhznoL7t-ghPR4oFR1HetYvH_LEii0NwvcQFhX2_S55Oynlv4caIM/w640-h394/Independent%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAYFKUA07Rxy0LpxQSk1Z4LiFpc_89cKTeAiZTWWKyEURBFSxkhz-U3UUaGfICsGwjbaUBoXX6zAJ_OnMVR4wrNwowE-egUhIY2_FSwD6wtLxjXBnegLL3kBMLqU31yLTM3KQrFgbTuDAXjXUhfE8qLIZ5ssJaUt3aimW-Ah70R04UEHJBLwW8lkdhaAt/s1280/Independent%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAYFKUA07Rxy0LpxQSk1Z4LiFpc_89cKTeAiZTWWKyEURBFSxkhz-U3UUaGfICsGwjbaUBoXX6zAJ_OnMVR4wrNwowE-egUhIY2_FSwD6wtLxjXBnegLL3kBMLqU31yLTM3KQrFgbTuDAXjXUhfE8qLIZ5ssJaUt3aimW-Ah70R04UEHJBLwW8lkdhaAt/w640-h378/Independent%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scratch details (copper wires) on the left side...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ0G1bponZ1arOvsMzkHU10SQELrDqx5_tP3qmhVLf7BSD7q8bNPd-p8CKi19MQyP6aN4900P9zF4bqZLZSwGHPRYY1vSulzE3gi15lRZcWHRyEO8dGLMsKfUfFik7856qW_nVITe2K4wOCwcaAzcY5PWy-ddBRrD_awCJ2MqqQWV9bf-lirrTSU-6LzG/s1280/flapper%20girls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="1280" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ0G1bponZ1arOvsMzkHU10SQELrDqx5_tP3qmhVLf7BSD7q8bNPd-p8CKi19MQyP6aN4900P9zF4bqZLZSwGHPRYY1vSulzE3gi15lRZcWHRyEO8dGLMsKfUfFik7856qW_nVITe2K4wOCwcaAzcY5PWy-ddBRrD_awCJ2MqqQWV9bf-lirrTSU-6LzG/w640-h244/flapper%20girls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20III%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Mk.III </a>and A1E1 Independent heavy tank<br />Two true <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flapper" target="_blank">flapper girls</a>, from the Roaring 20s!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, let's measure the Independent: The measurements are in centimeters, as in the technical specifications of the real vehicle in the literature. Once again, scale work cannot be considered bad...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKx2zbvcrGpGQWvT6cs_94isE0z1Yr2dd8AiNyytAz-IVryY13zvfkBu6aWCyH1RZmpjMA-KkJLQNGb3z06Zsm_g_dpcVCUed517BRv6AkcT0I7MlbVUPXCHyzkqeO5JUSI4sxqktKJKLR9xsSLuT9T5eH3pS72vVhe2c9PGTqtI8TMSlAj86igGPpjgQ/s1280/Independent%20026b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1280" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKx2zbvcrGpGQWvT6cs_94isE0z1Yr2dd8AiNyytAz-IVryY13zvfkBu6aWCyH1RZmpjMA-KkJLQNGb3z06Zsm_g_dpcVCUed517BRv6AkcT0I7MlbVUPXCHyzkqeO5JUSI4sxqktKJKLR9xsSLuT9T5eH3pS72vVhe2c9PGTqtI8TMSlAj86igGPpjgQ/w640-h267/Independent%20026b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The length of the kit in relation to the Independent is almost perfect...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc5Vt5llPyQV3cJPrBcvAdjxxl_VC-pjl4Q6lk9jLF1_H47jOngBVzhoP583SHDhXqi14b8XQP3a-0cL6hfDJ30LdFvZ8Wyii6KTIOej66YWAgLybX1lNNn4vS_u6b0z97xEchf50PLzWLD59cYPS4en2N4Wm_yqBE3BEZE0OEFyAH87EXV3FwTQW7Z9r/s1247/Independent%20026c.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="1247" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc5Vt5llPyQV3cJPrBcvAdjxxl_VC-pjl4Q6lk9jLF1_H47jOngBVzhoP583SHDhXqi14b8XQP3a-0cL6hfDJ30LdFvZ8Wyii6KTIOej66YWAgLybX1lNNn4vS_u6b0z97xEchf50PLzWLD59cYPS4en2N4Wm_yqBE3BEZE0OEFyAH87EXV3FwTQW7Z9r/w640-h250/Independent%20026c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...as well as the width. <br />Congratulations, <a href="https://mry-sfw.com/" style="text-align: left;">SS Model</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span>!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And speaking of congratulations, I think that SS Models is evolving, having seen the evolution of the track link profile between the A1E1 Independent and the Vicker medium Mk.III. These two vehicles have very similar links in real life. But in the scale models, notice that the pattern of the Independent's links is correct (retentions in low relief), while in the Medium Mk.III, an older kit, the pattern is completely inverted, in high relief.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh882hO3xKI_Xji_oEXCHlzkl6t6qPsaVVhFnc_AU1ZQlsV1u62rhUyB-gaZaBNvDooalxw9qrPRj97S1_5sOMMjydgFimBBbt3Qtnlyh24Vv8Zok9V-dJQ03NS40QgjKdWq9j5rH2YkbbXgsyvfZAaojqHcu0p8gbI4zcLsgII_9w0manpDva6bjKMOeWI/s1280/Independent%20041a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh882hO3xKI_Xji_oEXCHlzkl6t6qPsaVVhFnc_AU1ZQlsV1u62rhUyB-gaZaBNvDooalxw9qrPRj97S1_5sOMMjydgFimBBbt3Qtnlyh24Vv8Zok9V-dJQ03NS40QgjKdWq9j5rH2YkbbXgsyvfZAaojqHcu0p8gbI4zcLsgII_9w0manpDva6bjKMOeWI/w640-h436/Independent%20041a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right and the wrong!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But continuing, let's make a locking system for the turret, so that it can rotate without falling out of the hull. The theory is to apply a 1mm thick plastic disc to the bottom of the turret, so that it can receive a screw that goes through the hull from below, forming an axis that allows the turret to rotate 360°. We will also increase the thickness of the plastic in the screw region, so that it has a greater amount of material to hold on to. Here's the theory:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFOqVCdZEyc02cb43DHhb8WRN38mL_U5k9_SHfEnB8NHe9-ivqlpFbR063oQGmSCcvYhWtguSI8NS9jk4eFXHGvG0TBDhwsGQ_NVX-_6M57BGsW3vrwAPrYUZCDe-kmeA6kcXhWDti_Vaj4HZI1Xv3kdeG0DqYHkbSSGGglh-TyPtwrX0wLA9IPGKdQCb/s874/Independent%20026e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="874" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFOqVCdZEyc02cb43DHhb8WRN38mL_U5k9_SHfEnB8NHe9-ivqlpFbR063oQGmSCcvYhWtguSI8NS9jk4eFXHGvG0TBDhwsGQ_NVX-_6M57BGsW3vrwAPrYUZCDe-kmeA6kcXhWDti_Vaj4HZI1Xv3kdeG0DqYHkbSSGGglh-TyPtwrX0wLA9IPGKdQCb/w640-h420/Independent%20026e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Panzerserra turret locking system<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> First of all, use a sharp-edged compass to cut a plasticard disc (1 mm thick) to be glued to the bottom of the turret. See pics below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOxefflhc8gSpBWzwdCeYiYl0T8eIgV_ze_8FTiTNWmL6-_iheKBuJi634JkmAvgPWa5OMCkEsckUZUVv5PBIfwFXH-WvKAJxIYpN6Usn46sQUs1N6x88D4h2FUSeRAmZIZ7Yv-zQsAHbcJkSXAXZo525aNEnvC7wGs8Mt2ep9GQhTzxsMApEt5tFr79w/s1280/Independent%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOxefflhc8gSpBWzwdCeYiYl0T8eIgV_ze_8FTiTNWmL6-_iheKBuJi634JkmAvgPWa5OMCkEsckUZUVv5PBIfwFXH-WvKAJxIYpN6Usn46sQUs1N6x88D4h2FUSeRAmZIZ7Yv-zQsAHbcJkSXAXZo525aNEnvC7wGs8Mt2ep9GQhTzxsMApEt5tFr79w/w640-h370/Independent%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plasticard disc is cut, ready to be glued to the bottom of the turret.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ3fq3CUoDKVAL-haN6exrgiJSBRt1e3nz2nEVZpSPrc0XnSbqC9Ox-_MJRB6qVG90cMJzSifBvDJvXq95i29MGBIFfUC4TgIJS_Eh8RxLC5XMqr8ZLRniMc2iFfPXYuv7ZQWBVrdbe6KQk4FUziRFozzFSyyU7D5dit5tWHaE_vewVxoV5-cSdP3YqkY/s1280/Independent%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ3fq3CUoDKVAL-haN6exrgiJSBRt1e3nz2nEVZpSPrc0XnSbqC9Ox-_MJRB6qVG90cMJzSifBvDJvXq95i29MGBIFfUC4TgIJS_Eh8RxLC5XMqr8ZLRniMc2iFfPXYuv7ZQWBVrdbe6KQk4FUziRFozzFSyyU7D5dit5tWHaE_vewVxoV5-cSdP3YqkY/w640-h412/Independent%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 2mm thick plastic block will be glued to the center of the disc, <br />where the screw will lock...<br />This is all so that the connection between screw<br />and plastic is well reinforced and strong...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeol2pC6o9r1KUZL3kwO7MVCfcHy51tyCaVQy66WGKXL5TEf8rRI5nUbt-zFd4A3kzF4VE21Ffzhkeyi83AYo4gtKcFjpF8SsGjFIVc10wtRWBzqTwl5mlaT61IIbCgLFlPoVO2nIkITbctxi74pBVl5e7gn8xF_GkJbx6k-efi_ANH0_WQOHAVzg-_P2/s1280/Independent%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeol2pC6o9r1KUZL3kwO7MVCfcHy51tyCaVQy66WGKXL5TEf8rRI5nUbt-zFd4A3kzF4VE21Ffzhkeyi83AYo4gtKcFjpF8SsGjFIVc10wtRWBzqTwl5mlaT61IIbCgLFlPoVO2nIkITbctxi74pBVl5e7gn8xF_GkJbx6k-efi_ANH0_WQOHAVzg-_P2/w640-h438/Independent%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reinforcement glued to the plastic disc...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Then, I glued the disc to the bottom of the turret and, carefully and taking correct measurements, drilled the bottom of the hull, so that a long screw could be screwed into the disc at the bottom of the turret, through the hole in the hull. Sorry, but my photos failed at this stage, but the schematic drawing perfectly reproduces what was done...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFOqVCdZEyc02cb43DHhb8WRN38mL_U5k9_SHfEnB8NHe9-ivqlpFbR063oQGmSCcvYhWtguSI8NS9jk4eFXHGvG0TBDhwsGQ_NVX-_6M57BGsW3vrwAPrYUZCDe-kmeA6kcXhWDti_Vaj4HZI1Xv3kdeG0DqYHkbSSGGglh-TyPtwrX0wLA9IPGKdQCb/s874/Independent%20026e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="874" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFOqVCdZEyc02cb43DHhb8WRN38mL_U5k9_SHfEnB8NHe9-ivqlpFbR063oQGmSCcvYhWtguSI8NS9jk4eFXHGvG0TBDhwsGQ_NVX-_6M57BGsW3vrwAPrYUZCDe-kmeA6kcXhWDti_Vaj4HZI1Xv3kdeG0DqYHkbSSGGglh-TyPtwrX0wLA9IPGKdQCb/w640-h420/Independent%20026e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous Panzerserra turret locking system<br />in position<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_2SF-wRChJYc38hB0HVEwqWtk6gmPMJ2XlvznR1_3b9ATVO-BgYj98tWyAFOv3cL9hWMp5yxCskhPca_WJDMF1bxA1FLpjDT7Aaw02h6UJRkFXJpLjgk2Crg6NtA6m0iUPfNauc4we2fcrBlQeJRWxcrRrOPTiYtl6-Jn4l7OYg9PqrA4UlmauZdHN4T/s1280/Independent%20026f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_2SF-wRChJYc38hB0HVEwqWtk6gmPMJ2XlvznR1_3b9ATVO-BgYj98tWyAFOv3cL9hWMp5yxCskhPca_WJDMF1bxA1FLpjDT7Aaw02h6UJRkFXJpLjgk2Crg6NtA6m0iUPfNauc4we2fcrBlQeJRWxcrRrOPTiYtl6-Jn4l7OYg9PqrA4UlmauZdHN4T/w640-h394/Independent%20026f.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret in positions, with free rotation...<br />Unfortunately, the secondary turrets had to be glued...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Because of the irregularity in the bottom of the tank's hull, it was impossible to make an access panel to cover the screw head. My solution was to cover the crosshead of the Phillips screw with a thin sheet of plasticard, directly on the metal.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnNI0RbGn754w8LRY6U_c5WHdbChutb041TFDoWqGWgl3fpdKZGN_0zf0huiBp_kPGcWSnIUE9FCy0OPavybbQutaribBojt4VoZ3UAu0A1afOw2gjpt_7oCNkruDybGqdVyDcSkDG8nA-FFQi9t6Ue9AW3IFJ6E2ya1Dl6PJqXdSdEeaGziIGIAGP_ss/s1280/Independent%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnNI0RbGn754w8LRY6U_c5WHdbChutb041TFDoWqGWgl3fpdKZGN_0zf0huiBp_kPGcWSnIUE9FCy0OPavybbQutaribBojt4VoZ3UAu0A1afOw2gjpt_7oCNkruDybGqdVyDcSkDG8nA-FFQi9t6Ue9AW3IFJ6E2ya1Dl6PJqXdSdEeaGziIGIAGP_ss/w640-h406/Independent%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another plasticard disc...This time, much thinner (0.3 mm).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> I noticed that two movement limiters on the rear secondary turrets were broken on my hull. It was just a matter of making these pieces with two pieces of stretched plastic... Stephen Tegner's photo was precious at that moment...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5sBPZM_JPlWn-uvHJFRnj33svgDC1AXG_uEO27Eq_WFQc0qsfU6ZoLAWyQ6kxqdh2DKLaZuwJXxpOWXqUajiZHDpccI16XjQNvkDEP_OrUSs_fh2scH5bG1RR2fb12mpuHX2v0ZIOzFblzbWOhJVC_sEQU0OaoV1iRwf1tkhk4peDmIasu-a9GKWKXJ3/s1280/Independent%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5sBPZM_JPlWn-uvHJFRnj33svgDC1AXG_uEO27Eq_WFQc0qsfU6ZoLAWyQ6kxqdh2DKLaZuwJXxpOWXqUajiZHDpccI16XjQNvkDEP_OrUSs_fh2scH5bG1RR2fb12mpuHX2v0ZIOzFblzbWOhJVC_sEQU0OaoV1iRwf1tkhk4peDmIasu-a9GKWKXJ3/w640-h376/Independent%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks a lot, Stephen!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The kit also does not feature the two rear running boards (the front ones, yes...). I made these pieces with PE scraps from my scrap box...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8hTePTmVP4WeprPzhh25Rrl40iEXQmBodMQULeVI69l0u2njEg0FDa9Ts665QdCcMXkNDmulNgVXImo4A_jHgXER6-SuSrltkS3ITqdHDBYvhxScqblxgdyJAqNb8s_O_HZwEB0xroD8Rpbh4XRwTEuZ29YWd_0pNR3mpuyLM8WVWIqrV4nEIYxGLeSr/s1280/Independent%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8hTePTmVP4WeprPzhh25Rrl40iEXQmBodMQULeVI69l0u2njEg0FDa9Ts665QdCcMXkNDmulNgVXImo4A_jHgXER6-SuSrltkS3ITqdHDBYvhxScqblxgdyJAqNb8s_O_HZwEB0xroD8Rpbh4XRwTEuZ29YWd_0pNR3mpuyLM8WVWIqrV4nEIYxGLeSr/w640-h480/Independent%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two rear running boards installed...<br />Notice the pattern of the links of the tracks, <br />what we talked about earlier...<br />As you can see, the kit represents the original version, from 1926.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA1X6yJeU37h0tZlf_MbxhZ9He6wWKaqm18RhyookVk3zlFxhY3j_jswUvwg7Osd504AqCYhVA7AmiDxAKOzKO48o2QFQiVn5ZNjdfhIExWhhDMWLSgEfoxDbiqaac3Q429bklaOrUEFjp2mVfJhOwy2oydm6MX2z6Nqo5tgtCgrQij3p-xa_PA9Bb4yx/s1280/Independent%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfA1X6yJeU37h0tZlf_MbxhZ9He6wWKaqm18RhyookVk3zlFxhY3j_jswUvwg7Osd504AqCYhVA7AmiDxAKOzKO48o2QFQiVn5ZNjdfhIExWhhDMWLSgEfoxDbiqaac3Q429bklaOrUEFjp2mVfJhOwy2oydm6MX2z6Nqo5tgtCgrQij3p-xa_PA9Bb4yx/w640-h396/Independent%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the girl is ready for painting!!!<br />Notice the two front running boards...Right front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTQi2QAQ7dUL_mf45-f1R-tJQx48ndnb4pt82C_D58Y5i_5ARfzROUeE3J7wLMSKhhc8sBsDaq92_eDdKnPE8OrRn-o7DtcrlDoVmBwqkqzcJCIo6qg-IC7I6jtbSc8SVCuiMzyPhOLZwBDiFSNY9U2FhIn8gf37sIxYk3lx3LKehTImGf76or3shsGid/s1280/Independent%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTQi2QAQ7dUL_mf45-f1R-tJQx48ndnb4pt82C_D58Y5i_5ARfzROUeE3J7wLMSKhhc8sBsDaq92_eDdKnPE8OrRn-o7DtcrlDoVmBwqkqzcJCIo6qg-IC7I6jtbSc8SVCuiMzyPhOLZwBDiFSNY9U2FhIn8gf37sIxYk3lx3LKehTImGf76or3shsGid/w640-h394/Independent%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right front view...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Follow us with this loud girl!!!</b></span></span><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">!</span></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HUwLDZEt9N51z-4Sz-6wU7FddAQ7hrNkNHvWfGq4CzGHJ5WX4FHI58vpMIzr17T41CwiV-hEThiZZbimI3KeVK79XfqfK0ElAb24DegUy7GXziyzGUyOjf-xmNOS_QhW3r8YweRtJP5lADFU6wOwVx-Efqw_YwLGr5N8vAA-ByjmtUnxvLkrZEfE7ZkA/s511/Flapper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="313" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HUwLDZEt9N51z-4Sz-6wU7FddAQ7hrNkNHvWfGq4CzGHJ5WX4FHI58vpMIzr17T41CwiV-hEThiZZbimI3KeVK79XfqfK0ElAb24DegUy7GXziyzGUyOjf-xmNOS_QhW3r8YweRtJP5lADFU6wOwVx-Efqw_YwLGr5N8vAA-ByjmtUnxvLkrZEfE7ZkA/w392-h640/Flapper.jpg" width="392" /></a></div></b></div></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-54382509987821323492024-02-05T08:41:00.022-03:002024-03-15T20:30:33.259-03:00Vickers Medium Mark III tank - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ladies and Gentlemen!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Today's character is a medium tank, which was designed by the British in the fertile period of ideas of the 20s and 30s, being one of the examples of mechanized warfare in the so-called inter-war period. With you, the <b>Vickers Medium Mk.III tank</b>.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOn9IddLSFUF0IHmGqJ2htLHxzdIJd0FIyTX7-e38yzB9CAQ8PnidYIm3I9bwqkKOtsed9fmVY8Z7hUKOOJpyIWpuaJ3_aQbePSkClA4cdVCXDajd8DgYNl5ebbzTWtACBpj4kSqCXergNXCi4h0wXnEQ-dixVhzSyce4PE4EZ4L2Kpwomtb5qXR6I0XA/s1280/Medium%20joke.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOn9IddLSFUF0IHmGqJ2htLHxzdIJd0FIyTX7-e38yzB9CAQ8PnidYIm3I9bwqkKOtsed9fmVY8Z7hUKOOJpyIWpuaJ3_aQbePSkClA4cdVCXDajd8DgYNl5ebbzTWtACBpj4kSqCXergNXCi4h0wXnEQ-dixVhzSyce4PE4EZ4L2Kpwomtb5qXR6I0XA/w640-h480/Medium%20joke.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Medium Mark III, also known as <b>Vickers Medium Mk.III tank</b> was a medium tank developed in the United Kingdom during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interwar_period">Interwar period</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cDitzx8tAenwJA2b3QW6JLESrzmDHcLmb1cCRmHXj1lnXTuEnsojUm5qtHOwJlzUWkTLJ_m59nru8tc8eVfiduFIC9Gd6edzGv6sTPjnN5vd30hOUp8Z-5NxBoXGJYw6Y8YQ4ZOlIBVeBuzMNRbPQyors5wWAj4tkgST765RZJ_mMBOxgyYEXYjirVQr/s1024/Medium%20Mk%20III%20command%20vehicle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1024" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cDitzx8tAenwJA2b3QW6JLESrzmDHcLmb1cCRmHXj1lnXTuEnsojUm5qtHOwJlzUWkTLJ_m59nru8tc8eVfiduFIC9Gd6edzGv6sTPjnN5vd30hOUp8Z-5NxBoXGJYw6Y8YQ4ZOlIBVeBuzMNRbPQyors5wWAj4tkgST765RZJ_mMBOxgyYEXYjirVQr/w640-h446/Medium%20Mk%20III%20command%20vehicle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> Vickers Medium Mk.III tank</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The prototypes of the Medium Mark III were the three A6 also known as "16-tonner" tanks. From the tests of the A6, only three Mark IIIs were built and put into service with the British Army but due to the high cost no more were purchased.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Development:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1926, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Office">British War Office</a> wanted to replace their existing <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20II**%20%28stars%29%20tank" target="_blank">Mark II tanks</a> with a new design. In May the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Tank_Corps">Royal Tank Corps</a> Centre was asked for its opinion, which it submitted in July. One of the requirements was a weight limit of 15.5 long tons (15.7 t), which led to the nickname "16-tonners".</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVh81xBDdgyZPhwJK35Q5CdhOZem4dGfgoy1sindMdnVj0Nw93QY54MZ_OBYClM4Q1d5H1cwkPZeKiogfzLBlPef6NEQ7OXd0pZZXxJWYWjywTezXq6UXgmBXwFtEYxVuczyY0T7Q_1vDBqgRFPJKvTvCPDm1_skFJBRcysaUTEZuvU9fuy8SDwV4MIwx/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20on%20manoeuvres%20at%20Bovington%20Camp,%20Dorset,%20November%201939%20-%20H%20233.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVh81xBDdgyZPhwJK35Q5CdhOZem4dGfgoy1sindMdnVj0Nw93QY54MZ_OBYClM4Q1d5H1cwkPZeKiogfzLBlPef6NEQ7OXd0pZZXxJWYWjywTezXq6UXgmBXwFtEYxVuczyY0T7Q_1vDBqgRFPJKvTvCPDm1_skFJBRcysaUTEZuvU9fuy8SDwV4MIwx/w640-h396/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20on%20manoeuvres%20at%20Bovington%20Camp,%20Dorset,%20November%201939%20-%20H%20233.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20II**%20%28stars%29%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Mk II tank</a> of the</div><div style="text-align: center;">Royal Tank Regiment on manoeuvres at</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bovington Camp, Dorset - UK - November 1939</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM - H 233</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Other specifications included that it could transported by rail, a sufficient supply of lubrication oil to match the range of the tank (dictated by the fuel carried), a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_telegraphy">wireless set</a>, a gun capable of defeating enemy armour at a range of at least 910 m, fuel tanks external to the main compartments and bottom armour sufficient to withstand heavy machine-gun fire, when exposed climbing a crest. Furthermore the machine should be as silent as possible, as with previous types the engine noise tended to incapacitate the crew. The British War Office added some extra requirements: a separate engine compartment; superior steering capacity and 13 mm frontal armour with 9 mm thickness for the other plates.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In September, 1926, Vickers given the order to build a prototype, proposed a first design based on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_A1E1_Independent">Vickers A1E1 Independent</a>, with the fighting compartment in front and the engine compartment at the back. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KBXAND2oLynHIjMiu0xqZWPofKkqd4pccDPBMk6Q6lrlmsfYgJcPENhZ1k93eQh2mQgiJcPZx9UIkzPUQpZybgpacssBLtDuBjPs519VP7piCspwN5eu8mX1Iz-Cfzq3MbMLvSb7ikOZL-ObYjyDlR75l02OiGTdApYa7bQ8eB50qmAnd42BoUuD1wLd/s1400/Vickers%20Independent%20Heavy%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20IWM%20KID%20109.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KBXAND2oLynHIjMiu0xqZWPofKkqd4pccDPBMk6Q6lrlmsfYgJcPENhZ1k93eQh2mQgiJcPZx9UIkzPUQpZybgpacssBLtDuBjPs519VP7piCspwN5eu8mX1Iz-Cfzq3MbMLvSb7ikOZL-ObYjyDlR75l02OiGTdApYa7bQ8eB50qmAnd42BoUuD1wLd/w640-h380/Vickers%20Independent%20Heavy%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20IWM%20KID%20109.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Independent Heavy Tank (A1E1)<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 42</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> There would be a central two-man turret with a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OQF_3_pounder_gun">QF 3-pounder</a> (47 mm) gun and a coaxial machine-gun; it was intended to house the commander and a 'special observer', with a cupola for each. In the front of the hull were to be placed two secondary machine-gun turrets, each with twin <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun">Vickers machine guns</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHqsV3NctX-dp-R7kPD3XJbqxUa90cxAPE3-NrZRO-9VD18LuMngDONy8n-dlqZy6vIYqUhyphenhyphenha9ZZ2TptpQJuH-GF4cOdF11e_exg6ieBRIi5CxQJiqa9aOx33XyRGAlbuzejujn6Wq9lH1JLC4yx1etj2xMC4zK9VZLF-MlwAZymYIjOTu3Sh9-Hb9OD/s1024/Closeup%20of%20QF%203%20pounder%20gun%20-%20%20Royal%20Australian%20Armoured%20Corps%20Tank%20Museum,%20Puckapunyal,%20Victoria,%20Australia..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1024" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHqsV3NctX-dp-R7kPD3XJbqxUa90cxAPE3-NrZRO-9VD18LuMngDONy8n-dlqZy6vIYqUhyphenhyphenha9ZZ2TptpQJuH-GF4cOdF11e_exg6ieBRIi5CxQJiqa9aOx33XyRGAlbuzejujn6Wq9lH1JLC4yx1etj2xMC4zK9VZLF-MlwAZymYIjOTu3Sh9-Hb9OD/w640-h358/Closeup%20of%20QF%203%20pounder%20gun%20-%20%20Royal%20Australian%20Armoured%20Corps%20Tank%20Museum,%20Puckapunyal,%20Victoria,%20Australia..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of QF 3 pounder (47mm) gun in a Vickers Mk.II tank<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Australian_Armoured_Corps_Memorial_and_Army_Tank_Museum" target="_blank">Royal Australian Armoured Corps Tank Museum</a><br />Puckapunyal - Victoria - Australia.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> A third machine-gun turret was intended to be mounted at the back of the vehicle, behind the main turret, which would be armed with an anti-aircraft (AA) weapon. A crew of seven men was needed. Maximum armour would be 13 mm and basis armour 6.5 mm, limiting the weight to 14 tons. Riveted plates were used. The total fuel supply would be 550 L: 45 liters in a small tank inside, gravity feeding the engine; the remainder in external tanks on the fenders. Two engine options were indicated: a 120 hp (89 kW) engine would allow for a speed of 23 km/h and a 180 hp (130 kW) engine would raise this to 32 km/h.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The result was give the General Staff number A6. In March 1927 a wooden mock-up was presented and after approval a second and prototype were ordered which had to incorporate the new hydraulically operated <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Gordon_Wilson">Wilson</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicyclic">epicyclic</a> steering gearbox, the predecessor of the Merrit-<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brown_Ltd.">Brown</a> gearbox. By June 1928, A6E1 and A6E2 were presented to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mechanized_Warfare_Experimental_Establishment&action=edit&redlink=1">Mechanized Warfare Experimental Establishment</a> for trials. Vickers was on this occasion ordered to add armour skirts but keep within the weight limit even if it meant removing armour elsewhere; A6E3 had also been ordered.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysXWCCpOdi9wtKyCkx5MPMOiyspdeYjrs5Gydag5C1mB3fXIcYuwQjs7VxNzWYSK6k76qmX7r6bb7PdDIkIpGLktQRTRfB8zLCO4KdTp1M7f5YQb6J5DAULZvns0dSAehewAgq7yGcZXtzSnTIxAwCafyP9lFfo8uIyBGnJ8eMklYRqWokFnTYFZfhEXE/s1400/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E1)%20IWM%20KID%20617.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1400" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysXWCCpOdi9wtKyCkx5MPMOiyspdeYjrs5Gydag5C1mB3fXIcYuwQjs7VxNzWYSK6k76qmX7r6bb7PdDIkIpGLktQRTRfB8zLCO4KdTp1M7f5YQb6J5DAULZvns0dSAehewAgq7yGcZXtzSnTIxAwCafyP9lFfo8uIyBGnJ8eMklYRqWokFnTYFZfhEXE/w640-h346/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E1)%20IWM%20KID%20617.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium Tank Prototype A6E1<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 617</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-2pNLYh1PgCrH_vrEy1Jx9NNkY89JInrbfiQQGkuVh_kpkR3gB14Lni4q-Wei_0mcjwRP445LzqLD6K3FHxljrhGVTKtEsbixJbfDQjrUf740A-6KSga5Dz5uss31D5hePocMGxDG-MnPekGqKFMTNSxug6aVvbkEXlcHJ9c5vaqSwn4w9mEQGlDe798/s1400/Vickers%20A6E2%20Medium%20Tank%20and%20the%20Vickers%20Independent%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20IWM%20STT%201674.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1400" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-2pNLYh1PgCrH_vrEy1Jx9NNkY89JInrbfiQQGkuVh_kpkR3gB14Lni4q-Wei_0mcjwRP445LzqLD6K3FHxljrhGVTKtEsbixJbfDQjrUf740A-6KSga5Dz5uss31D5hePocMGxDG-MnPekGqKFMTNSxug6aVvbkEXlcHJ9c5vaqSwn4w9mEQGlDe798/w640-h230/Vickers%20A6E2%20Medium%20Tank%20and%20the%20Vickers%20Independent%20Tank%20(A1E1)%20IWM%20STT%201674.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Tank A6E2 prototype<br /> and Vickers Independent Tank (A1E1) <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM STT 1674</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vB6ON08ALV5Hm-gdu-yAaqlYLAEB7SODn0-dybUuIaAU_GCSnPI3FfYjiJHQYyyGFRcNkhyphenhyphen4A4at4o9oap9M7lFw4A2uc3HTIQtHMYt9kvPc3xw8_dqcHwdi09BR9zu7bG_gdiHqeza36uhF_RCxYVmUsQxPV2JtmoMy2HGyCMJGgxx_RGJ9eun4KI3O/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20A6E2%20%20IWM%20KID%204490.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vB6ON08ALV5Hm-gdu-yAaqlYLAEB7SODn0-dybUuIaAU_GCSnPI3FfYjiJHQYyyGFRcNkhyphenhyphen4A4at4o9oap9M7lFw4A2uc3HTIQtHMYt9kvPc3xw8_dqcHwdi09BR9zu7bG_gdiHqeza36uhF_RCxYVmUsQxPV2JtmoMy2HGyCMJGgxx_RGJ9eun4KI3O/w640-h458/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20A6E2%20%20IWM%20KID%204490.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Tank A6E2 prototype<br />Notice the nº 2 in the driver´s station<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 4490</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWziVUQsRdobaTaUiG-AEuwmUP6rpmcpUxgzv60AszJdPKtMp4EPbfo42Wrcp1aiBOqB9VaqBEDz9naHAGKB34TMGmApdxGbE4FKuW83Z0EZUr3jE4PgCpD8BxLn1MIt_wxzwXfLQp16Cz1ZftC-XV0LGPFWNYJlUmmDNPSUeskypYyQBGu5TDWHufSrjF/s1400/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E3)%20%20IWM%20KID%20276.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1400" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWziVUQsRdobaTaUiG-AEuwmUP6rpmcpUxgzv60AszJdPKtMp4EPbfo42Wrcp1aiBOqB9VaqBEDz9naHAGKB34TMGmApdxGbE4FKuW83Z0EZUr3jE4PgCpD8BxLn1MIt_wxzwXfLQp16Cz1ZftC-XV0LGPFWNYJlUmmDNPSUeskypYyQBGu5TDWHufSrjF/w640-h316/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E3)%20%20IWM%20KID%20276.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium Tank Prototype A6E3<br />Note the arrangement of the suspension elements,<br />completely modified in relation to the two previous models<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 276</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The A6E1, A6E2 and A6E3 were fitted with an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrong_Siddeley">Armstrong Siddeley</a> air-cooled V8 180 hp engine giving a maximum speed of 26 mph (42 km/h). A6E2 was fitted with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_plc">Ricardo</a> Compression Ignition 180 hp engine but this was not satisfactory and the Armstrong-Siddeley was refitted. A6E3 was later re-engined with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_I._Thornycroft_%26_Company">Thornycroft</a> 6V 500 hp (370 kW), a slow revving marine engine. It was proposed to combine two <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_Phantom_I">Rolls-Royce Phantom</a> engines with the Wilson transmission system on the A6E1 but this was rejected on grounds of expense. A6E2 was eventually refitted with the Armstrong Siddeley V8 180 hp. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkElLMxQxtOd3imgz0c4QR-9E6jzX62dz_mbmWkqaPCgmpNMAqWHIjYjYszOHjWWMH-ISySTqWiR2OSJ5Iwa2NZEhn_0K2Tzsa5goF8v0c2xLnUDSoNSfITFKxPZ_XWYPD6KBJBlgKnZv1yioWCKslRFQAq8xkJcwGSZuib7xO_jlBZYtnzURpPamlxLVR/s1400/Medium%20Tank%20Mk.II%20and%20the%20Vickers%20A6E2%20Medium%20Tank.IWM%20STT%201670.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="1400" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkElLMxQxtOd3imgz0c4QR-9E6jzX62dz_mbmWkqaPCgmpNMAqWHIjYjYszOHjWWMH-ISySTqWiR2OSJ5Iwa2NZEhn_0K2Tzsa5goF8v0c2xLnUDSoNSfITFKxPZ_XWYPD6KBJBlgKnZv1yioWCKslRFQAq8xkJcwGSZuib7xO_jlBZYtnzURpPamlxLVR/w640-h232/Medium%20Tank%20Mk.II%20and%20the%20Vickers%20A6E2%20Medium%20Tank.IWM%20STT%201670.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20II**%20%28stars%29%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Tank Mk.II</a> and the Vickers A6E2 Medium Tank.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM STT 1670</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI8LRnrPJ7TWT7fIVOoHGIP-pfpKuZNNnIUb8vVtB85qxQyDAGiJANLR5n2WEaToroTRmAQwOGiQ8JhyphenhyphenoqIBMatjIEpcxqtkh0wVB3ur0a6lVBMQQXhrGn_d40XvVQz73kaNCurZt09RUin2oxyEqcgAulKFIVujne2cRjEDbSp9ZSNCbGhuI79iBKU1S/s1400/Medium%20Tank%20Mk.II%20and%20the%20Vickers%20A6E2%20Medium%20Tank%20-%20%20IWM%20STT%201672.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1400" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI8LRnrPJ7TWT7fIVOoHGIP-pfpKuZNNnIUb8vVtB85qxQyDAGiJANLR5n2WEaToroTRmAQwOGiQ8JhyphenhyphenoqIBMatjIEpcxqtkh0wVB3ur0a6lVBMQQXhrGn_d40XvVQz73kaNCurZt09RUin2oxyEqcgAulKFIVujne2cRjEDbSp9ZSNCbGhuI79iBKU1S/w640-h280/Medium%20Tank%20Mk.II%20and%20the%20Vickers%20A6E2%20Medium%20Tank%20-%20%20IWM%20STT%201672.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20II**%20%28stars%29%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Tank Mk.II</a> and<br />the Vickers A6E2 Medium Tank,<br />side by side<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font. IWM STT 1672</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In photographs of the vehicles, some differences can be noticed between the three prototypes: in prototype nº 1 (A6E1), we can notice a small triangular-shaped reinforcement detail, in the region of the last return roller of the suspension (red arrows). This structural reinforcement is much bigger in prototype nº 2 (A6E2) and absent in the completely modified suspension of the model nº 3 (A6E3). Another difference is the support wheel in the front portion of the track, with a large diameter (green arrows) in model nº 1 and model nº 2, although in some photos (such as the example), this larger wheel has been replaced by two smaller ones, in the form of a two-wheeled bogie, which is present in later photos of model nº 2 and tank nº 3 (A6E3). Models nº 1 and nº 2 are very similar, with an opening on the side of the suspensions, in an irregular hexagonal shape, for an escape hatch (blue arrows). This detail is non-existent on model nº 3, with a much more different suspension than previous versions. These details can be seen in the photographic montage below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO3CNIgJSFXE34JkuKH6zp69pwgo8WwjM4O-CMCbctfS29fo-1dZbhSgOY4ya4q7PgQdrXcnlu-c0v8iXT8h3YWIyj7PTSVonDSyEfozPqnkMXZyhLKVHJoSdYDI-G9EGAGBkGTBFbnAsOsR2RDclCvCayaVrRaHmqtZFrrr_pzXMlc2z-StHmIck5dCV/s1877/Differences%20between%20prototypes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1877" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO3CNIgJSFXE34JkuKH6zp69pwgo8WwjM4O-CMCbctfS29fo-1dZbhSgOY4ya4q7PgQdrXcnlu-c0v8iXT8h3YWIyj7PTSVonDSyEfozPqnkMXZyhLKVHJoSdYDI-G9EGAGBkGTBFbnAsOsR2RDclCvCayaVrRaHmqtZFrrr_pzXMlc2z-StHmIck5dCV/w350-h640/Differences%20between%20prototypes.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3 prototypes: A6E1, A6E2 and A6E3</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The guns were tested in July 1928 and proved that the twin-machine gun arrangement was unworkable, due to the difficulty in feeding the ammunition.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp4xj55meqAsnEVQgQM00ULrJBE80JLCVb_y_9XYeof-XP7ZId9bwWuRdTgx9xvGw6EyziZR3MGkyPm-r6diou6m_I4YOrdsJnkQBCxcJEiMuy6-qcNbjX-O1nErL-ro9ugN4WpJ1PEv2fntbzV0HlWhP4WLf72dRbHdI1Hu3FwXDwc4919C9Si1XGeus/s1400/Vickers%2016%20tonners%20Ns%201%20&%202%201927%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1400" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKp4xj55meqAsnEVQgQM00ULrJBE80JLCVb_y_9XYeof-XP7ZId9bwWuRdTgx9xvGw6EyziZR3MGkyPm-r6diou6m_I4YOrdsJnkQBCxcJEiMuy6-qcNbjX-O1nErL-ro9ugN4WpJ1PEv2fntbzV0HlWhP4WLf72dRbHdI1Hu3FwXDwc4919C9Si1XGeus/w640-h522/Vickers%2016%20tonners%20Ns%201%20&%202%201927%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium Tank Prototype A6E1 - 1928<br />Note the double machine guns on each front turret.<br />The proximity between the weapons made it difficult<br />to feed the machine guns...<br />See also the absence of the coaxial MG in the main turret, in this pic.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The A6E3, under construction, was fitted with a simplified design with a single machine-gun; it also had single cupola on the centreline of the turret. The AA-turret was removed from A6E1 but the suspension and the gunnery arrangements were distinctly inferior to those of the Mark II. It was decided to discontinue the type and use the three vehicles as test-beds for the automotive parts. In 1929, Vickers submitted three alternative suspension designs which were fitted to the respective prototypes; the one on A6E3 involved a fundamental reconstruction of the hull but none of the designs provided a stable gun platform. Only in 1934 was a satisfactory type was fitted by a specialised firm.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr60Clt4Vs6KaMiPz7r1xjadupjGjUU_qpKS4al2JqsYfEWRdHbnA8R38yiZ81m__Hj-OHa3EZdoVbNDIcyIctV9hUodxX-zqlDTY5L9clt2mpi1DhzP4E5ji6MSuqQuD_vQ9hCf112d9vKEcM5-P407wVKHsn-x6kvRprm9wEEJtGqs9p97XU4Wzp93cG/s1600/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E1)%20%20IWM%20KID%202174%20big.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr60Clt4Vs6KaMiPz7r1xjadupjGjUU_qpKS4al2JqsYfEWRdHbnA8R38yiZ81m__Hj-OHa3EZdoVbNDIcyIctV9hUodxX-zqlDTY5L9clt2mpi1DhzP4E5ji6MSuqQuD_vQ9hCf112d9vKEcM5-P407wVKHsn-x6kvRprm9wEEJtGqs9p97XU4Wzp93cG/w640-h500/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E1)%20%20IWM%20KID%202174%20big.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium Tank Prototype A6E1<br />front right view<br />June, 1928<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhA4iFUfEE6bKeGW7hBkmbSDxvVfFhTIeO4jx4Uz0LuW0Xt2Hol032GYvfZKuwB3aQiuxHFlbFeAu6FkeyJGyPm2VNd3E85rjQy3AvtSWwPZd2Ihs_WOMmRb2vP7J-rUVI9K0r8e7gGw_A3y8wmWrhXOtbNKYdS_pCdTrtJdG72pckSxkpHNZt__yGlAu/s1400/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E1)%20IWM%20KID%20165.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1400" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhA4iFUfEE6bKeGW7hBkmbSDxvVfFhTIeO4jx4Uz0LuW0Xt2Hol032GYvfZKuwB3aQiuxHFlbFeAu6FkeyJGyPm2VNd3E85rjQy3AvtSWwPZd2Ihs_WOMmRb2vP7J-rUVI9K0r8e7gGw_A3y8wmWrhXOtbNKYdS_pCdTrtJdG72pckSxkpHNZt__yGlAu/w640-h282/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E1)%20IWM%20KID%20165.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium Tank Prototype A6E1<br />rear left view<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 165</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_QYFpgHznCvuztcr0m5dVfgnV8F2UV0SrXdn_oIi5K6iGabWJtJ0pVHCkU9gggPe068XtyAEP1LcUO68YDG3GbXb-qudFbt3LCsNoCFu-_ldsLRdA0_UvzasR-q6t0ax8D5XlzGPQJgUZtxss9wLQnm5FvaeHpJKvgX6SRKqmeRAKoCxPVZEhI92J0NQ/s1400/Scammell%20Pioneer%20tank%20transporter%20with%20carrying%20a%20Medium%20Tank%20(A6E2)%20%20IWM%20KID%202760.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_QYFpgHznCvuztcr0m5dVfgnV8F2UV0SrXdn_oIi5K6iGabWJtJ0pVHCkU9gggPe068XtyAEP1LcUO68YDG3GbXb-qudFbt3LCsNoCFu-_ldsLRdA0_UvzasR-q6t0ax8D5XlzGPQJgUZtxss9wLQnm5FvaeHpJKvgX6SRKqmeRAKoCxPVZEhI92J0NQ/w640-h320/Scammell%20Pioneer%20tank%20transporter%20with%20carrying%20a%20Medium%20Tank%20(A6E2)%20%20IWM%20KID%202760.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A prototype of Scammell Pioneer tank transporter<br />with carrying a Medium Tank prototype A6E2<br />for trials in the field - 1929<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 2760</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbtP1Axm2o6iPaB7f6vVkBW4KEW7CwQVZ-0kWofCKy6JMYrPcQyekLJgroxXz7qJ24pFqI3Prkud4f_V3pRyJ0iEXvsjG4pxb2EBnmFeleANdExTOapcgLqHSSh-uhIPr2Fabis3wsQTSR88HdJ8j6JXiHd61-51lGnlCnzDXeHfKOqJCeuxX-6x6STcr/s1400/Scammell%20Pioneer%20tank%20transporter%20with%20carrying%20a%20Medium%20Tank%20(A6E2)%20IWM%20KID%20IWM%20KID%204092.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1400" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbtP1Axm2o6iPaB7f6vVkBW4KEW7CwQVZ-0kWofCKy6JMYrPcQyekLJgroxXz7qJ24pFqI3Prkud4f_V3pRyJ0iEXvsjG4pxb2EBnmFeleANdExTOapcgLqHSSh-uhIPr2Fabis3wsQTSR88HdJ8j6JXiHd61-51lGnlCnzDXeHfKOqJCeuxX-6x6STcr/w640-h294/Scammell%20Pioneer%20tank%20transporter%20with%20carrying%20a%20Medium%20Tank%20(A6E2)%20IWM%20KID%20IWM%20KID%204092.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another angle of Scammell Pioneer tank transporter prototype<br />with Medium Tank prototype A6E2<br />for trials in the field - 1929<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID 4092</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDku4xaZ3CmL9mN9qCqPKpjfUlNkLBLWENBtPCSvlm25w-FXYBaRN2RmWLVCwzKCr9NU4QeRPQYrqK4BCuTieOY-jUNzhOT8JgAB6JcIWflIaRZX2S2l5FXnCmx_ALqLaBuBbs72E6jg1kwRWuTxcz3qeEZwcBMtbK6zNpKHyzei7BfXI4dS7VCjacm7Xk/s1280/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E2)%20under%20trials.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDku4xaZ3CmL9mN9qCqPKpjfUlNkLBLWENBtPCSvlm25w-FXYBaRN2RmWLVCwzKCr9NU4QeRPQYrqK4BCuTieOY-jUNzhOT8JgAB6JcIWflIaRZX2S2l5FXnCmx_ALqLaBuBbs72E6jg1kwRWuTxcz3qeEZwcBMtbK6zNpKHyzei7BfXI4dS7VCjacm7Xk/w640-h482/Medium%20Tank%20(A6E2)%20under%20trials.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Medium Tank prototype A6E2<br />destroying a double brick wall, in a field test. <br />This is a typical photo of any new tank test...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The prototypes A6 did not perform as satisfactorily as expected, either in terms of armament or stability, with the suspensions being their biggest problem. In short, the vehicle was not considered superior enough to the Vickers Mark II to justify a definitive production order. After so much investment in the development of the A6 prototypes, the Vickers Armstrong, in an attempt to revive the concept of the 16-ton multi-turreted tank, designed a vehicle based on the A6, but intensely improved, in 1928. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This new tank, similar to A6 ones, featured improved armor, with 14 mm at the front and 9 mm around, as well as a new main turret. The two secondary turrets were maintained, but repositioned. The new tank was called Vickers Medium Mark III.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Birth of Vickers Medium Mk.III tank</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Vickers Medium Mark III being ordered in 1928 and constructed from 1930. The main turret had a flat gun mantlet and a bulge at the back to hold the radio set. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn8lneIuYVmw4zM7TGhVFaq5DR4sqdH_PcIzrfAuT_8fEdbIRbXge84uakTKCrccod5pmfDZnyjbHkGX37VYhVKnS0GLAxfQ01QDnz-WFPPq6bo7zJCOn-9iq_i066B-pKv1ygZS3fvDWYzsTvXJboErMQCs_pZXI_AgbfZmGPzv2FRBLTliPvoCfPL1p/s1600/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-turret%20and%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfn8lneIuYVmw4zM7TGhVFaq5DR4sqdH_PcIzrfAuT_8fEdbIRbXge84uakTKCrccod5pmfDZnyjbHkGX37VYhVKnS0GLAxfQ01QDnz-WFPPq6bo7zJCOn-9iq_i066B-pKv1ygZS3fvDWYzsTvXJboErMQCs_pZXI_AgbfZmGPzv2FRBLTliPvoCfPL1p/w640-h392/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-turret%20and%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III drawing - main turret<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Loris Visintini (thanks for the drawings, my friend!)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The secondary machine-gun turrets were moved more to the front to shift the centre of gravity of the vehicle forward to improve its stability and larger brakes were fitted. The driver's station was between the two secondary turrets, in a central and forward position on the hull.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeYE2eIYXQgOilP-a_Q7NWpMfxE7ph2aFCrEsa7veIWwzJvBE3sWEINbiY-ZCMbiThtQsDTpUG2dkusdkHlPkPuvRXg9wqGUKdZtDeM-tX77hWluBvscX7vbIyaIZ06XAFuiWDvojeSNZu0i2XVyMGDtKWg0UiK2LVVsXYRmZwYml0RS64Y8_OvIRgQp3/s1400/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20driver%20station.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1400" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeYE2eIYXQgOilP-a_Q7NWpMfxE7ph2aFCrEsa7veIWwzJvBE3sWEINbiY-ZCMbiThtQsDTpUG2dkusdkHlPkPuvRXg9wqGUKdZtDeM-tX77hWluBvscX7vbIyaIZ06XAFuiWDvojeSNZu0i2XVyMGDtKWg0UiK2LVVsXYRmZwYml0RS64Y8_OvIRgQp3/w640-h470/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20driver%20station.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III drawing - driver station<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Loris Visintini</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU_HU6v6TOz2b1co-1mqi_uS4qgNDLVdpVaTABl1PKaEFGH88UVv49DarFlRmvh0ZlyYYOzELoV2nKou3diBzQTZXuqCc_Otava9TRk8lneNmttt3VPb2RJnpjpcNV3TGZRjA2Wh55vn9ZOWq_yjfMay14Vh3n1k-OVjsZUUfu5bk67tNlBSlpSlGPHwD/s1400/Medium%20Mk%20III%20in%20the%20factory%20-%201929%20IWM%20KID%204625.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1400" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTU_HU6v6TOz2b1co-1mqi_uS4qgNDLVdpVaTABl1PKaEFGH88UVv49DarFlRmvh0ZlyYYOzELoV2nKou3diBzQTZXuqCc_Otava9TRk8lneNmttt3VPb2RJnpjpcNV3TGZRjA2Wh55vn9ZOWq_yjfMay14Vh3n1k-OVjsZUUfu5bk67tNlBSlpSlGPHwD/w640-h390/Medium%20Mk%20III%20in%20the%20factory%20-%201929%20IWM%20KID%204625.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">A brand new Vickers Medium Mk III</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">in the Vickers-Armstrong</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> factory - 1929 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM KID 4625</span></span></div><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrOvUxkgAGwo9x4nKtIH0FMH_yWJIMNITAwwDp2EL6sPDMH0wzvYU7O6CiUk1EprC5Oa5XlQWYG0CcqopWLaaX39rj4qIBvux3u5bFYqd4v0NtL-Zfro-SdO3u7jvpXoG0yNi3TNCuch9tNNtrB90yy9cwQeVTGbEx2d_ckswR7QJHCYnv2V6nDdz4py-/s1400/Medium%20Mk%20III%201930%20%20IWM%20KID%202561.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrOvUxkgAGwo9x4nKtIH0FMH_yWJIMNITAwwDp2EL6sPDMH0wzvYU7O6CiUk1EprC5Oa5XlQWYG0CcqopWLaaX39rj4qIBvux3u5bFYqd4v0NtL-Zfro-SdO3u7jvpXoG0yNi3TNCuch9tNNtrB90yy9cwQeVTGbEx2d_ckswR7QJHCYnv2V6nDdz4py-/w640-h426/Medium%20Mk%20III%201930%20%20IWM%20KID%202561.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vickers Medium Mk III - 1929 <br />Notice the secondary turrets and the rear<br />bulge on the main turret, for the wireless.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM KID 2561</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Three Mark IIIs ( E1, E2 and E3) were built, one by Vickers and two by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Ordnance_Factory">Royal Ordnance Factory</a> at Woolwich. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgAtNWIz-ZKiO8B3UHfmCEqEhZzH4hA78rxGLxqcVIsX0sCs6ywVBPQxiZ5EUqJu_c36f1yLoks9Tl27sYV4p_LtMlcXFLHx0DzJ6_i44uqQGMKyPXFjsBVpI9GLFM8uoVLMNor_6_NK2rKH0K6W4CC51zU9aFts9LnFmca6DYYErSEwwO_xUJEu_B5io/s1600/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20left%20%20front%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgAtNWIz-ZKiO8B3UHfmCEqEhZzH4hA78rxGLxqcVIsX0sCs6ywVBPQxiZ5EUqJu_c36f1yLoks9Tl27sYV4p_LtMlcXFLHx0DzJ6_i44uqQGMKyPXFjsBVpI9GLFM8uoVLMNor_6_NK2rKH0K6W4CC51zU9aFts9LnFmca6DYYErSEwwO_xUJEu_B5io/w640-h242/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20left%20%20front%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III drawing - left and rear view<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Loris Visintini</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Many field tests were carried out between the years 1930 and 1933, with more positive results than the A6 prototypes. The Medium Mk.III was considered more reliable, offering greater comfort to the crew and behaved as a more stable firing platform than the operational Marks I, II and the A6 prototypes. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPnq51htzgJYwtFAl744_nSZHq5uzzw0eu8t_06TV88aYI9Q3mjToHPNjt4c0UXdqOm_hmClJTrfN_auR53-_MAASqzwCqUlz0BEMWjk0AE1ihpmwFnprRZohWxNHXkcG0oSWhiw_GC3sKqB8jGye4xTUlwRkKXEpHb9mQOwkVxmJbkUtLgUTauGf1_Su/s1600/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20left%20side%20-%20cutaway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPnq51htzgJYwtFAl744_nSZHq5uzzw0eu8t_06TV88aYI9Q3mjToHPNjt4c0UXdqOm_hmClJTrfN_auR53-_MAASqzwCqUlz0BEMWjk0AE1ihpmwFnprRZohWxNHXkcG0oSWhiw_GC3sKqB8jGye4xTUlwRkKXEpHb9mQOwkVxmJbkUtLgUTauGf1_Su/w640-h312/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20left%20side%20-%20cutaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III drawing - internal arrangement<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Loris Visintini</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But the big problem was still the suspension, which despite all the work put into improving it, was overloaded and the track components wore out quickly when used in off-road conditions. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQudOMKtUTfE5fH46dkugOFckW3IX1oAHdyRhdCCJsEbLkfW8I8akDkdswr58ZF24VW0JZhjslK6d24RQSzlxA75hllDBrPHMKao3tSRjFNDNo-69mSt7GLAqkeJetJjcs6w0n7BqzXzOD673nYhwlLNk3u2jcR4sBJEQfVQwfmOjG2iDGekuWihvsIrjb/s1600/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20hull%20and%20suspensionms.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQudOMKtUTfE5fH46dkugOFckW3IX1oAHdyRhdCCJsEbLkfW8I8akDkdswr58ZF24VW0JZhjslK6d24RQSzlxA75hllDBrPHMKao3tSRjFNDNo-69mSt7GLAqkeJetJjcs6w0n7BqzXzOD673nYhwlLNk3u2jcR4sBJEQfVQwfmOjG2iDGekuWihvsIrjb/w640-h334/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20hull%20and%20suspensionms.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III drawing - chassis and suspension bogies<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Loris Visintini</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Finally, the 3 finished vehicles were acquired for use by the Royal Tank Corps and in 1933 they entered service as HQ tanks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRcT-YyIgdT8DaJf0iEZwco0eJKcDB_zqj9CirTPumXQK0TReH9uF7NL977Rxg59D2jCukcoDR30xWPFllRE9qsBqk_w_-5EykA3OQjvK5c-HRcPyJ8nCipjLiASDEBSnFu2Su58bV3gRntCBNCH1S0fLtxFC8DOsTQ5yNUQId7Q_DAxttAwK-pQLWIxr/s1280/Driver%20station%20of%20the%20Medium%20MkIII%20A3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKRcT-YyIgdT8DaJf0iEZwco0eJKcDB_zqj9CirTPumXQK0TReH9uF7NL977Rxg59D2jCukcoDR30xWPFllRE9qsBqk_w_-5EykA3OQjvK5c-HRcPyJ8nCipjLiASDEBSnFu2Su58bV3gRntCBNCH1S0fLtxFC8DOsTQ5yNUQId7Q_DAxttAwK-pQLWIxr/w640-h488/Driver%20station%20of%20the%20Medium%20MkIII%20A3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view of Vickers Medium Mk III (E3)<br />Notice the access hatches to the driver's station, <br />the absence of machine guns and the camouflaged paint <br />in what appears to be in two tones - UK - 1933</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TH32hI1jYREu-pdQEZvhlO0oTxJPvXsTW_34C4a8yRsdUBgixnhJUOA6j5OQiHxpfjIlVk6YG1-ur6Ssik9_KTpEVE9l4jWVAXmCvXaJefTgskhhh7wkw8nUniPbn1cIpKwZG7H1izsQfYY-vVO6mxhmz75YG856PKb8EJLaAvGSdqj3u379_jFdDJ4w/s1400/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20Mark%20III%20E1%20(MT%209707)%20Andrew%20Hills%20-%20protective%20cowls%20over%20the%20headlamps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TH32hI1jYREu-pdQEZvhlO0oTxJPvXsTW_34C4a8yRsdUBgixnhJUOA6j5OQiHxpfjIlVk6YG1-ur6Ssik9_KTpEVE9l4jWVAXmCvXaJefTgskhhh7wkw8nUniPbn1cIpKwZG7H1izsQfYY-vVO6mxhmz75YG856PKb8EJLaAvGSdqj3u379_jFdDJ4w/w640-h414/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20Mark%20III%20E1%20(MT%209707)%20Andrew%20Hills%20-%20protective%20cowls%20over%20the%20headlamps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mk III E1 (MT 9707) used as command vehicle,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">before installing the clothesline antenna surrounding the turret.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Note the two-color camouflage paintwork and the rectangular protections</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">over the front headlights. - UK - 1933.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">picture via Andrew Hills (thanks a lot, my friend!)</span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHLUuBgU30p-LjdVxH8WphFgJXfJevlQUhwJ4GC2OxEukt-hbjpNbf1Jcdv1FxiWZE84mh-NxNElw81TSz1tGuk2u9ywFP2mD3MnSXenu3AUG1C1AwN7T_AEqJI52Hc13C2pdUQh63uyfsUjg3vsKE4nLG3IB-AFnFyzrqQyoFVnaupaVtiQuevlz2eIU/s1400/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-rear%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1400" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHLUuBgU30p-LjdVxH8WphFgJXfJevlQUhwJ4GC2OxEukt-hbjpNbf1Jcdv1FxiWZE84mh-NxNElw81TSz1tGuk2u9ywFP2mD3MnSXenu3AUG1C1AwN7T_AEqJI52Hc13C2pdUQh63uyfsUjg3vsKE4nLG3IB-AFnFyzrqQyoFVnaupaVtiQuevlz2eIU/w640-h476/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-rear%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rear view of Vickers Medium Mk III (E3)<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Loris Visintini</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHAzBl5ypA5aPQcffEgxXE2ebOym1zZx0g6IJwqRnLD6LvBzmV26kfnGsc_s944CLw6UrEGu9H9TX2cSSOdoymBfSD6psMlGnhzy7A9A9N-pbm4CVU0-XFEK03Lpq9w0Y0kka2Vwf5zkylESSJWkqYKfrDp7OOVAk-DaxXD8h5fltefwXGtMbIRJlDFFF/s1024/Medium%20Mk%20III%20command%20vehicle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1024" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHAzBl5ypA5aPQcffEgxXE2ebOym1zZx0g6IJwqRnLD6LvBzmV26kfnGsc_s944CLw6UrEGu9H9TX2cSSOdoymBfSD6psMlGnhzy7A9A9N-pbm4CVU0-XFEK03Lpq9w0Y0kka2Vwf5zkylESSJWkqYKfrDp7OOVAk-DaxXD8h5fltefwXGtMbIRJlDFFF/w640-h446/Medium%20Mk%20III%20command%20vehicle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mk.III tank E3 (MT 9709)<br />negotiating a ridge, in rough terrain.<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_Plain" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain</a> maneuvers – 12 August, 1934.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> These vehicles were used prominently in one of the largest combined arms training exercises of the time, on Salisbury Plains, on 12 August 1934. They acted as command tanks alongside other experimental armored and mechanized forces of the British Army. They were used by Brigadier <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Hobart">Percy Hobart</a> in those maneuvers.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4KK-9ExM0gmgURITVD9sbyfc8uxkjoHY3ITEsS_31LnH3VKnyiiaQ06e-WJNdY07Ls_6HtfAY80dL1A3qixJDK62CAou176dh4JFwE29s26CWiBlwJL0ZOB2e2AAhwEW2300XRhfKuz9Hp-H2TWsibhg36Pu-MA1lZFXYVxdm-gGTQCo5L59pUyGo_Kn/s1280/manoeuvres%20by%201st%20Tank%20Brigade%20on%20Salisbury%20Plain%2012th%20August%201934%20-%20IWM%201064-02d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4KK-9ExM0gmgURITVD9sbyfc8uxkjoHY3ITEsS_31LnH3VKnyiiaQ06e-WJNdY07Ls_6HtfAY80dL1A3qixJDK62CAou176dh4JFwE29s26CWiBlwJL0ZOB2e2AAhwEW2300XRhfKuz9Hp-H2TWsibhg36Pu-MA1lZFXYVxdm-gGTQCo5L59pUyGo_Kn/w640-h396/manoeuvres%20by%201st%20Tank%20Brigade%20on%20Salisbury%20Plain%2012th%20August%201934%20-%20IWM%201064-02d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Frame of a Pathe Gazette newsreel showing <br />the Vickers Medium Mk.III tank E3 (MT 9709)<br /></span>in manoeuvres with 1st Tank Brigade - Royal Tank Corps<br />on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_Plain" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">maneuvers - 12 August, 1934</span>.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM 1064-02d</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFzjrIZjpszvXvTTQe21FEBIf_4jQa35hiCG18PgcXOfSrv5Uw2MnwQT8nAApQgfRTd6TsTCtgBII7R1G0FwUTIfra4nNaE3IRyKOlDXGzVKIfgLVtGb4JPLnehcVLNTWkM1tOkAKpS5bFim4Ga60XWI2_GKf0T6VpIEQnJK84ei1yFW50lMi8Y_eI1PZ/s1280/manoeuvres%20by%201st%20Tank%20Brigade%20on%20Salisbury%20Plain,%2012th%20August%201934%20-%20IWM%201064-02d.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFzjrIZjpszvXvTTQe21FEBIf_4jQa35hiCG18PgcXOfSrv5Uw2MnwQT8nAApQgfRTd6TsTCtgBII7R1G0FwUTIfra4nNaE3IRyKOlDXGzVKIfgLVtGb4JPLnehcVLNTWkM1tOkAKpS5bFim4Ga60XWI2_GKf0T6VpIEQnJK84ei1yFW50lMi8Y_eI1PZ/w640-h464/manoeuvres%20by%201st%20Tank%20Brigade%20on%20Salisbury%20Plain,%2012th%20August%201934%20-%20IWM%201064-02d.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Another frame of a newsreel showing Vickers Medium Mk.III tank E3 (MT 9709)<br /></span>with Medium Mk.II ,in manoeuvres with 1st Tank Brigade - Royal Tank Corps<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_Plain" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">maneuvers -12 August, 1934</span>.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM 1064-02d<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX_iQIzep0UORUfD4MFG2WNYoicsb_Pcu5f5To6O-8ZBOcFI6Gixo-Q6v07OQKd4oclwNOsjynC2s1D15PhPxZ9k3x01jEDa3ppjAItUBdyV6xY2e2qBB5wxp1Br0xU0dSiWjb_XftyTqmYZIGtatyRBUPStnowaAqtW_cyrBNBOFOlIx-F5h-lkZg-BX/s1400/Medium%20Mk%20III%20command%20vehicle%20IWM%20MH%208102.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1400" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtX_iQIzep0UORUfD4MFG2WNYoicsb_Pcu5f5To6O-8ZBOcFI6Gixo-Q6v07OQKd4oclwNOsjynC2s1D15PhPxZ9k3x01jEDa3ppjAItUBdyV6xY2e2qBB5wxp1Br0xU0dSiWjb_XftyTqmYZIGtatyRBUPStnowaAqtW_cyrBNBOFOlIx-F5h-lkZg-BX/w640-h362/Medium%20Mk%20III%20command%20vehicle%20IWM%20MH%208102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk III E1 (MT 9707)<br />used as command vehicle <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_Plain" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">maneuvers - 12 August, 1934</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM MH 8102</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68LwCTPboqyErMvfpFV5J8XYXCULkokPhVQmj4vEVtAzYnCF0I2trHcgYvTEA6Few5mDR3gt0Q-wIS2t2kOAXi3BssH9h-y-2zbul4g3qCWqJcrPGDFpA4e3OOT2yyJvAEPeNguRCTcnRT9Db2jebdilia4-hbB3wZkWy9tWWYj73n3ECHhBZ4y7ob8bb/s1400/officer%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps%20briefs%20his%20men%20before%20a%20military%20exercise.%20He%20stands%20next%20to%20a%20Medium%20Tank%20Mark%20III%20which%20is%20being%20used%20as%20his%20command%20vehicle%20IWM%20MH%208101.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1400" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68LwCTPboqyErMvfpFV5J8XYXCULkokPhVQmj4vEVtAzYnCF0I2trHcgYvTEA6Few5mDR3gt0Q-wIS2t2kOAXi3BssH9h-y-2zbul4g3qCWqJcrPGDFpA4e3OOT2yyJvAEPeNguRCTcnRT9Db2jebdilia4-hbB3wZkWy9tWWYj73n3ECHhBZ4y7ob8bb/w640-h366/officer%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps%20briefs%20his%20men%20before%20a%20military%20exercise.%20He%20stands%20next%20to%20a%20Medium%20Tank%20Mark%20III%20which%20is%20being%20used%20as%20his%20command%20vehicle%20IWM%20MH%208101.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Officer of the Royal Tank Corps briefs his men before a military exercise. <br />He stands next to a Vickers Medium Tank Mark III E1 (MT 9707)<br />which is being used as his command vehicle <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_Plain" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">maneuvers - 12 August, 1934</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 8101</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM0oZ8VKpBICkDb-kxE1S7N7-xHQTYUcAhTgJ91Wyo5Dpn5a5aU_-E5LIQjXRLnO9T524WSqSMlmb-cDdP8zIKaHACC7jzd9No1Ezp0XMs6ZD_iYecarIV0J1wDBuuF4p-lxiW2yJXZniLYYWtOj-6udhsUNPqp2prWaoEPAadiDZ-mAXQWXiCqvJJ0FC/s1280/9709%20at%20speed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGM0oZ8VKpBICkDb-kxE1S7N7-xHQTYUcAhTgJ91Wyo5Dpn5a5aU_-E5LIQjXRLnO9T524WSqSMlmb-cDdP8zIKaHACC7jzd9No1Ezp0XMs6ZD_iYecarIV0J1wDBuuF4p-lxiW2yJXZniLYYWtOj-6udhsUNPqp2prWaoEPAadiDZ-mAXQWXiCqvJJ0FC/w640-h400/9709%20at%20speed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mk.III tank E3 (MT 9709)</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">at full speed in the field - 1934.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0LfAXJBsH0Ucs8reVSEKIjuKYPpi_Xjm-7-Gq2k7aFuCxmpnP8mgNFfH_37hVIR2F5je4DWiwDjSjm4pED4IXCbto4u98oBaLrKQIBiGHlKFls2omjNbzyaJFtu7SZcmq6DH69AlAiRsV5N8OML1DBVhTO74E4O_MfH7d8FCMCrsvCYzerzKXjdFAxhZ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%201st%20Tank%20Brigade,%20on%20Salisbury%20Plain,%20in%20the%20middle%20of%20being%20serviced.%2012th%20August%201934.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0LfAXJBsH0Ucs8reVSEKIjuKYPpi_Xjm-7-Gq2k7aFuCxmpnP8mgNFfH_37hVIR2F5je4DWiwDjSjm4pED4IXCbto4u98oBaLrKQIBiGHlKFls2omjNbzyaJFtu7SZcmq6DH69AlAiRsV5N8OML1DBVhTO74E4O_MfH7d8FCMCrsvCYzerzKXjdFAxhZ/w640-h480/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%201st%20Tank%20Brigade,%20on%20Salisbury%20Plain,%20in%20the%20middle%20of%20being%20serviced.%2012th%20August%201934.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mk.III tank E3 (MT 9709)<br />in rough terrain - 1934.<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrLw5C3sDFpOBow6BneKQ5XM6_HD7jmO_O6gnACRpRgyQn23hO06kb5TRb2Dcq4ZM9u8Qno3-noPK_dkPTGfE1ZHgBc-499G7qpphou5MjBNOCl0Mdx4DrW61G2h0yt9tT59RvUZWHNpsHWh5H0oat0Tekq3lZdurLOi0urRoMFf-Gzf4TsibWZ4err6l/s1400/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20III%20of%20the%201st%20Tank%20Brigade,%20on%20Salisbury%20Plain,%20in%20the%20middle%20of%20being%20serviced.%2012%20August%201934.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1400" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrLw5C3sDFpOBow6BneKQ5XM6_HD7jmO_O6gnACRpRgyQn23hO06kb5TRb2Dcq4ZM9u8Qno3-noPK_dkPTGfE1ZHgBc-499G7qpphou5MjBNOCl0Mdx4DrW61G2h0yt9tT59RvUZWHNpsHWh5H0oat0Tekq3lZdurLOi0urRoMFf-Gzf4TsibWZ4err6l/w640-h434/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20III%20of%20the%201st%20Tank%20Brigade,%20on%20Salisbury%20Plain,%20in%20the%20middle%20of%20being%20serviced.%2012%20August%201934.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mk.III tank E3 (MT 9709)<br />under maintenance in the field - 1934.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLkdWi8O0bBKhcMRZUGym7tZ0wBWP2NaPq71akuafenbxa1AXetaK9kA7QtoF0FByUkiEnrw1KhHuzyXVKfp3cJ9RqmepwcUPVBneaT5lJiTYM5CQYEW8tVhYRtb9JUbAwDpAAcmeHwWv03EWFmXJFsfmHpAXsY4HYyZAtD8h38wBIoLVIrpXSbv_KP0n/s1280/870%20under%20maintenance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLkdWi8O0bBKhcMRZUGym7tZ0wBWP2NaPq71akuafenbxa1AXetaK9kA7QtoF0FByUkiEnrw1KhHuzyXVKfp3cJ9RqmepwcUPVBneaT5lJiTYM5CQYEW8tVhYRtb9JUbAwDpAAcmeHwWv03EWFmXJFsfmHpAXsY4HYyZAtD8h38wBIoLVIrpXSbv_KP0n/w640-h370/870%20under%20maintenance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mk.III tank E2 (MT 9708)</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">under maintenance in the field - 1934.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> Shortly after the exercise, one tank (E1 - military registration MT 9707) was written off, another was destroyed in a fire (E2 - military registration MT 9708) in September of 1934 near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swindon" target="_blank">Swindon</a>, and the sole survivor E3 - military registration MT 9709) remained in service around the training ground until 1938, and was likely scrapped some time in the crazy years of 1939-40, to reuse material. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH8lhiWxcLI4NrBt8_pM7z2j_H08qqQ7_5iEwHf-Oq89-6uM8UqYuKilzeMSPsGKmwcqLNNhi-s2MrR7aeIXB7aj77pA8VPq1eRLxyKwLteZAkRIfhIlxbRrppwehKTr70fFRvT2MDohOVtlJW7ANkOGMoV_usXcWS00kksygs3W_gMUxaRDkJIJuIWw_/s1600/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20left%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1600" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH8lhiWxcLI4NrBt8_pM7z2j_H08qqQ7_5iEwHf-Oq89-6uM8UqYuKilzeMSPsGKmwcqLNNhi-s2MrR7aeIXB7aj77pA8VPq1eRLxyKwLteZAkRIfhIlxbRrppwehKTr70fFRvT2MDohOVtlJW7ANkOGMoV_usXcWS00kksygs3W_gMUxaRDkJIJuIWw_/w640-h304/Medium%20Mk%20III%20-%20left%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III drawing - left side view<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Loris Visintini</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> As a result, unfortunately none of these elegant and slender machines have survived to this day.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG-oA9IFqVq7KRH2R4ISBsDVfFLQbIyanLFXGVgYznZZjwqL82L0POy66jnphrVr6dfGhAiviSlwlhSwfmik1yHV2cam5hDc-GS2fh33Omjjq5u-AFokyVnjLhUxlJI_DFiDMnt8FsEujSZUFH20WX-F48GCasNubz-StmP7Zkcuc-BbIJPgWy5-S-OrL/s1400/Vickers%20Mk%20III%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1400" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcG-oA9IFqVq7KRH2R4ISBsDVfFLQbIyanLFXGVgYznZZjwqL82L0POy66jnphrVr6dfGhAiviSlwlhSwfmik1yHV2cam5hDc-GS2fh33Omjjq5u-AFokyVnjLhUxlJI_DFiDMnt8FsEujSZUFH20WX-F48GCasNubz-StmP7Zkcuc-BbIJPgWy5-S-OrL/w640-h350/Vickers%20Mk%20III%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Vickers Medium Mk III tank</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_tank" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Medium tank">Medium tank</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Army" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="British Army">British Army</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">none</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1930 (A6 – 1926)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers-Armstrong" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers-Armstrong">Vickers-Armstrong</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Ordnance_Factory" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Royal Ordnance Factory">Royal Ordnance Factory</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">16 tons</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6.55 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.67 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.79 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">9-14 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OQF_3_pounder_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="OQF 3 pounder gun">3 pounder gun</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3 × 0.303 (7.7 mm) <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers machine gun">Vickers machine guns</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrong_Siddeley" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Armstrong Siddeley">Armstrong Siddeley</a> <br />air-cooled V8 180 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsepower" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Horsepower">hp</a> (130 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">190 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">48 km/h</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> For this commisssion work, I will use a kit from a manufacturer that is still new to me: the <a href="https://mry-sfw.com/" target="_blank">SSModel</a>, from China. The 3D printed kit <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/es/kits/ssmodel-35579-vickers-mkiii--1521619" target="_blank">Vickers Mk.III British Medium Tank (#35579)</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo15Bq3xBQNzIj2twLPrMG133MffUKBDxfXFI2AC1gfZpJHt4IE4t4CvEZXD-l2KjMujS9rn9fU51ENpcadp4A1fHTJlSJSH55pes6SbNa3luMuOLF-LBPHE2E_u6jcCBvniiA_pFe2UPzW-MKmHccyBq6GIWVq1mDllzDGjDMckqa9E59zBEnbRh34vLi/s1024/SS%20model%20box%20art2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo15Bq3xBQNzIj2twLPrMG133MffUKBDxfXFI2AC1gfZpJHt4IE4t4CvEZXD-l2KjMujS9rn9fU51ENpcadp4A1fHTJlSJSH55pes6SbNa3luMuOLF-LBPHE2E_u6jcCBvniiA_pFe2UPzW-MKmHccyBq6GIWVq1mDllzDGjDMckqa9E59zBEnbRh34vLi/w640-h640/SS%20model%20box%20art2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://mry-sfw.com/" target="_blank">SSModel</a> <span style="text-align: justify;"> 3D printed kit </span><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/es/kits/ssmodel-35579-vickers-mkiii--1521619" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Vickers Mk.III British Medium Tank (#35579)</a><span style="text-align: justify;">.<br />New box art</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But my client got this model on eBay, with the "early" version of the box:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYCpHjL_74TcezeBOv1xYxBvZA3z7T44frVzqgnzI4hpx0InUUXYfBFy7vJnoCjV2d2wCZaz48rftS5ya9p9sVFcILK7cf7C743fqk2zUNenQGqSsU17WT3kMvrj87v0u6YJwjnCQWeBgijqdugR1AYw5KSu7QUkBPLQQgVmk7RJa0m8JoNzgidljXBtF/s1000/SS%20model%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcYCpHjL_74TcezeBOv1xYxBvZA3z7T44frVzqgnzI4hpx0InUUXYfBFy7vJnoCjV2d2wCZaz48rftS5ya9p9sVFcILK7cf7C743fqk2zUNenQGqSsU17WT3kMvrj87v0u6YJwjnCQWeBgijqdugR1AYw5KSu7QUkBPLQQgVmk7RJa0m8JoNzgidljXBtF/w640-h480/SS%20model%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://mry-sfw.com/" target="_blank">SSModel</a> <span style="text-align: justify;"> 3D printed kit </span><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/es/kits/ssmodel-35579-vickers-mkiii--1521619" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Vickers Mk.III British Medium Tank (#35579)</a><span style="text-align: justify;">.<br />Old box art</span></td></tr></tbody></table> This kit is now out of production!!! But let's see what awaits us... Kojak with his new challenge:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7BYc84Nz2nvvghPo2P2M6DlVUH6VE68QcKLyR2zSd7ijkfrw8C0u6vOqzDtDOQh_ZRlxcx4DP_N37PhgtFMWEAcHGKw_NFl2GDmwMv-a2GjD68T0QyrIsaQwYSlYh13bdyBO9h-UYDP3TmcS8_h90ejuzvYpIuqP0xBjLHFD2jUNaq1oDL8BZZa3dJ-_/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7BYc84Nz2nvvghPo2P2M6DlVUH6VE68QcKLyR2zSd7ijkfrw8C0u6vOqzDtDOQh_ZRlxcx4DP_N37PhgtFMWEAcHGKw_NFl2GDmwMv-a2GjD68T0QyrIsaQwYSlYh13bdyBO9h-UYDP3TmcS8_h90ejuzvYpIuqP0xBjLHFD2jUNaq1oDL8BZZa3dJ-_/w640-h450/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bald one at the workbench, with SS Model box kit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NIrLRkP6NRPtHKV1G71hQda5wB1Sjs6_fajOwyhobDNJlcEgS_DJuZsORb6hGPBPxfx3yU8xAwzAQpJeUs1K0M6kN1ZBPsvgae_WR4JufKeO9CdGDbui-2ISRp4Q2kRj46uCiRGlLnYYpnmUn_PhOgrb9rhxtDiJ_hRXdb-_n-N2N1kcsxKIneVEwlfB/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NIrLRkP6NRPtHKV1G71hQda5wB1Sjs6_fajOwyhobDNJlcEgS_DJuZsORb6hGPBPxfx3yU8xAwzAQpJeUs1K0M6kN1ZBPsvgae_WR4JufKeO9CdGDbui-2ISRp4Q2kRj46uCiRGlLnYYpnmUn_PhOgrb9rhxtDiJ_hRXdb-_n-N2N1kcsxKIneVEwlfB/w640-h396/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Kojak along with the contents of the box... <br />Ouch...many broken parts, on first inspection...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The "Assembly Instruction Manual" is a true tragedy:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwQOBFkTZFMMiHhy_MyjYj8Bd7DwyA83snyUBX2oY0fblhyphenhyphenhN64Gz5Yub5LJ86DK-_faK6cS_NL2gwawnRHOUrI1znO1ZjBgFzVU7593aplXAyFVAitPRs6befzPpYEYHpDXg6_nOYjMKJmju2UfKi6NKLXSe4-sPvgacrIBzWIPXDAIiZZQmHRF0OYCc/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwQOBFkTZFMMiHhy_MyjYj8Bd7DwyA83snyUBX2oY0fblhyphenhyphenhN64Gz5Yub5LJ86DK-_faK6cS_NL2gwawnRHOUrI1znO1ZjBgFzVU7593aplXAyFVAitPRs6befzPpYEYHpDXg6_nOYjMKJmju2UfKi6NKLXSe4-sPvgacrIBzWIPXDAIiZZQmHRF0OYCc/w640-h462/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit represented is not the same as the<br />one in the box (thankfully...)</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The worst: the rear fenders are fractured and without the broken parts in the plastic bag... It shows that the hull was packaged already fractured, although some parts, such as the exhaust mufflers, are in bags. Hell!!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDlK6lV-ePVRjTewHiUaJ9NejB18MDwoaUBM7MahH-zJKt4mTTdalLJFKT-z22ovdoM24geHLFju_xlWtBg4tnY_bXm7xIc_2e1Z751UdwyMRLHLp7NpKasmw3An_PgPSXnVKW1_LPiDrAGz_mNR7Vyw1nkiDzkyUFJdsrHO2FBmo03CbYUQqsykgfrDF/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDlK6lV-ePVRjTewHiUaJ9NejB18MDwoaUBM7MahH-zJKt4mTTdalLJFKT-z22ovdoM24geHLFju_xlWtBg4tnY_bXm7xIc_2e1Z751UdwyMRLHLp7NpKasmw3An_PgPSXnVKW1_LPiDrAGz_mNR7Vyw1nkiDzkyUFJdsrHO2FBmo03CbYUQqsykgfrDF/w640-h434/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the rear fenders broken. No broken parts or<br />fragments of this in the box!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6AFH2AmymcAwcVpRbksAwmP03FqkkYeRcj1gPTwvYSJcPd7JSxmEw-tbKYL0xUfYlg6ROfo5brRLy3Hb8mjuaa9F1Ces0MEqGhjIDbcHuYL3RXe-68uFfrZc1Lr0kz1ZgBIcKU7G4IkB7Kos5Ew6_rDO-GVXU5USPwbGD19ZHPrhgj4rgdZ761wVICCw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6AFH2AmymcAwcVpRbksAwmP03FqkkYeRcj1gPTwvYSJcPd7JSxmEw-tbKYL0xUfYlg6ROfo5brRLy3Hb8mjuaa9F1Ces0MEqGhjIDbcHuYL3RXe-68uFfrZc1Lr0kz1ZgBIcKU7G4IkB7Kos5Ew6_rDO-GVXU5USPwbGD19ZHPrhgj4rgdZ761wVICCw/w640-h468/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to the fractured rear fenders, the rear deck extensions<br />and the rear central tie-down hook...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOdQhpo2UB-2aAI9UhK_slap1SMehe_ZLDrlmUVmw1vHxBuDszLyYIa8x98JZckKMQ5j4uSOand6Oolx2xV50NjONHh-ZFjCeUsVf4ER61xNhfuNslj5EChGAp3HgS9NQwdpFr4ivguwHI1ofoXXODS-lO97mhcb3-ugZPj-uGrLnbEz6B1di21HZayOs/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOdQhpo2UB-2aAI9UhK_slap1SMehe_ZLDrlmUVmw1vHxBuDszLyYIa8x98JZckKMQ5j4uSOand6Oolx2xV50NjONHh-ZFjCeUsVf4ER61xNhfuNslj5EChGAp3HgS9NQwdpFr4ivguwHI1ofoXXODS-lO97mhcb3-ugZPj-uGrLnbEz6B1di21HZayOs/w640-h456/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front right headlight (this was in the box...) broken</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvl32SMk3yOjivrbrVqy346jw3PXIcyoFH3RWEYg1NUiq6WNhCilxCGuV-ntzQ_1U3MD-3k-ghiv-u8ETQ92xUHgkOLRe5CGLKViWH_iBIuZp3nLW0N7lNhc4eafkf8pgJsP9k30_OfTjNssLLjqp56LXM8Oi_PGYKDKc27RkSdx9pG6CbHfmiCNSVMbE/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvl32SMk3yOjivrbrVqy346jw3PXIcyoFH3RWEYg1NUiq6WNhCilxCGuV-ntzQ_1U3MD-3k-ghiv-u8ETQ92xUHgkOLRe5CGLKViWH_iBIuZp3nLW0N7lNhc4eafkf8pgJsP9k30_OfTjNssLLjqp56LXM8Oi_PGYKDKc27RkSdx9pG6CbHfmiCNSVMbE/w640-h396/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fracture of two links of the right suspension track. <br />The pieces were in the box, but not complete...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPua3TbSJcrpUPJljoAeRKpoC87mBxAQqrxoFmKCnA1iD4XtUOZ61FhD4qog2yqS3B4yLMU8aLB8vVvBMTrcfBmOnrag8KwKKDcpcpg7NgANw-C7p8eKE61B5lh4PjvFcxwnsiRPmZXuqrYYLt-yr8r8p2h4VqrnBMOShJkPNyP-l56KLtJXh3-pxBAy1w/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPua3TbSJcrpUPJljoAeRKpoC87mBxAQqrxoFmKCnA1iD4XtUOZ61FhD4qog2yqS3B4yLMU8aLB8vVvBMTrcfBmOnrag8KwKKDcpcpg7NgANw-C7p8eKE61B5lh4PjvFcxwnsiRPmZXuqrYYLt-yr8r8p2h4VqrnBMOShJkPNyP-l56KLtJXh3-pxBAy1w/w640-h442/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both sets of suspensions have more curves than our dear Marilyn!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjOpNxOitLzMlnxm7pBOxOEM7vjon8PZX2y2d_FQG4K2e9QmnVx-yXth0ek01gluA0ffmWSsYkVr4Esvql41dGxRXuR7HK0a27mjPWFV2-Q22AO6joJTDEMg_FLKKQ7XZk-Oly3MXFuJ80wWlHsAdbV1E_uXdw7OqJRZOWj4D8rhsQ9WXNF4uc_4YPggg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjOpNxOitLzMlnxm7pBOxOEM7vjon8PZX2y2d_FQG4K2e9QmnVx-yXth0ek01gluA0ffmWSsYkVr4Esvql41dGxRXuR7HK0a27mjPWFV2-Q22AO6joJTDEMg_FLKKQ7XZk-Oly3MXFuJ80wWlHsAdbV1E_uXdw7OqJRZOWj4D8rhsQ9WXNF4uc_4YPggg/w640-h418/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phew...a little relief: the main turret looks perfect. very well printed and <br />WITHOUT PRINT LINES (Hallelujah!!!)<br />Congratulations, SS Models!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBEsIMwMofuV3EmnVHC8rPE6R16GyDG3mAuxUxuOcMe_YoCOhksCUcKVKpRCH1AKH-z9ahPNUIiG2pfGt7_Q3omMkosBXdQQVQa3EmN4MqW8hgG-5GVgKiiN6J71g9PxQ7pdh4vXfEp68YakpZXjy9HVnME-uJIUsNgFCdkBKFX4-Vpxuf5YTYxotgWxJ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBEsIMwMofuV3EmnVHC8rPE6R16GyDG3mAuxUxuOcMe_YoCOhksCUcKVKpRCH1AKH-z9ahPNUIiG2pfGt7_Q3omMkosBXdQQVQa3EmN4MqW8hgG-5GVgKiiN6J71g9PxQ7pdh4vXfEp68YakpZXjy9HVnME-uJIUsNgFCdkBKFX4-Vpxuf5YTYxotgWxJ/w640-h346/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two front auxiliary turrets also...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryZ9sokM5UrE5XerULSTaieDaWcGQo9RKuVeVJjf-r51XpXINCdYqXuLhzS6Wyhiz6kHTNlKSsUwndrZW-M-s1zMhfvtJrtD0gQO37UO6_UmN026PGfMCQy5-7E4iIC3qWW28dWMekD0sFs8caCqJtahiEaDJxh1Qbc6H7pcxG3q3HR7mMWpIYT56tRBj/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryZ9sokM5UrE5XerULSTaieDaWcGQo9RKuVeVJjf-r51XpXINCdYqXuLhzS6Wyhiz6kHTNlKSsUwndrZW-M-s1zMhfvtJrtD0gQO37UO6_UmN026PGfMCQy5-7E4iIC3qWW28dWMekD0sFs8caCqJtahiEaDJxh1Qbc6H7pcxG3q3HR7mMWpIYT56tRBj/w640-h326/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More positive things: the tow hooks and the front ladder<br />are very well printed and protected by an efficient roll cage...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Jr2Pm67XjgcFJFuU_xqNL9S38-BZPMseF1gVsb_kPzSjrtaH8R5DBkBIg91BIk1xcKIMhkOgYz2DKmNOF9bl6Z708-H_lrQjQGCcBhrnCRAsn7B13oxlCYnbUmLrTCVsFItzCYkO8bpGwYiYEK3sXMhOP7uqo36JN3zVIk2ACKCMWTGMGAYD9s57GtJ7/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Jr2Pm67XjgcFJFuU_xqNL9S38-BZPMseF1gVsb_kPzSjrtaH8R5DBkBIg91BIk1xcKIMhkOgYz2DKmNOF9bl6Z708-H_lrQjQGCcBhrnCRAsn7B13oxlCYnbUmLrTCVsFItzCYkO8bpGwYiYEK3sXMhOP7uqo36JN3zVIk2ACKCMWTGMGAYD9s57GtJ7/w640-h316/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And that's the icing on the cake: two cannon barrels!! <br />Excellent attitude, SS Models!!!<br />Chuck approves!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotbN3eujqJQBN4B16R-jotQcc9bw1yGRZJ9tzaEfObPTM_X_P03ZemN7D3GiABKpYno0ySQIDYBYZrsu9BOh-khyNw30aAkBZIopkmn0HadgnAZmveKgdSS919Ldr_jTc8ibLe3lOY_A1s1ehmltXvqDbjVJERsYhDQys1ASI1W6okAN7lfoplLpBySE0/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotbN3eujqJQBN4B16R-jotQcc9bw1yGRZJ9tzaEfObPTM_X_P03ZemN7D3GiABKpYno0ySQIDYBYZrsu9BOh-khyNw30aAkBZIopkmn0HadgnAZmveKgdSS919Ldr_jTc8ibLe3lOY_A1s1ehmltXvqDbjVJERsYhDQys1ASI1W6okAN7lfoplLpBySE0/w640-h340/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But back to the defects: the broken parts of the rear deck,<br />with a printing flaw in the exhaust angle... Notice the<br />front headlight and the rear lamp.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gMncZVgD6Q0ERDNhu37L8h6-9l5AjxLOh7rrvLO7VWLT579EXnwy19NYYVrEzdiYytvEXBxVwN65wHsH9OyF4WAcZ1eo-YKTsi14i3g05GTG4QJpvMZOIXQHl7y7rV0Z8qnA6SBV9L1L1NLbObn3CP3SM1vwm5Ri2g0L352RuzNsj4r3xRVdP5uqVbWW/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gMncZVgD6Q0ERDNhu37L8h6-9l5AjxLOh7rrvLO7VWLT579EXnwy19NYYVrEzdiYytvEXBxVwN65wHsH9OyF4WAcZ1eo-YKTsi14i3g05GTG4QJpvMZOIXQHl7y7rV0Z8qnA6SBV9L1L1NLbObn3CP3SM1vwm5Ri2g0L352RuzNsj4r3xRVdP5uqVbWW/w640-h458/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20012.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After gluing the two suspension links, we have missing<br />parts to be done. Not a big deal, but a pain!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But now, one thing that is really DISGUSTING in some 3D printed kits: the resin appears to not be fully cured and the damn delaminations... This is unforgivable!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwK5ZZgIVRmt9qPGO2Vfnk8d-B95dUeZROfJ3kzV-s3SbgI18rVxts15QHBHHVUsItrIkmLiFVrfBjdLvW5I7WOAMA639EeGPhxkXFijs6SDyYONj-6zcbtiUemsXoWH_RSLTYx_Y105PmFBFt7zqKLI7kD7_Li_urbfKqtsoRUUe6UJYgMZeDbgOo-Cn/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwK5ZZgIVRmt9qPGO2Vfnk8d-B95dUeZROfJ3kzV-s3SbgI18rVxts15QHBHHVUsItrIkmLiFVrfBjdLvW5I7WOAMA639EeGPhxkXFijs6SDyYONj-6zcbtiUemsXoWH_RSLTYx_Y105PmFBFt7zqKLI7kD7_Li_urbfKqtsoRUUe6UJYgMZeDbgOo-Cn/w640-h406/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delaminations!!! I hate this!!! <br />The luck is that the most affected parts are internal....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhgV2xXC8yA7ulU-T-u7BflnjZlHwyFucymqWBNEeXkUcKQ_I96Jbh31Ed8d__k2eCC4x-9RDsKbwrdMs1cYWHwRgHDLAUu3wVC3Lr5k7Iece3L-JE6-LRmxdPwI-wfwWeBDORP95dbtnXrkiUndM9lXOJ3OpraNoDe6kKteJT0o7I01TOMtrjtgHofiJ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhgV2xXC8yA7ulU-T-u7BflnjZlHwyFucymqWBNEeXkUcKQ_I96Jbh31Ed8d__k2eCC4x-9RDsKbwrdMs1cYWHwRgHDLAUu3wVC3Lr5k7Iece3L-JE6-LRmxdPwI-wfwWeBDORP95dbtnXrkiUndM9lXOJ3OpraNoDe6kKteJT0o7I01TOMtrjtgHofiJ/w640-h380/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delaminations affected both suspension assemblies...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlo6OxcLSvFPW7mhr0A7_oVC6cgPEKqKfVHDEj6ZZQJ11ZFEpCcJbRN88nSgf5F9huS3htSDBy9738aeRuV1MASOx1C1D1c22ihy1bCquPXVES9VtymEaKKHKPe6eXROPiLVmW4Xzi27CuVNQ21qr6UjvzUJTStTeBwXTHSpBfUZhfWM9zjGLebyWSbUC/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlo6OxcLSvFPW7mhr0A7_oVC6cgPEKqKfVHDEj6ZZQJ11ZFEpCcJbRN88nSgf5F9huS3htSDBy9738aeRuV1MASOx1C1D1c22ihy1bCquPXVES9VtymEaKKHKPe6eXROPiLVmW4Xzi27CuVNQ21qr6UjvzUJTStTeBwXTHSpBfUZhfWM9zjGLebyWSbUC/w640-h480/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheels, bogies, ouch...This is disgusting!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvWY61Hj2jpmrlZfn0nCeIh0ROXZirNKL6RqU3PXB67p6aawAdumhghaCFN-WjU6uOFs8ZVcM8xSWKxvZzkuTUAgl2vqjZ_C85ArK5iN_o0RkxM3C22ma94kf6-Jmx20egEFcwmHyfeV8y2VHHKiaE9myXvBx9nXaPykD8ya2laMnSijYBWTyCg6U3nSz/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvWY61Hj2jpmrlZfn0nCeIh0ROXZirNKL6RqU3PXB67p6aawAdumhghaCFN-WjU6uOFs8ZVcM8xSWKxvZzkuTUAgl2vqjZ_C85ArK5iN_o0RkxM3C22ma94kf6-Jmx20egEFcwmHyfeV8y2VHHKiaE9myXvBx9nXaPykD8ya2laMnSijYBWTyCg6U3nSz/w640-h454/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even more disgusting (it's hard to hold back the vomit...)<br />are the uncured portions of resin. These parts secrete<br />a liquid that is really worrying... <br />The good news is that the layer of cured and healthy resin is very thick!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULiQnZ9QJk9ih1HWOLwo2aYgokMMqSeQQV6oJusE1WzGAx7PEK4b6QBkVBNXvIHovfi0r-owRLa0dq-VR11bL2EwiWVRbdxv99ctS4l6qfCRN9UJGy2ewjSDgVi5aB2tzCGq9WlDZSKsafHVd9iY5NZJxIS2qjZVyPOTAItfS2DURfMauXVPmgmJtfC0a/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULiQnZ9QJk9ih1HWOLwo2aYgokMMqSeQQV6oJusE1WzGAx7PEK4b6QBkVBNXvIHovfi0r-owRLa0dq-VR11bL2EwiWVRbdxv99ctS4l6qfCRN9UJGy2ewjSDgVi5aB2tzCGq9WlDZSKsafHVd9iY5NZJxIS2qjZVyPOTAItfS2DURfMauXVPmgmJtfC0a/w640-h436/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20017.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More portions with poorly cured resin (main turret - internal roof)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, a flaw in the kit's design: the correct location of the two front auxiliary turrets is not marked on the tank chassis. The turrets are installed in the front portion of the deck, but EXACTLY where the manufacturer did not bother to demarcate. This is a glaring flaw, as turrets allow for random placement. A modeler with little experience will have a lot of difficulty at this stage...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGHfswTxlx6sQOJsTs6lZnB_QJAfRQjmTHRjVLQLKimKV4xJgrVRNdp_3Kix_mdzPcnFeXH2192pbPTECC4Qxpw-2NRZuYK5zk-8ZjFrtWPNaLB_xIBZ8Gw3kJgKJldCl8eqdI5SjmLoWG1hy5aESmBoCiriAHx8yOeD93J4qjF8gI_qJe5K8jZHBeaWf/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGHfswTxlx6sQOJsTs6lZnB_QJAfRQjmTHRjVLQLKimKV4xJgrVRNdp_3Kix_mdzPcnFeXH2192pbPTECC4Qxpw-2NRZuYK5zk-8ZjFrtWPNaLB_xIBZ8Gw3kJgKJldCl8eqdI5SjmLoWG1hy5aESmBoCiriAHx8yOeD93J4qjF8gI_qJe5K8jZHBeaWf/w640-h410/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front auxiliary turrets: where the hell are they, exactly???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWNua2x5upRsalrilX5FoBCDkN4XzzLJwbtGlJWTYsHI7nIh2Ez96DX2i4s96zMO4SkWvi0LOcHaoBh9-Hrsrjcnn_ktnXPtDe7greu8QvtLqJqHdQsofcbLFdgMQ5fnKLA9iOp1WPc450MzJnUsusgBJQhbhqCLcly9inf9ScRmcPOCnhbtjU6EZVWzE/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWNua2x5upRsalrilX5FoBCDkN4XzzLJwbtGlJWTYsHI7nIh2Ez96DX2i4s96zMO4SkWvi0LOcHaoBh9-Hrsrjcnn_ktnXPtDe7greu8QvtLqJqHdQsofcbLFdgMQ5fnKLA9iOp1WPc450MzJnUsusgBJQhbhqCLcly9inf9ScRmcPOCnhbtjU6EZVWzE/w640-h480/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No markings, "neck", elevation, nothing!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL-_6KMRbGGVDNLNw2T3wLGdCwgMSpMdB9MHUwxKIL9sW_pSzIg-8_2Tu3R8BQXhbE_W0RDc0H1VfANDQ9vrQBxI2u7Cm3eYOt9ZXUWbQqd-oziTIxGjIIurzQKix-NU0zVn9-sQuR9B1Ph67STLtO_a5BEysL-ToUetgrFGc6mWRVUBiB9rHEFv_JgCk/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL-_6KMRbGGVDNLNw2T3wLGdCwgMSpMdB9MHUwxKIL9sW_pSzIg-8_2Tu3R8BQXhbE_W0RDc0H1VfANDQ9vrQBxI2u7Cm3eYOt9ZXUWbQqd-oziTIxGjIIurzQKix-NU0zVn9-sQuR9B1Ph67STLtO_a5BEysL-ToUetgrFGc6mWRVUBiB9rHEFv_JgCk/w640-h472/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turrets have an excellent circle for a neck fit, but SS Models<br />thought this would be unnecessary... Shame on you, SS Models!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy6iQYL6t9-2vNzxkzQ6G0vrQixYsQI4syWV1LvEIZWdiFLAx37udNaBYS0cwqI_0Sn8S40fqFkyCTyVI81utvyz8fVou3GpgW0jPGXewWES64uBMMDBAz9ZABhSI5VPENJ3aU6stX6FqLomKVmxFrvGoXnWqMYnLYUbEb9stttW_3Y6HNC-JLT6fUuyz/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy6iQYL6t9-2vNzxkzQ6G0vrQixYsQI4syWV1LvEIZWdiFLAx37udNaBYS0cwqI_0Sn8S40fqFkyCTyVI81utvyz8fVou3GpgW0jPGXewWES64uBMMDBAz9ZABhSI5VPENJ3aU6stX6FqLomKVmxFrvGoXnWqMYnLYUbEb9stttW_3Y6HNC-JLT6fUuyz/w640-h438/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multiple possibilities for error....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFKuPhJAYGtxOTBTTAxGknD1wNwGq-UssCUlvYSQPK5fRIFxoLs3xSOsfS9BnDTMrrWh0QHxK0w3KNU6da5O-EuL3jwr_vPfI4_dKSkO45y6OdUPsn4p7eGBG2buL9I6FfsyUURvt3XCN3rQcA8fZsw-GVdc2NGBZOpNNlELbJEH2SRtLFQb6l0H4vCFN/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFKuPhJAYGtxOTBTTAxGknD1wNwGq-UssCUlvYSQPK5fRIFxoLs3xSOsfS9BnDTMrrWh0QHxK0w3KNU6da5O-EuL3jwr_vPfI4_dKSkO45y6OdUPsn4p7eGBG2buL9I6FfsyUURvt3XCN3rQcA8fZsw-GVdc2NGBZOpNNlELbJEH2SRtLFQb6l0H4vCFN/w640-h480/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and no fitting marks at all!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk41ufTFPnqd5JSULzy_IbDiUFVwL3u_yoJBCNuIl2xYX0gHAt26ye63Fx-63iZ-K9GiT_Z0AUE1KCQOnoz0YH9LX_H8ibcWHak9qJg38qOLTyi9OQnBaBN7D-uWVlZOXVLV9KhfoeW4bFcBs8RyiTrY5sj8rt3g26NkvhefeqApDNaUo1Xhnb0Y_zzp0p/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk41ufTFPnqd5JSULzy_IbDiUFVwL3u_yoJBCNuIl2xYX0gHAt26ye63Fx-63iZ-K9GiT_Z0AUE1KCQOnoz0YH9LX_H8ibcWHak9qJg38qOLTyi9OQnBaBN7D-uWVlZOXVLV9KhfoeW4bFcBs8RyiTrY5sj8rt3g26NkvhefeqApDNaUo1Xhnb0Y_zzp0p/w640-h422/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20023.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, absurd... Let's base ourselves on the original photos<br />to try not to make mistakes... And speaking of which, the instruction manual<br />makes the strongest cry: a simple poorly printed and poorly detailed sheet!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> For these and other reasons, the kit starts to irritate you when building it. Instead of being a pleasurable experience, everything reflects that it is a product that is produced anyway, without care for the packaging or the end consumer. the printing details are EXCELLENT...the best I've seen so far in 3D kits...but the overall work is a little disappointing...but let's make lemonade out of these lemons; life is not easy and the Vickers Medium Mk.III is a vehicle that deserves to be reproduced... and we will achieve that!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDgLVvwCChcf955TUl8yE_v-yfheOtdEmXvsLtHTXQpKHwjLp7fVN-o2VWvkc3NB-GwV1CKkePz3mY9T4Y4DkyhzhgyUZrE-tSJ3eTPnRiWgpdzF4vmmNG4BV2uHrBJZ_n8MDXolmgpUVDVgsFVVs7KmriqEaXD654jnfoS5gQ38D2ImWBb1uCOGhN0xr/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDgLVvwCChcf955TUl8yE_v-yfheOtdEmXvsLtHTXQpKHwjLp7fVN-o2VWvkc3NB-GwV1CKkePz3mY9T4Y4DkyhzhgyUZrE-tSJ3eTPnRiWgpdzF4vmmNG4BV2uHrBJZ_n8MDXolmgpUVDVgsFVVs7KmriqEaXD654jnfoS5gQ38D2ImWBb1uCOGhN0xr/w640-h408/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hell!!! Here we go!!! Let's see who can do it the most!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>Well... the first thing to do is straighten the suspension assemblies. I immersed each set in boiling water, left it for a few seconds and placed the pieces on a flat surface, with some counterweights, to maintain the new position...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8asXPoswERMoU_hQRFWorUP1Ianb-WH5e1xWnqlzL2womSilLkVcQ52NZlUXAKToKmfrqgxT7TU2n7UFbbcT1dUdtGPmCQ-J_89qAfS0kP3qmIY2TZDdLnlAi7t7eyybFyjJZhC6QwZ_tF4o9nrAOfXHSYZsE3ruupofehNMy_vH6jTQvGXzyC_zjdg-u/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8asXPoswERMoU_hQRFWorUP1Ianb-WH5e1xWnqlzL2womSilLkVcQ52NZlUXAKToKmfrqgxT7TU2n7UFbbcT1dUdtGPmCQ-J_89qAfS0kP3qmIY2TZDdLnlAi7t7eyybFyjJZhC6QwZ_tF4o9nrAOfXHSYZsE3ruupofehNMy_vH6jTQvGXzyC_zjdg-u/w640-h368/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspensions, after the hot bath!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhPuBCQwDpAVT4eC4vSfJV8p7Ek0-kFEJpweV0gMajzpSTKsa8JPTRLA9MW-76xV6B_kQG7wOQKWuMBcq99aalCzc6y6vXgZGE1JuJlQtHGERQ7gCg98q47aVh-PpUKlGS2z7TrgjLfkE66KZVp54S6LJrpuwWPS_81lkwWQJyLm3y29bj-F46_c-7S2E/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20054a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1280" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhPuBCQwDpAVT4eC4vSfJV8p7Ek0-kFEJpweV0gMajzpSTKsa8JPTRLA9MW-76xV6B_kQG7wOQKWuMBcq99aalCzc6y6vXgZGE1JuJlQtHGERQ7gCg98q47aVh-PpUKlGS2z7TrgjLfkE66KZVp54S6LJrpuwWPS_81lkwWQJyLm3y29bj-F46_c-7S2E/w640-h528/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20054a.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And goodbye warped suspensions!! <br />Chuck is satisfied!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I noticed a small gap in the front portion of the front hull, on its left side. I think it was a printing error... As things were very discreet, I applied a thin plastic sheet (0.3mm thick) directly over the defect, correcting it. No big deal... just 10 minutes of work...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz8ny96RfvprOvkThDq0whtSGMikV9NgoUX9XQTwydTM7a9TmP7cBztzp4rkQfjKFTiOrIHEAqAvGf9jk0CB9KroTDsqtMAYYcHYGdZXwAR2fWKCD10MYFwxxVrFvTTRZ4_zYy36FTCqTWrGgqs6Dg-oMJ4kgfstUKXKvitSn2788Y6fb2QGM4FWSs8fe/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz8ny96RfvprOvkThDq0whtSGMikV9NgoUX9XQTwydTM7a9TmP7cBztzp4rkQfjKFTiOrIHEAqAvGf9jk0CB9KroTDsqtMAYYcHYGdZXwAR2fWKCD10MYFwxxVrFvTTRZ4_zYy36FTCqTWrGgqs6Dg-oMJ4kgfstUKXKvitSn2788Y6fb2QGM4FWSs8fe/w640-h414/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20055.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plastic sheet (0.3mm thick) in position.<br />I removed the headlight carefully, so I could later return<br />it to the same position.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> While the front portion dries, let's take care of the rear fenders. Here I used fragments of the 3D print with the same thickness as the fenders. I cut some excess pieces, glued them with superglue and then I will rectify their dimensions with my sanding discs installed on my Dremel.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWwLjjjHgwO1iA2-xZAgefhlZBVppK_EGc2f-KApkkM-7kOQZMtmEcEQ2dCA9PZnQJDG_XhyhznSQlxStlxhdN8CcqRekHSpoQoiWb8yXXFCeTvApCkIjKU3sy5rmsNabjgq43iR_oRLO1LGlD_7a2-m4uywfM9D-ZPrgX6gQZPj5L45dYft8r405GPHn/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1280" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWwLjjjHgwO1iA2-xZAgefhlZBVppK_EGc2f-KApkkM-7kOQZMtmEcEQ2dCA9PZnQJDG_XhyhznSQlxStlxhdN8CcqRekHSpoQoiWb8yXXFCeTvApCkIjKU3sy5rmsNabjgq43iR_oRLO1LGlD_7a2-m4uywfM9D-ZPrgX6gQZPj5L45dYft8r405GPHn/w640-h490/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing fragments of the 3D print of the same thickness as the fenders.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe1E7QsEF6r7hsF5Puo9BFc6h8e7A86w35PhDC6asAHmzKM-wbsy6-tTwnQh8cuwirSt9iiZAic5zMJQh5eWHJfpmoRQg0A-vHxBbP_KhvYlJOqrHIFDh4faej04tY-xHT76zQ5DNLksopFPWCpt_n9s7VtOr0N6KkedRmh2WJPdYEHW-AwWfFnmPWnRP/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoe1E7QsEF6r7hsF5Puo9BFc6h8e7A86w35PhDC6asAHmzKM-wbsy6-tTwnQh8cuwirSt9iiZAic5zMJQh5eWHJfpmoRQg0A-vHxBbP_KhvYlJOqrHIFDh4faej04tY-xHT76zQ5DNLksopFPWCpt_n9s7VtOr0N6KkedRmh2WJPdYEHW-AwWfFnmPWnRP/w640-h434/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sanded the gluing areas and sanded the edges with my sanding discs!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dN1rx6C1jInCYvPrMuEHmUg_Mb_pUsbop_13JxrKfFrKlaQDvGhCoRcaLv_5o0b7Z_qAYjDV07PImX04S9dK_jNp6NfTagL0eW2K2FJQjJZElXowOWq3XHOhn88ODaCyuvTmiSKG7E1Xy_46ao9Cbu5M3y_2h660MG4YKgZvNEntcLu4P96wvc4TA7-Q/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dN1rx6C1jInCYvPrMuEHmUg_Mb_pUsbop_13JxrKfFrKlaQDvGhCoRcaLv_5o0b7Z_qAYjDV07PImX04S9dK_jNp6NfTagL0eW2K2FJQjJZElXowOWq3XHOhn88ODaCyuvTmiSKG7E1Xy_46ao9Cbu5M3y_2h660MG4YKgZvNEntcLu4P96wvc4TA7-Q/w640-h438/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20059.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using plastic cards from old magnetic cards, I redid the two rear fenders.<br />A satisfied Chuck Norris is priceless!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another flaw in the kit's engineering: THERE ARE NO MARKINGS FOR INSTALLING THE SUSPENSIONS!!! The turrets were installed based on the original photos... as will the suspensions. What an ugliest thing, Mrs. SS Models!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV6uwdiofH6xzuMLjBZTBMsDlKJghSmRIPHBxFyWQdJsDwDMmVt4taaQxEeXBCGOUT3kXzqQaGCRRssKnH5zFMeNIVIgqpuYQ2-8s9-UmKbhIb4W50Z62sLiBvpjlH5HRhqT3zN9YHIVrYHNXaN0JFgnx9rT-BQRRHzhyEKzisF3vLTeqfd0L4Bv18pWn/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCV6uwdiofH6xzuMLjBZTBMsDlKJghSmRIPHBxFyWQdJsDwDMmVt4taaQxEeXBCGOUT3kXzqQaGCRRssKnH5zFMeNIVIgqpuYQ2-8s9-UmKbhIb4W50Z62sLiBvpjlH5HRhqT3zN9YHIVrYHNXaN0JFgnx9rT-BQRRHzhyEKzisF3vLTeqfd0L4Bv18pWn/w640-h320/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where to install the suspensions?/ Distance?? Height?? <br />Here's a dry-run using a template below the chassis, to a standard height.<br />Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqiybfHIVz-t-i0vKW1oZ6u6D-RUeGly7j-7paLl5ANBp88QRTSGHdfpMNJBaOkBbk8G9LGbFRlJvGqXj8CY9TE0RWDoucm22e9kM4f2vYikBlmdOCMkfy5SlDTy7ks_AE04yVXBXgA2jxhLhV1aKqE9HK99vT0e4Tq0W1gtIr7eb89QyFi1QbrbURJCz/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqiybfHIVz-t-i0vKW1oZ6u6D-RUeGly7j-7paLl5ANBp88QRTSGHdfpMNJBaOkBbk8G9LGbFRlJvGqXj8CY9TE0RWDoucm22e9kM4f2vYikBlmdOCMkfy5SlDTy7ks_AE04yVXBXgA2jxhLhV1aKqE9HK99vT0e4Tq0W1gtIr7eb89QyFi1QbrbURJCz/w640-h330/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20061.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry-run with suspensions. Left side.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">I used a 15mm styrofoam plate, as template, which I cut in a regular shape, supporting the chassis at that height. With this, I was able to glue the suspensions, aligning one of the return rollers with the angle of the upper deck. Uffff!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWTZFXa1AwjXJwQe6_UqgzPf-kJzJ4oLXP2qz07jU8wbcAPrCT5Q73u2k4U79HNQEeHuXQbfvchI0Z40Ec26M4eO0HsBRf6HU9su7gJ_bPHxdzNDXuSjgFkZ6ZyZ1rgTaYF88u-UtCA8fowck2A26Gih0gqHoNLCEI6hrlZWU_Kw4E61V-b3Dt4ExjzQx/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWTZFXa1AwjXJwQe6_UqgzPf-kJzJ4oLXP2qz07jU8wbcAPrCT5Q73u2k4U79HNQEeHuXQbfvchI0Z40Ec26M4eO0HsBRf6HU9su7gJ_bPHxdzNDXuSjgFkZ6ZyZ1rgTaYF88u-UtCA8fowck2A26Gih0gqHoNLCEI6hrlZWU_Kw4E61V-b3Dt4ExjzQx/w640-h378/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The styrofoam template in place...<br />front view.<br />Notice the left headlight in the front fender.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zJAfrHX1pElNJfbM50WmH1thnfwSzKBRYsBSMyBDV81UhlXIWv5pjjrkUuYCZ5eBJoD_zDhYwUMSEZLkRKXrP7j4uGsvHHze_g6o7VZAJ1VH6kj4LziK4MOdOG9aAvHvoLpljkBDVx_1X9xQVUyYLF5oTU77rkL0azPQfclstEI0Ojgc0WAn8o_8Q9NV/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zJAfrHX1pElNJfbM50WmH1thnfwSzKBRYsBSMyBDV81UhlXIWv5pjjrkUuYCZ5eBJoD_zDhYwUMSEZLkRKXrP7j4uGsvHHze_g6o7VZAJ1VH6kj4LziK4MOdOG9aAvHvoLpljkBDVx_1X9xQVUyYLF5oTU77rkL0azPQfclstEI0Ojgc0WAn8o_8Q9NV/w640-h376/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used gel superglue, to allow longer gluing time, allowing for some adjustment... <br />Perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NnKQPa5m8r4irqZTQAIamWGuUBzN71ArnobfXJ1ctZGft2Dz28ab0reexjoeU8WYuUAi7eeb3Wb9KPK4K2qx36uITv0uB1bMOEzyMau1v2gBPxvu77XIAprBWpiM14-wqO13fugfr5367dopl6gb6xG4-S88CBhzSvsGu8y8nrjl1ZtDdcXk9c3tnB_5/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NnKQPa5m8r4irqZTQAIamWGuUBzN71ArnobfXJ1ctZGft2Dz28ab0reexjoeU8WYuUAi7eeb3Wb9KPK4K2qx36uITv0uB1bMOEzyMau1v2gBPxvu77XIAprBWpiM14-wqO13fugfr5367dopl6gb6xG4-S88CBhzSvsGu8y8nrjl1ZtDdcXk9c3tnB_5/w640-h404/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20065.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left suspension glued in position!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And while the suspensions are sticking, let's build a locking mechanism for the turret, which allows it to rotate without the risk of it falling. I will use the same system that I used on Matilda I, but with the difference that I will apply a plasticard disc to the lower portion of the tower, in order to allow the installation of a long screw on this base... Look at the photos:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6iKimgaiWlL7oCfsFcb10DRPDq4zjeykvhezAsSXl8gESWFHU-sa_DC1gkG2UTbwVbyjMO0M8kGQ31k-6Q0uLlzTId9VC6jywyYbbxRP098uF8N0537g6v4Xk4t8Av-ysyiNkXixo7d9270UA362KthsI5qYOd6jI29y-NndrqKdX-SJ1LBH0v-dF6IC/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6iKimgaiWlL7oCfsFcb10DRPDq4zjeykvhezAsSXl8gESWFHU-sa_DC1gkG2UTbwVbyjMO0M8kGQ31k-6Q0uLlzTId9VC6jywyYbbxRP098uF8N0537g6v4Xk4t8Av-ysyiNkXixo7d9270UA362KthsI5qYOd6jI29y-NndrqKdX-SJ1LBH0v-dF6IC/w640-h484/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the 1mm thick plasticard with a dry point compass!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOItkItTLkCOYpz0VRdlAmmT5p-G6u0kfWkv6trDXukSIH0Rtw5zEpYPpyeG3Qq007rO04VVG1E2AhAmUQBw6pVhEygkOeXwqXGHCnRPuXVxK125pVmmVklvoIT53ua_XwO317BD7OL7uN0q2uEChrFy7Nhp8mh8GcV9QtkojVFPEFvKwtCvGPktnBSa3I/s1267/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1267" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOItkItTLkCOYpz0VRdlAmmT5p-G6u0kfWkv6trDXukSIH0Rtw5zEpYPpyeG3Qq007rO04VVG1E2AhAmUQBw6pVhEygkOeXwqXGHCnRPuXVxK125pVmmVklvoIT53ua_XwO317BD7OL7uN0q2uEChrFy7Nhp8mh8GcV9QtkojVFPEFvKwtCvGPktnBSa3I/w640-h404/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Increasing the thickness of the turret disc with a piece<br />of Plastruct scrap with 2mm thick.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3zmhGet273kIzIgff2h6SE1hb1Y29pSnnv6GU0L2TJiALSrashkdVOyNd_-qY1gvHya93vlUcJmSKP9bxRaZbqaCatxq2d5GcxBlYde5aGARFwbK_kQCoekedsBfaCmFPfUx7elVxEbh9mP_tKB_oO_S1JlC9FWQIAqY0cSUMyJQT3N8o6nEUhxqrsO6/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3zmhGet273kIzIgff2h6SE1hb1Y29pSnnv6GU0L2TJiALSrashkdVOyNd_-qY1gvHya93vlUcJmSKP9bxRaZbqaCatxq2d5GcxBlYde5aGARFwbK_kQCoekedsBfaCmFPfUx7elVxEbh9mP_tKB_oO_S1JlC9FWQIAqY0cSUMyJQT3N8o6nEUhxqrsO6/w640-h436/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1mm disc glued to the base of the turret.(it's upside down)...<br />I placed a guide in the center of the disc to make it easier to insert the screw...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGLTJX9ph34I9zK7N1iBZX0EVOXgqCZMTvfzwKa7kHIB8E73w-62VAk4ysD1euJMAfKFNjiQ7AZBpa3uCJLwa7BgtCBpklFtCg6rtNlu85XECYBYYGXpwfw8mfNnHb1KMFprJrZhAApBdB_87ZwXuIKvCF0ehEIRGp8QF2-HgZkXnv37Yugx8vnGfneD8/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGLTJX9ph34I9zK7N1iBZX0EVOXgqCZMTvfzwKa7kHIB8E73w-62VAk4ysD1euJMAfKFNjiQ7AZBpa3uCJLwa7BgtCBpklFtCg6rtNlu85XECYBYYGXpwfw8mfNnHb1KMFprJrZhAApBdB_87ZwXuIKvCF0ehEIRGp8QF2-HgZkXnv37Yugx8vnGfneD8/w640-h400/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the turret disc dries, we install the exhaust pipes and<br />mufflers on the rear deck. Kojak wastes no time....<br />Notie the rear lamp in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVR_I53qRjwxAFsrjS3zDTcDb3-0vzn-CFe3ZxU6MZvlenoP62CPbrLoz5SAtzvD8ZC5Q89vNTiO2wdf-bSj9yZoYaevq-4JC0VcrPnaPYyNcA94LH-nhhmTcaETgeBAgnsTYEQ58yOUHt3cOnZURoBxmuIFxkNaWB5aqKvgIBOQwL_VKqIdWZZVmUuG5/s1273/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1273" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVR_I53qRjwxAFsrjS3zDTcDb3-0vzn-CFe3ZxU6MZvlenoP62CPbrLoz5SAtzvD8ZC5Q89vNTiO2wdf-bSj9yZoYaevq-4JC0VcrPnaPYyNcA94LH-nhhmTcaETgeBAgnsTYEQ58yOUHt3cOnZURoBxmuIFxkNaWB5aqKvgIBOQwL_VKqIdWZZVmUuG5/w640-h404/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All in place. It's quicker to redo it from scratch than<br />to order a new part from SS Models...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXD-4_sIhN7Wtj9zDpW5ZjP4nvc_1SladePWwRRTDgWn1MGKmpOR4A_96Bu-jFPzqbRDuv8wyKW1fKdn6o6VI2WjhK_zKvmV2wKYt5g4JyNFxDUpuN-WbPyak6hMwyzPlcFzd4wZoX_WCkxk8cEpNrms2j59mxGwwKILG_xJtFBXP3lCcNQaW6NPxdxeB/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXD-4_sIhN7Wtj9zDpW5ZjP4nvc_1SladePWwRRTDgWn1MGKmpOR4A_96Bu-jFPzqbRDuv8wyKW1fKdn6o6VI2WjhK_zKvmV2wKYt5g4JyNFxDUpuN-WbPyak6hMwyzPlcFzd4wZoX_WCkxk8cEpNrms2j59mxGwwKILG_xJtFBXP3lCcNQaW6NPxdxeB/w640-h390/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vickers Medium Mk.III looks very good!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs0FvnVcrF7q1EX-f9BytO5PSq9pDTd336h-GtYUTLexHH7Er2gxuxFEwHgFfMOQezC0ui9jqD4oLReJfWVNCQDz-RS6jtFPh7EuF8uBT1hjd_FPom06zDpHLk_gVjMauGjiErPAQBRPR-obj0xK5QZqb7OjsVUr6xKxafJnC6MduAl3lpyQ6ZzePdIdO/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJs0FvnVcrF7q1EX-f9BytO5PSq9pDTd336h-GtYUTLexHH7Er2gxuxFEwHgFfMOQezC0ui9jqD4oLReJfWVNCQDz-RS6jtFPh7EuF8uBT1hjd_FPom06zDpHLk_gVjMauGjiErPAQBRPR-obj0xK5QZqb7OjsVUr6xKxafJnC6MduAl3lpyQ6ZzePdIdO/w640-h362/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These 20s girls are so stylish!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKale51Qrl2s2FqwqFBR8fLF156opWXVWNRZC06OPL0umtUOVt-bDK0qSdzfZWJxDn366aAiTi2GbhfiLQyN-M2aDyvyFlhMKUps701W02rIz2J_ZA0uo8jTAALcbV7H8smjLk8PLu4o_xvnNMfPtul9YTE6HiK7zm839PkCqImNa8yAAas4-qfZDNA9Eb/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKale51Qrl2s2FqwqFBR8fLF156opWXVWNRZC06OPL0umtUOVt-bDK0qSdzfZWJxDn366aAiTi2GbhfiLQyN-M2aDyvyFlhMKUps701W02rIz2J_ZA0uo8jTAALcbV7H8smjLk8PLu4o_xvnNMfPtul9YTE6HiK7zm839PkCqImNa8yAAas4-qfZDNA9Eb/w640-h480/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "discreet" screw that will allow the turret to rotate in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJk_70R31Vyn4N706_LxvsyOQoawRd86NzY19etytM80_b1cxH3zKMcnNFASNBHGkB_dZM6mlwmZIczJ9F8Xcw-yWXvspJT4uNBRiYAXAH7MMnSO7yX1p6nt3folUU3J656zUO95v_224wb5FR6cHFVur_EuonPptJRogXrGdF9gtuvP0Q_v1tt9KpuLW/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJk_70R31Vyn4N706_LxvsyOQoawRd86NzY19etytM80_b1cxH3zKMcnNFASNBHGkB_dZM6mlwmZIczJ9F8Xcw-yWXvspJT4uNBRiYAXAH7MMnSO7yX1p6nt3folUU3J656zUO95v_224wb5FR6cHFVur_EuonPptJRogXrGdF9gtuvP0Q_v1tt9KpuLW/w640-h420/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hole in the base of the chassis, as well as the countersunk recess <br />to allow the screw head not to stick out...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyeMLc7wcL8izEolrhK3q_IWKDbnh8tQ9fZSqeoSwr4leLEuSDxOW3OmTpsCL18tFEzJ8QAZHnC3SlfDbRJFil4arnl81G0Pwm7Y5PLQuJYkLbtE6wsd5AykAAOlvSHynBW6SCCMNEGmWU6Wd4iZFE9Tbir3V6PBiFN3fMXkKuPvWUrFON8UQSdb_QQvv/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20074b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyeMLc7wcL8izEolrhK3q_IWKDbnh8tQ9fZSqeoSwr4leLEuSDxOW3OmTpsCL18tFEzJ8QAZHnC3SlfDbRJFil4arnl81G0Pwm7Y5PLQuJYkLbtE6wsd5AykAAOlvSHynBW6SCCMNEGmWU6Wd4iZFE9Tbir3V6PBiFN3fMXkKuPvWUrFON8UQSdb_QQvv/w640-h428/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20074b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screw installed, locked in the turret disc, but allowing it to rotate. <br />This portion will be covered with a thin plastic sheet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNNQNPTo3kuQtjLYb7z2qbG14s-tkWDygXDLkx1T3zEyrYUH5b_tQp_Zxcz7Ulp9FgfgBVxjjAiA1Z_UAK93ncTdMofoyGgwwn2qhM2zxYpdW5nrFVoD30fnoQ0uaMPdqzHYsPjBE1vhwLObG4DPj7_kEOiOJOTArzVwOGDs_NFnTP0Rl0av420KcKxFh/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNNQNPTo3kuQtjLYb7z2qbG14s-tkWDygXDLkx1T3zEyrYUH5b_tQp_Zxcz7Ulp9FgfgBVxjjAiA1Z_UAK93ncTdMofoyGgwwn2qhM2zxYpdW5nrFVoD30fnoQ0uaMPdqzHYsPjBE1vhwLObG4DPj7_kEOiOJOTArzVwOGDs_NFnTP0Rl0av420KcKxFh/w640-h372/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the turret rotates, without the risk of falling and breaking!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfmm_0qKdyWwkTfh6bALRmavH5gqpGfyndsu486LmBYS4sCVySUJgCWKODkw8Bu26YjRfh6DonrJJzm_RpeEQlQrbzeBR0CV1Qr4_RfiEkKMoPZGOcxw0aqRtcWn8FhDF_ogiU6Pb2XHY3hiD4zhZ_6odfRxT4-VIdMfBr7ea5WwOV3qlNDAgLXBRSb9J/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfmm_0qKdyWwkTfh6bALRmavH5gqpGfyndsu486LmBYS4sCVySUJgCWKODkw8Bu26YjRfh6DonrJJzm_RpeEQlQrbzeBR0CV1Qr4_RfiEkKMoPZGOcxw0aqRtcWn8FhDF_ogiU6Pb2XHY3hiD4zhZ_6odfRxT4-VIdMfBr7ea5WwOV3qlNDAgLXBRSb9J/w640-h398/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, things are going smoothly and in advance...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, let's install the 47mm cannon on the main turret. The cannon seems too long to me... the model looks cartoonish... Let's use photos and the blueprint as a reference: the 47mm gun ends on the same line as the front portion of the tank's hull:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fudrJxz_sHWNiOjZXTuFh5zjfCn-mtpxvOOTk_ubhLOBk31ep_K5wEw8kEiOheP08WZ-_dmInkJbNhosAEPYHohcYbqX7wcD97ReIssPIdOvv3rfV9l_BDgDkJxynMtVjCukeU5H-1wjJKsbfiiHoobvv0Li_4zy4vob6AtNB9esyCq3UbqXFyNd0KaO/s1400/Medium%20Mk%20III%20gun%20line.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1400" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fudrJxz_sHWNiOjZXTuFh5zjfCn-mtpxvOOTk_ubhLOBk31ep_K5wEw8kEiOheP08WZ-_dmInkJbNhosAEPYHohcYbqX7wcD97ReIssPIdOvv3rfV9l_BDgDkJxynMtVjCukeU5H-1wjJKsbfiiHoobvv0Li_4zy4vob6AtNB9esyCq3UbqXFyNd0KaO/w640-h362/Medium%20Mk%20III%20gun%20line.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note that the 47mm cannon ends practically on the same line<br />as the front portion of the tank's hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit37N2skTKaweDBwOT6vb8qOI461pXnXArQf8X8ZampOKQwH-xskRRZI0HBx7dd1KyI-c0r44OsCSmWHae3nojYT_Xqq_OAbJWehcBrHF-K4kHlY3sk97l13lc0hSyN1GF9rpCpb4qXQDJxkmPvzumrU5ROfM1_29flnlRlZz7oXxIeB2tSj9NQ1Jz-2_u/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit37N2skTKaweDBwOT6vb8qOI461pXnXArQf8X8ZampOKQwH-xskRRZI0HBx7dd1KyI-c0r44OsCSmWHae3nojYT_Xqq_OAbJWehcBrHF-K4kHlY3sk97l13lc0hSyN1GF9rpCpb4qXQDJxkmPvzumrU5ROfM1_29flnlRlZz7oXxIeB2tSj9NQ1Jz-2_u/w640-h416/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing a metal template perpendicular to the front portion of the hull:<br />the supplied cannon is much longer (yellow arrow)<br />Compare with the blueprint in the detail....<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuurQiVkTR1iaaJa1mn7qzlqkQoXPjds-5Mf23EW2qfEbfPVIW72yoIrYnKQVvHlRi5QPbIDAdkw7MB1tK9tJ4Wg-roTSIyXW-obov1JKrhVESLd7SZGRIun3Yb4hMsWjPGHELwcadmNiYMT3vFymHrJUkcjLrRSv7Kou01eGC2XxSQTKZB9VyLNE0OCv/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20081.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuurQiVkTR1iaaJa1mn7qzlqkQoXPjds-5Mf23EW2qfEbfPVIW72yoIrYnKQVvHlRi5QPbIDAdkw7MB1tK9tJ4Wg-roTSIyXW-obov1JKrhVESLd7SZGRIun3Yb4hMsWjPGHELwcadmNiYMT3vFymHrJUkcjLrRSv7Kou01eGC2XxSQTKZB9VyLNE0OCv/w640-h452/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cannon barrel, after being cut...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UoitikrEn8MkUNhwj1rwpWu5Yt32FJ1U6g63zFWeDmRSv0saiHjvQLsuOFQ7ylMDsPn125ifq_HeQoYty68mdyuR7DZApKEItSPSxfE-v95rCs_k7_rQwIjwr6V1J-aJsFHRmmruFh1Tklw75cLFM5XkOVJEqPspx5hNXarZxm94W72yKDKWVMlvkSwo/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1280" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4UoitikrEn8MkUNhwj1rwpWu5Yt32FJ1U6g63zFWeDmRSv0saiHjvQLsuOFQ7ylMDsPn125ifq_HeQoYty68mdyuR7DZApKEItSPSxfE-v95rCs_k7_rQwIjwr6V1J-aJsFHRmmruFh1Tklw75cLFM5XkOVJEqPspx5hNXarZxm94W72yKDKWVMlvkSwo/w640-h494/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cannon barrel was exactly 41.6 mm!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uZSyzXf9PNx8vF9P1xCDLhUZB-Cjns7QjxFSll3mZ_vEklXdeTlI35JoNmmjqrEzVY2WV8mQoLhCLKjtHGGF88Gjhl5x1lE1Ow8iG8MNj88RiTizN0xOq8H8YFU7eR1le3s1GsciPrtMKAgE7Bv3vwfjh_jZQwsEAUzfYRXjSUNey58m2_srlg50633O/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uZSyzXf9PNx8vF9P1xCDLhUZB-Cjns7QjxFSll3mZ_vEklXdeTlI35JoNmmjqrEzVY2WV8mQoLhCLKjtHGGF88Gjhl5x1lE1Ow8iG8MNj88RiTizN0xOq8H8YFU7eR1le3s1GsciPrtMKAgE7Bv3vwfjh_jZQwsEAUzfYRXjSUNey58m2_srlg50633O/w640-h386/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A comparison between the lengths of the cannons: <br />above is correct; below, in the standard size of the kit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzg7r5A4Th6iseLy9OMMCVC6HMM3vYyyy17AH_SwHkvmEbPV3GPwCGf5Ojxr68p_En50Q0y-2EsEgK5iAAEfkMM29SuiMgbd2lKMu3hvL00pNF4gcimC-UIQUJSqclGCmMyi2r7xkUH-gSqIRpgJfDLx1iOXdNSxbESCPjA5OkZk8CFxvKz9o0cYizriz2/s1251/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1251" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzg7r5A4Th6iseLy9OMMCVC6HMM3vYyyy17AH_SwHkvmEbPV3GPwCGf5Ojxr68p_En50Q0y-2EsEgK5iAAEfkMM29SuiMgbd2lKMu3hvL00pNF4gcimC-UIQUJSqclGCmMyi2r7xkUH-gSqIRpgJfDLx1iOXdNSxbESCPjA5OkZk8CFxvKz9o0cYizriz2/w640-h428/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cannon glued to the model, with the metal template<br />being used as a measuring standard: perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXgsjCjs2LBaCzdYucy58dVDJP2xnuwqeGKgHA70UQAzH4GftwMe3sDIKF-rJbpDD9r45_A8SSLqJ5ZEGV7TdR2ws7LmEXeqaD7Dg_MncVTNmo_sSr1d_uSLkybqmF8wljxE39d2qtTne5hhSkSpGcJCWRva7rnEFNCSrfJexl3fKl3n09TfGNKtI2g5m/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXgsjCjs2LBaCzdYucy58dVDJP2xnuwqeGKgHA70UQAzH4GftwMe3sDIKF-rJbpDD9r45_A8SSLqJ5ZEGV7TdR2ws7LmEXeqaD7Dg_MncVTNmo_sSr1d_uSLkybqmF8wljxE39d2qtTne5hhSkSpGcJCWRva7rnEFNCSrfJexl3fKl3n09TfGNKtI2g5m/w640-h462/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, our Flapper girl is very charming!!!<br />Front left view...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9CiqD1KCHA0JmQ6VSVzKBl2h_TF5sddD-yE1LwY_cnl54WVFgy9CKCc3PWH9vznbLTA3LOFRd9BCjvLyAkagBkgisqqJPRz9f_7idxFfXZqMwiciDaXznuuVLiuHw2YkQMvowbrTcdagwh9PWvbbyh3bFOM1YIcQy7OvFEl-Vc8fX7AUeaIrOS4ooBgG/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1280" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9CiqD1KCHA0JmQ6VSVzKBl2h_TF5sddD-yE1LwY_cnl54WVFgy9CKCc3PWH9vznbLTA3LOFRd9BCjvLyAkagBkgisqqJPRz9f_7idxFfXZqMwiciDaXznuuVLiuHw2YkQMvowbrTcdagwh9PWvbbyh3bFOM1YIcQy7OvFEl-Vc8fX7AUeaIrOS4ooBgG/w640-h524/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20086.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front right view...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Few details left now... Our girl is almost ready... Time to install the ladder, front footboard and tow hooks on the Vickers. The degree of detail used by SS Models printers is impressive. Excellent work, Gentlemen!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMfJ6eLqlOfNzbxB9lkCnXJ9a-4hXJuSuIwPb1ULouk8yTt1QHDxHy70kfRL16hl20kjZzIjZdJenLexxlWtE3_0hzDGSQCKwAMf-e4fMnZDUyLQoPIMwVjbYEle9AkuS4tncqFYCCvlD9kSH8A4MjWbkmvcJIypwPvQ7FWJMx5CP-KSsHelVD3EzhZY7/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMfJ6eLqlOfNzbxB9lkCnXJ9a-4hXJuSuIwPb1ULouk8yTt1QHDxHy70kfRL16hl20kjZzIjZdJenLexxlWtE3_0hzDGSQCKwAMf-e4fMnZDUyLQoPIMwVjbYEle9AkuS4tncqFYCCvlD9kSH8A4MjWbkmvcJIypwPvQ7FWJMx5CP-KSsHelVD3EzhZY7/w640-h350/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20088.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the protective cage of these small details: excellent impression...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Let's install these and a few more details on our Vickers. See below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEgXLrqNxE7Rod0MN3IVh6_sif9uG1N8-atm7xAq9cgvnedQVw7kQAxjshx-tKDzb9_5CKI-XSUV2VnWJd1RuIHlCw9YfRIvSRjlrDHyzShb8bRRSrwJ0daRUjC3y-ZBQ-kKEPTPo1IrACqOIFkmfdLynaGGFJNY21-idyywUk65YbrJ3FDuVcNnnEuee/s1085/Medium%20Mk%20III%20%20ladder%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1085" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEgXLrqNxE7Rod0MN3IVh6_sif9uG1N8-atm7xAq9cgvnedQVw7kQAxjshx-tKDzb9_5CKI-XSUV2VnWJd1RuIHlCw9YfRIvSRjlrDHyzShb8bRRSrwJ0daRUjC3y-ZBQ-kKEPTPo1IrACqOIFkmfdLynaGGFJNY21-idyywUk65YbrJ3FDuVcNnnEuee/w640-h598/Medium%20Mk%20III%20%20ladder%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear ladder was only present on the right side<br />of the tank (blue arrow). On the left side, nothing (red arrow). <br />I added the support handle at the top of the left rear ladder (yellow arrow) <br />and also the risers at the rear fenders (right and left - green arrows)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the model:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yz-H2eYOM8buGNAO5nPpvSHLKE5hbDS0p_v2qFF7W6oa7nyFbK-qDtdnT0yOm7k3P9PBrRz0gBUE-SquSuc_sYhtK2pPKg0GBmrVklIJSVLW1loL1DMVwmm2cqcXmi9JXbnuA11xT5w9wrD1VOa4gu_bANGPcLw-P6vTN-T8MbzPSdqePhtOT5lV63Kd/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yz-H2eYOM8buGNAO5nPpvSHLKE5hbDS0p_v2qFF7W6oa7nyFbK-qDtdnT0yOm7k3P9PBrRz0gBUE-SquSuc_sYhtK2pPKg0GBmrVklIJSVLW1loL1DMVwmm2cqcXmi9JXbnuA11xT5w9wrD1VOa4gu_bANGPcLw-P6vTN-T8MbzPSdqePhtOT5lV63Kd/w640-h426/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The support handle at the top of the left rear ladder (red arrow)<br />the ladder (yellow arrow) and the<br /> riser at the rear fender ( green arrows)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiwchmd7MDkZHMMKsewynEXqBT34sSaUqyU8Wot67SqYpzBM9evdrnMk7XGnIBm6ZbyhnhbcwufcaPm_OzpIVbK2XCqmILG8T11euOr0SrbI2P6WDpG56PJICrvSGZBwU96Y-ur26-SiK8OnSlyAlLaW30WePoKZZUhPA_VvCaTTZbfPh7Iin2RR56JcS/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiwchmd7MDkZHMMKsewynEXqBT34sSaUqyU8Wot67SqYpzBM9evdrnMk7XGnIBm6ZbyhnhbcwufcaPm_OzpIVbK2XCqmILG8T11euOr0SrbI2P6WDpG56PJICrvSGZBwU96Y-ur26-SiK8OnSlyAlLaW30WePoKZZUhPA_VvCaTTZbfPh7Iin2RR56JcS/w640-h434/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I redid the center tow hook with copper wire (green arrow).<br />See also the ladder (red arrow) and the <br /> riser at the rear fender (yellow arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx_4pd65vTJTkXA7bajcpEAFpzrhGOODVv_ZxCdDmqNWblrb9Qa7qAlWuLHahg50QYPTseEeAgLII3NDxYiEzW7Km-KAMAUlvbDwJFhVYUOrTcZvimQKfnWUAYwxBUjQpt2-LKYExuQbAA6ACw0ImeQE6w7lv9l80tfEn_nK5qrnWinqWy602X5OWxtTI/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx_4pd65vTJTkXA7bajcpEAFpzrhGOODVv_ZxCdDmqNWblrb9Qa7qAlWuLHahg50QYPTseEeAgLII3NDxYiEzW7Km-KAMAUlvbDwJFhVYUOrTcZvimQKfnWUAYwxBUjQpt2-LKYExuQbAA6ACw0ImeQE6w7lv9l80tfEn_nK5qrnWinqWy602X5OWxtTI/w640-h388/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view: notice the absence of the ladder (blue arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4m1RaBBZ2yl8mI8bCnnZEQ1trV7avL7KOUrFT4PZpCaCqT0uCzHM8PYJ0LZM1udxm6YGR3unh0EGsp25CxDp9B1xRip2oIolsPmG6SmydaN1ioOAqT12LvyLvswYXKh8Wb7RstGxOKhb81Ju0SBECGwhWM_SSwO7Azjik760qyDoUvoVPe16ffTNDpZs/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4m1RaBBZ2yl8mI8bCnnZEQ1trV7avL7KOUrFT4PZpCaCqT0uCzHM8PYJ0LZM1udxm6YGR3unh0EGsp25CxDp9B1xRip2oIolsPmG6SmydaN1ioOAqT12LvyLvswYXKh8Wb7RstGxOKhb81Ju0SBECGwhWM_SSwO7Azjik760qyDoUvoVPe16ffTNDpZs/w640-h390/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and front details. Again, the kit does not present markings for<br />the installation of these details. Be very careful at this stage!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now that the construction is almost complete, I can check the measurements of the kit printed by SS Models, based on the technical specifications provided in the literature. Note that as the original measurements are in centimeters, I will keep the transformation of the original measurements to the 1/35 scale in centimeters, as well as the kit measurements, which were obtained by measuring the kit with a metalic ruler and caliper:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05_3uGAZKKLSIo7Jz79VtVgkp6OMFTuNwu8b3djTHgktUCLBi9LmiQu8j_oyDn_wL7X_BAfZ80AZTZiCJKcjOkuwjBcB8H-DxQ0aXKCM5VJO5SMxX9IH6ct8TQSAmjLFZiNHqOOVqEquK1rGpySQcgep-E1nrGh0VOS3embOoUT-DBlQ8c_SLNrb8qWC1/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05_3uGAZKKLSIo7Jz79VtVgkp6OMFTuNwu8b3djTHgktUCLBi9LmiQu8j_oyDn_wL7X_BAfZ80AZTZiCJKcjOkuwjBcB8H-DxQ0aXKCM5VJO5SMxX9IH6ct8TQSAmjLFZiNHqOOVqEquK1rGpySQcgep-E1nrGh0VOS3embOoUT-DBlQ8c_SLNrb8qWC1/w640-h324/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III from SS Models<br />Lenght: 19,0 cms<br />I placed two perpendicular pieces of metal, touching the beginning<br />and end of the hull, to obtain the length.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH9A0eafQ8mhJolw2LUupfIvnqg61EMuJLpwtvWZt31ZSzmvG4Tbv9Tu_NEuaxbO1xnEWcD-C95ihXGHLjCPp1zusIBvx9EWD62o07UvrIfQz_6yb5lIc0GALD0FEpcD48pVMwBumiL7MbR1jlDK9gkP_7J1xnRTXA4Ayj-SuzjDNUv8ZHcFXIW0Kspgy/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1280" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmH9A0eafQ8mhJolw2LUupfIvnqg61EMuJLpwtvWZt31ZSzmvG4Tbv9Tu_NEuaxbO1xnEWcD-C95ihXGHLjCPp1zusIBvx9EWD62o07UvrIfQz_6yb5lIc0GALD0FEpcD48pVMwBumiL7MbR1jlDK9gkP_7J1xnRTXA4Ayj-SuzjDNUv8ZHcFXIW0Kspgy/w640-h514/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III from SS Models<br />Widht: 7,8 cms<br />I placed the caliper at the maximum width of the model.<br />Sorry for the image distortions... my camera is very simple....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiI-mJ2vY-_HFMNY6F4mcBDj5w1ImElOg-z-8cxqV2HDlVfBGQwldvQCMz8tiAClhhjo6V58ZwY3UeSc89YewJq0E2iualhBPfCi701Bhs2kL3U5RMSqwo8VCJwRjBBgbzpt0pMDvIpULH7WDfrjLY7UPCJY8PI8Q1wfvFxNy0bFbHotvIk6OobTay1Zq/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1280" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEiI-mJ2vY-_HFMNY6F4mcBDj5w1ImElOg-z-8cxqV2HDlVfBGQwldvQCMz8tiAClhhjo6V58ZwY3UeSc89YewJq0E2iualhBPfCi701Bhs2kL3U5RMSqwo8VCJwRjBBgbzpt0pMDvIpULH7WDfrjLY7UPCJY8PI8Q1wfvFxNy0bFbHotvIk6OobTay1Zq/w640-h548/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III from SS Models<br />Height: 8,2 cms<br />I placed the caliper at the top of the Commander's cupola<br />and the base of the tracks of the model<br />Sorry for the image distortions... my camera is very simple....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Summarizing the measures: In terms of length and height, the kit is a little bigger than it should be, although the discrepancies are not that big, in my opinion... It's not quite a 1/32 kit, but maybe 1/34. Really, the difference is minimal... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiho2-Jvrn-4U7T_G_To2wZz0JLVd9gKnPvgDIalV-hZ5AUnQwXvHTRN_aspyTJHA4BU_SnQhZYg2HDzyx1H_U8Tzf15K_tB6Cot5RucmrsZzosgi7QK5QW9SzG5_a4wvROVNYzds_IbcILFC9hyphenhyphenbI8DNO4iJ3d8tz1FejwFsrq6ldWNAC4R47_3utItLsi/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1280" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiho2-Jvrn-4U7T_G_To2wZz0JLVd9gKnPvgDIalV-hZ5AUnQwXvHTRN_aspyTJHA4BU_SnQhZYg2HDzyx1H_U8Tzf15K_tB6Cot5RucmrsZzosgi7QK5QW9SzG5_a4wvROVNYzds_IbcILFC9hyphenhyphenbI8DNO4iJ3d8tz1FejwFsrq6ldWNAC4R47_3utItLsi/w640-h290/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit is a little longer and taller than it should be...almost 1/34.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y7VPEbz3M8ipPbKfp_I9XQWNLe4rnbct-_l__3PC_H5FjiLmFTQYciAcf5rCcD3pJex9BZtihc4w2mf03iglEQPGOpAVRdo_l3tQoe7-qLkbNLEN9mbaUaQ4-PX3bhmT91kb6EeRdoAPtZh04PryNYhzjKCZHkSn6gruQ9oAnXcuxiVqTVYgP8BjhN1D/s1117/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1117" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y7VPEbz3M8ipPbKfp_I9XQWNLe4rnbct-_l__3PC_H5FjiLmFTQYciAcf5rCcD3pJex9BZtihc4w2mf03iglEQPGOpAVRdo_l3tQoe7-qLkbNLEN9mbaUaQ4-PX3bhmT91kb6EeRdoAPtZh04PryNYhzjKCZHkSn6gruQ9oAnXcuxiVqTVYgP8BjhN1D/w640-h324/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And also a little wider than would be correct.<br />But honestly, I think it's within average... <br />My two cents, of course!!!<br />Sorry for the image distortions... my camera is very simple....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations SS Models...</span> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In my opinion, you are approved, but it can be improved!!!!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB4CiQSzJR1pkHZuAljOirFB0AjxGMX1ShEHMfL_QsxWSuXxCI-l2QlfhGEfc_IEs6m1kodsXdgtX36JCvb0yKInMphjoZ7zMHeBdan-M7j3tc0yZELiMF9xACmRoPB1e4zuRUsZMWZYwi_tQ1Zp6AUjRZ0avgjg3l4IacjDVQ9BoAn4RQ75OTcXR6oMJ/s300/applause.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB4CiQSzJR1pkHZuAljOirFB0AjxGMX1ShEHMfL_QsxWSuXxCI-l2QlfhGEfc_IEs6m1kodsXdgtX36JCvb0yKInMphjoZ7zMHeBdan-M7j3tc0yZELiMF9xACmRoPB1e4zuRUsZMWZYwi_tQ1Zp6AUjRZ0avgjg3l4IacjDVQ9BoAn4RQ75OTcXR6oMJ/s16000/applause.gif" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But, continuing... When studying the real images of the vehicle, I noticed that there are some errors and omissions on the roof of the turret: the hole for the vertical antenna (red in the photo) is poorly positioned (blue in the kit, with the correct position in red) and there is a missing detail on the roof of the turret (green), which appears to me to be an electrical conduit. or something like this. See the details below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4DqLd2xkCcjMVgHeICl61JY4xKb_ijiGKCjz24iq4o3f_XIfUw8yN6IUlJcqdAj9X_is8ly4WvU-kzkVdMhdPMca_c2w31471-89lREDntHI93_WrqjxX5c0rYZylmcwlFk9j3GvoMUOj0LpJ4Phu6aAcbWxiH0pII8x3tYMvyREUY1gRVXaqMzlbbW3/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4DqLd2xkCcjMVgHeICl61JY4xKb_ijiGKCjz24iq4o3f_XIfUw8yN6IUlJcqdAj9X_is8ly4WvU-kzkVdMhdPMca_c2w31471-89lREDntHI93_WrqjxX5c0rYZylmcwlFk9j3GvoMUOj0LpJ4Phu6aAcbWxiH0pII8x3tYMvyREUY1gRVXaqMzlbbW3/w640-h430/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The hole for the vertical antenna (red in the photo)<br />is poorly positioned (blue in the kit, with the correct position in red).<br />The position of conduit </span>is marked with pencil (green arrow). <br />The wrong hole was plugged with a Plastruct round rod.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzv0wnme_z_mfIq45QxOXrsZJ46NdP8QEf9iW5WlSOBlLytAj7DsUDz9XQR7j8DG2qc-2508QG__B1-cosayb5WDhK5n5eIyYPjRCJMQ9WcYWpaZ18b1xwUkihssdvmITS9S1BI-RZU-fl4kWeRzqLO7ZioUDrKLnHpj4i6ESdl7SA3X1akB3Qx6BNv1q/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzv0wnme_z_mfIq45QxOXrsZJ46NdP8QEf9iW5WlSOBlLytAj7DsUDz9XQR7j8DG2qc-2508QG__B1-cosayb5WDhK5n5eIyYPjRCJMQ9WcYWpaZ18b1xwUkihssdvmITS9S1BI-RZU-fl4kWeRzqLO7ZioUDrKLnHpj4i6ESdl7SA3X1akB3Qx6BNv1q/w640-h410/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corrected and added details - left view<br />green - electrical conduit made with copper wire<br />blue - Wrong antenna hole already sealed and sanded<br />red- new hole for the vertical antenna.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXsFJqhPSlBw1mwuXMjAAteVEZT-58pLbCQWvgQNGoxsF5m0HUhpqK4j_kQ3cPzbbsLR2cB8joeGolHSK6xqz8hpTdQEy-IxHTP5WHROWqpyjtemEPCYssOb2Mc9S4vPNs8jGEEU-jxQxqI4aDnZRcLhyphenhyphenMt-bH_O71lL4rVJuc7NVyG0OFram5Ffojjmu/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXsFJqhPSlBw1mwuXMjAAteVEZT-58pLbCQWvgQNGoxsF5m0HUhpqK4j_kQ3cPzbbsLR2cB8joeGolHSK6xqz8hpTdQEy-IxHTP5WHROWqpyjtemEPCYssOb2Mc9S4vPNs8jGEEU-jxQxqI4aDnZRcLhyphenhyphenMt-bH_O71lL4rVJuc7NVyG0OFram5Ffojjmu/w640-h418/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The electrical conduit made with copper wire<br />and support handles, made with copper wire<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, it's time to choose the profile of the vehicle we are going to build. As we saw in the history and as you can see in the period photos, the vehicles underwent several small modifications. But one of the Vickers Medium Mk.III that I particularly liked is this, the MT-9707:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2iHgD8WJ_KABOhsxXV5lbisu4guAPDmuBzRm4LxDzOfwhfy7wkvILxxzvuokTsjaXKJ6Eg24ah1GpsoFF7Z1HMdwCGG0LxbsrFuUbpIU0EeKq99GWv7VnGI-fHuHsww01UxdjweNeSKFDBEAry9TZC6pnlBofncfRqxOrFw0YIDjpstch0zDoLVy81Ho/s1400/Medium%20Mk%20III%20command%20vehicle%20IWM%20MH%208102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1400" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2iHgD8WJ_KABOhsxXV5lbisu4guAPDmuBzRm4LxDzOfwhfy7wkvILxxzvuokTsjaXKJ6Eg24ah1GpsoFF7Z1HMdwCGG0LxbsrFuUbpIU0EeKq99GWv7VnGI-fHuHsww01UxdjweNeSKFDBEAry9TZC6pnlBofncfRqxOrFw0YIDjpstch0zDoLVy81Ho/w640-h362/Medium%20Mk%20III%20command%20vehicle%20IWM%20MH%208102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk III E1 (MT 9707)<br />used as command vehicle<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_Plain" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">maneuvers - 12 August, 1934</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM MH 8102</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2EWI6QIvPkvh77Eb-YRoJXUR6Z0XlpsDcA55Ig3BcZ3rgrCfZuiE-KtASOWyObySH0R1AqqUDQlsb7hwHKq46WLa2Lz9NN5-i6c7KGhYBkeVyrf5Nrt3ZYawYBiywuIAjlVY4IVaY7OXRGr9nsbyMN87YLihE_N2E7sEq3GixS80Z8MoYJH4t_iDIqn3/s1400/officer%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps%20briefs%20his%20men%20before%20a%20military%20exercise.%20He%20stands%20next%20to%20a%20Medium%20Tank%20Mark%20III%20which%20is%20being%20used%20as%20his%20command%20vehicle%20IWM%20MH%208101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1400" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2EWI6QIvPkvh77Eb-YRoJXUR6Z0XlpsDcA55Ig3BcZ3rgrCfZuiE-KtASOWyObySH0R1AqqUDQlsb7hwHKq46WLa2Lz9NN5-i6c7KGhYBkeVyrf5Nrt3ZYawYBiywuIAjlVY4IVaY7OXRGr9nsbyMN87YLihE_N2E7sEq3GixS80Z8MoYJH4t_iDIqn3/w640-h366/officer%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps%20briefs%20his%20men%20before%20a%20military%20exercise.%20He%20stands%20next%20to%20a%20Medium%20Tank%20Mark%20III%20which%20is%20being%20used%20as%20his%20command%20vehicle%20IWM%20MH%208101.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Tank Mark III E1 (MT 9707)<br />which is being used as his command vehicle<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_Plain" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Salisbury Plain</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">maneuvers - 12 August, 1934</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 8101<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> My goal is to try to reproduce the details of the vehicle in the photo, but not exactly reproduce the photo. Let's say, the day before or after the photo... who knows?? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But enough daydreaming and let's get to work: as the MT-9707 was a command vehicle, it had a "clothesline" antenna around the turret, in addition to the vertical antenna on the roof. I used stainless steel wires (how good it is to be a dentist and have an Orthodontist colleague, in the same Clinic...) bent to size and inserted into the turret, to make the "clothesline" antenna masts. The antenna wire was made with thinner copper wire, bent and glued at the angles with gel superglue. Perfect!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhnf6X2n4iTAZD-Wj6B54kWCfj3NmCVSlIFWM-4WcUFrW-ExoW9d4EC63Bm9mUqdluks4VYM08kNlov4oOaK73_YlIlN7fTC8QVdu6brQ4U3iOggysCl5Z2Bffz9Z48vzJ57RDe1Gxz05NFU57jiMjFoSf1u1ZwOyoHU3D_dqpDRj8Ij2dVQMOHrF4sf2/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhnf6X2n4iTAZD-Wj6B54kWCfj3NmCVSlIFWM-4WcUFrW-ExoW9d4EC63Bm9mUqdluks4VYM08kNlov4oOaK73_YlIlN7fTC8QVdu6brQ4U3iOggysCl5Z2Bffz9Z48vzJ57RDe1Gxz05NFU57jiMjFoSf1u1ZwOyoHU3D_dqpDRj8Ij2dVQMOHrF4sf2/w640-h424/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "clothesline" type antenna, with the copper wire installed and glued. <br />The yellow arrows point to bonding with cyanoacrylate gel.<br />Note the antenna connection made by a black polyester thread, which is inserted<br />into the roof of the turret through a scratch-made plug.<br />front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcbpo5F8K3m4H3PBAExNNDK7Mb8jXlhIdgTgKdJ0PA5qbyH1px5SLwXRHwi6Ralc1pA6hQlb-W8IvTMR9mf9SiEvvgSe2PcygyzaFWH-bteIb0S4A4jInzq6KBnKz4sqBYuMuk3a9OUCTwz7Y0SUhYqHtPrhv3O-ZW6M8kY_btzA05PyD_ZQroRZ9rorM/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcbpo5F8K3m4H3PBAExNNDK7Mb8jXlhIdgTgKdJ0PA5qbyH1px5SLwXRHwi6Ralc1pA6hQlb-W8IvTMR9mf9SiEvvgSe2PcygyzaFWH-bteIb0S4A4jInzq6KBnKz4sqBYuMuk3a9OUCTwz7Y0SUhYqHtPrhv3O-ZW6M8kY_btzA05PyD_ZQroRZ9rorM/w640-h356/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view: the red arrows point to bonding with cyanoacrylate gel<br />and the green arrow to antenna connection made by a black polyester thread.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTvKPNCOIoF5Km9EmRMQrkAIVZXkq7HYD28v_2LgLcy1d71us0uZGjBTjXRvPqoTjpTT_HwtTDJnzjXggPLduZ-V4di82zr5-QwGvKStHz5HU94d9DnFjJx0aB9WMw6iRJ2C6ExzMULpUNcHAtSVyf92XCJvOshyDlH7GlXYY0VywUiJRNch6f1EaeZC4/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTvKPNCOIoF5Km9EmRMQrkAIVZXkq7HYD28v_2LgLcy1d71us0uZGjBTjXRvPqoTjpTT_HwtTDJnzjXggPLduZ-V4di82zr5-QwGvKStHz5HU94d9DnFjJx0aB9WMw6iRJ2C6ExzMULpUNcHAtSVyf92XCJvOshyDlH7GlXYY0VywUiJRNch6f1EaeZC4/w640-h424/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view: notice the vertical antenna, made<br />with acupuncture needle (green) and plastic scratch base</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But continuing to build details: time for the steel cables. Note that the Vickers Medium Mk.III uses double steel cables, in duplicate, that is, each tow cable has two steel cables tied by a metal band, forming a single eye. This double cable is installed in the tank with another identical double cable. See the photos below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh554RgoUEVeNi81KA9iPBz41sl0YAUIiXlywYgoZ8CVD4NtzwgEMOJJ42oUFzfDwLsQSgkqTqsamOtxmlK93aeyzdD67Su95Vx67pLvDWIpIyZKM1zBEx-i-p4WxUsIrZbQAZEEY7qJlLVe9U7XzVd7NeVjn5bYNPU6wIkYlI2GHvBYCvKEsUCL_X-Wujk/s914/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20104a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="914" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh554RgoUEVeNi81KA9iPBz41sl0YAUIiXlywYgoZ8CVD4NtzwgEMOJJ42oUFzfDwLsQSgkqTqsamOtxmlK93aeyzdD67Su95Vx67pLvDWIpIyZKM1zBEx-i-p4WxUsIrZbQAZEEY7qJlLVe9U7XzVd7NeVjn5bYNPU6wIkYlI2GHvBYCvKEsUCL_X-Wujk/w640-h418/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20104a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.III with two double steel cables<br />anchored to the front right tow eye</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> We will make the double cables with material from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a>, from Portugal. We have already seen this material in the construction of the <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Matilda%20I%20%20-%20Tank%20Infantry" target="_blank">Matilda I Infantry tank</a>, but this time, I will use a thinner cable (0.6mm in diameter) and use a thin sheet of metal (I will use the metal seal from a can of powdered milk) , as well as gel superglue (methyl cyanoacrylate). But let's go to the "tutorial" on how to make a double steel cable...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY4XnhAz6y2gbTcKNPhP7TNhhQnvEupCarlndRlXhFQr9UhHtREivgjmnT4rI15-NuCRKdVPkD7BegEFXsQTi6Ad51WRJBnnzckx8OqlGX0AHY3-hHmYElA9K6oduhSeO6HqIE2VaY8RvZtMwgQ79q5kQawFJOMxIX-ajpNIMmlEAhyTFN-xerZoetiU_/s1276/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1276" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY4XnhAz6y2gbTcKNPhP7TNhhQnvEupCarlndRlXhFQr9UhHtREivgjmnT4rI15-NuCRKdVPkD7BegEFXsQTi6Ad51WRJBnnzckx8OqlGX0AHY3-hHmYElA9K6oduhSeO6HqIE2VaY8RvZtMwgQ79q5kQawFJOMxIX-ajpNIMmlEAhyTFN-xerZoetiU_/w640-h454/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a> steel cable, in its zip-lock packaging<br />A very good stuff!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FWzTTStI0s8eH_j1moWdqLydVyZuMHCJys6pbRGaUqwCWTkBFD2oRsjRZ8Lw2xY4xxMwuLeXNbHm9d3Hp-0WUyu_SOuUZZpueN9Bo90eSExIkw_yGKleS4WF-KX-kKUyq-YhtLmtPVuwrzzcvJ3Y6Ujagr4zSPRNv-kKzJq-RPOI6gSsKsJtu3EYyt4Z/s1024/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1024" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FWzTTStI0s8eH_j1moWdqLydVyZuMHCJys6pbRGaUqwCWTkBFD2oRsjRZ8Lw2xY4xxMwuLeXNbHm9d3Hp-0WUyu_SOuUZZpueN9Bo90eSExIkw_yGKleS4WF-KX-kKUyq-YhtLmtPVuwrzzcvJ3Y6Ujagr4zSPRNv-kKzJq-RPOI6gSsKsJtu3EYyt4Z/w640-h432/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will use the steel cale with 0,6 mm in diameter</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzZC4b35z8QmsS7O_C8v4ia1jjax620xybbua6jTrkMD1HHzjFDCMhHIW7u-WKBPUGh2F_gBwjpxu_TpJkW8d-ReqwctOsJTVPjVnYteYkFJcHyrab4jfLsakvJjcTdw59MQRK8G07A34Aq8aBwqfbMjGjvPxIuBShaporpuzDwTBN593R6KJPT18psKV/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzZC4b35z8QmsS7O_C8v4ia1jjax620xybbua6jTrkMD1HHzjFDCMhHIW7u-WKBPUGh2F_gBwjpxu_TpJkW8d-ReqwctOsJTVPjVnYteYkFJcHyrab4jfLsakvJjcTdw59MQRK8G07A34Aq8aBwqfbMjGjvPxIuBShaporpuzDwTBN593R6KJPT18psKV/w640-h458/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20107.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The manufacturer declares that the total length is <br />70 cm (700 mm), that is, two rolls of 35 cm.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first thing I did was fold one of the segments in half. When I measured, I found that the folded segments were 18 cm, that is, one of the rolls was 36 cm. In the middle bend, with round nose pliers, I made a bend similar to the eye of the steel cable, and I glued (with gel superglue) the segments of the cable just after the eye ( 2 mm only), where the metal sleeve will be installed.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAQF2e2ymbqQdG9OPFb8gNUzCdYWFdGhBmVuPGHrIlNLBKm56OSmVq_W5wpb64y2GRHza3sfe36YKpo7jMJ0cClY4WS8AkqudS2_cwQLedEvHDzc4P_SH4vjZQTXL2dPvtgD9d1CSyktebp-z5rCZTZtWSAAh4pPQAkG50u0dnTK_IhZ8wmH3vcVELe4L/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAQF2e2ymbqQdG9OPFb8gNUzCdYWFdGhBmVuPGHrIlNLBKm56OSmVq_W5wpb64y2GRHza3sfe36YKpo7jMJ0cClY4WS8AkqudS2_cwQLedEvHDzc4P_SH4vjZQTXL2dPvtgD9d1CSyktebp-z5rCZTZtWSAAh4pPQAkG50u0dnTK_IhZ8wmH3vcVELe4L/w640-h416/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a> cable folded, forming an eyelet, <br />with the gel superglue being placed in a 2 mm portion just after this eyelet, <br />to facilitate the installation of the metal band.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuiJYkvH6sK6EJryI18sv2jIuAMrEj-gsuKNosaEKia099M5WXNbmD_TpKdk7RRjbNhV_XklORM6M2kOOk_sBLyXRCvBdBPYOBbiKJ3bQzu8i7wMgcC1yoV_xFPDCubglCwh2XfRhi5n0hC4ozInC1qacldXeUGTeh_N1ez-BFRsO2ZIH_jF1pWzGk8ou/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuiJYkvH6sK6EJryI18sv2jIuAMrEj-gsuKNosaEKia099M5WXNbmD_TpKdk7RRjbNhV_XklORM6M2kOOk_sBLyXRCvBdBPYOBbiKJ3bQzu8i7wMgcC1yoV_xFPDCubglCwh2XfRhi5n0hC4ozInC1qacldXeUGTeh_N1ez-BFRsO2ZIH_jF1pWzGk8ou/w640-h326/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20109.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will cut two 4mm wide strips of aluminum foil with a scalpel, <br />which will be used as the metal band for our steel cable.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The idea is to glue the edge of the 4 mm metal sheet just below the eye of the steel cable, wait a few seconds for the superglue to dry and then tightly wrap the metal sheet (with superglue applied to its inner side) onto the cables. , forming the cable retention band.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoTpGo6xc6vHqSo1pgD5cIAfA0v27YjsiDd7fO0kXmolmsGR8sa07NOb1eGof-D92pU9BNkMQumpWRJ_jU6hw8a3R_E_4TOZox_PmIXaRPcSYMbkcglk51IyDMjIqW4ycV7DwfsjQ4AoGc-OumLrSM6XAwuM49G05XZjfPZDjVpRbiQWHCXpYvEa9UItq/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoTpGo6xc6vHqSo1pgD5cIAfA0v27YjsiDd7fO0kXmolmsGR8sa07NOb1eGof-D92pU9BNkMQumpWRJ_jU6hw8a3R_E_4TOZox_PmIXaRPcSYMbkcglk51IyDMjIqW4ycV7DwfsjQ4AoGc-OumLrSM6XAwuM49G05XZjfPZDjVpRbiQWHCXpYvEa9UItq/w640-h376/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The future position of the metal band<br />in the steel cable (yellow square).<br />The metal straps are too long...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz41BvBu14QPPTtTzHfg6Femz7AvcEaba1w1cLdr6wPdzamPPZCfvCXsXz7ktd749YrCt_NIzKRkh-pac0ULDG5xUXqhuU0HUEaX9JVIJ7AbVaNrOwUDez0KBZIrBNV62aMHeg3L9aJjRC7A3BZiB59fmVRoCHGFeCt7j8TRr0W4qYq0-pmQEpZx_onxu/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz41BvBu14QPPTtTzHfg6Femz7AvcEaba1w1cLdr6wPdzamPPZCfvCXsXz7ktd749YrCt_NIzKRkh-pac0ULDG5xUXqhuU0HUEaX9JVIJ7AbVaNrOwUDez0KBZIrBNV62aMHeg3L9aJjRC7A3BZiB59fmVRoCHGFeCt7j8TRr0W4qYq0-pmQEpZx_onxu/w640-h298/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location of primary glue application (red line), on the metal strip. <br />It will be glued to the junction between the steel cables, and then <br />wrapped around those same cables, forming the retention band.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Lhz7HsTomPzKMulSzmxgQAxle7QO6S-CsfGj8nfx1eZ-874wIU3Q4bfC9Q-zQfGjSfC-7spD2yqV93UJJuLLkrkUsc8sPUZf38TlmxbRAnWXsq5rwvB5ZyxiYIxHCXmdNY9lQkAXs3c_R1wUmitc2n8NhUaMKqTvRgeKPTOJzr9-5TkWWDZh9KAfANpv/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Lhz7HsTomPzKMulSzmxgQAxle7QO6S-CsfGj8nfx1eZ-874wIU3Q4bfC9Q-zQfGjSfC-7spD2yqV93UJJuLLkrkUsc8sPUZf38TlmxbRAnWXsq5rwvB5ZyxiYIxHCXmdNY9lQkAXs3c_R1wUmitc2n8NhUaMKqTvRgeKPTOJzr9-5TkWWDZh9KAfANpv/w640-h470/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20112.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thin sheet of metal being glued to the junction between the two cables (green),<br /> just below the eyelet. A metal weight keeps the cable well positioned<br />and parallel to each other.<br />Notice that the glued metal strip was cutted almost in half...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the band was wrapped and glued below the eyelet, I stretched the double cables and kept them aligned in parallel with weights. At the other end (green arrow), I bent the other eye, so that the meeting between the two ends of the cable is in the region of the future metal retention band. The excess cable without the eyelet bend was cut with precision cutting pliers (green arrow, again). With that, the amendment will disappears... Kojak is a smart guy!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO-rIk1T7-azNMnQzB31OxNpk96il6vpVlGJqZ8SoD_Ug57l5wuywxVXj0H3sSoWXnVyjACnMwAyl7_hG3Ql6gruG22uLnOYHukJwfS0Yzu0r4uFT0FFQqVAVygHDDpAZA8024Glxmzu6VGGIH6IsH5LWZyKkivT2ObJhugZf3bmNklOREzSDmIgpaJE5/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="1280" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO-rIk1T7-azNMnQzB31OxNpk96il6vpVlGJqZ8SoD_Ug57l5wuywxVXj0H3sSoWXnVyjACnMwAyl7_hG3Ql6gruG22uLnOYHukJwfS0Yzu0r4uFT0FFQqVAVygHDDpAZA8024Glxmzu6VGGIH6IsH5LWZyKkivT2ObJhugZf3bmNklOREzSDmIgpaJE5/w640-h262/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the eyelet of the steel cable, at the other end...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5xL4ie-E_6SLTLfxuXp3hwcOlyoTVWEeETDqmdybysgHvIOfKHLUx70r_2R7Ou2O2eDq7E4UJx9l0G5s3HMB0Xv7Wh6X36tQYlkEvwxv8jaQN4Q1TxX2WCql0r9kCKSLUiuaSev2fX2Tpm34hnP_M0d-grqbFH8Y0Ua-G9XbeBMBzPIihWXXm-fjAIVu/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5xL4ie-E_6SLTLfxuXp3hwcOlyoTVWEeETDqmdybysgHvIOfKHLUx70r_2R7Ou2O2eDq7E4UJx9l0G5s3HMB0Xv7Wh6X36tQYlkEvwxv8jaQN4Q1TxX2WCql0r9kCKSLUiuaSev2fX2Tpm34hnP_M0d-grqbFH8Y0Ua-G9XbeBMBzPIihWXXm-fjAIVu/w640-h396/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20114.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the second eyelet, with the wire being cut in the exact portion <br />where the metal band will be installed. Using gel superglue <br />makes the job enormously easier...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f7zRdGzEXBwXdBcDUQf6lSiiiu2CVmTJ3DnV9WpIu4ncr-bdwC15Wm9ClMZmh642PeD5Oaj55ua618oEUy8J7Ygcf8IlnhJqSbMd79xUQLfCdfbs_sPVGLEunejAG4g5U2ilsO0yZB2LNObVbMWbYE2bJDK9bqrBk68M2P6np2HOWdbiF_WwlPSy-Agn/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f7zRdGzEXBwXdBcDUQf6lSiiiu2CVmTJ3DnV9WpIu4ncr-bdwC15Wm9ClMZmh642PeD5Oaj55ua618oEUy8J7Ygcf8IlnhJqSbMd79xUQLfCdfbs_sPVGLEunejAG4g5U2ilsO0yZB2LNObVbMWbYE2bJDK9bqrBk68M2P6np2HOWdbiF_WwlPSy-Agn/w640-h342/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the metal band for installation...<br />A minimum amount of superglue for initial gluing (red line)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PxkBW8-Tty-sdMhWSdZS7ahKg1SHCHPOSByfuZB1blbHKgjdEEYJ4SrMOSlA-7puQk2OV458mozDjVB8BUr5hw-UTICaw9oJ6WUHxFUoQCW1ReWmUOEp85WxwIv_wMmu8pgugbmZ7r0u2Pdu0gDqKmiILpNVJb7LEtPcard-cUcVAml3hcLScuRxJ__K/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PxkBW8-Tty-sdMhWSdZS7ahKg1SHCHPOSByfuZB1blbHKgjdEEYJ4SrMOSlA-7puQk2OV458mozDjVB8BUr5hw-UTICaw9oJ6WUHxFUoQCW1ReWmUOEp85WxwIv_wMmu8pgugbmZ7r0u2Pdu0gDqKmiILpNVJb7LEtPcard-cUcVAml3hcLScuRxJ__K/w640-h364/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the initial gluing of the band, I applied more glue to the inner side<br />of the band so that it can be wrapped around the steel cable.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN2TMKrzPPVTkPVRcfNZWxkAMtGkCFKrDn7NClKytc75b73Dyr2Izr-Y_q9mva4QzI0i-pexPzFUsPlQhcYxL88gd87jBD5Lr84fxhiXqdKmQppriiUdwcO0xsdjjsN8eaO5u-a-LHmN9GXp5LQIKQ3PD8fLUnXWL5COH0fbIaQ86CxjinyVVJj-nnpOa/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN2TMKrzPPVTkPVRcfNZWxkAMtGkCFKrDn7NClKytc75b73Dyr2Izr-Y_q9mva4QzI0i-pexPzFUsPlQhcYxL88gd87jBD5Lr84fxhiXqdKmQppriiUdwcO0xsdjjsN8eaO5u-a-LHmN9GXp5LQIKQ3PD8fLUnXWL5COH0fbIaQ86CxjinyVVJj-nnpOa/w640-h250/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first double steel cable built, held taut by<br />two clothes pins. The cable was 17.5 cm.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRa72ux5HkwFzDL1MhA9Bk8qTxtMgrQeXfFdXqQjGB6IgfFgFbOwa-GipUAZBAeHew2xLAldJp-0wLoT9EcF6py1y9VVW_Jcy_QT63WMfYethgbFyGE0NqQMnbd4cGb4t2D7x_ftZ9lQmKLX5M0QAbYtTzSJFyp_fzQm77hwGl0nLG-tyYseHdq_nKwoo1/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRa72ux5HkwFzDL1MhA9Bk8qTxtMgrQeXfFdXqQjGB6IgfFgFbOwa-GipUAZBAeHew2xLAldJp-0wLoT9EcF6py1y9VVW_Jcy_QT63WMfYethgbFyGE0NqQMnbd4cGb4t2D7x_ftZ9lQmKLX5M0QAbYtTzSJFyp_fzQm77hwGl0nLG-tyYseHdq_nKwoo1/w640-h294/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20119.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trickiest part was making the second cable the same size. <br />To avoid mistakes, I started this second cable through the splice eye,<br />bending the wire according to the clothes pin template.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the metal band was installed in the middle fold, I returned to the splice eye, where the excess wire was cut to fit snugly into the base of the eye. Here is the close-up image, where you can see the perfect splice between the two cables, being held in position by a little superglue.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeU8Xsuas3xrunsPFnki2RHeb8vT2xaW2jfDVKXz-bQPsiQlJ47a9KZ0itUxgtLeZ2pu_ziF57qVyZZHPWp2Ap6LltBsGWKad-OvcX-W3_YFMZBY8N9A1wEUFmyo6KpuLST_qzXrxZ6kQd3hG5aUttKxBDpu5LMQKKMwMBRYY14qzL8zw4JHC7PsI18yA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeU8Xsuas3xrunsPFnki2RHeb8vT2xaW2jfDVKXz-bQPsiQlJ47a9KZ0itUxgtLeZ2pu_ziF57qVyZZHPWp2Ap6LltBsGWKad-OvcX-W3_YFMZBY8N9A1wEUFmyo6KpuLST_qzXrxZ6kQd3hG5aUttKxBDpu5LMQKKMwMBRYY14qzL8zw4JHC7PsI18yA/w640-h386/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the metal band for the eyelet of the amendment. <br />The edge is already glued...all that remains is to apply more glue to the inner side<br />of the band and wrap the band around the cables.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGM_euqTCJeLJJUQt5ajpF_voznmgp73xXUSb19jUJK5Hlqaht56CdrK2YvyiQH7ldfru14WPxjeToaddVrqawWDclYBxi9ixK89gZS8vW1jRYmH4MnBAl5D4DaP2CEPVvX7fc25GRtIAnDjIQLtf6Yrh7XgYlEVm-I8QnHYyEV8BIMGq569NTcYudx_v/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="1280" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGM_euqTCJeLJJUQt5ajpF_voznmgp73xXUSb19jUJK5Hlqaht56CdrK2YvyiQH7ldfru14WPxjeToaddVrqawWDclYBxi9ixK89gZS8vW1jRYmH4MnBAl5D4DaP2CEPVvX7fc25GRtIAnDjIQLtf6Yrh7XgYlEVm-I8QnHYyEV8BIMGq569NTcYudx_v/w640-h238/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two perfect double cables (yellow arrows)!!! <br />The tow rings (green) are from my scrap box.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6VzWDkqRFEzI34FsSdnxlflXMAD3EGINZw0GjEsXYtLQggbOb792TSQYcrGkGzWvVKumzWaLGyapCV2sklh3dEYBLpdlbKZwSwCTySVNg_6Cn4-sHWgyw2MCBZVuDLNqWCrkTIHYTYBqF9hBJVBndXCSHNwL6bjJE998qMAdC-kTKR-UMPiLYm9Zetlt/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6VzWDkqRFEzI34FsSdnxlflXMAD3EGINZw0GjEsXYtLQggbOb792TSQYcrGkGzWvVKumzWaLGyapCV2sklh3dEYBLpdlbKZwSwCTySVNg_6Cn4-sHWgyw2MCBZVuDLNqWCrkTIHYTYBqF9hBJVBndXCSHNwL6bjJE998qMAdC-kTKR-UMPiLYm9Zetlt/w640-h330/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The detail here was the drilling in one of the tow rings (green) <br /> so we could fit a 0.5mm diameter round rod (yellow). <br />That was tense!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, install the double steel cables according to the following "recipe":</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zyrqxd1ZwtssVl1hSW7OVyV3WM__F-qd99cJ6W5gf3t__2UTYKdZnPdIPfUU0Lm6SRqMopdHTrbgmyPM60YLk957LPIUFioVDze2EdqK_dVnxr1eYF0_BEk28s5QoW8t1IcWVUUHHwTFvr_JwW8CbxI3XOFka9uscaitxtc3ytbWN1P3D_ZXoja6TXAW/s1184/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20104b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1184" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zyrqxd1ZwtssVl1hSW7OVyV3WM__F-qd99cJ6W5gf3t__2UTYKdZnPdIPfUU0Lm6SRqMopdHTrbgmyPM60YLk957LPIUFioVDze2EdqK_dVnxr1eYF0_BEk28s5QoW8t1IcWVUUHHwTFvr_JwW8CbxI3XOFka9uscaitxtc3ytbWN1P3D_ZXoja6TXAW/w640-h334/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20104b.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The double cables starts in the right front towing ring (red),<br />then pass internally to the left headlight (green),<br />pass through the external side of the right secondary turret (light blue),<br /> go up to the upper deck, next to the first support strap (orange)<br />and end up resting on the right rear deck. (dark blue)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48C_n7vAHoQBXy0Htun9EE_pEu2DundfZtKCx30xd1ak1eFkwJti7FXPU7TWXwIDCDsJIoPyTacIYFPo_tygu4kLu7z6XxZbiYgxDOo4yI6OIkqUwjBMIZ6r0r92CbDq2dSCsV2VYTu18yvtpHwS2rAXXwrKpplIk-pxcJQZWqFtDiJ3xR_nBl0zj8fcE/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48C_n7vAHoQBXy0Htun9EE_pEu2DundfZtKCx30xd1ak1eFkwJti7FXPU7TWXwIDCDsJIoPyTacIYFPo_tygu4kLu7z6XxZbiYgxDOo4yI6OIkqUwjBMIZ6r0r92CbDq2dSCsV2VYTu18yvtpHwS2rAXXwrKpplIk-pxcJQZWqFtDiJ3xR_nBl0zj8fcE/w640-h448/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right front towing ring... Where it all starts!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPrSHLFbCyPre_phsQ1ayTxHqvxU_bEOPYQGvhkqBEBWLQg0_lPL11GqWTJmOrMsfMk9RvKyq_YUUi-ILEnhG6nwMsVfn-Ijh2_AOf5zQD0oLZzc2Va6c3QHUnb8QJUQBK9LBQW42f93YMaWSXXHuW5_lK_YwladluJI7rSDBHXnCQNyCF-srn_FW8-9v/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPrSHLFbCyPre_phsQ1ayTxHqvxU_bEOPYQGvhkqBEBWLQg0_lPL11GqWTJmOrMsfMk9RvKyq_YUUi-ILEnhG6nwMsVfn-Ijh2_AOf5zQD0oLZzc2Va6c3QHUnb8QJUQBK9LBQW42f93YMaWSXXHuW5_lK_YwladluJI7rSDBHXnCQNyCF-srn_FW8-9v/w640-h452/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The double cables starts in the right front towing ring,<br />then pass internally to the left headlight. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEHGGsrOjz0ku7hIr6sE8v_drgdcNOSfXaEDE5zjRLBmbIs_5JjlODt9MDgFC-upLSGw2ccekJhIVJBbHQkvSKvYu3uSAWyLbYwQ-Q5EdNavxImo8vBHlu1rNUQhxr9Ft0Bam5Qu10ZQ50Y4N0Ww22C2XSF88Fl-eU6ZQrFBPjUzOWEKHjZKcX18tm4KT/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEHGGsrOjz0ku7hIr6sE8v_drgdcNOSfXaEDE5zjRLBmbIs_5JjlODt9MDgFC-upLSGw2ccekJhIVJBbHQkvSKvYu3uSAWyLbYwQ-Q5EdNavxImo8vBHlu1rNUQhxr9Ft0Bam5Qu10ZQ50Y4N0Ww22C2XSF88Fl-eU6ZQrFBPjUzOWEKHjZKcX18tm4KT/w640-h412/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I applied small amounts of gel superglue to the hull (blue arrow),<br /> to make it easier for the cables to fit onto the surface. <br />The Portuguese material from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a> is very<br />flexible and easy to mold on site... Delicious!!!<br />Notice the front towing ring (red).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qvoVsohTDhaL7CIdk4gyKo8kksGZNFOC4cgoqUw9w5J0LGPcu5v6ZQoyvb3_2ZAs3MH8o-955BqxvdBP39SkxdxeB96AXXFmjoW7oLo08st5PVsbzQgy0ntbi-zVpe73napvU4JH_Yuhg0MyyRIkecC7QuSxcoVG1skuikIHRR3102HitFodHfxQpiWc/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qvoVsohTDhaL7CIdk4gyKo8kksGZNFOC4cgoqUw9w5J0LGPcu5v6ZQoyvb3_2ZAs3MH8o-955BqxvdBP39SkxdxeB96AXXFmjoW7oLo08st5PVsbzQgy0ntbi-zVpe73napvU4JH_Yuhg0MyyRIkecC7QuSxcoVG1skuikIHRR3102HitFodHfxQpiWc/w640-h372/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I replaced the printed resin handles with metal handles made with copper wires,<br />to allow for a firmer and more secure anchoring of my steel cable!! <br />Your material is very good, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a>.<br />Congrats!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9qVY2nkzECzKkaUr2iqExRHNmF4HnLb3QOv-d_GIuGfHqI6KtD4pBMykNJGh1QtNa0_1MytR-Dbfo6gRJcdhE0nS1DieoH_9sDuqF0GJTugM7VUp1B95pEVTkoptdQmVb_p24iiLi996VopKpO6cBf0iWwECy8mkE6jyLDpIYjtKWYj4l4v42btwpQAW/s1280/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9qVY2nkzECzKkaUr2iqExRHNmF4HnLb3QOv-d_GIuGfHqI6KtD4pBMykNJGh1QtNa0_1MytR-Dbfo6gRJcdhE0nS1DieoH_9sDuqF0GJTugM7VUp1B95pEVTkoptdQmVb_p24iiLi996VopKpO6cBf0iWwECy8mkE6jyLDpIYjtKWYj4l4v42btwpQAW/w640-h406/Vickers%20Mk.III-%20127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the final appearance of the steel cables, installed on<br />the right side of our medium girl Mk.III.<br />I just loved the final look of the thing, no doubt!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay with us...</span></b><b style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: center;">The end is near!!!</b></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_cjNqjc5tsbOv2DZ3CrdztGt-yjAK_TdqcdrwyUEr5dZWwFjugE0fPsbF7RV29_re0f-khr92DXZjSy0wBeIJjLQHGTRK-1ozwvzPZTdbwp1NAqvR9JbilfgT8k8WlA2cfikhH2YEfhB3ceG9KXbT925CtplGVTHIicOj11nOfLum4CrpEa3ju7RiqNM/s700/end%20is%20near2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_cjNqjc5tsbOv2DZ3CrdztGt-yjAK_TdqcdrwyUEr5dZWwFjugE0fPsbF7RV29_re0f-khr92DXZjSy0wBeIJjLQHGTRK-1ozwvzPZTdbwp1NAqvR9JbilfgT8k8WlA2cfikhH2YEfhB3ceG9KXbT925CtplGVTHIicOj11nOfLum4CrpEa3ju7RiqNM/w343-h400/end%20is%20near2.jpg" width="343" /></a></div></span></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-46880146830008922672024-01-31T09:19:00.006-03:002024-02-04T09:28:31.098-03:00Churchill ARK (Armoured Ramp Carrier) Mk. I and Mk.II - case report<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello Tankers!!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">Sometimes complex problems are solved with simple solutions. Today we will see another clear example of this thinking. The vehicle described in this report, the result of English ingenuity, presented a quick and simple solution to the problem of allowing vehicles to quickly and safely cross difficult terrain, under conditions of enemy fire. Let's learn a little about the <b>Churchill ARK</b>, an armored ramp carrier tank.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsjZua7TUkZrcWdJly-gbFcP6ttVDbLljZCCkQnyRf1oDviLHw_9KiNaZtMrRtqZYiOQLa7jftIH5U-oX71gSH1YPtTOEfDWTysWn4imVMl5bA_sBvGcmXEgsrXlesBRCjmq3-aLSFi-bjaqt1RQ6Q4iJRI8diCqIn6XKqu4jiH4TnckrCyZGnKLzhWCC/s1400/Churchill%20ARK%20joke%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1400" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsjZua7TUkZrcWdJly-gbFcP6ttVDbLljZCCkQnyRf1oDviLHw_9KiNaZtMrRtqZYiOQLa7jftIH5U-oX71gSH1YPtTOEfDWTysWn4imVMl5bA_sBvGcmXEgsrXlesBRCjmq3-aLSFi-bjaqt1RQ6Q4iJRI8diCqIn6XKqu4jiH4TnckrCyZGnKLzhWCC/w640-h360/Churchill%20ARK%20joke%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tst_kDGt6e1bUZO75QroqdcH1R39l8Q-ay7C1U6nzBFNYkDKHEDfjt5P-Ux3NLco0GCa-hqm5V6Jpg9Go9MYaNS2FQUUYABxOplLGwT01piM2trVdWbKJvcRCyAe-LLeK_zRywe6uKHZKU5bt7BU8rrGv04u8XO1GJdk9fHXWVAHhGdieKPdwV0F6wyv/s1280/Churchill%20Ark%20in%20trials.%2079th%20AD%20%20-%20Saxmundham%20area%2011-03-44%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2036592.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1280" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Tst_kDGt6e1bUZO75QroqdcH1R39l8Q-ay7C1U6nzBFNYkDKHEDfjt5P-Ux3NLco0GCa-hqm5V6Jpg9Go9MYaNS2FQUUYABxOplLGwT01piM2trVdWbKJvcRCyAe-LLeK_zRywe6uKHZKU5bt7BU8rrGv04u8XO1GJdk9fHXWVAHhGdieKPdwV0F6wyv/w640-h552/Churchill%20Ark%20in%20trials.%2079th%20AD%20%20-%20Saxmundham%20area%2011-03-44%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2036592.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARK Mk.I in trials. <br />79th Armoured Division<br />Saxmundham area - UK - 11-03-44<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: - IWM H 36592</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the History of human conflicts, mistakes made generally drive planners and strategists to search for solutions so that they do not happen again. In the initial stages of WWII, with the amphibious landing still in its infancy as a tactical and strategic operation, the British and Canadians learned a bitter and bloody lesson, in the failed Raid in Dieppe (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid">Operation Jubilee</a> - 19 August, 1942): that obstacles and difficult terrain, such as boulders, ditches, sea walls, ravines and trenches, are very dangerous for tank movement. Such terrain conditions can become real death traps, as the allies sadly discovered during the landing operations.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidswZvWU6Gbo8iqgUEqhfV_SO4Z6_Pi-bxt79kBSlDrRfKRvdK1uGZa5vUJRxjLk-LvGrW5RPUfrkAmvxu6UiiyYChAxfZV1Zm4VX1hdj_QGF-5Yz3TsKJGE4Du0VkQPq0tXBPfwjOOuiwitUrwCeys7jbyXarkOlc594HzoMcQ2t5MlanhGjXwqcF1ijU/s1280/Dieppe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidswZvWU6Gbo8iqgUEqhfV_SO4Z6_Pi-bxt79kBSlDrRfKRvdK1uGZa5vUJRxjLk-LvGrW5RPUfrkAmvxu6UiiyYChAxfZV1Zm4VX1hdj_QGF-5Yz3TsKJGE4Du0VkQPq0tXBPfwjOOuiwitUrwCeys7jbyXarkOlc594HzoMcQ2t5MlanhGjXwqcF1ijU/w640-h408/Dieppe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid" style="text-align: justify;">Operation Jubilee</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> - Dieppe, France.<br />Tanks and other vehicles were unable to overcome the obstacles on the beach<br />19 August -1942</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Something had to be done to avoid a repeat of this disaster and military and civil engineers worked hard to develop the cheapest, simplest and most effective solutions possible, amidst the turmoil of WWII. Among the numerous responses to the problem of natural obstacles, devices based on the principle of mobile bridges transported by tanks appeared to be the most promising, but such equipment was large, clumsy and heavy, making its use and use difficult. Within this impasse, a curious option appeared: the <b>Churchill ARK (Armoured Ramp Carrier) tank</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the same year of 1942, engineers began to develop tilting and folding bridges, launched by armored vehicles, to cross ditches, craters, walls and obstacles, both vertical and horizontal. Such devices were very efficient, but had the disadvantage of taking a long time to install. After laborious tests, the need for a simpler, faster operating device was noted, to even work in conjunction with conventional bridge launchers, but for smaller obstacles. One of the teams leading this field of research were the military engineers of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">79th Armored Division</a>, led by the energetic <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Hobart" target="_blank">Major General Percy Hobart.</a> The special armored vehicles developed by this Division became known worldwide as "Hobart's Funnies", which, although strange, clumsy and strange, saved countless lives in the initial stages of the Normandy landings and in subsequent operations, until the end of the War.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt1I2fjsEal0WnG0bP0QqQC6hq7Bm-F6lZc4Fw1LJ499A48jnAo_ZMJDtYdNJOVAy8p6bMg5pFUmqzF1zn_6eChPxRAk1MJCxGkww3_T2IpCxHSxzNLrzvKe1UYc-uNBftYKYJ1WhKBkqLoSI5QJTs-ESUaxr6bAZVE0PLYdkOWSL9AJ15Um1Efgb6nGs/s1280/Hobart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1280" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt1I2fjsEal0WnG0bP0QqQC6hq7Bm-F6lZc4Fw1LJ499A48jnAo_ZMJDtYdNJOVAy8p6bMg5pFUmqzF1zn_6eChPxRAk1MJCxGkww3_T2IpCxHSxzNLrzvKe1UYc-uNBftYKYJ1WhKBkqLoSI5QJTs-ESUaxr6bAZVE0PLYdkOWSL9AJ15Um1Efgb6nGs/w400-h210/Hobart.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Hobart">Major General Sir Percy Cleghorn Stanley "Hobo" Hobart</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_British_Empire">KBE</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companion_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath">CB</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Service_Order">DSO</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Cross">MC</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and the badge of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)">79th Armoured Division</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But returning to the problem of overcoming smaller obstacles (but still important...), in 1943 the 79th Division specialists had a brilliant idea: why not use the tank itself as a "bridge" to cross the obstacle? Thus, the idea of using the Churchill infantry tank arose, due to its robustness, the shape of its hull, rectangular and flat, in addition to the ease of logistical standardization. The intention was to remove the turret from the hull and install two projections in the form of folding ramps at the bow and stern of the vehicle. The tank would move to the crater or depression, filling it with its own body and extending the ramps to facilitate the passage of other vehicles over the same vehicle. The tank would be the "bridge" body, being "abandoned" in that position until necessary. This could be used to cross a steep-sided stream, an anti-tank wall or ravine or even a crater, and the vehicles could be stacked until the desired result was obtained. Simple, efficient and safe for crews... The vehicle project was called <b>Armored Ramp Carrier</b>. Initially, this name was abbreviated to <b>ARC</b>, but soon afterwards the name was changed to <b>ARK</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Churchill ARK Mk. I</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first versions of the tank bridge were designed and built in the autumn of 1943, using tanks of the Churchill Mk.II and Mk.IV models. After field tests and design improvements, the production version called Churchill ARK Mk. I emerged.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF4jVPm6Vv70D3IHLDmSW9TvQSuXbXewaVAQort3xpqF5ckAasaedOhSherkXd8tlYu7O32QFMEjgx9IIJMXXaoqvOAMyuFIHQEtA6aB6fxII9kj2BK4pnx-ygBRS88WvMKWojlsuH8E2iW9CXuAUAry1eqXp7muj_oC7bjGVqMBtnwBgZP6unaxhngh0/s1230/Churchill%20Mk%20II%20001%20specs%20reworked.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1230" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF4jVPm6Vv70D3IHLDmSW9TvQSuXbXewaVAQort3xpqF5ckAasaedOhSherkXd8tlYu7O32QFMEjgx9IIJMXXaoqvOAMyuFIHQEtA6aB6fxII9kj2BK4pnx-ygBRS88WvMKWojlsuH8E2iW9CXuAUAry1eqXp7muj_oC7bjGVqMBtnwBgZP6unaxhngh0/w640-h404/Churchill%20Mk%20II%20001%20specs%20reworked.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzplQga5O9_2pXUo_DjRFnqW0RPu3D36KagVv9P00EhsKe_MPnc5ngqkVdmSGV1YoAxshE1d47-y_IKGEx4WMqUUqtrLiaPj5DLciu-hNvKTBoNkkoSiL3QUGWNjaxTAJa8I05gv7LoCHGJE25QbQ2W5H0pQtzbYPj-_3J7q93yHmP1BchO1gCLEM6wDb/s1280/Churchill%20MkIV%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzplQga5O9_2pXUo_DjRFnqW0RPu3D36KagVv9P00EhsKe_MPnc5ngqkVdmSGV1YoAxshE1d47-y_IKGEx4WMqUUqtrLiaPj5DLciu-hNvKTBoNkkoSiL3QUGWNjaxTAJa8I05gv7LoCHGJE25QbQ2W5H0pQtzbYPj-_3J7q93yHmP1BchO1gCLEM6wDb/w640-h400/Churchill%20MkIV%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> On the Churchill tank, with its turret removed (the hole being obliterated by a circular steel plate with a simple two-section, rectangular access hatch), bridge sections the length of the hull were rigidly fixed to the top of the mudguards, in the top of the chassis. Articulated sections in the form of ramps were installed at the front and rear of the tank, using simple hinges. No remote activation for these ramps was foreseen. They moved freely in the vertical plane and could rest on obstacles, allowing other equipment to enter and exit over the tank. Installing the bridge in field operations took very little time: in fact, the Churchill ARK only needed to approach the obstacle and assume the required position, transforming into a bridge.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3YVadtQQvbiPj7LK6ScNAGkD-ViiyhKLQ1-6iE4bwq_Mtc6FOd61i7-nmotHMW7ojvltgovAEXHiQiMWlqHzmIzKohgWUhBghgSIeIeYmKbh3WVRypU2qNR_XaM0RdPmsH0kAOMbbTOw3pS9ih3J-cs6X_hIb1IOWd51Y_fl04ySZ0Q9P84hCHbsVCGh/s1280/Churchill%20Ark%20in%20trials.%2079th%20AD%20%20-%20Saxmundham%20area%2011-03-44%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2036592.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1280" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3YVadtQQvbiPj7LK6ScNAGkD-ViiyhKLQ1-6iE4bwq_Mtc6FOd61i7-nmotHMW7ojvltgovAEXHiQiMWlqHzmIzKohgWUhBghgSIeIeYmKbh3WVRypU2qNR_XaM0RdPmsH0kAOMbbTOw3pS9ih3J-cs6X_hIb1IOWd51Y_fl04ySZ0Q9P84hCHbsVCGh/w640-h552/Churchill%20Ark%20in%20trials.%2079th%20AD%20%20-%20Saxmundham%20area%2011-03-44%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2036592.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARK Mk.I leaning against a sea wall<br /> to allow it to be climbed by other vehicles<br />79th Armoured Division - trials at Saxmundham area, UK.<br />11 March 1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 36592</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFirpBhH-VweXs-gM6mVmcrI21ZgKkUOmcLQHzUpbPFTsR2UIXtdeLSmZrplzkcZxAHpUDVjoB06rjGYpQloCgD2ZYkCYS6JLjSqXTH4QSUCMOWWStGoyxOmIQqdzW1N0gJ_b_Cjwo1pykUKsdQds0OmqXnw1WpZhsOpH4tk5_dJ_G1SB57SvRRbNJ1lAJ/s1280/Churchill%20tank%20uses%20a%20Churchill%20Ark%20to%20scale%20a%20sea%20wall,%2079th%20Armoured%20Division,%20Saxmundham%20area,%2011%20March%201944%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2036593.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFirpBhH-VweXs-gM6mVmcrI21ZgKkUOmcLQHzUpbPFTsR2UIXtdeLSmZrplzkcZxAHpUDVjoB06rjGYpQloCgD2ZYkCYS6JLjSqXTH4QSUCMOWWStGoyxOmIQqdzW1N0gJ_b_Cjwo1pykUKsdQds0OmqXnw1WpZhsOpH4tk5_dJ_G1SB57SvRRbNJ1lAJ/w640-h480/Churchill%20tank%20uses%20a%20Churchill%20Ark%20to%20scale%20a%20sea%20wall,%2079th%20Armoured%20Division,%20Saxmundham%20area,%2011%20March%201944%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2036593.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next photo of the sequence above:<br />Churchill Mk.IV tank uses a Churchill ARK Mk.I to scale a sea wall<br />79th Armoured Division - trials at Saxmundham area - UK.<br />11 March 1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 36593</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX1wz3Ck22hfsSvuPq-FBmWSu3gfQq3pKvlNmM4L5kmrGRY5z6GlXJl4fpYzUYRYZ9ma5ctYqbVZlapYR2EWraAWA1qfzNrhoiAf21Lg7rXe51jl05Ke-lfQZFPm-3KzQjq1RhLSShc9hEtwhLtC5oVPfflGYrWsmC4ilPMxn6jItyhnUyRZMZJuPH8r-/s1280/Churchill%20Ark%20in%20trials.%2079th%20AD%20%20-%20Saxmundham%20area%2011-03-44%20-%20IWM%20H%2036595.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1280" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX1wz3Ck22hfsSvuPq-FBmWSu3gfQq3pKvlNmM4L5kmrGRY5z6GlXJl4fpYzUYRYZ9ma5ctYqbVZlapYR2EWraAWA1qfzNrhoiAf21Lg7rXe51jl05Ke-lfQZFPm-3KzQjq1RhLSShc9hEtwhLtC5oVPfflGYrWsmC4ilPMxn6jItyhnUyRZMZJuPH8r-/w640-h558/Churchill%20Ark%20in%20trials.%2079th%20AD%20%20-%20Saxmundham%20area%2011-03-44%20-%20IWM%20H%2036595.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next photo of the sequence above:<br />Churchill Mk.IV tank uses a Churchill ARK Mk.I to scale a sea wall.<br />The Churchill ARK it slid down to the base of the wall,<br />but the Mk.IV managed to climb on the edge of the obstacle.<br />79th Armoured Division - trials at Saxmundham area - UK.<br />11 March 1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 36595</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zJ_CdcHouJgjhCe6donloqUeH3yBLepckzdR9JcwghPBREBbqCuoh_FmfIJjnMCbfj44uDLhrTYcCltsoN5J43PJHb3oqqliXvMs-D5ch5085WP1FkRIL_G9ssnrtaUGzAuMSEEfaAQKiTkX1rfXr-WF2ITb7nMgsM8SICkVt_KocB6jh_JWEdHdaUkc/s1280/Churchill%20Ark%20in%20trials.%2079th%20AD%20%20-%20Saxmundham%20area%2011-03-44%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2036594.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1280" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zJ_CdcHouJgjhCe6donloqUeH3yBLepckzdR9JcwghPBREBbqCuoh_FmfIJjnMCbfj44uDLhrTYcCltsoN5J43PJHb3oqqliXvMs-D5ch5085WP1FkRIL_G9ssnrtaUGzAuMSEEfaAQKiTkX1rfXr-WF2ITb7nMgsM8SICkVt_KocB6jh_JWEdHdaUkc/w640-h584/Churchill%20Ark%20in%20trials.%2079th%20AD%20%20-%20Saxmundham%20area%2011-03-44%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2036594.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next photo of the sequence above:<br />Churchill Mk.IV managing to scale the sea wall with<br />the Churchill ARK Mk.I<br />79th Armoured Division - trials at Saxmundham area - UK.<br />11 March 1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 36594</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> The Churchill ARK made it possible to cross various types of obstacles. Opening its ramps, it instantly transformed into a track bridge almost 8,5 m long and 3.3 m wide, with two<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"> </span>longitudinal track-way over each tank track, with equal sections with 60 cm wide. The Churchill ARK allowed the crossing of ditches, walls, cliffs, climbing obstacles, etc. Any British Army armored vehicle could drive over it without any problems.</div><div> Tests with the experimental model of the Churchill ARK were carried out in the autumn/winter of 1943-44. With field results being positive, in February 1944 it was decided to begin mass production, with the name of <b>Churchill ARK Mk. I</b>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyanTr8cYFsN2BajELX6mlPkvi9okHyLKVhhn_DaXOpV7vX15F7UPTDnKcM9NdxHy6JW8V62KLHXuRkbzWXaGNfsnw8hK_VXYwJi0T8A4C9NCWiZd2IhAXRsNIEV8QOrCO460wR5EF4tf9Xdoz3KvRSZtmBgbL6xUQxl-QQ-BaoMoT0jqRrr1zW6BLxlXe/s1280/Sherman%20tank%20using%20a%20Churchill%20'Ark'%20armoured%20ramp%20carrier%20to%20climb%20over%20an%20escarpment,%2079th%20Armoured%20Division,%2013%20February%201944%20-%20IWM%20H%2035790.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyanTr8cYFsN2BajELX6mlPkvi9okHyLKVhhn_DaXOpV7vX15F7UPTDnKcM9NdxHy6JW8V62KLHXuRkbzWXaGNfsnw8hK_VXYwJi0T8A4C9NCWiZd2IhAXRsNIEV8QOrCO460wR5EF4tf9Xdoz3KvRSZtmBgbL6xUQxl-QQ-BaoMoT0jqRrr1zW6BLxlXe/w640-h366/Sherman%20tank%20using%20a%20Churchill%20'Ark'%20armoured%20ramp%20carrier%20to%20climb%20over%20an%20escarpment,%2079th%20Armoured%20Division,%2013%20February%201944%20-%20IWM%20H%2035790.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sherman V tank using a Churchill ARK Mk.I tank<br />to climb over an escarpment - 79th Armoured Division<br />United Kingdom -13 February 1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 35790</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EcYmPgeuojPjFLZMyOV2MYblFMAzfom6cADeMhAttUVUQs7qQWdExQsJgnvMnMJbGmMK4NbgYlPbcFUEiKjdt8btuMoG8hZ7iqkWSUCVTxKA90Jo52zBEkyfIbMtjdUIZSbmS3VSoRYCaFqEFsEUTymPahNzGNnzydn7GzySaRKbUgFkw2eEufxr8VSy/s1280/Churchill%20Ark%20with%20fascine,%2079th%20Armoured%20Division,%20March-April%201944%20%20IWM%20H%2037472.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EcYmPgeuojPjFLZMyOV2MYblFMAzfom6cADeMhAttUVUQs7qQWdExQsJgnvMnMJbGmMK4NbgYlPbcFUEiKjdt8btuMoG8hZ7iqkWSUCVTxKA90Jo52zBEkyfIbMtjdUIZSbmS3VSoRYCaFqEFsEUTymPahNzGNnzydn7GzySaRKbUgFkw2eEufxr8VSy/w640-h478/Churchill%20Ark%20with%20fascine,%2079th%20Armoured%20Division,%20March-April%201944%20%20IWM%20H%2037472.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARK Mk.I equipped with <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20IV%20AVRE%20-%20fascine%20carrier" target="_blank">wood fascine cradle</a><br />in trials for Normandy Landings.<br /> 79th Armoured Division - UK March-April 1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 37472</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2T_RKOK-_JrhP98xbc-Tlgvrmiv2VMA3vbBGXO3qK_IYEsNWgHbCsrtXCjUsdxCGoQL8273skMVBJZtQp9mIWvEhk93hvrD9VoEY2lMp3wAefaBHVUTXbYqT3H5M4dYtDT3i39uYxIbNjF-WxL69T4m_RyEg-7UF0ti-sVsCYzcoZFqJshYhVkIN88X9/s1280/Churchill%20tank%20A.R.K.%20ramp%20for%20wall%20scaling%20and%20wood%20fascine%20wall%20with%203,65m%2079th%20AD%20Saxmundham%2029--3-44%20-%20IWM%20H%2037053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2T_RKOK-_JrhP98xbc-Tlgvrmiv2VMA3vbBGXO3qK_IYEsNWgHbCsrtXCjUsdxCGoQL8273skMVBJZtQp9mIWvEhk93hvrD9VoEY2lMp3wAefaBHVUTXbYqT3H5M4dYtDT3i39uYxIbNjF-WxL69T4m_RyEg-7UF0ti-sVsCYzcoZFqJshYhVkIN88X9/w640-h440/Churchill%20tank%20A.R.K.%20ramp%20for%20wall%20scaling%20and%20wood%20fascine%20wall%20with%203,65m%2079th%20AD%20Saxmundham%2029--3-44%20-%20IWM%20H%2037053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARK Mk.I in combination with fascine to facilitate<br />the climbing of a 3.65m high sea wall.<br />79th AD trials in Saxmundham, UK - 29-3-44<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 37053</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> The British Army ordered 50 Churchills Mk I tank bridges to be built on the Churchill chassis of the Mk II versions (older and reworked) and the Mk IV. Basically, it was a reuse of existing infantry tanks. These fifty Churchill ARK Mk Is tanks were built by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" target="_blank">REME</a> - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" target="_blank">Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers</a> workshops and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_cars" target="_blank">MG Car Company</a>, using conversion kits provided by T C Jones & Co.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEI_9-UO62ZgQBtFvPd6q4CsW6H1oUTw9zImyChjrxBK70IztrhzA-E93qmbDUM1wwKZoiYpLjz0Rhyx5OXw6YW5G_KkgCLRS3O9pPIJIloLAocMjP1dMhNg7_ObTDqaj0LzXIa4sGAQ-T8rYJR8W-sbWx10qWkStv9wS0Pr2vJgE_ptNEQaOpIgC70ht/s1024/T.C.%20Jones%20and%20Co.,%20Tool,%20Catalog,%201925,%20London.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="757" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEI_9-UO62ZgQBtFvPd6q4CsW6H1oUTw9zImyChjrxBK70IztrhzA-E93qmbDUM1wwKZoiYpLjz0Rhyx5OXw6YW5G_KkgCLRS3O9pPIJIloLAocMjP1dMhNg7_ObTDqaj0LzXIa4sGAQ-T8rYJR8W-sbWx10qWkStv9wS0Pr2vJgE_ptNEQaOpIgC70ht/w474-h640/T.C.%20Jones%20and%20Co.,%20Tool,%20Catalog,%201925,%20London.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover of the catalog of T.C. Jones & Co<br />Hand and Machine Tools - 1925<br />London - UK</td></tr></tbody></table><div> This Churchill ARK Mk.I version was supposed to participate in the Normandy landings in mid-1944. This first model allowed other tanks to cross obstacles of up to 8.5 m. See in the movie belowa Churchill ARK Mk.I serving as a base for a Churchill ARM Mk.II (UK pattern), so that a Churchill Mk.III fascine carrier can cross a deeper ditch:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="426" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Rc3u7fqyGs" width="512" youtube-src-id="7Rc3u7fqyGs"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div> The Churchill ARK concept had another project developed in parallel, but separately, by the maintenance workshops of the British Army in Italy, for use in that Theater of Operations. Originally they were designed for slightly different tasks, but eventually English and Italian designs became very similar.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><b>British and Italian Churchill ARK pattern</b></div><div> With field experience from the use of the Churchill ARK Mk.I in real combat on the Normandy fronts, engineers from the 79th Armored Division began planning improvements to the design of the Churchill ARK Mk.I. These improvements would aim for a more effective use of the bridge tank, as well as a simpler, faster operation that would allow its use by a greater number of vehicles and not just army tanks. This improved version would be known as the Churchill ARK Mk.II. Later, the UK pattern would be added to this classification, for vehicles developed by the 79th AD and the Italian pattern for vehicles developed by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" target="_blank">Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers</a> - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" target="_blank">REME</a> workshops in Italy, which were very similar, but not the same.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Churchill ARK Mk.II (UK pattern)</b></div><div><div> The Churchill ARK Mk.II , developed in July, 1944, had small but significant changes compared to the Mk.I, namely:</div><div><ol><li>The length of the ramps, both front and rear, has been increased.</li><li>The bridge tracks on the left side of the vehicle had their width doubled, from 60 cm to 120 cm. Thanks to this, not only tanks but also smaller gauge vehicles could use the ARK, such as trucks, staff cars and armored cars . The design of the fixed central sections of these tracks has also been changed, simplifying their dismantling to allow quicker access to the engine compartment, making vehicle maintenance much easier.</li><li>The use of cables, masts and pulleys to raise and lower ramps. In the transport position, the elongated ramps were fixed at angles, giving the vehicle a characteristic, easily recognizable appearance. The ramp release locks could be manipulated by the crew, without leaving the vehicle. Once the locks were released, the ramps fell under their own weight. To be collected, it would be necessary to use other engineering equipment, such as winches and pulleys from other engineering vehicles.</li></ol></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROdzTrPIGk97H4aescZU2meI4EyuriUlDNRYRE1e1AEwCWRnKHwGeOujDWZZyWq2XDy3jTFYsgZRWPEJGLhGnEMBQ0sAagBcoRkDS1UKFfSz18GBSpqUmPSN-v6hlbCToq8apU8Llsfo7ayYZlmzTl6BLBfjdPhm7HMRhLY_5OusCVSICMbMlOhUemGuV/s1400/Churchill%20Ark%20Mk%20II%20bridging%20vehicle%20-%20UK%20pattern-%20%20IWM%20MH%202202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROdzTrPIGk97H4aescZU2meI4EyuriUlDNRYRE1e1AEwCWRnKHwGeOujDWZZyWq2XDy3jTFYsgZRWPEJGLhGnEMBQ0sAagBcoRkDS1UKFfSz18GBSpqUmPSN-v6hlbCToq8apU8Llsfo7ayYZlmzTl6BLBfjdPhm7HMRhLY_5OusCVSICMbMlOhUemGuV/w640-h400/Churchill%20Ark%20Mk%20II%20bridging%20vehicle%20-%20UK%20pattern-%20%20IWM%20MH%202202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Ark Mk II bridging vehicle - UK pattern <br />Notice the left ramps with twice the width of those on the right<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 2202<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> In the testing phase of the evolution of the Mk.I model to the Mk.II, new ramps of different lengths were tested, which would allow larger obstacles to be overcome, but the longer the ramp, the more simplicity and maneuverability were sacrificed. The final version approved for use by the Churchill ARK Mk. II allowed the total overpass length to be 12 to 15 m long. Furthermore, additional 3 m long ramp sections were developed for additional installation on the standard ramps.</div><div> The Churchill ARK Mk. II UK pattern went into production and was supplied to Units, adding and replacing the existing Mk.I versions. replaced in the series produced Mk I. As they were mechanically very similar, this almost standardization allowed the operation of both versions of Churchill ARK at the same time, without major logistical problems. Fifty new ARK Mk.II conversion kits were produced for installation on new tanks and all surviving Churchill ARK Mk Is were gradually upgraded to the new standard.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Churchill ARK Mk.II (Italian pattern)</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> At the same time, military engineers from REME - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighth_Army_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">8th Army</a> operating in Italy developed another version of a Churchill bridging tank, similar to the ARK Mk.II. This tank, converted to Churchill Mk.III tank chassis, in small-scale production in army workshops, was originally called <b><a href="http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_churchill_octopus.html" target="_blank">Octopus</a></b>, but later received the designation Churchill ARK Mk II - Italian pattern. In the manufacture of these machines, English military engineers used American material to make the ramps, with a length of 4.65 or 3.7 m. These ramps were attached to the tank's chassis with hinges and a system of cables was used to keep it in transport position. A difference in relation to the UK pattern was the lack of bridge sections over the tank chassis, in the fenders (which were removed): the floor of the "bridge" ended up being the original locomotion tracks of the tank itself.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjUQ7d8hMc3xLOoV8qszd2RWP831xqZDa6_f0AJCS6T5xUmiH8-e3eG4YLBWl6Bd3k-VA_qzUWAHTm6JJZfGAYOFiGl3FM4S1rZIhpL7kBumwI0wMOEDgmsVOeqkMRKo-fUn2Z7z9wt8L7PTT83d18ueFoaPtXvqLRgLFPGSdBfr5OY9fJM_hhpkvRTTx/s1280/Churchill%20ARK%20bridgelaying%20tanks%20passing%20through%20Forli,%209%20November%201944%20-IWM%20NA%2020000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjUQ7d8hMc3xLOoV8qszd2RWP831xqZDa6_f0AJCS6T5xUmiH8-e3eG4YLBWl6Bd3k-VA_qzUWAHTm6JJZfGAYOFiGl3FM4S1rZIhpL7kBumwI0wMOEDgmsVOeqkMRKo-fUn2Z7z9wt8L7PTT83d18ueFoaPtXvqLRgLFPGSdBfr5OY9fJM_hhpkvRTTx/w640-h464/Churchill%20ARK%20bridgelaying%20tanks%20passing%20through%20Forli,%209%20November%201944%20-IWM%20NA%2020000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchills ARK Mk.II (Italian pattern) tanks<br />passing through<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forl%C3%AC" target="_blank"> Forli</a> - Northern Italy - 9 November 1944 <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM NA 20000</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJqqyCs_nVbqiF4izkQ3O_1y3WBB14c58hQh7FVu4QwdqZRWsC1mlfPfTbMlcWboU3u3XB7RdJQ8ddpl-DcnT6HMNxP_NnRDtWaijxSEPz1d2T1MFxP5_paGNldMHTaHvjAq74qWVagacLUscPnAt0vUa6e0V8AzeVwVfB55PvKjUeijtCCELDUyWtFJC/s1280/Churchill%20Ark%20Mk%20II%20(Italian%20Pattern)%20bridging%20tank%20on%20the%20Gothic%20Line,%203%20September%201944%20%20IWM%20NA%2018327.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJqqyCs_nVbqiF4izkQ3O_1y3WBB14c58hQh7FVu4QwdqZRWsC1mlfPfTbMlcWboU3u3XB7RdJQ8ddpl-DcnT6HMNxP_NnRDtWaijxSEPz1d2T1MFxP5_paGNldMHTaHvjAq74qWVagacLUscPnAt0vUa6e0V8AzeVwVfB55PvKjUeijtCCELDUyWtFJC/w640-h420/Churchill%20Ark%20Mk%20II%20(Italian%20Pattern)%20bridging%20tank%20on%20the%20Gothic%20Line,%203%20September%201944%20%20IWM%20NA%2018327.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARK Mk. II (Italian pattern)<br />on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_Line" target="_blank">Gothic Line</a> - Northern Italy - 3 September 1944 <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM NA 18327</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Other experimental designs of Churchills ARK</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>As a consequence of combat experiences, during 1944 several variations of the Churchill ARK were proposed, but none of them entered the production line, such as the Mk.I and Mk.II models. Of these experimental prototypes, we can mention:</div><div><b>1-Churchill Lakeman ARK</b>: This version used a tank practically in its original configuration, maintaining its armed turret. A raised bridge-type structure was installed on the chassis, over the standard turret. The Churchill Lakeman allowed vehicles using the system to overcome larger verticals. Although the tank remained fully operational, which was a positive point for the design, its use was so restricted that the prototype did not evolve into a production line option.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqMj-xg-2r8LststnUUZqRRwV9NYOrluDdkRnciP74xJhrCsqyh-NYXt47jFcaPjyHfJjOksFq5U_9Zjm1cXlZH1HcKWKiheVvyMzWkMzhXeI7niCJbdhpOnkKMIzkDVm5CkN2yb_qiJ1mPRqflngmBC3G7i0rutJM8EvoMQH_ItRVtEkYvYHhyphenhyphenlfG8IX/s1280/Churchill%20Lakeman%20ARK.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqMj-xg-2r8LststnUUZqRRwV9NYOrluDdkRnciP74xJhrCsqyh-NYXt47jFcaPjyHfJjOksFq5U_9Zjm1cXlZH1HcKWKiheVvyMzWkMzhXeI7niCJbdhpOnkKMIzkDVm5CkN2yb_qiJ1mPRqflngmBC3G7i0rutJM8EvoMQH_ItRVtEkYvYHhyphenhyphenlfG8IX/w640-h498/Churchill%20Lakeman%20ARK.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Lakeman ARK</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>2-Churchill Great Eastern</b> was a bridge-type tank, with the installation on the tank of a more complex bridge structure, made up of three sections, located in the rear region of the chassis, with the front section of the bridge device projecting forward with the aid of solid fuel rockets. Tests of the experimental tanker bridge were successful and an order for 10 pre-production vehicles for more intense military testing was placed. However, as the war in Europe was coming to an end, this order was canceled as it was considered unnecessary.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf1EAO8nWh7GILKSLf_8H4E-FnB5e03pls9JqLHgrBm7XaMJG91U1GDCTVVZwQhMUrGq7hTM-h7GpfzrUO6LMER-f1CNCS4bGnQWK4XGkfC3fMB2XB9o1KP5l4ZSfoVP1HrrUWPLdDZiShAWtk7IqhJoddvAXrlTY-U45p1yBRGFDWe7377hB1azkVC8K/s1024/Churchill%20great%20eastern.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1024" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCf1EAO8nWh7GILKSLf_8H4E-FnB5e03pls9JqLHgrBm7XaMJG91U1GDCTVVZwQhMUrGq7hTM-h7GpfzrUO6LMER-f1CNCS4bGnQWK4XGkfC3fMB2XB9o1KP5l4ZSfoVP1HrrUWPLdDZiShAWtk7IqhJoddvAXrlTY-U45p1yBRGFDWe7377hB1azkVC8K/w640-h388/Churchill%20great%20eastern.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Great Eastern</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Operational use</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> As we have seen, the Churchill ARK concept was developed in 1943 for use in landings in Europe in the near future. Its baptism of operational fire was with the Churchill ARK Mk.I versions, during Operation Overlord, in Normandy - France, on June 6, 1944. With the development of this gigantic operation and the combat lessons learned, the new Mk. II was incorporated into the armies, being used until the end of the Conflict in Europe.</div><div> As the tactical predominance of Allied armies in Europe was attack, ARK vehicles, as well as other specialized engineering vehicles, were used extensively. The use of the Churchill ARK allowed greater fluidity in the motorized movement of allied armies, facilitating the movement of tanks, armored and support vehicles, as well as trucks and logistics material, across the entire front.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRB7quWQKLyk7NAORrA_6YYTdIMOt8ieCdJ06H82kK3KXJFAiE7ec6W0C4OX-6QurhwgBGKg48VZhzimNtnc0LxLoCixoQY4MV-411tctFLCMBckbdxMO_CBYOiMPo0FJRqVGp96VJAVG6bJDl_MhcGqivnF2QeA5JB9ivhTfLnhOLigZlUNYU8JR72Pp/s1280/Achilles%2017pdr%20tank%20destroyer%20crossing%20the%20River%20Savio%20on%20a%20Churchill%20ARK%20which%20was%20driven%20into%20the%20river,%2024%20October%201944.%20%20IWM%20NA%2019759.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRB7quWQKLyk7NAORrA_6YYTdIMOt8ieCdJ06H82kK3KXJFAiE7ec6W0C4OX-6QurhwgBGKg48VZhzimNtnc0LxLoCixoQY4MV-411tctFLCMBckbdxMO_CBYOiMPo0FJRqVGp96VJAVG6bJDl_MhcGqivnF2QeA5JB9ivhTfLnhOLigZlUNYU8JR72Pp/w640-h458/Achilles%2017pdr%20tank%20destroyer%20crossing%20the%20River%20Savio%20on%20a%20Churchill%20ARK%20which%20was%20driven%20into%20the%20river,%2024%20October%201944.%20%20IWM%20NA%2019759.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17pdr_SP_Achilles" target="_blank">Achilles 17pdr tank destroyer</a> crossing the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savio_(river)" target="_blank">River Savio</a>, <br />on a Churchill ARK Mk.II italian pattern, <br />which was driven into the river.<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesena" target="_blank">Cesena area</a> - Northern Italy - 24 October 1944. <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font. IWM NA 19759</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSxwsV-aswSQMUNy1RyijkVpmYOsK0b0ruko2LV_meHdw8RKoTmbcDu9FQ9jIqBzJn2nsKqJ2PAn7lXGsmXm20ueJjdWQAbkW1JovadSjnc04ErDQfUCNsF2ScX_rjk9sL-t2nmhVxjbmFx8PpCPI0JRJOZ3u3-uqSZlum6aiL6Qgq-AnDpRhnHWc52uO/s1280/Achilles%2017pdr%20tank%20destroyer%20of%2093rd%20Anti-Tank%20Regiment%20crossing%20the%20River%20Savio%20on%20a%20Churchill%20ARK%20which%20was%20driven%20into%20the%20river,%2024%20October%201944%20-%20%20IWM%20NA%2019727.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSxwsV-aswSQMUNy1RyijkVpmYOsK0b0ruko2LV_meHdw8RKoTmbcDu9FQ9jIqBzJn2nsKqJ2PAn7lXGsmXm20ueJjdWQAbkW1JovadSjnc04ErDQfUCNsF2ScX_rjk9sL-t2nmhVxjbmFx8PpCPI0JRJOZ3u3-uqSZlum6aiL6Qgq-AnDpRhnHWc52uO/w640-h486/Achilles%2017pdr%20tank%20destroyer%20of%2093rd%20Anti-Tank%20Regiment%20crossing%20the%20River%20Savio%20on%20a%20Churchill%20ARK%20which%20was%20driven%20into%20the%20river,%2024%20October%201944%20-%20%20IWM%20NA%2019727.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same location and vehicles as in the previous photo, seconds later.<br />Achilles 17pdr tank destroyer of 93rd Anti-Tank Regiment<br />crossing the River Savio on a Churchill ARK Mk.II italian pattern,<br />which was driven into the river<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cesena" target="_blank">Cesena area</a> - Northern Italy - 24 October 1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM NA 19727</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLG-reZxbKIXjQQ6wiPqozzOeSoGc6gcxdGpiQNZCD6zS9I1ig2NGf7j4lmDgK7RqpcVsOWlaXlLs8v7sYz3MzYxLMpTsypEo_YIIbH-vi_0dO0Q3kYkpcWoLdilhAv8xcMgSkMrYYyia7e2YarwPAtdal1JmYb2vpBZWUaTEXXo6omPs5kamQ7tJ3vIy/s1280/Churchill%20tank%20of%20the%20North%20Irish%20Horse%20crossing%20the%20River%20Senio%20over%20two%20Churchill%20Ark%20bridging%20tanks,%2010%20April%201945%20-%20IWM%20NA%2023920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLG-reZxbKIXjQQ6wiPqozzOeSoGc6gcxdGpiQNZCD6zS9I1ig2NGf7j4lmDgK7RqpcVsOWlaXlLs8v7sYz3MzYxLMpTsypEo_YIIbH-vi_0dO0Q3kYkpcWoLdilhAv8xcMgSkMrYYyia7e2YarwPAtdal1JmYb2vpBZWUaTEXXo6omPs5kamQ7tJ3vIy/w640-h462/Churchill%20tank%20of%20the%20North%20Irish%20Horse%20crossing%20the%20River%20Senio%20over%20two%20Churchill%20Ark%20bridging%20tanks,%2010%20April%201945%20-%20IWM%20NA%2023920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20IV%20%206%20pdr%20gun-%2043%20caliber%20Mk%20III" target="_blank">Churchill Mk.IV Infantry tank</a> of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Irish_Horse" target="_blank">North Irish Horse</a> crossing <br />the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senio" target="_blank">River Senio</a> over two Churchill ARK Mk.II Italian pattern bridging tanks<br />Northern Italy - 10 April 1945<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM NA 23920</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> Churchill ARKs were regularly used to transport combat and support vehicles across ditches, cliffs, trenches and other smaller obstacles. And with time and operational experience, new methods of using these tanks were being tried and tested. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHVfgb170F2kcfgUHshFwujDNFXzFsiCKmmJUWRfeTDfP2FRgFZ94Z6hwfwDJ4_O7mnduogUspfzBOOLHyP9YMQp6oY8e2RsDDla3urjUi1huIZcrHPrAWHNpgNE9f7Rr85oebZVQTm_jKSJWgujtYqkA2jTFv7W_HfQ4C2IFvDDo_0Dyi4c-a8xQdaHg/s1366/drawings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHVfgb170F2kcfgUHshFwujDNFXzFsiCKmmJUWRfeTDfP2FRgFZ94Z6hwfwDJ4_O7mnduogUspfzBOOLHyP9YMQp6oY8e2RsDDla3urjUi1huIZcrHPrAWHNpgNE9f7Rr85oebZVQTm_jKSJWgujtYqkA2jTFv7W_HfQ4C2IFvDDo_0Dyi4c-a8xQdaHg/w600-h640/drawings.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some examples of the operational use<br />of Churchill ARKs</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> Thus, deep trenches or ravines could be crossed with the help of two or more Churchill ARKs stacked on top of each other. Indeed, the simplicity of using these vehicles was impressive.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwGYjezsITpIbeG8UrcH-Lt8TKNqL5QXOgdIEEmukG6cgMH_DACnIqIj4EfpB0dv97TGUIYcWDWt6urn8qnsororGYfsprLGmkMaZclAxjuqurzj8YdZ7tN26E7SDVn3IOdg54OnxCsVrmllN1geymRezOvAVRcTXY3wYSBqjl4T3EnMras-OZLQ9z6a5/s1280/Sexton%2025pdr%20self-propelled%20gun%20crossing%20the%20River%20Senio%20over%20two%20Churchill%20Ark%20bridging%20tanks,%2010%20April%201945.%20IWM%20NA%2023921.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwGYjezsITpIbeG8UrcH-Lt8TKNqL5QXOgdIEEmukG6cgMH_DACnIqIj4EfpB0dv97TGUIYcWDWt6urn8qnsororGYfsprLGmkMaZclAxjuqurzj8YdZ7tN26E7SDVn3IOdg54OnxCsVrmllN1geymRezOvAVRcTXY3wYSBqjl4T3EnMras-OZLQ9z6a5/w640-h478/Sexton%2025pdr%20self-propelled%20gun%20crossing%20the%20River%20Senio%20over%20two%20Churchill%20Ark%20bridging%20tanks,%2010%20April%201945.%20IWM%20NA%2023921.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Sexton%20Mk.I%20-%2025%20pounder%20SPG" target="_blank">Sexton 25pdr SPG</a> crossing the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senio" target="_blank">River Senio</a> over<br /> two Churchill ARK Mk.II Italian pattern bridging tanks,<br />placed one on top of the other.<br />Northern Italy - 10 April 1945.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM NA 23921</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div> In theory, the Churchill Ark was expected to be expendable, at least in the short term. Once placed in position, it would be left in place until it was no longer needed or a more permanent bridge or ramp could be built. But when it was no longer necessary, some efforts were made to remove it for later reuse, which was generally not easy, but not impossible. Everything depended on where the ARK had been positioned: if the mechanical part could still be activated, the rescue was not very difficult, but if the ARK was positioned in swampy terrain, the use of two or more tractors, as well as cables and pulleys for its displacement it was necessary.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ygqdaAi3qKPGPjZiXa5nu2HfO_kil3Bfi-HnMGbfLu82Teddp_1MJHQvatNxi8MbWAdxJ0izv9O9iE1SfWcxt2GseBkcPkWWhD_NicFd3x-TNxgt38dCEHFO0wzElUdJ1UA2wDVwsooxs2lLN9HMjv5krXs37zXJ8NM78l6WgmJeYTVhSDYwEjuA4hS6/s1280/retriving%20a%20Churchil%20ark.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1280" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ygqdaAi3qKPGPjZiXa5nu2HfO_kil3Bfi-HnMGbfLu82Teddp_1MJHQvatNxi8MbWAdxJ0izv9O9iE1SfWcxt2GseBkcPkWWhD_NicFd3x-TNxgt38dCEHFO0wzElUdJ1UA2wDVwsooxs2lLN9HMjv5krXs37zXJ8NM78l6WgmJeYTVhSDYwEjuA4hS6/w640-h554/retriving%20a%20Churchil%20ark.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo demonstrates the difficulty in recovering a Churchill ARK:<br /> the tank was connected to two 6x6 recovery trucks and a bulldozer.<br />The earth being ploughed up by the ARK suggests they are making some progress.<br />This is a Churchill Mk. II Italian pattern, as we can see the tracks are exposed</td></tr></tbody></table><div> After the WWII, the surviving Churchill ARK tanks remained in operation for some time, but with the withdrawal of Churchill tanks from frontline service in the 1950s, the Churchill ARK's usefulness and advantages diminished until its elimination.</div><div> In the late 1950s, Churchill tanks gave way to new models of larger, heavier and better tanks, with their engineering derivatives being equipped with more effective and modern folding bridge devices, such as the <b>Centurion ARK</b>, used from the mid 60s to the end of the 70s.</div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LfQ-7JnM5NQ3B7AYyHVBuvyQOR59DBre6PK01FQ6PzLnSUjkCwBZZccT-udUZe-nhxNScWzL3wzMzbBTkYAejfWViN9nPQ_a3jmvN-PSWmQFA3alAVb1hW6DA_WCzV3EPMLMAHMIiIsDJlbR5mNuN6EYLU3ytsKUkz_4_1ICmMq0XnDcTT1ktfui2tiy/s1280/Centurion%20ARK.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LfQ-7JnM5NQ3B7AYyHVBuvyQOR59DBre6PK01FQ6PzLnSUjkCwBZZccT-udUZe-nhxNScWzL3wzMzbBTkYAejfWViN9nPQ_a3jmvN-PSWmQFA3alAVb1hW6DA_WCzV3EPMLMAHMIiIsDJlbR5mNuN6EYLU3ytsKUkz_4_1ICmMq0XnDcTT1ktfui2tiy/w640-h426/Centurion%20ARK.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centurion ARK ( Armoured Ramp Carrier) Mk. V<br />The type was in British Army service from 1965 to 1977. <br />This example is on display at the <a href="https://www.re-museum.co.uk/" target="_blank">Royal Engineers Museum</a><br />Gillingham, Kent - UK</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuyvwEKGLF4i-laC0MNRST5Sa5uTR-iMclcVrGo7OQ_muFvrp3OmTEaacMVm7xL70mDTzG51kvsujdnaOei8RafWHdNUejD6PIHXPmSCj5iWw1EbMv2rDwlmuGLD8wJN6drCiQBMLFAo0tbIlVBQwTr77F0YmfeOHOlcTSf84mmIBQ_vLhlR0-68ub9b-/s1280/Mk%20I%20ARK%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipuyvwEKGLF4i-laC0MNRST5Sa5uTR-iMclcVrGo7OQ_muFvrp3OmTEaacMVm7xL70mDTzG51kvsujdnaOei8RafWHdNUejD6PIHXPmSCj5iWw1EbMv2rDwlmuGLD8wJN6drCiQBMLFAo0tbIlVBQwTr77F0YmfeOHOlcTSf84mmIBQ_vLhlR0-68ub9b-/w640-h478/Mk%20I%20ARK%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Churchill ARK Mk.I and Mk.II</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Armoured Ramp Carrier tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1943–1950 </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_World_War" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Second World War">Second World War</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Korean War">Korean War</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">Military engineers from </li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">79thAD and REME</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">T.C.Jones&Co. and REME workshops</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1943–1944</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">50 + 50 conversion kits</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Variants</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Mk.I and Mk.II (Italian and UK pattern)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">36 ton</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.44 m - hull only</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3.25 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.16 m - hull only</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 (commander,radio operator, driver, co-driver/hull gunner)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">102 mm hull front</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">76 mm hull side</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">51 mm hull rear.</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main<br />armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">none</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary<br />armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">hull :7.92mm <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Besa machine gun">Besa mg</a></li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Bedford 12-cylinder, 4 stroke water-cooled,petrol engine<br />350 hp @ 2,200 rpm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">9.1 hp (6.7 kW) / tonne</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brown_Limited" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="David Brown Limited">Merritt-Brown</a> 4-speed <br />constant-mesh epicyclic<br />gearbox</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Coiled spring</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">682 liters</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">120–210 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">24 km/h</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Steering system</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Triple differential steering<br />in gearbox</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The kits:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> For this project, you will need two amazing <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af35154-churchill-mk-iv--120564" target="_blank">British Infantry Tank Churchill Mk IV - AFV Club (#AF35154)</a> and two excellent conversion kits from Resicast: <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/es/kits/resicast-351204-churchill-ark-mk-i-conversion--314475" target="_blank">Churchill ARK Mk I conversion kit (#351204)</a> and <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/resicast-351222-ark-italian-pattern--941779" target="_blank">Churchill ARK Mk.II italian pattern conversion kit (#351222)</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBUvV7ciPOW1HjWUDAXwDn_bfFIgqDdKs4i7IlWQe6ZawnNa2ZUj_4J9NUuGMgZHoQMar3NDAuXwbFV1ZDSK8PaTHD6vIirLRHYuAlX5bkDFZpQx24_CNWz223Rfgq607CS98VRqiBtGrpbxZH88tBbEht9-xU6dQd4VQ-wLTs966xBROl4qQ4M2lxPfc/s1024/AFV%20club%20box%20art%20Churchill%20Mk.IV.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1024" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBUvV7ciPOW1HjWUDAXwDn_bfFIgqDdKs4i7IlWQe6ZawnNa2ZUj_4J9NUuGMgZHoQMar3NDAuXwbFV1ZDSK8PaTHD6vIirLRHYuAlX5bkDFZpQx24_CNWz223Rfgq607CS98VRqiBtGrpbxZH88tBbEht9-xU6dQd4VQ-wLTs966xBROl4qQ4M2lxPfc/w640-h394/AFV%20club%20box%20art%20Churchill%20Mk.IV.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Infantry Tank Churchill Mk IV <br />AFV Club kit box art (#AF35154)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6hTMksWLydqwss5MQlGp3HyksVvua9l6gAq-aam4kxh-xZi-PDzKGRW_7vw3D8fcfelZZs8380WeLLqY_7g1U1KE_voYoz2rbsH2UK6k5InIYHus-RqVpx2KPgh3h7_YyB4yjKaFdtTDxltBCzfZdqf_qNS_ov9aVcT1N7td1ucNDVQh651Sr4oO5nFt/s1024/Resicast%20ARK%20Mk.I%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1024" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6hTMksWLydqwss5MQlGp3HyksVvua9l6gAq-aam4kxh-xZi-PDzKGRW_7vw3D8fcfelZZs8380WeLLqY_7g1U1KE_voYoz2rbsH2UK6k5InIYHus-RqVpx2KPgh3h7_YyB4yjKaFdtTDxltBCzfZdqf_qNS_ov9aVcT1N7td1ucNDVQh651Sr4oO5nFt/w640-h450/Resicast%20ARK%20Mk.I%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARK Mk I conversion kit<br />Resicast box art (#351204)<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEqd8MrFcwkhmm66rZ5_TvJoDI8gcaQQimkQiMStccPtP1hL-BCxZDo2LmXdy2sDiRpGbMgkUNmXDaGXkMZTUyPKgIxmX51GTesh_Lk8Go3vNN_TyQEJD7HmchkPE0IdlqbS5d3b-Yyi5ZGHl3ErehlADpt64XpylZcXL5RUWNO42phdlfkhAy8v2xFZ5/s1024/Resicast%20ARK%20Mk.II%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1024" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEqd8MrFcwkhmm66rZ5_TvJoDI8gcaQQimkQiMStccPtP1hL-BCxZDo2LmXdy2sDiRpGbMgkUNmXDaGXkMZTUyPKgIxmX51GTesh_Lk8Go3vNN_TyQEJD7HmchkPE0IdlqbS5d3b-Yyi5ZGHl3ErehlADpt64XpylZcXL5RUWNO42phdlfkhAy8v2xFZ5/w640-h454/Resicast%20ARK%20Mk.II%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARK Mk II Italian pattern conversion kit<br />Resicast box art (#351222)<span style="text-align: justify;"> <br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Soon...constructive steps!!!</span></b></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-87067494457214194782023-12-19T06:32:00.020-03:002024-03-17T13:37:32.088-03:00 Matilda I - Tank Infantry, Mk I - (A11) - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tankers!!!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The subject of this report is nothing more than the predecessor of a glorious lineage of infantry tanks, but which was born completely out of date for modern fast-moving warfare. Let's get to know the <b>Tank, </b><b>Infantry , </b><b>Mark I (A11) Matilda I.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmJ0uBE6B20LvspyfA4lhyphenhyphenmOSN1Eqh64HyoH9efSa_8f3Cl3E8SHxwEXrwV1NFtT4ItRxNLQ-0ciAYVHXNAiVl4KAZGDVaKlFYH2d_8ZIf__Z-7yUxOSgzjFUny1B5dWQj_oOI5RpKzeARMGfEYZYm8y_sKhqcqlDemlm1CJlCUpe_7hbZT_YlWRj5ng1/s1280/matilda%20joke%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmJ0uBE6B20LvspyfA4lhyphenhyphenmOSN1Eqh64HyoH9efSa_8f3Cl3E8SHxwEXrwV1NFtT4ItRxNLQ-0ciAYVHXNAiVl4KAZGDVaKlFYH2d_8ZIf__Z-7yUxOSgzjFUny1B5dWQj_oOI5RpKzeARMGfEYZYm8y_sKhqcqlDemlm1CJlCUpe_7hbZT_YlWRj5ng1/w640-h484/matilda%20joke%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modified from IWM O 747 picture</td></tr></tbody></table><b>History:</b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Tank, Infantry, Mk I, Matilda I (A11) </b>was a British <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infantry_tank">infantry tank</a> of the Second World War. Despite her low travel speed and a very cramped interior for the crew, the Matilda I achieved some success during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_France">Battle of France</a> in 1940. This was largely due to her heavy armor, which made her virtually immune to standard German anti-tank guns. , of the time.. But equipped with its only machine gun, it was virtually useless, taking into account its offensive capacity, and could not inflict any damage on enemy armor. She was a completely outdated tank before she was even put into active service.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq5jrA-DMriXDASdwtnRu63xPkDlfLThqVwSq46PyW-szDj7NITwKvS9EuoClJWr4wjo-OPT_lt5_rXzX2LmNkoWf2XL413kYE54h1OTz1YJJQdFK3mF7JmQX-Dbsqrs0A_thZtxjcHZtB9ILTJMp9ourqsAkRcrb6oOBze5v3imJQfFjE06MYh-FoyNM/s1400/Infantry%20tank%20Mk%20I%20Matilda%20I%20(A11)%20%20IWM%20KID%201081.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1400" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlq5jrA-DMriXDASdwtnRu63xPkDlfLThqVwSq46PyW-szDj7NITwKvS9EuoClJWr4wjo-OPT_lt5_rXzX2LmNkoWf2XL413kYE54h1OTz1YJJQdFK3mF7JmQX-Dbsqrs0A_thZtxjcHZtB9ILTJMp9ourqsAkRcrb6oOBze5v3imJQfFjE06MYh-FoyNM/w640-h388/Infantry%20tank%20Mk%20I%20Matilda%20I%20(A11)%20%20IWM%20KID%201081.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infantry tank Mk I Matilda I (A11) <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM KID 1081</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Battle of France was the only time that Matilda I was employed in an operational capacity. The tank was built extremely economically, as with the winds of War blowing over Europe, the British Government did not want to spend much on a tank that they themselves recognized as temporary. The Matilda I should not be confused with the model that replaced it, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_II_tank">Tank, Infantry Mk II (A12)</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_II" target="_blank">Matilda II</a>, which inherited the name "Matilda" after the A11 was withdrawn from active service in 1940.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcABQ4TE8o2dS2IuBj9kG38e1ZTxzyLH7BGUxiwFzClPAliWvWXSO20JJTWywwN1cdr-BxrOvr6AL8NRnRZMqrFGhscB8MreglKOVvyr9dMPTZlj0WX36iILeenhQnaB11Ez1-J7VfEXo0CzFmPqCuAo41x08puE7c-LRjfQojoEgOdl0tKvc0x1XE9PG/s1280/Infantry%20Tank%20Mk%20II%20Matilda%20(A12).%20Initial%20production%20type%20%20IWM%20KID%20586.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcABQ4TE8o2dS2IuBj9kG38e1ZTxzyLH7BGUxiwFzClPAliWvWXSO20JJTWywwN1cdr-BxrOvr6AL8NRnRZMqrFGhscB8MreglKOVvyr9dMPTZlj0WX36iILeenhQnaB11Ez1-J7VfEXo0CzFmPqCuAo41x08puE7c-LRjfQojoEgOdl0tKvc0x1XE9PG/w640-h422/Infantry%20Tank%20Mk%20II%20Matilda%20(A12).%20Initial%20production%20type%20%20IWM%20KID%20586.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infantry Tank Mk II Matilda (A12),<br />who would later be known as "Queen of the Desert"<br />Initial production type <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM KID 586</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b>Development:</b> <br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> At the end of the 1920s, in 1929 more precisely, the Imperial General Staff announced an extensive review of the establishments and organization within the British Army, motivated by recent experiences in the use of mechanization in the Armies, after the end of WWI. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Infantry was chosen to initiate these changes, with two brigades designated for experimental purposes, each supported by a battalion of "light tanks", which in this case were the completely unsuitable <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carden_Loyd_tankette" target="_blank">Carden-Loyd Mark VI Machine Gun Carriers</a>. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnUxQ1hJcplSVHPKgohhyME22kVVH1CgcODV63R5hfEujXxD6v2kSLN7JmEddwoX3D300D8C9kwu0JfSJG1TNf3WzoG9f5snVoU9EFoO2BSLcstjQreDG0ffNbXpWpnktFN25RXdh3shvqWeht7mHEJPOKyI6C6BB7feh7viyW6aWb4An6xRLHtNta3LS/s1331/Carden-Loyd%20Mk%20VI%20Machine%20Gun%20Carrier%20%20IWM%20KID%20600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1331" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnUxQ1hJcplSVHPKgohhyME22kVVH1CgcODV63R5hfEujXxD6v2kSLN7JmEddwoX3D300D8C9kwu0JfSJG1TNf3WzoG9f5snVoU9EFoO2BSLcstjQreDG0ffNbXpWpnktFN25RXdh3shvqWeht7mHEJPOKyI6C6BB7feh7viyW6aWb4An6xRLHtNta3LS/w640-h374/Carden-Loyd%20Mk%20VI%20Machine%20Gun%20Carrier%20%20IWM%20KID%20600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carden-Loyd Mark VI Machine Gun Carrier - 1927.<br />Very, very light tankette...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> War games were played and the exercises indicated what the infantry would expect their tanks to do on the battlefield. The infantry wanted the tanks to be the spearhead of the advance, penetrating the enemy defensive lines, moving slowly forward, allowing the soldiers to follow this advance and to be heavily armored, to be able to absorb enemy fire.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> By 1934, all conclusions were pointing to a tank specially developed for this task. The Inspector of the Royal Tank Corps, <a href="https://generals.dk/general/Hobart/Percy_Cleghorn_Stanley/Great_Britain.html" target="_blank">Major-General Percy C. S. Hobart</a>, after consultation, detailed the two possible alternatives for the future Infantry Tank:: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>A small, cheap, not exuberant tank, reasonably well armored and equipped with a machine gun, but with the possibility of being supplied in large quantities on the battlefield, in order to suffocate the enemy defenses by numbers, or...</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>A larger, expensive tank, armed with a cannon and having a robust armor, strong enough to withstand enemy field artillery. </li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmrXXLZioqIiXTt3t3qbwijksAi4063kEyOqleNvh-wAwHKZ9eB26Jr-vwP2Id-oM_ulu0MuyTtHKNb4d1AxwGk6hf-KDTXgDltHeGbGPT6_G9Fq87RlCKt_4yycsN7sAKnkeAlvTf-u9Kp-2Rfviy6NCoFg7PdcV0qY7HEhR1aSRs79_W54AkcryCoiH/s1279/Major-General%20Percy%20Hobart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmrXXLZioqIiXTt3t3qbwijksAi4063kEyOqleNvh-wAwHKZ9eB26Jr-vwP2Id-oM_ulu0MuyTtHKNb4d1AxwGk6hf-KDTXgDltHeGbGPT6_G9Fq87RlCKt_4yycsN7sAKnkeAlvTf-u9Kp-2Rfviy6NCoFg7PdcV0qY7HEhR1aSRs79_W54AkcryCoiH/w320-h400/Major-General%20Percy%20Hobart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Hobart" target="_blank">Major-General</a><span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Hobart" target="_blank"> Sir Percy Cleghorn Stanley Hobart</a>, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_British_Empire">KBE</a><span>, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companion_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath">CB</a><span>, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Service_Order">DSO</a><span>, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Cross">MC</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Royal Tank Regiment)</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 14th of June 1885</div><div style="text-align: center;">† 19th of February 1957</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nickname: Hobo</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> For this task, two men were primarily responsible for developing the Infantry Tank concept: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Elles" target="_blank">Sir Hugh Jamieson Elles</a>, Master General of Ordnance (M.G.O.), and <a href="https://generals.dk/general/Davidson/Alexander_Elliott/Great_Britain.html" target="_blank">Major-General A. E. Davidson</a>, as Director of Mechanization (D.o.M.). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWW101Hmxjbrk2TpwsF68cSQFYatYvWyu2AgpX1UC1aiN5r03DncGqYSyOKhF3GnHKlrJ5ciXsm5T-SMs-d-BxIl8MiGu-fxIlYOPiykKN1LDXN-Xq8Zbi9WkpzMcAG1GKOTwpzNHkxQbUg9dGNa0G09VEKnPD7rgjnPn6-8j3gxOnyqncyD_fWiA7PsA/s862/Sir%20Hugh%20Jamieson%20Elles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWW101Hmxjbrk2TpwsF68cSQFYatYvWyu2AgpX1UC1aiN5r03DncGqYSyOKhF3GnHKlrJ5ciXsm5T-SMs-d-BxIl8MiGu-fxIlYOPiykKN1LDXN-Xq8Zbi9WkpzMcAG1GKOTwpzNHkxQbUg9dGNa0G09VEKnPD7rgjnPn6-8j3gxOnyqncyD_fWiA7PsA/w301-h400/Sir%20Hugh%20Jamieson%20Elles.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Lt Gen</span><span style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Elles" target="_blank">Sir Hugh Jamieson Elles</a> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath" style="text-align: left;">KCB</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_Commander_of_the_Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George" style="text-align: left;">KCMG</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_Commander_of_the_Royal_Victorian_Order" style="text-align: left;">KCVO</a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Service_Order" style="text-align: left;">DSO</a><br /><div>(<span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> </span>Master-General of the Ordnance)</div><div>* 27th of May 1880</div><div>† 11th of July 1945</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwD2qf4Zaptk8a9tjJMR4NGTyZc3z9bCSo2THCoYGfErWKIwbb3H8BR8qrHXJidxU1SZUpli-YPRjeCVPBctY2roo97ziU05w5OeDGwLvCC_KxFu1TzM8ENB4UvCaRYDqbXjNqx-gw54DHkjJpRTSzZp7V0fcaoP0C7ZPGAFTE065hj2qVEAU1DaXoxC2/s1024/Alexander%20Elliott%20Davidson.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1024" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwD2qf4Zaptk8a9tjJMR4NGTyZc3z9bCSo2THCoYGfErWKIwbb3H8BR8qrHXJidxU1SZUpli-YPRjeCVPBctY2roo97ziU05w5OeDGwLvCC_KxFu1TzM8ENB4UvCaRYDqbXjNqx-gw54DHkjJpRTSzZp7V0fcaoP0C7ZPGAFTE065hj2qVEAU1DaXoxC2/w320-h313/Alexander%20Elliott%20Davidson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://generals.dk/general/Davidson/Alexander_Elliott/Great_Britain.html">Major-General Alexander Elliott Davidson</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Royal Engineers)</div><div style="text-align: center;">* 15th of August 1880</div><div style="text-align: center;">† 29th of January 1962</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Both had experienced the problems of WWI trench warfare and thinking about future conflicts, neither of them wanted a repeat of the massacre of infantry, the stupid advances of unprotected men on enemy automatic weapons, typical of the First World War. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ciwdNHEzCb2Fd9gjuGl2dJXhViS0ULCZWI9xjLSNmsUNXVkT-TGYGM_iuF6FGVP0X72MT9hpTFOA7_fiD4n4lDeKGI4YbLi5swcrJ4MF1icOLxHu0_jSPzOOr2Zopw_Mz-ApcsMoulscd7aqW9VFSFpCbv2MiGPJJT-F81sDrMFhOkGRztxcvHCNbPWd/s1280/Battle%20of%20the%20Somme,%201%20July%201916%20%20IWM%20Q%2070165.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ciwdNHEzCb2Fd9gjuGl2dJXhViS0ULCZWI9xjLSNmsUNXVkT-TGYGM_iuF6FGVP0X72MT9hpTFOA7_fiD4n4lDeKGI4YbLi5swcrJ4MF1icOLxHu0_jSPzOOr2Zopw_Mz-ApcsMoulscd7aqW9VFSFpCbv2MiGPJJT-F81sDrMFhOkGRztxcvHCNbPWd/w640-h386/Battle%20of%20the%20Somme,%201%20July%201916%20%20IWM%20Q%2070165.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span> </span>Infantry leaving the trench, advancing without cover, across No Man's Land<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Somme" target="_blank">Battle of the Somme</a> - July 1916<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM Q 70165</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> An armored vehicle should be built to assist and protect the infantry. It would have to be well armored, to be able to advance on the enemy trenches, destroying the machine gun nests that claimed so many lives in the previous conflict. This is how the concept of the Infantry Tank was born.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The final decision rested with the Master-General of the Ordnance, General Sir Hugh Jamieson Elles, Commander of the Tank Corps in France during the WWI. Influenced by his own experience, Elles strongly favored the concept of infantry tanks and constrained by a peacetime economy, gave the go-ahead for construction for the smaller, cheaper type, as first priority.</div></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"> At the end of 1935, in October, the head of tank design at </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers" style="text-align: justify;">Vickers-Armstrongs Ltd</a><span style="text-align: justify;">., </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_John_Carden,_6th_Baronet" style="text-align: justify;">Sir John Carden</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, after a meeting at the War Office about the new infantry tank, came out with the outline of a proposal for the construction of a small two-man tank, armed with a single machine gun, but two conditions: </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ol><li>The vehicle had to be ready within six months.</li><li>The vehicle had to be cheap. </li></ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp8UiSq1fgK97C5OAHZiJ2VgL1Dw_IBlE2jK-_eKG7Hj4uTul_5xDKGdY-G8ZoW959t_fI9A1BQADaV9aAFeI9bzolrdsUhwLXSH51AYeLlqVjn4M6kRps1mk0kc5s5oJaUQTt8Nfta0ScqDKrKSagisCBBjG2XVYZ6WF4d08OX3RKQG75NILZ79tIIxm/s620/Sir%20John%20Valentine%20Carden,%206th%20Baronet%20october%201935.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp8UiSq1fgK97C5OAHZiJ2VgL1Dw_IBlE2jK-_eKG7Hj4uTul_5xDKGdY-G8ZoW959t_fI9A1BQADaV9aAFeI9bzolrdsUhwLXSH51AYeLlqVjn4M6kRps1mk0kc5s5oJaUQTt8Nfta0ScqDKrKSagisCBBjG2XVYZ6WF4d08OX3RKQG75NILZ79tIIxm/w310-h320/Sir%20John%20Valentine%20Carden,%206th%20Baronet%20october%201935.jpg" width="310" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_John_Carden,_6th_Baronet">Sir John Valentine Carden, 6th Baronet</a> , <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_British_Empire">MBE</a><br /></span><div>* 6th of February 1892</div><div>† 10th of December 1935</div></td></tr></tbody></table> Immediately, Sir John Carden scribbled down some sketches of what this future small infantry tank would be.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDvxCsxsrxTLXgo6sHBDI0fIrYlz6oNO7-oIOct8Lq5gYYiwm05FBCb-zDmdUnRsrDNDfp42ZdUQL9PHH4zzxkO4YKDL3OVLbVsttOScxagCxrYpOKD7nECVXwbUHlgylCBpGkSh-B9-iUUx3x9HM5S6zBaw-DL8bz2zkZ1gvMjG_iXzoXSXEcJbT9ktz/s1280/John%20Carden%E2%80%99s%20original%20sketch%20of%20the%20A.11%20-%2003-10-1935.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDvxCsxsrxTLXgo6sHBDI0fIrYlz6oNO7-oIOct8Lq5gYYiwm05FBCb-zDmdUnRsrDNDfp42ZdUQL9PHH4zzxkO4YKDL3OVLbVsttOScxagCxrYpOKD7nECVXwbUHlgylCBpGkSh-B9-iUUx3x9HM5S6zBaw-DL8bz2zkZ1gvMjG_iXzoXSXEcJbT9ktz/w640-h322/John%20Carden%E2%80%99s%20original%20sketch%20of%20the%20A.11%20-%2003-10-1935.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Carden’s original sketch of the A.11 <br />Notice the Vickers suspension, the two men crew<br />and the main armament of the tank<br />03-10-1935<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: Fletcher, D. (1991). Mechanised Force. HMSO, UK</span></td></tr></tbody></table> It would bear the General Staff specification number A11. As always, the deadlines were not strictly respected, but the prototype, designated as A11E1 (WD (War Department No.T1724), was ready for testing by the Mechanization Experimental Establishment (MEE) in September 1936.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMGWpW9XT9jlZJgANhN-TbOcKrD_gDRpgjHTCuDQCnLWZO5BEKCaLNVlJSbUl0aBYoQvTnBHDnzm6UPrg8VJRhZY67unExDi0eNRTHPE6jTqAKcPsJ2Za_-N9xi-V5TCau6Er8BvmiF0yiIOmVm7BCQDpTX2dr-vpYfEqfGGJHKrkuQU6Jo2_-YlJcNA3/s1280/A11E1%20prototype.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMGWpW9XT9jlZJgANhN-TbOcKrD_gDRpgjHTCuDQCnLWZO5BEKCaLNVlJSbUl0aBYoQvTnBHDnzm6UPrg8VJRhZY67unExDi0eNRTHPE6jTqAKcPsJ2Za_-N9xi-V5TCau6Er8BvmiF0yiIOmVm7BCQDpTX2dr-vpYfEqfGGJHKrkuQU6Jo2_-YlJcNA3/w640-h410/A11E1%20prototype.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A11E1 prototype T1724 (first version)<br />Infantry Tank Mk I Matilda (A11).<br />right front view<br />Notice the toothed front idler wheel and very crude details in the hull.<br />Notice the driver's hatch fully open, interfering with MG.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The prototype tank was small, with a low and narrow hull, with a small cylindrical cast steel turret, containing a Vickers machine gun, amidships. This turret was quite cramped for the Commander, and the conditions of the driver, located in front of him in an equally cramped compartment, was not much better. Another unpleasant detail was that the driver's hatch interfered with the machine gun in the turret, because when the gun was pointing forward, the hatch would only open with the gun at maximum elevation. The first version of the prototype featured the toothed idler wheel, but this was soon modified in the same prototype, as a measure to help combat the accentuated wear of the tracks. (see pic above). </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZLSwpMsLSuwiQM1stc2B8dKWDMHtaUPor933k6Jbjr3ALPPVNMCKIq7ivIio9q1dv1mZURzeTH-H3O0zck7rZ28wbJkiD1uMXAJEuyPlIxN2u2qfRkwONVsbapFYuVoTbd_X8dMINJcye5MYPP2n4W29zcbp6HWQ_jodxHEqKsq8sp_pYSJAM5xQP4px/s1280/A11E1%20prototype3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZLSwpMsLSuwiQM1stc2B8dKWDMHtaUPor933k6Jbjr3ALPPVNMCKIq7ivIio9q1dv1mZURzeTH-H3O0zck7rZ28wbJkiD1uMXAJEuyPlIxN2u2qfRkwONVsbapFYuVoTbd_X8dMINJcye5MYPP2n4W29zcbp6HWQ_jodxHEqKsq8sp_pYSJAM5xQP4px/w640-h444/A11E1%20prototype3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A11E1 prototype T1724 (CMN 880)<br />Infantry Tank Mk I Matilda (A11).<br />front top right view<br />Note the lip on the upper front portion of the turret.<br />(typical of the prototype) and the turret's roof has removed.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthHFwdnsTwU6SmMEvRFu2m3ezWbKtT_f5czX8rpVn96RWrvFCln1pSqmg5k5TwXf-S3RoM3lUtfa4ik6dNHBQdW1566jX1J4hk8w-bXIATfmp7Ta8amsD082a-llGZDIokwxZSfS0ttNkRSYBGPTebFEyHbVv9CdHtyyI6wf09V78vlBEGDUomKXk6SUU/s1280/A11E1%20prototype5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthHFwdnsTwU6SmMEvRFu2m3ezWbKtT_f5czX8rpVn96RWrvFCln1pSqmg5k5TwXf-S3RoM3lUtfa4ik6dNHBQdW1566jX1J4hk8w-bXIATfmp7Ta8amsD082a-llGZDIokwxZSfS0ttNkRSYBGPTebFEyHbVv9CdHtyyI6wf09V78vlBEGDUomKXk6SUU/w640-h452/A11E1%20prototype5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A11E1 prototype T1724 (CMN 880)<br />Infantry Tank Mk I Matilda (A11).<br />Trials on uneven ground. Note the presence of rear fenders and <br />a tool box just behind the idler wheel. The turret's roof has not yet been installed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQxnSYZPyqXBzcmUup0bB2zAQOD7BCe9n24p1DaOAPq6D5ae2FVOfOegcYRZW6-vFimrLxoU5FMx037gMX7E3YHvMN4-hP9GTZO7GsltuQuOndft9E8GCE08vu1m6h-59kZuDAAzy1zjaQDKBjAb0mSn31kz-fTz3-x88B65GS-V9_FwgzI8mFkHpPKau/s1400/Infantry%20Tank%20Mk%20I%20Matilda%20(A11).%20A11E1%20prototype%20%20IWM%20KID%20158.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1400" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQxnSYZPyqXBzcmUup0bB2zAQOD7BCe9n24p1DaOAPq6D5ae2FVOfOegcYRZW6-vFimrLxoU5FMx037gMX7E3YHvMN4-hP9GTZO7GsltuQuOndft9E8GCE08vu1m6h-59kZuDAAzy1zjaQDKBjAb0mSn31kz-fTz3-x88B65GS-V9_FwgzI8mFkHpPKau/w640-h366/Infantry%20Tank%20Mk%20I%20Matilda%20(A11).%20A11E1%20prototype%20%20IWM%20KID%20158.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same A11E1 prototype T1724 (improved version)<br />Infantry Tank Mk I Matilda (A11).<br />Notice the toothless idler wheel and complete roof turret<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM KID 158<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAfQS4ZLPpD8B3EEo-3WT6Ggrxjaq4H9Wftho3nrAQL4x7KSUSz1NmH1IY89PC84bihnMR2hPCfjtREuWRY9t5Ln3mLSFjyPBkOOEMUUZ23StCxLuKqlAKHkaCxA4Dlbc_vZH66B4Jqfe6R1dVmspSWl2ikbqqJQ_1XBY1Z42Jjug2SGVvC7M075TEyjB/s1400/nfantry%20Tank%20Mk%20I%20Matilda%20I%20prototype%20%20IWM%20KID%2068.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1400" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAfQS4ZLPpD8B3EEo-3WT6Ggrxjaq4H9Wftho3nrAQL4x7KSUSz1NmH1IY89PC84bihnMR2hPCfjtREuWRY9t5Ln3mLSFjyPBkOOEMUUZ23StCxLuKqlAKHkaCxA4Dlbc_vZH66B4Jqfe6R1dVmspSWl2ikbqqJQ_1XBY1Z42Jjug2SGVvC7M075TEyjB/w640-h404/nfantry%20Tank%20Mk%20I%20Matilda%20I%20prototype%20%20IWM%20KID%2068.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A11E1 prototype T1724 (CMN 880)<br />Infantry Tank Mk I Matilda (A11).<br />front right view<br />Note the turret fully assembled<br /> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM KID 68</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCLsNLyVtS1of32GEnX8KXbeVae8mC2eCh9XnmbVcF_puiHHUMIn9-WY6vDqPqe-Kv4jGeU_pv8Ic_ZXCTR9snSdHGzxr2A9sYytzJxD0IcSfJYE-CzcQzfJvBFxHhD9Jm7Y3LyQ-JU3KJxCOzdPV3hsDgLHG7wybOUUuk0BKiPni4AuyIbHcjhFN4x0w/s1400/Matilda%20I%20A11E1%20IWM%20STT%202254.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1400" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCLsNLyVtS1of32GEnX8KXbeVae8mC2eCh9XnmbVcF_puiHHUMIn9-WY6vDqPqe-Kv4jGeU_pv8Ic_ZXCTR9snSdHGzxr2A9sYytzJxD0IcSfJYE-CzcQzfJvBFxHhD9Jm7Y3LyQ-JU3KJxCOzdPV3hsDgLHG7wybOUUuk0BKiPni4AuyIbHcjhFN4x0w/w640-h352/Matilda%20I%20A11E1%20IWM%20STT%202254.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A11E1 prototype T1724 (CMN 880)<br />Infantry Tank Mk I Matilda (A11).<br />rear left view<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM STT 2254</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Designed for quick delivery as well as low cost, the A11 tank used many stock parts from other vehicles: a Ford V8, 3.6 Litre, petrol, Model 79, with 70 hp, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fordson">Fordson</a> gearbox, a steering mechanism similar to the one used in <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20light%20tank%20Mk%20VIB" target="_blank">Vickers light tanks Mk VIs</a>, driving the rear sprockets. All these mechanical parts were installed in the rear portion of the tank.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrP3m81LdolXdIi-Zkp8eDPRfGS8CffiEcNeMaZxo-vdWJvBbGHtYMDCd2blBxdeBmOjc5Zhh3NhapgdTvX7Bc6ug9WgYLa1CWNojvTSPt9IyJnRxudMZziDJGL-2Gb3usxfeTcs-9MqpjjSFawzongcfhhQnlL10r2MWYpPZYCe02G6QEfaJkRbqz3Bl/s1280/Matilda%20I%20engine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrP3m81LdolXdIi-Zkp8eDPRfGS8CffiEcNeMaZxo-vdWJvBbGHtYMDCd2blBxdeBmOjc5Zhh3NhapgdTvX7Bc6ug9WgYLa1CWNojvTSPt9IyJnRxudMZziDJGL-2Gb3usxfeTcs-9MqpjjSFawzongcfhhQnlL10r2MWYpPZYCe02G6QEfaJkRbqz3Bl/w640-h394/Matilda%20I%20engine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I (A11) engine</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UYvLBhS5P8lrKaX0HExO5krJc9iR-bgv7lmR3scanRfQ1K2QRGIqivG_PlpGsdPqNbn0NdQ1EwQKFw5u1SRuO467MJYvjXHuBhkosfd7FCJKUzq-1qfByU0X4y1njtLOz7QJ5zoKOdl_XvzdRoq3ynloFdP1_x7NIpSS17geB0zWqUjEv2GCsMgHD3t5/s1024/Matilda%20I%20engine2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1024" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UYvLBhS5P8lrKaX0HExO5krJc9iR-bgv7lmR3scanRfQ1K2QRGIqivG_PlpGsdPqNbn0NdQ1EwQKFw5u1SRuO467MJYvjXHuBhkosfd7FCJKUzq-1qfByU0X4y1njtLOz7QJ5zoKOdl_XvzdRoq3ynloFdP1_x7NIpSS17geB0zWqUjEv2GCsMgHD3t5/w640-h468/Matilda%20I%20engine2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I (A11) engine bay.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Drawings kindly provided by our friend<br />Stephen Tegner. Thank you, my friend!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> See, below, the engine bay of the Matilda I. The left cover engine is lifted, in the picture. In the diagram below, identify in the lids (checkered in red) the two of the three hinges of the cover (red circles), the the left handle of the transmission cover lid (blue circle) and the first anterior hinge of the left hull edge (in green). The engine practically fills the entire space. Notice the radiator and fan, just before the fire wall. The angle of view is from posterior to anterior (olive green arrow):</div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD19QGq9CgEmD3Fkc-Ml2Jrjb_68o_CS3I-9JEiUV3P7p1-vUDm3pV1q-4Yf8SYrxuDS1dEPC8GUmYB-zAyv-lnF8J9R7SMg-JUZI1dtVHC2Sb5PYjGw9QWJWYZP6cnKXGA8P7s6X1_-cLyEsqKWWaBX4oOKHeEi8D_dd_rlx1E154nCDCkhH2gPQmhmHc/s1586/Ford%20V8%20Engine%20A11%20in%20position.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1586" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD19QGq9CgEmD3Fkc-Ml2Jrjb_68o_CS3I-9JEiUV3P7p1-vUDm3pV1q-4Yf8SYrxuDS1dEPC8GUmYB-zAyv-lnF8J9R7SMg-JUZI1dtVHC2Sb5PYjGw9QWJWYZP6cnKXGA8P7s6X1_-cLyEsqKWWaBX4oOKHeEi8D_dd_rlx1E154nCDCkhH2gPQmhmHc/w640-h328/Ford%20V8%20Engine%20A11%20in%20position.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The Ford V8, 3.6 Litre, petrol engine,installed </span>in the tank rear hull.<br /><span style="text-align: justify;">Identify the details highlighted in the drawing (left) with<br />their counterparts in the photo, in the right.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The suspension train was adapted from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Medium_Dragon">Vickers Mk IV Dragon artillery tractor</a>, that was based on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_6-ton">Vickers 6-Ton Tank</a>. The suspension design is from John Carden.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnE21XmYJI0a2t-g8oN8zKpP4bgxLd8e3ey7ht56yU8DgjjRynjjYn4-817LCz2UM7IjMV9LJEclapgTefh5s8f5IsAaZYuwUN2V5C2zBGfqEq_EFkdKjlBRoPSuyXNLw-ctxbqiaUEB9LVPyz7ojr0m31OJw5OP07LBsV6qSkUOTnasLSOYI87JhVoAt/s1280/Suspension%20element%20designed%20by%20John%20Carden%20and%20used%20widely%20on%20Vickers%20tanks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnE21XmYJI0a2t-g8oN8zKpP4bgxLd8e3ey7ht56yU8DgjjRynjjYn4-817LCz2UM7IjMV9LJEclapgTefh5s8f5IsAaZYuwUN2V5C2zBGfqEq_EFkdKjlBRoPSuyXNLw-ctxbqiaUEB9LVPyz7ojr0m31OJw5OP07LBsV6qSkUOTnasLSOYI87JhVoAt/w640-h500/Suspension%20element%20designed%20by%20John%20Carden%20and%20used%20widely%20on%20Vickers%20tanks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspension element designed by John Carden and<br />used widely on Vickers light tanks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLb1vrCfsK69Ix3AdHLWsI8CKTMyeriixvG0LZZj-3keARCBcKKjv-2wQjYj4Ae1BzNb53pS-ckoc6kUQsxvOTv-mP2WtLINgT4tI9kuIuJPGqmaJ2Bs9zyvItwrQdTv7vcnPXCWFuIoN_tOj_2iO1FxkalmlAoIK0nvkzaPjLqR_5IRiPrX3V3rFGA7i/s1280/Vickers%206%20ton%20Tank%20twin%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLb1vrCfsK69Ix3AdHLWsI8CKTMyeriixvG0LZZj-3keARCBcKKjv-2wQjYj4Ae1BzNb53pS-ckoc6kUQsxvOTv-mP2WtLINgT4tI9kuIuJPGqmaJ2Bs9zyvItwrQdTv7vcnPXCWFuIoN_tOj_2iO1FxkalmlAoIK0nvkzaPjLqR_5IRiPrX3V3rFGA7i/w640-h398/Vickers%206%20ton%20Tank%20twin%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers 6 ton Tank twin turreted<br />Notice the bogies of suspension</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0D_p-B5dHVDd0yBaocDlXAZ2S7BL44yj3XkyJI2T7mYFfZDFcpj_27CyTA2mtyRz7rTbd9h5_JqSKw3WsmDqaTy8h36y1GQFU-yLN4yOywVLi3Cc4UG_7ThmrTQqGo207hVloRWLgvvbqR-ALMvYp6YMMg8qE3JC5n3NpKP0zNOo91htPzpXXpkxZnQ_/s1280/Dragon%20Mark%20IV%20gun%20tractor%20-%20IWM%20MH%208408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0D_p-B5dHVDd0yBaocDlXAZ2S7BL44yj3XkyJI2T7mYFfZDFcpj_27CyTA2mtyRz7rTbd9h5_JqSKw3WsmDqaTy8h36y1GQFU-yLN4yOywVLi3Cc4UG_7ThmrTQqGo207hVloRWLgvvbqR-ALMvYp6YMMg8qE3JC5n3NpKP0zNOo91htPzpXXpkxZnQ_/w640-h362/Dragon%20Mark%20IV%20gun%20tractor%20-%20IWM%20MH%208408.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Mark IV Vickers artillery gun tractor - side view<br />Notice the suspension bogies, same of the Matilda I<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 8408</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6YiCoduge1Z6VaQ4b0q9GCPi2LxysseSKH_8jX4-yl9WefbZcPhQkY6Cn5R16Zwqsl_FtWNj2TY3RcGsVUN0nurl3CU9u_7OkkOb5cKKWsKs-L-SIFHRCaTiI_rYdD9wbXpE-XnjDRXOh7PebaYBvNl5_mobK0SPFJy5JVlou8vG42DfF9vcTBAsE95_/s1280/Dragon%20Mark%20IV%20%20Vickers%20%20gun%20tractor%20-%20%20IWM%20MH%208407.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6YiCoduge1Z6VaQ4b0q9GCPi2LxysseSKH_8jX4-yl9WefbZcPhQkY6Cn5R16Zwqsl_FtWNj2TY3RcGsVUN0nurl3CU9u_7OkkOb5cKKWsKs-L-SIFHRCaTiI_rYdD9wbXpE-XnjDRXOh7PebaYBvNl5_mobK0SPFJy5JVlou8vG42DfF9vcTBAsE95_/w640-h372/Dragon%20Mark%20IV%20%20Vickers%20%20gun%20tractor%20-%20%20IWM%20MH%208407.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon Mark IV Vickers artillery gun tractor <br />Notice the suspension bogies and tracks,<br />same of the Matilda I<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 8407</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The suspension consisted of two stations on each side, each consisting of four pairs of rollers acting against a quarter of elliptical springs on a central support that included a return roller. The prototype also featured toothed idler wheels and medium-pitch manganese steel tracks. Both the wheels and suspension units were completely exposed. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnsG88epGHp7bC4NkEcntrm2uaN-VjAdZ8_1s1g6PJnfCLanLBny6GoOCuL0ILIRlauzntN5HiDbQxlFLy1Uy1J1D7qAKSzZKgKTh4mOPizLxVfDwfQjP39mFcKujzUH5AQagrbWo8-XkVVylZfFKtapffPfrqtB8dVJS25XWpoN19PPVkU7cud8_cba5/s1400/bogie.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1400" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYnsG88epGHp7bC4NkEcntrm2uaN-VjAdZ8_1s1g6PJnfCLanLBny6GoOCuL0ILIRlauzntN5HiDbQxlFLy1Uy1J1D7qAKSzZKgKTh4mOPizLxVfDwfQjP39mFcKujzUH5AQagrbWo8-XkVVylZfFKtapffPfrqtB8dVJS25XWpoN19PPVkU7cud8_cba5/w640-h392/bogie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYtr6Bfm1IoGvHO-TwFd0U-eGXV82FbyNM_nNvMoMFf2RoBkmFdLwtevhAaMLBK0P5k_18zHk0OQF0IN9Ik-r3mM31Xx5q-uHKEnORtlkbri29hGFJqA1bLlX21APIh3RM8gTHde2XIsIZ5LZeE77K46VCCFXJN2-c1XPodscNu3IIMw1Sshb4nOlr5Yb/s1400/Matilda%20I%20idler%20wheels%20and%20bogies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1400" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYtr6Bfm1IoGvHO-TwFd0U-eGXV82FbyNM_nNvMoMFf2RoBkmFdLwtevhAaMLBK0P5k_18zHk0OQF0IN9Ik-r3mM31Xx5q-uHKEnORtlkbri29hGFJqA1bLlX21APIh3RM8gTHde2XIsIZ5LZeE77K46VCCFXJN2-c1XPodscNu3IIMw1Sshb4nOlr5Yb/w640-h396/Matilda%20I%20idler%20wheels%20and%20bogies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relationship between suspension elements and tank hull</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHw6UpIZpsM6tz9dZ_MqRwjyMAArNoNPexI0ybq7onUeGLR9R-_enLWKXeRpsk3iAP3wzq1PXUdinTdu2nzS3u15WXgfo67GLdZJIjn6rHDufFQU7Oa-r06h489gEqwDp1I3LdUldZHZMFzVn4Kon5Fu0JXtkruonZDm5Vjf7gt8CA1fabQEQ1TQZ9FOP/s1400/Matilda%20Mk.%20I%20under%20trails.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1400" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWHw6UpIZpsM6tz9dZ_MqRwjyMAArNoNPexI0ybq7onUeGLR9R-_enLWKXeRpsk3iAP3wzq1PXUdinTdu2nzS3u15WXgfo67GLdZJIjn6rHDufFQU7Oa-r06h489gEqwDp1I3LdUldZHZMFzVn4Kon5Fu0JXtkruonZDm5Vjf7gt8CA1fabQEQ1TQZ9FOP/w640-h330/Matilda%20Mk.%20I%20under%20trails.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspension of a production Matilda I<br />being extensively tested in a proving ground<br />England - early1939</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Although the prototype was constructed only of mild steel, the tank featured an excellent 60mm at the front and in fact relied on the rigidity of its thick plate for structural integrity, there being no internal structure to support the armor. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_VrRgr_EYh769oXJes3gmUbCTktXRdqJTn01AT9_20hgk1gZvQ24sTQ2e2WsNxnU3jgIrAhTq5OOtRM3WGvGZP0klKKGgrkmvX5eWJj1SUzzaDvItD8DDTG-Yz8yE8Jl1ca667DkL9xtRr_QdPyX2nz-EEV2mOF3fpedRF1dK-7j8jPwi_34814qMkEj/s1270/front%20armour.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="1270" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_VrRgr_EYh769oXJes3gmUbCTktXRdqJTn01AT9_20hgk1gZvQ24sTQ2e2WsNxnU3jgIrAhTq5OOtRM3WGvGZP0klKKGgrkmvX5eWJj1SUzzaDvItD8DDTG-Yz8yE8Jl1ca667DkL9xtRr_QdPyX2nz-EEV2mOF3fpedRF1dK-7j8jPwi_34814qMkEj/w640-h206/front%20armour.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 60mm thick frontal armor plate (production tank)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank weighed around 11 tons and had a maximum speed of around 13 km/h, which was considered acceptable for keep pace with the infantry. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPeKXsJtcdCbUkHQ1DJGAnluUzCRFFNDO4jWOVTLtXFR3JLnfcrDtMLeJnK_1yVLkGVx2jhpxKaN4034i6x1pSf-8KN0XRa7Tp-BhJnoyfutdbPlCEgwOYdu0KKahm_DtQjxi1cWNzaMuCrnIbsLiOWqsytvuNjkFz8PiiKXlY60E8YQUmwinMJfsBcrY/s1400/Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tanks%20operate%20with%20infantry%20of%202nd%20Battalion%20North%20Staffordshire%20Regiment%20during%20an%20exercise%20near%20Hebuterne,%2011%20January%201940.IWM%20F%202105.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1400" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPeKXsJtcdCbUkHQ1DJGAnluUzCRFFNDO4jWOVTLtXFR3JLnfcrDtMLeJnK_1yVLkGVx2jhpxKaN4034i6x1pSf-8KN0XRa7Tp-BhJnoyfutdbPlCEgwOYdu0KKahm_DtQjxi1cWNzaMuCrnIbsLiOWqsytvuNjkFz8PiiKXlY60E8YQUmwinMJfsBcrY/w640-h398/Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tanks%20operate%20with%20infantry%20of%202nd%20Battalion%20North%20Staffordshire%20Regiment%20during%20an%20exercise%20near%20Hebuterne,%2011%20January%201940.IWM%20F%202105.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Matildas I - Tank Infantry Mk I (A11) from Royal Tank Regiment</div><div style="text-align: center;">operate with infantry of 2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment</div><div style="text-align: center;">during exercises near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9buterne" target="_blank">Hebuterne</a>, France</div><div style="text-align: center;">11 January 1940 - <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoney_War" target="_blank">(Drôle de Guerre)</a></i>.</div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">font: IWM F 2105</div></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tests revealed the usual series of failures for a new design, the worst of which was a constant failure of the track pins. This was improved early on by replacing the toothed idler wheels with toothless ones and then eliminated in April 1937, when the rear suspension unit on each side was lowered, which increased the sprocket's ground clearance by 130mm.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcF52lB8ZrUyq-GDDQbu-3SNtPLxxDcfU1l1G_aTiEgUo9VdB18Fk5sJ6k8tTP9bCVBJLBHsQz55MkRpEYEczRwYBuQFdCi4TQX9J1nO1KqyEx4RZfw2HqDDY-a-34FsUOroR9VJYnPBsK6RN5kIbETJgrElFOML-etn7heYVDl-x6fHOUSwnh7bKvJzx/s1280/matildas%20I%20under%20maintenace%20from%20the%208th%20RTR..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcF52lB8ZrUyq-GDDQbu-3SNtPLxxDcfU1l1G_aTiEgUo9VdB18Fk5sJ6k8tTP9bCVBJLBHsQz55MkRpEYEczRwYBuQFdCi4TQX9J1nO1KqyEx4RZfw2HqDDY-a-34FsUOroR9VJYnPBsK6RN5kIbETJgrElFOML-etn7heYVDl-x6fHOUSwnh7bKvJzx/w640-h432/matildas%20I%20under%20maintenace%20from%20the%208th%20RTR..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matildas I from 8th RTR being taken care of... <br />The eternal maintenance work with the tracks<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another defect detected was the premature wear of the two rear sets of rubber-tyred road rollers on each side were replaced by all-steel ones.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFvEBAvNTAQ54UTVbwLgBk8olPSkwr7AH8K45xMTlf6z8d0Qj0fQgcf_ksB4aD_riIcmknnnkW34MyhO1_p6116nrOCATBZJdc1ycKlheyIdUil6pmZZXXE45HeTHH393SE0wOvrHF89pfruscR4og7k5BK4h30vXSD_oeq5LAXknpkbDh2hVVzu-zlGx/s1400/matilda%20I%20suspension%20detail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1400" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFvEBAvNTAQ54UTVbwLgBk8olPSkwr7AH8K45xMTlf6z8d0Qj0fQgcf_ksB4aD_riIcmknnnkW34MyhO1_p6116nrOCATBZJdc1ycKlheyIdUil6pmZZXXE45HeTHH393SE0wOvrHF89pfruscR4og7k5BK4h30vXSD_oeq5LAXknpkbDh2hVVzu-zlGx/w640-h268/matilda%20I%20suspension%20detail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I (A11) - suspension components<br />Notice the road rollers in rubber and steel.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As already mentioned, the driver's position was very cramped, with poor ergonomics, forcing the crew member to operate in a very uncomfortable position. This inadequacy was detected in the prototype, but as this deficiency came from the hull design, this defect could not be corrected in production tanks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46yr3sJhfqDNsuqs2iKWSMkGNa23GOYUPEmTzTM889Fne7c3Eg9oXVinCcurloKuE7LFUGWVxI_Y2mUG3YWOs9rhDi4E2yrwNIw2bCQbIrGiokJvIaiQDvmS5HfOE1zGLsDuV0BnzA0krKzNAJHAjo4HuyDWTPt5OGjuuPoHZJ2hWMswALstwP4nQ_NYu/s1400/tank%20driver%20compartment.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1400" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46yr3sJhfqDNsuqs2iKWSMkGNa23GOYUPEmTzTM889Fne7c3Eg9oXVinCcurloKuE7LFUGWVxI_Y2mUG3YWOs9rhDi4E2yrwNIw2bCQbIrGiokJvIaiQDvmS5HfOE1zGLsDuV0BnzA0krKzNAJHAjo4HuyDWTPt5OGjuuPoHZJ2hWMswALstwP4nQ_NYu/w640-h262/tank%20driver%20compartment.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Drivers also complained about the forward vision devices, but these issues were postponed until improvements to production machines, although in fact little was done until the appearance of the second batch. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8ZVLfosgNlppF0PGZMvNSIcU2HgfdmFYNTEDCYfr3JIcA4JJ2I_JFysMqBimpDcj7_yPl6bFL9T3DmAaCEN21uei6JLtSGhUdUtcZl8tZrXTTkb2RH65S81j4Xn6M8X92ExcJghhcx8rIT0wRqir35aGFjljvIxL7Lgm4NYGkP0QKIOkvUnwwNE8RYtg/s1400/Close-up%20of%20the%20driver%20of%20a%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tank,%20named%20'Deoch',%2012%20January%201940%20-%20%20IWM%20F%202141.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1400" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8ZVLfosgNlppF0PGZMvNSIcU2HgfdmFYNTEDCYfr3JIcA4JJ2I_JFysMqBimpDcj7_yPl6bFL9T3DmAaCEN21uei6JLtSGhUdUtcZl8tZrXTTkb2RH65S81j4Xn6M8X92ExcJghhcx8rIT0wRqir35aGFjljvIxL7Lgm4NYGkP0QKIOkvUnwwNE8RYtg/w640-h472/Close-up%20of%20the%20driver%20of%20a%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tank,%20named%20'Deoch',%2012%20January%201940%20-%20%20IWM%20F%202141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I (A11) DEOCH tank driver, in his cramped battle station,<br />with the very tight and dangerous front vision slit.<br /> 4th Royal Tank Regiment - France - <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoney_War" target="_blank">(Drôle de Guerre)</a></i>. -12 January 1940.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM F 2141</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The most significant difference between the prototype and production tanks involved the turret, which lost its prominent lip and now featured a two-segment hatch and Commander periscope. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9cu-HzVhREFiDdat86ltawjTTKr_XeR0piXwhX1akA4sKLFv1Ptc7z1wwEs33B-7UXLHDjOEtYBTLTW1piSib1EOZZ9bNRyAbJdlHwB3cYFavgWMFB_4TwqN3NRWo0lCsdVtcZXlYxgDAOkNR9_-hvHvLRstOLYiu7Wpg2fGmFC_m5WbyFkefTPzEnTz/s1024/turret%20diferences.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="1024" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9cu-HzVhREFiDdat86ltawjTTKr_XeR0piXwhX1akA4sKLFv1Ptc7z1wwEs33B-7UXLHDjOEtYBTLTW1piSib1EOZZ9bNRyAbJdlHwB3cYFavgWMFB_4TwqN3NRWo0lCsdVtcZXlYxgDAOkNR9_-hvHvLRstOLYiu7Wpg2fGmFC_m5WbyFkefTPzEnTz/w640-h294/turret%20diferences.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proeminent lip in the prototype tank <br />and its absence in the production tank (red)<br />Notice the Commander's periscope (blue)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><div> The cilindric cast turret was fitted with a single heavy machine gun, either a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.303_British">.303</a> (7.7 mm) calibre <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun">Vickers machine gun</a> or the larger (12.7 mm) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_.50_machine_gun">Vickers .50 machine gun</a>. The lack of a gun with anti-tank capability severely limited its utility on the battlefield. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPaAPRO1dit9ztZcAOdy7CnluN9A77tY0mLTFTqQ43tEp4q2xpW6XB3TMPWksC5Me9Q1pULKq_VVyiAsbe_pu7m6mvkwuZXolJjqYEtQ9VrnTlXJupJStSrLGD9FnZ-EU0ebvZ4dyW52d63BdUtMmPypTyveIZVL_x6FWG8xrJrhKK8qNB2QP9x4t-vaT/s1280/Vickers%20MGs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPaAPRO1dit9ztZcAOdy7CnluN9A77tY0mLTFTqQ43tEp4q2xpW6XB3TMPWksC5Me9Q1pULKq_VVyiAsbe_pu7m6mvkwuZXolJjqYEtQ9VrnTlXJupJStSrLGD9FnZ-EU0ebvZ4dyW52d63BdUtMmPypTyveIZVL_x6FWG8xrJrhKK8qNB2QP9x4t-vaT/w640-h322/Vickers%20MGs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers machine guns</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIV3cMr4REMdEvgOfXiOVdRU-a-mDPL8gG0KAonmhSl4gpXTUrJ8_Jj15Hx9iPW61tDBi_qYnb9h21gtoCb1Z1WzVqRWEL7lrMnT7h0LbBPY6YKVDmx342WCYBrXXO6ptegQm-onIILZVLtKj3xD4lXJ-IWTVvxIZIH-FrWVFt8EqErnW0EYmebc5Q3Q9/s1400/Turret%20external%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1400" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIV3cMr4REMdEvgOfXiOVdRU-a-mDPL8gG0KAonmhSl4gpXTUrJ8_Jj15Hx9iPW61tDBi_qYnb9h21gtoCb1Z1WzVqRWEL7lrMnT7h0LbBPY6YKVDmx342WCYBrXXO6ptegQm-onIILZVLtKj3xD4lXJ-IWTVvxIZIH-FrWVFt8EqErnW0EYmebc5Q3Q9/w640-h282/Turret%20external%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I (A11) - turret - external view</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlR5YKt1gfP1XY8fR6m5Ky9QXjG9IXtZeQSoKNFlxg4L1E2y4a_6Cw2hvTQI6wMotbfJ5a1LJV2p2F2pOztntrRnYPWmX1h5DLh3b-_Y6Vzeb9ertBf1LO-G8A1aolot5gNT2przpkuc_VEFWxtOR0lmtTVbhTzzinkV1UjOOwzDvMZR1FXQ24AVf1cNYR/s1784/TURRET%20INTERNAL.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1784" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlR5YKt1gfP1XY8fR6m5Ky9QXjG9IXtZeQSoKNFlxg4L1E2y4a_6Cw2hvTQI6wMotbfJ5a1LJV2p2F2pOztntrRnYPWmX1h5DLh3b-_Y6Vzeb9ertBf1LO-G8A1aolot5gNT2przpkuc_VEFWxtOR0lmtTVbhTzzinkV1UjOOwzDvMZR1FXQ24AVf1cNYR/w640-h426/TURRET%20INTERNAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I (A11) - turret - internal arrangements</td></tr></tbody></table><div> Besides operating the machine gun, the Commander had to direct the driver and operate the radio. There being no room in the turret for the radio, it was placed in the right side of the hull: the Commander had to duck down inside and lie almost prone to operate it. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69AT7N3SYUzqaHLv2AXe0jNVAXI2YB74HBpmpoON7bunGTgP8Fm6GRNomuQ0qaIQD71TRjZttuHactTGMqj2EDLewwFS0BMoUOQ56mdzAQaA3qYHL4eWFOJOmA4WXENI6Fu0flIzqa6tV9ZmuIxnC3c9E_bC86hdrbkrvlLiCGLd47j7NI7zOhyphenhyphenYjNCKz/s1796/internal%20stowage%20radio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1796" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69AT7N3SYUzqaHLv2AXe0jNVAXI2YB74HBpmpoON7bunGTgP8Fm6GRNomuQ0qaIQD71TRjZttuHactTGMqj2EDLewwFS0BMoUOQ56mdzAQaA3qYHL4eWFOJOmA4WXENI6Fu0flIzqa6tV9ZmuIxnC3c9E_bC86hdrbkrvlLiCGLd47j7NI7zOhyphenhyphenYjNCKz/w640-h358/internal%20stowage%20radio.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal stowage of the right plate of Matilda I<br />Notice the wireless location</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Production tanks also featured return rollers that were not directly attached to the suspension struts, while the tracks were located further away from the hull than on the prototype. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9rkcuYiWFzvvipKYWXLt1k_sH0hBQtOHSvk-aK1g6w_RrhzD9h6kvjts_I5Ys7a_sCGFsyqlLpIhAUnJZ8r_JCqh7OQzBI0ujAEgbLCsTA5fYVMI6KRrqmiEvqB8YvzqCGcBMyw49qvkVr7kMpt6sIXqQY4nY4gf7Jh4HNryZsxWx1GEkfk9V7uWnvJL/s1400/susp%20differences.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1400" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9rkcuYiWFzvvipKYWXLt1k_sH0hBQtOHSvk-aK1g6w_RrhzD9h6kvjts_I5Ys7a_sCGFsyqlLpIhAUnJZ8r_JCqh7OQzBI0ujAEgbLCsTA5fYVMI6KRrqmiEvqB8YvzqCGcBMyw49qvkVr7kMpt6sIXqQY4nY4gf7Jh4HNryZsxWx1GEkfk9V7uWnvJL/w640-h264/susp%20differences.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some differences between prototype and production vehicles.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first batch production of 60 tanks had headlights mounted high on the hull, just forward of the turret. The remaining 79 had them installed lower, near the nose, due to changes required when the Fowler coulter plough (mine plow) was adopted. Most A11s also had two storage lockers, arranged pannier fashion either side of the nose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Mkr7f1Z7zx_pXJY9vcaKnvi9pXyStoxYfIOKTF8pWRIpaAWRTdACrOh8EKzr8VFYQhGyzo7EV_16j_BYWtYBq3E8E2O-I9pfVWEg5YNxu20OpsUs1fw6d1bCvz-kZY_6VnAU99tC2iuV1d8kgwdhxVGOwo1ukGczzbjD8KE1upjaDIM8WrXE64eDDMPS/s1280/headlights%20and%20vision%20%20slit%20driver.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Mkr7f1Z7zx_pXJY9vcaKnvi9pXyStoxYfIOKTF8pWRIpaAWRTdACrOh8EKzr8VFYQhGyzo7EV_16j_BYWtYBq3E8E2O-I9pfVWEg5YNxu20OpsUs1fw6d1bCvz-kZY_6VnAU99tC2iuV1d8kgwdhxVGOwo1ukGczzbjD8KE1upjaDIM8WrXE64eDDMPS/w640-h326/headlights%20and%20vision%20%20slit%20driver.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGB02SG_1zuvIPf6XcwxC3Y3AduiVPKJPlMypvxvmS5qv_6tmINIgE4VtxlWHSYcdKsPx01h63O3VpAo77W38_HAWT1uwuueBCiPgqULqTUOp57s1_f0OJOs95qtOsyaw6iledAjsZbLeRWp3Kg_5zAUDYagOmcTCRYW4pVt7cfhzJe7ZMuKWzzYS4v6m/s451/Matilda%20I%20Fowler%20plough%20real%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="451" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGB02SG_1zuvIPf6XcwxC3Y3AduiVPKJPlMypvxvmS5qv_6tmINIgE4VtxlWHSYcdKsPx01h63O3VpAo77W38_HAWT1uwuueBCiPgqULqTUOp57s1_f0OJOs95qtOsyaw6iledAjsZbLeRWp3Kg_5zAUDYagOmcTCRYW4pVt7cfhzJe7ZMuKWzzYS4v6m/w640-h354/Matilda%20I%20Fowler%20plough%20real%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I with Fowler coulter plough<br />left side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo5PAw9ESfOXwExrPIkRG1QeY1aT7MQyUedtvpP9TkTx5mgm03Ynb7yQudwZTEn1w3UOWAouW9Whd0z_upUF-mltKczjGM2y4r6xioY86jhsmMyBHI2DuP38tmUQVU0QVStr9-HWVrJp29Zj_eSDF9ImCyd0ukTNldPXx7QifRjXoGZ3icYpFqAy1SsMw/s1280/Matilda%20I%20Fowler%20plough%20real.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGo5PAw9ESfOXwExrPIkRG1QeY1aT7MQyUedtvpP9TkTx5mgm03Ynb7yQudwZTEn1w3UOWAouW9Whd0z_upUF-mltKczjGM2y4r6xioY86jhsmMyBHI2DuP38tmUQVU0QVStr9-HWVrJp29Zj_eSDF9ImCyd0ukTNldPXx7QifRjXoGZ3icYpFqAy1SsMw/w640-h448/Matilda%20I%20Fowler%20plough%20real.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I with Fowler coulter plough<br />front left side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt91Fsyz2AjbPHNJFdATmuVXiXIp0diyF72EK22iMH4J-0MEVLHWKOY_kByw_N1Pee3aVTb8T_-uxzAGzwEpStBYlXGadT5qP_jBWij5Ss-oD8lvhhkrtJgrd-6mQ6x3LQSS8s3DoeikuMQkXamuR1xpU0Pqluraa73SEbgL5zDhrslvZO8qFoAivFrC4I/s1400/matilda%20i%20plough.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1400" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt91Fsyz2AjbPHNJFdATmuVXiXIp0diyF72EK22iMH4J-0MEVLHWKOY_kByw_N1Pee3aVTb8T_-uxzAGzwEpStBYlXGadT5qP_jBWij5Ss-oD8lvhhkrtJgrd-6mQ6x3LQSS8s3DoeikuMQkXamuR1xpU0Pqluraa73SEbgL5zDhrslvZO8qFoAivFrC4I/w640-h366/matilda%20i%20plough.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I with Fowler coulter plough<br />close-up front left side view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRCb7broTV4fapf5pVeZyPz4Kd0aqeCGRgjhKR-HZWQKg3AitFzgkQyqjqeu6qjo_mnXxoe28lkQETMgoha1Me_LDoq-KZgLfZEvppCKCMXDPyH1fsVTChgmOmN4opxpek6Beb-1BIALetmNaMPkq24HzkocsfHlMbgRJHXsqQKyNUTgJdXwT8sVHFTHF/s1400/Matilda%20I%20Fowler%20plough.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="1400" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRCb7broTV4fapf5pVeZyPz4Kd0aqeCGRgjhKR-HZWQKg3AitFzgkQyqjqeu6qjo_mnXxoe28lkQETMgoha1Me_LDoq-KZgLfZEvppCKCMXDPyH1fsVTChgmOmN4opxpek6Beb-1BIALetmNaMPkq24HzkocsfHlMbgRJHXsqQKyNUTgJdXwT8sVHFTHF/w640-h222/Matilda%20I%20Fowler%20plough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Although there is no doubt that these little tanks were designed to be used against specific objectives in large numbers, for in practice they were little more than mechanised infantry machine guns, they were never ordered in quantity. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first order of 60 Matilda tanks was placed in April 1937, followed by an order for a further 60 ten days later. This quantity was almost enough to equip two battalions. This was not due to excessive savings but a change in policy, and the final order to Vickers for the Mark I Infantry Tank, placed in January 1939, totaled just 19 machines. The reason was that, with war now inevitable, it had been decided to produce a cannon-armed Infantry tank after all, and create up to six army tank battalions to operate them. The new tank was to be known as the Matilda Senior or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_II_tank">Tank, Infantry Mk II (A12)</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_II" target="_blank">Matilda II</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DJYkJn81nDpe2X9v-dG0jl3Gr7F4Tdwo4Vf7ZVAZgShoBr4StwymSv-7uClUekFdh2TY8RQmqs5T0cJH3DoL-o5IuBknhCOCNRmiLrkfgf4PXE69Qz9WwxGpN9PzwhKIUuOOmEwOAfUyTXkPijRJgVlgG6aYPANl93fmS8EvyLwFSbgxSQdiFhkcOo24/s1280/Infantry%20tank%20Mk.IIa,%20Matilda.%20%20IWM%20MH%209264.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1280" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DJYkJn81nDpe2X9v-dG0jl3Gr7F4Tdwo4Vf7ZVAZgShoBr4StwymSv-7uClUekFdh2TY8RQmqs5T0cJH3DoL-o5IuBknhCOCNRmiLrkfgf4PXE69Qz9WwxGpN9PzwhKIUuOOmEwOAfUyTXkPijRJgVlgG6aYPANl93fmS8EvyLwFSbgxSQdiFhkcOo24/w640-h496/Infantry%20tank%20Mk.IIa,%20Matilda.%20%20IWM%20MH%209264.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infantry tank Mk.II (A12), Matilda II.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 9264</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank remained in production until August 1940, with a total of 140 produced, including the prototype. In summary, the Matilda I was born obsolete both in its design and for the tactical purpose for which it was intended.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b>Combat use:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first models were delivered in 1938 to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_1st_Army_Tank_Brigade">1st Army Tank Brigade</a>. There were 65 available in September 1939 when the war started. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6tXh_6TeWyEmX7L6nOYo6chNOAuzdAfSq98rIhyP1hmJaqju3uOt37Mhrp_5wOTila5Gghw9aYzWpVzzUiWO1OtnA2gmKilMYqnWUt2LEHiSgCBJ-i4Hw_5pEeTMNljE21SEuiVBsMmukFGsqSoBZBbAN8luGauScWBhE_a1h7Yj76-IN3pogPHnhJyF/s1280/A%20group%20of%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20soldiers%20photographed%20on%20an%20Infantry%20Tank%20Mark%20I,%20A11%20Matilda.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6tXh_6TeWyEmX7L6nOYo6chNOAuzdAfSq98rIhyP1hmJaqju3uOt37Mhrp_5wOTila5Gghw9aYzWpVzzUiWO1OtnA2gmKilMYqnWUt2LEHiSgCBJ-i4Hw_5pEeTMNljE21SEuiVBsMmukFGsqSoBZBbAN8luGauScWBhE_a1h7Yj76-IN3pogPHnhJyF/w640-h398/A%20group%20of%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20soldiers%20photographed%20on%20an%20Infantry%20Tank%20Mark%20I,%20A11%20Matilda.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>A group of Royal Tank Regiment soldiers photographed</div><div>on an Infantry Tank Mark I, A11 Matilda.</div><div>Sptember, 1939.</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: Tank Museum Bovington</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPVgE292OI1r7K_DyexmJZAesvg5cS0HlZtNKVI-t1ToORW9E8rVCPFOkuZUaYM813M5a26DZShm3VoT9UOCHCJt6ZwfdMc2FtcBp6gbAhZQC3uBK54NrnK60jdCY2ZI2uBZOqo7QfnikeWpK6AHvUY6WyJOfj9SUROJhpocLcPMxWrzXawuiIs35v9j8/s1400/Matildas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1400" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPVgE292OI1r7K_DyexmJZAesvg5cS0HlZtNKVI-t1ToORW9E8rVCPFOkuZUaYM813M5a26DZShm3VoT9UOCHCJt6ZwfdMc2FtcBp6gbAhZQC3uBK54NrnK60jdCY2ZI2uBZOqo7QfnikeWpK6AHvUY6WyJOfj9SUROJhpocLcPMxWrzXawuiIs35v9j8/w640-h346/Matildas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two brand new Matilda Is advancing in open field</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Matilda I tanks equipped the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_Royal_Tank_Regiment">4th Battalion</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_Royal_Tank_Regiment">7th Battalion</a> of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Tank_Regiment">Royal Tank Regiment</a> (RTR). In September 1939, upon the outbreak of the Second World War, the 4th RTR deployed to France with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Expeditionary_Force_(World_War_II)">British Expeditionary Force</a>. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xEjjG4i5I-wsob8o_hh9xX4TK3ZbtiHqEwfLgit3UPvwmZ2uVNyHlKJtt5_mwKmzDDMSlo1cEWyxbF2DYHfQM6Dh4gUKmY4m89GyQ4cic5PaPAYrZbPtIggGivxKZLochOcIKRLxcziRVXdBQsQM2qO5rLvUgJslnjlPfB3Y6qnnDbna0yt0Hh15GNMo/s1400/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20of%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20being%20transported%20by%20train%20from%20Cherbourg%20to%20Amiens,%2028%20September%201939%20IWM%20O%20577.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1400" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xEjjG4i5I-wsob8o_hh9xX4TK3ZbtiHqEwfLgit3UPvwmZ2uVNyHlKJtt5_mwKmzDDMSlo1cEWyxbF2DYHfQM6Dh4gUKmY4m89GyQ4cic5PaPAYrZbPtIggGivxKZLochOcIKRLxcziRVXdBQsQM2qO5rLvUgJslnjlPfB3Y6qnnDbna0yt0Hh15GNMo/w640-h454/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20of%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20being%20transported%20by%20train%20from%20Cherbourg%20to%20Amiens,%2028%20September%201939%20IWM%20O%20577.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Mk I tanks of 4th Royal Tank Regiment <br />being transported by train from Cherbourg to Amiens.<br />France - 28 September 1939<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM O-577</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lGqVnxGduu3dW-OAeAj2AVE5B6Q3ixGr7cjiBfoZk-SqJyCylfoKhbRytN3JF7wCQ2tDDOw9rb6LzkUxjhbg0q1g4CLnxt0GeNmKHthyphenhyphenfoJnjIs_ZpRA6V6z98DWNKcf1F2UGLS_iOugZXm-EBEplvF7wTKpFb30LDAD_4KtZ_lRvwdW25ZvSoM-WUVs/s1280/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20of%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20being%20transported%20by%20train%20from%20Cherbourg%20to%20Amiens,%2028%20September%201939.%20IWM%20O%20576.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1002" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lGqVnxGduu3dW-OAeAj2AVE5B6Q3ixGr7cjiBfoZk-SqJyCylfoKhbRytN3JF7wCQ2tDDOw9rb6LzkUxjhbg0q1g4CLnxt0GeNmKHthyphenhyphenfoJnjIs_ZpRA6V6z98DWNKcf1F2UGLS_iOugZXm-EBEplvF7wTKpFb30LDAD_4KtZ_lRvwdW25ZvSoM-WUVs/w502-h640/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20of%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20being%20transported%20by%20train%20from%20Cherbourg%20to%20Amiens,%2028%20September%201939.%20IWM%20O%20576.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Mk I tanks of 4th Royal Tank Regiment<br />being transported by train from Cherbourg to Amiens.<br />France - 28 September 1939<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM O-576</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cFz1gGqWrjOgREc3dq0vLuknix65-4jkkMjT_BEA2mZyvkGe7WXJTFH89ysyGbF15hFpHeH44AWNFcjNRGOYgLf8Z17RJPXQGaqhxouT1DKEteVZf0WCBShiTt_M-G7LcS2A1wewa6Z4KciX5VaW3_fTymtMDzUMeXQcTbf9VYZ1LtBrfGgWIu-zxfle/s1400/Crews%20of%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20work%20on%20their%20Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20beside%20farm%20buildings%20in%20Acq,%2019%20October%201939%20%20IWM%20O%20747.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1400" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cFz1gGqWrjOgREc3dq0vLuknix65-4jkkMjT_BEA2mZyvkGe7WXJTFH89ysyGbF15hFpHeH44AWNFcjNRGOYgLf8Z17RJPXQGaqhxouT1DKEteVZf0WCBShiTt_M-G7LcS2A1wewa6Z4KciX5VaW3_fTymtMDzUMeXQcTbf9VYZ1LtBrfGgWIu-zxfle/w640-h448/Crews%20of%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20work%20on%20their%20Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20beside%20farm%20buildings%20in%20Acq,%2019%20October%201939%20%20IWM%20O%20747.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crews of 4th Royal Tank Regiment work on their <br />Matilda Mk I tanks beside farm buildings in <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acq_(Pas-de-Calais)" target="_blank">Acq, Pas-de-Calais</a><br />France - 19 October 1939 <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM O-747</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjED0jZ1f3dA7ilcntA6ZNzHRV2_MYt-1hqdCb2CqR8PaBTCZ_fP-K9auG3WJZKLWnsZJXoA-psU3m15XzcIe_HqkHGPBVnDtft-z1_A2pJv_hEYNq3qkmSzPADAfXuGo4Trh_Hwzmo6g3nO56_DafkD9fvstn7-vT3hHNb6BOqA1CRDAR9WaxpQLEQ251K/s1280/Dreadnought%20color%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjED0jZ1f3dA7ilcntA6ZNzHRV2_MYt-1hqdCb2CqR8PaBTCZ_fP-K9auG3WJZKLWnsZJXoA-psU3m15XzcIe_HqkHGPBVnDtft-z1_A2pJv_hEYNq3qkmSzPADAfXuGo4Trh_Hwzmo6g3nO56_DafkD9fvstn7-vT3hHNb6BOqA1CRDAR9WaxpQLEQ251K/w640-h294/Dreadnought%20color%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color profile of the tank in the foreground above</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqKVmMOpGH5F4PX5Z34KSgWRxMNyaOLvaR7o7yhuLHNQTZSTMqCk1DGY1vla_ITTNfzFHLacThhBA1gaFOosp0dzKRc0IDfTe-OKlZfYlpxfOGLQYflNEf-q_2UB2bzdUIUWa1gf2AbpXORTXT7sM64y428yUdToiqzwJj9M8xxWI6SOfa5x6GlOKMvJd/s1400/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20and%20crews%20of%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20in%20a%20farmyard%20at%20Acq,%20France%2019%20October%201939%20%20IWM%20O%20742.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1400" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqKVmMOpGH5F4PX5Z34KSgWRxMNyaOLvaR7o7yhuLHNQTZSTMqCk1DGY1vla_ITTNfzFHLacThhBA1gaFOosp0dzKRc0IDfTe-OKlZfYlpxfOGLQYflNEf-q_2UB2bzdUIUWa1gf2AbpXORTXT7sM64y428yUdToiqzwJj9M8xxWI6SOfa5x6GlOKMvJd/w640-h458/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20and%20crews%20of%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20in%20a%20farmyard%20at%20Acq,%20France%2019%20October%201939%20%20IWM%20O%20742.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Mk I tanks and crews of 4th Royal Tank Regiment<br />in a farmyard at <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acq_(Pas-de-Calais)" target="_blank">Acq, Pas-de-Calais</a><br />France - 19 October 1939 <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM O-742</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUcIM-wQHdLlIsjyvrmVKzPGGymfykVFni1avOKSd3RmN3svtZgnBdQReT3x6KceIUmfKVI7kNhNB9HB9sWpHWTR4If4kBmu1wt9ORbuCbNZiPD0CMiUTRLAHEoFHrK1IAZlHxsYpzE6GSIzF3qvQn1G5uc4R28yCLP90PAnk5kw8WepTr0Be1gvD1sJF/s1280/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tank%20camouflaged%20beneath%20shrimp%20nets,%20November%201939.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUcIM-wQHdLlIsjyvrmVKzPGGymfykVFni1avOKSd3RmN3svtZgnBdQReT3x6KceIUmfKVI7kNhNB9HB9sWpHWTR4If4kBmu1wt9ORbuCbNZiPD0CMiUTRLAHEoFHrK1IAZlHxsYpzE6GSIzF3qvQn1G5uc4R28yCLP90PAnk5kw8WepTr0Be1gvD1sJF/w640-h434/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20tank%20camouflaged%20beneath%20shrimp%20nets,%20November%201939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Matilda Mk I tank camouflaged beneath shrimp nets<br /> <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acq_(Pas-de-Calais)" target="_blank">Acq, Pas-de-Calais</a> - France - November 1939<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM O-386</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGXDlEdCehi8JcHwxRjZy9FVyAX_SGfbawCxGOZpbWuLK7jAyPdXYsjsH8olCpjMbx3h1GgxO9D8H1UHrQO2EtwZga-mbcXTQqpz2j54BlpHqUm4RjPyzoHmBltH4DeLAPtqITcCRcUiEJ49m4tCqFJcnYRJ8ZLs84Xt-5HDfPp059rEJNoDX2nI6p2hK/s1400/matilda%20Is%20with%20infantry.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGXDlEdCehi8JcHwxRjZy9FVyAX_SGfbawCxGOZpbWuLK7jAyPdXYsjsH8olCpjMbx3h1GgxO9D8H1UHrQO2EtwZga-mbcXTQqpz2j54BlpHqUm4RjPyzoHmBltH4DeLAPtqITcCRcUiEJ49m4tCqFJcnYRJ8ZLs84Xt-5HDfPp059rEJNoDX2nI6p2hK/w640-h300/matilda%20Is%20with%20infantry.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Matilda Is supporting a small group of infantry from<br />British Expeditionary Force on maneuvers, huffing and<br />puffing in a snowy field.<br />Somewhere in France - winter of 1939-1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPfDx4reEL_1OUIYfffjrY7YiAMFpkwTAjRTAjogX8wK0d47VMyzOBIBkC2nXRuMr6vdVZUUUNbOUm_JPRImngAhJ3HbbzaP4LHQfLCRvCy8vJ_HWElJp2oWRaN1fpEUgHWj1h7KI6igPP9zZ6maqtzClKD8ztyolkVZeuhyaWV5QXCtFNEkpOmlQIntd/s1280/Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tanks%20operate%20with%20infantry%20of%202nd%20Battalion%20North%20Staffordshire%20Regiment%20%20exercise%20near%20Hebuterne,%2011%20January%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPfDx4reEL_1OUIYfffjrY7YiAMFpkwTAjRTAjogX8wK0d47VMyzOBIBkC2nXRuMr6vdVZUUUNbOUm_JPRImngAhJ3HbbzaP4LHQfLCRvCy8vJ_HWElJp2oWRaN1fpEUgHWj1h7KI6igPP9zZ6maqtzClKD8ztyolkVZeuhyaWV5QXCtFNEkpOmlQIntd/w640-h394/Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tanks%20operate%20with%20infantry%20of%202nd%20Battalion%20North%20Staffordshire%20Regiment%20%20exercise%20near%20Hebuterne,%2011%20January%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Is from Royal Tank Regiment, operate with infantry of<br />2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment during an exercise.<br /><a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9buterne" target="_blank">Hebuterne, France</a> - 11 January 1940.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEds6OMpn73sz8mgKhN-nYOt6DNdxWlqDtiRxIdwDYt5bThnidb2OqXjQDlLiPoqIMg8VTUxXs2rLUwSX_HKDLK7iIufXc_Qxq4BwYpjVtKvPz0iQb4agKDQh3Jv1Caq3-4hFK5oCBdf5AtFLSA7wyFpRK7K06_UU0RwW-2nJZvJWpjWZa2JRwaq0KIvX/s1400/Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tanks%20operate%20with%20infantry%20of%202nd%20Battalion%20North%20Staffordshire%20Regiment%20during%20an%20exercise%20near%20Hebuterne,%2011%20January%201940.IWM%20F%202105.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1400" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEds6OMpn73sz8mgKhN-nYOt6DNdxWlqDtiRxIdwDYt5bThnidb2OqXjQDlLiPoqIMg8VTUxXs2rLUwSX_HKDLK7iIufXc_Qxq4BwYpjVtKvPz0iQb4agKDQh3Jv1Caq3-4hFK5oCBdf5AtFLSA7wyFpRK7K06_UU0RwW-2nJZvJWpjWZa2JRwaq0KIvX/w640-h398/Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tanks%20operate%20with%20infantry%20of%202nd%20Battalion%20North%20Staffordshire%20Regiment%20during%20an%20exercise%20near%20Hebuterne,%2011%20January%201940.IWM%20F%202105.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Is from Royal Tank Regiment, operate with infantry of<br />2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment during an exercise.<br /><a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9buterne" target="_blank">Hebuterne, France</a> - 11 January 1940.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM F-2105</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpysJ6Xhq3b8p7TMrFnS9nbFvquKuN3zjJ-dyOadTILF36f1rWoC6hu93vk15cDZXO1yIVOrb343ZSxDi_7Kt_htQVUAL9J6NhaBag6WDSOjqaXQ5eEHQPmXhLMud381x0Re5uOBUJv7Bileb16tyoxe9DimdzfXFKtHpHy5Kfdx21ifZPT33L7E3FKsE/s1400/4th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tanks%20and%20infantry%20of%20the%20Coldstream%20Guards,%2012%20January%201940%20%20IWM%20F%202140.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1400" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpysJ6Xhq3b8p7TMrFnS9nbFvquKuN3zjJ-dyOadTILF36f1rWoC6hu93vk15cDZXO1yIVOrb343ZSxDi_7Kt_htQVUAL9J6NhaBag6WDSOjqaXQ5eEHQPmXhLMud381x0Re5uOBUJv7Bileb16tyoxe9DimdzfXFKtHpHy5Kfdx21ifZPT33L7E3FKsE/w640-h470/4th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tanks%20and%20infantry%20of%20the%20Coldstream%20Guards,%2012%20January%201940%20%20IWM%20F%202140.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Mk.I tanks from 4th Royal Tank Regiment<br />and infantry of the Coldstream Guards, waiting orders.<br />France - 12 January 1940 <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM F-2140</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IrEEM5Kj0B8fL1mQ1aUaqHaKHcCT9EkZeDpXe1sUwTNSzPC8_hXBDwBh-FoQ7JNnSsBcQuxZ3x9t4YGKxIzy9NlKG1m1k3OdqM3Kcc8xVAr915MmhuTCM1cWxPQuXlrzF8fJGpOobI5PYEWYrP90Qllinty49auINK7x3d0PiY7_CXM66zAwd5uP4-rn/s1280/driver%20of%20a%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tank,%20named%20'Deoch',%2012%20January%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IrEEM5Kj0B8fL1mQ1aUaqHaKHcCT9EkZeDpXe1sUwTNSzPC8_hXBDwBh-FoQ7JNnSsBcQuxZ3x9t4YGKxIzy9NlKG1m1k3OdqM3Kcc8xVAr915MmhuTCM1cWxPQuXlrzF8fJGpOobI5PYEWYrP90Qllinty49auINK7x3d0PiY7_CXM66zAwd5uP4-rn/w640-h458/driver%20of%20a%204th%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20Matilda%20tank,%20named%20'Deoch',%2012%20January%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the driver of a 4th Royal Tank Regiment<br />Matilda I tank, named 'DEOCH'<br />France - 12 January 1940.<br />Notice that tank displays the vision slit of the 1st batch<br />and the headlights of the 2nd batch of production.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM F 2141</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> They were joined at the start of May 1940 by 7th RTR and together formed the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_1st_Army_Tank_Brigade">1st Army Tank Brigade</a>. Apart from light tanks assigned to the various British infantry divisions, this was the only British armoured force on the Continent at the start of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_France">Battle of France</a> on 10 May 1940. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The 58 Matilda Is and 16 Matilda IIs spearheaded the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-attack">counter-attack</a> in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arras_(1940)">Battle of Arras</a> on 21 May, temporarily discomfiting the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_Panzer_Division_(Wehrmacht)">7th Panzer Division</a> under <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erwin_Rommel">Erwin Rommel</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fiPgXEoWyUSbjVosJ2DKACfFr21rxIAaJc8rr-7psq-0bp5xSvMJXUXv3sZOaZ5S1SNW2KMLHBHo09BYcwdqGH1npbFcifx63w46n7gSU3C11Ktzd0K7FSVT-othN5sfPmbCEHItYLgw3K-BTAzRciafBmM3MVnAolfKc5jmrgnmYYf5p-IhZckJmR0n/s1280/Matilda%20I%20France%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fiPgXEoWyUSbjVosJ2DKACfFr21rxIAaJc8rr-7psq-0bp5xSvMJXUXv3sZOaZ5S1SNW2KMLHBHo09BYcwdqGH1npbFcifx63w46n7gSU3C11Ktzd0K7FSVT-othN5sfPmbCEHItYLgw3K-BTAzRciafBmM3MVnAolfKc5jmrgnmYYf5p-IhZckJmR0n/w640-h428/Matilda%20I%20France%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I destroyed, being inspected by a German soldier.<br />Note at least one lateral solid AP penetration<br />1st Army Tank Brigade - Arras, France - 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj14i6Nkg1pZp71-nHFSmsMlP5lpqPW0ArxTAoZBnuzks7_0b3qvXp1eFGeLHQujIC9jOu4_CQOtx9wcV3cqprsKySHE6pLaYLvpCEemeeXXot3J9Sa3aN5exPHnwviJMs0HtuasylCuNtdQkhrFwjp3vTSoY9jPK_RRdYzOn0MVx4pTBF0a1uUwa0hLIC/s1280/Destroyed%20Matilda%20I%20named%20Glenorg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj14i6Nkg1pZp71-nHFSmsMlP5lpqPW0ArxTAoZBnuzks7_0b3qvXp1eFGeLHQujIC9jOu4_CQOtx9wcV3cqprsKySHE6pLaYLvpCEemeeXXot3J9Sa3aN5exPHnwviJMs0HtuasylCuNtdQkhrFwjp3vTSoY9jPK_RRdYzOn0MVx4pTBF0a1uUwa0hLIC/w640-h394/Destroyed%20Matilda%20I%20named%20Glenorg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I GLENORG destroyed<br />(and cannibalized) in France - May, 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The heavy armour of both types of British tank proved to be resistant to the standard German <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.7_cm_Pak_36">3,7 cm PaK 36 anti-tank gun</a> and the attack was only halted by a gun line hastily formed from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_18">10,5 cm leFH 18 field howitzers</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8.8_cm_Flak_18/36/37/41">8,8 cm FlaK 36 anti-aircraft guns</a>, personally directed by Rommel. On the following day, only 26 Matilda Is and two Matilda II tanks were still serviceable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNtnNZYxcLjPmDuLmtZoI5zkdAk55pN7UMcQkcpuSBAspRJnIo7VkLKzZa1UfmOHvOUa1ZGq5AcabvgP2VoW4D-60bkx9m5-Pz0DvC4ZZ_IiPDYt_WmzhEYa6iyRZ9QdjK_e-Z8FQ2Okpyx2g1XsnnOqYSLOtspwS5FWObr3f22gQ2DbTf4jfsAwJMz4X/s1024/Dragon%20DML6152%201-35%20Dragon%203.7cm%20Pak%2035-36.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1024" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNtnNZYxcLjPmDuLmtZoI5zkdAk55pN7UMcQkcpuSBAspRJnIo7VkLKzZa1UfmOHvOUa1ZGq5AcabvgP2VoW4D-60bkx9m5-Pz0DvC4ZZ_IiPDYt_WmzhEYa6iyRZ9QdjK_e-Z8FQ2Okpyx2g1XsnnOqYSLOtspwS5FWObr3f22gQ2DbTf4jfsAwJMz4X/w640-h374/Dragon%20DML6152%201-35%20Dragon%203.7cm%20Pak%2035-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3.7cm Pak 35/36 anti-ank gun<br /> <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dragon-6152-3-7cm-pak35-36--103662#" target="_blank">Dragon Models box art (#6152)</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6Bk8QnYmDweZsdbK2jevN7ZJrzE8bY9wtAtBSFVOa-N7qJb7c8sVqcZeZCvqNJ3RhR2wbQ7WoVXsNKMbla4euCV3tHTx28aoQzP-EQxzgwrAmCpu927h8u0Avzs6EdlmJm7Bzscl9U0Ij4gj5dtqRdduyY2URPe_AkHTllvi_Ur1wMkMmdMHNAoV1Ctx/s1024/10.5cm%20Howitzer%20leFH18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1024" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6Bk8QnYmDweZsdbK2jevN7ZJrzE8bY9wtAtBSFVOa-N7qJb7c8sVqcZeZCvqNJ3RhR2wbQ7WoVXsNKMbla4euCV3tHTx28aoQzP-EQxzgwrAmCpu927h8u0Avzs6EdlmJm7Bzscl9U0Ij4gj5dtqRdduyY2URPe_AkHTllvi_Ur1wMkMmdMHNAoV1Ctx/w640-h362/10.5cm%20Howitzer%20leFH18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10.5 cm leFH 18 field howitzer<br /><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/dragon-6795-105-cm-lefh18-40-w-gun-crew--364558" target="_blank">Dragon Models box art (#6795)</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu1iomIASEtwGeva5MSb3GBIOtfmexCwDnefuecRNkCvFyATW2frEFFJHzOC-Cb8zcTmQ16PI5xLvAmpa1ScpQDI6bX2kUNNaVGTTav-XPt44FWF1UjXOKPj9k6OhUxX7jKVVNu79_ZsGWYwFcYWLxEz0d40tX0JZtC9BpwoAdBvIXa697VSQKGX00xXR/s1024/Dragon%2088mm%20FLAK%2036.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1024" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpu1iomIASEtwGeva5MSb3GBIOtfmexCwDnefuecRNkCvFyATW2frEFFJHzOC-Cb8zcTmQ16PI5xLvAmpa1ScpQDI6bX2kUNNaVGTTav-XPt44FWF1UjXOKPj9k6OhUxX7jKVVNu79_ZsGWYwFcYWLxEz0d40tX0JZtC9BpwoAdBvIXa697VSQKGX00xXR/w640-h312/Dragon%2088mm%20FLAK%2036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8,8 cm FlaK 36 anti-aircraft gun<br /><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/es/kits/dragon-6260-88mm-flak-36--108332" target="_blank">Dragon Models box art (#6260)</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> On 23 May, tanks from 7 RTR fought a rearguard action at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souchez">Souchez</a> before joining the general withdrawal towards <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkirk">Dunkirk</a>. The surviving tanks of both battalions were formed into a composite unit, which fought another counter-attack at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bass%C3%A9e">La Bassée</a>. Only two tanks reached Dunkirk in the closing stages of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Dynamo">Operation Dynamo</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Kbuxn4yUmORGA1T6SENCnLmZ9uSDD6G-HebWw4TKncxBgp_tANEpi897UCMakWozWdABfzZdSjpqKMrQiEjRZSjSb4FcXCkpjYAGWU4Jgv-L7rnC3taRI2lJ3pfB2SC3gMg70qS8r5_-NdNuA6HVWRD2-yYDwZ-a1ewODuz_KE8lMDLgvQwKcWAL4Ot-/s1280/Dunkirk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Kbuxn4yUmORGA1T6SENCnLmZ9uSDD6G-HebWw4TKncxBgp_tANEpi897UCMakWozWdABfzZdSjpqKMrQiEjRZSjSb4FcXCkpjYAGWU4Jgv-L7rnC3taRI2lJ3pfB2SC3gMg70qS8r5_-NdNuA6HVWRD2-yYDwZ-a1ewODuz_KE8lMDLgvQwKcWAL4Ot-/w640-h452/Dunkirk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British troops lined up on the beach awaiting evacuation<br />Dunkirk, France - 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pa7EQxEKnzzBlVTNqxPJz5iIPsrE6bEoTjxacQn1vDMFXJ9RzbnBHdd16wtDgHR9kKHEfzTR315ILhapG2uv_VdqfhZ47dUcJBBCBu2lumt6Ld35IoGM2Pn4QUMxgyV2jzXGDM_f5UpjGhsMeovH9FXkh6PKG94Pb_-SYZ6cJhTBcs8i4ZxofcV5byXS/s1280/Matilda%20Mk.%20I%20from%20the%201st%20Tank%20Brigade%20covering%20the%20retreat%20of%20the%20English%20infantry%20to%20Dunkirk.1940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pa7EQxEKnzzBlVTNqxPJz5iIPsrE6bEoTjxacQn1vDMFXJ9RzbnBHdd16wtDgHR9kKHEfzTR315ILhapG2uv_VdqfhZ47dUcJBBCBu2lumt6Ld35IoGM2Pn4QUMxgyV2jzXGDM_f5UpjGhsMeovH9FXkh6PKG94Pb_-SYZ6cJhTBcs8i4ZxofcV5byXS/w640-h500/Matilda%20Mk.%20I%20from%20the%201st%20Tank%20Brigade%20covering%20the%20retreat%20of%20the%20English%20infantry%20to%20Dunkirk.1940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Matilda Mk. Is from the 1st Tank Brigade covering<br />the retreat of the English infantry to Dunkirk.<br />France - 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Further south in France, five Matilda Is and a few other tanks which had been in various depots or had arrived as late reinforcements, formed the Divisional Tank Company of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauman_Division">Beauman Division</a>, an improvised formation which had been hastily put together to defend the British logistic bases at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rouen">Rouen</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe">Dieppe</a>. On 8 June, the tanks supported the force, which was mainly infantry, in their unsuccessful defence of the rivers <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andelle">Andelle</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9thune_(river)">Béthune</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The division was subsequently evacuated from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherbourg">Cherbourg</a> during <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Aerial">Operation Aerial</a>; although 22 tanks of various types were brought back during these evacuations, there were no infantry tanks among them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After most of the deployed Matilda I tanks were abandoned in France, the 77 Matilda Is left in the United Kingdom were withdrawn for training purposes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A Matilda I was selected by the German Army for evaluation and it was destroyed in the process. Some recent evidence suggests that Matilda I's captured by the Germans may have seen use as internal security vehicles, probably in Poland, under German designation of <i>Infanterie Panzerkampfwagen Mk I 747(e).</i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGYm9cX6ijffZMD_BiEKJzv7qYVbCea1zWRIy0bzcfKJ2y0ZMgHK9jpusrxmMO8keeKeX1MuP30YLbiYF5EY1hWs1O4NwvAeufWPkRuNMouQt38yefiM7v72nA2OTW-RNkBkeCV5fx5il55ogah3BPjjimd2mz_SC14aTlm0-67H48_ahJDSt9o7k4Iqz/s1400/Matildas%20and%20French%20tanks%20in%20an%20armor%20junkyard%20somewhere%20in%20France.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1400" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGYm9cX6ijffZMD_BiEKJzv7qYVbCea1zWRIy0bzcfKJ2y0ZMgHK9jpusrxmMO8keeKeX1MuP30YLbiYF5EY1hWs1O4NwvAeufWPkRuNMouQt38yefiM7v72nA2OTW-RNkBkeCV5fx5il55ogah3BPjjimd2mz_SC14aTlm0-67H48_ahJDSt9o7k4Iqz/w640-h390/Matildas%20and%20French%20tanks%20in%20an%20armor%20junkyard%20somewhere%20in%20France.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matildas I and II, along with French tanks, being<br />inspected by the Germans, in an armor junkyard.<br />Somewhere in France - late, 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5gv-BejiRKSeVZzYXZFrK2jY3Bi8psbi4XR3X9RJhCIqzYBq4o6VntNT_5zHwGOfcm0LcxQJlt7x8CiHobzX-4w-J0wBtIPPPuFiMaOsXgwwPjnO_gMXN7DQCbh4vGZLNMPn9ihhjWYxT2NRHboVnFm5xgSznLDs4fjhR8bTfvvuOvEL_81spryHFux4/s1280/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20A11%20tank,%20T5574.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5gv-BejiRKSeVZzYXZFrK2jY3Bi8psbi4XR3X9RJhCIqzYBq4o6VntNT_5zHwGOfcm0LcxQJlt7x8CiHobzX-4w-J0wBtIPPPuFiMaOsXgwwPjnO_gMXN7DQCbh4vGZLNMPn9ihhjWYxT2NRHboVnFm5xgSznLDs4fjhR8bTfvvuOvEL_81spryHFux4/w640-h372/Matilda%20Mk%20I%20A11%20tank,%20T5574.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An inglorious end for a captured Matilda I (T5574): <br />being used as support for a clothesline.<br />Somewhere in France - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The 1st Army Tank Brigade had 77 Matilda Is by May 1940. Went with 4th and 7th Royal Tank Regiment, and 1st Army Tank Brigade to France in 1940 and took part in battle of Arras. At the Battle of Arras there were 58 Matilda Is. After Dunkirk, the remaining vehicles used for training. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMqDZCEKBabAknDa0EdUC3TwWxAQaOmPxpE4tqvzpDppACvGvCdOTBXqBtvjX0qb3NLrtg6HSGOlDhCXQE8EcOjlJ0WzDKlLGgkTtwmWCd_196rYId97CWzxgaGAuHOaNtOCoExtgItmS6poOxEJT7VuchKLH9CN07zKIi5Yw8AvyKUYei7_q0UZCdWrr/s1400/Matilda%20I%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment,%201st%20Armoured%20Division,%20being%20transported%20aboard%20a%20flatbed%20railway%20wagon,%2022%20July%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1400" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMqDZCEKBabAknDa0EdUC3TwWxAQaOmPxpE4tqvzpDppACvGvCdOTBXqBtvjX0qb3NLrtg6HSGOlDhCXQE8EcOjlJ0WzDKlLGgkTtwmWCd_196rYId97CWzxgaGAuHOaNtOCoExtgItmS6poOxEJT7VuchKLH9CN07zKIi5Yw8AvyKUYei7_q0UZCdWrr/w640-h478/Matilda%20I%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment,%201st%20Armoured%20Division,%20being%20transported%20aboard%20a%20flatbed%20railway%20wagon,%2022%20July%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I tank of the Royal Tank Regiment,1st Armoured Division,<br />being transported aboard a flatbed railway wagon.<br />Great Britain - 22 July 1940. <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM H 2417</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Survivors:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Three surviving Matilda I tanks are preserved at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tank_Museum">Bovington - The Tank Museum</a> in the United Kingdom. One (HMH 802, identified as "possibly T3447" is in running condition; it was recovered from Otterburn gunnery range and restored to running condition, although it is powered by an inauthentic engine and gearbox.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The second vehicle was built in March 1940 and restored to running condition in the 1980s. It is painted to represent T8106 (PMX 466) a tank of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_Royal_Tank_Regiment">4th Royal Tank Regiment</a> in France in May 1940.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A third Matilda I is a severely damaged wreck that was used as a gunnery range target, and can be found to the north of the <a href="https://tankmuseum.org/events/behind-the-scenes-tours/" target="_blank">Vehicle Conservation Centre</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc4GLA2grRJ7vjf3VpxecyPZ7xd2gdHlGL8m9HGZgvB6XISxu2UR8jfhE4O75vYtVBkPDRfYaVlR6pIdoYYXcXHkxbfvch4mJBOL8F68gkBJ9NXWGqnvlIDvNeDY_oXPwwLUjzVHGuNU4ah9HBY_rwx95PE6JA39sitm_xLm9n9wPoTu-DIOaVP8GR4JF/s1280/two%20Matilda%20Is%20Bovington.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1280" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibc4GLA2grRJ7vjf3VpxecyPZ7xd2gdHlGL8m9HGZgvB6XISxu2UR8jfhE4O75vYtVBkPDRfYaVlR6pIdoYYXcXHkxbfvch4mJBOL8F68gkBJ9NXWGqnvlIDvNeDY_oXPwwLUjzVHGuNU4ah9HBY_rwx95PE6JA39sitm_xLm9n9wPoTu-DIOaVP8GR4JF/w640-h292/two%20Matilda%20Is%20Bovington.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of the surviving Matilda I at <a href="https://tankmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Bovington Tank Museum</a> exhibit<br />the characteristics of the 1st.and the 2nd. batch production.<br />Notice also the different shape and position of the two storage<br />lockers, on each side of the tank nose. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KnNT-hNViA05tuDwYoJFmi2LWAgsddmAzSC8wWpUzzSh6lHOJmi-jz3AXzYxkf8jnwswTyLflBhxs5VDkQcx4PzDjJTrbAt-i9JrdhL-1A68_kzEmUBg4oh5ugub3JjeD_oLpE548apezcSFQ135aKcQITxeh13y35gpyQKcJcj9GGlO1YwPzbZPCbcM/s1280/Matilda%20range%20target.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KnNT-hNViA05tuDwYoJFmi2LWAgsddmAzSC8wWpUzzSh6lHOJmi-jz3AXzYxkf8jnwswTyLflBhxs5VDkQcx4PzDjJTrbAt-i9JrdhL-1A68_kzEmUBg4oh5ugub3JjeD_oLpE548apezcSFQ135aKcQITxeh13y35gpyQKcJcj9GGlO1YwPzbZPCbcM/w640-h322/Matilda%20range%20target.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I hull and turret, used as <br />gunnery range target.<br /><a href="https://tankmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Bovington Tank Museum</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ThLGlAIgr_8izCBm0GTRYJWwOGpH-v0MdlBqGLknzzbmlhF3IU24BSs7ymfbUxH1m20rPBSs_cpGBbrZTickb6aOXtNe2vwFx5_B8ttYxVzhX1bDG2otq9VFfz4m4x-cWs4ozLMZrZzoMFlRMQqhJYJlayuxgEBMTJvsUOXvA6RXm_KPT0G_C3JUAX-c/s1400/Matilda%20I%20%20-%20Tank%20Infantry%20Mk%20I%20(A11)%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1400" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ThLGlAIgr_8izCBm0GTRYJWwOGpH-v0MdlBqGLknzzbmlhF3IU24BSs7ymfbUxH1m20rPBSs_cpGBbrZTickb6aOXtNe2vwFx5_B8ttYxVzhX1bDG2otq9VFfz4m4x-cWs4ozLMZrZzoMFlRMQqhJYJlayuxgEBMTJvsUOXvA6RXm_KPT0G_C3JUAX-c/w640-h344/Matilda%20I%20%20-%20Tank%20Infantry%20Mk%20I%20(A11)%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><br /><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Tank, Infantry, Mk I - Matilda I (A11)</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infantry_tank" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Infantry tank">Infantry tank</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1938–1940</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_John_Carden,_6th_Baronet" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Sir John Carden, 6th Baronet">Sir John Carden</a>,<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers-Armstrongs" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers-Armstrongs">Vickers-Armstrongs</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1935</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Vickers-Armstrongs</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1937–1940</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built<br />Serial numbers</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">140<br />T 3433 - T 3492; <br />T 5551 - T 5610; <br />T 8101 - T 8119.</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">11 t.</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4.85 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.28 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height<br />Ground clearance</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1.86 m<br />0,38 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2 (commander<br />gunner, driver)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">10 - 65 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers machine gun">Vickers .303</a> or<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_.50_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers .50 machine gun">Vickers .50 mgu</a>n <br />4.000 rounds</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary armament</div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">Radio</span></div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">none<br />Wireless set no.9<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3.6 Litre V8 Ford<br />Model 79 petrol <br />70 hp @ 3500 rpm<br />(52 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6.36 hp/ton</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension<br />Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Sprung bogie<br />190 liters</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Fording depth</div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Trench crossing</div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Vertical obstacle</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">130 km<br />0,76 m<br />2,15 m<br />0,76 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">12.87 km/h on road<br />9 km/h off road</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b>The kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b>I choose the full resin kit (#K067) <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/accurate-armour-k067-matilda-mk-i-british-infantry-tank--310941" target="_blank"><b>Matilda Mk.I British Infantry Tank</b>, from Accurate Armour</a>. It is a classical kit and proven to be well cast and very reliable</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PIM0c-EJOOMV_zOWpc5z3v1D426YwBwa6K-R-wBMso-c9i76VsB6Z9AyglqamEm1ESIH4lBogaXWyo2C9tATKaCoVI8twmSymwIyXwV_XOlJ7RcZjdxEnj2UmrXn06vsPKz3yGI4guAWzG-pdHyKPrheIY-F13VUAEl5OG1KsGkKLuYzk-tWz5oa8Ap5/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1280" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PIM0c-EJOOMV_zOWpc5z3v1D426YwBwa6K-R-wBMso-c9i76VsB6Z9AyglqamEm1ESIH4lBogaXWyo2C9tATKaCoVI8twmSymwIyXwV_XOlJ7RcZjdxEnj2UmrXn06vsPKz3yGI4guAWzG-pdHyKPrheIY-F13VUAEl5OG1KsGkKLuYzk-tWz5oa8Ap5/w640-h570/Matilda%20I%20-%20000.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accurate Armour K067 kit box art</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> All parts come in a sturdy cardboard box, with subassemblies packed in zip-lock plastic. The good news is the presence of photo-etched parts and, a rarity in resin kits, an excellent decal sheet....</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDBEQ7YtQf85WNRTC18X6LJeIObyL-ggx5SaGD8N67JAsKCZsuOQG3HFg1LFF2uIAEJr1DPFT3iI01eRPmExDpGC7E3O5rZy6rYOM82JuGfOnoOpgdGTIl4cEI_JyxpWHQ9iXJynd1aWtIxLP3c2SsXek-8h6sbt_UN6XblnPQLbYGmCSairWAP0Ys0Pe/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDBEQ7YtQf85WNRTC18X6LJeIObyL-ggx5SaGD8N67JAsKCZsuOQG3HFg1LFF2uIAEJr1DPFT3iI01eRPmExDpGC7E3O5rZy6rYOM82JuGfOnoOpgdGTIl4cEI_JyxpWHQ9iXJynd1aWtIxLP3c2SsXek-8h6sbt_UN6XblnPQLbYGmCSairWAP0Ys0Pe/w640-h464/Matilda%20I%20-%20001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak with Accurate´s Matilda I resin kit parts.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Worrying news are the tracks, in complete strips... Hmmm... this is really worrying... even more so as Matilda I's tracks are characteristically a little loose...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDSyqZAiQkhvstBbeV_0wJRQL7DqzaShjFFDXndtAQKl17-mlW0-b9usyXQXJ33U_Wn6b23RwO0_tsun0LDjnynaoeAiF5Ms0FBZaTNNQGy7N9wS30LWaKGfHcHc69vfIjWp1OyL3MJCKz3iCsFYb-j503zU8vjT71YUqwGUm10CEhvyuq-DWSKILQv95/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20001a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="1280" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDSyqZAiQkhvstBbeV_0wJRQL7DqzaShjFFDXndtAQKl17-mlW0-b9usyXQXJ33U_Wn6b23RwO0_tsun0LDjnynaoeAiF5Ms0FBZaTNNQGy7N9wS30LWaKGfHcHc69vfIjWp1OyL3MJCKz3iCsFYb-j503zU8vjT71YUqwGUm10CEhvyuq-DWSKILQv95/w640-h258/Matilda%20I%20-%20001a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda I's tracks, totally exposed and a little loose....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But that is a future problem. Like Jack the Ripper, let's do our work in parts.... Starting at the beginning:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdga-NJqbNySAZxncRWLlBFk7xqVrKlSAyZLu7CzEzdNXcx3cpL0Cn3R4ze6SfNTI3PQxBMx3b0Dl3WXIV6rBehznYCEQqxvks2CM2pNkb0abdnltTAqitpASaOrcML3ipQJ2NBq-xI_59uYMu0-b71OiZIt-Q9v1dpcaHSmS_Mu-VsCw3oFlkXNljX72d/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdga-NJqbNySAZxncRWLlBFk7xqVrKlSAyZLu7CzEzdNXcx3cpL0Cn3R4ze6SfNTI3PQxBMx3b0Dl3WXIV6rBehznYCEQqxvks2CM2pNkb0abdnltTAqitpASaOrcML3ipQJ2NBq-xI_59uYMu0-b71OiZIt-Q9v1dpcaHSmS_Mu-VsCw3oFlkXNljX72d/w640-h342/Matilda%20I%20-%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting cleaning the parts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLfOugIadxE9IswuEUpg2rOUJrkGwYeGAIizI6MZBBhVJ2RV4tROGqDuoQzwmoPKW_PmKKfLCypWgMIK6nkamqaf5jeO2z7fbQGxsSOvyprLiY0G3SGJIr8gWVjvTb0ADEnkUMYTsNHpzZvzXMXLmFkY_UCFzTYNiDbb9hvwC4gVdJ1K9k-jjp2Gy65NQ/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLfOugIadxE9IswuEUpg2rOUJrkGwYeGAIizI6MZBBhVJ2RV4tROGqDuoQzwmoPKW_PmKKfLCypWgMIK6nkamqaf5jeO2z7fbQGxsSOvyprLiY0G3SGJIr8gWVjvTb0ADEnkUMYTsNHpzZvzXMXLmFkY_UCFzTYNiDbb9hvwC4gVdJ1K9k-jjp2Gy65NQ/w640-h358/Matilda%20I%20-%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little parts in detail...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC-qpLOIgaARYSQrLu_REsgWX2oU60fhqXuJ7n9yg4g8KHavKhm1H8Sbzic8t_k-rYJwqErSAjEKnoKw12_KIBdUjJ8-zNxdtW6q0SYGabSBtB0542l-QtmV8xmBKK7Ia5B6D2c1mgd93MEGCUTMT2eYw74FYsvO94JTn2MWJK_efuyg2nlu-NM9_tMHj/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC-qpLOIgaARYSQrLu_REsgWX2oU60fhqXuJ7n9yg4g8KHavKhm1H8Sbzic8t_k-rYJwqErSAjEKnoKw12_KIBdUjJ8-zNxdtW6q0SYGabSBtB0542l-QtmV8xmBKK7Ia5B6D2c1mgd93MEGCUTMT2eYw74FYsvO94JTn2MWJK_efuyg2nlu-NM9_tMHj/w640-h294/Matilda%20I%20-%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of wheels, man!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sC8gKeS3bqo0YncLc2vQCZYYudg6h8uuBmGjivu6qQRjd6aL7q_q-pvsWraMQNVIVxc5LF7Z9saNdGh9oUqJNT671b3cskPI38dIj57hDW3vtKT3qhLM7pZflHotkXyxi5tP-GHxUIzL0UStlNoBX7jdPlDtA5n0bYaopKyL4Nwtfoh82p_I2uJtqu4b/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sC8gKeS3bqo0YncLc2vQCZYYudg6h8uuBmGjivu6qQRjd6aL7q_q-pvsWraMQNVIVxc5LF7Z9saNdGh9oUqJNT671b3cskPI38dIj57hDW3vtKT3qhLM7pZflHotkXyxi5tP-GHxUIzL0UStlNoBX7jdPlDtA5n0bYaopKyL4Nwtfoh82p_I2uJtqu4b/w640-h348/Matilda%20I%20-%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little part from de bogies broken, without any extra parts...<br />Hmmm...what an ugly economy, Mrs. Accurate!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZxD5ZkPOpPpBgskZ3HIYfkGDfPJLVvtQONMDdAY8a9VJO_GDLfx8Ipx5a1SOVR4Pq1DBlr4s4DSfyqbRL2rCogMeosNnAWjCxvvtUWbX2Ha8GDHtxOC6mzwnBt0157_uOXG2MK4J08pMn_NOkMRmSIJcH6wwE1YD0LRmYk4sOjemkTMG2SrMX648qQrn/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZxD5ZkPOpPpBgskZ3HIYfkGDfPJLVvtQONMDdAY8a9VJO_GDLfx8Ipx5a1SOVR4Pq1DBlr4s4DSfyqbRL2rCogMeosNnAWjCxvvtUWbX2Ha8GDHtxOC6mzwnBt0157_uOXG2MK4J08pMn_NOkMRmSIJcH6wwE1YD0LRmYk4sOjemkTMG2SrMX648qQrn/w640-h318/Matilda%20I%20-%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastruct to the rescue!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ts-IfM3mo2syqUyrLzhmOLSrA855ppdP9q2SIzmyXGD21lwC9k-670lhwt5iReUiw_HXpie_6GeeWigy8Ziph0VZdAMS14GnmizRNfa2bev9kSiLK1XCZs50fMciOgB3JIgJpkdX_UizJsLkg2dSH7O08GwtZKHKT5aqP_MFSry3gHT_Nc4bTBPQSlIc/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ts-IfM3mo2syqUyrLzhmOLSrA855ppdP9q2SIzmyXGD21lwC9k-670lhwt5iReUiw_HXpie_6GeeWigy8Ziph0VZdAMS14GnmizRNfa2bev9kSiLK1XCZs50fMciOgB3JIgJpkdX_UizJsLkg2dSH7O08GwtZKHKT5aqP_MFSry3gHT_Nc4bTBPQSlIc/w640-h392/Matilda%20I%20-%20007.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the construction of the articulated arms of the suspension bogies... <br />Lots of care and attention, using super glue... <br />No way back!!! No margin for error!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Time to build the suspensions<span style="text-align: left;"> bogies supports. Here, alignment is fundamental!!! </span>My tip for these delicate collages: a micro-drop of super glue to check the alignment... If everything is correct, "sew" the piece with more super glue, applying the liquid with a thin wire on the periphery of the piece. Capillarity will take care of the rest...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A-kJ21tvvnyTsFFAmPxpFdwCGKU4MaqziW7ZCLVQCRb8g17xrayVMmXkur5rBzConadR8YMXTqOIr_u6z21a43Cxy4OHSaTJGYMbVsPunQFJroeU3poI5yWMSqiqEREOdjcDhBvXEtCpqAw1G7vh0iKFrk_yjEn2I-mlRGrSbUT82OxkSbEcOpeKVX89/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A-kJ21tvvnyTsFFAmPxpFdwCGKU4MaqziW7ZCLVQCRb8g17xrayVMmXkur5rBzConadR8YMXTqOIr_u6z21a43Cxy4OHSaTJGYMbVsPunQFJroeU3poI5yWMSqiqEREOdjcDhBvXEtCpqAw1G7vh0iKFrk_yjEn2I-mlRGrSbUT82OxkSbEcOpeKVX89/w640-h470/Matilda%20I%20-%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspension bogie supports. <br />Perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjEcJfQGNH308txQicpUgvrXaYvul2Zltm3bMNHvJGPeoFItXaZ7kF2Ye4JAL5WfyLvqCIHFcBjspOhowBCMBcjzSdnBKXPzvXJVxnAy2eQ060MgBvQn-viJ9NCL_b3GgdiUHObosY0CmJ9PBesspNTHd8b1emLsMH5OrdW2Ur0h0ujR8vH1ZYnlg72Cw/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjEcJfQGNH308txQicpUgvrXaYvul2Zltm3bMNHvJGPeoFItXaZ7kF2Ye4JAL5WfyLvqCIHFcBjspOhowBCMBcjzSdnBKXPzvXJVxnAy2eQ060MgBvQn-viJ9NCL_b3GgdiUHObosY0CmJ9PBesspNTHd8b1emLsMH5OrdW2Ur0h0ujR8vH1ZYnlg72Cw/w640-h362/Matilda%20I%20-%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girl's little paws are starting to grow....</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUd90EhUM-2RqcdpBkZ6gi13QalUDuSAKZpqScoiE1HJCNrGfjZW59M2wVBlrUKTeQGXhyi90xno7mDLS21HuidvZ1gxHf2WWchQ6odWa_B5O2Y5ncrewiBwFeFb5CPjaVN_ydP0-IsfEuia1lvwIxjtT8vDRHNy1PKoy2I_buqHVn0FAJ9gScQAp1-p-s/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUd90EhUM-2RqcdpBkZ6gi13QalUDuSAKZpqScoiE1HJCNrGfjZW59M2wVBlrUKTeQGXhyi90xno7mDLS21HuidvZ1gxHf2WWchQ6odWa_B5O2Y5ncrewiBwFeFb5CPjaVN_ydP0-IsfEuia1lvwIxjtT8vDRHNy1PKoy2I_buqHVn0FAJ9gScQAp1-p-s/w640-h416/Matilda%20I%20-%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the suspension arms: here, alignment is ALSO essential!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6eY_8aTkFi3lCmfmXsjg5tF4PxCbS_yhniZzI6Y2FynLxypabU2v-DsACZeopWiiF2FoTe00Yril4EdqDNscl4kTd5XuW97MztE-LXTYMNzm3JDgU-mS8WxuuTGpZZquuji-DKGwoJs_19-qYm4e8IYzu9M9k3pExuFRNcUpnpG9arIhGK77epnTtYEG/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6eY_8aTkFi3lCmfmXsjg5tF4PxCbS_yhniZzI6Y2FynLxypabU2v-DsACZeopWiiF2FoTe00Yril4EdqDNscl4kTd5XuW97MztE-LXTYMNzm3JDgU-mS8WxuuTGpZZquuji-DKGwoJs_19-qYm4e8IYzu9M9k3pExuFRNcUpnpG9arIhGK77epnTtYEG/w640-h398/Matilda%20I%20-%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal parts framing the entire assembly and applying a<br />little weight to the vehicle...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc_VF8P7qNAizFIZxByGMj34rXoXpE7LoaKnk0_fDQZEEima3nR1lHGfeVPGio7pDj3XGN_QqBCCJWgdOMvyYQT0Ew-iaHyXuIZLKNp0CCd5vrGjvuervN9IQHGD2jSp_m5XMR2UQCm04nfbgMh3tTTNZkvvp9bPeKHHNQeRxSzNDW9LVtKpQPFYYBTv2/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFc_VF8P7qNAizFIZxByGMj34rXoXpE7LoaKnk0_fDQZEEima3nR1lHGfeVPGio7pDj3XGN_QqBCCJWgdOMvyYQT0Ew-iaHyXuIZLKNp0CCd5vrGjvuervN9IQHGD2jSp_m5XMR2UQCm04nfbgMh3tTTNZkvvp9bPeKHHNQeRxSzNDW9LVtKpQPFYYBTv2/w640-h354/Matilda%20I%20-%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These small precautions prevent the suspension<br />from being "born" warped...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgexCl2FSRaVQ3hfDxmR0ZNqnfM7dyRWxLs6ldsWtTpPKG1Y5RShkzL4Y5sfqg1Nfb2AFQJy6xqu7iOJFGFYsUh0Ks7HHN7Vk0ownsX8soVfyeaBtbRaU0IiwPK5bswO6dObWp8tt-pV8IdhDpW5CMnjfrRoegtYP9GCMmk_Si-xGn2Bt8mjfLtwyiWTYJ/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgexCl2FSRaVQ3hfDxmR0ZNqnfM7dyRWxLs6ldsWtTpPKG1Y5RShkzL4Y5sfqg1Nfb2AFQJy6xqu7iOJFGFYsUh0Ks7HHN7Vk0ownsX8soVfyeaBtbRaU0IiwPK5bswO6dObWp8tt-pV8IdhDpW5CMnjfrRoegtYP9GCMmk_Si-xGn2Bt8mjfLtwyiWTYJ/w640-h310/Matilda%20I%20-%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And voiláa: everything aligned on the 3 axes!!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwnwLNt7T39PxTYmpz0RRuIncjk7xCWZ9Oaehw8k0sPUSUpjRbNRhL5MtgKgh-4gYBd_VhuF1ow0jYHvXjJefmFByTWBFqhz10aX9fE-sXphNbehjckgBupK9t5b6mBxP9DcR0myPhluUe9UKL6r-OygW14dsNklHqYbZGrfDTrjuFhCRhW4HMC604YnG/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwnwLNt7T39PxTYmpz0RRuIncjk7xCWZ9Oaehw8k0sPUSUpjRbNRhL5MtgKgh-4gYBd_VhuF1ow0jYHvXjJefmFByTWBFqhz10aX9fE-sXphNbehjckgBupK9t5b6mBxP9DcR0myPhluUe9UKL6r-OygW14dsNklHqYbZGrfDTrjuFhCRhW4HMC604YnG/w640-h346/Matilda%20I%20-%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfectly aligned suspension arms. Right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZM810EPXCNph_dulwPgoqUuNNf2MoQk8bBdGFIrVKj48wB9uOhVOeZpQ5yvQFclgPNrWByvI4vqS4WVqYh_KNRx-gEKzIibZqhFLQ9O0tzlkP9u9IPBsHuUWlX3a0r8Ei2izfSSnuXfMF8Y0NrNJDr7YepnNKujOvrLnXAzN6uXrN8tN5mXw0SyR13Mm/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1280" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZM810EPXCNph_dulwPgoqUuNNf2MoQk8bBdGFIrVKj48wB9uOhVOeZpQ5yvQFclgPNrWByvI4vqS4WVqYh_KNRx-gEKzIibZqhFLQ9O0tzlkP9u9IPBsHuUWlX3a0r8Ei2izfSSnuXfMF8Y0NrNJDr7YepnNKujOvrLnXAzN6uXrN8tN5mXw0SyR13Mm/w640-h314/Matilda%20I%20-%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the fit of the scratch made with Plastruct<br />of the broken suspension piece. So far so good!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVAHHVKJdDI3aS1G8Artr8k9QNjJBI0A-1D0YBdpgn9DlVLHLeuCZDy32jSx3Q-Bcb0DDV6OzKdL9Nf6UNvflx8XszhXNKWNws9sJf7G8eVK_EhLGfacQ-RFNX5i2jZ1LYd10osE5zcGfT8NvYM4pf43BOJdCtl2pmITzg6Lpb9paPTK5Ttu4E1YgTgO9/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVAHHVKJdDI3aS1G8Artr8k9QNjJBI0A-1D0YBdpgn9DlVLHLeuCZDy32jSx3Q-Bcb0DDV6OzKdL9Nf6UNvflx8XszhXNKWNws9sJf7G8eVK_EhLGfacQ-RFNX5i2jZ1LYd10osE5zcGfT8NvYM4pf43BOJdCtl2pmITzg6Lpb9paPTK5Ttu4E1YgTgO9/w640-h370/Matilda%20I%20-%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bogies built and installed. Be very careful with the position of<br />the rear bogie, with its all-metal wheels located further back...<br />The track strips are already clean, awaiting installation...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-iQ4WM4pwJQ_S4ddeWAEkFYZyh0j4bt95S2YZmOQqPzSTmAGDLdNgkr1SFNrmZEzZAAFP5O9CqCBL6CxvpnHpAHASyq2PFZfDiVXOGiT6mcct8egPPHAlF6s8VWLKiBc_mA6ASBIekALM50pF2ZcrYWoSI8ApMONIL_w8hDpDUNlvqfAnXccn2Zvn4jn/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-iQ4WM4pwJQ_S4ddeWAEkFYZyh0j4bt95S2YZmOQqPzSTmAGDLdNgkr1SFNrmZEzZAAFP5O9CqCBL6CxvpnHpAHASyq2PFZfDiVXOGiT6mcct8egPPHAlF6s8VWLKiBc_mA6ASBIekALM50pF2ZcrYWoSI8ApMONIL_w8hDpDUNlvqfAnXccn2Zvn4jn/w640-h420/Matilda%20I%20-%20018.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bogies built and installed. Be very careful with the position of<br />the rear bogie, with its all-metal wheels located further back...<br />The track strips are already clean, awaiting installation...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Starting to install the resin tracks, I decided to use a new technique: hot air gun!! I heated the track segments very carefully with a heat gun and, wonder of wonders: the segments are softened enough for you to be able to shape the tracks on the wheels and return wheels... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UqDbJ_u_NmHWwY_FvD7728zZqlB0vbQV81LujgvRdx_1eamKphdEqZq6wk2ZSsXM8gg0Eoen1LEG2Io5QJ66ocOsEtctzBn8RXoabSHlgk5gNtvCj2Weq0z6VnmaFFPQzOcUHFexOzP0i-zJ3d-HhrcOe4Fovk5cEcnY6wKGbWuVsnKp28GVFwEg2L3k/s810/soprador%20ar%20quente.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="810" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UqDbJ_u_NmHWwY_FvD7728zZqlB0vbQV81LujgvRdx_1eamKphdEqZq6wk2ZSsXM8gg0Eoen1LEG2Io5QJ66ocOsEtctzBn8RXoabSHlgk5gNtvCj2Weq0z6VnmaFFPQzOcUHFexOzP0i-zJ3d-HhrcOe4Fovk5cEcnY6wKGbWuVsnKp28GVFwEg2L3k/w400-h291/soprador%20ar%20quente.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cheap and generic hot air gun </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Sorry I didn't take photos of the stages (I was a little confused with the heat gun and didn't want to run the risk of "melting" the tracks...), but the technique is excellent!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a2skfb3Xh4Ebx1sxr7xaHGcva5AQQE7F9FQPNX0CQvOiMP0VULWD3a-QJerpGJMf34nATkFoExV_sOvKI72OfuB_ueOoZ-jNyzg-rLLq-dUKbYQoi48W3VJKNP0F9T9QDj5uCUnzEaHJgIHYVDLyGJ8glbsromPiLgPbM0lc8O35Ue8xvLoTRPgg17k8/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0a2skfb3Xh4Ebx1sxr7xaHGcva5AQQE7F9FQPNX0CQvOiMP0VULWD3a-QJerpGJMf34nATkFoExV_sOvKI72OfuB_ueOoZ-jNyzg-rLLq-dUKbYQoi48W3VJKNP0F9T9QDj5uCUnzEaHJgIHYVDLyGJ8glbsromPiLgPbM0lc8O35Ue8xvLoTRPgg17k8/w640-h374/Matilda%20I%20-%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the track on the return rollers, with the fit<br />simulating the weight of the tracks</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTDb_s5_zUH8g4L7kZcpFH5eXRnDIge9e6emw9Jd11KZZHjTIgCRFmXineeeP6HDo1nAQB60l9-PhLn6MYKPpC9QJXaWWqwuhnEKtvQdhqVmNKBoxbVJrnXWms7HAVgQ4FgT993VX1d_FU11yXdetL5DBO-SzZLDNcpIpRdkEz7HxzuV8Ubn8LefHLyu2/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTDb_s5_zUH8g4L7kZcpFH5eXRnDIge9e6emw9Jd11KZZHjTIgCRFmXineeeP6HDo1nAQB60l9-PhLn6MYKPpC9QJXaWWqwuhnEKtvQdhqVmNKBoxbVJrnXWms7HAVgQ4FgT993VX1d_FU11yXdetL5DBO-SzZLDNcpIpRdkEz7HxzuV8Ubn8LefHLyu2/w640-h296/Matilda%20I%20-%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slightly more distant view...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3GepZZSeB5My1EpbulWfkQjS_f-4ZDwgiq8LTJX5tBH6W3Qc-FcOedzWFCDLdYAXYjBS5-E0m4VBL-Sida84FlzQu1tGPSosz0R1-zWFm7-pjWuqo3m8mPae1UiT8m85-H9h1ZAOUh80W5opHPG8bkOyGLKLiVzA3qL62jq69VobEvfVtc9hcOiT3U31/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3GepZZSeB5My1EpbulWfkQjS_f-4ZDwgiq8LTJX5tBH6W3Qc-FcOedzWFCDLdYAXYjBS5-E0m4VBL-Sida84FlzQu1tGPSosz0R1-zWFm7-pjWuqo3m8mPae1UiT8m85-H9h1ZAOUh80W5opHPG8bkOyGLKLiVzA3qL62jq69VobEvfVtc9hcOiT3U31/w640-h418/Matilda%20I%20-%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks on the left side with complete installation.<br />Right side with the upper portion already installed...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5alpe4rPF8e405dMojenNyA5nBFoW7YR1pjcrGh79na7SUZJ9FTszsGtaMoHPCOvlacPwu32iI-BsMvJdl5GkC39bZFiNgfybGPlaku00bZoiiCht3L7Bsq0TrnaVbEQ5yAhocgUPwxYWlATwl5dKBYH1cuNJRKAG-wzwMsKM_rR-Ssztn-rd_6dz0gP/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5alpe4rPF8e405dMojenNyA5nBFoW7YR1pjcrGh79na7SUZJ9FTszsGtaMoHPCOvlacPwu32iI-BsMvJdl5GkC39bZFiNgfybGPlaku00bZoiiCht3L7Bsq0TrnaVbEQ5yAhocgUPwxYWlATwl5dKBYH1cuNJRKAG-wzwMsKM_rR-Ssztn-rd_6dz0gP/w640-h336/Matilda%20I%20-%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks on the right side with complete installation.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> When shooting these photos, I almost dropped the turret. Hell, this is worrying. I'm going to make a system with a screw to retain the turret in the correct position, allowing it to move but preventing it from falling. I will use a long Phillips screw, which will be installed through the tank hull. Then, I will close the access with a thin plastic plate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYns0Za3wliPGDZvEl-48AjFX6kNmIRF70QSxZHgGJbKohhIqEpWp_NeA5lFo5r1L8_lXqpnHScxut2kVs-DS9h4aMaXHByIjVUwz88XGzymSNDm1NlPbMmV9h58I9MBUEQ936FnXhb6Zcmb2vX096XP7hPO2fvjU-xkBGe0YB9Jwzp58EhaAC6mWKZwm5/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYns0Za3wliPGDZvEl-48AjFX6kNmIRF70QSxZHgGJbKohhIqEpWp_NeA5lFo5r1L8_lXqpnHScxut2kVs-DS9h4aMaXHByIjVUwz88XGzymSNDm1NlPbMmV9h58I9MBUEQ936FnXhb6Zcmb2vX096XP7hPO2fvjU-xkBGe0YB9Jwzp58EhaAC6mWKZwm5/w640-h462/Matilda%20I%20-%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The screw in positio (yellow arrow).<br />Notice the recess I made in the hull to "hide" the screw head. <br />This recess will be covered by a thin sheet of plasticard.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjlWe69DcyIRnVXV_Fr12SiRpi07hEh3eD1hVmFEPw1ljfSum-iIFmiVc4r3pMk_LTX_Wbi81tC-WE7yS0d67MJnNxAwsUSJz4K8ao9SOsujbu1BzonNT7fZ7ggRjCGP_uJXm0sRHRVIJtYuthmlHny8YA0VioW9lYWwAGlRxuxMLhmX85W775khx01-2/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjlWe69DcyIRnVXV_Fr12SiRpi07hEh3eD1hVmFEPw1ljfSum-iIFmiVc4r3pMk_LTX_Wbi81tC-WE7yS0d67MJnNxAwsUSJz4K8ao9SOsujbu1BzonNT7fZ7ggRjCGP_uJXm0sRHRVIJtYuthmlHny8YA0VioW9lYWwAGlRxuxMLhmX85W775khx01-2/w640-h408/Matilda%20I%20-%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tirret is safe now. I installed the machine gun in its position.<br />The rotation is 360°.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YkH_1whyphenhyphenOYLerACwWoAp8ZNzigN6D9KPTzV7PR8_FAYEmBL-_YuXFvkSCpDwfmyAJavSa_PrrxUUxm2ikmPo0SX6mtZpDf8j8IRG0AjzXHcLTHrejp8whY2opfdEUXhJyzkQGvLBV5XKZdgskCmaslGI-l4jIc-EP2NFJwca5Btj8oZi34fJtKWvJcg2/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YkH_1whyphenhyphenOYLerACwWoAp8ZNzigN6D9KPTzV7PR8_FAYEmBL-_YuXFvkSCpDwfmyAJavSa_PrrxUUxm2ikmPo0SX6mtZpDf8j8IRG0AjzXHcLTHrejp8whY2opfdEUXhJyzkQGvLBV5XKZdgskCmaslGI-l4jIc-EP2NFJwca5Btj8oZi34fJtKWvJcg2/w640-h410/Matilda%20I%20-%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little girl is so cute!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvncqZ9dAES97_JV2lvR_jYyiUe-sVAUt7xuj2U9J6QIpAMzKFrn8Ea4up_pCC4XXRDjf8xSSgDwMFrGpWCBVMn8PhnX4vzNWpjASV5wBiq_MXc3ct8y_l0YlNH1tyny9T9sgMnEkk0tBlzNetwyfz2VQYBt64jFTxMKvRIA62mcSohTM6r31lLMhkjnE/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20025aa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvncqZ9dAES97_JV2lvR_jYyiUe-sVAUt7xuj2U9J6QIpAMzKFrn8Ea4up_pCC4XXRDjf8xSSgDwMFrGpWCBVMn8PhnX4vzNWpjASV5wBiq_MXc3ct8y_l0YlNH1tyny9T9sgMnEkk0tBlzNetwyfz2VQYBt64jFTxMKvRIA62mcSohTM6r31lLMhkjnE/w640-h400/Matilda%20I%20-%20025aa.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret screw access panel is in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhswjM8xkUwYE_im2GsxvbZzz_G0o9AhO4oMeQW2OkegvKSn7IJgh4mfOWsovRDJAUawy-L8E78MFcGeOcK1TEpfZcnpw5I3oW4vNYP2TuE6gJ7QjbVJ6MpoXNu2EAtlV4EmTJ3eUkfX8YSOWJDtH8CLJ5Ud7uahq2UMup48zbqHcJrSOXDoXMZo9qmSp/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20025a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhswjM8xkUwYE_im2GsxvbZzz_G0o9AhO4oMeQW2OkegvKSn7IJgh4mfOWsovRDJAUawy-L8E78MFcGeOcK1TEpfZcnpw5I3oW4vNYP2TuE6gJ7QjbVJ6MpoXNu2EAtlV4EmTJ3eUkfX8YSOWJDtH8CLJ5Ud7uahq2UMup48zbqHcJrSOXDoXMZo9qmSp/w640-h394/Matilda%20I%20-%20025a.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Two Brit girls under construction:</div><div><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20III%20tank">Vickers Medium Mk.III </a>in the background.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After a long, long time, we're going to resume building Matilda I, because I haven't finished this girl yet!! I closed the driver's hatch...after all, Tommy is a very shy guy... The kit has some casting defects, which will be corrected as construction progresses.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPw6TNU-gZBSyEZVMVt2zvGv4zHdX2FvnwYlaoKaOqjpfclP_eNdWqHbPaZDVk1zafrPLEDMsZ-sq7AQi35JnYWCU6Ww81TN7SCmqSEj_C-FYWHfCTfYVsovXMCZnZYhtv1y1vklUHFGCIw8uFez35pQfebir93JpqxxA5JNrvlJeWVfYKiqOTTcFMeM6i/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20025b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPw6TNU-gZBSyEZVMVt2zvGv4zHdX2FvnwYlaoKaOqjpfclP_eNdWqHbPaZDVk1zafrPLEDMsZ-sq7AQi35JnYWCU6Ww81TN7SCmqSEj_C-FYWHfCTfYVsovXMCZnZYhtv1y1vklUHFGCIw8uFez35pQfebir93JpqxxA5JNrvlJeWVfYKiqOTTcFMeM6i/w640-h430/Matilda%20I%20-%20025b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driver's hatch closed... <br />you can never be too careful!!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPqJ_iN3f-KZ3p2RlmlppT6wo-qve3GYsTwJvNASpU9NUh1fX6nwMDyrX3XYOtz5-RdspzkMVercMCt9TJpYav-jqRQwjkMZYZF9mcTKAjkw-E-Lg3r0KcTmc0M00LjkuR0MHk2lm0LMth0vjlq2J6R2Lsl9dXBNalHLnJvFl4mSiiTEhhfk-t7UdmYR7/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20025c.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPqJ_iN3f-KZ3p2RlmlppT6wo-qve3GYsTwJvNASpU9NUh1fX6nwMDyrX3XYOtz5-RdspzkMVercMCt9TJpYav-jqRQwjkMZYZF9mcTKAjkw-E-Lg3r0KcTmc0M00LjkuR0MHk2lm0LMth0vjlq2J6R2Lsl9dXBNalHLnJvFl4mSiiTEhhfk-t7UdmYR7/w640-h470/Matilda%20I%20-%20025c.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driver's hatch closed...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Installing the vent blank plate in place, as well as the radio antenna support. This constructive stage is quite boring. You can't be too careful. First, the locks of the vent blank plate (in PE)</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosB1tDqtLO3zkiImNWPzzDzpuc0AKWMIGQXxddt3IKV2E_Q_S8r7JhD9Uk9bO_KMUW6Xboq0WixEMofHpWFkz-SdIAikziIXQwGCXnzOjE_PNBPJmVxCb3N2uQpt_oXN4JIDLsvwgt3kYWyS677_2KEPlhPRf-qY_UIU2asefOWhEmmmFxLhimBhSevXd/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosB1tDqtLO3zkiImNWPzzDzpuc0AKWMIGQXxddt3IKV2E_Q_S8r7JhD9Uk9bO_KMUW6Xboq0WixEMofHpWFkz-SdIAikziIXQwGCXnzOjE_PNBPJmVxCb3N2uQpt_oXN4JIDLsvwgt3kYWyS677_2KEPlhPRf-qY_UIU2asefOWhEmmmFxLhimBhSevXd/w640-h396/Matilda%20I%20-%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the semicircular steel rope holders, on the right<br />side of the hull, in resin.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4whsVkv2H3hhEK-SgekhJNH-brgjPzy6pD_yFT3nvFNFHUuPSOnyiqmXOFCyEAlpEgKC26fHMsaMGqk331Ckazr7-ZAqUkMotMuoF44Vu7g84TEjzgYkl6jWbxmq9zZlM6XNOWoDfjOdrXeyOBxwc4XuDXz7peJDqZl3IRfcfIwrpXVUAQmOrNScgXaB/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4whsVkv2H3hhEK-SgekhJNH-brgjPzy6pD_yFT3nvFNFHUuPSOnyiqmXOFCyEAlpEgKC26fHMsaMGqk331Ckazr7-ZAqUkMotMuoF44Vu7g84TEjzgYkl6jWbxmq9zZlM6XNOWoDfjOdrXeyOBxwc4XuDXz7peJDqZl3IRfcfIwrpXVUAQmOrNScgXaB/w640-h468/Matilda%20I%20-%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the stowage bins in the nose of the Matilda I</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9gG4C9yTWMHOkoeN2l6zoAB-4v-nUmromKC1eoEzgC9Zr4UgAp-ufDUj-7052gR0CFCblLoMhL2H5qHvzd9XLF0Hp68BUMipV5qYupY90Q1xBBqitHz7oFgvosYt2ttEFGBZ56KoqAihyC0SVdNeZ93u60L2SLVK8aJT-NqM8rRiwV2fGlmAESDXR39U/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9gG4C9yTWMHOkoeN2l6zoAB-4v-nUmromKC1eoEzgC9Zr4UgAp-ufDUj-7052gR0CFCblLoMhL2H5qHvzd9XLF0Hp68BUMipV5qYupY90Q1xBBqitHz7oFgvosYt2ttEFGBZ56KoqAihyC0SVdNeZ93u60L2SLVK8aJT-NqM8rRiwV2fGlmAESDXR39U/w640-h394/Matilda%20I%20-%20029.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The vent blank plate in position!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, I'm going to use a material that I got at the end of the year: a steel rope made with copper wires, from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a>, from Portugal. The cables come in different diameters and are pre-painted, which makes things a lot easier. This will be the first time I use material from this Company. The cables come in diameters of 1.2mm, 1.0mm, 0.8mm and 0.6mm. All with a length of 700mm (in two 350mm rolls).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUOsOKixwjQItC5Lg_X9AazqaC_3gIUKy1Z0i_W2kTq91maZrhetzZc3WgcqcSc5K67nvS6CgGCjR0QoyT7bLZDa_nXp4oE44zOv79yVXcG5R8VQMPglqXNGZKtki4vNIRrSqaYRKO-UhXPzGLSNZDtuc4GUiaiIe7mIa7NrZGYz-nxmVAXEn4QEJDQSI/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUOsOKixwjQItC5Lg_X9AazqaC_3gIUKy1Z0i_W2kTq91maZrhetzZc3WgcqcSc5K67nvS6CgGCjR0QoyT7bLZDa_nXp4oE44zOv79yVXcG5R8VQMPglqXNGZKtki4vNIRrSqaYRKO-UhXPzGLSNZDtuc4GUiaiIe7mIa7NrZGYz-nxmVAXEn4QEJDQSI/w640-h436/Matilda%20I%20-%20030.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steel ropes from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a> (Portugal).<br />The cables come packaged in practical zip-lock bags.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Due to the size of the tank, my choice was the 0.8mm diameter cable. I didn't purchase the resin terminals for the cables, but I'm going to make these eyelets myself, because on the original tank model, the cable eyes were simple.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbVcuhUbCngBjPfeF-XZ_to96LAV0fe62zvvG9QzFnF3XZI3wJcZPC65XO7sUuCJ-O-KnKYy2SfRxZHGNqu7pEWqo0gaAIVw0-rLTBQx3Cfwm1eWS-k4a52aGh6cf7sMg2YUT3GOyeyK5Qluz_8wq-tg6ROlSZ5K8BspGfV4qaRkxxyb9-fKDfBjP4qLf/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20032a.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="1280" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbVcuhUbCngBjPfeF-XZ_to96LAV0fe62zvvG9QzFnF3XZI3wJcZPC65XO7sUuCJ-O-KnKYy2SfRxZHGNqu7pEWqo0gaAIVw0-rLTBQx3Cfwm1eWS-k4a52aGh6cf7sMg2YUT3GOyeyK5Qluz_8wq-tg6ROlSZ5K8BspGfV4qaRkxxyb9-fKDfBjP4qLf/w640-h248/Matilda%20I%20-%20032a.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv8pqgdRA4RPUO8KQAlRDwbMaP-816ORKkicwBSkc35lIEcqX2VoI3E_eKWXeUBxDOabzhFTLg7HSo4hx1GHYyy5JULhT_RVIwLO08FFf37k0lIV-V7KFn6PhXKjSWRQ3bcqqrKDa4GD2yNrBH8xa4zHXejIoaSZuS9wQKCgnw7WzT5fKPU_vycrZDfMZ/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv8pqgdRA4RPUO8KQAlRDwbMaP-816ORKkicwBSkc35lIEcqX2VoI3E_eKWXeUBxDOabzhFTLg7HSo4hx1GHYyy5JULhT_RVIwLO08FFf37k0lIV-V7KFn6PhXKjSWRQ3bcqqrKDa4GD2yNrBH8xa4zHXejIoaSZuS9wQKCgnw7WzT5fKPU_vycrZDfMZ/w640-h484/Matilda%20I%20-%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chosen steel cable and its future position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lkTKnca8EGTUFw27W9Vcn8C1d0xmD-3Fa-Mlab3ATJY5s3f9d4hR2dXsHNPAS_xAIKEwSFAkoG3BVFtAGjDddSoVd_TBFiNxI6NbkmWmD2Cp6w2mHyUVPR3nhX-B0dLa7feG1xbUiBgyU-zC2Vc7eImc9ctrSHMsbb4FBWXt1Fbglm4_A4p6oYpTEW-v/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lkTKnca8EGTUFw27W9Vcn8C1d0xmD-3Fa-Mlab3ATJY5s3f9d4hR2dXsHNPAS_xAIKEwSFAkoG3BVFtAGjDddSoVd_TBFiNxI6NbkmWmD2Cp6w2mHyUVPR3nhX-B0dLa7feG1xbUiBgyU-zC2Vc7eImc9ctrSHMsbb4FBWXt1Fbglm4_A4p6oYpTEW-v/w640-h402/Matilda%20I%20-%20033.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cables come packaged in practical zip-lock bags,<br />with two 35 cm long rolls each.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first thing to do is to make a template that will allow me to work with the steel cable without any wrong bends or concerns... I made a cardboard template, slightly smaller than the area of the steel cable, so I could make my own wire rope jig. Follow me...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGsrQSpSQxlYZ34oqDLxF39us7X-EMJbzy7a_YilwYAytlxdcOMFwzxlaQ2V04Wxf7XBRpHYOdzLy7cwJS_dCrluoqJaZhrrEWntn-NslEREOio8KMjGnYESWtGeraMnXfCj_lrOU-AGVMWvhuCpG8UnEIJgM6mbGu-9rg820gp1g7Bu9YKkTKUPdMrUj/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGsrQSpSQxlYZ34oqDLxF39us7X-EMJbzy7a_YilwYAytlxdcOMFwzxlaQ2V04Wxf7XBRpHYOdzLy7cwJS_dCrluoqJaZhrrEWntn-NslEREOio8KMjGnYESWtGeraMnXfCj_lrOU-AGVMWvhuCpG8UnEIJgM6mbGu-9rg820gp1g7Bu9YKkTKUPdMrUj/w640-h414/Matilda%20I%20-%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardboard template, slightly smaller than the<br />area of the steel cable, in position.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqSRP1mQpK1uFFU9YFmCDG7vRrlBPO8hMJy35wEEXjHkU2rH7x6WqZmm_9bsm-TiykuLYhvVkgodMMKKcqhabI0VMSeCIVzIc5dcSg1YSGqFUDnIfKpFduzsKE5Jppsdf5XpTOpKblqIDoKpkJfEHj2Khf-m4iAgJK1jtnK8OqY8z4KRt0I1OlK5u56LO/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqSRP1mQpK1uFFU9YFmCDG7vRrlBPO8hMJy35wEEXjHkU2rH7x6WqZmm_9bsm-TiykuLYhvVkgodMMKKcqhabI0VMSeCIVzIc5dcSg1YSGqFUDnIfKpFduzsKE5Jppsdf5XpTOpKblqIDoKpkJfEHj2Khf-m4iAgJK1jtnK8OqY8z4KRt0I1OlK5u56LO/w640-h382/Matilda%20I%20-%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the cardboard template to cut out the Styrofoam template<br />(where I will wrap the steel cable).<br />Template format drawn on Styrofoam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmsYv-K_g1yReby5XHCdlHXEJD-Ba361VQbGEfJT5JkO9GqA3ty0WhPs3h7tdxbqNRQ-5CTMMGAFgYo2PRlOtJxcQeYsNRi7qyN1d7ZX12buKiIOUvg0II9PkfYlMOyiCiNLQb463YwPLy4kNmWF4sPOx5m1J0t3wPnYwZrqTQ9gyH_pfi1rshex4h5Gn/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmsYv-K_g1yReby5XHCdlHXEJD-Ba361VQbGEfJT5JkO9GqA3ty0WhPs3h7tdxbqNRQ-5CTMMGAFgYo2PRlOtJxcQeYsNRi7qyN1d7ZX12buKiIOUvg0II9PkfYlMOyiCiNLQb463YwPLy4kNmWF4sPOx5m1J0t3wPnYwZrqTQ9gyH_pfi1rshex4h5Gn/w640-h366/Matilda%20I%20-%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the Styrofoam into the desired shape</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Before using the Styrofoam template (which is fragile) I will make the eyes on the steel cable, bending the braided copper wire to the desired size, gluing the steel cable with gel superglue and tying it with polyamide thread (no hairy wires here...), to form the eyelet. Simple and effective.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31QhgE4nH2nWiV7D1d0oNljuh5-aeiqZ2x0SF3zUytfmb-ifAJ38oBe-oRv5qKNp4wlViB4NGFlKhPO7BNQBv_Vh6lekhqgQistPpb8-TEeWV25ritB5gFDUNMTLiKXoxfAX14TCJ1MjEBzbM3AmwpOwr_hwL2X8qsPqB5cUvKuMiCxhcFA-TeHQPMLhZ/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31QhgE4nH2nWiV7D1d0oNljuh5-aeiqZ2x0SF3zUytfmb-ifAJ38oBe-oRv5qKNp4wlViB4NGFlKhPO7BNQBv_Vh6lekhqgQistPpb8-TEeWV25ritB5gFDUNMTLiKXoxfAX14TCJ1MjEBzbM3AmwpOwr_hwL2X8qsPqB5cUvKuMiCxhcFA-TeHQPMLhZ/w640-h398/Matilda%20I%20-%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the eylet in the steel cable...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The steel cable being glued makes it easier to apply the black polyamide thread (see above). A knot, a micro-drop of superglue, cut off the excess black thread, wrap the thread around the steel cable (previously "greased" with gel superglue) and a perfect homemade steel cable eye!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY8fY8M6U3RVe13j5tKunppcjJbQ5HTICgV6j_VbFxrDK5YNjQ8GZVtvuG_VxZwtxp2bLUWTqAHLZoGSY7et_rnNHSH7SGQlK4wpxzV0DM6z-NSOr2m3sT50EEr3hk_AGKx9CjqLcgYLeIrCVFVa53ohbAZd_DDxjMjB3cW6ClOimq6Y6gQJplG1pFIHz/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY8fY8M6U3RVe13j5tKunppcjJbQ5HTICgV6j_VbFxrDK5YNjQ8GZVtvuG_VxZwtxp2bLUWTqAHLZoGSY7et_rnNHSH7SGQlK4wpxzV0DM6z-NSOr2m3sT50EEr3hk_AGKx9CjqLcgYLeIrCVFVa53ohbAZd_DDxjMjB3cW6ClOimq6Y6gQJplG1pFIHz/w640-h422/Matilda%20I%20-%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial phase of winding the steel cable eye.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzsfrW34uY-I1ZWdG5t7H7_QgWDZOXOy6PCrD3W0-hMCm54jRZa4hREiRtvN_-x82qpYa6Fjd4NFRocE6ILzczFztMOy1FuSSZTq8vQTJ3u5KbYwifOiS-MSuPAmexSM9bZFPUR1DlU1WHHWeAisWs3c5Ev5usYhRD76J9mcFUylBOe07OkjyVCLg8930/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzsfrW34uY-I1ZWdG5t7H7_QgWDZOXOy6PCrD3W0-hMCm54jRZa4hREiRtvN_-x82qpYa6Fjd4NFRocE6ILzczFztMOy1FuSSZTq8vQTJ3u5KbYwifOiS-MSuPAmexSM9bZFPUR1DlU1WHHWeAisWs3c5Ev5usYhRD76J9mcFUylBOe07OkjyVCLg8930/w640-h348/Matilda%20I%20-%20040.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The correct length for what we want is 20 cms.<br />Here's the steel cable stretched, with the two eyes ready, on the bench!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, let's make 4 turns of the steel cable in our Styrofoam template. The use of superglue is not to glue the cable to the Styrofoam, but the layers together. I applied it to the lower portions, as they will be "hidden" by the semi-circular rack of the hull. You must leave the eyelets up... see the images...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ayN7lBwdXJTpYSahgp-gj2Dh583xQ2WSnpfh0M14zWcygokbTA5ON0K0JctSfq3jMLXFSUw_5hnPa0-Kz6nfHHsV6oDhrZCd09YRaXVfqjQD1eJXNLKexYW2TThN_qOb2knr2em5S65-xntkf5hWfrFHkwp_JWPTZ7FQE96qgBaxXdKsOvWzlUwKhpYx/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ayN7lBwdXJTpYSahgp-gj2Dh583xQ2WSnpfh0M14zWcygokbTA5ON0K0JctSfq3jMLXFSUw_5hnPa0-Kz6nfHHsV6oDhrZCd09YRaXVfqjQD1eJXNLKexYW2TThN_qOb2knr2em5S65-xntkf5hWfrFHkwp_JWPTZ7FQE96qgBaxXdKsOvWzlUwKhpYx/w640-h404/Matilda%20I%20-%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steel cable wrapped around our Styrofoam jig.<br />Two micro-drops of superglue in the corners of the steel cable</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcIw4iSMxpU8qaw0WWC6IIkdTPTe2takB7m1uK-HUWY4LXFMYgVFCWUnO5W5-QUl02Pefca2ZjtrCGJi5xIrBNESqQyUpM4TMkbZwYRt9zZruqsa6didolxmgoaD4Suf9JVTnUUweakvxRUCw72J5qZLpJUreeV3FFGSfnIb5xM_k5FaSNb_QXQxUdIfh/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOcIw4iSMxpU8qaw0WWC6IIkdTPTe2takB7m1uK-HUWY4LXFMYgVFCWUnO5W5-QUl02Pefca2ZjtrCGJi5xIrBNESqQyUpM4TMkbZwYRt9zZruqsa6didolxmgoaD4Suf9JVTnUUweakvxRUCw72J5qZLpJUreeV3FFGSfnIb5xM_k5FaSNb_QXQxUdIfh/w640-h336/Matilda%20I%20-%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a> material is very flexible and stable... <br />Loving it!!!<br />Cutting the Styrofoam jig for removing the steel cable roll</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6EXKWIgZSVovDuKvsBDKC3DWnfSrVHgCbrxrgwKU4WOHQzZBnaxV5klUYtUNlk7m41OxNcgV5MMHN3DkVh1c4PuYko0tpPELGU3RnHqCb_gNQGlSUsr0wJdPbmo-oFDoaG0X68CNT4P1bYigENRqjewOZPzsXwe9FRDc_8IDyWR0sYeXunWsODv7XotF/s1248/Matilda%20I%20-%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1248" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6EXKWIgZSVovDuKvsBDKC3DWnfSrVHgCbrxrgwKU4WOHQzZBnaxV5klUYtUNlk7m41OxNcgV5MMHN3DkVh1c4PuYko0tpPELGU3RnHqCb_gNQGlSUsr0wJdPbmo-oFDoaG0X68CNT4P1bYigENRqjewOZPzsXwe9FRDc_8IDyWR0sYeXunWsODv7XotF/w640-h286/Matilda%20I%20-%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the steel cable roll ready to be installed.<br />Chuck Norris approves!!!<br />Congrats, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rmgresinmodels" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">RMG Resin Models</a>!!<br />That's what I call efficient simplicity!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuDMOJzV7QZP4bKerfVtN2fiTZ79Cux38dgWMIjTQh0QL7xAP5xqjT7rWxVXoIy-VXJWO0NSAoVhD103UByO-wN173JJVz66814wWKaE2xftZzdqVRqcT0_hLsROnTMPKK22o6rD2H-HEygf7LUgIqgAbdXf5XpwPDzI4XaBQ5TLw_KRTHxUU4KvM9Hx4/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuDMOJzV7QZP4bKerfVtN2fiTZ79Cux38dgWMIjTQh0QL7xAP5xqjT7rWxVXoIy-VXJWO0NSAoVhD103UByO-wN173JJVz66814wWKaE2xftZzdqVRqcT0_hLsROnTMPKK22o6rD2H-HEygf7LUgIqgAbdXf5XpwPDzI4XaBQ5TLw_KRTHxUU4KvM9Hx4/w640-h418/Matilda%20I%20-%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the steel cable in position!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrhV3laHf6x0OinRJ0FNxIOFwEw2Wb_RYfajhKoO7gCGJhZ5Hj3S-TeKhT4KpUPhyphenhyphenmUDgRssgpFJW6cIVxlv2XthpUfA8-C0wjHrTyDBACVgXYX1SerBoPTKSqNSFEYG2xL-a1CVYCBOMKP8VnaS9I6RN8pmP8TwNH7K-NdIYR8F7CYK_41zxvxUumVm_/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrhV3laHf6x0OinRJ0FNxIOFwEw2Wb_RYfajhKoO7gCGJhZ5Hj3S-TeKhT4KpUPhyphenhyphenmUDgRssgpFJW6cIVxlv2XthpUfA8-C0wjHrTyDBACVgXYX1SerBoPTKSqNSFEYG2xL-a1CVYCBOMKP8VnaS9I6RN8pmP8TwNH7K-NdIYR8F7CYK_41zxvxUumVm_/w640-h466/Matilda%20I%20-%20046.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All that was missing was the metal clip (from the kit itself)<br />to keep everything in its place!!<br />I think I'll use more of this Portuguese material, without a doubt!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Continuing with the assembly... I came across two pieces (24) whose correct position was actually very confusing in the instruction manual (which is terrible... have I said that before??). There are two pieces of reinforcement for the frontal armor. Here is the image of the instructions:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEkNaWt8WaYYzUMKUWSlyq6Nk-tjdNek8yCff1EJC6DFX8NQpsFRyZGuO9Q0_3nE2N4HtYOer-k-Wp911mZL-JNZ22idhs0FWLgPWAtB1RODe7QRz11L-8lpniX-sL_pK3NlDEzurdxPNjF-OEj8cqUlgVOWThUI8kqJjCDyneXSBnxA3MIF6gHnGm26m/s1410/Matilda%20I%20-%20046d.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1410" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEkNaWt8WaYYzUMKUWSlyq6Nk-tjdNek8yCff1EJC6DFX8NQpsFRyZGuO9Q0_3nE2N4HtYOer-k-Wp911mZL-JNZ22idhs0FWLgPWAtB1RODe7QRz11L-8lpniX-sL_pK3NlDEzurdxPNjF-OEj8cqUlgVOWThUI8kqJjCDyneXSBnxA3MIF6gHnGm26m/w640-h446/Matilda%20I%20-%20046d.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The horizontal positioning of these pieces is a mystery...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujkIkRpQB5A3vw_RfnCE9vi9jeHQTFpu2koLp0-XOYoHHTU6pfbqOpvtZb9A1bP70fVRrJEXgxIQK3s8mCeGncOH_Qb7rDVQtdCmuA41bi1geXcXLvtw6uyxX8WwrEKnPrV3nRvRwoXR7r4JwjiYxE85iiFGtfnNmcRUrYZC-GKvzXIBYTZSPlYLiD3Qm/s1600/Matilda%20I%20-%20046a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujkIkRpQB5A3vw_RfnCE9vi9jeHQTFpu2koLp0-XOYoHHTU6pfbqOpvtZb9A1bP70fVRrJEXgxIQK3s8mCeGncOH_Qb7rDVQtdCmuA41bi1geXcXLvtw6uyxX8WwrEKnPrV3nRvRwoXR7r4JwjiYxE85iiFGtfnNmcRUrYZC-GKvzXIBYTZSPlYLiD3Qm/w640-h388/Matilda%20I%20-%20046a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But thanks to Stephen Tegner's drawings...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1TXYMVcoNmQ5uigqCRiLh3UChW8YhJqCe9Rz0jDPXDCOG5sL8NTeToNdM0Q_NpctB1JRp0MmlFxkEo4DfYgF4zY5O0J5PlLnxm7c-gxd-UVUcCPUNJyjb8c7aFS-rFdBes0RU0WvX_1icI_gDd2RHAlqSy5v-bJ_QWfKSATz-lz7d-OzkRo05UzdvSC7/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20046b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1TXYMVcoNmQ5uigqCRiLh3UChW8YhJqCe9Rz0jDPXDCOG5sL8NTeToNdM0Q_NpctB1JRp0MmlFxkEo4DfYgF4zY5O0J5PlLnxm7c-gxd-UVUcCPUNJyjb8c7aFS-rFdBes0RU0WvX_1icI_gDd2RHAlqSy5v-bJ_QWfKSATz-lz7d-OzkRo05UzdvSC7/w640-h322/Matilda%20I%20-%20046b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and photos of Bovington Tank Museum<br />Notice the green arrow...the part pointed by<br />red arrow (E21) will be installed soon!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYA6ecF8sjUoMl2PPWSFqxlnkO0QbkeFhk1JiVhDstdfgQovFGVNeKQa8NNX0QXjwSlP7In992BVTBv9-B_mYISP6TpWf1s15fU8SyvaPJc1IpqFdvZZ2s1H9Y41aZBni7tW1cpIM1YUs-JlIQBShFRNm-Cp-Vv0hDrwQstniTyH7xur7CYrsZ_JVJiy3/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20046c.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYA6ecF8sjUoMl2PPWSFqxlnkO0QbkeFhk1JiVhDstdfgQovFGVNeKQa8NNX0QXjwSlP7In992BVTBv9-B_mYISP6TpWf1s15fU8SyvaPJc1IpqFdvZZ2s1H9Y41aZBni7tW1cpIM1YUs-JlIQBShFRNm-Cp-Vv0hDrwQstniTyH7xur7CYrsZ_JVJiy3/w640-h408/Matilda%20I%20-%20046c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye doubts!!! Parts 24 installed!! <br />The screw will receive an extra-thin plastic panel to cover it.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFypn5kFm7YczAYvgSnZSAMjx2d1h7iGejy7EWwyOtww0IUvEjeWwmqDUFpgH3iHv_5rszW8vdhMRvIM8US5r4VyQyNeT640zn3nGJgZohjW7aF0RUHbH8tSWr5ivQnHZoGIQ0dhyg0ytwF3_YSXYKEufFsqRmJU7VK3k8F5UgAoaIwUmEiMKp-TfMVJc/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFypn5kFm7YczAYvgSnZSAMjx2d1h7iGejy7EWwyOtww0IUvEjeWwmqDUFpgH3iHv_5rszW8vdhMRvIM8US5r4VyQyNeT640zn3nGJgZohjW7aF0RUHbH8tSWr5ivQnHZoGIQ0dhyg0ytwF3_YSXYKEufFsqRmJU7VK3k8F5UgAoaIwUmEiMKp-TfMVJc/w640-h448/Matilda%20I%20-%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More and more details being added to the project...<br />The kit is accompanied by a great PE sheet<br />Note the E21 pieces glued into position</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9GjYqSE7FL3tZMvLBOh0hfzA7wIxwBKtWcyLiJH5MiNy45WnzQBJtIaUB1IR6aPimI4u3t2vkugaMZdqEmRHOCz67ozFpV86s8XUGat-52YFEfYXQjMXCy4qrIYyD_rAE0EaoV5psThYpWAypuerNLAfYTxGAv-7SdEjUzbaoyX7aZ5nUdHqXhJzSb4s/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC9GjYqSE7FL3tZMvLBOh0hfzA7wIxwBKtWcyLiJH5MiNy45WnzQBJtIaUB1IR6aPimI4u3t2vkugaMZdqEmRHOCz67ozFpV86s8XUGat-52YFEfYXQjMXCy4qrIYyD_rAE0EaoV5psThYpWAypuerNLAfYTxGAv-7SdEjUzbaoyX7aZ5nUdHqXhJzSb4s/w640-h432/Matilda%20I%20-%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handles on the front toolboxes made with copper wires...<br />Horn installed on the left headlight arm</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiZAQ2Z-LqLBqAESjtJ2BjePKxkDh7V9j_3cJN8iKfV3_62re7uE7Ioilpsqs85I_3rqQbOyPcFuVvnyBCWfo0WbQ-qdNa9V1sHrjcIUDIp2T_RcmOEU0eZHOWHgDZ-DSymFAbX4w3oC6JWl1nmL2soVDbRhDFE8gGx1POxIQMjbuDGdYDniVxkLnEBbH/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiZAQ2Z-LqLBqAESjtJ2BjePKxkDh7V9j_3cJN8iKfV3_62re7uE7Ioilpsqs85I_3rqQbOyPcFuVvnyBCWfo0WbQ-qdNa9V1sHrjcIUDIp2T_RcmOEU0eZHOWHgDZ-DSymFAbX4w3oC6JWl1nmL2soVDbRhDFE8gGx1POxIQMjbuDGdYDniVxkLnEBbH/w640-h436/Matilda%20I%20-%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along with the rear fenders, I added acrylic resin to form a mud texture.<br />Census number and AoS plates in position at the rear of the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaMfkB3wH6t5vCv9yifFSJ47x9QOU2lGFPQwaBmdNiDIVzOrKQXdCF5MdjiMXF6Uh83sNwA-JeuzFOKm7aUbVQjnh_AV8yofW8JYAB2qaSmDe7mryBcDGham64wYP41BU9vnfUGJtqJB_uhgPdin0_n5Ue5YBHnxVkGvwHQh7i5eEE7IpDtUR2zb5b41y/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaMfkB3wH6t5vCv9yifFSJ47x9QOU2lGFPQwaBmdNiDIVzOrKQXdCF5MdjiMXF6Uh83sNwA-JeuzFOKm7aUbVQjnh_AV8yofW8JYAB2qaSmDe7mryBcDGham64wYP41BU9vnfUGJtqJB_uhgPdin0_n5Ue5YBHnxVkGvwHQh7i5eEE7IpDtUR2zb5b41y/w640-h442/Matilda%20I%20-%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the tension spring for the antenna base, on the right side of the tank. <br />Very thin copper wire wrapped around an acupuncture needle to<br />make the spring (blue arrow), which will be installed in<br />the position indicated by the red arrows</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAJdormmfF40T2xyfukQF9F224gz7OMwRKzv7zXsACUWSn7V2a3v7560rE35-ucCHlcApd_TFB_NPYTsF1BZ4UhuEGur1RuG_7Fkc-GWI7Q-xlu5AFrvdR1TYEsN1T-yyzVUp5fED5U0kkR0jcAVwXh-5YO413fPwnq9klKgsJKaYm0P3h1dyB_jyqwFB/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAJdormmfF40T2xyfukQF9F224gz7OMwRKzv7zXsACUWSn7V2a3v7560rE35-ucCHlcApd_TFB_NPYTsF1BZ4UhuEGur1RuG_7Fkc-GWI7Q-xlu5AFrvdR1TYEsN1T-yyzVUp5fED5U0kkR0jcAVwXh-5YO413fPwnq9klKgsJKaYm0P3h1dyB_jyqwFB/w640-h434/Matilda%20I%20-%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready...Tensor spring installed!!<br />Note the smoke grenade launchers on the sides of the turret</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM29EOlEtAWkp4dBSgSht_MdXxlNe0AM59lzIbYC7CY-gSvoFyV_8_iDkwXGHMK7vhH6AtoROAt0IZWEGjXvJ3S63zEZwWrDbxC5vH4-C_EvQ23OZi8M0T8BheYV09zvIzBVJ2nbnxlLuS7oqo8aumZWParwfMef_CkpFB3hN0mRSVvgXWPOgTwRbFJWU/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM29EOlEtAWkp4dBSgSht_MdXxlNe0AM59lzIbYC7CY-gSvoFyV_8_iDkwXGHMK7vhH6AtoROAt0IZWEGjXvJ3S63zEZwWrDbxC5vH4-C_EvQ23OZi8M0T8BheYV09zvIzBVJ2nbnxlLuS7oqo8aumZWParwfMef_CkpFB3hN0mRSVvgXWPOgTwRbFJWU/w640-h428/Matilda%20I%20-%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details and tools installed on the left side of the hull</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL8hp47XcUd7zi5QI3kOsIf3EznbPk0D0AQVNbjBphXUl2e82y4DbOUqdnHkPCsW4YDBFzDmWfxhcaVK-5iGis8GeRSbZLKFT5WmEwx21nNRyIgSYjeDjOJkYr_LM22C8EOe1hfsJpfqSaVJUdZVVlnz6-RWXUlaB9lr8G12W5L8oAaVYOMVM6XWfyE4c/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL8hp47XcUd7zi5QI3kOsIf3EznbPk0D0AQVNbjBphXUl2e82y4DbOUqdnHkPCsW4YDBFzDmWfxhcaVK-5iGis8GeRSbZLKFT5WmEwx21nNRyIgSYjeDjOJkYr_LM22C8EOe1hfsJpfqSaVJUdZVVlnz6-RWXUlaB9lr8G12W5L8oAaVYOMVM6XWfyE4c/w640-h394/Matilda%20I%20-%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I discovered that one of the right headlight support arms<br />is broken and missing (blue arrow)... ouch!!<br />Glad the others are ok.(green)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6vja45gAHicd5U3H353OpCN5ecuGAiJOSag40scxOY92TMBPgmgJZ_Uzv60s4dEcjZ3L3Nu_UTE6WBVu4JrDMiSPn7HoqMEYYg0AZY0sWn9FptBSRN7YkP_Sfa5U4hpoH_03hOPCe2VhIWiF_OhmpvNkCV5-qpTfbwrQD83AkCkDX1sxcFC5SGvCcTGA/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1280" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6vja45gAHicd5U3H353OpCN5ecuGAiJOSag40scxOY92TMBPgmgJZ_Uzv60s4dEcjZ3L3Nu_UTE6WBVu4JrDMiSPn7HoqMEYYg0AZY0sWn9FptBSRN7YkP_Sfa5U4hpoH_03hOPCe2VhIWiF_OhmpvNkCV5-qpTfbwrQD83AkCkDX1sxcFC5SGvCcTGA/w640-h504/Matilda%20I%20-%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the rear view mirror and the AoS sign, in front of the girl's hull...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hDMPjKUZkL0gSr-x1E00CFjpKU1VjELm66ddMHXM2lxi0TgQwcZDOVGK-qcAYdrI7bDSRCmqMyLOG7FU_O5Nl9urKamL48IhjOtq8pw6SsIPxvcbvGvRkmdcQkWnWCXh7TGptZWktxE3g0ckcyFvGUZnfFOiDMH7zJAZwKkqwcdPvoJT1crqgbVa2PR4/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20057a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hDMPjKUZkL0gSr-x1E00CFjpKU1VjELm66ddMHXM2lxi0TgQwcZDOVGK-qcAYdrI7bDSRCmqMyLOG7FU_O5Nl9urKamL48IhjOtq8pw6SsIPxvcbvGvRkmdcQkWnWCXh7TGptZWktxE3g0ckcyFvGUZnfFOiDMH7zJAZwKkqwcdPvoJT1crqgbVa2PR4/w640-h464/Matilda%20I%20-%20057a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But enough talk: let's make a new arm for the headlight...<br />Plastruct round rod in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23BIDgIN025uNoHSuP_zH1djgxFKajtf7lyaxk1YBw93VuG7TCq6BkCkx8h83zX6udLxNycQkZnXLquzcO_SIxM4d6CXA20vfrYHeW_mh9SxnCKTZw5Fsf_wU4b9oCQjuKYidFuoafcYBgUTUipVJEQhYd7djPGANRz3OlyPlKjn6_eEuXit2ja-gCl8t/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20057b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23BIDgIN025uNoHSuP_zH1djgxFKajtf7lyaxk1YBw93VuG7TCq6BkCkx8h83zX6udLxNycQkZnXLquzcO_SIxM4d6CXA20vfrYHeW_mh9SxnCKTZw5Fsf_wU4b9oCQjuKYidFuoafcYBgUTUipVJEQhYd7djPGANRz3OlyPlKjn6_eEuXit2ja-gCl8t/w640-h362/Matilda%20I%20-%20057b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two segments of different thicknesses of Plastruct were perfect...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now let's check the measurements of this old Accurate Armor kit, using the following methodology: measurements quoted in centimeters, showing in sequence the real measurements (1/1), their conversion to model scale (1/35) and the measurements obtained from the model (kit), using rulers and calipers. See the pics below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3cA0rHLGsaO6s5cPNDTvRZu90cE2etwDnQCG2mYt-XB_7JeMSrPhOWrurLuZq16400sWh3AxHFKzYuVPGZPh2BktQFdBZoZLOgO-NWE76_lGnv-ysK-gFpfKPn_UEjNKpmrzORLLluel0HnLThCMonBglgkB6JP2qWCugGJrNDQHKexi8fc7sPI06QKA/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3cA0rHLGsaO6s5cPNDTvRZu90cE2etwDnQCG2mYt-XB_7JeMSrPhOWrurLuZq16400sWh3AxHFKzYuVPGZPh2BktQFdBZoZLOgO-NWE76_lGnv-ysK-gFpfKPn_UEjNKpmrzORLLluel0HnLThCMonBglgkB6JP2qWCugGJrNDQHKexi8fc7sPI06QKA/w640-h352/Matilda%20I%20-%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the length, we will use two limiters and a metal ruler...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4msjkdpnsMlCQQzOjfSG1ForgQxnzlHobC8kUKicSDdGwDOa1EsmDMyymmVtztpl56hQDZuXZYqi1d1XOgo9YsRxZCl30gmDAzbz_0_rZvdDP0XoOKyulZJmVcz_xFQf5At8QzXQEnhR-48bBo_Dd6lewlk9_GhyirkHxaD13Nqfxcur29Oixup-2qKVf/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1280" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4msjkdpnsMlCQQzOjfSG1ForgQxnzlHobC8kUKicSDdGwDOa1EsmDMyymmVtztpl56hQDZuXZYqi1d1XOgo9YsRxZCl30gmDAzbz_0_rZvdDP0XoOKyulZJmVcz_xFQf5At8QzXQEnhR-48bBo_Dd6lewlk9_GhyirkHxaD13Nqfxcur29Oixup-2qKVf/w640-h494/Matilda%20I%20-%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For width, a caliper installed across the widest width of the vehicle...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjwqka68nnZSfx53AZpmCqj6eAus075XZUJuo1b8EI5AU9X8lIZ9RGtL0znnM7HSnoRnaetsz9FIdHiaH00vN46hn9BZE_89iX32IESFhG71fgKPPhvO6i9Aq3Gg6QGR8GLBBJSg2yDb-AKVMx87v1wgOCzg8Dg88dEVgxQN1ByhMrgu5pkgs4jtE0l82/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjwqka68nnZSfx53AZpmCqj6eAus075XZUJuo1b8EI5AU9X8lIZ9RGtL0znnM7HSnoRnaetsz9FIdHiaH00vN46hn9BZE_89iX32IESFhG71fgKPPhvO6i9Aq3Gg6QGR8GLBBJSg2yDb-AKVMx87v1wgOCzg8Dg88dEVgxQN1ByhMrgu5pkgs4jtE0l82/w640-h486/Matilda%20I%20-%20062.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And for height, a caliper installed at the highest height,<br />from the turret to the base of the vehicle's track.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And with you, the result: Simply impressive!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnD8pWBlsBzgZs2UJtUhCD1mpzbeJdbh7OLV5tS5UFgcKMsz7_-HyNJeDVhGNFjl-M6BNsOc4tOtVzdgEF6OrChDtJD0n5yfd9bQcY9QdP6PwIM6OUgUaD9e2uM16q7cbfH1wqOraj1l7yfr1rNIcJpfRuvPJRs3T2gzmuJoKFddyqBAKQiuqLAWPi8Xk/s1261/Matilda%20I%20-%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1261" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnD8pWBlsBzgZs2UJtUhCD1mpzbeJdbh7OLV5tS5UFgcKMsz7_-HyNJeDVhGNFjl-M6BNsOc4tOtVzdgEF6OrChDtJD0n5yfd9bQcY9QdP6PwIM6OUgUaD9e2uM16q7cbfH1wqOraj1l7yfr1rNIcJpfRuvPJRs3T2gzmuJoKFddyqBAKQiuqLAWPi8Xk/w640-h312/Matilda%20I%20-%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accurate's acuity is incredible!!! (Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun...)<br />Measurements very close to perfection!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pE1WgS4jjFFTc10isd944Zsx1L29SKy6MOat1tdcVKk4-AKtLwH9SV00mkbvig6EbQ1cUs2u6ifsj1FEz1fMJCdG4h7xXFRT-B0-3Fad-qvsgxFmOt8PzF_vKd7xEvjgdKxeJATVeJl0ezP25FxeQOp6WuK9_qRGArQe0e6ybUrjKWCssAThE7VIEx8B/s1253/Matilda%20I%20-%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1253" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pE1WgS4jjFFTc10isd944Zsx1L29SKy6MOat1tdcVKk4-AKtLwH9SV00mkbvig6EbQ1cUs2u6ifsj1FEz1fMJCdG4h7xXFRT-B0-3Fad-qvsgxFmOt8PzF_vKd7xEvjgdKxeJATVeJl0ezP25FxeQOp6WuK9_qRGArQe0e6ybUrjKWCssAThE7VIEx8B/w640-h374/Matilda%20I%20-%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking into account the age of the kit, how the model master<br />was executed and the contractions of the material used, the results are fantastic.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Here's my reaction when checking the measurements... </span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEABgnbdvKcBbaw-oBvHMDUKulORf9SFUzlcokdHRumIYgU0Hmb6OKjRpdcLADZIy-s8V9aV0Rs2zq_MGO_lIDk771_DHORTLceeQxhxjAyyHrVPghP-MUyJ7Fmt_c_5bH4prg5LE4zk2JLGqhDCGzioKWYdQATsOOaxw0HHUoltHeJqiBg8a7AiNJVpu4/s500/cheering.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="500" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEABgnbdvKcBbaw-oBvHMDUKulORf9SFUzlcokdHRumIYgU0Hmb6OKjRpdcLADZIy-s8V9aV0Rs2zq_MGO_lIDk771_DHORTLceeQxhxjAyyHrVPghP-MUyJ7Fmt_c_5bH4prg5LE4zk2JLGqhDCGzioKWYdQATsOOaxw0HHUoltHeJqiBg8a7AiNJVpu4/w400-h293/cheering.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Accurate Armour, you rocks!!!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6uctGY2xGqb8XaBFMTlfnki7eJP_qr1E8BjYC9vTdORewgW3b6MTnRNMm08B362FzhyphenhyphenNiswxPpzG_UdLlEDFDfwkQ8Flo8sR12qtiN0ZAy_oxO_uswLuj-ulg4taSk5pL1QfzfAacP03mQ1pp_gGypieF9NgqoFuNdkmBmhyphenhyphenrGxVnJafNIQA4Q_1FGK2/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6uctGY2xGqb8XaBFMTlfnki7eJP_qr1E8BjYC9vTdORewgW3b6MTnRNMm08B362FzhyphenhyphenNiswxPpzG_UdLlEDFDfwkQ8Flo8sR12qtiN0ZAy_oxO_uswLuj-ulg4taSk5pL1QfzfAacP03mQ1pp_gGypieF9NgqoFuNdkmBmhyphenhyphenrGxVnJafNIQA4Q_1FGK2/w640-h408/Matilda%20I%20-%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Matilda I is practically ready to paint... <br />What a wonderful project!!!<br />Front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5Xi-Grj5sHZPJOJpLkq1sWGf1YAvqpX7LfMGKJ6zSdnlkC5uT7PLrUpbjB21z-_MR8DfWSmqToCxG9aUdl4pA9PaIdXUkhX8f_pp_2VVN66viKpMd8jdWBHKP3E1sC8QhIhyphenhyphenKLDl_OS8Xu7_TDKc0Tu0t8EuUXafJ45iYuHnQKQWl4IXZG2y8r6biSYU/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5Xi-Grj5sHZPJOJpLkq1sWGf1YAvqpX7LfMGKJ6zSdnlkC5uT7PLrUpbjB21z-_MR8DfWSmqToCxG9aUdl4pA9PaIdXUkhX8f_pp_2VVN66viKpMd8jdWBHKP3E1sC8QhIhyphenhyphenKLDl_OS8Xu7_TDKc0Tu0t8EuUXafJ45iYuHnQKQWl4IXZG2y8r6biSYU/w640-h444/Matilda%20I%20-%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLl6PuTXk8xqwgfW4nk4CqA5qoIZhneqDaT0Z0zixrBBNQknUDZud2Shu4jtko04cLdIBBCbzfZCraA8ne4VVWzFe7tXfvYkEd-Se0gV1GjXMykizjsCD7SCoeyseyfmg1YATIWPntDuWmPfkVnjVx4yZVK6VS9CyMoU-RI7L-f4DgHmY1qE6vV2s8NAz/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLl6PuTXk8xqwgfW4nk4CqA5qoIZhneqDaT0Z0zixrBBNQknUDZud2Shu4jtko04cLdIBBCbzfZCraA8ne4VVWzFe7tXfvYkEd-Se0gV1GjXMykizjsCD7SCoeyseyfmg1YATIWPntDuWmPfkVnjVx4yZVK6VS9CyMoU-RI7L-f4DgHmY1qE6vV2s8NAz/w640-h452/Matilda%20I%20-%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLCQ8qoRWtwr_G7ffsmr5LdEmWqR7BBT3COaxxdcBD4kEipvFEN1U0Z0_e5zj-rG7ZqS-pLx2i2f3WQvvHQ6iHmIzVvr-SWKwN9m_o4TIfw4QVMHkrrIq393apVgYU6VjJzCeE3tBAZvrS6J9yGcH24QTKAr0ypwIk_fsSX3Be0q_z1apvMAGlfiVUb-L/s1280/Matilda%20I%20-%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLCQ8qoRWtwr_G7ffsmr5LdEmWqR7BBT3COaxxdcBD4kEipvFEN1U0Z0_e5zj-rG7ZqS-pLx2i2f3WQvvHQ6iHmIzVvr-SWKwN9m_o4TIfw4QVMHkrrIq393apVgYU6VjJzCeE3tBAZvrS6J9yGcH24QTKAr0ypwIk_fsSX3Be0q_z1apvMAGlfiVUb-L/w640-h458/Matilda%20I%20-%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;">See you, soon!!</div></span></b>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-44849821926908722242023-11-04T17:38:00.005-03:002023-11-05T10:17:29.049-03:00Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 - case report<p style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ladies and Gentlemen...</span></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Today we will see one of the pioneers in the long and glorious lineage of British armored vehicles: Let's talk about the first vehicle built by Vickers...It's <b>Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b>time! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6mx8RPmQLWiFp19eGd454cC8CB-4QADlAv_QZUBagY4mtJpurQX8rUCLiwHAQDXWymGVTUo6gtFiauPzJg0oXUt9nTmJeFxpm5KPdRulKUlRTeE8TfHpFB3HuKkGvRMpSG-yTjAC9NIJi8iXZuuvukn_hyOKFIUh4MKqVPFiMS0oqVBwc4-YeWhSQapb/s1400/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B01-%201921%20%20joke3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1400" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6mx8RPmQLWiFp19eGd454cC8CB-4QADlAv_QZUBagY4mtJpurQX8rUCLiwHAQDXWymGVTUo6gtFiauPzJg0oXUt9nTmJeFxpm5KPdRulKUlRTeE8TfHpFB3HuKkGvRMpSG-yTjAC9NIJi8iXZuuvukn_hyOKFIUh4MKqVPFiMS0oqVBwc4-YeWhSQapb/w640-h450/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B01-%201921%20%20joke3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Infantry tank n°1- 1921<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">modified from IWM MH 8756 photo<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Vickers Infantry Tank No.1</b> stands as the inaugural British tank equiped with an armed turret <span style="text-align: left;">with 360° traverse. Although <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Little%20Willie%20prototype" target="_blank">Little Willie</a> had this design in mind, Vickers No. 1 was the first fully functional British tank to feature this important feature.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDVqKUaVWdGOcIEDAdx1UnO52DMOLhr6yulypKuHNqj5or8FLN2Mdcn9CmyePCSJ4FQL5lllWNGDFSpQcsWOV-Lupcn0Eosk3OfHI7Rv399TyOCoUwfwM3jsdWdk5bXcPO6zIbaBXGrj9JwdIVuY_JyEFjQ3StbjuSIEXOWQ44XDTxvQ8PTV80QK2iZmK/s1400/Little%20Willie%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1400" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDVqKUaVWdGOcIEDAdx1UnO52DMOLhr6yulypKuHNqj5or8FLN2Mdcn9CmyePCSJ4FQL5lllWNGDFSpQcsWOV-Lupcn0Eosk3OfHI7Rv399TyOCoUwfwM3jsdWdk5bXcPO6zIbaBXGrj9JwdIVuY_JyEFjQ3StbjuSIEXOWQ44XDTxvQ8PTV80QK2iZmK/w640-h360/Little%20Willie%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Willie<br />notice the space at the top of the hull<br />for the future rotating turret.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red;"> </span><span>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers" target="_blank">Vickers Steel </a></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers" target="_blank"><span face="sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">F</span></span>oundry </a><span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers" target="_blank">Company</a> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheffield" target="_blank">Sheffield</a>) began to become one of the largest weapons and defense material manufacturers in the world in the late 19th century. In 1897, they purchased <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxim_Nordenfelt_Guns_and_Ammunition_Company" target="_blank">Maxim Nordenfelt Guns and Ammunition Company</a>, propelling the foundry to leading positions in the small arms and artillery markets. Slowly, Vickers expanded, acquiring shipyards and naval artillery companies. Until in 1919, they purchased the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro-Cammell" target="_blank">Metro-Cammell (Metropolitan Railway Carriage and Wagon Company)</a>, which, in addition to manufacturing railway carriages, had been manufacturing tanks since 1917.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span> Vickers Limited rise to major company status was strongly linked to two figures: Sir George Thomas Buckham and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trevor_Dawson" target="_blank">Sir Arthur Trevor Dowson</a>. Buckham was Vickers' chief designer, responsible for managing and developing new types of weapons produced by the company. And Dowson was the dynamic director who controlled Vickers as a whole from 1906 to 1931. Almost all of Vickers' new armaments developments were patented by these two individuals.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQharKmiWNucV76C8kql8zy15Opj8HO8ykdcSaCPNX6USuWmg02noqjJcEbt4j-RDyueO5-ZMBKN-So2NLX-ZR4fAdEl4zjasvbCnDcsVl91x6tvK0qZfMsIhIWFz3D_S0pAkqbDJSJgtq9Ap2klcPgcdbWmWFNg3tkV6Ep45l1ySiYnZcZA1RQwqsqCzF/s1024/Vickers%20Ltd%20-%20Jane's%20Fighting%20Ships,%201914%20panphlet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1024" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQharKmiWNucV76C8kql8zy15Opj8HO8ykdcSaCPNX6USuWmg02noqjJcEbt4j-RDyueO5-ZMBKN-So2NLX-ZR4fAdEl4zjasvbCnDcsVl91x6tvK0qZfMsIhIWFz3D_S0pAkqbDJSJgtq9Ap2klcPgcdbWmWFNg3tkV6Ep45l1ySiYnZcZA1RQwqsqCzF/w640-h380/Vickers%20Ltd%20-%20Jane's%20Fighting%20Ships,%201914%20panphlet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"> 1914 advertisement in </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane%27s_Fighting_Ships" style="text-align: start;">Jane's</a><span style="text-align: start;"> showcasing Vickers'<br />extensive arms manufacturing capabilities</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> During the First World War, Vickers, through its subsidiary Wolseley, was involved in the production of armoured cars, but had no direct involvement in the development of tanks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2LfirVajUoE9CayuW-8EI2U1Fb4NXRzNphe8yStuGvGo5Iuyu94c2CjGwtOoBedrNqKjUjeJzIs07pMVPx7A61g-x2GzyC9ieJV5mVchBz5BvtlTUVv7mUWW4qt_UnHjcKhzxVk4-_yBXh7sqCqArtmMNrTToevZ-G-VTaLcFJ2fJHQ8JfzFDeBfdm9h/s1024/Wolseley%20armoured%20car%20entering%20Antwerp%20with%20RN%20Naval%20Brigade%20in%20October,%201914%20-%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2LfirVajUoE9CayuW-8EI2U1Fb4NXRzNphe8yStuGvGo5Iuyu94c2CjGwtOoBedrNqKjUjeJzIs07pMVPx7A61g-x2GzyC9ieJV5mVchBz5BvtlTUVv7mUWW4qt_UnHjcKhzxVk4-_yBXh7sqCqArtmMNrTToevZ-G-VTaLcFJ2fJHQ8JfzFDeBfdm9h/w640-h496/Wolseley%20armoured%20car%20entering%20Antwerp%20with%20RN%20Naval%20Brigade%20in%20October,%201914%20-%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolseley First Admiralty Open type armoured car<br />entering Antwerp with RN Naval Brigade - October, 1914</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLt_5tSaJ2hEjTUAJ5xHi7h4fu-p9NJWGSB1jQHMrxr7p_Beu7P7RUPdVwPCFgG7jO4YZSbJGSvbihcptajpaQGt73DmYxrabY69I1oWuWH6bOFIHhi7AkCzwS41hKFilPR4nO8vHmBU1lDeVK_f1nMz0qJBr8UxGCLEs_Jjb-6d3xF8DkiGKR3Ah34fs/s1024/Wolseley%20armoured%20car.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLt_5tSaJ2hEjTUAJ5xHi7h4fu-p9NJWGSB1jQHMrxr7p_Beu7P7RUPdVwPCFgG7jO4YZSbJGSvbihcptajpaQGt73DmYxrabY69I1oWuWH6bOFIHhi7AkCzwS41hKFilPR4nO8vHmBU1lDeVK_f1nMz0qJBr8UxGCLEs_Jjb-6d3xF8DkiGKR3Ah34fs/w640-h428/Wolseley%20armoured%20car.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolseley armoured car CP type - 1915</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> However, at the beginning of the 1920s, Vickers realized the opportunity to introduce itself to the light tank market, which had been completely forgotten by the United Kingdom. This attitude allowed other nations to take the lead in the development of light tanks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span>In the beginning of 1921, the French, Americans, Germans, Italians, and even the Soviets with their Renault Russian tank had surpassed the British in this domain. Consequently, British tank building found itself in the position of playing catch-up unexpectedly. However, it is worth noting that this situation was not overly concerning. In retrospect, only the Italian <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2018/05/fiat-3000-model-21-1st-serie-case-report.html" target="_blank">FIAT 3000</a> and, to some extent, the German <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LK_II" target="_blank">Leichter Kampfwagen II (LKII)</a> met the new mobility requirements at the start of the 1920s.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzgK8KsOXe-RR8cxQ9hMHXts3YWFfMCBraFKdq3chyphenhyphenclwC-mhW5uZuxc_SzCt20bQ0xCwhIbLtzXKLp7h3KkmSBeyZaAWeIFuB95tBXVX7-jBhJHV_ixSwcvrH5FuZIqiBkl1wUvBKv6e2PgUW5AvOYPacYe-GaoTWOvHiGzmZsTCre-G5G2wqFdf6Fkr/s1280/Fiat%203000%2021%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzgK8KsOXe-RR8cxQ9hMHXts3YWFfMCBraFKdq3chyphenhyphenclwC-mhW5uZuxc_SzCt20bQ0xCwhIbLtzXKLp7h3KkmSBeyZaAWeIFuB95tBXVX7-jBhJHV_ixSwcvrH5FuZIqiBkl1wUvBKv6e2PgUW5AvOYPacYe-GaoTWOvHiGzmZsTCre-G5G2wqFdf6Fkr/w640-h440/Fiat%203000%2021%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIAT 3000 model 21 - early</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-vGytX-sLC2J0SKBwWAqd5wuyQ8-MjZL8atPDMH75Tl2ai1N3bFGOf60RVHFUCzQDtlyfctFENMj-ff4E6LqLFdFBQKPMmsxqXTbAZ-cbRfQr3dl-VlgwWWytscLO0HP5c4aSf52G1URT70s3v3IMduJAn6ker7v0ciM0ImutLHC3-_uJFg4rWrMd6JQ/s1024/Leichter%20Kampfwagen%20II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1024" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-vGytX-sLC2J0SKBwWAqd5wuyQ8-MjZL8atPDMH75Tl2ai1N3bFGOf60RVHFUCzQDtlyfctFENMj-ff4E6LqLFdFBQKPMmsxqXTbAZ-cbRfQr3dl-VlgwWWytscLO0HP5c4aSf52G1URT70s3v3IMduJAn6ker7v0ciM0ImutLHC3-_uJFg4rWrMd6JQ/w640-h368/Leichter%20Kampfwagen%20II.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Leichter Kampfwagen II</i> -<i> LK-II<br /></i>(light combat vehicle)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Other vehicles considered light tanks were desperately slow, most often underpowered and very lightly armed. So the Vickers Company took charge of these efforts, with Sir George Thomas Buckham, Vickers' chief designer, leading the way.</div></div><div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcuyWHtvl7UZnpvs5Lhv9zYDztAlEuGMiVH9xWM4h6XJnwxh2AMvye6NIRIcF-AMIAlIDiXWm4ennfaxakIwpV-ByMdCDs2YBqzYTXdUlSw5kMyFLnNU5Mdm76qNvtQoKI0szNeFX5nhgZUmSW_40hjFGp7_ZCN6vtYzpkmHjrbUxdHPsSUhNo76I_Rco/s1343/Staff%20of%20Messrs%20Vickers,%20Sheffield%20(Sir%20George%20Thomas%20Buckham;%20Sam%20Robinson;%20Colonel%20E.A.P.%20Hobday)%20cut%20paper%20silhouette,%201923%20-%20National%20Portrait%20Gallery,%20London.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcuyWHtvl7UZnpvs5Lhv9zYDztAlEuGMiVH9xWM4h6XJnwxh2AMvye6NIRIcF-AMIAlIDiXWm4ennfaxakIwpV-ByMdCDs2YBqzYTXdUlSw5kMyFLnNU5Mdm76qNvtQoKI0szNeFX5nhgZUmSW_40hjFGp7_ZCN6vtYzpkmHjrbUxdHPsSUhNo76I_Rco/w488-h640/Staff%20of%20Messrs%20Vickers,%20Sheffield%20(Sir%20George%20Thomas%20Buckham;%20Sam%20Robinson;%20Colonel%20E.A.P.%20Hobday)%20cut%20paper%20silhouette,%201923%20-%20National%20Portrait%20Gallery,%20London.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Staff of Messrs Vickers, Sheffield - </span>from left to right -</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sir George Thomas Buckham</b>;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sam Robinson and Colonel E.A.P. Hobday.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Cut paper silhouette, 1923<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Portrait_Gallery,_London" target="_blank">National Portrait Gallery, London</a></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1921, Vickers Works, located in Erith, a region in south-east London, secured a contract which guaranteed the design and construction the prototypes of 3 light tanks, but with a very loose delivery schedule. The initial Vickers tank, being the first of its kind, was constructed with a "rhomboidal" hull design, adhering to conventional practices. This particular configuration was necessitated by the requirement to surmount hard obstacles. It is noteworthy, however, that the hull was the sole characteristic shared between the new tank and the heavy "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_heavy_tanks_of_the_First_World_War">rhomboids</a>" employed during World War I.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkv3P5SdvBq-AuaaKSOX0uxpi_KdtUKv9MKU_kM8g_QKcB28Smk2b_THPlRkqtfaedWBnlpVBa1jyV0pf0gRhzEKv4rRIUWtofbROtgioDqlX9Ky1glKtr_XPkz8BBx9A6MxRLd1oTNNgIqyFg5YOW0-C8pDx5m7mzQG5IRyWAFFSUJqnBVSePe4PyhWhm/s1400/rhomboydal%20shape.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1400" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkv3P5SdvBq-AuaaKSOX0uxpi_KdtUKv9MKU_kM8g_QKcB28Smk2b_THPlRkqtfaedWBnlpVBa1jyV0pf0gRhzEKv4rRIUWtofbROtgioDqlX9Ky1glKtr_XPkz8BBx9A6MxRLd1oTNNgIqyFg5YOW0-C8pDx5m7mzQG5IRyWAFFSUJqnBVSePe4PyhWhm/w640-h338/rhomboydal%20shape.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhomboidal: the typical shape of British tanks in WWI</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>First prototype: </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first vehicle was completed in December ,1921 and was sent to Farnborough, where a research facility was established at the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Armoured Corps.<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xkBLD9vJB0UQm6CJP6H9VYPGzaMx_rlXi1KTdXYeMC8Kb0Q3shhib4ARRg21zoTxNAjzS-kS8sppTv68YwQ9Eufm_GyIzFyrKdU56I3hkr5rvEAiHRYj-cER5JmcXo6WC7Pvs697KTVOQNwiJA7JzDYV3HOt4no4AjW3jCrZNpCP5cFROE8R9we3kTGd/s1400/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B01-%201921%20IWM%20MH%208756%20%20big.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1400" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xkBLD9vJB0UQm6CJP6H9VYPGzaMx_rlXi1KTdXYeMC8Kb0Q3shhib4ARRg21zoTxNAjzS-kS8sppTv68YwQ9Eufm_GyIzFyrKdU56I3hkr5rvEAiHRYj-cER5JmcXo6WC7Pvs697KTVOQNwiJA7JzDYV3HOt4no4AjW3jCrZNpCP5cFROE8R9we3kTGd/w640-h423/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B01-%201921%20IWM%20MH%208756%20%20big.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Infantry tank n°1- 1921<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM MH 8756<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> First of all, the Vickers Tank No.1 showed a notable reduction in size compared to the British tanks utilized during the Great War. The driver's station, previously afflicted by severely limited visibility, underwent a complete transformation: in contrast to the previous tanks ergonomy, the driver's position in the Vickers Tank No.1 offered enhanced comfort and functionality. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvBqHpvFjePHYgi9lvIrNO-tsRikKys-_LvhjvHb4Hhi1e4JfaZSW9IoexVg0_ShW3NjBZjlFaRnEbAc3MNjy9fXE3lrz7ZtP3o9HnrBHH3wFULO5cAip4OtddQC9Ag4iPSpka0HDjd5v-bkJboHg7EnqZNtxFOd5j8A7BkBGlpZNzFTnmEpsF0s5qYlC/s1400/caract%20driver.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvBqHpvFjePHYgi9lvIrNO-tsRikKys-_LvhjvHb4Hhi1e4JfaZSW9IoexVg0_ShW3NjBZjlFaRnEbAc3MNjy9fXE3lrz7ZtP3o9HnrBHH3wFULO5cAip4OtddQC9Ag4iPSpka0HDjd5v-bkJboHg7EnqZNtxFOd5j8A7BkBGlpZNzFTnmEpsF0s5qYlC/w640-h380/caract%20driver.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driver station: the best place in the house!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><div> Weighing less than nine tons, the tank was equipped with a 6-cylinder Wolseley engine of automotive origin. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBzBXfQ1ph6xZBrRnVkVR-Au9C7Z2rJ9qVPDoFEXFsdyoayRAbRnFlNsgix3frdVviuwyY4NnF2T76Wzy-ixPOj0VKnI4FKK1NyZABpK4hXru6mWQ7Del6ncSG8BaEwW-S5MdADBALIoNc_1jC085jmWyAMgKB0mQpmEscWyXv-E9siAv5uEBnR0oc-Lm/s1261/six%20cylinder%20Wolseley.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1261" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBzBXfQ1ph6xZBrRnVkVR-Au9C7Z2rJ9qVPDoFEXFsdyoayRAbRnFlNsgix3frdVviuwyY4NnF2T76Wzy-ixPOj0VKnI4FKK1NyZABpK4hXru6mWQ7Del6ncSG8BaEwW-S5MdADBALIoNc_1jC085jmWyAMgKB0mQpmEscWyXv-E9siAv5uEBnR0oc-Lm/w640-h312/six%20cylinder%20Wolseley.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A six-cylinder Wolseley automotive chassis<br />notice the engine</td></tr></tbody></table><div> Notably, despite its rhomboidal hull, the tank's crew was housed in the fight compartment, positioned in the front of the vehicle, with the engine and transmission compartment in the rear, isolated from the crew compartment by a armored division. This arrangement generated a huge improvement in the operational performance of the crew, which no longer had to deal with the deafening noise, heat and gases from the engine.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A2PFqWB8S-uwcJaBt3DcDZ18jWF-cb12JqScieXxhwf-u3HIdWvqQQCvgrgiSEAUAWezwNfgvp77JXCSml358cSenRrDJAxUKBsIShXkGG2HfmYgKEe8pEK8TkoHD9pDLBEYeFKQRkA2XWmsoDvhUvObG3Jghm1xpb2TCu6DRH3UK0nFqB_h5BTlIfzi/s1400/caract%20compartiments.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A2PFqWB8S-uwcJaBt3DcDZ18jWF-cb12JqScieXxhwf-u3HIdWvqQQCvgrgiSEAUAWezwNfgvp77JXCSml358cSenRrDJAxUKBsIShXkGG2HfmYgKEe8pEK8TkoHD9pDLBEYeFKQRkA2XWmsoDvhUvObG3Jghm1xpb2TCu6DRH3UK0nFqB_h5BTlIfzi/w640-h380/caract%20compartiments.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fighting compartment (blue) in the front<br />of the vehicle, insulated from the engine compartment (red)<br />This division of spaces generated a huge gain in the<br />crew’s operational productivity</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The tank employed a Williams-Jenney hydraulic transmission, a technology used since the "rhomboid" era, but which in this tank did not prove to be very reliable, generating many problems in field tests. The tracks featured a new and more durable construction, incorporating wooden pads, to increase traction.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF839-8sHRKTMBgNchnve6A8dLb41MdMCt2govaj59ne_AP9GzBqGOQDeI2WVLhNSkhKZhRadu3HXs8SiKEsVrijUFU8hUKhFhU8lIhe-Jlk0xpHe6APyGbE0KvJPIjfqrumsg4zEA4lBffjw_8Pc59SmwcVAinnePRVJWe1erILDVtCUtx4cGRVL-Dd9/s1280/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B01%20in%20trials.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXF839-8sHRKTMBgNchnve6A8dLb41MdMCt2govaj59ne_AP9GzBqGOQDeI2WVLhNSkhKZhRadu3HXs8SiKEsVrijUFU8hUKhFhU8lIhe-Jlk0xpHe6APyGbE0KvJPIjfqrumsg4zEA4lBffjw_8Pc59SmwcVAinnePRVJWe1erILDVtCUtx4cGRVL-Dd9/w640-h370/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B01%20in%20trials.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vickers Infantry Tank No.1<br />in trials, at Farnborough fields. Notice the<br />the rear engine compartment covers open. It looks like<br />the Williams-Jenney hydraulic transmission has failed again...</td></tr></tbody></table><div> But Vickers' biggest innovation with Tank No.1 was the placement of its armament: surprisingly, the British chose to install the armaments inside a full-rotating turret, which even had a cupola for the Commander. Similar to the medium and heavy tanks of World War I, the Vickers design adopted a "Female" version configuration, equipped exclusively with machine gun armament. Three <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_machine_gun" target="_blank">.303-inch Hotchkiss machine guns</a> were mounted on ball mounts, significantly increasing the tank's firing maneuverability through the turret's full 360° rotation. The turret bearings were located outside the hull, a design feature that was later used on other Vickers tanks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzxw4oYlGhb7LEitsreeXhzfdzNgT2_UqLQGS4bElj1apFINCkxLo_ujkqt6njrCJCF1qpNItGKg1Eb3dgdu8kRyB_saec7CUcl99lnWL0gaTUwaPaGIWNhg9IB1yF16l-2gMOnUMP7gW_TJwcWJDY0-892wJG_m1EIPO7Mf90wiITYVd8BOd4WT9NGu6/s1024/turret%20details.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzxw4oYlGhb7LEitsreeXhzfdzNgT2_UqLQGS4bElj1apFINCkxLo_ujkqt6njrCJCF1qpNItGKg1Eb3dgdu8kRyB_saec7CUcl99lnWL0gaTUwaPaGIWNhg9IB1yF16l-2gMOnUMP7gW_TJwcWJDY0-892wJG_m1EIPO7Mf90wiITYVd8BOd4WT9NGu6/w640-h400/turret%20details.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret details of Vickers No.1 tank:<br />Red - 0.303 in. Hotchkiss mg and its ball mounts (3 in total)<br />Green - one of 3 sets of turret bearings, installed externally.<br />Blue - Commander's cupola, with direct vision slots.<br />Purple - The two flat hatches of the Commander's cupola</td></tr></tbody></table><div> As we saw earlier, Tank No. 1 was considered ready for trials near Farnborough in December 1921. It is worth noting that in the same year, a research facility was established in the area, utilizing the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Tank Corps as its foundation, subsequent to its relocation from Dollis Hill. This facility was later renamed the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Vehicles_and_Engineering_Establishment" target="_blank">Mechanical Warfare Experimental Establishment (MWEE)</a> in 1928.</div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span>In field testing Vickers tank no.1 was assigned identification number 6. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc3bA99PTLOVLojIb6hEH3Loe0JeFAONPLXWKtg3LRhXXCDwSbNAFqCXy6QkWOPRRCXfEcIEVRjzSOvoJ3rV8VwpXS7tSQIrXIcqWfPJn43PkXoW7n_irG5YmdPszp8ioXKdhDyU_obz6fiLRWumV29V_4bnMuBVKAqPuwm7Qi-ZojgkSMv_TMlDpp7jY/s1024/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B01%20in%20trials%206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc3bA99PTLOVLojIb6hEH3Loe0JeFAONPLXWKtg3LRhXXCDwSbNAFqCXy6QkWOPRRCXfEcIEVRjzSOvoJ3rV8VwpXS7tSQIrXIcqWfPJn43PkXoW7n_irG5YmdPszp8ioXKdhDyU_obz6fiLRWumV29V_4bnMuBVKAqPuwm7Qi-ZojgkSMv_TMlDpp7jY/w640-h426/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B01%20in%20trials%206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 <br />in trials, at Farnborough fields.<br />Notice the number 6 in the hull side and, again,<br />the engine doors open, indicating mechanical problems<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div> The testing phase produced mixed results as the Williams-Jenney hydraulic transmission, known for its unpredictable behavior, once again exhibited its temperamental nature. Furthermore, the tank's engine proved to be relatively weak. Consequently, at the beginning of 1922, the vehicle underwent changes, incorporating an 80 horsepower Lanchester 40 petrol engine. As a consequence, the specific power underwent a notable increase, leading to an increase in speed of up to 24 km/h. Consequently, the Vickers Tank No.1 emerged as the fastest among the "rhomboid" tanks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWkBafKkt3z4H3P1_l1amMiH-T6o_EgpMuJsZOJC_h1uP0dWd_yX6WIZh1-CQsRLj94Epujpe77v0PsfhYbSG599Wfyvy6Ypxv6vce5zAn3S1xjKvyFVTutWQHQU_xgRhyphenhyphenXDdrJAynvwvpdYyPogMneiOi2NfJ9_b-EzHBEEocy0Q5KzfW99lCvUft-2V/s1280/vickers%20inf%20rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWkBafKkt3z4H3P1_l1amMiH-T6o_EgpMuJsZOJC_h1uP0dWd_yX6WIZh1-CQsRLj94Epujpe77v0PsfhYbSG599Wfyvy6Ypxv6vce5zAn3S1xjKvyFVTutWQHQU_xgRhyphenhyphenXDdrJAynvwvpdYyPogMneiOi2NfJ9_b-EzHBEEocy0Q5KzfW99lCvUft-2V/w640-h422/vickers%20inf%20rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 <br />in trials, at Farnborough fields.<br />rear view - notice the tracks, with wood pads.</td></tr></tbody></table><div> In a general summary, the Vickers Tank No.1 represented a relative departure from the paradigms of previous tank designs, presenting notable advances in relation to size, driver position, positioning and compartmentalization of the engine and transmission, tracks and, mainly, the adoption of an armed turret with 360° drift. Although still presenting the rhomboid layout of WWI tanks and the weak armament consisting only of machine guns, we can say that the Vickers no.1 was the first of the tanks with "modern" characteristics of the British.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG15IjSLaPdH7uRZH5ADUSKQXMi4kDaSKpsol9KNUderCTZ1QZybME7umeMyE8Zf__1tpJYDY22yJFykB13nLTAfYy8nOBywjh5CNvZEkR2Sdn80smxZ5DjQXrnVP8eb44yVMewDqxivrz_2LvFa2mevV1LGNet5l2fwlunZZHjdlydmoFPTHWBaEAlia/s1400/caract3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibG15IjSLaPdH7uRZH5ADUSKQXMi4kDaSKpsol9KNUderCTZ1QZybME7umeMyE8Zf__1tpJYDY22yJFykB13nLTAfYy8nOBywjh5CNvZEkR2Sdn80smxZ5DjQXrnVP8eb44yVMewDqxivrz_2LvFa2mevV1LGNet5l2fwlunZZHjdlydmoFPTHWBaEAlia/w640-h380/caract3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although still featuring a rhomboid appearance, the Vickers no.1<br />was a bold innovator with its internal ergonomics and full-rotation turret.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b>Second prototype:</b></div></span><div><span> In July 1922, Vickers began work on a cannon-armed version of tank No. 1, called Vickers Tank No. 2. This prototype had practically all of the design of its predecessor, but with a major difference in armament, characterizing the vehicle as a "Male" version: the replacement of the machine guns by an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OQF_3-pounder_gun" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Ordnance QF 3-pdr 2 cwt Vickers (L40) gun</a>. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscxbOH4-6SlNFQjWTcg0hdfiuYnyrJFhLqQc5wOuz-TB8tbl0rwTktvdEZypvSZqIqWcsZrbBK5CFjk4rlXrJkKmZD4x7r3j352u3RtfjAVxKSEHnLFFTiAUdahbrzyve7J8nHw-uEteELhGBGZbLB7nIiSWDHLpE8_BPGe54Nd0bHrKeaEkEFT0_N4i-/s1024/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjscxbOH4-6SlNFQjWTcg0hdfiuYnyrJFhLqQc5wOuz-TB8tbl0rwTktvdEZypvSZqIqWcsZrbBK5CFjk4rlXrJkKmZD4x7r3j352u3RtfjAVxKSEHnLFFTiAUdahbrzyve7J8nHw-uEteELhGBGZbLB7nIiSWDHLpE8_BPGe54Nd0bHrKeaEkEFT0_N4i-/w640-h426/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.2<br />in trials, at Farnborough<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02I3navc5TvfmQrFtrkBljZU9ZlcVhNCR6766FcfLjR-ho9QAsKUpK2qxsRkGGFrKL2amwpfTcur1dXoKdnYLQRoG3auVRqUtX5Y1hTAx2BD52taeLqElvSVaQvV1Si9ngozm60V-CKvmvGfCEzavjIsOwktF6SbEFCcrG7sGgfbQUsDiEMCdAbCko-Dg/s1280/3%20inch%20gun%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02I3navc5TvfmQrFtrkBljZU9ZlcVhNCR6766FcfLjR-ho9QAsKUpK2qxsRkGGFrKL2amwpfTcur1dXoKdnYLQRoG3auVRqUtX5Y1hTAx2BD52taeLqElvSVaQvV1Si9ngozm60V-CKvmvGfCEzavjIsOwktF6SbEFCcrG7sGgfbQUsDiEMCdAbCko-Dg/w640-h240/3%20inch%20gun%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span> This heavier weapon was installed in the front portion of the turret, slightly modified in relation to tank no.1. This new turret did not feature machine gun bal mounts or a commander's cupola. For close defense, the tank had, at the rear of the turret, a ball mount for a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_machine_gun" target="_blank">.303 Hotchkiss machine gun</a>., aligned with the cannon, but installed a little higher, allowing anti-aircraft use.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOReoyUUYeMNUaKXLJ4KOzwjcamMsInkh0S9nguF7QEjCBw3ZLTENoNerEtWzTJTHIh0vHiYqXhb2h4wWxynzewiP4wsYC4ej1g2LFtUAwQGcJ8LNxOxf_cddx9TOEwFf_pc4dM-Yvigyz5K4C1-XNSX_vNzBghK1DiIj1Mixzqocoip6Q1eprKbyP9IWg/s1400/specs%20no.4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOReoyUUYeMNUaKXLJ4KOzwjcamMsInkh0S9nguF7QEjCBw3ZLTENoNerEtWzTJTHIh0vHiYqXhb2h4wWxynzewiP4wsYC4ej1g2LFtUAwQGcJ8LNxOxf_cddx9TOEwFf_pc4dM-Yvigyz5K4C1-XNSX_vNzBghK1DiIj1Mixzqocoip6Q1eprKbyP9IWg/w640-h380/specs%20no.4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main differences noticed in Vickers No.2:<br />red - Ordnance QF 3-pdr 2 cwt Vickers gun<span style="text-align: justify;">. <br />green - </span>absence from the Commander's cupola<br />blue - ball mount with .303 Hotchkiss machine gun</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><div> In the early summer of 1923, Tank No. 2 was sent to field trials at Farnborough, being received by the British military with much skepticism. The new tank had very similar performance to Tank No. 1. The increase in power of the Lanchester engine was practically canceled out by the greater weight of the new version, which almost reached 10 tons. An improvement in agility and maneuverability on off-road terrain was noted, but very small. The transmission was still fragile and inconsistent, generating numerous interruptions in testing. But the most serious thing was that the new engine began to show a constant tendency to overheat. This was a really serious problem, as the British military planned to use these vehicles in India, as colonial tanks..</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUodrnlnvxSOYPOjtlETFR2vz_35V5-onXaXLFJtFc0Q-1xe8xfYH1YwhHWy3TQQqvrCkvJpIGB5o4egqBVzvb6fhHcoOuAtwxBpZKwNxXZ8Dx56lkBwbuafagyGq5EIB_nQZMLI6BcifYcEd-tIQMr2PnqO_4hmjCTknkw7dmUG3Rfhj4dPV62VXYQKG/s1024/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B02.-%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1024" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUodrnlnvxSOYPOjtlETFR2vz_35V5-onXaXLFJtFc0Q-1xe8xfYH1YwhHWy3TQQqvrCkvJpIGB5o4egqBVzvb6fhHcoOuAtwxBpZKwNxXZ8Dx56lkBwbuafagyGq5EIB_nQZMLI6BcifYcEd-tIQMr2PnqO_4hmjCTknkw7dmUG3Rfhj4dPV62VXYQKG/w640-h462/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B02.-%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.2</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">in trials, at Farnborough.<br />Notice the engine access panels open, at the rear of the vehicle. <br />The engine overheated constantly...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fbSCAEd1R5-xiDi8tjUkhNAM8PnDiy2ifRjXZgZ_jScahnIm-Y0hjos7hetJs0zOn09gdMixjVLbBRb9860hfI7NKTdtW_ga9ZiDevjNbLtQ1xyYQZSi4bBiZPZNVLziUYHsWDUTzIeBMWsLhH4z9wkPb6wI_qsPryH5K_Dqn6iMHCKSlMyDgoVsgXQj/s1024/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B02.-%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1024" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fbSCAEd1R5-xiDi8tjUkhNAM8PnDiy2ifRjXZgZ_jScahnIm-Y0hjos7hetJs0zOn09gdMixjVLbBRb9860hfI7NKTdtW_ga9ZiDevjNbLtQ1xyYQZSi4bBiZPZNVLziUYHsWDUTzIeBMWsLhH4z9wkPb6wI_qsPryH5K_Dqn6iMHCKSlMyDgoVsgXQj/w640-h444/Vickers%20Infantry%20tank%20n%C2%B02.-%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.2</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">in trials, at Farnborough, with the engine<br />access panels open at the rear of the vehicle.<br />The engine overheated turned into a nightmare.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span>Consequently, after completing the tests and evaluating the performance and reliability results, the two tanks were considered unsuitable and therefore rejected. We can say that the failure of these vehicles was due more to the mechanical options available at the time than to any flaw in the general design of the project, which we can consider as correct. The final fate of tanks n°1 and n°2 was scrapping, which took place around 1927-28. It's a pity that the first tanks manufactured by Vickers have not been preserved.</div><div><br /></div><div><span><b>Third prototype:</b></span><div> At the end of 1922, with work on prototype tanks No. 1 and 2 becoming so problematic, it began to become clear to Vickers that their infantry tank would not be approved for mass production. </div><div><span><div> In a risky move, Vickers engineers decided to completely modify the concept of the third prototype, building a truly new vehicle, abandoning the old theories of the rhomboidal shape and primitive suspensions. They decided to build an tracked carrier for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_18-pounder_gun" target="_blank">QF-18 pounder (84 mm) field gun</a>: the Vickers 18 pdr. Transporter.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpinzrg5iE8tynJv4gYKQvKVVJ9KpRHi_KZOe34MoH4oECpZPtOOi7xsPKz26OVovSq9M_doq7x4UPb5O60gKsLrANDo0njqAgxJvMWGmXQ6lUuIoCxNtrJ0pXna_laP6xknWNQhUMHMFyEBMSRwuyKypYFsNakV5ZqjUx9IcXYduNPR-wmt9kba_saPc/s1280/18%20pdr%20Transporter%20front%20left.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpinzrg5iE8tynJv4gYKQvKVVJ9KpRHi_KZOe34MoH4oECpZPtOOi7xsPKz26OVovSq9M_doq7x4UPb5O60gKsLrANDo0njqAgxJvMWGmXQ6lUuIoCxNtrJ0pXna_laP6xknWNQhUMHMFyEBMSRwuyKypYFsNakV5ZqjUx9IcXYduNPR-wmt9kba_saPc/w640-h410/18%20pdr%20Transporter%20front%20left.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers 18 pdr. gun Transporter (Vickers prototype no.3)<br />in the Vickers plant - 1923</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73jgH03o-pLgB6M1Di8-UPEMxpuFrc6_CR8OQgVVZ0zknxe0TLxN0Ty0RA0gma1llLzjSOviRy88aLUTHLiPcBroJ_ClWQSTp3Jt4K0H2IdIeTYAZbwNDYmmrnLcWXsg6Owm6muq1HujyuUY3KtIaSo1-ujakeI_ilyCx_-FJtXcakvwEuXnTuCJduaWO/s1280/18%20pounder%20gun%20of%20the%20Royal%20Field%20Artillery%20in%20action.%20Near%20Arras,%2029%20April%201917.IWM%20Q%205811.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73jgH03o-pLgB6M1Di8-UPEMxpuFrc6_CR8OQgVVZ0zknxe0TLxN0Ty0RA0gma1llLzjSOviRy88aLUTHLiPcBroJ_ClWQSTp3Jt4K0H2IdIeTYAZbwNDYmmrnLcWXsg6Owm6muq1HujyuUY3KtIaSo1-ujakeI_ilyCx_-FJtXcakvwEuXnTuCJduaWO/w640-h384/18%20pounder%20gun%20of%20the%20Royal%20Field%20Artillery%20in%20action.%20Near%20Arras,%2029%20April%201917.IWM%20Q%205811.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QF-18 pounder field gun of the Royal Field Artillery in action.<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arras_(1917)" target="_blank">Second Battle of Arras</a>, France - 29 April, 1917.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM Q 5811</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> This vehicle had nothing in common with the Vickers No.1 Infantry Tank. Rather than an evolution of the concept, it was like a leap forward compared to any other vehicle in development in those days. The main modification was the change in suspension: from a system of springs with very little travel, almost semi-rigid, to a really effective suspension, with bogies with two wheels acting on vertical helical springs. In addition to the new suspension, a new set of tracks was developed, with more grip and traction to the movement.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8BpKaMAAbHgvBZ9olMqryPzS-FOqXs_Ss2JTEjRZ41mWLWbhGw6Mapb5XDHZhk32XPg9YQAcbhu_Cvi8XWQOnwN2oIAB1k6aJNZq5lCMPwDXEyk9OhOr1sRT_SK9x4xmCBcPTZrHvX6VenKwtLz-C2YMQXwrgnhtzwUaI1m-NYRDRf57YJXCil-pJ9h0/s1280/18%20pdr%20Transporter%20rear%20left.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8BpKaMAAbHgvBZ9olMqryPzS-FOqXs_Ss2JTEjRZ41mWLWbhGw6Mapb5XDHZhk32XPg9YQAcbhu_Cvi8XWQOnwN2oIAB1k6aJNZq5lCMPwDXEyk9OhOr1sRT_SK9x4xmCBcPTZrHvX6VenKwtLz-C2YMQXwrgnhtzwUaI1m-NYRDRf57YJXCil-pJ9h0/w640-h376/18%20pdr%20Transporter%20rear%20left.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers 18 pdr. gun Transporter (Vickers prototype no.3)<br />in the Vickers plant -1923<br />Notice the suspension and the rear folding door </td></tr></tbody></table><div> As the vehicle was a little lighter, the 73 hp Wolseley gasoline engine from Tank No. 1 was used, with the engine being installed in the front portion of the hull and the transmission in the rear. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D4yWf4cuNojWcP2yPJM_Fk3de26zXdo5MAzjBJ6b8TDlXoks8G8T0L7FYm4wil-SmGkP_sj29akoeSwsl4S04FAFdX13lee8zj2V-t6iatiB6eAnUKG5-xni2enJubYaQP4hIAQcfy9T824YXhgkD2AKHti_PCXQ29yldOLgKKcUWQ3BAh5PQdAFdU-M/s1280/18%20pdr%20Transporter%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7D4yWf4cuNojWcP2yPJM_Fk3de26zXdo5MAzjBJ6b8TDlXoks8G8T0L7FYm4wil-SmGkP_sj29akoeSwsl4S04FAFdX13lee8zj2V-t6iatiB6eAnUKG5-xni2enJubYaQP4hIAQcfy9T824YXhgkD2AKHti_PCXQ29yldOLgKKcUWQ3BAh5PQdAFdU-M/w640-h428/18%20pdr%20Transporter%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view of Vickers 18 pdr. gun Transporter (Vickers prototype no.3)<br />The engine is placed in the front of the vehicle.</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The 18-pdr field gun would be drawn into the hull through an folding door at the rear, equipped with ramps, and the crew would sit around its perimeter, positioned on benches on the sides of the hull, facing each other. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MxIU-buqsH1trEHMw2iFv2vQRJpayfBucg7rdJtsNtWtmp5tEm8eKKAV2z_pADp9XjVaambQL4eEeN94rujNP9o5cxYTBX04BeKH9tH7KjkOakIFGMaaZceqKxXnuwllBDTE4AmJ9NwjDqAv-WH9vXn0E5-2SSecKVQUoPxv03-VBOR1tgJAdZS2ZNPq/s1280/18%20pdr%20Transporter%20Mk%20II%20was%20about%2063%20track.%20Mk%20III%20was%2066.%20Hence%20the%20wide%20ramp%20on%20one%20side..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MxIU-buqsH1trEHMw2iFv2vQRJpayfBucg7rdJtsNtWtmp5tEm8eKKAV2z_pADp9XjVaambQL4eEeN94rujNP9o5cxYTBX04BeKH9tH7KjkOakIFGMaaZceqKxXnuwllBDTE4AmJ9NwjDqAv-WH9vXn0E5-2SSecKVQUoPxv03-VBOR1tgJAdZS2ZNPq/w640-h444/18%20pdr%20Transporter%20Mk%20II%20was%20about%2063%20track.%20Mk%20III%20was%2066.%20Hence%20the%20wide%20ramp%20on%20one%20side..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view of Vickers 18 pdr. gun Transporter (Vickers prototype no.3)<br />with the assimetrical ramps for the gun in position with the rear door folded.<br />The transmission is placed in the rear of the vehicle.<br />Notoce the gunners seats, facing each other, on the sides of the vehicle.</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The first field tests proved the immense improvement of the new suspension used on the transporter. The transporter, like its siblings, was not put into production and was later dismantled, but its legacy was the new suspension concept, that would be already used on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Medium_Mark_I" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Mk.I tank</a>, in 1923 and its more famous brothers, <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20Medium%20Mark%20II**%20%28stars%29%20tank" target="_blank">Vickers Medium Mk.II tanks</a>. ..But that's another story...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68nmZFznd4uUOLgtYFnzWian7GydWZiOJ9sBYczFZs5PS-ZHi3nn9QuYzfS4vTF7-QpHaCjd30vCUjRwfjT9Qa7EFEOJz9OjDtpOY-yNjehqAHLE8Z-0L7tfk67kAb2CRxVo71t9njZW0zb2L2AYMauYZj2PZ73MTBMRtt6BI6wWsznwXDUiiygzifHHT/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20I%201923%20-%20IWM%20KID80.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68nmZFznd4uUOLgtYFnzWian7GydWZiOJ9sBYczFZs5PS-ZHi3nn9QuYzfS4vTF7-QpHaCjd30vCUjRwfjT9Qa7EFEOJz9OjDtpOY-yNjehqAHLE8Z-0L7tfk67kAb2CRxVo71t9njZW0zb2L2AYMauYZj2PZ73MTBMRtt6BI6wWsznwXDUiiygzifHHT/w640-h404/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20I%201923%20-%20IWM%20KID80.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Tank Mk I - 1923<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM KID80</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div></div></span></div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Specs:</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zJNjHCTmZyo-QslZ2QgSO9hxHpcI92_9ZvTyJ48pxNQwYZR1Ui_3cELzPp1xxrf2pvqmwp6HCIzFdzmlRJ-B-BY5TD21lseErq9hgkkz4iWw-f44XqbbvY6YE12P9zkKI5QHBwO-NtIMfw9CXts2jUpPYBzr0iDfbBa9EA3R6N-26c8riGTzH63uKSzp/s1400/specs%20Vickers%201.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zJNjHCTmZyo-QslZ2QgSO9hxHpcI92_9ZvTyJ48pxNQwYZR1Ui_3cELzPp1xxrf2pvqmwp6HCIzFdzmlRJ-B-BY5TD21lseErq9hgkkz4iWw-f44XqbbvY6YE12P9zkKI5QHBwO-NtIMfw9CXts2jUpPYBzr0iDfbBa9EA3R6N-26c8riGTzH63uKSzp/w640-h380/specs%20Vickers%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JI5c73mtbp7KmSJAmdpjmNM7sVhBZZf4eQpsfHAyDzO3NfLH_-zBjBHuekhn2c_oTqdt-zSPRpCJsLKqw12ufhjAMtc7bgEszINKKHewAnDP2WyHPSl5Gbnm6Gs4otfXkVhRQXmNrJY1JjdojFb3ryKehuWCxuLLnw_1PkxfP_p_lIZK-j4XJorK31zV/s1400/specs%20Vickers%202.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JI5c73mtbp7KmSJAmdpjmNM7sVhBZZf4eQpsfHAyDzO3NfLH_-zBjBHuekhn2c_oTqdt-zSPRpCJsLKqw12ufhjAMtc7bgEszINKKHewAnDP2WyHPSl5Gbnm6Gs4otfXkVhRQXmNrJY1JjdojFb3ryKehuWCxuLLnw_1PkxfP_p_lIZK-j4XJorK31zV/w640-h380/specs%20Vickers%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Infantry light tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers">Vickers</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1 x no.1<br />1x no. 2</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">8,75 tons - No.1<br />9,75 tons - No.2</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5,20 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.40 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.50 m - No.1<br />2,10 m - No.2</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">from 2 to 4 (Commander, driver and gunners)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">12,7 mm </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">No.1: 3 x <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_machine_gun" target="_blank">0.303 in<br />Hotchkiss mg</a><br />No.2: 1x <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OQF_3-pounder_gun" target="_blank">Ordnance QF<br />3-pdr 2 cwt Vickers gun</a><br />(47 mm / L40)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Sec<span style="color: white;">. </span>armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">No.1: none<br />No.2: 1x <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_machine_gun" target="_blank">0.303 in <br />Hotchkiss mg</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">No.1: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolseley_Motors" target="_blank">Wolseley</a> 6 cyl. on<br />line engine, water-cooled<br />73 hp - petrol.<br />No.1 (late) and No.2: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanchester_Motor_Company" target="_blank">Lanchester</a> 6 cyl. on line engine, water-cooled<br />86 hp - petrol.</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">No.1: Williams-Jenney hydraulic transmission<br />No.2: Lanchester transmission</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">bogies with </span>vertical helicoidal springs</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational<span style="color: white;">.</span>range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">193 km - road</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Max speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">24 km/h</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>The kit:</b><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> For this interesting project, the kit I used was the 3D printed kit from the <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/products/1-35-vickers-no-1-infantry-tank">Vargas Scale Models</a> Vickers No.1 (#R3D-35-073).</div><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-zRHLBt5Y2h_MRJotDVZRqAV2XGL3yfjfuX0GjSSJnkwzcMhEeEcdggImSLBbABqgIA1posdcoxVT26mdDRXTNkvmgF7FpFIkfMLU2ac_qrjxM4dzLeFfzNxvX-PqdNsE6j9uaootcyt1rx6FFF0HOp057KU9EFwX8gTTk1AkJRJGhlI83_WPfO77M47/s964/Vargas%20kit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="964" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-zRHLBt5Y2h_MRJotDVZRqAV2XGL3yfjfuX0GjSSJnkwzcMhEeEcdggImSLBbABqgIA1posdcoxVT26mdDRXTNkvmgF7FpFIkfMLU2ac_qrjxM4dzLeFfzNxvX-PqdNsE6j9uaootcyt1rx6FFF0HOp057KU9EFwX8gTTk1AkJRJGhlI83_WPfO77M47/w640-h472/Vargas%20kit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vargas Scale Models kit (#R3D-35-073) box art</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The kit is very simple, but with very well printed details. It is made up of two sets of complete suspensions, a chassis and a turret. The kit should be very simple and quick to build...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCSc4akyy0HrCgIlhyphenhyphentPBrigSrPbIDcDP9J9FrPMa7k4BlNA7aiozk9Vqnh0WUiK6tgdkJffT7Bupuz7ZC2LttxtpcVn_dyNMKV99TxZBrLedKiDC1uG7SMtTGLsQEVm9kEDJzG_o8_HA-sv5GPaIyGhpQ0vXO_33gryvBOyQIOUtD-v9gZ_TVoiXVKCo/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCSc4akyy0HrCgIlhyphenhyphentPBrigSrPbIDcDP9J9FrPMa7k4BlNA7aiozk9Vqnh0WUiK6tgdkJffT7Bupuz7ZC2LttxtpcVn_dyNMKV99TxZBrLedKiDC1uG7SMtTGLsQEVm9kEDJzG_o8_HA-sv5GPaIyGhpQ0vXO_33gryvBOyQIOUtD-v9gZ_TVoiXVKCo/w640-h466/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak and the new girl from Vargas Scale Models</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The only drawback is that my model came with very clear signs of printing, horizontal lines on the sides of the hull that will be impossible to remove, due to the complexity of the details around it... But I don't think things will be that obvious... .so Kojak and I wait...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzOKUIbJMoCPSq6clyAYkIcQoZ_BkVWQY9WNuM1hDuwsSM29wh18NMCiZ4t7IcrQ8wJ35bUMRUYpjPq-i-6AJtCQT2v3wfDxBEHcW2FiPjDr8B_rdjkGwXzJ2zTxDrg-w3oLfOjaGjHiFpe1alDhyphenhyphenKaTCl4mRjXBLpPx0E87G78edOx91Fm18x1Kd1UEn/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzOKUIbJMoCPSq6clyAYkIcQoZ_BkVWQY9WNuM1hDuwsSM29wh18NMCiZ4t7IcrQ8wJ35bUMRUYpjPq-i-6AJtCQT2v3wfDxBEHcW2FiPjDr8B_rdjkGwXzJ2zTxDrg-w3oLfOjaGjHiFpe1alDhyphenhyphenKaTCl4mRjXBLpPx0E87G78edOx91Fm18x1Kd1UEn/w640-h392/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The complete hull. Here, the most evident print marks are on<br />the front portion of the hull, on the tank's curvilinear glacis...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxzC8_-Z7O1LJgq1nBuyJvoo_MwTTxOy-oG9QEfQR3H_GfMM8-i1-HnkvK_sGx7iDwE74gvq-aFg_IAIjvgXHb3De6U0Oqtw5Tt1-FwNhPLPNHjqce9Ti8zHpSCZ5Ob50Oqlq0wCFWWYpj4NALfwWOCX2BZo8C35riRzU9EnNgTYSxiNj6kyRmdq91-q7/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxzC8_-Z7O1LJgq1nBuyJvoo_MwTTxOy-oG9QEfQR3H_GfMM8-i1-HnkvK_sGx7iDwE74gvq-aFg_IAIjvgXHb3De6U0Oqtw5Tt1-FwNhPLPNHjqce9Ti8zHpSCZ5Ob50Oqlq0wCFWWYpj4NALfwWOCX2BZo8C35riRzU9EnNgTYSxiNj6kyRmdq91-q7/w640-h368/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The complete hull<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9t8I3k74JS-27GQDM9RdK3MOFdPLmS1yRlEdvNEo5flUKkhkaxA-GAnUdQuW5oXC4YU8HOTCoG46s-kTCXs7RLeGEI5VwcmKIaqnfCI_1FKIxbQQT1B5MUVHZ-GQj1IoQ1dn4M9hQestZqe6TvvjQ6NKDIZXLhLG91jiQrid8_tgoCNSsJIYF3kE7FpH/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9t8I3k74JS-27GQDM9RdK3MOFdPLmS1yRlEdvNEo5flUKkhkaxA-GAnUdQuW5oXC4YU8HOTCoG46s-kTCXs7RLeGEI5VwcmKIaqnfCI_1FKIxbQQT1B5MUVHZ-GQj1IoQ1dn4M9hQestZqe6TvvjQ6NKDIZXLhLG91jiQrid8_tgoCNSsJIYF3kE7FpH/w640-h384/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks and suspensions, still in its printing cradle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdoPKTFsMrmqxsL-du-ZVn06obu08LHKy4CbKfuAPG8tI_5TEAZdh5PKpjOdeXhwipnbo2IorTCuXakrnUsPiFGFGYIfKOLAWzxppRLphXTaQIWjExZZ-3jPzquvtGkT9q-vMlrSK3zWskn9uxwFZKDKWdb3-w2qMF51Cg9L13mSbj6cc9LlHJ6HPFmLh/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdoPKTFsMrmqxsL-du-ZVn06obu08LHKy4CbKfuAPG8tI_5TEAZdh5PKpjOdeXhwipnbo2IorTCuXakrnUsPiFGFGYIfKOLAWzxppRLphXTaQIWjExZZ-3jPzquvtGkT9q-vMlrSK3zWskn9uxwFZKDKWdb3-w2qMF51Cg9L13mSbj6cc9LlHJ6HPFmLh/w640-h406/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret with its cupola, waiting in its printing cradle</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"> To prevent damage, inside the turret, we find the machine guns and cupola hatch, printed separately but protected by the turret dome... You're a smart guy, Luis!!</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOEdB4YM1qiLyzi86zr1EkaGWbmCEtx7kkhFOW4G3OFL-okkfXXwf36TK1yECCL8oqg-AmUrs5G_pGH_eKxwPtDal7b55DBKGcszjtTlvQy9KG1qvGt1RUTfTITdaGab_byGzF8zNuKptZbAyV8mW64utRm4uQs-WreZFBrIG7gsHNdheF7jbYGcY34Ll/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOEdB4YM1qiLyzi86zr1EkaGWbmCEtx7kkhFOW4G3OFL-okkfXXwf36TK1yECCL8oqg-AmUrs5G_pGH_eKxwPtDal7b55DBKGcszjtTlvQy9KG1qvGt1RUTfTITdaGab_byGzF8zNuKptZbAyV8mW64utRm4uQs-WreZFBrIG7gsHNdheF7jbYGcY34Ll/w640-h420/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the suspensions separated from the cradle and<br />the turret removed from its cradle as well, exposing the weapons and cupola hatch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQbojhUOq4f4xv39Ah2uNzPGHsd2Tdz6pvvva6p7D6oO_kWlcAgp3GeBRnDGarBdxTUjHyQ_1L_M83tGK2b4sjfrFufsmub2KlHyuVkYyO3DezKJu7cQCEjfvewJ8_iAnBYt0x3ifKsFLe_ly4o8obxrFGz1eukS219hTwv4b_YQ58s6FGyVKs8V4Yqbv/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQbojhUOq4f4xv39Ah2uNzPGHsd2Tdz6pvvva6p7D6oO_kWlcAgp3GeBRnDGarBdxTUjHyQ_1L_M83tGK2b4sjfrFufsmub2KlHyuVkYyO3DezKJu7cQCEjfvewJ8_iAnBYt0x3ifKsFLe_ly4o8obxrFGz1eukS219hTwv4b_YQ58s6FGyVKs8V4Yqbv/w640-h414/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Hotchkiss (one in reserve), as well as the Commander's hatch.<br />Pointed by the red arrow, a little fracture in the side link of the track...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCFL3I5QNzwozRwXr_2a3Gxo_Dt3_5a3nvkCpXew95zWL4z1LLTFuG6IWI7zivLrTWpR_f_TCLBH754IZxqbZEzQdQamWV1MX_34hCqufscHEO1eNA_n5fqo7DzGuL-jk9KX-7mfFSWTLIXJ5q_HM0unMFZPRzJafjKC1Bk_CzkcGnsRnY9nvV3i4AgcZ/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCFL3I5QNzwozRwXr_2a3Gxo_Dt3_5a3nvkCpXew95zWL4z1LLTFuG6IWI7zivLrTWpR_f_TCLBH754IZxqbZEzQdQamWV1MX_34hCqufscHEO1eNA_n5fqo7DzGuL-jk9KX-7mfFSWTLIXJ5q_HM0unMFZPRzJafjKC1Bk_CzkcGnsRnY9nvV3i4AgcZ/w640-h408/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret is very well printed and detailed, but the<br />print lines on the flat surfaces of the machine gun stations are a flaw...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoacT0ccDwtA30q1Ft4D5924pz8euZ40le1ocSuoxZ_SimZA34tEdWI_gc7UxIDf01SfPEu8RbtaI_CnVmWqgpyNTeT5l-A8x-NUlx6aijwgC3k5BAnlYDwvfk2m94sHk0aIcgwNGv215Yh_ivLZtDnaefNyayCLSBnodZTjSCKYbTITkJ2lKcQETEoqF/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoacT0ccDwtA30q1Ft4D5924pz8euZ40le1ocSuoxZ_SimZA34tEdWI_gc7UxIDf01SfPEu8RbtaI_CnVmWqgpyNTeT5l-A8x-NUlx6aijwgC3k5BAnlYDwvfk2m94sHk0aIcgwNGv215Yh_ivLZtDnaefNyayCLSBnodZTjSCKYbTITkJ2lKcQETEoqF/w640-h410/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, a small problem with the kit's packaging: <br />the right rear attachment point is fractured...<br />But things aren't as bad as they seem....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9D3Ups0D4dLC55JaWDBZTQGI9NuexnnxNCkOXEgJIZ-vzIMZief8TYjiTuKpM9JwFucqAc1jh4wprOqd9q6s0DnjRIamLmTPHNsJnUzc2pGL602eqrE2a4Pt-P0jllmVzuq9PfF0FAEJ4grvaLhaACkIjWZlQN7a6Me1cQ3XvAt2_UfzseMZ9wfDhJ8g/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9D3Ups0D4dLC55JaWDBZTQGI9NuexnnxNCkOXEgJIZ-vzIMZief8TYjiTuKpM9JwFucqAc1jh4wprOqd9q6s0DnjRIamLmTPHNsJnUzc2pGL602eqrE2a4Pt-P0jllmVzuq9PfF0FAEJ4grvaLhaACkIjWZlQN7a6Me1cQ3XvAt2_UfzseMZ9wfDhJ8g/w640-h424/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With a bar of styrene plastic, a scalpel and some patience,<br />we can fix this in no time...<br />Surgery time!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb7Kz_TeUsrIyQKvUtNZBVn3ZBv83-8iGIB3OqQNebwg0WAWwXoBAkYDT8qTaLV1xGecQ8jZkb7BSfwEF160iqMyJZV6vqDvS-pKkpqOMpYRe1YTQDMLLJ6jEiFAQQimwiAF9Yt9_zkyBfEPwiCbFLK73LVdk1_hOWDJEYQk_qIu5uKp5PNFpg2W-hTcG/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcb7Kz_TeUsrIyQKvUtNZBVn3ZBv83-8iGIB3OqQNebwg0WAWwXoBAkYDT8qTaLV1xGecQ8jZkb7BSfwEF160iqMyJZV6vqDvS-pKkpqOMpYRe1YTQDMLLJ6jEiFAQQimwiAF9Yt9_zkyBfEPwiCbFLK73LVdk1_hOWDJEYQk_qIu5uKp5PNFpg2W-hTcG/w640-h400/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The coupling ring will be made with a copper wire<br />of suitable thickness and diameter.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsJ9Uw7lVIWP4Nei74L4c7Q9r_evIkTdP5Rr6pEfcLSsL9ClusUoLQzAwsFf7WfOBhKJKjxIUn0dkM4U1HvYlmf97kzYN9m6eeXNwyIbNOgNQNxpooCAuRvBtwiEN-THoXm6JYI29Sb60j1wWEGjCHnpQaT53xVQk3jOW94gchx3kdD02UxS0YGd5kAM5/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsJ9Uw7lVIWP4Nei74L4c7Q9r_evIkTdP5Rr6pEfcLSsL9ClusUoLQzAwsFf7WfOBhKJKjxIUn0dkM4U1HvYlmf97kzYN9m6eeXNwyIbNOgNQNxpooCAuRvBtwiEN-THoXm6JYI29Sb60j1wWEGjCHnpQaT53xVQk3jOW94gchx3kdD02UxS0YGd5kAM5/w640-h346/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panoramic view of the operating room...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-TJySYX-dFyOn8l96PnS7JsGjzWFNlo6fsmm18wZ7xWzEb0bpGx-vFPsYADUX9v5p-aR_JEs5ZyiiKVqsx73eOc4VVXr8f2q2aA3DrL76t7HydEQIqLy2VUzzKLb3QVFQayOIINMK4j187GDFfGvhN19CFdoMK-IJd0cXfftvy0CMLEHLwjCgqgo2LrI/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-TJySYX-dFyOn8l96PnS7JsGjzWFNlo6fsmm18wZ7xWzEb0bpGx-vFPsYADUX9v5p-aR_JEs5ZyiiKVqsx73eOc4VVXr8f2q2aA3DrL76t7HydEQIqLy2VUzzKLb3QVFQayOIINMK4j187GDFfGvhN19CFdoMK-IJd0cXfftvy0CMLEHLwjCgqgo2LrI/w640-h386/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20013.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's it...Kojak is completely satisfied!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> When gluing the two suspension assemblies, a little trick: apply a minimum amount of superglue (because if any adjustment is necessary, you can detach the assemblies without damaging them...) and try to insert the two suspensions in the same way: like the The holes in the chassis are looser than the pins in the suspensions, I pulled the suspensions down and back, on both sides, in the same way. As a result, both sets were perfectly aligned with the chassis and the ground. With this certainty, I then "sewed" the suspensions to the chassis, with more glue, reinforcing the entire assembly.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZ2npTgl5-aXADhx9rS1goC2e0lpX0pUWh8bqiQGKlnuxI1rhN9LmczrFRm31dH8tTu0md78EZzGe_SZ9JVPRit5_xe_YfXaKtY4tW0r7Mn7WuW5azUCQ9G5F5AHhMDo06xrJ6_p7vpzQ-dbEB56Aj7ZTD-GsyV6y8k5O7he5FA2vmRIWgHJICZ2huSCM/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZ2npTgl5-aXADhx9rS1goC2e0lpX0pUWh8bqiQGKlnuxI1rhN9LmczrFRm31dH8tTu0md78EZzGe_SZ9JVPRit5_xe_YfXaKtY4tW0r7Mn7WuW5azUCQ9G5F5AHhMDo06xrJ6_p7vpzQ-dbEB56Aj7ZTD-GsyV6y8k5O7he5FA2vmRIWgHJICZ2huSCM/w640-h406/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20014.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inserting the suspension sets into the chassis holes: first one side and then the other...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> When I fitted the turret to the chassis "neck", I noticed that the internal diameter of the turret is much looser than the external diameter of the chassis neck, which gives a "loose" appearance to the turret's movement of rotation. After using a caliper, I discovered that the inner diameter of the turret is almost 1mm larger than the outer diameter of the hull neck. The solution is to add a 0.3mm thick plastic strip around the entire outer perimeter of the hull neck. This will increase the outer diameter of the neck by just over 0.7mm, allowing for tighter turret movement. Let's go...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XZQIieDW4lKBxzSWTtNzC6ocneTx96ip5UKtgSbP1IE_hQCuXFv168671z477tLQAx2jgr90FqUTkm4Hwqx14wIDZuEwljELU1D5muHQIMOKqomVNYN-5-4avf39romKJWoS66b2kCdmw8L5tCpJPfHSwsC93vNgOuHRGsgZLTot6mmFLFK5qUTs-026/s1024/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20015a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XZQIieDW4lKBxzSWTtNzC6ocneTx96ip5UKtgSbP1IE_hQCuXFv168671z477tLQAx2jgr90FqUTkm4Hwqx14wIDZuEwljELU1D5muHQIMOKqomVNYN-5-4avf39romKJWoS66b2kCdmw8L5tCpJPfHSwsC93vNgOuHRGsgZLTot6mmFLFK5qUTs-026/w640-h424/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20015a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choosing a thin plasticard and checking the thickness<br />with a caliper: 0.3mm thick!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NHQp-y1eOpgM2bPVp2Zh9OW5gAqtWnhPf4bTQPLQkZ4KuOJoiB6uwvWo3QD4_-Pib6Q5VWomTNkLgu4rNJ37BRpJOeV9NiLcKURy2UjETJoKuG0uCriZ0Rc7MIVcFgPL7DibxQQ-4qGxUNnYEOp0JSXB5Sa4Sp_526j5M_DyxVmIGgBMql-1wEfGluiP/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NHQp-y1eOpgM2bPVp2Zh9OW5gAqtWnhPf4bTQPLQkZ4KuOJoiB6uwvWo3QD4_-Pib6Q5VWomTNkLgu4rNJ37BRpJOeV9NiLcKURy2UjETJoKuG0uCriZ0Rc7MIVcFgPL7DibxQQ-4qGxUNnYEOp0JSXB5Sa4Sp_526j5M_DyxVmIGgBMql-1wEfGluiP/w640-h338/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After cutting the plastic to the convenient height and length, we will apply<br />our 0.3mm thick necklace to this thin neck, with superglue!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbdE5_3ue0hpfXyqXB7jS1dxSTQ-nI6RZEDHNczUE8-PCUBD8jbMbtcvWQViczVomEZ3s0TqeDWuXVj2xl3skUL5YsVm7c49DRdr6-6PvUGtH7pNYF2X2wV9fHo1PI8c3GNhSmvHedP8-y7NHYfAWu4DlFaLSISITVok6I-TojpSugno2EINJxSWVDkN0/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbdE5_3ue0hpfXyqXB7jS1dxSTQ-nI6RZEDHNczUE8-PCUBD8jbMbtcvWQViczVomEZ3s0TqeDWuXVj2xl3skUL5YsVm7c49DRdr6-6PvUGtH7pNYF2X2wV9fHo1PI8c3GNhSmvHedP8-y7NHYfAWu4DlFaLSISITVok6I-TojpSugno2EINJxSWVDkN0/w640-h452/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 0.3mm thick collar installed on the thin neck of the hull.... <br />Now, let's insert the turret and check the clearance<br />of the rotation movement...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sfCzjaYjlnqAfqm6cS26TyBWnHJwnz8nsnKApfK-fADEziMihRKVtmb6q5BUtzwyB4bU6Hq9zgPyTvrQvSgH0rgHRSPH4QN7rJ3UjDz4wnxdGTFRpN6ENcN3ceFpNAEOMjVH2BGD2lYkdJ9Uxbp2wctQMp2C_XDAJFIIR8fbw7YryyBXGX0_mW4b4vv7/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sfCzjaYjlnqAfqm6cS26TyBWnHJwnz8nsnKApfK-fADEziMihRKVtmb6q5BUtzwyB4bU6Hq9zgPyTvrQvSgH0rgHRSPH4QN7rJ3UjDz4wnxdGTFRpN6ENcN3ceFpNAEOMjVH2BGD2lYkdJ9Uxbp2wctQMp2C_XDAJFIIR8fbw7YryyBXGX0_mW4b4vv7/w640-h434/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bingo!! the turret rotates with a certain precision,<br />without gaps or oscillations....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MHa7Aga9FPghSovOYkYhgsWLcVTfcQvto1Xp9fAMjR0BG01Hnm8W2idq9YKPhzcjxfnE9NhBXvtjcLzlfAaxuAcj59HHIqoYtuuZL-sNKmN6uRc-iruKI_-6t028e6dhgAIxkg1oKsp85KqeQdJAMnINoBm7GKEq_jAWouxEK-X39vwxnhdaS9NeGgSn/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MHa7Aga9FPghSovOYkYhgsWLcVTfcQvto1Xp9fAMjR0BG01Hnm8W2idq9YKPhzcjxfnE9NhBXvtjcLzlfAaxuAcj59HHIqoYtuuZL-sNKmN6uRc-iruKI_-6t028e6dhgAIxkg1oKsp85KqeQdJAMnINoBm7GKEq_jAWouxEK-X39vwxnhdaS9NeGgSn/w640-h430/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this aspect is very steampunk... without a doubt!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIsBi4gSvBkdJ_azJ26qlnnzzXUm46F-FJWs79ETckVwAZQCpfSToP34fAWNQeOJwUXEaH7otnrZaq8Us_w10UlUyEWRHZhDIzlbNvLHgwRQdfgD1yoEnsFmt0FPmF36XNwEJSvf9gp2DkT0Md3WsuIRJHAd0SdD7-P4q8JF7CrQ-3KXAqLhyg-DwCLAG/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIsBi4gSvBkdJ_azJ26qlnnzzXUm46F-FJWs79ETckVwAZQCpfSToP34fAWNQeOJwUXEaH7otnrZaq8Us_w10UlUyEWRHZhDIzlbNvLHgwRQdfgD1yoEnsFmt0FPmF36XNwEJSvf9gp2DkT0Md3WsuIRJHAd0SdD7-P4q8JF7CrQ-3KXAqLhyg-DwCLAG/w640-h450/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20022.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, let's fix the small fracture in one of the track links: let's glue a small portion of thin plasticard (0.5mm) previously cut in the shape of the fracture, to fit and fill in the broken spot...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSddSX1-1mMWl9cAfaseOIeqp46ON_zXRoJpemvyRDOpWsPLDm_yD9rqF4LMV_DF6Hqw0g87jSPfVmasHsEZN3wP8cuXxR_ls9D3CS7H1igtI71voq2lEEznareS1OWnNo15IrLhPscY6YUgy1Ji8QdOnjTkUyaoQ9DuaUdsIdSAlbiOKMUvoJJspPjZBh/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSddSX1-1mMWl9cAfaseOIeqp46ON_zXRoJpemvyRDOpWsPLDm_yD9rqF4LMV_DF6Hqw0g87jSPfVmasHsEZN3wP8cuXxR_ls9D3CS7H1igtI71voq2lEEznareS1OWnNo15IrLhPscY6YUgy1Ji8QdOnjTkUyaoQ9DuaUdsIdSAlbiOKMUvoJJspPjZBh/w640-h442/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plasticard glued in place. Excesses will be removed after the glue dries.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpM6rov-PolD5rwQyRBp4FNbKdOrAjVozk-Ks7zncdWvLxb_RNpZq8Wdm1aV1suhiWgALllsp6hTu6IH2pe3q-pIoC86YlOGLEveyjJhf7hRpruTUf2vxlMP4h1JtB5c7dQ9HTj1e8ommESCyuE2bHANMF9U5VC7IbRluEoGzPR_wA2lAfBp7UKXnBBKw/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpM6rov-PolD5rwQyRBp4FNbKdOrAjVozk-Ks7zncdWvLxb_RNpZq8Wdm1aV1suhiWgALllsp6hTu6IH2pe3q-pIoC86YlOGLEveyjJhf7hRpruTUf2vxlMP4h1JtB5c7dQ9HTj1e8ommESCyuE2bHANMF9U5VC7IbRluEoGzPR_wA2lAfBp7UKXnBBKw/w640-h442/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20025.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up view of the graft site, with the plastic already cut<br />and sculpted with a scalpel, reproducing the lost surface. <br />The Devil lives in the details, as the ancients said...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, a small criticism (and suggestion) to our dear friend Luis Vargas: you forgot to reproduce the lighting elements of our beautiful girl: she has two front headlights and a rear light. These details are very evident in the (few) photos of the original tank. For these details, I will use an accessory kit from <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/elf-production-model-accessories-3509-headlights-military-armored-models--1117871" target="_blank">Elf Accessories</a>, which are excellent headlights of different diameters. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> AZIZ, LIGHT!!!</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcJm6pXRI6FQjIJ_wXtmK8oR11rcif9Ry-Te6BnTxVMkXuNd59FfIVLsNX2c30Uerq2FdCpI94IbDEW-LYhRohjdX2azCGfCcL6dHqXU_7N7pugp8CtXJqb8uEoQpO0zWA6hUf6FmMuteH1ejebKTCVWGMDgHLGp9Q31gJYXdp5UCZSOJ30uqGcuL8Vuh/s647/aziz%20Lights.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="647" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcJm6pXRI6FQjIJ_wXtmK8oR11rcif9Ry-Te6BnTxVMkXuNd59FfIVLsNX2c30Uerq2FdCpI94IbDEW-LYhRohjdX2azCGfCcL6dHqXU_7N7pugp8CtXJqb8uEoQpO0zWA6hUf6FmMuteH1ejebKTCVWGMDgHLGp9Q31gJYXdp5UCZSOJ30uqGcuL8Vuh/w640-h462/aziz%20Lights.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uops...wrong photo!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> That's much better, thank you Aziz!!! See in the pics below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLSG6p7cvmf1Jp1mcYQRQ3HIplTP1J6vOHUFh8I5rizNIHECkM0RzHkImRWvC8Gsv998dcJyVE11RY-px_IcLCsijOBiD4QCRYqQ1-63OmA506G3NPnai4CuijidX04yRE7lPvJQsyeGM8o2542zJaEtjr31LeAWd7u4DhHGj4TZP9RNZkQN0fGfyC4UJ/s1400/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="1400" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLSG6p7cvmf1Jp1mcYQRQ3HIplTP1J6vOHUFh8I5rizNIHECkM0RzHkImRWvC8Gsv998dcJyVE11RY-px_IcLCsijOBiD4QCRYqQ1-63OmA506G3NPnai4CuijidX04yRE7lPvJQsyeGM8o2542zJaEtjr31LeAWd7u4DhHGj4TZP9RNZkQN0fGfyC4UJ/w640-h234/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Front left and right headlights and <br />the rear light in position, </span><span style="text-align: justify;">in the real tank. <br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU7LB0Sfwlqpa4Phsmv2r_uK5U0AKY_B90vdXaJgYuHUKKLwUhinEy08kQWYNwsBA3YHVyfrisoalKR09sXq8UzLQKB3rmHyqbyI6WON9WngcBB7V0HS12YNqzSCaRLIzaPl8JWDwC7Jb8b-oNwWe15mR8xQ8FbDV0SD7y9gCCZnU9V6MvoZxlbziSjXi/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbU7LB0Sfwlqpa4Phsmv2r_uK5U0AKY_B90vdXaJgYuHUKKLwUhinEy08kQWYNwsBA3YHVyfrisoalKR09sXq8UzLQKB3rmHyqbyI6WON9WngcBB7V0HS12YNqzSCaRLIzaPl8JWDwC7Jb8b-oNwWe15mR8xQ8FbDV0SD7y9gCCZnU9V6MvoZxlbziSjXi/w640-h302/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for plastic surgery!!!<br />Notice the position of the front headlights...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfj4bVLTgAQM735F08WLzACRFNDVFJmknCklIS2Q7cQ0Yg5VkmwrcmZzb0sn5IJMpR3EmL-lrLcSApdaIsNB0hc2T3c06OD16BTjl6X6dmUdx0hXKdbesyR4dAaUsEYHEva_s2UAcyJ_3Fa-O5-EXvDu6vG522l-Kgu9Brpkz_2EhbgdWi7qdcEKSVVl5/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfj4bVLTgAQM735F08WLzACRFNDVFJmknCklIS2Q7cQ0Yg5VkmwrcmZzb0sn5IJMpR3EmL-lrLcSApdaIsNB0hc2T3c06OD16BTjl6X6dmUdx0hXKdbesyR4dAaUsEYHEva_s2UAcyJ_3Fa-O5-EXvDu6vG522l-Kgu9Brpkz_2EhbgdWi7qdcEKSVVl5/w640-h364/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using copper wires as headlight supports...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zol2CWpQawBf5YmrNp0MoSpFtf5RA9kqwn8j1f3dZQ_tsFgjrIozod5cNnX9KHUJzFHmCCGVJkSWrAOnvqYuemp5VINdj6vbim8ZuFHNtAsRsC8g8xJ84xXPf2YuJsgxuRviAQUWdwixXaYAAHM0G95pvpyYMjJ9__j_TzeyZ43no3Wpd9a6J-e9SIT4/s1247/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1247" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zol2CWpQawBf5YmrNp0MoSpFtf5RA9kqwn8j1f3dZQ_tsFgjrIozod5cNnX9KHUJzFHmCCGVJkSWrAOnvqYuemp5VINdj6vbim8ZuFHNtAsRsC8g8xJ84xXPf2YuJsgxuRviAQUWdwixXaYAAHM0G95pvpyYMjJ9__j_TzeyZ43no3Wpd9a6J-e9SIT4/w640-h366/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear little light was glued on with a simple plasticard base</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvMWz53vs20bfobDLRAMQB7c5LIebYxYv0woY294niz2JOSolwliojQhFQXM_6QIJlBYAXEptT7mTEcQRFqJU2iNjkAwTzJkK9i1dfUNzYTCGEhPew3B0_6KA3GtpXqU2of_GbFde8Yl0chK0RCgg7n_GSemwVueRV0wuGnasJFrCyIeoFYFzZdB9ZHas/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvMWz53vs20bfobDLRAMQB7c5LIebYxYv0woY294niz2JOSolwliojQhFQXM_6QIJlBYAXEptT7mTEcQRFqJU2iNjkAwTzJkK9i1dfUNzYTCGEhPew3B0_6KA3GtpXqU2of_GbFde8Yl0chK0RCgg7n_GSemwVueRV0wuGnasJFrCyIeoFYFzZdB9ZHas/w640-h302/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20032.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the headlights installed on our girl!!!<br />Thank you very much, Elf!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Well... after this course correction, let's move on to painting. First step: apply several layers of primer, to help the paint adhere and try to mask the infamous horizontal printing lines a little...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjNNjBMP7CGxrNK4NHkO5cUHbYOrU1g5UWUuiuKgVLvJGT8B_CJEPjyZfxqKnsijUl44Bm0UfNx3OgIwpzrEsyii3m2ujj16xcLlzOxiMeXdQLNSnYwZEMtzzU5sgp8p_ZZbPcBdqdU-kdpDrTi8S2kN997gyFzGcmVbTMqh_KLHAlQl8o6cQsnsaDDbY/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjNNjBMP7CGxrNK4NHkO5cUHbYOrU1g5UWUuiuKgVLvJGT8B_CJEPjyZfxqKnsijUl44Bm0UfNx3OgIwpzrEsyii3m2ujj16xcLlzOxiMeXdQLNSnYwZEMtzzU5sgp8p_ZZbPcBdqdU-kdpDrTi8S2kN997gyFzGcmVbTMqh_KLHAlQl8o6cQsnsaDDbY/w640-h498/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20033.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just after the first layer of primer...after this,<br />at least 4 or 5 more will be applied...<br />all layers very thin, to avoid defects....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Well, now it's time for painting. Regarding the colors, after some research, I chose SCC 2 Khaki Brown, a little lightened, to reproduce the brownish tone of English vehicles at that time. The numeral 6, present in the photos, could not be missing. It's time to do the traditional Panzerserra color and marking profile.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCehqw5u7Q1M7HszKYzrBZmtSJvCAdMEAOTbDMnb-z8WhdE6HE3InOifSu0CWKVwalUQPqw9wiCyXkcXu0naywRw-sUUxoeLvk2X3rCYMi8yvtpssCL3zoenTULTMq1mgaQJONEIyxDvMCy7dwPt9BE9RB2aTIDn9apayM_013TVeikJF0cAo7T6wDNKy/s1400/specs%20colors001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1400" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCehqw5u7Q1M7HszKYzrBZmtSJvCAdMEAOTbDMnb-z8WhdE6HE3InOifSu0CWKVwalUQPqw9wiCyXkcXu0naywRw-sUUxoeLvk2X3rCYMi8yvtpssCL3zoenTULTMq1mgaQJONEIyxDvMCy7dwPt9BE9RB2aTIDn9apayM_013TVeikJF0cAo7T6wDNKy/w640-h380/specs%20colors001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vickers Infantry Tank No.1, as seen in field trials at Farnborough in 1921.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFsVen7ivJrvmF3solDri4Nzt4PPWGP9fHnz4x3D0KhE4LlolT0J-nuKXSHdpEnztYUwis-8SqWWDd3NDAE6rofYT35VgQLQq32K7RSMyBnqQ0XIudtr_TMKIXBYbBsy7e8PzUA60X-7ZppN3lrkF5WJY6agPfmlxuj0PEvnjvN3dDTO2-3-QYfN6BLP2/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFsVen7ivJrvmF3solDri4Nzt4PPWGP9fHnz4x3D0KhE4LlolT0J-nuKXSHdpEnztYUwis-8SqWWDd3NDAE6rofYT35VgQLQq32K7RSMyBnqQ0XIudtr_TMKIXBYbBsy7e8PzUA60X-7ZppN3lrkF5WJY6agPfmlxuj0PEvnjvN3dDTO2-3-QYfN6BLP2/w640-h394/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used a mix of Vallejo acrylics to achieve these tones...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddORsgvGsuc0b9Il7wsAUSW2kTl-lPCx6_8JFH6GKwWbPCgZ8cfwLstgm9Rv0Svss1bSWose13KZqm9tsqIo5hZPaBUT7BpsxSVS9I912UHdTzaYVktsC4OLLpj1BRHh2INosJfyjN5rhEmR2kwCOos7MuuZjglD_LwT1tU_Gb9rkeD59pBPLSPIQ1Mn7/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddORsgvGsuc0b9Il7wsAUSW2kTl-lPCx6_8JFH6GKwWbPCgZ8cfwLstgm9Rv0Svss1bSWose13KZqm9tsqIo5hZPaBUT7BpsxSVS9I912UHdTzaYVktsC4OLLpj1BRHh2INosJfyjN5rhEmR2kwCOos7MuuZjglD_LwT1tU_Gb9rkeD59pBPLSPIQ1Mn7/w640-h396/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, starting the washes, with oils...<br />Man, the printing lines really are a nuisance...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAZlpmJjzWe-3Nf6Fc4Zau6r8DkTsr88ojNVFfril0sSZocf1655455Ehd98C2XN7KgOWfn2p0GOLd3zMX8oUUyvmadlbevChfhZZfwmGLZFBTqz1hpbeeOwp2YgLxDG8fVFUIA2NyB6i3FWvOlhyphenhyphenZyzvgwE6QvAphDwpwGPz9aQZIAd6IQG0ndO_781l/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAZlpmJjzWe-3Nf6Fc4Zau6r8DkTsr88ojNVFfril0sSZocf1655455Ehd98C2XN7KgOWfn2p0GOLd3zMX8oUUyvmadlbevChfhZZfwmGLZFBTqz1hpbeeOwp2YgLxDG8fVFUIA2NyB6i3FWvOlhyphenhyphenZyzvgwE6QvAphDwpwGPz9aQZIAd6IQG0ndO_781l/w640-h438/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washing with oils, right view.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEWzOBmXEgBm_M-o5Uk33m1u4JYpjSHT85C4IYjzYOqqOTnydpmCOHRVKsOoj0PlBevMrFmlhe9iRtdLKZ5fMU_X7HBJxx4cS0r-J-VyEIKyu8O5yH3fpjdjUXOQbmZ2PfGJxGlDNIFIfNi7XzP8D1VJzMcHhgHo_I446SYT_Jwt5Esv-qmVpBp0_9nSA/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1280" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEWzOBmXEgBm_M-o5Uk33m1u4JYpjSHT85C4IYjzYOqqOTnydpmCOHRVKsOoj0PlBevMrFmlhe9iRtdLKZ5fMU_X7HBJxx4cS0r-J-VyEIKyu8O5yH3fpjdjUXOQbmZ2PfGJxGlDNIFIfNi7XzP8D1VJzMcHhgHo_I446SYT_Jwt5Esv-qmVpBp0_9nSA/w640-h544/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 - rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqzV21hyphenhyphen3DHIO-fkw0AT4yYIX4TVjKDq7nPZ10zEnkzOT8g96fxIyvDgsvRszRF9fWgvYOTxkS-AOa8GYkJoHCBXG49_h7AxQTSAPG174RNrVrJjqG8LrRCVCtWwqpUjvArvhHsnrJBO-vduWvD78IceBfTtuRfEM38ow4hjnO9RmvEM4rCHh6Gh_DH3v/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqzV21hyphenhyphen3DHIO-fkw0AT4yYIX4TVjKDq7nPZ10zEnkzOT8g96fxIyvDgsvRszRF9fWgvYOTxkS-AOa8GYkJoHCBXG49_h7AxQTSAPG174RNrVrJjqG8LrRCVCtWwqpUjvArvhHsnrJBO-vduWvD78IceBfTtuRfEM38ow4hjnO9RmvEM4rCHh6Gh_DH3v/w640-h466/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20040.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 - front view<br />This lady is very fashionable... A true <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flapper" target="_blank">flapper-girl</a>!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">And now, let's exercise a little <b>reverse-logic</b>: in the real photos, we can see the presence of the front headlights and nothing else, as the photos are very dark in this region. But an armored vehicle (even more so a prototype...and even more mechanically problematic like this...) SHOULD have front tie-down points (as it had at the rear) to be able to tow and be towed. So here we go: with Chuck Norris' approval, let's add this piece that MUST HAVE existed. I opted for double lashing...it could be simple, like the Churchills, but I followed the trend of the rear of the same vehicle...My spare box came to my rescue...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LCjISb_LhB6kg3MFXYMwGJvxttDRJt3cZHB4Ik6HZl4en6uXKin-v445u-9zfnor9X8uOI9eB7mIXQ0HnXeFzJZkcjApzMJdTbIw_YilJFWV3UkqJSrhyphenhyphentwn6TRK_njzBS5JpBf2RQeE07_x3T7beS_7gUF2cO1gKHEFyJ1IwuiZ-HhXFI6YKqQXZudS/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LCjISb_LhB6kg3MFXYMwGJvxttDRJt3cZHB4Ik6HZl4en6uXKin-v445u-9zfnor9X8uOI9eB7mIXQ0HnXeFzJZkcjApzMJdTbIw_YilJFWV3UkqJSrhyphenhyphentwn6TRK_njzBS5JpBf2RQeE07_x3T7beS_7gUF2cO1gKHEFyJ1IwuiZ-HhXFI6YKqQXZudS/w640-h420/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Installing</span> tie-down points<span style="text-align: justify;"> on the front of the tank:<br />a logical and coherent option.<br />Chuck approves!!!<br />Notice the tracks in gray-metal...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeJ0vIDXC8o0RAQeh-MUbMkCD9q86bkllLNwipnykpE7CYIW89arDbcgveQ4ViU1EG0LFEyr9JHVEWCC-2eexNoz2mDJ7_3AKI4mypPY4uqZncbGrPrV0rnU44HlpCPO1vEMV6W5uggS6o9G4hQDWvkGuPzLoo4M2laGC2_FivEkONAJksItV7-H-ThhG/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeJ0vIDXC8o0RAQeh-MUbMkCD9q86bkllLNwipnykpE7CYIW89arDbcgveQ4ViU1EG0LFEyr9JHVEWCC-2eexNoz2mDJ7_3AKI4mypPY4uqZncbGrPrV0rnU44HlpCPO1vEMV6W5uggS6o9G4hQDWvkGuPzLoo4M2laGC2_FivEkONAJksItV7-H-ThhG/w640-h468/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And to complete the heresy, tow rings.<br />Come on, admit it: if you were a Vickers engineer in 1921, <br />you would do the same!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVV1TGUPIlqNgVQObF0w7zTLzsxwyBe_rLRTREplw5tyV73IoKnlX-FceXN2EMidRx6VM4_nn90Q9EUQguvNHz6-41y5INhnTf7e2GEq-WGAojp3gIvmUO56OCARhQDD4PFND2Zwj8VhP_7V0KL4_-Y8jg3k4E-6lEHxQF_1ovhXTs9LuV6LGZkhRTqqL/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVV1TGUPIlqNgVQObF0w7zTLzsxwyBe_rLRTREplw5tyV73IoKnlX-FceXN2EMidRx6VM4_nn90Q9EUQguvNHz6-41y5INhnTf7e2GEq-WGAojp3gIvmUO56OCARhQDD4PFND2Zwj8VhP_7V0KL4_-Y8jg3k4E-6lEHxQF_1ovhXTs9LuV6LGZkhRTqqL/w640-h412/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the towing devices dry, let's prepare the machine guns<br />to fit into the turret's ball-mounts: a small surgical procedure is necessary:<br />small wear on the circular base of each weapon...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2PLj2Rti7MjQU7XKqH285vj0myhlQCgKQ8Dxduxa1sPXWXcCAMYD_hPLDXTz4z3NrV0Ku_0gzu9PE-eFegx6gG5-DunihHa8ow_XTBCyeFEEp8wxnERMAj463BV2ZPTicisGV79YILDeK26Dgw_X9SGuuqS0uQUCjm_UHMaL8x6ty-TiZenPVNezt6Jc/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2PLj2Rti7MjQU7XKqH285vj0myhlQCgKQ8Dxduxa1sPXWXcCAMYD_hPLDXTz4z3NrV0Ku_0gzu9PE-eFegx6gG5-DunihHa8ow_XTBCyeFEEp8wxnERMAj463BV2ZPTicisGV79YILDeK26Dgw_X9SGuuqS0uQUCjm_UHMaL8x6ty-TiZenPVNezt6Jc/w640-h354/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With wear and tear, a circular piece fits into a rectangular space! <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>This is sooo Apollo 13!!!</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwWz30xtjf9iU4YWUmpVyxltB41YryMVGMNTt0OLpa7Bwf78cpX9T1K1hP3tgYGxTNHT8UlrwZB4JgdbTDcIoHwvn1hmAV-LneYg97BgkygSkHqadhjkYJ4r1ZgNXZ7YL0S62h7CFibeuqmTvW3FC9C6-3N7zFjliB5P_KuckcSt19PjOvEGbtc7tEyFK/s498/Houston....gif" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="498" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwWz30xtjf9iU4YWUmpVyxltB41YryMVGMNTt0OLpa7Bwf78cpX9T1K1hP3tgYGxTNHT8UlrwZB4JgdbTDcIoHwvn1hmAV-LneYg97BgkygSkHqadhjkYJ4r1ZgNXZ7YL0S62h7CFibeuqmTvW3FC9C6-3N7zFjliB5P_KuckcSt19PjOvEGbtc7tEyFK/w640-h274/Houston....gif" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg514lHmJHTq5tNfBvNXUeXMjRfOu_8rMB1c_tv5Zxe2Nsa63NmW3jTzl6QrCXkGoEwN8wcJ88EUpws-l8tLJc1rZMytqK-fzweLmlwjOszRUPpGbWTP1cRp4tbKfAVrjywmMT_IlzMbjK5Xz5bivasAmIuF_mUnAaLCEVGqkQ8QMfk5RkfvcrcDEi_mHbN/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg514lHmJHTq5tNfBvNXUeXMjRfOu_8rMB1c_tv5Zxe2Nsa63NmW3jTzl6QrCXkGoEwN8wcJ88EUpws-l8tLJc1rZMytqK-fzweLmlwjOszRUPpGbWTP1cRp4tbKfAVrjywmMT_IlzMbjK5Xz5bivasAmIuF_mUnAaLCEVGqkQ8QMfk5RkfvcrcDEi_mHbN/w640-h480/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But back to the Earth: really, this tank is very <i>steampunk</i>!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1gtPJ7zGygDNbJYJrL_cHz_k8hdxEB4OGLECufhdQ_M5Xvigbk-B0wXC5JKy8Jtlgx_UmjnC1-AC2M75OvxU8wRwfi8ci3jPaNoFrpfPh1Mc0faeY7AJ7x0zL6UA49KZ-NFKA1O4OGo0HEYKoVtJn7CHh2qedyJ0UuN0X8S8lsBmLDsJETI4zc0ImM7p/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1gtPJ7zGygDNbJYJrL_cHz_k8hdxEB4OGLECufhdQ_M5Xvigbk-B0wXC5JKy8Jtlgx_UmjnC1-AC2M75OvxU8wRwfi8ci3jPaNoFrpfPh1Mc0faeY7AJ7x0zL6UA49KZ-NFKA1O4OGo0HEYKoVtJn7CHh2qedyJ0UuN0X8S8lsBmLDsJETI4zc0ImM7p/w640-h480/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This turret is very beautiful!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK8qyohwADx35iMwRDQWjnjWjCIX-J_PgliqreDshD27AIo861nwaKiNGkri8DJSFPPA_J8qOBlxOfrEkowUm226yFJTutV8XIkQkJlq373xCl6iyNz7y-tD4OE-2zXl07gzXC-YsBct1QLI-cbYmn23LJ6sBNpqK2bcFYRkp2o9gm0s3ftCv_Kj7iqfQ/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyK8qyohwADx35iMwRDQWjnjWjCIX-J_PgliqreDshD27AIo861nwaKiNGkri8DJSFPPA_J8qOBlxOfrEkowUm226yFJTutV8XIkQkJlq373xCl6iyNz7y-tD4OE-2zXl07gzXC-YsBct1QLI-cbYmn23LJ6sBNpqK2bcFYRkp2o9gm0s3ftCv_Kj7iqfQ/w640-h410/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right side of the tank is not that affected by the printing lines...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y4DsYwcAHZNJWW2iLPF8b2LEOmpCjJL0dV3wFFHFGxVR6sge31ag6KSTsZY56M_J6opoMaourpHKqaiAtAus_IzXwFsriZIHmcvgJqTBbJrlRRF5rSLrK4Wfq9WOti2cy9wzN2kHja4WwQT7dBhs-KNSWiPlhbeSajgbcy8LLA2MKLX4TIAaHF7CiiKy/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y4DsYwcAHZNJWW2iLPF8b2LEOmpCjJL0dV3wFFHFGxVR6sge31ag6KSTsZY56M_J6opoMaourpHKqaiAtAus_IzXwFsriZIHmcvgJqTBbJrlRRF5rSLrK4Wfq9WOti2cy9wzN2kHja4WwQT7dBhs-KNSWiPlhbeSajgbcy8LLA2MKLX4TIAaHF7CiiKy/w640-h434/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But the left side... Ouch!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVjUGsNhEVzwRLRhKzoWS_nnsmzfOKFDLhqq17J9v8lKwLkGIf0nIBXtSQ3D3HA2oS_pj3XyTWf8wk6EbwOZ0lOybai4TH7XhcB6TPbdYborvRUrlJK8J7VrN4tYGrqlLMDDqAKxeYMWOVACDp-8pq_n5ro2of11A-jYxcrQXXkMeVHgw9Nz5CjAur6-Q/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1280" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVjUGsNhEVzwRLRhKzoWS_nnsmzfOKFDLhqq17J9v8lKwLkGIf0nIBXtSQ3D3HA2oS_pj3XyTWf8wk6EbwOZ0lOybai4TH7XhcB6TPbdYborvRUrlJK8J7VrN4tYGrqlLMDDqAKxeYMWOVACDp-8pq_n5ro2of11A-jYxcrQXXkMeVHgw9Nz5CjAur6-Q/w640-h538/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear right view of the girl...<br />The right towing point was identical to the original...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7gpUQg8wItF-Ts_GK9WOc1zGCPpxwOZPpT5wNM_R0kfCQWjqzKaXSpn0dH427EedAFZ0723UskpIHv1qLo38x1i6VCw_DY837XE7jDZ_DEjMvVfnbNs6JCyCDV4AHMfA6SV1K9sgHwHHOkmlNoFGS8hkPRENZIc3gjZ5vhQ8H0GZRpL1vkY9PiCfN07A/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7gpUQg8wItF-Ts_GK9WOc1zGCPpxwOZPpT5wNM_R0kfCQWjqzKaXSpn0dH427EedAFZ0723UskpIHv1qLo38x1i6VCw_DY837XE7jDZ_DEjMvVfnbNs6JCyCDV4AHMfA6SV1K9sgHwHHOkmlNoFGS8hkPRENZIc3gjZ5vhQ8H0GZRpL1vkY9PiCfN07A/w640-h476/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear right view of the girl...<br />Those tank machine guns separated by 120° give the impression<br />that she's always looking at you...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> After several thin layers of Pledge applied with an airbrush, I applied the decals, which were sealed with more Pledge and then, on top of everything, a wash of matte varnish.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii903cyDdt_EAX4jM8KnkkWUNmWU8jb27M_9deNy1FpWx4MXbP0mF1f3YnU0VFr5IH5GCUy7SM6cKsYPcX2zdDHdlXjgnsafcCNjlNNBZFyrZ9cSOrB2K8JLM3A1djyFCFc3F64kNGJIWgQkRQqneMYON-JaHD_2qVzkxAYe1y1ihCq5SweYlV5uh_2-1B/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii903cyDdt_EAX4jM8KnkkWUNmWU8jb27M_9deNy1FpWx4MXbP0mF1f3YnU0VFr5IH5GCUy7SM6cKsYPcX2zdDHdlXjgnsafcCNjlNNBZFyrZ9cSOrB2K8JLM3A1djyFCFc3F64kNGJIWgQkRQqneMYON-JaHD_2qVzkxAYe1y1ihCq5SweYlV5uh_2-1B/w640-h384/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl number 6, by Jove!!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V33yyC19gd2fxb4maBTqKiyp2CGJxbPBEcSQlZZxRTn74X16oi2Wo97yvhlGTJVjDjRLyoy3ZwVG13GxRZ9xk6sJdBCcE01ajecZdSZe_kKr7hmFNM7M3eDePVW7CI4q8emYq-0BjePTJZbI1yPRUpD4tnXeWXz4-kwGDtDzfDXxtLaPQtaFiBldVAy4/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3V33yyC19gd2fxb4maBTqKiyp2CGJxbPBEcSQlZZxRTn74X16oi2Wo97yvhlGTJVjDjRLyoy3ZwVG13GxRZ9xk6sJdBCcE01ajecZdSZe_kKr7hmFNM7M3eDePVW7CI4q8emYq-0BjePTJZbI1yPRUpD4tnXeWXz4-kwGDtDzfDXxtLaPQtaFiBldVAy4/w640-h396/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl number 6, by Saint George!!!<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL-ESBMAxqRVKHnSaTi1Y0X3jmnbqlTJgE0UkVqcQfsLYBKd0xJ8N4fUaphsd_fmWs2DJEwRigZJhrwQy6dr3D3_7uKXey0plIEVUxfEoC0Buw1a8bctg6xy9z0_T5wM6i2OZsRYa9Grtn1Me1D8a0xKTx346WgX4nCFLfJRdzTXftB2Y7JHXEYNnLtmp/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL-ESBMAxqRVKHnSaTi1Y0X3jmnbqlTJgE0UkVqcQfsLYBKd0xJ8N4fUaphsd_fmWs2DJEwRigZJhrwQy6dr3D3_7uKXey0plIEVUxfEoC0Buw1a8bctg6xy9z0_T5wM6i2OZsRYa9Grtn1Me1D8a0xKTx346WgX4nCFLfJRdzTXftB2Y7JHXEYNnLtmp/w640-h394/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying some powder pigments...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji4Lu2CA_pVkfmKylJenOahwSPi8Yl3jSgP19_VR6qUQjginiOkTsCyG_9zTYeNhoI-OY11DKKciuWvqIUnc_VjuxPDWgQZj5dXx9g8mNqf3J_RySVzK5P9TQEF9SWmhooqryeWNSn01OcMzTPcxRVJiiHmDIh6XYeGLMTJ2Y3KW8CcEDxRm9Dp3_tnkW/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgji4Lu2CA_pVkfmKylJenOahwSPi8Yl3jSgP19_VR6qUQjginiOkTsCyG_9zTYeNhoI-OY11DKKciuWvqIUnc_VjuxPDWgQZj5dXx9g8mNqf3J_RySVzK5P9TQEF9SWmhooqryeWNSn01OcMzTPcxRVJiiHmDIh6XYeGLMTJ2Y3KW8CcEDxRm9Dp3_tnkW/w640-h442/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our flapper-girl, with her bright little eyes and a chain<br />on her curvy lap... Really, this lady is a bombshell</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhwdnYsIyd8Ods6DOoA9fMCbVs8sDIH926UuqgtNkiTp5UnKsWe29ImYwbqUehpy9Ow98sYiYbwGAKS-QWb5kQn22qwAV6zp50ikqDb9e9Mg74b5KmTQM9VOGOKZCexNOJtE-nsSo_WYY89LpKbYrLMpvZX_1W9cS1PyzofFWAHtoS1QibZme8zjswuT4/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhwdnYsIyd8Ods6DOoA9fMCbVs8sDIH926UuqgtNkiTp5UnKsWe29ImYwbqUehpy9Ow98sYiYbwGAKS-QWb5kQn22qwAV6zp50ikqDb9e9Mg74b5KmTQM9VOGOKZCexNOJtE-nsSo_WYY89LpKbYrLMpvZX_1W9cS1PyzofFWAHtoS1QibZme8zjswuT4/w640-h394/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pigments...and more pigments...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthJbD4Yxj7V-BgWlnsss1vOiyXrtBVf72180HTEXbgUEJupzHk7-F0B8f4VHWDpj_6pZt0PY9JABEpzrsF9KgDPzE4Q5Qjbhau5dUNXYeQ6GJn65b9hJdqe4DRBknEJKreWJRnavJ19nJCdqGqmI9_k4Pm44yVXtdXuuxSzWqG0Dty-41383ItbA-9dAV/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthJbD4Yxj7V-BgWlnsss1vOiyXrtBVf72180HTEXbgUEJupzHk7-F0B8f4VHWDpj_6pZt0PY9JABEpzrsF9KgDPzE4Q5Qjbhau5dUNXYeQ6GJn65b9hJdqe4DRBknEJKreWJRnavJ19nJCdqGqmI9_k4Pm44yVXtdXuuxSzWqG0Dty-41383ItbA-9dAV/w640-h500/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear red lamp... soooo cute!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3Nugag7cGoprgKu7a4C-O7155CPVQQ8OjJJESSpyPnH-tz7qFqp-9mahqT8Bo7yCr2AnlDdaCx3tgNggKoXhV-Gq54COdtYPYkixyqvnlSHWTHCMamq3yXeuWL_88-rjyvzsTe-Rg0ibKNC4TaWpZD-az-Q2K_nwrST6i4SFm7ddY9Vh6EaoZHhvYs4W/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3Nugag7cGoprgKu7a4C-O7155CPVQQ8OjJJESSpyPnH-tz7qFqp-9mahqT8Bo7yCr2AnlDdaCx3tgNggKoXhV-Gq54COdtYPYkixyqvnlSHWTHCMamq3yXeuWL_88-rjyvzsTe-Rg0ibKNC4TaWpZD-az-Q2K_nwrST6i4SFm7ddY9Vh6EaoZHhvYs4W/w640-h454/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What are you looking at???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And with a few more layers of pigment and weathering, I can call this flapper ready: With you, the first English girl with a turret armed with 360° of drift and who was very concerned about the well-being of her crew: <b>Vickers Infantry Tank No.1</b>, as it appeared in field trials at Farnborough in the final days of the turbulent and crazy years of 1921.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gvHNUjTYtfAJ7jUEQUNNuai59hadhnjrIislOd52TVb9GQUz_LRT44YNannLRWvEeTRVcb-0YpwabrhkRSHq8BXoVtnCnyRM-wswv4-GgZGRHzt9ciNesD-LA3_lt5wZ5g0vyfVBnGJwbkbcBjVTt0_oCvYdXPCAxLFc8Wt-4dDBCSODwpsd9Y3dL8Aw/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gvHNUjTYtfAJ7jUEQUNNuai59hadhnjrIislOd52TVb9GQUz_LRT44YNannLRWvEeTRVcb-0YpwabrhkRSHq8BXoVtnCnyRM-wswv4-GgZGRHzt9ciNesD-LA3_lt5wZ5g0vyfVBnGJwbkbcBjVTt0_oCvYdXPCAxLFc8Wt-4dDBCSODwpsd9Y3dL8Aw/w640-h366/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 - number 6<br /></b><span style="text-align: justify;">Farnborough Field Test - late 1921.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrpOC_NmHL0zp_XoXjLv3-ZntUZYG1IFTkuPQvpzOdE7DOz3CbJxta9CmlIvgGCyMx6TFeQG3eH31w2Zn7-KoZ4FK4IoVgVbBXugIJC5CHlR3ken36K6afiRQOGziYl7n7u-Yv-vq9SpAXqqrpwnPwfITLMbPmkoW3u-ICv11XyibdiKW2rk_BFwO3Ydm/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrpOC_NmHL0zp_XoXjLv3-ZntUZYG1IFTkuPQvpzOdE7DOz3CbJxta9CmlIvgGCyMx6TFeQG3eH31w2Zn7-KoZ4FK4IoVgVbBXugIJC5CHlR3ken36K6afiRQOGziYl7n7u-Yv-vq9SpAXqqrpwnPwfITLMbPmkoW3u-ICv11XyibdiKW2rk_BFwO3Ydm/w640-h354/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br />front left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeU3Ou5XRFy-ON-OpzyIGuow3mCF7Cq1lSh4WacmuQTz1aX_yjyiHBIz-0eo533TJqmfr-CBD34f0uXMUft2gHswCj9ljVURR7OZpPqb8ekxSgGltL3AslEOgqIlpJbZIEYYVqj4frFbyYzXFuL2PpwqtC__l1PQ0dP7htEaQoUIr1w76Vr_OZbONrLVJ/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeU3Ou5XRFy-ON-OpzyIGuow3mCF7Cq1lSh4WacmuQTz1aX_yjyiHBIz-0eo533TJqmfr-CBD34f0uXMUft2gHswCj9ljVURR7OZpPqb8ekxSgGltL3AslEOgqIlpJbZIEYYVqj4frFbyYzXFuL2PpwqtC__l1PQ0dP7htEaQoUIr1w76Vr_OZbONrLVJ/w640-h472/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front left top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeHISZplorTrNg-RhlrDD36tfW3uqg4IwxGUQds_MDylEIrY94UhZdWXLDXx5cuNgxj9Zum3tqi7mkDuSmSb0mxq7BVOUIEg5M7oQo0SOaJidPuTUUFReTDYzR1mkt6zd8H_V9i9j0LvVgv_DTS0pRU9gcu8aQZ-AxyvVYlYayzSKH0ZSZEYTTQDRts8T/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeHISZplorTrNg-RhlrDD36tfW3uqg4IwxGUQds_MDylEIrY94UhZdWXLDXx5cuNgxj9Zum3tqi7mkDuSmSb0mxq7BVOUIEg5M7oQo0SOaJidPuTUUFReTDYzR1mkt6zd8H_V9i9j0LvVgv_DTS0pRU9gcu8aQZ-AxyvVYlYayzSKH0ZSZEYTTQDRts8T/w640-h286/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOui1WpuTP9_2ck12k_YDWIX4rmpQyIIjrgg1rdNox5gNe75JWQtmw7Ga8jloK0Gh6WCh12CgPN_TFmXtcT6VQ_RwBVPM2gjx4yNIccqiBkodxf8nZPG8XZjkyUERLeeqxdP4QhOgfRPJf5kGAbwkyUtb5Cd77VbBnyswIuTvcYxtTB8Pzs7rAhpp2Eo2/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOui1WpuTP9_2ck12k_YDWIX4rmpQyIIjrgg1rdNox5gNe75JWQtmw7Ga8jloK0Gh6WCh12CgPN_TFmXtcT6VQ_RwBVPM2gjx4yNIccqiBkodxf8nZPG8XZjkyUERLeeqxdP4QhOgfRPJf5kGAbwkyUtb5Cd77VbBnyswIuTvcYxtTB8Pzs7rAhpp2Eo2/w640-h364/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCJXRXkBjerMjqCl5k0Q0sr_a08kV-UDL1r7WSEVhcyGB_r4VBQ9Hha_MnaHzFAHPfjA32iZf1NrRfLCWSkFM9eiqbxh7JgEUR5xCta1Ynfu6dcS1ckAIP61gO2ffweqDCTzu-0m6RBH_lQM3VraEla8GNdKxprtAGNss7WgXxdm8IHc95KHesU9DQJgN/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjCJXRXkBjerMjqCl5k0Q0sr_a08kV-UDL1r7WSEVhcyGB_r4VBQ9Hha_MnaHzFAHPfjA32iZf1NrRfLCWSkFM9eiqbxh7JgEUR5xCta1Ynfu6dcS1ckAIP61gO2ffweqDCTzu-0m6RBH_lQM3VraEla8GNdKxprtAGNss7WgXxdm8IHc95KHesU9DQJgN/w640-h372/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZd1DSZ1LF-UKWbtssuQS3G0lChh1h2q75EYVbv_pv0qGLHw1jxmkNbfhEDP6mFJYQnCfXOvYE7XP7M5-TsbXFO-5k6s9o1dRIz3TIRGhy_YcGiwCMINcqE990OU3g2YQj1jU5AAlVieHUmrUvta-5Kdj0hr85-bhiedSr4TfARioi54IGzkA4RAN3MmB/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZd1DSZ1LF-UKWbtssuQS3G0lChh1h2q75EYVbv_pv0qGLHw1jxmkNbfhEDP6mFJYQnCfXOvYE7XP7M5-TsbXFO-5k6s9o1dRIz3TIRGhy_YcGiwCMINcqE990OU3g2YQj1jU5AAlVieHUmrUvta-5Kdj0hr85-bhiedSr4TfARioi54IGzkA4RAN3MmB/w640-h340/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-9kAKBlo4L8GYt8ZvzdMwn-ESAQnvg-dTWgZ-ilVBSGotKOvWboBogDcMELcjudBxC73UMuVOVfqfyWXTf08OETW4epcM41u3pXc0gTaCmGPbMd4UEUTXmD6I-eIE6nKX8g68QB4P3y1JHw3bMKWYPNZUlLaTjri44IXOHRkPl4GQ9Lzq2bMp1jJT_8p/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-9kAKBlo4L8GYt8ZvzdMwn-ESAQnvg-dTWgZ-ilVBSGotKOvWboBogDcMELcjudBxC73UMuVOVfqfyWXTf08OETW4epcM41u3pXc0gTaCmGPbMd4UEUTXmD6I-eIE6nKX8g68QB4P3y1JHw3bMKWYPNZUlLaTjri44IXOHRkPl4GQ9Lzq2bMp1jJT_8p/w640-h382/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVkEcL6cZfFwGeCC4HV0_rDlmHa7esVkHozq6bNmTDh5GQYIq7uUa2A0F4Nvd29FtQQ6ucYe3X0hYM3K7ggZJLui9xZSS6AMoQH1NzTed1TsjXmPT0BAzAdBnKG12hmNZfTg16m8dDgzHBJKqCSFeo4oOtJ8Go71Z9et3HwrmKlNmZGme6s8pwGcViyKZ/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVkEcL6cZfFwGeCC4HV0_rDlmHa7esVkHozq6bNmTDh5GQYIq7uUa2A0F4Nvd29FtQQ6ucYe3X0hYM3K7ggZJLui9xZSS6AMoQH1NzTed1TsjXmPT0BAzAdBnKG12hmNZfTg16m8dDgzHBJKqCSFeo4oOtJ8Go71Z9et3HwrmKlNmZGme6s8pwGcViyKZ/w640-h378/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJCmS3aMSik7nQrpZHQIflBdp6fT3kWUvg3gYIY6gXzFIFEqstbPgmaULH-t3GywyTiv-GkkFFcHl4AUEbfMSP-_M1kPpKubGYFInmltn05rQACME9Ao94j7iWXfnHLdDQ_0Ut2G3q03WSpprsznuwYqUXouKmlF4mEP6PoBHsvx0AIDJze52PlaehQgp/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJCmS3aMSik7nQrpZHQIflBdp6fT3kWUvg3gYIY6gXzFIFEqstbPgmaULH-t3GywyTiv-GkkFFcHl4AUEbfMSP-_M1kPpKubGYFInmltn05rQACME9Ao94j7iWXfnHLdDQ_0Ut2G3q03WSpprsznuwYqUXouKmlF4mEP6PoBHsvx0AIDJze52PlaehQgp/w640-h416/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbPIGEHp2hrqMAPBENxVSJuMYh47T3bGz51dZk7IpWF-kmsyAnXE517R6Nz6y-SH8eZEueSvT1J72I-KNEiX9iQ09MDHdHAd2HdbVfPccyQbSc_Mqg6p6drx0CApSZL2rubFJXctaDQEvE1tkUScI_Ed9IWcDNsWiUXAjAp3ZielcgVApgX1y7CvSY0yS/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbPIGEHp2hrqMAPBENxVSJuMYh47T3bGz51dZk7IpWF-kmsyAnXE517R6Nz6y-SH8eZEueSvT1J72I-KNEiX9iQ09MDHdHAd2HdbVfPccyQbSc_Mqg6p6drx0CApSZL2rubFJXctaDQEvE1tkUScI_Ed9IWcDNsWiUXAjAp3ZielcgVApgX1y7CvSY0yS/w640-h372/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 </b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">with Kojak (very, </span>very proud of this girl!!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqriDA6-v0SEoT8UerYI-oQ5cgmELeGxoP6UvSvRnZQ0PCpm8NyQ37two2qOp79VoNpfTNCtmRjARHwzHJt6T6oct95nha09zxPLOQZT1iGiquCaUNFfkCdU8vBMD9sUEZj8oyqbGiUELvGHWp7xPUe8LUN-7hkUSzF0o7kJO32cSp6OFNFO8XAZhHpA4/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqriDA6-v0SEoT8UerYI-oQ5cgmELeGxoP6UvSvRnZQ0PCpm8NyQ37two2qOp79VoNpfTNCtmRjARHwzHJt6T6oct95nha09zxPLOQZT1iGiquCaUNFfkCdU8vBMD9sUEZj8oyqbGiUELvGHWp7xPUe8LUN-7hkUSzF0o7kJO32cSp6OFNFO8XAZhHpA4/w640-h422/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the series "Impossible Encounters", Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 next to a<br /><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Crusader%20Mk%20I%20-%20A15%20cruiser%20tank%202pdr%20gun" target="_blank">Cruiser A15 tank Crusader Mk I</a>: two authentic English ladies, my good man!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow_7QH_x2Pm6WJAnacmz0vrRVuDawyayDNpn_QBK4WJnxMuD9LoX8p7Ao6LKdk-d8YAYRB5yr0vCg1KyAeFJt2PZBrtdRfnSMw_fRi9F32ox5IYHrZUvsq0McaDDxg9b3cF0MavyyLwMvWtfYPSaNoTLvEYU2PsEZvUyLcnsoTccool5OHnVa6uYtHxgY/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow_7QH_x2Pm6WJAnacmz0vrRVuDawyayDNpn_QBK4WJnxMuD9LoX8p7Ao6LKdk-d8YAYRB5yr0vCg1KyAeFJt2PZBrtdRfnSMw_fRi9F32ox5IYHrZUvsq0McaDDxg9b3cF0MavyyLwMvWtfYPSaNoTLvEYU2PsEZvUyLcnsoTccool5OHnVa6uYtHxgY/w640-h354/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 - number 6<br /></b><span style="text-align: justify;">Farnborough Field Test - late 1921.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZ9h4EQjHNnEsUOqGqkFbpKt1rzF-hkTpuxdgi-j1IO9vgb72xLI6dMHek4M6WBrtl2jPntFj5Op2PrEc76XEKx46hZ4SVO67yjZXrZjr9vU2cD6_dnSes_v-LVZLNO219h_Ex3iof6FGS40uNZu-Ytoc55FJdNpxR2o9xxF6-r5o3mN9kMevvylQQX8l/s1280/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZ9h4EQjHNnEsUOqGqkFbpKt1rzF-hkTpuxdgi-j1IO9vgb72xLI6dMHek4M6WBrtl2jPntFj5Op2PrEc76XEKx46hZ4SVO67yjZXrZjr9vU2cD6_dnSes_v-LVZLNO219h_Ex3iof6FGS40uNZu-Ytoc55FJdNpxR2o9xxF6-r5o3mN9kMevvylQQX8l/w640-h374/Vickers%20light%20n.1%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Infantry Tank No.1 - number 6<br /></b><span style="text-align: justify;">Farnborough Field Test - late 1921.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><span style="font-size: medium;"> Well, Ladies and Gentlemen...this project was truly a delight. Vargas kits are generally quite fun to build and it is an opportunity to be able to build kits that are overlooked by most of the "big" kit companies. I would recommend a little more care with the printing of the kits and, perhaps, an upgrade with the missing parts?!?!? Furthermore, thank you very much for following this brief History, my friends...</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you soon!!!</span></b></div></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-13261920670714952862023-10-12T14:19:00.029-03:002023-11-05T17:25:48.460-03:0010,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G (StuH 42) - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early version) and Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G (reworked - concrete armour) - Sd.Kfz 142/1 - case report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Selbstfahrende Sturmartillerie!!</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The topic of our article is about one of the variants of the armored vehicle most manufactured by the Germans in WWII. Let's talk about the powerful <b>10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 (StuH 42) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz 142/2</b>, the "heaviest" version of the Surmgeschütz III.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkGFjzzqZUStPi2XKKXVjm-576idAaSL5vb4aF0K9ZnhR9pL9oeBNtW3XVxjCHjaMv159X5vkYiyKaXMkHFROxDGarExZmo9mmbxxAr5i20orEnTdCcfDPAT9JxLVAe1MQBECXnLyVLyMX00KADRNnUYNZk-YTSqGo3DOfqCI_wHY5spifDvFC3EQGoAV/s1400/pinup%20StuH-42%20-%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkGFjzzqZUStPi2XKKXVjm-576idAaSL5vb4aF0K9ZnhR9pL9oeBNtW3XVxjCHjaMv159X5vkYiyKaXMkHFROxDGarExZmo9mmbxxAr5i20orEnTdCcfDPAT9JxLVAe1MQBECXnLyVLyMX00KADRNnUYNZk-YTSqGo3DOfqCI_wHY5spifDvFC3EQGoAV/w640-h400/pinup%20StuH-42%20-%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH91p7nougRymNc7NbUtIEa7853RPKf2E4z5r5XVhFRwYfYE2Agvm8Ycf4322RjEY2uKLfCiVbh40pvCqRood3LZS6lEPyyPTIHtydnQIcZLJIx0AHEaTjd68Fe0Rr2oYBLa9N-Tma4wvKAP5NqOHr0J084T56GIXOPweq4kmAMjquESjVTpeZT__U2bW/s1400/StuH%2042%20September%201943,%20Eastern%20Front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1400" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH91p7nougRymNc7NbUtIEa7853RPKf2E4z5r5XVhFRwYfYE2Agvm8Ycf4322RjEY2uKLfCiVbh40pvCqRood3LZS6lEPyyPTIHtydnQIcZLJIx0AHEaTjd68Fe0Rr2oYBLa9N-Tma4wvKAP5NqOHr0J084T56GIXOPweq4kmAMjquESjVTpeZT__U2bW/w640-h384/StuH%2042%20September%201943,%20Eastern%20Front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G with infantry<br />in the rear deck. Notice the armoured side skirts (<i>schürzen</i>)<br />and the extra armour made with spare tracks.<br />The driver waving to the camera is priceless!!!<br />Somewhere on the Russian Front - September 1943.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">The Sturmgeschütz (StuG) III was a formidable weapon, practically revolutionizing tactical concepts on the battlefield. Its main function was to provide self-propelled fire support to infantry, but as its anti-tank capabilities were increasingly exploited, its primary role of fire support to infantry began to be relegated to the background, opening up a dangerous gap. in the doctrine of Blitzkrieg.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvCI35tkUnFdsFmpDcS5wyKivDgov1OxUavyBm4hfaCGKqnwgpHKYQTTmkNwpqXzgJY8t4dQDLHZ6JtaCa_Q5o0ysuXdml0MOm29GbbaJ-jziS5p7VeoaxwsOU9GNInInwehWL8gS6oXyLPqIrMpWVWlX1V0oHjZ22SeieIv8sotubnnLSfQW2k4Nos8Y/s1280/Stug%20III%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvCI35tkUnFdsFmpDcS5wyKivDgov1OxUavyBm4hfaCGKqnwgpHKYQTTmkNwpqXzgJY8t4dQDLHZ6JtaCa_Q5o0ysuXdml0MOm29GbbaJ-jziS5p7VeoaxwsOU9GNInInwehWL8gS6oXyLPqIrMpWVWlX1V0oHjZ22SeieIv8sotubnnLSfQW2k4Nos8Y/w640-h360/Stug%20III%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschutz (StuG) III Ausf. G </span><i style="font-weight: bold;">early</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sturmgeschutz-Abteilung Großdeutschland </i></div></i><div style="text-align: center;">Kurk - Russia, July 1943.</div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: center;">box art <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/das-werk-dw16001-stug-iii-ausfg-early--1369414" target="_blank">Das Werke 1/16 kit (#DW 16001)</a></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And this became even more evident after the middle of 1942, with the installation of the 75mm long-barreled cannons, prioritizing the vehicle's anti-tank function. The infantry was left practically without the support of self-propelled artillery.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwwsd7ROVRycVg1_KdU8BkK6BBuD5hQwh4YrMquuD4czZVAehPsAsnr1gtmILx1JluDqe7fbYqnR9Zwek5ByO00FGOsEIY5VfEJWZB8c56hEFgfg78lOiVd14ePpGMdkXQt5Vfhn1C0jdoFwDGPsv7aPwpHHW3Jyophh5vpUY04doaI4Et36oTBaPS0LE/s1280/German%20soldiers%20Wehrmacht%20Infantry%20%20on%20StuG%20III.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwwsd7ROVRycVg1_KdU8BkK6BBuD5hQwh4YrMquuD4czZVAehPsAsnr1gtmILx1JluDqe7fbYqnR9Zwek5ByO00FGOsEIY5VfEJWZB8c56hEFgfg78lOiVd14ePpGMdkXQt5Vfhn1C0jdoFwDGPsv7aPwpHHW3Jyophh5vpUY04doaI4Et36oTBaPS0LE/w640-h384/German%20soldiers%20Wehrmacht%20Infantry%20%20on%20StuG%20III.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Infantry taking a ride on a StuG III Ausf. G</div><div style="text-align: center;">armed with powerful <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.5_cm_KwK_40" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; outline-color: rgb(51, 102, 204); overflow-wrap: break-word;" title="">7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48</a> gun</div><div style="text-align: center;">Russian Front - Summer, 1943</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> To address this gap, the Ordnance Department signed a contract with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkett">Altmärkische Kettenwerk GmbH (Alkett)</a> for the development of a support self-propelled gun armed with a 10,5 cm howitzer. In March 1942, Alkett installed a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_18">10.5 cm le.FH 18</a> (<i>leichte Feldhaubitze</i>) howitzer on a Sturmgeschutz Ausf. F chassis, on an experimental basis. Twelve le.FH.18 for assembly at Sturmgeschutz were scheduled to be completed from December 1941 to February 1942, of which five guns were produced by May 1942.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitRwwiEeggLUwjdAugCQ5yIYp8u-5h8u4rXtD3Rm6lBRyeBqbae09uFTrSb1YVAXimygjIwemrdtasZxIUjqFQGwse5H5C-oX6wnBr9btA2eUvhQ1_m84bfVPEo6VpFexDtmREWl-g0gjQRCZZH8m9UxOCcMhR3Eff_5Y6aGCDYlyvR-kNgdk4PXI_Z95/s1280/Stug%203%20F%20mit%2010.5%20cm%20le.FH%2018%20%20prototype.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjitRwwiEeggLUwjdAugCQ5yIYp8u-5h8u4rXtD3Rm6lBRyeBqbae09uFTrSb1YVAXimygjIwemrdtasZxIUjqFQGwse5H5C-oX6wnBr9btA2eUvhQ1_m84bfVPEo6VpFexDtmREWl-g0gjQRCZZH8m9UxOCcMhR3Eff_5Y6aGCDYlyvR-kNgdk4PXI_Z95/w640-h428/Stug%203%20F%20mit%2010.5%20cm%20le.FH%2018%20%20prototype.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surmgeschutz III Ausf. F with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_18" style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm le.FH 18</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> howitzer.<br />The 10,5 cm </span>Sturmhaubitze prototype - front left view<br />March - 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZmItyPc3cIoWsjs0lbnIIl4SNekgbBaA_b3_mFJz8nwLeJVm65JSQjmSMduivUFtzHDqHSk3EC3E3lsmAJ4MvU0RijGn8wQCDQHavljOqQo6IJtxq_qYuOT6pYTQ4PavB6PRwhj9DEP1hmHGkEk1uRzWsd_uAnVSTVxglaLQiyTll7X70cuyui5Lafk_/s1280/StuH%2042%20Ausf%20Fprototype.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZmItyPc3cIoWsjs0lbnIIl4SNekgbBaA_b3_mFJz8nwLeJVm65JSQjmSMduivUFtzHDqHSk3EC3E3lsmAJ4MvU0RijGn8wQCDQHavljOqQo6IJtxq_qYuOT6pYTQ4PavB6PRwhj9DEP1hmHGkEk1uRzWsd_uAnVSTVxglaLQiyTll7X70cuyui5Lafk_/w640-h300/StuH%2042%20Ausf%20Fprototype.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surmgeschutz III Ausf. F with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_18" style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm le.FH 18</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> howitzer.<br />The 10,5 cm </span>Sturmhaubitze prototype - front right view<br />March - 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> On 2 October 1942, at an ordnance demonstration with Reich Minister Albert Speer at the <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neue_Reichskanzlei">Neue Reichskanzlei</a> (New Reich Chancellery) , Hitler saw a Sturmgeschutz Ausf. F equipped with a le.FH. 18 10.5 cm howitzer. The Führer was very impressed with the prototype's unusually low profile (in height), for a self-propelled howitzer.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O1t5ZkrGAOAMZd8b333JDdrO5PtjyYfw3dDxGSetS4a8Q6sBw8avRigZ8ME_lEComC0UCw4sfcLFdI8ni9jT5MwO_aUicEU9xT38ZIG_I-4FU2p06_4Ib8bv62Ql8XbyiBrG80hJOd9d7nh628cLI4S4iZpKwZSAWaHF7Qfgp96JkUznea0ZpBGsix1d/s1280/Hitler%20and%20Albert%20Speer,%20at%20a%20weapons%20demonstration,%20December%2014,%201942.%20To%20Hitler's%20left,%20Karl-Otto%20Saur,%20of%20the%20Reich%20Ministry%20for%20Arms%20and%20Ammunition.%20Just%20behind%20the%20German%20dictator,%20Lieutenant%20Colonel%20Holzhaeuer..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6O1t5ZkrGAOAMZd8b333JDdrO5PtjyYfw3dDxGSetS4a8Q6sBw8avRigZ8ME_lEComC0UCw4sfcLFdI8ni9jT5MwO_aUicEU9xT38ZIG_I-4FU2p06_4Ib8bv62Ql8XbyiBrG80hJOd9d7nh628cLI4S4iZpKwZSAWaHF7Qfgp96JkUznea0ZpBGsix1d/w640-h442/Hitler%20and%20Albert%20Speer,%20at%20a%20weapons%20demonstration,%20December%2014,%201942.%20To%20Hitler's%20left,%20Karl-Otto%20Saur,%20of%20the%20Reich%20Ministry%20for%20Arms%20and%20Ammunition.%20Just%20behind%20the%20German%20dictator,%20Lieutenant%20Colonel%20Holzhaeuer..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Hitler talking with </span>Reich Minister Albert Speer<span style="text-align: start;">, at a weapons demonstration.<br /></span><span style="text-align: start;">December 14, 1942.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Hitler was informed that six vehicles were already completed, that three more should be completed by 10 October and that the last three in about four more weeks. On 13 October, Hitler declared that Sturmgeschütz equipped with the 10.5 cm le.FH would be ideal for the Russian Front and ordered that the 12 pre-production Sturmgeschütz be made immediately available for operational use.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As a result, the first nine Sturmgeschutz with 10,5 cm howitzer completed in October 1942, were sent to the East front under <i><b>3.Batterie/Sturmgeschutz-Abteilung 185</b></i> and saw action at south of Leningrad in the end of November 1942.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAo22q3P1tBS-V3Fmf8L6fMjlxa3IoygxWr5oSPDAY9aom2FfewwcVyhbN4gCi5AHTa4KHzYH61QGdGeQ1a4Mzg1XYi0u9S2cJh9tFMALJAkMUyDY7vhfkOFlWc7I_AshTuRWh4rA32AiJdHUlUMvL-o1N47eUXmx3-MlgnhXnhJoKJGkXwTVTiE4EIo6/s1280/StuH%2042%20Ausf%20F%20winterketten%20Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-Abteilung%20185%20near%20Welkie-Luki.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAo22q3P1tBS-V3Fmf8L6fMjlxa3IoygxWr5oSPDAY9aom2FfewwcVyhbN4gCi5AHTa4KHzYH61QGdGeQ1a4Mzg1XYi0u9S2cJh9tFMALJAkMUyDY7vhfkOFlWc7I_AshTuRWh4rA32AiJdHUlUMvL-o1N47eUXmx3-MlgnhXnhJoKJGkXwTVTiE4EIo6/w640-h448/StuH%2042%20Ausf%20F%20winterketten%20Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-Abteilung%20185%20near%20Welkie-Luki.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prototype StuH 42 Ausf F with Winterketten tracks<br />serving at <i>Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 185</i>, in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Velikiye_Luki" target="_blank">Battle of Velikiye Luki</a><br />Russian Front - December 1942.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The other three vehicles of pre-production were not reported to have been completed until January 1943. This series of 12 pre-production vehicles were built on rebuilt Sturmgeschutz Ausf F and F/8 chassis and not on newly produced chassis.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In early December 1942, Hitler ordered that the production rate of the Sturmhaubitze 10,5 cm be increased to 24 per month. All Sturmhaubitze were completed at Alkett in Berlin. There was no specific StuH 42 production line, but these vehicles were built on the same assembly line as the Sturmgeschütz III Ausf.G, which was the model chosen as the production line. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7tXDO53HsF4ningrgP1shG5X2njb2UpdxSPpgapk7qV2P26IG6w7N1mWLC1DX3M88WLTKr5wR5ouvZmtOfspnKsxErTUUYeAxh_RuEMqP9cTrkatxA7Km4f9XX6hOp5fU2aXVhqroDntsK5I27cIsP_nzq302UvGucguN47-iLYpDQMhOdl-PJq4_9-s/s1280/Berlin,%20Altmarkische%20Kettenwerk%20GmbH%20(Alkett).%20Series%20production%20of%20Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20III%20and%20Sturmhaubitze%2042;%20approx.%20Aug.-Sept.%201943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7tXDO53HsF4ningrgP1shG5X2njb2UpdxSPpgapk7qV2P26IG6w7N1mWLC1DX3M88WLTKr5wR5ouvZmtOfspnKsxErTUUYeAxh_RuEMqP9cTrkatxA7Km4f9XX6hOp5fU2aXVhqroDntsK5I27cIsP_nzq302UvGucguN47-iLYpDQMhOdl-PJq4_9-s/w640-h444/Berlin,%20Altmarkische%20Kettenwerk%20GmbH%20(Alkett).%20Series%20production%20of%20Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20III%20and%20Sturmhaubitze%2042;%20approx.%20Aug.-Sept.%201943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <i><b>Altmärkische Kettenwerk GmbH (Alkett)</b></i> plant, in Berlin<br />Series production of Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G (early) and Sturmhaubitze 42<br />Notice that StuG and StuH are mixed on the same sssembly line<br />approx. Aug./Sept. 1943</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first 10 Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G series production were completed in March 1943, with a total of 204 units completed by the end of the year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> For the construction of the StuH 42 version, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_18" target="_blank">10.5 cm 42 L/28 le.FH leichte Feldhaubitze</a> was mounted in a carriage on a robust frame in the hull of the Sturmgeschütz chassis, like in the versions armed with the 7.5 cm gun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNIwKJ_85j23JGv7vQJCcpzLLtoEQZh8o_q0hyphenhyphennVTj2KLNL1rKuCR7JgCijBmV8wG9Fy5FXA59zaz9JefsH4UHoTOsZ-dZbVtewQ0Uv3G3_rgoG7io4-T_F6rpuxTae4jsNjh6-hKek7cob-bTJ85XkbAmJNyPlxruz0YAjLRldZ2TNDJYjMHjp_C3Z7k/s1024/Soldiers%20operating%20a%2010.5%20cm%20leFH%20light%20howitzer%20-%20Russian%20Front%20-%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNIwKJ_85j23JGv7vQJCcpzLLtoEQZh8o_q0hyphenhyphennVTj2KLNL1rKuCR7JgCijBmV8wG9Fy5FXA59zaz9JefsH4UHoTOsZ-dZbVtewQ0Uv3G3_rgoG7io4-T_F6rpuxTae4jsNjh6-hKek7cob-bTJ85XkbAmJNyPlxruz0YAjLRldZ2TNDJYjMHjp_C3Z7k/w640-h416/Soldiers%20operating%20a%2010.5%20cm%20leFH%20light%20howitzer%20-%20Russian%20Front%20-%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldiers operating a 10.5 cm le.FH 18 light howitzer<br />Russian Front - 1942<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZaiyfUNB5Gb0nlrp8djJDaeRzOZYK_GMuTIQ4hz5qPmDPMrya4LzEK1pgV6jrhYy5RUO7iJNmmUajm2i39uZN6h5nctY7pfcd-gsCH1ZJ5KVPuUbkiNde3XS8zBqQlbywcWhpiqzq1UCdbztmmFtXkxoYgdvwvpn4J07lDt0bsfGhMItAKRLBM_7DG6i/s1280/specs%20prototype.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="1280" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZaiyfUNB5Gb0nlrp8djJDaeRzOZYK_GMuTIQ4hz5qPmDPMrya4LzEK1pgV6jrhYy5RUO7iJNmmUajm2i39uZN6h5nctY7pfcd-gsCH1ZJ5KVPuUbkiNde3XS8zBqQlbywcWhpiqzq1UCdbztmmFtXkxoYgdvwvpn4J07lDt0bsfGhMItAKRLBM_7DG6i/w640-h474/specs%20prototype.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf F mit le.FH 18 haubitze prototype<br />. Notice the robust installation of<br />the howitzer on the vehicle chassis.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> Minimal changes were made to the chassis and superstructure of the StuG III Ausf. F for adapting the 10.5 cm howitzer. One of them was the elevation of the ceiling fan turret, to increase the efficiency of smoke extraction.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcjKy4ZffJp9HxxX1GYBB-jv-QbMiiWjjRia_0TUCtYMBDQFNX06G3s9Wt3PYQohb_ONS7d3QGEKp01wVs7hIzVKK9An6YqIoDraBGSXaT4PkS78AioXZos1VYHd06XAgNvWCFyEE21q49FO02hyphenhyphenqM-tuHCQSt9Jgb_o_SES3M5bGijVSMBO3sg1Zzt3L/s1280/roof%20ventilator.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcjKy4ZffJp9HxxX1GYBB-jv-QbMiiWjjRia_0TUCtYMBDQFNX06G3s9Wt3PYQohb_ONS7d3QGEKp01wVs7hIzVKK9An6YqIoDraBGSXaT4PkS78AioXZos1VYHd06XAgNvWCFyEE21q49FO02hyphenhyphenqM-tuHCQSt9Jgb_o_SES3M5bGijVSMBO3sg1Zzt3L/w640-h382/roof%20ventilator.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Differences between the StuG and StuH version, in the prototype.</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The large opening at the front of the vehicle's superstructure was protected by a mantlet on to which the armoured cover for the recoil and recuperator cylinders was welded. This carriage allowed the howitzer to have a horizontal drift of 10° to each side and a vertical elevation of -6° to +20°, limiting the effective range of the howitzer to 5,400 meters. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZyMCiVcHbTM1KTs7Tc23_70u14Pcd78l3Eb1Qh_nbFlWBmxmjT0Q4HUHjlS2nNEwp9v4-x7LDekLxDb4xaRMdyB7Lfzx5WOPgK7mlUCiBIqFLcLoMbQFGEqSEXj9ikgL-Qgy5aeUuJxTuKX27l9BsYMIX4Eik3x_42g16kh0Vc44_O73A9sgiukpbGCX/s1280/two%20stuh%2042%20with%20stug%203%20G%20in%20russian%20winter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZyMCiVcHbTM1KTs7Tc23_70u14Pcd78l3Eb1Qh_nbFlWBmxmjT0Q4HUHjlS2nNEwp9v4-x7LDekLxDb4xaRMdyB7Lfzx5WOPgK7mlUCiBIqFLcLoMbQFGEqSEXj9ikgL-Qgy5aeUuJxTuKX27l9BsYMIX4Eik3x_42g16kh0Vc44_O73A9sgiukpbGCX/w640-h376/two%20stuh%2042%20with%20stug%203%20G%20in%20russian%20winter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two StuH 42 and a SuG III Ausf.G advancing on an icy Russian plain.<br />The second StuH has its 10.5 cm howitzer at maximum elevation, as does<br />the StuG III, with its 7.5 cm high-velocity cannon, in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><div> But this would not be a problem, as the vehicle's function was to accompany the infantry's advance. In this condition, infantry targets on the battlefield were rarely more than 2,000 meters away.</div><div> The vehicle cold store a total of 36 rounds of ammunition, distributed as follows: </div><div>26 <i>Sprenggranaten</i> (high-explosive projectiles) with with the projectiles separated from the propellant cartridges and 10 <i>Hohlladungsgranate</i> (shaped charge projectiles) with a single cartridge, for rapid fire, for anti-tank use. These could penetrate 90 to 100 mm of armored steel, within the effective range of the howitzer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD77v0A2xRYeyZgIre_n26eeY_Afo_ISCm24M0TdY0KKb3RZamwg1-ylPp_KL7Ilc-ovQZBMLSAIxMA3eiPIKDkwq0OKr3sopOra9JcoGvwfj6lJoBi9qJWBz9tl164Vecsf3Ti1fhqV6ec4TaO8SR-uDEliZrEmWM_Ew5BVsBCwx93XqynSRNGxxaVjT2/s854/stuh_42_ammo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD77v0A2xRYeyZgIre_n26eeY_Afo_ISCm24M0TdY0KKb3RZamwg1-ylPp_KL7Ilc-ovQZBMLSAIxMA3eiPIKDkwq0OKr3sopOra9JcoGvwfj6lJoBi9qJWBz9tl164Vecsf3Ti1fhqV6ec4TaO8SR-uDEliZrEmWM_Ew5BVsBCwx93XqynSRNGxxaVjT2/w450-h640/stuh_42_ammo.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading ammo into a StuH 42 with <i>Topfblende</i> (<i>Saukopf</i>) mantlet.<br />The projectiles are <i style="text-align: justify;">Sprenggranaten (HE)</i>.<br />The propellant charges are not visible in this photo.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ki1oQiPBkT_Sm1rBdy_kkk0WaIje-hhoNLwBoTDpkfZy-G78fgqfgAYlt2-pCc5gO28RYUZs427WxsmIdME0GR9V-G8MHc7Os8vPCJc9r3cajUvF4doKIWIeA9X2ZwK3B3claeFuqtnFdgC_QF02uGv2W8dVc5KCUIxx2ivCaRSuV6aZkDVdbRRlmE_R/s1280/le.FH%2018%20ammo2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1280" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ki1oQiPBkT_Sm1rBdy_kkk0WaIje-hhoNLwBoTDpkfZy-G78fgqfgAYlt2-pCc5gO28RYUZs427WxsmIdME0GR9V-G8MHc7Os8vPCJc9r3cajUvF4doKIWIeA9X2ZwK3B3claeFuqtnFdgC_QF02uGv2W8dVc5KCUIxx2ivCaRSuV6aZkDVdbRRlmE_R/w640-h528/le.FH%2018%20ammo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm HE ammo</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6wjSik_DVs6_vBiBnpTXyRekC_iLlb7Opwa9YKCvATSXZvA6qSBB4dtJiLElFIxw3FFvlCGQLRRvveuACaVYVcVD9LB-_cd0NCa-vL-xg3hZxro_aQG8TeBa9qaGXjUe0dUbDmG5fVrfWiCgHNJLzdBPudbFsgCRlgLTcjUcyhIo-bOdeNM6LAYp51tP/s1280/le.FH%2018%20ammo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6wjSik_DVs6_vBiBnpTXyRekC_iLlb7Opwa9YKCvATSXZvA6qSBB4dtJiLElFIxw3FFvlCGQLRRvveuACaVYVcVD9LB-_cd0NCa-vL-xg3hZxro_aQG8TeBa9qaGXjUe0dUbDmG5fVrfWiCgHNJLzdBPudbFsgCRlgLTcjUcyhIo-bOdeNM6LAYp51tP/w640-h350/le.FH%2018%20ammo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm propellant charges casings</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUtKjEv8ZzeFS_Tzv8W_61v52eoxgXg7FNhjjmskNF04xnYR96VpTySXqdmTyYxyJtON9wNE2MvjvnlKQy8O3sOPWDNSekPGGR8yaE-392UdBMR20ecxiV-XqKa1AZkxdnpbkUfJTLjS4BindmgsOhwI90lEVht_EZJmjkfvlolPipeDTXtG7wtJGu0Yj/s1024/10,5cm%20Gr%2039%20rot%20HL-A%20hollow-charge%20round.%20In%201944,%20shell%20and%20cartridge%20integrated.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1024" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUtKjEv8ZzeFS_Tzv8W_61v52eoxgXg7FNhjjmskNF04xnYR96VpTySXqdmTyYxyJtON9wNE2MvjvnlKQy8O3sOPWDNSekPGGR8yaE-392UdBMR20ecxiV-XqKa1AZkxdnpbkUfJTLjS4BindmgsOhwI90lEVht_EZJmjkfvlolPipeDTXtG7wtJGu0Yj/w640-h472/10,5cm%20Gr%2039%20rot%20HL-A%20hollow-charge%20round.%20In%201944,%20shell%20and%20cartridge%20integrated.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;">10,5 cm Hohlladungsgranate</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (shaped-charge projectiles)<br />with attached casing for rapid fire.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> The high-explosive projectiles (<i>Sprenggranaten</i>) had to be loaded separately, as was usual with howitzers. This limited the rate of fire to three to five rounds per minute. Compared to the StuG III armed with its 7.5cm cannon, the StuH 42 armed with its 10.5cm gun could deliver a much greater quantity of high explosives onto the target. A 10.5 cm field howitzer grenade weighed 15.55 kg, with a 1.75 kg high explosive warhead, while a 7.5 cm Sprenggranate 40 weighed just 5.74 kg, with warhead only 700 g of high explosive.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The serial production of assault howitzers received by the <b><i><a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generalinspekteur_der_Panzertruppen" target="_blank">Generalinspekteur der Panzertruppen</a> </i></b> (General Guderian's office) the official designation of <b><i>10,5cm Sturmhaubitze 42 (StuH 42) (Sd.Kfz 142/2)</i></b>. Production models were built on the <span style="text-align: center;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G</span> chassis. Following satisfactory reports of their successful employment on the Eastern Front, the production rate increased to over 50 in February 1944 and exceeded 100 per month from August to November 1944. Alkett produced 1,299 StuH 42 from March 1943 to 1945.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRDxPBI3glCqMHXkzt8okn6N9IHaWU9DoHhZJjboV_EVRChGxarBd2H4XfrENRVQCqSSixSRXmhhdnDEiEAy6OJ5z4jvCM0pMenGeQYflTNbZJk5igmR-f07yAb7I1_6-cAyFmUYYcMI7-W3t3RI6kkhzJk3le8psqv1jOe_Ec6IjCavBnuocnXBHoyXM/s1280/The%20German%20Opera%20Orchestra%20performing%20inside%20the%20Alkett%20factory%20in%20Berlin.%20The%20orchestra%20is%20led%20by%20conductor%20Hans%20Schmidt-Isserstedt.%20Watch%20some%20Stu.H.%20at%20different%20stages%20of%20completion.%20June%206,%201943..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1280" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRDxPBI3glCqMHXkzt8okn6N9IHaWU9DoHhZJjboV_EVRChGxarBd2H4XfrENRVQCqSSixSRXmhhdnDEiEAy6OJ5z4jvCM0pMenGeQYflTNbZJk5igmR-f07yAb7I1_6-cAyFmUYYcMI7-W3t3RI6kkhzJk3le8psqv1jOe_Ec6IjCavBnuocnXBHoyXM/w640-h542/The%20German%20Opera%20Orchestra%20performing%20inside%20the%20Alkett%20factory%20in%20Berlin.%20The%20orchestra%20is%20led%20by%20conductor%20Hans%20Schmidt-Isserstedt.%20Watch%20some%20Stu.H.%20at%20different%20stages%20of%20completion.%20June%206,%201943..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Orchester der Deutschen Oper</i> performing inside the Alkett factory.<br />The orchestra was led by <i>maestro</i> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Schmidt-Isserstedt" target="_blank">Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt</a>. <br />Notice the three StuH 42 at different stages of completion.<br />Berlin, 06 June - 1943.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As the StuH 42 were built sharing the same assembly line as the StuG III Ausf. G, modifications in the Sturmhaubitze production series occurred at the same time as on the Sturmgeschutz. For example, the cast <i>Topfblende </i>(pot mantlet) had been introduced in late 1943, but did not completely replace the block gun mantlet version. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEA1X-AesDVZK1-Z1itCGOlcMNhJbKQYLJghWgC0ccHlxZabOpe_KDd7nYq_bz9JGFkq9sZS7X35pK9V98QW8tCUtW3v7nnmegsf3ABClEZNpIcQ4yMCkfq4wUgHAc6dJota_c-0aNB3Cp5Fek78Pnm-rRsbfmUoTmgji3l6BE_6lODDlhU-iw2LhAFK3/s1024/mantlets.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEA1X-AesDVZK1-Z1itCGOlcMNhJbKQYLJghWgC0ccHlxZabOpe_KDd7nYq_bz9JGFkq9sZS7X35pK9V98QW8tCUtW3v7nnmegsf3ABClEZNpIcQ4yMCkfq4wUgHAc6dJota_c-0aNB3Cp5Fek78Pnm-rRsbfmUoTmgji3l6BE_6lODDlhU-iw2LhAFK3/w640-h452/mantlets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Variations shape in the gun mantlets of the StuG III<br />and StuH 42, during production.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvXs611lVy-iu390QPqgKJbwl-A4U4kAtMAT3oMvNzQDgYxALjSgaM7-MJXA79kb9eFffvPYx_C55SOpIaxN-BK_RRwWT0raIBKoO6WdJ-Q4FTBAIBhgL8m50iGq3bbL5EJ0ydAvRnxLg5K8oqNyXP0JboCtCPKSkqBVSAZRfJfFTbSxnvHZ3C-wjs0Lq/s1280/StuH%2042%20late%20saukopfblende%20and%20zimmerit%20spring%201944%20russian%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvXs611lVy-iu390QPqgKJbwl-A4U4kAtMAT3oMvNzQDgYxALjSgaM7-MJXA79kb9eFffvPYx_C55SOpIaxN-BK_RRwWT0raIBKoO6WdJ-Q4FTBAIBhgL8m50iGq3bbL5EJ0ydAvRnxLg5K8oqNyXP0JboCtCPKSkqBVSAZRfJfFTbSxnvHZ3C-wjs0Lq/w640-h366/StuH%2042%20late%20saukopfblende%20and%20zimmerit%20spring%201944%20russian%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 with <i>topfblende</i> and <br />covered with zimmerit - Russian Front<br />early spring -1944</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEU7BcWvZ7Sx0LM0dAYELh2dMJcavbpRWoaSPgqKBplmPAW9T4NOr7DbdAH8dwfl5GvqeS3i-EuVZdv_cwhSAz8KiygheYsR530ej3pdGww9YezlJMv9lP04C5NNycYdnsxmucu5zRe92mH9TWDQPmDT5dfhxeEC5GnurpKlrB5cb72WNReyjNrrfy6pmi/s1280/StuH%2042%20late%20with%20front%20heavily%20overloaded%20HStuGBrig%20177%20russian%20front%20-%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEU7BcWvZ7Sx0LM0dAYELh2dMJcavbpRWoaSPgqKBplmPAW9T4NOr7DbdAH8dwfl5GvqeS3i-EuVZdv_cwhSAz8KiygheYsR530ej3pdGww9YezlJMv9lP04C5NNycYdnsxmucu5zRe92mH9TWDQPmDT5dfhxeEC5GnurpKlrB5cb72WNReyjNrrfy6pmi/w640-h396/StuH%2042%20late%20with%20front%20heavily%20overloaded%20HStuGBrig%20177%20russian%20front%20-%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 with <i>topfblende</i> - 302<br />Notice the T34 tracks and concrete armour, in the front.<br />Russian Front - 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC9mxxwacLHaYYs2ZNrvS6TiEuvnO1IUTTEinI2JIrbgxj4LWjEYE9_uRkZayNq6-Yt-DKnj2BBuecw5gZqOcRjCai6g_0zTAk1K_yyhiOUSEisQC-vyXU7AIGKZ1JTgTWS3uSbrbzDHJS0QiCBn1IVsg11d3b0g1pCmRCDqQ2T5tWrMjl3OI4xwlECW1/s1300/StuH%2042%20number%20131,%20July%201944%20Finland.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1300" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC9mxxwacLHaYYs2ZNrvS6TiEuvnO1IUTTEinI2JIrbgxj4LWjEYE9_uRkZayNq6-Yt-DKnj2BBuecw5gZqOcRjCai6g_0zTAk1K_yyhiOUSEisQC-vyXU7AIGKZ1JTgTWS3uSbrbzDHJS0QiCBn1IVsg11d3b0g1pCmRCDqQ2T5tWrMjl3OI4xwlECW1/w640-h454/StuH%2042%20number%20131,%20July%201944%20Finland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 with <i>topfblende</i> - 131<br /> Finland - July, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSam-1KDMbZ8n0l3FHQJ-CQ6Wps3NM90F9tbt3LqpvhCXf56uvrjYP-xejAd5Fg4h3qpKoXAYOcIsbjuCz6FPaM__vwtJ3nD55gnTVvs9nRqGqEJSZ6z6z0Mp1bXzjcQVGnkACmkOA-25e_WUi2GzhEANvhIoL1ELgIKeKgw4PlwwPFyrc7CZsgHLCtBm/s1280/StuH%2042%20with%20saukopf%20mantlet%20Finland%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSam-1KDMbZ8n0l3FHQJ-CQ6Wps3NM90F9tbt3LqpvhCXf56uvrjYP-xejAd5Fg4h3qpKoXAYOcIsbjuCz6FPaM__vwtJ3nD55gnTVvs9nRqGqEJSZ6z6z0Mp1bXzjcQVGnkACmkOA-25e_WUi2GzhEANvhIoL1ELgIKeKgw4PlwwPFyrc7CZsgHLCtBm/w640-h386/StuH%2042%20with%20saukopf%20mantlet%20Finland%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 with <i>topfblende</i> and zimmerit<br />leading a StuG III Ausf. G .<br />Finland - July, 1944.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Other modifications in the assembly line can be mentioned, such as:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><ul><li>the roof-mounted machine guns, which were mounted on a shield and manually operated by the gunner in the early versions and replaced by remotely operated machine guns in the late versions (and much later, completely omitted).</li><li>the presence (early) or absence (late) of the muzzle brake on StuH howitzers, to save material.</li><li>replacing the rubber treads on the return rollers of the early versions with metal tread wheels on the late versions, to save precious rubber.</li></ul></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WmP6qjGpc3jp6-7fEf1ggISbeLu7vMUfYXTBb3EqJ8vhfBVf6enqzSbBUAMGD8P7pd65-O649URLOaXhAgvcByxJoyXvm03Khr1KPcmQhHJ45KcTyVd95KnLBmoaafvSvaQnPCznUHxflOEF6IhEJUTyw5INCSGm8xAFxX-d9Q6l94wkQLmH-Dl9XUZw/s1280/StuH%2042%20diferences.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1280" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WmP6qjGpc3jp6-7fEf1ggISbeLu7vMUfYXTBb3EqJ8vhfBVf6enqzSbBUAMGD8P7pd65-O649URLOaXhAgvcByxJoyXvm03Khr1KPcmQhHJ45KcTyVd95KnLBmoaafvSvaQnPCznUHxflOEF6IhEJUTyw5INCSGm8xAFxX-d9Q6l94wkQLmH-Dl9XUZw/w640-h590/StuH%2042%20diferences.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison between the early and later models of the StuH 42</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The StuH 42 were highly appreciated by their crews and even more by the infantry, for their ability to demolish enemy strong points. They were essential in German tactical doctrine, proving to be irreplaceable weapons. And, for this very reason, it was greatly feared by its enemies (the Russians in particular...), given that..."the short-barreled assault guns" were priority targets...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepcImCA7MYXDwU5CUA6e2gfLOIHUDCyCstigQLJxIMrfUGKiK6EnzCmqBBrjIM5NZraMc8fCL1qZRyKVHzfZxBxwnOtPRkw6zMmrluPTlDQNGsFv3_xa1g4-9hTX6zg8JLcs-PuAlRay3GaZB9_twlj3xrWZzLs58Z0ngLQhJCPxE0r7mwlEbGqweaKaY/s1280/eat%20this,%20Ivan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepcImCA7MYXDwU5CUA6e2gfLOIHUDCyCstigQLJxIMrfUGKiK6EnzCmqBBrjIM5NZraMc8fCL1qZRyKVHzfZxBxwnOtPRkw6zMmrluPTlDQNGsFv3_xa1g4-9hTX6zg8JLcs-PuAlRay3GaZB9_twlj3xrWZzLs58Z0ngLQhJCPxE0r7mwlEbGqweaKaY/w640-h360/eat%20this,%20Ivan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Russians hated the StuH 42!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vTuFMAU-5lt15nzHQ7-ALZK83mQsQQesf_x4FD9OxpL1MovwAE2VOkYXwyPF-zVhZDzTXWNWK__unkZaXBHzkSvpErRn_sklnkMt9HtVsTkmIsqdBYsPhqIx6K2z3nlAUmYVgCUqQIr34a2O9pCaduAPZNm9k7xh_r9iydHTIBPFq-8H5qgvd_SA6Whk/s1280/StuH%2042%20knocked%20out%20by%20Soviet%20troops.%20Kharkov%20area,%20August%201943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vTuFMAU-5lt15nzHQ7-ALZK83mQsQQesf_x4FD9OxpL1MovwAE2VOkYXwyPF-zVhZDzTXWNWK__unkZaXBHzkSvpErRn_sklnkMt9HtVsTkmIsqdBYsPhqIx6K2z3nlAUmYVgCUqQIr34a2O9pCaduAPZNm9k7xh_r9iydHTIBPFq-8H5qgvd_SA6Whk/w640-h394/StuH%2042%20knocked%20out%20by%20Soviet%20troops.%20Kharkov%20area,%20August%201943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G knocked out<br />by Soviet troops. Kharkov area<br />Winter - 1943.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbmV3lOJ8Dm-VLw4LnhRY8736UnQAvTPZvHDDdosPJF-1MHrHbhKCWto4XJLZPefil98h35qVxd5qk1jkkQ6NJ04AuLRMAP-i5oskTYmCYSzuqEvUULzMrNYaW3fE26CtSX3licvkRvlirtdRXWzA9dFvoug1_0_JQr_ui0iR85BsxFGzs4Om1DNtjqB4/s1280/Destroyed%20StuH%2042%20late%20in%20Italy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbmV3lOJ8Dm-VLw4LnhRY8736UnQAvTPZvHDDdosPJF-1MHrHbhKCWto4XJLZPefil98h35qVxd5qk1jkkQ6NJ04AuLRMAP-i5oskTYmCYSzuqEvUULzMrNYaW3fE26CtSX3licvkRvlirtdRXWzA9dFvoug1_0_JQr_ui0iR85BsxFGzs4Om1DNtjqB4/w640-h362/Destroyed%20StuH%2042%20late%20in%20Italy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G late<br />destroyed in Italy, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZNBYkwE-HRsH3HixeGZbgirFZ8gJH4D1MUGOiiaWueBCxYaetEMFlX9264xolj_tRJ7FpB62jniBmor5xW6ldZ12iqZa7ViW_YwnXdX8FFGLf4xw4xMa3QZ67TiYSyjtbRFe1pfp816FxL5MTY8wEVav_U0Yl_wKcywf1axxgCOPMKOvMD6LlAPrCr82/s1280/StuH%2042%20207%20with%20added%20concrete%20armour%20and%20schurzen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZNBYkwE-HRsH3HixeGZbgirFZ8gJH4D1MUGOiiaWueBCxYaetEMFlX9264xolj_tRJ7FpB62jniBmor5xW6ldZ12iqZa7ViW_YwnXdX8FFGLf4xw4xMa3QZ67TiYSyjtbRFe1pfp816FxL5MTY8wEVav_U0Yl_wKcywf1axxgCOPMKOvMD6LlAPrCr82/w640-h382/StuH%2042%20207%20with%20added%20concrete%20armour%20and%20schurzen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G late<br />somewhere in Russian Front, 1944.<br />Notice the concrete armour </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1egjLm4UBAiLstudMop1VwS2GxeVToMqE6dZGUvIqPB43HuFr4JpfYrX9kdS8wgBQ4ClyigEYpj6D9Gq5tORpYAuDVO56JFhXsscn6MlmJhiNGq7kXKGwrzEofo9po-Uy32IDi2utX5KoLjARiCdppGZJ7-Tx2Coo8B6p2kWSvnE319PgzY4SRmmS8-v_/s1280/StuH%2042%20from%20HStuGBrig%20210%20with%20schurzen%20in%20muddy%20field%20-%20Russian%20front%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1egjLm4UBAiLstudMop1VwS2GxeVToMqE6dZGUvIqPB43HuFr4JpfYrX9kdS8wgBQ4ClyigEYpj6D9Gq5tORpYAuDVO56JFhXsscn6MlmJhiNGq7kXKGwrzEofo9po-Uy32IDi2utX5KoLjARiCdppGZJ7-Tx2Coo8B6p2kWSvnE319PgzY4SRmmS8-v_/w640-h256/StuH%2042%20from%20HStuGBrig%20210%20with%20schurzen%20in%20muddy%20field%20-%20Russian%20front%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three 10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G from <i>Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung</i> <i>210</i> <br />with <i>schürzen</i> in a muddy field<br />Russian front, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBiFHl04WnQymywbBNdHpxOTIuN6wOBOHnytBP5Q4fILF5AAXLQcOOtVhMJlQOsfjnTXGGG8GAiFcwNoieYmspuhosOJUxYyOnlFtq6soWOgWjCUIxiRO5OyILqQDMDTSz0QMJcfPDaGGrIlBEJV-wM4DqUnxMy58c8qfn2b1KkcYcw-2RQz2cl_qs-CA/s1280/StuH%2042%20late%20HStuGBrig%20202%201944%20late%20russian%20front%20-%20mg%20remoted%20control%20no%20muzzle%20brake.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBiFHl04WnQymywbBNdHpxOTIuN6wOBOHnytBP5Q4fILF5AAXLQcOOtVhMJlQOsfjnTXGGG8GAiFcwNoieYmspuhosOJUxYyOnlFtq6soWOgWjCUIxiRO5OyILqQDMDTSz0QMJcfPDaGGrIlBEJV-wM4DqUnxMy58c8qfn2b1KkcYcw-2RQz2cl_qs-CA/w640-h376/StuH%2042%20late%20HStuGBrig%20202%201944%20late%20russian%20front%20-%20mg%20remoted%20control%20no%20muzzle%20brake.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G late <br /><i>Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung</i> <i>325 </i>- Notice the MG remotely<br />operated roof-mounted and no muzzle brake in the howitzer<br />Hungary - September, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWN-S5i6IE9w_JfDjzjgsZYPywPJsHE10mOBWMLdER6_YKwhpv92ikmYNjh5HH1IVN7AoCaf08yyghRNvJt4Aqxudu_Ho_cdS4oWWr3STMbtiE5CnAqaHlTamfiQ-UKbiO42z4Gm_roxPo6WHdl5xXnMTsSVRxQAzbuyJec3TqdgqteeFO314qo9DHfzk/s1280/StuH%2042%20with%20infantry%20-%20early.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWN-S5i6IE9w_JfDjzjgsZYPywPJsHE10mOBWMLdER6_YKwhpv92ikmYNjh5HH1IVN7AoCaf08yyghRNvJt4Aqxudu_Ho_cdS4oWWr3STMbtiE5CnAqaHlTamfiQ-UKbiO42z4Gm_roxPo6WHdl5xXnMTsSVRxQAzbuyJec3TqdgqteeFO314qo9DHfzk/w640-h460/StuH%2042%20with%20infantry%20-%20early.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G "KRANICH"<br /><i>Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 202 - 2. Batterie</i><br />with with extensive foliage camouflage<br />and side skikts (<i>Schürzen</i>), as extra-armour.<br />Russian Front - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courland" target="_blank">Kurland</a>, Latvia - September, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohKty9-_I5o1PXwYMMf8wDEPAe43sio_k8Bak0vKQKErZJCRyWUTHWw8ObqUGLISWyOP6yvmGMnHBKn-URcNl3xxobnV6KzAG3_BRQcU9Qr4Sx9e2xHQOO-jzCRUP8b9faPLdedr649zHlOF1l74e8oJWJdSUZ0S0OL1n2XIoR9m1Nf5YxcNO0rq02aJ1/s1280/StuH%2042%20late%20with%20logs%20russian%20front%20winter%2044-45.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohKty9-_I5o1PXwYMMf8wDEPAe43sio_k8Bak0vKQKErZJCRyWUTHWw8ObqUGLISWyOP6yvmGMnHBKn-URcNl3xxobnV6KzAG3_BRQcU9Qr4Sx9e2xHQOO-jzCRUP8b9faPLdedr649zHlOF1l74e8oJWJdSUZ0S0OL1n2XIoR9m1Nf5YxcNO0rq02aJ1/w640-h356/StuH%2042%20late%20with%20logs%20russian%20front%20winter%2044-45.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G late<br />Notice the logs in the sides of the vehicle<br />and the MG remotely operated roof-mounted<br />Eastern Front - Winter, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VCWl6BQ2-xXQIpN714Wgd3_mZllk5noGuTeuEE8UrKLXAIMs6sv_GBJr-Pd00nCTyNQ6h3vK2yO3f7009t10mNc4C9PUD8yHLySTq5imKSvEogK1ARXSOFt0f2BeuyC5jzMhd_On7FsGjUS7AXM7RzmPkfGA8chvhStsF70RS8o7Q1-ibeuH8UxxGDYi/s1280/StuH%2042%20Ukraine%2044.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VCWl6BQ2-xXQIpN714Wgd3_mZllk5noGuTeuEE8UrKLXAIMs6sv_GBJr-Pd00nCTyNQ6h3vK2yO3f7009t10mNc4C9PUD8yHLySTq5imKSvEogK1ARXSOFt0f2BeuyC5jzMhd_On7FsGjUS7AXM7RzmPkfGA8chvhStsF70RS8o7Q1-ibeuH8UxxGDYi/w640-h452/StuH%2042%20Ukraine%2044.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G late no. 308<br />Notice the MG remotely operated roof-mounted<br />Ukraine - 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdMPkPi01KtIY2ajlRD78WiFzgBpskHn3WVoV2eC-JnBh4MbRAlioJhqErSEoAhrWUnjC5l5G1adyOIiswcYZLw4E6znvSHiFQiv-iF_NJ2ZzqsTB-fmMxD62FH9Q45dekjRiXot9EKPGoFaP7M57mCMQm6IgRUDUj-qh3Nq6j6_lBycm7WQLs5U3PlXM/s1024/StuH%2042%20with%20concrete%20and%20KV%20links%20plus%20metal%20sheet%20-%20russian%20front%201943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdMPkPi01KtIY2ajlRD78WiFzgBpskHn3WVoV2eC-JnBh4MbRAlioJhqErSEoAhrWUnjC5l5G1adyOIiswcYZLw4E6znvSHiFQiv-iF_NJ2ZzqsTB-fmMxD62FH9Q45dekjRiXot9EKPGoFaP7M57mCMQm6IgRUDUj-qh3Nq6j6_lBycm7WQLs5U3PlXM/w640-h452/StuH%2042%20with%20concrete%20and%20KV%20links%20plus%20metal%20sheet%20-%20russian%20front%201943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G with concrete, KV russian links<br />and metal sheet in the glacis, as extra-armour<br />Russian Front, 1943</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavyMfUECya5YGF_oKnWvTtMyyB6VtRoonoiYvhn4vTqYHj1FBUkUdsG4l0JeWapKHKWimc5lKODbRSjkbHY5j5Qgond-ER860d60_azowACkTyaUthtDG6oRC0SID12OutcabT911OaqJePK0IrSNqQDoM85-2YKyfJLLzkCJAtUmO1kkKJtT2tCgm6OL/s954/worn%20StuH42%20concrete%20armature%20T34%20tracks%20russian%20front%2044.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="954" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavyMfUECya5YGF_oKnWvTtMyyB6VtRoonoiYvhn4vTqYHj1FBUkUdsG4l0JeWapKHKWimc5lKODbRSjkbHY5j5Qgond-ER860d60_azowACkTyaUthtDG6oRC0SID12OutcabT911OaqJePK0IrSNqQDoM85-2YKyfJLLzkCJAtUmO1kkKJtT2tCgm6OL/w640-h418/worn%20StuH42%20concrete%20armature%20T34%20tracks%20russian%20front%2044.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A well-worn 10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G , with concrete<br />and Russian T34 track links reinforcing the frontal armor. <br />Russian Front, Summer 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMXPu8CoJM3URReeZDHBrrsM9AHMpzG7VGQd3S2fHXfKPRn6PoiHi-C-75IyDrV_EReDwb0EAzXShaRaNh81BTGEVc7GphNzOAEw9e9QiMPS4FJZae_RNMt3Fp-SKVeWpR4qk1spudGFnNvzPYlyG23UbZGApgS3irdXA5jrUklxBMTgh2jFJ-YG2OR0b/s1024/StuH%2042%20with%20Wespe%20muzzle%20brake%20and%20schurzen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1024" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMXPu8CoJM3URReeZDHBrrsM9AHMpzG7VGQd3S2fHXfKPRn6PoiHi-C-75IyDrV_EReDwb0EAzXShaRaNh81BTGEVc7GphNzOAEw9e9QiMPS4FJZae_RNMt3Fp-SKVeWpR4qk1spudGFnNvzPYlyG23UbZGApgS3irdXA5jrUklxBMTgh2jFJ-YG2OR0b/w640-h418/StuH%2042%20with%20Wespe%20muzzle%20brake%20and%20schurzen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G with muzzle brake similar</div><div style="text-align: center;">to the Wespe. Armor side skirts appear to be field adaptations.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAUCuufVAS0WwQuZ1sAMRDSpDt6GNLuHxAfTh1ZSBu7lO3IumjBmy1EOXj7OMRVBjHuCvq88RBUIZ-rMPsV6FD2OmJ8qMSG0ZbDUQoNlnj2KRCUQttyuX6Y1q40rN3H85dxH4UEoXz5ZsGgO5s4AT_FpMdV0K7llwQVmjMh8aMuyisPfVZi0juivwNTmf/s1024/StuH%2042%20without%20muzzle%20brake%20in%20the%20winter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1024" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAUCuufVAS0WwQuZ1sAMRDSpDt6GNLuHxAfTh1ZSBu7lO3IumjBmy1EOXj7OMRVBjHuCvq88RBUIZ-rMPsV6FD2OmJ8qMSG0ZbDUQoNlnj2KRCUQttyuX6Y1q40rN3H85dxH4UEoXz5ZsGgO5s4AT_FpMdV0K7llwQVmjMh8aMuyisPfVZi0juivwNTmf/w640-h516/StuH%2042%20without%20muzzle%20brake%20in%20the%20winter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G late<br />no muzzle brake on the howitzer<br />Hungary - Winter, 1944 - 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> The importance of the StuH 42 on the battlefields can be confirmed by what was reported by the commander of the <i>Sturmgeschütz-Ersatz und Ausbildungs-Abteilung</i> (Assault Weapons Training and Replacement Division) when visiting the Sturmgeschütz units on the Eastern Front in 1943, to determine how the StuH 42s were faring in combat:<i> "The Sturmhaubitze has completely proven its worth and is indispensable against infantry targets..."</i></div><div> This brave and important machine fought in Eastern Front and Europe until the end of the conflict, in 1945.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiKJez5xnXCOEwDCC0crRKq0s3E71jDp2hZq1I4bOv9wOT9HI8tkVa461uJJK_Kesx5Rb1XkY-leDmPXTDCOlc3Aay8EH3vmf2xIItEHshkbYBOXQQDXgNIZAIBS_pc0QsZZ8XcT1hCV0_5skaVVYJTbIM7vnBTOnj4ZpqZxefZlnqwbJf4GYaFY62dpN/s1280/StuH%2042%20destroyed%20in%20the%20Reich%20Chancellery's%20garage%20during%20the%20Battle%20of%20Berlin.%201945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiKJez5xnXCOEwDCC0crRKq0s3E71jDp2hZq1I4bOv9wOT9HI8tkVa461uJJK_Kesx5Rb1XkY-leDmPXTDCOlc3Aay8EH3vmf2xIItEHshkbYBOXQQDXgNIZAIBS_pc0QsZZ8XcT1hCV0_5skaVVYJTbIM7vnBTOnj4ZpqZxefZlnqwbJf4GYaFY62dpN/w640-h412/StuH%2042%20destroyed%20in%20the%20Reich%20Chancellery's%20garage%20during%20the%20Battle%20of%20Berlin.%201945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last stand: a destroyed 10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G,<br />in the Reich Chancellery's garage, during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Berlin" target="_blank">Battle of Berlin</a>. 1945.<br />They fought until the end...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="text-align: left;">Specs:</b></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5o5kILz3Z6KR9K0o0NCPb-oC5ElzNjWYgqWUXEQ3P0s9FHyDu-6SwSHMXMYRUfRLuJDHe5IJ9kbD3W4BpLzc4sde60tBnxMUrrVxOVGmdPpFGlt63PS1aytmZnV34d_jhGCD52YnV_28lyi2mJ9lBzEOlouUVfw5nGFxya-hsbeCEGG_32bxVyomuv-vV/s1400/StuH%2042%20ausf.G%20early%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1400" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5o5kILz3Z6KR9K0o0NCPb-oC5ElzNjWYgqWUXEQ3P0s9FHyDu-6SwSHMXMYRUfRLuJDHe5IJ9kbD3W4BpLzc4sde60tBnxMUrrVxOVGmdPpFGlt63PS1aytmZnV34d_jhGCD52YnV_28lyi2mJ9lBzEOlouUVfw5nGFxya-hsbeCEGG_32bxVyomuv-vV/w640-h430/StuH%2042%20ausf.G%20early%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2M_NG1H237HLlpIjNGf-qAY5eTdJdQeXTqXxQ2rH16lPIaxz3Kdd1Coz_WvcsXO4vRZLSHO52YEgtaKiHFB8hI5efMpUxsed4q_sEobgQpOs3vcAUe3mRAbTpYDBTL6qnVh_w_qE9afcUJ0eHY5O2DQzLeniuqlzusC4d9H65Hb8Osrtxw8FSondcx_s/s1400/Stuh%2042%20late.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1400" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2M_NG1H237HLlpIjNGf-qAY5eTdJdQeXTqXxQ2rH16lPIaxz3Kdd1Coz_WvcsXO4vRZLSHO52YEgtaKiHFB8hI5efMpUxsed4q_sEobgQpOs3vcAUe3mRAbTpYDBTL6qnVh_w_qE9afcUJ0eHY5O2DQzLeniuqlzusC4d9H65Hb8Osrtxw8FSondcx_s/w640-h430/Stuh%2042%20late.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org"><b style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42</b> Ausf. G</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Assault gun (howitzer)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Nazi Germany</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1942 -1945 </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Nazi Germany</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">World War II</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Alkett</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Alkett</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><div><span style="font-size: 12.32px; text-wrap: nowrap;">1.299</span></div></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">24 tonnes </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6.14 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.95 m (fenders)<br />3.41 m (Schürzen skirts)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.16 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 (driver, commander,<br />gunner, loader)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">11 to 50+30 mm </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">1 × <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_18" target="_blank">10,5 cm StuH 42 L/28</a></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">36 rounds; -6° to +20° (vert)</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">-10° to +10° (transv.)</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">1 × <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.92%C3%9757_mm_Mauser" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="7.92×57 mm Mauser">7.92 mm</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG34" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="MG34">MG34</a> or <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG42" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="MG42">MG42</a> </li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">machine gun (600 rounds)</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WWII_Maybach_engines" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="List of WWII Maybach engines">Maybach HL120 TRM</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-12_engine" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="V-12 engine">V-12</a><br /><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_engine" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Gasoline engine">gasoline engine</a><br />300 HP @ 3000 rpm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">12 PS (9.2 kW) / tonne</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">six-speed transmission</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension<br />Speed<br /></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">torsion bar<br />40 Km/h (road)<br />15 Km/h (off road)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Fuel capacity</div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">320 liters<br />Road:155 km <br />Off road: 95 km</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>The kit:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> For this project, I used an old Tamiya kit <b><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/tamiya-mm114-sturmgeschuetz-iii-ausfg--132352" target="_blank">Sturmgeschuetz III Ausf.G (#MM114)</a></b> from 1972 (yes, my friends... a kit from half a century ago!!). This kit is a true 2x1, as it comes with parts for the assault gun version (StuG III Ausf.G) and self-propelled support artillery (StuH 42).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG-JdbJe_kI4Eh956otJDdcdzfM31F3efMIWI6Ba6Uj0M16NGCICVFygC9gIk0bh5JmGNlIeajhX9nwYNbQO6nKwNWnYZ9tb9tE5vOTA9isi3VklcPIjbeKxsIq1P61U2Gqun3NO_vpREy4kb6wGBOYmbgnUbnsfekJvRoa5638Ad6RKVzFmm2_RydfEX/s1280/tamiya%20kit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG-JdbJe_kI4Eh956otJDdcdzfM31F3efMIWI6Ba6Uj0M16NGCICVFygC9gIk0bh5JmGNlIeajhX9nwYNbQO6nKwNWnYZ9tb9tE5vOTA9isi3VklcPIjbeKxsIq1P61U2Gqun3NO_vpREy4kb6wGBOYmbgnUbnsfekJvRoa5638Ad6RKVzFmm2_RydfEX/w640-h384/tamiya%20kit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box art from Tamiya kit <b style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschuetz III Ausf.G (#MM114)</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1kAVoMabdABPizwDTEdzk925LLrL9JRLRYLOJ1zOwdtZrpX75S_a2Jh5la7JBq0hSVWEPT1uZy7MmLoJeD55Id3GIIOs2OweD_DgYUiW1j4hNh726fsNZTuVv9uYcVDauhsWRfhrafLCs11T88nrwpQDYMsDJjg8sl8ZJtRNHleDQXARvUuDwlSL7O-h/s1024/tamiya%20kit.2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1024" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1kAVoMabdABPizwDTEdzk925LLrL9JRLRYLOJ1zOwdtZrpX75S_a2Jh5la7JBq0hSVWEPT1uZy7MmLoJeD55Id3GIIOs2OweD_DgYUiW1j4hNh726fsNZTuVv9uYcVDauhsWRfhrafLCs11T88nrwpQDYMsDJjg8sl8ZJtRNHleDQXARvUuDwlSL7O-h/w640-h634/tamiya%20kit.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A true time capsule...<br />The kit is in perfect order...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And before anyone comments (and especially criticizes...), I'm going to answer the always present question: "Why do you "waste" time with these old kits?? There are much better and modern things on the market!!" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The answer is simple: because I ALREADY HAD this kit!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Why I need to buy a new kit (and modern ones are quite expensive) if I have this one in my stock?? If the kit was worthless, I agree!! But these old ladies aren't that bad...they take us back to old memories... it's like a trip back in time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Therefore, as I see modeling as a <b>Hobby</b> (whose objective is expend time having fun...) and not as a Religion or Political Faction (as many, unfortunately, belive today...), these old and venerable ladies still know how to dance a very good waltz!!! And, with a little care and work, they look great in any collection. This is also a kind of challenge: doing a lot with little!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> <b>An old kit challenges, teaches, improves and most importantly, entertains us!!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But back to the project, Kojak is a well-organized guy... Starting by the booklet: chassis and suspension.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeo0h4ilUYg8TQlOeaCPmwj3APLxi-n_GN_6EGIGn0nOasJNfhPh0Z2cos0qmKNu_V2rhBBplrmjG905x-ZiOyXWwW14Yl7cTpnC-hFMEqQ-JgwXwqGP5qHTf69wyc2dqOcbyZPcSkpoFsZVJgfoOMl23eqa8nFn_balENZfgljzG2BuEYa79Xqx9HaiC/s1280/StuH%2042%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeo0h4ilUYg8TQlOeaCPmwj3APLxi-n_GN_6EGIGn0nOasJNfhPh0Z2cos0qmKNu_V2rhBBplrmjG905x-ZiOyXWwW14Yl7cTpnC-hFMEqQ-JgwXwqGP5qHTf69wyc2dqOcbyZPcSkpoFsZVJgfoOMl23eqa8nFn_balENZfgljzG2BuEYa79Xqx9HaiC/w640-h334/StuH%2042%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting with the "bathtub" of the vehicle... <br />Look at the internal details... These Tamiya kits were manufactured<br />to be motorized... something crazy!!<br />chassis front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF6ws22AbhdxdxO1_V3GSRKKO3Rx2dFWjDYLZshAbUc5cwVuOikyC5Sm0Xnw6D2nQKTKjYyS4IUDj1Ya8sG9echriCSDq_0avZ4XT0zrqVCsq5CfsBtxegIOsvrFUL2Cl2pMROuN_FdNgOhcgXFszOSHT3emFgyfrKvfLBLSDmpnJdAYYT3hWmQZFaBq-/s1280/StuH%2042%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF6ws22AbhdxdxO1_V3GSRKKO3Rx2dFWjDYLZshAbUc5cwVuOikyC5Sm0Xnw6D2nQKTKjYyS4IUDj1Ya8sG9echriCSDq_0avZ4XT0zrqVCsq5CfsBtxegIOsvrFUL2Cl2pMROuN_FdNgOhcgXFszOSHT3emFgyfrKvfLBLSDmpnJdAYYT3hWmQZFaBq-/w640-h376/StuH%2042%20001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting with the "bathtub" of the vehicle...<br />chassis rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkmkYvF4c1Clmyj-_bIxaS5YxYMs4Fx-VWeyr8TuKx18L8YsxxP1p801Wr1zrufr-nxfGYf7wb8GDsGkBGGHMtPDoPhlhjX9piWhAsBNoBANXmIwpT4sKq_76sXAKuvvPwgiKGk37jNkauTIknV_klWod9cgo-u3IRM7dbPfWCXa1G7mIf0f5sulJ1zWo/s1280/StuH%2042%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkmkYvF4c1Clmyj-_bIxaS5YxYMs4Fx-VWeyr8TuKx18L8YsxxP1p801Wr1zrufr-nxfGYf7wb8GDsGkBGGHMtPDoPhlhjX9piWhAsBNoBANXmIwpT4sKq_76sXAKuvvPwgiKGk37jNkauTIknV_klWod9cgo-u3IRM7dbPfWCXa1G7mIf0f5sulJ1zWo/w640-h342/StuH%2042%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All wheels are dry-run, to facilitate subsequent painting...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXu-VBJ2NrSVX7Kjzj8OelUPAYEdpeKe1fGmmUzBURSzUzW6M9oT2H-x8fx0eVONrEpyzxibWzSpC5wJHFl3-hg6NDoOF4Izaa9EUSO21VbHySBTx2Db3vxERIKj94bBsOGarn1mtmtBJiqCzj51d3Jpu7FnGhNDhJ1DJ7rykCGTQ8ZvpRtlixTebxDE9/s1280/StuH%2042%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXu-VBJ2NrSVX7Kjzj8OelUPAYEdpeKe1fGmmUzBURSzUzW6M9oT2H-x8fx0eVONrEpyzxibWzSpC5wJHFl3-hg6NDoOF4Izaa9EUSO21VbHySBTx2Db3vxERIKj94bBsOGarn1mtmtBJiqCzj51d3Jpu7FnGhNDhJ1DJ7rykCGTQ8ZvpRtlixTebxDE9/w640-h394/StuH%2042%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the main gun cradle.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMCjxQwcNcLyWag_igXjkLHux5ijTWabh96HstmHSa7mUNZN2FsXe-I1Av3xZUQqp_mPIEv2e14nBbRqgupbMWbK8tA8uTP7pxO2jrghHPjIYep2hZukUEj_o8GHFok4ro865IXgw1Z3nVrSEfYN94OuBoY0OF1Hu6sl0dTgDdrGCxoZ6aiBHFExagEeY/s1280/StuH%2042%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMCjxQwcNcLyWag_igXjkLHux5ijTWabh96HstmHSa7mUNZN2FsXe-I1Av3xZUQqp_mPIEv2e14nBbRqgupbMWbK8tA8uTP7pxO2jrghHPjIYep2hZukUEj_o8GHFok4ro865IXgw1Z3nVrSEfYN94OuBoY0OF1Hu6sl0dTgDdrGCxoZ6aiBHFExagEeY/w640-h444/StuH%2042%20004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the main gun cradle glued in position.<br />Notice the gaps closed with plasticards</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After glue the upper-hull in position, installing the mantlet (block type) and the 10.5 cm gun barrel. Here's a trick: put something on the muzzle brake to visualize a perfectly horizontal installation of the muzzle brake holes. I used pieces of wooden popsicle sticks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTQhcZwnHShUPwO-h5e4I8Wj4ZEHpYCwVfkQMwBsPqqfxvBFSL3I6G1VyIy_56iWIeyzp_R4-vUOctAg11B0yy6FcJ1wXrv79Jf61mwGpLRh3qx0ndUHA1IPtrK8qcX0Of7xCPYRuF4ZZsJW15ieYIQOOMrEb_t9zrDk8E1j0fs_PO7hh__s14gII1JId/s1280/StuH%2042%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTQhcZwnHShUPwO-h5e4I8Wj4ZEHpYCwVfkQMwBsPqqfxvBFSL3I6G1VyIy_56iWIeyzp_R4-vUOctAg11B0yy6FcJ1wXrv79Jf61mwGpLRh3qx0ndUHA1IPtrK8qcX0Of7xCPYRuF4ZZsJW15ieYIQOOMrEb_t9zrDk8E1j0fs_PO7hh__s14gII1JId/w640-h376/StuH%2042%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vehicle with gun. Notice the "attitude indicator device"<br />made with a popsicle stick. Kojak is an ingenious guy...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLbi5FUZb8Zfgn4Km22emM-CTD4cXRAPWKhd9agzaoCRoyBMjj-Inr4uCj5RQwkfvLeudSfIWkuubQGq8We8TBRb8R0uUz8BvF4y-O2hedWD72pU16yFgv3oK3a45htMb4ZzflgoqB_EnsQdNo2nwFYA_zjkljhyZ4Of73nWWtHVttFEjmdogz1CKVa1J/s1280/StuH%2042%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLbi5FUZb8Zfgn4Km22emM-CTD4cXRAPWKhd9agzaoCRoyBMjj-Inr4uCj5RQwkfvLeudSfIWkuubQGq8We8TBRb8R0uUz8BvF4y-O2hedWD72pU16yFgv3oK3a45htMb4ZzflgoqB_EnsQdNo2nwFYA_zjkljhyZ4Of73nWWtHVttFEjmdogz1CKVa1J/w640-h378/StuH%2042%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizontal like the horizon!!!</td></tr></tbody></table>Correcting some “sins” of this old lady!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq74M2wpA9JXYFAa_XWuIZIWRQR_NHXrj8aAX9ieL_EDu08_cqVVkPq8WaUiAYkPBr3WxoLviJ4vx5PDtNf0htEgOXTFYWcmR67jypblvSh9Q9rxAtKh1O_5IXQJOh2xEQjFn_jdIDz96AAUZjOAR5sOcOIzyL9soiCK4G4F68IaaU8FZeUWsrQ9SfYLVg/s1280/StuH%2042%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq74M2wpA9JXYFAa_XWuIZIWRQR_NHXrj8aAX9ieL_EDu08_cqVVkPq8WaUiAYkPBr3WxoLviJ4vx5PDtNf0htEgOXTFYWcmR67jypblvSh9Q9rxAtKh1O_5IXQJOh2xEQjFn_jdIDz96AAUZjOAR5sOcOIzyL9soiCK4G4F68IaaU8FZeUWsrQ9SfYLVg/w640-h392/StuH%2042%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fun begins: correcting defects in this old creature... <br />notice the putty and plasticard filling holes in the side armor...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_WjgCJNrWppJ2ML0LV-eYhiOJGI_5Z8faoADX7Pe5Z-W1M_FLXiNQySyTZ8mM_j2UyurC5DjX1RUGhs5x9r95mQDfuzEokNQTty91wVMo__NF5Sy70ImlzNyXd1s_C7UTFcAIAks4bEbY7V4h7hyCe8SqCASlCi8yLlurBZ2HJ8uf-lps7zqfVMV0n3t/s1280/StuH%2042%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_WjgCJNrWppJ2ML0LV-eYhiOJGI_5Z8faoADX7Pe5Z-W1M_FLXiNQySyTZ8mM_j2UyurC5DjX1RUGhs5x9r95mQDfuzEokNQTty91wVMo__NF5Sy70ImlzNyXd1s_C7UTFcAIAks4bEbY7V4h7hyCe8SqCASlCi8yLlurBZ2HJ8uf-lps7zqfVMV0n3t/w640-h408/StuH%2042%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view. I made the cushion for the commander's hatch <br />using the powder+dental acrylic+brush technique.(red arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYQUJU_pKgcUteiOl7dv3bTo6SaW5XjmpC36PbrCF6nX0g1PAca4AKxgKyukHg91anb7zFT6eBPJsbTTsySGDh0t-uCPuv0b_b3n5QlNZ7-R_zPQHpJsAMvaUCBQwdZEfxTaFt78T4WzH0idX8YYhZrwQqb8GjVcxd9gg0amvNdPnItFCwDjJtWvpHyGt/s1280/StuH%2042%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYQUJU_pKgcUteiOl7dv3bTo6SaW5XjmpC36PbrCF6nX0g1PAca4AKxgKyukHg91anb7zFT6eBPJsbTTsySGDh0t-uCPuv0b_b3n5QlNZ7-R_zPQHpJsAMvaUCBQwdZEfxTaFt78T4WzH0idX8YYhZrwQqb8GjVcxd9gg0amvNdPnItFCwDjJtWvpHyGt/w640-h418/StuH%2042%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These old Tamiya kits are very simple...but very cool!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRE2ry6bDVQye_UdJESP3t-XlQvjr3lu6YeRGXq3nmy4jSvv_vS1m0oWS9zaUKKBUHaj3a_DxipRUng5XG0_Tp2_BWSlAmucwnDun4P-tnvqt4IFQltbrZs4Ufb_jeSr0vyW6WQgAvt8S559xANSfUAw5uOgDDazFu9ROHbGjj_L8iinmzjxEjil8gVWF/s1280/StuH%2042%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRE2ry6bDVQye_UdJESP3t-XlQvjr3lu6YeRGXq3nmy4jSvv_vS1m0oWS9zaUKKBUHaj3a_DxipRUng5XG0_Tp2_BWSlAmucwnDun4P-tnvqt4IFQltbrZs4Ufb_jeSr0vyW6WQgAvt8S559xANSfUAw5uOgDDazFu9ROHbGjj_L8iinmzjxEjil8gVWF/w640-h344/StuH%2042%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another deadly sin: the thickness of the s<i>chürzen</i>. <br />Yes, no PE or other modern perks... <br />Let's try to rectify that with some sandpaper.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7MX939G0YUPvTCMH1ugNjDzSh-QiYGsH1p79dCKOm-eStiZEaBFTPNFtwEZe6vlhydWdAKQwpHjCU06i27FrAgh8DlrFhnyPF8YgqBghIYL9pa33GMMXWW9_mBJfU5nfdjDmQelX2sq2unq4yecRFqvgiH6ZoZWfprIYD2sb-VDsS93XPN2MxzN_bLxY/s1280/StuH%2042%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7MX939G0YUPvTCMH1ugNjDzSh-QiYGsH1p79dCKOm-eStiZEaBFTPNFtwEZe6vlhydWdAKQwpHjCU06i27FrAgh8DlrFhnyPF8YgqBghIYL9pa33GMMXWW9_mBJfU5nfdjDmQelX2sq2unq4yecRFqvgiH6ZoZWfprIYD2sb-VDsS93XPN2MxzN_bLxY/w640-h394/StuH%2042%20011.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good thing the "internal" details are minimal... <br />We can wear a lot in this area</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Using the "<i><b>Panzerserra Sanding Apparatus</b></i>": two sheets of water-based sandpaper (of different grits) glued with contact glue on the sides of a glass plate (bevelled at the edges, to avoid cuts) 10mm thick: cheap and extremely effective!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zHzNTvRRdtDZ4E3YrMSugj9AcsawU-dicZpg59Y39G11z4AvilioKRq9SgfTrkUl-wTbeZuclwHcIcY2zMOEyBy0WxiHHCRsHrqU7bPK7wQctENa3fhc0iS1y6AW_DaGX_M9XxzyFHuk1HPCa3AriMAYybJF857j2otic2BgosVDn2vGFwCVSqGlA3tF/s1280/StuH%2042%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zHzNTvRRdtDZ4E3YrMSugj9AcsawU-dicZpg59Y39G11z4AvilioKRq9SgfTrkUl-wTbeZuclwHcIcY2zMOEyBy0WxiHHCRsHrqU7bPK7wQctENa3fhc0iS1y6AW_DaGX_M9XxzyFHuk1HPCa3AriMAYybJF857j2otic2BgosVDn2vGFwCVSqGlA3tF/w640-h364/StuH%2042%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The s<i>chürzen </i>on the Panzerserra Sanding Apparatus...<br />Sanding must be done carefully and in circular movements...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIK1yRBZN-WFZasY3C9YN9c80IDBnmQpXK-1Sh6PYwWQ6-WRQJ4uTLHETCl2f6o-AAmVseMojNCdm7kaEqU_4QKLDyYWJItsnp2Rf4lG4ThiRlRRhzxVM9IRYD5Kad1KMNsHnQx4rxdhUMQ3pvi5WbdNkjI_fzGw6Cfg-jLClBbqSiDj8_EiG93PTh5mh6/s1280/StuH%2042%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIK1yRBZN-WFZasY3C9YN9c80IDBnmQpXK-1Sh6PYwWQ6-WRQJ4uTLHETCl2f6o-AAmVseMojNCdm7kaEqU_4QKLDyYWJItsnp2Rf4lG4ThiRlRRhzxVM9IRYD5Kad1KMNsHnQx4rxdhUMQ3pvi5WbdNkjI_fzGw6Cfg-jLClBbqSiDj8_EiG93PTh5mh6/w640-h422/StuH%2042%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The after and the before...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I can still sand a little more...</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2vaOBHrPEn-C64F8H-NgV6RdSjkTJMEdTJTyU31xLuxHurCZW27dA2sN4M_LdM-0LMF8JAC6BafScpvCROxuFLjXs4Dihx6mgW3Gh8yFTAYfgUNVDcmqeNX2oxAZAKQDsgpdjMAq996zsGxWOQcRoESyrBHnX5zlM46p74gjYM75A8vcDT6Vmi_Tit6i/s1024/StuH%2042%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1024" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2vaOBHrPEn-C64F8H-NgV6RdSjkTJMEdTJTyU31xLuxHurCZW27dA2sN4M_LdM-0LMF8JAC6BafScpvCROxuFLjXs4Dihx6mgW3Gh8yFTAYfgUNVDcmqeNX2oxAZAKQDsgpdjMAq996zsGxWOQcRoESyrBHnX5zlM46p74gjYM75A8vcDT6Vmi_Tit6i/w640-h498/StuH%2042%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reducing the <i>schürzen</i> to 1.3mm thick...<br />Not bad!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ0obmAQ8381U-Z4LScig6gPb6EvGAZ47_c4Pme9eSBnzveeV11VFxQpd2nZOTUw5Upf-c8SLJvFGScH42k4IJt4ufCbfMSnBhWr4c-uf-PCnbz-Z0oozBxRcbz7o1AYlA5AhPqfH-DqXZkn3UDf8V53Kwph6oQSu2CHruQ7bJWi7iygjQvdyiV0EScnd/s1280/StuH%2042%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ0obmAQ8381U-Z4LScig6gPb6EvGAZ47_c4Pme9eSBnzveeV11VFxQpd2nZOTUw5Upf-c8SLJvFGScH42k4IJt4ufCbfMSnBhWr4c-uf-PCnbz-Z0oozBxRcbz7o1AYlA5AhPqfH-DqXZkn3UDf8V53Kwph6oQSu2CHruQ7bJWi7iygjQvdyiV0EScnd/w640-h456/StuH%2042%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final after and the before...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9GOH6U7eOva1DaAfx0FVsR4B8ZNH0bZ301eGSYS47-Jh28t8H6XVhD-GCvYcR7_5OV7F4NOEKu7Y6DKkgOtxuAcNSWEv7EBfIH0HHnp1RteZRpf0BtnX6STxGPi1xdvXsXDL45h0lEFJ1AqUTp7CAiDBo6T8zaSZMlOyBFG99NJ3K9FcvmPm9_xoRBZS/s1280/StuH%2042%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9GOH6U7eOva1DaAfx0FVsR4B8ZNH0bZ301eGSYS47-Jh28t8H6XVhD-GCvYcR7_5OV7F4NOEKu7Y6DKkgOtxuAcNSWEv7EBfIH0HHnp1RteZRpf0BtnX6STxGPi1xdvXsXDL45h0lEFJ1AqUTp7CAiDBo6T8zaSZMlOyBFG99NJ3K9FcvmPm9_xoRBZS/w640-h344/StuH%2042%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two <i>schürzen</i> sanded and thinner. I engrave the lines of the skirts<br />and the markings for the support rack. Quick and easy...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTHw3B1bJ93kwCmCOFyb_PbZ9CcWMgEbZ9CjBGUVBoZU4m3HRC8tHs5Y9MfI3DUsUHcKnmLYAyo867PwOXaeU3KjWJYrfDhzLCDXoOYQtK1Mh7bWsphznFdNrI9miptT0qVGL3Fj6zfaHhkRbjFZA0HnT29cVQtiMObums6u2yeket_LGQf5e5NgqLXeJ/s1280/StuH%2042%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTHw3B1bJ93kwCmCOFyb_PbZ9CcWMgEbZ9CjBGUVBoZU4m3HRC8tHs5Y9MfI3DUsUHcKnmLYAyo867PwOXaeU3KjWJYrfDhzLCDXoOYQtK1Mh7bWsphznFdNrI9miptT0qVGL3Fj6zfaHhkRbjFZA0HnT29cVQtiMObums6u2yeket_LGQf5e5NgqLXeJ/w640-h356/StuH%2042%20020.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the new racks!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, a bonus-surprise: I found a scrap of an old Tamiya (the same kit, but already built in the StuG III version, which I bought at a flea market, years ago...), very damaged and with construction errors and horrible marks on her plastic. After removing the paint (synthetic enamel) with a 4-hour bath in caustic soda (very carefully), the semi-destroyed girl looked like this:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnWCqUAuVXLzLVicKWbdl1p0kCT513kBOiwiBbdnDczyX-1Teeb_MpsYxUqzWi20BtYNkVysOO6izoRiVO6sFZ1StgVNxng5ot6vvbQr6bg9xCD8IUqQU1KJ-yxn1M9QqRDAqZHkfLWRoOnQHkyL4B9WS5neUNoY7-lhRHr3rSsgqA1tVt4Qu2MT9lGAi/s1280/StuH%2042%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnWCqUAuVXLzLVicKWbdl1p0kCT513kBOiwiBbdnDczyX-1Teeb_MpsYxUqzWi20BtYNkVysOO6izoRiVO6sFZ1StgVNxng5ot6vvbQr6bg9xCD8IUqQU1KJ-yxn1M9QqRDAqZHkfLWRoOnQHkyL4B9WS5neUNoY7-lhRHr3rSsgqA1tVt4Qu2MT9lGAi/w640-h440/StuH%2042%20021.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The StuG and StuH, side bu side...<br />The old and the new (new??!!)...<br />Notice the plastic scars in the StuG one....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> My idea: use this old carcass as a test bench... I'll try to do something based on this photo (but using the StuG version of the scrap); CONCRETE ARMOUR!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavyMfUECya5YGF_oKnWvTtMyyB6VtRoonoiYvhn4vTqYHj1FBUkUdsG4l0JeWapKHKWimc5lKODbRSjkbHY5j5Qgond-ER860d60_azowACkTyaUthtDG6oRC0SID12OutcabT911OaqJePK0IrSNqQDoM85-2YKyfJLLzkCJAtUmO1kkKJtT2tCgm6OL/s954/worn%20StuH42%20concrete%20armature%20T34%20tracks%20russian%20front%2044.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="954" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavyMfUECya5YGF_oKnWvTtMyyB6VtRoonoiYvhn4vTqYHj1FBUkUdsG4l0JeWapKHKWimc5lKODbRSjkbHY5j5Qgond-ER860d60_azowACkTyaUthtDG6oRC0SID12OutcabT911OaqJePK0IrSNqQDoM85-2YKyfJLLzkCJAtUmO1kkKJtT2tCgm6OL/w640-h418/worn%20StuH42%20concrete%20armature%20T34%20tracks%20russian%20front%2044.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G , with concrete armour<br />Notice in the thick layer of concrete applied in the front arch and<br />on top of side fenders, reinforcing the vehicle's armor.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In our case, the "concrete" will be dental acrylic, which will be manipulated and applied to these areas. To reduce the amount of acrylic, I will almost fill in with pieces of plastic in the areas that will be "reinforced" with the "concrete".</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWCAwhEanOq8ISre8612EOzyZynyA0ZKlY46Q8u6VTV1rbnRMH3PyM44tXRQ3ed6q1JYX5AdrvNpfV0zhzQ90pfj2Kh0QQa5IriHoKgtq9NjSZtycrtfp9v64OxoZTDt29CZjbzd_yn6lCW4Q2CCRf9hKO1eOTE-wovBY3d_tEB1od0l5xXwhxoUbQOmM/s1280/StuH%2042%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWCAwhEanOq8ISre8612EOzyZynyA0ZKlY46Q8u6VTV1rbnRMH3PyM44tXRQ3ed6q1JYX5AdrvNpfV0zhzQ90pfj2Kh0QQa5IriHoKgtq9NjSZtycrtfp9v64OxoZTDt29CZjbzd_yn6lCW4Q2CCRf9hKO1eOTE-wovBY3d_tEB1od0l5xXwhxoUbQOmM/w640-h452/StuH%2042%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the sprues applied on the vehicle's original armor...<br />For the side, I will use pieces of thicker plasticard.<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpUDcmzA2UIE9E0pIhMx9Uc8NqQRtui8GUcs97mODYTAlbn0SHymhp3FQwrrPjnwPf0c9rtg92UTeXe6H50TluQ-i-zVTBI0bsHrm-tRZvnRKj9LjBiQ60yqS73qpGctHnUoP3H4iQdg0ewjf0DFYGVqgHExbHVTZEY6K4dlUVWLuPXywQYJTS6dslhIM/s1280/StuH%2042%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZpUDcmzA2UIE9E0pIhMx9Uc8NqQRtui8GUcs97mODYTAlbn0SHymhp3FQwrrPjnwPf0c9rtg92UTeXe6H50TluQ-i-zVTBI0bsHrm-tRZvnRKj9LjBiQ60yqS73qpGctHnUoP3H4iQdg0ewjf0DFYGVqgHExbHVTZEY6K4dlUVWLuPXywQYJTS6dslhIM/w640-h444/StuH%2042%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GVQrmbfTVLumSdtHAl0Rnj16myxDBjCYe-sAK10h9jsljgeXeC3Cgc-8WTkVfYk3yOHXgq3AV6laNBV6QopxjDtZnE6-e0qOxjvdYjH0fXuv0Fmo-wiLIBYH6koBLTe4ZHIIsRcJ29M4N37deX9cW3CKVJQWwQG6aMbLvYCLcDDplrC8_PSsf6DwomeT/s1280/StuH%2042%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GVQrmbfTVLumSdtHAl0Rnj16myxDBjCYe-sAK10h9jsljgeXeC3Cgc-8WTkVfYk3yOHXgq3AV6laNBV6QopxjDtZnE6-e0qOxjvdYjH0fXuv0Fmo-wiLIBYH6koBLTe4ZHIIsRcJ29M4N37deX9cW3CKVJQWwQG6aMbLvYCLcDDplrC8_PSsf6DwomeT/w640-h440/StuH%2042%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the "concrete": Dental acrylic (powder + liquid)<br />separated to be mixed. The acrylic will be applied with a spatula...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F4EP2GbptZqyVGj0jCWQMZ-iOWiP9huP6XEcwh1FcNRtJMk0FbYG7Bcgb4QL8PilkTNuZ2-HSn2kZKFMwQOgdFnoe7AAkPjaG6Dfnd94PuK1U7vfgIrjEInGXfj2YXVMudDHIJ9U44NPkv4bpwU9vMVOOLZvUqWO6fpiWcYx47p15D8y_xAfY1gtfE-W/s1280/StuH%2042%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F4EP2GbptZqyVGj0jCWQMZ-iOWiP9huP6XEcwh1FcNRtJMk0FbYG7Bcgb4QL8PilkTNuZ2-HSn2kZKFMwQOgdFnoe7AAkPjaG6Dfnd94PuK1U7vfgIrjEInGXfj2YXVMudDHIJ9U44NPkv4bpwU9vMVOOLZvUqWO6fpiWcYx47p15D8y_xAfY1gtfE-W/w640-h390/StuH%2042%20025.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dental acrylic (powder + liquid) already mixed.<br />Note the viscous consistency...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Acrylic being applied, in several layers. As the acrylic after hardening (5 minutes) becomes extremely hard, you must shape the surface while it is pasty, otherwise you can only wear down the acrylic with abrasive instruments like rotatory tools from Dremel. Manual sanding is very hard and difficult!!! The good news is that acrylic has a similar grain to concrete when we use this technique.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1XbvoifGkAbEJ9D7mQgoDJLkho75sHYlr8pMUrxQ_kr6WZD-562aMzjFDhiMskl0aeEVQA1W32IQPxnKzgL2baVILjYpA5jNZiVhFrX67ritcml1aRuHx4sFBu3Zzprw9Sjtsia6b9kgUXhZM1_HUR_IDTb4_J6gA7eHjLQ-tjAWeBRnZzHg0Mda36xm/s1280/StuH%2042%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1XbvoifGkAbEJ9D7mQgoDJLkho75sHYlr8pMUrxQ_kr6WZD-562aMzjFDhiMskl0aeEVQA1W32IQPxnKzgL2baVILjYpA5jNZiVhFrX67ritcml1aRuHx4sFBu3Zzprw9Sjtsia6b9kgUXhZM1_HUR_IDTb4_J6gA7eHjLQ-tjAWeBRnZzHg0Mda36xm/w640-h448/StuH%2042%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the "concrete" over the steel...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35Ey5Gcx16owHKU-sLEfpfYhfyjuGLBJCSVFWTEr-enVAvB5BjwudE4YhTt8mwLxXx1BWQQ9QCUhhF9cyhdhvM55RjlYvZeevW4ohrbzOu5WFAqjAtazqDdKU66y7kkvWt4_5EfUriYEuXqpkkoFx_LIS9ZA47EGXLGXUziHc7WNOMERAB_OdJwzYCWrn/s1280/StuH%2042%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35Ey5Gcx16owHKU-sLEfpfYhfyjuGLBJCSVFWTEr-enVAvB5BjwudE4YhTt8mwLxXx1BWQQ9QCUhhF9cyhdhvM55RjlYvZeevW4ohrbzOu5WFAqjAtazqDdKU66y7kkvWt4_5EfUriYEuXqpkkoFx_LIS9ZA47EGXLGXUziHc7WNOMERAB_OdJwzYCWrn/w640-h446/StuH%2042%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the gaps and texturing the concrete surface with a<br />brush moisted in acrylic liquid, dipped in acrylic powder... <br />You can apply small portions of acrylic with this technique variation.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkjgf6cdaYMloBm2XFsPAcDMajkOiaQgY_6x7Cxicm6cwb-w0r28y2E2h-y6XPgDlbRbsjYJP64V_HNDMUyDUxvHOylJJWpwnHVd4p3nGk1wv7lKAJFbLimqLp8c65NbDKUDB1nxdp0PW1M7n2ylGxuS-pUPhLBT61uyUMHDUa9wbXul6LUb7T3BvzRyF/s1280/StuH%2042%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkjgf6cdaYMloBm2XFsPAcDMajkOiaQgY_6x7Cxicm6cwb-w0r28y2E2h-y6XPgDlbRbsjYJP64V_HNDMUyDUxvHOylJJWpwnHVd4p3nGk1wv7lKAJFbLimqLp8c65NbDKUDB1nxdp0PW1M7n2ylGxuS-pUPhLBT61uyUMHDUa9wbXul6LUb7T3BvzRyF/w640-h426/StuH%2042%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The concrete armour almost ready!! Don't be alarmed if you<br />feel "heat" coming out of this mixture: acrylic hardens<br />through an exothermic reaction.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA0fA44zcoqiekC2b5gGfYFVsSLPxPLhsRndXYb4_fDVgkcHyqbjUTAm5WfM-t4wRX3IXj1vCPFkCFcA7grAOUGOIkF8QIZhwxSV9wdXgRuhWAkbCtg0qPCFpwAdeTTxcnsU925qWBSn8mzVxzfbrxGeft5B0JPZf_uw0nDVy-bau4G9wxiDSQ1tDBgRr/s1280/StuH%2042%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCA0fA44zcoqiekC2b5gGfYFVsSLPxPLhsRndXYb4_fDVgkcHyqbjUTAm5WfM-t4wRX3IXj1vCPFkCFcA7grAOUGOIkF8QIZhwxSV9wdXgRuhWAkbCtg0qPCFpwAdeTTxcnsU925qWBSn8mzVxzfbrxGeft5B0JPZf_uw0nDVy-bau4G9wxiDSQ1tDBgRr/w640-h346/StuH%2042%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAtA4Cn1R_ayBz2t9Tn_qKx4-pEth6Ri4uqBoLWpm2xbX6KrJcvjF-LKe3i7DAguqNlP0MWZTx6QSj6y87h5kj-fkgc13dV6i-11z1rQWiytP7mcPf1jJXIrCqISRw3cnk3JNb0D5HAlFhtTqQBFu27iRVna_mNCRdpanHu6ddIG-KHmuMpZ6fgGlr0gE/s1280/StuH%2042%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAtA4Cn1R_ayBz2t9Tn_qKx4-pEth6Ri4uqBoLWpm2xbX6KrJcvjF-LKe3i7DAguqNlP0MWZTx6QSj6y87h5kj-fkgc13dV6i-11z1rQWiytP7mcPf1jJXIrCqISRw3cnk3JNb0D5HAlFhtTqQBFu27iRVna_mNCRdpanHu6ddIG-KHmuMpZ6fgGlr0gE/w640-h364/StuH%2042%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> While the "concrete" hardens, let's scratch the rear deck racks of these vehicles. StuGs (and StuHs) almost always had these racks on the rear upper deck, with a bunch of stuff tied back there. Some of these racks were built at Alkett, but the vast majority were made in the field... let's go!! See the vehicles in the pic below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqjL1TkkzF0PftFHNGhC1D60kpA1c3BdNp1w8dSk6ysVnuWQvKgpqZuuf6sjTCwWcftDcpzWAJUXKHl_aShgjs9i5nwwYQZ8eMtWxF8ysuaG_pqh2zvgkQLLXox5o74vye5lpHHYZyDa9_4T04DfUu6wPn-tYj-DF2-Ljl2SyFQciGckmHd87N62HpHQd/s1280/rear%20racks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqjL1TkkzF0PftFHNGhC1D60kpA1c3BdNp1w8dSk6ysVnuWQvKgpqZuuf6sjTCwWcftDcpzWAJUXKHl_aShgjs9i5nwwYQZ8eMtWxF8ysuaG_pqh2zvgkQLLXox5o74vye5lpHHYZyDa9_4T04DfUu6wPn-tYj-DF2-Ljl2SyFQciGckmHd87N62HpHQd/w640-h256/rear%20racks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the racks in the rear hull of the Stuhs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Lets build these racks by scratch...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkLrQd20_G-_JayQguWWexH7lgoy8OCNCYQ1PwqgpWY7W0WdX3G2mHS_9hC3XKv2KYecw34Swx1HFNnCV2xqtGF0FbB7jyzh4Z_opIu1hs6vOPKWsoXVJSa5tPX1uuZ83CmAROHc0f6vlbwfHop-YBAnM6r2EzSUZ4SeB85fi-MJpyWtU737CuNjvqI-m/s1280/StuH%2042%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkLrQd20_G-_JayQguWWexH7lgoy8OCNCYQ1PwqgpWY7W0WdX3G2mHS_9hC3XKv2KYecw34Swx1HFNnCV2xqtGF0FbB7jyzh4Z_opIu1hs6vOPKWsoXVJSa5tPX1uuZ83CmAROHc0f6vlbwfHop-YBAnM6r2EzSUZ4SeB85fi-MJpyWtU737CuNjvqI-m/w640-h418/StuH%2042%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the rack posts with Plastruct "L" profile and thin<br />plasticard discs cut with punch-&-die tool</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneMo3N2VrU_o8RhdZXt6DJwTzkNdfSkHWpuLhY_7sNDuovY4M7K_AU9T-1g_PXp5Z8A3oBERNXnOaxZ-OB19dW5wSWPeUPPZafOByYYk3AFO8SBnb0ePwCFva3ojUrXdhaTceLlAcYgRs_xnzz-eNRXYKUVj_MCa0UAXKeWXFu7pfgzIr8CdxeUf0JBgn/s1280/StuH%2042%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneMo3N2VrU_o8RhdZXt6DJwTzkNdfSkHWpuLhY_7sNDuovY4M7K_AU9T-1g_PXp5Z8A3oBERNXnOaxZ-OB19dW5wSWPeUPPZafOByYYk3AFO8SBnb0ePwCFva3ojUrXdhaTceLlAcYgRs_xnzz-eNRXYKUVj_MCa0UAXKeWXFu7pfgzIr8CdxeUf0JBgn/w640-h466/StuH%2042%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the poles in position in the StuH 42</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-gbVHQJT_4GXT0TiRoEI0JO8U4tzMziSJyjmiNGpnqTlnS6XvqBI3On4zCnHl3e1urUf45DtH1ExuaSljYT30aRKFVB5QjbBRCHDKBN-ZiK00Wg92hD6wqo4nRw-jukHi_jlajBLRp6cA5nb_adXB-KlKLnxGEJhbmHMsu_KoKpZzGjEhZstGHuTYYwA/s1280/StuH%2042%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-gbVHQJT_4GXT0TiRoEI0JO8U4tzMziSJyjmiNGpnqTlnS6XvqBI3On4zCnHl3e1urUf45DtH1ExuaSljYT30aRKFVB5QjbBRCHDKBN-ZiK00Wg92hD6wqo4nRw-jukHi_jlajBLRp6cA5nb_adXB-KlKLnxGEJhbmHMsu_KoKpZzGjEhZstGHuTYYwA/w640-h500/StuH%2042%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the horizontal beams...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFyqd0qVuaWqja_Hb4sxQdrjpkCIZRCYDmE491qnYn1fMicgjvnK4eik4Cf2Gl4Xb6Rd2lIMj8WkpFoTB_1eW2VXTDXeep_TKjyKHVSMEKBHGC1v8_p36OWKGl15sebLtYvcxJl66XWqU78sFWGXlIU2t2HioQwnNzaVZddcOiWG6w2U6ZT4weFHip57Q/s1280/StuH%2042%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFyqd0qVuaWqja_Hb4sxQdrjpkCIZRCYDmE491qnYn1fMicgjvnK4eik4Cf2Gl4Xb6Rd2lIMj8WkpFoTB_1eW2VXTDXeep_TKjyKHVSMEKBHGC1v8_p36OWKGl15sebLtYvcxJl66XWqU78sFWGXlIU2t2HioQwnNzaVZddcOiWG6w2U6ZT4weFHip57Q/w640-h446/StuH%2042%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repeating the technique for the StuG with concrete!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVTV4sHwbcbV7YfhjjmyVqswYEDcA1uAoK5jWXbhUSVyDDcOMx18bu3u5q3BDBxHBQ56NHNn5t5lTvQGA4mi00WQgyhi7hq4_5pSLqgolUQgmhPVG9vTFP3SWN3zZwGWIwsnB0S_f2MuGcIdqcwTHPmvP2d6L3ZavOYvD3M3V417W5Vi87WKGzuSXTaJn/s1280/StuH%2042%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVTV4sHwbcbV7YfhjjmyVqswYEDcA1uAoK5jWXbhUSVyDDcOMx18bu3u5q3BDBxHBQ56NHNn5t5lTvQGA4mi00WQgyhi7hq4_5pSLqgolUQgmhPVG9vTFP3SWN3zZwGWIwsnB0S_f2MuGcIdqcwTHPmvP2d6L3ZavOYvD3M3V417W5Vi87WKGzuSXTaJn/w640-h464/StuH%2042%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...but with a slightly different look...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDzhhIKlXFXAH4cWBMb_CqO8CQzv62DszGQ_mLaTNoMJfz8KuDnG7ytgNd8N4VrPVo3lXouY7pH7969gP8tTS5_Iz_DamYhcrLKLYVxLL2SCrLvRCChQewepIUKsO3pqPH5bhbr__A0a5DarYMKXL5DNqDUWwa1ysshD0feHW1zANADzajX83HxM-VrNo/s1280/StuH%2042%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1280" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDzhhIKlXFXAH4cWBMb_CqO8CQzv62DszGQ_mLaTNoMJfz8KuDnG7ytgNd8N4VrPVo3lXouY7pH7969gP8tTS5_Iz_DamYhcrLKLYVxLL2SCrLvRCChQewepIUKsO3pqPH5bhbr__A0a5DarYMKXL5DNqDUWwa1ysshD0feHW1zANADzajX83HxM-VrNo/w640-h492/StuH%2042%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The StuG and StuH, with racks ready, side by side</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> While I research for the markings and colors on my old books and sacred scrolls, let's give it a coat of primer to prepare the final painting...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78vGQwj4vumlPpc9zdCdr4aaPDZBOaVuEbp-cPsbip-nYOFC6WgcugDw9QEaCWYtbzDrmvYsd84yQ0EGVnhLLtELjCTh_lc1G2lTR1HZDJgJ4QR1yijZQFW63NCOVTyEDFbBadZg3U8yZXlCtJPiIsDexLy93Iulk-e2exiYD3d6nwOQ0HhwSL2zt3rIr/s1280/StuH%2042%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78vGQwj4vumlPpc9zdCdr4aaPDZBOaVuEbp-cPsbip-nYOFC6WgcugDw9QEaCWYtbzDrmvYsd84yQ0EGVnhLLtELjCTh_lc1G2lTR1HZDJgJ4QR1yijZQFW63NCOVTyEDFbBadZg3U8yZXlCtJPiIsDexLy93Iulk-e2exiYD3d6nwOQ0HhwSL2zt3rIr/w640-h420/StuH%2042%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuH 42 early - left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5z359PiSS4Ivf3Mwe7lJp7ik-XS6LjJz1yQJVwVhId9Kg5Qw99Kc3KSdg8kNcvnr9CzweTgpDQzalfRbiCi-1KCZStwwFyQxlCkwTdQ8xL5IdNdH3ObE73ch0hs3ELmNtLFwWHcZi0seFt-B8vrCmiVzHDiXBgb5pxnuLln5IvPZVMoB8fvRNgRKPWHu/s1280/StuH%2042%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5z359PiSS4Ivf3Mwe7lJp7ik-XS6LjJz1yQJVwVhId9Kg5Qw99Kc3KSdg8kNcvnr9CzweTgpDQzalfRbiCi-1KCZStwwFyQxlCkwTdQ8xL5IdNdH3ObE73ch0hs3ELmNtLFwWHcZi0seFt-B8vrCmiVzHDiXBgb5pxnuLln5IvPZVMoB8fvRNgRKPWHu/w640-h468/StuH%2042%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuH 42 early - right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbytaMk2_Obf5wYzGWMeeMFfw9oHzQmy5HLN8dA6CRjc51L4ccEm3zU4cujQQu1Laeah8jk95RwlYCLHje9Fn3-jtRSQKdd6VW-rNEPzH7gPsgdQGo6kHkDImErpwuc2JZyO2ftaQP7UuUIoHho_iM2GTV4zJHsjycVgzc2WXHyKuq_wYRxfvyx4_5mFDN/s1280/StuH%2042%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbytaMk2_Obf5wYzGWMeeMFfw9oHzQmy5HLN8dA6CRjc51L4ccEm3zU4cujQQu1Laeah8jk95RwlYCLHje9Fn3-jtRSQKdd6VW-rNEPzH7gPsgdQGo6kHkDImErpwuc2JZyO2ftaQP7UuUIoHho_iM2GTV4zJHsjycVgzc2WXHyKuq_wYRxfvyx4_5mFDN/w640-h390/StuH%2042%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G with concrete armour <br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFM76KD8bv2VYG7r5UkELxgjW2DO5NyLiRvZc9gem3H3TB-AW3bxwTEBhgPo_8NdGv-Z3-9-VvVIM9BTbTT7fAer-Aa67NTxBOaHVrVMk_cmrndIBm6599wj7ttMZHaSP4fChLzDbQhbE9K98ytQsE2t0sM5UwKTVdfv0LynYEVJyHxoe5MDHvl7-pvce/s1279/StuH%2042%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1279" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFM76KD8bv2VYG7r5UkELxgjW2DO5NyLiRvZc9gem3H3TB-AW3bxwTEBhgPo_8NdGv-Z3-9-VvVIM9BTbTT7fAer-Aa67NTxBOaHVrVMk_cmrndIBm6599wj7ttMZHaSP4fChLzDbQhbE9K98ytQsE2t0sM5UwKTVdfv0LynYEVJyHxoe5MDHvl7-pvce/w640-h380/StuH%2042%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G with concrete armour <br />right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> For StuH 42, I chose these markings: For the StuH 42, I chose these markings: 10,5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G (StuH 42) - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early) belonging to <i><a href="https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-Brigade_185" target="_blank">Sturmgeschütz- Abteilung 185</a></i>, 1st Company, 3rd Platoon, vehicle no. 1, which fought in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kursk" target="_blank">Kursk</a>, at the Russian Front, during <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Citadel" target="_blank">Operation Citadel <i>(Unternehmen Zitadelle)</i></a>, in July 1943.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3apOtmKp1gjyEWeGdELQ7oW5dZ6MDWB36NKtrRRvy_dqJxMpduKN5FvoMsphXCso5zLcc_3342tv_x23uc1AX1l2n3Z8oAp6hEJrCvmcwVggJ1jUfNzIyAvtql41edIhUHPFCh4fEDaNttBPzZSqpaMW23lAl0ZSvkURERS8c1DNsIom1htVLK54wNXp/s1400/specs%20StuH%2042%20early%20colors%20and%20markings%20StuGAbt%20185.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1400" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3apOtmKp1gjyEWeGdELQ7oW5dZ6MDWB36NKtrRRvy_dqJxMpduKN5FvoMsphXCso5zLcc_3342tv_x23uc1AX1l2n3Z8oAp6hEJrCvmcwVggJ1jUfNzIyAvtql41edIhUHPFCh4fEDaNttBPzZSqpaMW23lAl0ZSvkURERS8c1DNsIom1htVLK54wNXp/w640-h482/specs%20StuH%2042%20early%20colors%20and%20markings%20StuGAbt%20185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> My idea for the StuG III would be a reworked vehicle that suffered damage at the combat zone and was sent to the rear to be rebuilt. The vehicle features extensive additional concrete armor, perhaps to reinforce damage from previous penetrations. The gun barrel was changed (featuring only a dark gray antioxidant primer, like paint), and in the desperate days of 1945 any and all rolling stock was worthy of use. This vehicle fought in Germany in 1945, during the violent <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_K%C3%B6nigsberg" target="_blank">Battle of Königsberg</a>, in the first days of February. This Sturmgeschutz III Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz 142/1 belonged to <i><a href="https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-Brigade_232" target="_blank">Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 232</a> ("Samland")</i>, 1st Company, 2nd Platoon, vehicle no.1., named ERIKA, by its crew. ERIKA proudly sports 5 kill marks on her new cannon and additional protection provided by tree logs firmly tied around the superstructure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_EghGKwGxjIxhTvB0kzGuSi6gw9KMw2Hj9YV_IMelszBkmGW8wYt974uWYpm8V2lqDDrUciMXWhUDJ6_nZZ1u7Ya4_4-Vpz7Ia8ApfwP4GCcninu_09MAPSJgbp10s05mjW-AqWoY-mS3kxSHZDqeADrm4H10ENHYfglJVOpsCnKB-t-0TEdeAPwNdkw/s1400/specs%20StuG%203%20colors%20and%20markings%20StuGAbt%20232.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1400" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_EghGKwGxjIxhTvB0kzGuSi6gw9KMw2Hj9YV_IMelszBkmGW8wYt974uWYpm8V2lqDDrUciMXWhUDJ6_nZZ1u7Ya4_4-Vpz7Ia8ApfwP4GCcninu_09MAPSJgbp10s05mjW-AqWoY-mS3kxSHZDqeADrm4H10ENHYfglJVOpsCnKB-t-0TEdeAPwNdkw/w640-h482/specs%20StuG%203%20colors%20and%20markings%20StuGAbt%20232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But here we go: Painting with basic color in German dark yellow and its tones...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonfzp98NfXSDeA6KowgdXcjNeJoq9mTljtD9QIQyNgCv7dR7-UbJh1tbCXVoQK2GDJ7aZseLIHv0YPKT7SkeeB1vNb-6cjruWWEhDNEcSFu0pnCFiQ0YiqjjR1uzgJgUVQTYQhejVfw2zF6DBWTLvgvc4ng3mJuuEE90k97EW2LLyvHIJD8ZwZQwUkxkl/s1280/StuH%2042%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonfzp98NfXSDeA6KowgdXcjNeJoq9mTljtD9QIQyNgCv7dR7-UbJh1tbCXVoQK2GDJ7aZseLIHv0YPKT7SkeeB1vNb-6cjruWWEhDNEcSFu0pnCFiQ0YiqjjR1uzgJgUVQTYQhejVfw2zF6DBWTLvgvc4ng3mJuuEE90k97EW2LLyvHIJD8ZwZQwUkxkl/w640-h384/StuH%2042%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Hulls, <i>schürzens</i> and drive sprockets in dark yellow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bogie wheels in dark gray color. Then their centers will be painted yellow...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Note the Pomegranate tree <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate" target="_blank"><i>(Punica granatum)</i></a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> </span>branches, </div><div style="text-align: center;">which are perfect for making wooden logs, on this scale....</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEBNVX_xXp4-55JwTKpumZpKwajk3BUgsRgT8KXxrDbxX4q-gWcPpBmBm2iUK3u2uovnQCk-wFUGl-0TqX402P58TkQ5ow0-MwpnWi4_EIhB4k2IB3gXUq4-iO3GncMJb5SrsTsPKvEMtViRHoQIUvU2RdabApDGLb1TT8K-zPT9lmIU2GITJaCS8_dlk/s1280/StuH%2042%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEBNVX_xXp4-55JwTKpumZpKwajk3BUgsRgT8KXxrDbxX4q-gWcPpBmBm2iUK3u2uovnQCk-wFUGl-0TqX402P58TkQ5ow0-MwpnWi4_EIhB4k2IB3gXUq4-iO3GncMJb5SrsTsPKvEMtViRHoQIUvU2RdabApDGLb1TT8K-zPT9lmIU2GITJaCS8_dlk/w640-h350/StuH%2042%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The StuH 42...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE_w93yXU_Q_meU4EeQxkQpdcq-SEU6xkGjRDCrr7pkyhxCuYLP7825fdYDyQ-av2zUBrM7D33gmIrE6X0mmWmpyn3DZxsGst8HYU_Vc-Ix_J3A9jz8vZFY2uxQIeUEqzeD6sBBc0bbXRUS0q0yYAGbZnTb9slRNUsFu_r6iXVAJN-AsvJ-DSdv3Fwuze/s1280/StuH%2042%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE_w93yXU_Q_meU4EeQxkQpdcq-SEU6xkGjRDCrr7pkyhxCuYLP7825fdYDyQ-av2zUBrM7D33gmIrE6X0mmWmpyn3DZxsGst8HYU_Vc-Ix_J3A9jz8vZFY2uxQIeUEqzeD6sBBc0bbXRUS0q0yYAGbZnTb9slRNUsFu_r6iXVAJN-AsvJ-DSdv3Fwuze/w640-h404/StuH%2042%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the concrete StuG III Ausf. G</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1biYsvRQsv3PRH2sh0kJvp1wbbimgfKugN9xTNZte9fihJYn-aVA0HzhHOs3K6AgeKSxFi1pwLEWA8VIRwXx90zZtEyKLNU0d8hBPRxH6_hk_l7wzLDktkuva7-GM8TQpT9wV_CKqywEF_H_3IJNKuEomK8R4yVnFMjlBHMRZzPNeJ4JqIrZREKgpFKmo/s1280/StuH%2042%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1biYsvRQsv3PRH2sh0kJvp1wbbimgfKugN9xTNZte9fihJYn-aVA0HzhHOs3K6AgeKSxFi1pwLEWA8VIRwXx90zZtEyKLNU0d8hBPRxH6_hk_l7wzLDktkuva7-GM8TQpT9wV_CKqywEF_H_3IJNKuEomK8R4yVnFMjlBHMRZzPNeJ4JqIrZREKgpFKmo/w640-h372/StuH%2042%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuH 42 in wavy camouflage with olive green and red-brown<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0rs913cRdI66178JP3MGay508z6PwGLG1BYB0X6uP8-JUfmhu3gs0dOnfQ_euJHcbiXxxu_GqrecaxLLuZZ7-RAp9KZbL9nyNYuKsNHcam3bqsL2Um_BPQBRZNI9noha8vtEuuMN8bt2_31CPjZBzAgr5RpsWPU6lfFEy74UpOF-DQCnMv0fnN9hH11d/s1280/StuH%2042%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0rs913cRdI66178JP3MGay508z6PwGLG1BYB0X6uP8-JUfmhu3gs0dOnfQ_euJHcbiXxxu_GqrecaxLLuZZ7-RAp9KZbL9nyNYuKsNHcam3bqsL2Um_BPQBRZNI9noha8vtEuuMN8bt2_31CPjZBzAgr5RpsWPU6lfFEy74UpOF-DQCnMv0fnN9hH11d/w640-h360/StuH%2042%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuH 42 in wavy camouflage with olive green and red-brown<br />right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQInPII3iHn4LjcYgMWQrekVsoXJwtkQRB4gGCN-9R8duHp3AmZf3ha69JO4sCYMEMbXHCRxe_9D7_f3CgPqlZXoD7U0wN5pQzCv4Rx8T8tFO_cjfcuAQZWfcxlAREFj54AF-TmDL-hqahaMOKagpbgsOq7aJfLOEh63DuuKc6yD2GIr8JjPN7hjFuTsAy/s1280/StuH%2042%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQInPII3iHn4LjcYgMWQrekVsoXJwtkQRB4gGCN-9R8duHp3AmZf3ha69JO4sCYMEMbXHCRxe_9D7_f3CgPqlZXoD7U0wN5pQzCv4Rx8T8tFO_cjfcuAQZWfcxlAREFj54AF-TmDL-hqahaMOKagpbgsOq7aJfLOEh63DuuKc6yD2GIr8JjPN7hjFuTsAy/w640-h392/StuH%2042%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuH 42 with<i> schürzen</i> in wavy camouflage with olive green and red-brown<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYj_Rm9BOF5GWTo7Avzcek9opFxDOZmO4iVnsSpuit1VYhBveoEIw9BGhB23q2JbawCbDd3D8Ischle326iMSpiIkmP583U18kwhurj8SICqFi-TWWZX1Rt4lrcc76hguwwr2UoJ6VDD0ZOg2RsbrAsNLQtINGuq73_nkMvLN-d5Uv0cGHhSHVf6COr86/s1280/StuH%2042%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYj_Rm9BOF5GWTo7Avzcek9opFxDOZmO4iVnsSpuit1VYhBveoEIw9BGhB23q2JbawCbDd3D8Ischle326iMSpiIkmP583U18kwhurj8SICqFi-TWWZX1Rt4lrcc76hguwwr2UoJ6VDD0ZOg2RsbrAsNLQtINGuq73_nkMvLN-d5Uv0cGHhSHVf6COr86/w640-h438/StuH%2042%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuH 42 with<i> schürzen</i> in wavy camouflage with olive green and red-brown<br />front right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtFK5GhjX-cPxSMjORFW3oyE-YDyile42dtC4QhvE2-bYbjXg5YIrTDsEzFSqDrHLWkaFa0IGaNEJMe7rbXEOw2Knz5sh3HpQtSEZVCq-68LDbHcBPBgWWZQBaM4PGx7UQ5it0jx1r04Al37ML1b3EVHWQ0NdW2YTpN1JEwdyU_QFV3YFFons3_fKsGrV/s1280/StuH%2042%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtFK5GhjX-cPxSMjORFW3oyE-YDyile42dtC4QhvE2-bYbjXg5YIrTDsEzFSqDrHLWkaFa0IGaNEJMe7rbXEOw2Knz5sh3HpQtSEZVCq-68LDbHcBPBgWWZQBaM4PGx7UQ5it0jx1r04Al37ML1b3EVHWQ0NdW2YTpN1JEwdyU_QFV3YFFons3_fKsGrV/w640-h394/StuH%2042%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuH 42 with<i> schürzen</i> in wavy camouflage with olive green and red-brown<br />rear right side</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5ZjJSDev1YLjAiXTxHGtZ_lMRaroUN6cqYqr3ADMunJ5Irc30lXIoOAQdP5Ue8VNDp8qr92dZBS2xn-AM_5BBa_xgJRZmOTgyTpHzoeSNTxU4hbgPDq7eBB4QV1rXvAn5ZdferS-kFIjeSx5U0QO57yWfducOkTQ9QAyhQUhJJfYKWdQQN-kIhpEJJFu/s1280/StuH%2042%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5ZjJSDev1YLjAiXTxHGtZ_lMRaroUN6cqYqr3ADMunJ5Irc30lXIoOAQdP5Ue8VNDp8qr92dZBS2xn-AM_5BBa_xgJRZmOTgyTpHzoeSNTxU4hbgPDq7eBB4QV1rXvAn5ZdferS-kFIjeSx5U0QO57yWfducOkTQ9QAyhQUhJJfYKWdQQN-kIhpEJJFu/w640-h386/StuH%2042%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G with concrete armour<br />Notice the gun barrel in gray-primer<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoH8QoOAEAFWqYczZx-XswWIeEaBQGFR5DbCc998xKDEWASeBllm8HnErBYvHsxgfGW6i4Bzgp6c98NMpyLd5BrCL5L704GAPL7OT1Rv4jYGSoBG7SlxNfW1vt_o8jLdZhXNqjB7tehxU0xOCu9KcqVP1yJSaT-PPVBcyKdWI006Ko5FeleERatvw_gNw/s1280/StuH%2042%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoH8QoOAEAFWqYczZx-XswWIeEaBQGFR5DbCc998xKDEWASeBllm8HnErBYvHsxgfGW6i4Bzgp6c98NMpyLd5BrCL5L704GAPL7OT1Rv4jYGSoBG7SlxNfW1vt_o8jLdZhXNqjB7tehxU0xOCu9KcqVP1yJSaT-PPVBcyKdWI006Ko5FeleERatvw_gNw/w640-h464/StuH%2042%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G with concrete armour<br />Notice the gun barrel in gray-primer and<br />the block mantlet (late) with coaxial MG</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaOaTmYjAq2HNXzkMiDP9P4S_lj4OYtLnhyphenhyphen62sE-3ZR1AXtfqh0XIxAg2bJqT0A2Ml_LI9-duR-U3PHaxGFDoeWz6kBCcqEcVpyL6CRR5-qYlJawNiwk989FhCWKNxAxyDvJxcdPmUquA5QG6dTxzlS7AU2faWl7dIKQ4qJw8bCF6n9ENVAMlK6xxXeW4/s1280/StuH%2042%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaOaTmYjAq2HNXzkMiDP9P4S_lj4OYtLnhyphenhyphen62sE-3ZR1AXtfqh0XIxAg2bJqT0A2Ml_LI9-duR-U3PHaxGFDoeWz6kBCcqEcVpyL6CRR5-qYlJawNiwk989FhCWKNxAxyDvJxcdPmUquA5QG6dTxzlS7AU2faWl7dIKQ4qJw8bCF6n9ENVAMlK6xxXeW4/w640-h388/StuH%2042%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G with concrete armour<br />right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlS4TbmAvRDWKlpcdQ99FeaaOZVLiQZhhW_gpcCxKnlC7arPFtYPme5cFEJHVbVHoX0JndM-d21o8hKfGbm-4LkgKQxHOB7lvO27K2HDWsZUSKfZHQEcYPP4D3ouKVgqG26-Fe9MRWMXLFxuTDForMCLLFzRlD7MaN1beiT04MuyCZEYYkhsZkeV3eEsn/s1280/StuH%2042%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitlS4TbmAvRDWKlpcdQ99FeaaOZVLiQZhhW_gpcCxKnlC7arPFtYPme5cFEJHVbVHoX0JndM-d21o8hKfGbm-4LkgKQxHOB7lvO27K2HDWsZUSKfZHQEcYPP4D3ouKVgqG26-Fe9MRWMXLFxuTDForMCLLFzRlD7MaN1beiT04MuyCZEYYkhsZkeV3eEsn/w640-h418/StuH%2042%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G with concrete armour<br />rear right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HSiBygQP8H54_8AfLzZ8aWIMFv8noFTQM7Iokpvx1zOCWH9fBkSL3viktjqm5MZfgtLxlN9-JGD3sZCkyySNBWm4DRjo2TmS61CPXFS20QRSpgFcUe3j_k2bji6uUtXyIIq3ZUxKkUqd5GZBAIfSsADS9NlUq3ehbXoq5pLeOJ4q0i89abwog_nZlTUr/s1280/StuH%2042%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HSiBygQP8H54_8AfLzZ8aWIMFv8noFTQM7Iokpvx1zOCWH9fBkSL3viktjqm5MZfgtLxlN9-JGD3sZCkyySNBWm4DRjo2TmS61CPXFS20QRSpgFcUe3j_k2bji6uUtXyIIq3ZUxKkUqd5GZBAIfSsADS9NlUq3ehbXoq5pLeOJ4q0i89abwog_nZlTUr/w640-h434/StuH%2042%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf.G and StuH 42, side by side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRL5Mv4I_3edmH5OReL8Uxq-5M9YQt2IRR3ISLFftwP_NPtW9-VqywLn0IdAG5zgxQXtY2FfZhlhvYdl6MsBbsdFdiK6AYaZD1ZB_7Ebut8AJj0R5qhDFDuvIXUti1Gd_ioQFDH4fXgZCkfruWvSwm6zRlrYGIfuu-chykGOdt7Ldj4ZFpZjj7h3TGdH9/s1280/StuH%2042%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRL5Mv4I_3edmH5OReL8Uxq-5M9YQt2IRR3ISLFftwP_NPtW9-VqywLn0IdAG5zgxQXtY2FfZhlhvYdl6MsBbsdFdiK6AYaZD1ZB_7Ebut8AJj0R5qhDFDuvIXUti1Gd_ioQFDH4fXgZCkfruWvSwm6zRlrYGIfuu-chykGOdt7Ldj4ZFpZjj7h3TGdH9/w640-h454/StuH%2042%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to choose which wooden logs to use...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> But first, let's apply the decals: two or three thin layers of glossy acrylic varnish applied with an airbrush, in the places of the decals to avoid silvering. After the varnish is dry, we apply the markings...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLurLn8zF6xecpcD1DghHqi4fUJk2DeD3DMMmquYNqvxKHxMW1bAyrI6VyWzHEv8n0AxyhDj7aitM3XNo8PyjuK6YU2raqfGZOee3z43G_e_uRxx8qOVQLzi1byQELjQAv_6oLeCog4nDn2Y_BsRUJjB7bLtLu94WQa-1zpIW5yTTRP242JP-hxVKdX61G/s1280/StuH%2042%20059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLurLn8zF6xecpcD1DghHqi4fUJk2DeD3DMMmquYNqvxKHxMW1bAyrI6VyWzHEv8n0AxyhDj7aitM3XNo8PyjuK6YU2raqfGZOee3z43G_e_uRxx8qOVQLzi1byQELjQAv_6oLeCog4nDn2Y_BsRUJjB7bLtLu94WQa-1zpIW5yTTRP242JP-hxVKdX61G/w640-h328/StuH%2042%20059.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markings in the StuH 42<br /><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-Brigade_185" target="_blank">Sturmgeschütz- Abteilung 185</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjD2UNmq0FNFSkFQSbQkn_bYPB-wLzYNcH7XxbA1sHGgXEhGXUFuk5d24sGcwJMeU9JrW1o7UfvlDuoz5HaGIoISkbjht-o2679SWKt6Cj_H7Daj-3GXgqxvFbSx3fnSPQjzpvXxXlAgDB3-RSMmV9f9FDjQardaTzRPqA6AeRvrV88T5wLi8R382i92n/s1280/StuH%2042%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjD2UNmq0FNFSkFQSbQkn_bYPB-wLzYNcH7XxbA1sHGgXEhGXUFuk5d24sGcwJMeU9JrW1o7UfvlDuoz5HaGIoISkbjht-o2679SWKt6Cj_H7Daj-3GXgqxvFbSx3fnSPQjzpvXxXlAgDB3-RSMmV9f9FDjQardaTzRPqA6AeRvrV88T5wLi8R382i92n/w640-h410/StuH%2042%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markings in the StuH 42<br /><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-Brigade_185" target="_blank">Sturmgeschütz- Abteilung 185</a></i><br />rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xu8ZGR8ZqHiH75fZoSxLMLxTGZKPB2e7BMRf05LFEvImXTmkz4Z1ILP7r7GDs3BTeB29PdQUg01YOu4BR3LgiOVvCEvlrAANFbijeENV9hCFVPAF2Nrwpw4V6Cy-q78An4s2nDAl6I1NiREWs9UNjESo5IOdLN9IsRvm-Nu22CKq8KCbZSf2ADMPt17w/s1280/StuH%2042%20060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xu8ZGR8ZqHiH75fZoSxLMLxTGZKPB2e7BMRf05LFEvImXTmkz4Z1ILP7r7GDs3BTeB29PdQUg01YOu4BR3LgiOVvCEvlrAANFbijeENV9hCFVPAF2Nrwpw4V6Cy-q78An4s2nDAl6I1NiREWs9UNjESo5IOdLN9IsRvm-Nu22CKq8KCbZSf2ADMPt17w/w640-h364/StuH%2042%20060.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and in the <i>schürzens</i>, too...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVu0o2AkWJQ_1cE5_WRJ8nsFJlez1wUbnfswI-JWZz1Nq8YoybM2QRHqn_ZELBg-PnrngY4tCXF7OekRXSpaeu-KuZrQhEg5IgXILnWsk3ZMTDazoLsQdt5Dzc5O-3Tq3cCy5VbcNQLAQ_4QLNDqoL6J7eqFUyC_MoFdatUo_QdHqFRaa0qQ5qqhUDrHk/s1280/StuH%2042%20061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVu0o2AkWJQ_1cE5_WRJ8nsFJlez1wUbnfswI-JWZz1Nq8YoybM2QRHqn_ZELBg-PnrngY4tCXF7OekRXSpaeu-KuZrQhEg5IgXILnWsk3ZMTDazoLsQdt5Dzc5O-3Tq3cCy5VbcNQLAQ_4QLNDqoL6J7eqFUyC_MoFdatUo_QdHqFRaa0qQ5qqhUDrHk/w640-h344/StuH%2042%20061.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>schürzens</i> are just attached, for viewing...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSplTsmr8x6Sg5UdsHN1PW6wAHox5vNHJCqYYrUm2GtxZxYDqHKWVectpfifAyYo2wMh8mQIy0LewoDGh25gRtu76mjrt6_oxkTXagx1lL-9ZeLh0I3HkaWLlItSIIEpR5bm_hGcDVbFkCHQF_NhS_K4Xe3CYSzINRCTu1X-94rWFnSESujE1APEdVBo4/s1280/StuH%2042%20062.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSplTsmr8x6Sg5UdsHN1PW6wAHox5vNHJCqYYrUm2GtxZxYDqHKWVectpfifAyYo2wMh8mQIy0LewoDGh25gRtu76mjrt6_oxkTXagx1lL-9ZeLh0I3HkaWLlItSIIEpR5bm_hGcDVbFkCHQF_NhS_K4Xe3CYSzINRCTu1X-94rWFnSESujE1APEdVBo4/w640-h346/StuH%2042%20062.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>schürzens</i> are just attached, for viewing...<br />right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpAJsZoAlU40hdiJ_N1JwKvJ_ecuwpoEQRs2qzDGHQgFmY-LtxduVN-vXDw5yO45ubzLvOB8vFJJhrHnlI8BaxWUTFdwsqmLiruohd5Soq6ykjf2HrSM5XuztPTEw6hKIABddFmrQC6DzTuHy94PaAdZxFd1QgQfvC_2alDEB7Gh4z9Pbu6sdarjhKNjs/s1280/StuH%2042%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpAJsZoAlU40hdiJ_N1JwKvJ_ecuwpoEQRs2qzDGHQgFmY-LtxduVN-vXDw5yO45ubzLvOB8vFJJhrHnlI8BaxWUTFdwsqmLiruohd5Soq6ykjf2HrSM5XuztPTEw6hKIABddFmrQC6DzTuHy94PaAdZxFd1QgQfvC_2alDEB7Gh4z9Pbu6sdarjhKNjs/w640-h334/StuH%2042%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ERIKA, the reworked StuG III Ausf. G<br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-Brigade_232" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 232</a><i> ("Samland")</i><br />front left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR3p3Pr9EAWiyocAwHKZIB2Ue6CpUgVgDANFMmyYnNWGaiULlftzXt-JYJ8Fst8-5yRadRKM3vpqQWkfdSshkpLuygyIhgJOK0e61cswh5W2v0N_XjHktzgzI-73uSPUb8XZRJcUWGd6d4fQ-5auv3tTdqaayXKP7h2pwEB_Jkd6tALqhECKXYoBAafAZ/s1280/StuH%2042%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR3p3Pr9EAWiyocAwHKZIB2Ue6CpUgVgDANFMmyYnNWGaiULlftzXt-JYJ8Fst8-5yRadRKM3vpqQWkfdSshkpLuygyIhgJOK0e61cswh5W2v0N_XjHktzgzI-73uSPUb8XZRJcUWGd6d4fQ-5auv3tTdqaayXKP7h2pwEB_Jkd6tALqhECKXYoBAafAZ/w640-h378/StuH%2042%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ERIKA, the reworked StuG III Ausf. G<br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz-Brigade_232" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Sturmgeschütz-Brigade 232</a><i> ("Samland")</i><br />rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcvHc16OyP79dJWPevc23KG01fcFV1hxNcazKntW9r2su7A_X6OO1O95ngO3RxDnLQ5cWVNP1xLSKsgrDR7S6Re2srNUyynU2MgFD0LFcw7wgXBieDXjouz2o6YLdBsnZkhpQ5HWAEJwqbjBHvRXU-mZ1yLudcQq3BHevm4GQIgaigisW_jEMul0nGimj/s1280/StuH%2042%20076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcvHc16OyP79dJWPevc23KG01fcFV1hxNcazKntW9r2su7A_X6OO1O95ngO3RxDnLQ5cWVNP1xLSKsgrDR7S6Re2srNUyynU2MgFD0LFcw7wgXBieDXjouz2o6YLdBsnZkhpQ5HWAEJwqbjBHvRXU-mZ1yLudcQq3BHevm4GQIgaigisW_jEMul0nGimj/w640-h376/StuH%2042%20076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the logs together with superglue...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IzUu2QnpwiJFWkCH80X6N56qJ7byUx8A2YhC7xN66cBdYDSg6Ch9b0bPAGPslEzA7vlhkHdFPRqNwXqpJE5ZZDHlEdMhG3DKd8NnDU7z_f85jd0EJrmvaQLATsbUOc-P2vix7vDKhNxnkkMYNToYkaMae-b5hIkfqhTL6IrbtGJANYAsZOg5KuAAqPFz/s1280/StuH%2042%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IzUu2QnpwiJFWkCH80X6N56qJ7byUx8A2YhC7xN66cBdYDSg6Ch9b0bPAGPslEzA7vlhkHdFPRqNwXqpJE5ZZDHlEdMhG3DKd8NnDU7z_f85jd0EJrmvaQLATsbUOc-P2vix7vDKhNxnkkMYNToYkaMae-b5hIkfqhTL6IrbtGJANYAsZOg5KuAAqPFz/w640-h360/StuH%2042%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden logs in the left superstructure<br />dry-run</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8PmeQHWgk7hoJ1yuBWlxfrVHgaLWs8DzEV6OxG0Hm0S5MjHtHupc02XRqCuE9qgQ7wK5owOlPnugTooF_3TA66E0odLq6Mw1kQ9yw82bLMYMaLCgoBUI51QthZxXkCY7OjUrar7sXKs0WzbMPtt4wWXVxJxqpya0KK0BWpr-AKl24YUsyqCyLkOMbA2A/s1280/StuH%2042%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8PmeQHWgk7hoJ1yuBWlxfrVHgaLWs8DzEV6OxG0Hm0S5MjHtHupc02XRqCuE9qgQ7wK5owOlPnugTooF_3TA66E0odLq6Mw1kQ9yw82bLMYMaLCgoBUI51QthZxXkCY7OjUrar7sXKs0WzbMPtt4wWXVxJxqpya0KK0BWpr-AKl24YUsyqCyLkOMbA2A/w640-h334/StuH%2042%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden logs in the right superstructure<br />dry-run</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Tying the wooden logs: 100% polyamide thread to reproduce ropes with fine copper wire braided and painted in black to reproduce steel cables. Our <i>Kommandant</i> doesn't want these logs to fall around...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROJngP5PFgg6ob-xi225J2egNfbSCZabzLQ-R8pqSGj4EV6W0ySeY-1vDmTTr7otP8LWfHE9SHeVlVACGkcj3YROA5Irv-zMqd07DKimylafle_cx2z159x7fjvOOeTW1WoDWRjGHBbgk8dnYFACK1qlRDn_YCu5FIN1JMSZDXQHaIkPO10qw3YsSLQxl/s1280/StuH%2042%20079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROJngP5PFgg6ob-xi225J2egNfbSCZabzLQ-R8pqSGj4EV6W0ySeY-1vDmTTr7otP8LWfHE9SHeVlVACGkcj3YROA5Irv-zMqd07DKimylafle_cx2z159x7fjvOOeTW1WoDWRjGHBbgk8dnYFACK1qlRDn_YCu5FIN1JMSZDXQHaIkPO10qw3YsSLQxl/w640-h430/StuH%2042%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the steel cables in black, with<br />ropes on top, tying everything together...<br />Notice the logs underwent paint touch-ups to cover the peeling...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthplAuMVlzdF6sjOEkMq3iCsqhSKduqDsS1aT1GmKedW1Z_k13ax0H0x_WhFzV8E-py7coWSjFeulr6NfuypQPBj9Y9VC7zYqUpWBGNY4LY_GemmvG0D0vF85P61Z6YmKPyBKYGk8HBl-xoTaSJlSDmY9FpW1AtiSbJTpVF_ZI138874VUNjeiDyU0rIZ/s1280/StuH%2042%20080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgthplAuMVlzdF6sjOEkMq3iCsqhSKduqDsS1aT1GmKedW1Z_k13ax0H0x_WhFzV8E-py7coWSjFeulr6NfuypQPBj9Y9VC7zYqUpWBGNY4LY_GemmvG0D0vF85P61Z6YmKPyBKYGk8HBl-xoTaSJlSDmY9FpW1AtiSbJTpVF_ZI138874VUNjeiDyU0rIZ/w640-h424/StuH%2042%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I glued the bundles of logs to each side of the tank, using gelatinous superglue... <br />Before, of course, I scraped off the paint for better adhesion...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnii2vE-xBlpjQSzRG9QhWOlBOyLvEPimjLCg70Z69W3S1SKuaFtcvonh8K1riTZfnxGk_S57h3rz7gbwwp54wN-HgS1YumBYnMZewqc_p2gV8p91R8LjhkFEjGTfkAOGh_D6m-a5rkiUTX4CFa35huh67_UQMfCnbWJAODX9T6GBqQZqZYrHHVfEZnd6/s1280/StuH%2042%20081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnii2vE-xBlpjQSzRG9QhWOlBOyLvEPimjLCg70Z69W3S1SKuaFtcvonh8K1riTZfnxGk_S57h3rz7gbwwp54wN-HgS1YumBYnMZewqc_p2gV8p91R8LjhkFEjGTfkAOGh_D6m-a5rkiUTX4CFa35huh67_UQMfCnbWJAODX9T6GBqQZqZYrHHVfEZnd6/w640-h386/StuH%2042%20081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since the gelatinous superglue takes a little longer to dry,<br />I'll keep everything in place with rubber bands...<br />Notice the spare wheels in the rack´s rear...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzgsKnMHER0GTOPO7DLICw8BklTCGmmB1CDTK74ld6Q8oZYvFQw3XYxhwP7D55AeG-uxecdGckoECd-NHxh_Ylkitmp_wX64w_rBIEmx6_YNVEUHINNpJKTCmEPw04ogaS-6TF3TJC6hn0YP2gjzNZpafOajOkOb5obc5DAptokl2j01YKHQsQhDyZ4Qy/s1280/StuH%2042%20082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzgsKnMHER0GTOPO7DLICw8BklTCGmmB1CDTK74ld6Q8oZYvFQw3XYxhwP7D55AeG-uxecdGckoECd-NHxh_Ylkitmp_wX64w_rBIEmx6_YNVEUHINNpJKTCmEPw04ogaS-6TF3TJC6hn0YP2gjzNZpafOajOkOb5obc5DAptokl2j01YKHQsQhDyZ4Qy/w640-h370/StuH%2042%20082.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drying the log glue - left view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And since we're talking about increasing vehicle protection, let's see what the StuH <i style="text-align: justify;">Kommandant</i> is doing in this regard, while the logs dry in the StuG III...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCbMKqs_-qbvOpi3wSq7pOCVYjiZCSRpF657pp8LQseIqkl-6ZCpsoVUJBg2uPg0vDW8zOmeNz4MRAScox08ViGh1JPLbB0c20wlwbmcXyTJOY5tJFbCvVvBDbw5nOqxCMKXmD1nV7qfL1tf156MW7T_1txvY0Xncw39y3g4JNHVmxfHNTZk5NAR-ErYo/s1280/StuH%2042%20083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCbMKqs_-qbvOpi3wSq7pOCVYjiZCSRpF657pp8LQseIqkl-6ZCpsoVUJBg2uPg0vDW8zOmeNz4MRAScox08ViGh1JPLbB0c20wlwbmcXyTJOY5tJFbCvVvBDbw5nOqxCMKXmD1nV7qfL1tf156MW7T_1txvY0Xncw39y3g4JNHVmxfHNTZk5NAR-ErYo/w640-h378/StuH%2042%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extra Panzer III track links applied to the StuG III's frontal arches...<br />They may not be as effective, but they boost the crew's morale!!!<br />Notice the periscope in position, in the roof of the superestructure...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Uyzz4r9EaSY3R5YqP4LRY61llOyoHiFlYFHDHZn6KPaz0S7eS1Y3bxvdFxTlV52FIN1lr2f_uqkPmYfw9UcdwcYBKk_ouKEsNthywKILqRwdLxFBp1YgVqWAaQ5clxGoQLFLM958QinUU8rvRCXThlAg_y3HxNYAyy_IkZ5X2oHSZtnqF1Cl4F4BfNgM/s1280/StuH%2042%20084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Uyzz4r9EaSY3R5YqP4LRY61llOyoHiFlYFHDHZn6KPaz0S7eS1Y3bxvdFxTlV52FIN1lr2f_uqkPmYfw9UcdwcYBKk_ouKEsNthywKILqRwdLxFBp1YgVqWAaQ5clxGoQLFLM958QinUU8rvRCXThlAg_y3HxNYAyy_IkZ5X2oHSZtnqF1Cl4F4BfNgM/w640-h354/StuH%2042%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to protection tracks, tools and more details.<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1QdNmXDkmA-RE_aINnjf-pY7diTE33AiuhchGAy7Jg09rqSSlGbuc6l0d_z8jJsj-RdPcmNP62m0DUlm0bxlMpjAbPsz4IdjgT_Wnz-vgLm3W_vLP10C9P_tkwBSeDvwmNRo71got2zY7qYAT8DEFKoVFQ5vwKi_7vj8e56rD-GwJfAl7pQ_PbQt7oH4/s1280/StuH%2042%20085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1QdNmXDkmA-RE_aINnjf-pY7diTE33AiuhchGAy7Jg09rqSSlGbuc6l0d_z8jJsj-RdPcmNP62m0DUlm0bxlMpjAbPsz4IdjgT_Wnz-vgLm3W_vLP10C9P_tkwBSeDvwmNRo71got2zY7qYAT8DEFKoVFQ5vwKi_7vj8e56rD-GwJfAl7pQ_PbQt7oH4/w640-h374/StuH%2042%20085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the gelatinous superglue dries, we upgrade<br />our old, refurbished StuG with its tools.<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRzKtiFplXejrp9S5tSF-YweXtgZZdIcc3TGSxX7CYM1fx8FPJU5iLt5oQr2Cd1ttLghyphenhypheny2m0t9dtrtfO1rPgmnKnQCBxsAUEmvBR1YhrEDjERuHfO2O-fb5wdO3b9LgXKRkUBIk1ywsviwt45StEoPnh1xINyOEPhKkSwIJCzSPW59qvPqlbvuyD-Y6z/s1280/StuH%2042%20086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRzKtiFplXejrp9S5tSF-YweXtgZZdIcc3TGSxX7CYM1fx8FPJU5iLt5oQr2Cd1ttLghyphenhypheny2m0t9dtrtfO1rPgmnKnQCBxsAUEmvBR1YhrEDjERuHfO2O-fb5wdO3b9LgXKRkUBIk1ywsviwt45StEoPnh1xINyOEPhKkSwIJCzSPW59qvPqlbvuyD-Y6z/w640-h360/StuH%2042%20086.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view.<br />I love taking those old kits that no one cares about and turning<br />them into girls that really stand out on the catwalk!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And continuing with this <i>Ping-Pong </i>construction, let's go back to the StuH 42, where they put some "stuff" in the rear deck area. The crews of these assault cars loved to use this area to transport all sorts of things... Here's a hodgepodge of details being tested in place:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIR9D-cxMLvBEVHnJj9k_ke5wUPHrK7PQUEp4qUiBArWS-kEqCInT_eeac9tq1djfQn-EfrDyjN31cewT4hfvRXQ8GS1pliJ0WgCCs2MntofeAvK6K5FFqYeYeAP9P7w5PDpb_NQqzxbtjVIpFsP6NHWw68RGqYnyKtyio6LhmYQzXbq6cqKhaNh-M7bbH/s1280/StuH%2042%20087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIR9D-cxMLvBEVHnJj9k_ke5wUPHrK7PQUEp4qUiBArWS-kEqCInT_eeac9tq1djfQn-EfrDyjN31cewT4hfvRXQ8GS1pliJ0WgCCs2MntofeAvK6K5FFqYeYeAP9P7w5PDpb_NQqzxbtjVIpFsP6NHWw68RGqYnyKtyio6LhmYQzXbq6cqKhaNh-M7bbH/w640-h348/StuH%2042%20087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 200 liter drum from AFV Club (Kursk is far away...), <br />wooden crates from <a href="https://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear</a> (thanks, Steve)<br /> and old canvas rolls from Italeri...<br />Notice the spare wheel, in the rack sides...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6QJgdfLMIEA5v9gQoQZCzv7RlY5318nGrP_fQi65xum7tYtWyXmovQbQ6VRizef2LBTw89gMVVd6eNVy4JUa4n1OdyAyuiE_Ycf6NxL7p26xdiAZF9ae2usKsaHNUwEngI9m7F8hKafBvSvRmua9nT6Ex34t9KKu25CkImka7Uq8R-G4Dq2mR0fXnvjX/s1280/StuH%2042%20088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6QJgdfLMIEA5v9gQoQZCzv7RlY5318nGrP_fQi65xum7tYtWyXmovQbQ6VRizef2LBTw89gMVVd6eNVy4JUa4n1OdyAyuiE_Ycf6NxL7p26xdiAZF9ae2usKsaHNUwEngI9m7F8hKafBvSvRmua9nT6Ex34t9KKu25CkImka7Uq8R-G4Dq2mR0fXnvjX/w640-h426/StuH%2042%20088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girl is getting badass!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichAnCJEwiMOtgLDdhAB4ylg_9FeZqe3rtwUTxtnVoOB1i7jWYxERyGOOAP46rs12bUlD4BdjnziKbdX4UH81HylguuOyWAVksLii9ufEDE2S-5BWSusaNVMteMJDzWW58XapjhKAWXe2jpQ_-j26PsTM44dGCUtYlTDs9H2cVDUjEdhWDiM70PlUx0YZp/s1280/StuH%2042%20089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichAnCJEwiMOtgLDdhAB4ylg_9FeZqe3rtwUTxtnVoOB1i7jWYxERyGOOAP46rs12bUlD4BdjnziKbdX4UH81HylguuOyWAVksLii9ufEDE2S-5BWSusaNVMteMJDzWW58XapjhKAWXe2jpQ_-j26PsTM44dGCUtYlTDs9H2cVDUjEdhWDiM70PlUx0YZp/w640-h450/StuH%2042%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes... all the stuff was coherent and inherently stable, back there...<br />Now, let's separate everything and paint things separately...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjApdbSAVX0zvhBbfVd66ia1bgGLks3GyHeYyKp8QHvHsz1Xjlj4NJkb4nvqTM79ugfO2lQmB0-Hv_09w81ZRlpMMEQoVobe7Uw8VZnICrV8wqe7ViIheS9bOxeQDy6wltEC75M1bqSeuNjZ2fzkqHZkAksN1PTcu6kKCdaW3WLApD8BAeOtdG6ucV3Caw/s1280/StuH%2042%20090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjApdbSAVX0zvhBbfVd66ia1bgGLks3GyHeYyKp8QHvHsz1Xjlj4NJkb4nvqTM79ugfO2lQmB0-Hv_09w81ZRlpMMEQoVobe7Uw8VZnICrV8wqe7ViIheS9bOxeQDy6wltEC75M1bqSeuNjZ2fzkqHZkAksN1PTcu6kKCdaW3WLApD8BAeOtdG6ucV3Caw/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the meantime, let's do the same thing with our StuG III...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeOqbXDVcAmv1gUDensLhZHW8x1N5_T4E8irniEK2nfq3GZU4jz5QIRJJsxlo6uDUjTLxK66uoFxgI_AYbY_YhmOE5g5I-GvCyrziMiTbAApbHQo0a7FS1wromsEGzJEyO48Dfrhilsg11apgGA6FhONgtvZY3qHKnOPq4j1uXVyK4VuMqgjAZUkdqCc2/s1280/StuH%2042%20091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeOqbXDVcAmv1gUDensLhZHW8x1N5_T4E8irniEK2nfq3GZU4jz5QIRJJsxlo6uDUjTLxK66uoFxgI_AYbY_YhmOE5g5I-GvCyrziMiTbAApbHQo0a7FS1wromsEGzJEyO48Dfrhilsg11apgGA6FhONgtvZY3qHKnOPq4j1uXVyK4VuMqgjAZUkdqCc2/w640-h438/StuH%2042%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Sturmgeschutz are real cargo trucks!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I separated all these accessory pieces and applied light layers of primer, before starting the individual paintings. While this was drying, I decided to make two canvas panels that would be installed on the sides of the StuGIII for the correct individual identification of the vehicle, as the trunks would be covering the original markings. To make these two canvas panels, I will use the tracing paper technique with PVA glue. So let's look at the photos:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh198VU-ShleoI0V-WiEAeC6McsZcNTsg2y9AhrOJdRIYpKs18qfVE6MYWu_aNY5UdrD2MLf1d5XHzZysSuFl-7KP48kDguydJwK6P71hb-oGkWD7OkCJUavJm-kXXMBqkzpyPCIJxZZhyCKHNI45-yHE_VTKMLnCe9dC5g_6QH0cPqcarRqM99CJFjeArg/s1280/StuH%2042%20092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh198VU-ShleoI0V-WiEAeC6McsZcNTsg2y9AhrOJdRIYpKs18qfVE6MYWu_aNY5UdrD2MLf1d5XHzZysSuFl-7KP48kDguydJwK6P71hb-oGkWD7OkCJUavJm-kXXMBqkzpyPCIJxZZhyCKHNI45-yHE_VTKMLnCe9dC5g_6QH0cPqcarRqM99CJFjeArg/w640-h442/StuH%2042%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Material: pieces of tracing paper cut to the correct size,<br />100% polyamide thread (does not become "hairy"),<br />water and water-soluble PVA glue, as well as soda caps to be used<br />as disposable containers, to receive glue and water.<br />Tweezers, scalpel, scissors and ruler will also be used,<br />as well as a soft brush and a small spatula...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj32EjhRBEr5iWihmaFPmIL3nLzsQc2X6JqoFxHAuryQUOYO-4xH8YnnN6kWKRuz4Pn1j4pL6AyZ1d51XT4n4eCiF6pPcIbKpyPAa8JfORFQ5VJ_NFDupCW5R6Bs9upmzxEJQ4JieWTCCuk3K4NbSkE7kdM0LSUaTZkJ8XFYlWQ76VifyZK0gcdgL_tl7/s1024/StuH%2042%20095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj32EjhRBEr5iWihmaFPmIL3nLzsQc2X6JqoFxHAuryQUOYO-4xH8YnnN6kWKRuz4Pn1j4pL6AyZ1d51XT4n4eCiF6pPcIbKpyPAa8JfORFQ5VJ_NFDupCW5R6Bs9upmzxEJQ4JieWTCCuk3K4NbSkE7kdM0LSUaTZkJ8XFYlWQ76VifyZK0gcdgL_tl7/w640-h452/StuH%2042%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expensive and extremely sophisticated equipment...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BixqXyqWGEUYLQrzo0eJD0tvH9Dpu_lOgwisgoXXK2O8t-mLuV6Kfp4qB01_p2vA4Wbq_xywH6Os-XdaGQOkS0tfttT0GzRnRMWUwIMTvirb9iEo65oj2fmgnsNgEcCjnCPr_dTxOQ0iv8PaHGL6X3ZFvN-ehMH3BvTd2_hrI-sICIDzlFKYF5-RMuxO/s1280/StuH%2042%20093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BixqXyqWGEUYLQrzo0eJD0tvH9Dpu_lOgwisgoXXK2O8t-mLuV6Kfp4qB01_p2vA4Wbq_xywH6Os-XdaGQOkS0tfttT0GzRnRMWUwIMTvirb9iEo65oj2fmgnsNgEcCjnCPr_dTxOQ0iv8PaHGL6X3ZFvN-ehMH3BvTd2_hrI-sICIDzlFKYF5-RMuxO/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First, we folded a small portion on the edges of the "tarps", <br />which would be where the "rope" would be passing, to support the tarp...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnItNHP0mfmT3DTPDVTWvh02MlTKtZg2RmnmoDjvs5_EwwR2Yiy_CoRva-xMmA3ETXcw3UhZjS24GpE_MrCnv3Ibrc8RT5MuTpwG0gKwCubbc_Yh_A3qpmhLYKzC-ed0hxm08B4lzAuCofFiu7Nmymr16JhDC-RDqc0N0AVxiZ-y9f-18nqC4LQHAAccH/s1280/StuH%2042%20094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnItNHP0mfmT3DTPDVTWvh02MlTKtZg2RmnmoDjvs5_EwwR2Yiy_CoRva-xMmA3ETXcw3UhZjS24GpE_MrCnv3Ibrc8RT5MuTpwG0gKwCubbc_Yh_A3qpmhLYKzC-ed0hxm08B4lzAuCofFiu7Nmymr16JhDC-RDqc0N0AVxiZ-y9f-18nqC4LQHAAccH/w640-h306/StuH%2042%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To make this crease better, I placed an acupuncture needle in the fold and,<br />with a spatula, pressed the paper against the needle, forming a<br />channel where the thread will be glued...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjb_5H1hXbGMTKjO7tste5EdDb05uEFuWJcY4nbQ1uxZeXKTGJhhfD9NQayKDWIMGKVtlNxczyrlonB6Q7mQxfMazOKnwQ7YCtqDCKaw7dOtPV8Ry-BPPRMwAlbiompYZzhIXWsICrrXYgQE3uqHInfo0u17lEhpcB1W9-i0gp9YF9uN79Wnmn9oLfx2e4/s1280/StuH%2042%20096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjb_5H1hXbGMTKjO7tste5EdDb05uEFuWJcY4nbQ1uxZeXKTGJhhfD9NQayKDWIMGKVtlNxczyrlonB6Q7mQxfMazOKnwQ7YCtqDCKaw7dOtPV8Ry-BPPRMwAlbiompYZzhIXWsICrrXYgQE3uqHInfo0u17lEhpcB1W9-i0gp9YF9uN79Wnmn9oLfx2e4/w640-h340/StuH%2042%20096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the threads and edges of the canvas with pure glue, without being diluted...<br />Don't forget to keep the brush in a glass of water to prevent the hairs from sticking together...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVygYqp0cOVsS2cROzQpMyUY-2AUdXosLZRiuISehu9SzetIjclRsZhg6HtFZBkdRSVsh2Hai5cTkMZ7rjSI-Y8hP6KiCwZJ4lxH8i1J5k5Zyxx7rUqOfSVEcoyvmLBLXABU5ACszR5_hR8MTlknmJxrm5BuNPY5yvEqaOLxJ4v5XOyDdDrGqMYkDlxng/s1280/StuH%2042%20097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCVygYqp0cOVsS2cROzQpMyUY-2AUdXosLZRiuISehu9SzetIjclRsZhg6HtFZBkdRSVsh2Hai5cTkMZ7rjSI-Y8hP6KiCwZJ4lxH8i1J5k5Zyxx7rUqOfSVEcoyvmLBLXABU5ACszR5_hR8MTlknmJxrm5BuNPY5yvEqaOLxJ4v5XOyDdDrGqMYkDlxng/w640-h358/StuH%2042%20097.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The process was repeated, forming two canvas panels<br />with mooring cables at the ends...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After a few minutes for the "ropes" to dry, paint the canvas panel with Khaki acrylic. Note that when you start painting, the tracing paper wrinkles and curls, due to the moisture in the paint. Be quick and start painting on the other side, to prevent it from completely "curling up"... Things get a little messy at first, but then things go back to normal...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKPyxRHfJY_2pu4tN-rQlk48EfqlGAEHspUJeNVK8oX7iBtwqEt8RckT71s0y9P8JPtysXisCChqXEI6KKjhidQ93_ng_iZc1s9WO9HG3IrWYL5__8sxwl6dw8u6YLnFPWz5Gsx-OxjqT9CzI2f3dkA4i3aXAfUuACIeL0liWJS4Sjn8T69CZg6nOkQRE/s1280/StuH%2042%20098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKPyxRHfJY_2pu4tN-rQlk48EfqlGAEHspUJeNVK8oX7iBtwqEt8RckT71s0y9P8JPtysXisCChqXEI6KKjhidQ93_ng_iZc1s9WO9HG3IrWYL5__8sxwl6dw8u6YLnFPWz5Gsx-OxjqT9CzI2f3dkA4i3aXAfUuACIeL0liWJS4Sjn8T69CZg6nOkQRE/w640-h436/StuH%2042%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top canvas has both sides painted... the bottom one has<br />only one side painted (and damp...)... It curls up very quickly. <br />To counteract this, paint (or wet) the other side...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYMdv_HsM1sYD2F61YaOdDxE0uA3SWQq2TN6EcqF4wFmMDdeGXfsRQwXXz4uOXp40UDirjx40fKGVLhLDNez_eRcgoTECLbv4jRLoECC0gLpKKd08OwDMudLhCCdXT5eLcISSG7mWKS_wwefqbUbID5tQNhEtaqyySgttsBhJKUnEJa9S9RBSQ90Ry1ZT/s1280/StuH%2042%20099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYMdv_HsM1sYD2F61YaOdDxE0uA3SWQq2TN6EcqF4wFmMDdeGXfsRQwXXz4uOXp40UDirjx40fKGVLhLDNez_eRcgoTECLbv4jRLoECC0gLpKKd08OwDMudLhCCdXT5eLcISSG7mWKS_wwefqbUbID5tQNhEtaqyySgttsBhJKUnEJa9S9RBSQ90Ry1ZT/w640-h410/StuH%2042%20099.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tarpaulins drying, with the "humidity" being neutralized...<br />no more rollers...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, let's "waterproof" the canvas by applying a layer of PVA glue diluted in the same amount of water (50% + 50%). In the case of the photo, I used the "dirty" brush with Khaki, which pigments the diluted glue... No problem!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMyKkxGUleIU78x-Fl7dzs-9YowLl24pSpBEe-DyzLI5cq7nsYEy8YQWzO4e7FuwbdMo9Qe8CboyJi2044JzF_Rbw2oEqCnRd5GKmc-Xh_J6dXA7AinVDVQhxiqdZtoVQGOqTOcy4Vfq_xQekICq13Qn3UgWyl531YFOqnkOG4E-lBOtoeoy9xuqNSlhu/s1024/StuH%2042%20100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMyKkxGUleIU78x-Fl7dzs-9YowLl24pSpBEe-DyzLI5cq7nsYEy8YQWzO4e7FuwbdMo9Qe8CboyJi2044JzF_Rbw2oEqCnRd5GKmc-Xh_J6dXA7AinVDVQhxiqdZtoVQGOqTOcy4Vfq_xQekICq13Qn3UgWyl531YFOqnkOG4E-lBOtoeoy9xuqNSlhu/w640-h386/StuH%2042%20100.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glue+water solution, smeared with Khaki</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After painting both sides of the canvas, using good and infallible gravity to help us: threads tied with claws, supported on the bench and suspended with the weight of the claws, to avoid excess wrinkling...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFEJvR6nEqilOf8722SrdLiqIJ-qwOQQ3Azg8O-fZoOjceETe1L1OUN12OWDU_ReVFWC_BYaEAJQEwDDYhWh3EZQ68egiPiXzuRd9vDbqt-uDILXWbbXitdEbcb0etitxBe8uNcGxom-s0kuiL8ewADQCUqLRRWd8LZn7YjB7sQu-nr0LV41vjBfTF2Sd/s1280/StuH%2042%20101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFEJvR6nEqilOf8722SrdLiqIJ-qwOQQ3Azg8O-fZoOjceETe1L1OUN12OWDU_ReVFWC_BYaEAJQEwDDYhWh3EZQ68egiPiXzuRd9vDbqt-uDILXWbbXitdEbcb0etitxBe8uNcGxom-s0kuiL8ewADQCUqLRRWd8LZn7YjB7sQu-nr0LV41vjBfTF2Sd/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20101.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gravity and evaporation: building kit models is also studying physics!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> While the tarps were drying, I bent thin copper wires and, after perforating the hull in the appropriate areas, I glued these lashing eyes to stretch the canvas panel. In the upper portion, I made a hanger in the front portion. on the rear one, I will use the kit's own handle (red arrows). In the lower portion, two lashing eyes between the logs and the fenders, almost invisible (yellow arrows). These handles were painted in the respective colors... Look at the photos, below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQFE_dbgmdx3Aoa7f73Cn1rfb6XRBrIkLvc26cHeuVVyLEMF7ZXDjNEVZWMePX2O9ynSRIP8fxAfTRPwPLzFvTVGF5EchXRr_sNevsnPgguncLXI-l-4CiacclhwVaWItNBcGU0MBUhfFcAtgB6EDhP4LAnApPTR5KZObuxUxK7hU6O1466MuzYg6pfhg/s1280/StuH%2042%20102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQFE_dbgmdx3Aoa7f73Cn1rfb6XRBrIkLvc26cHeuVVyLEMF7ZXDjNEVZWMePX2O9ynSRIP8fxAfTRPwPLzFvTVGF5EchXRr_sNevsnPgguncLXI-l-4CiacclhwVaWItNBcGU0MBUhfFcAtgB6EDhP4LAnApPTR5KZObuxUxK7hU6O1466MuzYg6pfhg/w640-h438/StuH%2042%20102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canvas already tied to the lower straps (yellow). <br />Notice that there is not much tension...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJQXFgRe0lKV5si5WcB0TIG3iQPp5qE_pnZ06tfAAxibZlc30WksXUkyDt-u2tSsTdgp-H77wL1JScurzCXjAWY1ufRx8hv7502a-ZpLI1Qxn1QsJ990Ik6MJ501yT1ghp9QaVuOmvbwOc5DEKZ8ud35Y6iOHDX26aEBRX0VhScMM_d9GUKERHTJSr4ey/s1280/StuH%2042%20103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJQXFgRe0lKV5si5WcB0TIG3iQPp5qE_pnZ06tfAAxibZlc30WksXUkyDt-u2tSsTdgp-H77wL1JScurzCXjAWY1ufRx8hv7502a-ZpLI1Qxn1QsJ990Ik6MJ501yT1ghp9QaVuOmvbwOc5DEKZ8ud35Y6iOHDX26aEBRX0VhScMM_d9GUKERHTJSr4ey/w640-h362/StuH%2042%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now tying the tarp to the top straps. <br />Notice that the canvas has a beautiful drape...<br />A micro-drop of superglue on each knot finishes everything off perfectly...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyjD1f_gc-gIayKp03uU4DNmSxYTrx9Z6jGDc8HpQtQxsMLlmWegVgf_TlfkSC_eGZqInVni8usoZtARcdhjGSy474Hh3FoHCF4-ogrkmi1Y5heCDWDFeUs2l_Xsqj9gTqNK1rRL2RHL5Q8sf2I9mmTQoljzCC1FxbvNWhuqYnXWeoVFDTLtyPBIT1VNu/s1280/StuH%2042%20104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyjD1f_gc-gIayKp03uU4DNmSxYTrx9Z6jGDc8HpQtQxsMLlmWegVgf_TlfkSC_eGZqInVni8usoZtARcdhjGSy474Hh3FoHCF4-ogrkmi1Y5heCDWDFeUs2l_Xsqj9gTqNK1rRL2RHL5Q8sf2I9mmTQoljzCC1FxbvNWhuqYnXWeoVFDTLtyPBIT1VNu/w640-h350/StuH%2042%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repeating the same method on the right side: <br />yellow strings for yellow handles and red strings for red ones...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Nh3PkuE7Zx-AnAl_tvWtRKGHqduPU0fiPerakRUKohZsgoQVYGTWTT7o8Tr2j4TEHV54bM62JR-prlDETowEhlpZKal-JJj8DDuUwfBe2eGs23Sy6afMd-0Aw29vKjcYw3bl_qO1g0xVb21TG19vWQMhDBbp9DMX62-6N1nI3O410oP2nBXsAcgyrkFX/s1280/StuH%2042%20105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Nh3PkuE7Zx-AnAl_tvWtRKGHqduPU0fiPerakRUKohZsgoQVYGTWTT7o8Tr2j4TEHV54bM62JR-prlDETowEhlpZKal-JJj8DDuUwfBe2eGs23Sy6afMd-0Aw29vKjcYw3bl_qO1g0xVb21TG19vWQMhDBbp9DMX62-6N1nI3O410oP2nBXsAcgyrkFX/w640-h322/StuH%2042%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the "stretched" (but discreetly draped) canvas placed in its place!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLr-8miEsBUavMZwrrGA95XgG6lScuS5LVIgQJSKLdiKJHlkEkJAORdQP7LUTAVa6VpLt6ON538YDgtI-At-qAZTIYg8uFPg5kqJeUDG0vaYR3Pr7YIIvNenjPfktg9ZRkUF4JLzHrnT2kvD_5Cdgnv-jykpgGWe5ONrYifxjXsJxgKilfWjNT5gAC-_k/s1280/StuH%2042%20106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLr-8miEsBUavMZwrrGA95XgG6lScuS5LVIgQJSKLdiKJHlkEkJAORdQP7LUTAVa6VpLt6ON538YDgtI-At-qAZTIYg8uFPg5kqJeUDG0vaYR3Pr7YIIvNenjPfktg9ZRkUF4JLzHrnT2kvD_5Cdgnv-jykpgGWe5ONrYifxjXsJxgKilfWjNT5gAC-_k/w640-h342/StuH%2042%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the canvas is already waterproofed with PVA glue,<br />the decal adheres perfectly. Using Microsol softens the decal, <br />allowing it to conform to the canvas drape. Notice how Microsol<br />wrinkles the decals (red arrows)...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp2VL7RRcbcYn5w5MLsoUzmarQMmW4ah9AqU2y9S9tkXbvNepamWZxEAZTj-YXv2nkMtNgxLuSSc6wZsTan5bazXkDxRvWJK1OjI_yxLfpFQ0hGziRCRVYEMELMTohZIuy8ccnjxuvIaOTURGo3JmX5P3NOnvi72pza9QK3Zl686_BRhj4wJv001IAB_g/s1280/StuH%2042%20107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp2VL7RRcbcYn5w5MLsoUzmarQMmW4ah9AqU2y9S9tkXbvNepamWZxEAZTj-YXv2nkMtNgxLuSSc6wZsTan5bazXkDxRvWJK1OjI_yxLfpFQ0hGziRCRVYEMELMTohZIuy8ccnjxuvIaOTURGo3JmX5P3NOnvi72pza9QK3Zl686_BRhj4wJv001IAB_g/w640-h386/StuH%2042%20107.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canvas with markings. The decal still has the Microsol wrinkle... <br />Within a few minutes, the Microsol evaporates and the decal stretches again...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I was forgetting to show how the "things" looked after they were painted and installed on the girls' back decks. First, let's look at the StuG III stuff, in close-up:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDL888BZWcAPP8ljhiblDTR0reTAWzeqf4HNOmWD1rulBajBF0i-mUphk107xYOFf4-Q7xFVGVTjraTfhxFABlzlX11A_D3ValVtqwJBun-TEljoMC29jZUXXI3L669IOK0VPO1yqy8uPWS9QlFOTxakmtD-H4HXOpH3Bd0Uwcx54NmVLSuiRIyn4QBjib/s1280/StuH%2042%20108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDL888BZWcAPP8ljhiblDTR0reTAWzeqf4HNOmWD1rulBajBF0i-mUphk107xYOFf4-Q7xFVGVTjraTfhxFABlzlX11A_D3ValVtqwJBun-TEljoMC29jZUXXI3L669IOK0VPO1yqy8uPWS9QlFOTxakmtD-H4HXOpH3Bd0Uwcx54NmVLSuiRIyn4QBjib/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crates, rollbags, personal things and oil cans,<br />installed on the rear deck of StuG III</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yG9yhjiHApp9T70HrqBneP2VWsOIbZFE2du4mcpBwo3xwNzmk9-VfIf78PKK3vPvwojzCONFgn1VUVL5Wh9HnUXReFy9jX7fSTZBycRlDNfmvSBEcHxJLEi6LbQB18dk0abKRsnAzju2YhxA4Kz7R4VSBUgkXwGyuLjhAAeEaFh1D9rn8AiW72i_2gQL/s1280/StuH%2042%20109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yG9yhjiHApp9T70HrqBneP2VWsOIbZFE2du4mcpBwo3xwNzmk9-VfIf78PKK3vPvwojzCONFgn1VUVL5Wh9HnUXReFy9jX7fSTZBycRlDNfmvSBEcHxJLEi6LbQB18dk0abKRsnAzju2YhxA4Kz7R4VSBUgkXwGyuLjhAAeEaFh1D9rn8AiW72i_2gQL/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHLrwpEMu6SvxrEFcid9JZFNOPvWGT-MwVukVyRtJwloEyp2TKU8xVfvg9_nfhbz5iQsbLF6Ezcnioc_y7gzFFPwNFMT-G2YzZCCbjeJN_iyYmtHgSEU3iV6RM-Zc7E7WajwvC3-eVrL77b7wu-JXZQn2QlMY6fWXGaAfmbHc_nrelguxBquNhutpgi1r/s1280/StuH%2042%20110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHLrwpEMu6SvxrEFcid9JZFNOPvWGT-MwVukVyRtJwloEyp2TKU8xVfvg9_nfhbz5iQsbLF6Ezcnioc_y7gzFFPwNFMT-G2YzZCCbjeJN_iyYmtHgSEU3iV6RM-Zc7E7WajwvC3-eVrL77b7wu-JXZQn2QlMY6fWXGaAfmbHc_nrelguxBquNhutpgi1r/w640-h442/StuH%2042%20110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail: drum manufactured in 1944, for a girl portrayed in 1945.<br />The Devil lives in the small details...<br />front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcEoJd8xO_2_qvfH6Wu_DbzM-eqWQuU-xYEj2ofkZbH3iILBn9alhFyDQvQmbEm_oouk-Tx_q75RA_V-OgJMXWgwfrU_y2SBcWk1YhW95RrLRiK-8vj1Jobmuy8XQuc7l0pYsoUshNclUUOoc8xyteLTzvEfF6fNXMD3GE22t2gXUbPurxBfMVnGJeGpN/s1280/StuH%2042%20111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcEoJd8xO_2_qvfH6Wu_DbzM-eqWQuU-xYEj2ofkZbH3iILBn9alhFyDQvQmbEm_oouk-Tx_q75RA_V-OgJMXWgwfrU_y2SBcWk1YhW95RrLRiK-8vj1Jobmuy8XQuc7l0pYsoUshNclUUOoc8xyteLTzvEfF6fNXMD3GE22t2gXUbPurxBfMVnGJeGpN/w640-h442/StuH%2042%20111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's incredible how these accessories give this tired kit another life...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE8MpWHpsNz_UYpUcl5cerbqegyZ6GqP5qxJxMjzYsOO5CELoYLeH3Bi7qAs22bzkAZ14U6012tZHuLo98Xdc-USoz33ARuilcsBim6a7NIypbK1c6yxTrYChMEo2mX9X4UX83V8DM9Jq6YOTFJ6FnofEsUHw-YUjldjZIE3YXEIERVLjUQv8RhopgpeB/s1280/StuH%2042%20112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE8MpWHpsNz_UYpUcl5cerbqegyZ6GqP5qxJxMjzYsOO5CELoYLeH3Bi7qAs22bzkAZ14U6012tZHuLo98Xdc-USoz33ARuilcsBim6a7NIypbK1c6yxTrYChMEo2mX9X4UX83V8DM9Jq6YOTFJ6FnofEsUHw-YUjldjZIE3YXEIERVLjUQv8RhopgpeB/w640-h412/StuH%2042%20112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, it's time to girl StuH's show us her rear...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrz5rLpSJzmnlycJTYrVyw0edPrQHoE0Pu1Ut1GCi-z8tiQVq034E1q6KAv838p8RWH26Et9NcLRO-NpiAS-jtlfNmmbntbQ1ASykkHfyd9BMBdbXDyJpu28FcBKKAw7UgT-edb_UKDs1hfM9AB80slbnpVB6MYceYYwLxAHmN2rzIPhmc4auN1K5FLU_/s1280/StuH%2042%20113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrz5rLpSJzmnlycJTYrVyw0edPrQHoE0Pu1Ut1GCi-z8tiQVq034E1q6KAv838p8RWH26Et9NcLRO-NpiAS-jtlfNmmbntbQ1ASykkHfyd9BMBdbXDyJpu28FcBKKAw7UgT-edb_UKDs1hfM9AB80slbnpVB6MYceYYwLxAHmN2rzIPhmc4auN1K5FLU_/w640-h418/StuH%2042%20113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything is very well organized and fitted together...<br />Nothing will fall out when moving...<br />Ropes are for sissies...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hS70nrXzDk-Tda_xf8nQ2i6_ri1MzsqCe3LpCQdpPe2USZxDUfBY5DFk2gPgnbB4YURiXEPnulZ1w-cJhJU96cCxvIwVThTF_lRTQZNYTjIZESs_SfOj9IVHuvoNcYa6SkQwK1_MZwfYceEkCVKCxtwwdjrjPiZqU42fPSegq1BGWUDveFNzbizT2JBY/s1280/StuH%2042%20114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hS70nrXzDk-Tda_xf8nQ2i6_ri1MzsqCe3LpCQdpPe2USZxDUfBY5DFk2gPgnbB4YURiXEPnulZ1w-cJhJU96cCxvIwVThTF_lRTQZNYTjIZESs_SfOj9IVHuvoNcYa6SkQwK1_MZwfYceEkCVKCxtwwdjrjPiZqU42fPSegq1BGWUDveFNzbizT2JBY/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20114.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really liked these details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDUOuKpI3ZAwGsGfJNpPHRDeOonuieViMyDoPZWG-qKF_k2AKuk1gwfvQo2gFOQNB0EZyDtDPF9yVCeUhJr5QRIQxIM4qRBtYgNjrMLwyoYXe6d0xwyFTyxmMnvQ-Z-l2q-FbcKK-IECBfdVOB7sMH07LZufQdVuhWNVyTtzl-nEq6AW4R73mROKPVhBE/s1280/StuH%2042%20115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDUOuKpI3ZAwGsGfJNpPHRDeOonuieViMyDoPZWG-qKF_k2AKuk1gwfvQo2gFOQNB0EZyDtDPF9yVCeUhJr5QRIQxIM4qRBtYgNjrMLwyoYXe6d0xwyFTyxmMnvQ-Z-l2q-FbcKK-IECBfdVOB7sMH07LZufQdVuhWNVyTtzl-nEq6AW4R73mROKPVhBE/w640-h410/StuH%2042%20115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final detail: a drum from 1943 for our fighter from Kursk!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And after some more painting and weathering details, I finished both girls. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> First, ERIKA, a <i>Sturmgeschütz</i> III Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz 142/1, representing the desperate days of 1945. A vehicle that has been repowered, repaired, adapted and reinforced to continue fighting. And to represent this destroyer vehicle, a scrap kit, which went through the same process as your real-life example, a demonstration that nothing is lost, everything can be used when you feel like it. With you, ERIKA, a StuG III Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz 142/1 of <i>Sturmgeshütz</i>-<i>Brigade 232</i> ("Samland"), 1st Company, 2nd Platoon, vehicle no.1, during the Battle of Königsberg, Germany, in the first days of February 1945.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaefPnMCkPAc0U_NR1ltaHIH4mW3IX9T5Nip3bnOPczpp56Z3LDozJHl-iO5SIQR-Ustx-HNihMRY3GN8uGW1ZIbd9-nRCegpk1KGmmvIG4Kh9oYPRRZ0KD8hQW46jpGeqE1nE6v9OkTeOx6tfzWW0pfIJXOHoJUodr97xLYv0AwiMzELiiwZlK7igwOUN/s1280/StuH%2042%20125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaefPnMCkPAc0U_NR1ltaHIH4mW3IX9T5Nip3bnOPczpp56Z3LDozJHl-iO5SIQR-Ustx-HNihMRY3GN8uGW1ZIbd9-nRCegpk1KGmmvIG4Kh9oYPRRZ0KD8hQW46jpGeqE1nE6v9OkTeOx6tfzWW0pfIJXOHoJUodr97xLYv0AwiMzELiiwZlK7igwOUN/w640-h388/StuH%2042%20125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G -Sd.Kfz 142/1</span></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sturmgeshütz</span><i style="font-style: italic;">-Brigade 232</i><i> ("Samland")</i></div></span><span style="text-align: justify;">1st Company, 2nd Platoon, vehicle no.1 "ERIKA"<br />Battle of Königsberg, Germany - early February 1945.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM8oOxYGELohZoxCuLX6iv8-KmrluiLgdcrAiaX6s953M9yZxAbOPox9eZ8eenQA4ifq2hdm-3HacsYfKo1l5GOlguOwA4sc0FCidicAErFWT_wwKe76ltGm3DnE0xGMt5wZKmwnondztDrq8_zXm9pjAvRgT-P2WO_XNrxDaZNZ6NapUV2s1UAAdDT7d/s1280/StuH%2042%20129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqM8oOxYGELohZoxCuLX6iv8-KmrluiLgdcrAiaX6s953M9yZxAbOPox9eZ8eenQA4ifq2hdm-3HacsYfKo1l5GOlguOwA4sc0FCidicAErFWT_wwKe76ltGm3DnE0xGMt5wZKmwnondztDrq8_zXm9pjAvRgT-P2WO_XNrxDaZNZ6NapUV2s1UAAdDT7d/w640-h406/StuH%2042%20129.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QE6Vk9a0NF7re1BbCGatOMHJR34lpCAXUmw-sJAxDCuD44YV91O0qQwy8enT8E8yYwiiBghXj18NWNrvTIB3XXJU_A-rV96cXQHx7EaITzEnFCUy8bRhTNGzTM2pZWBT7kd2q3iAwDstAqpYnQf4olsrTmYO5nEgFGvEcOQE4Ma_m7de93scRTJBj8Si/s1280/StuH%2042%20118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QE6Vk9a0NF7re1BbCGatOMHJR34lpCAXUmw-sJAxDCuD44YV91O0qQwy8enT8E8yYwiiBghXj18NWNrvTIB3XXJU_A-rV96cXQHx7EaITzEnFCUy8bRhTNGzTM2pZWBT7kd2q3iAwDstAqpYnQf4olsrTmYO5nEgFGvEcOQE4Ma_m7de93scRTJBj8Si/w640-h384/StuH%2042%20118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"<br />left side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEI6i8IObNgP1z4qEFyDrZQ8QyLF8glMHCdrHfzk_de7PoWvmsfJRopqn1n-t9nLO2oqADbjulHvKpPiOugX_A-_5CQWwAXRq66nljkCjsziXj8thxUzRdke-Cwhsr4vhjHTpRwuZnySVmv68nZVgZolQJX2LQ9lPdNACIrgkhpTNuexwnacoR4CuQPzJy/s1280/StuH%2042%20119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEI6i8IObNgP1z4qEFyDrZQ8QyLF8glMHCdrHfzk_de7PoWvmsfJRopqn1n-t9nLO2oqADbjulHvKpPiOugX_A-_5CQWwAXRq66nljkCjsziXj8thxUzRdke-Cwhsr4vhjHTpRwuZnySVmv68nZVgZolQJX2LQ9lPdNACIrgkhpTNuexwnacoR4CuQPzJy/w640-h380/StuH%2042%20119.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left rear view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCL_dLEjyXibct3SAKNFMFjk4W_T9AEhcreBEhcyUtPEjVLGCZwqte3zP6D4iKWqUDww1h4PR-iEXSSS6ZEINbgUugAdu5zHDNPvH8JSdLfQwHH7VY3EOaHO1avraQHUghL9q0kbYjWZmdUjcSaEJJrfFM6q_OUAZJ6w3IYFsiYTjWNkZgIbEbjAxMNFI/s1280/StuH%2042%20120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCL_dLEjyXibct3SAKNFMFjk4W_T9AEhcreBEhcyUtPEjVLGCZwqte3zP6D4iKWqUDww1h4PR-iEXSSS6ZEINbgUugAdu5zHDNPvH8JSdLfQwHH7VY3EOaHO1avraQHUghL9q0kbYjWZmdUjcSaEJJrfFM6q_OUAZJ6w3IYFsiYTjWNkZgIbEbjAxMNFI/w640-h386/StuH%2042%20120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right rear view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPsP_19I5ZfjfmPDghZNdF63NpK7U-SyCh9pB8Lc1leiqKiM7QX61VLmQrLRHbVYiczsrdH3k1lda4fMncs-vUseGz3MYSWLDBTFLfKqMQ0orAZ1juA5Lf8uYRT90OdwtVVzZujH7yh6malPahngYwi_rjPFXFX9biWG5mbePfrzGSZYqcTiuLp7ug2iJ/s1280/StuH%2042%20121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPsP_19I5ZfjfmPDghZNdF63NpK7U-SyCh9pB8Lc1leiqKiM7QX61VLmQrLRHbVYiczsrdH3k1lda4fMncs-vUseGz3MYSWLDBTFLfKqMQ0orAZ1juA5Lf8uYRT90OdwtVVzZujH7yh6malPahngYwi_rjPFXFX9biWG5mbePfrzGSZYqcTiuLp7ug2iJ/w640-h366/StuH%2042%20121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right side view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE26sRnCOcAixuvpco6i-Pi2VADB59-F9KZLBcxuX2liyLsarVDh9qasoIGHPaMe0war4u7eDPz7Iw-a0CIQI8KuOueNPDWW0yiQJAFaLq62hGNlS03lVUp0UsBXUZUb7N6nC746IwBg-t-IazywkiF9mFdXEkmQpecNKbWchctAsk4PaN4RLiGCv-iHd/s1280/StuH%2042%20123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE26sRnCOcAixuvpco6i-Pi2VADB59-F9KZLBcxuX2liyLsarVDh9qasoIGHPaMe0war4u7eDPz7Iw-a0CIQI8KuOueNPDWW0yiQJAFaLq62hGNlS03lVUp0UsBXUZUb7N6nC746IwBg-t-IazywkiF9mFdXEkmQpecNKbWchctAsk4PaN4RLiGCv-iHd/w640-h400/StuH%2042%20123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right front top view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yuh7s4tWI2mBFA53QeiekR45YGGk_xLGWn8_bMUNFDTCe_3mVSfjGcQGwihD30JFbSDk48GeNDnmtsU86a7fY4MqNiQWt1BvbGF38g0EM5wu64qW951CVHMUSRNoT16i5Ke0huWbY0Yf3f1TnyKMbH0dkY36tQC_rVwguyly7UPVyOIJjGBrdk6ri8W5/s1280/StuH%2042%20127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yuh7s4tWI2mBFA53QeiekR45YGGk_xLGWn8_bMUNFDTCe_3mVSfjGcQGwihD30JFbSDk48GeNDnmtsU86a7fY4MqNiQWt1BvbGF38g0EM5wu64qW951CVHMUSRNoT16i5Ke0huWbY0Yf3f1TnyKMbH0dkY36tQC_rVwguyly7UPVyOIJjGBrdk6ri8W5/w640-h362/StuH%2042%20127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHu4vEt1Lixocc6zoJVmMcvYLwkoIxsIY9bMXEvZV6rscGS-5mnjkWTUBxaK9vxGhdk0W2iCLgw-TCSVVkDCaH8_7zy3nClzBdx_nvUaBoEHa5bsMiYhnQ4CaXls7vcyz9OaruYulS6KKG7R1IICxaAHfIeOLAhq-L_Zqx8tANJtfWy_ykWnoFy6kTRjF/s1280/StuH%2042%20153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHu4vEt1Lixocc6zoJVmMcvYLwkoIxsIY9bMXEvZV6rscGS-5mnjkWTUBxaK9vxGhdk0W2iCLgw-TCSVVkDCaH8_7zy3nClzBdx_nvUaBoEHa5bsMiYhnQ4CaXls7vcyz9OaruYulS6KKG7R1IICxaAHfIeOLAhq-L_Zqx8tANJtfWy_ykWnoFy6kTRjF/w640-h438/StuH%2042%20153.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"<br />rear right top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rkkuBOYjN0Aha1bBO0T_zSgxwxsax0NNdi8bvGtkhPybPj5-B4nCRv4DZ87TYjBrnM6FUWDQwK1QyJz4Ad8btjtSGS8dOjPOowJ3Uv-Def0ahOVXxK7ZwdgP23PY9VcBNxGL_ri2nGPS3zW2_ZN6ME13v9fTsDZe43NavYb0tcHXsG2beh98fqI-yyyy/s1280/StuH%2042%20150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rkkuBOYjN0Aha1bBO0T_zSgxwxsax0NNdi8bvGtkhPybPj5-B4nCRv4DZ87TYjBrnM6FUWDQwK1QyJz4Ad8btjtSGS8dOjPOowJ3Uv-Def0ahOVXxK7ZwdgP23PY9VcBNxGL_ri2nGPS3zW2_ZN6ME13v9fTsDZe43NavYb0tcHXsG2beh98fqI-yyyy/w640-h398/StuH%2042%20150.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHHdPOExN3FDSYtDxNYWmQ_lWl0uXoCcHZGS4_JC9L69_MjPjT0F6Ufi8n6PozAR-ZM8Q_wwnRTpbcGQdfF1XvCrfMWu3Jm4wYJxJe7ENJhWefGYEpr_YUDlcFKZxWk3fDNrkt-Kh5We4qiw0Z5Ghh5gndobMkm3jbQjYUtwTCKEz0sDezM9wGU07sVML/s1280/StuH%2042%20152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHHdPOExN3FDSYtDxNYWmQ_lWl0uXoCcHZGS4_JC9L69_MjPjT0F6Ufi8n6PozAR-ZM8Q_wwnRTpbcGQdfF1XvCrfMWu3Jm4wYJxJe7ENJhWefGYEpr_YUDlcFKZxWk3fDNrkt-Kh5We4qiw0Z5Ghh5gndobMkm3jbQjYUtwTCKEz0sDezM9wGU07sVML/w640-h440/StuH%2042%20152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw691EIKWb8nK3MGLBUZPM8NwD5JaFmWEph1dW7bUYgttclByZOAWDxlxUeaqvo8k3gQtarivcu-2sYXnfwLfPP5ADn0QUaT8hPRLh-jZjyKU4BdM9fAHMdns5PAMAWxsnuAUDYyY8t2tNwmEU0ScUM_i53LXG6KCNrmRFcEq8bx_ggetSSoKsy1CMNUc/s1280/StuH%2042%20130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw691EIKWb8nK3MGLBUZPM8NwD5JaFmWEph1dW7bUYgttclByZOAWDxlxUeaqvo8k3gQtarivcu-2sYXnfwLfPP5ADn0QUaT8hPRLh-jZjyKU4BdM9fAHMdns5PAMAWxsnuAUDYyY8t2tNwmEU0ScUM_i53LXG6KCNrmRFcEq8bx_ggetSSoKsy1CMNUc/w640-h372/StuH%2042%20130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - "ERIKA"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">with Kojak</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPlUVdEwPpBtDqZNGXfZElLHo3BeatCigFro5MIMVxdV0cT8M-DLX1CWLHhirS0oZVPDMhEXJtqIbDn4q6O4ZjCgTffnwTfX-NCxFTu-P9LVYxuuG4y10ZqvtG4A1LqRmVHYKgBhf37HRYtn278jC0JJ_euNe3Bc1_DTCyjt2gSAfw_Wcph24Scy-MrcX/s1280/StuH%2042%20131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPlUVdEwPpBtDqZNGXfZElLHo3BeatCigFro5MIMVxdV0cT8M-DLX1CWLHhirS0oZVPDMhEXJtqIbDn4q6O4ZjCgTffnwTfX-NCxFTu-P9LVYxuuG4y10ZqvtG4A1LqRmVHYKgBhf37HRYtn278jC0JJ_euNe3Bc1_DTCyjt2gSAfw_Wcph24Scy-MrcX/w640-h408/StuH%2042%20131.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak is very happy with this job, no doubt!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8NHG3wwz72mLhs92mSZrWKYTpztSWA-sV8AaVVlvToFnJuPW9dWZHZsBjOzSNsi4CGdFSVcF3_MHMGLt1eglNCvUiNC5s0UgfgM6v1VRcW59DkoEFAhIfqI4RvlJ__4wIsZ8W6w33LU9F3SG1D7P2ljYSXTuZw_heKGZEF_kJWAwMxG9WllWW9LLRL1N/s1280/StuH%2042%20124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8NHG3wwz72mLhs92mSZrWKYTpztSWA-sV8AaVVlvToFnJuPW9dWZHZsBjOzSNsi4CGdFSVcF3_MHMGLt1eglNCvUiNC5s0UgfgM6v1VRcW59DkoEFAhIfqI4RvlJ__4wIsZ8W6w33LU9F3SG1D7P2ljYSXTuZw_heKGZEF_kJWAwMxG9WllWW9LLRL1N/w640-h382/StuH%2042%20124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz 142/1<br /></span><i style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeshütz</i><span style="text-align: justify;">-</span><i style="text-align: justify;">Brigade 232</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> ("Samland")</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;">1st Company, 2nd Platoon, vehicle no.1 "ERIKA"<br />Battle of Königsberg, Germany - early February 1945.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, a 10.5 cm Sturmhaubitze 42 Ausf. G (StuH 42) - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early version) belonging to Sturmgeschütz- Abteilung 185, 1st Company, 3rd Platoon, vehicle no. 1, which fought in Kursk, at the Russian Front, during Operation Citadel (<i>Unternehmen Zitadelle</i>), in July 1943.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKN0PQJnp4iIhtcPEQ3NRiRUGOIvR_4jEvBHKu1rXraZUZGLJY4Yi8p9XD4cWEy0b0J_TIVWF3BopGzsG5_NziXgqJUMynYx2EydpfIew2jzSHseX6wwlf_j82_cifeQSe1MDSxTOdAuwmomAyME4WwFzydw5KXbAmzBb8Y0G3oXgV983e2JGiYYnAYSn/s1280/StuH%2042%20134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHKN0PQJnp4iIhtcPEQ3NRiRUGOIvR_4jEvBHKu1rXraZUZGLJY4Yi8p9XD4cWEy0b0J_TIVWF3BopGzsG5_NziXgqJUMynYx2EydpfIew2jzSHseX6wwlf_j82_cifeQSe1MDSxTOdAuwmomAyME4WwFzydw5KXbAmzBb8Y0G3oXgV983e2JGiYYnAYSn/w640-h338/StuH%2042%20134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early version)<br /> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>Sturmgeschütz- Abteilung</i> 185</span><span style="text-align: justify;">, 1st Company, 3rd Platoon, vehicle no. 1<br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;">Kursk -</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> Russian Front -</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> July 1943.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9HqPacZuSRJXFf1wsFRfZOJ6om5_5QIKGLbWfN6oFFZcQ4tTueY79FoT9VF7xjZi5QWUdEpdWWncQ-BhhSnj5NvG9YXNK4yIZKJ4y194pJ3EEfeDJG7r0eO6UqEEjpU1AhMddrqVvynMc9Ng2KoxzbhT1ggsartMai7Rz7FFBpteumtY0mNf0boHGc2-/s1280/StuH%2042%20135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9HqPacZuSRJXFf1wsFRfZOJ6om5_5QIKGLbWfN6oFFZcQ4tTueY79FoT9VF7xjZi5QWUdEpdWWncQ-BhhSnj5NvG9YXNK4yIZKJ4y194pJ3EEfeDJG7r0eO6UqEEjpU1AhMddrqVvynMc9Ng2KoxzbhT1ggsartMai7Rz7FFBpteumtY0mNf0boHGc2-/w640-h368/StuH%2042%20135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)<br />front left top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRpkyCg0wLAZmYBYEaZrh64z9VaPmzXozWb5sI8r3YX0bQs9i82GMHaFt0xlU25oGdiQ6uFhJEnS0UKUjlW_C2cvSsRYvNq5htbQzvw_rZBWPi3xF9Yjucyfp-CTBPhFintHooOpHOCvSWGTF82u30ZSVWGHQrEkY0nDI8NoHA4sE6D1dtPKQPl-yzx22/s1280/StuH%2042%20137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRpkyCg0wLAZmYBYEaZrh64z9VaPmzXozWb5sI8r3YX0bQs9i82GMHaFt0xlU25oGdiQ6uFhJEnS0UKUjlW_C2cvSsRYvNq5htbQzvw_rZBWPi3xF9Yjucyfp-CTBPhFintHooOpHOCvSWGTF82u30ZSVWGHQrEkY0nDI8NoHA4sE6D1dtPKQPl-yzx22/w640-h380/StuH%2042%20137.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> left side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1JO05unhoQnwN7s4zEIdLowd64CoPsMEU0WmHlSP4RbSVL0Gjz4mZd2_YPBF4u1nQmP70ujGs21P6-DFs3_ysvy5dfr8zCaBk7-tbmVpOgA1RZ9I4VRh-JBgeJDqxWHwtYwgOCgpSjPgaGZaw4VQy1pFOkLHgd3MkWeKl96n5qIUU4Cj8WvZhgndRSGx/s1280/StuH%2042%20138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1JO05unhoQnwN7s4zEIdLowd64CoPsMEU0WmHlSP4RbSVL0Gjz4mZd2_YPBF4u1nQmP70ujGs21P6-DFs3_ysvy5dfr8zCaBk7-tbmVpOgA1RZ9I4VRh-JBgeJDqxWHwtYwgOCgpSjPgaGZaw4VQy1pFOkLHgd3MkWeKl96n5qIUU4Cj8WvZhgndRSGx/w640-h450/StuH%2042%20138.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIQaYtGxBIlfIzE2J-00qDiTn6N3P3Orl580WVJCFa9-F67miKmthtNLfQfDNIKl7GpMebitkM-4OWRluhzULuhr7OMbaR0j3QkOH-iO_2akPaMMngpXA5fpGwoSkaM-uC7zfojoUuUcuh2Rieo6Jnd5IZz1Csb1YtLqwGeIgklVu7w51IWr96feQw3Nv/s1280/StuH%2042%20139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIQaYtGxBIlfIzE2J-00qDiTn6N3P3Orl580WVJCFa9-F67miKmthtNLfQfDNIKl7GpMebitkM-4OWRluhzULuhr7OMbaR0j3QkOH-iO_2akPaMMngpXA5fpGwoSkaM-uC7zfojoUuUcuh2Rieo6Jnd5IZz1Csb1YtLqwGeIgklVu7w51IWr96feQw3Nv/w640-h418/StuH%2042%20139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45XD8804s1pWA9LNFnRWRZeshhZ7zXWbfV2sPgyC8m7d_7YM0AN5sD8-VXHV9gfUAC2Rp5cMPdV0bzCkw9itbV9FAZig8s02sitSEPNMbR04aUxoIMvW4Ng8OdyD-H3N-P_OVbqu-RkkLFZg_EQ3B5FzD-6eAil8ONec28NZ3LjTl3TMyTuhWj_FLfPgK/s1280/StuH%2042%20140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45XD8804s1pWA9LNFnRWRZeshhZ7zXWbfV2sPgyC8m7d_7YM0AN5sD8-VXHV9gfUAC2Rp5cMPdV0bzCkw9itbV9FAZig8s02sitSEPNMbR04aUxoIMvW4Ng8OdyD-H3N-P_OVbqu-RkkLFZg_EQ3B5FzD-6eAil8ONec28NZ3LjTl3TMyTuhWj_FLfPgK/w640-h366/StuH%2042%20140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8eZCCaRvFHgzffDl21UqNAWT6NUSsZR4vZKNy5l7Ap3sLtpuUglwWd0i8Ixb7I99zIWDADKekvaL-AsE9buMdsgjiPNWndl_RBrRh6HMkwXXPWhjDaAAETaUWQPeJfdO4iQ0RWHRyD7aPgs_-IsLg727aHFn6Rk2xhk53DAen5dcBHRqJASm88uQWaV5/s1280/StuH%2042%20142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8eZCCaRvFHgzffDl21UqNAWT6NUSsZR4vZKNy5l7Ap3sLtpuUglwWd0i8Ixb7I99zIWDADKekvaL-AsE9buMdsgjiPNWndl_RBrRh6HMkwXXPWhjDaAAETaUWQPeJfdO4iQ0RWHRyD7aPgs_-IsLg727aHFn6Rk2xhk53DAen5dcBHRqJASm88uQWaV5/w640-h436/StuH%2042%20142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right front view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGHWSllHwdA_1LNVUzKVmBKI6YPi4__1R5fKKKAjkUF3XbifktVRE2t6OtXCKGCtAzobFL0VNQ2GjAkg4_fHVxLUdfq6A0SeyqHSoutTs1gFuXCr8n-YHcdKbkWvOocmY9QQlmVWQPRoraOc-b_PLz4LsAl6b7BRh0JmD2TbnCOFKOF70nLQtZqyGF1yi/s1280/StuH%2042%20147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGHWSllHwdA_1LNVUzKVmBKI6YPi4__1R5fKKKAjkUF3XbifktVRE2t6OtXCKGCtAzobFL0VNQ2GjAkg4_fHVxLUdfq6A0SeyqHSoutTs1gFuXCr8n-YHcdKbkWvOocmY9QQlmVWQPRoraOc-b_PLz4LsAl6b7BRh0JmD2TbnCOFKOF70nLQtZqyGF1yi/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left top view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfskgD3lR1gCRls-jPqGn26bHnEoKmSaJ0Hn8vRUtUedP19JZaJtWuverM9CVrm6cvJl1jmM3XHnK1nI2Xh8p1ccFoqVS5rvhb9QxsHnnQOKNyuRgil5itzrOsM90oGfCqlSq3OHnh6LYIDIdCXSAgMCirH9HmIVVqBvwhKL4RKiMU6bHM3pzmWiqzOlD/s1280/StuH%2042%20148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfskgD3lR1gCRls-jPqGn26bHnEoKmSaJ0Hn8vRUtUedP19JZaJtWuverM9CVrm6cvJl1jmM3XHnK1nI2Xh8p1ccFoqVS5rvhb9QxsHnnQOKNyuRgil5itzrOsM90oGfCqlSq3OHnh6LYIDIdCXSAgMCirH9HmIVVqBvwhKL4RKiMU6bHM3pzmWiqzOlD/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)<br />rear right top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP891jyPjkE3vt7WL-I_Rw4VzqSQsfJ4xDNGAZK2Q0ztc9bu_ROSviD2xAcgylBOCkyTHbk6IWM55yPZ3u8vIsDs_T3l0xp8RMazEAlEBq6UMk8R5bwXMdexNoC_y9We0u6fd1ja58HBB_Z5noCUV6KoTnEr95-RVtU2gcjWuxytokg_9LePRUotsOukT-/s1244/StuH%2042%20149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1244" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP891jyPjkE3vt7WL-I_Rw4VzqSQsfJ4xDNGAZK2Q0ztc9bu_ROSviD2xAcgylBOCkyTHbk6IWM55yPZ3u8vIsDs_T3l0xp8RMazEAlEBq6UMk8R5bwXMdexNoC_y9We0u6fd1ja58HBB_Z5noCUV6KoTnEr95-RVtU2gcjWuxytokg_9LePRUotsOukT-/w640-h470/StuH%2042%20149.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)<br /> right top view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkIvpeJt4l5XMK7E34Jd_9_lfegBu3Q0hZtD0g4Fqx-kpyC0FYscAYcCXeeRpiijnJjBd1mMRnlY-ua_XDuDHLmwRnkfUwkd04B_SK7JsXi7Be-hD3yNCEeA_w9M9Wnc6RCoAfxoUFTSFvmuEHsAgvujJOF__KKW8ekU-R8ee6KclNlJCzt3Z7JD8lkCg/s1280/StuH%2042%20145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkIvpeJt4l5XMK7E34Jd_9_lfegBu3Q0hZtD0g4Fqx-kpyC0FYscAYcCXeeRpiijnJjBd1mMRnlY-ua_XDuDHLmwRnkfUwkd04B_SK7JsXi7Be-hD3yNCEeA_w9M9Wnc6RCoAfxoUFTSFvmuEHsAgvujJOF__KKW8ekU-R8ee6KclNlJCzt3Z7JD8lkCg/w640-h390/StuH%2042%20145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early)<br />with Kojak, standing at the <i>Kommandantenstation!!</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhxdfL37p4egSPwcMFVRECw4Z9r7ryQvfP3gbi4p-oouWAkQYhWgRSv8Z6ZA-SbTOSP5Wx_f1s16SwdEGTIFYUEt1Op-Zt6scYdnkRVM0Zi21kCmAxdcejX6IOWBtfbZ_5yDCEiwU6GZkvNZHqoXmGWHrUcLox8QCm6ZiGN-58uIoou4WC5uvg3wIeSP-/s1280/StuH%2042%20132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1280" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXhxdfL37p4egSPwcMFVRECw4Z9r7ryQvfP3gbi4p-oouWAkQYhWgRSv8Z6ZA-SbTOSP5Wx_f1s16SwdEGTIFYUEt1Op-Zt6scYdnkRVM0Zi21kCmAxdcejX6IOWBtfbZ_5yDCEiwU6GZkvNZHqoXmGWHrUcLox8QCm6ZiGN-58uIoou4WC5uvg3wIeSP-/w640-h308/StuH%2042%20132.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two first cousins, side by side!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn3hzDhXEq-yXpVQV17DBiWJZatqEe6l0G_0n2uHRfjfoUD4_RdDbQ1ydD4TYTfHKAMXZo_BseMO9vDyfhdPy54o8Rk5l3KetCXL5JMlOdcQOWwuUkegkuM80Qm8P_LIiiTLo84BcobCErMbmMIm2P6fevcrq74CsHzCold9t08Y8Kx2TobQOmJRn5kCD/s1280/StuH%2042%20146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNn3hzDhXEq-yXpVQV17DBiWJZatqEe6l0G_0n2uHRfjfoUD4_RdDbQ1ydD4TYTfHKAMXZo_BseMO9vDyfhdPy54o8Rk5l3KetCXL5JMlOdcQOWwuUkegkuM80Qm8P_LIiiTLo84BcobCErMbmMIm2P6fevcrq74CsHzCold9t08Y8Kx2TobQOmJRn5kCD/w640-h338/StuH%2042%20146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">10.5 cm StuH 42 Ausf.G - Sd.Kfz 142/2 (early version)<br /> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>Sturmgeschütz- Abteilung</i> 185</span><span style="text-align: justify;">, 1st Company, 3rd Platoon, vehicle no. 1<br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;">Kursk -</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> Russian Front -</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> July 1943.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> I loved this double project... How pleasant and satisfying it is to take these old Tamiya kits from my childhood and bring them to the shelf, pairing them with much more modern, sophisticated, detailed and expensive kits... They are girls from the 70s, but still, beautiful girls!!!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for the visit...</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you, soon!!!</span></i></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdJkBQmi3GKJK-NLUqc_FZeAfe6lPaQm0U9TEVjX73mKx24ONpddkNhaBVUR2MCPeBiUD22RfDvQ35WVhjTarqk7j9Qn67u3p6pKsrfiXsOMxOygKrpqPxUA-kQOB6EGCt1CR3ru38PBzaFRK1ZXalW2UFqHm_LALNTogsAUiJx9_r18SglUv_Ehh9awm/s1279/StuH%2042%20painting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1279" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdJkBQmi3GKJK-NLUqc_FZeAfe6lPaQm0U9TEVjX73mKx24ONpddkNhaBVUR2MCPeBiUD22RfDvQ35WVhjTarqk7j9Qn67u3p6pKsrfiXsOMxOygKrpqPxUA-kQOB6EGCt1CR3ru38PBzaFRK1ZXalW2UFqHm_LALNTogsAUiJx9_r18SglUv_Ehh9awm/w640-h480/StuH%2042%20painting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></i></b></div></b></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-66226790630837305282023-09-25T17:35:00.036-03:002023-10-17T07:20:20.615-03:00Sherman V (M4A4) ARV Mk I & Mk II - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Attention, armored forces engineers!!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Today we're going to talk about two girls who evolved from combat tanks to recovery tanks. These charming machines were the true guardian angels of tank crews with mechanical problems. We are talking about the <b>Sherman V (M4A4) ARV Mark I</b> and <b>Mark II</b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEHep77HHvBjnXAYproqE4r0kw5HHQoYAmqUIsZPiwUpHeR_rKsL0NOZRkXAEAUx6EzWSBB2PF9hAkWtbnnQYLajEFhb8MkSxrap03vlpM4luRtrBQYh31ucBmre5XVsjidOfce-4zzQNJCdBmnb5UcShkYlaRnuBRjMAR8K4Ul0ZL9DRoMpaJEm5T0Y2/s1024/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20joke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1024" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEHep77HHvBjnXAYproqE4r0kw5HHQoYAmqUIsZPiwUpHeR_rKsL0NOZRkXAEAUx6EzWSBB2PF9hAkWtbnnQYLajEFhb8MkSxrap03vlpM4luRtrBQYh31ucBmre5XVsjidOfce-4zzQNJCdBmnb5UcShkYlaRnuBRjMAR8K4Ul0ZL9DRoMpaJEm5T0Y2/w640-h578/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20joke.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVVCLROmA6-OsIIoTRBXr_xs6pm312sgTtTPDVyQd4BtWs-M4KcHOUcPwC_94bMCKUzzQasxpNXZgCJWNPShGLV7GfdRAdVgEs3vswXpbr4VpcmbmHmcmhxxsKf97xHXK6wVh5zvQy2oGKu9j2L4fYbpcCufYsyxMvzoDKI5uiC5mGLS6ge3gZ9_a99cF/s1280/Sherman%20III%20ARV%20I%20(M4A2),%20REME,%2079th%20Armoured%20Division,%20Summer%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVVCLROmA6-OsIIoTRBXr_xs6pm312sgTtTPDVyQd4BtWs-M4KcHOUcPwC_94bMCKUzzQasxpNXZgCJWNPShGLV7GfdRAdVgEs3vswXpbr4VpcmbmHmcmhxxsKf97xHXK6wVh5zvQy2oGKu9j2L4fYbpcCufYsyxMvzoDKI5uiC5mGLS6ge3gZ9_a99cF/w640-h396/Sherman%20III%20ARV%20I%20(M4A2),%20REME,%2079th%20Armoured%20Division,%20Summer%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk.I of the 79th Armoured Division<br />30th Armoured Brigade Workshop<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" style="text-align: justify;">Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME)</a></div>France - Summer 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Combat vehicles are exposed to operational damage, whether from enemy fire, the harshness of the terrain they face or even mere mechanical breakdowns. And these same vehicles are very expensive, whether due to their economic value or their tactical importance on the Battlefield. And vehicles on the combat front that are unable to move under their own power, run the risk of being more easily destroyed by the enemy (generating a total loss, both economically and tactically) or, even worse, run the risk of being captured, revealing their qualities and deficiencies that are more secret and, even worse, can be used against their former operators. Based on this premise, any vehicle that suffers damage considered repairable should not be abandoned on the battlefield. The recovering or towing these damaged vehicles has been a concern of the British Army since the first machine crawled across the battlefield, against the Germans, in the pioneering days of WWI.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2DwCXw4S_AtP2K_y7b3tXCt0gtLp-NlqJOuGiFWPkjSg26Wfulajsd3XUmQCYBnTF9QBmmW-bkvogqeiW9ICUml57bFDjxzsVbXgXA88jB3qKI_g5NGgC451fMdH_Mtbm_XpSKe5kluJoftyk21S4SfZrQkBYPZRWPC2zt35fV8iyp-NiP2FLhMCSJOl/s1280/The%20British%20Army%20on%20the%20Western%20Front,%201914-1918%20Chinese%20labourers%20hoisting%20parts%20from%20a%20salvaged%20tank%20by%20crane%20at%20the%20Central%20Stores,%20Tank%20Corps.%20Teneur,%20spring%201918..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2DwCXw4S_AtP2K_y7b3tXCt0gtLp-NlqJOuGiFWPkjSg26Wfulajsd3XUmQCYBnTF9QBmmW-bkvogqeiW9ICUml57bFDjxzsVbXgXA88jB3qKI_g5NGgC451fMdH_Mtbm_XpSKe5kluJoftyk21S4SfZrQkBYPZRWPC2zt35fV8iyp-NiP2FLhMCSJOl/w640-h462/The%20British%20Army%20on%20the%20Western%20Front,%201914-1918%20Chinese%20labourers%20hoisting%20parts%20from%20a%20salvaged%20tank%20by%20crane%20at%20the%20Central%20Stores,%20Tank%20Corps.%20Teneur,%20spring%201918..jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>The British Army salvaging important parts from damaged tank</div><div>Western Front, 1914-1918</div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_Labour_Corps">Chinese Labour Corps</a> men and British soldiers removing parts</div><div>from a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_IV_tank">Mark IV tank</a> at the Central Stores of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Tank_Regiment">Tank Corps</a></div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teneur">Teneur</a>, France - spring 1918.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="text-align: justify;"> But with the end of hostilities in 1918, all these ideas and developments entered a justified period of latency.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the outbreak of WWII, the topic of recovering rolling stock was once again debated in the British Army. In the initial stages of the conflict, wheeled tractors with all-wheel drive, such as the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2017/08/scammell-pioneer-sv2s-heavy-breakdown.html">Scammell SV2S</a>, were used to recover disabled combat vehicles.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsdJprEH81xSizigz-Oz12A7M3qfqQj1QXXwzIU7oIt5em70O3r4rjp8zECFn8RL-MGvvA4yYk6QBhpOgeT44wTCDwbOes9wGcKwQ2YsJ9JOoV3KiIQcISdCAe8GMOKrrcupVqtVfw6CvbNLsbuUYl2PCIt2AjMep8XgmlawKYWaoviDXZe98hMfFftVt/s1280/scammell_pioneer_recovery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsdJprEH81xSizigz-Oz12A7M3qfqQj1QXXwzIU7oIt5em70O3r4rjp8zECFn8RL-MGvvA4yYk6QBhpOgeT44wTCDwbOes9wGcKwQ2YsJ9JOoV3KiIQcISdCAe8GMOKrrcupVqtVfw6CvbNLsbuUYl2PCIt2AjMep8XgmlawKYWaoviDXZe98hMfFftVt/w640-h426/scammell_pioneer_recovery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Scammell%20Pioneer%20SV2S%20Heavy%20Breakdown%20Tractor" target="_blank">Scammell Pioneer SV2S recovery vehicle</a></div><div>Right side view</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> These tractors/tugs provided very good service when used on more regular terrain, such as that found in the campaigns of North Africa and the French plains, but the need for recovery vehicles that could have better traction capacity and mobility soon became evident. on uneven and/or flooded terrain and to recover increasingly heavy armored vehicles, even under enemy fire. The need for tracked and armored recovery vehicles was a reality.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfZWEv0YHyj7pta_1SxPqlY5Haptac-kIKbgrGgqpMggHzq6tCyfO9keQh9icWXoQcYC3zdyNpyrOLhDaujMgOL9irkdScDUKZG1jKIZPQJxKDFQkC71LjYjK1wKmZv8XcQgaVXFsg_b-BPW0B3A5GcY8W6zPpLUGNyL3g3k29WofGwnn88eQxKNPcsUn/s1280/The_British_Army_in_North_Africa_1942_E15182.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfZWEv0YHyj7pta_1SxPqlY5Haptac-kIKbgrGgqpMggHzq6tCyfO9keQh9icWXoQcYC3zdyNpyrOLhDaujMgOL9irkdScDUKZG1jKIZPQJxKDFQkC71LjYjK1wKmZv8XcQgaVXFsg_b-BPW0B3A5GcY8W6zPpLUGNyL3g3k29WofGwnn88eQxKNPcsUn/w640-h402/The_British_Army_in_North_Africa_1942_E15182.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Two Scammels, a <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Scammell%20Pioneer%20SV2S%20Heavy%20Breakdown%20Tractor" target="_blank">SV2S heavy breakdown tractor</a> in background</div><div>and a <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Scammell%20Pioneer%20TRMU30%20Tractor%20with%20TRCU30%20trailer%2030t.%20tank%20transporter" target="_blank">TRMU30 Tractor with TRCU30 trailer 30t. tank transporter</a></div><div>rescuing a Matilda II tank back to the workshops for overhaul.</div><div>African desert - 3 August 1942</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM E 15182</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> At the beginning of 1942, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers">Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME)</a> began work on converting tanks into Armored Recovery Vehicles (ARVs). These projects took place at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arborfield">Arborfield</a> facility, in Berkshire. These recovery vehicles were to accompany armored formations in forward areas of attrition and combat. And due to their armored protection and track traction, they would be able to maneuver on all types of terrain, with the same speed and performance as the combat vehicles in the armored formation. These ARVs were to be able to recover damaged or bogged tanks and transport them to the rear, where they could be loaded onto transporters or trailers to be taken to workshops for repair. If the repairs were minor, the ARVs would carry the necessary equipment and tools so that work on the damaged tank could be done in the field, by the ARV crew. With this, the tank could be put back into active service without delay and without overloading the rear maintenance workshops. For the initial conversion work to the ARV standard, REME employed tanks that were being used by Armored Divisions, such as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusader_tank">Crusader</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M3_Lee">Grant </a>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Churchill_tank">Churchill</a>, in the facilities at Arborfield.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LdYFrwC58BGXPWSW8wCtqJhdeyPL55Y-5tsn9DQkD5-SVxt8OEFstvmrQJQm7GVMcXJiqlmtS4Am5jCJCnbN-knBBZhVh-vYVQ_L1oWtMpFyHNXRmDVuDEncX9WW8D2vybIq0acBPh8fnEFNICukK5MFuQEJ7QT28yZC2BnJMwwHoNfwwMXw91NNsEDF/s1280/Crusader%20ARV%20with%20A-frame%20jib%20and%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount%20%204-3-43%20IWM%20H%2027696.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LdYFrwC58BGXPWSW8wCtqJhdeyPL55Y-5tsn9DQkD5-SVxt8OEFstvmrQJQm7GVMcXJiqlmtS4Am5jCJCnbN-knBBZhVh-vYVQ_L1oWtMpFyHNXRmDVuDEncX9WW8D2vybIq0acBPh8fnEFNICukK5MFuQEJ7QT28yZC2BnJMwwHoNfwwMXw91NNsEDF/w640-h596/Crusader%20ARV%20with%20A-frame%20jib%20and%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount%20%204-3-43%20IWM%20H%2027696.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Crusader ARV with A-frame jib and twin Bren AA mount</div><div>REME facilities in Arborfield, 04-03-1943</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font : IWM H 27696</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Wo0jQY7y8xJJ4WSoNUfUjgzgaAKgN9fOz1k8-iGaKcRhQkElPc5oBksSM47SlYHplSOy1bPPoPwdnu-pCYD6LbSpdp0WNGXFSexqRZlSgVVu2j5sourLq1Q_1PMdVv2vrbegRdtdyfeJ4zziDJ0jFQNTN21tLLxZ02dW9d9L27bXNcqPNmj7twc0z0GA/s1280/Crusader%20ARV%20with%20A-frame%20jib%20and%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount%20%204-3-43%20IWM%20H%2027697.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Wo0jQY7y8xJJ4WSoNUfUjgzgaAKgN9fOz1k8-iGaKcRhQkElPc5oBksSM47SlYHplSOy1bPPoPwdnu-pCYD6LbSpdp0WNGXFSexqRZlSgVVu2j5sourLq1Q_1PMdVv2vrbegRdtdyfeJ4zziDJ0jFQNTN21tLLxZ02dW9d9L27bXNcqPNmj7twc0z0GA/w640-h508/Crusader%20ARV%20with%20A-frame%20jib%20and%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount%20%204-3-43%20IWM%20H%2027697.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Crusader ARV with A-frame jib and twin Bren AA mount - rear view</div><div>REME facilities in Arborfield, 04-03-1943</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font : IWM H 27697</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1UGC2UcXfB6YK1VJnZHlH5Mpsr9T27zBv5JyffYnhz70Hsss7ANFlP10OliE6t4QE7ZmXd040ArWBTauV8KhYwBi0kP_SGEegiPi1o1sXeOO-_O-j2Qa7nEH6mp7a6OCUtcxy5tUg5TxQ02A8ihpsJhfNbPFu4OkW4F8zoK1cikNOCs159dyCTcvx3uX/s1024/Crusader%20ARV%204-3-43%20IWM%20H%2027693.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1UGC2UcXfB6YK1VJnZHlH5Mpsr9T27zBv5JyffYnhz70Hsss7ANFlP10OliE6t4QE7ZmXd040ArWBTauV8KhYwBi0kP_SGEegiPi1o1sXeOO-_O-j2Qa7nEH6mp7a6OCUtcxy5tUg5TxQ02A8ihpsJhfNbPFu4OkW4F8zoK1cikNOCs159dyCTcvx3uX/w640-h618/Crusader%20ARV%204-3-43%20IWM%20H%2027693.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Crusader ARV with A-frame jib</div><div>REME facilities in Arborfield, 04-03-1943</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font : IWM H 27693</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qeu3OZ71sHY6P89GTaKszOzbaIrapjn0ZP6SUZCBFo2lqgkUf1IQVAPQZ-mv9QprQAzBuXCSzRwwALU9V87UxQya0r99IWAYhOF33-45pSqr2s4JebddAWrgFgm5YNYAoAkNmRG6uaJkpg0oITBe2VUVHzPMqO28A-0hva2lJ_0qwD59GausBR4N72BO/s1280/Grant%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20with%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount.-%203-3-1943%20IWM%20H%2027559.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qeu3OZ71sHY6P89GTaKszOzbaIrapjn0ZP6SUZCBFo2lqgkUf1IQVAPQZ-mv9QprQAzBuXCSzRwwALU9V87UxQya0r99IWAYhOF33-45pSqr2s4JebddAWrgFgm5YNYAoAkNmRG6uaJkpg0oITBe2VUVHzPMqO28A-0hva2lJ_0qwD59GausBR4N72BO/w640-h516/Grant%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20with%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount.-%203-3-1943%20IWM%20H%2027559.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Grant ARV Mk I with twin Bren AA mount.</div><div>Notice the Crusader ARV in background.</div><div>REME facilities in Arborfield, 04-03-1943</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font : IWM H 27559</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbwdgc06ovEmprEQeJAVG52SyHrqxmR4WD_71ChsDriyPQeOtxUI3dhlyU-o1OzI6tzc2NArOKQVbVDxEnvg-SmLwORAQdtUc8LQwPOQs1dtEzBXDw0FHPH_iBLb9W8rKg2rilYkRPL2MCxmpdOWZqWmRq5bWgUlITrDYRWgphhjxerx7XVf0vc3_WbR9/s1280/Grant%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20with%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount.-%203-3-1943%20IWM%20H%2027557.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbwdgc06ovEmprEQeJAVG52SyHrqxmR4WD_71ChsDriyPQeOtxUI3dhlyU-o1OzI6tzc2NArOKQVbVDxEnvg-SmLwORAQdtUc8LQwPOQs1dtEzBXDw0FHPH_iBLb9W8rKg2rilYkRPL2MCxmpdOWZqWmRq5bWgUlITrDYRWgphhjxerx7XVf0vc3_WbR9/w640-h634/Grant%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20with%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount.-%203-3-1943%20IWM%20H%2027557.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Grant ARV Mk I with twin Bren AA mount.</div><div>REME facilities in Arborfield, 04-03-1943</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font : IWM H 27557</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12PgTdWBEOLt8mgpiyGX3arvF9-vq4Fj19q6kxq_ahYBAZC0T5RitPJsuIgs-chxIYyySkb8SJQthnRfRyqjAUCUwwKoF2aVTodyf0z7HodBQSR0xrpI9IYp0d7dBiUAh5xSXxngk3xeTZOKBTwBVWqEdDm0kW924hOiHeHPUYTi354Eu6ScJ-dP1McQD/s1280/Grant%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20with%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount.-%203-3-1943%20IWM%20H%2027554.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12PgTdWBEOLt8mgpiyGX3arvF9-vq4Fj19q6kxq_ahYBAZC0T5RitPJsuIgs-chxIYyySkb8SJQthnRfRyqjAUCUwwKoF2aVTodyf0z7HodBQSR0xrpI9IYp0d7dBiUAh5xSXxngk3xeTZOKBTwBVWqEdDm0kW924hOiHeHPUYTi354Eu6ScJ-dP1McQD/w640-h636/Grant%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20with%20twin%20Bren%20AA%20mount.-%203-3-1943%20IWM%20H%2027554.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Grant ARV Mk I with twin Bren AA mount - rear view</div><div>REME facilities in Arborfield, 04-03-1943</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font : IWM H 27554</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQwd7pPkzx7c4fj5JiGZzErRk-jkU6TjyfyVvajj--2UFz7-IrlqKlFdeyCLd4nl_gxdn9xgze8LJI9iXFRDOeLwx_dN0Lex2RTv4l7gIpUOKFZMX2TZbeohvwe3owWNyJM-ZOig6sxfJEZcWwgud33Fdht_3LDiDf35nhkipNWNoSPAxCeo97v3nDDBK/s1280/Churchill%20ARV%20at%20Aborfield,%2023%20April%201943%20IWM%20H%2029358.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1280" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQwd7pPkzx7c4fj5JiGZzErRk-jkU6TjyfyVvajj--2UFz7-IrlqKlFdeyCLd4nl_gxdn9xgze8LJI9iXFRDOeLwx_dN0Lex2RTv4l7gIpUOKFZMX2TZbeohvwe3owWNyJM-ZOig6sxfJEZcWwgud33Fdht_3LDiDf35nhkipNWNoSPAxCeo97v3nDDBK/w640-h546/Churchill%20ARV%20at%20Aborfield,%2023%20April%201943%20IWM%20H%2029358.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARV Mk. I at Aborfield<br />Berkshire - England<br />23 April 1943 <br />Notice the Canadian Ram tank in background<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM H 29358</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4n0HltG2bl2Nx4z7I0u_husBFvtFMtumlvPVusVRvxILI2YvHUGI-qhiJblGjcdXVXZwSd2_In8sTxISJVkLHtEL1eMz83xil0Agi9PMLT2_TkTkW44FRfnd8GgYd2KGx3ZLLC2LZFmbxdTdLG04dbkG3IkPAci9I3FEQcy2qIUmyvNvNhZ48B-PBRT7/s1280/CHURCHILL%20ARV%20Mark%20II%20IWM%20MH%209818.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4n0HltG2bl2Nx4z7I0u_husBFvtFMtumlvPVusVRvxILI2YvHUGI-qhiJblGjcdXVXZwSd2_In8sTxISJVkLHtEL1eMz83xil0Agi9PMLT2_TkTkW44FRfnd8GgYd2KGx3ZLLC2LZFmbxdTdLG04dbkG3IkPAci9I3FEQcy2qIUmyvNvNhZ48B-PBRT7/w640-h406/CHURCHILL%20ARV%20Mark%20II%20IWM%20MH%209818.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARV Mk. II<br />Notice the dummy gun, like the QF 75mm<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 9818</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjjnioIYMmdbAumiUL80UwSgWNWvioCkqGY5h52arBUJ1GfJyM672gyUiVfBFkclNltrp78sPsXfA2VG2KdDbqjgJiBYaMtnwtkuf849gYu0w3qn0uWyOPLSlHymp-VIQz3vL9ZzFq04nuAIV8J1dGdHwsXs0DYznpWGYyelStf9wtWDL3YTsdYgHJBgj/s1280/Churchill%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20crew%20works%20on%20a%20disabled%20Churchill%20tank,%2014%20August%201944.%20IWM%20B%209162.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjjnioIYMmdbAumiUL80UwSgWNWvioCkqGY5h52arBUJ1GfJyM672gyUiVfBFkclNltrp78sPsXfA2VG2KdDbqjgJiBYaMtnwtkuf849gYu0w3qn0uWyOPLSlHymp-VIQz3vL9ZzFq04nuAIV8J1dGdHwsXs0DYznpWGYyelStf9wtWDL3YTsdYgHJBgj/w640-h382/Churchill%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20crew%20works%20on%20a%20disabled%20Churchill%20tank,%2014%20August%201944.%20IWM%20B%209162.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew of Churchill ARV Mk I works on a disabled<br />Churchill Mk.IV tank.<br />14 August 1944 - France<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM B 9162</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In late 1942, as American Sherman tanks began to be increasingly numerous in active service with the British Army, the R.E.M.E. also began convert Sherman tanks as ARVs. Two versions of the Sherman ARV were produced: the Mk I, which was almost an armored tug with a collapsible hoist and the Mk.II, much more equipped and specialized.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sherman ARV Mark I</b> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This vehicle was produced with the removal of the turret and normal internal tank storage, with the turret ring closed with a fixed steel armor plate, incorporating two simple hinged hatches for crew access.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6agbDwZA3IKinQZAKEG2aE917c69S6fpY_a26cw_dI-MOSAT6zTxkd8mWb4_VtS7qYKBr_dR42uMX6tZwioLsSnyv-DdL5PxXm8P8bUqsC8UpjfDqCBMBi0nAnZaRG6oGbgmvHHcorvp8zSa3RClJJ8oxpBb2U6SmLMrh8Eb-R2nrlCz2vr_Fr_JTWNf/s1280/ARV%20Mk%20I%20hatches.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6agbDwZA3IKinQZAKEG2aE917c69S6fpY_a26cw_dI-MOSAT6zTxkd8mWb4_VtS7qYKBr_dR42uMX6tZwioLsSnyv-DdL5PxXm8P8bUqsC8UpjfDqCBMBi0nAnZaRG6oGbgmvHHcorvp8zSa3RClJJ8oxpBb2U6SmLMrh8Eb-R2nrlCz2vr_Fr_JTWNf/w640-h440/ARV%20Mk%20I%20hatches.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk I - top view<br />Notice the steel armor plate, with two simple hinged hatches,<br />the 30 meters steel cable and other details.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrWgxNWoqx1KJS6kYpVjSwRv4aKMhVrU1xcT_b-qdUkJK4Uwa5-rPO2y6wD-5iUvlYX1STBbVPvNTY4gdPkXxdCOxVgz5LcnL4u982pHpdE_jxfpuFpTbkl-JvXE4ZOG1czzkTv5AHkS35--zR60tkQTRDXSl3uDs67AuzX1wXtJ8Tsh8cwH-BeL0liCO/s1280/2nd%20Army%20Sherman%20ARV%20and%20other%20specialised%20armour%20%20cross%20the%20Rhine,%20north%20Xanten%2024%20March%201945%20-%20IWM%20BU%202080.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrWgxNWoqx1KJS6kYpVjSwRv4aKMhVrU1xcT_b-qdUkJK4Uwa5-rPO2y6wD-5iUvlYX1STBbVPvNTY4gdPkXxdCOxVgz5LcnL4u982pHpdE_jxfpuFpTbkl-JvXE4ZOG1czzkTv5AHkS35--zR60tkQTRDXSl3uDs67AuzX1wXtJ8Tsh8cwH-BeL0liCO/w640-h394/2nd%20Army%20Sherman%20ARV%20and%20other%20specialised%20armour%20%20cross%20the%20Rhine,%20north%20Xanten%2024%20March%201945%20-%20IWM%20BU%202080.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk I and other specialised armour of the 79th Armoured Division<br />approaching the banks of the Rhine, in preparation for crossing.<br />North of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanten" target="_blank">Xanten</a>, Germany - 24 March 1945<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM BU 2080</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaq2y7HPoMwC-rtMYm10RA0Lr1TwERgtrJDUXKkyaceXE1YTK8QSdN1lvtDXT8R6qYmD6lOJ4icNXH3hdgZhOqpQZb4VmC_Uq9jY_g84Bb0gMbTceZUrOiF6vcebcQWSXImfYKPH2TBdxUq4r2JGmYcljX5TYDFUDp79UEZxl1nfi-Vxq1v6YklGb4Vbp/s1400/Sherman%20colorized.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1400" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaq2y7HPoMwC-rtMYm10RA0Lr1TwERgtrJDUXKkyaceXE1YTK8QSdN1lvtDXT8R6qYmD6lOJ4icNXH3hdgZhOqpQZb4VmC_Uq9jY_g84Bb0gMbTceZUrOiF6vcebcQWSXImfYKPH2TBdxUq4r2JGmYcljX5TYDFUDp79UEZxl1nfi-Vxq1v6YklGb4Vbp/w640-h436/Sherman%20colorized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colorized version of the picture above:<br />Sherman V ARV Mk.I of the 79th Armoured Division<br />30th Armoured Brigade - 2nd Armoured Regiment <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothians_and_Border_Horse" target="_blank">1st Lothians and Border Horse</a> and behind that, <br />a Churchill Mk.IV AVRE (T 172523) of the 1st Assault Brigade (RE)<br />42nd Assault Regiment (RE), also of the 79th Armoured Division.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: <a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv xzsf02u x1s688f" href="https://www.facebook.com/worldwarincolor?__tn__=-UC*F" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">WW2 Colourised Photos</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Storage for tarps and camouflage nets was available on the vehicle's upper-deck. The bow .30 Browning machine gun remained in use and an adaptation of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1919_Browning_machine_gun">.30 Browning M1919</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Browning">.50 Brownin</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Browning">g M2</a> or even<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bren_light_machine_gun"> .303 Bren machine guns </a>could be found in the vicinity of the upper access hatch, for close-in or anti-aircraft fire. These weapons were normally adapted by crews in the field. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8IgvFkoUIV42mtFSU80hsaeLYFEmhg7gbTD7yCQyP9WsIVQs0ZMsXpfvX_SwQdtoSZzC2KkwV7X6Wq5IUGSNEOQrKymd4P4wXi3urY0aFWkvmLCKbgk_r9WffNjnRj-Zwe0blq24XvwcVC7SKCq6uQbCcMT7MZ5SL8zjNoZLVr4bpa1nEbqJjfcDEfZt/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20in%20Bourguebus,%20south%20of%20Caen%20%20road%20to%20Falaise%20%20towing%20a%20crippled%20Sherman%209-8-44%20-%20iwm%20B%208910.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8IgvFkoUIV42mtFSU80hsaeLYFEmhg7gbTD7yCQyP9WsIVQs0ZMsXpfvX_SwQdtoSZzC2KkwV7X6Wq5IUGSNEOQrKymd4P4wXi3urY0aFWkvmLCKbgk_r9WffNjnRj-Zwe0blq24XvwcVC7SKCq6uQbCcMT7MZ5SL8zjNoZLVr4bpa1nEbqJjfcDEfZt/w640-h430/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20in%20Bourguebus,%20south%20of%20Caen%20%20road%20to%20Falaise%20%20towing%20a%20crippled%20Sherman%209-8-44%20-%20iwm%20B%208910.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk I towing a crippled Sherman by the ruined streets<br />of <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourgu%C3%A9bus" target="_blank">Bourguebus</a>, five miles south of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caen" target="_blank">Caen</a>, on the road to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falaise,_Calvados" target="_blank">Falaise.</a><br />Notice the .50 Browning M2 heavy machine gun installed after the upper hatches <br />France - 09 August,1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM B 8910</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zJ360x9PH5bFb3n5Kb8Xd6cOQvLni-8MLsuzI3ePG92r67fIayxKw54xsIZzAeLlkvH4XtqtJjHYEsp9J3hCH8vaK0uJfALY-Tnf79w3M2N14P_ttEdo11M6peXU7B-khqD8U5IDD9XDWHTaVdoVhDk54WI_RQhLxc3AzpPLtPvGFY_ZqpzYZdYJnQQJ/s1024/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20move%20up%20cautiously%20to%20the%20German%20Mark%20IV%20before%20taking%20it%20in%20tow.27th%20armd%20brde%20workshops%20-.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1024" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zJ360x9PH5bFb3n5Kb8Xd6cOQvLni-8MLsuzI3ePG92r67fIayxKw54xsIZzAeLlkvH4XtqtJjHYEsp9J3hCH8vaK0uJfALY-Tnf79w3M2N14P_ttEdo11M6peXU7B-khqD8U5IDD9XDWHTaVdoVhDk54WI_RQhLxc3AzpPLtPvGFY_ZqpzYZdYJnQQJ/w640-h578/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20move%20up%20cautiously%20to%20the%20German%20Mark%20IV%20before%20taking%20it%20in%20tow.27th%20armd%20brde%20workshops%20-.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman ARV Mk I from 27th Armoured Brigade workshops move up<br />cautiously next to the German Panzer Mark IV before taking it in tow.<br />Notice the .303 Bren light machine gun ready for action,<br />in the hands of a crew member and the big hinged hatch.<br />Somewhere in France - 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> A reinforced rotating drawbar was installed in the lower rear part of the hull, and was used to pull and tow vehicles using drawbars. A 30 meter steel cable, together with ground stakes, holding fast anchors and a 1.5 ton pole were also part of the ARV equipment, for use in towing armored vehicles by direct or indirect traction.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aH0UqNRHW9h_OesEuZjbQ2pm2ldYo-pP41ANnnaM2Vyl8q7ZYoXqkT3zwbUvQ2qrRxhs1HjhlsMvdkt_5smw0UqfyUlHaAakW3dsNcoLOGvF-rkkHB94K9_IhOrWkTkK9MqAfI21UzzZXV-4BHM0UX9vXzq7OJZofu_qovVzh0o8dT_IUsrAHQ9ruIfg/s1400/Sherman%20ARV%20MkI%20%20T148322%20of%20the%20Workshop%20Company%20%2010th%20Armoured%20Cavalry%20Brigade%20-1st%20Polish%20Arrd%20Div%20i%20Gilze,%20Netherlands,%20late%20October%201944%20%20-%20IWM%20HU%20128173.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1400" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aH0UqNRHW9h_OesEuZjbQ2pm2ldYo-pP41ANnnaM2Vyl8q7ZYoXqkT3zwbUvQ2qrRxhs1HjhlsMvdkt_5smw0UqfyUlHaAakW3dsNcoLOGvF-rkkHB94K9_IhOrWkTkK9MqAfI21UzzZXV-4BHM0UX9vXzq7OJZofu_qovVzh0o8dT_IUsrAHQ9ruIfg/w640-h392/Sherman%20ARV%20MkI%20%20T148322%20of%20the%20Workshop%20Company%20%2010th%20Armoured%20Cavalry%20Brigade%20-1st%20Polish%20Arrd%20Div%20i%20Gilze,%20Netherlands,%20late%20October%201944%20%20-%20IWM%20HU%20128173.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk I (T148322) of the Workshop Company <br />10th Armoured Cavalry Brigade -1st Polish Armoured Division<br />crossing by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilze_en_Rijen" target="_blank">Gilze</a>, Netherlands, late October 1944.<br />Notice the rotating drawbar installed in the rear lower corner of the hull<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM HU 128173</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUC1HLBYXxZvaC2JuW2DbLbndrMmkyPPJuzNP9lC6xduLr4g2VOPcJaItOOocICemp2oIHCtV5o7MLxR59M6hHGuYlWlPC-4xoO6ymCe3-Fj-mGeuZq87dOSuamsFBuZm5qyDhsj6fykh6NusU7A9LvObmAuXRQKxqBEEfosz5SlLwFoX5zFSfIEXk9td/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20passing%20a%20Sturmtiger,%2028%20February%201945..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUC1HLBYXxZvaC2JuW2DbLbndrMmkyPPJuzNP9lC6xduLr4g2VOPcJaItOOocICemp2oIHCtV5o7MLxR59M6hHGuYlWlPC-4xoO6ymCe3-Fj-mGeuZq87dOSuamsFBuZm5qyDhsj6fykh6NusU7A9LvObmAuXRQKxqBEEfosz5SlLwFoX5zFSfIEXk9td/w640-h406/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20passing%20a%20Sturmtiger,%2028%20February%201945..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman ARV Mk I passing by a Sturmtiger,<br />captured by the Americans.<br />Notice the steel cables extended from the front of the vehicle<br />and the vice installed on the left side of the transmission cover.<br />28 February 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Repair equipment included a vice fitted on the left front of the ARV, oxy-acetylene cutting and welding plant and a jib for use with a 3-ton chain-operated hoist could be erected on the hull. The hoist was used to remove large and heavy parts, such as tank engines and transmissions. When not in use, the rectangular-section steel lances were carried in supports on the sides of the ARV's hull. The hoist pulleys were stored in a special box, installed in the front portion of the transmission cover, in front of the tank hull. (see these details in the pictures above and below).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARRUirTj5erlWsW12MhebNqhnw_WmCb3yIW54A6kDr4VcTHegrR-xC7ae2OxeBfcMVsAUpPSespEXcveq1K028-8VzqJSMsmbB_qDL-nwRoYcl0h1QegysDrcKs1BAuS716S0EIFXwwsNnnOADqcdeFETnPBWS5yXGtQN7JN5Ag7Sbw7jKQcRGWUHF-I8/s1065/61aec1383b3ede859bc774d2_e002505437.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1065" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARRUirTj5erlWsW12MhebNqhnw_WmCb3yIW54A6kDr4VcTHegrR-xC7ae2OxeBfcMVsAUpPSespEXcveq1K028-8VzqJSMsmbB_qDL-nwRoYcl0h1QegysDrcKs1BAuS716S0EIFXwwsNnnOADqcdeFETnPBWS5yXGtQN7JN5Ag7Sbw7jKQcRGWUHF-I8/w640-h388/61aec1383b3ede859bc774d2_e002505437.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman ARV Mk I operated by Canadians,<br />dragging a captured German StuG III Ausf. G, like war booty.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCZvfbEoXd2CjcuM874FKJj9Q0Nc3stUdwCpI-A7b0D7IISj-gWxpN_9fZuXsO-BTedtSaS7VE0itbdInJE4R3rlnQ3FxGrLHS25F2YhyBLp3D9ek5TbK26xX1xspeM9OhhZmqvp1lP2tXP87BpRFL1DJb3J6wwZgtc0Z3sqJCO7-Lh0hje3mwzSA5_IL/s1280/Sherman%20III%20ARV%20Mk.%20I,%20-%2027th%20Armoured%20Regiment%20(Sherbrooke%20Fusiliers)%20of%20the%202nd%20Canadian%20Armoured%20Brigade%20Authie,%20Normandy,%20France%20July%201944..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCZvfbEoXd2CjcuM874FKJj9Q0Nc3stUdwCpI-A7b0D7IISj-gWxpN_9fZuXsO-BTedtSaS7VE0itbdInJE4R3rlnQ3FxGrLHS25F2YhyBLp3D9ek5TbK26xX1xspeM9OhhZmqvp1lP2tXP87BpRFL1DJb3J6wwZgtc0Z3sqJCO7-Lh0hje3mwzSA5_IL/w640-h466/Sherman%20III%20ARV%20Mk.%20I,%20-%2027th%20Armoured%20Regiment%20(Sherbrooke%20Fusiliers)%20of%20the%202nd%20Canadian%20Armoured%20Brigade%20Authie,%20Normandy,%20France%20July%201944..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the rare Sherman III ARV Mk. I, roaring through <br />the ruins of a French village.<br />27th Armoured Regiment (Sherbrooke Fusiliers)<br />2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authie,_Calvados" target="_blank">Authie</a>, Normandy, France - July 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0j53HEqS9cWlljMEp6CSGdC6YkfTlpld4w6ZzvMyETMLEppojE4LAuma93y9m2E7ITyvhCX9Ulx3z5A2QL2eKKfNKqdVSjR8d0ErF-oECgvxjCK7M4IKqRbhSdCtNxvg62Y-nSWDfhKh2sH43Z9t30njgaVF40WtGn-VQV5Kcf6n3LKKZWKp97uAgiWP/s1280/Sherman%20ARV%20mk%20I%20%20cross%20the%20bridge%20over%20the%20Souleuvre%20river%20advance%20to%20Vire,%202%20August%201944.%20IWM%20B%208489.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0j53HEqS9cWlljMEp6CSGdC6YkfTlpld4w6ZzvMyETMLEppojE4LAuma93y9m2E7ITyvhCX9Ulx3z5A2QL2eKKfNKqdVSjR8d0ErF-oECgvxjCK7M4IKqRbhSdCtNxvg62Y-nSWDfhKh2sH43Z9t30njgaVF40WtGn-VQV5Kcf6n3LKKZWKp97uAgiWP/w640-h434/Sherman%20ARV%20mk%20I%20%20cross%20the%20bridge%20over%20the%20Souleuvre%20river%20advance%20to%20Vire,%202%20August%201944.%20IWM%20B%208489.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Sherman ARV Mk I, towed anti-tank guns and other vehicles<br />queue to cross the bridge over the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souleuvre" target="_blank">Souleuvre river</a><br />during the advance to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vire" target="_blank">Vire</a>, Normandy.<br /> 2 August 1944. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM B 8489</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxQ3IzgEO8qM1kJlMWPFhq2y58TKsM9CNMQ0fRiEkSW2OTNxJm_azAIorNYpTcYtwdqS4XZAZaT32nt9dSRrLefOcqCC0Q3ErucBgdkCZ6QoWEUFoUSwGX9s1A-gaX8fVeP1CCDuyz5qzqOqmH0UydOTUFU42JyMLQKGydH2Ef25P652mgb6JwGkqh2Ky/s1280/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20towing%20aPzKpfw%20IV%20tank%20captured%20near%20Cagny,%2019%20July%201944%20-%20IWM%20B%207762.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxQ3IzgEO8qM1kJlMWPFhq2y58TKsM9CNMQ0fRiEkSW2OTNxJm_azAIorNYpTcYtwdqS4XZAZaT32nt9dSRrLefOcqCC0Q3ErucBgdkCZ6QoWEUFoUSwGX9s1A-gaX8fVeP1CCDuyz5qzqOqmH0UydOTUFU42JyMLQKGydH2Ef25P652mgb6JwGkqh2Ky/w640-h428/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20towing%20aPzKpfw%20IV%20tank%20captured%20near%20Cagny,%2019%20July%201944%20-%20IWM%20B%207762.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">A Sherman ARV towing an intact German PzKpfw IV tank</div><div style="text-align: center;">captured near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagny,_Calvados" target="_blank">Cagny</a>, Normandy. 19 July 1944.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM B 7762</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhxWYfMaAyoNiG4aNRMfoNtusSgEmjbrUPbJ7yKxXz__MXHhkrI7SHEEvP9rN9o0SdI-HXqFopdoqb6yIB9-QxmOQOcstogljIw1WPhJ7agF1mz29b-sMSDEd0WFDcwKj6t48KaeyfkfBaC5mcwtaHC3UcRMDM1tJC0fP2xHf2AVTOWbFlCwKsLehZB1-/s1294/village%20of%20Cagny,%2019%20July%201944.%20Two%20Sherman%20ARVs%20arrive%20to%20recover%20a%20disabled%20Sherman%20tank%20IWM%20B%207756.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhxWYfMaAyoNiG4aNRMfoNtusSgEmjbrUPbJ7yKxXz__MXHhkrI7SHEEvP9rN9o0SdI-HXqFopdoqb6yIB9-QxmOQOcstogljIw1WPhJ7agF1mz29b-sMSDEd0WFDcwKj6t48KaeyfkfBaC5mcwtaHC3UcRMDM1tJC0fP2xHf2AVTOWbFlCwKsLehZB1-/w634-h640/village%20of%20Cagny,%2019%20July%201944.%20Two%20Sherman%20ARVs%20arrive%20to%20recover%20a%20disabled%20Sherman%20tank%20IWM%20B%207756.jpg" width="634" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Sherman ARV Mk I arrive to recover a disabled<br />Sherman tank, with track was broken.<br />Notice the destruction of the Church in the village of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagny,_Calvados" target="_blank">Cagny</a>, Normandy.<br />19 July 1944.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM B 7756</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RoHvRIy7fCPRFeEe6vTdkfd1LBwU5Z8cT0XR90GKxJGQWVWsrbfCWVn1CVC1wVAlYH_3n98bSR4mY5dtHtJe-DfUagIMkpAcut_OqEh0pb8H3V7z5RvOO4r_zUpH-DHvr5fB41EGiWalV3sumMczSfhsxbEA4D4395tDCjGotevrmv3Bm0rB5vuUB7cf/s1280/two%20Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20recovering%20a%20Sherman%20crab%20(1st%20Lothians%20and%20Border%20Horse,%2030th%20Arm.%20Bde,%2079th%20AD)%20after%20battle%20on%20le%20havre,%20september%201944..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RoHvRIy7fCPRFeEe6vTdkfd1LBwU5Z8cT0XR90GKxJGQWVWsrbfCWVn1CVC1wVAlYH_3n98bSR4mY5dtHtJe-DfUagIMkpAcut_OqEh0pb8H3V7z5RvOO4r_zUpH-DHvr5fB41EGiWalV3sumMczSfhsxbEA4D4395tDCjGotevrmv3Bm0rB5vuUB7cf/w640-h324/two%20Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20recovering%20a%20Sherman%20crab%20(1st%20Lothians%20and%20Border%20Horse,%2030th%20Arm.%20Bde,%2079th%20AD)%20after%20battle%20on%20le%20havre,%20september%201944..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Sherman V ARV Mk I recovering a <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Sherman%20V%20%20Crab%20Mine%20Flail%20Tank" target="_blank">Sherman V Crab</a> from<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothians_and_Border_Horse" target="_blank">1st Lothians and Border Horse</a> - 30th Armoured Brigade<br />79th Armoured Division, after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Astonia" target="_blank">Operation Astonia</a>, on Le Havre.<br />France, September 1944.<br />Notice the .50 Browning in the turret plate<br />and a German helmet as "decoration item" on the front of the tank.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKsWh7WDEMB94yitn1pKVS9SLgvAcsoeLtcjF7qePxouw-RvPAW28kFE-jw-rKlvp_6cnOVLfvQbAefuswIg_UfAHvAIZMZO-75M0F62dboTYVhI6LcGVrWIlio87NqIL0Q1IXbvvM6KdrC6lIzuL3GCsq7KEJK6MlRCKx9p_RcqgkklRPBpJiqy7Co8A/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20and%20Firefly%20tanks%201st%20squadron%20-%201st%20Polish%20Armoured%20Division%20at%20the%20Dutch%20village%20of%20Terheijden,%20October%201944.%20IWM%20HU%20106422.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1280" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKsWh7WDEMB94yitn1pKVS9SLgvAcsoeLtcjF7qePxouw-RvPAW28kFE-jw-rKlvp_6cnOVLfvQbAefuswIg_UfAHvAIZMZO-75M0F62dboTYVhI6LcGVrWIlio87NqIL0Q1IXbvvM6KdrC6lIzuL3GCsq7KEJK6MlRCKx9p_RcqgkklRPBpJiqy7Co8A/w640-h544/Shermie%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20and%20Firefly%20tanks%201st%20squadron%20-%201st%20Polish%20Armoured%20Division%20at%20the%20Dutch%20village%20of%20Terheijden,%20October%201944.%20IWM%20HU%20106422.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman ARV Mk I and Firefly tanks of the 1st Polish Armoured Division<br />taking a shadow of a windmill at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terheijden" target="_blank">village of Terheijden</a>,<br />six km north of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breda" target="_blank">Breda</a>, Netherlands. October 1944.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM HU 106422</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmykdTbyrWXKGf1UYE50r87Q0Wb-TFFctIzon5X9N3jaOsppFRwioGoSk7CD8_qweqKNE36M3Nrf8nJ8grP8AJIms_i-IfTITel60i55TYkaSJ-bsKLyl5-C38ERcmCkOUn3-E_LqZvTwCw6ShWL7THy6tIPg-o2dxlQkeQhFH5mr02yBUoShS0zKjzScu/s1400/Sant%20Nicholas%20Day%20arrives%20Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20in%20Rucphen,%20near%20Roosendaal%20in%20Holland,%206-12-44%20-%20B%20Sqdn%20%201st%20Northants%20Yeomanry%20-%2033rd%20Armd%20Bde%20-%20IWM%20B12586.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="1400" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmykdTbyrWXKGf1UYE50r87Q0Wb-TFFctIzon5X9N3jaOsppFRwioGoSk7CD8_qweqKNE36M3Nrf8nJ8grP8AJIms_i-IfTITel60i55TYkaSJ-bsKLyl5-C38ERcmCkOUn3-E_LqZvTwCw6ShWL7THy6tIPg-o2dxlQkeQhFH5mr02yBUoShS0zKjzScu/w640-h638/Sant%20Nicholas%20Day%20arrives%20Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20I%20%20in%20Rucphen,%20near%20Roosendaal%20in%20Holland,%206-12-44%20-%20B%20Sqdn%20%201st%20Northants%20Yeomanry%20-%2033rd%20Armd%20Bde%20-%20IWM%20B12586.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only did the damaged tank crews love the sight of a<br />Sherman ARV: Look at the joy of these Dutch children, with<br />Saint Nicholas arriving on top of a Sherman V ARV Mk I, in Saint Nicholas Day. <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rucphen" target="_blank">Rucphen</a>, near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roosendaal" target="_blank">Roosendaal</a>, Netherlands, 06 December 1944.<br />Saint Nicholas stands on a Shermie ARV belonging to the<br />B Squadron, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northamptonshire_Yeomanry" target="_blank">1st Northants Yeomanry</a> - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/33rd_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">33rd Armoured Brigade</a>.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font - IWM B12586</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sherman ARV Mark II</b> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Mark II was an evolution of the Mk.I. Its main feature was a large fixed box-shaped casemate, with the vertical faces featuring 40mm of armor and the roof with 14mm. Two cupolas with hinged hatches gave access to the hull through the roof of the casemate, these cupolas being cylindrical in some vehicles and hexagonal in others. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tBqOYymerF0k02-N9GteuHoMuIGCT7YUj7tUsLVqW2VUSL5qCKyU2Feh9JblbF4l2UiPIs6DP9ZzzxGrpNmlhg0cc40smQpQIsu4nTy1XFrMwqqtgOAMcL53KR7AU4C6MQHo0cYqxaZYB4do2CyusGcPoe1UGNmrEFwTNK_9wtPxlC2BtIp52JGTS-8N/s1400/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20%20IWM%20MH%203668.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1400" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tBqOYymerF0k02-N9GteuHoMuIGCT7YUj7tUsLVqW2VUSL5qCKyU2Feh9JblbF4l2UiPIs6DP9ZzzxGrpNmlhg0cc40smQpQIsu4nTy1XFrMwqqtgOAMcL53KR7AU4C6MQHo0cYqxaZYB4do2CyusGcPoe1UGNmrEFwTNK_9wtPxlC2BtIp52JGTS-8N/w640-h398/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20%20IWM%20MH%203668.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II with hexagonal cupolas<br />3/4 front left view<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 3668</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsqF_1Y96iRR1M8YFMgpyjGKSW4y9UIwl2Ds5gE6R3eJWKbXtDxVyZsSKfWWYCHtWP5H5jeklmOkBOxPm_P3UGBtocy3CRQ7FDSI5blazBn-80f0wk-rfna_dqKtgwVpSEoR5zeeV6qpWhperv07RK17TwjSms53uqNobSRVmpAN9coikmo2HmSY42uOz/s1280/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20round%20cupolas.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsqF_1Y96iRR1M8YFMgpyjGKSW4y9UIwl2Ds5gE6R3eJWKbXtDxVyZsSKfWWYCHtWP5H5jeklmOkBOxPm_P3UGBtocy3CRQ7FDSI5blazBn-80f0wk-rfna_dqKtgwVpSEoR5zeeV6qpWhperv07RK17TwjSms53uqNobSRVmpAN9coikmo2HmSY42uOz/w640-h398/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20round%20cupolas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II with cylindrical cupolas<br />3/4 front left view.<br />Notice the discreet differences between the equipment carried<br />by the tanks. There was no true standardization between these vehicles.<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment - near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham" target="_blank">Wokingham</a>, England.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgSlk5Ym6EfDKMIXwoPawh6pmh1W4bp2PcvxLwLb0y1Vj7XKFHxW3o0Biv2knvcCmzx7uB8v3nxjMxTmO86NvWHqLrdJPPRjIApRIwXl1VCboxu-qDOQ2rvnftLy238DPZVhV7mTifLag9LGlxOzpJn4f9DxQDoETsIwWWORW3WkcvolODKCyWd9sJ8Bx/s1400/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039923.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1400" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgSlk5Ym6EfDKMIXwoPawh6pmh1W4bp2PcvxLwLb0y1Vj7XKFHxW3o0Biv2knvcCmzx7uB8v3nxjMxTmO86NvWHqLrdJPPRjIApRIwXl1VCboxu-qDOQ2rvnftLy238DPZVhV7mTifLag9LGlxOzpJn4f9DxQDoETsIwWWORW3WkcvolODKCyWd9sJ8Bx/w640-h408/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039923.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II with cylindrical cupolas<br />3/4 front right view - the same vehicle above.<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment - near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham" target="_blank">Wokingham</a>, England.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM H 39923</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-wXNPyiBqFsRx3eIliGmQZaKkc8GP_gmBtixom0vbJT37AETPJcKZ-X1KBzPIGzZz08nuxEz8Hs0GLABkpm56_VXz9Qx_v2MerHwWKYqNnsDSM1-nIU2eUe822X7eMlL7Mswo045GJGSvMdo4IA__xlgRxxK9TmeyEY04J3QEuPT-6FGE_ogz0YuEUrO/s1280/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20round%20cupolas%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-wXNPyiBqFsRx3eIliGmQZaKkc8GP_gmBtixom0vbJT37AETPJcKZ-X1KBzPIGzZz08nuxEz8Hs0GLABkpm56_VXz9Qx_v2MerHwWKYqNnsDSM1-nIU2eUe822X7eMlL7Mswo045GJGSvMdo4IA__xlgRxxK9TmeyEY04J3QEuPT-6FGE_ogz0YuEUrO/w640-h350/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20round%20cupolas%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II with cylindrical cupolas<br />left view<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment <br />near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham" target="_blank">Wokingham</a>, England. - summer 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> A two-speed winch was installed inside the hull, beneath the rear portion of the casemate. The winch cable passed out of the casemate through a rectangular opening in the rear of this fixed turret, via rotating cylinders.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneVN-z3Dx-mWsLJDjq6ezXnPq74Rop0gnifOERJIaF5KIvD1csAhdNt7Q_BkzOC6fa-Keki5rHb9lMiDJp6grDmAl4FzPnG-AkkO0B-eSD3R53vupl3o1Az9TX_dgllgsJia9GV-Cc02RJN1T5efoznBAoPY4N3oRBJT8ntbMJhblNbM8BOQavecqiIrX/s1289/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039936.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1289" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneVN-z3Dx-mWsLJDjq6ezXnPq74Rop0gnifOERJIaF5KIvD1csAhdNt7Q_BkzOC6fa-Keki5rHb9lMiDJp6grDmAl4FzPnG-AkkO0B-eSD3R53vupl3o1Az9TX_dgllgsJia9GV-Cc02RJN1T5efoznBAoPY4N3oRBJT8ntbMJhblNbM8BOQavecqiIrX/w640-h634/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039936.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II - rear view<br />Notice the rectangular opening in the rear of the turret,<br />just below the two shovels<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM H 39936</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> A dummy gun barrel (a steel tube) was welded to the front portion of the turret, installed with a slight shunt to the left, so as not to interfere with the winch cable when it was being used from the front of the ARV. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViZfJPFTcJEFhnkaQKQLF4XdnsAinT7_e5dvSfHfUp0eo1EiSzU7zEYN3T8OL9FmjFPeofPSEOTq_8-zoimlGx18Zn394xApstOo0YA3bRJhX2GlIwUyWdg6je-MMzjD1BVnbdAj33OXpNkXx_KzOgId-uzQVMGNeTVl58mwieGyALp8NPRY33Slfa6Jp/s1280/Mk%202%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViZfJPFTcJEFhnkaQKQLF4XdnsAinT7_e5dvSfHfUp0eo1EiSzU7zEYN3T8OL9FmjFPeofPSEOTq_8-zoimlGx18Zn394xApstOo0YA3bRJhX2GlIwUyWdg6je-MMzjD1BVnbdAj33OXpNkXx_KzOgId-uzQVMGNeTVl58mwieGyALp8NPRY33Slfa6Jp/w640-h442/Mk%202%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II (hexagonal cupolas)<br />Notice the small detour to the left of the dummy cannon.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy_7QgXdW0eMuybJu7MtSGpQlIn6OM8fdeJzpOHQfLXl_CjZYWjhlsOLYpur8XDMFwimj6TZK6P64rnL9BRmFRLVc4V8Bp_8ikj0-iTbMwXFIs6KC-qkv0xBHbGSTPiRWVKioDCe3vFRAGVWZJ0-jWbBsShs4U0rHKZuLO63LSff6_DJ41aP2fJYKGFbO/s1024/Shermie%20Mk%202%20ARV%20dummie%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="752" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy_7QgXdW0eMuybJu7MtSGpQlIn6OM8fdeJzpOHQfLXl_CjZYWjhlsOLYpur8XDMFwimj6TZK6P64rnL9BRmFRLVc4V8Bp_8ikj0-iTbMwXFIs6KC-qkv0xBHbGSTPiRWVKioDCe3vFRAGVWZJ0-jWbBsShs4U0rHKZuLO63LSff6_DJ41aP2fJYKGFbO/w470-h640/Shermie%20Mk%202%20ARV%20dummie%20gun.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II (cylindrical cupolas)<br />Notice the small detour to the left of the dummy cannon.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> A fixed jib was mounted on the upper rear portion of the hull, which, together with the winch, could be used for lifting work or towing vehicles. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvsWLOrvcKIW3P6TuxVf02ZCtUuqJBykjRipiZJgntrM6xMvkmmeZdG3oHp-kkqtbjJ8Ab-UEe2eIf5aLsjv5SGP6HMPCntF-8HTL01XUkHfNaCbBemMaiqDG3cGvefdyIuEog1wuRGV3dtMrW-j_TP-UNpFrv1LxeDQpPS5QTm1DPpEVRlvozo4B6LWs/s1400/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20MH%203670.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1400" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvsWLOrvcKIW3P6TuxVf02ZCtUuqJBykjRipiZJgntrM6xMvkmmeZdG3oHp-kkqtbjJ8Ab-UEe2eIf5aLsjv5SGP6HMPCntF-8HTL01XUkHfNaCbBemMaiqDG3cGvefdyIuEog1wuRGV3dtMrW-j_TP-UNpFrv1LxeDQpPS5QTm1DPpEVRlvozo4B6LWs/w640-h448/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20MH%203670.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II - 3/4 rear left view<br />Notice the fixed jib in the rear upper deck, with articulated<br />earth spade, resting just below the jib.<br />Notice on the various equipment, on the sides of<br />the hull and rear upper deck.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 3670</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugGVUfWiGXjaSY3jzFfeyDt_fTUQD-DpUOdUS1mMu3ktITwU5Cqytd0XKcrc7WK8rlfiU36ty4e_E-3Vm_ksoOyvqEKME1x8XRmo267JCEHBw_A2GziNEb27eTmWVx_SFcCMr471r6vYbWIUApCQ4NfohxpH6S1lzdjPYEez8YDBCNj5P1Y7MAz7-nkbS/s1400/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20%20IWM%20MH%203669.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugGVUfWiGXjaSY3jzFfeyDt_fTUQD-DpUOdUS1mMu3ktITwU5Cqytd0XKcrc7WK8rlfiU36ty4e_E-3Vm_ksoOyvqEKME1x8XRmo267JCEHBw_A2GziNEb27eTmWVx_SFcCMr471r6vYbWIUApCQ4NfohxpH6S1lzdjPYEez8YDBCNj5P1Y7MAz7-nkbS/w640-h400/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20%20IWM%20MH%203669.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II - 3/4 rear right view<br />Notice the fixed jib in the rear upper deck, with articulated<br />earth spade, resting just below the jib.<br />Notice on the various equipment, on the sides of<br />the hull and rear upper deck.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM MH 3669</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A strong hinged spade-type earth anchor was installed below the jib. This anchor-type sword was lowered into the ground for greater stability. And to further increase this stability, when on non-rocky terrain, the vehicle went in reverse, burying the tips of the sword in the ground and "lifting" the rear of the ARV, burying the anchor blade vertically in the ground, giving enormous stability vertically and horizontally to the tank.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTOQR5LltH0gzporobJP8OjKvSY4U04PvxFMfi4b7W16mio3tD8onXWmJkB2mD73bfLc7F8NzU4EQXJGj7yhTCdLvPnd8WxBY-gom-1-AP-lirCczAR_KZeDg-GOkT8LpNh7_5DzDbMU-4Ngjr8aGtYSHisoZqrxYH0pY4nEHeLsJxdCycNSxHtIUL72U/s1280/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039928.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1280" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTOQR5LltH0gzporobJP8OjKvSY4U04PvxFMfi4b7W16mio3tD8onXWmJkB2mD73bfLc7F8NzU4EQXJGj7yhTCdLvPnd8WxBY-gom-1-AP-lirCczAR_KZeDg-GOkT8LpNh7_5DzDbMU-4Ngjr8aGtYSHisoZqrxYH0pY4nEHeLsJxdCycNSxHtIUL72U/w640-h602/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039928.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear spade-anchor is now lowered, just resting on the ground.<br />Note that the ends of the anchor, the double fork type,<br />are already buried in the soft ground.<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment - near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham" target="_blank">Wokingham</a>, England.<br /> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 39928</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqr4olAgs7YUgMGQHwjRwjKze10n_LGjwmo1fk0Q4cLGHPK6MSr7lS_uV1kX8BUMeaR-ZRtd8SSARjkYpY_r2ybB5prIRESbuuRfotW6yNAVNsGdxon-KU7XmIicVCMpz10esrfCwC9I-9tzNNkL_529Nw7CMtpNohjRqWAgRy5Gz0-IUbXrBUYOf7lvO/s1280/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039930.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqr4olAgs7YUgMGQHwjRwjKze10n_LGjwmo1fk0Q4cLGHPK6MSr7lS_uV1kX8BUMeaR-ZRtd8SSARjkYpY_r2ybB5prIRESbuuRfotW6yNAVNsGdxon-KU7XmIicVCMpz10esrfCwC9I-9tzNNkL_529Nw7CMtpNohjRqWAgRy5Gz0-IUbXrBUYOf7lvO/w640-h484/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039930.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sherman V ARV Mk II has already reversed, with the weight<br />of the tank vertically burying the anchor in the ground.<br />Notice how the rear of the vehicle is a little suspended...<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment - near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham" target="_blank">Wokingham</a>, England.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 39930</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpruyMohBNr8TP9RA_LDbtx7vh78GzkG-yI9cHx1247d_XSUsX1sBXJ3rysPcd_pCcOTSmWFkuQj171P-B7Xis5SVDsYsdAqmJqg7HF9wasRbUGeWMDN66uguFl553aAhbZIoOrSlS2kWAIEH32T4WJWofiGXSWBSThubhp1ccFjzPaPUsZ9KQYiIh3hvf/s1280/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039929.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1280" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpruyMohBNr8TP9RA_LDbtx7vh78GzkG-yI9cHx1247d_XSUsX1sBXJ3rysPcd_pCcOTSmWFkuQj171P-B7Xis5SVDsYsdAqmJqg7HF9wasRbUGeWMDN66uguFl553aAhbZIoOrSlS2kWAIEH32T4WJWofiGXSWBSThubhp1ccFjzPaPUsZ9KQYiIh3hvf/w640-h564/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20IWM%20H%2039929.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk II - close-up vision of the<br />rear spade, vertically buried in the ground.<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment - near Wokingham, England.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> font: IWM H 39929</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the same way as on the Sherman ARV Mark I, an articulated jib (composed of jib booms that are carried on the sides of the hull) could be raised at the front of the vehicle, but in this case the jib had a lifting capacity of 7 tons and was used in conjunction with the winch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> These jib booms had tubular profiles, made of reinforced steel. All other recovery, repair equipment and tools were generally the same as those carried on the Sherman ARV Mark I.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJOWTsTg5RSpP-2MbEwFiqOMgUNJ4ifPBJu5Mqp92pZJamnkU4WCjCzSNd2LazNDvRjZ4meMDmR-vCIrOl_Awt_8SlWrWp2yVw_I2L5e-sbv_-Ol_TxDOBm-hcBvzbZ7tJwjELsiwneCHc-myhRXT047lCN6-uXFES-4xDriIMVDPOfwkWEsqsTiAWiN/s1024/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20Instaling%20the%20front%20jib.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1024" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJOWTsTg5RSpP-2MbEwFiqOMgUNJ4ifPBJu5Mqp92pZJamnkU4WCjCzSNd2LazNDvRjZ4meMDmR-vCIrOl_Awt_8SlWrWp2yVw_I2L5e-sbv_-Ol_TxDOBm-hcBvzbZ7tJwjELsiwneCHc-myhRXT047lCN6-uXFES-4xDriIMVDPOfwkWEsqsTiAWiN/w640-h412/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20%20Instaling%20the%20front%20jib.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the front jib in the nose of Sherman V ARV Mark II<br />The crew is passing the steel cable of the turret winch <br />through the front pulley.<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment - near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wokingham" target="_blank">Wokingham</a>, 23-8-1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 39924</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBPOkYLv0ydEEYft0k40gUG_n8Bk96Q5SHMjbsJaP-0qxeALjC4dbRzMpKAsci7LjmoWiRNZ1sFKGwM-WifW9GWXb4kSF27oqzFXNKt78d-J5x6JaVCCF4woyu2tOZoX6Mf745s1Ph172SzCfxWcqAM52pUt_fyTI-R2nCCkqbDcIJJfx7CpVz42QmaY-/s1280/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20REME%20Experimental%20Establishment%20Nr%20Wokingham%2023-8-44%20-%20IWM%20H%2039926.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBPOkYLv0ydEEYft0k40gUG_n8Bk96Q5SHMjbsJaP-0qxeALjC4dbRzMpKAsci7LjmoWiRNZ1sFKGwM-WifW9GWXb4kSF27oqzFXNKt78d-J5x6JaVCCF4woyu2tOZoX6Mf745s1Ph172SzCfxWcqAM52pUt_fyTI-R2nCCkqbDcIJJfx7CpVz42QmaY-/w640-h438/Sherman%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20-%20REME%20Experimental%20Establishment%20Nr%20Wokingham%2023-8-44%20-%20IWM%20H%2039926.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman ARV Mk II with front jib erected.<br /> right side view<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment - near Wokingham, England. 23-8-44<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 39926</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5SGeTXJMulwss0I1PYxubVLSdTdgvBPvZcVYx9qP4BqqwA6cMtkS6tuGLNNB9j-ytcsK0g6s3WdAfw2IisIFwUnSWq5kqotBQev6oFITogwYduyJaKUwmG1z6hG-ZKMs-rvYvnbe4qUnNa6q3iZfN3O9y6lKGJ4N4RYJ2Ae1qJou9FM2d0wEcQYtFqMv/s1024/Shermie%20Mk%202%20ARV%20front%20jig%20erected.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1024" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5SGeTXJMulwss0I1PYxubVLSdTdgvBPvZcVYx9qP4BqqwA6cMtkS6tuGLNNB9j-ytcsK0g6s3WdAfw2IisIFwUnSWq5kqotBQev6oFITogwYduyJaKUwmG1z6hG-ZKMs-rvYvnbe4qUnNa6q3iZfN3O9y6lKGJ4N4RYJ2Ae1qJou9FM2d0wEcQYtFqMv/w640-h464/Shermie%20Mk%202%20ARV%20front%20jig%20erected.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front jib erected in the nose of Sherman V ARV Mark II.<br />Notice the front jib, fitted with screws, in the joints of the tank's front glacis.<br />The damaged skirt on the right front fender is proof of<br />the uselessness of this accessory in this type of vehicle.<br />R.E.M.E. Experimental Establishment - near Wokingham, England. 23-8-44</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Churchill and Sherman ARVs carried virtually the same recovery and repair equipment and tools. Churchill ARVs were initially used in Tunisia and the Italian Campaign and northwestern Europe, supporting divisions and brigades equipped with Churchill Infantry tanks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EJ0qS8CtlN53e4ifKz9Ig1KubjRutcdp7tJAQPBTfIB_srU_olkohZ1MHj2W_vnUDUI8VzLj7EWmOXE6y8VfsDmJQ_9-8qbCIaD4APXOfQnmpLCATo2Tz19XJ5r8HMWAzAuVYixWRqFk8z1kkUS2z4tKKoJzAqd39vNm1SPNBZbeV1fhImpHEELAEugn/s1280/Churchill%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20%20IWM%20H%2039906.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EJ0qS8CtlN53e4ifKz9Ig1KubjRutcdp7tJAQPBTfIB_srU_olkohZ1MHj2W_vnUDUI8VzLj7EWmOXE6y8VfsDmJQ_9-8qbCIaD4APXOfQnmpLCATo2Tz19XJ5r8HMWAzAuVYixWRqFk8z1kkUS2z4tKKoJzAqd39vNm1SPNBZbeV1fhImpHEELAEugn/w640-h388/Churchill%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20%20IWM%20H%2039906.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARV Mark II <br />notice the similarity between the Shermans <br />nd the Churchills ARV Mk.II<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font:IWM H 39906</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The British Army converted 52 of its Sherman III (M4A2 diesel) into <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Sherman%20BARV" target="_blank">Beach Armored Recovery Vehicles (BARVs</a>) prior to the Allied invasion of France on June 6, 1944. Their intended role was to rescue any tracked or wheeled vehicles that became stuck in the surf during the beach landings. With a waterproofed hull and superstructure, the vehicle could wade through 9 feet of water to push or pull stranded vehicles out of the surf onto a beach.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YlBvuKC9FU0E_C4yWIzM7DFWfRO1SOz_oj97KfAruiCAsY6RC9W-smokUKtNJA88ooaMGyhHbVNdpuYqTs-Cnc2zGBKL2mkaO8gcqxOWlrHmX3V0Uo1hJ8f8s9BiSFwTEuNPBqw-dk6iRjW9zYmGp41ecksG8nlThz-PfVvJDjd6UXcFeCvyg3575ZN1/s1280/Sherman%20BARV%20(Beach%20Armoured%20Recovery%20Vehicle),%20Earls%20Court,%20London,%208%20February%201944%20IWM%20H%2035624.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YlBvuKC9FU0E_C4yWIzM7DFWfRO1SOz_oj97KfAruiCAsY6RC9W-smokUKtNJA88ooaMGyhHbVNdpuYqTs-Cnc2zGBKL2mkaO8gcqxOWlrHmX3V0Uo1hJ8f8s9BiSFwTEuNPBqw-dk6iRjW9zYmGp41ecksG8nlThz-PfVvJDjd6UXcFeCvyg3575ZN1/w640-h436/Sherman%20BARV%20(Beach%20Armoured%20Recovery%20Vehicle),%20Earls%20Court,%20London,%208%20February%201944%20IWM%20H%2035624.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman BARV (Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle)<br />Earls Court - London.<br />This vehicle is under construction: notice the open rear upper deck<br />8 February 1944<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM H 35624</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8qfDYoSCKyabvMq7sMFsqVNCpg_QFlpIniE0vzrTh2jfgkIfyLeSrawoyjiVi_a1Yd9AQ9z3i3YK-V9LuuLYH-rkFRdjKOVxqdOvHkOtLMXY7u4N7JRbYqMBTia4YON6VkWvfw4A3dNzw0cDJhNk_7JeV-ArJkcjzRCCokl9n-qU1bYpcK6vtzqhjps/s1280/Sherman%20BARV%20tows%20a%20disabled%20Bedford%20articulated%20lorry%20and%20trailer%20off%20the%20beach,%2014%20June%201944%20%20IWM%20B%205578.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8qfDYoSCKyabvMq7sMFsqVNCpg_QFlpIniE0vzrTh2jfgkIfyLeSrawoyjiVi_a1Yd9AQ9z3i3YK-V9LuuLYH-rkFRdjKOVxqdOvHkOtLMXY7u4N7JRbYqMBTia4YON6VkWvfw4A3dNzw0cDJhNk_7JeV-ArJkcjzRCCokl9n-qU1bYpcK6vtzqhjps/w640-h404/Sherman%20BARV%20tows%20a%20disabled%20Bedford%20articulated%20lorry%20and%20trailer%20off%20the%20beach,%2014%20June%201944%20%20IWM%20B%205578.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman BARV tows a disabled Bedford articulated lorry<br />and trailer off the beach.<br />Normandy, France - 14 June 1944 <br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM B 5578</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ARV tanks were so successful that many versions were built in other countries, even after the war and to this day. They are relatively cheap and easy to build vehicles, in addition to being extremely versatile and highly efficient, making them machines of great tactical value on the battlefield.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tU-vF1Ju0pBQ6H6UoogXk-T66jL32Xam_FIJnW9hZcAGur9q5ZxWjjuW2ybgfzji2Avrr1bww11R9bSIPElad3W9kXyzJQHSU_khv9Y6dM5V534ZuJzsaPVW9Gq4lKt39t476GRscITJo1cjzhIRRY8HJdwM-VE7MraQbF01rUEV6XfMFBMkUbnE_WcS/s1280/modern%20Challenger%20Armoured%20Repair%20and%20Recovery%20Vehicle%202012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tU-vF1Ju0pBQ6H6UoogXk-T66jL32Xam_FIJnW9hZcAGur9q5ZxWjjuW2ybgfzji2Avrr1bww11R9bSIPElad3W9kXyzJQHSU_khv9Y6dM5V534ZuJzsaPVW9Gq4lKt39t476GRscITJo1cjzhIRRY8HJdwM-VE7MraQbF01rUEV6XfMFBMkUbnE_WcS/w640-h380/modern%20Challenger%20Armoured%20Repair%20and%20Recovery%20Vehicle%202012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Challenger_Armoured_Repair_and_Recovery_Vehicle" target="_blank">Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle</a> (CRARRV)<br />Tank Show - 2012</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1om7nF_UFHcfAhKdHLV2Cbe770jbvyo1_EDXlnv9_khmnOJuVS4aAjHicMTHWREVxekCQrKDjNfE-TdjscdTxy52Xr9LDGf2lvExhRFszMHZiior9o8VBcoxV2vB4_gboDaO0LKDgLl3r5Zc09ETcvHDkxUrU0Dr_vIqXTFQd0zeyGsoaatHT0-riqo-V/s1400/Sherman%20V%20(M4A4)%20ARV%20Mark%20I%20specs.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1400" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1om7nF_UFHcfAhKdHLV2Cbe770jbvyo1_EDXlnv9_khmnOJuVS4aAjHicMTHWREVxekCQrKDjNfE-TdjscdTxy52Xr9LDGf2lvExhRFszMHZiior9o8VBcoxV2vB4_gboDaO0LKDgLl3r5Zc09ETcvHDkxUrU0Dr_vIqXTFQd0zeyGsoaatHT0-riqo-V/w640-h350/Sherman%20V%20(M4A4)%20ARV%20Mark%20I%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGB20X5uCbV4nFYJiw5SutHnewJLxNFNjG3DT4VwXQ5rPKniYNESU9WolNgQmXZj9IFtZpqPFY3Cfo1LG9L9JvKBSYheS6Y5pZq6fa4QNH-K3MPxmSO19TURymcBsDsVhF0_twVr4EzyDvziIFslAZCm0tA726s5OgJpTkkHe_JBVBmY886tomNo0iEq_/s1400/Sherman%20V%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20specs.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1400" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGB20X5uCbV4nFYJiw5SutHnewJLxNFNjG3DT4VwXQ5rPKniYNESU9WolNgQmXZj9IFtZpqPFY3Cfo1LG9L9JvKBSYheS6Y5pZq6fa4QNH-K3MPxmSO19TURymcBsDsVhF0_twVr4EzyDvziIFslAZCm0tA726s5OgJpTkkHe_JBVBmY886tomNo0iEq_/w640-h362/Sherman%20V%20ARV%20Mk%20II%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Sherman V ARV Mk.I (M4A4)</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Armoured Recovery<br />Vehicle</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">USA (standard tank) <br />UK (conversion)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">World War II</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">July 1942 - November 1943 Chrysler Corp. </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">29 Sherman III ARV Mk I<br />189 Sherman V ARV Mk I</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">27 tons</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6,45 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2,62 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1,99 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 to 5</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">50,8 mm front hull<br />38,1 side hull</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">none<br /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary<span style="color: white;">.</span>armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1×<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.30-06_Springfield" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title=".30-06 Springfield">.30-06</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1919_Browning_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="M1919 Browning machine gun">Browning M1919A4</a> machine gun<br />4,750 rounds</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_A57_multibank" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3366cc; font-size: 12.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Chrysler A57 multibank">Chrysler A57 multibank</a><br /><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">(30 cylinder) gasoline engine - 370 hp (276 kW)@ 2,400 rpm</span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">13.70 hp/tonne</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_Volute_Spring_Suspension" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vertical Volute Spring Suspension">Vertical Volute Spring Suspension</a> (VVSS)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Ground clearance</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">430 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">605 L</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">160 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">40 km/h - brief level</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>The kits:</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> For this dual/parallel project, I had it in my stock two old <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/cyber-hobby-9102-sherman-m4a4-75mm--263724" target="_blank">Shermans M4A4 75mm from Dragon - Cyber-Hobby (#9102)</a> as tank-hosts and as conversion kits, the excellent <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/resicast-351134-sherman-arv-mki-conversion-set-sherman-m4a4-m4a2--230768" target="_blank">Resicast Sherman ARV Mark I conversion (#351134)</a> and <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/resicast-351214-sherman-arv-mkii-conversion--232295" target="_blank">Resicast Sherman ARV Mark II conversion (#351214)</a> kits.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRK7_VVpad4_IJxF_3QNGhFa8A17eDatz19TPeNfvrDSGSAveoGxjqS-VOpXKvGJkS17JEjEE8HXqbe5jBI_YIulcPzEB-3NPTijnDM-z4Wo9lPkMBiUc_8bWIE6gqIIymdfthV3rcxWSOhElUjQEUGQG54QZcxP7BED1qQQkCp95qNuON3jK7Pknxc3p/s1024/Dragon%20kit%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1024" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRK7_VVpad4_IJxF_3QNGhFa8A17eDatz19TPeNfvrDSGSAveoGxjqS-VOpXKvGJkS17JEjEE8HXqbe5jBI_YIulcPzEB-3NPTijnDM-z4Wo9lPkMBiUc_8bWIE6gqIIymdfthV3rcxWSOhElUjQEUGQG54QZcxP7BED1qQQkCp95qNuON3jK7Pknxc3p/w640-h548/Dragon%20kit%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon - Cyber-Hobby Sherman M4A4 75mm (#9102) box art</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyUKuwuWW6NNLf9mcD36Stt-QjBx9NwGuSeuTKLycrIYHzkmhNG3MJ5JpFiEzbaAL8swiUJ1nwnYpV8MMbEUYaYThhm7oM4ecntBd-stwZ_40HQxBseY0Vyu9p_DTxtb__-tQINRvkVKbbs6Ws502LE5WVmTZUFYA2L9nhBWAoryfOsN9qOUPfkRtjiee/s1252/Shermie%20ARV%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="780" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyUKuwuWW6NNLf9mcD36Stt-QjBx9NwGuSeuTKLycrIYHzkmhNG3MJ5JpFiEzbaAL8swiUJ1nwnYpV8MMbEUYaYThhm7oM4ecntBd-stwZ_40HQxBseY0Vyu9p_DTxtb__-tQINRvkVKbbs6Ws502LE5WVmTZUFYA2L9nhBWAoryfOsN9qOUPfkRtjiee/w398-h640/Shermie%20ARV%20001.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resicast Sherman ARV Mark I <br />conversion resin kit (#351134) box art<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL5dgmy2V6SBnfydu54Jg2o-vhMXIXvtPGlRZZ6jo8J6yNDodDXgtOQ5usjl0vsefxKgsGRAzrjTx53AwajpRu7AUdhWRioKuVMsSc4Vg73iR8Jf4eI7q9c-0rFQBcRVrsIp719pdwZXFfgNnKPWSuDbjxDculjAzXgoZxQIpGipKZErAvymiD9eY7YQd/s719/Resicast%20Mkm%202%20kit%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="719" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL5dgmy2V6SBnfydu54Jg2o-vhMXIXvtPGlRZZ6jo8J6yNDodDXgtOQ5usjl0vsefxKgsGRAzrjTx53AwajpRu7AUdhWRioKuVMsSc4Vg73iR8Jf4eI7q9c-0rFQBcRVrsIp719pdwZXFfgNnKPWSuDbjxDculjAzXgoZxQIpGipKZErAvymiD9eY7YQd/w640-h458/Resicast%20Mkm%202%20kit%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resicast Sherman ARV Mark II<br />conversion resin kit (#351214) box art</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And our unstoppable, tireless, skilled, courageous and bald friend in front of the kits for this project. Get to work!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIv1uBNBFq2imB1O-jnNfi2j21qGVDjNnRIFOVc1qGl_I_l8TYzh1kGOyU32mVRH4YDGngzyXtPaWLgaJ0Ccxrd9Y9doOJKr3kfOO4KBAZECz_KIkw9JZEU2XfDu5PMbr6lnmUwyuMOMocxVYBdEe5DWEGP7VsohArYUxpR_V4wmR2hUxGAyYDYkKHIyP/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIv1uBNBFq2imB1O-jnNfi2j21qGVDjNnRIFOVc1qGl_I_l8TYzh1kGOyU32mVRH4YDGngzyXtPaWLgaJ0Ccxrd9Y9doOJKr3kfOO4KBAZECz_KIkw9JZEU2XfDu5PMbr6lnmUwyuMOMocxVYBdEe5DWEGP7VsohArYUxpR_V4wmR2hUxGAyYDYkKHIyP/w640-h436/Shermie%20ARV%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak, the true da man!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Well, as always, let's start at the beginning... and no matter how much the years weigh on us, we like to follow the construction steps suggested by the manufacturers. And as we are going to make the two versions in parallel, the Mk I and Mk II versionss, we are going to inaugurate a real assembly line: the M4A4 bogies, aka Sherman V!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28zXq9I2OnpPo2mazI7mFICs-ki08XMh93j9BPosLpLpBJoLqLOMA7OFO_K2c09Wfs1gACkjYeAuVNA7EHGpEDkWSvLEf8iH3gUkSc2s4r2xPe4qpECWXmaPGDpPxG5_UynfJElnuLE6FDp0tFuFJ6DcAK8VdPU-BLGWrwczWbAO94xYOGV5qCJl1Nn8W/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28zXq9I2OnpPo2mazI7mFICs-ki08XMh93j9BPosLpLpBJoLqLOMA7OFO_K2c09Wfs1gACkjYeAuVNA7EHGpEDkWSvLEf8iH3gUkSc2s4r2xPe4qpECWXmaPGDpPxG5_UynfJElnuLE6FDp0tFuFJ6DcAK8VdPU-BLGWrwczWbAO94xYOGV5qCJl1Nn8W/w640-h444/Shermie%20ARV%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman bogies...<br />I kept the wheels turning to make painting easier, later...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCNrqUXRvVN0SaBc-d4BXIO7UQOcun9OYaP0e3qDkPKSEP8yfw5pg7S1yfxQ_N6SMefmKQdKiYXdoktP8KWQgSb3uB61HE3u-XG3Iv5LgytKpRg88BeL61XSQLap3pJYZW2bWXkAOghhN14WE-FXCkSFB7G11aSAsUfUyoDHAm6VjU-ZkaQe3xZStxx6I/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCNrqUXRvVN0SaBc-d4BXIO7UQOcun9OYaP0e3qDkPKSEP8yfw5pg7S1yfxQ_N6SMefmKQdKiYXdoktP8KWQgSb3uB61HE3u-XG3Iv5LgytKpRg88BeL61XSQLap3pJYZW2bWXkAOghhN14WE-FXCkSFB7G11aSAsUfUyoDHAm6VjU-ZkaQe3xZStxx6I/w640-h390/Shermie%20ARV%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bald one, in full swing!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJNbrYdeJ1bhR97BtkgMEPFGB2hpAFOju0GX22BmhBBw0_MQEs41J4LMB5AgayAGois9QxAs7zOEOD_bZTlsrmEEB858_IkGhUrhh6vH8lLxr6BPjFRWYdhejiAyruiyNLsyGqofqxxDbSG9xS2S8I1GEuZ1WQBi9GkUBx7FQBS61b_fnd4foMjn-ah_V/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="1280" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJNbrYdeJ1bhR97BtkgMEPFGB2hpAFOju0GX22BmhBBw0_MQEs41J4LMB5AgayAGois9QxAs7zOEOD_bZTlsrmEEB858_IkGhUrhh6vH8lLxr6BPjFRWYdhejiAyruiyNLsyGqofqxxDbSG9xS2S8I1GEuZ1WQBi9GkUBx7FQBS61b_fnd4foMjn-ah_V/w640-h274/Shermie%20ARV%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sprockets and idler wheels, freshly cut.<br />One of Kojak's lovely assistants will take care of the trimming... <br />Don't be scandalized, please...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFz-oRTmMXsV1-2sqxk-W0oelr8nL51xEsDQtXwqXcD6X0rG5b5JfJdMmuTdAREqxnqxrvl6Qe3qGDBR6dNly94LLpuJ73cdv6oFIEPL-cTLkV0C4tvSm0wfUXG6Jv_JIVB6NW7tVU9nyi-xuTQZTbtmgZ02iwHxpZYZAaTsR1bWslbqPR3pjvOa1WBjW/w640-h388/Shermie%20ARV%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting it all together...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFz-oRTmMXsV1-2sqxk-W0oelr8nL51xEsDQtXwqXcD6X0rG5b5JfJdMmuTdAREqxnqxrvl6Qe3qGDBR6dNly94LLpuJ73cdv6oFIEPL-cTLkV0C4tvSm0wfUXG6Jv_JIVB6NW7tVU9nyi-xuTQZTbtmgZ02iwHxpZYZAaTsR1bWslbqPR3pjvOa1WBjW/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20006.JPG"><span style="color: black;"></span></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3om3u6Lhc1iX5_YxeiKVzDJG_-qQHDOuqIZMNSWAl0ev5mVMLl5EF9kUiQqnr5UxL3s-wcslRKocQr1O7TQk9Pdl2XFGcYVqgRrJrUX_sBH4H8Pw1PuUYVf68XcJ54FAhENuBqr7VhU2TW-RuWK5E9GLg88qzKbu4QoszZi67GJLeQ23WOS6Ys3QVDOP/s480/too%20fast.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3om3u6Lhc1iX5_YxeiKVzDJG_-qQHDOuqIZMNSWAl0ev5mVMLl5EF9kUiQqnr5UxL3s-wcslRKocQr1O7TQk9Pdl2XFGcYVqgRrJrUX_sBH4H8Pw1PuUYVf68XcJ54FAhENuBqr7VhU2TW-RuWK5E9GLg88qzKbu4QoszZi67GJLeQ23WOS6Ys3QVDOP/w400-h200/too%20fast.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy, Salieri...Kojak is really fast!!!</td></tr></tbody></table>Well, after this tour of Music, let's see how the two Dragon-girls are growing up:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0LSYvK_6J94_1gliE7r58cpxk8iiMuoNmPrnOkXVTVdCYrDjlej9Y0CDtfoOBxYPvP93TlteQgoiJpk-68mdMEY3sQBIbkJLiE6oIpvewIGezv6fxP5l8XHv_GNiwxnMjdTItp00jX6qODAJDGf_1LPCg6l90e4QNQ785SDx5skf267lIsID0TyJYjMy/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0LSYvK_6J94_1gliE7r58cpxk8iiMuoNmPrnOkXVTVdCYrDjlej9Y0CDtfoOBxYPvP93TlteQgoiJpk-68mdMEY3sQBIbkJLiE6oIpvewIGezv6fxP5l8XHv_GNiwxnMjdTItp00jX6qODAJDGf_1LPCg6l90e4QNQ785SDx5skf267lIsID0TyJYjMy/w640-h428/Shermie%20ARV%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Dragon-girls are old but very beautiful!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-WUuDNyvInDkjzzOzWnh3Ox8bz02hYTtXX9eItbT2Us1INCx-ja238N-Ndort0cXHB-Se2eVlr0wYrL5OhJqwXCB1yuFvXHYeNqivRAow3MyPtZaxlUFjAHxDHcp-HL7f0JrnkdKTIAYHk_NlX5dlAoSL6t9LogcdAPvZePWyEW7WIOYV_DRbYcp9A48/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-WUuDNyvInDkjzzOzWnh3Ox8bz02hYTtXX9eItbT2Us1INCx-ja238N-Ndort0cXHB-Se2eVlr0wYrL5OhJqwXCB1yuFvXHYeNqivRAow3MyPtZaxlUFjAHxDHcp-HL7f0JrnkdKTIAYHk_NlX5dlAoSL6t9LogcdAPvZePWyEW7WIOYV_DRbYcp9A48/w640-h410/Shermie%20ARV%20008.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But let's choose one of them and focus on the Mark I version:<br />following the hierarchy of things!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> First thing: test the armour plate of the turret hole and carry out the necessary plastic adaptation surgery.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0hSVYP_4Xy4DehD6vXklTENB1QNDjxugAsq267o_brKUu26dhlgN6XWbuoKOXmcx8Rr6q3XGqnFZl9BsfZNy8kDH1yxemFRFtT-rhtPBmWizs5t_sY_ZKCI-PyRn9xLZ8SsR7CBMivby_YVikM_YkqO_MDHTr4s9G_vPry0hv6GiG8Aun-sGDjJ49E5V/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0hSVYP_4Xy4DehD6vXklTENB1QNDjxugAsq267o_brKUu26dhlgN6XWbuoKOXmcx8Rr6q3XGqnFZl9BsfZNy8kDH1yxemFRFtT-rhtPBmWizs5t_sY_ZKCI-PyRn9xLZ8SsR7CBMivby_YVikM_YkqO_MDHTr4s9G_vPry0hv6GiG8Aun-sGDjJ49E5V/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmmm... we have to mark this excess plastic to make the necessary cuts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYW4rDHeE6i1292nhprn1A5h6_rjPAf2i-eAh789CgkP6E8B5z5C3uGnKo67go5VOOLX4dIpLal3JxMGe7xq8UyAcRA-NBGmSdHjsP5AbR_qRFNRIdSK5jr0RqJp11Qapuye6Z-F2by2c-Gk-IfVNNgE_jYxb62FNVn4AWRKM-4Kq8-oWqmnO6TgsBAk_d/s1024/Shermie%20ARV%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1024" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYW4rDHeE6i1292nhprn1A5h6_rjPAf2i-eAh789CgkP6E8B5z5C3uGnKo67go5VOOLX4dIpLal3JxMGe7xq8UyAcRA-NBGmSdHjsP5AbR_qRFNRIdSK5jr0RqJp11Qapuye6Z-F2by2c-Gk-IfVNNgE_jYxb62FNVn4AWRKM-4Kq8-oWqmnO6TgsBAk_d/w640-h394/Shermie%20ARV%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markings made with pencil: this area will be deleted!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQbgbkyrG2nNWQ6wOEge381s6C4ZG41h8PzyYJb1W3T2IJVxQ7e7m13wMkeeRK3ImTsuuiPf8EMoX-mXT8W3HmYtAq-nZtTkK_UcII0jvbhyreb4MODJF7Y7nuzPx7kZhsZezlgyohjRPpveDQ4Z-aldpC1QRPJdowr6ll6DTbviE3eUIj7mh7OZrjrrz/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQbgbkyrG2nNWQ6wOEge381s6C4ZG41h8PzyYJb1W3T2IJVxQ7e7m13wMkeeRK3ImTsuuiPf8EMoX-mXT8W3HmYtAq-nZtTkK_UcII0jvbhyreb4MODJF7Y7nuzPx7kZhsZezlgyohjRPpveDQ4Z-aldpC1QRPJdowr6ll6DTbviE3eUIj7mh7OZrjrrz/w640-h478/Shermie%20ARV%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the surgical cuts with a serrated disc tool <br />on my beloved Dremel (may the Gods protect and maintain it...). <br />BE VERY CAREFUL WITH YOUR FINGERS.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl52vbHUZKfrONDDXJadgw5m1Qc8vP-Uyvru2KokzIBj-pf0vbP0nGeStGGxQnr65Na7GoNs1XWKP7CBT8Q-cGX76HRc_RT8ZVci6P2DNmtHXBRgNFVUQUuRuHrZFHFQw0g9TvQVV9fi9xVQCooF3bMDUkCFAINcKEyWmrhsgsC0Vk0MCtg54DnFnKyNLJ/s1129/beware%20your%20fingers.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1129" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl52vbHUZKfrONDDXJadgw5m1Qc8vP-Uyvru2KokzIBj-pf0vbP0nGeStGGxQnr65Na7GoNs1XWKP7CBT8Q-cGX76HRc_RT8ZVci6P2DNmtHXBRgNFVUQUuRuHrZFHFQw0g9TvQVV9fi9xVQCooF3bMDUkCFAINcKEyWmrhsgsC0Vk0MCtg54DnFnKyNLJ/w400-h300/beware%20your%20fingers.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And gluing the armored plate over the turret opening: be careful with the correct positioning of the piece: superglue does not forgive mistakes!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9K1i3FMY_wXAolBa6Cnl2pWC_74CaW8M5-COWG5pbcB41aLV06Q86q9e_xVR0V9Gx_4k2NtJk6TZfY6BKiD0SBWDPfRR_zojtud_Pk_wA0MV7kuEblQ51OgxRnz2kJf-eU67BCXr4CzrFYDAKIrTioi2We7BBsLIy_2n7ZRTlSB3nhGVPpzcDHrSnKqf/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9K1i3FMY_wXAolBa6Cnl2pWC_74CaW8M5-COWG5pbcB41aLV06Q86q9e_xVR0V9Gx_4k2NtJk6TZfY6BKiD0SBWDPfRR_zojtud_Pk_wA0MV7kuEblQ51OgxRnz2kJf-eU67BCXr4CzrFYDAKIrTioi2We7BBsLIy_2n7ZRTlSB3nhGVPpzcDHrSnKqf/w640-h396/Shermie%20ARV%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tank is turning into ARV!!!<br />I put the hatch half-open: I'm going to lean something back there, then...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KhkpLdYmNhyvRvsqm54EjgbYSPnwcu3YRcBtVqStuYgqm1YeG8w15cxM1vCI0NLOUJVsryfBYtyhvKQnI8ZOKwrR_GpH1OOSSWQanDNxI6PHjCiBnXOm8lQ2CSPzUJDPyaKq2wdMTDGXQUKd2hTKdgszwmWRPVbKUanLhzxm5Qr_JXskJnMHqsZtZaj6/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KhkpLdYmNhyvRvsqm54EjgbYSPnwcu3YRcBtVqStuYgqm1YeG8w15cxM1vCI0NLOUJVsryfBYtyhvKQnI8ZOKwrR_GpH1OOSSWQanDNxI6PHjCiBnXOm8lQ2CSPzUJDPyaKq2wdMTDGXQUKd2hTKdgszwmWRPVbKUanLhzxm5Qr_JXskJnMHqsZtZaj6/w640-h352/Shermie%20ARV%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the Resicast manual, we will make the racks<br />for the grousers that were installed on the track links.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcWge_6tQspndqRcbhQszFELXQMez81m0XQJ-ETO-hrbuKOaXMCttE1Vkj3o2MtC0sgV5o4kY0VjtPBuN5saBbOYFPfme1_c1ogH5GEiga3C3haoghGN6S2V4hGLEjmPEY47BOnEHEr0-Jhr3UNauIy0PW2NgzJOZN6tZygnDSyaF5F1ADgU9VO8MmKvQ/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcWge_6tQspndqRcbhQszFELXQMez81m0XQJ-ETO-hrbuKOaXMCttE1Vkj3o2MtC0sgV5o4kY0VjtPBuN5saBbOYFPfme1_c1ogH5GEiga3C3haoghGN6S2V4hGLEjmPEY47BOnEHEr0-Jhr3UNauIy0PW2NgzJOZN6tZygnDSyaF5F1ADgU9VO8MmKvQ/w640-h454/Shermie%20ARV%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven racks for the grousers...<br />three on each side and one on the front glacis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIMYlbBGKJNiseV6HHI7YU5w7I7YGs9nUPwzM6zFv2_HNk_plM26c29LrW8j-fUl5CKJeuRxlN0GeC0VNyJus9oONP4a_J_w1FbuRepuyNwkf6mvj11q-PIsykc1o_O2YuPpOE0cCNqVpBFaEjJqvAryeNSh7eMMTu_LAD1gKZXmM3W-JnZHImOmlicKg/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIMYlbBGKJNiseV6HHI7YU5w7I7YGs9nUPwzM6zFv2_HNk_plM26c29LrW8j-fUl5CKJeuRxlN0GeC0VNyJus9oONP4a_J_w1FbuRepuyNwkf6mvj11q-PIsykc1o_O2YuPpOE0cCNqVpBFaEjJqvAryeNSh7eMMTu_LAD1gKZXmM3W-JnZHImOmlicKg/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Resicast kit is very well detailed: the butterfly nuts are really cute!!!<br />The blue one points a little butterfly that flew!! I'm going to work on the glue!!!<br />Grousers racks in the left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU8uHTErZkm5VeLCx3h7yhxSyjyLSgoo12sFxiDV1gNYfRSi-uheZOlsOnT9A0ga4ipK_SYxiAAbcr5fEfNtQlbOUqgMboI791fQFrok6G7Ol_Uk5WhiXBmlwKn5BqbBEaFqhohfsBIIk0HVoAqci4-y1NHHW51qWIsDaGBBNDTTFvr0uguVnsnFzpACu/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqU8uHTErZkm5VeLCx3h7yhxSyjyLSgoo12sFxiDV1gNYfRSi-uheZOlsOnT9A0ga4ipK_SYxiAAbcr5fEfNtQlbOUqgMboI791fQFrok6G7Ol_Uk5WhiXBmlwKn5BqbBEaFqhohfsBIIk0HVoAqci4-y1NHHW51qWIsDaGBBNDTTFvr0uguVnsnFzpACu/w640-h416/Shermie%20ARV%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grousers racks in the right side.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj033EnZCzwdQW8oBvLJ3dsgrjcgTjF9d0sNDhfKTfjW5N88E__etfaIKB9yz9bFcOhCFI45XNMnI4FpArcoNZSf2t2byozfkTLUy5DmayhGwIQ9Bj3x2KHMjbwHj5ir9Y8xUYa8O6M5Z2g5nejR5xJg2gdQL6sm0RiAFoJPFexnrC2SjZldbzzlkdM1UrF/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj033EnZCzwdQW8oBvLJ3dsgrjcgTjF9d0sNDhfKTfjW5N88E__etfaIKB9yz9bFcOhCFI45XNMnI4FpArcoNZSf2t2byozfkTLUy5DmayhGwIQ9Bj3x2KHMjbwHj5ir9Y8xUYa8O6M5Z2g5nejR5xJg2gdQL6sm0RiAFoJPFexnrC2SjZldbzzlkdM1UrF/w640-h368/Shermie%20ARV%20017.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will now build the two Hollebone draw bar:<br />rounded plastic profiles supplied by Resicast, with resin pieces.<br />BEWARE OF THE CARPET MONSTER!! It's their favorite diet!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">One Hollebone draw bar is smaller than the other: the shorter one was indicated for towing American made AFVs and the longer one for AFVs built in the United Kingdom. This is explained because the towing points were more spaced out on American vehicles. Normally, the smallest was fixed to the side of the hull and the other was generally installed at the rear of the ARV.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmsKwMdE9gweBomDSDL-ie0J-FJxhAQsTvE-ZiyAx3ywCJCIcE__sCawmuntkbEHOG0e_ZNg4iadIJovIZf_pAPLRC4-r0Q6v3sRxfbvg5jLn5o_H3O8gVonrAitvpgqCbGRNDoJqJb5W5mRVo6fQHsrOWGn6VmoV99qKeyuiaA5OP5Q02jxlNHnSPvCu/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmsKwMdE9gweBomDSDL-ie0J-FJxhAQsTvE-ZiyAx3ywCJCIcE__sCawmuntkbEHOG0e_ZNg4iadIJovIZf_pAPLRC4-r0Q6v3sRxfbvg5jLn5o_H3O8gVonrAitvpgqCbGRNDoJqJb5W5mRVo6fQHsrOWGn6VmoV99qKeyuiaA5OP5Q02jxlNHnSPvCu/w640-h366/Shermie%20ARV%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smallest Hollebone draw bar (for British vehicles) <br />will be installed on the left side of the tank. <br />Note the rectangular left boom of the front jib<br />installed on the transport rack, in the lower portion of the hull sponson</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovIkEPfCfMHVmVw6jALOZKYA0PdmWsbfqhnqL1nUcyinwlbpjGTjlaw2nKYrbrjyqKwFAhX17ONewOmoumviluB0UDL4U2I7-AZu9QdkJCKOwFMqwplFsbXMgYsYrLSVVoAPHBG-FE_wCI6ePPVGrpRwSUlnHyK4qcZHcl_TREo80_Ngoxf3-UpVbO2Lm/s3648/Shermie%20ARV%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovIkEPfCfMHVmVw6jALOZKYA0PdmWsbfqhnqL1nUcyinwlbpjGTjlaw2nKYrbrjyqKwFAhX17ONewOmoumviluB0UDL4U2I7-AZu9QdkJCKOwFMqwplFsbXMgYsYrLSVVoAPHBG-FE_wCI6ePPVGrpRwSUlnHyK4qcZHcl_TREo80_Ngoxf3-UpVbO2Lm/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using my sandpaper glass-plate to grind the rear tank rack.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1VPhrgCzpQypYhWHtbPqiHLf-aB_1yGTUQuYEbUJLQ_wrem_9gCcoqF7lOYF0twNvLHSfdYIGocLNUpHGD_nqkc7wHdmyPJRsug3nOfTvoOh2tq6bWnmUjURrvOE7qT-V6_MVlrM8JUWRg0jml8vkzzFeQaAVFcZsC0jujNd1carhJP6aUsGgn0bvpTB/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1VPhrgCzpQypYhWHtbPqiHLf-aB_1yGTUQuYEbUJLQ_wrem_9gCcoqF7lOYF0twNvLHSfdYIGocLNUpHGD_nqkc7wHdmyPJRsug3nOfTvoOh2tq6bWnmUjURrvOE7qT-V6_MVlrM8JUWRg0jml8vkzzFeQaAVFcZsC0jujNd1carhJP6aUsGgn0bvpTB/w640-h450/Shermie%20ARV%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, those Dragons tanks... another plastic surgery:<br />removing the bases of the original racks... Piece of cake!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRxgQHMhOk2frdKdHtr92htQQF1cTXeb1ZD_NJglcqmvqUKRXJAWT52ED2ENyNGcizIyLsQIV6pSEqPuyiSNsrs3o5doukwPODxAYoBr51QaYHzWWbU4pGvxEo9KJMXl9PCBLHwYwsE2iEW1dfsFzGiEJh1AMuGUHLJgj4urjBDW_3k-9qXYPzmLDl1-x/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRxgQHMhOk2frdKdHtr92htQQF1cTXeb1ZD_NJglcqmvqUKRXJAWT52ED2ENyNGcizIyLsQIV6pSEqPuyiSNsrs3o5doukwPODxAYoBr51QaYHzWWbU4pGvxEo9KJMXl9PCBLHwYwsE2iEW1dfsFzGiEJh1AMuGUHLJgj4urjBDW_3k-9qXYPzmLDl1-x/w640-h424/Shermie%20ARV%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic surgery performed: the tank's rear armor is smooth,<br />with its center marked</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVOm3r_DU20ud568xqfWeZ4GjAJGaC6M765Oxe0unIz0rSFneB5gJsiKcpU9W7hGGzbGSrPXaPNKavZPRAGUNhG1xxJXedyjAMZFBwUv6zU0MluO2JOxVjw2PhKqT2184z3bR9uqrvMwKySCvgvrNEI1YORRsR7asxhDR86DeFnHrKNZOHDDFGqXGXcIA/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVOm3r_DU20ud568xqfWeZ4GjAJGaC6M765Oxe0unIz0rSFneB5gJsiKcpU9W7hGGzbGSrPXaPNKavZPRAGUNhG1xxJXedyjAMZFBwUv6zU0MluO2JOxVjw2PhKqT2184z3bR9uqrvMwKySCvgvrNEI1YORRsR7asxhDR86DeFnHrKNZOHDDFGqXGXcIA/w640-h422/Shermie%20ARV%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We marked the half of the rear luggage rack too, for perfect gluing.<br />Don't forget that superglue is instant and immediate!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1veRB1wjd_k78sPKkP0AafxH2naaOeQf_MPugcZHnPcxa8qrLADbib1q4KupH5DYtyGwJP675BWdKxsI5k2Hm5hkg4yi8qO5U5qtD4ITbq9zJ5SEJKbtlkHf7Tmf37xjhuBiGQzM2ojC2yejLfdd4dI7vI97uoAzBWqE8NyP3BlrBAUGPovBjXBZH-ts/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1veRB1wjd_k78sPKkP0AafxH2naaOeQf_MPugcZHnPcxa8qrLADbib1q4KupH5DYtyGwJP675BWdKxsI5k2Hm5hkg4yi8qO5U5qtD4ITbq9zJ5SEJKbtlkHf7Tmf37xjhuBiGQzM2ojC2yejLfdd4dI7vI97uoAzBWqE8NyP3BlrBAUGPovBjXBZH-ts/w640-h388/Shermie%20ARV%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the first aid box (red arrow),<br />the intercom phone box (blue arrow),<br />the fire extinguishers (green arrows) and the<br />rear towing hook (yellow arrow), all parts very well cast by Resicast!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1Y4ntwX2Taz1wgjpQv7DIGxHLGzSzFk4hp3yxfqqF6N3xbTBiTOToBjumr4vaF9T7WC_eLSi0lE9QIqCLbUVjXMAXjlO2oZCWYBAGcIvOatwG1Byj-EnM1Y636nYi4JHoZ4PWnzQmVLILeMH67uLt12bz2BfLlRA9191qufBjKXWgwYI7fAN1scLAGCK/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1Y4ntwX2Taz1wgjpQv7DIGxHLGzSzFk4hp3yxfqqF6N3xbTBiTOToBjumr4vaF9T7WC_eLSi0lE9QIqCLbUVjXMAXjlO2oZCWYBAGcIvOatwG1Byj-EnM1Y636nYi4JHoZ4PWnzQmVLILeMH67uLt12bz2BfLlRA9191qufBjKXWgwYI7fAN1scLAGCK/w640-h414/Shermie%20ARV%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dry-run of the positioning of the wooden planks<br />(I'll paint them separately, later...) on the upper rear deck (red arrow). <br />Note the rectangular boom of the forward jib, attached to metal hooks on <br />the lower left side of the hull (yellow arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN983GijfdFZiZ4_XruOdePOvnTHwEqv3yjTOsQwDl_hMRu76640i3Shrh4Y9-BMJQD94aqVtwv4hHhYvDGtPvqXzSGfCECzIuGbFYzwrwxvM4RD_h_SVqChHRFav9unJe-xmmShgtlRXQpnzhuXBjzAR9BMNsRzU0gjpxT3YKGbZaW6P7ZSp_oAZUwaZk/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN983GijfdFZiZ4_XruOdePOvnTHwEqv3yjTOsQwDl_hMRu76640i3Shrh4Y9-BMJQD94aqVtwv4hHhYvDGtPvqXzSGfCECzIuGbFYzwrwxvM4RD_h_SVqChHRFav9unJe-xmmShgtlRXQpnzhuXBjzAR9BMNsRzU0gjpxT3YKGbZaW6P7ZSp_oAZUwaZk/w640-h426/Shermie%20ARV%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding details on the Mark I girl (in the foreground) while<br />the Mark II girl patiently waits her turn in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEL-r1AsgcofUVH12rguKsC6436PAItdy5xKBZUVzEeu_wtAycCu8tm90oKoZEB9deI3UAyth0FWbOCs9s0jkRZdzbYzWOqd6H0Aq-fdumMo71PUbI_cnn1439A3LpLbHNuh4G-QUfRCCxAWogIKARy116x8ERdZom0NivlPo_pZPyv03hZWYPqk5PvHN/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEL-r1AsgcofUVH12rguKsC6436PAItdy5xKBZUVzEeu_wtAycCu8tm90oKoZEB9deI3UAyth0FWbOCs9s0jkRZdzbYzWOqd6H0Aq-fdumMo71PUbI_cnn1439A3LpLbHNuh4G-QUfRCCxAWogIKARy116x8ERdZom0NivlPo_pZPyv03hZWYPqk5PvHN/w640-h404/Shermie%20ARV%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How beautiful this early girl is becoming!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq46YAsxhc7k2BS_bK_-GAxRDR9C-mXnTybJAAbLdvixSnB_8NOeMdLQOr4dNesGbY7Lemc4x8g4-vVH4IPqZjcmYMiIZOM8ck4hxOgbsAwYgeTigDVVwM1qQdXCXCXTXanWs7BfyLdpLqQLeYOQfLMhcztnsQylQzeMzn3qoremNiVONUMwoVDnzWdaA/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfq46YAsxhc7k2BS_bK_-GAxRDR9C-mXnTybJAAbLdvixSnB_8NOeMdLQOr4dNesGbY7Lemc4x8g4-vVH4IPqZjcmYMiIZOM8ck4hxOgbsAwYgeTigDVVwM1qQdXCXCXTXanWs7BfyLdpLqQLeYOQfLMhcztnsQylQzeMzn3qoremNiVONUMwoVDnzWdaA/w640-h368/Shermie%20ARV%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding fenders to the rear (blue arows) and I decided to provide<br />my girl with some sharp teeth: a .50 Browning heavy machine gun <br />(from the Dragon kit - green arrow) and its pedestal (in scratch). <br />I confess that I based it on the historical photos, just above... <br />This way, the girl has more attitude!!!<br />Notice the long Hollebone draw bar (for American vehicles) <br />installed in the rear, too</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuowCA8oT60USXGT65p5dDUAlLmv15KNBK7rJTw9pn9ABv7Fhfbl_KZgRpAUxUm0ExWWGmSX0xk4H5sNmjje9HKPMBZ8GEcN7B1sNCopgMTPxSmYV__xvMFAR7N2LteVpkPTPkUB3nXH7ZaqI2P4QdcCsHOOSPuhjh5uYP5wEfh-tpOt0fnsDKqXbKkIUd/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuowCA8oT60USXGT65p5dDUAlLmv15KNBK7rJTw9pn9ABv7Fhfbl_KZgRpAUxUm0ExWWGmSX0xk4H5sNmjje9HKPMBZ8GEcN7B1sNCopgMTPxSmYV__xvMFAR7N2LteVpkPTPkUB3nXH7ZaqI2P4QdcCsHOOSPuhjh5uYP5wEfh-tpOt0fnsDKqXbKkIUd/w640-h400/Shermie%20ARV%20028.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browning . 50 rules!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, a small BIG problem: my Resicast Mark I kit does not have the earth spikes and holdfast anchors parts. I'm lucky that the Mark II version kit has some holdfast anchors so I can make scratch parts. The earth spikes will be replaced with some parts left over from my Leyland Retriver trucks (In model making, nothing is lost, everything is used...) I love my scrap box!!! But let's build aas holdfast anchors with Plastruct</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eXh4fTYflYflhfuwsFSa7SyXuJsZUlef20MjUlPfPxEvdKIqsSTYesIWnrFw8U9qtoFQ2kW7JmlYHUeY-9o3u0rxY_Y-3TaSoyw7WNBpNBT-vQt8Y9B9UwSGEOxIIbHuohPa7ppBLm4LYUUbIWdpow2r9W-nIsPFC8kOq0d9wNEyrtBMqlKCGd-D5wdC/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eXh4fTYflYflhfuwsFSa7SyXuJsZUlef20MjUlPfPxEvdKIqsSTYesIWnrFw8U9qtoFQ2kW7JmlYHUeY-9o3u0rxY_Y-3TaSoyw7WNBpNBT-vQt8Y9B9UwSGEOxIIbHuohPa7ppBLm4LYUUbIWdpow2r9W-nIsPFC8kOq0d9wNEyrtBMqlKCGd-D5wdC/w640-h280/Shermie%20ARV%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The holdfast anchors from Mk II Resicast kit</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9fymzbh6eTvKQ7fh28PGtcok8Fu7CnO9_ZQ4UAKGOYLd3AITPxs-tknWXW-xoVvT7p0nAbqvstNWfaOZyKOemq0JEV2SWyyZuw8m0jZpwZHMdsfh17EgShhqLDM0lvo7eHkTjME5I9NOpKhJJJW-5Y3k3ypANJeinKqdlhtJ-ycDm_ORXqNbzr7ebpj_/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9fymzbh6eTvKQ7fh28PGtcok8Fu7CnO9_ZQ4UAKGOYLd3AITPxs-tknWXW-xoVvT7p0nAbqvstNWfaOZyKOemq0JEV2SWyyZuw8m0jZpwZHMdsfh17EgShhqLDM0lvo7eHkTjME5I9NOpKhJJJW-5Y3k3ypANJeinKqdlhtJ-ycDm_ORXqNbzr7ebpj_/w640-h310/Shermie%20ARV%20030.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And holdfast anchors made by Panzerserra, with Plastruct!!!<br />solid tubes (red) , perforated tubes (yellow) and type I bars (green)<br />Ufff... I made 4 sets...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, let's make the 30 meter (30.000 mm) main steel cable of the Sherman ARV Mark I. It carries this steel cable on the periphery of the turret hole armor. 30.000 mm of lenght is 850 mm in 1/35 scale. I cut this length from a waxed thread I have here, which ideally reproduces thick steel cables like this.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5bzOkp9tQXJswlyIB9f4z4xMBFDtb27er--E2bYDzpKdUWzgEaGbfuJn2-kayqZZJtfVJsla94_eb48SjGk9plL8KyT_txXN-gc0YOwoTP-S-VBYqyJfX6dVLV_1CUESp85FenH0LACIGCQbO17TYFHmbURz9e8kzx9TPAUYIDiksJLsXZ89FIdA2RUD/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5bzOkp9tQXJswlyIB9f4z4xMBFDtb27er--E2bYDzpKdUWzgEaGbfuJn2-kayqZZJtfVJsla94_eb48SjGk9plL8KyT_txXN-gc0YOwoTP-S-VBYqyJfX6dVLV_1CUESp85FenH0LACIGCQbO17TYFHmbURz9e8kzx9TPAUYIDiksJLsXZ89FIdA2RUD/w640-h434/Shermie%20ARV%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 850mm lenght of steel cable, with resin parts glued in the tips.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T3Rw7h2gbv88VYHvD-BvUM1QqwxTzSyj-lrX0L_2DxB3VsiW4UcHbP9GoDUkKw6H-XKIpz8ys3a-fKexPJF4n6cL83m4M2X5qN-KlCa2YIxfrNWb6Q6fkUVJ6Y_k4W-EGapXQBKJyWADgIz0TJLBPTkqkt7_3uBeFE7PclhUV6WdFxqNJvM3SYtCvy_l/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T3Rw7h2gbv88VYHvD-BvUM1QqwxTzSyj-lrX0L_2DxB3VsiW4UcHbP9GoDUkKw6H-XKIpz8ys3a-fKexPJF4n6cL83m4M2X5qN-KlCa2YIxfrNWb6Q6fkUVJ6Y_k4W-EGapXQBKJyWADgIz0TJLBPTkqkt7_3uBeFE7PclhUV6WdFxqNJvM3SYtCvy_l/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steel cable in position (green arrow).<br /> Notice the antenna base (red) that I took from the extra parts<br />of my Churchill tanks.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw13jgMi3gv-Q8Yn9ekCmFftT-7FOmIYaE15pifHsrF8v0dcXDjHqTuQmoPo7eChB8grWuGTKwjaqMaU0fXDR38sd_gGSNfEXTi_SiXT7GLteR5FsJkzp7nr3z7G4me_6MgkjeNS8R7yF8nG1WABQKnFQv4KgvigkiAhjxMgno7HbeLNKpRbl20ks-ALDp/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw13jgMi3gv-Q8Yn9ekCmFftT-7FOmIYaE15pifHsrF8v0dcXDjHqTuQmoPo7eChB8grWuGTKwjaqMaU0fXDR38sd_gGSNfEXTi_SiXT7GLteR5FsJkzp7nr3z7G4me_6MgkjeNS8R7yF8nG1WABQKnFQv4KgvigkiAhjxMgno7HbeLNKpRbl20ks-ALDp/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making another steel cable, only smaller (green). Same method,<br />but passing the cable through several hooks on the ARV's hull.<br />Notice the antenna base in the front glacis from RB Model<br />and the Note holdfast anchors (in white).<br />The details on this conversion kit are great...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcrlAynStEtBpqRsQErtQir4x96uGr3C5zFIPfEHOyesl17M4uRAMD58zN0PFDFoGi5RE-jHq25E8_oNAyBaSvOhuF9AfpTtO-znt9LYxDxSx02v-joWIDzZmSDi9NCJjzLhkvbSZ-3NSwAU9EPGHXjOlBHpjj9AbDy75hIxMEUEv_vVwa4xFCGKDq30D/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcrlAynStEtBpqRsQErtQir4x96uGr3C5zFIPfEHOyesl17M4uRAMD58zN0PFDFoGi5RE-jHq25E8_oNAyBaSvOhuF9AfpTtO-znt9LYxDxSx02v-joWIDzZmSDi9NCJjzLhkvbSZ-3NSwAU9EPGHXjOlBHpjj9AbDy75hIxMEUEv_vVwa4xFCGKDq30D/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antenna wires made with acupuncture needles...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJTfe_OqJ_oC3D-qgKNnNZet4YxY-DMFoOGdYyisE-I-bIHtmHqgg-7goDHQtUj087tFdYosazzdLLA37v3G-NCXgSXs2z7z34PavdgHvTASha_8OECwNjIxSPJQsRfzok_bicLPEBjJMdXGPQx7rXqBGGaOJmMFx-izdlYAd42W9R6HZV4PgVapvV7Id/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJTfe_OqJ_oC3D-qgKNnNZet4YxY-DMFoOGdYyisE-I-bIHtmHqgg-7goDHQtUj087tFdYosazzdLLA37v3G-NCXgSXs2z7z34PavdgHvTASha_8OECwNjIxSPJQsRfzok_bicLPEBjJMdXGPQx7rXqBGGaOJmMFx-izdlYAd42W9R6HZV4PgVapvV7Id/w640-h484/Shermie%20ARV%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details such as pulleys (red), tie-down hooks (blue),<br />the incredibly detailed vise in front of the transmission cover (green).<br /> This kit is very beautiful!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg4K9jv3K1O6lVA8gMGmznlutjlcZo_okPPLUJaZDeCPP89ZQOkCl1RnAa9v5hssGT651raI81IVSm9t7p9aBmuKwBjwPe0U_fsu2cs3ae51dYZgp_GI_Ke8o7UhOfY0RZ6RYhi_S2qpPqvlDbu9mJcJs4xNGxWbgaCWJTWc-WJnutlMrMJaSW9PvahPo/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZg4K9jv3K1O6lVA8gMGmznlutjlcZo_okPPLUJaZDeCPP89ZQOkCl1RnAa9v5hssGT651raI81IVSm9t7p9aBmuKwBjwPe0U_fsu2cs3ae51dYZgp_GI_Ke8o7UhOfY0RZ6RYhi_S2qpPqvlDbu9mJcJs4xNGxWbgaCWJTWc-WJnutlMrMJaSW9PvahPo/w640-h408/Shermie%20ARV%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, this project is really fun to do!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0gHSA80sRJqHw73_PLsrrR_5VF-valbYSrHCEDxroUZh0v6SvC4wae8A1bmhjLCvG3rr2_JDhKLJr3-fVqQoduahVa9tU6ywnJmi7_RDcD5k4IwNb72T75DIjtyGEK4299nWBbm5xFTvksr__SsJyG3ckU2TL_rphnDNXyr-Hc9eQdMI5gQ4FNlJJolA/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0gHSA80sRJqHw73_PLsrrR_5VF-valbYSrHCEDxroUZh0v6SvC4wae8A1bmhjLCvG3rr2_JDhKLJr3-fVqQoduahVa9tU6ywnJmi7_RDcD5k4IwNb72T75DIjtyGEK4299nWBbm5xFTvksr__SsJyG3ckU2TL_rphnDNXyr-Hc9eQdMI5gQ4FNlJJolA/w640-h426/Shermie%20ARV%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some dry-run parts, for viewing...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0bDDSSKhkj9y6lEPdzyJDgvGvDlbaeUT4gSmL0GwAO7SBlVtLSeK_veqxMi8gLIknqnOa_lc70eklmd8GK0_YSQ4cDljkVMYp9HEqc6c1K5GYVlm1l3RAFnFq2uZ4QSOnHEDFvbZr1tjSG5vhtSRKwi3l8_A43p8N8FKisyhYNGYHsZhd0AgkEO_VU9C/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0bDDSSKhkj9y6lEPdzyJDgvGvDlbaeUT4gSmL0GwAO7SBlVtLSeK_veqxMi8gLIknqnOa_lc70eklmd8GK0_YSQ4cDljkVMYp9HEqc6c1K5GYVlm1l3RAFnFq2uZ4QSOnHEDFvbZr1tjSG5vhtSRKwi3l8_A43p8N8FKisyhYNGYHsZhd0AgkEO_VU9C/w640-h446/Shermie%20ARV%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NJMWnreVhmZryzvtfGvRKXnFIyPSxLEo9W5xh3Zi5Qg5Y5ZSPQrWlgLdxrXtX71REN6tgxVCsTj3KckKXp5wyEjYuH0TlTRlyfd-P-wBdwoRCVk_EFZIyPM6V4MkV3rouxkOoqzoSDJs0Fw0BMpfdHUBRag-GpakRJ7OYR13ix-f50k-Vo_YScrkhzIK/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NJMWnreVhmZryzvtfGvRKXnFIyPSxLEo9W5xh3Zi5Qg5Y5ZSPQrWlgLdxrXtX71REN6tgxVCsTj3KckKXp5wyEjYuH0TlTRlyfd-P-wBdwoRCVk_EFZIyPM6V4MkV3rouxkOoqzoSDJs0Fw0BMpfdHUBRag-GpakRJ7OYR13ix-f50k-Vo_YScrkhzIK/w640-h428/Shermie%20ARV%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2NBbnSOExJRq6DjbJgKOil0fB8gMDEdRUFUzFSC0G_djTBnj-ClDMbZRki_ckYlU0J4Eeo_sNXVAUqEIFrZZmtTVn_HyVkxYBkZoDmmsPj4dxdesocoL9_5itMvJ7aXM4aB2sMUttRX5zRQUBEKj8n6w57NdT27Bg6pMNKPJvAQif-YmeLbbTlHlsrwz/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2NBbnSOExJRq6DjbJgKOil0fB8gMDEdRUFUzFSC0G_djTBnj-ClDMbZRki_ckYlU0J4Eeo_sNXVAUqEIFrZZmtTVn_HyVkxYBkZoDmmsPj4dxdesocoL9_5itMvJ7aXM4aB2sMUttRX5zRQUBEKj8n6w57NdT27Bg6pMNKPJvAQif-YmeLbbTlHlsrwz/w640-h420/Shermie%20ARV%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8pO8pNCOqctpnnLwWYnFoMb3CTlsziJ21ZBiHOOK8Mg4ZbZhECNlqtqtRD4rZQa9WJ8tupg8dISgcVVGwYe68L5H0btl8J3PyzQ-krWZQ_LmxNazXaJV8mj2VaYvUayvK0lXYYJ__kRNHE5mxN5MGh0FkG8jdKruhWBkzIcvieJ9mSE5PqDnx4gBzVTS/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8pO8pNCOqctpnnLwWYnFoMb3CTlsziJ21ZBiHOOK8Mg4ZbZhECNlqtqtRD4rZQa9WJ8tupg8dISgcVVGwYe68L5H0btl8J3PyzQ-krWZQ_LmxNazXaJV8mj2VaYvUayvK0lXYYJ__kRNHE5mxN5MGh0FkG8jdKruhWBkzIcvieJ9mSE5PqDnx4gBzVTS/w640-h382/Shermie%20ARV%20041.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other missing parts: spikes and metal bars for anchoring and levers (red).<br />All made with wires and metal bars, in scratch...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And with that, I can consider the ARV Mark I practically ready. Now, it's time to focus on the Mk II...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNDtUR96Vcps8XiR1jPA5dEZ9BWlt4-LyoSNj4hkrZavvkJwmFXip7vP3do-BdXQfHRFvIvuLT0uMQ_-FVRY6F6q1aS2kV6e8heIsS8yQ_f1W556d5_EaRLri_S_PmtINZxiUDdclZXpJMAVt_J_OJefWDoF664niRLkuDuVwaeb4ERwqji7BZkedLI-v/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNDtUR96Vcps8XiR1jPA5dEZ9BWlt4-LyoSNj4hkrZavvkJwmFXip7vP3do-BdXQfHRFvIvuLT0uMQ_-FVRY6F6q1aS2kV6e8heIsS8yQ_f1W556d5_EaRLri_S_PmtINZxiUDdclZXpJMAVt_J_OJefWDoF664niRLkuDuVwaeb4ERwqji7BZkedLI-v/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The late girl: Mark II!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Continuing with the construction, time to install the casemate on the hull, in the turret hole. Here's a small problem: the Resicast kit was designed for the hull of the Tasca/Asuka kit, but I'm using the Dragon kit. And the Dragon kit has a slightly larger hull than the Tasca/Asuka... The difference is minimal, but to avoid the appearance of gaps, I did some cosmetic surgery, applying small portions of plasticard to fill these gaps... Look at the photos :</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1OyXoH7rnMSKBcmk75GBIJTuo8A8FiDvw9Y_oUdaH4vXWByjz5MHxFk4cGCiZ4dWy2LMDy6EeGssY_JnxvE1bNZpVJDhHTd8V9HQhT_bepHwT6_DKGVjrGJfL5n5OboIdSSvB6sQvFdpxSan3RBvLWU4Hg87zCcMjOAuya93hCf4a4zruXMPc__Xg5fk/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN1OyXoH7rnMSKBcmk75GBIJTuo8A8FiDvw9Y_oUdaH4vXWByjz5MHxFk4cGCiZ4dWy2LMDy6EeGssY_JnxvE1bNZpVJDhHTd8V9HQhT_bepHwT6_DKGVjrGJfL5n5OboIdSSvB6sQvFdpxSan3RBvLWU4Hg87zCcMjOAuya93hCf4a4zruXMPc__Xg5fk/w640-h380/Shermie%20ARV%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fixed turret (or casemate) glued onto the hull.<br />On the front portion, I glued a portion of thin Plastruct "L" profile,<br />0.3mm wide, closing the space with a 0.2mm ultra-thin plasticard plate.<br />Notice that I also filled some side gaps with stretched sprue...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I1t5MJ5I3gfb0vJuroxZ4EvMhur9ht2dyFZhyeeCPnG3ds0NRGtAzsAw0tiscPB6fYwOAUtxbKfcAglfH93uB_2EBsm5OUBPFndPXu0uc-sDq5B71zMhCGf1ER9tBfxpDy4mRHg2KT40PTTSJGN3B6-BRQN4XqKGsZx9apfGKY-AWbW67Lwd_PTDKK7V/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9I1t5MJ5I3gfb0vJuroxZ4EvMhur9ht2dyFZhyeeCPnG3ds0NRGtAzsAw0tiscPB6fYwOAUtxbKfcAglfH93uB_2EBsm5OUBPFndPXu0uc-sDq5B71zMhCGf1ER9tBfxpDy4mRHg2KT40PTTSJGN3B6-BRQN4XqKGsZx9apfGKY-AWbW67Lwd_PTDKK7V/w640-h432/Shermie%20ARV%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same procedure, seen from the right side.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtL-GIhyKlvhACXGmRbtIu3-WBgCzDVpudE0kH59taEFMRIYXAxr0oL2S4puaoJRKtVKKMCQzwkADMjm-rvuyaeQwjmsYYASLlIzBu8rMJNegkEK336A_zCuM0G-5e76j9HSwtXC-TK0QwpL7mkGk2Kd9KkHPGwJLPoZhV1JDVkkQW4LX4jjXeKs4F8da/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtL-GIhyKlvhACXGmRbtIu3-WBgCzDVpudE0kH59taEFMRIYXAxr0oL2S4puaoJRKtVKKMCQzwkADMjm-rvuyaeQwjmsYYASLlIzBu8rMJNegkEK336A_zCuM0G-5e76j9HSwtXC-TK0QwpL7mkGk2Kd9KkHPGwJLPoZhV1JDVkkQW4LX4jjXeKs4F8da/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the gap. with stretched sprues...<br />Old-school technology!!<br />The thread is supplied by Resicast.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBZEjgJ3B225cn4Z90WQqKU-SeeXPGuuF7q_dP3bguNevb0-MpZnGckcKcV-grd3HQrIzSNw2lZx980lB5iZGTwwIsN2YNsQyuikZlx3stlu5vz0Ydgs4KctOzR2-XooLuUaLdIO1FsNzOeDWuT0hv_dW1_yBQtjMrqo9efunJOT3_tBGyJme_HDekRk9/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBZEjgJ3B225cn4Z90WQqKU-SeeXPGuuF7q_dP3bguNevb0-MpZnGckcKcV-grd3HQrIzSNw2lZx980lB5iZGTwwIsN2YNsQyuikZlx3stlu5vz0Ydgs4KctOzR2-XooLuUaLdIO1FsNzOeDWuT0hv_dW1_yBQtjMrqo9efunJOT3_tBGyJme_HDekRk9/w640-h398/Shermie%20ARV%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girl with two ears: left toolbox </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQqiddyiqSsPn6oYdDv581u2KOCKeRA-6e3GFJ8wPNlsRj55t5s3cV8B_6CK6o6okIojcWiEZUq2Obpu_evVjUQSWBi6tMxbIq8aaQINKI6PIsrB9l3Ky9hPAPQRYYBISYHeNhdyw2tfLZiB98BRgAXAxF-ISkyjmRXtegNQ-QW4zx_0eSTJJdqoMxUx2/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQqiddyiqSsPn6oYdDv581u2KOCKeRA-6e3GFJ8wPNlsRj55t5s3cV8B_6CK6o6okIojcWiEZUq2Obpu_evVjUQSWBi6tMxbIq8aaQINKI6PIsrB9l3Ky9hPAPQRYYBISYHeNhdyw2tfLZiB98BRgAXAxF-ISkyjmRXtegNQ-QW4zx_0eSTJJdqoMxUx2/w640-h380/Shermie%20ARV%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right toolbox in the turret.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4SaQpIvK5qq-hV-Um8i_cgudgLd78KsieDvhc6UUYZvYQmb6W386s5p5N__vjTcAtn139D7JdFYslvmse4gNvM_8EpT_2MK65oOWLzFuljS3_fgLtwnOorwNSslEycItrIQWtuRUOBlvd6Rm_vaBSrnf7zwvcuUg_eZkom1YgtsU38YhMOlAfYHadhwk/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4SaQpIvK5qq-hV-Um8i_cgudgLd78KsieDvhc6UUYZvYQmb6W386s5p5N__vjTcAtn139D7JdFYslvmse4gNvM_8EpT_2MK65oOWLzFuljS3_fgLtwnOorwNSslEycItrIQWtuRUOBlvd6Rm_vaBSrnf7zwvcuUg_eZkom1YgtsU38YhMOlAfYHadhwk/w640-h330/Shermie%20ARV%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A simple solution to prevent "sinking" of the suspension arms,<br />on the front and rear bogies, when the vehicle is lifting weights:<br />movement limiters!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz9vcbfoQOgK4Tjaulxtg4dRDNYl2xgOb-ygWs-cRyBynBOJ-2o9E03r824iqIrWtFr9VLNM_qutGKa96Tu-ObanDSssTJD5hrONOPKXmBCqaHcWhv114gsvNs8MXr4iztHKwEuUMMMkCxeuTiPdvhRp4_g2tgRnMrRjaWZEUyuO81EJqw-FizJWlO6ny/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz9vcbfoQOgK4Tjaulxtg4dRDNYl2xgOb-ygWs-cRyBynBOJ-2o9E03r824iqIrWtFr9VLNM_qutGKa96Tu-ObanDSssTJD5hrONOPKXmBCqaHcWhv114gsvNs8MXr4iztHKwEuUMMMkCxeuTiPdvhRp4_g2tgRnMrRjaWZEUyuO81EJqw-FizJWlO6ny/w640-h320/Shermie%20ARV%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding handles to hatches (PE supplied by Resicast)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_QK7BD5W1dEQcwc3Eh-Vj9XsLD-AFtAJkmM-eJjditfKxwVpMokFfWtO-x8r4ay8sq2cOzG85onH3uRAgmMdN1RNZ0-6hzf0CLXQ3ySoKI7PtbCMK7j-VryHmkgWt4wP0gVFIp0PYfMidYjIQUl4P_j54jC67G8WoMmO_XQx_XSgG28MHnQGCEhQ1IS6/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_QK7BD5W1dEQcwc3Eh-Vj9XsLD-AFtAJkmM-eJjditfKxwVpMokFfWtO-x8r4ay8sq2cOzG85onH3uRAgmMdN1RNZ0-6hzf0CLXQ3ySoKI7PtbCMK7j-VryHmkgWt4wP0gVFIp0PYfMidYjIQUl4P_j54jC67G8WoMmO_XQx_XSgG28MHnQGCEhQ1IS6/w640-h388/Shermie%20ARV%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding details to the turret...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pkZPJXzWWwb8cHGI7i1-m7sgmBCkC1Zd-6GspD94BEgWVgHjfYb4Oddk7CuyhiIuDEF-DZMbr5J1NARpmzROGHkDjSjXOIrZu7EvIrgv0mK1ssocsEikF5VEitOEWb_0532CN9WVvM7JrYpmbN2pbrGydSGwrkjsCLC1ZI-4wJdVMuT41HdlyLo6iE5H/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pkZPJXzWWwb8cHGI7i1-m7sgmBCkC1Zd-6GspD94BEgWVgHjfYb4Oddk7CuyhiIuDEF-DZMbr5J1NARpmzROGHkDjSjXOIrZu7EvIrgv0mK1ssocsEikF5VEitOEWb_0532CN9WVvM7JrYpmbN2pbrGydSGwrkjsCLC1ZI-4wJdVMuT41HdlyLo6iE5H/w640-h470/Shermie%20ARV%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dummy gun is twisted slightly to the left...<br />It's still funny...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeE2SUvUpcI1qK5DO4bCnf5RMrceP78YR2kmRhqrGMVKvl4SCfZ0V2HJFqVV0VnoRLLudyoTTO0JDSUSxJPgTvEisyNlRYh-rHRqEVpGvUz_8FZoDf0FuUQvWJeq13hY6ZddURchYOVnVQSQwUMOLi4SZ9nrCkvYCud_V9vo-Trv8wZI0CVuZfP6ecN_c/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeE2SUvUpcI1qK5DO4bCnf5RMrceP78YR2kmRhqrGMVKvl4SCfZ0V2HJFqVV0VnoRLLudyoTTO0JDSUSxJPgTvEisyNlRYh-rHRqEVpGvUz_8FZoDf0FuUQvWJeq13hY6ZddURchYOVnVQSQwUMOLi4SZ9nrCkvYCud_V9vo-Trv8wZI0CVuZfP6ecN_c/w640-h380/Shermie%20ARV%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The function of the dummy gun is to impose a certain amount<br />of respect when the vehicle is seen from afar...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0JIV1XuB4xFlKpuEIooYVUH0tA97jdKvYJZiTaqxsfU06WxcqOrnbDavucanRidbdL1d3fJtu_LAB-3YE5N_waxtGvA74anRNhvz_Q4HoqiqPFYSnvcPhC6ndkiMvIaVKSQq5FPMbLrBi0oV1o-29w2Y7dqXJrMIyyoBo91kD5vsopCHpUU7gRgNhM1J/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1280" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0JIV1XuB4xFlKpuEIooYVUH0tA97jdKvYJZiTaqxsfU06WxcqOrnbDavucanRidbdL1d3fJtu_LAB-3YE5N_waxtGvA74anRNhvz_Q4HoqiqPFYSnvcPhC6ndkiMvIaVKSQq5FPMbLrBi0oV1o-29w2Y7dqXJrMIyyoBo91kD5vsopCHpUU7gRgNhM1J/w640-h586/Shermie%20ARV%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improving the tower winch cylinder (the resin kit part came full of bubbles...)<br />and adding the two fire extinguishers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbg674RNRSJw6cIys6jS32CmNC7Wi0xG3xdzhaCGWv6o1bzeJqPqvy1I1kFkg46xO_6fMpG7m9-38NTOehafrPezX_1yhBiFE8NSzhVS8wYZpo4453rWtSNZtPMU2TZylJuUKFuhvr7scTZy_qPWUbP7yxhbLCAsSW0bInHW5L4J3R5gPdfh_bVM-CEAB/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbg674RNRSJw6cIys6jS32CmNC7Wi0xG3xdzhaCGWv6o1bzeJqPqvy1I1kFkg46xO_6fMpG7m9-38NTOehafrPezX_1yhBiFE8NSzhVS8wYZpo4453rWtSNZtPMU2TZylJuUKFuhvr7scTZy_qPWUbP7yxhbLCAsSW0bInHW5L4J3R5gPdfh_bVM-CEAB/w640-h410/Shermie%20ARV%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The holdfast anchors and Hollebone draw bar<br />installed on the left side armor of the hull. <br />Notice the toolbox and some wooden planks just above.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4OQ6ElTuIhYU3FggCQGZ6GBz87XcthV2i5UVqVmW_0RUqohFrvsOP_-VraSIxnZpDD-khMdzzuVvIOm9YuuER37iJxtMzTtupEaNrUZLibIDHvg48Kd4Cl7C0aX0LLkowAv4XvvwDHMEQlW-n6OgdVAqG21NeQApTtmiA0wz5U57J-Y4YjL-HUiMO7tN/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4OQ6ElTuIhYU3FggCQGZ6GBz87XcthV2i5UVqVmW_0RUqohFrvsOP_-VraSIxnZpDD-khMdzzuVvIOm9YuuER37iJxtMzTtupEaNrUZLibIDHvg48Kd4Cl7C0aX0LLkowAv4XvvwDHMEQlW-n6OgdVAqG21NeQApTtmiA0wz5U57J-Y4YjL-HUiMO7tN/w640-h438/Shermie%20ARV%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front right view: notice the amazing vice in the transmission cover,<br />the pulley, antenna and other details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNACRscuEJeA1PoN7WwVxeEuxewThuc82DncUyuFrkq2P9UkX0jq8dmaDhUIuCLAJMf3zHoznld6tTKYJJHUPZG1-4AWw9pIqWsmiNCtSwo5_I4wVtwsbCkHcZn79rGyjFRh8IzO6ywCQ1fylPZQLmODshDeZ9puEBm9kaycWTFrJ3RpZlEm9c0OGYAyvE/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNACRscuEJeA1PoN7WwVxeEuxewThuc82DncUyuFrkq2P9UkX0jq8dmaDhUIuCLAJMf3zHoznld6tTKYJJHUPZG1-4AWw9pIqWsmiNCtSwo5_I4wVtwsbCkHcZn79rGyjFRh8IzO6ywCQ1fylPZQLmODshDeZ9puEBm9kaycWTFrJ3RpZlEm9c0OGYAyvE/w640-h366/Shermie%20ARV%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view: the long "american" Hollebone draw bar,<br />pulleys, hooks made in metal (red) and other little tings...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And since we're dealing with crane components, let's build the fixed jib at the rear of the ARV Mk.II. First, the jib booms: resin parts and Plastruct (provided by Resicast):</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-1vfByqDUsK5dcoCR02JBLXMxpny-oKObcHNkH6udC_8OogW02jDEXQfnvwBPpM1vNu9zyYA2gQIFfsKU3ukMETV9LU0E2n2lo8P_veAHHspN3Q8AESFRY-t3ZTr5B72Wyaaf4TbultuiMq6KgDcGuXAOmGefRr7MLjfxZG_rIUzLUPhNL3RtOHUAvoN/s1024/Shermie%20ARV%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1024" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-1vfByqDUsK5dcoCR02JBLXMxpny-oKObcHNkH6udC_8OogW02jDEXQfnvwBPpM1vNu9zyYA2gQIFfsKU3ukMETV9LU0E2n2lo8P_veAHHspN3Q8AESFRY-t3ZTr5B72Wyaaf4TbultuiMq6KgDcGuXAOmGefRr7MLjfxZG_rIUzLUPhNL3RtOHUAvoN/w640-h356/Shermie%20ARV%20057.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two rounded boom for the rear jib...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Here, alignment between the parts is essential: the ideal is to mark the positions of the parts and do a dry test before using the superglue.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KEhCgQ-ijkSrPGdifbMGB3-Q8Mns-5BRVjcUm6p6Tfe-8LCMYZJphTm6Lvz4fXr3k0qLxVLGa4QPilEYwTVkcO9PJgmMWT5NU4za99ZKL48adiazg_5k0TJ7w6NV5yxE1rWceFwQQtkGp5B-kuMoBYdN0SqqEklgeP7S-Z6tz1m9Nx_NWW7QCFom5UJB/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KEhCgQ-ijkSrPGdifbMGB3-Q8Mns-5BRVjcUm6p6Tfe-8LCMYZJphTm6Lvz4fXr3k0qLxVLGa4QPilEYwTVkcO9PJgmMWT5NU4za99ZKL48adiazg_5k0TJ7w6NV5yxE1rWceFwQQtkGp5B-kuMoBYdN0SqqEklgeP7S-Z6tz1m9Nx_NWW7QCFom5UJB/w640-h448/Shermie%20ARV%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the rear jib - left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB83JU1yDt3XTVIKVQQ7GUxzq0IdDcY_gA8o3JbNou96XKrlT8UbH0XjB5LjAG8tdm5benYAdWpHBbaqHolUCCiRQw6YaWaT7r_K9WRA4sFSpx5hLaHxm69A8uzRskOGjD8q7j1bce3kFCbbg3Vup7B3YZVOGDlglDHyb8PZ1d2TVHKkqC2G1lLmaK1BmO/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB83JU1yDt3XTVIKVQQ7GUxzq0IdDcY_gA8o3JbNou96XKrlT8UbH0XjB5LjAG8tdm5benYAdWpHBbaqHolUCCiRQw6YaWaT7r_K9WRA4sFSpx5hLaHxm69A8uzRskOGjD8q7j1bce3kFCbbg3Vup7B3YZVOGDlglDHyb8PZ1d2TVHKkqC2G1lLmaK1BmO/w640-h478/Shermie%20ARV%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the rear jib - right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrlLjRvN3eh7vP6-Blw3QTOdWo0QA12Wbe8QIjxjtXy0WScvVCjQa2Xn0DwASqAUvlSnoxG1eNhRpQd6ox5Do_Km48lPSj9u_tXYjcXnnuHho-onUDNtfJIe1vxM0sei4uXJKDbhH9IcuurZJgY6foSst3jek411RFSP9puQYitQLFELVhoP_bck-vK_3/s1024/Shermie%20ARV%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrlLjRvN3eh7vP6-Blw3QTOdWo0QA12Wbe8QIjxjtXy0WScvVCjQa2Xn0DwASqAUvlSnoxG1eNhRpQd6ox5Do_Km48lPSj9u_tXYjcXnnuHho-onUDNtfJIe1vxM0sei4uXJKDbhH9IcuurZJgY6foSst3jek411RFSP9puQYitQLFELVhoP_bck-vK_3/w640-h386/Shermie%20ARV%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the jib built, it's time to build the earth spade!!<br />EXCALIBUR!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But back to the kit, installing the cylindrical guides for the turret winch steel cable. The instructions are confusing here...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEMalnjo0DmnL54H4xUdZa2SFBFf4DxGbowyoO4LtwC9yoqtam0EBxKqE4Jf7pu-fDBTBsD_cM9WY1IBuHzM_-BFeKmYIH7RuEheL8cxAX0kDl2oNpfRR5aiECCmQJyxo3A9YxgHuFuQwWL8QLJC2wm1cAEvky6a_hp39m_nrm1ddK_KPqGi4OVk7iZUD/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEMalnjo0DmnL54H4xUdZa2SFBFf4DxGbowyoO4LtwC9yoqtam0EBxKqE4Jf7pu-fDBTBsD_cM9WY1IBuHzM_-BFeKmYIH7RuEheL8cxAX0kDl2oNpfRR5aiECCmQJyxo3A9YxgHuFuQwWL8QLJC2wm1cAEvky6a_hp39m_nrm1ddK_KPqGi4OVk7iZUD/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Cylindrical guides for the turret winch steel cable.<br />left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBMX0Y4PRJvqE5x3k84Wwzhx3nOs9oHnjGMgYMDm7awN7Taqi5Pha_dayW8ov9G7hGaog1jBSdJjbw6vQA3TR5ru4Vp8Wr91YBc_FahZpXKgtWegBhcGtXT_Rz3b5gmtJIzkNtJJzK8hyphenhyphen8Z7P7JJU9RRpIBCkwrihFwnxTxV5yUdENqj8xHg6HQqpnApg/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBMX0Y4PRJvqE5x3k84Wwzhx3nOs9oHnjGMgYMDm7awN7Taqi5Pha_dayW8ov9G7hGaog1jBSdJjbw6vQA3TR5ru4Vp8Wr91YBc_FahZpXKgtWegBhcGtXT_Rz3b5gmtJIzkNtJJzK8hyphenhyphen8Z7P7JJU9RRpIBCkwrihFwnxTxV5yUdENqj8xHg6HQqpnApg/w640-h462/Shermie%20ARV%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Cylindrical guides for the turret winch steel cable.</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear top view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyhWEqaZpkK7h8Ga0f_vj692DSZpz-zYDN3auiR4I7gD7bSV39jRMCd5GPcPOls5RVZ8wTk2dgw9g7JQdOxAzq1z8shsbFLaMQVbxYsgOTXgYzVKMnpVbKsl1p6CW9OR__QXYvVTZfGP69HIZHyolUCunGzz4gEcs2icjAoOorQOPP2b2lPSzwv_KrxlB/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyhWEqaZpkK7h8Ga0f_vj692DSZpz-zYDN3auiR4I7gD7bSV39jRMCd5GPcPOls5RVZ8wTk2dgw9g7JQdOxAzq1z8shsbFLaMQVbxYsgOTXgYzVKMnpVbKsl1p6CW9OR__QXYvVTZfGP69HIZHyolUCunGzz4gEcs2icjAoOorQOPP2b2lPSzwv_KrxlB/w640-h430/Shermie%20ARV%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Cylindrical guides for the turret winch steel cable.</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And with the addition of a few more details, I consider the ARV Mark II girl to be ready for paint.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJtNU9fZoceRds9Q23hrpeUIEhQzQoiNXksDZWtn8qX495YupiouEMhNiTpJxijYfC_X9Xu2b_NKlIMTTwsh5juFbItL-qQkiZ6lvoaiTDY8RancJuJVWXjFoVC3GT7zK-DSvcyxjHGAz-OwvCgIYVEFJ05cbN9NAemEHGhDeaKXWGbRos2Mi_baYj4UU/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJtNU9fZoceRds9Q23hrpeUIEhQzQoiNXksDZWtn8qX495YupiouEMhNiTpJxijYfC_X9Xu2b_NKlIMTTwsh5juFbItL-qQkiZ6lvoaiTDY8RancJuJVWXjFoVC3GT7zK-DSvcyxjHGAz-OwvCgIYVEFJ05cbN9NAemEHGhDeaKXWGbRos2Mi_baYj4UU/w640-h472/Shermie%20ARV%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II ready for painting<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbi_f0b8uzcFJ41ZuOCDLDDEIdzEpoJGq8_gfY2jGBm0DlkH4X1rsy7K1bvD8IaHwSs2n5N-dBKum4N5cUzGWlWsScqXSRvVvDobTmvDiIozLGPLJiLQxzsgWmucvWA71OAfV6RRFZ93-AII0U2KDMU76Pwm5yIvIKSU25xoLI9lEEraDAlLnG9aRtKjj/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbi_f0b8uzcFJ41ZuOCDLDDEIdzEpoJGq8_gfY2jGBm0DlkH4X1rsy7K1bvD8IaHwSs2n5N-dBKum4N5cUzGWlWsScqXSRvVvDobTmvDiIozLGPLJiLQxzsgWmucvWA71OAfV6RRFZ93-AII0U2KDMU76Pwm5yIvIKSU25xoLI9lEEraDAlLnG9aRtKjj/w640-h430/Shermie%20ARV%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II ready for painting<br />rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYr2MOTropFwgE-e-hDpgOfVsjpIF83fiMiOlI7qRr6JNp3d7fsKTAymsts1UNoal80u6Uait2MgK_klShysX5mlXNlGmfv7C7MSEkCg_8xFwsqUiwjtd6Ovbwu8DYgnlRqNPVB-V2i9RNYBVPu4hmiyB7A_HmPMifv9DbJLHYSdDs7Y_NV9JCXFaYthZ/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYr2MOTropFwgE-e-hDpgOfVsjpIF83fiMiOlI7qRr6JNp3d7fsKTAymsts1UNoal80u6Uait2MgK_klShysX5mlXNlGmfv7C7MSEkCg_8xFwsqUiwjtd6Ovbwu8DYgnlRqNPVB-V2i9RNYBVPu4hmiyB7A_HmPMifv9DbJLHYSdDs7Y_NV9JCXFaYthZ/w640-h448/Shermie%20ARV%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II ready for painting<br />rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T95o6C6c0gn1Yx2eEGO4n0RwrdoNrMjkETGacQbZVEKiYzEpVLy0bBhZSZN81A3xoV3qzSvfEFOTIel6OnIGMOfeZFWZSCo9vczTFaoh5WrAHmqySap-pvb5IkqFMbo8BhmI1uDOrWawZOjj9Ks_hF8l1cULaIB1zh6osHGNhvgTpmN8XRIgcOl8AFcx/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1T95o6C6c0gn1Yx2eEGO4n0RwrdoNrMjkETGacQbZVEKiYzEpVLy0bBhZSZN81A3xoV3qzSvfEFOTIel6OnIGMOfeZFWZSCo9vczTFaoh5WrAHmqySap-pvb5IkqFMbo8BhmI1uDOrWawZOjj9Ks_hF8l1cULaIB1zh6osHGNhvgTpmN8XRIgcOl8AFcx/w640-h432/Shermie%20ARV%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark II ready for painting<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6emUdNjDmErNY4aHtadZqnSxnt_WUTfwyD2maezFEygMoCBkQ5WDkx0W8xz3jxy9KYFw4lkBjTeK4M0Qe6f-jwF6coS1Fs0ahsmQxE9lTlXLpeqcLRq9Vrf48roIYWhDmteua3aiRNmq_T2sZzjQ1A0dKFJpjkFXOjxCP6zLdCS0aBkcZVa1Q4OOVPB0/s1279/Shermie%20ARV%20064.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1279" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6emUdNjDmErNY4aHtadZqnSxnt_WUTfwyD2maezFEygMoCBkQ5WDkx0W8xz3jxy9KYFw4lkBjTeK4M0Qe6f-jwF6coS1Fs0ahsmQxE9lTlXLpeqcLRq9Vrf48roIYWhDmteua3aiRNmq_T2sZzjQ1A0dKFJpjkFXOjxCP6zLdCS0aBkcZVa1Q4OOVPB0/w640-h308/Shermie%20ARV%20064.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two girls, ready for painting...<br />Kojak is a busy guy!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJzRdB3d4kBcvqvgWSCSYXbVDKbNZ3O8cLMHF01ghXH6a6YdBgJlitLGLtI8DcVB_u7Ip84r4Bqyt_ujdZYbS7BRlVCJaUE9RqDrdaclxTdJbgaoelWbS9xd_6nmNye4R3bxObd_Tkfk9rhBK4vBRuyLzksXp08SMH263wfwCD8AwGsQhcNVizViQ91H-/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJzRdB3d4kBcvqvgWSCSYXbVDKbNZ3O8cLMHF01ghXH6a6YdBgJlitLGLtI8DcVB_u7Ip84r4Bqyt_ujdZYbS7BRlVCJaUE9RqDrdaclxTdJbgaoelWbS9xd_6nmNye4R3bxObd_Tkfk9rhBK4vBRuyLzksXp08SMH263wfwCD8AwGsQhcNVizViQ91H-/w640-h376/Shermie%20ARV%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vallejo light gray primer...<br />Shermie V ARV Mk II<br />right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xtF1Jy9IPcnmHAAFAQXg4rAAalLZPyTrC7DbQb13EbwPXz9dQQeKGu7u7ygZd0Z2EBSSdT7HF4y36ADMag4cl_mjRHSGi4r19qisOVGixKavZpQ4Ze2o0Wu7nAUxNI5VEUowC_flpZ5zRrmhi9sUakXy7O7dnGPTab566UdYzmEF_4iRSOOVRdAOM1ZU/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xtF1Jy9IPcnmHAAFAQXg4rAAalLZPyTrC7DbQb13EbwPXz9dQQeKGu7u7ygZd0Z2EBSSdT7HF4y36ADMag4cl_mjRHSGi4r19qisOVGixKavZpQ4Ze2o0Wu7nAUxNI5VEUowC_flpZ5zRrmhi9sUakXy7O7dnGPTab566UdYzmEF_4iRSOOVRdAOM1ZU/w640-h418/Shermie%20ARV%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vallejo light gray primer...<br />Shermie V ARV Mk II<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNumr3Zw5YSd6bydVDfQRcbal9NzQxSbIvRKIbPRexWhdGV49GEdsFQ1UStPO6PhxaoikWYMrsk3MUi97UETXHYUPLTykwXBe4yH8dJL0i_p-XWx24vHaOTq8srGcNvkz3apmwJZOg6-JRXPSAuRjN21MG0BLH4ZN3UCA7brubhLYpO6uexKYNxAeYLSGH/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNumr3Zw5YSd6bydVDfQRcbal9NzQxSbIvRKIbPRexWhdGV49GEdsFQ1UStPO6PhxaoikWYMrsk3MUi97UETXHYUPLTykwXBe4yH8dJL0i_p-XWx24vHaOTq8srGcNvkz3apmwJZOg6-JRXPSAuRjN21MG0BLH4ZN3UCA7brubhLYpO6uexKYNxAeYLSGH/w640-h452/Shermie%20ARV%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vallejo light gray primer...<br />Shermie V ARV Mk I<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqjAtxllk4Q8Au_1RmTabOxv41CLKGo7qGWtfrkh-34b-QE_9g3SvOZ6EOYIpvavrpDT3_LEbwhKkzMMnBQt20oUmtCPavLZozx65AE_uESQdH5cRPxI1BeM0K7N6bHcAi4IXL7ikuYZms8PGQCCHb8RuaooaLlvC-CXjyrFbYVmL13kIOCBm91SvbiIi/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqjAtxllk4Q8Au_1RmTabOxv41CLKGo7qGWtfrkh-34b-QE_9g3SvOZ6EOYIpvavrpDT3_LEbwhKkzMMnBQt20oUmtCPavLZozx65AE_uESQdH5cRPxI1BeM0K7N6bHcAi4IXL7ikuYZms8PGQCCHb8RuaooaLlvC-CXjyrFbYVmL13kIOCBm91SvbiIi/w640-h430/Shermie%20ARV%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vallejo light gray primer...<br />Shermie V ARV Mk I<br />right side</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As I usually do, I try to create a profile with the colors and markings of my model. After researching the time, place and use of the equipment, we have:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Sherman V ARV Mark I, particularly called "BUS": Serving with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a> (Hobart's Funnies), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a> (Sherman Crabs), 2nd Armoured Regiment - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothians_and_Border_Horse" target="_blank">1st Lothians and Border Horse</a>, in its advance through Germany in 1945.</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpbplXUcSJXN9HFhCd8wIodMF4XflWBXDr47JmsqvI-7kZHFtqgf5RRgNYsGGTCowsoM-BI_KP6v95Bvo4c2L__jVfEEWaQiZyyKSgaq3wy8oshrr6ybnPOf426A-k2LhBsbiXVzlY3O17qIGG6vcsV2yAPOa10-xOtsTR62hUrXlPeO4iQddNrDyV28V/s1400/Mk%20I%20specs%20markings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1400" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpbplXUcSJXN9HFhCd8wIodMF4XflWBXDr47JmsqvI-7kZHFtqgf5RRgNYsGGTCowsoM-BI_KP6v95Bvo4c2L__jVfEEWaQiZyyKSgaq3wy8oshrr6ybnPOf426A-k2LhBsbiXVzlY3O17qIGG6vcsV2yAPOa10-xOtsTR62hUrXlPeO4iQddNrDyV28V/w640-h410/Mk%20I%20specs%20markings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzerserra's markings profile for Sherman V ARV Mk I</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Sherman V ARV Mark II: Serving with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a> (Hobart's Funnies), with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" target="_blank">Royal Electrical and mechanical Engineers (REME)</a>, in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a> Workshops, possibly in Germany in 1945.</li></ul></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4SywQ9npuGFDCbkaWLBrkLedmbqWi7YjdUIZXDtneYSNXT5WYc799iPyE4tG5bJCrcByF1ffq75tx9AkoHdg8tpPvVPf5nJZ-SIGrFy2jCqiF6AFZAsA4TrX3BuHYhQIN0xOATPlJQPCMLX1z_KfUZH0j4jbYGkMITzU07qSqUZdkZ1OJ9NCVbUElie6/s1400/Mk%20II%20specs%20markings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1400" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4SywQ9npuGFDCbkaWLBrkLedmbqWi7YjdUIZXDtneYSNXT5WYc799iPyE4tG5bJCrcByF1ffq75tx9AkoHdg8tpPvVPf5nJZ-SIGrFy2jCqiF6AFZAsA4TrX3BuHYhQIN0xOATPlJQPCMLX1z_KfUZH0j4jbYGkMITzU07qSqUZdkZ1OJ9NCVbUElie6/w640-h410/Mk%20II%20specs%20markings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzerserra's markings profile for Sherman V ARV Mk II</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUWRIpFDNj-U9ZmLMgmrNX-1P-R9ONBNhKkQbYsCaFWbw-tfFOzES6HwzIVofxXnH159xbW0aSECwA9OvLO37jlTbeCA44cFiDN_rPK5-cevy94wQh1a3LjFTPOKm35LAeH8w4QDwjlWUhhwBFpktzdVScjb-F836LC7X9RIFELj5evCCCpXUbZyP5TQ3/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20072a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1280" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUWRIpFDNj-U9ZmLMgmrNX-1P-R9ONBNhKkQbYsCaFWbw-tfFOzES6HwzIVofxXnH159xbW0aSECwA9OvLO37jlTbeCA44cFiDN_rPK5-cevy94wQh1a3LjFTPOKm35LAeH8w4QDwjlWUhhwBFpktzdVScjb-F836LC7X9RIFELj5evCCCpXUbZyP5TQ3/w640-h276/Shermie%20ARV%20072a.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two girls, with base colors</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After using some tonal variations in the base color, we applied several thin layers of glossy varnish to apply the decals. The important thing is to avoid the infamous silvering...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8uj0wNAgRpcELFkkjtrqUAGuHD2PAY-TqwTd6l4aHTe2xEgCN95bOnJ1SgwXXG8lFb9En6MjPIHuANcu7EsFT7WrDexTkFD_6hXut9-zbaTEbXP_RZbiimKj5FRREA2X3-rdJx81t7Tno7MlQhCMud6v_6jU4mZHnp7ccqT0fNQEKxnJ0RL4V0QPPlb1/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8uj0wNAgRpcELFkkjtrqUAGuHD2PAY-TqwTd6l4aHTe2xEgCN95bOnJ1SgwXXG8lFb9En6MjPIHuANcu7EsFT7WrDexTkFD_6hXut9-zbaTEbXP_RZbiimKj5FRREA2X3-rdJx81t7Tno7MlQhCMud6v_6jU4mZHnp7ccqT0fNQEKxnJ0RL4V0QPPlb1/w640-h426/Shermie%20ARV%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decals in position...left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-m72FStnAmqGIgr5oWh0w4cWergPAplVlVDyNjrXwIiztOvqlghxa7mpWlEVj_UGnm_aBARx3jkWEF7kQZ9hG8Qk9tSM7QNBnS6P5CO4LojHunu1QtHt16tqaSGtXWwtXw9ouVQvEXumWK1yXPCC3PViHDszE1zpV_a4QokdrHfmfRec0bFSZK0754Ook/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-m72FStnAmqGIgr5oWh0w4cWergPAplVlVDyNjrXwIiztOvqlghxa7mpWlEVj_UGnm_aBARx3jkWEF7kQZ9hG8Qk9tSM7QNBnS6P5CO4LojHunu1QtHt16tqaSGtXWwtXw9ouVQvEXumWK1yXPCC3PViHDszE1zpV_a4QokdrHfmfRec0bFSZK0754Ook/w640-h484/Shermie%20ARV%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet our girl "BUS", a Sherman V ARV Mk.I serving with<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Hobart's Funnies)</span></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Sherman Crabs)<br />2nd Armoured Regiment - </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothians_and_Border_Horse" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">1st Lothians and Border Horse</a><span style="text-align: justify;">,<br /> Germany, 1945.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPa4Lk4xPa7vz9gJXN8ZMCTuEEot1xFm7geWFN7nSdtQQOaUhKmbZATybcsG_hur2UpRZ3Rhyphenhyphenue53WURLVDubV8sJjxZRkEbKygte6dgM1X90n67KON1g4PNNc0rj7cFHEIiVIKfXzolOeMDg9LAF5wEFPoap5aUMLFfRHkkawSaaKyxZ1ueCJB8G_ZUs/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPa4Lk4xPa7vz9gJXN8ZMCTuEEot1xFm7geWFN7nSdtQQOaUhKmbZATybcsG_hur2UpRZ3Rhyphenhyphenue53WURLVDubV8sJjxZRkEbKygte6dgM1X90n67KON1g4PNNc0rj7cFHEIiVIKfXzolOeMDg9LAF5wEFPoap5aUMLFfRHkkawSaaKyxZ1ueCJB8G_ZUs/w640-h422/Shermie%20ARV%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk I BUS<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzHmnSY3xjrfUo93n1C_tVWyrIvbSOK6RPAdAI79_s3HwWqIAz4A574bRkECVynGLfXTRUa32ZiZLkCKFV3YsPrpF9ZmxYJmHQUUagh7eMdtouW4u0To8PcVctwUnCdgx5x2KszJamqebrvg4dr7AqUS0AoGjXkxj7eZy6vRDH-HF6qxaKQ81Xp_NQ3qa/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzHmnSY3xjrfUo93n1C_tVWyrIvbSOK6RPAdAI79_s3HwWqIAz4A574bRkECVynGLfXTRUa32ZiZLkCKFV3YsPrpF9ZmxYJmHQUUagh7eMdtouW4u0To8PcVctwUnCdgx5x2KszJamqebrvg4dr7AqUS0AoGjXkxj7eZy6vRDH-HF6qxaKQ81Xp_NQ3qa/w640-h468/Shermie%20ARV%20076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk I BUS<br />rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZhTfFj1D6ZY9fVBKYJ-VrjyCWroU9d2x-VLqFgnhOXzjcRwSheTS38nFhSO1L0pK1vKbsdv7tvFyZfAmZcZi-rdNdmHfsLnnz4Z7FRyyUWe7n2XcojTVME0BQiFQ0Pqxaxv1dotJPNbU_glfWBSJublL_8XKNBmRrCrmqnAQuYnzUgaOB5BXiA-GFoZY/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZhTfFj1D6ZY9fVBKYJ-VrjyCWroU9d2x-VLqFgnhOXzjcRwSheTS38nFhSO1L0pK1vKbsdv7tvFyZfAmZcZi-rdNdmHfsLnnz4Z7FRyyUWe7n2XcojTVME0BQiFQ0Pqxaxv1dotJPNbU_glfWBSJublL_8XKNBmRrCrmqnAQuYnzUgaOB5BXiA-GFoZY/w640-h388/Shermie%20ARV%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk I BUS<br />rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhx23fawSHPjaPhZlh7kE4qtrRP-_lPVPx7w5PjffFNVdBtQOQ0Jcwz_1uLw9jI-Rh2iFcZZGpuHoXChHCSXNp1Xx52LFrs2JnUmWH70c5q2itaGCQTXYSe0OhMPUhyphenhyphenHAJdTWwXqtwY0kmQ95bz-q-jL2y-aob_LZcbkj2ydpYWHbKy9vwgldft4cukKv/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhx23fawSHPjaPhZlh7kE4qtrRP-_lPVPx7w5PjffFNVdBtQOQ0Jcwz_1uLw9jI-Rh2iFcZZGpuHoXChHCSXNp1Xx52LFrs2JnUmWH70c5q2itaGCQTXYSe0OhMPUhyphenhyphenHAJdTWwXqtwY0kmQ95bz-q-jL2y-aob_LZcbkj2ydpYWHbKy9vwgldft4cukKv/w640-h446/Shermie%20ARV%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk II<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S4bcsG0OzVthhQZgHQcE2yu4NOhBR9DsaPyUsSxWq4BjFK02GrJNrQapFc9oWe0W_htpyrumeSewsxLaJRVTucVONB4ju_7ZFNIKZPqBRjMibsKhftEUqljd_4ggL6HQrsV3X6DMMAkxAe3YKlAiT8Ca7AdmqdpqbnSNMDYfy8sjeoRsxW2y41qb9TGA/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1280" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S4bcsG0OzVthhQZgHQcE2yu4NOhBR9DsaPyUsSxWq4BjFK02GrJNrQapFc9oWe0W_htpyrumeSewsxLaJRVTucVONB4ju_7ZFNIKZPqBRjMibsKhftEUqljd_4ggL6HQrsV3X6DMMAkxAe3YKlAiT8Ca7AdmqdpqbnSNMDYfy8sjeoRsxW2y41qb9TGA/w640-h548/Shermie%20ARV%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk.II, with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Hobart's Funnies)<br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Royal Electrical and mechanical Engineers (REME)</a><br /><span style="text-align: justify;">in the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> Workshops.<br />Germany - 1945.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzcHT93O7YnpKpz9j1n_i7Ev2AiDihDqvclqWWnSnM-EIcY0o6GPiBqE53fkYZ1KlXGXUUvXelkkKJ9f2ycwGSLPwtx4QMkaEEHdMMKVy2b_dbpQpAvviIcf72_qPTALvhIJuTiHrkQWeA5u_7CB1cEBzrgxe10yKQrK4CXFh77Zpm4ZlU-KXiYZvIsBL/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzcHT93O7YnpKpz9j1n_i7Ev2AiDihDqvclqWWnSnM-EIcY0o6GPiBqE53fkYZ1KlXGXUUvXelkkKJ9f2ycwGSLPwtx4QMkaEEHdMMKVy2b_dbpQpAvviIcf72_qPTALvhIJuTiHrkQWeA5u_7CB1cEBzrgxe10yKQrK4CXFh77Zpm4ZlU-KXiYZvIsBL/w640-h436/Shermie%20ARV%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk.II<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJExLcdM2nCaBwaBg1fMqduaYTOZuWwHOIkNNXRACKNYJgLjO_ZK9aFCkTy88Iaz9L_Sp363dKvc-6Nf_816edX0BDwF9E4QL_aJEqabk33lHzyJZ5Hwy5JkWlVl1mehPacpM_F3zvPKQw2ayg5iw9cyTSyWzZlou8MI-hR4_K1dKh05QlF1CLJhTX80J/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20081.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJExLcdM2nCaBwaBg1fMqduaYTOZuWwHOIkNNXRACKNYJgLjO_ZK9aFCkTy88Iaz9L_Sp363dKvc-6Nf_816edX0BDwF9E4QL_aJEqabk33lHzyJZ5Hwy5JkWlVl1mehPacpM_F3zvPKQw2ayg5iw9cyTSyWzZlou8MI-hR4_K1dKh05QlF1CLJhTX80J/w640-h378/Shermie%20ARV%20081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk.II<br />rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9mrNv7vOhAHtYwvw7N6jPJYPaGMCwvAXODXfeOEBqlaJlF3uL8WZS8nKJ9PXl_LIyDCJtcLD3zHtaOr8GCYj6R71434p0UbVRTo6fpEJ9XHGPid4WRNpGTXNI0s-XidLQE-4VrGQES1DqOHTI_YJ1yXsRv0-_POmZL-Fh0WKI6OiNKOzh6IpD1L4DOhu/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9mrNv7vOhAHtYwvw7N6jPJYPaGMCwvAXODXfeOEBqlaJlF3uL8WZS8nKJ9PXl_LIyDCJtcLD3zHtaOr8GCYj6R71434p0UbVRTo6fpEJ9XHGPid4WRNpGTXNI0s-XidLQE-4VrGQES1DqOHTI_YJ1yXsRv0-_POmZL-Fh0WKI6OiNKOzh6IpD1L4DOhu/w640-h406/Shermie%20ARV%20082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mk.II<br />rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTeb84v2vgontnrcDh7H5sPhQbbyAtK41FdcV4xWZCZKr79vRSlhEdwsCQP9WDLMT9gBHa1Q89PPHGOglJbouqkc7d6YCtAAFHPqDUzHVW7dQSFFraovALohl_GBt04cnKS-SgUJBhR2OBBZ1SgWvy4R0vqpCk00b6NTNd4Q1motiZRQ7eoIhu80IuN4H/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTeb84v2vgontnrcDh7H5sPhQbbyAtK41FdcV4xWZCZKr79vRSlhEdwsCQP9WDLMT9gBHa1Q89PPHGOglJbouqkc7d6YCtAAFHPqDUzHVW7dQSFFraovALohl_GBt04cnKS-SgUJBhR2OBBZ1SgWvy4R0vqpCk00b6NTNd4Q1motiZRQ7eoIhu80IuN4H/w640-h462/Shermie%20ARV%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two ARV girls, after sealing the decals with glossy varnish and applying <br />several thin layers of matte varnish, to begin the final detailing and weathering</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf98ehZCdtW0ucci3DabRHRGyaWgQ910nJKmwZpaIi8kCGsA6mLzGryIfrNZHg0cnfJHvcqYOS3SP59MpwleL96tQu1nF5_sp4JT-lc70H1zNHuFFHjpC87xOE9fmtPduROGaPsMbtjTKX-vQFIJtA8oh8cLJdekXdiDl18ZamwADaV-3zqrfmHlxszyD/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf98ehZCdtW0ucci3DabRHRGyaWgQ910nJKmwZpaIi8kCGsA6mLzGryIfrNZHg0cnfJHvcqYOS3SP59MpwleL96tQu1nF5_sp4JT-lc70H1zNHuFFHjpC87xOE9fmtPduROGaPsMbtjTKX-vQFIJtA8oh8cLJdekXdiDl18ZamwADaV-3zqrfmHlxszyD/w640-h340/Shermie%20ARV%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the painting of many, many small parts that characterize the ARV versions.<br />This step will take a little time...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Now, things will narrow down: we will work with both girls at the same time... Adding the details that were painted separately and painting the details that were already glued to the kits... and, at the same time, starting the wash and the weathering...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmhIm5-InKYIjNPkWuggZlTrBGl84WF2uT3lh73LJU8XMOjb17AVNYqbJ9eXxEXCHYIIMW2vC64oTQ1wdYy8WZB8rgy3ojafqGpJSi5Daze1ZBP3hkU5BquneM3zEwL-kCI1t0sy0bTEMoVQPl-jahPJkx0xiH69BsqhMppF1tjqioS5urOXLbg_e3q5C/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmhIm5-InKYIjNPkWuggZlTrBGl84WF2uT3lh73LJU8XMOjb17AVNYqbJ9eXxEXCHYIIMW2vC64oTQ1wdYy8WZB8rgy3ojafqGpJSi5Daze1ZBP3hkU5BquneM3zEwL-kCI1t0sy0bTEMoVQPl-jahPJkx0xiH69BsqhMppF1tjqioS5urOXLbg_e3q5C/w640-h408/Shermie%20ARV%20086.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First and following the age hierarchy, the youngest sister, Mark I<br />Lots of details and little pieces...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC8QjCJdfohOy88zfa4szudsKOTvynsBm5aI91BoA4D2ITBgbLsPWqZP6swGVyp4vjm8a8u-Lo-IXQemPYf3pNDXYbiSWX6gMrSpmViIaK8oSj6o3QoqCMXdYhyphenhyphenqO-0UtM6T7VhSuW6IO-_8GVOBHw-goa1sgLuzlI-UNVTc9A-PjcSeYSTj1T43Ges9k/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1280" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC8QjCJdfohOy88zfa4szudsKOTvynsBm5aI91BoA4D2ITBgbLsPWqZP6swGVyp4vjm8a8u-Lo-IXQemPYf3pNDXYbiSWX6gMrSpmViIaK8oSj6o3QoqCMXdYhyphenhyphenqO-0UtM6T7VhSuW6IO-_8GVOBHw-goa1sgLuzlI-UNVTc9A-PjcSeYSTj1T43Ges9k/w640-h492/Shermie%20ARV%20087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A laid-back girl, but full of charm...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBlC6U-3r2h8X5LC05lkUIAKdRKN0tfBrexdQ_MCmRuRtyutHxUB7ooBUtMSDg_cqprhuIw3ZsCDf8nDcuxQ_ykEBVyC_gIuwbFJFYRtzqg2ivFzlBOtufJ08QnWOJ1WbCNFxINB6fYuK_bzuixos7xW6bKcG9GFN499n-5mtrTZygmjlgM-jIjmET3Vw/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBlC6U-3r2h8X5LC05lkUIAKdRKN0tfBrexdQ_MCmRuRtyutHxUB7ooBUtMSDg_cqprhuIw3ZsCDf8nDcuxQ_ykEBVyC_gIuwbFJFYRtzqg2ivFzlBOtufJ08QnWOJ1WbCNFxINB6fYuK_bzuixos7xW6bKcG9GFN499n-5mtrTZygmjlgM-jIjmET3Vw/w640-h410/Shermie%20ARV%20088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delight to build...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZSMhjnaStIjaiWujaIgoQ7MKHIj1cT-Dfd6ThCeLP7n267OuT50_nP-QuxtRZVAn7mpNNU-7uc1RHcpbVT1Wb-GYl4XhnHkYcbpUjhjFPMiEMMK6nybAQlMJxhC5B3HgfxnuQn_mXXSduRBcFjMgzv_MH0XAiVDQ9VCGULsZXRsEvzA4Tv0KX91wDyV9/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZSMhjnaStIjaiWujaIgoQ7MKHIj1cT-Dfd6ThCeLP7n267OuT50_nP-QuxtRZVAn7mpNNU-7uc1RHcpbVT1Wb-GYl4XhnHkYcbpUjhjFPMiEMMK6nybAQlMJxhC5B3HgfxnuQn_mXXSduRBcFjMgzv_MH0XAiVDQ9VCGULsZXRsEvzA4Tv0KX91wDyV9/w640-h368/Shermie%20ARV%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now, the older sister, the Mark II: much more<br />equipped and turbocharged...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNv0hNgX-t-tHlzPtnRpAlu9AuEMLg0dUeODvlapkmY2X-4aACe735KK0aY1l-MwRooYGVvTZ8EJZhzrGQHZSTDHaGs7HsRyIC74Wml6fGYnpHCW4_c96DtLJyMQtod90dQM_N0lcLezzVbgGqU1WfsEFKk8M3U8Op2RF2UgAV2CmHPcMJLduwLGFdACW/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNv0hNgX-t-tHlzPtnRpAlu9AuEMLg0dUeODvlapkmY2X-4aACe735KK0aY1l-MwRooYGVvTZ8EJZhzrGQHZSTDHaGs7HsRyIC74Wml6fGYnpHCW4_c96DtLJyMQtod90dQM_N0lcLezzVbgGqU1WfsEFKk8M3U8Op2RF2UgAV2CmHPcMJLduwLGFdACW/w640-h352/Shermie%20ARV%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm...I don't like the "red" tone in the tracks...what an ugly thing!!!<br />I'll have to fix this...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9I1Qv0SflOyorWeyoEzo1BL_NoRL_ZDC0VVP2jGsvzKgWhSNlj59m9zsqaRQWpySDkkqqt3olrxqqElEbBProktCGVEWe73-a2EFWalOwsa4ClZre7R-j20qPyhqivwfFuussg-iRY4cXRLPY4AWjSSXEtrw5fqMrw1TtY1H6_V3NK_Xk2npkwT2sLqx/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9I1Qv0SflOyorWeyoEzo1BL_NoRL_ZDC0VVP2jGsvzKgWhSNlj59m9zsqaRQWpySDkkqqt3olrxqqElEbBProktCGVEWe73-a2EFWalOwsa4ClZre7R-j20qPyhqivwfFuussg-iRY4cXRLPY4AWjSSXEtrw5fqMrw1TtY1H6_V3NK_Xk2npkwT2sLqx/w640-h382/Shermie%20ARV%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another thing that is bothering me is this steel cable in the fixed rear jib...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb-i1DtceiAltU7Eb8XrJ9ST6JSMAwPaINLSZ_NV513cWPS1z5_4ji67by3R5AghT3ucJgdg-_1ejYIVtpfNR38ZghIxONajEWgcnBTradtCRP8wMAv_XaKWuw6nfV9oW0yX3k2r7Ainh4LRoS5C3jvS7pV-PilDrAHIj21rx0XcqcRlooSWsx8-Tu44A/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixb-i1DtceiAltU7Eb8XrJ9ST6JSMAwPaINLSZ_NV513cWPS1z5_4ji67by3R5AghT3ucJgdg-_1ejYIVtpfNR38ZghIxONajEWgcnBTradtCRP8wMAv_XaKWuw6nfV9oW0yX3k2r7Ainh4LRoS5C3jvS7pV-PilDrAHIj21rx0XcqcRlooSWsx8-Tu44A/w640-h462/Shermie%20ARV%20093.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cable is supplied by Resicast, but I find it very "hairy"... <br />In short: horrible!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After cutting the "hairy cable", I replaced it with a waxed, bald cable, like our friend Kojak... I think things got a little better...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshYFOS6wZEKBK-m31-nKs5XJm27K_q8XEsR8N_b_FrvZm1tdCXDCT35WsmRtu2hdrbxrjhuYSEsQZ85p5fBlJMT8FEX4Wh3M88Mg2YTA-flElFAkjFhh1cTt7d2IoMC0idPO1NJ-P8aanmRcq9Hapm9bZV71YGfq2p-k7ttSqYYu1v0YiTu80835jkOWD/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshYFOS6wZEKBK-m31-nKs5XJm27K_q8XEsR8N_b_FrvZm1tdCXDCT35WsmRtu2hdrbxrjhuYSEsQZ85p5fBlJMT8FEX4Wh3M88Mg2YTA-flElFAkjFhh1cTt7d2IoMC0idPO1NJ-P8aanmRcq9Hapm9bZV71YGfq2p-k7ttSqYYu1v0YiTu80835jkOWD/w640-h440/Shermie%20ARV%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Professor Severus Snape is pleased with the result...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjy1Tu9pTbpq81EC8t-Cr3Hb9O9mJIzYFp8Y_LkP7yIdpDbmh2CpMk1sUFYazA0S5Vyxb0wIdfw0b035sh7bDI6KWL7JMS4tM5SXi3nTNbKHxFG83-AzzwQAh00AKSn1goDFpWGbVOmWokU2Kk-vVw2lBvEONcLPZhteVY7x6tVkvX9hiSf5OXj4v9441P/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjy1Tu9pTbpq81EC8t-Cr3Hb9O9mJIzYFp8Y_LkP7yIdpDbmh2CpMk1sUFYazA0S5Vyxb0wIdfw0b035sh7bDI6KWL7JMS4tM5SXi3nTNbKHxFG83-AzzwQAh00AKSn1goDFpWGbVOmWokU2Kk-vVw2lBvEONcLPZhteVY7x6tVkvX9hiSf5OXj4v9441P/w640-h420/Shermie%20ARV%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and even more so, after painting and characterizing...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After these final repairs, I consider the work on these two girls who worked on recovering the vehicles on the battlefield complete. First, let me introduce "BUS", a Sherman V ARV Mark I, working with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a> (Hobart's Funnies), <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a> (Sherman Crabs), 2nd Armoured Regiment - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothians_and_Border_Horse" target="_blank">1st Lothians and Border Horse</a>, in its advance through Germany in 1945.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFhE0uM5n-fCAWKMg7c-GBpxMGYf0Z7Vezglkl21aDioxFK8d_oPav4sZv__H7b8tySKEeeoxklSf73NBDKnV3GLRTvfL9Y2SpgPUR5fyT3-6Er9GxgZJN9xMUJOx2lVyoeUigOg7-3KgWwIBLmeFZAT_SE3a-jl8qHeMknjuv0WDSlgtKJp7zYlKlHLW/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFhE0uM5n-fCAWKMg7c-GBpxMGYf0Z7Vezglkl21aDioxFK8d_oPav4sZv__H7b8tySKEeeoxklSf73NBDKnV3GLRTvfL9Y2SpgPUR5fyT3-6Er9GxgZJN9xMUJOx2lVyoeUigOg7-3KgWwIBLmeFZAT_SE3a-jl8qHeMknjuv0WDSlgtKJp7zYlKlHLW/w640-h454/Shermie%20ARV%20096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br /><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Hobart's Funnies)</span></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Sherman Crabs)<br />2nd Armoured Regiment - </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothians_and_Border_Horse" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">1st Lothians and Border Horse</a><span style="text-align: justify;">,<br /> Germany, 1945.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bl3FuJ85DxYPHFBpIOvSrjXxvJMvENMnvQAuaQIXmnAufd8dejRYqzDcP2-huFGy6i6ZYQBGXSiyA0b9iQq1fPmZV-9cyTGywpisqcP756UbcDnur9bvSD0fpdZsEoOZmXJAgyAOzNJFuubMFpd4fjMzufi5I2qh2pNz8AEWzr69MTLl6_OWbYvuB6Zm/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bl3FuJ85DxYPHFBpIOvSrjXxvJMvENMnvQAuaQIXmnAufd8dejRYqzDcP2-huFGy6i6ZYQBGXSiyA0b9iQq1fPmZV-9cyTGywpisqcP756UbcDnur9bvSD0fpdZsEoOZmXJAgyAOzNJFuubMFpd4fjMzufi5I2qh2pNz8AEWzr69MTLl6_OWbYvuB6Zm/w640-h484/Shermie%20ARV%20097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br />front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN9BV52ORqYBFwHYa63fXx5609WxhOeY_XRW5ZhJL4hsdsD1oAy-r2blexof40n99WCpPH37JssXYghtRXqh9_9PQfe_rU9f-iakjmGXsVsdAOT8XkgofZWGoOo2m_1WGjBVRl31voMX-BUp0HZgbajDsp6dPbw6SGPz5JKW0tf5vr1CCCkAMVv8_1rwW/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRN9BV52ORqYBFwHYa63fXx5609WxhOeY_XRW5ZhJL4hsdsD1oAy-r2blexof40n99WCpPH37JssXYghtRXqh9_9PQfe_rU9f-iakjmGXsVsdAOT8XkgofZWGoOo2m_1WGjBVRl31voMX-BUp0HZgbajDsp6dPbw6SGPz5JKW0tf5vr1CCCkAMVv8_1rwW/w640-h392/Shermie%20ARV%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJBGVtnAJ1thsI1pl8VJrOpl4r_BPMuqbzTUUTuggZyNa0izS4H7-IngLDntCcmbi1uDGPhvnK8HmYpCmoVU2XKcnAuaXsnMnji_oDoUMXC6GkDexCKZyUYZlIDRkF1tmo65EFTz7HduXq5XW4dARfgskxkPnc35TVcnBC2AFqUmOO2uLr-0kDgnSiQ-i/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJBGVtnAJ1thsI1pl8VJrOpl4r_BPMuqbzTUUTuggZyNa0izS4H7-IngLDntCcmbi1uDGPhvnK8HmYpCmoVU2XKcnAuaXsnMnji_oDoUMXC6GkDexCKZyUYZlIDRkF1tmo65EFTz7HduXq5XW4dARfgskxkPnc35TVcnBC2AFqUmOO2uLr-0kDgnSiQ-i/w640-h422/Shermie%20ARV%20100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br />rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxz_6R55e_-CbhyphenhyphenvJ09_WxpXIWtkJKhQwWFxrtfISGdubV7p2cvLmF8Odey7n-yZDGEbLlyVLRSjejKyCfQVc8VoPstlJogud7R5RKikEzEHPJbjSQqwYrPnuZ9eI_1RZTWV9NvaXttmXe3lxg61B96yDhLTbjl4pUx7KjjHDmGu7qx4pShwbmULBfK8p/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxz_6R55e_-CbhyphenhyphenvJ09_WxpXIWtkJKhQwWFxrtfISGdubV7p2cvLmF8Odey7n-yZDGEbLlyVLRSjejKyCfQVc8VoPstlJogud7R5RKikEzEHPJbjSQqwYrPnuZ9eI_1RZTWV9NvaXttmXe3lxg61B96yDhLTbjl4pUx7KjjHDmGu7qx4pShwbmULBfK8p/w640-h438/Shermie%20ARV%20101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br />rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoiDH1EOagO7FET7eTeCy96sj2maSoW2FbVxf0K_meWpyX7tuQ8VQVkoN3K5dQkZdlBH0e06XOVuPYTY1bfbjSX2SJoW6ZqgB85c4Z0clVTq4GEHVWfBjFMd4krWJtAIya1oJ0RJ_ng9KgHFcPw5snYPrFsfJHctUeSi5myKJu1wfawixzJGD13CVL695/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20102.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoiDH1EOagO7FET7eTeCy96sj2maSoW2FbVxf0K_meWpyX7tuQ8VQVkoN3K5dQkZdlBH0e06XOVuPYTY1bfbjSX2SJoW6ZqgB85c4Z0clVTq4GEHVWfBjFMd4krWJtAIya1oJ0RJ_ng9KgHFcPw5snYPrFsfJHctUeSi5myKJu1wfawixzJGD13CVL695/w640-h410/Shermie%20ARV%20102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br />right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ93Dya3WPROJDP6C0AIdkjGcJfRaHKOyv6uzwNub6Z7mf8MhaHaFLvVC0K6rITS8J9xqi5WZ5CAuQs4zvBXTiaN0f4i_GdqdnIYJ2B0H2ViUnEd0d25COme7atg7Y5oItb89i0ZjbF06e-JEVfITUxLF4MJab2Vn6uWCFpWNz7IY5m3gjGruC1XHj1j3/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ93Dya3WPROJDP6C0AIdkjGcJfRaHKOyv6uzwNub6Z7mf8MhaHaFLvVC0K6rITS8J9xqi5WZ5CAuQs4zvBXTiaN0f4i_GdqdnIYJ2B0H2ViUnEd0d25COme7atg7Y5oItb89i0ZjbF06e-JEVfITUxLF4MJab2Vn6uWCFpWNz7IY5m3gjGruC1XHj1j3/w640-h394/Shermie%20ARV%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br />right top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_9UPzhvW6_sjexyKYe8pBt6k3NSbspqwMrFQTYqZZ-xNog9TrkL_CUPS54c1OZUNA-19-3c3X-wwHaqGjFcroT9WqD4xgCabbdsUnH2815F00PrEgDVSn91lQT7hOntllL0JGh0jZYwAcm6hcQdXR6aVHwGrgTK-AmTuoHtG07yYV4QZl6dktqNQgVQO/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_9UPzhvW6_sjexyKYe8pBt6k3NSbspqwMrFQTYqZZ-xNog9TrkL_CUPS54c1OZUNA-19-3c3X-wwHaqGjFcroT9WqD4xgCabbdsUnH2815F00PrEgDVSn91lQT7hOntllL0JGh0jZYwAcm6hcQdXR6aVHwGrgTK-AmTuoHtG07yYV4QZl6dktqNQgVQO/w640-h472/Shermie%20ARV%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br />right front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIB_OgGV_jy0GN1mSOKKjwUchrm-akEGRJ87l8fRsj7WdFyv76GtMo1BxjR6R550G9sZRXLNIk9sI76Iz3KhDvPh2ZnXiRBQgr53GF88A1ByXlQBDivl5crbZ6_MopNYnOwJlIXbPdkmU6ToW_CP8-sQ1W1RmKIRSgvuFSuCMwrD7L6wPheg8KPs-Tprx/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIB_OgGV_jy0GN1mSOKKjwUchrm-akEGRJ87l8fRsj7WdFyv76GtMo1BxjR6R550G9sZRXLNIk9sI76Iz3KhDvPh2ZnXiRBQgr53GF88A1ByXlQBDivl5crbZ6_MopNYnOwJlIXbPdkmU6ToW_CP8-sQ1W1RmKIRSgvuFSuCMwrD7L6wPheg8KPs-Tprx/w640-h500/Shermie%20ARV%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAlzquk0DLAfk_-UbYPTRP8dsRmuhI9yDBn9UoVrJRP3lgQqIy-O7dZfMnnrjgxbQbVYuObLwzGk7PRplrKZeZkkUyGO75SlGBMg9A3CngDf1hOWGAmxLo49N60COU_0BDWeE0JSoNXzrt1wMGXNkzMzoTGcDD1qGmN90wW00lZzi75WbraqP_CdXIyWz/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAlzquk0DLAfk_-UbYPTRP8dsRmuhI9yDBn9UoVrJRP3lgQqIy-O7dZfMnnrjgxbQbVYuObLwzGk7PRplrKZeZkkUyGO75SlGBMg9A3CngDf1hOWGAmxLo49N60COU_0BDWeE0JSoNXzrt1wMGXNkzMzoTGcDD1qGmN90wW00lZzi75WbraqP_CdXIyWz/w640-h400/Shermie%20ARV%20107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br />with Kojak, for size comparison</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3-Z9H9ELllUyZ2SNJKB2ENWTFIG-7bxJSdcxYj-JmyXnzhfWxLa_3UvbjsIPlHd0xiRuIQM7VvStHMJGaa82Phtkt0s0A59z5TphJBFfksrD8QMXwAFglYkFtd-kPE_AHDfwb_n10YHo3npielmpJMasY3ogEYKdm4Qamltf8wF4Xkyz0sX-ng1sZVNt/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC3-Z9H9ELllUyZ2SNJKB2ENWTFIG-7bxJSdcxYj-JmyXnzhfWxLa_3UvbjsIPlHd0xiRuIQM7VvStHMJGaa82Phtkt0s0A59z5TphJBFfksrD8QMXwAFglYkFtd-kPE_AHDfwb_n10YHo3npielmpJMasY3ogEYKdm4Qamltf8wF4Xkyz0sX-ng1sZVNt/w640-h472/Shermie%20ARV%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V ARV Mark.I "BUS"<br /><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Hobart's Funnies)</span></div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Sherman Crabs)<br />2nd Armoured Regiment - </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lothians_and_Border_Horse" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">1st Lothians and Border Horse</a><span style="text-align: justify;">,<br /> Germany, 1945.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, the older sister. The markings are <b>hypothetical</b>, as I was unable to get any photos of this vehicle on the battlefield, but if it was used, without a doubt, it must have been with the brave REME guys of the 79th AD. So with you, Sherman V ARV Mark II: Serving with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a> (Hobart's Funnies), with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" target="_blank">Royal Electrical and mechanical Engineers (REME)</a>, in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a> Workshops, possibly in Germany in 1945.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QasVURw7Axp0Yh5JnMueeZoVXhdiwIXql8vgp-c_MLiQ3bKJrqZpGUM8adzHBLndNcM0tR_Zu_a1qLR1TgYPvcIg6VsHoTasOrOEb17aM069g18DJe1P4bBtPy-d1dM0hy37deoX9Uj4-bdmEy4FuSDU44rM0XtdqCvY7A4KvxfNxUgBZeuDDuZ0JSVz/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QasVURw7Axp0Yh5JnMueeZoVXhdiwIXql8vgp-c_MLiQ3bKJrqZpGUM8adzHBLndNcM0tR_Zu_a1qLR1TgYPvcIg6VsHoTasOrOEb17aM069g18DJe1P4bBtPy-d1dM0hy37deoX9Uj4-bdmEy4FuSDU44rM0XtdqCvY7A4KvxfNxUgBZeuDDuZ0JSVz/w640-h452/Shermie%20ARV%20110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II<br /></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Hobart's Funnies)<br /></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Royal Electrical and mechanical Engineers (REME)</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> Workshops<br /> Germany - 1945 (?).</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUOdPSpRGl-cGn_WOiE2f_0le8S2r43oPPNsrUQMgUFANRHop0k1YNNKwlqsoEiukHmNE7iP5sk9ikcu4WRodAt1iSENiekTrveiZPK05qiEx2UOw0S3CCSoUJWsrZ1JlizXPi5uurU-WUOfp0EkjbPc5xb9-A6gfzTbpSjB0X0212-EYcGvEybQYpdHk/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUOdPSpRGl-cGn_WOiE2f_0le8S2r43oPPNsrUQMgUFANRHop0k1YNNKwlqsoEiukHmNE7iP5sk9ikcu4WRodAt1iSENiekTrveiZPK05qiEx2UOw0S3CCSoUJWsrZ1JlizXPi5uurU-WUOfp0EkjbPc5xb9-A6gfzTbpSjB0X0212-EYcGvEybQYpdHk/w640-h500/Shermie%20ARV%20111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II<br />front left top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCcMiIGi94B5UZdnSddQBPIWb6m-5ytjdOSIndohrs89A-iXzFzR5HyuMJ9TK1ngrOdEVMrWeopqErmJQ1e-ZbjETulYKyXm5Flsj4j17qH2klR31jv0mR4EZZRm0-X8KoO8IwpvgIQ4zXju29d8Emx3Htj91OQL6aqWKQ-V9CUVBIrprvzRDfhW-HssJ/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20112.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCcMiIGi94B5UZdnSddQBPIWb6m-5ytjdOSIndohrs89A-iXzFzR5HyuMJ9TK1ngrOdEVMrWeopqErmJQ1e-ZbjETulYKyXm5Flsj4j17qH2klR31jv0mR4EZZRm0-X8KoO8IwpvgIQ4zXju29d8Emx3Htj91OQL6aqWKQ-V9CUVBIrprvzRDfhW-HssJ/w640-h382/Shermie%20ARV%20112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II<br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;"> left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_RE6IHSJ26L2xOcFdyOjlcskbFMtGHsYk0655jaMsxcyLMqYFn6zG13JJkM9qtOIrmNwsAR2FWSrTjV6LC_5CVjHsOlICH1mQSafB6zF77ilZvXnxhO5vnyRS7RLSk6N7_KsUksdATV2ynIpUxn-PnHFLsllWZCntEMBCkqG2isvdF5f-CAx8fDxSiba/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_RE6IHSJ26L2xOcFdyOjlcskbFMtGHsYk0655jaMsxcyLMqYFn6zG13JJkM9qtOIrmNwsAR2FWSrTjV6LC_5CVjHsOlICH1mQSafB6zF77ilZvXnxhO5vnyRS7RLSk6N7_KsUksdATV2ynIpUxn-PnHFLsllWZCntEMBCkqG2isvdF5f-CAx8fDxSiba/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left top details</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8Xtl9N0U_enfsVRry54u03RYTTh_1HBpxDI6IqmwJlvOsLaJSNYGEhA5Wbkyg7Xzv0bBojM-j6WWKIctXhbsW8sEsuHHBAF95GQcmX5VPVIoQip8iO606yqjzGK-JJ-G3tEhUJpSPrMy33kz2XmNjlAX2GuxID9E3bj4LJ7E8o6l_KAOEUtw4l3TyqAX/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20114.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8Xtl9N0U_enfsVRry54u03RYTTh_1HBpxDI6IqmwJlvOsLaJSNYGEhA5Wbkyg7Xzv0bBojM-j6WWKIctXhbsW8sEsuHHBAF95GQcmX5VPVIoQip8iO606yqjzGK-JJ-G3tEhUJpSPrMy33kz2XmNjlAX2GuxID9E3bj4LJ7E8o6l_KAOEUtw4l3TyqAX/w640-h460/Shermie%20ARV%20114.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> left rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbcfba6qp4GBNXyyX6y_WmqAsuDNWUTvp_Et2HfyE3GUo10amQZNToqgJ5m7cJ7vOGFFsL9y1NArH1LBt3SPDQhbyyBbWlIhBsqbJXilDF2AqtNUHNT1DQOiU2OWNIKUB2WpdAniUuMNqkduXpRkPRnAI9u1v9hp6uz3FiXaxpbrjx6S0HhApBbKBrQwC/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20115.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbcfba6qp4GBNXyyX6y_WmqAsuDNWUTvp_Et2HfyE3GUo10amQZNToqgJ5m7cJ7vOGFFsL9y1NArH1LBt3SPDQhbyyBbWlIhBsqbJXilDF2AqtNUHNT1DQOiU2OWNIKUB2WpdAniUuMNqkduXpRkPRnAI9u1v9hp6uz3FiXaxpbrjx6S0HhApBbKBrQwC/w640-h434/Shermie%20ARV%20115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejfXXwzFP_0V9CYU48y_GVyXgtOXZ-t4a0adhwrGCGksHHLxXFxrAtj8Jlb5UZioAZb8uRAIlDi8AEhqtG0yzfqcY7fW8mq-eOeI3phONWOFfPL7kCBMCtE1cCIPhDdWjg64UwuTQzL8l1kuKmpIThn5SlW4PbVybwl1TJYTZIS5RdQ8-2BbRt91fW07x/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20116.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejfXXwzFP_0V9CYU48y_GVyXgtOXZ-t4a0adhwrGCGksHHLxXFxrAtj8Jlb5UZioAZb8uRAIlDi8AEhqtG0yzfqcY7fW8mq-eOeI3phONWOFfPL7kCBMCtE1cCIPhDdWjg64UwuTQzL8l1kuKmpIThn5SlW4PbVybwl1TJYTZIS5RdQ8-2BbRt91fW07x/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20116.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">top rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66TonmCVxHZ_tfI9Bfj2ZAscsSQ6KLZfdIZpjG7jzzx8i_nUREBtm_bM2oYDypwRv7hxwkVr2peIcVGuhzzp7hne3H4TU7akL5eD2J52Fr1IqvsExcckFYUQ9RUNmigikuU60ZfJ4aqfXFmt9uiCQo3VuCxj0OY2jyDOkNvSBXUJlynvnL8whIMVczddz/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20118.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66TonmCVxHZ_tfI9Bfj2ZAscsSQ6KLZfdIZpjG7jzzx8i_nUREBtm_bM2oYDypwRv7hxwkVr2peIcVGuhzzp7hne3H4TU7akL5eD2J52Fr1IqvsExcckFYUQ9RUNmigikuU60ZfJ4aqfXFmt9uiCQo3VuCxj0OY2jyDOkNvSBXUJlynvnL8whIMVczddz/w640-h380/Shermie%20ARV%20118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8A_M9J3wAIzypUnCkh6TlAMZTq3sYYjpUpJ4dLUlJ4jpUslub4rscnHdaHjfzKUhcZW47_WIvrAd1L_aY8Vjb_oaEP0qKgPeypM8_n3yEXRE-lDzTVFvkPNr7HMA0QkuO3ks9RX8XAn8SgI6YOhrQTo3Bi4ddudp-GXWbG-LSfuHlBgBPY5f4oC_jqyt/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20119.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8A_M9J3wAIzypUnCkh6TlAMZTq3sYYjpUpJ4dLUlJ4jpUslub4rscnHdaHjfzKUhcZW47_WIvrAd1L_aY8Vjb_oaEP0qKgPeypM8_n3yEXRE-lDzTVFvkPNr7HMA0QkuO3ks9RX8XAn8SgI6YOhrQTo3Bi4ddudp-GXWbG-LSfuHlBgBPY5f4oC_jqyt/w640-h484/Shermie%20ARV%20119.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5dMKFdmYRDzBHRvi1NSEVRcT_JyVIoYDmLpCq7dF127DREIQbxyzmf4-MHJTWXqNCr6dnZZBaX_6TQK2yk4HlZR0bhfDrY5_pn4KpLXRrzf5uQt4BZMrrwpxR8OBKtBk6oo1YXA4us_ImU4CECRPEo1m21keb46hf9l19PLKSUQfhKb6JMhRCZRB2J5F/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20120.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5dMKFdmYRDzBHRvi1NSEVRcT_JyVIoYDmLpCq7dF127DREIQbxyzmf4-MHJTWXqNCr6dnZZBaX_6TQK2yk4HlZR0bhfDrY5_pn4KpLXRrzf5uQt4BZMrrwpxR8OBKtBk6oo1YXA4us_ImU4CECRPEo1m21keb46hf9l19PLKSUQfhKb6JMhRCZRB2J5F/w640-h462/Shermie%20ARV%20120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTa-GpXKPJN3T_UBfM8dNYoVrrhm423izSRTkzUCKYPpz73t-TecTSgGHqR6vwQHX81yuHMDK5O9XVPDpyl-q3Dg2P1PzOkrEFUw8vV0wF7jMqLYy_xdcpBUisR-XAOKPs4h_crPGWM3gZLWARUeCetwuMhPZ7-j8BXkPc0kbI2E2l0S2mND-y1kXiduR/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20121.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTa-GpXKPJN3T_UBfM8dNYoVrrhm423izSRTkzUCKYPpz73t-TecTSgGHqR6vwQHX81yuHMDK5O9XVPDpyl-q3Dg2P1PzOkrEFUw8vV0wF7jMqLYy_xdcpBUisR-XAOKPs4h_crPGWM3gZLWARUeCetwuMhPZ7-j8BXkPc0kbI2E2l0S2mND-y1kXiduR/w640-h390/Shermie%20ARV%20121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II with Kojak</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysV4OS-4E_8OtjXN5rPlXzAZDRapAAPyL-QFM6ddP7Mj1_AQfRK9m_6oLYjP9pTcPbTt8aHyJ4tvCJkyZ0UfhMIZYrx-hoydFnNlgUQAhozfJ1L7OsMnGCPMiwURiEJA9CDQpRhQvor1Otr-FPqXXkrXEmu99OuGlvh4wFNMYa1EFOIIE8KRvtM3pLzR1/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20123.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysV4OS-4E_8OtjXN5rPlXzAZDRapAAPyL-QFM6ddP7Mj1_AQfRK9m_6oLYjP9pTcPbTt8aHyJ4tvCJkyZ0UfhMIZYrx-hoydFnNlgUQAhozfJ1L7OsMnGCPMiwURiEJA9CDQpRhQvor1Otr-FPqXXkrXEmu99OuGlvh4wFNMYa1EFOIIE8KRvtM3pLzR1/w640-h480/Shermie%20ARV%20123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">top front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03zRnbPW9r7SrlOC3Gd_T8SQCZzm6Az6o80hTLdhMORiJtazwX4OcpoOo0LpLTxw_Pq0K2C05mMU9axeX3LAhdJi7JfGCzrVMQLZqADOnmy3lE0E_sXBuAPK0gdwGAGYKJQOXAhBY4y0eXq_1UqnlcUhk39FPftQnTpcUBC3N0beMr6NoR4adfcXr4pnA/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20124.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03zRnbPW9r7SrlOC3Gd_T8SQCZzm6Az6o80hTLdhMORiJtazwX4OcpoOo0LpLTxw_Pq0K2C05mMU9axeX3LAhdJi7JfGCzrVMQLZqADOnmy3lE0E_sXBuAPK0gdwGAGYKJQOXAhBY4y0eXq_1UqnlcUhk39FPftQnTpcUBC3N0beMr6NoR4adfcXr4pnA/w640-h422/Shermie%20ARV%20124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sherman V ARV Mark II<br /></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> (Hobart's Funnies)<br /></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Electrical_and_Mechanical_Engineers" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Royal Electrical and mechanical Engineers (REME)</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30th_Armoured_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">30th Armoured Brigade</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> Workshops<br /> Germany - 1945 (?).</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhuBlMCK7LOCw8pS-RsEqrADN2SPs8h6R4_wwCpU03eRcOJUGpC6olsGCAbC6TzzsbDsx3mWWW5QhT_iTGnZDQ6JX9WMD-WFOpxwDZAbBKmfuNOGEcUCr3f-7WCAdNKVJyz2-nxLXZRPpmvGNb-CApmU0htnmxDFzFBNHJFdrU740T7wp-CBir26BviBr/s1280/Shermie%20ARV%20109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhuBlMCK7LOCw8pS-RsEqrADN2SPs8h6R4_wwCpU03eRcOJUGpC6olsGCAbC6TzzsbDsx3mWWW5QhT_iTGnZDQ6JX9WMD-WFOpxwDZAbBKmfuNOGEcUCr3f-7WCAdNKVJyz2-nxLXZRPpmvGNb-CApmU0htnmxDFzFBNHJFdrU740T7wp-CBir26BviBr/w640-h430/Shermie%20ARV%20109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two Sherman ARV sisters, side by side...<br />What fantastic girls!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What a delightful project... truly, a pleasure to reproduce such fantastic machines... </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A privilege that our hobby allows!!</b></span></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnwkoW4tE0rLLs7vOfz6LSHqRjr0L5AyrArDLQUjUaBsF9mLfFPSUQBxb7AKRiSIJgCy5Sx32SZ6kSUe4BDXjLPp4OlAQMrjl95eh7mBLtZgJoNCrti9RYD4wTQGrCL8EFZWbWP-T33QncrntnQoiKv902uT5O68pWQ0KIXkvwwVzM5TeRGt3v0YDrlB5/s1280/painting%20the%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1280" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnwkoW4tE0rLLs7vOfz6LSHqRjr0L5AyrArDLQUjUaBsF9mLfFPSUQBxb7AKRiSIJgCy5Sx32SZ6kSUe4BDXjLPp4OlAQMrjl95eh7mBLtZgJoNCrti9RYD4wTQGrCL8EFZWbWP-T33QncrntnQoiKv902uT5O68pWQ0KIXkvwwVzM5TeRGt3v0YDrlB5/w640-h474/painting%20the%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Reserve_Camouflage_Corps" target="_blank">Women's Reserve Camouflage Corps</a><br />painting camouflage on a tank mock-up <br />in New York City (USA) - 1916</td></tr></tbody></table>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-14293094238447425562023-08-16T14:54:00.010-03:002023-10-15T08:54:04.072-03:00T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank - case report<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fellow modelers!!!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The subject of this article is about the use of a weapon as old as humanity itself: about the use of fire as a weapon. Let's get to know one of the many prototypes devised by Man to use fire as a means of killing and intimidation. Based on the horrifying experiences lived by combatants in the Japanese islands of the Pacific, the T33 Mechanized flamethrower was developed to be a decisive weapon to be used in the planned Invasion of the Japanese metropolitan Islands, but the end of the War in the Pacific limited its production to only 3 prototypes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Today we are going to meet the <b>T33 - M4A3E2 mechanized flamethrower tank.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5PGbNRTwwhDvJKWOkTYEYDRnt1qa050nvDB8BgWrOViKxv8vDo7jgahP-kMc-Ap4c3pfNcZXtYBFudyNr6tfYs4lW6AX1NIhUqIdvx4nzVHbAtSt5Yw8AhbACVw7FNOK9-FZ5X43plwYQK_ZAgjUUXSnxrVovXRPj3kd0DQsoL5JcNkWYIVqY7giwmFL/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20in%20action%20joke2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5PGbNRTwwhDvJKWOkTYEYDRnt1qa050nvDB8BgWrOViKxv8vDo7jgahP-kMc-Ap4c3pfNcZXtYBFudyNr6tfYs4lW6AX1NIhUqIdvx4nzVHbAtSt5Yw8AhbACVw7FNOK9-FZ5X43plwYQK_ZAgjUUXSnxrVovXRPj3kd0DQsoL5JcNkWYIVqY7giwmFL/w640-h338/M4A3E2%20T33%20in%20action%20joke2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Uy2JxFxVox4VUyYGxa-VvKGgkz-j3b8uWjCtnuLPwlfSjG2ftour0XmMFDJpyODP9wf8DHTd5Xzh74j1SVLn_wRXeVADyh4-DWL2EpYgTezn3wWtjqwuia9_k1Uk_S_XArgHMYpg-IAASlW4SWL-5Xdkycy7IxM18NccK4PDThHJ-OKu1zzbZYPmRzSz/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20HVSS%20flamm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Uy2JxFxVox4VUyYGxa-VvKGgkz-j3b8uWjCtnuLPwlfSjG2ftour0XmMFDJpyODP9wf8DHTd5Xzh74j1SVLn_wRXeVADyh4-DWL2EpYgTezn3wWtjqwuia9_k1Uk_S_XArgHMYpg-IAASlW4SWL-5Xdkycy7IxM18NccK4PDThHJ-OKu1zzbZYPmRzSz/w640-h414/M4A3E2%20T33%20HVSS%20flamm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank<br />Prototype number 3 - USA 3083021</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Fire has been used as a weapon since the dawn of mankind, but the so-called modern flamethrower only appeared on the scene of armed conflicts in the WWI. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90Dbr6NP6KjubjEv_zgKcRHKUYkgBCeyjn5qSqIW7aBtMwUY_zyeJp3v9InXhH_NyFpO-K9o_vDG2qh7kpjqJGszYOchwGIFAh43eea8P6ncKkqS6HtRZ5-5Abc_FINTgKr-ECtbhJFdyd28NtLmoKFTYVtCDy3KSp6Cy-04_U9PP9PlEvgJlkGL-oQ/s1280/fire%20hunting.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90Dbr6NP6KjubjEv_zgKcRHKUYkgBCeyjn5qSqIW7aBtMwUY_zyeJp3v9InXhH_NyFpO-K9o_vDG2qh7kpjqJGszYOchwGIFAh43eea8P6ncKkqS6HtRZ5-5Abc_FINTgKr-ECtbhJFdyd28NtLmoKFTYVtCDy3KSp6Cy-04_U9PP9PlEvgJlkGL-oQ/w640-h462/fire%20hunting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cavemen using torches of fire, leading a herd of mammoths to leap<br />to their death from a cliff. The use of fire as a weapon really is very old...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And within that context, the US Army has always been very skeptical about the real operational value of this type of weapon, and even slower to recognize the tactical utility of a vehicle carrying a forward combat flamethrowers.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRgzNfAyqVGmsUutvDV14nklZO8l5iZNGigGjVraIbH3DhQm3GiQBOV8IBIJexsoxKUJT7godpQUWNgG9oifzESw6BuKkOMVnC6vYQXNutgQxbM35r3fHTob4cuEMXQOK3HDWI5ihyaDK9yLNw0hPI8wPQvH35GGo0Tgfs-AqJtgHEKhoD8XMTrCP7Q/s1280/German%20flamethrower%20team%20attacking%20a%20British%20female%20tank%20at%20close%20range%20near%20the%20Somme%20River,%20France.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRgzNfAyqVGmsUutvDV14nklZO8l5iZNGigGjVraIbH3DhQm3GiQBOV8IBIJexsoxKUJT7godpQUWNgG9oifzESw6BuKkOMVnC6vYQXNutgQxbM35r3fHTob4cuEMXQOK3HDWI5ihyaDK9yLNw0hPI8wPQvH35GGo0Tgfs-AqJtgHEKhoD8XMTrCP7Q/w640-h418/German%20flamethrower%20team%20attacking%20a%20British%20female%20tank%20at%20close%20range%20near%20the%20Somme%20River,%20France.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German troops try to fend the attack of a British tank Mark IV Female<br />with portable infantry flamethrower.<br />Near River Somme, probably August 1918 - Battle of Amiens</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the specific American case, this only started to change around 1943, when the experiences arising from the merciless fighting against the Japanese in the Pacific Theater of Operations were interpreted and assimilated.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0xBjkOqOxidJCq3EfMCLWt3MFij2fMc6_rvKwrPhhbvO7uBxHXub7JB2p8XS6CUtbqO6rmJSwm_8YqFAGZPVFbtfx8D4C0LX0avXeoxx0Ce5NzT65uZFcCB_PR0HnbyzUGztyhNlPRNyTwGDS7g0JRRR_HtoNbh764KMwLMfyZZpyVw7GSlnS22Ms1sR/s1280/flame%20thrower%2017-03-44.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1280" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0xBjkOqOxidJCq3EfMCLWt3MFij2fMc6_rvKwrPhhbvO7uBxHXub7JB2p8XS6CUtbqO6rmJSwm_8YqFAGZPVFbtfx8D4C0LX0avXeoxx0Ce5NzT65uZFcCB_PR0HnbyzUGztyhNlPRNyTwGDS7g0JRRR_HtoNbh764KMwLMfyZZpyVw7GSlnS22Ms1sR/w640-h504/flame%20thrower%2017-03-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">United States Army soldier firing a man-portable <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_flamethrower" target="_blank">M2 flamethrower</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">at a Japanese fortification as another soldier covers him with a rifle.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Official caption on front: "Flame thrower team blast Jap position.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bougainville_campaign" target="_blank">Bougainville Island, New Guinea</a> - 17 March, 1944.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> When the geographic focus of the fighting in the Pacific shifted in 1944 from the tropical jungle environments of the South Pacific to the coral and volcanic islands of the Central Pacific, the requirement for an armored vehicle carrying a flamethrower, preferably a tank, became more pressing. The Japanese tactics of battles of attrition, with the use of fortifications and underground caverns, indicated to the Americans that the flamethrower was the most effective weapon in combating these fortifications and in expelling or eliminating the enemies. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mg84QQ5FIYAGzM7jfCBtQrK0gCAckICDwez81AfVczhEdR6YANogBcsn5Q-_9YP1zGBu1GMtgnv1_QNCwIhPQaJo-f8m2m5096vILfsKBaX_LNw_0WvOlE3D6JdJ51GWCkUV7lK0yvEacdSONZ5losn409zkrxtlgSujCC4PIfe-iruzrTlNnWCjy02f/s1400/Marine%20flamethrower%20tank%20based%20on%20the%20M4%20Sherman%20lays%20down%20a%20stream%20in%20heavy%20fighting%20near%20Naha,%20Okinawa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mg84QQ5FIYAGzM7jfCBtQrK0gCAckICDwez81AfVczhEdR6YANogBcsn5Q-_9YP1zGBu1GMtgnv1_QNCwIhPQaJo-f8m2m5096vILfsKBaX_LNw_0WvOlE3D6JdJ51GWCkUV7lK0yvEacdSONZ5losn409zkrxtlgSujCC4PIfe-iruzrTlNnWCjy02f/w640-h480/Marine%20flamethrower%20tank%20based%20on%20the%20M4%20Sherman%20lays%20down%20a%20stream%20in%20heavy%20fighting%20near%20Naha,%20Okinawa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Marine flamethrower tank based on the M4 Sherman pours a stream of fire<br />through openings in Japanese underground entrenchments near<br />the city of Naha, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa" target="_blank">Okinawa</a>, in 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The use by the Americans of flamethrowers in the European Theater of Operations (ETO), both infantry portable and mechanized, was much lower than in the Pacific. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslk0IdaiIc868AeNZsH-6c2l_QuEP-JWHutY2aBBmpmbvp5bL6Ya__nigwDAQWdIO5JKi4secCifxmZqGNrizdwUsSzjewkQjh1uiuGovQAJWebnPv4FxmNja3TBXpsEmohR2ReQgnbMgWZ4wYtfpRtvxvqJuzc2G6SKIGDGewOK0rdn4M2lZz3m8Ingr/s1280/Flame%20throwers%20training%20in%20England%20before%20D-Day%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1280" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslk0IdaiIc868AeNZsH-6c2l_QuEP-JWHutY2aBBmpmbvp5bL6Ya__nigwDAQWdIO5JKi4secCifxmZqGNrizdwUsSzjewkQjh1uiuGovQAJWebnPv4FxmNja3TBXpsEmohR2ReQgnbMgWZ4wYtfpRtvxvqJuzc2G6SKIGDGewOK0rdn4M2lZz3m8Ingr/w640-h518/Flame%20throwers%20training%20in%20England%20before%20D-Day%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American soldiers with M2 flame throwers training<br />in England, before D-Day Invasion - 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> This subject has already been treated in the article about the American <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2014/11/m4-and-m4a4-sherman-crocodile-flame.html" target="_blank">Sherman Crocodiles, here, in the Bunker</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93cGsgEyBNRb5KGsQM_seciEZzzs-ft9bRK5esoJgQ4iAKTRZvKFIKdiIeer02jwtZGyJCmeY5RPrZPwmM6tYsDoj5ijAjgGBZG7BKaWhLy5tJvP6-j4zx1PTMKmj7dUzKkRSspqKZd8Os9n3LwrWkdGQZKm8NQdHKKdZI4YPdTIf7gDzGpVI0d38KS_P/s1600/M4%20Crocodile%20art%20osprey.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93cGsgEyBNRb5KGsQM_seciEZzzs-ft9bRK5esoJgQ4iAKTRZvKFIKdiIeer02jwtZGyJCmeY5RPrZPwmM6tYsDoj5ijAjgGBZG7BKaWhLy5tJvP6-j4zx1PTMKmj7dUzKkRSspqKZd8Os9n3LwrWkdGQZKm8NQdHKKdZI4YPdTIf7gDzGpVI0d38KS_P/w640-h352/M4%20Crocodile%20art%20osprey.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Art of an American M4 flametrhrower Crocodile tank</div><div style="text-align: center;">in action in the Battle for <a href="http://www.fortified-places.com/julich/">Jülich</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Flamethrower tanks:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A flame tank (or mechanized <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamethrower">flamethrower</a>) is a type of tank equipped with a flamethrower, most commonly used to supplement <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combined_arms">combined arms</a> attacks against fortifications, confined spaces, or other obstacles. The type only reached significant use in the Second World War, during which the United States, Soviet Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom (including members of the British Commonwealth) all produced flamethrower-equipped tanks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Taking the Germans as an example, we can describe many of production methods used. The flamethrowers used on the vehicles could be the existing but modified versions of the portable flamethrowers used by the infantry, like Flammpanzer I or the specially designed flamethrowers such as the Flammpanzers II and III, plus the flamethrower Stugs and Hetzers. Captured vehicles could also be transformed. The French car Char B1 bis is an example.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsY72bfiKwbljXm-rz89B9qP45BP0Op2lvpHeaza0O1Z9ng5FOXQamndH-8IbWecn5zhxQtjgvFSZT-j02xgiwyPCDTzf9CalE46sUi9iBqmdC84Q2bhgAgtsU4Ny5lZv_M4CgxscJRiayCmMcOwaUfU9h3kQFQpwcQnPVN-hnbpQZQVzB0J0saZcyVAs/s1280/Flammpanzer%20I.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsY72bfiKwbljXm-rz89B9qP45BP0Op2lvpHeaza0O1Z9ng5FOXQamndH-8IbWecn5zhxQtjgvFSZT-j02xgiwyPCDTzf9CalE46sUi9iBqmdC84Q2bhgAgtsU4Ny5lZv_M4CgxscJRiayCmMcOwaUfU9h3kQFQpwcQnPVN-hnbpQZQVzB0J0saZcyVAs/w640-h356/Flammpanzer%20I.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszecsiWoCG5GSWwAVt_7NnkAS0q8Qcz66btaVBkBr0dkXoKQEaqmo50NORYodk6-aFvcrDPl06jmdwtGjomeBIEJgEaMyDuT5U0KMMU3wSRTkbLyhDQYlH8QGkEyqIDb5w_P9ObDq9hb0qOi-c-Hx3jysEFOia_HNJbQYMSOgyJEWljscbq0IfS7n7hSH/s1280/Flammpanzer%20II%20Flamingo.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszecsiWoCG5GSWwAVt_7NnkAS0q8Qcz66btaVBkBr0dkXoKQEaqmo50NORYodk6-aFvcrDPl06jmdwtGjomeBIEJgEaMyDuT5U0KMMU3wSRTkbLyhDQYlH8QGkEyqIDb5w_P9ObDq9hb0qOi-c-Hx3jysEFOia_HNJbQYMSOgyJEWljscbq0IfS7n7hSH/w640-h356/Flammpanzer%20II%20Flamingo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdggks2fOvUwiHnV3CatwaISfFR0qwFFWTM3dWpuF7Q_0J5Wd2ZGGdsWnP5W9kaDuXGJ7soJ0x4RZXHBeeOd9KFlcuN-gkFCK35lQmtxpHPPdfakWvlzpqgS_zxXJrkSerJk5sfGJtS2lCqQrIIZgvPyKsXGKodENXkZikOEhubZMT9Pzhr4r9jy6iLTqK/s1280/Flammpanzer%20III.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdggks2fOvUwiHnV3CatwaISfFR0qwFFWTM3dWpuF7Q_0J5Wd2ZGGdsWnP5W9kaDuXGJ7soJ0x4RZXHBeeOd9KFlcuN-gkFCK35lQmtxpHPPdfakWvlzpqgS_zxXJrkSerJk5sfGJtS2lCqQrIIZgvPyKsXGKodENXkZikOEhubZMT9Pzhr4r9jy6iLTqK/w640-h356/Flammpanzer%20III.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa8Da_ZTJzFUqJuXj-yc5JnNSAmxFlgpfP-puzRjc6Th4Dlw2K03BuUk7GL-F8iYZLraEx7JB8LwwS1_El01yCRg7v_8Q1nAMTBxJ0nJYdgs0rk012BBgYc94HVH7ca9DDy8Vf2xHQzWc-TeJtbjd2WWPcVxcJwGWQbwcTb7dXeS2_S3U7As9wRW_zFSl/s1280/StuG%20III%20Ausf.F%20(Flamm).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAa8Da_ZTJzFUqJuXj-yc5JnNSAmxFlgpfP-puzRjc6Th4Dlw2K03BuUk7GL-F8iYZLraEx7JB8LwwS1_El01yCRg7v_8Q1nAMTBxJ0nJYdgs0rk012BBgYc94HVH7ca9DDy8Vf2xHQzWc-TeJtbjd2WWPcVxcJwGWQbwcTb7dXeS2_S3U7As9wRW_zFSl/w640-h356/StuG%20III%20Ausf.F%20(Flamm).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLYvHdenvpQwJ1uATlXHZ12gYu95hjKDfF-skH23UtRUVRpcvosVPp9IVoOHp-pn4_HrQlBRanbay9mMmpjoLudgORPK_YIAt4YYPTsiNcEENL8GBlom5ftd4KBOiz5XRsqxuYxARDOk8cv0x2oFl6w0VvBoOavLoG1tDCsG_Z76GeQzGeqOCAeiEymiP/s1280/Flammpanzer%2038%20(t)%20Hetzer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLYvHdenvpQwJ1uATlXHZ12gYu95hjKDfF-skH23UtRUVRpcvosVPp9IVoOHp-pn4_HrQlBRanbay9mMmpjoLudgORPK_YIAt4YYPTsiNcEENL8GBlom5ftd4KBOiz5XRsqxuYxARDOk8cv0x2oFl6w0VvBoOavLoG1tDCsG_Z76GeQzGeqOCAeiEymiP/w640-h356/Flammpanzer%2038%20(t)%20Hetzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqx7xxf7bFIfmqbHirtYgLlvNasDMIiN-NJNNzK9C5UfF-vVZxxRt6HlBVlMg1-CgWJrT6OjzyBo8D3FnZGhKH8jAOEzm52tFz7pfjBnGJlSZ2POceUE86lYLDQigRWSP_KHcTDRAQhD1-Gmgo3Tg0cH6nbQRJlF9DofcQLOcjxih9wToK9249XNfO6un/s1280/Flammwagen%20auf%20Pz.Kpfw.%20B2%20740(f.).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqx7xxf7bFIfmqbHirtYgLlvNasDMIiN-NJNNzK9C5UfF-vVZxxRt6HlBVlMg1-CgWJrT6OjzyBo8D3FnZGhKH8jAOEzm52tFz7pfjBnGJlSZ2POceUE86lYLDQigRWSP_KHcTDRAQhD1-Gmgo3Tg0cH6nbQRJlF9DofcQLOcjxih9wToK9249XNfO6un/w640-h356/Flammwagen%20auf%20Pz.Kpfw.%20B2%20740(f.).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The flame guns were usually externally mounted as on the Flammpanzer II Flamingo or replaced existing machine gun stations or even the tank's main armament, as on the Flammpanzer III. Fuel for the flame guns was either carried inside the tank, in armoured external storage, or in some cases in a special trailer behind the tank, as in the case of the British <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20VII%20Crocodile%20-%20flamethrower%20tank" target="_blank">Churchill Mk.VII Crocodile</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rm2YRAoslD_23uOnFJxP185E96XMXWwOPHfrCdrsFkPogAPikaG0URNJ7Qf-NWCvG84-FVKxMloJoJNCFARJf0uAf12U18tMalRWcHB7ZltiJAqHw22AAZu4rK22ACIAkYr_lx3V3XLevP4bRHE0N3SyWrQeUKXAUqdd7LRzQ-bkCdBS6PRFpDyR5pBd/s1280/Churchill%20Mk.%20VII%20Crocodile.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rm2YRAoslD_23uOnFJxP185E96XMXWwOPHfrCdrsFkPogAPikaG0URNJ7Qf-NWCvG84-FVKxMloJoJNCFARJf0uAf12U18tMalRWcHB7ZltiJAqHw22AAZu4rK22ACIAkYr_lx3V3XLevP4bRHE0N3SyWrQeUKXAUqdd7LRzQ-bkCdBS6PRFpDyR5pBd/w640-h240/Churchill%20Mk.%20VII%20Crocodile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The maximum range of a mechanized flamethrower was typically less than 150 metres. Because of this limitation, the flamethrower was virtually useless on an open battlefield. However, they proved a potent psychological weapon against fortified troops. In many instances, troops surrendered or fled upon seeing a flame tank fire ranging shots, rather than risk being burned alive. On the other hand, the crews of these tanks were usually eliminated when captured, such was the psychological pressure exerted by this type of weapon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As we saw earlier, the combat conditions in the Pacific Theater of Operations showed the value of the flamethrower as a weapon, as well as the extreme vulnerability of its operators, who had to get too close to their targets to be effective.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tWH-zNqYznkvAy7AgrNuC0HIZMM2DY9Q-M9dh6eBL8nXlPglgXTgbKEna8sTAjr5OlGjXzTTIgxPvdQUhVrlnRICXMLWFVTYffn_LxyjbnrHpIRTapIKN-iultqsfnj48ZYJUQ2DATSLcQjTl-xs8HaMhmKnY49PpvmRl6tHPYl16M_YU9icYItmsaXL/s1280/A%20marine%20from%20USMC%20%20use%20flame%20thrower%20in%20Okinawa%201945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tWH-zNqYznkvAy7AgrNuC0HIZMM2DY9Q-M9dh6eBL8nXlPglgXTgbKEna8sTAjr5OlGjXzTTIgxPvdQUhVrlnRICXMLWFVTYffn_LxyjbnrHpIRTapIKN-iultqsfnj48ZYJUQ2DATSLcQjTl-xs8HaMhmKnY49PpvmRl6tHPYl16M_YU9icYItmsaXL/w640-h452/A%20marine%20from%20USMC%20%20use%20flame%20thrower%20in%20Okinawa%201945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A US Marine employing his <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_flamethrower" target="_blank">M2 flamethrower</a> in a virtually<br />point-blank range situation, pouring a stream of ignited napalm<br />through the opening of a Japanese pillbox on the slopes of a hill in Okinawa. <br />His only defense is his colleague at his side, carrying a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1_Garand" target="_blank">.30 M1 Garand</a><br />for close combat. The losses among the flamethrower operators were very high.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> To correct this serious tactical deficiency, the Americans tried several experiments, with flamethrowers fitted in specially modified lights M3 or M5 tanks and in M4 medium tanks. The flame projectors were first installed in the position of the machine gun of the frontal armor. Later in the place of the main gun and finally, in the M4 Shermans, in a position coaxial to the main gun, maintaining its standard military capacity unchanged.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9G6BH_S9LjSTwIj1gjQ8K59uCyT8zh8aI1R-Z2pjSOp8p-I5RangFNKef3YugZx9ZeeWfze86oCVwuSAxwEjd6y477K3eASK-cDoOM14v2NSwSIN1iDVUdjFr3JmXbNj7LVGOqC1XWEa3bghp5C7YsnPBk4hAazQB7ITpZyFwmqpYiwXVLSf7UtFrLCV5/s1280/M3A1%20Satan%20flamethrower%20tank%20in%20New%20Caledonia%20October%201943%20with%20pierced%20aluminium%20matting%20on%20the%20glacis%20to%20protect%20against%20Japanese%20magnetic%20mines.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9G6BH_S9LjSTwIj1gjQ8K59uCyT8zh8aI1R-Z2pjSOp8p-I5RangFNKef3YugZx9ZeeWfze86oCVwuSAxwEjd6y477K3eASK-cDoOM14v2NSwSIN1iDVUdjFr3JmXbNj7LVGOqC1XWEa3bghp5C7YsnPBk4hAazQB7ITpZyFwmqpYiwXVLSf7UtFrLCV5/w640-h432/M3A1%20Satan%20flamethrower%20tank%20in%20New%20Caledonia%20October%201943%20with%20pierced%20aluminium%20matting%20on%20the%20glacis%20to%20protect%20against%20Japanese%20magnetic%20mines.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M3A1 Satan flamethrower tank with his flame projector installed in<br />the frontal hull machine gun station, pouring out a jet of ignited napalm.<br /> New Caledonia - October, 1943.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-qmnL-FJiGRaX8RwBKtRlydtre2WuvbJD9jmpff91UtCt3k38m9juSRjBlJ7TzTsfycO9ug7If7megmzXBxy-fmonnEVZlAFlTSkSd5YmNsfIOMtAcRIyXUYHOgMxy4qg9OFp0_WkopHqdyr1sRabOvzdJuvni8EV80FKVq3ewUSQHFvht0_RNUgAnyd/s1280/Marine%20M3%20Satan%20flamethrowing%20tank%20turns%20on%20the%20heat%20to%20wipe%20out%20a%20Japanese%20pillbox%20on%20Saipan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-qmnL-FJiGRaX8RwBKtRlydtre2WuvbJD9jmpff91UtCt3k38m9juSRjBlJ7TzTsfycO9ug7If7megmzXBxy-fmonnEVZlAFlTSkSd5YmNsfIOMtAcRIyXUYHOgMxy4qg9OFp0_WkopHqdyr1sRabOvzdJuvni8EV80FKVq3ewUSQHFvht0_RNUgAnyd/w640-h406/Marine%20M3%20Satan%20flamethrowing%20tank%20turns%20on%20the%20heat%20to%20wipe%20out%20a%20Japanese%20pillbox%20on%20Saipan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A M3 Satan flamethrower tank attacking with a jet<br />of glowing napal a Japanese stronghold on Saipan.<br />Notice that the flames are ejected by the projector installed<br />in the main weapon station.<br />June - 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARFq1SuOsn5BMO54dOms_RxLbwLx9DEYggUySquF0Zjd3T1S_eiFPDihBDFELiqLhQbsXGEPAtJVdFmJjoBKpjvs21u77xubVrkqDHOeR0xc--8zoV64c2_CcXbjalcSZ__pbEwKPH8SZOJyKDJoPyOKPLcsXfsjcW12Iw2IyVQMljdqwLA2YlQUTM16A/s1280/M4%20Sherman%20flame%20tank%20of%20the%20709th%20Tank%20Battalion,%20Zweifall%20Germany%201944.%20November%2024,%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1280" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARFq1SuOsn5BMO54dOms_RxLbwLx9DEYggUySquF0Zjd3T1S_eiFPDihBDFELiqLhQbsXGEPAtJVdFmJjoBKpjvs21u77xubVrkqDHOeR0xc--8zoV64c2_CcXbjalcSZ__pbEwKPH8SZOJyKDJoPyOKPLcsXfsjcW12Iw2IyVQMljdqwLA2YlQUTM16A/w640-h506/M4%20Sherman%20flame%20tank%20of%20the%20709th%20Tank%20Battalion,%20Zweifall%20Germany%201944.%20November%2024,%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M4 Sherman flame tank belonging to709th Tank Battalion, <br />near <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zweifall" target="_blank">Zweifall</a>, Germany. 24 November, 1944.<br />The flame projector is the hull version. Notice the primitive<br />hedgerow cutting device welded in the transmission cover.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQPGnsvN37CPI6D4cIlx_tN78lbeKRsZJAlXogVn7TjcwSdtosr7YXllJGyBRnhXNzv7h3kKz2iFYTNbzeTtGqB3WeZ9oW1_LK8VqIuhVYyeuVHlrZJfqDW9vWarnxfDSmSQ0VLqZsB7JL8q9d_U1pTpC6zupESqVvkP_lUEZYSI5s5LCuqh4oLqZ_cQf/s1259/flamm%20M4%20scheme.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1259" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQPGnsvN37CPI6D4cIlx_tN78lbeKRsZJAlXogVn7TjcwSdtosr7YXllJGyBRnhXNzv7h3kKz2iFYTNbzeTtGqB3WeZ9oW1_LK8VqIuhVYyeuVHlrZJfqDW9vWarnxfDSmSQ0VLqZsB7JL8q9d_U1pTpC6zupESqVvkP_lUEZYSI5s5LCuqh4oLqZ_cQf/w640-h434/flamm%20M4%20scheme.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0oxn1j9pYlZVwjMaOb3KwVru9iud-hZqWhSN5N951I7XMXBVkFlUMBYaM9DGMMUsurY3eULYQzqE5OvZxkqO6L2jNDFN5D921fcRHK6XJ8zgNpSSKqhwvDQERzRmYGxp677hy8Bm2uuTdKhYKcyQotneop8AaY_cTwvokyeEaZzESWsEOXDne_Sxtq72/s1280/M4%20POA-CWS%20713%20Tank%20Batt%20C%20comp.%20Hill%2095%2022-6-45%20caves%20HQ%20Okinawa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0oxn1j9pYlZVwjMaOb3KwVru9iud-hZqWhSN5N951I7XMXBVkFlUMBYaM9DGMMUsurY3eULYQzqE5OvZxkqO6L2jNDFN5D921fcRHK6XJ8zgNpSSKqhwvDQERzRmYGxp677hy8Bm2uuTdKhYKcyQotneop8AaY_cTwvokyeEaZzESWsEOXDne_Sxtq72/w640-h450/M4%20POA-CWS%20713%20Tank%20Batt%20C%20comp.%20Hill%2095%2022-6-45%20caves%20HQ%20Okinawa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M4A3R3 flamethrower tank from 713 Tank Battalion,<br />C Company, burning holes conected with Japanese HQ, in Hill 95.<br />Okinawa - 22 June, 1945.<br />Notice the use of the main gun station for the flame projector.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojuDzPo9ZFkuI1hFB9EUdvzWvAA8aUrC1Ucjz2FB4hUWhOfRrW3XI_OO7kxMhilqu7bw1et6NKuE3-sL9zxbZXTtaQz-XCeyeciwBvi825QBxvhbzVqK6kj969IKiZtOk2YbTrTNqnnVlS8a-cgkDCkpmQp7hxSvA_1nlXqNrBdNOQumZ_Nba1aPdSODg/s1280/M4%20A3R3%20with%20flamethrowers%20attacking%20Shuri%20line,%20Okinawa,%201945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojuDzPo9ZFkuI1hFB9EUdvzWvAA8aUrC1Ucjz2FB4hUWhOfRrW3XI_OO7kxMhilqu7bw1et6NKuE3-sL9zxbZXTtaQz-XCeyeciwBvi825QBxvhbzVqK6kj969IKiZtOk2YbTrTNqnnVlS8a-cgkDCkpmQp7hxSvA_1nlXqNrBdNOQumZ_Nba1aPdSODg/w640-h426/M4%20A3R3%20with%20flamethrowers%20attacking%20Shuri%20line,%20Okinawa,%201945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two M4A3R3 flamethrower tanks attacking Shuri line<br />Okinawa, 1945<br />Notice the flame projectors in the main gun positions.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oR91lfuIJMrm6VjQnoBDYoF68jj3-hLvMVKyoDvMasxe-wEZILJ9eK_aD2ZQzZ78ULVEarA7K7VpiHlATl2kBn5DyKP49geJvqm8UTORaXkFqomcX2O1iGLJvN4bGgUxQXauBM-fMZDzzvH1RTZG-X3Ew8RYa9tRipF94wiI4Dv8hEEytD_za4yZ86l9/s1280/POA-CWS-H1%20flamethrower%20tank%20at%20Fort%20Leonard%20Wood.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1280" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4oR91lfuIJMrm6VjQnoBDYoF68jj3-hLvMVKyoDvMasxe-wEZILJ9eK_aD2ZQzZ78ULVEarA7K7VpiHlATl2kBn5DyKP49geJvqm8UTORaXkFqomcX2O1iGLJvN4bGgUxQXauBM-fMZDzzvH1RTZG-X3Ew8RYa9tRipF94wiI4Dv8hEEytD_za4yZ86l9/w640-h502/POA-CWS-H1%20flamethrower%20tank%20at%20Fort%20Leonard%20Wood.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A M4A1 (VVSS - 75mm) POA-CWS-H1 prototype flamethrower tank<br />at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Leonard_Wood" target="_blank">Fort Leonard Wood</a>, Missouri - USA.<br />Notice the flame projector installed on the right side of mantlet, <br />next to the main gun, which continued to be operational.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rjZ0gMN9YPLt4NEgtgJp0VGnHefaN6cQ6b76SxHkjAVHuaPt5yGTMsNQPsPfA36ToC1Qu2cdDmhH71hAqNT2PW7TAEtNWuLWCUvmI5PwheXqKgsoTWyoKTbgQxxFY-7gQcXD8Gcykvi1NRyGHVpE7dQVLSRGgKuu6iepiJwgZ3vbYJIC0NL3ZNWof6aM/s1280/M4AeE8%20(HVSS)%20105mm%20as%20POA-CWS-h5%20flamethrower%20tank%20in%20tests%20in%20Hawaii%20-%20July,%201945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rjZ0gMN9YPLt4NEgtgJp0VGnHefaN6cQ6b76SxHkjAVHuaPt5yGTMsNQPsPfA36ToC1Qu2cdDmhH71hAqNT2PW7TAEtNWuLWCUvmI5PwheXqKgsoTWyoKTbgQxxFY-7gQcXD8Gcykvi1NRyGHVpE7dQVLSRGgKuu6iepiJwgZ3vbYJIC0NL3ZNWof6aM/w640-h446/M4AeE8%20(HVSS)%20105mm%20as%20POA-CWS-h5%20flamethrower%20tank%20in%20tests%20in%20Hawaii%20-%20July,%201945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A M4A3E8 (HVSS - 105mm) POA-CWS-H5<br />during tests in Hawaii, in July - 1945.<br />Some were even sent to the Pacific, but did not arrive<br />in time to participate in the fighting.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06x-k_ouvW9GbmutKPaRZZcYRBUtTpbyEzsLuboLdsFazgs3YSSYAwMM6fDcp8oBCOgExzSiRTSZv2Tdi0hnW4IVQOo6BN9jbkwE8IpZixIHZ1gnmNQiupRMeOO0206SFmsdopnI24r41iacAt-2iijkhjOmGVYB6lP4iflucx85R8FRRo_r-7aI8jwyn/s1280/M4AeE8%20(HVSS)%20105mm%20as%20POA-CWS-h5%20flamethrower%20tank%20in%20tests%20in%20Hawaii%20-%20april,%201945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06x-k_ouvW9GbmutKPaRZZcYRBUtTpbyEzsLuboLdsFazgs3YSSYAwMM6fDcp8oBCOgExzSiRTSZv2Tdi0hnW4IVQOo6BN9jbkwE8IpZixIHZ1gnmNQiupRMeOO0206SFmsdopnI24r41iacAt-2iijkhjOmGVYB6lP4iflucx85R8FRRo_r-7aI8jwyn/w640-h294/M4AeE8%20(HVSS)%20105mm%20as%20POA-CWS-h5%20flamethrower%20tank%20in%20tests%20in%20Hawaii%20-%20april,%201945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four M4A3E8 (HVSS - 76 mm) POA-CWS-H5 in firing<br />tests in Hawaii, with tickened napalm, in 26 April, 1945.<br />Notice the big firing range of the flame projector.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A new development contract was signed in May 1945. The POA-CWS type projector (with new E20-20 flame pistol) was chosen, installed in a new casted turret, with a 75mm axial cannon installed in independent mantlets. This turret was installed on the most armored version of the Sherman hull, the M4A3E2 version (Jumbo type), but with the new HVSS suspension, which better distributes the weight of the extra armor in relation to the ground. This version has been designated by the Ordnance Committee as the <b>T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank</b>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_3W9nuJ5Al6pexBkF0nB3-TLFcyH7RYOVjjhRLmsWsG0hOx8e04nso9EE_IyX0YkE1n9DFl9M8CoFkvLi6AEQ4Xm5AqJnsyCGtKYgUj4rgHBgCyR7v6mQHeRNfqGkJ0__LhHojSCYlosNvUGnGCQ4nnlUtXjxeFMcNkDmE0gAWo-42aY8uv0emj0nfYf/s1280/artist%20concept%20T33%20flamm%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_3W9nuJ5Al6pexBkF0nB3-TLFcyH7RYOVjjhRLmsWsG0hOx8e04nso9EE_IyX0YkE1n9DFl9M8CoFkvLi6AEQ4Xm5AqJnsyCGtKYgUj4rgHBgCyR7v6mQHeRNfqGkJ0__LhHojSCYlosNvUGnGCQ4nnlUtXjxeFMcNkDmE0gAWo-42aY8uv0emj0nfYf/w640-h468/artist%20concept%20T33%20flamm%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artistic conception of the new T33 flamethrower tank</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> To save the always restricted space in the turret, the 75mm gun was the M6 version, characterized by its concentric recoil system, same that used by the M24 Chaffe light tank. As described before, the main gun and flamethrower had separate mantlets but shared the same support. The 75mm cannon was on the left mantlet, with its coaxial .30 machine gun installed to the right of the gun. Ammo for the 75mm was 40 rounds.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWoYAXPBE8V9GllbpUYejEASrplXbKU1Vmict_uOwvFk54pvFspPX8TqBYlZHrfg4mKEmRAnct71u_ZaZHe0v07MqV3b1Bo1olT2OGtQrqsldLiAplIoXNbFrb02A_OTQftO6zzSeI6KJMTOTrCyXTJ0stIOoftf-y_4uOOSA2ter6lEYsmtH9mu-H8yT/s1024/M24%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWoYAXPBE8V9GllbpUYejEASrplXbKU1Vmict_uOwvFk54pvFspPX8TqBYlZHrfg4mKEmRAnct71u_ZaZHe0v07MqV3b1Bo1olT2OGtQrqsldLiAplIoXNbFrb02A_OTQftO6zzSeI6KJMTOTrCyXTJ0stIOoftf-y_4uOOSA2ter6lEYsmtH9mu-H8yT/w640-h400/M24%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Position of armament in the turret of the M24 Chaffee light tank</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> An auxiliary M3-4-E6R3 periscope flamethrower gun was originally specified for mounting in the periscope of the tank commander's vision cupola hatch. It could be traversed approximately 240 degrees, providing close-in protection. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl80bDQfYnuOsLA-m1o9m6kzrd9b0aSW1aDNf-bjdvaQNBhUNIm1szXhsEqYIJYuEyZXuXkVFMYgMeBX7-qoPlthYyiTLwNXDJVekzU11gN1yizIR2ka35rXrlAIsFoPCHOxYkXScjtN6OBZSbLKN031fO1_FK_gUykRcEUIRUfeR-OqdO1QKIr38ZrID/s1024/M3-4-E6R3%20flame%20gun.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="929" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgl80bDQfYnuOsLA-m1o9m6kzrd9b0aSW1aDNf-bjdvaQNBhUNIm1szXhsEqYIJYuEyZXuXkVFMYgMeBX7-qoPlthYyiTLwNXDJVekzU11gN1yizIR2ka35rXrlAIsFoPCHOxYkXScjtN6OBZSbLKN031fO1_FK_gUykRcEUIRUfeR-OqdO1QKIr38ZrID/w580-h640/M3-4-E6R3%20flame%20gun.jpg" width="580" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Two fuel tanks in the lower hull and two in the turret provided a net capacity of about 950 liters for use by both flame guns. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXOOergWqceUx25bSAIDs3R-zDz50WOLR7mEG-WE5670-ylRB3Sxr2S2KI0T7Jmzx0PtIjUA7nHtPRIIEjil2-hVB7Ch8uZiBInM4bhhC67q78fdD6e3M3txEhJDqzf96ODDMdXU30nvBIJXT3Zv8TYKD7KqBSOc1f1DHiJZK2pGTqNfmcrEWOYBbDbgS/s1400/T33%20mechanized%20schematic%20drawing.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1400" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXOOergWqceUx25bSAIDs3R-zDz50WOLR7mEG-WE5670-ylRB3Sxr2S2KI0T7Jmzx0PtIjUA7nHtPRIIEjil2-hVB7Ch8uZiBInM4bhhC67q78fdD6e3M3txEhJDqzf96ODDMdXU30nvBIJXT3Zv8TYKD7KqBSOc1f1DHiJZK2pGTqNfmcrEWOYBbDbgS/w640-h326/T33%20mechanized%20schematic%20drawing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">The T33's crew was originally designed to be five men, with the tank commander situated in the center and aft portion of the turret. On the roof of the turret, in front of the commander's 360° vision cupola, were two oval hatches: one for the gunner and the other for the loader. Later, the crew was reduced to 4 men, with the elimination of the hull machine gun station. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The E20 main flame gun had an elevation of +45º to -15º, but the 75mm gun only reached +13º to -10º. The original build plans called for the acquisition of 20 T33s in an initial shipment, with the possible production of an additional 600 tanks. With the advent of Japan's surrender, the order was limited to just the three pilot models, all converted from M4A3E2 hulls with HVSS suspensions. These vehicles were identified as follows:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Tank pilot nº1 - USA 3082940</li><li style="text-align: left;">Tank pilot nº2 - USA 3083011</li><li style="text-align: left;">Tank pilot nº3 - USA 3083021</li></ul></div></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> With the end of the war, work on the pilot vehicles proceeded much more slowly and the first tank was delivered to Aberdeen only in September 1947. The second and third tanks arrived in January 1948. All tests were carried out in Aberdeen, but no others additional vehicles was produced, with the series being limited to the 3 tanks initially produced. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUETVE5jOiLXpDSnvdDYRRTr-29fbmUfbKR-tRATzMq2u852z7TXyd41KQZt_7g3Xd2VMr_stSGItmXGzKL5GL60l-Ec_XgncFlqK012SByzUzbBcNy7Lct8ubkX2Qw96IZofzY_AeO3o9UB9UTQ5qE8d2r8YkIF_3YFCa7-sA6E9WQ5n_1kQLyeNP-D7/s1280/mechanized%20flame%20thrower%20tanks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUETVE5jOiLXpDSnvdDYRRTr-29fbmUfbKR-tRATzMq2u852z7TXyd41KQZt_7g3Xd2VMr_stSGItmXGzKL5GL60l-Ec_XgncFlqK012SByzUzbBcNy7Lct8ubkX2Qw96IZofzY_AeO3o9UB9UTQ5qE8d2r8YkIF_3YFCa7-sA6E9WQ5n_1kQLyeNP-D7/w640-h512/mechanized%20flame%20thrower%20tanks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three pilot tanks produced.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The T33 story does not end with the pilot vehicles being tested in Aberdeen. Influenced by the <a href="https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/vehicles/flamethrowers/badger.htm" target="_blank">Badger canadian flamethrower tank</a> battle history, two of the T33s pilots were converted in 1953 to the T68 M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh1GFviiwf6NyO35hMMLhDnkj0AwOWSKZsFUx7Ves3GwY0byRwypfgLdk_WWELzK8CODo2kgakUoy9_O57TxqZKl1zuayJoos7DsdqyX4_lq5NQ3O5mWAO0w9NUONF2wYVnrmtn3cPXppAIEhTttyYcAgV3D6yxqiqKAWUVV50kE6txZ3FMi29lvIwjq5/s1280/Badger%20canadian%20flamethrower%20Putten%20-%20Netherlands.%20April%201945..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh1GFviiwf6NyO35hMMLhDnkj0AwOWSKZsFUx7Ves3GwY0byRwypfgLdk_WWELzK8CODo2kgakUoy9_O57TxqZKl1zuayJoos7DsdqyX4_lq5NQ3O5mWAO0w9NUONF2wYVnrmtn3cPXppAIEhTttyYcAgV3D6yxqiqKAWUVV50kE6txZ3FMi29lvIwjq5/w640-h410/Badger%20canadian%20flamethrower%20Putten%20-%20Netherlands.%20April%201945..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.canadiansoldiers.com/vehicles/flamethrowers/badger.htm" target="_blank">Badger canadian flamethrower tank</a> being greeted by <br />happy citizens of Putten - Netherlands. April, 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> With conceptual lines very similar to the Canadian vehicle, the tanks that were used in this experiment were the USA 3082940 (Pilot nº 1) and USA 3083021 (Pilot nº 3). </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N0gj63BFYspQsxqbQaAOUuCmG5O-u2i02tbopa_mhm8-dxMiuaHi4YtHahSNIIY72Ec580un5CBRvGetcRuhTFT6Q01nFgal0k0PJ5HnONFw7K9TdTErkuYGNZunZI0a0tbadyH5Chd8EPukz9Euw3gb0YUwQ_sdGQfu1sC5SuG4A5YnkAitSz9B83K1/s1280/M4A3E2%20HVSS%20flamm%20tank%20late.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9N0gj63BFYspQsxqbQaAOUuCmG5O-u2i02tbopa_mhm8-dxMiuaHi4YtHahSNIIY72Ec580un5CBRvGetcRuhTFT6Q01nFgal0k0PJ5HnONFw7K9TdTErkuYGNZunZI0a0tbadyH5Chd8EPukz9Euw3gb0YUwQ_sdGQfu1sC5SuG4A5YnkAitSz9B83K1/w640-h396/M4A3E2%20HVSS%20flamm%20tank%20late.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">T68 M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank<br />derived from </span><span style="text-align: left;">T33 tank pilot nº3 - USA 3083021</span><br /><span style="text-align: justify;">3/4 front left view<br />Aberdeen - 1953</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQBGu-CZ1nebSu5KoIQxDAWDyWgc7q_AiRVOrK2ZL9-I13RSCMGleByFwQaHnbGoNGzmBoIIAZremRlQPbZX_Cw5xhvZUIJWMsKYJDxKknZU41LC9wCdmCbOAKVGzNb41aheO55N-aJ7_OwPLOU6OWnrN--cVXrZyAH5DQQ-9R6hDe_0V6Q6U1gjwLirw/s1280/M4A3E2%20HVSS%20flamm%20tank%20late%20rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQBGu-CZ1nebSu5KoIQxDAWDyWgc7q_AiRVOrK2ZL9-I13RSCMGleByFwQaHnbGoNGzmBoIIAZremRlQPbZX_Cw5xhvZUIJWMsKYJDxKknZU41LC9wCdmCbOAKVGzNb41aheO55N-aJ7_OwPLOU6OWnrN--cVXrZyAH5DQQ-9R6hDe_0V6Q6U1gjwLirw/w640-h380/M4A3E2%20HVSS%20flamm%20tank%20late%20rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">T68 M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank<br /></span>derived from <span style="text-align: left;">T33 tank pilot nº3 - USA 3083021</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">3/4 rear left view</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">Aberdeen - 1953<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The main characteristics were that the tanks had their turrets removed and replaced by a soft steel cover, equipped with a 360º dome. of sight and a support of .50 caliber machine gun. A canadian flame gun (Iroquois, designated E33) was installed in the forward hull machine gun position. The vehicle carried three crew members (commander, driver and flamethrower operator) and 830 liters of fuel for the flame gun. Thus configured, the T68 was tested in Aberdeen from 18 November to 11 December 1953, and they were not recommended for series production.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Specs:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3AnXx3hT6jNMc9UF-2Ojg00H6G6wAt3mz714M3rFFA4WtRUm8Oku7-voDnWscRu72ImcmAqoVavKLjNoOcI4VztDRpFfOQl_DdYluDPlzkTflJ5UWGbD7mPwa0a0rOElVKPn2SFA6eugR2kG2ryDzE8tiIKd2myOrUh_GTGQFahVQJ1Po5lzvYvnTg/s1400/M4A3E2%20T33%20072.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1400" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3AnXx3hT6jNMc9UF-2Ojg00H6G6wAt3mz714M3rFFA4WtRUm8Oku7-voDnWscRu72ImcmAqoVavKLjNoOcI4VztDRpFfOQl_DdYluDPlzkTflJ5UWGbD7mPwa0a0rOElVKPn2SFA6eugR2kG2ryDzE8tiIKd2myOrUh_GTGQFahVQJ1Po5lzvYvnTg/w640-h474/M4A3E2%20T33%20072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">M4A3E2 (HVSS) T33 flamethrower tank</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Flamethrower tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United States</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">trials only</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United States (trials only)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">World War II</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">U.S. Army Ordnance<br />Department</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1945 (late)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3 prototypes</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">38.1 tonnes</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6,27 m<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTEConners,_''Medium_Tank_M4A1_Sherman''_(2013)_3-1" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"></sup></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3,00 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3,18 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 (commander, gunner,<br />loader, driver)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">12.7 to 177.8 mm<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTEConners,_''Medium_Tank_M4A1_Sherman''_(2013)_3-4" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"></sup></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">E20-20 flamethrower <br />(+45°, -15°)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Sec. <span style="color: #fce5cd;">.</span>armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/75_mm_gun_M2%E2%80%93M6" target="_blank">75mm M6 gun</a> (40 rds.)<br />E6R3 flame gun (cupola perisc.)<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.30-06_Springfield" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3366cc; font-size: 12.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title=".30-06 Springfield">30 caliber</a><span style="font-size: 12.32px;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1919_Browning_machine_gun" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3366cc; font-size: 12.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="M1919 Browning machine gun">Browning M1919A4</a> coaxial mg<br /><span style="font-size: 12.32px;"> (3.000 rounds) </span><span style="font-size: 12.32px;"><br /></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.50_BMG" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #3366cc; font-size: 12.32px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title=".50 BMG">.50 caliber</a><span style="font-size: 12.32px;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Browning" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #faa700; font-size: 12.32px; outline-color: rgb(51, 102, 204); overflow-wrap: break-word;" title="">Browning M2HB</a><span style="font-size: 12.32px;"><span style="color: #3366cc;"> </span>mg (Comm. turret)<br />(300 rounds)<br /><br /></span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_GAA_engine" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Ford GAA engine">Ford GAA</a> V8 gasoline engine; 450 hp (336 kW)</p><p style="margin: 0.5em 0px;">@ 2,600 rpm</p></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">11,8 hp / short ton <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTEConners,_''Medium_Tank_M4A1_Sherman''_(2013)_3-12" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"></sup></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_Holding_Corporation" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Dana Holding Corporation">Spicer</a> manual<br /><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchromesh_gearbox" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Synchromesh gearbox">synchromesh</a><br />transmission<br />5 frw. x 1 rev.</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">605 liters<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTEConners,_''Medium_Tank_M4A1_Sherman''_(2013)_3-13" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"></sup></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">161 km<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTEConners,_''Medium_Tank_M4A1_Sherman''_(2013)_3-15" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"></sup></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">35 Km/h on road<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-FOOTNOTEConners,_''Medium_Tank_M4A1_Sherman''_(2013)_3-16" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"></sup></td></tr></tbody></table></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div>The kits:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> A problem arose: there is no kit on the market with the M4A3E2 hull with horizontal volute suspension (HVSS). The option is to transform what exists... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Either we take an M4A3E2 Jumbo hull and adapt an HVSS suspension in the lower portion of the hull or we take an M4A3E8 hull (which has the HVSS suspension) and reinforce the front and side armor plates, in addition to doing the same "surgery" in the transmission cover. This last option was chosen by me (and by Kojak...).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> For the tank, we opted for the kit <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/tasca-35-020-m4a3e8-sherman--122594" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">U.S. Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight" w/T66 tracks - form old Tasca (now Asuka) No. 35-020</a>...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJllrgp_iFiQNaNFIAhIPui0a0WjWd-r1Xf5c4TI8nYObpiKfZy3R77hWCgGxSmy1IMXq34PmjF03ziRmxycv6sylAM2_k4QhWaFft6123Hb0DJKOqGVyhb6XNMLr6Ngh9WmJ0xMG_MLSi1gXaxxn8BjQkPYfOgz_ot0UaavPLaDl2GceK5URujLOjKgz/s1280/Tasca%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJllrgp_iFiQNaNFIAhIPui0a0WjWd-r1Xf5c4TI8nYObpiKfZy3R77hWCgGxSmy1IMXq34PmjF03ziRmxycv6sylAM2_k4QhWaFft6123Hb0DJKOqGVyhb6XNMLr6Ngh9WmJ0xMG_MLSi1gXaxxn8BjQkPYfOgz_ot0UaavPLaDl2GceK5URujLOjKgz/w640-h420/Tasca%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kit <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/tasca-35-020-m4a3e8-sherman--122594" target="_blank">U.S. Medium Tank M4A3E8 Sherman "Easy Eight"<br />with T66 tracks - Tasca No. 35-020</a> - box art</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> ...and for the turret, the fantastic resin kit from <a href="https://stahlhelmmodels.com/" target="_blank">StahlHelmModels</a>: <a href="https://stahlhelmmodels.com/shop.html#!/products/sherman-t33-flame-thrower-turret--0x28--for-orders-outside-the-e-0x2e-u-0x2e--if-not-on-list-please-contact-us--0x29-" target="_blank">Sherman T33 flame thrower turret (#35022)</a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGVaa78pzCAf4bOVO0WpUTxKTJM0UTUiCWiN4iaOuKacHViOF34kF-5D7iziBDDQuNaTVJN1ZDlWkT9fTqPZlKM1XbQos1hHw9lhzBNB8IjCmvqD3yJFnuJ1FgWD1cMezbhRkY-cFl-fZwiOk_ER1VZzSnz1lQCKMsdhnrlRKa0hojNAxkqdongs2Lg/s1024/kit%20000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1024" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGVaa78pzCAf4bOVO0WpUTxKTJM0UTUiCWiN4iaOuKacHViOF34kF-5D7iziBDDQuNaTVJN1ZDlWkT9fTqPZlKM1XbQos1hHw9lhzBNB8IjCmvqD3yJFnuJ1FgWD1cMezbhRkY-cFl-fZwiOk_ER1VZzSnz1lQCKMsdhnrlRKa0hojNAxkqdongs2Lg/w640-h447/kit%20000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://stahlhelmmodels.com/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">StahlHelmModels</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>Sherman T33 flame thrower turret (#35022)<br />Conversion kit for M4A3E8 1/35 kit</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MQeFL9b927yFjiJifJdJrtEZTiOf_UabFrNSu7V5RqSDQbW8vO_8EQSpsrHIPzGHI-UMPkmvtYzyIt-Y_y2g0EqVUC5DXHzojYXFVS4xxKXEgdz3I0OLK7EWVkX8xhMdeaTESdVzHuAWaWqAcbeTpLb-rRJ6aZMhdG0OBKsDN-4CTsn_o0f1haimsA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MQeFL9b927yFjiJifJdJrtEZTiOf_UabFrNSu7V5RqSDQbW8vO_8EQSpsrHIPzGHI-UMPkmvtYzyIt-Y_y2g0EqVUC5DXHzojYXFVS4xxKXEgdz3I0OLK7EWVkX8xhMdeaTESdVzHuAWaWqAcbeTpLb-rRJ6aZMhdG0OBKsDN-4CTsn_o0f1haimsA/w640-h459/M4A3E2%20T33%20000.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak, undaunted, facing the new challenge ahead:<br />transforming an Easy Eight into a Jumbo with wide feet!!! <br />Let's go!!!</td></tr></tbody></table> I' started by the conversion kit, the turret. <a href="https://stahlhelmmodels.com/" target="_blank">StahlHelmModels</a> resin pieces are simply fantastic!!! Follow the work...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7Da-65gPNS5avLKUo60E4zUmE_w4mmAmpIEPskTtWjYMo_Ec7bIp-ESrUbe8TROf5kONvPRZWQLdyAJLWDrc4QjBBu7JutzDO9hUcrXo4gi1gAKbkFju7HlRRaiDr0tF-GBvtb2nzB8-EUk4a6ZwYCr4dL6WTpenIUfbEG3-pEVizzecWG3BkWt2Ig/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7Da-65gPNS5avLKUo60E4zUmE_w4mmAmpIEPskTtWjYMo_Ec7bIp-ESrUbe8TROf5kONvPRZWQLdyAJLWDrc4QjBBu7JutzDO9hUcrXo4gi1gAKbkFju7HlRRaiDr0tF-GBvtb2nzB8-EUk4a6ZwYCr4dL6WTpenIUfbEG3-pEVizzecWG3BkWt2Ig/w640-h390/M4A3E2%20T33%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quality of the casting is incredible... A delight to work with...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gGsUwIpJDzx0s4zxqLZjPU6YjX_E1XuUECGKQSVBnp3DDJJt8T7L7cIIUbMsL8Aef2MATim84ruxz_giMpgRX_CTbL9dGMWCdpfo825e6OKg1ZvGZ_ajEEkYYjYVrXQdq3WUV5OzAWlEUwJaH2wqVgnoa5LCcMBT1Hs1ZWnNo8teUniAPSFKD4VUXA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gGsUwIpJDzx0s4zxqLZjPU6YjX_E1XuUECGKQSVBnp3DDJJt8T7L7cIIUbMsL8Aef2MATim84ruxz_giMpgRX_CTbL9dGMWCdpfo825e6OKg1ZvGZ_ajEEkYYjYVrXQdq3WUV5OzAWlEUwJaH2wqVgnoa5LCcMBT1Hs1ZWnNo8teUniAPSFKD4VUXA/w640-h426/M4A3E2%20T33%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fit between the two turret halves is smooth... <br />The dimensional imperfections between them will be easily<br />removed with Dremel abrasive points...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEAV96QMEhFX50fSf-dNVUEcp7LISlNg2SAHhcJ4DuzPRvzJd0zWt91JD4WuvUQPhJofWwf5eIOfTQYdquod_qczZn7HenKSKFAsEwyhcF5njVZ6V5r9ghz8zeLevvX1lDi8EmzVqHtqAyEXI5ZCikfg9dy_bqApC8Tx8M635irXhXzwVPVLqYlXJ_w/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEAV96QMEhFX50fSf-dNVUEcp7LISlNg2SAHhcJ4DuzPRvzJd0zWt91JD4WuvUQPhJofWwf5eIOfTQYdquod_qczZn7HenKSKFAsEwyhcF5njVZ6V5r9ghz8zeLevvX1lDi8EmzVqHtqAyEXI5ZCikfg9dy_bqApC8Tx8M635irXhXzwVPVLqYlXJ_w/w640-h418/M4A3E2%20T33%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to glue the parts with methyl cyanoacrylate (superglue)...<br />Really, this was the best invention in the world, after Coca Cola!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vkLhZK6IM-ZoCtxYL3_onGYLXrRRW_wGWX-OMi2mZ5l5QRL4t_oqwpLbP1_i8U_c2zCrYcBtbAoNeOQwWkeUMUtS-vq6RzttRk0o2bXWaph5JdaO3daUFRvZn-p-Lwc4Hf1Tw1fJ9SrzfJ0Kr1skSrNJLuODJaqvjuxlrhY8n6mh7QRbV2cLe_hWFw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vkLhZK6IM-ZoCtxYL3_onGYLXrRRW_wGWX-OMi2mZ5l5QRL4t_oqwpLbP1_i8U_c2zCrYcBtbAoNeOQwWkeUMUtS-vq6RzttRk0o2bXWaph5JdaO3daUFRvZn-p-Lwc4Hf1Tw1fJ9SrzfJ0Kr1skSrNJLuODJaqvjuxlrhY8n6mh7QRbV2cLe_hWFw/w640-h354/M4A3E2%20T33%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the halves are perfectly glued, we'll trim off the<br />excess with Dremel abrasive tips...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizracEUIIPuun9hEn2vdJ7z-aYCSfCK09HOPbw1fuYT_Lo2Ky9sEYrn9ChTF7IHCSVy3SG_eHcVjxwSS2RQy5DIAvOdEfN73U20_PX2-YA20Dqe_YuBztEDKbzdSipjVp43KPL4iGVluYiSfsuvY1ov_JRgw-fGHo7xrpFHhOKWVvDXuOKgqSCGXfM0Q/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizracEUIIPuun9hEn2vdJ7z-aYCSfCK09HOPbw1fuYT_Lo2Ky9sEYrn9ChTF7IHCSVy3SG_eHcVjxwSS2RQy5DIAvOdEfN73U20_PX2-YA20Dqe_YuBztEDKbzdSipjVp43KPL4iGVluYiSfsuvY1ov_JRgw-fGHo7xrpFHhOKWVvDXuOKgqSCGXfM0Q/w640-h382/M4A3E2%20T33%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick, rough but effective job...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunGWQEQxCxfdC4xZaXJxqBBRTDO2tzE8mw8YHTx_XrFoecaJSnib0QtMdJU13reUmV-M26AXgSEfxSZCMXQCxjxy915lO2_HzIYEpBztL3MaHcNOMPMg0u1sgr-sLJU5MnGsDjIWXTNM2fbxo6-F_VmWV7ukN-Ja6KQ4iB2qQsNcItFgThILceVsO9w/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunGWQEQxCxfdC4xZaXJxqBBRTDO2tzE8mw8YHTx_XrFoecaJSnib0QtMdJU13reUmV-M26AXgSEfxSZCMXQCxjxy915lO2_HzIYEpBztL3MaHcNOMPMg0u1sgr-sLJU5MnGsDjIWXTNM2fbxo6-F_VmWV7ukN-Ja6KQ4iB2qQsNcItFgThILceVsO9w/w640-h382/M4A3E2%20T33%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larger portions removed (mercilessly...) with the abrasive tips...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxH6I1FxuNSo0QKCNddeowaYMtZty3BIYpU5EHW1DZ3xFHroswJAITP0eFSOlMOKFmypkgC0QiTxlYfycCRhWYExyB4qCc1WAJfNnaEVsER21rHo9faY-n_1we-LJUA1eRtTT0aL1I92QnWb10tMsr0mAzeE0Nx3ugnnevTO5v7l7zjH-Eo7RAiyEGqQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxH6I1FxuNSo0QKCNddeowaYMtZty3BIYpU5EHW1DZ3xFHroswJAITP0eFSOlMOKFmypkgC0QiTxlYfycCRhWYExyB4qCc1WAJfNnaEVsER21rHo9faY-n_1we-LJUA1eRtTT0aL1I92QnWb10tMsr0mAzeE0Nx3ugnnevTO5v7l7zjH-Eo7RAiyEGqQ/w640-h356/M4A3E2%20T33%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, let's improve the adaptation with tungsten dental cutting drills, <br />which promote a clean cut without generating excessive heat... <br />A real party !!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgrCjzd_1gayoMrdpOoOf4kEAF2f-9z-TJn80vBoFly_a83YHT2DLFGL1Aj116_jGHnOnom-nF3dpqznov2SS5TwjyI8WFTJNS388w_s9FKeftmZXi2qo4jB_e3SOY8QhnZRucYwy_CxNBDFFw6AvCgdc47HibNXWH3oB6g-dMJ4nU2dZ191kubiWiA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgrCjzd_1gayoMrdpOoOf4kEAF2f-9z-TJn80vBoFly_a83YHT2DLFGL1Aj116_jGHnOnom-nF3dpqznov2SS5TwjyI8WFTJNS388w_s9FKeftmZXi2qo4jB_e3SOY8QhnZRucYwy_CxNBDFFw6AvCgdc47HibNXWH3oB6g-dMJ4nU2dZ191kubiWiA/w640-h378/M4A3E2%20T33%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dosing the speed, we managed to remove the resin with a<br />smooth finish and without excessive roughness...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyz7KVXNejHZSLb_05QJVCUAHN0j415u0LT8FRSqbIH8Jy1BZTBXDUCxnCy-jtaChH9sF0zUagGL58invaAn2aMocxF4LaWPmx8cODh_xpOuakcXiptivLxZ3bbY8ZHY0dl6GycMuZjiZ-b5WKe3QZz0DlRADXxoTglBQwH6OBT-XxZaZPIZGHM10TA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyz7KVXNejHZSLb_05QJVCUAHN0j415u0LT8FRSqbIH8Jy1BZTBXDUCxnCy-jtaChH9sF0zUagGL58invaAn2aMocxF4LaWPmx8cODh_xpOuakcXiptivLxZ3bbY8ZHY0dl6GycMuZjiZ-b5WKe3QZz0DlRADXxoTglBQwH6OBT-XxZaZPIZGHM10TA/w640-h412/M4A3E2%20T33%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fine tip of the bit allows us to work in the narrowest of corners,<br />without losing effectiveness and saving hours of manual sanding... <br />Kojak is a wise guy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGrHCLlBaQ9H1Fnf0Ch3nuEf-C-bOYhnQO6Xn2r3KdpGojjlciI_ByNi1AUMgP5jj9oCde-Pa6V3eVUWi0CfLtAWR4cBnOhZY34-FSnEwa0blUxUjh-rBKYID_h75Ypbkov13-S0UsoQZWmYMpV14Y0Vl5irnYjHtoHSPSFgh1PudktsZzKiN6OQCwA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGrHCLlBaQ9H1Fnf0Ch3nuEf-C-bOYhnQO6Xn2r3KdpGojjlciI_ByNi1AUMgP5jj9oCde-Pa6V3eVUWi0CfLtAWR4cBnOhZY34-FSnEwa0blUxUjh-rBKYID_h75Ypbkov13-S0UsoQZWmYMpV14Y0Vl5irnYjHtoHSPSFgh1PudktsZzKiN6OQCwA/w640-h390/M4A3E2%20T33%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crevices and small depressions in the joint area<br />being filled with putty...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFZl6xZF6IjwBNnoTWvjkAAz4fi9-jBzklWCDEVsS6_GuxwCQTr2JoGIlwFr7tkbNoZnWKkY-3olXmwpj23CMgyOzwqfDfmp19G7IoZ5F00kDjvpaCDUN04G2-yytQfX9WFwTcu3EPGAJ-z1v6SYn1tsDroBPCICATRH3YxAf399vFiUu6snYFnZV9g/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFZl6xZF6IjwBNnoTWvjkAAz4fi9-jBzklWCDEVsS6_GuxwCQTr2JoGIlwFr7tkbNoZnWKkY-3olXmwpj23CMgyOzwqfDfmp19G7IoZ5F00kDjvpaCDUN04G2-yytQfX9WFwTcu3EPGAJ-z1v6SYn1tsDroBPCICATRH3YxAf399vFiUu6snYFnZV9g/w640-h352/M4A3E2%20T33%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No economy of putty at this stage...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj-_WsDQ6fhz843hr7LQ0VsuoNCppG01cMb_hesV-wb4g3Bg7YwpxW9jqt1-jFTd5seKsmN0oCgo2RPxJ6kdeQTREFPh6NYt50k6vdAXZ8Nk_b7YrIl678slO9jFZhTHkM5TguSVk4p3CoRK3wUT_Ikzpn73CCPCZvJke8Pipp65FX1Y104O0Q0Y12A/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikj-_WsDQ6fhz843hr7LQ0VsuoNCppG01cMb_hesV-wb4g3Bg7YwpxW9jqt1-jFTd5seKsmN0oCgo2RPxJ6kdeQTREFPh6NYt50k6vdAXZ8Nk_b7YrIl678slO9jFZhTHkM5TguSVk4p3CoRK3wUT_Ikzpn73CCPCZvJke8Pipp65FX1Y104O0Q0Y12A/w640-h358/M4A3E2%20T33%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The goal is to regularize and not completely smooth.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2r-pyXRI9BngY3jGSkz92PYn4b28CROE1HxqHShKgfygnqpho89JaFnJlLPKn2J2ZKqu7aycFi34hejNw2VSGEUAnHA1DTd3xpSqjAYxf8tk_pIxyjoQsryQ6P1ryC4JP55nduXVfVjN5-A_iAhvzDMp0sN7xNZfNgq_LcvUu97zwpVWQ4mjP6yyEg/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2r-pyXRI9BngY3jGSkz92PYn4b28CROE1HxqHShKgfygnqpho89JaFnJlLPKn2J2ZKqu7aycFi34hejNw2VSGEUAnHA1DTd3xpSqjAYxf8tk_pIxyjoQsryQ6P1ryC4JP55nduXVfVjN5-A_iAhvzDMp0sN7xNZfNgq_LcvUu97zwpVWQ4mjP6yyEg/w640-h380/M4A3E2%20T33%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And after sanding, the (small...) irregularities<br />that remain are even welcome...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EYb0Bo-w_1L-FS_b6ZclTkMlsWmB8v0a1bEsDfv7hDoXcGqWWk8R6kngdHkQ_iwk_4sFaL-EwpleWBvMineesQfnYBT0Zx8gaW-o9NAC_V6by9USKL8x4rwweVjQkhJeAfweckK1RBpMQGBzlpFu9-keaq_r8pB2Ls4HR7_aN5-T9Vj8LypHvQsAsQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EYb0Bo-w_1L-FS_b6ZclTkMlsWmB8v0a1bEsDfv7hDoXcGqWWk8R6kngdHkQ_iwk_4sFaL-EwpleWBvMineesQfnYBT0Zx8gaW-o9NAC_V6by9USKL8x4rwweVjQkhJeAfweckK1RBpMQGBzlpFu9-keaq_r8pB2Ls4HR7_aN5-T9Vj8LypHvQsAsQ/w640-h384/M4A3E2%20T33%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice job to do...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsX7bRM5uQUhDHryUVla8aRGlY_2U0GV80kr2q4Cimya6J4oollx5UUsL3kUph2NP2C_1OZwYIAqwTwicl53Tio3SJWwcFeGpDRThUvdYjM0_OA_GVg2-30KCr58FTKFC-AMxnZ9TLy4QC3IudvHS8ZSyMWTOF0ij55zoY_q5UNlIGOiCGbCWUQZx5Ug/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsX7bRM5uQUhDHryUVla8aRGlY_2U0GV80kr2q4Cimya6J4oollx5UUsL3kUph2NP2C_1OZwYIAqwTwicl53Tio3SJWwcFeGpDRThUvdYjM0_OA_GVg2-30KCr58FTKFC-AMxnZ9TLy4QC3IudvHS8ZSyMWTOF0ij55zoY_q5UNlIGOiCGbCWUQZx5Ug/w640-h364/M4A3E2%20T33%20016.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This flamethrower turret is very, very cool!!!</td></tr></tbody></table> Well... while the work on the turret rests between the drying layers of putty, let's take care of the Tasca's hull. The turret ring hole is very large in the hull. Time to resize it with some 1.5mm thick plasticard, cut with a cutter compass. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa81_ZGPAaN883Gig_T9Psh-c_Ckms9VQVjdxOcaIorBbMkcP68iKp3QN8CB4xw9TnqAiCu-WrD2dSDe7n0SGXQEEzCjMOGoIlcTioDiXlI6sND57LkN4Rg2wwRgex2b944iLkdd4nHXjhw0jjKlXftklx-74Azme02L6V41aAzt2dyIVC07yh6RM2A/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFa81_ZGPAaN883Gig_T9Psh-c_Ckms9VQVjdxOcaIorBbMkcP68iKp3QN8CB4xw9TnqAiCu-WrD2dSDe7n0SGXQEEzCjMOGoIlcTioDiXlI6sND57LkN4Rg2wwRgex2b944iLkdd4nHXjhw0jjKlXftklx-74Azme02L6V41aAzt2dyIVC07yh6RM2A/w640-h444/M4A3E2%20T33%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grinding the turret hole diameter: 1.5mm plasticard cut<br />and glued to the top of the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLqO7pRzVKc5iNBNzhuvpgZwLOdxoVgdBJFcHlDq7lILcSIDAa7_8Y8dIQ1J0KiCpSriJodB2-DqZJDSPqMyoctlA8yNh6sCS178TV1EYoc44r_odmif27pM8pMKb2zqi9oZZ2hcgk1_ys0p9zsKcS73o-v2OGH3K1HvJG5-dOkbt4Pf41uwlo_ucTA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLqO7pRzVKc5iNBNzhuvpgZwLOdxoVgdBJFcHlDq7lILcSIDAa7_8Y8dIQ1J0KiCpSriJodB2-DqZJDSPqMyoctlA8yNh6sCS178TV1EYoc44r_odmif27pM8pMKb2zqi9oZZ2hcgk1_ys0p9zsKcS73o-v2OGH3K1HvJG5-dOkbt4Pf41uwlo_ucTA/w640-h462/M4A3E2%20T33%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the turret in the new hole, so that everything is perfect...<br />Notice the layer of putty (yellowish) diluted in acetone applied with a<br />brush on the surface of the turret, to reproduce the irregularities of the casting</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv74_EpMPgV-8Z1VuCaNrubXFgmMYrWUaPWxbjF6sL8zRPrCHso4UIqlVoMELqUpu_oQYQk-rxaTrgkE_HvFDzLQXNeDpvlkAuRLTagIlTpZZLUSHZANtZZo8F4p_DRdwFj-7Pk6EPJLfjZ1eHRCNVVsTJrH4GJFEd3SwI5MFZM8kLoj1DIJ1joZNOig/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv74_EpMPgV-8Z1VuCaNrubXFgmMYrWUaPWxbjF6sL8zRPrCHso4UIqlVoMELqUpu_oQYQk-rxaTrgkE_HvFDzLQXNeDpvlkAuRLTagIlTpZZLUSHZANtZZo8F4p_DRdwFj-7Pk6EPJLfjZ1eHRCNVVsTJrH4GJFEd3SwI5MFZM8kLoj1DIJ1joZNOig/w640-h416/M4A3E2%20T33%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of the rectifier ring, with the turret resting in place....</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> And since we are working with plasticard, let's make the armor reinforcements, typical of the M4A3E2 Jumbo version with 2mm thick plasticard plates...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdiWCtDVSMDBE7YFv9F_mXPEDL86b_lyqh7FnlwgupL4xpLS854dDhAlBcZWNQ1rZI6RKAs59t-UV2tSA7gDBVASlcj-INdBOQmrS-wHL3lC8woDTCGtmlc3r0o2V0T2_L6yZ5Daxe5ahGj6rVtFxmR5HBYmmuqRDK_SREu9B_XFXHgEEIzr7io0MIw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdiWCtDVSMDBE7YFv9F_mXPEDL86b_lyqh7FnlwgupL4xpLS854dDhAlBcZWNQ1rZI6RKAs59t-UV2tSA7gDBVASlcj-INdBOQmrS-wHL3lC8woDTCGtmlc3r0o2V0T2_L6yZ5Daxe5ahGj6rVtFxmR5HBYmmuqRDK_SREu9B_XFXHgEEIzr7io0MIw/w640-h462/M4A3E2%20T33%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional side armour plates cut from 2mm thick plasticard...<br />An Easy Eight turning into a Jumbo!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6UgBj3TRmXf8goUKZNfvY5ATSR0Fx89Q9XUAN2VSs-q5b-yy7uFL6NpZ_12FUhQzqZh-ceGujgzAJ9sRP54gc4HCr1d2fviIla01d1wrgmiNGH_F52vpYO-97QXZqtYwP-YRmaen-xvVW-CAWyCLSn-Q8-rs4AcQg0VEMkRLT0Mk5xretc6dRMfaaA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6UgBj3TRmXf8goUKZNfvY5ATSR0Fx89Q9XUAN2VSs-q5b-yy7uFL6NpZ_12FUhQzqZh-ceGujgzAJ9sRP54gc4HCr1d2fviIla01d1wrgmiNGH_F52vpYO-97QXZqtYwP-YRmaen-xvVW-CAWyCLSn-Q8-rs4AcQg0VEMkRLT0Mk5xretc6dRMfaaA/w640-h424/M4A3E2%20T33%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional side armour glued in place...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ozbRWmYJdOD-HSoCJyF-6KeLvXAYlr7OZKNV7gUHSq03hGDCZ2G1JvR06-msNHVWvgBxO92YA7xYW41Vi1VHogZ38Fiezll69IYA8cFKrau1HMtHSAD2B8MKfJe1QMfJhTC3RStrKgM6g-V_p_P9NvJs3BKquesQmiNQXc_Y380jD38S8as2UVQnLw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ozbRWmYJdOD-HSoCJyF-6KeLvXAYlr7OZKNV7gUHSq03hGDCZ2G1JvR06-msNHVWvgBxO92YA7xYW41Vi1VHogZ38Fiezll69IYA8cFKrau1HMtHSAD2B8MKfJe1QMfJhTC3RStrKgM6g-V_p_P9NvJs3BKquesQmiNQXc_Y380jD38S8as2UVQnLw/w640-h428/M4A3E2%20T33%20022.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional side armour glued in place...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuOOXc28Yc6Fjk_8pfj0PfAEowQTyIYVKibXvIelEzcAWhAGD-PwzRzDUzqP-ky5UhR9QMAQit5ZclgQNa-vueIF7_3TvOYmVaNIwVQ-bUeV3bzsjSEnP8tkvMVGU6o6vXBqxh-VtYpr3Vvq5P2VCfRASayzc7q06rMm7-8w2IkyH7O7mxxXV9uFFEg/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuOOXc28Yc6Fjk_8pfj0PfAEowQTyIYVKibXvIelEzcAWhAGD-PwzRzDUzqP-ky5UhR9QMAQit5ZclgQNa-vueIF7_3TvOYmVaNIwVQ-bUeV3bzsjSEnP8tkvMVGU6o6vXBqxh-VtYpr3Vvq5P2VCfRASayzc7q06rMm7-8w2IkyH7O7mxxXV9uFFEg/w640-h440/M4A3E2%20T33%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front armour in place...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Now it's time for the hardest part: reinforcing the transmission cover. I cut and glued a 2mm plastic plate on the front portion of the transmission cover and waited for it to dry... Before that, I softened the plastic in boiling water to allow the (thick) plastic to adapt to the curves of the cover.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3ced3QAAibXy0b5APjOt_gCMtfJZS3ZQDEiS2FbiFG_VyJ9rF_z-qShNRU4fMNSksmZy_dg8hysWri2qboQ7m1ZHHfGsFq-bCaML7OdF5tbUImApho1BnPayPfxjezqPKh8A2_sLHl4we80b3bVnYZhA1H7Nqt63Cgy5AgFhN6M3z-rMlObREB4GA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQz3ced3QAAibXy0b5APjOt_gCMtfJZS3ZQDEiS2FbiFG_VyJ9rF_z-qShNRU4fMNSksmZy_dg8hysWri2qboQ7m1ZHHfGsFq-bCaML7OdF5tbUImApho1BnPayPfxjezqPKh8A2_sLHl4we80b3bVnYZhA1H7Nqt63Cgy5AgFhN6M3z-rMlObREB4GA/w640-h368/M4A3E2%20T33%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to reinforce the transmission cover. Notice the big hole I made in the<br />plastic to allow work on the most difficult parts... I used welder glue in this step...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJcT9s2oAP2xuQ7c_M0fWW9FdHG3sJ58aXF4k9zirsN5mIIhkq-oL4PCO882B4u8mUfEhBTemPbwyooF-bc8AVA4pHRGw8C1j0tbbZgbiv3FAKfTAwd2pTVq1yEV1TYMyVhPagfeXFY293Bzm1PJte4YrK7a2cuUpgrLm1-RlLntSlKIjbtHldf73FA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJcT9s2oAP2xuQ7c_M0fWW9FdHG3sJ58aXF4k9zirsN5mIIhkq-oL4PCO882B4u8mUfEhBTemPbwyooF-bc8AVA4pHRGw8C1j0tbbZgbiv3FAKfTAwd2pTVq1yEV1TYMyVhPagfeXFY293Bzm1PJte4YrK7a2cuUpgrLm1-RlLntSlKIjbtHldf73FA/w640-h298/M4A3E2%20T33%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry about the rough appearance of the parts...<br /> they will be thinned out in the next steps, when other plastic parts join the set...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKLgDYUrWCZ34OFyAKsCGc-GHS2YYzD9yDnOnM-nJtYgNOzwOtvXFZKe-UXKS1IXPqsJ3Jtg8e661NGltNrhfUutdvh0KniF3Bw-kN07xteo-gDBTZS4qkBJoL_IZyMG6gJKaUpKMDrTKXMVMSffEq6SFFY2qwi7tq_ltEJkGsULOYhZQeP4Q7MPfDQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKLgDYUrWCZ34OFyAKsCGc-GHS2YYzD9yDnOnM-nJtYgNOzwOtvXFZKe-UXKS1IXPqsJ3Jtg8e661NGltNrhfUutdvh0KniF3Bw-kN07xteo-gDBTZS4qkBJoL_IZyMG6gJKaUpKMDrTKXMVMSffEq6SFFY2qwi7tq_ltEJkGsULOYhZQeP4Q7MPfDQ/w640-h356/M4A3E2%20T33%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view</td></tr></tbody></table> Now, the front portion: I glued a 2mm plasticard piece in the recess of the hole and completed the missing portions with dental acrylic, applying the brush technique: I put liquid and powder acrylic in two separate containers...with the bristles of the brush with liquid acrylic I touch the powder with this wet brush, which captures a portion of the powder...I apply this solution in layers in the desired space. Using this technique, I manage to deposit the material at the same time as I sculpt this fill...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoJwdl5oQPkMuKZ-LPaVDzjcmhUPnCa9KgleT776tMtBrIlt-UlL0ycvh4z0QH0jbLsFOwBZgzLGI6opJHeYebE5hxpusBA6Ivz7Jx-u7Kx81id0SQtwuYFmHQiPFg1Ko1atAYi0WaAk-yth_yKKQ0XKlW7I0cCv137P6bg86rjjzpRil5tp7bWSxhA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoJwdl5oQPkMuKZ-LPaVDzjcmhUPnCa9KgleT776tMtBrIlt-UlL0ycvh4z0QH0jbLsFOwBZgzLGI6opJHeYebE5hxpusBA6Ivz7Jx-u7Kx81id0SQtwuYFmHQiPFg1Ko1atAYi0WaAk-yth_yKKQ0XKlW7I0cCv137P6bg86rjjzpRil5tp7bWSxhA/w640-h372/M4A3E2%20T33%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dental acrylic being applied in layers, using the wet brush technique.<br />Filling in the gaps between the plasticard boards...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1tI7_n3CLy-A8G6Jds2pbEiX7UbxtCoWx9v4UOc01f2wmN0na2gmT6RrfqqodnEIwpWafjF8BYPin8bFMQzrZRF2SiPY1tNCdClRyoiv0kEnO5_hjyhm39lFWO9vPXMABNSGFIYSkh2pkd1okpzxKPY2mjHa4j5O6dMuaE4zZUWn0XS9GXCuLOETdQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1tI7_n3CLy-A8G6Jds2pbEiX7UbxtCoWx9v4UOc01f2wmN0na2gmT6RrfqqodnEIwpWafjF8BYPin8bFMQzrZRF2SiPY1tNCdClRyoiv0kEnO5_hjyhm39lFWO9vPXMABNSGFIYSkh2pkd1okpzxKPY2mjHa4j5O6dMuaE4zZUWn0XS9GXCuLOETdQ/w640-h362/M4A3E2%20T33%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The transmission cover, with the layers of plastic and acrylic<br />applied but still unfinished...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> An important detail in this technique is not to apply the acrylic in excess. After its chemical hardening reaction, it is much harder than plastic. You can only wear down acrylic with Dremel abrasive or sharp edges. Manual sandpaper no way!!! Notice the image below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVcBoWFgUCEdtjztHFM1ORkg3RuXAthhHnJofzhckAUsJK3WC0CLzs0K3SZCVfYhO2LpG6zq_OebIRhXoTnJDmWM870YeRMMx7BDlLBQFmTcIMnqpec0X2KErZRyTWHuJsZBoqAlsCzs0JRSNXAfh7Gb060mXhZhgAqD4hMBRQJoC4srVhsipjECGVQ/s1259/M4A3E2%20T33%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1259" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVcBoWFgUCEdtjztHFM1ORkg3RuXAthhHnJofzhckAUsJK3WC0CLzs0K3SZCVfYhO2LpG6zq_OebIRhXoTnJDmWM870YeRMMx7BDlLBQFmTcIMnqpec0X2KErZRyTWHuJsZBoqAlsCzs0JRSNXAfh7Gb060mXhZhgAqD4hMBRQJoC4srVhsipjECGVQ/w640-h376/M4A3E2%20T33%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adapting details from the Tasca kit to the reinforced front cover...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnB1ViXTSPCNAjTP5WUCbgedRYGeq1iZFKAVzUTtyOr8fGjTGw2Mz84X56HVd_HRaj2uw1x0y0xXNjqQu5t1UztxSPliF0sIgq9vTfDZ1Rii-zG2I-zSiBbV4CKmvdB5aJkUNZQljovq8Fsh0SOX4zLSrOxcf3elFEmikOLZBENZhUCA2yDKqkwPMA2g/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnB1ViXTSPCNAjTP5WUCbgedRYGeq1iZFKAVzUTtyOr8fGjTGw2Mz84X56HVd_HRaj2uw1x0y0xXNjqQu5t1UztxSPliF0sIgq9vTfDZ1Rii-zG2I-zSiBbV4CKmvdB5aJkUNZQljovq8Fsh0SOX4zLSrOxcf3elFEmikOLZBENZhUCA2yDKqkwPMA2g/w640-h386/M4A3E2%20T33%20031.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak really is a creative guy (and practical...<br />this all took about 30 minutes to finish...)</td></tr></tbody></table> While we rest from the emotions of the additional shields, let's move on to the simple construction of the hull bathtub... No difficulties here: the kits Tasca (Asuka) are simply superb!!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCEFVVqae2FQ4i2VT6kuz-wtSYZcnn9D7w9K7CdsLk6_ESEkzrO8PlHbj8MGcuup0_G5f52DvosX0-sgGnb9R_5GmNN5fD3mdHyDq3sUW_0YqN0thHU_Ww0ugv6m6tClYOI8cfaDqrfPwX-wz9yKUXx7tsPqZfVZtl-inbSmE0VdOkIfmrA8oWnP8FA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCEFVVqae2FQ4i2VT6kuz-wtSYZcnn9D7w9K7CdsLk6_ESEkzrO8PlHbj8MGcuup0_G5f52DvosX0-sgGnb9R_5GmNN5fD3mdHyDq3sUW_0YqN0thHU_Ww0ugv6m6tClYOI8cfaDqrfPwX-wz9yKUXx7tsPqZfVZtl-inbSmE0VdOkIfmrA8oWnP8FA/w640-h384/M4A3E2%20T33%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's build the hull bathtub... No problems here!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdMdf4Z-LkLNaJANX6e4ZkxJOg5XHnVgfV5eWkb1uh9wNy3kL-06cpP-pOHunuDuRN7ydm0WU5Ixn2iiQDNnEwns8s0TmDnUJ3GjWsJoRwpGg-jDlOGgZTNht9edpO1nthmEKfwrePKe6rsMlLG8znHmb4VeAdy5Es05Itu79W6wBg3BldeVMMAi6WA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdMdf4Z-LkLNaJANX6e4ZkxJOg5XHnVgfV5eWkb1uh9wNy3kL-06cpP-pOHunuDuRN7ydm0WU5Ixn2iiQDNnEwns8s0TmDnUJ3GjWsJoRwpGg-jDlOGgZTNht9edpO1nthmEKfwrePKe6rsMlLG8znHmb4VeAdy5Es05Itu79W6wBg3BldeVMMAi6WA/w640-h386/M4A3E2%20T33%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drive sprockets and idlers...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfALXLSnrIawrwTzUVoVELVemARkEt2p6EVgUMHCd5N8ZLf2BV3vTfVOB7EDixyTAgqXhxwwCazzbqG1Lrul7AcHA3sFdy_LH6HsiFubegRVjUY-pEAcTphXY5Jx_A2ajQCqM-OvFpKiTd7t5l1J5H6qnCirMzbduoeM-FdWbFz2beWakfFAMR--i3Q/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfALXLSnrIawrwTzUVoVELVemARkEt2p6EVgUMHCd5N8ZLf2BV3vTfVOB7EDixyTAgqXhxwwCazzbqG1Lrul7AcHA3sFdy_LH6HsiFubegRVjUY-pEAcTphXY5Jx_A2ajQCqM-OvFpKiTd7t5l1J5H6qnCirMzbduoeM-FdWbFz2beWakfFAMR--i3Q/w640-h412/M4A3E2%20T33%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret is a show apart. Detail: I added some "production" details<br />on the roof of the tower. My kit would be a production version, let's say. <br />And an armored fan in the turret,s roof is mandatory in a three-man tower...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7htyxqI8kTJq21qdvIWqFv7VMy5DZ3WyGdezDxXGlItBnqecSp95q3wism87AZZoH5qycDUwWIEqE5wOW3t37t2jBUZtsuVqwLx--6bYO9bcIIsf9STUPgTNAfWHSN48QpDPvOPCqN-FwW8K2q8DJppf0zGAtt5KJy6B1BHeIrnxzgbHDJLevSJLfHA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7htyxqI8kTJq21qdvIWqFv7VMy5DZ3WyGdezDxXGlItBnqecSp95q3wism87AZZoH5qycDUwWIEqE5wOW3t37t2jBUZtsuVqwLx--6bYO9bcIIsf9STUPgTNAfWHSN48QpDPvOPCqN-FwW8K2q8DJppf0zGAtt5KJy6B1BHeIrnxzgbHDJLevSJLfHA/w640-h378/M4A3E2%20T33%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The details of the Tasca/Asuka kit and some metal wires<br />make all the difference...<br />The machined aluminum barrel is part of the conversion kit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHX1GIarWSx636JHKW3Sd3f6Am665aBWpWFbEW16GDJmYLKtqcHD-OeBfbGptlBFG3LJVIHYPS762HVVSweTNTINuKkFrgu0DzOHg_Vs19d07lUTgMaSq9eOp-k9ACnqet0-gkirOh1lBajQT9cisKbVRjK8HfBL7RnyJDKbgfCngZ0UAOY2Gb5kwow/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHX1GIarWSx636JHKW3Sd3f6Am665aBWpWFbEW16GDJmYLKtqcHD-OeBfbGptlBFG3LJVIHYPS762HVVSweTNTINuKkFrgu0DzOHg_Vs19d07lUTgMaSq9eOp-k9ACnqet0-gkirOh1lBajQT9cisKbVRjK8HfBL7RnyJDKbgfCngZ0UAOY2Gb5kwow/w640-h350/M4A3E2%20T33%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tedious step, but important to be done very well: the suspensions...<br />and the HVSS system has many, many wheels...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-TFtA1V1FHvoZdG_H9u_zXwL1XS89QfYKO2yk6LMCJOIOn-4IVGKcK_u_afGSCP9T2GDJ9fBQRQoKROz3EKiNsEqq-iQlx1KMLCH31QZO0hjhWp8chZkzcJNXMypEzF941XXbQkub0rmNF-4vYkqq9k3sT-BRWrN2-VYqC7b47QJkiwNuhUTLg5eeyL0/s1280/bogies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-TFtA1V1FHvoZdG_H9u_zXwL1XS89QfYKO2yk6LMCJOIOn-4IVGKcK_u_afGSCP9T2GDJ9fBQRQoKROz3EKiNsEqq-iQlx1KMLCH31QZO0hjhWp8chZkzcJNXMypEzF941XXbQkub0rmNF-4vYkqq9k3sT-BRWrN2-VYqC7b47QJkiwNuhUTLg5eeyL0/w640-h458/bogies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HVSS bogies perfectly built and aligned.<br />I don't want my girl to have crooked feet....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qtMa1_H9DSrrSnHESuFy0Vpgqd9l3Cz7gc_bppPLVlSR5TlMewyMXnMV2hO3EvpAoaBK8M2vFfL-ZUiSAErT3xTFU9IbcvWkn7cNDbakd30jQMIz-pG8MCEljRqAYnvZWQGjQlMpFGfNsAS0iGsiujl-aHxPJRop7JuJd2ERUQelYzpdSu3inAA6VQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qtMa1_H9DSrrSnHESuFy0Vpgqd9l3Cz7gc_bppPLVlSR5TlMewyMXnMV2hO3EvpAoaBK8M2vFfL-ZUiSAErT3xTFU9IbcvWkn7cNDbakd30jQMIz-pG8MCEljRqAYnvZWQGjQlMpFGfNsAS0iGsiujl-aHxPJRop7JuJd2ERUQelYzpdSu3inAA6VQ/w640-h410/M4A3E2%20T33%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, we have a M4A3E2 hull with HVSS suspensions...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoTUuffW65FjRvYwZ2lvk7JXalPsYoVn__--keZIvJKsJaIaJ16DAhKoOW8-CrN2Ho6IjL00eS1NWPqP4TRdTL0Hidtm9W0sgC0ixm97bN6llobnwGeMbijzc70YoZGrvMMuZCfktBiWFaLbvcnmPZGD8IsdeiVLebCoE_hwm12Y_D3WHBQy65MMrrw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoTUuffW65FjRvYwZ2lvk7JXalPsYoVn__--keZIvJKsJaIaJ16DAhKoOW8-CrN2Ho6IjL00eS1NWPqP4TRdTL0Hidtm9W0sgC0ixm97bN6llobnwGeMbijzc70YoZGrvMMuZCfktBiWFaLbvcnmPZGD8IsdeiVLebCoE_hwm12Y_D3WHBQy65MMrrw/w640-h410/M4A3E2%20T33%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girl was very fashionable: Jumbo body with Easy-eight feet!!!<br />Notice the glacis machine gun station closed with an armored plate and<br />the layer of diluted (yellowed) putty on the transmission cover.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcraIarrwmP4bgb-hs22-VaxAU7A6uVmR5W7sn4wZZwmVkA1zjeh_8XWdTbuRANkj0yLCWGq_OyuXmR7CcTRKPv01akq_hdH-HV7qPeBQRgIqAkkR-5bd_9DKQ---oziq24dLjm1ViDxA2DjJcnDyoLfIBEda5YZSotaNxxWuI9ht1PZFtQ7-xYBA_7A/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcraIarrwmP4bgb-hs22-VaxAU7A6uVmR5W7sn4wZZwmVkA1zjeh_8XWdTbuRANkj0yLCWGq_OyuXmR7CcTRKPv01akq_hdH-HV7qPeBQRgIqAkkR-5bd_9DKQ---oziq24dLjm1ViDxA2DjJcnDyoLfIBEda5YZSotaNxxWuI9ht1PZFtQ7-xYBA_7A/w640-h440/M4A3E2%20T33%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper view of the hull.<br />Notice the fittings on the hull tower ring<br />(which I made by cutting the plastic...)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZR2zP7XMG2gFGQZTjjhHaP_BK2LySTel7BVHczFKPdrTNPC4ynOzsOZ0M33ywvM44vWLK3oqmBc7hxbqKwUszrAwvO1mx6h9blNQ3avmtaWAVKhDsY6m9mYHVdN1FzhApbEKsDdtvLGorqAWcE1gqh_hb3omKk53XKYCKN2xLpA67bBDc2vqOSfjRZw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZR2zP7XMG2gFGQZTjjhHaP_BK2LySTel7BVHczFKPdrTNPC4ynOzsOZ0M33ywvM44vWLK3oqmBc7hxbqKwUszrAwvO1mx6h9blNQ3avmtaWAVKhDsY6m9mYHVdN1FzhApbEKsDdtvLGorqAWcE1gqh_hb3omKk53XKYCKN2xLpA67bBDc2vqOSfjRZw/w640-h412/M4A3E2%20T33%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret, fully built. Notice the antennae, made with acupuncture needles...<br />Unfortunately, the mantlets are not mobile. I scaled the two weapons<br />according to my aesthetic criterion, such as for mid-distance fire<br />(either by projectiles or by fire...).<br />The left rack position would be a possibility in production vehicles...<br />Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz3q26M9OOR20JAOW2CiIGzDdoP0IxN4LauzVNdsNAF1f6LUf1U3tFYKxoh_SndwG5OiDFKUwDgTyx2nsgV9CSGIZdQrleU7TW2TDwKaeG8wJOcxCs4Vw4vTOyNPMymihbJRExlooaBChMruXqswJZ3Lzrj0aEVo-pdQAymcT9LW-g9gmI6DJNfORWQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVz3q26M9OOR20JAOW2CiIGzDdoP0IxN4LauzVNdsNAF1f6LUf1U3tFYKxoh_SndwG5OiDFKUwDgTyx2nsgV9CSGIZdQrleU7TW2TDwKaeG8wJOcxCs4Vw4vTOyNPMymihbJRExlooaBChMruXqswJZ3Lzrj0aEVo-pdQAymcT9LW-g9gmI6DJNfORWQ/w640-h368/M4A3E2%20T33%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret, fully built. Notice that the rack position would be <br />a possibility in production vehicles...<br />Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0Jb3lL6ZuUsQ3Bcgn4Dy3xZZRVwHLsfUR81pwMIsm4TKIpGmNMHXVZp5mKyGksagb5ZAbJk-bODqm8c5G2GsdqVvX4qJEZSmmatwoS0AYlhE6Q0V48n5gU79W0CiCbbL4yhvyTJ9FECSXjo9Ux2Mk9P0yQo82bov4niMGP0j4M1YFEUKESMmZmHT-Q/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0Jb3lL6ZuUsQ3Bcgn4Dy3xZZRVwHLsfUR81pwMIsm4TKIpGmNMHXVZp5mKyGksagb5ZAbJk-bODqm8c5G2GsdqVvX4qJEZSmmatwoS0AYlhE6Q0V48n5gU79W0CiCbbL4yhvyTJ9FECSXjo9Ux2Mk9P0yQo82bov4niMGP0j4M1YFEUKESMmZmHT-Q/w640-h416/M4A3E2%20T33%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret locking system in the kit.<br />I'm terrified of loose turrets...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmJUoNB1lIEOq4_G-z-ctnhKAFILjVZhjSsenMOUJUd7eXtVPodspPyz9V7pjHE28JuSdYYrgM7NUgGJIqLBOAg8ekckmviiAeKb73UfChk54xuQnBB3lGYacQaFlVdrMCf_sAW510x-DOUzlNniJ9tkzvyMdd3PH_AWv8WqDNOEPSTlkLv6AOKK2dg/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmJUoNB1lIEOq4_G-z-ctnhKAFILjVZhjSsenMOUJUd7eXtVPodspPyz9V7pjHE28JuSdYYrgM7NUgGJIqLBOAg8ekckmviiAeKb73UfChk54xuQnBB3lGYacQaFlVdrMCf_sAW510x-DOUzlNniJ9tkzvyMdd3PH_AWv8WqDNOEPSTlkLv6AOKK2dg/w640-h500/M4A3E2%20T33%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret rotated 90º, to fit in the hull turret ring fittings...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyxyMZZDYCDOPFPaOIqYBbrEETpGpXNXUAeMKMemIRlEJcXsSNrbiVtOt-PnFBoxxFaFFv5s2ZBWaSGYF9HoD__Xg0Dvnos1XeeU2gLNzezSBqqGMzgG7n5t6EL4Sz41tFRnePN60c4NFoIGbLKVvSBeUjhTP-Sw8fimB2ZKqYCa0EZ9el53iD9grgA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1280" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyxyMZZDYCDOPFPaOIqYBbrEETpGpXNXUAeMKMemIRlEJcXsSNrbiVtOt-PnFBoxxFaFFv5s2ZBWaSGYF9HoD__Xg0Dvnos1XeeU2gLNzezSBqqGMzgG7n5t6EL4Sz41tFRnePN60c4NFoIGbLKVvSBeUjhTP-Sw8fimB2ZKqYCa0EZ9el53iD9grgA/w640-h542/M4A3E2%20T33%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the turret rotated towards the bow, rotating in the hull fittings...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokRqSxMd9YdQwYAS-35YPd65GIiRnNJPukcJi-V8dXBQAgk83D2296CEHQNuoRtPR9YbIw6W2CoVx8s_EnuGgF7AxpIkXgKTVZcY97vk4x_jdyDTHzUVhorLW6A4BiCs96aNOR3or1Dvu5ehqNgERCdTuECe8PqOZlHgso9FpNOF6SkuwNeKup0wIQg/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokRqSxMd9YdQwYAS-35YPd65GIiRnNJPukcJi-V8dXBQAgk83D2296CEHQNuoRtPR9YbIw6W2CoVx8s_EnuGgF7AxpIkXgKTVZcY97vk4x_jdyDTHzUVhorLW6A4BiCs96aNOR3or1Dvu5ehqNgERCdTuECe8PqOZlHgso9FpNOF6SkuwNeKup0wIQg/w640-h408/M4A3E2%20T33%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding side Tasca/Asuka details (dark green) to the tank's hull. <br />The toolbox (in light gray) on the back of the fender is a spare part from an old Dragon kit.<br />Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3T7djRQA1-oFvkakq_Re9fTN7HxlAnA15dt6uGdWk-vQrxTp1GXYprkKWFL-TAvZRkvPEI4ESs-reaz2euzXWO_mHZYUvo6yzOLmdc0JaZ4b25YDTMDK1lIlwob0DuyA6tSBuPljcD6vJRiaze0vOtyznp5r8Su4GbRmxEdz9LikwG5shvJ4Dt0ZoNw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3T7djRQA1-oFvkakq_Re9fTN7HxlAnA15dt6uGdWk-vQrxTp1GXYprkKWFL-TAvZRkvPEI4ESs-reaz2euzXWO_mHZYUvo6yzOLmdc0JaZ4b25YDTMDK1lIlwob0DuyA6tSBuPljcD6vJRiaze0vOtyznp5r8Su4GbRmxEdz9LikwG5shvJ4Dt0ZoNw/w640-h460/M4A3E2%20T33%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding tabs on the rear fenders. The phone box (in medium green)<br />in the rear right plate is from my scrap box (Academy).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1binK0WWf7ZrGCSJI6KreKv5fZUXh6ZWRNPZYPjtIkDS9cI33P7nhUa4YlC3U7C9YEgOdXZatDjkUMDsqfFiT0VA276Vafe3ntwgL7n664KCpm9hs60OGt5uCCthzCPNJnPCslMZM_fgcYMAewXweVJc-R_4PODVWnQCTHI8f6WBPQ-n9nMvScmBAw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1binK0WWf7ZrGCSJI6KreKv5fZUXh6ZWRNPZYPjtIkDS9cI33P7nhUa4YlC3U7C9YEgOdXZatDjkUMDsqfFiT0VA276Vafe3ntwgL7n664KCpm9hs60OGt5uCCthzCPNJnPCslMZM_fgcYMAewXweVJc-R_4PODVWnQCTHI8f6WBPQ-n9nMvScmBAw/w640-h386/M4A3E2%20T33%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApOmGXRkjqerFUCxFRjSXAB0PV7aSkCVP7rLn3pDi69CGHGokxQwtzMDt2Zzc9IGCXj85jQCKviAFBv3kINBzRYpn9XXVnR4WWoO3IqzORlpT65xgzOiF9_IqF_i-kIFNSx_kKC4XZlaK42BFHRBRhCTpbS-Pw270Dj8j7DXKXs-KyhkTDtycwcen-A/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1280" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApOmGXRkjqerFUCxFRjSXAB0PV7aSkCVP7rLn3pDi69CGHGokxQwtzMDt2Zzc9IGCXj85jQCKviAFBv3kINBzRYpn9XXVnR4WWoO3IqzORlpT65xgzOiF9_IqF_i-kIFNSx_kKC4XZlaK42BFHRBRhCTpbS-Pw270Dj8j7DXKXs-KyhkTDtycwcen-A/w640-h550/M4A3E2%20T33%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/4 front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice the electric cables in the front glacis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">installed between the headlights and penetrating inside the tank</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">through the hull front ceiling fan. The girl is ready for make-up!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> While I look for markings for this hypothetical girl (don't forget: I'm building what would be a production line tank, if the war went on for a few more months...), I'm going to paint the whole vehicle with Vallejo olive-drab primer.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMewSOcyCmhMQDDhKEV-W0geJebCGpM-WRnc59TUuekBxPnRhsqh4CKQHw9CYkVEDykrmF8BjhgFNMHvp40A1qZOKLnsdrcI63bjp7qKz2JYrQ9X6WoNlq8dxTOBgs1E2AUSk_cv-5acdhu4BdobMWF2fSG7qNtmsDFDeiC0aFA-4_AhT-mX7CjTTrHQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1280" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMewSOcyCmhMQDDhKEV-W0geJebCGpM-WRnc59TUuekBxPnRhsqh4CKQHw9CYkVEDykrmF8BjhgFNMHvp40A1qZOKLnsdrcI63bjp7qKz2JYrQ9X6WoNlq8dxTOBgs1E2AUSk_cv-5acdhu4BdobMWF2fSG7qNtmsDFDeiC0aFA-4_AhT-mX7CjTTrHQ/w640-h314/M4A3E2%20T33%20051.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primer Vallejo olive-drab.</td></tr></tbody></table> Oops...I was forgetting about the weld marks on the edges of the front and side armor reinforcement plates, typical of the M4A3E2 Jumbos... See below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e89spiSLtPMxVolkX8oWRcQTTEh1EQCgFZwRRjdWFLYhzPBzRTp_rPB2LX12hqKuf-Ys1d4StacnFiAlezi09Ft4yfuqmsmGvSrIz2H4gdMAxzkL9AKUrXviC5LvAHTx9c39qKdj3EI7KSYfbHOed1BU2NAGajUm0PVJ-LmHtoKm0DyHZtrk8npejiL9/s1280/glacis%20and%20sponson.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e89spiSLtPMxVolkX8oWRcQTTEh1EQCgFZwRRjdWFLYhzPBzRTp_rPB2LX12hqKuf-Ys1d4StacnFiAlezi09Ft4yfuqmsmGvSrIz2H4gdMAxzkL9AKUrXviC5LvAHTx9c39qKdj3EI7KSYfbHOed1BU2NAGajUm0PVJ-LmHtoKm0DyHZtrk8npejiL9/w640-h480/glacis%20and%20sponson.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the weld beads between the armor plates, typical of Jumbos</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> To make these weld marks, I use a scalpel blade nº15 with the tip cut off, tied ( with copper wires) to the tip of my 40 watt electronic soldering iron. I heat the tool and apply the heated blade to the joint between the plates, melting the plastic, simulating the weld beads of the original vehicle. Simple, fast and efficient...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDL4hihrrp0fvu6VXfMo4ltbFBVf2iKH2JhACIzBUyo6o-tTs7F3hqNKlMytfxmh2efdDj27oF4RJH5TvUefZIc4fdM5fiout44Qp9TACRREp0Vtg6csZDslbh9dhosIdhulrge1PfKIMYLVZfs62AO_CWwS0BpsjY_KLnjUfI0aY0rmTppPGr_f7KoQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDL4hihrrp0fvu6VXfMo4ltbFBVf2iKH2JhACIzBUyo6o-tTs7F3hqNKlMytfxmh2efdDj27oF4RJH5TvUefZIc4fdM5fiout44Qp9TACRREp0Vtg6csZDslbh9dhosIdhulrge1PfKIMYLVZfs62AO_CWwS0BpsjY_KLnjUfI0aY0rmTppPGr_f7KoQ/w640-h470/M4A3E2%20T33%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tank hull and the tool!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dCCd5nowY1iUuRx3glGubyLlz5ERIkifHCEjvH96AZWgB93pTAdrVY28NA3d7s2hnLgLll6hg8aRLwXELrEWQ_94-5e3IhXIo1XqOW4mU_DNmO3uTRdHt5us8EliLaPbzCDSyCSZAUdFYtvS3UjZ0XyX6cDRHyBH8D7Ks_A-nuKFk1gQx6dPHG-Yjw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dCCd5nowY1iUuRx3glGubyLlz5ERIkifHCEjvH96AZWgB93pTAdrVY28NA3d7s2hnLgLll6hg8aRLwXELrEWQ_94-5e3IhXIo1XqOW4mU_DNmO3uTRdHt5us8EliLaPbzCDSyCSZAUdFYtvS3UjZ0XyX6cDRHyBH8D7Ks_A-nuKFk1gQx6dPHG-Yjw/w640-h316/M4A3E2%20T33%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the complexity of thePanzerserra´s tool to simulate weld beads...<br />Typical rocket engineering!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Aa2v-mg7RaYM9gB-8uUDs_04o36UELlqjtZ6qfjFyJ8iZOGLy0y0L_Ka3kLKhARvOOSY0gOQB15aOAdKq4gj1qUAC7ql8NS3DKHgXO--e9ijVDZrj5_Fs8q_Mmr5DMWUivE_p7eP8zUhMxP9FgI_PwcUxK-l7n658SKVnrrKTNwWqT1POVBBwDLmw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71Aa2v-mg7RaYM9gB-8uUDs_04o36UELlqjtZ6qfjFyJ8iZOGLy0y0L_Ka3kLKhARvOOSY0gOQB15aOAdKq4gj1qUAC7ql8NS3DKHgXO--e9ijVDZrj5_Fs8q_Mmr5DMWUivE_p7eP8zUhMxP9FgI_PwcUxK-l7n658SKVnrrKTNwWqT1POVBBwDLmw/w640-h392/M4A3E2%20T33%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weld beads, on the M4A3E2 armour plates...<br />right front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7F0cUhYbdVHfBekUPIAnyoI_WDZZga-aU9gYwns75n54zA4XoE5mSswJ4R557sYE_XeYuYXmuT7S2pYO38f-PKbpc9rSWCQz7L9EDwBIrtA4JPp1d0yNqvzIKIo3BIkWMt4Cai4-wTpRhmBS96OU5XwqoBlePsCYtVR8QemSfeWcZ6bTwKsl7hYoew/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7F0cUhYbdVHfBekUPIAnyoI_WDZZga-aU9gYwns75n54zA4XoE5mSswJ4R557sYE_XeYuYXmuT7S2pYO38f-PKbpc9rSWCQz7L9EDwBIrtA4JPp1d0yNqvzIKIo3BIkWMt4Cai4-wTpRhmBS96OU5XwqoBlePsCYtVR8QemSfeWcZ6bTwKsl7hYoew/w640-h404/M4A3E2%20T33%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larger irregularities will be sanded and then<br />painted with the base color.<br />Front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kIBVZ-IE1DAMpYQQWErmv6CPKMrlpzhzyo5_qPYJkpISbATdkw3vR3KSxb6wQaeHT-KtxgApOSvCtO0Vd5R0sqHXvt6WnQLUNsJutyIzkZ-_59qXFJ0Dkt9YjtTDEoFQXhF6io3GZx1RXfO4iXK6kDdqKGRTFTIHgeDYYaM_yNih15avNfB7hPkXJg/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kIBVZ-IE1DAMpYQQWErmv6CPKMrlpzhzyo5_qPYJkpISbATdkw3vR3KSxb6wQaeHT-KtxgApOSvCtO0Vd5R0sqHXvt6WnQLUNsJutyIzkZ-_59qXFJ0Dkt9YjtTDEoFQXhF6io3GZx1RXfO4iXK6kDdqKGRTFTIHgeDYYaM_yNih15avNfB7hPkXJg/w640-h338/M4A3E2%20T33%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weld beads, on the M4A3E2 armour plates...<br />left front view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomzy9BsZj1jDTSNabUXYbNuQNzBMMhFK1fEc3s1B5u9-imXnWSRVqRCqFXQBiZ1jozvqjalN_tOTuz5HJgZtjrd_N8NqDaJeT0I1F1HSLq_EeABi_zg40XZHfRkytCK4l2UrShf2ESK5l2T5RP3YYdGnK04myA3zIWKT9qwvflW767iXoRrft6dVurQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomzy9BsZj1jDTSNabUXYbNuQNzBMMhFK1fEc3s1B5u9-imXnWSRVqRCqFXQBiZ1jozvqjalN_tOTuz5HJgZtjrd_N8NqDaJeT0I1F1HSLq_EeABi_zg40XZHfRkytCK4l2UrShf2ESK5l2T5RP3YYdGnK04myA3zIWKT9qwvflW767iXoRrft6dVurQ/w640-h318/M4A3E2%20T33%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret, painted with base color primer.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuHwulhtSr5EJCBLsiqF_e4oTwNFr65F_vQuT-uwD5VST1l_mThPO70adN3eD_2iQv6GYP8PV2naOtNxxus9QEoc8jVcrN9FdmO-0Bx5cmSRRB39KtlrL8u_YrthzVqVACjuIm4MyUfAKI8Eo5yATDoaXinNYF3YiyynuZD9u-lJDkg5GE3PzYOjoPg/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuHwulhtSr5EJCBLsiqF_e4oTwNFr65F_vQuT-uwD5VST1l_mThPO70adN3eD_2iQv6GYP8PV2naOtNxxus9QEoc8jVcrN9FdmO-0Bx5cmSRRB39KtlrL8u_YrthzVqVACjuIm4MyUfAKI8Eo5yATDoaXinNYF3YiyynuZD9u-lJDkg5GE3PzYOjoPg/w640-h422/M4A3E2%20T33%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The regularization of the base color painting<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuEKdlw57c5sXVPJWVhU_zgb41VAmCWKM1qoJOJhom29d9ypWuvTTohkwKs18u9YZTd69UAczJqyWy2_3pCF_vCpO44LTqeQ_br6fXnrqwd0xhsyKFvS2PYkvlZL9v1r164ukvf_WcU_blBfgzig8mqShHjffEYDRwn5y9ZSIyZCK0ydK5n9vKcH9Jg/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuEKdlw57c5sXVPJWVhU_zgb41VAmCWKM1qoJOJhom29d9ypWuvTTohkwKs18u9YZTd69UAczJqyWy2_3pCF_vCpO44LTqeQ_br6fXnrqwd0xhsyKFvS2PYkvlZL9v1r164ukvf_WcU_blBfgzig8mqShHjffEYDRwn5y9ZSIyZCK0ydK5n9vKcH9Jg/w640-h432/M4A3E2%20T33%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The regularization of the base color painting<br />front right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmuGlDmkzMkQnI_DWq0mLTXJmrn_xYZ42_135DVzf1XyQY83Fnwga8QAp3-O61peXtuRc1RPRsZ7PPiMnIssIf1A32gTEMdDyshD85OMdWspw6hUgkNH53zkpjurHPF5VJM2z8whJTM9CUjyxjOdwdyJgBU9-0z9Hz0OUrGmM1ycnMI5Hgn1U0gOQig/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmuGlDmkzMkQnI_DWq0mLTXJmrn_xYZ42_135DVzf1XyQY83Fnwga8QAp3-O61peXtuRc1RPRsZ7PPiMnIssIf1A32gTEMdDyshD85OMdWspw6hUgkNH53zkpjurHPF5VJM2z8whJTM9CUjyxjOdwdyJgBU9-0z9Hz0OUrGmM1ycnMI5Hgn1U0gOQig/w640-h422/M4A3E2%20T33%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The regularization of the base color painting<br />front view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2LShFI4dAYiQ8BGqodGWu6c7_eZ2YlEFboSD480JMMtL6tW2m7nrAaGxhTswNMThssSZn1Gw3D9PO2diiT6SkzKDWJTjL_hQMAFlJL3nUtmH6iLFZ0fU1uuLsEhlZ2WsHs0Qt_oLFUYcapknXU5vTgCHMlri0UwLu5Ve869JOv73lYCGHBOXfhTrkA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2LShFI4dAYiQ8BGqodGWu6c7_eZ2YlEFboSD480JMMtL6tW2m7nrAaGxhTswNMThssSZn1Gw3D9PO2diiT6SkzKDWJTjL_hQMAFlJL3nUtmH6iLFZ0fU1uuLsEhlZ2WsHs0Qt_oLFUYcapknXU5vTgCHMlri0UwLu5Ve869JOv73lYCGHBOXfhTrkA/w640-h400/M4A3E2%20T33%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the Tasca/Asuka vinyl T66 tracks<br />They are of very good quality.<br />Left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HgdtusSMlSrw-2JO3hxDXZQ5ETzxL-u8zWJrZJ7LPymY7bCyiz9kGh0JqNl5PxwQZWWHoo9ZtH5cqosRYDgrHM8tr6jiRFT4qj2C-e4yl7ApWzVpZZVNmocIYCCgwLYDqGf5MBBz4sLBF8NlpVTdgC-QQjZX3kqKLhUIJZ_OPt68WKNgM3dtZRS6Zw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HgdtusSMlSrw-2JO3hxDXZQ5ETzxL-u8zWJrZJ7LPymY7bCyiz9kGh0JqNl5PxwQZWWHoo9ZtH5cqosRYDgrHM8tr6jiRFT4qj2C-e4yl7ApWzVpZZVNmocIYCCgwLYDqGf5MBBz4sLBF8NlpVTdgC-QQjZX3kqKLhUIJZ_OPt68WKNgM3dtZRS6Zw/w640-h438/M4A3E2%20T33%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the Tasca/Asuka vinyl T66 tracks<br />Right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkNdC8sMV1dQsKk1S-6JOqf5gKBm-G_7a7Mni8Q_S1Zqsppw8YlENxOgs4zYbj8V9bspD67071-qH8ic585IWfFsC-NepuPFzy0AAFyjp3RUaDdxehYmAm9DN7XMlD_1FQczykUqBjmFQPXpaaCppwyq8cPPglhPX-AOvHBMR6UIfSwJaz-RNti-OBA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkNdC8sMV1dQsKk1S-6JOqf5gKBm-G_7a7Mni8Q_S1Zqsppw8YlENxOgs4zYbj8V9bspD67071-qH8ic585IWfFsC-NepuPFzy0AAFyjp3RUaDdxehYmAm9DN7XMlD_1FQczykUqBjmFQPXpaaCppwyq8cPPglhPX-AOvHBMR6UIfSwJaz-RNti-OBA/w640-h368/M4A3E2%20T33%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 mechanized flamethrower almost ready<br />Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> As always, I like to make a color guide and markings for my projects whenever possible. This time, I chose what would be a T33 mechanized flamethrower of a possible production line, in late 1945, in a hypothetical invasion in the main islands of Japan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> The markings were taken from my spare decal box...and I couldn't resist using a pretty cowgirl as the pinup godmother of this tank. With you, JANE, a truly hot girl!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNRZb8ysokyhhZJxS8QCdlwPdBXNUbv_CWWBPRpwWWMGOf8kJT1ETo9uxvqy_Sib5SHr8vwOpxiLbcERXZ3Nv3yRd3htOcHajHGI28VoOunO_fqW7zZGeLkW44rcTBNRKEYfbT4dbxWAgG9oDIfghpLvuTemxlGhtoQN_Dg6Hck07_3WnzbG5AKZbuQ/s1400/M4A3E2%20T33%20073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1400" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNRZb8ysokyhhZJxS8QCdlwPdBXNUbv_CWWBPRpwWWMGOf8kJT1ETo9uxvqy_Sib5SHr8vwOpxiLbcERXZ3Nv3yRd3htOcHajHGI28VoOunO_fqW7zZGeLkW44rcTBNRKEYfbT4dbxWAgG9oDIfghpLvuTemxlGhtoQN_Dg6Hck07_3WnzbG5AKZbuQ/w640-h474/M4A3E2%20T33%20073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgC3bVVVeOGnI5xVR4-zN8-TqUAqcohBMrUTGak0Iq-6E6rvVpwo9FVE_SK3Krm3hmIicCKq_lU8KuO7YxRnVZ4gVsGGHNxjq6cpjj06cCnY3r_KEenoNHii_f_pqkaDctk02nuXAHC1ZEosTPuIVFUpmLPlZgfBATalY24_rUSiozA0HCJJid9-Dgw/s943/M4A3E2%20T33%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="502" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgC3bVVVeOGnI5xVR4-zN8-TqUAqcohBMrUTGak0Iq-6E6rvVpwo9FVE_SK3Krm3hmIicCKq_lU8KuO7YxRnVZ4gVsGGHNxjq6cpjj06cCnY3r_KEenoNHii_f_pqkaDctk02nuXAHC1ZEosTPuIVFUpmLPlZgfBATalY24_rUSiozA0HCJJid9-Dgw/w213-h400/M4A3E2%20T33%20065.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JANE really is a hot, a very hot girl!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> After a little work with tonal variations on the olive drab of the base color, I applied a thin layer of Pledge (Future) to prevent silvering and, after the Pledge dried, I applied the decals, following the pattern shown above....</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx9ULBKoSeOIx8JRE6RPRQlt_lxLgXWu5i7LfxHI07oMl-pa8Oz3NIVsWvvGSYZ3_munb_eaoBHLfZpIqvGhIT5tWK052gnPogDI23eHowDe3HtPwCtlLLddW8657NzgaVvqFbl4Z3CyrT0uiWxbrExLPqtYTUKYvPi4gedwSnBIHPQGTrbmfC6u5kw/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx9ULBKoSeOIx8JRE6RPRQlt_lxLgXWu5i7LfxHI07oMl-pa8Oz3NIVsWvvGSYZ3_munb_eaoBHLfZpIqvGhIT5tWK052gnPogDI23eHowDe3HtPwCtlLLddW8657NzgaVvqFbl4Z3CyrT0uiWxbrExLPqtYTUKYvPi4gedwSnBIHPQGTrbmfC6u5kw/w640-h464/M4A3E2%20T33%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decals applied and sealed with matte varnish...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Np7emAVdLwVsdaLkg_hQ778G86PCH4o5slH0IzNgWAzN6wfHZg7cPzi_d-FqUEU57JgtMEAhn2MN53lFp40YedrOPnvQete6A1qG1D5YL93bWJ8LwaeOpexEdLzSaplo5YaVccY0ASN8-uuKtu5TFYUR4g5WrOHOwexnUGGPj9tGYxpIG-JkBddo1g/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Np7emAVdLwVsdaLkg_hQ778G86PCH4o5slH0IzNgWAzN6wfHZg7cPzi_d-FqUEU57JgtMEAhn2MN53lFp40YedrOPnvQete6A1qG1D5YL93bWJ8LwaeOpexEdLzSaplo5YaVccY0ASN8-uuKtu5TFYUR4g5WrOHOwexnUGGPj9tGYxpIG-JkBddo1g/w640-h468/M4A3E2%20T33%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girl is getting really pretty...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK9bSpjphI4CmdSBA96qbF7DAXbioFJnZJlsWrQvugd4VCVNku49zb5L4FCv5iYXZFx612mfyIf8kyXtzzU2Wt6BOBQSms970p1NuvJfq8cRsrCN8YLv3u6IpMHUia4OUFzEfz--JXEh52ynCD1BAHnIAX0y3IVdtJtwCynbAKUtWFEMmFU3m6SsdOA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSK9bSpjphI4CmdSBA96qbF7DAXbioFJnZJlsWrQvugd4VCVNku49zb5L4FCv5iYXZFx612mfyIf8kyXtzzU2Wt6BOBQSms970p1NuvJfq8cRsrCN8YLv3u6IpMHUia4OUFzEfz--JXEh52ynCD1BAHnIAX0y3IVdtJtwCynbAKUtWFEMmFU3m6SsdOA/w640-h398/M4A3E2%20T33%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view of JANE...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LjR9vOAaFF1YRnncB6DZGoZNQhqPiur6ZZU9JvA7ea3oYUSdpPYKPZ3vbNezlTWLRKbOossoGHKpr9ldEhP7mfVyu0eAwab7CQCuJiMh2cf9mONGZCcsQWJQ-jG8NYKwl2ZSwRJKkBP8d7XH-0GsAZfLS2McLKFXMB_PfOl3lrQNxQXURl7fe-FnIA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1280" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LjR9vOAaFF1YRnncB6DZGoZNQhqPiur6ZZU9JvA7ea3oYUSdpPYKPZ3vbNezlTWLRKbOossoGHKpr9ldEhP7mfVyu0eAwab7CQCuJiMh2cf9mONGZCcsQWJQ-jG8NYKwl2ZSwRJKkBP8d7XH-0GsAZfLS2McLKFXMB_PfOl3lrQNxQXURl7fe-FnIA/w640-h508/M4A3E2%20T33%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YbCimi2AUnVtgw-Vy6hcOMjk3CVw3k2tyiGq3R4Rxw9PmoP-sEBlWyZtxIooe5IChRskldOZkO4qtLJwzimsLAiVygVF0q2lT97_HCifYWfVureoUiuxZdcraKA70xAQH9xBti3ivGAEbA6Iiej8632Bw8JNDcxDSVYk_RUHhLaLAuHk38sFePf9dQ/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YbCimi2AUnVtgw-Vy6hcOMjk3CVw3k2tyiGq3R4Rxw9PmoP-sEBlWyZtxIooe5IChRskldOZkO4qtLJwzimsLAiVygVF0q2lT97_HCifYWfVureoUiuxZdcraKA70xAQH9xBti3ivGAEbA6Iiej8632Bw8JNDcxDSVYk_RUHhLaLAuHk38sFePf9dQ/w640-h370/M4A3E2%20T33%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view of JANE</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKl18bK9lKjPQO57vyNi0MB7DDklO5-YPKxmAsYILaAwl2xWwcFhqa4ecywMfD03a1zLEcIQxZ4a7tYzKFyVj5Ut9LNfb-8zICd1CLBd_zP6zI2o-0ZtCcgP7OvGDtF67TlPWhyWok9L9KWZOpHfNU6zz9QzQrhPsJszz5N9YcNsx2Vy-6vSIFksqpA/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKl18bK9lKjPQO57vyNi0MB7DDklO5-YPKxmAsYILaAwl2xWwcFhqa4ecywMfD03a1zLEcIQxZ4a7tYzKFyVj5Ut9LNfb-8zICd1CLBd_zP6zI2o-0ZtCcgP7OvGDtF67TlPWhyWok9L9KWZOpHfNU6zz9QzQrhPsJszz5N9YcNsx2Vy-6vSIFksqpA/w640-h428/M4A3E2%20T33%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost ready!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc7jYWhUsYzB0KB2WTjcEd_eGRIgfh9-qjcjwIIQD2EVFq8uG6G-yWuTM3ebS-E3krtrhgjHkPlNGGfz3szk2tvYs0UKspAabk5jOD67WBRJ9DdDlRa2N7zqHyimBjaDWkWPo4HtLDzypxmx0wyB_6NjWu4UVza7dRN6LQXWWE92bJzP_Qm0_zHHRsRLz/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqc7jYWhUsYzB0KB2WTjcEd_eGRIgfh9-qjcjwIIQD2EVFq8uG6G-yWuTM3ebS-E3krtrhgjHkPlNGGfz3szk2tvYs0UKspAabk5jOD67WBRJ9DdDlRa2N7zqHyimBjaDWkWPo4HtLDzypxmx0wyB_6NjWu4UVza7dRN6LQXWWE92bJzP_Qm0_zHHRsRLz/w640-h420/M4A3E2%20T33%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">adding to our hot girl a .50 Browning...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4bVUyHovaiI-vMgaNt9e0Bsa714huy8eXSSRpsPj9sixHgE7p4Y6mFevq0rT6msgF87s9xuooDhEmnNIBkGng06ST1otJBj3SuOqGcuz-fuaNMiiG5dl6bMT85ZfT0pNTRZv5aTw4QM3ExZ0YFC0tbNxnQy1FiJHaf89zp9_y7yCu-mirc8Fk4_U7LSF/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4bVUyHovaiI-vMgaNt9e0Bsa714huy8eXSSRpsPj9sixHgE7p4Y6mFevq0rT6msgF87s9xuooDhEmnNIBkGng06ST1otJBj3SuOqGcuz-fuaNMiiG5dl6bMT85ZfT0pNTRZv5aTw4QM3ExZ0YFC0tbNxnQy1FiJHaf89zp9_y7yCu-mirc8Fk4_U7LSF/w640-h460/M4A3E2%20T33%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...tools and other stuff.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwDisQj0iJdxqGn3JyMqk4lD4AbafWR3ThFXvOJMrlI4e8q-6PpPudyHiOPSZYVlNrw227AUHPRG-oGr5kcdrY_uoyehU6M21H3EHw4x7LKO-fCOYmXY8crE4if_hzoBkqC6nIevsEAcldHkpPG4wSQYdSalikmvh2khrZKkYBFKNbe4PMPrkSyqAUXnC/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwDisQj0iJdxqGn3JyMqk4lD4AbafWR3ThFXvOJMrlI4e8q-6PpPudyHiOPSZYVlNrw227AUHPRG-oGr5kcdrY_uoyehU6M21H3EHw4x7LKO-fCOYmXY8crE4if_hzoBkqC6nIevsEAcldHkpPG4wSQYdSalikmvh2khrZKkYBFKNbe4PMPrkSyqAUXnC/w640-h468/M4A3E2%20T33%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf0Aaec5-3IkpwAF8JGDjpP5cWwsx_etXFaEHvue6U3jKPaGQeEQ1v6ZOjrn-Ezx_Z7CD8wZCwDztZ1Vzx9vURakCW8yL21rQrpqq9RKMgezqo1VaY6BTWj4gaWFysx4kqMVqqQfuLdQFNckuYAKEATqgWeXrcWs-huDT-JsJPFfzl7wQKucrZEAIcAjn/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf0Aaec5-3IkpwAF8JGDjpP5cWwsx_etXFaEHvue6U3jKPaGQeEQ1v6ZOjrn-Ezx_Z7CD8wZCwDztZ1Vzx9vURakCW8yL21rQrpqq9RKMgezqo1VaY6BTWj4gaWFysx4kqMVqqQfuLdQFNckuYAKEATqgWeXrcWs-huDT-JsJPFfzl7wQKucrZEAIcAjn/w640-h468/M4A3E2%20T33%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GJa0-yFYwTyiZVnAM-C5AWa5hjYoVLAukOiPPDkcMYkTjTnmSYWj7cvEuSFFuRSUO8UmxjjGClRYD50z_U3APUarx4PULqZt0pmt-vdl1vmuhMmScF0rgtA6sdDPqWw40vPeLfB7Y7QuaTNa4-bRluHMpEYBRwKIBhJbfgoVOg9hNe6knb1UjsuXdrd2/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GJa0-yFYwTyiZVnAM-C5AWa5hjYoVLAukOiPPDkcMYkTjTnmSYWj7cvEuSFFuRSUO8UmxjjGClRYD50z_U3APUarx4PULqZt0pmt-vdl1vmuhMmScF0rgtA6sdDPqWw40vPeLfB7Y7QuaTNa4-bRluHMpEYBRwKIBhJbfgoVOg9hNe6knb1UjsuXdrd2/w640-h416/M4A3E2%20T33%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Oooops...I was almost forgetting about the Commander's flamethrower gun. Let's do it from scratch, following the same "cake recipe" that I made on the <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/T31%20Demolition%20Tank%20%28M4A3E8%20HVSS%29" target="_blank">T31 Demolition Tank (M4A3E8 HVSS)</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhCTcKE-WsrA3JKIsiW0lksfhU06OiOPhKun4zuAMMd6mgD5gxL_Vaies-vF6xmfHyASH4K6kEY-2rW3rbWAol_u8NEMncyOdMugRAtVt_6QR264D1fJM9IOxkiAnG87wDZVGkbwdPuLdbQgeanQyYiECfpWhazSE2649nYYY3UTCkLsIjG5FD-cRjUt-/s1024/e6r3%20flam%20gun%20comm%20hatch.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="1024" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhCTcKE-WsrA3JKIsiW0lksfhU06OiOPhKun4zuAMMd6mgD5gxL_Vaies-vF6xmfHyASH4K6kEY-2rW3rbWAol_u8NEMncyOdMugRAtVt_6QR264D1fJM9IOxkiAnG87wDZVGkbwdPuLdbQgeanQyYiECfpWhazSE2649nYYY3UTCkLsIjG5FD-cRjUt-/w640-h186/e6r3%20flam%20gun%20comm%20hatch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But I'm going to sacrifice some historical accuracy here: I'm going to make the base of the flamethrower a little thicker, to avoid accidental breakage. This flamethrower gun is very exposed, here on top of the tank...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcBsA0owXNSx7mOmMZ4gd15L7PYUEV9kr7Z-mXwKXEAumFDzti571oEdnXrmHpFpHqeJnwA0-MMfC3BdO50dxQEoAyR3SS0gUovS-Zj9j6yvelUfqhR43-qEbC3thserAvvnUutQoA_xe-vs5js3XEBoy_Ere-x1uLS1DQQLI_NzdHsn_iKNoed1P2G71/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcBsA0owXNSx7mOmMZ4gd15L7PYUEV9kr7Z-mXwKXEAumFDzti571oEdnXrmHpFpHqeJnwA0-MMfC3BdO50dxQEoAyR3SS0gUovS-Zj9j6yvelUfqhR43-qEbC3thserAvvnUutQoA_xe-vs5js3XEBoy_Ere-x1uLS1DQQLI_NzdHsn_iKNoed1P2G71/w640-h370/M4A3E2%20T33%20082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the flamethrower gun.<span style="text-align: justify;">..</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTVZ-tgDhD_na9d0KjHJMADoVkLnesnPJX_dWhTN2N5KWOL34MJ9vuoLc84RxpF3dz4WiFfEwxTh7FFf544GmVrFREFBDldHAZFCL1hIH_AJ8LvY1iTgf8xZ_mkOhuMqd2xMpUGrQ1brlSh8DP1GHGy96IbHZhWdQbNoNKWFV9dP8osyqVE8HNwsFOZNU/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTVZ-tgDhD_na9d0KjHJMADoVkLnesnPJX_dWhTN2N5KWOL34MJ9vuoLc84RxpF3dz4WiFfEwxTh7FFf544GmVrFREFBDldHAZFCL1hIH_AJ8LvY1iTgf8xZ_mkOhuMqd2xMpUGrQ1brlSh8DP1GHGy96IbHZhWdQbNoNKWFV9dP8osyqVE8HNwsFOZNU/w640-h420/M4A3E2%20T33%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the <span style="text-align: justify;">flamethrower gun</span> on the right side of the periscope<br />of the Commander's cupola hatch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZha6CVEf5gr4qvSClN1EVp6shsxHSZ1DNSgOA2jrNhPh98wrwp3GSJ_PEM_yOiaYbOKbfjdBieUE9nwd3jGMFNW7MXz5tqzKgUno1VKJoa169PMVVcUNHN8s61faZkjYPK5ZHJgqwHJxLBhpuAhCW8ftLx_2rI-YNJySyFwHgIsdkCqbxUAsR-zBw-sHy/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZha6CVEf5gr4qvSClN1EVp6shsxHSZ1DNSgOA2jrNhPh98wrwp3GSJ_PEM_yOiaYbOKbfjdBieUE9nwd3jGMFNW7MXz5tqzKgUno1VKJoa169PMVVcUNHN8s61faZkjYPK5ZHJgqwHJxLBhpuAhCW8ftLx_2rI-YNJySyFwHgIsdkCqbxUAsR-zBw-sHy/w640-h406/M4A3E2%20T33%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <span style="text-align: justify;">flamethrower gun</span>, in a view from the left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX975k0PVKzENZapYFiS8R3MQGEvUVqRwCrHV9MRNKlnuSaTbQ-9xn0Znvuf0NLyU_-BdLjXjGorF-D4lgJ1LasHRmIUaCt5XuOijZld9qKc50h30rbMH9B75gavou30F2qhtOSRB1RfvbwoC3CDxOU6OdJMGh8d9Kh0_u7HPT0Ad7bLXSxgPoctLQBZM2/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX975k0PVKzENZapYFiS8R3MQGEvUVqRwCrHV9MRNKlnuSaTbQ-9xn0Znvuf0NLyU_-BdLjXjGorF-D4lgJ1LasHRmIUaCt5XuOijZld9qKc50h30rbMH9B75gavou30F2qhtOSRB1RfvbwoC3CDxOU6OdJMGh8d9Kh0_u7HPT0Ad7bLXSxgPoctLQBZM2/w640-h450/M4A3E2%20T33%20085.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Now, let's paint the </span>flamethrower gun <span style="text-align: justify;">with brush<br />and make the final details, on the kit... </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And with that, I consider this interesting vehicle finished. With you, JANE, a T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank, with the hypothetical markings of a possible Invasion of the main Japanese Islands.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHzpAwxZ4ss2QOKEO3zKIxhgGd4-CyACquGWqr8YQ4Ge1FhHaSFjoMgsDU-QZDnSycBNWTV96oFD6qfGAzkeLpCIiu6pBmarQmmW3bAyAbC64LEWCoFJCnH4DyimN0xkV4_gvZ6Wh4bjbA7xizyAzjDernRHsyXtgDjyuQmKJQu7LJFFUlxMRIHXRMGgk/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHzpAwxZ4ss2QOKEO3zKIxhgGd4-CyACquGWqr8YQ4Ge1FhHaSFjoMgsDU-QZDnSycBNWTV96oFD6qfGAzkeLpCIiu6pBmarQmmW3bAyAbC64LEWCoFJCnH4DyimN0xkV4_gvZ6Wh4bjbA7xizyAzjDernRHsyXtgDjyuQmKJQu7LJFFUlxMRIHXRMGgk/w640-h462/M4A3E2%20T33%2087106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vHglNyNnaQoptNXMxhF0rClbzocO8Lu9W5bcWNZpZfPy-gJVayNq3EnhgXLoNgBMxwMc2zfRJM9KPVB9Xa1lHzslUivSutp0wdzmWKK2ZBCuphiNBJklmZqQFMG0JGAItGK5dzr5c-b5nw2CmPPKbbpSczlOdR9UGHe5lMZzyvdKVbNExr_QKLtpIESv/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vHglNyNnaQoptNXMxhF0rClbzocO8Lu9W5bcWNZpZfPy-gJVayNq3EnhgXLoNgBMxwMc2zfRJM9KPVB9Xa1lHzslUivSutp0wdzmWKK2ZBCuphiNBJklmZqQFMG0JGAItGK5dzr5c-b5nw2CmPPKbbpSczlOdR9UGHe5lMZzyvdKVbNExr_QKLtpIESv/w640-h450/M4A3E2%20T33%2087107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI9Rsff-Rbez9H9972JpVMdc0iLdWq_0MzAc_QmM7wGmFsaEB6oDLCoCa9zBDr_1YfGW9GMNHXRqgb-N9Gt3lZSoZSTCMwxmlG43MTDBHPGWqbFr60aqLWEWxLhSAfChWWU5dLkvnO1fPfGba1HRU10si0jZplyUhOj7fuCbFAbUz2dPBY3_LdhWsUkXv/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087108.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI9Rsff-Rbez9H9972JpVMdc0iLdWq_0MzAc_QmM7wGmFsaEB6oDLCoCa9zBDr_1YfGW9GMNHXRqgb-N9Gt3lZSoZSTCMwxmlG43MTDBHPGWqbFr60aqLWEWxLhSAfChWWU5dLkvnO1fPfGba1HRU10si0jZplyUhOj7fuCbFAbUz2dPBY3_LdhWsUkXv/w640-h412/M4A3E2%20T33%2087108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"<br />left side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOKOG7rliVJk3yNOG6n9IhhD7KwckKKmbEWuSK4rtgHZlrOXZAQD3b4Mw8FiZSkj2d0cU9fr4BdOZLxxFKkRa0Hbi1CcTda0O511Lqpv9lYe2WaJSSrQehq9JuPDcb0HIZFgPrZGJCmXLg6350_FwnzuR2Aoswko0UOeDYD2vEV0ad8xWF1BDGD1t_WAf/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOKOG7rliVJk3yNOG6n9IhhD7KwckKKmbEWuSK4rtgHZlrOXZAQD3b4Mw8FiZSkj2d0cU9fr4BdOZLxxFKkRa0Hbi1CcTda0O511Lqpv9lYe2WaJSSrQehq9JuPDcb0HIZFgPrZGJCmXLg6350_FwnzuR2Aoswko0UOeDYD2vEV0ad8xWF1BDGD1t_WAf/w640-h424/M4A3E2%20T33%2087109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"<br />rear left side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_D-z2nqwOb0a052Ki7wwcZlvjIQgkKnnDiZ5iugZWeoS_d_q8Z4Xz_2YL62-3EU6si0K7tNZi0N0sk2KYzlFzBgxwhAtkhz5UczdcBP4hw6mkG8lzFXOhROFFiMlszh0_p9QirKQxWpIgVWLoefywaL0gidO2ptKjDwfJ8up0Og9nmtPb5LOiKBGM8Bl/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_D-z2nqwOb0a052Ki7wwcZlvjIQgkKnnDiZ5iugZWeoS_d_q8Z4Xz_2YL62-3EU6si0K7tNZi0N0sk2KYzlFzBgxwhAtkhz5UczdcBP4hw6mkG8lzFXOhROFFiMlszh0_p9QirKQxWpIgVWLoefywaL0gidO2ptKjDwfJ8up0Og9nmtPb5LOiKBGM8Bl/w640-h452/M4A3E2%20T33%2087110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"<br />rear right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE0z3RUSFBVf3rEM80_uWLz5vaHk7nSx6a1bYN-TEsHGQmRC62Dn1VDMub_i5BOmYmAiv_Mr7hDYd8_RW3XKS8ro21iMvFW3tQU_JoVitZ2iAG_23Kq6hKfFDQlQJRtkQ4DFlMrNA2mUAa3Fls7calCA2rvTbe_GqttbQ7OOilzpXtUQ-L5srhnPcAqqy/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE0z3RUSFBVf3rEM80_uWLz5vaHk7nSx6a1bYN-TEsHGQmRC62Dn1VDMub_i5BOmYmAiv_Mr7hDYd8_RW3XKS8ro21iMvFW3tQU_JoVitZ2iAG_23Kq6hKfFDQlQJRtkQ4DFlMrNA2mUAa3Fls7calCA2rvTbe_GqttbQ7OOilzpXtUQ-L5srhnPcAqqy/w640-h398/M4A3E2%20T33%2087111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"<br />right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyFridUxZhS5ocYVFsEB3DaVOIiiPfsxLtUa-Hv8xJOfdBkm8OsmLepVVEV1Ekuur4wDuSDbGsAyznkf8CvJYh9q8mlsWJl1FXQy2c7udUjYpK7ZY4Dzf44RRI-PQCw9sEvPaknlOwXSdssfSBPBQb1dRnfrRcfFyEiTT40hi9QpMq5ido2EM3Gz3flsf/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087112.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1280" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyFridUxZhS5ocYVFsEB3DaVOIiiPfsxLtUa-Hv8xJOfdBkm8OsmLepVVEV1Ekuur4wDuSDbGsAyznkf8CvJYh9q8mlsWJl1FXQy2c7udUjYpK7ZY4Dzf44RRI-PQCw9sEvPaknlOwXSdssfSBPBQb1dRnfrRcfFyEiTT40hi9QpMq5ido2EM3Gz3flsf/w640-h502/M4A3E2%20T33%2087112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't get close, because I know how to<br />defend myself at close range...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OK05bGMqCOhbXrj_457StqdoKPC0JxGhqPaNKXqPTl-J-INNNbEkloasjPmM_z3e1ZSPIUdMU5mktdV7CdW4Pd2ZCcR8_wdnL6_KdC9TGN19zUOp-bGPbahDtozoyXbjClCHGZsLo1RELkPVvWmVTFWp9-DmmsS2d0Egzgpc2-JHIqswItddZus-jQRB/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1280" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-OK05bGMqCOhbXrj_457StqdoKPC0JxGhqPaNKXqPTl-J-INNNbEkloasjPmM_z3e1ZSPIUdMU5mktdV7CdW4Pd2ZCcR8_wdnL6_KdC9TGN19zUOp-bGPbahDtozoyXbjClCHGZsLo1RELkPVvWmVTFWp9-DmmsS2d0Egzgpc2-JHIqswItddZus-jQRB/w640-h474/M4A3E2%20T33%2087113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"<br />front right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3PcEDacTHAkg_jB0Ef5PHDttyJ5VZ_WGaKj76uDaGCi5C2lBUE272auDGF3-COyxlm93gbezShXvN5XTcbm2mTT4v8VWF8uNHEVkqBXC1hLZtnETx0XzmYj2AksAuLhp6DrCVo3lbsS-ckMgRHQhfvUBnG70I67JvDhOnzq7CA9VsDuabOljSOF6cQgL/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087115.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3PcEDacTHAkg_jB0Ef5PHDttyJ5VZ_WGaKj76uDaGCi5C2lBUE272auDGF3-COyxlm93gbezShXvN5XTcbm2mTT4v8VWF8uNHEVkqBXC1hLZtnETx0XzmYj2AksAuLhp6DrCVo3lbsS-ckMgRHQhfvUBnG70I67JvDhOnzq7CA9VsDuabOljSOF6cQgL/w640-h412/M4A3E2%20T33%2087115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"<br />with Kojak, very proud of your new girl!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkT5si1FVhs8GL6rpcTXQKGsiC12a3EQ0EGpUYl4ZO7lbW-M1uG6J4McwCLFGUvFHfa67GqgMpvLsMCi9-EROzER8yjaWxXjNIQ2jSq-A40oyrfT4unisb6-WZRA6Cgg6yaZTXq4QX09I1oS6A5pE7PGE7x2mSrC9x_MKDYQvP-1cWcv_wKm81YiOstH2/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkT5si1FVhs8GL6rpcTXQKGsiC12a3EQ0EGpUYl4ZO7lbW-M1uG6J4McwCLFGUvFHfa67GqgMpvLsMCi9-EROzER8yjaWxXjNIQ2jSq-A40oyrfT4unisb6-WZRA6Cgg6yaZTXq4QX09I1oS6A5pE7PGE7x2mSrC9x_MKDYQvP-1cWcv_wKm81YiOstH2/w640-h408/M4A3E2%20T33%2087117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"</div><div style="text-align: center;">with <a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Sherman%20V%20%28M4A4%29%20ARV%20Mk%20I" target="_blank">Sherman V (M4A4) ARV Mark I</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgYEo4pbmVjCrS57LSlYZvxHbINEFwLxgmq5KPyMLklDk4s5YHVnUW81JaJ_-gWruh97UrOBcCI3RNrcyypNYaUiOn-JSMc1c0BhFcP0OIzPnZ-iSJbPCmE0Iva2OLIgzv_yQqQQE6dInczDnDbUjkee6nO1vowOQY8YbVvWp6Ze7L8JidlKS1jXJwjkB/s1280/M4A3E2%20T33%2087116.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgYEo4pbmVjCrS57LSlYZvxHbINEFwLxgmq5KPyMLklDk4s5YHVnUW81JaJ_-gWruh97UrOBcCI3RNrcyypNYaUiOn-JSMc1c0BhFcP0OIzPnZ-iSJbPCmE0Iva2OLIgzv_yQqQQE6dInczDnDbUjkee6nO1vowOQY8YbVvWp6Ze7L8JidlKS1jXJwjkB/w640-h456/M4A3E2%20T33%2087116.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T33 - M4A3E2 (HVSS) mechanized flamethrower tank "JANE"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Thank you very much for following the entire project, my friends. The conversion kit from StahlHelmModels is really good. See you on the next project!!</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSx2_d72NtGbLkyhZjCLOxc8ThVxPLxI0ZWBl0d7oOkNLETFrbvQ18S3RTb3GEabOmwmRAai8znG4AE67eZ2E9hMVEVQpSnu4rl2Sjb6YDBINZCRI7M_hIshyphenhyphenUolOi0bm8CDZNOcLdk1PCbbJ5ln27uU6bmLmivMQDYqoeyKuvIpUy3KbdFwm8gufMeMB/s1280/joke.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSx2_d72NtGbLkyhZjCLOxc8ThVxPLxI0ZWBl0d7oOkNLETFrbvQ18S3RTb3GEabOmwmRAai8znG4AE67eZ2E9hMVEVQpSnu4rl2Sjb6YDBINZCRI7M_hIshyphenhyphenUolOi0bm8CDZNOcLdk1PCbbJ5ln27uU6bmLmivMQDYqoeyKuvIpUy3KbdFwm8gufMeMB/w640-h418/joke.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indeed!!!</td></tr></tbody></table>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-40212533580960816342023-07-22T11:59:00.007-03:002023-07-22T12:04:07.140-03:00155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Gunners!!!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> This month we're introducing a super-quick project, OOTB, for a change. In this month, we will talk about one of the classic american heavy guns of the Allied artillery, the might and legendary <b>155mm heavy gun Long Tom.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzXBokevqZlGdJZPoh0nLsBpyIhu7ecVeakuEyWX0on84GMTvSQqXYepli0jE5IuIOrtN7pDvfVdybm7BQdOhaljgSPhHOEPeFvgtlazW6o3wRRKAr3Pk3TlftUlqOZz5rAwdjlvetWj8WrgngwN0w9ML0VaOBdW9XeQ_9aV6OaecDXsFF0mYwp03Rw6F/s1280/155mm%20cover3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1280" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzXBokevqZlGdJZPoh0nLsBpyIhu7ecVeakuEyWX0on84GMTvSQqXYepli0jE5IuIOrtN7pDvfVdybm7BQdOhaljgSPhHOEPeFvgtlazW6o3wRRKAr3Pk3TlftUlqOZz5rAwdjlvetWj8WrgngwN0w9ML0VaOBdW9XeQ_9aV6OaecDXsFF0mYwp03Rw6F/w640-h532/155mm%20cover3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCns1RXK8n2KPmzVxp58blhbQ5sDZ9oqYCghK5s0klxWG5DAroJm66jgYluz9eCIjXRsqfmrNPFYthHiQCEOY82xkhOOvj8Yfj1fP8elrF8swD1gF7VPlAtUyFROxnQ-gw2pqLmW4WSU9fRF-H5w5CPUz42kTsk6LGjtH2-h_UpPUfMkUXDNcaAY2rQ/s1280/155mm%20long.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCns1RXK8n2KPmzVxp58blhbQ5sDZ9oqYCghK5s0klxWG5DAroJm66jgYluz9eCIjXRsqfmrNPFYthHiQCEOY82xkhOOvj8Yfj1fP8elrF8swD1gF7VPlAtUyFROxnQ-gw2pqLmW4WSU9fRF-H5w5CPUz42kTsk6LGjtH2-h_UpPUfMkUXDNcaAY2rQ/w640-h360/155mm%20long.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-align: justify;">155 mm gun M59 Long Tom</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>History:</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>155 mm gun Long Tom</b> was a 155 mm caliber field gun developed and used by the United States military.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7BOVY33cIlyTHEif1lrO815ac_tkstyft6UXfY2qtiIR8XH0LWnKGfSRKysUCj2KHfK5JHYAFnHWAn1gbB5f3mXetuKLfPIlD6yi51lU88Gy-Izt--2lBtrc9kvPFy4lVY6KpKSBHoguQOJdaDbvBWWxWWqreBBeITpZIyp9WtzPfn45PttY0DRI8MXs/s1280/long%20tom%20being%20towed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7BOVY33cIlyTHEif1lrO815ac_tkstyft6UXfY2qtiIR8XH0LWnKGfSRKysUCj2KHfK5JHYAFnHWAn1gbB5f3mXetuKLfPIlD6yi51lU88Gy-Izt--2lBtrc9kvPFy4lVY6KpKSBHoguQOJdaDbvBWWxWWqreBBeITpZIyp9WtzPfn45PttY0DRI8MXs/w640-h420/long%20tom%20being%20towed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M59 Long Tom 155mm gun preserved being towed<br />(in firing position) by a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mack_NO" style="text-align: justify;">Mack NO</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> 6×6 7½ ton truck</span><br />font: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/155-Gun-M1-Long-Tom/dp/0764363395" target="_blank">David Doyle´s book</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC1rfERa7zYinMGlhEjSiVGZ92DIomRbdKONIQsBsQNnADAy-4Bg9wvqYAJQU_YDR8HMRLKWmvfDmAHqmRDoS4_86T_RwF5GYYEqlxUs49ZcU2GnZpM0Az7TXaJCmwktRWUGZRYCJBVW79Sqz1o3uavD-hEKF1lL2M4LYmYFRO41Itjzke9TPcFSPgiXs/s1280/david%20doyle%20book.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1280" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC1rfERa7zYinMGlhEjSiVGZ92DIomRbdKONIQsBsQNnADAy-4Bg9wvqYAJQU_YDR8HMRLKWmvfDmAHqmRDoS4_86T_RwF5GYYEqlxUs49ZcU2GnZpM0Az7TXaJCmwktRWUGZRYCJBVW79Sqz1o3uavD-hEKF1lL2M4LYmYFRO41Itjzke9TPcFSPgiXs/w640-h638/david%20doyle%20book.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Nicknamed <b>"Long Tom"</b> (an appellation with a long and storied history in U.S. field and naval artillery), it was produced in M1 and M2 variants, later known as the M59. Developed to replace the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_155mm_GPF">Canon de 155mm GPF</a>, the gun was deployed as a heavy field weapon during World War II and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_War">Korean War</a>, and also classed as secondary armament for seacoast defense. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVXx9GsCfkIL9EYVULQLrHOeQK5ABsoNplWN_PY2IyrILhadSiWvkwvrZeJrVmHdDo6yVLwdJ212kCVN4du43C6S6UeQVnQ1AG_Id0Q2VilpA2dV8v8t3FWERCxr9EIVzBq2a9X0Tv_Ap-E0mrjksYMm9cQkYu58VDuJi_wHVLJqR1lZ5_XvtM5mMWw/s1280/Canon%20de%20155%20mm%20GPF%20at%20Fort%20de%20la%20Pompelle%20near%20Reims,%20France.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVXx9GsCfkIL9EYVULQLrHOeQK5ABsoNplWN_PY2IyrILhadSiWvkwvrZeJrVmHdDo6yVLwdJ212kCVN4du43C6S6UeQVnQ1AG_Id0Q2VilpA2dV8v8t3FWERCxr9EIVzBq2a9X0Tv_Ap-E0mrjksYMm9cQkYu58VDuJi_wHVLJqR1lZ5_XvtM5mMWw/w640-h298/Canon%20de%20155%20mm%20GPF%20at%20Fort%20de%20la%20Pompelle%20near%20Reims,%20France.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canon de 155 mm GPF<br />Fort de la Pompelle near Reims, France</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The 155mm gun Long Tom was also adopted by a number of other nations, including the United Kingdom, Austria, Israel, and the Netherlands.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Development</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Before entering World War I, the United States was poorly equipped with heavy artillery. To address this problem a number of foreign heavy artillery guns were adopted, including the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_155_mm_GPF" target="_blank">Canon de 155 mm GPF.</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUZcp77TI8r_9dAiKsIxRfvz05wbmpWqzLI7QuuDbdXOKJvdJ2P7GSB1Ca-an3Vd69BUS30ySF4XUMePM_Hs2hkYIMeFwOjQr9n2Yl_QQHjEcjr6mezRrbpdSbIbu6MEYqmqHpvcxnh-Oe6otGJxRXfmilh8I5Ft2xhmNTRVX0vz9baTt6ZdiABP-7g/s1024/Crew%20and%20155mm%20GPF%20heavy%20field%20gun,%20of%20Battery%20F,%20US%2055th%20artillery%20(C.A.C.),%20France,%201918..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="1024" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUZcp77TI8r_9dAiKsIxRfvz05wbmpWqzLI7QuuDbdXOKJvdJ2P7GSB1Ca-an3Vd69BUS30ySF4XUMePM_Hs2hkYIMeFwOjQr9n2Yl_QQHjEcjr6mezRrbpdSbIbu6MEYqmqHpvcxnh-Oe6otGJxRXfmilh8I5Ft2xhmNTRVX0vz9baTt6ZdiABP-7g/w640-h342/Crew%20and%20155mm%20GPF%20heavy%20field%20gun,%20of%20Battery%20F,%20US%2055th%20artillery%20(C.A.C.),%20France,%201918..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American gunners and 155mm GPF heavy field gun<br />oBattery F, US 55th artillery (C.A.C.), France, 1918.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the end of the war the Westervelt Board was convened to assess the artillery experience of the combatant powers and map out future directions for the US Army artillery. The conclusion of the board vis-a-vis heavy field artillery was that the French 155mm GPF should be adopted as the standard heavy field piece but further development work should occur to achieve a heavy field gun with a max. range of 23 km, a vertical arc of fire from 0° to 65°, a projectile not exceeding 45 kg and the capability to be installed on a mount with either caterpillar tracks or rubber tires. A number of prototypes were produced in the 1920s and 1930s, but the projects were put on hold due to lack of funds. In 1938 the 155 mm gun T4 on carriage T2 was finally adopted as 155 mm gun M1 on carriage M1.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvbWt1GnOhjE1Pp_mbN69NJggaXz2CdIu-VGHLFNH4qMccKnk_kHsm4Ir26qETbG3Klg2uJOAorwfyuFaVqokoVDU6VizoPo-MvbmyafoS4vPsFpgDLf9xC8ClEUp95OqAzIP2Ga4wE0lySLrDnYCAFzR35meiU3i7Vw_nO-PkXrGcAAAl-8qh12q825A/s1280/Durance%20River,%20France,%20Long%20Tom,%20Artillery,%20Howitzer,%20Pontoon%20Bridge,%20WWII,%20155%20mm%20Gun%20M1%2025-8-44.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvbWt1GnOhjE1Pp_mbN69NJggaXz2CdIu-VGHLFNH4qMccKnk_kHsm4Ir26qETbG3Klg2uJOAorwfyuFaVqokoVDU6VizoPo-MvbmyafoS4vPsFpgDLf9xC8ClEUp95OqAzIP2Ga4wE0lySLrDnYCAFzR35meiU3i7Vw_nO-PkXrGcAAAl-8qh12q825A/w640-h344/Durance%20River,%20France,%20Long%20Tom,%20Artillery,%20Howitzer,%20Pontoon%20Bridge,%20WWII,%20155%20mm%20Gun%20M1%2025-8-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm gun M1 Long Tom being towed by pontoon bridge<br />Durance River - France - 25-8-44</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>155 mm gun M1</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The new gun design used a barrel similar to the earlier 155 mm GPF, but with an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbury_mechanism">Asbury mechanism</a> that incorporated a vertically-hinged breech plug support. This type of breech used an interrupted-thread breech plug with a lock that opened and closed the breech by moving a single lever.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QTuqtL-iFKZBSsomE1hHiKaFZKGyMGhl72OUxb03zLcZU2fOqd6tGqAxs0NhYYyAZAQbj6MVm21EscLMTgkn8_gg89CC9aJpbrUpYth4AEJJTvatUIaePTxyDLdb0VxokE5HyLeGa72__sjtzvxwQ04Kkb_vbXBDtE3NX2uwtXpGJAYM_UATE0phs-dk/s1208/Asbury%20lever%20-%20breech.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1208" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QTuqtL-iFKZBSsomE1hHiKaFZKGyMGhl72OUxb03zLcZU2fOqd6tGqAxs0NhYYyAZAQbj6MVm21EscLMTgkn8_gg89CC9aJpbrUpYth4AEJJTvatUIaePTxyDLdb0VxokE5HyLeGa72__sjtzvxwQ04Kkb_vbXBDtE3NX2uwtXpGJAYM_UATE0phs-dk/w640-h460/Asbury%20lever%20-%20breech.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Asbury mechanism lever enabled a member of the reloading<br />crew to open or close the breech in a smooth single motion.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The ammunition for the 155 mm gun was "separate-loading", that is with the shell and the powder charge packaged, shipped and stored separately. The shell is lifted into position behind the breech and then rammed into the chamber to engage the shell's rotating band into the barrel rifling.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPbVw4TD3we0u_GwO10OfNQkiHd6P1cQ7AJN4V6IF8upqqxEXY3Por3Z4z90skCakywnSvQHfdoyK7CC-r8DvptsCh79qWUv56OPxlOfUzIrEjXw80fXWDWkfjGm_3LsHXgagAUPUAuXSsHHlHWwHi9nK-31YD_Hi7TbzkGt0gYfBII9Me4p04ksenp_3/s1280/155mm%20Long%20Tom%20gun%20of%2033-61%20Heavy%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Artillery,%20at%20Vergato,%2022%20February%201945.%20Gunners%20cleaning%20the%20mud%20from%20shells.%20IWM%20NA%2022473.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1280" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPbVw4TD3we0u_GwO10OfNQkiHd6P1cQ7AJN4V6IF8upqqxEXY3Por3Z4z90skCakywnSvQHfdoyK7CC-r8DvptsCh79qWUv56OPxlOfUzIrEjXw80fXWDWkfjGm_3LsHXgagAUPUAuXSsHHlHWwHi9nK-31YD_Hi7TbzkGt0gYfBII9Me4p04ksenp_3/w640-h628/155mm%20Long%20Tom%20gun%20of%2033-61%20Heavy%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Artillery,%20at%20Vergato,%2022%20February%201945.%20Gunners%20cleaning%20the%20mud%20from%20shells.%20IWM%20NA%2022473.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm Long Tom M1 gun of 33-61 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery<br />A 155mm 'Long Tom' gun of 33/61 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery.<br /><a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vergato" target="_blank">Vergato</a>, Italy - 22 February 1945.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM NA 22473</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uxvO7kSRsMJpeoK7Map-kmYyYyFZiC-5C7Odf1WZ524IhkOAUF7PJbLMLZ0_-FYBe3pv9grwmULzxQ7MqNj29esYzYX7kfB1Fu-0gBfHslkFkLSTqNq6yD1AKLVBLMqGSKop93vs_WqGycUe0BtOi9uEgf7i47phfrTwTc38FOE18sV7HmGn8UfQiCET/s1280/155mm%20M1A1%20Long%20Tom%20in%20Diekirch,%20Luxembourg-%20Musee%20National%20dHistoire%20Militaire.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uxvO7kSRsMJpeoK7Map-kmYyYyFZiC-5C7Odf1WZ524IhkOAUF7PJbLMLZ0_-FYBe3pv9grwmULzxQ7MqNj29esYzYX7kfB1Fu-0gBfHslkFkLSTqNq6yD1AKLVBLMqGSKop93vs_WqGycUe0BtOi9uEgf7i47phfrTwTc38FOE18sV7HmGn8UfQiCET/w640-h300/155mm%20M1A1%20Long%20Tom%20in%20Diekirch,%20Luxembourg-%20Musee%20National%20dHistoire%20Militaire.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm M59 "Long Tom" in front at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Museum_of_Military_History_(Luxembourg)" target="_blank">Musee National d´Histoire Militaire</a><br />with shells and gun powder cases of ammunition<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diekirch" target="_blank">Diekirch</a> - Luxembourg</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Ramming the shell home is followed by loading a number of powder bags, as required for the desired range. The powder charge could be loaded in up to seven charge settings. Once the powder is loaded, the breech plug is closed and locked, and a primer is placed in the breech plug's firing mechanism. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_Mm7u8JM-OIhxKLW_7VX9-_C2bHVPLCV1wg12oPnoes5bNFgmIwfHO6gRj1OWWQKSHJV-6qg__BvUZiI5tr7dDdJg2esLjL7KEpJfZBbhlfbAzZ9MeutvYCtLw-DgBuiILiTg84ARma-1us82uckQ1UmU1430qDFJanZHnktKEVftpJ_Y33orTiUwC_s/s1280/Long%20Tom%20gun%20of%2033-61%20Heavy%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Artillery,%20at%20Vergato,%2022%20February%201945.-%20IWM%20NA%2022472.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_Mm7u8JM-OIhxKLW_7VX9-_C2bHVPLCV1wg12oPnoes5bNFgmIwfHO6gRj1OWWQKSHJV-6qg__BvUZiI5tr7dDdJg2esLjL7KEpJfZBbhlfbAzZ9MeutvYCtLw-DgBuiILiTg84ARma-1us82uckQ1UmU1430qDFJanZHnktKEVftpJ_Y33orTiUwC_s/w640-h480/Long%20Tom%20gun%20of%2033-61%20Heavy%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Artillery,%20at%20Vergato,%2022%20February%201945.-%20IWM%20NA%2022472.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 155mm 'Long Tom' M1 gun of 33/61 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery. <br />A gunner removes a charge from its protective tube as a shell<br />is loaded into the breech. <a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vergato" target="_blank">Vergato</a>, Italy - 22 February 1945.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM NA 22472</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After setting the elevation and azimuth, the gun is ready to fire. The firing mechanism is a device for initiating the ammunition primer. The primer then sets off the igniter which ignites the propelling charge of the ammunition. A continuous-pull lanyard first cocks the firing pin, then fires the primer when pulled. The gun was developed into M1A1 and M2 variants. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaasvZ6TkAltqDsiotk2NP_AS4eqT0h-qoN5ybIh_OgmSVxccMea0GK9XGHE81dKCNy6PMTzyMrp7A22XOJd0Es3nC2g_m4juX2JwMAEzttGB2RoFJkuEYzuNwfjdC6ab31LUBmQQpTGHM7izgWRTWaC0rX0N0Ggpr3gAF48P3w0JjFuWGDu_DV_dt-IEb/s1024/155mm%20gun%20Long%20Tom%20firing%20Nettuno%20area,%20Italy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaasvZ6TkAltqDsiotk2NP_AS4eqT0h-qoN5ybIh_OgmSVxccMea0GK9XGHE81dKCNy6PMTzyMrp7A22XOJd0Es3nC2g_m4juX2JwMAEzttGB2RoFJkuEYzuNwfjdC6ab31LUBmQQpTGHM7izgWRTWaC0rX0N0Ggpr3gAF48P3w0JjFuWGDu_DV_dt-IEb/w640-h486/155mm%20gun%20Long%20Tom%20firing%20Nettuno%20area,%20Italy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm gun M1 Long Tom firing by Nettuno area, Italy - 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After World War II, the United States Army re-organized, and the gun was re-designated as the M59.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8Pqa0b_BW3Z4bkYzI2tmd1mxgwT-IfzrjVNfC86aPrxcN1kviy7O_H6U4sHyR4Zeen_aRvd-gS2eJ4D5P_jkowYJzpSXtye-p-zNqUbfW4v2SS6hP1fX_-YSDoCLhrtXMBbhqNvjWwG9q94GQiJi2GLz3GAQwFmN93hceEyQCmWl794RD87g5W5iLhJB/s1024/m59%20firing%20Vietnan%201958%20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1024" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8Pqa0b_BW3Z4bkYzI2tmd1mxgwT-IfzrjVNfC86aPrxcN1kviy7O_H6U4sHyR4Zeen_aRvd-gS2eJ4D5P_jkowYJzpSXtye-p-zNqUbfW4v2SS6hP1fX_-YSDoCLhrtXMBbhqNvjWwG9q94GQiJi2GLz3GAQwFmN93hceEyQCmWl794RD87g5W5iLhJB/w640-h440/m59%20firing%20Vietnan%201958%20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A M59 Long Tom 155mm gun firing somewhere in<br />Korean front - 1950.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Carriage M1</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_carriage">gun carriage</a> provides a stable, yet mobile, base for the gun. The new <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_carriage#Modern_gun_carriages">split-trail</a> carriage featured an eight-wheel integral two-axle bogie and a two-wheel limber that supported the trails for transport. The carriage was a two-piece design. The upper carriage included the side frames with trunnion bearings that supported the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydraulic_recoil_mechanism">recoil mechanism</a> that carried the gun cradle, slide and gun tube. The upper carriage also incorporated the elevating and azimuth gearing. The upper carriage pivoted in azimuth on the lower carriage. The lower carriage included the transport suspension and the split-trail that stabilized and absorbed recoil when the gun was fired.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the gun was placed in a firing position with the gun pointing in the desired direction, the trails were lowered to the ground and the limber was removed. The carriage wheels would then be raised using built-in ratcheting screw-jacks, lowering the gun carriage to the ground. Once on the ground, the limber-end of the trail legs were separated to form a wide "vee" shape with its apex at the center of the carriage pivot point. A <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_carriage#Modern_gun_carriages">recoil spade</a> at the limber-end of each trail leg required a correctly positioned hole to be dug for the spade, which was attached to the trail end, to transmit the recoil from gun carriage through the trails and into the earth. This made the gun very stable and assisted its accuracy. The removable spades were transported in brackets on the trail legs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The carriage M1 and M2 were shared with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M115_howitzer">8-inch (203 mm) Howitzer M1</a>, differing only in the gun tube, sleigh, cradle, recoil and equilibrators, weight due to the heavier barrel.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_C2iQE6g46dnqQqRBkPX16aIs7tW8cZt4rfAo7YNi6TStnd_8ZIkTPnU5VPoCjtxdpwiqTGJyZ4_iO7dvkU4ZFU2bvfh2XMO0zyOx3UQaMs1vwK_y4uo3iQxkw2C73fQfkZKmT9KeT9NOmdVgoY6is6OWYOB2rHCBBLtwsSnH1nUQu98qGnbl_PglDxR/s1280/8%20inch%20M1%20Howitzer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_C2iQE6g46dnqQqRBkPX16aIs7tW8cZt4rfAo7YNi6TStnd_8ZIkTPnU5VPoCjtxdpwiqTGJyZ4_iO7dvkU4ZFU2bvfh2XMO0zyOx3UQaMs1vwK_y4uo3iQxkw2C73fQfkZKmT9KeT9NOmdVgoY6is6OWYOB2rHCBBLtwsSnH1nUQu98qGnbl_PglDxR/w640-h426/8%20inch%20M1%20Howitzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8-inch (203 mm) Howitzer M1</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The carriage consists of a combination of the following major components:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYBIGTRLisg_Us5cEHbrBv9OTfPYLDqTWA6CQEvErubPmRcSVyFZD4KbL1ebXL4Jdy8u4T-mKgBBhaUQQdB9TF7c7j7U5PtsVHr_2fYBJFsiKMkXjqu_pmcdfj9syl_bp7MHcdKAEbar7lVIl2BllZ-bUq9HIBBYyBim0q2ahhAtv0Fhfy0Qg3ldDp1rU/s860/components.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="860" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYBIGTRLisg_Us5cEHbrBv9OTfPYLDqTWA6CQEvErubPmRcSVyFZD4KbL1ebXL4Jdy8u4T-mKgBBhaUQQdB9TF7c7j7U5PtsVHr_2fYBJFsiKMkXjqu_pmcdfj9syl_bp7MHcdKAEbar7lVIl2BllZ-bUq9HIBBYyBim0q2ahhAtv0Fhfy0Qg3ldDp1rU/w640-h276/components.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tu6H9AvCnLY" width="320" youtube-src-id="Tu6H9AvCnLY"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">British 155mm Long Tom gun in action</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Normandy - France - 1944.</div><b>Service:</b><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Long Tom saw combat for the first time in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_African_Campaign">North African Campaign</a> on December 24, 1942, with "A" Battery of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/36th_Field_Artillery_Regiment">36th Field Artillery Regiment</a>. Eventually it equipped 33 U.S. Army battalions in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Theatre_of_World_War_II">European</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Theater_of_Operations">Mediterranean Theaters</a>, and 8 in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_War">Pacific Theater</a>. The 155 mm gun was also used by several <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_defense_battalions">Marine defense battalions</a>, notably during <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cartwheel">Operation Cartwheel</a> in 1943.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXFWIC8TAk2nA_9I6BL4Z8gxHz9n_a-8euwgYpMApqirQtywEv4YmC77RcCQQlP5ZX_-WWIx5uEP_HAGJvk822al7o0wA4n_4sL9I636pbgjwQggvJJ8PCWWPzsYbhFAOFMk9VokONVly8cYqJjypYw56HMH6b_jRJ5BnDB6WsIvsdHFFF8zCZHpb3SLz/s1280/55mm%20Long%20Tom%20gun%20of%2075th%20Heavy%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Artillery,%20being%20towed%20through%20Borgo%20San%20Lorenzo,%20Italy,%2012%20September%201944%20-%20%20IWM%20NA%2018595.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXFWIC8TAk2nA_9I6BL4Z8gxHz9n_a-8euwgYpMApqirQtywEv4YmC77RcCQQlP5ZX_-WWIx5uEP_HAGJvk822al7o0wA4n_4sL9I636pbgjwQggvJJ8PCWWPzsYbhFAOFMk9VokONVly8cYqJjypYw56HMH6b_jRJ5BnDB6WsIvsdHFFF8zCZHpb3SLz/w640-h486/55mm%20Long%20Tom%20gun%20of%2075th%20Heavy%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Artillery,%20being%20towed%20through%20Borgo%20San%20Lorenzo,%20Italy,%2012%20September%201944%20-%20%20IWM%20NA%2018595.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm Long Tom gun of 75th Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery,<br />being towed through Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy, 12 September 1944.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM NA 18595</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS16c9CVkY2riR0Uquxhil-KNJLekR1wuEs1G7ttp9BnaVLRRl_S_Th0qL7i84WMZ5D_sk3l36R_nt-zm7lk7gHMnWkhMMw0pOziW_KJO0TFSKxbqGpgQuh1BIUTE8puXNAk6BlLCxgmopZQJzhgmox7nFrXj-JKGzti28HgP5ATG5RvBseDkj7HvQqPSv/s1280/155mm%20Long%20Tom%20gun%20of%2033-61%20Heavy%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Artillery,%20at%20Vergato,%2022%20February%201945%20-%20IWM%20NA%2022470.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS16c9CVkY2riR0Uquxhil-KNJLekR1wuEs1G7ttp9BnaVLRRl_S_Th0qL7i84WMZ5D_sk3l36R_nt-zm7lk7gHMnWkhMMw0pOziW_KJO0TFSKxbqGpgQuh1BIUTE8puXNAk6BlLCxgmopZQJzhgmox7nFrXj-JKGzti28HgP5ATG5RvBseDkj7HvQqPSv/w640-h482/155mm%20Long%20Tom%20gun%20of%2033-61%20Heavy%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Artillery,%20at%20Vergato,%2022%20February%201945%20-%20IWM%20NA%2022470.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm Long Tom gun of 33/61 Heavy Regiment<br /> Royal Artillery, at Vergato, 22 February 1945<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM NA 22470</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTrr8ZHPzqJM2hJYaoGHl67QGJRcP4Ta4ZaK8fZHe6-VTCaP1a_q-nEM-UpnEHn1avQR0FaFkjhmvf6vssKfSgPv3FZXAcfu_qFCUsp3si_AVx-pXjCvmP8ZT_xt5Uhannd7--v__08P4hmZE7nlhwJew7OqS4I443rrpRj5-a0ZL38NhpM-9P4J1uIp9/s1280/Durance%20River,%20France,%20Long%20Tom,%20Artillery,%20Howitzer,%20Pontoon%20Bridge,%20WWII,%20155%20mm%20Gun%20M1%2025-8-44.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTrr8ZHPzqJM2hJYaoGHl67QGJRcP4Ta4ZaK8fZHe6-VTCaP1a_q-nEM-UpnEHn1avQR0FaFkjhmvf6vssKfSgPv3FZXAcfu_qFCUsp3si_AVx-pXjCvmP8ZT_xt5Uhannd7--v__08P4hmZE7nlhwJew7OqS4I443rrpRj5-a0ZL38NhpM-9P4J1uIp9/w640-h344/Durance%20River,%20France,%20Long%20Tom,%20Artillery,%20Howitzer,%20Pontoon%20Bridge,%20WWII,%20155%20mm%20Gun%20M1%2025-8-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm Long Tom gun being towed through a pontoon bridge<br />over Durance River, France. 25, August. 1944. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3pvnW7w6DqX2k6fcO5sK-1YZwcaa3M9KK6y4E4dFN7WsOWyytwS3wRF3mkS-2RWFmCnVjkiZSG7gdaGWhb4966HG96df1NwylRH-WPKPS6XOGmbUYS6628C9Xh-_gb5SwAKs7b4Ozm9C21xYKGksK3LroP9k8kQJ3vEvF57iCpSRgK4plk1tOFQ24w0P/s1030/This%20155%20mm%20Long%20Tom%20gun%20failed%20to%20negotiate%20a%20hairpin%20bend%20and%20another%20truck%20had%20to%20be%20pressed%20into%20service%20to%20pull%20the%20gun%20back%20onto%20the%20road%20-%20Marradi-Palazzuolo%20-%20Italy%20-%2010-11-44%20-%20IWM%20NA%2020070.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3pvnW7w6DqX2k6fcO5sK-1YZwcaa3M9KK6y4E4dFN7WsOWyytwS3wRF3mkS-2RWFmCnVjkiZSG7gdaGWhb4966HG96df1NwylRH-WPKPS6XOGmbUYS6628C9Xh-_gb5SwAKs7b4Ozm9C21xYKGksK3LroP9k8kQJ3vEvF57iCpSRgK4plk1tOFQ24w0P/w636-h640/This%20155%20mm%20Long%20Tom%20gun%20failed%20to%20negotiate%20a%20hairpin%20bend%20and%20another%20truck%20had%20to%20be%20pressed%20into%20service%20to%20pull%20the%20gun%20back%20onto%20the%20road%20-%20Marradi-Palazzuolo%20-%20Italy%20-%2010-11-44%20-%20IWM%20NA%2020070.jpg" width="636" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This 155 mm Long Tom gun failed to negotiate a hairpin<br />bend and another truck had to be pressed into service<br />to pull the gun back onto the road.<br />Marradi-Palazzuolo - Italy - 10 November, 1944.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM NA 20070</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> A small number of Long Tom guns were authorised for supply via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lend-Lease">Lend-Lease</a> channels, to the United Kingdom (184) and France (25). The authorised establishment of British batteries (excluding training units), including four batteries from the Dominion of Newfoundland, totalled 88 guns.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Variants & types:</b></div>Gun variants:</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>M1920 - prototype.</li><li>T4 - prototype.</li><li>M1 (1938) - first production variant, 20 built.</li><li>M1A1 (1941) - modified breech ring.<span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">M1A1E1 – prototype with chromium-plated bore.</span></span></li><ul><li>M1A1E3 - prototype with liquid cooling.</li></ul><li>M2 Standard (1945) - with modified breech ring.</li><li>M59 - designation of M2 guns after WWII.</li></ul><b>Carriage variants:</b><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>T2 - prototype.</li><li>M1 (1938).</li><li>M1A1 - refurbished T2 carriages.</li><li>M2 Standard</li></ul><b>Limber variants:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>M1 Standard (1938)</li><li>M5 Heavy (1945)</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> The gun was also mounted on a modified M4 (HVSS) medium tank chassis, in mount M13. The resulting vehicle was initially designated 155 mm Gun Motor Carriage T83 and eventually standardized as <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/M40%20Gun%20Motor%20Carriage%20155mm%20%28T83%29" target="_blank">155 mm Gun Motor Carriage M40</a>. A portable "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_mount">Panama mount</a>" M1 was also provided.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuxhfFil6dl3b60cPdqqkU4SxW3m4Oj0x1Xc71pv1JEF7YYIE5Eusuine4EWEy6nY-xNrZMVJHDLVuxROniRFrT8Zj-ZW2gU4c_BzrDImGYQFI03rtnMMtIjd7-8oK6zBUCeBjm-oGj6QCUkTpmQGpyAPwpbntvwrReIR92rONfAa2rxmPHcOj4-T0cZP/s1280/M40%20SPG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkuxhfFil6dl3b60cPdqqkU4SxW3m4Oj0x1Xc71pv1JEF7YYIE5Eusuine4EWEy6nY-xNrZMVJHDLVuxROniRFrT8Zj-ZW2gU4c_BzrDImGYQFI03rtnMMtIjd7-8oK6zBUCeBjm-oGj6QCUkTpmQGpyAPwpbntvwrReIR92rONfAa2rxmPHcOj4-T0cZP/w640-h412/M40%20SPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/M40%20Gun%20Motor%20Carriage%20155mm%20%28T83%29" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">155 mm Gun Motor Carriage M40</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b>Firepower:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Long Tom fires 155mm shells with a weight of around 45 kg at ranges up to 24 km. Under normal conditions, its sustained rate of fire is 40 rounds per hour, with an estimated accuracy life of 1.500 rounds. The types of ammunition that could be used included high-explosive, smoke, chemical, and illuminator projectiles.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pX7DUv6-Tjj_fibyBcbYMQ3NEh2jZwxe4rrzqOyNtDARyj_8NWgr48PuPxa_mdJxIMdtZD0cJPODgwdq1JkqLdz57pJthudqWmLT3kh6ZG4GYhni5STFyfmRyiOXEm4gTM5nEYXejqzS4ChF1hQZiZ76pvA0fhJbF88Z_9o7ooLbqoTFtYDCxLoh-acU/s1024/155mm%20ammo%20shells.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pX7DUv6-Tjj_fibyBcbYMQ3NEh2jZwxe4rrzqOyNtDARyj_8NWgr48PuPxa_mdJxIMdtZD0cJPODgwdq1JkqLdz57pJthudqWmLT3kh6ZG4GYhni5STFyfmRyiOXEm4gTM5nEYXejqzS4ChF1hQZiZ76pvA0fhJbF88Z_9o7ooLbqoTFtYDCxLoh-acU/w640-h428/155mm%20ammo%20shells.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm shells</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Handling & </b></span><b>Mobility:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Long Tom 155mm was a big gun and difficult to transport in the field. During transport, the length is reduced by retracting the barrel onto the carriage. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ve3Yc8scwNxjyqzDnKcLFTI2608qHtGsKDr5CZAemFaz63RxYl6zl1moOqMFFCOY1Qiyt_OyX9PXR2ve209qJPnUO4VkyaG0x-nPOPyy4S03sH5gQcyH8aTTHEhCZpTl3AoajO8FUP_Fnc8YatdBSexJQki1SRdSzc7-hFsbXHWtpuLF9yv52FvHTcBS/s1280/155mm%20in%20manouvers%20-%202nd%20Army%20Battery%20C%20-%2036th%20Field%20Artillery%20Regiment%20TennesseUSA%20-%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="1280" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ve3Yc8scwNxjyqzDnKcLFTI2608qHtGsKDr5CZAemFaz63RxYl6zl1moOqMFFCOY1Qiyt_OyX9PXR2ve209qJPnUO4VkyaG0x-nPOPyy4S03sH5gQcyH8aTTHEhCZpTl3AoajO8FUP_Fnc8YatdBSexJQki1SRdSzc7-hFsbXHWtpuLF9yv52FvHTcBS/w640-h224/155mm%20in%20manouvers%20-%202nd%20Army%20Battery%20C%20-%2036th%20Field%20Artillery%20Regiment%20TennesseUSA%20-%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 155mm Long Tom gun being towed by a crawler tractor,<br />partially visible to the far right, in Army maneuvers<br />through the woods. The gun barrel was retracted to its travel position,<br />with the breech end supported in the travel lock.<br />Notice the spare tires mounted on the trails, as are the spades.<br /> 2nd Army, 36th Field Artillery Regiment, Battery C.<br />Tennesse - USA - 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Due to its weight and size, the Long Tom could not be deployed with human power alone. Its basement required trucks and/or artillery tractors. The preferable prime mover was initially the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mack_NO">Mack NO</a> 6×6 7½ ton truck; from 1943 on, it was supplemented by the tracked <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_Tractor">M4 High Speed Tractor</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_mvnkF5p7A4Of51e39LceD29Qjcr6e_3OrCuhPCWx5AEae7PgfjFaIHC_F39ueslhj9WRfbraV3qxlkq7vSADO3UKF1pFIHTe0nxLPQeJW3Bv_Bfy4auhGpTB-OJLcvlHOEPodaX63PmVyoKvAR-SYR0ZEIJbPILQP3rUmli_G0j9hZTBRJINPgC7Zyd/s1280/Mack%206x6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_mvnkF5p7A4Of51e39LceD29Qjcr6e_3OrCuhPCWx5AEae7PgfjFaIHC_F39ueslhj9WRfbraV3qxlkq7vSADO3UKF1pFIHTe0nxLPQeJW3Bv_Bfy4auhGpTB-OJLcvlHOEPodaX63PmVyoKvAR-SYR0ZEIJbPILQP3rUmli_G0j9hZTBRJINPgC7Zyd/w640-h408/Mack%206x6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mack_NO" style="text-align: justify;">Mack NO</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> 6×6 7½ ton heavy truck</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpJwlm7AU1rb9G6lZd_RBX5_zZwD_q5G9Yv1dNfDFUBb46PMRh5kinenPisCcDJpEomh_4v6IeARjRQa1oLT_clqJTA56Z2xsOR8cZjbbX549SFwNJFDPaGNYNGjrvpDHoxfntbYWzbVOH2YvTbCu0y776WssWKLWVRFdFWBnwYsO5KSz4fP8Fw_fBk5i/s1280/M4%20HST.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpJwlm7AU1rb9G6lZd_RBX5_zZwD_q5G9Yv1dNfDFUBb46PMRh5kinenPisCcDJpEomh_4v6IeARjRQa1oLT_clqJTA56Z2xsOR8cZjbbX549SFwNJFDPaGNYNGjrvpDHoxfntbYWzbVOH2YvTbCu0y776WssWKLWVRFdFWBnwYsO5KSz4fP8Fw_fBk5i/w640-h412/M4%20HST.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M4_Tractor" style="text-align: justify;">M4 Artillery High Speed Tractor</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div> Almost 72 rounds of ammunition plus propelling charges could be carried in the M21 4-ton, 2-wheel ammunition trailer; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrZ6co4BnIrn-fOe4uYu9GD1U8ApwOPBLZfPvmNofyKcrUfZLrUPQo6XtthyFi_FtHYhfYUTt28cuSza9J6pf68aepPnZTt5qh1ueJKWDen4hXkGlIlAWXpjNCY15vtKqzDcyulf8fDKfqD1jKxGogGO_6I13t5wdjWJpBT3lQYEgfjhMXajkT161_Rpc/s1024/M21%204.ton,%202%20wheel%20ammunition%20trailer.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrZ6co4BnIrn-fOe4uYu9GD1U8ApwOPBLZfPvmNofyKcrUfZLrUPQo6XtthyFi_FtHYhfYUTt28cuSza9J6pf68aepPnZTt5qh1ueJKWDen4hXkGlIlAWXpjNCY15vtKqzDcyulf8fDKfqD1jKxGogGO_6I13t5wdjWJpBT3lQYEgfjhMXajkT161_Rpc/w640-h486/M21%204.ton,%202%20wheel%20ammunition%20trailer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> As well as 16 rounds of ammunition plus propelling charges could be carried in the M10 1-ton, 2-wheel ammunition trailer that was often used because of shortages of the former. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZcM0nbgR3EGRfDgZdFmnG5BGcmR2BepH-bkLr7hgdfCGyRLsH5cqqSzbM7XO3LY8_PYd1uVD0XPFC8VQgv3FFvAuIjommdmmtoA0wrAq9WtdPnqWZV5dOxfTop1MWxN3G8rW2xdyOXWqGNX0DUd1ddK8FI8uAkGHXkP4ubm7s1pjtfIY8hOO1wOJRyFP/s1024/M10%201-ton,%202-wheel%20ammunition%20trailer.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZcM0nbgR3EGRfDgZdFmnG5BGcmR2BepH-bkLr7hgdfCGyRLsH5cqqSzbM7XO3LY8_PYd1uVD0XPFC8VQgv3FFvAuIjommdmmtoA0wrAq9WtdPnqWZV5dOxfTop1MWxN3G8rW2xdyOXWqGNX0DUd1ddK8FI8uAkGHXkP4ubm7s1pjtfIY8hOO1wOJRyFP/w640-h408/M10%201-ton,%202-wheel%20ammunition%20trailer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div> </div><div> The later heavy M23 8-ton, 4-wheel ammunition trailer introduced in 1945 could carry 96 rounds of ammunition plus propelling charges.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HRxMFfE-Z-qyuwKjRCnyAux2ngqYzatzqKNHTud2EjIhP3-ydn8rnCkDxDM0FgjBfU9GVKIwT8ZAaSGlxpVmDlAHWzo3PJEwCCuXWmx5-9lYuVpi6IL7N1r0dOJzntCSG1WqAGpXBv1_mfsigkeiwZN_yfrKCobuBbFG6cMMQgn5L-jtQsTpoMK0yFa7/s1280/M23%208-ton,%204-wheel%20ammunition%20trailer.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HRxMFfE-Z-qyuwKjRCnyAux2ngqYzatzqKNHTud2EjIhP3-ydn8rnCkDxDM0FgjBfU9GVKIwT8ZAaSGlxpVmDlAHWzo3PJEwCCuXWmx5-9lYuVpi6IL7N1r0dOJzntCSG1WqAGpXBv1_mfsigkeiwZN_yfrKCobuBbFG6cMMQgn5L-jtQsTpoMK0yFa7/w640-h456/M23%208-ton,%204-wheel%20ammunition%20trailer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Users:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The M59 was widely used by US forces during World War 2. After this conflict, it was also used in:</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Korean War</li><li>Cambodian Civil War</li><li>Croatian War of Independence</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> By that time it was supplemented by newer types of self-propelled heavy artillery. Many M59 were obtained as military aid by nations with good relations with the United States, such as:</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Italy</li><li>Australia</li><li>Greece</li><li>Austria</li><li>Japan</li><li>Jordan</li><li>South Korea</li><li>Republic of China</li><li>Turkey</li><li>Pakistan</li><li>Croatia</li><li>South Africa</li><li>United Kingdom</li><li>Yugoslavia</li><li>Netherlands</li></ul><b>Specs:</b><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpzJah8OgIR3qTy2gtxyThQktNHJ_HEXlGshBHb3XwKezem27Z5VQtsJVRS9otF05T9OvCvNfDRUu5q3TQZ3pS_ZpPfiHC83TkW9lwRLnxRsgVcRhP2YkXtZSP8lHT42TJ0M5vfqyRT6qnfC74UWn886gM4sB2rEI7prtanVATzzE6akjHZivqyocSR4B/s1400/specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1400" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpzJah8OgIR3qTy2gtxyThQktNHJ_HEXlGshBHb3XwKezem27Z5VQtsJVRS9otF05T9OvCvNfDRUu5q3TQZ3pS_ZpPfiHC83TkW9lwRLnxRsgVcRhP2YkXtZSP8lHT42TJ0M5vfqyRT6qnfC74UWn886gM4sB2rEI7prtanVATzzE6akjHZivqyocSR4B/w640-h330/specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">M1 155 mm Long Tom</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Towed field artillery</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United States</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">see text</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">see text</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1918–1938</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1940–1945</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1,882</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Travel: 13,880 kg </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Travel: 13,71 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Barrel length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6.97 m - L/45</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Travel: 2.43 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Travel: 3,04 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">14 - 15</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Shell</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Separate loading<br />charge and projectile</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Caliber</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">155 mm </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Breech</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Asbury mechanism</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Recoil</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Hydro-pneumatic</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Carriage</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">M1 Carriage</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Elevation</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">−2°/+65°</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Traverse</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">60°</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Rate of fire</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">40 rounds per hour</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Muzzle velocity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">853 m/s </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Maximum firing range </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">23.7 km </td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b> Well, for this project, I used the <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af3509-long-tom--185566" target="_blank">M59 155mm Long Tom gun, from AFV Club</a> (#AF35009). This gun is the Korean version, a little ahead of the Historical Era that I like to build, but at the time I bought this kit, the WWII version of the AFV Club did not yet exist (<a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af35295-m1a1-155mm-cannon-long-tom--1315926" target="_blank">M1A1 155mm Cannon "Long Tom" WWII version (# AF35295)</a>).</div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SJiqFQpV5r67LpoMIHZfzkSEjXtAD60n-ZRFcY8Dnko7NiDKup0JPvIhziViUqxh9NLYd3vjUpiy5p5IWuiQWS3J8yfl4kbtm_gZyleZWMYeQbGVWUgzMtgUxB3i_pCE29FqeNJ_qBy5hzU-qp2kAf8M_Drc6MBLvZhTJuWZOW9FrmXOkT0Z0Qj7-Q/s1280/155mm%20Long%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SJiqFQpV5r67LpoMIHZfzkSEjXtAD60n-ZRFcY8Dnko7NiDKup0JPvIhziViUqxh9NLYd3vjUpiy5p5IWuiQWS3J8yfl4kbtm_gZyleZWMYeQbGVWUgzMtgUxB3i_pCE29FqeNJ_qBy5hzU-qp2kAf8M_Drc6MBLvZhTJuWZOW9FrmXOkT0Z0Qj7-Q/w640-h390/155mm%20Long%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak and parts of the heavy gun, in the workbench...<br />Notice the metal barrel, a big detail in the model...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjXYZCscDEFxgKHMYWisxDNYw4x1_SrtnSHOX4soDZb2_ClJ3yr95krxo5NZH9G47GoWj4gKRHPTyRWwgBc11Ndz3pVcTg5eZjsvEUjD7wcE1ggfl4DXJ8vCbGe1wvLrF-ZUN_xD2bQRweeA0HwUDDB0WG0Bsi_FM7-52qSApPtrKv8q5BM9Nh7K9iQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20000a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjXYZCscDEFxgKHMYWisxDNYw4x1_SrtnSHOX4soDZb2_ClJ3yr95krxo5NZH9G47GoWj4gKRHPTyRWwgBc11Ndz3pVcTg5eZjsvEUjD7wcE1ggfl4DXJ8vCbGe1wvLrF-ZUN_xD2bQRweeA0HwUDDB0WG0Bsi_FM7-52qSApPtrKv8q5BM9Nh7K9iQ/w640-h408/155mm%20Long%20000a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The AFV Club kit box art</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> To make things easier, let's add a schematic drawing with the anatomy of a typical heavy gun (WWII era):</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsARAV7WDseNUhEunDFeb0w72ArmdzJ9lfmpWiBvbeUNLw2V9BuiNCjn-6W9zyIvkn0VNsA8GeGJswuozWvhoaMS38Wn8_axPDpWAZx2DswTX31kJ4zYLEI2jaW3nbc7Y5yXSJOCYX5A3o_RS53MwYRhTAxMONS1r29wmDcSROPKARpu1VRoc_LnRMKz0H/s1280/gun%20nomenclature.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsARAV7WDseNUhEunDFeb0w72ArmdzJ9lfmpWiBvbeUNLw2V9BuiNCjn-6W9zyIvkn0VNsA8GeGJswuozWvhoaMS38Wn8_axPDpWAZx2DswTX31kJ4zYLEI2jaW3nbc7Y5yXSJOCYX5A3o_RS53MwYRhTAxMONS1r29wmDcSROPKARpu1VRoc_LnRMKz0H/w640-h416/gun%20nomenclature.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> The kit, in general (when it comes to the AFV Club kits), is very well detailed and injected. As is usually the case, I try to follow the building steps in the instruction booklet...and in this case, it was the same... Starting the project by the barrel and </span><span style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">breech...</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmcOVDYmL-nvVRol6YLto9sLYcbtnIoTm8kE5ne9pvONTE-9lGjq6hKh44siox0OVuJhMXaZmKOk9KpTauOlwAth55MLFm5brCDsewtawjH6hkCegJCAyHrStIVEAXxUcBs2HtdEgijs91I7lXeWHrzSjqmzAfsiOknY1s-qOCLnqYxXU776kypXnQQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1280" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmcOVDYmL-nvVRol6YLto9sLYcbtnIoTm8kE5ne9pvONTE-9lGjq6hKh44siox0OVuJhMXaZmKOk9KpTauOlwAth55MLFm5brCDsewtawjH6hkCegJCAyHrStIVEAXxUcBs2HtdEgijs91I7lXeWHrzSjqmzAfsiOknY1s-qOCLnqYxXU776kypXnQQ/w640-h312/155mm%20Long%20001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the big cannon, starting by the tube and jacket.<br />Private Kelly is very pleased!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKivuy52L96YN3kE277_R7LUMrCVkDXPNVkSc9Eh05hcPvVGRbUSBBoTufDsVwSAzCdQnjdasggjPwDotjsa1o3gAxYeKqrrmvzR2jC2yyt6xsYh_cSWuaKp_Jfy0Cw1aKaWyrYy1RDqIPKMiP09Q1hLDREtn7CMMsBdSuHYfJU3i8Ut0TUJ_CNJdEw/s1280/155mm%20Long%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKivuy52L96YN3kE277_R7LUMrCVkDXPNVkSc9Eh05hcPvVGRbUSBBoTufDsVwSAzCdQnjdasggjPwDotjsa1o3gAxYeKqrrmvzR2jC2yyt6xsYh_cSWuaKp_Jfy0Cw1aKaWyrYy1RDqIPKMiP09Q1hLDREtn7CMMsBdSuHYfJU3i8Ut0TUJ_CNJdEw/w640-h338/155mm%20Long%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the breech detailing... the thing promises to be fun...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ0j6axB-12WQPKJGxi3wSgwB8LAZR08t2XXdFvylE6sm2l5VPsU3dqzX2vvmh6IopJVqZKdM28EXwXp2VL_4H1WaPbkzTzp2UtH3eHi7TJKj5qnLyLQ8nNQ8-Rg4gevJ8EiD0b_idUwd_KB02ALpSFYygJkHFgvp2dCc8o0pMQ4AwM8wmjv9UZhwqw/s1280/155mm%20Long%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ0j6axB-12WQPKJGxi3wSgwB8LAZR08t2XXdFvylE6sm2l5VPsU3dqzX2vvmh6IopJVqZKdM28EXwXp2VL_4H1WaPbkzTzp2UtH3eHi7TJKj5qnLyLQ8nNQ8-Rg4gevJ8EiD0b_idUwd_KB02ALpSFYygJkHFgvp2dCc8o0pMQ4AwM8wmjv9UZhwqw/w640-h280/155mm%20Long%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private Kelly is loving it...<br />Cradle in position!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbb-R8lv3JGoJCCGB4eGF4v7Nt70cb_O4umHWIyO_qdZPZX0U684tsBe3G7o56IZ5CwYhSBBqAqi4xDNpv28MG7JraG7VrN2eQWkLHnHIxuSo0W2VMnaVcYwVDzGo5K9VkOxCF5GqYeyhVRPi3aLoPWLisXfo1AcPMGb8tvekWvkqstoqObcaOTsC_A/s1280/155mm%20Long%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbb-R8lv3JGoJCCGB4eGF4v7Nt70cb_O4umHWIyO_qdZPZX0U684tsBe3G7o56IZ5CwYhSBBqAqi4xDNpv28MG7JraG7VrN2eQWkLHnHIxuSo0W2VMnaVcYwVDzGo5K9VkOxCF5GqYeyhVRPi3aLoPWLisXfo1AcPMGb8tvekWvkqstoqObcaOTsC_A/w640-h322/155mm%20Long%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the trails...As the gun will be built in the trailer position, <br />the spades will be installed on the sides of the trails, in his brackets...<br />Notice the equilibrators in position.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW5OFXG-jbuZsdBik75yo6qBvJ9ZV1MSeLebmRq0n2RlK82wxPBGSt8734WZ86MP_SwWNHF6mrT5Y4U81yEkCkT66sVkB5Hz1CsfwLcR08sdjJudHco9IdLWsPuU-w6f9Ohf0NyqCmrIbB_eBXIUwj5Jo6tY48TEQ3aMga5netQH3fcqZZMjiyolBKg/s1280/155mm%20Long%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW5OFXG-jbuZsdBik75yo6qBvJ9ZV1MSeLebmRq0n2RlK82wxPBGSt8734WZ86MP_SwWNHF6mrT5Y4U81yEkCkT66sVkB5Hz1CsfwLcR08sdjJudHco9IdLWsPuU-w6f9Ohf0NyqCmrIbB_eBXIUwj5Jo6tY48TEQ3aMga5netQH3fcqZZMjiyolBKg/w640-h346/155mm%20Long%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The carriage with trails in position...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlRmZefCv5TwMx6n9rX4HJpOO3XBaV8txPqWACyEyqjSA1XDECc6cLKl3F29VlA32MiXIm4R2F-DrB53XYOIiIFPOAH4Kj4Y0KcP8Z-VoaMrA6LqZ7AfGfQwzYTOXIQs66jqiNwZfZiA0Ih-8nwFC-UHIpp_CRq-0YSaa1bovaJ_N_Xyq33hvPGTHrA/s1280/155mm%20Long%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1280" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlRmZefCv5TwMx6n9rX4HJpOO3XBaV8txPqWACyEyqjSA1XDECc6cLKl3F29VlA32MiXIm4R2F-DrB53XYOIiIFPOAH4Kj4Y0KcP8Z-VoaMrA6LqZ7AfGfQwzYTOXIQs66jqiNwZfZiA0Ih-8nwFC-UHIpp_CRq-0YSaa1bovaJ_N_Xyq33hvPGTHrA/w640-h304/155mm%20Long%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The carriage with trails in position...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRdsCGLe4Oy5qZObAGAH5N8l5K651VgJkSYmh14IY2dSzszxV3AEArOTgyAo1-bGmTHGNyzvfenLbjpMPb_Mt8dlLuQ31v4v-gYC2LN9pooBGmiuPvWTMZpnrnpbrIeelZMqmW1lBxvnE48oETlCGY45pO_nPOW1-05Hs7kWJ3ZMX8AbTFC5WPKdoKw/s1280/155mm%20Long%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRdsCGLe4Oy5qZObAGAH5N8l5K651VgJkSYmh14IY2dSzszxV3AEArOTgyAo1-bGmTHGNyzvfenLbjpMPb_Mt8dlLuQ31v4v-gYC2LN9pooBGmiuPvWTMZpnrnpbrIeelZMqmW1lBxvnE48oETlCGY45pO_nPOW1-05Hs7kWJ3ZMX8AbTFC5WPKdoKw/w640-h372/155mm%20Long%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alignment between the axes of the carriage's running system is fundamental... <br />One mistake here and the weapon would be completely crooked!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsK07L5J4iJ6XiE4GfjXPl2MzbytR0aJMs_f9Za1sKSinOqR79VFnyf90KF57yZlqKjYu0XJRAaiDd8Z_DL6Fyre5xV1bGREVNa1ncHCbGdT_E0F5LNHnIVBJ_AAer4jJDDSyEMU6lPIljkd_HpW4ryIJe_n0Gu14wHBRiXkyPNuFzmPmYTqmEBHiv7g/s1280/155mm%20Long%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsK07L5J4iJ6XiE4GfjXPl2MzbytR0aJMs_f9Za1sKSinOqR79VFnyf90KF57yZlqKjYu0XJRAaiDd8Z_DL6Fyre5xV1bGREVNa1ncHCbGdT_E0F5LNHnIVBJ_AAer4jJDDSyEMU6lPIljkd_HpW4ryIJe_n0Gu14wHBRiXkyPNuFzmPmYTqmEBHiv7g/w640-h324/155mm%20Long%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the details of the cannon's undercarriage. <br />Always respecting the alignment...Kojak is a meticulous guy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbUj2_XHEZ0TP9M_Wn2PlVN2gEKexM4Ww7lWcVMj4z11slRL_6aXSSQ01kVia0ULFkOU9WTyK--YOh3CNuAOTS81pzv4yR5KJfuzwv0xxk-hoY9J4GMQ5hwQ1Y2i31Y__1W40jF2D2sfTkiQ3d4hUqDSJAfk7A7IIbRP0IsPV5O1RvvdS-0Pla64WVQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbUj2_XHEZ0TP9M_Wn2PlVN2gEKexM4Ww7lWcVMj4z11slRL_6aXSSQ01kVia0ULFkOU9WTyK--YOh3CNuAOTS81pzv4yR5KJfuzwv0xxk-hoY9J4GMQ5hwQ1Y2i31Y__1W40jF2D2sfTkiQ3d4hUqDSJAfk7A7IIbRP0IsPV5O1RvvdS-0Pla64WVQ/w640-h354/155mm%20Long%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After some care, it's a pleasure to see<br />everything lined up and perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HPI3ie4GYyTwTXCVWV5l7bUAr2aK75urFn4xeunSLKQd_LpsIIH7x97k_2eUW0UYbmoxP-dcRylxleNDXW_chlVD_mM2f4Ckj1Q662j5nSO-rQz2ZR7NOLYwcerOcYEoer_Kf1ix4mbti5TRGtJ4uB1VNxseqnM_pSF9efXp909i2kzRRG55XnuccA/s1280/155mm%20Long%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="1280" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HPI3ie4GYyTwTXCVWV5l7bUAr2aK75urFn4xeunSLKQd_LpsIIH7x97k_2eUW0UYbmoxP-dcRylxleNDXW_chlVD_mM2f4Ckj1Q662j5nSO-rQz2ZR7NOLYwcerOcYEoer_Kf1ix4mbti5TRGtJ4uB1VNxseqnM_pSF9efXp909i2kzRRG55XnuccA/w640-h272/155mm%20Long%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the undercarriage on the carriage of the weapon. <br />The Long Tom starts to take shape!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFUQKDiCBx3r0OaaI25O16vN00axwMXRuJJs9EECzknSw8TnzXSRgOCKU3S6WKiNDM2NljgxwrwSZWvEDl2Rf_kb1iGHTS8T85UYwJOH5Q0eepUT8PHr3OJ_erjSOThfZmCNjD9IqyeS1_Fq-2VYJnX_0N1RIoTlmh4aWkrxfRDSMrBtdO8WUO0cGAA/s1280/155mm%20Long%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFUQKDiCBx3r0OaaI25O16vN00axwMXRuJJs9EECzknSw8TnzXSRgOCKU3S6WKiNDM2NljgxwrwSZWvEDl2Rf_kb1iGHTS8T85UYwJOH5Q0eepUT8PHr3OJ_erjSOThfZmCNjD9IqyeS1_Fq-2VYJnX_0N1RIoTlmh4aWkrxfRDSMrBtdO8WUO0cGAA/w640-h326/155mm%20Long%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joining the two trails, in trailer position.<br />Notice, right behind the spades, the big travel lock, joining the two trails.<br />Notice the limber (A-frame) already installed at the ends of the trails.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirNo45eGX1z8-XE5X_zrxfBFyRanSHSjAd_bHJNvO2uw_POnTwA_QfCHoO7mlRNFI0aoRzKiYbEIL04gM0OhgrGM_VA6CdJn3Q07XoDO3elFQtATUeEeaVidUP1YNP_f7Or9bGBRwwa7OVXVseJLjC83nwmpGJERYCL_Q_xc2A5hC-NXrHSSEVtPvOQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="1280" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirNo45eGX1z8-XE5X_zrxfBFyRanSHSjAd_bHJNvO2uw_POnTwA_QfCHoO7mlRNFI0aoRzKiYbEIL04gM0OhgrGM_VA6CdJn3Q07XoDO3elFQtATUeEeaVidUP1YNP_f7Or9bGBRwwa7OVXVseJLjC83nwmpGJERYCL_Q_xc2A5hC-NXrHSSEVtPvOQ/w640-h248/155mm%20Long%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheels in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyoiV8ZXDMCNW1hux9AE6wDkILLA-WMPZLZO5qoMOBHbRg1NPYXNQnQxIgYpgjqyaxkDpj9WA9vbS3Ag8sYJBUho53paJD7-arSiB1FmX5ClFnVPnxYFpChf5v9sPBbmJQCI_GD92TriOK1mt6La_UHEDk09lcrpb-rWdnC1KHJbKyyVEly4yvX4pxQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyoiV8ZXDMCNW1hux9AE6wDkILLA-WMPZLZO5qoMOBHbRg1NPYXNQnQxIgYpgjqyaxkDpj9WA9vbS3Ag8sYJBUho53paJD7-arSiB1FmX5ClFnVPnxYFpChf5v9sPBbmJQCI_GD92TriOK1mt6La_UHEDk09lcrpb-rWdnC1KHJbKyyVEly4yvX4pxQ/w640-h354/155mm%20Long%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vinyl tires, from the kit...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFRNUoTuZ1o4VN1RJKkAUmSTUzvtlV0Jt1VHG_AGD4Kv9AuJABWQC3BOSMJNdnsVcMe-pnVe-ScK6g9JwqW81gXEvr8rcv3cSIFNmbvNzodQffPUCbITVLSFj39aEghGkstLnI-E1kI9KkxI5p0stGcsYfvSSsdgS8-6CfE29JmcSou2IzC0wTnnbTQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1280" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFRNUoTuZ1o4VN1RJKkAUmSTUzvtlV0Jt1VHG_AGD4Kv9AuJABWQC3BOSMJNdnsVcMe-pnVe-ScK6g9JwqW81gXEvr8rcv3cSIFNmbvNzodQffPUCbITVLSFj39aEghGkstLnI-E1kI9KkxI5p0stGcsYfvSSsdgS8-6CfE29JmcSou2IzC0wTnnbTQ/w640-h312/155mm%20Long%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tires feature a typically post-WWII tread with transverse buds. <br />The line of fusion (red arrows) will be eliminated with a <br />Dremel sandpaper grinding wheel.<br />In addition to removing that line, I want to add a worn look to the tires...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLNLnqsYMK1tlOyLw2eIRDIFzoN_a6PVYJKiN-3a0o4tlLA8VHfV2AlZff0_6Gn2UlvYAZGd67RjAs1DT3uO9zDUHZcWLr684t5XBY3_ag0PGFkEA40fzcPsV5rNzYyaF6QPHPz725aR7w5BU22wIE9LYY_AD44ai2iznFA1VStMIWTRWxpAGk0jqNg/s1280/155mm%20Long%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLNLnqsYMK1tlOyLw2eIRDIFzoN_a6PVYJKiN-3a0o4tlLA8VHfV2AlZff0_6Gn2UlvYAZGd67RjAs1DT3uO9zDUHZcWLr684t5XBY3_ag0PGFkEA40fzcPsV5rNzYyaF6QPHPz725aR7w5BU22wIE9LYY_AD44ai2iznFA1VStMIWTRWxpAGk0jqNg/w640-h358/155mm%20Long%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elimination of the line of fusion (red arrow) with a<br />Dremel sandpaper grinding wheel (blue arrows)<br />Before and after!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NiI6trOunR1pA8EBBvq7TJZTg9SOWSH81b3IBhvXLwN-JIAKWZjuJF_U-jJG8uMTTBjIX2Bu1ftosClzQXV0n5yqeffLaPIvKueTQfNTMC5IxRlUHLInXE_jVZi6JG5mOPEPkWlyOs0hI50v66Dv4z1vc-mw8ojSvAk-k8Odn_hB4-zbzCzxH55lrg/s1280/155mm%20Long%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NiI6trOunR1pA8EBBvq7TJZTg9SOWSH81b3IBhvXLwN-JIAKWZjuJF_U-jJG8uMTTBjIX2Bu1ftosClzQXV0n5yqeffLaPIvKueTQfNTMC5IxRlUHLInXE_jVZi6JG5mOPEPkWlyOs0hI50v66Dv4z1vc-mw8ojSvAk-k8Odn_hB4-zbzCzxH55lrg/w640-h368/155mm%20Long%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dremel sandpaper grinding wheel when sanding the surface, <br />leaves the vinyl a bit "hairy"...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceKGP-iNSnvp3m8-lDpbGhbfh0IBaTX5f6YC5IRXHFnmiuFSnmRF1CUoPIh4i0Qrc5FEVlqp9gTMkPHOt8Wdw__X_1kF-38iT-VOhK0dqwtvEDoXx0uE4O7VIZIN2f-NOS_3Xba2ZOZhygkxnVen9TcleZPKBPQO-iCe6w4f8PhhnRRG2H3CGaP3XJQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20022b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceKGP-iNSnvp3m8-lDpbGhbfh0IBaTX5f6YC5IRXHFnmiuFSnmRF1CUoPIh4i0Qrc5FEVlqp9gTMkPHOt8Wdw__X_1kF-38iT-VOhK0dqwtvEDoXx0uE4O7VIZIN2f-NOS_3Xba2ZOZhygkxnVen9TcleZPKBPQO-iCe6w4f8PhhnRRG2H3CGaP3XJQ/w640-h364/155mm%20Long%20022b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To remove these hairs, let's use a Dremel Polishing Wheel...<br />Before and after!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTczbwnjPefyjpMHfqYFrue_2JFB6Re7-gRlYvB89nJ7oUT5-lv74VNDGMHYnEiUpcQM5qijYcQeD5TxjeVOcyHJu7xwo-AY8vD_AN_ZNrrPPcrL1xgdhfU8xgI4iwskl_Z_MGQj3w351cvMZoSmv3c-i3Y60tGc7ySomfaBzpLJDN1SRZYwiQsgLT7w/s1280/155mm%20Long%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTczbwnjPefyjpMHfqYFrue_2JFB6Re7-gRlYvB89nJ7oUT5-lv74VNDGMHYnEiUpcQM5qijYcQeD5TxjeVOcyHJu7xwo-AY8vD_AN_ZNrrPPcrL1xgdhfU8xgI4iwskl_Z_MGQj3w351cvMZoSmv3c-i3Y60tGc7ySomfaBzpLJDN1SRZYwiQsgLT7w/w640-h406/155mm%20Long%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the tires have a worn look, now... bald like Kojak's baby boy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpeAYl2nGiTjkOVfSTSP9krns2Nc-4MqzI9ofJidxwt_KKok2_VX9Rj6iHVb0dCcQyImvbuSdm_3qtFkCU0Jm8U9XkkJnUq9ioKOY6kN67hIU08wDGVyx_Kpwm46jvIHrd0rLK2RV-KCyP6K0CBtuu7QgXY4HVdaooRHcHRsaAW1kOADSlgNshewuWw/s1280/155mm%20Long%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpeAYl2nGiTjkOVfSTSP9krns2Nc-4MqzI9ofJidxwt_KKok2_VX9Rj6iHVb0dCcQyImvbuSdm_3qtFkCU0Jm8U9XkkJnUq9ioKOY6kN67hIU08wDGVyx_Kpwm46jvIHrd0rLK2RV-KCyP6K0CBtuu7QgXY4HVdaooRHcHRsaAW1kOADSlgNshewuWw/w640-h284/155mm%20Long%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tires and wheels in position.<br />This particular cannon has no markings at all... <br />Just the standard Olive Drab paint.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIHI6Qckg0KN_9Y044-YWm-3uMbRqG63MHCZ8UDLWS1MAkUfDYQFhQnZ-vwBXbuv6EOEfMKhKNldEjLDllVoOr_XIWTFigdvpkL1QgQgab8uMtDmbKzbaTNdVqMuWwROgP9vxDft3quod3kNwY-gCprsnC4q0jsvuTutFituifDoLwgSrsy6atPEWvQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIHI6Qckg0KN_9Y044-YWm-3uMbRqG63MHCZ8UDLWS1MAkUfDYQFhQnZ-vwBXbuv6EOEfMKhKNldEjLDllVoOr_XIWTFigdvpkL1QgQgab8uMtDmbKzbaTNdVqMuWwROgP9vxDft3quod3kNwY-gCprsnC4q0jsvuTutFituifDoLwgSrsy6atPEWvQ/w640-h374/155mm%20Long%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br />front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9-HHlZSwJVoG_C43DhDSPkD8Bn-LqknmoIulxijSQhfsPdxZlV9sShjKDVKhSsUsOuGQnwglmRrvc8fO_gHoVbRkOxgVccEkxfVut26_i44Ven7XNEqd4SIbEh6JTjCU7Rd0edfyL3YgQ2RDxjC-Jc3Ju-G9-E8Wx4KNVet4uUliP4Y55heETvH23A/s1280/155mm%20Long%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9-HHlZSwJVoG_C43DhDSPkD8Bn-LqknmoIulxijSQhfsPdxZlV9sShjKDVKhSsUsOuGQnwglmRrvc8fO_gHoVbRkOxgVccEkxfVut26_i44Ven7XNEqd4SIbEh6JTjCU7Rd0edfyL3YgQ2RDxjC-Jc3Ju-G9-E8Wx4KNVet4uUliP4Y55heETvH23A/w640-h310/155mm%20Long%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br />front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1eUCQRb8KWEb7A6M9dFABuNd9CV9OCXf0vqhlHMihQ0UFftQxwyuppJE7RVISy-5Q69mmSlL4bD3o1s9edhChog2iJbgzNZVfkhYAjQ-4yXvmQc4ApUBg-BZmEOXIj7UsODAd5rR8BbNRTr9_3ANaSdkQ3ogHqVG4X1S0HPTF5OjmAcS6PkXkyuCCQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1280" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1eUCQRb8KWEb7A6M9dFABuNd9CV9OCXf0vqhlHMihQ0UFftQxwyuppJE7RVISy-5Q69mmSlL4bD3o1s9edhChog2iJbgzNZVfkhYAjQ-4yXvmQc4ApUBg-BZmEOXIj7UsODAd5rR8BbNRTr9_3ANaSdkQ3ogHqVG4X1S0HPTF5OjmAcS6PkXkyuCCQ/w640-h312/155mm%20Long%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the weathering...<br />155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br />front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu1n8ihAw7GeDiVd9LwJuaHhTGf-2LUxKHMtp_ViqRDnaZ6rhFpI2g9Js--zkspJhs4MWO1NW8ptbnFEGNKcSMsy2TbEUxt388d3eCC6RxfQDY3BH3fJg9Tp5o-IKP7nyaIio7e-ZQzk2xK7TeO3btbjTVrbw7jFDg0dLZtZytK4lQsFdDGa95Ddanw/s1279/155mm%20Long%20028.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1279" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu1n8ihAw7GeDiVd9LwJuaHhTGf-2LUxKHMtp_ViqRDnaZ6rhFpI2g9Js--zkspJhs4MWO1NW8ptbnFEGNKcSMsy2TbEUxt388d3eCC6RxfQDY3BH3fJg9Tp5o-IKP7nyaIio7e-ZQzk2xK7TeO3btbjTVrbw7jFDg0dLZtZytK4lQsFdDGa95Ddanw/w640-h276/155mm%20Long%20028.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the weathering...<br />155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br />front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0_FvW2uufhmSiqj_qIjKctEkIBZhqIvyO7lG8X5wdx3ReWAqzaabYw7WJ33qq4jM_S2Har2CUl2s5POE4n2HIjN54462SremIbwTGwIYN_xpua7zU92cPe3ZuQKEoeE6_Vu4CUubXLL-hOO2Vg99e0BsfQKODftdCmn-WP9DGvwyITw7Sulx3G4m4Q/s1280/155mm%20Long%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0_FvW2uufhmSiqj_qIjKctEkIBZhqIvyO7lG8X5wdx3ReWAqzaabYw7WJ33qq4jM_S2Har2CUl2s5POE4n2HIjN54462SremIbwTGwIYN_xpua7zU92cPe3ZuQKEoeE6_Vu4CUubXLL-hOO2Vg99e0BsfQKODftdCmn-WP9DGvwyITw7Sulx3G4m4Q/w640-h294/155mm%20Long%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the wash...<br />155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br />front left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjI5gN-nXSW87_P0jMXUINDwPlAVLY7xmjCtgdnXlY2sgVbGtiTeNUfxmYn-MchUDATi6MqxvoBVymrn43XB6zG8IWL3-dfQz2fCnIE_h2FknTa0OZJNcuNY7obqMgevZd0UrJiVj3GKOU5_KOP1KWv5LN4FGokcAa9WZ1n6c_sjAFRozBVX5YvVIHQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXjI5gN-nXSW87_P0jMXUINDwPlAVLY7xmjCtgdnXlY2sgVbGtiTeNUfxmYn-MchUDATi6MqxvoBVymrn43XB6zG8IWL3-dfQz2fCnIE_h2FknTa0OZJNcuNY7obqMgevZd0UrJiVj3GKOU5_KOP1KWv5LN4FGokcAa9WZ1n6c_sjAFRozBVX5YvVIHQ/w640-h338/155mm%20Long%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the wash...<br />155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br />front right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qoeVk8HnPvWnHpj_Fi_MEoxVKn0iAcuZsuiwscbuLu8syR239SvGrOR9S-u9_QgeqAhUPcIYcArlQHZnHHkVmTlkdFqrHeMAQUbdi3tAz1vBrYM04Oevl2sQil1i765ZxgE-FPDVzNhgSEc5BqoW9dZKGku-4x9XV2GMuBea8S5AorWI0Y8xXiJr-w/s1280/155mm%20Long%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="1280" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qoeVk8HnPvWnHpj_Fi_MEoxVKn0iAcuZsuiwscbuLu8syR239SvGrOR9S-u9_QgeqAhUPcIYcArlQHZnHHkVmTlkdFqrHeMAQUbdi3tAz1vBrYM04Oevl2sQil1i765ZxgE-FPDVzNhgSEc5BqoW9dZKGku-4x9XV2GMuBea8S5AorWI0Y8xXiJr-w/w640-h220/155mm%20Long%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the wash...<br />155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br />left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcB3-Mu4lzTx4bPIM6rPXp49nwvnJB8g98P6yrrMBRPL6Ip2RGsHcOKXQQJHLoWzBZ9E32JzodsNziVe9z3wgFJMKLSPa_G8HQCda9oph1M2b72stf5O7bjYS56TN6SWsxjE9P16EQ4JCyrRMZX3CHQAiE8uHRC4tt_A1Z5P9OYSmm5PcQPKwFEgxl3A/s1105/155mm%20Long%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1105" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcB3-Mu4lzTx4bPIM6rPXp49nwvnJB8g98P6yrrMBRPL6Ip2RGsHcOKXQQJHLoWzBZ9E32JzodsNziVe9z3wgFJMKLSPa_G8HQCda9oph1M2b72stf5O7bjYS56TN6SWsxjE9P16EQ4JCyrRMZX3CHQAiE8uHRC4tt_A1Z5P9OYSmm5PcQPKwFEgxl3A/w640-h408/155mm%20Long%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the wash...<br />155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br />rear left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ndHC5MsJtLCrj2c66kp-zB3Jx7_UW5Bb1MwqjmWVtigba6lZQzaGhdfjs3VSbE62ZA_ygOTDvFyHQ7w0iOMHbX0_aVsjNW_0JEkTuBO8hg1f8grwS2Rj8IHAZsjw1R_PAL7mM1XESwW8sZ9UQaWy8LFRRLslDVsaHRooWCqYgqFtKaDNbm_gOMp7GA/s1280/155mm%20Long%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="1280" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ndHC5MsJtLCrj2c66kp-zB3Jx7_UW5Bb1MwqjmWVtigba6lZQzaGhdfjs3VSbE62ZA_ygOTDvFyHQ7w0iOMHbX0_aVsjNW_0JEkTuBO8hg1f8grwS2Rj8IHAZsjw1R_PAL7mM1XESwW8sZ9UQaWy8LFRRLslDVsaHRooWCqYgqFtKaDNbm_gOMp7GA/w640-h212/155mm%20Long%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the powdered pigments...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t9W3StFGF4CiSRh7l77OY4JK4DAGbn1rhgpbxNXYlM6_uQbodyTEzILTnWAZPTfp_2gdyvdsn4tFjM0dTP_7aO_1yQAMHs4Yq6mNhhjtdTkvRXICx6EVvK7VaF2AGJf75RGON2Jeu6ni5eA3ojUqTUB70Ni_zeKKVIDHpqxjdPLCOSxHzp98OaEg-Q/s1280/155mm%20Long%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1280" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7t9W3StFGF4CiSRh7l77OY4JK4DAGbn1rhgpbxNXYlM6_uQbodyTEzILTnWAZPTfp_2gdyvdsn4tFjM0dTP_7aO_1yQAMHs4Yq6mNhhjtdTkvRXICx6EVvK7VaF2AGJf75RGON2Jeu6ni5eA3ojUqTUB70Ni_zeKKVIDHpqxjdPLCOSxHzp98OaEg-Q/w640-h278/155mm%20Long%20041.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adding the powdered pigments...<br />right view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And finally, I can call this (quick and simple) project finished. I really liked the look of this imposing piece of artillery. Really, it looks very showy in any militaria collection!! I decided to leave the barrel in an immediate firing position, not retreating the barrel to the travel locker, where the breech would be locked. This attitude would reproduce the weapon as if it were being transported a short distance to its new firing position. With the barrel in normal position in the cradle, the cannon's look is more harmonious. With you, the 155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom: A true classic when it comes to tactical heavy artillery pieces...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJh_zS2BI1llRjOnbADnXl4LfL1csj3Rw0gGsb6p4inSvd9bY_cv8ujYXXBtldwF5P80p8R3SZiS_w-B4j6K0xMF1vyfV8ERg_9BQxvnwdkeNZR4yZ3QmzZ0giduV-rw8Jb2JgmodCwttmkZY11IWGZeq2hYHmO690ko54wB9sb6cTRnUsYLmxOO4rw/s1280/155mm%20Long%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1280" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJh_zS2BI1llRjOnbADnXl4LfL1csj3Rw0gGsb6p4inSvd9bY_cv8ujYXXBtldwF5P80p8R3SZiS_w-B4j6K0xMF1vyfV8ERg_9BQxvnwdkeNZR4yZ3QmzZ0giduV-rw8Jb2JgmodCwttmkZY11IWGZeq2hYHmO690ko54wB9sb6cTRnUsYLmxOO4rw/w640-h268/155mm%20Long%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom</div><div style="text-align: center;">left view</div></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO0GfGLlhfC5TT_PO3zhzQZcFPfrGXmjo-hBnfwtqHslPkAFlNrLVQ4E27SdnXUHxLGBR1CGZat9-W_6vBPITZNEM-WVKLmGbSGLpECi_shS46LSg_mUzKg8LoldcmUSwY2gziQmCbZ3DrqwvHyEhwfkvmV1TQhBWagdxN7lz_LJU-CyYmzDT6xCOQA/s1280/155mm%20Long%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOO0GfGLlhfC5TT_PO3zhzQZcFPfrGXmjo-hBnfwtqHslPkAFlNrLVQ4E27SdnXUHxLGBR1CGZat9-W_6vBPITZNEM-WVKLmGbSGLpECi_shS46LSg_mUzKg8LoldcmUSwY2gziQmCbZ3DrqwvHyEhwfkvmV1TQhBWagdxN7lz_LJU-CyYmzDT6xCOQA/w640-h280/155mm%20Long%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom</div><div style="text-align: center;">right view</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueIveLbRiEPTuqlXsiNaSDsIyvncgTDJhqVtRV5fVLPPNyOqnRLIU3f2Yg1DPZgPRa6dkc5-xqim1G2n0UIxYXpi9-DaN8gHPC6S3IpA-UP16c5JcJ6ZwYesCtcFdMXWcLx2mEjt6hrzLcTbheOS_OxaTy95-X72EXDmE5_c3SiUxS5h6sO1QvvsuaQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="1280" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueIveLbRiEPTuqlXsiNaSDsIyvncgTDJhqVtRV5fVLPPNyOqnRLIU3f2Yg1DPZgPRa6dkc5-xqim1G2n0UIxYXpi9-DaN8gHPC6S3IpA-UP16c5JcJ6ZwYesCtcFdMXWcLx2mEjt6hrzLcTbheOS_OxaTy95-X72EXDmE5_c3SiUxS5h6sO1QvvsuaQ/w640-h226/155mm%20Long%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom</div><div style="text-align: center;">top right view</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTggu7MGZGAZJN8ZYS8igzgEYEbOsPh-AFx-LDb9WOti8ItUv2dd_cXOHWIq-fTlb_ZIhBccosXb5-wXUzmd1C82slAb3VQXEui_MU5q1BDBCS3JSaHcARIRRj2ClESTVVCBJY-D49na-Xw3OZt_Akqbdx6QnHD4aZzSenHvFSqvUbD5-fYj5cJwSnyg/s1280/155mm%20Long%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTggu7MGZGAZJN8ZYS8igzgEYEbOsPh-AFx-LDb9WOti8ItUv2dd_cXOHWIq-fTlb_ZIhBccosXb5-wXUzmd1C82slAb3VQXEui_MU5q1BDBCS3JSaHcARIRRj2ClESTVVCBJY-D49na-Xw3OZt_Akqbdx6QnHD4aZzSenHvFSqvUbD5-fYj5cJwSnyg/w640-h366/155mm%20Long%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom</div><div style="text-align: center;">rear right view</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFHKGFmEbG6qwjZmVJtFlSGcvFWG1oOpdzQ1IDRXAbqNCAuttlZ5CDc4e0frCes3EW2-cFMinVa6Mano-9DTF_dUq3Z4M3-IesMu5i_EjN97fYsSZarlg1XSAje97ND4JbTYw3mC-QuoxSy0Ucood67OSm0yk0ve9BwlGD94aB7RXLQYr_6kyoMowig/s1280/155mm%20Long%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFHKGFmEbG6qwjZmVJtFlSGcvFWG1oOpdzQ1IDRXAbqNCAuttlZ5CDc4e0frCes3EW2-cFMinVa6Mano-9DTF_dUq3Z4M3-IesMu5i_EjN97fYsSZarlg1XSAje97ND4JbTYw3mC-QuoxSy0Ucood67OSm0yk0ve9BwlGD94aB7RXLQYr_6kyoMowig/w640-h336/155mm%20Long%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom</div><div style="text-align: center;">rear left view</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIrndOlYBBecA3li7eLU3Iwavvb-DiqIqlBxiCJtXpudFAYRcbIRN3G1UNuN2rgkyCZKY_9ENM6xZOvgg-Xs3lYxny-Z-tVYH0KoGuE6LwtLmhUV-BCNxvrQPQNMMAhVLoI_C77MEdHDC8qZ9jDKmb_nHz9lWjc7J0DgJYOgvLqnxMwkJgIkUQ2-YmQ/s1280/155mm%20Long%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="1280" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIrndOlYBBecA3li7eLU3Iwavvb-DiqIqlBxiCJtXpudFAYRcbIRN3G1UNuN2rgkyCZKY_9ENM6xZOvgg-Xs3lYxny-Z-tVYH0KoGuE6LwtLmhUV-BCNxvrQPQNMMAhVLoI_C77MEdHDC8qZ9jDKmb_nHz9lWjc7J0DgJYOgvLqnxMwkJgIkUQ2-YmQ/w640-h254/155mm%20Long%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom</div><div style="text-align: center;">with Kojak and Rover, the dog!!</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGgPR3DO4CgRD0UTcLmmQcJQWMkBZ2p0xQ0xiyqhIaxD30-oJzX-2Jvu7DglzHhctqnFqeFgOj3n2nhrEdL5O24PLP0OwY6B1wqjAFsD5o8g8yXRJ8vce2aIq3fRjgGYlp27YH1NyRSiYjODOC9253_vK1Mb8n8B4mrXNm0qZg02a6z1-TplZlkdvwg/s1280/155mm%20Long%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="1280" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGgPR3DO4CgRD0UTcLmmQcJQWMkBZ2p0xQ0xiyqhIaxD30-oJzX-2Jvu7DglzHhctqnFqeFgOj3n2nhrEdL5O24PLP0OwY6B1wqjAFsD5o8g8yXRJ8vce2aIq3fRjgGYlp27YH1NyRSiYjODOC9253_vK1Mb8n8B4mrXNm0qZg02a6z1-TplZlkdvwg/w640-h218/155mm%20Long%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom being towed by</div><div style="text-align: center;">a <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Diamond%20T%20Model%20968A%20cargo%20truck%20-%204%20ton%20-%206x6%20%28G509%29">Diamond T Model 968A cargo truck - 4 ton - 6x6 (G509)</a>.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7NGfb28gxwQStSUHeZWMhNPExUxFruse-Lo7Bd0STXZQ93PPeDcQjkxpwXKVTK9kflh2eeexGguCMBEWwTCRnWByCWuHtZGUb8PHME-QNdMJyisw_5Canz03B2Sy5rVFG6MgAfFvGmLTiu_z1ayIP6c3q6AyUtHfe9rZt43sPHt20v-qEW_TPLo6Hg/s1280/155mm%20Long%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1280" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7NGfb28gxwQStSUHeZWMhNPExUxFruse-Lo7Bd0STXZQ93PPeDcQjkxpwXKVTK9kflh2eeexGguCMBEWwTCRnWByCWuHtZGUb8PHME-QNdMJyisw_5Canz03B2Sy5rVFG6MgAfFvGmLTiu_z1ayIP6c3q6AyUtHfe9rZt43sPHt20v-qEW_TPLo6Hg/w640-h264/155mm%20Long%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom</td></tr></tbody></table><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQvgyV4aHmOQsZKoqz-WPTK1OYveVD9xVWYSy3GtP7fM4TBCdOLHMmeXmZvHCXyiQNV_fzaI03ObteFwYHYB0XfvxUaEyIVJbuez6YpCpVBKOWjwf0uzTObkCerf-lcFfKlcP28WPTW6pH0qoWQk33UB5JeuoVxeduX_7Zph6a7VxiruJQJuNspH4jw/s1280/155mm%20Long%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="1280" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQvgyV4aHmOQsZKoqz-WPTK1OYveVD9xVWYSy3GtP7fM4TBCdOLHMmeXmZvHCXyiQNV_fzaI03ObteFwYHYB0XfvxUaEyIVJbuez6YpCpVBKOWjwf0uzTObkCerf-lcFfKlcP28WPTW6pH0qoWQk33UB5JeuoVxeduX_7Zph6a7VxiruJQJuNspH4jw/w640-h236/155mm%20Long%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">155mm heavy gun M59 Long Tom<br style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;" /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: x-large;"><b>See you soon, Boys!!!</b></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122; font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mYrWC-mMjfsqT_UG8aI1lMkX7huu8Up_edAaQtCQbngkW5Qv-1iA4JCJUdJZz2gKgouL5YJAf-4wCrBr1QT-GS5oSUbjHUkrHU1wxkH_usJfV852c9Mzel69oA7logO8PMq1APy1afQWNLKrnkxyRD-PvWhZLZqgjIRf07efu-Zf-gw5J7NNXRtNVZKg/s1000/Kelly%20and%20Big%20Joe%20end.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1000" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mYrWC-mMjfsqT_UG8aI1lMkX7huu8Up_edAaQtCQbngkW5Qv-1iA4JCJUdJZz2gKgouL5YJAf-4wCrBr1QT-GS5oSUbjHUkrHU1wxkH_usJfV852c9Mzel69oA7logO8PMq1APy1afQWNLKrnkxyRD-PvWhZLZqgjIRf07efu-Zf-gw5J7NNXRtNVZKg/w640-h540/Kelly%20and%20Big%20Joe%20end.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></span></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-34548620683361383792023-06-01T07:38:00.003-03:002024-02-15T11:38:41.828-03:00Matilda Scorpion I flail tank - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ladies and Gentlemen...</span></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Land mine are explosive devices concealed under or camouflaged on the ground, and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, ranging from personel to vehicles and tanks, as they pass over or near them. These devices were widely used in WWII and their deactivation was always a huge problem. The vehicle we are going to see today was one of the attempts to manufacture a self-propelled device that could "clear" minefields quickly and safely. meet the <b>Matilda Scorpion I flail tank</b>, one of the really effective pioneers who were employed in this task.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT81DzDmMCtDUWuHU1VZvEGpnQo2a3anmdrFxLYYC3hg-yu9bxNq5CM4TnijTS-JXf6jo9PXkfojgV01q8S_rpKKYKq2H--KYKd_eWKLsvLrKUIqV8IpIHwdh99szYOIMAM3PH0NdO0Uv7ryWox1UJBDNm7CyTxINcckGzrH4NdNzreAZ7NaQ7VCPjA/s1280/Kojak%20and%20mines3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT81DzDmMCtDUWuHU1VZvEGpnQo2a3anmdrFxLYYC3hg-yu9bxNq5CM4TnijTS-JXf6jo9PXkfojgV01q8S_rpKKYKq2H--KYKd_eWKLsvLrKUIqV8IpIHwdh99szYOIMAM3PH0NdO0Uv7ryWox1UJBDNm7CyTxINcckGzrH4NdNzreAZ7NaQ7VCPjA/w640-h512/Kojak%20and%20mines3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak would like to collect the mines, but this task is too dangerous...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uZ2E5NsYhZSChZXn_K218aLPaSh78rFrttMkQf3CYjIuzrol0LwPk5ksdq5bzqR01FLbGW652sBSLwLrqBd6svm95hE4vRh7szweaoXtBWKNY1L9s1wbgsLUoJgcp7qJ18GwtdMhix3VnK-Fy3TFHr06CMkiLj_nOABZpjwh1ufbIJQtyrQt6AvQQA/s1362/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank,%202%20November%201942.%20IWM%20E%2018868.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1362" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uZ2E5NsYhZSChZXn_K218aLPaSh78rFrttMkQf3CYjIuzrol0LwPk5ksdq5bzqR01FLbGW652sBSLwLrqBd6svm95hE4vRh7szweaoXtBWKNY1L9s1wbgsLUoJgcp7qJ18GwtdMhix3VnK-Fy3TFHr06CMkiLj_nOABZpjwh1ufbIJQtyrQt6AvQQA/w640-h418/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank,%202%20November%201942.%20IWM%20E%2018868.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I flail tank under field maintenance<br />The deflector shield of the rotor operator is in rectangular shape<br />North African desert - 2 November 1942.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font:IWM E 18868</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>History:</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Matilda Scorpion I was a specialized vehicle, built to be a minefield destroyer, developed in the Middle East and used in North Africa. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCKKl3k2RzMsVXXFA6pMU8WM3qdmydRUHoifiigSIps1H4dDVPIK-VzttIqlneq4wGg-dPCokpgUDjLowsnx0-UHZVVPuTbwyY2jGJA_-Vldt-g9M5zxszZDkKKjNVECTlKCJ-pNzK4hrHIQWL-ZFC4lxL8oLMH5CwrYmmwz-dpALoz_Pf7sOmuS44w/s1280/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank,%205%20November%201942%20E%2019019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCKKl3k2RzMsVXXFA6pMU8WM3qdmydRUHoifiigSIps1H4dDVPIK-VzttIqlneq4wGg-dPCokpgUDjLowsnx0-UHZVVPuTbwyY2jGJA_-Vldt-g9M5zxszZDkKKjNVECTlKCJ-pNzK4hrHIQWL-ZFC4lxL8oLMH5CwrYmmwz-dpALoz_Pf7sOmuS44w/w640-h412/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank,%205%20November%201942%20E%2019019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion II flail tank in the <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_El_Alamein" target="_blank">Second Battle of El Alamein</a><br />Western Desert - Egypt<br /> 5 November -1942 <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM E19019</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Other contemporary Matilda tanks that were employed in this task were the Valentine Scorpion and the Grant Scorpion.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLafIVax_TQaVScSxU9YzenWm2zsgUKblm48eFwGlUELWWT6uHzSilmcY3DUqFvk69XORK5vy-bOzjXikjezf6bHxt2vv4_pXivQc2DepvL0isYKNZU331Udb4CBCTfLDskz7LIljnZruAOGgGF76jdtLFeWZhDY6HzFZFQPithTRX6HwdTaTYExyk-w/s1280/Valentine%20Scorpion%20flail%20IWM%20MH%209308.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLafIVax_TQaVScSxU9YzenWm2zsgUKblm48eFwGlUELWWT6uHzSilmcY3DUqFvk69XORK5vy-bOzjXikjezf6bHxt2vv4_pXivQc2DepvL0isYKNZU331Udb4CBCTfLDskz7LIljnZruAOGgGF76jdtLFeWZhDY6HzFZFQPithTRX6HwdTaTYExyk-w/w640-h350/Valentine%20Scorpion%20flail%20IWM%20MH%209308.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valentine Scorpion flail tank<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM MH 9308</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj94JcKQX1iDW06YpcLuCgq9YSziDoN6zFI_Bvv-PIJeMJQGU5r-BSsuUy0i0FIh-s2i5XevOROE1cVoXUx_VLXwITjK_KRV57PgP_lES0ZC-uYLqNcPGMn0k4pytg76rWKfxLlMkZvbY7u1tiWRt2Y3gT3kkAgFGPKpEyxl3-CfxQGTgKYobOkHtmqQ/s1024/Grant%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%20in%20a%20Sicilian%20street,%201943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj94JcKQX1iDW06YpcLuCgq9YSziDoN6zFI_Bvv-PIJeMJQGU5r-BSsuUy0i0FIh-s2i5XevOROE1cVoXUx_VLXwITjK_KRV57PgP_lES0ZC-uYLqNcPGMn0k4pytg76rWKfxLlMkZvbY7u1tiWRt2Y3gT3kkAgFGPKpEyxl3-CfxQGTgKYobOkHtmqQ/w640-h426/Grant%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%20in%20a%20Sicilian%20street,%201943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Grant Scorpion flail tank in a Sicilian street, 1943.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Development of the concept:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The idea of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mine_flail" target="_blank">mine flail</a> tank began in 1941 with <a href="https://samilhistory.com/tag/captain-abraham-du-toit/" target="_blank">Abraham S. J. du Toit</a>,, an automotive engineer in civilian life and a sergeant in the South African Artillery. Toit developed a device that detonated mines by hitting the ground with heavy chains or steel cables, driven by a rotating drum. A test apparatus was built into a truck and given a practical demonstration in Pretoria, South Africa, where a short film was produced and sent to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Auchinleck" target="_blank">General Claude Auchinleck.</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVzjC7QLW28l5uk73f2PkGrZbjCMVunrnxsU5wCkWzgS8JRklN4mjG7xfk4iE-uaHZ_8EwMAikdM4ntvnG3wF-D2G_wysi_QhreDYAIagDjV1RHhXiG2emE0s3bWPxtbaNUKMqQ15aWxf2LTlJoJJBv4ow70n8dhdmd55-1kZFVg43Wppd3UBpfHsDA/s1024/Sir%20Claude%20John%20Eyre%20Auchinleck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1024" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVzjC7QLW28l5uk73f2PkGrZbjCMVunrnxsU5wCkWzgS8JRklN4mjG7xfk4iE-uaHZ_8EwMAikdM4ntvnG3wF-D2G_wysi_QhreDYAIagDjV1RHhXiG2emE0s3bWPxtbaNUKMqQ15aWxf2LTlJoJJBv4ow70n8dhdmd55-1kZFVg43Wppd3UBpfHsDA/w640-h548/Sir%20Claude%20John%20Eyre%20Auchinleck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Claude John Eyre Auchinleck<br />Commander-in-chief of the Middle East Theatre<br />July - 1941.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After General Auchinleck saw the film, he thought the idea was brilliant and sent Sergeant du Toit to England to develop his idea and build a more robust prototype mounted on a tank chassis for use in combat. Sergeant du Toit was soon promoted to Major and was closely involved in the development of what would become the Matilda Baron in Britain. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This used flails, mounted on a rotor at the end of 3 meters long arms, to whip the ground and detonate mines. These arms could be raised or lowered by means of linkages and hydraulic pistons.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> By the end of 1942 the Baron was ready for production. This used two Bedford engines to power the device, and had a specially built operator's cabin in place of the normal turret.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34cANo3Hw7V6pljBQE8jGIPZrIbqMzRS_2qGebyf4Z-vnRMLGiEvZW5ZWGEDbNNlNzeOSMlOc4sr8-42Ju1HPns7DSd6mey8IrYQ3-pmMWituBNAgC1ObEXCBPdvgrt6S-MTBxswVe7c2D5zQaCMFB5tGKetVFvBGPsQuvClOtlpp4MuIlwBGF_sbOw/s1280/Matilda%20Baron%20flail%20IWM%20MH%203681.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="1280" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34cANo3Hw7V6pljBQE8jGIPZrIbqMzRS_2qGebyf4Z-vnRMLGiEvZW5ZWGEDbNNlNzeOSMlOc4sr8-42Ju1HPns7DSd6mey8IrYQ3-pmMWituBNAgC1ObEXCBPdvgrt6S-MTBxswVe7c2D5zQaCMFB5tGKetVFvBGPsQuvClOtlpp4MuIlwBGF_sbOw/w640-h244/Matilda%20Baron%20flail%20IWM%20MH%203681.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Baron flail tank<br />left view<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM MH 3681</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRE1DwyJvDjXlUngbzIqdGOOX3BekNO60MK7gp0a9lqk8C7GYZ2pEelAEgouSE3hCbfHeYtaP3BEFpgg8FyL15qWzWUPujJasWf9c7gKulPdzf_XPzC-uGdqovJo9A7hz4W9Xp4rLzDYwdb4bpPQOveOqJzrNs2-UPbMG1UgCfDbmI63u9GHyP8VNeHA/s1280/Matilda%20Baron%20flail%20IWM%20MH%203682.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRE1DwyJvDjXlUngbzIqdGOOX3BekNO60MK7gp0a9lqk8C7GYZ2pEelAEgouSE3hCbfHeYtaP3BEFpgg8FyL15qWzWUPujJasWf9c7gKulPdzf_XPzC-uGdqovJo9A7hz4W9Xp4rLzDYwdb4bpPQOveOqJzrNs2-UPbMG1UgCfDbmI63u9GHyP8VNeHA/w640-h302/Matilda%20Baron%20flail%20IWM%20MH%203682.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Baron flail tank<br />right view<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM MH 3682<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdaXZFRuXD4W_AlkJ1Kso2JYJuMr4-_Z06S-_ysCHuqIuC0AzcJUkkZKVwwIcpAGdrAV_exQE2BRd9l-eRlpA8I2oeWS_hgrEKF0K6-B6Q_x0rH5pQRavowGpdTuLx0ilwKWgmIOtS5UEp9WVzVivieFTS_9IIeem9wwRq40pNQwhsRVzKQ6clf3XHA/s1280/Matilda%20Baron%20flail%20tank%20IWM%20H%2031847.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdaXZFRuXD4W_AlkJ1Kso2JYJuMr4-_Z06S-_ysCHuqIuC0AzcJUkkZKVwwIcpAGdrAV_exQE2BRd9l-eRlpA8I2oeWS_hgrEKF0K6-B6Q_x0rH5pQRavowGpdTuLx0ilwKWgmIOtS5UEp9WVzVivieFTS_9IIeem9wwRq40pNQwhsRVzKQ6clf3XHA/w640-h398/Matilda%20Baron%20flail%20tank%20IWM%20H%2031847.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Baron flail tank in action<br />The mess was big, but the equipment proved to be effective.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM H 31847<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Although the Matilda Baron never saw real combat, it provided the knowledge and experience that eventually led to the development of the operational General Hobart's famous <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Sherman%20V%20%20Crab%20Mine%20Flail%20Tank" target="_blank">Sherman "Crab" flail tank</a> (which mechanically was very similar), of important use in the Normandy landings, in June, 1944 and after.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag-2PZ8lXRmdNvFBp7dElmDrr9symin4EihHiKh206suav_JrvzVbeqj8-6U6QU_yGs-pJn-zZdeoj1bEi8S6_Dhcp7Nt7WI9jUSYzqrZlEFf61JfMyHKRRmmNyVYskQpZ5IkYjmZnn_XEGs0R80L1CFEse6hx6Kt1uf6GLoHS4S-ujh1U2IdKbS1nQ/s1280/Sherman%20Crab%20flail%20tank%20during%20the%20advance%20towards%20Venraij,Holland%20%2017%20October%201944%20IWM%20BU%201213.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag-2PZ8lXRmdNvFBp7dElmDrr9symin4EihHiKh206suav_JrvzVbeqj8-6U6QU_yGs-pJn-zZdeoj1bEi8S6_Dhcp7Nt7WI9jUSYzqrZlEFf61JfMyHKRRmmNyVYskQpZ5IkYjmZnn_XEGs0R80L1CFEse6hx6Kt1uf6GLoHS4S-ujh1U2IdKbS1nQ/w640-h456/Sherman%20Crab%20flail%20tank%20during%20the%20advance%20towards%20Venraij,Holland%20%2017%20October%201944%20IWM%20BU%201213.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V Crab flail tank during the advance towards <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venray" target="_blank">Venraij, Holland.</a><br /> 17 October 1944 <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font:IWM BU 1213</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Matilda Scorpion:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Before Sergeant du Toit left for England, he shared his idea with Captain Norman Berry, South African Chief Mechanical Engineer, 8th Army. Captain Berry was impatiently waiting for the results (through bureaucracy) from England and, on his own initiative, decided to do some experiments with the idea of his own, while the 8th Army was still entrenched along the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gazala" target="_blank">Gazala Line</a>, in the spring of 1942. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Incredibly, the idea spontaneously arose in another sector, few months later, during the summer. Lieutenant Colonel Mill Colman, a member of the South African Engineer Corps, developed what he saw as a new idea for mine clearance: Inspiration struck when he noticed a tracked vehicle passing by with a bunch of barbed wire tangled in the track sprockets. With each revolution of the sprocket, the barbed wire whipped the ground with great force. Based on this, he thought it might be possible to build a flail device that could detonate mines. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Major L. A. Girling, Commander of the 21st South African Corps Field Park Company, was tasked with building the first experimental unit. They called it a "mine destruction device". Captain Berry, hearing of this "revival" of the flail idea, told Major Girling about similar earlier developments and described how Sergeant du Toit had been sent to England by General Claude Auchinleck to work on a similar idea, under conditions of strict secrecy. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcbxqz_eKXeDJaZGJN_JCFw2QLm6NZIK_GSJjoa5leGfr7mvQAjyZLV_CCfEHXFlqWv9QLZFP5V1bTJv_mdaPFQj9LIaZTyLmiUhbto5RB1x4Gu_TS0GPY_n913qsDoKJGC5HSAw5ZeKa8WWL3835QlvPVarHSQ4TyuzKbYPQbnvyxyvUTtNWwiptYQ/s1024/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%20maintenance%20,%202%20November%201942%20%20IWM%20E%2018867.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1024" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcbxqz_eKXeDJaZGJN_JCFw2QLm6NZIK_GSJjoa5leGfr7mvQAjyZLV_CCfEHXFlqWv9QLZFP5V1bTJv_mdaPFQj9LIaZTyLmiUhbto5RB1x4Gu_TS0GPY_n913qsDoKJGC5HSAw5ZeKa8WWL3835QlvPVarHSQ4TyuzKbYPQbnvyxyvUTtNWwiptYQ/w640-h632/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%20maintenance%20,%202%20November%201942%20%20IWM%20E%2018867.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion flail tank (back to front view)<br />Notice the flail rotor, under maintenance.<br />The operator- engine armoured box has the protective deflector<br />in rectangular shape and does not have an external air filter.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> So secret, in fact, that Allied Command in the Middle East had forgotten all about it. Captain Berry enthusiastically dug up the reports of his earlier experiment and handed the idea for the contraption to Major Girling's team of engineers, consisting of himself, Captain G.J. Barry, Lieutenant Hofmann and Lieutenant C.D.B. Cramb. Work on the flail prototype began immediately and on August 6, 1942, the first mock-up was completed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This first prototype of the flail was named the <b>Durban Mark I</b>, after Lieutenant Colonel Colman's hometown in South Africa. The Durban Mark I (later, <b>Matilda Scorpion</b>) incorporated many of Captain Berry's ideas, including an auxiliary Ford V8 engine, mounted in a sponson (an armored box) on the right side of the roller struts in the hull of a Matilda II tank, in a flush box, and then in the drum suspended above the ground. In this armored box, the operator could control the rotor and restart the engine.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIRjrTNlKL13BBUmMUfKl3rLsUUCKkzZPLpYhQhoEKpmGJSLEQHHymujw1uRr6royLL3WrzMdPq3wWDRlfreDLP4tSapOqjOLYH-AQb1SOG1GupVWUcaRPRbcyo8EJ2r0mLi_iy1a4bigbcJs5X1HeHdHJebaQYaImV8_caeC1zkFykz4ZI11JS7byw/s1167/THE%20SCORPION,%202-11-42%20%20%20IWM%20E%2018866.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIRjrTNlKL13BBUmMUfKl3rLsUUCKkzZPLpYhQhoEKpmGJSLEQHHymujw1uRr6royLL3WrzMdPq3wWDRlfreDLP4tSapOqjOLYH-AQb1SOG1GupVWUcaRPRbcyo8EJ2r0mLi_iy1a4bigbcJs5X1HeHdHJebaQYaImV8_caeC1zkFykz4ZI11JS7byw/w562-h640/THE%20SCORPION,%202-11-42%20%20%20IWM%20E%2018866.jpg" width="562" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I under maintenance, in the eternal <br />task of replacing the flails destroyed by mine explosions. <br />Note the rotor operator's station, with the engine exposed. <br />The air filter for the engine was internal,inside the armored box.<br />African Desert - 2 November, 1942.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM E 18866</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The horizontal flail rotor was supported by two simple lattice beam arms, fixed and non-articulated, as were those of the Matilda Baron. The left arm (the non-motorized one) could be rectangular or triangular. The rectangular version <span style="text-align: left;">it featured four vertical trusses on the frontal part of the left and right arms, while the triangular left-arm version had two vertical trusses on the right arm and only one on the left arm.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FgwqHDlTKcdE8djkjnAlYYJ31aiGrYJ5LsqO1tVaPoNBMswf7bH57UVT8pmfUgrh49UrOOWdDQ1dM0keqjwXErZq0q2tV7PjM3nnOZXwjv4Aj_O_Ms8tfEfqoBJZ00-DsGQbX4COBoGS144biYDIVuQHlg_jI9vNJdSSty0GREzWr9SlvXnYzHVioQ/s1024/Scorpion%201942-11-02%20desert%204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1024" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FgwqHDlTKcdE8djkjnAlYYJ31aiGrYJ5LsqO1tVaPoNBMswf7bH57UVT8pmfUgrh49UrOOWdDQ1dM0keqjwXErZq0q2tV7PjM3nnOZXwjv4Aj_O_Ms8tfEfqoBJZ00-DsGQbX4COBoGS144biYDIVuQHlg_jI9vNJdSSty0GREzWr9SlvXnYzHVioQ/w640-h456/Scorpion%201942-11-02%20desert%204.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I with rectangular left arm (red arrow) - left view<br />and four vertical lattices on the frontal part of the left arm (green arrows)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS9x7euIG69hChAV6hBtq7Qjk4a6Tih9k3Mlw0AZT4xpvdeumLvVJ_kesjZlo2WycRZ4_bt2Ol92M1CHqyS5cBCs8XfaO_sojoxIjkruSOm-601vWls-B79PpFgt8-M1c2CTqvhMQj9xU4vjKpZwFB4_TYQy3i-IEkZfltjhiSYUpzmzzKOdsTg8K3w/s1397/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%20details,%205%20November%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1397" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggS9x7euIG69hChAV6hBtq7Qjk4a6Tih9k3Mlw0AZT4xpvdeumLvVJ_kesjZlo2WycRZ4_bt2Ol92M1CHqyS5cBCs8XfaO_sojoxIjkruSOm-601vWls-B79PpFgt8-M1c2CTqvhMQj9xU4vjKpZwFB4_TYQy3i-IEkZfltjhiSYUpzmzzKOdsTg8K3w/w640-h416/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%20details,%205%20November%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I with rectangular left arm (red arrow) - right view<br />and four vertical lattices on the frontal part of the right arm (green arrows).<br />Notice the rectangular operator shield (red) and<br />the external air filter (Crusader like) in<br />the top front of operator box(blue).<br />Egypt - 05 November, 1942<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: modified from IWM E 19019</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIV2rdgVI4nnzTlzuDRvUYJyQu4B_ZSuMUP6l9P3AJOlJ6sYebApw4AZj1Opj1lXziojtdKq_bz1C_2148C2HmpDQcUqMAJj7tWnAKhDYNJo04F8t7HARWOPhWPs6Z-7aIu6blVltuBmiS895nBmyKPy8sdN-D2kLk3hW9s34T38g7tnKeWNuZZiOQuA/s1024/Matilda%20scorpion%20side%20left%20mk%20II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1024" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIV2rdgVI4nnzTlzuDRvUYJyQu4B_ZSuMUP6l9P3AJOlJ6sYebApw4AZj1Opj1lXziojtdKq_bz1C_2148C2HmpDQcUqMAJj7tWnAKhDYNJo04F8t7HARWOPhWPs6Z-7aIu6blVltuBmiS895nBmyKPy8sdN-D2kLk3hW9s34T38g7tnKeWNuZZiOQuA/w640-h442/Matilda%20scorpion%20side%20left%20mk%20II.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "triangular" Matilda Scorpion II in the field - left view.<br />Notice the single vertical lattice in the triangular left arm (yellow),<br />the external side air filter (used by Crusader tank) (red)<br />and the triangular deflector shield for the rotor operator (green).<br />Egypt - 1942.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD-ZO0U_P1L0f4xiT5NGp7Lc3sB9Zkv3vlEyQp0tCIJ0ydryxM5dvakg-fv5vgnvNCMc0L3HcEt3KNyCK2TeAHjY7ZXNndKcarHqoI9iDO44l8fLXSnI8b5zgL4GVCux5DWLlvcNjucV0_BRb-60FkbDEaF1_Kstnb55_PE_Td56EDjicv_HLVJcmPA/s1400/Diamond%20T%20tank%20transporter%20carrying%20a%20Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%202%2027%20January%201943.%20IWM%20E%2021707.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1400" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoD-ZO0U_P1L0f4xiT5NGp7Lc3sB9Zkv3vlEyQp0tCIJ0ydryxM5dvakg-fv5vgnvNCMc0L3HcEt3KNyCK2TeAHjY7ZXNndKcarHqoI9iDO44l8fLXSnI8b5zgL4GVCux5DWLlvcNjucV0_BRb-60FkbDEaF1_Kstnb55_PE_Td56EDjicv_HLVJcmPA/w640-h402/Diamond%20T%20tank%20transporter%20carrying%20a%20Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%202%2027%20January%201943.%20IWM%20E%2021707.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "triangular" Matilda Scorpion II being transported by a<br /><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Diamond%20T980%2F981%20-%20M19%20%2F%20M20%20%20-%206x4%20tank%20transporter" target="_blank">Diamond T980 tank transporter</a>. (right view.)<br />Notice the two vertical lattices in right arm (red)<br />no visible air filter in the top of the engine box (green)<br />and the triangular deflector shield for the rotor operator (blue).<br />27 January 1943.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: modified from IWM E 21707</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the pics, we can already observe many construction differences between individual Scorpions: the shape of the left arm, the shape of the armored box where the operator controlled the engine, the presence or absence of external air filters (Crusader type), as well as their position, without talk about the shape and height of the "deflector shields" to the hapless rotor operator. This is explained by the practically handmade construction of these vehicles, without rigorous standardization. All these characteristics varied from tank to tank.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Scorpion I and Scorpion II classification varies a lot according to the criterion, and normally those with rectangular arms would be type I and those with triangular arms, with less use of material in their construction, would be type II. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The horizontal flail rotor (supported by the two fixed arms) was positioned in front of the tank around1.80 m and 90 cm above the ground. The rotor covered the entire width of the tank and rotated in the same direction as the tank was moving, at a speed of approximately 100 revolutions per minute. The rotor was equipped with 26 flails, or sets of chains.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP5w1gKIPqmffLHcYnltH4tlG3zi3eJCmxZKo9vW00goJGOhmvm2iYlTlUzkOmJNeleJbqbLvIZuK_TPIlJyapQyheZYHSQSt7EhX9mwctin2_fXSI5D-ccJiYkRQBYl-AHK5dT8Rwl-XbSDnX-fDbko-b-xo63K4nijbYl7wAir6-dMKTuquTf4dXw/s1280/Drum%20close%20up.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPP5w1gKIPqmffLHcYnltH4tlG3zi3eJCmxZKo9vW00goJGOhmvm2iYlTlUzkOmJNeleJbqbLvIZuK_TPIlJyapQyheZYHSQSt7EhX9mwctin2_fXSI5D-ccJiYkRQBYl-AHK5dT8Rwl-XbSDnX-fDbko-b-xo63K4nijbYl7wAir6-dMKTuquTf4dXw/w640-h372/Drum%20close%20up.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flail rotor, showing damages from mine explosions<br />on the loss of steel cables and chains.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl-crAxorUcnolMfmcvz4Q6gYt11OgupAa7BwGltb6zFmT45Kb3Od61t3PRQZF6-sPPjM2hqyGiHcEChqxno_Ul_z_eUOS6bUUojBqRxlBeaC2QVIqBtLPuSYDsxWVwvuqNfCUThdU2yf7uAfxeZBtQfF3d8_wiJMZlfC5Kv0Z6wTOlN5_lefcAST8A/s1280/Close-up%20view%20of%20the%20revolving%20drum%20on%20a%20Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank,%2017%20April%201943%20IWM%20NA%202134.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvl-crAxorUcnolMfmcvz4Q6gYt11OgupAa7BwGltb6zFmT45Kb3Od61t3PRQZF6-sPPjM2hqyGiHcEChqxno_Ul_z_eUOS6bUUojBqRxlBeaC2QVIqBtLPuSYDsxWVwvuqNfCUThdU2yf7uAfxeZBtQfF3d8_wiJMZlfC5Kv0Z6wTOlN5_lefcAST8A/w640-h458/Close-up%20view%20of%20the%20revolving%20drum%20on%20a%20Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank,%2017%20April%201943%20IWM%20NA%202134.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Matilda Scorpion I flail rotor, spinning its steel cables and chains at 100 rpm.<br />The impact of the chains on the mines caused their detonation.<br />The Commander is risking his eyes a lot, without protection...<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM NA 2134</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In the history of global conflicts, there was no precedent that front line personnel could design and build equipment of such tactical importance and complexity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the field tests, Major Girling’s team continued to refine their design. On 12 September, the Durban Mark I was demonstrated for the 8th Army’s Corps commanders and their chief engineers. Generals <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Alexander,_1st_Earl_Alexander_of_Tunis" target="_blank">Harold Alexander</a>, Commander-and-Chief, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_East_Command" target="_blank">Middle East</a>; General <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Montgomery" target="_blank">Bernard Law Montgomery</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighth_Army_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">Commander 8th Army</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Morshead" target="_blank">Leslie James Morshead</a>, Commander <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9th_Division_(Australia)" target="_blank">9th Australian Division</a>, witnessed the Matilda with flail device demonstrations and were impressed with its capabilities, considering the short amount of time invested in the project. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgUFKdEu-Wec7byEOGuHa9Rd2aGFUvLaNRb06d62yIrSZLqLC9_fqdl_dwlbdtiwqKVtumumCj3ZL1H8hqELdrU9Ve9gZsrvoXjgD6nIa7LCd0gMNy-X4IfRluzxCfKG0-HYXTOo-ujsmDRxz5Vn2Wyq4kzbHrWnjaP8AZUTetticEGrhzIC2GS9Y-Q/s1024/General%20Harold%20Alexander%20as%20Commander-in-Chief,%20Middle%20East%20with%20binnoculars.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="865" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgUFKdEu-Wec7byEOGuHa9Rd2aGFUvLaNRb06d62yIrSZLqLC9_fqdl_dwlbdtiwqKVtumumCj3ZL1H8hqELdrU9Ve9gZsrvoXjgD6nIa7LCd0gMNy-X4IfRluzxCfKG0-HYXTOo-ujsmDRxz5Vn2Wyq4kzbHrWnjaP8AZUTetticEGrhzIC2GS9Y-Q/w540-h640/General%20Harold%20Alexander%20as%20Commander-in-Chief,%20Middle%20East%20with%20binnoculars.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Sir Harold Alexander - Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, <br />surveys the battlefront from an open car.<br />Western Desert - August 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFlmlIgZ3IVDmsb8WkHeNewZZ24SZWc0qS1yBI9YBJkmHQZYxGXqoWLMKEq9FSGZe9bhoCyDS6kb7KZmrroMh-_634bWS6RrnQsstLu_8ka9JkEAVRr7_GpHzGe_OF9Orqyfc9uSUsX711OCuApgzVZtIveLfhZJqZTMd69eTY9LUG3-F9wLPuHw_7A/s800/Leslie_Morshead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="599" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFlmlIgZ3IVDmsb8WkHeNewZZ24SZWc0qS1yBI9YBJkmHQZYxGXqoWLMKEq9FSGZe9bhoCyDS6kb7KZmrroMh-_634bWS6RrnQsstLu_8ka9JkEAVRr7_GpHzGe_OF9Orqyfc9uSUsX711OCuApgzVZtIveLfhZJqZTMd69eTY9LUG3-F9wLPuHw_7A/w480-h640/Leslie_Morshead.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Leslie James Morshead<span style="text-align: justify;">, <br />Commander </span>9th Australian Division<br />Western Desert - 1941.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Major Girling was congratulated for bringing the project to such a successful conclusion so quickly. Brigadier Ray remarked that, in appearance, the prototype resembled a <b>Scorpion</b> and the name stuck. General Montgomery, a deeply religious and austere man, felt the name appropriate and quoted from the First Book of Kings (<i>Chapter 12, Verse 14</i>): <i>“My Father has chastised you with whips, but I shall chastise you with scorpions.”</i> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1uZGGEPZcqnVDYO5m6o2EbXc_Iv6Qcy1G99m0ljTWcuBiKEto1n9R_-0f5xbP325AslMiGE3m9IdN7zK0Yugi3py69rcRzldDMgxvecb7KIXRCjFFIYlCUsnFF7PF4fZ1BCoVzz_s9dKWny5cf9hyFRhHpcr3GGEbdmQ-2VgSQVK2ZEn30tE2SuiXQ/s1280/General%20Bernard%20L.%20Montgomery%20in%20Grant%20tank%20turret%20%20North%20Africa,%20November%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1280" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1uZGGEPZcqnVDYO5m6o2EbXc_Iv6Qcy1G99m0ljTWcuBiKEto1n9R_-0f5xbP325AslMiGE3m9IdN7zK0Yugi3py69rcRzldDMgxvecb7KIXRCjFFIYlCUsnFF7PF4fZ1BCoVzz_s9dKWny5cf9hyFRhHpcr3GGEbdmQ-2VgSQVK2ZEn30tE2SuiXQ/w640-h496/General%20Bernard%20L.%20Montgomery%20in%20Grant%20tank%20turret%20%20North%20Africa,%20November%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Bernard L. Montgomery in Grant tank turret <br />North Africa - November 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Having observed the new, unprecedented invention, General Montgomery said that he wanted twelve for the coming attack. Brigadier Kisch had explained that the production of so large a number would have to be approved by General Headquarters and that it would mean suspending other production work. To this, General Montgomery replied, “Don’t belly-ache, order two dozen.” The next day Brigadier Kisch ordered the fabrication of an additional twenty-four of the new “Scorpion” mine destroyers, combined with the first prototype, this would provide the 8th Army a total of twenty-five Scorpions for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_El_Alamein" target="_blank">Operation Lightfoot</a> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_El_Alamein" target="_blank">Second Battle of El Alamein -23 October to 11 November 1942</a>).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Those Matilda Scorpion were produced in North Africa, serving with the 42nd RTR and 44th RTR. They achieved enough success at El Alamein for Middle East Command to ask for permission to equip 500 tanks with the Scorpion device. Permission was granted to convert 300, but it isn’t clear how many were completed, or how many of these were Matilda Scorpions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In December 1942, just as the Baron Mk IIIA was undergoing trials, the design of the Scorpion was submitted to the War Office. The simplicity of the design won out, and it was ordered in field production.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgrYfIEbB-9mgl7vKXa69OKKM2BpEkA43iyNMszT-CqEzJwImn94P1BQwkmThn14E2zpBGHViVY5zfgVs3igGexzF3Mb94IsZER5tB6x4ZprTxFw5y3pWuWNC5fOOiktIthbASEXCB_0hlVWN3UMJ4T0w-2vLfnvHb3eySzaT_fuspVDgYeIC911ERg/s1280/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%20in%20action.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgrYfIEbB-9mgl7vKXa69OKKM2BpEkA43iyNMszT-CqEzJwImn94P1BQwkmThn14E2zpBGHViVY5zfgVs3igGexzF3Mb94IsZER5tB6x4ZprTxFw5y3pWuWNC5fOOiktIthbASEXCB_0hlVWN3UMJ4T0w-2vLfnvHb3eySzaT_fuspVDgYeIC911ERg/w640-h436/Matilda%20Scorpion%20flail%20tank%20in%20action.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion II flail tank in action<br />Notice the absence of 2 pdr. main gun<br />and the two colors cammo.<br />The deflector of operator is in triangular shape.<br />Western Desert - late 1942.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As we saw earlier, the first Matilda Scorpions saw action at the second Battle of El Alamein in 1942 and went on to serve in the rest of the North African campaign. The Matilda Scorpion was withdrawn from duty in 1943. Unfortunately, none of them survived as a museum piece at the end of WWII.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Specs:</b><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1A1JvaheM-42oEX_mgfUZj2GsSVlvUesRp9q3Vx2XsKLcDMG6eP6PEI0SPBdq5My7605sHSc3Nys4NsdbuMS8Zst350mqPnQsc5YWNDqCdOH6Uk7UZfZwGapW25TR0y1lwlKX3q1DKudZyWUgw4FRFjeO_eSASpY8eq_KNfBgGxThrySuWm0qv-C1XQ/s1400/specs%20Matilda.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1400" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1A1JvaheM-42oEX_mgfUZj2GsSVlvUesRp9q3Vx2XsKLcDMG6eP6PEI0SPBdq5My7605sHSc3Nys4NsdbuMS8Zst350mqPnQsc5YWNDqCdOH6Uk7UZfZwGapW25TR0y1lwlKX3q1DKudZyWUgw4FRFjeO_eSASpY8eq_KNfBgGxThrySuWm0qv-C1XQ/w640-h362/specs%20Matilda.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmCHX359FKDCKcZ7sP5H_vgvdRduQQ4dk8XHIUkmDZXHoSsNp_A8ykUlTGayyDLeRbWKPSTqG5SbHDPSq9Te5USuPPzrzbGkaiDF_trs8dajt-7y9qw4wqst12qjlpMRMkV08zIOXdkWYn_ojjgaahXmQGKE9I9rWY5DDTBFK35MywqsLsVINzVm-Sw/s1400/Matilda%20Scorpion%20specs.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1400" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmCHX359FKDCKcZ7sP5H_vgvdRduQQ4dk8XHIUkmDZXHoSsNp_A8ykUlTGayyDLeRbWKPSTqG5SbHDPSq9Te5USuPPzrzbGkaiDF_trs8dajt-7y9qw4wqst12qjlpMRMkV08zIOXdkWYn_ojjgaahXmQGKE9I9rWY5DDTBFK35MywqsLsVINzVm-Sw/w640-h350/Matilda%20Scorpion%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Infantry Tank Matilda Mark II (standard)</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Infantry tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1939–1955</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom<br />Australia<br />Soviet Union<br />Nazi Germany (captured)<br />Egypt</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Second World War<br />1948 Arab–Israeli War</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Mechanization Board and<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_Foundry" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vulcan Foundry">Vulcan Foundry</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1937</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Vulcan Foundry and others</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1937–1943</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2,987 (all variants)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">25 tons</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5.61 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.59 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.51 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 (driver, gunner, loader, commander)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">20 to 78 mm </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_QF_2-pounder" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Ordnance QF 2-pounder">QF-2 pounder (40 mm) gun</a> x 93 AP rounds</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.92 mm <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Besa machine gun">Besa machine gun</a> x 2,925 rounds</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2×<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_engine" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Diesel engine">diesel</a> 6-cylinder 7-litre engines: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Equipment_Company" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Associated Equipment Company">AEC</a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span>or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Leyland" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="British Leyland">Leyland</a><br />190 bhp (140 kW) engine</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.5 bhp (5.6 kW) / tonne</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6 speed Wilson epicyclic<br /><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-selector_gearbox" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Pre-selector gearbox">pre-selector gearbox</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Coil spring</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">182 ls Internal + <br />163 ls auxiliary tank </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">80 Km Internal + <br />157 Km auxiliary tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">24 km/h - on road<br />14 km/h - off road</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Steering system</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Rackham clutches</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The kits:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b>For this project, I'll use these two amazing kits: The <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/tamiya-35300-matilda-mkiii-iv--424093" target="_blank">Matilda Mk.III/IV from Tamiya (#35300)</a> and the conversion resin kit made by <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/resicast-351219-scorpion-conversion-kit-tamiya-matilda--314485" target="_blank">Resicast : Matilda Scorpion (#35.1219)</a>. The Resicast version is the Scorpion I.</div><p><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OQITxLZpJO7SLWfz_t-RyhhtYfNsHl2nfAnZ9b3GCQJIXyWHpnrp6HFJ39KBviQRCiMp7JQepv2pzTTh1XcP-CW1FpLXa8wcG5BysX3CpNspWtgQ4wJwpoNSUcQn_-6WumXQVqBHZyU-1NeKjv4Mg4Fno_agc7eOL74zAYiKMno23597D3F7mCa0hQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20000a.JPG" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OQITxLZpJO7SLWfz_t-RyhhtYfNsHl2nfAnZ9b3GCQJIXyWHpnrp6HFJ39KBviQRCiMp7JQepv2pzTTh1XcP-CW1FpLXa8wcG5BysX3CpNspWtgQ4wJwpoNSUcQn_-6WumXQVqBHZyU-1NeKjv4Mg4Fno_agc7eOL74zAYiKMno23597D3F7mCa0hQ/w640-h434/Mat%20Scorpion%20000a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak, ready for action!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLZHJEBKJfdhNzL-WQnn4bnZzDjVcIRREBlGuqaymV1D5YKeVOUfkOMXiOXhuuZlUB31bWUcOT0GpwisDgBTUJLj5ROd-tCvlc5TmrEdEyowb1sxqDNZVAYXkFeRNhhoDChPecfYKUsUaRcvhAaanjq5qSCpU_yQ7qOoClOCJwAr5OOxUu6Il6qcjKA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLZHJEBKJfdhNzL-WQnn4bnZzDjVcIRREBlGuqaymV1D5YKeVOUfkOMXiOXhuuZlUB31bWUcOT0GpwisDgBTUJLj5ROd-tCvlc5TmrEdEyowb1sxqDNZVAYXkFeRNhhoDChPecfYKUsUaRcvhAaanjq5qSCpU_yQ7qOoClOCJwAr5OOxUu6Il6qcjKA/w640-h394/Mat%20Scorpion%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak among the pieces of the new project. <br />The bald one loves a challenge...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Well... here we go: following the instructions in the Resicast booklet, we must build the "host" kit up to a certain stage, and then we can start the transformation from the matilda gun to Matilda Scorpion. If that's the pie recipe, let's follow it!!! Starting with Tamiya's wonderful kit: wheels and suspension bogies. The parts are very well injected, with almost no burrs... A delicacy of the Gods!!!</div><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDqMhIgw-XEeMZ8Q9PKHcAxucA1WOZg49hOtKggzkT13vm-bHbL13e0e243TWY-r6KcGJPkmo8V1lxj5hJ1ykNmZUeVDDIHAmQcT3VvoG9V4kcOxKYfx3QSEgfKa3O2mG0reNKOZWBz5XA5y-Z34vyI9F--eGLcKAaasSrFEDxS76XrRlG2m8SZF9wQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20000b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDqMhIgw-XEeMZ8Q9PKHcAxucA1WOZg49hOtKggzkT13vm-bHbL13e0e243TWY-r6KcGJPkmo8V1lxj5hJ1ykNmZUeVDDIHAmQcT3VvoG9V4kcOxKYfx3QSEgfKa3O2mG0reNKOZWBz5XA5y-Z34vyI9F--eGLcKAaasSrFEDxS76XrRlG2m8SZF9wQ/w640-h400/Mat%20Scorpion%20000b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheels and wheels...</td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPRlxk0APXbkgYleI9KUNd_V0VgaL5i5oIeTL5zSkVQ-HyiMR1PEfgR49d72XYntItsAaf3A3UCQIhUXX45mduPWVO5lsUtI4U7dW0CSbHGRhY68wqyxcmz6PLYHf3U7D_R0F7ovnt-_oN7gorAyKx8ZUBYDPmwLohQz-Q5jDj4dm02xDwat-mVgtLg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPRlxk0APXbkgYleI9KUNd_V0VgaL5i5oIeTL5zSkVQ-HyiMR1PEfgR49d72XYntItsAaf3A3UCQIhUXX45mduPWVO5lsUtI4U7dW0CSbHGRhY68wqyxcmz6PLYHf3U7D_R0F7ovnt-_oN7gorAyKx8ZUBYDPmwLohQz-Q5jDj4dm02xDwat-mVgtLg/w640-h382/Mat%20Scorpion%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspension bogies built...no problems!!!<br />Huzzah!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WMrohvan0Wgy_cekztJ99aWSXhYdDGdYQWXGxp-zVwiqh4LTOxsbuXAlXp3905e3J4XfhltdHwzxKZFRBGQs8PQUEYU6mZR5_Y-kJvxiH1DxfACu2A3GxronMbqYFWbMPNjlb5jo0TLyi_0l-biAcgKHhmUnazLG9Uad-qZusmUu5M7kAKjbwtza-A/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WMrohvan0Wgy_cekztJ99aWSXhYdDGdYQWXGxp-zVwiqh4LTOxsbuXAlXp3905e3J4XfhltdHwzxKZFRBGQs8PQUEYU6mZR5_Y-kJvxiH1DxfACu2A3GxronMbqYFWbMPNjlb5jo0TLyi_0l-biAcgKHhmUnazLG9Uad-qZusmUu5M7kAKjbwtza-A/w640-h338/Mat%20Scorpion%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dude...those Tamiya kits are indecent...<br />A delight to build...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPVbfuKb9lXCZmUBbGVJaYesLjbJNdHiAAukp5XwRuMr1rKlMEQxvIcufdhfoLk26t6o2Xw6hTj706lticVvuhn15G0uwP0dm_lysCgnZ8V08S4psjvT65iBQNnfaInJLiCJkzsaPvJNCqx4PbK4PPseRlyEMOiKkqSDeE7yYP3ZYHQiag_PWcFz5Wg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPVbfuKb9lXCZmUBbGVJaYesLjbJNdHiAAukp5XwRuMr1rKlMEQxvIcufdhfoLk26t6o2Xw6hTj706lticVvuhn15G0uwP0dm_lysCgnZ8V08S4psjvT65iBQNnfaInJLiCJkzsaPvJNCqx4PbK4PPseRlyEMOiKkqSDeE7yYP3ZYHQiag_PWcFz5Wg/w640-h338/Mat%20Scorpion%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything fits perfectly, no adaptation problem...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm_osAdWbqnnkrAKitHrdCbGYuXPCx-94J9wFLIhLOdLDGnkXXxQYqRRBOjzxVQE-80M-mb5Pkw7GLzJfCEF1hp1zv-Ioq5ineNCQOGCr9pOSnOD80mcxnv9QA1sORQCbcncrrJydqEHz1ets4-320_wsoOuuXW0r1adS1v4KuFqK16b4Ms3Wc2dp_Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtm_osAdWbqnnkrAKitHrdCbGYuXPCx-94J9wFLIhLOdLDGnkXXxQYqRRBOjzxVQE-80M-mb5Pkw7GLzJfCEF1hp1zv-Ioq5ineNCQOGCr9pOSnOD80mcxnv9QA1sORQCbcncrrJydqEHz1ets4-320_wsoOuuXW0r1adS1v4KuFqK16b4Ms3Wc2dp_Q/w640-h326/Mat%20Scorpion%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction is fast and smooth...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcl0AfB_tf9ItY4yYvPtHLzOh1bgcxwlEi5I7wjwKbT7QrW8RF9V6de_MAfixFgARgGuihX_ZgVjCySkIVzbPrHI3fqBp5dzIUlvMNvXhZo8jmzI_o8DNlT6c69HaijPk1hF2WpuYDtRDNhAekX0FWqRvyKLBwDNzIhK2iQ2xV2C3U0DLFPnSLW7HJw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcl0AfB_tf9ItY4yYvPtHLzOh1bgcxwlEi5I7wjwKbT7QrW8RF9V6de_MAfixFgARgGuihX_ZgVjCySkIVzbPrHI3fqBp5dzIUlvMNvXhZo8jmzI_o8DNlT6c69HaijPk1hF2WpuYDtRDNhAekX0FWqRvyKLBwDNzIhK2iQ2xV2C3U0DLFPnSLW7HJw/w640-h386/Mat%20Scorpion%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huzzah!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5yvHnQyCekAEl79KdkEHv4zkGLk5UXrvJTVw92EWnNRfxK2rOLhafXHbRZxqAfp2kw_-Kz-FpDUcjJS5DCVcfGqzXwMlGHVKmlepkHw_PGD6nw9s064jeQxWBNdUSIKLJzJnws-8t4dbYLHWBwdfgteidZn_iT11VlMd_T2AtSoo_b2ilJiji8URlA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5yvHnQyCekAEl79KdkEHv4zkGLk5UXrvJTVw92EWnNRfxK2rOLhafXHbRZxqAfp2kw_-Kz-FpDUcjJS5DCVcfGqzXwMlGHVKmlepkHw_PGD6nw9s064jeQxWBNdUSIKLJzJnws-8t4dbYLHWBwdfgteidZn_iT11VlMd_T2AtSoo_b2ilJiji8URlA/w640-h392/Mat%20Scorpion%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm going to install the tracks, to facilitate the construction<br />and alignment of future Scorpion props...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g0P9uwwXytKGbL2_9yB3Vo9VopuH2wBEAbgZ8_u2dJmZo3ROJ_WGfy8T-TDGmhg1lVIeQIplmZI42j0wEtW3W3STBdnun4-xfB-H-UsLz5rYmSgPFW7nAUJA58_qn_Lgumqz2enqqEi8j5B02Z3lY_6kejZ1M4aYf0XjDOWvtw8O3Pycw6gPJvZ4Rg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20008.JPG" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1g0P9uwwXytKGbL2_9yB3Vo9VopuH2wBEAbgZ8_u2dJmZo3ROJ_WGfy8T-TDGmhg1lVIeQIplmZI42j0wEtW3W3STBdnun4-xfB-H-UsLz5rYmSgPFW7nAUJA58_qn_Lgumqz2enqqEi8j5B02Z3lY_6kejZ1M4aYf0XjDOWvtw8O3Pycw6gPJvZ4Rg/w640-h316/Mat%20Scorpion%20008.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Tracks in position<br />right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, an intervention from the Resicast manual: in the booklet, they recommend using a 100 gr ballast at the rear of the tank, to balance the weight of the rotor of the trainers. For this, I will use fishing sinkers... Lead is ideal for this...</div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlt1rzj8swb7zsNG2iaKEjXjuP_c7yG_dbgGZtSZzDGiVSwgaCJQtR4CqCDFRFQZg-DwYyVtU0UQJfB1l9NNgQeGf2Q89BEn_Xdc_7OdhBr57uuwhT6Go26HjDoYL9L8XznHhCwprNCg86ncY1W0zbi9lqmgfc3_7kIzZQ40zkdpAD3ve8qYwhTaYEA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlt1rzj8swb7zsNG2iaKEjXjuP_c7yG_dbgGZtSZzDGiVSwgaCJQtR4CqCDFRFQZg-DwYyVtU0UQJfB1l9NNgQeGf2Q89BEn_Xdc_7OdhBr57uuwhT6Go26HjDoYL9L8XznHhCwprNCg86ncY1W0zbi9lqmgfc3_7kIzZQ40zkdpAD3ve8qYwhTaYEA/w640-h480/Mat%20Scorpion%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a wall with plasticard to contain the lead pellets...<br />Using a food scale for an exact measurement...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NTtJz1_ik-RcDYvmzxM-wpxpYb2QtRO4KCZhA7jS5X21O3No5Zu5c5L2txvmrL0s5vqsxyxc1Oof5EZqBPR_PTcf9HoYrGUBhFyzuZuIntKShDd85GsY4NB8PnJQQaSzatgGj74MhHzse5YAl-sxSN4DTZo83I_UWdWuAW1wc70J4ArHGS6FFuxMOg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NTtJz1_ik-RcDYvmzxM-wpxpYb2QtRO4KCZhA7jS5X21O3No5Zu5c5L2txvmrL0s5vqsxyxc1Oof5EZqBPR_PTcf9HoYrGUBhFyzuZuIntKShDd85GsY4NB8PnJQQaSzatgGj74MhHzse5YAl-sxSN4DTZo83I_UWdWuAW1wc70J4ArHGS6FFuxMOg/w640-h400/Mat%20Scorpion%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The important thing is that nothing is "shaking" or making noise...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIcZC-vcVCczWVtE0vAg6pSNRurPg_S2Mdw5Gv__sqODIibO1bhvrFKRQN5ZPtjmC9IrAwrlSJu_ZPIHUEScWnnZj72BmikUDvg3Z4M4NnZcCXZetvax_KZ5hVjJhnbyk12onU6UElg_lDLOOnmq0GXhp3lG1RPaUkpO64UFxb1On6ggnpMiQGseKCA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIcZC-vcVCczWVtE0vAg6pSNRurPg_S2Mdw5Gv__sqODIibO1bhvrFKRQN5ZPtjmC9IrAwrlSJu_ZPIHUEScWnnZj72BmikUDvg3Z4M4NnZcCXZetvax_KZ5hVjJhnbyk12onU6UElg_lDLOOnmq0GXhp3lG1RPaUkpO64UFxb1On6ggnpMiQGseKCA/w640-h406/Mat%20Scorpion%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exactly 100 grams of ballast!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGz8do59Um8krufUHdvzgzU4ALwZMXTXIL3C3ItcMJJuvZLJS_u2cZaUYskJ0-yLx65ZCcTieXXxWPI0ZQBGEw4U3__mPiziXpzJ7mzMCir-NRjQ1lfb1WVDd61ccs3ca1J6dgNSKFoQm91TxEEqu_50r99JlsdSmU1ldWHgUtJqTFP1KsSVowKpHvZQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGz8do59Um8krufUHdvzgzU4ALwZMXTXIL3C3ItcMJJuvZLJS_u2cZaUYskJ0-yLx65ZCcTieXXxWPI0ZQBGEw4U3__mPiziXpzJ7mzMCir-NRjQ1lfb1WVDd61ccs3ca1J6dgNSKFoQm91TxEEqu_50r99JlsdSmU1ldWHgUtJqTFP1KsSVowKpHvZQ/w640-h390/Mat%20Scorpion%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using PVA glue to avoid "noise pollution"!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxJutMAc8HnBo6_pqtnRPGA2RUuNYG8C7vwI7eQpm0m7D5Ft6ouQvlX1jkZLow3GfcxYoq1xcsQ0r6DvDBd2N8-dqhvrvz3oXw3fA-SIyD_29ABmlzyVGDqgCyKVhBh6748OKWlZOaCw1WtUCDnFoMqazMGDRlDAoso-1TA7fxR09BbPP7mzCuzPVmA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxJutMAc8HnBo6_pqtnRPGA2RUuNYG8C7vwI7eQpm0m7D5Ft6ouQvlX1jkZLow3GfcxYoq1xcsQ0r6DvDBd2N8-dqhvrvz3oXw3fA-SIyD_29ABmlzyVGDqgCyKVhBh6748OKWlZOaCw1WtUCDnFoMqazMGDRlDAoso-1TA7fxR09BbPP7mzCuzPVmA/w640-h348/Mat%20Scorpion%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And closing the ballast chamber with a thin layer of plasticard,<br />reinforced with a I-beam Plastruct</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GPRS4s93wP2iBEQwzOwS2Jqiz0DyX5XF4Rt2d1gXXZXRvMLhdd9jzGyBZPTuh3JMmXXux7jP-A23Why0XdhcSQf-_sf6_1z0Ee4lC7IcCXz8ckP5pL9NN1xT2fico4p5CDOmhVYL2OU8lqoTmHrtOBxHVYYw2nDAtA-ftTewzgNdqQUm8shhNp9bhQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GPRS4s93wP2iBEQwzOwS2Jqiz0DyX5XF4Rt2d1gXXZXRvMLhdd9jzGyBZPTuh3JMmXXux7jP-A23Why0XdhcSQf-_sf6_1z0Ee4lC7IcCXz8ckP5pL9NN1xT2fico4p5CDOmhVYL2OU8lqoTmHrtOBxHVYYw2nDAtA-ftTewzgNdqQUm8shhNp9bhQ/w640-h416/Mat%20Scorpion%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastruct doesn't interfere with the upper deck...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ9JkQLeoJM5sGesVpFdWP0ix_GA_D_arkUQsfcX1LmOx1dBTVKzYrL2birGVsbmCFjJj3x7sDrA6tA20-2OuhUGUFbp4gcfvo0bRf8tP6mxhf5ikou9-qSGYTpdsyL8K2RDNoWBVJJU9wDRlHMc2KPI6mqwOYuWBj5sAI5MRMaKpN62PV7wpeg5F-A/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ9JkQLeoJM5sGesVpFdWP0ix_GA_D_arkUQsfcX1LmOx1dBTVKzYrL2birGVsbmCFjJj3x7sDrA6tA20-2OuhUGUFbp4gcfvo0bRf8tP6mxhf5ikou9-qSGYTpdsyL8K2RDNoWBVJJU9wDRlHMc2KPI6mqwOYuWBj5sAI5MRMaKpN62PV7wpeg5F-A/w640-h366/Mat%20Scorpion%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect adaptation!!!<br />Kojak, I salute you!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7QtuFfNYWTIl_QPTynO45DSXJpiEcfUbSPNgkg_QjwM6z4ZfljEzgnJsgyqvf4znsLJ-_LbntNz_4Rx8vQZhRS5pwTo2GyLTWdir68AjdZIYcjQIzVgoBTxXQbGbY_tLY3wy-lAEi_FNIxTdfPZIhWJjF3tJRG42WU9gyQG4Ta675BXaLotaXPAwuA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7QtuFfNYWTIl_QPTynO45DSXJpiEcfUbSPNgkg_QjwM6z4ZfljEzgnJsgyqvf4znsLJ-_LbntNz_4Rx8vQZhRS5pwTo2GyLTWdir68AjdZIYcjQIzVgoBTxXQbGbY_tLY3wy-lAEi_FNIxTdfPZIhWJjF3tJRG42WU9gyQG4Ta675BXaLotaXPAwuA/w640-h386/Mat%20Scorpion%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda's hull, with the 100 grams installed...<br />Imperceptible, but heavy!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8CfQCQPL42292g2DZCI6-EaFlwMI9X_ApMuYRrifIhkyKVHP_L5AisE5IPP6UcVr8BveH8HSrhu8fHbUws1lLvRTN4lPf1y0mBDgcaLK1qgx-_LywXSPVKgP60HJPQuEH30At6o7n7jVY7itL7Nfpq3oOlZ3jYzUjEKsaKr3XK1jvm1eELmTsKSm7Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8CfQCQPL42292g2DZCI6-EaFlwMI9X_ApMuYRrifIhkyKVHP_L5AisE5IPP6UcVr8BveH8HSrhu8fHbUws1lLvRTN4lPf1y0mBDgcaLK1qgx-_LywXSPVKgP60HJPQuEH30At6o7n7jVY7itL7Nfpq3oOlZ3jYzUjEKsaKr3XK1jvm1eELmTsKSm7Q/w640-h448/Mat%20Scorpion%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda's hull, with the 100 grams installed...<br />Imperceptible, but heavy!!<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zutj5SqVPIHw8U0YIiMieiv3CRpb95VX8JxQXkLwebQ3XOfrquWhAj3OYuv8Fq5YDnqjt3wqtTPpWY85nvSiTdmOomF4gwd9OEc-VGtk5wRH2j5tSxuQDeC7yg1z69aeClO0_JZWCMCMkyGdih3rcjYNCPF7zZK7wLr_F27CAXosIMCIDmiyyfJO6Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zutj5SqVPIHw8U0YIiMieiv3CRpb95VX8JxQXkLwebQ3XOfrquWhAj3OYuv8Fq5YDnqjt3wqtTPpWY85nvSiTdmOomF4gwd9OEc-VGtk5wRH2j5tSxuQDeC7yg1z69aeClO0_JZWCMCMkyGdih3rcjYNCPF7zZK7wLr_F27CAXosIMCIDmiyyfJO6Q/w640-h402/Mat%20Scorpion%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the side armored skirts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4wC8yFk4MAfKv5Y8QviXu63BWGvhJpCjkZM5JAnOuwjPPNgZkTp7wBMqEWc_QVAejfdqcZzpW7lCVRZpAGjHpI-xU6CknDQJOizZ0-uFwTINnP8K64mWh2P3RgrQddo-De2C-SJeA3oeq5JVqGUYkPtJZGl9-rz9Xn7CQtXW5UkBgl80VllsHDg-Ow/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4wC8yFk4MAfKv5Y8QviXu63BWGvhJpCjkZM5JAnOuwjPPNgZkTp7wBMqEWc_QVAejfdqcZzpW7lCVRZpAGjHpI-xU6CknDQJOizZ0-uFwTINnP8K64mWh2P3RgrQddo-De2C-SJeA3oeq5JVqGUYkPtJZGl9-rz9Xn7CQtXW5UkBgl80VllsHDg-Ow/w640-h384/Mat%20Scorpion%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now yes...a perfect Matilda is being born....<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7FrUdBn8mR51E0bGUsbCg3D4EkRDtdmC2sWjnXnKtMSyvpkDLgSCIcZl07hVWn3kn2LLcX0HwMm2rcInbL6NaAc7pkU7ObS4lNgyM8FtjkpYI4ytSGu2u1Cosm61J6zpZvDvHQVR9vyJ7iYrV4xAudeVUGIase8EtOMrIPzWyGNma1EeM2gi6EcU8w/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7FrUdBn8mR51E0bGUsbCg3D4EkRDtdmC2sWjnXnKtMSyvpkDLgSCIcZl07hVWn3kn2LLcX0HwMm2rcInbL6NaAc7pkU7ObS4lNgyM8FtjkpYI4ytSGu2u1Cosm61J6zpZvDvHQVR9vyJ7iYrV4xAudeVUGIase8EtOMrIPzWyGNma1EeM2gi6EcU8w/w640-h402/Mat%20Scorpion%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen of Desert!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39beEy9rTdxDK5TenP_AUDwPywq7Rb5qistMq9NFTA6N3EYUYchcUsn8P33X9cYohWRnYwnMx_D78oQD0h1SlLpaM61DGSSLZSCEtOqnO-TtY1wVUbBvh1TAcPkXEpBoxEpO2g5Y8MjBF6KeBpxk_4nXq1_0S6aKUfWKyeBeFF0TtSFUCRd_22lFpsA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39beEy9rTdxDK5TenP_AUDwPywq7Rb5qistMq9NFTA6N3EYUYchcUsn8P33X9cYohWRnYwnMx_D78oQD0h1SlLpaM61DGSSLZSCEtOqnO-TtY1wVUbBvh1TAcPkXEpBoxEpO2g5Y8MjBF6KeBpxk_4nXq1_0S6aKUfWKyeBeFF0TtSFUCRd_22lFpsA/w640-h424/Mat%20Scorpion%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And with the turret, she simply looks stunning!!!<br />The Queen!!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Gaa9rIVe9Nen4Hhr0C8jIALsXsMBmfQSTBXjaeFJJxj9YU4bCaDdUPEdqNSNM29XR7QnR5yNEsIX_35VuJwwO5H1WRIFRnRnqrPvFwOyk2Ih0C5wGpTnVO4whO1UV-tjf3NV9p1_TIRh8GKmrtVayJ2lTsv-qFx6xadzX6nry-a5GQMuhuGBhu27EQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Gaa9rIVe9Nen4Hhr0C8jIALsXsMBmfQSTBXjaeFJJxj9YU4bCaDdUPEdqNSNM29XR7QnR5yNEsIX_35VuJwwO5H1WRIFRnRnqrPvFwOyk2Ih0C5wGpTnVO4whO1UV-tjf3NV9p1_TIRh8GKmrtVayJ2lTsv-qFx6xadzX6nry-a5GQMuhuGBhu27EQ/w640-h432/Mat%20Scorpion%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw45usJekbWWCwXDtofy07KZfVz-bg8SrywH0455uiTLihj2Y1lCQubnzPmzuGB-aAz2hrgDLNV_R6EWJZaAnkR5wYV_VqjiTxNenHzleGQwVFsQ-0GfKo_xkvuw7_2cNDDKobLBWB2JKIqEOoluAYhiEsZ9oHCFamaEJZ5RFFHCGrjPNuIL4ZnApzQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiw45usJekbWWCwXDtofy07KZfVz-bg8SrywH0455uiTLihj2Y1lCQubnzPmzuGB-aAz2hrgDLNV_R6EWJZaAnkR5wYV_VqjiTxNenHzleGQwVFsQ-0GfKo_xkvuw7_2cNDDKobLBWB2JKIqEOoluAYhiEsZ9oHCFamaEJZ5RFFHCGrjPNuIL4ZnApzQ/w640-h422/Mat%20Scorpion%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the details on the turret... Tamiya, you are fantastic!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_K11afcThzxRKJM4EEEbn2KJbzyhbvJ0LP7RVvINMchinXWcbr1X22jpa-a5eyrNi6FuPKVPxy8K4pJwnEe3A9Or6RZM0hOdeyS7v4KlQDXmCYAdw1K81hz2la6wUoTcATWiQ512QJzgxFZ7Fc6KzlHTb4doS1l2D5DrRhOozp-k70lnJfO3Xv_kww/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_K11afcThzxRKJM4EEEbn2KJbzyhbvJ0LP7RVvINMchinXWcbr1X22jpa-a5eyrNi6FuPKVPxy8K4pJwnEe3A9Or6RZM0hOdeyS7v4KlQDXmCYAdw1K81hz2la6wUoTcATWiQ512QJzgxFZ7Fc6KzlHTb4doS1l2D5DrRhOozp-k70lnJfO3Xv_kww/w640-h394/Mat%20Scorpion%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-43a_uGqfniZ2TPcSjC39-f4tK6JRtWDTyA5SONBxhAKyAkjcMFiA2b5XbRHEIlLOfke9sN6VsJ79z7nV69YGWmMTjhjuiEoremnwk_Sb9GqicR_2WGgIjfrYwK5zYxi8eWLw6KUr9bak5XO1PpJmZyTYCNtRxi6xoBa7P_jA30Iyy6wQjYb0VnkOmA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-43a_uGqfniZ2TPcSjC39-f4tK6JRtWDTyA5SONBxhAKyAkjcMFiA2b5XbRHEIlLOfke9sN6VsJ79z7nV69YGWmMTjhjuiEoremnwk_Sb9GqicR_2WGgIjfrYwK5zYxi8eWLw6KUr9bak5XO1PpJmZyTYCNtRxi6xoBa7P_jA30Iyy6wQjYb0VnkOmA/w640-h408/Mat%20Scorpion%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The details on the turret, in close view...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJY6tKPUiYb2yZ_LzGeTR5lUBwj6Dy72C4Kp03hGAimiassOzaVe1BHM2f16MXd1YIfQq1k8Ptd-w6iUTYTD9_Z4ctRQuF0PLWp3QvFIeB4CsxFQ1BMCJ1xZq_cV9mWfYoT53Tqg_bd97Nyx9qkEVpvlWWrZnrHmtMxsGjyTm-D_NGE1rC0KDekvPTQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJY6tKPUiYb2yZ_LzGeTR5lUBwj6Dy72C4Kp03hGAimiassOzaVe1BHM2f16MXd1YIfQq1k8Ptd-w6iUTYTD9_Z4ctRQuF0PLWp3QvFIeB4CsxFQ1BMCJ1xZq_cV9mWfYoT53Tqg_bd97Nyx9qkEVpvlWWrZnrHmtMxsGjyTm-D_NGE1rC0KDekvPTQ/w640-h412/Mat%20Scorpion%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tamiya stage is practically ready!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"> Now, it's time for the polyurethane resin!!!</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBveTrEM0ihkiooz1P1GABnY78WLMku1Z_chpYwfOoqI9u7GcRFPIOel_ZAuFpLb7kUMUUkI76FoyGztHVagucDWZe3VNWTKoWrK2q863PzMqcC3JOymu0_FZ4B9O0Ghm63b3Jpdht3jh3dpLQFjr_tycMZounPWGek2eXf_3V15nkvxELrkMUNWahJw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBveTrEM0ihkiooz1P1GABnY78WLMku1Z_chpYwfOoqI9u7GcRFPIOel_ZAuFpLb7kUMUUkI76FoyGztHVagucDWZe3VNWTKoWrK2q863PzMqcC3JOymu0_FZ4B9O0Ghm63b3Jpdht3jh3dpLQFjr_tycMZounPWGek2eXf_3V15nkvxELrkMUNWahJw/w640-h446/Mat%20Scorpion%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting by the engine: Ford v8 flathead</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BmabAUT18ozWcqq4NfzjEtjfuLQlMg3uxJEv6kOsdBY4RqTKX0cw-3uLWJxAGQUoAmvCFy0u0qUxyMw3kXBiqzXbb26GiGiQMkvfuMY4BseCfTT1k63HmAq_wLwUucJsVQP5KVrpweJ3x1DByXe72ZPN-cIDTAhF4X3JvakmAOwwv8Tfb0cN62p88A/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BmabAUT18ozWcqq4NfzjEtjfuLQlMg3uxJEv6kOsdBY4RqTKX0cw-3uLWJxAGQUoAmvCFy0u0qUxyMw3kXBiqzXbb26GiGiQMkvfuMY4BseCfTT1k63HmAq_wLwUucJsVQP5KVrpweJ3x1DByXe72ZPN-cIDTAhF4X3JvakmAOwwv8Tfb0cN62p88A/w640-h484/Mat%20Scorpion%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The engine is very well cast in resin, with many details... <br />Very well done, mrs. Resicast!!<br />Uncle Ford approves!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgOd33PmnqcZ2tgQj1W3yQteGO7fpmQfThBSwpnJQfnE-ImRUAwHOrRiTkCWk5qmg-0B8P324taBbWhV1BwVsGrD7JXkWtkRwnuHKYZiDDzjeXjhPBxApBPSI3_ImslINkgDyN4z4kW7xKr7cT9vr6GyGCfVSN_ZmWXh0o-uIIYdKFR5DiKLDx8rIBA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgOd33PmnqcZ2tgQj1W3yQteGO7fpmQfThBSwpnJQfnE-ImRUAwHOrRiTkCWk5qmg-0B8P324taBbWhV1BwVsGrD7JXkWtkRwnuHKYZiDDzjeXjhPBxApBPSI3_ImslINkgDyN4z4kW7xKr7cT9vr6GyGCfVSN_ZmWXh0o-uIIYdKFR5DiKLDx8rIBA/w640-h378/Mat%20Scorpion%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using MacGyver as inspiration, let's make the spark plug wires<br />going to the distributor...<br />left view of the engine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffDmdjSrgVnP3SvgUxgWkI6wn2k5yR-NbDMrZ-nSOxG11EdDkein7VNOySDnlDLn4p6GKQDWXrAuYr-yxNcw0CoVW6rL6j3byz4wn-bET2S4-uH_rGJO7o71aQtfvb6VqdO6p64YK_ioA-K72ypEhWLuTpohxNpn1q0Ntw85mG6IQQ_4ITfY90STtrg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffDmdjSrgVnP3SvgUxgWkI6wn2k5yR-NbDMrZ-nSOxG11EdDkein7VNOySDnlDLn4p6GKQDWXrAuYr-yxNcw0CoVW6rL6j3byz4wn-bET2S4-uH_rGJO7o71aQtfvb6VqdO6p64YK_ioA-K72ypEhWLuTpohxNpn1q0Ntw85mG6IQQ_4ITfY90STtrg/w640-h348/Mat%20Scorpion%20033.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">right view of the engine</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Some warped parts that will be fixed using the old tactic of dipping the piece in boiling water... When the resin softens, just rectify the position of the parts and wait for it to cool down...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBakX9OMxlWtjHaPlP7NGM20-O_5KWXW_gAkGpfMbH0vD11WQzUX9Gk7n0gAdQoswC3w66nqmjFJuNAaomVKA7qi4QJq_LyQEYIiQCUoyi9iSuTj8o9CR0JOJPK84aOpbsas24_ZzzvxQGt3gAXseLvhwIoMhyXrT59VbX8FbXWpLNMJfMc1jjCZozQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBakX9OMxlWtjHaPlP7NGM20-O_5KWXW_gAkGpfMbH0vD11WQzUX9Gk7n0gAdQoswC3w66nqmjFJuNAaomVKA7qi4QJq_LyQEYIiQCUoyi9iSuTj8o9CR0JOJPK84aOpbsas24_ZzzvxQGt3gAXseLvhwIoMhyXrT59VbX8FbXWpLNMJfMc1jjCZozQ/w640-h410/Mat%20Scorpion%20034.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The defects and the cure!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The assembly of the trussed arm must be perfectly square. This delicate piece that only acquires resistance when fully constructed...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbMiq8Sfc9R7xmutcWfynh32sGEI8YSx3kuEKyBkcIOvM8EUi6PhD5Y1YnJKOJ-MwU1DADdVXibLu3IxEONuxeejPGtfdli6255VntLUNr8Klw6y_4rtLxFe_HfnDE46HHkMtwcx4uA36bOYkleGabnVmJoprycvkswvCmSAG6ZkkNI9o0kA7fJb-pQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1280" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbMiq8Sfc9R7xmutcWfynh32sGEI8YSx3kuEKyBkcIOvM8EUi6PhD5Y1YnJKOJ-MwU1DADdVXibLu3IxEONuxeejPGtfdli6255VntLUNr8Klw6y_4rtLxFe_HfnDE46HHkMtwcx4uA36bOYkleGabnVmJoprycvkswvCmSAG6ZkkNI9o0kA7fJb-pQ/w640-h304/Mat%20Scorpion%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking the square...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ6gIB1HvLk-Fr-to3OjNjvmykbO39bJM9V7-zU7zVxDm6oZZCx08izzHwpHTlXSPt_5V_JTXG30HGCo0g7XwS1LXK7TU1zQwy3bY1IidIv9gYHU9RWh00ETwMO1O7qjD-X7PCaNu8_fJgmBiTyeygzVQ0FanZR29rrQk039RuEtwOEShLT978dnRbw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ6gIB1HvLk-Fr-to3OjNjvmykbO39bJM9V7-zU7zVxDm6oZZCx08izzHwpHTlXSPt_5V_JTXG30HGCo0g7XwS1LXK7TU1zQwy3bY1IidIv9gYHU9RWh00ETwMO1O7qjD-X7PCaNu8_fJgmBiTyeygzVQ0FanZR29rrQk039RuEtwOEShLT978dnRbw/w640-h372/Mat%20Scorpion%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking the squareness, while we glue the diagonal crosspieces...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97ujXKGPUJAbIjznUzutqUn2oTbXSYLJ80YsgZA7_XA6_Gz5e_olc-CHqR2gsYViOZZrPLvy78BG7hWuH1yDQyqmUzhJruu91NhkJS9SUPWQENkdN8hv-4YmBWYU2BJXVU43wHO1LPxZAwW8ydJm48UVs77ENciv3CP0j_ipLo164cxAuRhXSM8_sSg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97ujXKGPUJAbIjznUzutqUn2oTbXSYLJ80YsgZA7_XA6_Gz5e_olc-CHqR2gsYViOZZrPLvy78BG7hWuH1yDQyqmUzhJruu91NhkJS9SUPWQENkdN8hv-4YmBWYU2BJXVU43wHO1LPxZAwW8ydJm48UVs77ENciv3CP0j_ipLo164cxAuRhXSM8_sSg/w640-h310/Mat%20Scorpion%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the structure of the left arm almost ready...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFjY0dLB81Td3dJMlP9FIuXKKsDwZgEZJonV2tewJuwAAjN8YOrd0ZmiJg1Vd4usordeMv5R8pkgsphLXxwUhsjfS8iY3FbNNihAd7j1IpdLmzN2OqLynqSnQBIniDm9QuXyFKhmiHUZR1WW41Ef-MhmxKYyJ_4GJ7JZhlYSM3AcsJm36f6_YQ5QMGg/s3361/Mat%20Scorpion%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3361" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFjY0dLB81Td3dJMlP9FIuXKKsDwZgEZJonV2tewJuwAAjN8YOrd0ZmiJg1Vd4usordeMv5R8pkgsphLXxwUhsjfS8iY3FbNNihAd7j1IpdLmzN2OqLynqSnQBIniDm9QuXyFKhmiHUZR1WW41Ef-MhmxKYyJ_4GJ7JZhlYSM3AcsJm36f6_YQ5QMGg/w640-h358/Mat%20Scorpion%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, we paint the engine and provide the weathering of the entire structure...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCg0lc50fWMlMr9QEWgStcSP60V-zYrd0XpE_tPL8n7-rA05alpKGYPveyxM1qdDQu4oil_QVc-Y6Et_wHAHu3jQQD20CdBZu_MnjqLEIXckB9bGp04_YIN0_m5VAxyfS-Qi1zyos209A6myXEIK5zihRua5ZrXwnwijskvuWvWT8birkGL3aBQ5KkQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCg0lc50fWMlMr9QEWgStcSP60V-zYrd0XpE_tPL8n7-rA05alpKGYPveyxM1qdDQu4oil_QVc-Y6Et_wHAHu3jQQD20CdBZu_MnjqLEIXckB9bGp04_YIN0_m5VAxyfS-Qi1zyos209A6myXEIK5zihRua5ZrXwnwijskvuWvWT8birkGL3aBQ5KkQ/w640-h348/Mat%20Scorpion%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice that the engine has an air filter connected directly to the carburetor... <br />This will decide the external shape of this structure...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2yM_cANuBe6rHDV2uF3XGAi3UKpYr8MbEwPjFQxVJJw01UbvuBtWDDeJNG4laQ0dxhLkEMALGxWQqDTsqSm2JSotaUQN-kB8DfXRelO4t2YNpva_fA7oO01JiAXZDX7X_2Dn_O-1wgIY84JOVpXKcRy7HN5a6_6wA7dg497k-RjRVcL_XuI-x9Z1rQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2yM_cANuBe6rHDV2uF3XGAi3UKpYr8MbEwPjFQxVJJw01UbvuBtWDDeJNG4laQ0dxhLkEMALGxWQqDTsqSm2JSotaUQN-kB8DfXRelO4t2YNpva_fA7oO01JiAXZDX7X_2Dn_O-1wgIY84JOVpXKcRy7HN5a6_6wA7dg497k-RjRVcL_XuI-x9Z1rQ/w640-h366/Mat%20Scorpion%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the side shield of the rotor engine compartment... <br />The side cover will not be installed, as the engine already has its air filter...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB6FqvFjYdzmaTTJ4BNJwq1EsQjNhZOh1kNCxLVJaq1CoKUyOZXq0cFBPQUyewyFizW-nDRwvz9wFS5lVgwjP_dCrznypBBeN8UTC-WYcFxEOd1CThGcLt-Jumq4r9rTLMRwgLWE0JIdigh4ce2jzqPUGJNa9IMLQAnZb0t6vSNdZdJMTMjYziyxMvQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1280" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB6FqvFjYdzmaTTJ4BNJwq1EsQjNhZOh1kNCxLVJaq1CoKUyOZXq0cFBPQUyewyFizW-nDRwvz9wFS5lVgwjP_dCrznypBBeN8UTC-WYcFxEOd1CThGcLt-Jumq4r9rTLMRwgLWE0JIdigh4ce2jzqPUGJNa9IMLQAnZb0t6vSNdZdJMTMjYziyxMvQ/w640-h292/Mat%20Scorpion%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the upper engine compartment shield to the rotor... <br />There are only the 3 air intakes.<br /> I'm not going to use the "Crusader" type filter that <br />Resicast provides with the kit...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsThDchyA0tXlIWCerq-rvWxotqGVDW2S7X68As910ljf-LN0bfLzWP-Rc4hmHRE7GsZWOEY7FOz8Sh0kdSGfXalW8_tqoYDfNRdbm7U4a34cUom-0cgnsAiv5JFZNsaywCWs1LsovMaDStdwXRUSaitOFeEJjG5eK3iNhLGEHXLZR8ef18NCVvNyyw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsThDchyA0tXlIWCerq-rvWxotqGVDW2S7X68As910ljf-LN0bfLzWP-Rc4hmHRE7GsZWOEY7FOz8Sh0kdSGfXalW8_tqoYDfNRdbm7U4a34cUom-0cgnsAiv5JFZNsaywCWs1LsovMaDStdwXRUSaitOFeEJjG5eK3iNhLGEHXLZR8ef18NCVvNyyw/w640-h380/Mat%20Scorpion%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two arms of the Scorpion's flail rotor<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe0A_mylgsWBDzy0SAwIan8mnQ1l5GB-YywNNq3gx6nerFLwTuFqMvRRqATHzRloCblcuK26lA2nQ52WrEgP5_VllUtg51rcMX_tofQDVB8pFT6SYbVhP8A1yTIUIYtFWrUU15eXgyvEhVOaOKHfhUow0ou7lQfNtcW43ep0mAJ36kIBXAlHHPY-ohQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIe0A_mylgsWBDzy0SAwIan8mnQ1l5GB-YywNNq3gx6nerFLwTuFqMvRRqATHzRloCblcuK26lA2nQ52WrEgP5_VllUtg51rcMX_tofQDVB8pFT6SYbVhP8A1yTIUIYtFWrUU15eXgyvEhVOaOKHfhUow0ou7lQfNtcW43ep0mAJ36kIBXAlHHPY-ohQ/w640-h398/Mat%20Scorpion%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two arms of the Scorpion's flail rotor<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrGxKB37V7I1SaEIIBOVFuOT6etlMItZ1_gmp2W8TIkzk6qgHTe88O3ieOOBm3D3RvBj-p0J5cEOCDcsswhpTmnSXDTIciSdHAyMC1V3p3JT9SHBFHACdzAyEOI_z2wP8vxrTUDVnZ2ZB7IeBOZ_D0tJN3tXg0I-PBi0j70Ez9VAqxWagRGAX2SvyPQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrGxKB37V7I1SaEIIBOVFuOT6etlMItZ1_gmp2W8TIkzk6qgHTe88O3ieOOBm3D3RvBj-p0J5cEOCDcsswhpTmnSXDTIciSdHAyMC1V3p3JT9SHBFHACdzAyEOI_z2wP8vxrTUDVnZ2ZB7IeBOZ_D0tJN3tXg0I-PBi0j70Ez9VAqxWagRGAX2SvyPQ/w640-h298/Mat%20Scorpion%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the two "I" type beams that will support the engine arm in its<br />attachment to the shielded suspension skirt of the Matilda</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNreBZV3BrlGfW5vEXkmDmFN46CRwdC7NdUPtY6lOuOhgVwLa6CLgW7KiPABxl92nY3oshlG6LXIsd9Q9IZXbJolWd0wLTJH_IUbaVi24FOUP2qMMHbG-pp8yD5BaiKdXRyzyW_-D7Q_ilOXh3vNJ4nVMxKLyfpl2godI6xTHrCapGpIdZ5ak7R-U5-Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNreBZV3BrlGfW5vEXkmDmFN46CRwdC7NdUPtY6lOuOhgVwLa6CLgW7KiPABxl92nY3oshlG6LXIsd9Q9IZXbJolWd0wLTJH_IUbaVi24FOUP2qMMHbG-pp8yD5BaiKdXRyzyW_-D7Q_ilOXh3vNJ4nVMxKLyfpl2godI6xTHrCapGpIdZ5ak7R-U5-Q/w640-h466/Mat%20Scorpion%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the detail of the engine instrument panel, which was<br />monitored by the flail operator.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMx-Gbd7sB7-v1ZuSbxSIXgn-ZpXoN6vOg-UfbffLbsCRXM_WjOlXraiVWKkHgjxt9w7yFX_7rkkY2z8hYqp1z9YDn9lIXUNUPeFY0_UVMwfVuf0KAiqdc3aEFPEaowZyqt3czgCsCc-RUuX2yRUXDHIXRaNagfAKvG6_4_i58u3PRxTi_PtIw6TY6Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1280" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMx-Gbd7sB7-v1ZuSbxSIXgn-ZpXoN6vOg-UfbffLbsCRXM_WjOlXraiVWKkHgjxt9w7yFX_7rkkY2z8hYqp1z9YDn9lIXUNUPeFY0_UVMwfVuf0KAiqdc3aEFPEaowZyqt3czgCsCc-RUuX2yRUXDHIXRaNagfAKvG6_4_i58u3PRxTi_PtIw6TY6Q/w640-h451/Mat%20Scorpion%20050.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This image REALLY reminds me of Ripley, <br />emerging from the armored hatch of the USS Sulaco´s belly: <br /><i><b>"Get away from her, you bitch!!!"</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But leaving science fiction for later (much later...), let's get back to the construction of flails, now. After cutting the "steel cables" to the specified length (the amount provided by Resicast is almost exact...be careful not to make mistakes...), I applied a minimal amount of superglue to the ends to "waterproof" the wire. This will speed up the gluing of the two "handles" at the ends of these wires...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFn8cKfMnnhmkhmCHx960vTptbBZujHCKZl7eB_dhm07-410vgrBM8SzyAJQA32F_kIQ9LqfZsBL3KYZvI9u0OaJjdFCUR9w0QkrPRe46LHC9jkQqNeau8caP0d7trHiIAd0nUelQVfU28fvGCFC0dReus-VudpYO6yKNwAbZAbcB0Z0cKFg0XzeA2Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="1280" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFn8cKfMnnhmkhmCHx960vTptbBZujHCKZl7eB_dhm07-410vgrBM8SzyAJQA32F_kIQ9LqfZsBL3KYZvI9u0OaJjdFCUR9w0QkrPRe46LHC9jkQqNeau8caP0d7trHiIAd0nUelQVfU28fvGCFC0dReus-VudpYO6yKNwAbZAbcB0Z0cKFg0XzeA2Q/w640-h258/Mat%20Scorpion%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the steel cables, waterproofing the ends with superglue.<br />If you don't do this, when applying the glue, instead of gluing the handle,<br />the glue is "pulled" by the thread, making it difficult to stick the small piece of resin...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yJrjHjctLkDb-HiEXvpve9lsRhqUHjI9VoHay4nWGtRt17ULimUqTAd-1gl4-uJhIQOxFQlfPeLHRUvZIEEfiXjdeHYmqVipo2qyUuZdTkTzR5ihgN9Ben2U1Nd_DyUbMet617eXycaHNWfWwORjL-J1i9E8njD7oTJFsUuH4g8TjIPM5NBfXyHheQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yJrjHjctLkDb-HiEXvpve9lsRhqUHjI9VoHay4nWGtRt17ULimUqTAd-1gl4-uJhIQOxFQlfPeLHRUvZIEEfiXjdeHYmqVipo2qyUuZdTkTzR5ihgN9Ben2U1Nd_DyUbMet617eXycaHNWfWwORjL-J1i9E8njD7oTJFsUuH4g8TjIPM5NBfXyHheQ/w640-h298/Mat%20Scorpion%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the "lower" handles glued (and dried...) in their places... <br />Let's glue the "upper" ones now...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKcJ-eiqMEYKgQZSmlsOjeWjerdNthfwpDo0rdYJh1Nf7jlbY2TRN8tqUKRma_sUN09XFVoGQiA5SuYqOnogBofzGOvFhzcUR1ynnHhoEqLgBBhbTpTSjSy_tNYXrQeK6O4EWaUk8lO70gZEKouqZvyZEDchVLrO5Na-iZcvyXKY-Op_m5jMcfXvnLg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKcJ-eiqMEYKgQZSmlsOjeWjerdNthfwpDo0rdYJh1Nf7jlbY2TRN8tqUKRma_sUN09XFVoGQiA5SuYqOnogBofzGOvFhzcUR1ynnHhoEqLgBBhbTpTSjSy_tNYXrQeK6O4EWaUk8lO70gZEKouqZvyZEDchVLrO5Na-iZcvyXKY-Op_m5jMcfXvnLg/w640-h310/Mat%20Scorpion%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the handle-shaped parts together to form the steel cable flails</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyxTihIMk82CNrb5wB4vBFsApojH8FifU1aGkGw_79lnrdVssaj_g020oSAE1Y73P-vVONJvgXzStT19uNOPRZc42laQ_gwq6dSGPHpXmrLp3eIRsZpbOu37Xtl99mWBkiwDw_yxKA7s7efeCLjBBxNssfRHsGeZfvQwPyEdnUflM7zbxY2goa6ujpg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="1280" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyxTihIMk82CNrb5wB4vBFsApojH8FifU1aGkGw_79lnrdVssaj_g020oSAE1Y73P-vVONJvgXzStT19uNOPRZc42laQ_gwq6dSGPHpXmrLp3eIRsZpbOu37Xtl99mWBkiwDw_yxKA7s7efeCLjBBxNssfRHsGeZfvQwPyEdnUflM7zbxY2goa6ujpg/w640-h218/Mat%20Scorpion%20058.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All flails made...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">And now, a change that I recommend: the Resicast Instruction Manual recommends that, when installing the chains on the ends of the steel cable flails, you cut a section in the resin part to fit the chain link. But cutting something so fragile really worries me... So I reversed the order of things: I decided to cut on the chain link, open that link with fine-tipped craft pliers and, after inserting the flail handle into the link, close the link metal with slight pressure. It is much easier to work with thin, flexible metal than a thin, brittle piece of resin. See the diagram below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fccf2W_5X_aT0GmP7_BBOqnfc5l8lGUFlkfVvS-b_C106Ff0VZ-dpzIkUKM7XCHH9sRRj2jrBQbz2sfoH71j__DIQM5eVWWJurH-8LXhXsphriKlYSdAYKhgdelczBULiYnb-Dt1-rnOOUP1XAyMBnmNezAWTD5_wz0J9alTro_C0SSRUD0dMkMitA/s1400/Mat%20Scorpion%20058a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1400" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fccf2W_5X_aT0GmP7_BBOqnfc5l8lGUFlkfVvS-b_C106Ff0VZ-dpzIkUKM7XCHH9sRRj2jrBQbz2sfoH71j__DIQM5eVWWJurH-8LXhXsphriKlYSdAYKhgdelczBULiYnb-Dt1-rnOOUP1XAyMBnmNezAWTD5_wz0J9alTro_C0SSRUD0dMkMitA/w640-h242/Mat%20Scorpion%20058a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 - Do not cut on the handle of the flail, as per Resicast booklet...<br />2 - ...but use your cutter to cut a portion of the chain link, which allows the link<br />to be opened (and you remove the excess chain...) to later fit the flail handle...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3lWKZpGLFtSxikN2THD1WxjfOpKZu0OfcqU2ZgEY8enCLbfZnOW60eGDJWjoD2WeKLDSh3jngUBIiGL7t45KkaWqCD_m1EXLWDndnSDTNpWpIHb64PHdFEvNE1gEphA87cchG4D3H5T4PExObp5-nYqHRQypPEdQk4yfLypsVsdJ3kKDo6raDuPRUA/s1400/Mat%20Scorpion%20058b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1400" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3lWKZpGLFtSxikN2THD1WxjfOpKZu0OfcqU2ZgEY8enCLbfZnOW60eGDJWjoD2WeKLDSh3jngUBIiGL7t45KkaWqCD_m1EXLWDndnSDTNpWpIHb64PHdFEvNE1gEphA87cchG4D3H5T4PExObp5-nYqHRQypPEdQk4yfLypsVsdJ3kKDo6raDuPRUA/w640-h382/Mat%20Scorpion%20058b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3- Using the two pliers, fit the link in the flail handle and...<br />4- return the link to its position, locking the chain in the flail. Zero breakage risk!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0alssM-BxSfomEzOYBHnoyg8DBGOF4pvpiLmBIB9DNg7fEPikrejHGRWReoRgQDtm6aRp-VQxPfb_MZPKtax4xUQ3jejG5niaIvOA7YzwBCO_QA6MSKhpuo2_nP8cE1n9N5FtQtbmtUWs0FHKy2QD55AibLOpFWvINv5P21oVOX1w6CnGFdVMPc1jfQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1280" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0alssM-BxSfomEzOYBHnoyg8DBGOF4pvpiLmBIB9DNg7fEPikrejHGRWReoRgQDtm6aRp-VQxPfb_MZPKtax4xUQ3jejG5niaIvOA7YzwBCO_QA6MSKhpuo2_nP8cE1n9N5FtQtbmtUWs0FHKy2QD55AibLOpFWvINv5P21oVOX1w6CnGFdVMPc1jfQ/w640-h282/Mat%20Scorpion%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And doing this process on all Scorpion flails....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Jh3ercW7bO2gYlkSFl-viPchAOmFy4O5WDfOkzR9SqdBNM4t5ENR7uDLtPt1xfqLf2w8-N-JH-iTfrAIM1jNKoxR89QYtD5PChTKlZFXYITF26g0kBBGYoDbaCLuzhSsYwf7-DGkq-nVuDLXSlNbux_rgs6RinT6wynty-D7nDflPiab_FyKzIxy6w/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Jh3ercW7bO2gYlkSFl-viPchAOmFy4O5WDfOkzR9SqdBNM4t5ENR7uDLtPt1xfqLf2w8-N-JH-iTfrAIM1jNKoxR89QYtD5PChTKlZFXYITF26g0kBBGYoDbaCLuzhSsYwf7-DGkq-nVuDLXSlNbux_rgs6RinT6wynty-D7nDflPiab_FyKzIxy6w/w640-h480/Mat%20Scorpion%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flails ready for next step...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kGcoOju46NmGg_phKvPzgapd1Q1E4wcyz1sYBIO-GqX9FoR2-bOxpvrDj1NIOu2-V5Ipe705ILG_1QtpDMLIijrJlAA0keIatDXJhVuobw-oHcDLJ9Ln27MVrjDk7Qbin-JxUri5ClUxpoxblL8SuZJAyrOzIhEH4GDp-3wCHhH4BvQZmEaQqOOz-A/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kGcoOju46NmGg_phKvPzgapd1Q1E4wcyz1sYBIO-GqX9FoR2-bOxpvrDj1NIOu2-V5Ipe705ILG_1QtpDMLIijrJlAA0keIatDXJhVuobw-oHcDLJ9Ln27MVrjDk7Qbin-JxUri5ClUxpoxblL8SuZJAyrOzIhEH4GDp-3wCHhH4BvQZmEaQqOOz-A/w640-h366/Mat%20Scorpion%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also replaced the rotor shaft (full of bubbles...) by<br />a plasticard rod from Plastruct, in the correct diameter.<br />Right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2bSvMg3qHN4gJ7dAJnRkcQYOv1dMNsrYNzRJbNMn-qPocSuvm9dJ4Ryp5NeDxZ4J8ierGZbAyafQIFBqwkW5qjSSmr4um1UCgixPoQ4Hfg8GQG-vqggXONk7S9BfDwKUaMe6dLCuS8x3Hlq4FIu_GzmSzIGuP1Z--wm20L0m7iWnIqm6AmJS5rpvvw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2bSvMg3qHN4gJ7dAJnRkcQYOv1dMNsrYNzRJbNMn-qPocSuvm9dJ4Ryp5NeDxZ4J8ierGZbAyafQIFBqwkW5qjSSmr4um1UCgixPoQ4Hfg8GQG-vqggXONk7S9BfDwKUaMe6dLCuS8x3Hlq4FIu_GzmSzIGuP1Z--wm20L0m7iWnIqm6AmJS5rpvvw/w640-h384/Mat%20Scorpion%20054.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left side. Much better...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And with the rotor in position, the tedious step of gluing all the rotor clamps, fitting the flails onto these clamps, taking care to keep the flails mobile. The clamps, unfortunately, must be attached with superglue. Pay attention to the position of the clamps on the rotor, so that no clamp is in a strange situation when the rotor is at rest (obeying the good old Law of Gravity...).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWvunPnYJJ_cSZpgisE1eeKk3TYnc_IwPZfs-K67pBeYJZbhTvIFPC-fIeF1SBxXgE6acvk0dUuxFjIwHXbREp7r42Cz7lWtmUw787BWASib5uFj5uLiIUbMQWko2ciduwPUOksi2yqsnwxfHAKwqMofHobbqEXqtEyDPTrxtoI5k8pxUHwvUIKR1bw/s1274/Mat%20Scorpion%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1274" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWvunPnYJJ_cSZpgisE1eeKk3TYnc_IwPZfs-K67pBeYJZbhTvIFPC-fIeF1SBxXgE6acvk0dUuxFjIwHXbREp7r42Cz7lWtmUw787BWASib5uFj5uLiIUbMQWko2ciduwPUOksi2yqsnwxfHAKwqMofHobbqEXqtEyDPTrxtoI5k8pxUHwvUIKR1bw/w640-h492/Mat%20Scorpion%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After (carefully) inserting the flail loops into the clamps, glue the clamps<br />onto the rotor supports (red arrows), taking care that the glue does<br />not "lock" the flails onto the clamps.<br />Observe the action of gravity on the flail clamps to simulate a natural rotor rest position.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ICdFsuEFflxABYaSpxatZRpG3Xw-l4DsAa179bKYqMbM6aIimbK6W1--g9mdZkv6gi53Qff4L0cEJIoLeHgM40SsZksgEgcXE83Fd_YRxDtgUZ1BMKDDKNu6tEEfwXSwLdRTcLUEmWTkP8YTBEKspRVf8kcqt9FMqMULp_buYuw_QBzIGDut5hmVAA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ICdFsuEFflxABYaSpxatZRpG3Xw-l4DsAa179bKYqMbM6aIimbK6W1--g9mdZkv6gi53Qff4L0cEJIoLeHgM40SsZksgEgcXE83Fd_YRxDtgUZ1BMKDDKNu6tEEfwXSwLdRTcLUEmWTkP8YTBEKspRVf8kcqt9FMqMULp_buYuw_QBzIGDut5hmVAA/w640-h406/Mat%20Scorpion%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all the flails installed on the rotor, submitting themselves<br />"normally" to the action of gravity...<br />View with the vehicle in a rotary base...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FYGcvby1HBicyhIFwWNnXf3nIkvooD6LKoRAsBWZoEpveiXGXx_YaGTnVETBm3Fp30DLjL3x6ksI8kRQYkBfqf1XAlO_D0smp5vKigTrt9sEYOMh5UjVGwHri5qpj5JTQ5u3bAr7IHG19UqVz8dItKQhyqPI4rgo6ZkSQVLUng8amQUN1j-btNQE1A/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FYGcvby1HBicyhIFwWNnXf3nIkvooD6LKoRAsBWZoEpveiXGXx_YaGTnVETBm3Fp30DLjL3x6ksI8kRQYkBfqf1XAlO_D0smp5vKigTrt9sEYOMh5UjVGwHri5qpj5JTQ5u3bAr7IHG19UqVz8dItKQhyqPI4rgo6ZkSQVLUng8amQUN1j-btNQE1A/w640-h374/Mat%20Scorpion%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Scorpion in the ground, with the flails forward...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtgvEmw_FM7Lp1bb05ZLGV3pINCW2BOx9hvUyYn-13urDYxdEGuPHyU4n6NkJcvkdIs2HpzP9-mvG7xdsTdJ0NMQEWU-aT3i0p2_vAx2HXYy1eY36lMeHsmQdM-4NzyiAqKfYzfI31Wf-k8l1yi7KWHY1kubZT3AGwhvhGMfmHzacEJF9FEmadZhglQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtgvEmw_FM7Lp1bb05ZLGV3pINCW2BOx9hvUyYn-13urDYxdEGuPHyU4n6NkJcvkdIs2HpzP9-mvG7xdsTdJ0NMQEWU-aT3i0p2_vAx2HXYy1eY36lMeHsmQdM-4NzyiAqKfYzfI31Wf-k8l1yi7KWHY1kubZT3AGwhvhGMfmHzacEJF9FEmadZhglQ/w640-h380/Mat%20Scorpion%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And with the flails simulating Scorpion's movement to forward,<br /> dragging the flails in the terrain, with the rotor in rest...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsVA9wIc8SBAl4EtsKAOh0fvBQjFdR6Pj4KXkPgX4PR9Gds9l3Ag1JqrhPdbzOBkmQxFx7d54YEYr3_g6t72xhjq1PTkfA5V_j72H1IbEq94EHozrn2nAKYbClxjxmLkR-HcbcCZB7Wdoz2YAdWrRsUF5o7vylKUVwHjjPsEAtr7fS6Y-wVMfOED0Hw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsVA9wIc8SBAl4EtsKAOh0fvBQjFdR6Pj4KXkPgX4PR9Gds9l3Ag1JqrhPdbzOBkmQxFx7d54YEYr3_g6t72xhjq1PTkfA5V_j72H1IbEq94EHozrn2nAKYbClxjxmLkR-HcbcCZB7Wdoz2YAdWrRsUF5o7vylKUVwHjjPsEAtr7fS6Y-wVMfOED0Hw/w640-h482/Mat%20Scorpion%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very beautiful vehicle!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlx2-eHOhujPExU2UAZJYEzBZ87oN1j7kJ8bDFPmQycumhd9NPft-WrUCyKM1PRmScUgEZH50vw2Ofq9oRiePlwO8zsuDIgOxKGRhd1mvGvAthbufgw_MV725gEHhNeLMBITOQQpX2tkqvHAVSKNIVIMZ8nEyU87xBxcjt21n52gyYIoW06Z3dabwMw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1280" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlx2-eHOhujPExU2UAZJYEzBZ87oN1j7kJ8bDFPmQycumhd9NPft-WrUCyKM1PRmScUgEZH50vw2Ofq9oRiePlwO8zsuDIgOxKGRhd1mvGvAthbufgw_MV725gEHhNeLMBITOQQpX2tkqvHAVSKNIVIMZ8nEyU87xBxcjt21n52gyYIoW06Z3dabwMw/w640-h312/Mat%20Scorpion%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHm5zQpjfzDWfbb3n5CV1X98-3z0gVSkEAymmkkdfl87O09SkaE8Bie2vTPrYhZY6YUiciKk483EX_vBMmiKH6QjMrIaWUgyg2isf2hcl8Q_Ewn2xjSUhAKyciq4qWeWE41QfInYOaGC-5-pcTc4EOOz2ONjB3ln7_KeOEEuzI6hEyPT-eeZ3driDcw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHm5zQpjfzDWfbb3n5CV1X98-3z0gVSkEAymmkkdfl87O09SkaE8Bie2vTPrYhZY6YUiciKk483EX_vBMmiKH6QjMrIaWUgyg2isf2hcl8Q_Ewn2xjSUhAKyciq4qWeWE41QfInYOaGC-5-pcTc4EOOz2ONjB3ln7_KeOEEuzI6hEyPT-eeZ3driDcw/w640-h394/Mat%20Scorpion%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, it's time to place our girl in time and space. After searching the deepest recesses of my library and the Internet, we found our Scorpion I in the western desert sands in preparation for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_El_Alamein" target="_blank">Second Battle of El Alamein</a> in October 1942. Meet <b>OLIVIER</b>, a <b>Matilda II Scorpion I</b> of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Army_Tank_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">1st Army Tank Brigade</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/42nd_Royal_Tank_Regiment" target="_blank">42th Royal Tank Regiment</a>, ready to clear a path through minefields in the dangerous African desert...</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-ajHIlNpknfa9GMDKiqgV8KVZzWxAoyBOxtKUvHu2Qgv5JjdK0JELBZBwEjfoTHBkUFxXCZungH_8Of8X-F0kSVNxRNIG3JhgQ_SDKFP-KNavqiY4zZ0clsclS7RU_TDClGisijL_JOgiBA0F_8yr1PwYf13rn3MrZAZgUvDz94FCjPfayEI88x1jg/s1400/Matilda%20Scorpion%20markings%20and%20colors.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1400" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-ajHIlNpknfa9GMDKiqgV8KVZzWxAoyBOxtKUvHu2Qgv5JjdK0JELBZBwEjfoTHBkUFxXCZungH_8Of8X-F0kSVNxRNIG3JhgQ_SDKFP-KNavqiY4zZ0clsclS7RU_TDClGisijL_JOgiBA0F_8yr1PwYf13rn3MrZAZgUvDz94FCjPfayEI88x1jg/w640-h384/Matilda%20Scorpion%20markings%20and%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"> But, first of all, a nice bath of detergent, drying in the sun and in the wind and application of a light coat of light gray primer.</span></div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrQhS90NAeTJYEbClFpglMgs7S-eQkopZpABvq0FFih5womJMhmcI3RwEYzCOOXYkfIObhPtSRIbUxFTfKV_eREHUYmYZnbcGaAG8gUbMzD43vtY0HB9FhQZNG3ZVrybzC92ufxvKcAihpYxXEwDbR9eQfGIyzbxlcNnTvS5ULkio8Dg7jbrpFOI-Ww/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrQhS90NAeTJYEbClFpglMgs7S-eQkopZpABvq0FFih5womJMhmcI3RwEYzCOOXYkfIObhPtSRIbUxFTfKV_eREHUYmYZnbcGaAG8gUbMzD43vtY0HB9FhQZNG3ZVrybzC92ufxvKcAihpYxXEwDbR9eQfGIyzbxlcNnTvS5ULkio8Dg7jbrpFOI-Ww/w640-h460/Mat%20Scorpion%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light gray primer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fdOxzn0NuNdMYfJfqvxMujtVXIqOTkxXgsAmcj83XUHAOOV1Bxa9p8HTrIJOYxbtYIMBNJxlySISqiVXWnEESIwTrCSOTX0azdJFq_0I-Lx0X12V_ZtIng0FyjWfo-GpZ1KFbD5PXjKUR9a2xoZh8b7bj4wm2W9ykyZu6LxE9XZuFNPY8XokFTsvBQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fdOxzn0NuNdMYfJfqvxMujtVXIqOTkxXgsAmcj83XUHAOOV1Bxa9p8HTrIJOYxbtYIMBNJxlySISqiVXWnEESIwTrCSOTX0azdJFq_0I-Lx0X12V_ZtIng0FyjWfo-GpZ1KFbD5PXjKUR9a2xoZh8b7bj4wm2W9ykyZu6LxE9XZuFNPY8XokFTsvBQ/w640-h480/Mat%20Scorpion%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color base (light stone) with tonal variations...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; font-size: 14px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGYpNs1yisMONR2nmUZDDiYRLxZMBraSZf4dXqR7H8Oogh1DZXvQUKdLiruL8qe1j1n-roelSTM3A1mJpGjQRa-bl6c8CrvA8cYP4PQAu-AiJJuftZc3EHlvtoLMOktu7mPKoqPOm4oP9mJUPLFi-EjNS7vcVjyphk78CzyWZ4rvdHhjYKJ_-ef1D5A/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGYpNs1yisMONR2nmUZDDiYRLxZMBraSZf4dXqR7H8Oogh1DZXvQUKdLiruL8qe1j1n-roelSTM3A1mJpGjQRa-bl6c8CrvA8cYP4PQAu-AiJJuftZc3EHlvtoLMOktu7mPKoqPOm4oP9mJUPLFi-EjNS7vcVjyphk78CzyWZ4rvdHhjYKJ_-ef1D5A/w640-h446/Mat%20Scorpion%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A true desert girl!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Whoops...I almost forgot about the rear poles and marker lights. Resicast wisely advises us to leave this stage for last, due to its fragility... and, therefore, it was being forgotten. But come on: really, the thing is very fragile. I decided to strengthen this detail a little, to avoid accidents. The first step is to replace the plastic pole with a much more resistant metal one. And to further increase the robustness of the whole set, I decided to "bury" the end of the metal pole in the rear fender of the tank, making a fair hole and very close to the Matilda's armored skirt. With that, I can fix the metal pole to the structure of the tank and, by sectioning the Resicast resin parts, gluing the pole protector parts to the pole and the base of the pole protector to the armored skirt. A minimal step will be formed in this piece, but once ready, the thing seems purposeful. we lost a micron of originality and gained a parsec of resistance!!! Kojak is a smart guy!!!</div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67DTo_CQ_I7bFInWRgr1WYbIcnEaB35EVH3KAeQzD85fola4yHLbJ93Vt9WqDkrEpGEOEyZ0UQgnhjJFf5yqB5rDIE_tvW4bgRbqAX9qcWK5We3HB0CvNE2IWBtmTAuUSbPeBkjYIL-0FcVHEcIndISR50iTzbGO4eFBB1yIyJq3Vwm6I4VgyU1T3WQ/s1024/Mat%20Scorpion%20073a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1024" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67DTo_CQ_I7bFInWRgr1WYbIcnEaB35EVH3KAeQzD85fola4yHLbJ93Vt9WqDkrEpGEOEyZ0UQgnhjJFf5yqB5rDIE_tvW4bgRbqAX9qcWK5We3HB0CvNE2IWBtmTAuUSbPeBkjYIL-0FcVHEcIndISR50iTzbGO4eFBB1yIyJq3Vwm6I4VgyU1T3WQ/w640-h438/Mat%20Scorpion%20073a.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzerserra version of the Scorpion rear poles.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another small <i>frisson</i>: my kit didn't come with the parts for the small rear lights, perched on top of the poles, facing backwards. But the solution to this is easy and British correct: let's use the position lights from the AFV Club Churchills (H3 parts) left over from my countless builds. Well done, Old Chap!!</div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT-Gd5t3SJ5phRskBW-DDYCNq6Vb3JChsI9FSiWPcWyru9vfgQhuVJ40l7Sy-QH-xmKBa28DZN0js63xP5rtHa054V5z0_ThNrZTDGFoQoIVHUq7JBRvhdLdSeSS_vk2B6EUWvSBDU8bQiPQd7Wl97yq_Rb7vVS97HYktIKTcRWphTP5KlHzE9yhKog/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT-Gd5t3SJ5phRskBW-DDYCNq6Vb3JChsI9FSiWPcWyru9vfgQhuVJ40l7Sy-QH-xmKBa28DZN0js63xP5rtHa054V5z0_ThNrZTDGFoQoIVHUq7JBRvhdLdSeSS_vk2B6EUWvSBDU8bQiPQd7Wl97yq_Rb7vVS97HYktIKTcRWphTP5KlHzE9yhKog/w640-h372/Mat%20Scorpion%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the poles in position, with protectors, bases and<br />rear lights installed. The parts painted in base color.<br />Also note the application of decals on Scorpion:<br />OLIVIER is being born...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIuyoUp-GrMjUiZI0m_GibeCB23BnygIeb5eoyQRtNu8NTVG8WGrYFtcVuirES9Q1zE0QejGkOTFdQ81tJA3l40-QIibYRPoAh3rPlY1J2Y4t_dDlP2f6DZ_3iSFDFPYmiuCr8gAteAgTGezz_k5Ea5nVAG8yWFKhfGmJNotEH09Fjl2PJ4L002YxxA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIuyoUp-GrMjUiZI0m_GibeCB23BnygIeb5eoyQRtNu8NTVG8WGrYFtcVuirES9Q1zE0QejGkOTFdQ81tJA3l40-QIibYRPoAh3rPlY1J2Y4t_dDlP2f6DZ_3iSFDFPYmiuCr8gAteAgTGezz_k5Ea5nVAG8yWFKhfGmJNotEH09Fjl2PJ4L002YxxA/w640-h386/Mat%20Scorpion%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Army_Tank_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">1st Army Tank Brigade</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/42nd_Royal_Tank_Regiment" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">42th Royal Tank Regiment</a><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"> markings...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuz68h0cokuaBnCbvigM_H8j3SCDaujlaxYGsuiiZ3Zoo7wa0y9CdtMfIlc-wxoS3r0Ts-_mM47hpVB-VAp5wRkdboX7ZVlUv4HEY2lz-PN7J2ezD0gFqs0nGz00lrjkeg0OOj9Xoy-eoa6uoaivrYOAEyQADLAEj-iH7qWJx9LcU734qc4Ow6c41WpQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuz68h0cokuaBnCbvigM_H8j3SCDaujlaxYGsuiiZ3Zoo7wa0y9CdtMfIlc-wxoS3r0Ts-_mM47hpVB-VAp5wRkdboX7ZVlUv4HEY2lz-PN7J2ezD0gFqs0nGz00lrjkeg0OOj9Xoy-eoa6uoaivrYOAEyQADLAEj-iH7qWJx9LcU734qc4Ow6c41WpQ/w640-h418/Mat%20Scorpion%20076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing Tamiya's roll-bags in the turret rack,<br />after a first coat of paint. They're not bad...I'll use them!!!<br />Notice the tank name and census number...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEcbb-Msc6r0kqDxOYeKvEVu0BiD9DRBM0x6vcgdMbj21LyFCXwau8k7Rl868Fpyn6cGd8F82Fk4s1vVH04R8wG_t8fevFoKJ_rd9atG537KxVl2MCa6a3JdeT-fzlg9SCf9e3Zlf6pOfqtRKfKBfyppx9d04guYrSJ-5MpNXXLxwLJ1--9wNqlcwVw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEcbb-Msc6r0kqDxOYeKvEVu0BiD9DRBM0x6vcgdMbj21LyFCXwau8k7Rl868Fpyn6cGd8F82Fk4s1vVH04R8wG_t8fevFoKJ_rd9atG537KxVl2MCa6a3JdeT-fzlg9SCf9e3Zlf6pOfqtRKfKBfyppx9d04guYrSJ-5MpNXXLxwLJ1--9wNqlcwVw/w640-h402/Mat%20Scorpion%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MG21rrENHRAA8oxvVRD2WRk11kznQSBJod8nbk8hrrtdOjCQxpoZwWBKy-unrf_1jQqavlrbxaGu9_cVS-VpLYx-cY7WNUPVBfsBa10v2lQYkKAeOU6U26cddNwpQ2NZt3jpDSM2mChpN8OB6Wm8bMs0k2FEOuxcT0qNUv80xm4uUON0ktH0v8HKhw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1280" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MG21rrENHRAA8oxvVRD2WRk11kznQSBJod8nbk8hrrtdOjCQxpoZwWBKy-unrf_1jQqavlrbxaGu9_cVS-VpLYx-cY7WNUPVBfsBa10v2lQYkKAeOU6U26cddNwpQ2NZt3jpDSM2mChpN8OB6Wm8bMs0k2FEOuxcT0qNUv80xm4uUON0ktH0v8HKhw/w640-h496/Mat%20Scorpion%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view, with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Army_Tank_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">1st Army Tank Brigade</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/42nd_Royal_Tank_Regiment" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">42th Royal Tank Regiment</a><span style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"> marking<br />in the front glacis...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV2x1p_eUVif1DNaIz48CHkVTPsETAJPc_JYS1aB2An3XEHh9SPNRF8itOI1Z2af-kxYYhFGWgVcpBhnio-jq3fwOts43JICjcwG1kqAILMWXYLeFEhfATYs7s9FLE7pgjEuFFulLsO49AZ-xvHe9-qH7CLm1LPBc92aL5vMbeub3oN6VaiFSzs3JMg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1280" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgV2x1p_eUVif1DNaIz48CHkVTPsETAJPc_JYS1aB2An3XEHh9SPNRF8itOI1Z2af-kxYYhFGWgVcpBhnio-jq3fwOts43JICjcwG1kqAILMWXYLeFEhfATYs7s9FLE7pgjEuFFulLsO49AZ-xvHe9-qH7CLm1LPBc92aL5vMbeub3oN6VaiFSzs3JMg/w640-h469/Mat%20Scorpion%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the weathering, with washing...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLjTuAXRknDZ2KlHxQe03TOA3TTxrjUGbdYNCXXAgum8130VwWM40AjH5Sw_e07cfk77gAvgW1AQUobxF1iimKgbvRUcTT5z-fJlryuEyFeKv2-XrFyusoW0MbFi-EqFxP3fqvSPSfM0avUbR5bUEchQhG8LMx2wjNrVFRY7MBEP5IOHGMHV1PPYX5Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLjTuAXRknDZ2KlHxQe03TOA3TTxrjUGbdYNCXXAgum8130VwWM40AjH5Sw_e07cfk77gAvgW1AQUobxF1iimKgbvRUcTT5z-fJlryuEyFeKv2-XrFyusoW0MbFi-EqFxP3fqvSPSfM0avUbR5bUEchQhG8LMx2wjNrVFRY7MBEP5IOHGMHV1PPYX5Q/w640-h412/Mat%20Scorpion%20082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One thing that bothers me is this empty space,<br />on the "shoulder" of the left rotor arm. <br />I honestly think it's a waste of space...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But it seems I'm not the only one bothered: in 1943, someone decided to take advantage of this "crate" to transport things from the tank and the crew. Notice the photos below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a0F2K0lLh6ULLRaiahJGXIkeSR3Xu2ld-ayDZXLMbG5B6p2QkDieG8Q8Dycu9vFMEmpYwKXbQ2hZmfhbTX68X84hl_FQ0uqpb-0ugge5qd9RPh4HCVPsJ25Wy8PYE_CNM_uLgMOQIWPHR3DmRvgrpRbDiM1tWigCQtwsWFw-d4EfNqZFOLi4dXXRDw/s1024/Matilda%20scorpion%20stuff%20Tunisia%20spring%201943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="1024" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a0F2K0lLh6ULLRaiahJGXIkeSR3Xu2ld-ayDZXLMbG5B6p2QkDieG8Q8Dycu9vFMEmpYwKXbQ2hZmfhbTX68X84hl_FQ0uqpb-0ugge5qd9RPh4HCVPsJ25Wy8PYE_CNM_uLgMOQIWPHR3DmRvgrpRbDiM1tWigCQtwsWFw-d4EfNqZFOLi4dXXRDw/w640-h284/Matilda%20scorpion%20stuff%20Tunisia%20spring%201943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I with "stuff" being transported <br />in the left shoulder of the flail device<br />Tunisia, Spring 1943.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy16HHN6TaPqxMvo4DeIWGnY-BUfKQz3Y4Chk7vvEvpg5vp31P5KC0qVfEEE3K5eiFSvv6hEGK3Nr4PvaZVvpVXm3xqMRlgxNzWVFHyAGruHFkhDQBoGcxfgIONrja7n5fbbhzrdQT1HP1RLHD6KotWNXhvZWfadZuyTb1_zDzL8zctnu1DodrYYXE7g/s1280/Matilda%20scorpion%20mk%20II%20Egipt%201942%20in%20trailer3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy16HHN6TaPqxMvo4DeIWGnY-BUfKQz3Y4Chk7vvEvpg5vp31P5KC0qVfEEE3K5eiFSvv6hEGK3Nr4PvaZVvpVXm3xqMRlgxNzWVFHyAGruHFkhDQBoGcxfgIONrja7n5fbbhzrdQT1HP1RLHD6KotWNXhvZWfadZuyTb1_zDzL8zctnu1DodrYYXE7g/w640-h400/Matilda%20scorpion%20mk%20II%20Egipt%201942%20in%20trailer3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion II with "stuff" being transported<br />in the left arm and shoulder of the flail device<br />Egypt - late 1942</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <b> Bingo!!</b> With these historical precedents duly recorded, we can add a few more details to our tank... In addition to using the original Tamiya crew (the loader was in an ideal position to be the flail operator) and the roll bags from the kit, we're going to add some Value Gear stuff and provide a sheet metal floor for the shoulder stuff (thin plasticard). Detail: don't think that the OLIVIER crew are crazy to take two American jerry-cans in a mine-flail: these jerrycans are for water (something very useful in the desert)!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ptWNCd_dGS2fUiKGgJ98xXeiEiy7KqWX0mPy2Duwden0KdQ8KuEXxg4dRapeeytSEFr_tllOKAENDLCM5hCGaUmOAsLNNroitM-nPtmwL0ncQjSIURJpQvjLahfs6MJCLqGPcLoEGqbuUmKlVEb1kj0twKI892nXC7AMK8RWwHhriHWa-2NiJ4sqNw/s1278/stuff.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1278" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ptWNCd_dGS2fUiKGgJ98xXeiEiy7KqWX0mPy2Duwden0KdQ8KuEXxg4dRapeeytSEFr_tllOKAENDLCM5hCGaUmOAsLNNroitM-nPtmwL0ncQjSIURJpQvjLahfs6MJCLqGPcLoEGqbuUmKlVEb1kj0twKI892nXC7AMK8RWwHhriHWa-2NiJ4sqNw/w640-h378/stuff.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The metal floor in scratch and other stuff...<br />The crew is perfect for the Scorpion!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgmrMtGPPHOIbdK1_Miv22BlKIZPlPuIqLiEs7-y4sP5AO9wkzZXaOnKj3XrZ0cbhU5HTUxPpbBL8FsZ2CxDUPieoOZmOCaxyJdOem9zSMFd3atAN5MrswDRlPIxe1BaSBfVd5hHsH2PWOGwNbAuUzHeL3PNpwhHZ15JaeLAXqj1z-Toow_05alEwFA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgmrMtGPPHOIbdK1_Miv22BlKIZPlPuIqLiEs7-y4sP5AO9wkzZXaOnKj3XrZ0cbhU5HTUxPpbBL8FsZ2CxDUPieoOZmOCaxyJdOem9zSMFd3atAN5MrswDRlPIxe1BaSBfVd5hHsH2PWOGwNbAuUzHeL3PNpwhHZ15JaeLAXqj1z-Toow_05alEwFA/w640-h404/Mat%20Scorpion%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor in metal and red oxide, welded in place...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5V0AOZWW7gp1-PUZxDtpIQ97B2AFEzqjSM1V7sdbRiXQtAHBvncaIJCRmyC4hqxtPLRFlJtdHn4qqly_xMzkNEP00_fldCOjtQpro99dE-FBHRHSU2NeIkqx1os-K5rAsdwFH1WGdWKGQd2N1re_VOWEDZZXPogs7Brr0rn-hernbGffDCHvRy3-iQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5V0AOZWW7gp1-PUZxDtpIQ97B2AFEzqjSM1V7sdbRiXQtAHBvncaIJCRmyC4hqxtPLRFlJtdHn4qqly_xMzkNEP00_fldCOjtQpro99dE-FBHRHSU2NeIkqx1os-K5rAsdwFH1WGdWKGQd2N1re_VOWEDZZXPogs7Brr0rn-hernbGffDCHvRy3-iQ/w640-h408/Mat%20Scorpion%20087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all stuff in position. Notice the water jerry-cans (white W)<br />and roll bags tied in place with leather straps...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O5VHssMo-uBeB6_UazcwoO8uUt-GfMgTC0qeqUGIyBlVJJnCxPfkORbaJ-hx6JOo5ugrEeqQml6ulgZfDML_GF1brV1ctYcBm-XPvChHq9haK_EqUG0J-UHTDoqXupAKsrH2h7l2uWTjw3BE2qt7lIw8j5nvQVevZLvvD228RJKAm0NIu6vdsWf1Yw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O5VHssMo-uBeB6_UazcwoO8uUt-GfMgTC0qeqUGIyBlVJJnCxPfkORbaJ-hx6JOo5ugrEeqQml6ulgZfDML_GF1brV1ctYcBm-XPvChHq9haK_EqUG0J-UHTDoqXupAKsrH2h7l2uWTjw3BE2qt7lIw8j5nvQVevZLvvD228RJKAm0NIu6vdsWf1Yw/w640-h414/Mat%20Scorpion%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A left side view of Scorpion, with crew in position <br />and all details applied.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61_HYy9fwh_0DLAh_mkkB3mEhHkqDwRGmvLYhR2fGMwVe2xeox6sjILuBjSwD973u1i3ROqetu2yyY54RoGGRj92bxvfBPuebIYhgw-RyyPpnn2rGTx12Jhc_VUX9lzu5XwwNi3OF0izjJ5_nll9LhQHN6W-0ARCWznX7hjZi08UOu2d4N9PXI0qoFA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61_HYy9fwh_0DLAh_mkkB3mEhHkqDwRGmvLYhR2fGMwVe2xeox6sjILuBjSwD973u1i3ROqetu2yyY54RoGGRj92bxvfBPuebIYhgw-RyyPpnn2rGTx12Jhc_VUX9lzu5XwwNi3OF0izjJ5_nll9LhQHN6W-0ARCWznX7hjZi08UOu2d4N9PXI0qoFA/w640-h480/Mat%20Scorpion%20085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boxes on the front fenders are for spare flails and chains...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FQiFsb6Pp6UuKqzWdBw3biZPruHJyWoMHmGw-U5xy26RR9eQS1bhDoOtwA0Z6hMG-m_9geye97OKBcpiUtAJQ2NBPl4TQv6hanoBWioWzrHFmioe1gLJuSkBKXhq-duU-KI2AjzT6g4EYbFJD0hUDhhHE7qNX9kboP_blVhCkZck4ZxwklDtPO7K2Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FQiFsb6Pp6UuKqzWdBw3biZPruHJyWoMHmGw-U5xy26RR9eQS1bhDoOtwA0Z6hMG-m_9geye97OKBcpiUtAJQ2NBPl4TQv6hanoBWioWzrHFmioe1gLJuSkBKXhq-duU-KI2AjzT6g4EYbFJD0hUDhhHE7qNX9kboP_blVhCkZck4ZxwklDtPO7K2Q/w640-h486/Mat%20Scorpion%20086.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The engine exposed... Is very hot in the desert!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03IAqpsej06FLGOxjZHvh1YKyvfzxrVbJz26Y7rnMKqdbWvOacwzw0v-aa_qocARLKLqI7OMU0zm67aAWv-d2ZM-SsS_GzT1rn1JSbc2eS8rArk53j3jCtSLwwrVqZoKof46FJl6ICXIRsgmJ8Wu7jqUSyB91n4vQnVmAsp5AYszn1LTfqplMp6HfmA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03IAqpsej06FLGOxjZHvh1YKyvfzxrVbJz26Y7rnMKqdbWvOacwzw0v-aa_qocARLKLqI7OMU0zm67aAWv-d2ZM-SsS_GzT1rn1JSbc2eS8rArk53j3jCtSLwwrVqZoKof46FJl6ICXIRsgmJ8Wu7jqUSyB91n4vQnVmAsp5AYszn1LTfqplMp6HfmA/w640-h466/Mat%20Scorpion%20088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the chipping...the desert It's a very abrasive environment!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37LpulT0PdnnBHdn4I3MtoIxlDAdK30Su1EiTf0qhHhh3sYaSkzD-dZgroOUp4k93Q1evXz1J_XJj6wXTe516ChhbR1p-ZUE6WgyBNGCLDW9Y0SMqv_xeKzkSvTn9POX1HEH9ZhomXs551CDrWkEK-ieVFY7E74pDToonNWyP_BGX4n7JjWPC_All1g/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1280" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37LpulT0PdnnBHdn4I3MtoIxlDAdK30Su1EiTf0qhHhh3sYaSkzD-dZgroOUp4k93Q1evXz1J_XJj6wXTe516ChhbR1p-ZUE6WgyBNGCLDW9Y0SMqv_xeKzkSvTn9POX1HEH9ZhomXs551CDrWkEK-ieVFY7E74pDToonNWyP_BGX4n7JjWPC_All1g/w640-h508/Mat%20Scorpion%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit is almost ready!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEims2ckj5wbAgE0_hDAm54eRwxPCuYMiK9f-84QVk4rm6GAckDjiGODlLF1f8rg3V4zVeGEw_81i8WBJ_DEhBS54hIvJfn0dOTmKhz9kPQLiOyEmVc9fctHdbqGNpP7suNcv2nhPnhHw0i6vBy4pkBowxeqJJWRHI6_cgawXTPoHW5oaxHe268ktumVhw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEims2ckj5wbAgE0_hDAm54eRwxPCuYMiK9f-84QVk4rm6GAckDjiGODlLF1f8rg3V4zVeGEw_81i8WBJ_DEhBS54hIvJfn0dOTmKhz9kPQLiOyEmVc9fctHdbqGNpP7suNcv2nhPnhHw0i6vBy4pkBowxeqJJWRHI6_cgawXTPoHW5oaxHe268ktumVhw/w640-h484/Mat%20Scorpion%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn3a72BX66HMQDXiLqAypmRhm1jZ80Cz1Wae6Y-R9rVK07gvO_35pVXtMgINE52hcv4xxPBOG0xisfngS2BQxdk7NUHxvbfeLOJEUVcFxwd2knhqtX0grkv3gRhxAjMvReMo2Bzk21smI4JOvgxSmXQuUUzD3aeJYBw6UhwTMvJtjSEcjmucNbRF8IA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn3a72BX66HMQDXiLqAypmRhm1jZ80Cz1Wae6Y-R9rVK07gvO_35pVXtMgINE52hcv4xxPBOG0xisfngS2BQxdk7NUHxvbfeLOJEUVcFxwd2knhqtX0grkv3gRhxAjMvReMo2Bzk21smI4JOvgxSmXQuUUzD3aeJYBw6UhwTMvJtjSEcjmucNbRF8IA/w640-h428/Mat%20Scorpion%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view. Next: pigments...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"> And with you, <b>Matilda Scorpion I OLIVIER</b>, from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Army_Tank_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)">1st Army Tank Brigade</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/42nd_Royal_Tank_Regiment">42th Royal Tank Regiment</a>, ready to clear minefields in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_El_Alamein">Second Battle of El Alamein</a>, Western African Desert, in October 1942.</div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nrlmplH7FCWAnAhuTZtmHXblMGdtEDN1qZvYNXQPoUPr6dU85SQ0lk3wAix0NOWroF6iep9Eec8HVvlY0ifE2IbRydwNdkCnPgU0sWqQ7HHjIP3kMpXQCUwzJGZ4379jjPifs-6noctONmXDoIZbAZ8V9WLBoYwiSe6e5Kzol-QBg3Lq-jKmmSuJnA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nrlmplH7FCWAnAhuTZtmHXblMGdtEDN1qZvYNXQPoUPr6dU85SQ0lk3wAix0NOWroF6iep9Eec8HVvlY0ifE2IbRydwNdkCnPgU0sWqQ7HHjIP3kMpXQCUwzJGZ4379jjPifs-6noctONmXDoIZbAZ8V9WLBoYwiSe6e5Kzol-QBg3Lq-jKmmSuJnA/w640-h388/Mat%20Scorpion%20093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Matilda Scorpion I OLIVIER</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1st Army Tank Brigade - 42th Royal Tank Regiment</div><div style="text-align: center;">Second Battle of El Alamein </div><div style="text-align: center;">Western African Desert - October 1942.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnWskbiKf--9Jh78ToYo4NFAurIGg4xrPo5TdFkP6us0kk-nYYRaOZrOOqhNkXskDgtVqwORnhgMAj2V-QEcgey7EZXXBA_X8G31-mOErbArhJ9WyCMuk5LtBxbKUqhaPTkAb-H6z_Rj5U63I0HI5ZCVZIi6ePXKonhG9wVe9DbXxapdj6llvfJzA2w/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnWskbiKf--9Jh78ToYo4NFAurIGg4xrPo5TdFkP6us0kk-nYYRaOZrOOqhNkXskDgtVqwORnhgMAj2V-QEcgey7EZXXBA_X8G31-mOErbArhJ9WyCMuk5LtBxbKUqhaPTkAb-H6z_Rj5U63I0HI5ZCVZIi6ePXKonhG9wVe9DbXxapdj6llvfJzA2w/w640-h422/Mat%20Scorpion%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br />front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhjH30aX1pQ3CzK2-JRExJ7GtF9zXTc30wFFMRU5qeEXK4tofiyVg8gjbo3D_dzZf5-sPbtXRUdcSI9DY0hrREbRGzgsME5Gk2dC7VPU0r2We-VcW1eLbN1uWLd-yuX38Td1pg-1Iynrim75eAunFm5aRxxao1jRhs-5fHznKMXKlg2lKXYXmo_j_TA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhjH30aX1pQ3CzK2-JRExJ7GtF9zXTc30wFFMRU5qeEXK4tofiyVg8gjbo3D_dzZf5-sPbtXRUdcSI9DY0hrREbRGzgsME5Gk2dC7VPU0r2We-VcW1eLbN1uWLd-yuX38Td1pg-1Iynrim75eAunFm5aRxxao1jRhs-5fHznKMXKlg2lKXYXmo_j_TA/w640-h342/Mat%20Scorpion%20096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br /> left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT5vVgLAO7YTWZNCMJJrz9OngGIhhyxyJS2W_XIva1T781s10FgX-pynMln3oODhYO8xztgTrN_cp4rWc_vZP-Y-Ojuf4AptZuxcj7bnvp6y92oNgg5UdlXamwsJJLPU7C8QW0Kn5n2wtqlQ2XhChme6KCBMXBaD2emkq5pgmjPURUShBlH305_DqCQ/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUT5vVgLAO7YTWZNCMJJrz9OngGIhhyxyJS2W_XIva1T781s10FgX-pynMln3oODhYO8xztgTrN_cp4rWc_vZP-Y-Ojuf4AptZuxcj7bnvp6y92oNgg5UdlXamwsJJLPU7C8QW0Kn5n2wtqlQ2XhChme6KCBMXBaD2emkq5pgmjPURUShBlH305_DqCQ/w640-h356/Mat%20Scorpion%20107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br /> left rear top view</td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HvKJvJmuxO66-unCwdelJVOoLzQWAhg1NjAJedIdgDMgsfX36eZU8z0P-SO5TPznA0Ctf0plbWZnLpZxZ4GXUlddCr-QSQeD-SN3dXXtT0ciI5dlrt1YGO3WHbcNHiAEFJgx5PRgb9lqvGo207-wyBXIFGt6DnyzDF9cAYjjaH7KbyPYExPnbciB8Q/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HvKJvJmuxO66-unCwdelJVOoLzQWAhg1NjAJedIdgDMgsfX36eZU8z0P-SO5TPznA0Ctf0plbWZnLpZxZ4GXUlddCr-QSQeD-SN3dXXtT0ciI5dlrt1YGO3WHbcNHiAEFJgx5PRgb9lqvGo207-wyBXIFGt6DnyzDF9cAYjjaH7KbyPYExPnbciB8Q/w640-h454/Mat%20Scorpion%20097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br />left rear lview</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN7c7JRvJW0p-6xHPhbszuyN_xhtDsH_FjORmb_KrQSLrijfqM2AhOOTd1W9KOXr2O1zw37wIn3zgR945M7gOdSTkIhJQvCCU1PMiPXvVn979exf3ZDKL_K7WcOkUqnMOk20BwancvFlQRIy3oFB_qtnRy2dTgKRMvQSBE1vczxGNs0lKqjM2ZGK6ug/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpN7c7JRvJW0p-6xHPhbszuyN_xhtDsH_FjORmb_KrQSLrijfqM2AhOOTd1W9KOXr2O1zw37wIn3zgR945M7gOdSTkIhJQvCCU1PMiPXvVn979exf3ZDKL_K7WcOkUqnMOk20BwancvFlQRIy3oFB_qtnRy2dTgKRMvQSBE1vczxGNs0lKqjM2ZGK6ug/w640-h408/Mat%20Scorpion%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br />right rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJY_bgqEf4eOKyHnFsvMjIzH2tJZXXSsVI6TWEq5w5Sxl7s0etwUlPGLGXtf5WZTMqaCH9U5nwtrfbm9rehAh-jJTGtr_DKry6qR-X7wykt4Z3fsn5_avfYRyjIFJshSOPR-GoZi8gtahbT-iAsnCGNBc6wHHmLTMPHkQNVTKj4UeSWj8_ku6pkFaKw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJY_bgqEf4eOKyHnFsvMjIzH2tJZXXSsVI6TWEq5w5Sxl7s0etwUlPGLGXtf5WZTMqaCH9U5nwtrfbm9rehAh-jJTGtr_DKry6qR-X7wykt4Z3fsn5_avfYRyjIFJshSOPR-GoZi8gtahbT-iAsnCGNBc6wHHmLTMPHkQNVTKj4UeSWj8_ku6pkFaKw/w640-h326/Mat%20Scorpion%20101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS_we8pw6vILkkmpeA93PMfX_KtHA-GzK-tCRzxYMk1N4gQqx24SpDmfAwPl4GKp18zXH61XztyBGtdoUUxa-pUqkTzDGoyQv33NHnEIzCMxc5v6kAbr2NW_elMfIe2yFzm1-RP4A8QlERp4kJKVI_BIQ0BjJ0yJEfZf41D35Tvj6NR2XIPzMRfCmSg/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20102.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTS_we8pw6vILkkmpeA93PMfX_KtHA-GzK-tCRzxYMk1N4gQqx24SpDmfAwPl4GKp18zXH61XztyBGtdoUUxa-pUqkTzDGoyQv33NHnEIzCMxc5v6kAbr2NW_elMfIe2yFzm1-RP4A8QlERp4kJKVI_BIQ0BjJ0yJEfZf41D35Tvj6NR2XIPzMRfCmSg/w640-h348/Mat%20Scorpion%20102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br />right top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nNLs_3REi77KdbSYvwFEjUVTMYWSvQ0I-MIKas9VBML842HrPF6Pe0v2ujwCe6QnsjZMKJsBiWCUTdY3XewBTwCm5qaP0TVICVdVOaYTCgfwG99ldlwkK5waT0hFyTln1VWbRV1Kwy6-epccGmvvwCl9D593AdQeJt1tnFQpYTNfItvjace1tDJH8w/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nNLs_3REi77KdbSYvwFEjUVTMYWSvQ0I-MIKas9VBML842HrPF6Pe0v2ujwCe6QnsjZMKJsBiWCUTdY3XewBTwCm5qaP0TVICVdVOaYTCgfwG99ldlwkK5waT0hFyTln1VWbRV1Kwy6-epccGmvvwCl9D593AdQeJt1tnFQpYTNfItvjace1tDJH8w/w640-h450/Mat%20Scorpion%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br />front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhoG8iFnuWqi_fhtr-s20QHV-4XyI0cp65tFZlzi3lV2y995tKKlqToI2d5f4q0f1jfVfSgkZssvdA60p4GjmVY5UkGEcYagVAnOlvaLsnkuDcOsPd1u8wQfBNyclN26mDga1Xh0IZYzqtRfGf2MnSKv3shTPJnaYaOMiVZOl3GkwfloIZmAQJRLVkw/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20104.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhoG8iFnuWqi_fhtr-s20QHV-4XyI0cp65tFZlzi3lV2y995tKKlqToI2d5f4q0f1jfVfSgkZssvdA60p4GjmVY5UkGEcYagVAnOlvaLsnkuDcOsPd1u8wQfBNyclN26mDga1Xh0IZYzqtRfGf2MnSKv3shTPJnaYaOMiVZOl3GkwfloIZmAQJRLVkw/w640-h358/Mat%20Scorpion%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br />with Kojak.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_-c36QmK0gQGO33l7dB5gxELAyDajO_-rk1y1Vl2yW1C-cBhCvD_8r7zCKIgoR6-6pTqLYk8m3_CiGiLbDsZYwfqxl786qNjv0mbMrIVgEG-sMkUa-GW419SpwrhUbENES0Mv30HnZTQLdJLpKPydvsejsAnkgjnhfRbqaU6hyypfXNodyRR9NS9VA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_-c36QmK0gQGO33l7dB5gxELAyDajO_-rk1y1Vl2yW1C-cBhCvD_8r7zCKIgoR6-6pTqLYk8m3_CiGiLbDsZYwfqxl786qNjv0mbMrIVgEG-sMkUa-GW419SpwrhUbENES0Mv30HnZTQLdJLpKPydvsejsAnkgjnhfRbqaU6hyypfXNodyRR9NS9VA/w640-h330/Mat%20Scorpion%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two desert beauties: Matilda Scorpion I<br />with <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Crusader%20Mk%20I%20-%20A15%20cruiser%20tank%202pdr%20gun" target="_blank">Crusader A15 cruiser tank Mk I - 2 pdr.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbI_oyBUkhagORZWWt1y2QKjOpFKmPDGRqV26fKDqCIQ_00sPr2uHYaCvEi4LpKXO5ODDrFCOm4LPXGIVTbhuyR9-BFZAUh3CXTxRiuLpbz5iwc2PlXzwcrdetcHv9TTdJFXzt7dDTw_sXpySLHyOgvp8A6vuUAVA-97AGb-zffJ6QiRtdf-a7LoOlA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbI_oyBUkhagORZWWt1y2QKjOpFKmPDGRqV26fKDqCIQ_00sPr2uHYaCvEi4LpKXO5ODDrFCOm4LPXGIVTbhuyR9-BFZAUh3CXTxRiuLpbz5iwc2PlXzwcrdetcHv9TTdJFXzt7dDTw_sXpySLHyOgvp8A6vuUAVA-97AGb-zffJ6QiRtdf-a7LoOlA/w640-h480/Mat%20Scorpion%20109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda Scorpion I<br />front close up view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhUI-wKbKQdg3wwXfLziJTne4-ZHvBMkYvywzt8Z0p2F9tCkDMCd4ApWaT0QESLCHQsE4WFuFnEbyCbcj_dPshp7O100qNNSCZumYA4lXIbTasI4PGxYHYVHGLLOkIqxUz5HHXeYM3cBELLEY-iCBj0y9pmH5qtRyB2Hozn2PFXogZOjbvWiQtnM8FA/s1280/Mat%20Scorpion%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhUI-wKbKQdg3wwXfLziJTne4-ZHvBMkYvywzt8Z0p2F9tCkDMCd4ApWaT0QESLCHQsE4WFuFnEbyCbcj_dPshp7O100qNNSCZumYA4lXIbTasI4PGxYHYVHGLLOkIqxUz5HHXeYM3cBELLEY-iCBj0y9pmH5qtRyB2Hozn2PFXogZOjbvWiQtnM8FA/w640-h388/Mat%20Scorpion%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><b>Matilda Scorpion I OLIVIER</b></div><div>1st Army Tank Brigade - 42th Royal Tank Regiment</div><div>Second Battle of El Alamein </div><div>Western African Desert - October 1942.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for following!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheers!!</div></b></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju61K-3LGrFaMt3-cbwARdY7NClg5UWa3LX_4yov3FN7ZccwEUd9-yKsKOTZYGGlA1Nfdmb2z0QaA5KibY88ybrf8ZED49rslr1WpSeFZ1k7ZzcYNLMHPktpZLHhUlnIIPaeIcRUK5Ff1_a_ylWyZ5sAh63_m21oIROx3IzUeWm6Xn_L9aIu_pQoep2Q/s1280/Cheers!!.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju61K-3LGrFaMt3-cbwARdY7NClg5UWa3LX_4yov3FN7ZccwEUd9-yKsKOTZYGGlA1Nfdmb2z0QaA5KibY88ybrf8ZED49rslr1WpSeFZ1k7ZzcYNLMHPktpZLHhUlnIIPaeIcRUK5Ff1_a_ylWyZ5sAh63_m21oIROx3IzUeWm6Xn_L9aIu_pQoep2Q/w640-h380/Cheers!!.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-77725258692590945352023-05-13T07:04:00.002-03:002023-05-20T15:39:56.570-03:00Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tankers!!! </span></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank in this article marks a transition in the UK's Armored History. It features a few characteristics of WWI infantry tanks (like the various machine guns scattered around the hull) and the new architecture of the most modern vehicles, such as the 360° rotating turret. It was a landmark in the interwar period, providing services and experience from the 1920s until the early days of WWII. Meet the <b>Vickers Medium Mark II</b>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly7gSMCOzojoBP5B4I7vVqKSmbe7Mn_8s2N6H8lj7DWsmfWlmATztRX1wcVwASYs2SwyMaSo7pEqPoj4GhPAkkHocrOXKN22Ewi6nJX1bmgBbHNcsuHm2fDc0L11AjDcsBU7ukexZLlv9dDtJMb8SHNpNBPBvmulrXzqDjt6IJeZyYZwHyDrYdICZ0Q/s1400/Vickers%20joke%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1400" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly7gSMCOzojoBP5B4I7vVqKSmbe7Mn_8s2N6H8lj7DWsmfWlmATztRX1wcVwASYs2SwyMaSo7pEqPoj4GhPAkkHocrOXKN22Ewi6nJX1bmgBbHNcsuHm2fDc0L11AjDcsBU7ukexZLlv9dDtJMb8SHNpNBPBvmulrXzqDjt6IJeZyYZwHyDrYdICZ0Q/w640-h406/Vickers%20joke%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl is really in serious trouble...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1Zc4VbO-Tn6CnJ9XuhWo2HQ1p1V-BlNnAfjng07bBls89tybFEIrs1xKrcSfMX1EufI4-di464e4fH6enc7YwNqxi2Ro29BgI6jiMbF2IV-pgIZ5kZ8W5ucMLukzuD4M8I6isKq3P-y8hF70_kOXXEeLA5xH0xoFiqh605VA_hsxbS3x9UbEzvSsYA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20star%20%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20at%20Farnborough,%201940%20-%20H%201148.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1Zc4VbO-Tn6CnJ9XuhWo2HQ1p1V-BlNnAfjng07bBls89tybFEIrs1xKrcSfMX1EufI4-di464e4fH6enc7YwNqxi2Ro29BgI6jiMbF2IV-pgIZ5kZ8W5ucMLukzuD4M8I6isKq3P-y8hF70_kOXXEeLA5xH0xoFiqh605VA_hsxbS3x9UbEzvSsYA/w640-h424/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20star%20%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20at%20Farnborough,%201940%20-%20H%201148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II* tank of the<br />Royal Tank Regiment at Farnborough, 1940.<br />The Hobby Boss box art above must have been based on this photo...<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">IWM - H 1148</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Vickers Medium Mark II</b> was a British tank built by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers">Vickers</a> in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbellum">Inter-war period</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZMLWpN92PWWDGqeWNtrs15uTLLX8lAMSTLAil2ddlo2s-2ESJ5JhmZmNTW2qcwj52B7tDMgs2XQX2N7qx5FGbt1Z8XoUOMD8nd4ZP24w7AlmPAnueNMm729gew5lzO37e4guh6uuGtXp6ILk7Dh8j1UVYx1v0-LQxLLHug-LIdCv287pU7JqyIYgMw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20on%20manoeuvres%20at%20Bovington%20Camp,%20Dorset,%20November%201939%20-%20H%20233.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZMLWpN92PWWDGqeWNtrs15uTLLX8lAMSTLAil2ddlo2s-2ESJ5JhmZmNTW2qcwj52B7tDMgs2XQX2N7qx5FGbt1Z8XoUOMD8nd4ZP24w7AlmPAnueNMm729gew5lzO37e4guh6uuGtXp6ILk7Dh8j1UVYx1v0-LQxLLHug-LIdCv287pU7JqyIYgMw/w640-h396/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20on%20manoeuvres%20at%20Bovington%20Camp,%20Dorset,%20November%201939%20-%20H%20233.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II tank of the<br />Royal Tank Regiment on manoeuvres at<br />Bovington Camp, Dorset, November 1939 <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM - H 233</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> She was a derivation from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Medium_Mark_I">Vickers Medium Mark I</a>, was developed to replace the last of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medium_Mark_C">Medium Mark C Hornets</a> still in use. The production and rebuilding programs for the Vickers Medium Mark II ran from 1925 to 1934.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxOmNYQ7-A8mk575sRwriZkTbF5NJf_OBhyIlese7hTK_1L4VUqSNw3gmbQeT9_SXMrrceZBnkSL8NNTK1qaz2bOqutPYthI3oCsKKGtSI1oRlPCKAieFmSTaC9o-95yXEYkzN_qOOAN9pOcdawV0pOz2Iv1W-7CKR-TVEyY-SoiUQ3bM4yqgeuMEJA/s1280/Medium%20C%20Hornet%20Tank%20-%20November%201926%20-%20Q%2070983.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxOmNYQ7-A8mk575sRwriZkTbF5NJf_OBhyIlese7hTK_1L4VUqSNw3gmbQeT9_SXMrrceZBnkSL8NNTK1qaz2bOqutPYthI3oCsKKGtSI1oRlPCKAieFmSTaC9o-95yXEYkzN_qOOAN9pOcdawV0pOz2Iv1W-7CKR-TVEyY-SoiUQ3bM4yqgeuMEJA/w640-h454/Medium%20C%20Hornet%20Tank%20-%20November%201926%20-%20Q%2070983.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium C Hornet tank in trials<br />November -1926</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank was phased out of service from 1939, replaced by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_Mk_I" target="_blank">A9 </a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_Mk_I">Cruiser Mk I</a> . </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuDVj45FLOKIaxXGYbRJL-79v5EPtaLtIdveGljdK7KxG-8TOJ8qozfws5fg-q9ugHqr2mtzaLqA6SQ-wKNEiJKtty7sHYKGOtRHYhIZMq5172hQV5uUih5pz9PPQD4EtlTSrH1g7dYkNiCK5Ba7SCyMKNHSvhOiM5k7R9CA1R6GNgD5xGqSjOxUkkA/s1280/A9%20Cruiser%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20on%20the%20move%20near%20Tobruk,%2012%20September%201941%20-%20E%205547.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuDVj45FLOKIaxXGYbRJL-79v5EPtaLtIdveGljdK7KxG-8TOJ8qozfws5fg-q9ugHqr2mtzaLqA6SQ-wKNEiJKtty7sHYKGOtRHYhIZMq5172hQV5uUih5pz9PPQD4EtlTSrH1g7dYkNiCK5Ba7SCyMKNHSvhOiM5k7R9CA1R6GNgD5xGqSjOxUkkA/w640-h384/A9%20Cruiser%20Mk%20I%20tanks%20on%20the%20move%20near%20Tobruk,%2012%20September%201941%20-%20E%205547.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A9 Cruiser Mk I tanks on the rough terrain,<br />near Tobruk, 12 September 1941<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>font: </span><span>IWM E 5547</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The MkII tank featured several improvements over the Vickers Mark I: a higher superstructure with the driver's cupola on top of it instead of in front of it; an improved suspension protected by armour skirts; and Rackham clutches, providing a primitive form of mechanical servo-control. Due to a slightly higher weight its rated speed was somewhat slower than that of the Medium Mark I, at 21 km/h compared to 24 km/h.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7ezsxSNqzNcHl45PIwMnIOLq3gvCLDHGPjrFLP8vG1rtPErdWBrX3mdmDiNEybvrXzYel30tgDgNkTL7JaWQDuPLlcb910BavbHqb6ukF2kaLirtwPE1vHCi5exR3gqpElvWP2PvboU10cG-3bdP_IHS1S6f2r2JYZBHCusNhwGfa-PRRA-FFhwkcQ/s1600/Mk%20I%20x%20Mk%20II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7ezsxSNqzNcHl45PIwMnIOLq3gvCLDHGPjrFLP8vG1rtPErdWBrX3mdmDiNEybvrXzYel30tgDgNkTL7JaWQDuPLlcb910BavbHqb6ukF2kaLirtwPE1vHCi5exR3gqpElvWP2PvboU10cG-3bdP_IHS1S6f2r2JYZBHCusNhwGfa-PRRA-FFhwkcQ/w640-h192/Mk%20I%20x%20Mk%20II.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison drawings between the Vickers Medium Mk I and Mk II</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Design:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Mark II used the same chassis, suspension and transmission as the Medium Mark I but had a new superstructure. The Mark II was equipped with an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OQF_3-pounder_gun" target="_blank">Ordnance QF 3 pounder 2 cwt</a> (47 mm) MkII gun. The four air-cooled <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_M1909_Ben%C3%A9t%E2%80%93Merci%C3%A9_machine_gun" target="_blank">.303in Hotchkiss light machine guns</a> that were installed in the turret in early versions of the Vickers Mk I have been eliminated in this Mk II version, leaving only the coaxial machine gun for the main gun, which was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun" target="_blank">Vickers water-cooled .303 (7.7 mm) machine gun</a> type, as well as two identical guns on the sides of the hull, near the rear. These side MG's were also withdrawn by the crews as their operational use was too restricted. This adequacy of armament shows the evolution of tactics and philosophies of armored weapon use in the period before and at the beginning of the Second World War.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxp8qzxDp8Gp5CIIz3Wc4WuN0tTsRFmovJwJR3ojhLLARCH5KpJida_sLyOGdIz5BFMftStxC0NRpERv7EdnOJa6-HAhNqz1UVqEyfU7VtA1G_wJfq6GpZ9nJ-RFwb3sFyWcaL9YMXeJYw14TUchTAV8eFnR5AtSM67ak6uGrKDuJwOrO9Mw077fsWg/s1280/Vickers%20machine%20water-cooled%20.303%20British%20machine%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1280" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxp8qzxDp8Gp5CIIz3Wc4WuN0tTsRFmovJwJR3ojhLLARCH5KpJida_sLyOGdIz5BFMftStxC0NRpERv7EdnOJa6-HAhNqz1UVqEyfU7VtA1G_wJfq6GpZ9nJ-RFwb3sFyWcaL9YMXeJYw14TUchTAV8eFnR5AtSM67ak6uGrKDuJwOrO9Mw077fsWg/w640-h528/Vickers%20machine%20water-cooled%20.303%20British%20machine%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Vickers water-cooled .303 (7,7mm) machine gun</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Operational use:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Vickers Medium Mark II and its predecessor the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Medium_Mark_I">Vickers Medium Mark I</a> replaced some of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_I_tank#Mark_V_series">Mark V heavy tanks</a>. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0MWlyAzA1lYXi1VqDtX4IWZqR6cY_T5CbuuNXt1a1taOmZRlumpvVqvZgEj_fwwllr9bXADLhbD1hZX4pZtLoaSSpMVgTfxeiFOIIMsTJRaPyQeR3ByCOQ9-HSJM6Bq5y_oRN_0YCIqzlM0XXOA-BNzaz5uxo82o_94tKQD0_RVAEio-avBQhjLfNg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%201%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20at%20Colchester,%20November%201939%20-%20H%20194.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0MWlyAzA1lYXi1VqDtX4IWZqR6cY_T5CbuuNXt1a1taOmZRlumpvVqvZgEj_fwwllr9bXADLhbD1hZX4pZtLoaSSpMVgTfxeiFOIIMsTJRaPyQeR3ByCOQ9-HSJM6Bq5y_oRN_0YCIqzlM0XXOA-BNzaz5uxo82o_94tKQD0_RVAEio-avBQhjLfNg/w640-h468/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%201%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20at%20Colchester,%20November%201939%20-%20H%20194.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk 1 tank of the Royal Tank Regiment at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colchester" target="_blank">Colchester</a>.<br />England - November 1939.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font : IWM - H 194</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84CHzPYSMz0ga1SV7b__zx7t8sPVlUgAjhHDPlmx4EOiKgvjgNrsadq8jDpji1ADccRNoLADSS_Ubf6vXVss9FOqEwCE0KPkj4b6HdpUKWgFA101_cyEWv1VPSFDFz6qkmiF3jGe79xEzDnWsliquoG1jYJmONhe9R2Hq8JXOT5N4ASkHTusbh3OizA/s1280/Mark%20V%20Heavy%20Male%20Tank%20Showing%20louvres%20in%20right-hand%20wall%20and%20the%20greatly%20improved%20type%20of%20rear%20cab.%20IWM%20Q%2014485.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84CHzPYSMz0ga1SV7b__zx7t8sPVlUgAjhHDPlmx4EOiKgvjgNrsadq8jDpji1ADccRNoLADSS_Ubf6vXVss9FOqEwCE0KPkj4b6HdpUKWgFA101_cyEWv1VPSFDFz6qkmiF3jGe79xEzDnWsliquoG1jYJmONhe9R2Hq8JXOT5N4ASkHTusbh3OizA/w640-h364/Mark%20V%20Heavy%20Male%20Tank%20Showing%20louvres%20in%20right-hand%20wall%20and%20the%20greatly%20improved%20type%20of%20rear%20cab.%20IWM%20Q%2014485.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark V heavy male tank in muddy terrain<br /> font: <span style="font-size: x-small;">IWM Q 14485</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Both tanks equipped the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Tank_Regiment">Royal Tank Regiments</a> until they were phased out starting in 1938. The tanks saw their first combat use when two were used against the Mohmands on the Northwest Frontier of British India during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohmand_campaign_of_1935">Mohmand campaign of 1935</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In November 1939, some Medium Mark IIs were sent to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egypt">Egypt</a> for experiments being conducted by Major-General Sir <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Hobart">Percy Hobart</a> and his <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)">Mobile Division (Egypt)</a>, but the Vickers Mediums in Egypt were also phased out before <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Italy">Italy</a> declared war in June 1940. The Mediums were used for initial instruction in driver training.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC3JMYS6Ja3q0SVIzYefwHrIm7nx40wjo3H_NadTkAFOiCLYiMrOhpYnrvDMWbOowk45kFB9wkDvKwA-iBPnnjSZw-sVONK37JXy4f6CUR-S_n_zBdQaJ0eZYZKRM6_q2l9o9FnTncJ94jy25-P3KDsVEE0TTHNbi2SNBXCoQ1MN7ZvoHZiMlUonxxQ/s1024/Vickers%20Mk%20II%20Egypt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC3JMYS6Ja3q0SVIzYefwHrIm7nx40wjo3H_NadTkAFOiCLYiMrOhpYnrvDMWbOowk45kFB9wkDvKwA-iBPnnjSZw-sVONK37JXy4f6CUR-S_n_zBdQaJ0eZYZKRM6_q2l9o9FnTncJ94jy25-P3KDsVEE0TTHNbi2SNBXCoQ1MN7ZvoHZiMlUonxxQ/w640-h496/Vickers%20Mk%20II%20Egypt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vickers Medium Mk II in a photo posed in front of the<br />Great Pyramid of Cheops, Egypt - 1939.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuEByODfM4nyzRufwRGTHAJwEeZCgFFbumuDV0q3iplSA7WsBTLewnhUQpxhJgEPN_rvSHlDb_lQMljZt9mKAxJbi7q2sPESHYqM3VbbZIViYVt6PNNnSYiq46fvZcceHqZ06lD6xG8sfp8ClnauY5tXkZCW-4moRAFjfm5GJt3VItSEUO3G04FCC8A/s1280/Vickers%20desert%20Mk%202stars%20cammo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuEByODfM4nyzRufwRGTHAJwEeZCgFFbumuDV0q3iplSA7WsBTLewnhUQpxhJgEPN_rvSHlDb_lQMljZt9mKAxJbi7q2sPESHYqM3VbbZIViYVt6PNNnSYiq46fvZcceHqZ06lD6xG8sfp8ClnauY5tXkZCW-4moRAFjfm5GJt3VItSEUO3G04FCC8A/w640-h342/Vickers%20desert%20Mk%202stars%20cammo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A line formation of Vickers medium Mk II tanks, in two-tone (sand and brown)<br />disruptive camouflage, in the Egyptian desert.- 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwSh7ni7iD6HvAeR3d9iPiiKSTHg1Ef5ba4GiNS8328lbuBbrGeriDmkB0X-an85tRYjESQL2vnN_YZzU8fKYgn8yW-dXm4pDQMXHS47RbHQiXwZjgPGagL_GgC8y2nCeKiDwHlZirmHm-yd9l3K8pg2fsm-3tsdifGHU0ahYx-FvVmut9P9iBp78Uw/s1024/Vickers%20egypt2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwSh7ni7iD6HvAeR3d9iPiiKSTHg1Ef5ba4GiNS8328lbuBbrGeriDmkB0X-an85tRYjESQL2vnN_YZzU8fKYgn8yW-dXm4pDQMXHS47RbHQiXwZjgPGagL_GgC8y2nCeKiDwHlZirmHm-yd9l3K8pg2fsm-3tsdifGHU0ahYx-FvVmut9P9iBp78Uw/w640-h386/Vickers%20egypt2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vickers Medium MkII in the desert.<br />Notice the rear door opening to right and the<br />thermal asbestos layer over the armoured skin of the tank.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK_rj3QBYX27IVXp_paEI6_naTN5g8_smxUxwfIHyxvsr4f2ly2rr53c14HEVqARbDkElFg_WQhujR4EcYocxwy1TdNTWlRAU46VwOPU53sMCMzWEGRgoAcWRZbPBx_Qy_5eI0r3jL_b-Fv6AQRA1Hk2Io-VwbEUstMr3V1jORChvtMZ6YuJx7JImdw/s1280/Vickers%20Olivier%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK_rj3QBYX27IVXp_paEI6_naTN5g8_smxUxwfIHyxvsr4f2ly2rr53c14HEVqARbDkElFg_WQhujR4EcYocxwy1TdNTWlRAU46VwOPU53sMCMzWEGRgoAcWRZbPBx_Qy_5eI0r3jL_b-Fv6AQRA1Hk2Io-VwbEUstMr3V1jORChvtMZ6YuJx7JImdw/w640-h480/Vickers%20Olivier%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium tanks and other vehicles roaring<br />in the Egyptian desert.- 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In Europe, in a desperate measure England at least had more tanks available in the face of the Nazi threat across the Channel.during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_anti-invasion_preparations_of_World_War_II">threat of German invasion</a> in the summer of 1940, some of these outmoded vehicles were reactivated for a short time. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvMbautk1O_GFSUQTXNM0v2EaLC9uJr1sxvMBj_FACZogu3i8zTwTgmMIi1JgV64I_tKpVS5JDoutilIHM8aH9Xu_Frr4xt52rccuNobzgQXL8RShdOTDeHcbiqcZmaBPQ1y42cuYUy--yWD6Yj0_syF_qg8FnVVVYi4qo96z5jHYkB2Y7VWoDSUMMg/s1280/Mark%20IIA%20CS%20in%20maneuvers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvMbautk1O_GFSUQTXNM0v2EaLC9uJr1sxvMBj_FACZogu3i8zTwTgmMIi1JgV64I_tKpVS5JDoutilIHM8aH9Xu_Frr4xt52rccuNobzgQXL8RShdOTDeHcbiqcZmaBPQ1y42cuYUy--yWD6Yj0_syF_qg8FnVVVYi4qo96z5jHYkB2Y7VWoDSUMMg/w640-h464/Mark%20IIA%20CS%20in%20maneuvers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark IIA CS (Close Support) in maneuvers. Because of Britain's tank shortage in 1940,<br />especially after the fall of France, Mediums were brought back into service<br />with operational units for a time. England - Autumn 1940<br />C Squadron, 3rd. Royal Tanks, part of 1st. Armoured Brigade, 2nd. Armoured Division<br />which sailed for the Middle East in November 1940. </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rxXOWXkPBYDQLenH2zcOrNmSbp_N39cDM6luhGEMYIawHab8aKwa5kDdm2UrcSXwwPXNEV-m6FyXY4uXePObM5lJCUwdvXT6hnvjEyekT_-uP7Q92GkZDkdxz5VGxl8TYzV8aEYvA-wU00qVKYAPhlpP9Y7XJzJiJCVjVAVlIWwWFqu2XpJ0awTerg/s1280/Matilda%20II%20tank%20of%2042nd%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20during%20manoeuvres%20at%20Knowsley%20Park,%20Prescot,%20near%20Liverpool,%2030%20July%201940.%20A%20Vickers%20Medium%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rxXOWXkPBYDQLenH2zcOrNmSbp_N39cDM6luhGEMYIawHab8aKwa5kDdm2UrcSXwwPXNEV-m6FyXY4uXePObM5lJCUwdvXT6hnvjEyekT_-uP7Q92GkZDkdxz5VGxl8TYzV8aEYvA-wU00qVKYAPhlpP9Y7XJzJiJCVjVAVlIWwWFqu2XpJ0awTerg/w640-h394/Matilda%20II%20tank%20of%2042nd%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20during%20manoeuvres%20at%20Knowsley%20Park,%20Prescot,%20near%20Liverpool,%2030%20July%201940.%20A%20Vickers%20Medium%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troops of the 5th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry,<br />shelter behind a Matilda II tank of 42nd Royal Tank Regiment <br />during manoeuvres at Knowsley Park, Prescot, near Liverpool, 30 July 1940. <br />A Vickers Medium Mk II tank can be seen in the background.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM H 2622</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In Africa, no "mobile" Vickers Mediums faced the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_invasion_of_Egypt">Italian invasion of Egypt</a> in September 1940, but at least one was dug in as an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker">armoured pillbox</a> in the British defenses at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsa_Matruh">Mersa Matruh</a> at the time of the invasion. Later on the Australians apparently dug these two tanks out. One was returned to working order while the other, apparently damaged too far gone to warrant repair, was mounted in the back of a lorry and driven around. Later still both tanks fell into German hands, but, besides being objects of curiosity, don’t appear to have been used.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Lzvq8BVyfaaqb5_ItPP0wdHjC2SDOKNwynYcuRSFC28wMzR9MZ3uNSs3vJ2dntQ38M4TeW4dsMBB6RgA7wPlJ9kx90rkYPFK2kJkPECFhHfMS0ZeQpPXlWFxLWxcokKxXIo4n0lUq9JJG9HQQ-YcaVRZbh2c7wa-GB4NGW7UDt_UoWpy68Zb04Adqg/s1024/Vickers%20desert%20Mk%202stars%20dug%20in%20the%20sands%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Lzvq8BVyfaaqb5_ItPP0wdHjC2SDOKNwynYcuRSFC28wMzR9MZ3uNSs3vJ2dntQ38M4TeW4dsMBB6RgA7wPlJ9kx90rkYPFK2kJkPECFhHfMS0ZeQpPXlWFxLWxcokKxXIo4n0lUq9JJG9HQQ-YcaVRZbh2c7wa-GB4NGW7UDt_UoWpy68Zb04Adqg/w640-h360/Vickers%20desert%20Mk%202stars%20dug%20in%20the%20sands%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vickers Medium Mark II** buried in the sand,<br />with his turret functioning as a pillbox.<br />Mersa Matruh, Egypt - 1940.<br />The soldiers appear to be Australians.<br />perhaps some of those who later dug up and retrieved the tank.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Variants:</b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b>Mark II:</b> the original version of which 91 were built. This version featured machine guns and a flat roof, without a cupola, on the turret.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI-9Vb6cXCZ4UQOON82SkI32ts4t9V9-SmesAsbeH8JMmx7eepgt_czoKF-lDROB1mQz01StinkXBiVsgShGKs31AXV7Q4QUpHOUnerVYPMy0pfea9f6dPc1A62VkGgDvtPAvkgoZErq64hmmZNyNp52H6i1gIeORQR1t02xuzKZ6oBpDCmkag3z28g/s1280/Vickers%20medium%20Mk%20II%20IWM%20MH%2011707.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI-9Vb6cXCZ4UQOON82SkI32ts4t9V9-SmesAsbeH8JMmx7eepgt_czoKF-lDROB1mQz01StinkXBiVsgShGKs31AXV7Q4QUpHOUnerVYPMy0pfea9f6dPc1A62VkGgDvtPAvkgoZErq64hmmZNyNp52H6i1gIeORQR1t02xuzKZ6oBpDCmkag3z28g/w640-h412/Vickers%20medium%20Mk%20II%20IWM%20MH%2011707.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II tank<br />right front view<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM MH 11707</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH-_rgB0-6n_aqXXtgc3gakfmrhbtBOGIVNP1EqRZNv0np1LmUY2FuWo4eLq_oJLsFfd58kkulvKCl8fbvtldHCyyJVz1k3xucTIboVjgfECCwVpYInV6OSqBfbwzL8O-hsejE8Bai0oXFj-3sNUOtJBukEkNl0ZIC3lHXEgsFwpxMw66xAfOvyBJAw/s1280/Medium%20Medium%20Tank%20Mk.II.%20IWM%20MH%2011706.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH-_rgB0-6n_aqXXtgc3gakfmrhbtBOGIVNP1EqRZNv0np1LmUY2FuWo4eLq_oJLsFfd58kkulvKCl8fbvtldHCyyJVz1k3xucTIboVjgfECCwVpYInV6OSqBfbwzL8O-hsejE8Bai0oXFj-3sNUOtJBukEkNl0ZIC3lHXEgsFwpxMw66xAfOvyBJAw/w640-h430/Medium%20Medium%20Tank%20Mk.II.%20IWM%20MH%2011706.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II tank<br />left view<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM MH 11706</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdpC901iBdgXu3Iphc97MQ90scuLmuK3T4wqx-cQBYkWUcvFUCGjdtG2vQ0ajjryjgWXm3AdZaxynE5_0yACi0d54AjB5AQAOSs7AGkAijfe63CToGzcuYcJtOljmYL8Opy-Fy4dIwtLo_FqYjWqF6rvC8ets8VHHfHS5M8dsTMa4WyN1JZDT9DKnTA/s1280/Medium%20Tank%20Mk.II%20IWM%20MH%2011704.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdpC901iBdgXu3Iphc97MQ90scuLmuK3T4wqx-cQBYkWUcvFUCGjdtG2vQ0ajjryjgWXm3AdZaxynE5_0yACi0d54AjB5AQAOSs7AGkAijfe63CToGzcuYcJtOljmYL8Opy-Fy4dIwtLo_FqYjWqF6rvC8ets8VHHfHS5M8dsTMa4WyN1JZDT9DKnTA/w640-h448/Medium%20Tank%20Mk.II%20IWM%20MH%2011704.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II tank<br />right rear view<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM MH 11704</span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Mark II* (star):</b> Fifty-six of the same vehicles with the Hotchkiss machine guns removed, a coaxial Vickers machine gun added and the commander's post shifted somewhat further back as in the original position he had been in a very real danger of being hit in the stomach by spent shells ejected by the main gun's breech block. More characteristic was the presence of a cupola for the commander on the roof of the turret, called Bishop’s Mitre.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXQrK6UMfEXG7JF4vVc_k7nSKZDyl_mS74aXl7m1ARGFDaLqvgg3Y17Q6tVsI4IUUHBhlhfso9KQJMYyhzMb5Hm0CXfzJbtbXCFj55u3RRbGAYQL79uG1pXolnJVnp13Exkp7pJbldVDgWG135LMjXLbCPTmU8bVDp6T6SIBy9Rd89Mu0TvkfRQX4kw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20star%20%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20at%20Farnborough,%201940%20-%20H%201148.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXQrK6UMfEXG7JF4vVc_k7nSKZDyl_mS74aXl7m1ARGFDaLqvgg3Y17Q6tVsI4IUUHBhlhfso9KQJMYyhzMb5Hm0CXfzJbtbXCFj55u3RRbGAYQL79uG1pXolnJVnp13Exkp7pJbldVDgWG135LMjXLbCPTmU8bVDp6T6SIBy9Rd89Mu0TvkfRQX4kw/w640-h424/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20star%20%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20at%20Farnborough,%201940%20-%20H%201148.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II * (star) tank of the Royal Tank Regiment.<br />Notice the Bishop’s Mitre cupola in the turret's roof.<br />fornt view - Farnborough, 1940<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM- H 1148</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EfwTj1420PSOcrpCrgCeX08YwkcVnm896QxVd3VbHXvPAPYLdiw286Mfv6gcBnTTJTQXoMI7EQ9dN-m13L8QvzZUmUl-ghidHKLr3wr8VzDTUo8mmks84TvSkqLPSeMVYXS0ORPZMyU-1w1ToWa_XCFcyBNp5ucdR5EsPIf6WoqhsF1ZQQYOC9glSQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20star%20%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20at%20Farnborough,%201940%20-%20H%201149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EfwTj1420PSOcrpCrgCeX08YwkcVnm896QxVd3VbHXvPAPYLdiw286Mfv6gcBnTTJTQXoMI7EQ9dN-m13L8QvzZUmUl-ghidHKLr3wr8VzDTUo8mmks84TvSkqLPSeMVYXS0ORPZMyU-1w1ToWa_XCFcyBNp5ucdR5EsPIf6WoqhsF1ZQQYOC9glSQ/w640-h448/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20star%20%20tank%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Regiment%20at%20Farnborough,%201940%20-%20H%201149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II * (star) tank of the Royal Tank Regiment<br />rear view - Notice the rear door, opening to left.<br />Farnborough, 1940<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM- H 1149</span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Mark IIA:</b> Twenty vehicles newly built in 1930. The bevel was removed from the rear of the turret and an armoured electrical ventilator fan added on the left side.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9oSUsHzePAcFQpOgmkRVKizw9meQnPr_9RQKSAm2t5qFkK-1jSzjscYdiL6cyPErAv7p85hmuWKjf3b3LnXNvY3utZr8psWmkI2feOsBlDYYE0TWz3K9aRQtQ_9Vyq5A_vj_tjRqhaS8RtuMFdKGYNHhBqPLhgyTh_PYQdohOqDNwdC4_vfmPvcCkg/s1280/Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20IIA%20IWM%20KID%20113.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9oSUsHzePAcFQpOgmkRVKizw9meQnPr_9RQKSAm2t5qFkK-1jSzjscYdiL6cyPErAv7p85hmuWKjf3b3LnXNvY3utZr8psWmkI2feOsBlDYYE0TWz3K9aRQtQ_9Vyq5A_vj_tjRqhaS8RtuMFdKGYNHhBqPLhgyTh_PYQdohOqDNwdC4_vfmPvcCkg/w640-h408/Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20IIA%20IWM%20KID%20113.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk IIA tank (left side view)<br />Notice the armoured ventilator in the midle left side<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font:IWM KID 113</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnabKWJLMC6VCw-57ohgelX6wy5Cam0Daxfm9RIqfQzBRzflAzF4qOp2qGziH-iIwnIwQsxYQZE3v9oQeAUqVr3Gh-dJJ686XXZMQd1xA0vgXa0VEkaPmahavr7st0DI8dlTFzoaTv6figHmJyfoQPthszpHH8xI0xTdETeIOTkzJIQ4X3PFdPnJvW4Q/s1280/The%20Mark%20IIA%20T427%20photographed%20at%20Lulworth.%20CS%20on%20the%20side%20stands%20for%20Central%20Schools,%20not%20Close%20Support..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnabKWJLMC6VCw-57ohgelX6wy5Cam0Daxfm9RIqfQzBRzflAzF4qOp2qGziH-iIwnIwQsxYQZE3v9oQeAUqVr3Gh-dJJ686XXZMQd1xA0vgXa0VEkaPmahavr7st0DI8dlTFzoaTv6figHmJyfoQPthszpHH8xI0xTdETeIOTkzJIQ4X3PFdPnJvW4Q/w640-h380/The%20Mark%20IIA%20T427%20photographed%20at%20Lulworth.%20CS%20on%20the%20side%20stands%20for%20Central%20Schools,%20not%20Close%20Support..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Vickers Medium Mk IIA tank T427 photographed at Lulworth. <br />CS on the side stands for <i>Central Schools</i>, not Close Support.<br />(right side view)</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Mark II** (stars):</b> in 1932 the remaining 44 Mark II's were brought to Mark II* standard; in addition a wireless set was fitted in an armoured container at the back of the turret. the weight rose to 13.5 short tons (12.2 t).</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_wMqN7DZ6zu5PrTkuOJLynh6Z7yzMKylwY4VhLJe37W2sSBNloujJPui0wBZHONGVr0dUvM3eRNXOecKZ_KRbfN7i0Jjg6Q7Y47W6QPJX5suF77Pi_xE9lKi9L3DyyPjFqpuRxjXC3bhqzTZCwn2onYeg-QLdMmvlK1dEFkYPashvlCMTxrc0kYebg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20tank%20-%20KID%2086.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_wMqN7DZ6zu5PrTkuOJLynh6Z7yzMKylwY4VhLJe37W2sSBNloujJPui0wBZHONGVr0dUvM3eRNXOecKZ_KRbfN7i0Jjg6Q7Y47W6QPJX5suF77Pi_xE9lKi9L3DyyPjFqpuRxjXC3bhqzTZCwn2onYeg-QLdMmvlK1dEFkYPashvlCMTxrc0kYebg/w640-h432/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20tank%20-%20KID%2086.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II** (stars) tank<br />rear left view<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKZv0TGU1oDhseAOhX-t4_q48ntT7qjhPS7TWX03eIJ6odn7upZbQ5gVT0tCKoc5OMF8NQLh05b7lnY50_BOrAZWx8kcpTgaqTLeYGYgw6bR4roaCJ5U68EM6r-gkrK6UdzwgzwPUEyp0DdCwZ70orI54bNgSjw1Bd2vmC7hTdHkFN2mGY1oxGwZ1eg/s1280/Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20II%20stars%20IWM%20KID%20206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKZv0TGU1oDhseAOhX-t4_q48ntT7qjhPS7TWX03eIJ6odn7upZbQ5gVT0tCKoc5OMF8NQLh05b7lnY50_BOrAZWx8kcpTgaqTLeYGYgw6bR4roaCJ5U68EM6r-gkrK6UdzwgzwPUEyp0DdCwZ70orI54bNgSjw1Bd2vmC7hTdHkFN2mGY1oxGwZ1eg/w640-h432/Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20II%20stars%20IWM%20KID%20206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mk II** (stars) tank</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> left view</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM KID 206</span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Mark IIA*:</b> the twenty Mark IIA's brought to Mark II** standard. Externally, there are no differences between the MkII** and MkIIA* types.</li><li><b>Medium Mark II Tropical (Mk IIA):</b> in 1928 five tanks were shipped to Egypt. They were modified by fitting insulation against the heat, such as spaced <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestos">asbestos</a> plates on the upper surfaces. How effective they were in reducing the internal heat is not clear.</li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x35Yi6Bc0UU3BbwUIFO1eYX2FNc8h7WnIS9LikWpC34Gmx9ubBLVYc9ko89mvH2Auwcy9KQQlx1P0iwftGehaeieGYLSTkOl2rB0jXWdDxZ9y5SzM_jGjw8O6UGk5cwyzcvxCOZt8Wi5J_nzSWjzFWDKU80MXU25mY9wvVbOzkVtwK5Jux_12_fzww/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20MkII(2%20stars)%20with%20asbestos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x35Yi6Bc0UU3BbwUIFO1eYX2FNc8h7WnIS9LikWpC34Gmx9ubBLVYc9ko89mvH2Auwcy9KQQlx1P0iwftGehaeieGYLSTkOl2rB0jXWdDxZ9y5SzM_jGjw8O6UGk5cwyzcvxCOZt8Wi5J_nzSWjzFWDKU80MXU25mY9wvVbOzkVtwK5Jux_12_fzww/w640-h334/Vickers%20Medium%20MkII(2%20stars)%20with%20asbestos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vickers Medium MkII Tropical clad in panels of thermal asbestos<br />for service in Egypt, but for some reason this tank dont show<br />the Bishop’s Mitre turret cupola.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><ul><li><b>Mark IIA CS:</b> some Mark IIAs were later rebuilt as close support vehicles, their main armament replaced by a 15-pounder 3.7 inches (94 mm) howitzer, mainly intended to give smoke cover, though some HE shells were also carried. Each company headquarters was equipped with two of these vehicles. The weight was increased to 14 tons.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6ECloPuMxVvBenP0zeC511DkAcEfuxi7D5eWjPtyez8uiIyOWeHOGPcDQDxWUEo8DN4Lq32CvdEDmlT4AG6clpI2zQE1rU-O3qNiumrJpthQbL4u6MQFN8jYEGnFEEE23t7okzDwxCmqTghIgT0VowyMWC2A9B9ecZcYAHA2klkcOsGhXl8opwauHA/s1280/A%20Mark%20II%20star%20close%20support%204th%20Battalion,%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6ECloPuMxVvBenP0zeC511DkAcEfuxi7D5eWjPtyez8uiIyOWeHOGPcDQDxWUEo8DN4Lq32CvdEDmlT4AG6clpI2zQE1rU-O3qNiumrJpthQbL4u6MQFN8jYEGnFEEE23t7okzDwxCmqTghIgT0VowyMWC2A9B9ecZcYAHA2klkcOsGhXl8opwauHA/w640-h398/A%20Mark%20II%20star%20close%20support%204th%20Battalion,%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Mark IIA CS (close support) DECISION<br />with his 15 pdr. 3.7 inches (94 mm) howitzer in high elevation.<br />4th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps.</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Mark C:</b> was never ordered by the British army, and was built exclusively for export. The main gun was a 57 mm 6-pouder gun, like the ones used on the WWI tanks. There was also a machine gun in the turret, but it was located in the rear, inside the turret bustle. In order to compensate for the lack of a coaxial machine gun, the designers installed another machine gun in the front of the hull, in addition to the two on the sides of the hull. Vickers engineers decided to place a door in the right part of the front, in a truly a strange position. A prototype of the Medium Tank Mk.C was finished in 1926. The British army put the tank through trials and quickly rejected it. On the other hand, a foreign customer was found quickly, with the Japanese bought the tank in 1927, and it became the progenitor of the Type 89 medium tank. Curiously enough, the Japanese kept the door in the front, the hull gun, and the curious arrangement of the armament in the turret.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoKc_2iUeZCLsPDO0jvB7gNCnF2qoEnuD3LqBQsKLHSnh9jMUVQKHT9hRuelKsAs1_Dc5SRWOzBhbBpfMMw4t8zS-gj1WEMgz8dMdXyU61mNjziYuZaT7sJhDrC67VnV5-wfgbCkzRWXSGzXiii-Q8cZKRFYLuaj17AmGa2YBswN4MUZpx6hdeC7SMg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.C%20%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoKc_2iUeZCLsPDO0jvB7gNCnF2qoEnuD3LqBQsKLHSnh9jMUVQKHT9hRuelKsAs1_Dc5SRWOzBhbBpfMMw4t8zS-gj1WEMgz8dMdXyU61mNjziYuZaT7sJhDrC67VnV5-wfgbCkzRWXSGzXiii-Q8cZKRFYLuaj17AmGa2YBswN4MUZpx6hdeC7SMg/w640-h464/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.C%20%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.C prototype<br />left rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwtjFqFHHcx9jgTPnlsAiaUsRNBU6o9kz3oqr8qwYVs0-tJJUEkE9P-v3Xkqixbeo2ozuORZTERqNUr5UyyVftRvg6TZxrdfAkAx-tn37oo5G9VgHxWqOUeE1_wX6_0tSRdA3zCnCGaIkzgvNYOxpbzkm53iWslbGrgS5aSGZey4GflJ63iazufw6gw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.C%20%20tank%20in%20trials.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwtjFqFHHcx9jgTPnlsAiaUsRNBU6o9kz3oqr8qwYVs0-tJJUEkE9P-v3Xkqixbeo2ozuORZTERqNUr5UyyVftRvg6TZxrdfAkAx-tn37oo5G9VgHxWqOUeE1_wX6_0tSRdA3zCnCGaIkzgvNYOxpbzkm53iWslbGrgS5aSGZey4GflJ63iazufw6gw/w640-h428/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.C%20%20tank%20in%20trials.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.C prototype in trials<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktA6tUjjy8QRSrjGABbVJyWF5bcifCKmFlFqNqNXLQNfcSRDnmnfrlx-vXAQJMXcP7qkIJWm7BNBmHAnYINSgOLOWCkLdZ8yz5w0E6bJt8yxIbmmA4FvcKS-oeeLVBoa1fgl2WtZtpLxYrLr8j6QpsMdpsRvovqMENI-bU2bRXUtNI84qsAii11QR7g/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.C%20%20tank%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktA6tUjjy8QRSrjGABbVJyWF5bcifCKmFlFqNqNXLQNfcSRDnmnfrlx-vXAQJMXcP7qkIJWm7BNBmHAnYINSgOLOWCkLdZ8yz5w0E6bJt8yxIbmmA4FvcKS-oeeLVBoa1fgl2WtZtpLxYrLr8j6QpsMdpsRvovqMENI-bU2bRXUtNI84qsAii11QR7g/w640-h456/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.C%20%20tank%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.C prototype<br />front right view<br />Notice the door in the right, the front MG in the left<br />and the Japanese insignia in the font of the hull</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Mark D:</b> the Vickers Mk. D was a one-off design built for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Free_State">Irish Free State</a> and delivered in 1929. Only one was built. It was almost identical (even mechanically) to the Mk.C, with the difference being the presence of a cupola for the Commander on top of the turret. They had a water cooled, rear mounted, 6-cylinder <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunbeam_Cossack">Sunbeam Amazon</a> petrol engine, developing 170 bhp (130 kW) at 2100 rpm. A <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_6_pounder_Hotchkiss">6 pdr gun</a> was fitted and as many as four <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun">Vickers .303 (7.7 mm) machine guns</a>. This tank was scrapped in 1940.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6SgciZkG9-wTKFVaWiVr5axaowQ6jk7-DhRcj5xruBn74vpqotTYGA2lLXctyy3BBlYWN_HXZlm6186hnAp3ZYJt5la6xo1V9Vl2sUjvwjzs4fB6fQlYqaZhzlgW405CAp-oEvgEeW29QyrdXbFVH-sqS4Ri3_L63QfbdluiZJlTyUFoo5gUGqGjuA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.D%20irish%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6SgciZkG9-wTKFVaWiVr5axaowQ6jk7-DhRcj5xruBn74vpqotTYGA2lLXctyy3BBlYWN_HXZlm6186hnAp3ZYJt5la6xo1V9Vl2sUjvwjzs4fB6fQlYqaZhzlgW405CAp-oEvgEeW29QyrdXbFVH-sqS4Ri3_L63QfbdluiZJlTyUFoo5gUGqGjuA/w640-h362/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.D%20irish%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.D - Irish tank<br />Notice the cupola in the turret...<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: <a href="https://youtu.be/ZE-aiPJdgfg" target="_blank">Youtube</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5bP0DH4v76-xp-XNnrTEad4HvFNB4YmIJEVEKYgaoEF_zejGTo9VV7nXgFMuhrei1sMLaVtWAAlOBJssowNFbFWMEuT5nfgjgC8qIi5JbbLYC_5Yw2T0K90F02kS4Vko75_l27qsLLcFOwz-AiR9o9p5eJ86VSz30523U2CysTnhpNyFjl3lYCiWnw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.D%20irish%20tank%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5bP0DH4v76-xp-XNnrTEad4HvFNB4YmIJEVEKYgaoEF_zejGTo9VV7nXgFMuhrei1sMLaVtWAAlOBJssowNFbFWMEuT5nfgjgC8qIi5JbbLYC_5Yw2T0K90F02kS4Vko75_l27qsLLcFOwz-AiR9o9p5eJ86VSz30523U2CysTnhpNyFjl3lYCiWnw/w640-h450/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk.D%20irish%20tank%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk.D - Irish tank<br />Notice the cupola in the turret and the weird front door.<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: <a href="https://youtu.be/ZE-aiPJdgfg" target="_blank">Youtube</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Medium II Bridgecarrier</b>: In 1926, a Mark II number T145, an Ordnance Factory tank, was adapted to carry bridging components, an experimental project to convert any Mark II optionally into a bridgecarrier by fitting the bridge girders to the vehicle together with a contraption to launch the bridge when finished. This proposal was not adopted.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP4mJOp7YzLsCE78I0rFo0omUVtGbO7ackgoh1CAo_eDV5xgM2QIyIlYEdOYzORtiI08J6cYcKKDyf4a-cM5CtoLplCsFRkeT02zPOB0Ld5VyUHKubdXx3AKY-AP7BrHRBT4CkSx59N1pmtkoN35aCIo-jxl1Xbbg-GlELkBVDjSnU3NxLDcXpBPqYw/s1280/Medium%20bridgelayer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbP4mJOp7YzLsCE78I0rFo0omUVtGbO7ackgoh1CAo_eDV5xgM2QIyIlYEdOYzORtiI08J6cYcKKDyf4a-cM5CtoLplCsFRkeT02zPOB0Ld5VyUHKubdXx3AKY-AP7BrHRBT4CkSx59N1pmtkoN35aCIo-jxl1Xbbg-GlELkBVDjSnU3NxLDcXpBPqYw/w640-h368/Medium%20bridgelayer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The experimental <span style="text-align: justify;">Medium II (T 145) Bridgecarrier,<br />showing its engineering accessories, on the sides of the hull.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Medium II Female</b>: Under the command of Lieutenant J.T. Crocker in 1927 two tanks were built for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Raj">Indian Government</a>. The turret had no main gun but only two Vickers machine guns. There were also no machine guns on the sides of the hull. Although they were in fact Medium II's and always called that way, their official designation was <b>Tank Light Mark IA Special (L) India</b>.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuU_5VX5UUv1qlpnG_dEzI_egUuM3AfQx72RO5oj9DvX8fTkLbEeLRcLfnLwbWOG8l6rAeXQ3TbLneFXEmIlOE3lw4ruL_l5fEY-FU545y5RLqiS__BTJpuJ8-o1tztiX-mTuLuSDq8SlBgvgL1Pk5fRP4rKRyLd0_8wv-R5iQor4HwoPuwSTV_-2bQ/s1024/Vickers%20special%20India.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuU_5VX5UUv1qlpnG_dEzI_egUuM3AfQx72RO5oj9DvX8fTkLbEeLRcLfnLwbWOG8l6rAeXQ3TbLneFXEmIlOE3lw4ruL_l5fEY-FU545y5RLqiS__BTJpuJ8-o1tztiX-mTuLuSDq8SlBgvgL1Pk5fRP4rKRyLd0_8wv-R5iQor4HwoPuwSTV_-2bQ/w640-h406/Vickers%20special%20India.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the pair of Medium II Female tanks.in India.<br />They performed reasonably well but were not popular. <br />After trials, both tanks were shipped back to Britain and duly scrapped.</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Medium II Box Tank</b>: This was a single command tank, converted from a Medium II , the T236, also built by the Ordnance Factory in 1926, by removing the turret from the fighting compartment and fitting a large rectangular superstructure. Its only armament was a single machine gun in a ball mounting in the front of that armoured box. Two radio sets were fitted: a short range set for tactical communication and a long range one to contact higher levels. The Box tank was first used by a battalion commander and from 1931 by the Brigade Commander.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYf6pkprHmTLdpMAFVVz_O0L-VhSfwxTcMEfiu8ZonuwvXDk-89BwtqJjYRCapd0liRLDTztRJ5dqm1WACtsIwwMK5N8R_AgGAy2G8EZo5-ky0WCNR-BuMk-mVDemeQQX6DqTJoXFqJeNJZoMYOrkoijwXaY-YFqheMrINEpJFcy49EpP1nJoaxYfnw/s1280/Vickers%20box%20command%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYf6pkprHmTLdpMAFVVz_O0L-VhSfwxTcMEfiu8ZonuwvXDk-89BwtqJjYRCapd0liRLDTztRJ5dqm1WACtsIwwMK5N8R_AgGAy2G8EZo5-ky0WCNR-BuMk-mVDemeQQX6DqTJoXFqJeNJZoMYOrkoijwXaY-YFqheMrINEpJFcy49EpP1nJoaxYfnw/w640-h440/Vickers%20box%20command%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medium II Box Command Tank (T-236) in parade, <br />seen here with the French <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxime_Weygand" target="_blank">General Maxime Weygand </a>as a passenger,<br />taking the salute. This tank normally served with 5th Battalion, <br />but also was used to command larger formations such as brigades.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wl9h_E0aDyUYAgfXXk4-stWMWyenI-Lp6o8SwbO0lE7FBcS-zY7w_KCi9oHHUN-U7YdKNVgtw2Q913_E3aB8K3Td_yrsbzZMEDSNgOkZxGGbdZRCIsiLIRCdGc7fVO3HgCqr33ZmXs8tRu1M2YCI3nIwChGCirxWMf7CSiJmcyUTNv6qcdt1hbAGBQ/s1280/Vickers%20box%20command%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wl9h_E0aDyUYAgfXXk4-stWMWyenI-Lp6o8SwbO0lE7FBcS-zY7w_KCi9oHHUN-U7YdKNVgtw2Q913_E3aB8K3Td_yrsbzZMEDSNgOkZxGGbdZRCIsiLIRCdGc7fVO3HgCqr33ZmXs8tRu1M2YCI3nIwChGCirxWMf7CSiJmcyUTNv6qcdt1hbAGBQ/w640-h324/Vickers%20box%20command%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unique Medium II Box Command Tank (T-236),<br />in field maneuvers.</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Medium Mark II* Special</b>: Four Mark II tanks from a Vickers contract dated 26 August 1926 and numbered T221 to T224 by the British system were completed for the Australian Army, arriving in Australia in September 1929. These tanks had as their main feature a turret without a commander's cupola (a flat hatch with two covers) and the lateral bevels of the turret much smaller than the English versions. These tanks were not decommissioned until around 1942, but they never underwent the upgrades that British tanks did, such as <span style="text-align: center;">Bishop’s Mitre cupolas</span> or wireless armored boxes fitted to the rear of turrets. One such tank survives and is on display at the Royal Australian Armored Corps Museum in Puckapunyal, Victoria.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvQ2BRZfUpvEu9W04H9w1GnxTq8XLBUYhDIpejbgjyie5Syyct-D3Hbaak25hnZMwSayxcTx5VxzEw2FgN6XZj_pXrRvN-3I_7sXNJDW7atUgoTs1ZMVsOtFK-j4oZnAq934Eq5yCCxaEuhOHYxJqbvpZ_tfsQPCZkBVr4gFTPfvQVr1d4uD8fzOQLA/s1024/Medium%20aussie%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1024" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvQ2BRZfUpvEu9W04H9w1GnxTq8XLBUYhDIpejbgjyie5Syyct-D3Hbaak25hnZMwSayxcTx5VxzEw2FgN6XZj_pXrRvN-3I_7sXNJDW7atUgoTs1ZMVsOtFK-j4oZnAq934Eq5yCCxaEuhOHYxJqbvpZ_tfsQPCZkBVr4gFTPfvQVr1d4uD8fzOQLA/w640-h446/Medium%20aussie%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aussie Vickers Medium MkII* Special tank<br />Notice the details in the turret.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPflCIiwDoRMIje8LPz1V_mvxagoe4TKv4CwAe2SplLdw2xhydnznDpoZ0vy7osoU25RMDaZj3iznRClAY3YC9nl63YTIT_TYIU0wPHstT8qI4LVyeOtOmLCWq0kqAqjpFt02faEaYjHkwBxDIfYC7wi6qRIoo1zKaNsP-p9GUj0uBAAinv0-0dPjeg/s1024/Medium%20aussie%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1024" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPflCIiwDoRMIje8LPz1V_mvxagoe4TKv4CwAe2SplLdw2xhydnznDpoZ0vy7osoU25RMDaZj3iznRClAY3YC9nl63YTIT_TYIU0wPHstT8qI4LVyeOtOmLCWq0kqAqjpFt02faEaYjHkwBxDIfYC7wi6qRIoo1zKaNsP-p9GUj0uBAAinv0-0dPjeg/w640-h458/Medium%20aussie%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aussies Vickers Medium MkII* Special tanks<br />Notice the details in the turret.</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>Medium Mark II* Command Tank</b>: in 1931 another command tank was created for the Tank Brigade by replacing the main armament by a dummy gun, fixing the turret in place and fitting an additional wireless set in the space thus gained.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgqlgiShLmiERlFNQyPEV4sp62KAXAHuRD96VuPfTSo6LnO0IgICFziCdGoIXDDS630-3CEA_W3SW8vMbAhhqUm98iu3dofxT72cw6PRY3s9Pdgxi_A2vUQUQ4oEEldGdd1zKbsx_uG85-RMAJ8WggYDkzAc4mLYpolyf2gfOM2EUxidy9th4tayPng/s1309/Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20II%20(Command%20tank)%20IWM%20KID%20117.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgqlgiShLmiERlFNQyPEV4sp62KAXAHuRD96VuPfTSo6LnO0IgICFziCdGoIXDDS630-3CEA_W3SW8vMbAhhqUm98iu3dofxT72cw6PRY3s9Pdgxi_A2vUQUQ4oEEldGdd1zKbsx_uG85-RMAJ8WggYDkzAc4mLYpolyf2gfOM2EUxidy9th4tayPng/w626-h640/Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20II%20(Command%20tank)%20IWM%20KID%20117.jpg" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mk II*(star) Command tank</span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;">Notice the big aerial in the midle right side of the tank.</span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;">The turret is bolted in place.</span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">font: IWM KID 117</span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b>English Workman</b>: the nickname given by the Russians to 15 (or 16) Vickers Medium Mk.IIs purchased in 1931. This variant had no cupola, less pronounced turret bevels, and cowled ventilation fans on the hull sides. About half a dozen were found without engines or guns by Finnish forces near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vitele&action=edit&redlink=1">Vitele</a> in autumn 1941 during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuation_War">Continuation War</a>.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz7lFCB--TNYTj9PKX3xNr_WKbE-TeFy_hQDhFubJclLHKPjig-AbSx5fDrnFt-rnSilZCWmW-OovZuJmH6QI20sruf12tKA2iY9hOSjC1FRGdf5qh5ejziIdJaSlkQkbAXCMvu7utTeEhEzP6X1mrkz76KkRBcRKp820KyKfG9s_ULUodQfwOf4Cfw/s1024/English%20workman%20Vickers%20medium%20Mk%20II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1024" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYz7lFCB--TNYTj9PKX3xNr_WKbE-TeFy_hQDhFubJclLHKPjig-AbSx5fDrnFt-rnSilZCWmW-OovZuJmH6QI20sruf12tKA2iY9hOSjC1FRGdf5qh5ejziIdJaSlkQkbAXCMvu7utTeEhEzP6X1mrkz76KkRBcRKp820KyKfG9s_ULUodQfwOf4Cfw/w640-h494/English%20workman%20Vickers%20medium%20Mk%20II.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russian Vickers Medium Mk.II English Workman<br />Notice the absence of turret cupola, the<br />less pronounced turret bevels and Maxim machine guns<br />in the sides of the turret</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birch_gun"><b><span style="color: black;">Birch gun</span></b></a>: three prototypes built between 1926 and 1929 of a self-propelled gun for the experiments then conducted in the field of mechanised warfare. The Mark I had the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_QF_18_pounder">Ordnance QF 18 pounder</a>, The Mark II chassis was lengthened and fitted with a 75 mm gun on a mounting capable of high elevations.</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-y-3VcY7DTGAKWrMe678K60mWof4TsH85oMlGPsH3CA2aWciMjFnQJEMyk9oV0xynsWTxOmZCaq8r47cf5T6BMjePd9s60LuUr0ERlMUO8g2XEVqEMFU13eIu_0K7o9uWF4p0skesd3T5Ab6OV66opqgyeol2HzT-2rqdV3VXXh4xoDqrhB6uTcqfg/s1270/Birch%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1270" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-y-3VcY7DTGAKWrMe678K60mWof4TsH85oMlGPsH3CA2aWciMjFnQJEMyk9oV0xynsWTxOmZCaq8r47cf5T6BMjePd9s60LuUr0ERlMUO8g2XEVqEMFU13eIu_0K7o9uWF4p0skesd3T5Ab6OV66opqgyeol2HzT-2rqdV3VXXh4xoDqrhB6uTcqfg/w640-h392/Birch%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birch gun 18 pdr. SPG <br />front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXc0P41wifJ1k5HqSjXqkI7_womZdPbQKVpdTodOJ6HFkiLQSbPBIQpXtwfHvuuJ5ZsZWDCLySeeF4v5dCqJHiDbFidk8EMV3UUPHnGcHIoHUTxxbh1OSjCowtdps4Cj89RwNCs8EUzcdsKpOmG5R9k5DaIgR1tw7szlgdIbZYZB7Xyz3TMOsotSkHQ/s1279/Birch%20gun%20rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1279" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXc0P41wifJ1k5HqSjXqkI7_womZdPbQKVpdTodOJ6HFkiLQSbPBIQpXtwfHvuuJ5ZsZWDCLySeeF4v5dCqJHiDbFidk8EMV3UUPHnGcHIoHUTxxbh1OSjCowtdps4Cj89RwNCs8EUzcdsKpOmG5R9k5DaIgR1tw7szlgdIbZYZB7Xyz3TMOsotSkHQ/w640-h354/Birch%20gun%20rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birch gun 18 pdr. SPG <br />rear left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpALl_t6FzbBgDwdoDxMDDLfCBghZVQXT8X8D6gLBKC0uxdOSaMh9YHpiQOYw19aVQddlMst59-x7VPs-qh6YFv9LdFV8svqtH6gD1BmWTf5trKK1BSibaDgFJnS2oJEZxs8bEGXhqr-aJY3l4j7wSg24CQ8ERUrv7T0bH6Ior76_0DDy5QzEUu3CfA/s1280/Birch%20gun%20max%20elevt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1280" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpALl_t6FzbBgDwdoDxMDDLfCBghZVQXT8X8D6gLBKC0uxdOSaMh9YHpiQOYw19aVQddlMst59-x7VPs-qh6YFv9LdFV8svqtH6gD1BmWTf5trKK1BSibaDgFJnS2oJEZxs8bEGXhqr-aJY3l4j7wSg24CQ8ERUrv7T0bH6Ior76_0DDy5QzEUu3CfA/w640-h508/Birch%20gun%20max%20elevt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birch gun 18 pdr. SPG with its gun in max elevation<br />front right view<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Surviving vehicles:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Three Vickers Medium Mark II tanks have survived around the world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>T199 is preserved at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tank_Museum">The Tank Museum</a> in Bovington, Dorset, England.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvZUD9f-srykvjtBC2v6SanA4Rt-FZ1k_o5N-aYyhgjc6KPHpuifJODNaNf8M5AqA6sy4buseX-WwiHtPDggBDv0yC5zNI11h9s4mdpZzJmeFaB4T0A6EjRtxRPtkhmQPxfRsrYBXvsGZFvsSh8ohZR4rYT3j3rSamH884IuXkJGPlVoBi8Ia-kNFaw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20II%20Bovington.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvZUD9f-srykvjtBC2v6SanA4Rt-FZ1k_o5N-aYyhgjc6KPHpuifJODNaNf8M5AqA6sy4buseX-WwiHtPDggBDv0yC5zNI11h9s4mdpZzJmeFaB4T0A6EjRtxRPtkhmQPxfRsrYBXvsGZFvsSh8ohZR4rYT3j3rSamH884IuXkJGPlVoBi8Ia-kNFaw/w640-h438/Vickers%20Mk%20II%20Bovington.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Mk II T199 at Tank Museum - Bovington, </td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>A Vickers Mk IIA without main gun, has survived at the U.S. Army Center for Military History Storage Facility, Anniston, Alabama (USA).</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3uKbIK5UQki-2iXo19oyjpC6mAe76y9wzcOvUMDLOAaUOOERZuozR1nm0AE57AOPyzpdPVrj4zf_1FXNgWk-A_oQCgmqIuwn0EtDYblethrbbTOuDTV3LNEvHQjPmMPqx8IsbFKqocgNkhCt7hG3ttxbBf8qwCN2pT6UUK4GeNpTCN7H3nWlLGkh5Q/s1280/Vickers%20american%20museum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3uKbIK5UQki-2iXo19oyjpC6mAe76y9wzcOvUMDLOAaUOOERZuozR1nm0AE57AOPyzpdPVrj4zf_1FXNgWk-A_oQCgmqIuwn0EtDYblethrbbTOuDTV3LNEvHQjPmMPqx8IsbFKqocgNkhCt7hG3ttxbBf8qwCN2pT6UUK4GeNpTCN7H3nWlLGkh5Q/w640-h388/Vickers%20american%20museum.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk IIA. at the United States Army Ordnance Museum<br />(Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD) on June 12, 2007<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture by Mark Pellegrini</span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>A vehicle has survived at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Australian_Armoured_Corps_Memorial_and_Army_Tank_Museum" target="_blank">Royal Australian Armoured Corps Tank Museum</a>, Puckapunyal, Victoria Australia.</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12pnpgQxE8T3786BqMR21wtH0CNFr-Evi0Bq3vpHFi05VcaLEuPimvUxstCE51HP0ZTTmoqd1UXDYGVjZ8fmI-ohWjq0jFcgHrJvR096KLLcUDdcc8GJQ536t3OFfP0bzhV9jLl87qL_JTL8u4_qR6zz-webekguxMsk1pUHEK5G1NOHNy4YrSl_wqg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20II%20(Special)%20in%20Royal%20Australian%20Armoured%20Corps%20Tank%20Museum,%20Puckapunyal,%20Victoria,%20Australia..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12pnpgQxE8T3786BqMR21wtH0CNFr-Evi0Bq3vpHFi05VcaLEuPimvUxstCE51HP0ZTTmoqd1UXDYGVjZ8fmI-ohWjq0jFcgHrJvR096KLLcUDdcc8GJQ536t3OFfP0bzhV9jLl87qL_JTL8u4_qR6zz-webekguxMsk1pUHEK5G1NOHNy4YrSl_wqg/w640-h424/Vickers%20Medium%20Tank%20Mk%20II%20(Special)%20in%20Royal%20Australian%20Armoured%20Corps%20Tank%20Museum,%20Puckapunyal,%20Victoria,%20Australia..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Tank Mk II (Special) at <br />Royal Australian Armoured Corps Tank Museum<br />Puckapunyal, Victoria - Australia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJo1B-L3e2IvZWSwPxMndqCnDHwUPmXgXD-eODO2H_YilLzIbBz7CLDevynBkndwRdV9BRnXARfqgtsRS44RKk5m_wcwOclxiPjvnXORnjH3OWS9QYJqStXXRX4xfqCxjHTLsOZy3l3E5nmlt5AVVCpvUKjhYiBmzzn8O9pYb8oLJ5xQ0mRkitDDx5g/s1073/poster%20propaganda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1073" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJo1B-L3e2IvZWSwPxMndqCnDHwUPmXgXD-eODO2H_YilLzIbBz7CLDevynBkndwRdV9BRnXARfqgtsRS44RKk5m_wcwOclxiPjvnXORnjH3OWS9QYJqStXXRX4xfqCxjHTLsOZy3l3E5nmlt5AVVCpvUKjhYiBmzzn8O9pYb8oLJ5xQ0mRkitDDx5g/w640-h408/poster%20propaganda.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the image, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brown.william.71868?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDo1OTY5ODcxNzU5NzE0NzkxXzcxODAwNDEzNjc4Njc0Ng%3D%3D&__cft__[0]=AZUhOh_Sk1kux3KhQOVFv2S1iWS1a0uUIjApQGj82IIQtn2lCvu3pc6GP-7FjvCsgvYDutpwOcVAU4eLE0f08bUVQvldnIcP9sIl3OheuegtI9fyI2AHmUUgfo0XNg24Hf3b6aflg1hoNaoLKLLLTJSTqUrTEs5utRqxS4JZOpyAew&__tn__=R]-R">Brown William</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Specs:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhScT093ggOjYWSTC0MR64LZJMM9rX-BmpmoBHkYf60_MFUcyxTmV0-U9FUc9dDCHWorP6xJWvCZOW10_H7ic7_yxXPcQwk1-jGBs9g9_I99peI-bqNFtx0YK1AJSN4PFHJgVVTLvsvAThpIyD59a6sLoqaNkXul4NptyA_G-Px-FTDIFI1QqpOexuA/s1400/Vickers%20Medium%20specs%20trop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1400" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhScT093ggOjYWSTC0MR64LZJMM9rX-BmpmoBHkYf60_MFUcyxTmV0-U9FUc9dDCHWorP6xJWvCZOW10_H7ic7_yxXPcQwk1-jGBs9g9_I99peI-bqNFtx0YK1AJSN4PFHJgVVTLvsvAThpIyD59a6sLoqaNkXul4NptyA_G-Px-FTDIFI1QqpOexuA/w640-h386/Vickers%20Medium%20specs%20trop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Vickers Medium Mark II**</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Medium tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">UK</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">1925–1939</span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers">Vickers</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">12.2 long tons </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5.33 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.82 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.69 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">5</span></td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_armour" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vehicle armour">Armour</a></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6.35 mm to 8.0 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">Main </span><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">armament</span></div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OQF_3_pounder_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="OQF 3 pounder gun">QF 3-pounder (47 mm)</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Sec. armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 × 0.303 (7.7 mm) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_M1909_Ben%C3%A9t%E2%80%93Merci%C3%A9_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Hotchkiss M1909 Benét–Mercié machine gun">Hotchkiss M1909 Benét–Mercié m</a>g<br />2 × 0.303 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers machine gun">Vickers mg</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armstrong_Siddeley" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Armstrong Siddeley">Armstrong Siddeley</a> V-8<br />90 horsepower (67 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">8 hp/ton</span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">helical springs</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">193 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">25.1 km/h</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><b>The kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> For this commission project, my client would like to do something similar to this photo:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPELWKz7HIUcGkZYsWeBsSkzkcz5ecRhPPC-GQhXKkhutoZqoK12hYWcDTQAH-zPXSLeX0JGzZGBRVxVB_gTSPjESx3aPFEnJjtLrO3rwXfs4za7glDEefoe5JnNoROHsRlqIJl-Et7G0InNVgcUPGyocPvZEYPPaQsZMyMgnKeMsxG69-PTckUh02A/s1280/Vickers%20desert%20Mk%202stars.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPELWKz7HIUcGkZYsWeBsSkzkcz5ecRhPPC-GQhXKkhutoZqoK12hYWcDTQAH-zPXSLeX0JGzZGBRVxVB_gTSPjESx3aPFEnJjtLrO3rwXfs4za7glDEefoe5JnNoROHsRlqIJl-Et7G0InNVgcUPGyocPvZEYPPaQsZMyMgnKeMsxG69-PTckUh02A/w640-h390/Vickers%20desert%20Mk%202stars.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A captured Vickers Mk II** with desert cammo<br />being inspected by a German soldier.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The problem is that even though he looked a lot for the Vickers MkII** Hobby Boss kit, he only found the MkI* kit, without the radio compartment, in the stern of the turret:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYed6dfOGQ7rau5y2WUV-8A78LbRZGpl_bFE4QAZcHEy_GBIumj6KKujnhbGThgMo47N-WC78L5U185ipXerLUp2vj_-nYxaZaru4qm45MHBakLu1gRo11vrk4lZhdPDwrQy3yrPdZQlH7-wT8C6_21fGJk5LBaq8N_gp123dnBvP8LEU07MQa9hDCTw/s1024/box%20art%20Mk%20II%202%20stars.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYed6dfOGQ7rau5y2WUV-8A78LbRZGpl_bFE4QAZcHEy_GBIumj6KKujnhbGThgMo47N-WC78L5U185ipXerLUp2vj_-nYxaZaru4qm45MHBakLu1gRo11vrk4lZhdPDwrQy3yrPdZQlH7-wT8C6_21fGJk5LBaq8N_gp123dnBvP8LEU07MQa9hDCTw/w640-h426/box%20art%20Mk%20II%202%20stars.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The box art of <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hobbyboss-83881-vickers-medium-tank-mk-ii--1021828" target="_blank">Hobby Boss Vickers Medium Tank MK II** kit</a> (#83881)<br />with the radio compartment at the back of the turret. (red arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> He asked me if I was up for the challenge of making this piece and a few more details in scratch and the answer was: Why not??? Let's have some fun then, with the kit provided by the client.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5LmVuLNrdUorDV5Bv4j7Laqw5gSI80nDMERfjMumtSzdmP8IL8gM-IUNVhyTX_gmQceepI-Dodw_NkSweORN00_NJFbmhVRPOpw_6PrAqnpb3eLz53euGa_QgYcx_TfkvhrggVJe-x_p1EroXebsPr_fEHtZa2iHYcMpR5-6OtNNqqLUHbEaFQMrEg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5LmVuLNrdUorDV5Bv4j7Laqw5gSI80nDMERfjMumtSzdmP8IL8gM-IUNVhyTX_gmQceepI-Dodw_NkSweORN00_NJFbmhVRPOpw_6PrAqnpb3eLz53euGa_QgYcx_TfkvhrggVJe-x_p1EroXebsPr_fEHtZa2iHYcMpR5-6OtNNqqLUHbEaFQMrEg/w640-h356/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20000.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hobbyboss-83880-vickers-medium-tank-mk-ii--1016286" target="_blank">Hobby Boss Vickers Medium Tank MK II* (#83880)</a><br />with Kojak, in my workbench...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But first, let's start with the basics: following the booklet... Starting construction with the suspensions. Here, a small detail: leave the bogies with the central pin just fitted, mobile, without gluing. This will make it easier to adjust and align the suspension in the future.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4JGaHDK52KsnOQ61U0txtRS00oCMzFVN81rp-7UxeCBxXWfwFywabISd0JWaxvDh8p-igT1KrZZUBBBDDOv6v0vCWR5E6LHFPil9-LxrOQVGAwJFMGJjRXw97RdYbitAO8jwmytlmPE0lqsxbpsQpkhiqQK52FSEqOuAVaZaKAbYvixOxaqDpIx8zQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20001%20-%20Copia.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4JGaHDK52KsnOQ61U0txtRS00oCMzFVN81rp-7UxeCBxXWfwFywabISd0JWaxvDh8p-igT1KrZZUBBBDDOv6v0vCWR5E6LHFPil9-LxrOQVGAwJFMGJjRXw97RdYbitAO8jwmytlmPE0lqsxbpsQpkhiqQK52FSEqOuAVaZaKAbYvixOxaqDpIx8zQ/w640-h330/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20001%20-%20Copia.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the suspensions...<br />Leaving the bogies mobile prevents future misalignments...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-eRmG-tCR3y4k9bU9YMO5ICIXdhlTIk4aREuTLf7GydyauFH4HCU5jTxGNk_jLXQ3q85vXODdcNJnsAtwIg72tnd9IuYEAp-Pg_za1UPsiWxY5iMNdpXOd4LUmJz1mFwkGqjIe08X55N2jiZo2rhff8CQynjNtIQwkwRtO3R_SiruvHv6NmcvYujlw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-eRmG-tCR3y4k9bU9YMO5ICIXdhlTIk4aREuTLf7GydyauFH4HCU5jTxGNk_jLXQ3q85vXODdcNJnsAtwIg72tnd9IuYEAp-Pg_za1UPsiWxY5iMNdpXOd4LUmJz1mFwkGqjIe08X55N2jiZo2rhff8CQynjNtIQwkwRtO3R_SiruvHv6NmcvYujlw/w640-h338/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quiet step to build...Lots of wheels, but for someone who<br />has already built 200 AFV Club Churchills, this is child's play!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OGAkjJiqKVBsob4XGxGxPfWDyf7rc23utJmM3r9W4fZfozWhh4Jm8qNjr82bDtTHSdx0m4vBVbc_0MMp3EOsUSxWGkrnWQI91XPrV7vAmoKI1tdsTtYIZQ2M7apjFmiR7gZkNUUzV1TwVZPzwnAVO4geOSMfBbzBNkbzlNlE-vQn786SMIujuzUPsA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OGAkjJiqKVBsob4XGxGxPfWDyf7rc23utJmM3r9W4fZfozWhh4Jm8qNjr82bDtTHSdx0m4vBVbc_0MMp3EOsUSxWGkrnWQI91XPrV7vAmoKI1tdsTtYIZQ2M7apjFmiR7gZkNUUzV1TwVZPzwnAVO4geOSMfBbzBNkbzlNlE-vQn786SMIujuzUPsA/w640-h336/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspension assemblies built...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZngHUPUCPnw3sUIDK722z1-27U8QaYn_aD9qLyzo699xdzfcvkctobI33q3YpNktn23RNNO9E-BdJ3xQaOne1hDwD5Ln7CjB_I1s-puoULPmJ1V0I1M2X2TqjoSwzCXmph03GLO4O-9e7Jl7syqCzj1zadvW2IQpvkvlEu-Bwax_wa5cwpFKiJdLWw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZngHUPUCPnw3sUIDK722z1-27U8QaYn_aD9qLyzo699xdzfcvkctobI33q3YpNktn23RNNO9E-BdJ3xQaOne1hDwD5Ln7CjB_I1s-puoULPmJ1V0I1M2X2TqjoSwzCXmph03GLO4O-9e7Jl7syqCzj1zadvW2IQpvkvlEu-Bwax_wa5cwpFKiJdLWw/w640-h338/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and with the mobile bogies, it is very easy to align them<br />horizontally, without defects...´<br />Just apply a drop of cement on the joints and... Voiláá</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSEJFBQp8vC35vdxXGSMID0p7zuyqhkBaHoty9Q6k9tiqvzIaKIfuKLGfEv3Z5ez5M93jr9jvyVdIT575IdFlmvMM1PrNtR_74CftYRV5VqGmA82nr6M-B5vLWVT15iUUIxjqvh0XG0_-tVthsg5YqjDXOs9BdWItLB-QWpnepGXxJgZAJe0CRbRd6w/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSEJFBQp8vC35vdxXGSMID0p7zuyqhkBaHoty9Q6k9tiqvzIaKIfuKLGfEv3Z5ez5M93jr9jvyVdIT575IdFlmvMM1PrNtR_74CftYRV5VqGmA82nr6M-B5vLWVT15iUUIxjqvh0XG0_-tVthsg5YqjDXOs9BdWItLB-QWpnepGXxJgZAJe0CRbRd6w/w640-h356/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My client asked that this vehicle had the lateral armament in the hull. <br />No heresy here... Vickers submachine guns are simply beautiful...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvD0gQbiD1qjWX0WAKnqMWCdTYQ4J1jb9romClEgFA-acMHkqwb-qtVCK4UBSScl6EUyOCN5zz138KPXtVpNSIekCXWJh3VQNGzFOFcvq46lyTgapi7rZwMCQYHgyZIzJaPdM6dLWn2tN8U2UrKUxfJcpcy7amYoEnZ0F5RFRbV0aB8_FUgYXl1gKVQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvD0gQbiD1qjWX0WAKnqMWCdTYQ4J1jb9romClEgFA-acMHkqwb-qtVCK4UBSScl6EUyOCN5zz138KPXtVpNSIekCXWJh3VQNGzFOFcvq46lyTgapi7rZwMCQYHgyZIzJaPdM6dLWn2tN8U2UrKUxfJcpcy7amYoEnZ0F5RFRbV0aB8_FUgYXl1gKVQ/w640-h394/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He also asked for some open hatches... <br />I painted the interior off-white...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmxhrGJrmcZnG4ARGTkvt84szZO1lIvZPZ9m5Mcz1Xmhgst6GSvYYeQo-oQ8HyKGxwAmDwfaHn_j2F3KDs7zRiY2X59NM_Nc9voa5Nkp_ivTUMVoZkk3FuKwnVZan3Feiw4DqSXWwI0WKNrr2Wmy0xvxfv_mMk76htabFFCB4Z4v5VV0OCmnK4RafRg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmxhrGJrmcZnG4ARGTkvt84szZO1lIvZPZ9m5Mcz1Xmhgst6GSvYYeQo-oQ8HyKGxwAmDwfaHn_j2F3KDs7zRiY2X59NM_Nc9voa5Nkp_ivTUMVoZkk3FuKwnVZan3Feiw4DqSXWwI0WKNrr2Wmy0xvxfv_mMk76htabFFCB4Z4v5VV0OCmnK4RafRg/w640-h380/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thing going well...sets of suspensions<br />installed in the hull: Tommy is happy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FLPWOsTk642N-XoeuDBXmymnwhMJkHBs7nK9v-St1UDJbCCccXwL2e9JXLHksCPe1XzZwEe4MmjJ-3GJ3l8-nC0zofAEUKcm7tGovzzvrztPlc_DHVaEFLBS5eOCw6-lrqSrKgpLKVi_GASW5durx7pYS1kRgW6M3Spj44NBmGCRUiiDq1QySs-vxg/s1237/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1237" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FLPWOsTk642N-XoeuDBXmymnwhMJkHBs7nK9v-St1UDJbCCccXwL2e9JXLHksCPe1XzZwEe4MmjJ-3GJ3l8-nC0zofAEUKcm7tGovzzvrztPlc_DHVaEFLBS5eOCw6-lrqSrKgpLKVi_GASW5durx7pYS1kRgW6M3Spj44NBmGCRUiiDq1QySs-vxg/w640-h388/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBAC2sKQ1Z-aWT15ZJb0iGmZ5GPyCwQFGcKZmu2bKk2qDQE6f2tTRA1gQC-TzajFElFFfjqqmDSUTVJF-uy-CcMwQoXNwXovMkBpitcR03vMz80UYQAvrBwg61e5vWedMj2rj_4CTnmZoYlshY3kQMJL7OZj68CiFSDt7pVjWFx9kIzqfTEQdife_yg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBAC2sKQ1Z-aWT15ZJb0iGmZ5GPyCwQFGcKZmu2bKk2qDQE6f2tTRA1gQC-TzajFElFFfjqqmDSUTVJF-uy-CcMwQoXNwXovMkBpitcR03vMz80UYQAvrBwg61e5vWedMj2rj_4CTnmZoYlshY3kQMJL7OZj68CiFSDt7pVjWFx9kIzqfTEQdife_yg/w640-h352/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view. Notice the fuel caps...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX-w-te194oCbKY6pwTTjtdDlIPFyinF78ZnLlq_sRB3AXgacxtS8sxJs_lLR0qWzd4Zqhc8MLEqnFu4VMnR3H9yY1UrkOuScqwo0z8mdcozEzwMsxqZTSROCVZ_6y6bwgtzkSLQSXOZ03M6HluMfNfzylaKozVF2aIb_Xb4DnyEN2EVrARe1hAGTzA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX-w-te194oCbKY6pwTTjtdDlIPFyinF78ZnLlq_sRB3AXgacxtS8sxJs_lLR0qWzd4Zqhc8MLEqnFu4VMnR3H9yY1UrkOuScqwo0z8mdcozEzwMsxqZTSROCVZ_6y6bwgtzkSLQSXOZ03M6HluMfNfzylaKozVF2aIb_Xb4DnyEN2EVrARe1hAGTzA/w640-h406/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Well... as you remember, it all started with this image...It appears to be one of the Vickers Mk II Medium used as pillboxes that were unearthed by the Australians at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsa_Matruh">Mersa Matruh</a> and later captured by the Germans in 1941.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivu1UgJUXSAul6fUWCUnPYPRf2GwKRldsiac2pAyqgCuxXnFUMpaYVsSAjXG4nUPaC9et0O-jKH_StZ-NjWpuAkHOO3A8ArTrV3KYqr6LXR2AomvlD1TS9FquDUs5yFxRyAehg_CWQpKVJmUZNFPBsM4tlc7C3h1T2eJqMSwy-8RlcPN9NJdwEhZZlg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20010a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivu1UgJUXSAul6fUWCUnPYPRf2GwKRldsiac2pAyqgCuxXnFUMpaYVsSAjXG4nUPaC9et0O-jKH_StZ-NjWpuAkHOO3A8ArTrV3KYqr6LXR2AomvlD1TS9FquDUs5yFxRyAehg_CWQpKVJmUZNFPBsM4tlc7C3h1T2eJqMSwy-8RlcPN9NJdwEhZZlg/w640-h390/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20010a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mk II** being inspected by Germans</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0bqwyHtAz0Wy6xd5ckb7f-qfOWZojVt8oY9qDiyKN9WDukYuZ39XbT0647SyNd15m9-8IQ_0qq88j9qCRNqzTWM2Hidlw0WJ9FDwl9z5oHhuSQVm2Ua5Xw5nLtskJ5_M9TyTCBr7T-ECxAIMuyMRPi1AtGJi00yLBQb0gBeLJNhWbfc1Ljfh_EQJEw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20010a1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0bqwyHtAz0Wy6xd5ckb7f-qfOWZojVt8oY9qDiyKN9WDukYuZ39XbT0647SyNd15m9-8IQ_0qq88j9qCRNqzTWM2Hidlw0WJ9FDwl9z5oHhuSQVm2Ua5Xw5nLtskJ5_M9TyTCBr7T-ECxAIMuyMRPi1AtGJi00yLBQb0gBeLJNhWbfc1Ljfh_EQJEw/w640-h390/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20010a1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the details of this vehicle:<br />radio compartment (dark green arrow),<br />the air intake in the rear door (blue arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">missing hinges on the left side (red arrows)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the handle to climb into the tank on the left side (light green),</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> which indicates that the rear door of this vehicle opens to the right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepBvBBtRj2XGX4qY_uWG6KJmn-xfgI1hjxjnaTJF8nP5EoV5NwDyHrcCSSF_eeWMj_euW0snziWAoW4zr3hTLSljhNLhDj2Xt7VTgsto_Eh18UNsiHTFKcoUsig4KnDbYWhvVRGwKlxk952qx9qCNHDMrp-WdvHmoV1C2BR1bP2OIEhlOPiLMW6Usdw/s1334/Vickers%20side%20door.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepBvBBtRj2XGX4qY_uWG6KJmn-xfgI1hjxjnaTJF8nP5EoV5NwDyHrcCSSF_eeWMj_euW0snziWAoW4zr3hTLSljhNLhDj2Xt7VTgsto_Eh18UNsiHTFKcoUsig4KnDbYWhvVRGwKlxk952qx9qCNHDMrp-WdvHmoV1C2BR1bP2OIEhlOPiLMW6Usdw/w492-h640/Vickers%20side%20door.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear door opening to the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> As ALL versions of Hobby Boss kits open the door to the left, the option is to invert everything, with a little scratch, to be as faithful as possible to the vehicle in the photo. You see, I will not EXACTLY reproduce the moment of the photo, but the vehicle in a phase prior to this photo. Even with the side guns installed (another request from my client...)</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7QQDndgiuC0ZtmPpQMV6dnPp_LwofAV68nOmcy5hkWmJt9LVjbwXvDpxhFJs6dR-J0lNaFYQgsfMJzrcZp28lrAFzDLDCYOA4N3wKvZ59_4qDf0v4eKeEe1pthYsXMZwKBJ1WNHBcJRahY0MCff5dN9m7yXffyjkkL1oZ-G2UqNj1ZRDA2xw6ZvBig/s734/doors%20opening.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="734" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7QQDndgiuC0ZtmPpQMV6dnPp_LwofAV68nOmcy5hkWmJt9LVjbwXvDpxhFJs6dR-J0lNaFYQgsfMJzrcZp28lrAFzDLDCYOA4N3wKvZ59_4qDf0v4eKeEe1pthYsXMZwKBJ1WNHBcJRahY0MCff5dN9m7yXffyjkkL1oZ-G2UqNj1ZRDA2xw6ZvBig/w640-h300/doors%20opening.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schematic drawing of the rear door modification</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> In my research, I didn't find out exactly why the English reversed the direction of the door opening, although the direction of opening to the right seems more logical to me, with the door "touching" and protecting the position of the tracks... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZKpv7XxNkMCE-5kxGea7F5sPWdBUQ9SXUlOgI9ny6LlBZ2f0dpf3WnjXBp9LD0XgPoRUacYmsCHhd5-qSKhD_Wq_jWiUBDnGULvP_gPHhTcc73xBmRlCTedEXJoWVb9_VTqDM4WtRpNEBuUONmWjQmywryvMbzbYqJN5glY63h9oaMoFAffHRz-pyg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZKpv7XxNkMCE-5kxGea7F5sPWdBUQ9SXUlOgI9ny6LlBZ2f0dpf3WnjXBp9LD0XgPoRUacYmsCHhd5-qSKhD_Wq_jWiUBDnGULvP_gPHhTcc73xBmRlCTedEXJoWVb9_VTqDM4WtRpNEBuUONmWjQmywryvMbzbYqJN5glY63h9oaMoFAffHRz-pyg/w640-h456/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The door opening to the left... NOOO!<br />Let's change the position of the hinges on the door<br />and eliminate those on the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_WpFjnuqpOIYpJy-wMPg_sfsIL9uR0DjGMkQhbUWPAhsQPCdo6NScsWFKppszVCt80ujTCTAl4ZMEWGrA7BX77pFq5BfS8_dJQ1l6208REF70CAdKQrbwcI57hWPJz1MbiG6bznDEy_96akzpeLttaR3wd9p_nXv3Psi0hmsSXfl8zxiDqp4wIdC-Q/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_WpFjnuqpOIYpJy-wMPg_sfsIL9uR0DjGMkQhbUWPAhsQPCdo6NScsWFKppszVCt80ujTCTAl4ZMEWGrA7BX77pFq5BfS8_dJQ1l6208REF70CAdKQrbwcI57hWPJz1MbiG6bznDEy_96akzpeLttaR3wd9p_nXv3Psi0hmsSXfl8zxiDqp4wIdC-Q/w640-h374/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "standard" door, with the hinges on the left...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipORb4Ula0-ZPPWmpwV2e8uDekvJJUlnNx_I8Tpx50w4HpaziEgqBVQbB0xEU_Qs09FVCheVy6z9kbPETI8Av_zXvEe1loU8SMldSJnmex9_NBwbW5-zjSt08K6NoIZ4vJGEI_Uq1B02ig8W5vRBx_KcUCI8697wqprQlAbf51rfzQDJIXToJLnI0JtQ/s1279/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1279" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipORb4Ula0-ZPPWmpwV2e8uDekvJJUlnNx_I8Tpx50w4HpaziEgqBVQbB0xEU_Qs09FVCheVy6z9kbPETI8Av_zXvEe1loU8SMldSJnmex9_NBwbW5-zjSt08K6NoIZ4vJGEI_Uq1B02ig8W5vRBx_KcUCI8697wqprQlAbf51rfzQDJIXToJLnI0JtQ/w640-h338/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new door, with the hinges on the right...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaJI4T3hhtNGWmiULs-dP2BxLHoew8CK0nxnTlsSuUcabT90eDEAE-5s_wONwZCY8DMSSv7DyivBPBQrxPKurIBVfIvD8RsdV8Rb7atc19_qR3oX9qRXMuS-p10pUIARfQEyA-SbOaOg87Ql803JgYHj5Wrz9kZzzQmlBJ2FHkqx6mTInKAkP_QHY4w/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaJI4T3hhtNGWmiULs-dP2BxLHoew8CK0nxnTlsSuUcabT90eDEAE-5s_wONwZCY8DMSSv7DyivBPBQrxPKurIBVfIvD8RsdV8Rb7atc19_qR3oX9qRXMuS-p10pUIARfQEyA-SbOaOg87Ql803JgYHj5Wrz9kZzzQmlBJ2FHkqx6mTInKAkP_QHY4w/w640-h400/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20014.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the hinges, in place...<br />so far, so good!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I already told you that I hate link-by-link tracks, even more with links with sub-constructions... And this kit has these infamous tracks... Grrrrr .... But there's no use complaining: let's face the purgative with stoicism (which is what I have left...)!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbZuL2ERkJNgEU3m7kRLD3bK4uzmjrGPlv5ofjerQdY51dCxhv19_U5y89nCvGpkhy2pSPsgme-kXw6Lt5waND0d6PgN0lHGAd6vOzTMuLqovUbltgN_3oPL8hXYQaB97V-o_5EfcW6nXLmdjn82LHQ0xLx7WuzqtyNQPHOLALFEHVfqPxW6zwizbXQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbZuL2ERkJNgEU3m7kRLD3bK4uzmjrGPlv5ofjerQdY51dCxhv19_U5y89nCvGpkhy2pSPsgme-kXw6Lt5waND0d6PgN0lHGAd6vOzTMuLqovUbltgN_3oPL8hXYQaB97V-o_5EfcW6nXLmdjn82LHQ0xLx7WuzqtyNQPHOLALFEHVfqPxW6zwizbXQ/w640-h406/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">132 pieces of joy, in total!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHPz-5RYy5imQPIlnOTrgZwK1Hg6YaR56Y79OZIqOcf5BgmDDLef1fM-zs64xmdrMoNHcln9wY5EmdYFRT_tiapQC-vZVIz5cESIs5lVSFNZH1hWCvxNirO8LuwPiO-VZio6EVrv9t_vG_3lS1rAlleYmHCDVkxJCa23ZR_Z7ed5JsBhz6zJ_oFClOA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLHPz-5RYy5imQPIlnOTrgZwK1Hg6YaR56Y79OZIqOcf5BgmDDLef1fM-zs64xmdrMoNHcln9wY5EmdYFRT_tiapQC-vZVIz5cESIs5lVSFNZH1hWCvxNirO8LuwPiO-VZio6EVrv9t_vG_3lS1rAlleYmHCDVkxJCa23ZR_Z7ed5JsBhz6zJ_oFClOA/w640-h376/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the track adaptation on the suspension...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyDpAiNhPeUdQLbHtCJ_iEmhE1cMBeQLFSwxCaWXkJBX0t4nCIEpzoO1gzwjrr5fcGxeIjwDH83hg9OQoWxNjmRRybRPJy0M9kGtIUvqybEkIh-qtPI-uTZ7_pIVvsBn1LRMu5lmTw4OLU5MHxzkdT4aK9mnGbXmwuQil6OTTu1DMnxYHcvdnRCL4KQ/s1279/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1279" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyDpAiNhPeUdQLbHtCJ_iEmhE1cMBeQLFSwxCaWXkJBX0t4nCIEpzoO1gzwjrr5fcGxeIjwDH83hg9OQoWxNjmRRybRPJy0M9kGtIUvqybEkIh-qtPI-uTZ7_pIVvsBn1LRMu5lmTw4OLU5MHxzkdT4aK9mnGbXmwuQil6OTTu1DMnxYHcvdnRCL4KQ/w640-h348/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A complete track already installed... <br />half of the martyrdom already suffered...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOjeyykgzuV6Ge58UO7v9sKj1rgWpzMFT3kygpN1sBzf3UjofPg925cvin9hM0Q9GF-M3usMQLOv3WsK6N84GjLFK7_BxC8COjZv_vvbTIF2LODOkNXufz932bURoX3Cw7nQsv1LC927ShdS8q7Tj8xfFcDJ6QcKVuQTvdROyeUfYz_wiMxV4QvcSoQ/s1259/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1259" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOjeyykgzuV6Ge58UO7v9sKj1rgWpzMFT3kygpN1sBzf3UjofPg925cvin9hM0Q9GF-M3usMQLOv3WsK6N84GjLFK7_BxC8COjZv_vvbTIF2LODOkNXufz932bURoX3Cw7nQsv1LC927ShdS8q7Tj8xfFcDJ6QcKVuQTvdROyeUfYz_wiMxV4QvcSoQ/w640-h392/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And 3 hours after blasphemies and imprecations to the Gods of modelism...<br />Hurrah... The damn thing was done!!<br />Our colleague standing on his own paws!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLHaAFeoTWhmy-WiKnoD_IZZehFiYEeP_np-AJ4t-Twkogq7S7JZkC8y3hJ0WADlmohiB7ODjXjmycs7MFxJT8mbmFZE4Tbcl0JByriiqYhgWlYy6Da2-qxEUp2rFuW9y2IPaLKaaWfLQqFXFtJSdt0TvaPK1XUciWsSv-kREuW1J0ZdluqBlI7S4qg/s1181/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1181" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLHaAFeoTWhmy-WiKnoD_IZZehFiYEeP_np-AJ4t-Twkogq7S7JZkC8y3hJ0WADlmohiB7ODjXjmycs7MFxJT8mbmFZE4Tbcl0JByriiqYhgWlYy6Da2-qxEUp2rFuW9y2IPaLKaaWfLQqFXFtJSdt0TvaPK1XUciWsSv-kREuW1J0ZdluqBlI7S4qg/w640-h420/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks in position: right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6U8rCvyyw8dIU_Y1Ra1VCQHs1h58gLC6Yn8yuoer6xqopxMK6NFppiwWdubsQwHib5I90sBiiNil6FnDD65RYSoMucGOPoXtgtjnuyzKbHcXrOBMoDKe0VxLtSUpcw4ytujlanMxKILprlAsUZI6LYdzba0AZe2Eb4Ar6Vh2HCbe6mby5mtDO-lwHw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6U8rCvyyw8dIU_Y1Ra1VCQHs1h58gLC6Yn8yuoer6xqopxMK6NFppiwWdubsQwHib5I90sBiiNil6FnDD65RYSoMucGOPoXtgtjnuyzKbHcXrOBMoDKe0VxLtSUpcw4ytujlanMxKILprlAsUZI6LYdzba0AZe2Eb4Ar6Vh2HCbe6mby5mtDO-lwHw/w640-h392/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a relief, Gods... what a relief to have gone through<br />this Valley of Shadows and Tears with even a hint of sanity !!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvWLWQmEKABdZZrCmR9YszTuEwiSNUX0wEHwTXv0od_9VWvvYXtRxaRiSzVwas7Ggk912Qz9NqtAwF7rFwIZ1cnsLByGMcvQ4HNXdClan5Hh2wUFb_50_foF79hBI9HmuijFXrRarf4mc3mlPAyCoMFGJDggxJdVhX82MqVyvM-qz7WWJ4B0owd2uag/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvWLWQmEKABdZZrCmR9YszTuEwiSNUX0wEHwTXv0od_9VWvvYXtRxaRiSzVwas7Ggk912Qz9NqtAwF7rFwIZ1cnsLByGMcvQ4HNXdClan5Hh2wUFb_50_foF79hBI9HmuijFXrRarf4mc3mlPAyCoMFGJDggxJdVhX82MqVyvM-qz7WWJ4B0owd2uag/w640-h378/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And isn't the little girl (not that little...) cute???<br />My client requested that some hatches remain open... <br />after all, it's very hot in the desert and our heroine doesn't have the asbestos suit...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTXlamsXC00IMSsE9LwGw7AnF9AsqS2QQONU-GimT5Zan9PLhePy0Lb3lZ24vXRlCH-mvzpSS_OfDaGW3Ax1YCdQuE6qFvS_123XzExF4ajO5TzZGCYLjil6wyUXy7H136rcoT3UbNE4fuUv56Cx8RqNPHK1dQofYd0xbNCj8J7j1xvO8Jnn6oxnoZw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTXlamsXC00IMSsE9LwGw7AnF9AsqS2QQONU-GimT5Zan9PLhePy0Lb3lZ24vXRlCH-mvzpSS_OfDaGW3Ax1YCdQuE6qFvS_123XzExF4ajO5TzZGCYLjil6wyUXy7H136rcoT3UbNE4fuUv56Cx8RqNPHK1dQofYd0xbNCj8J7j1xvO8Jnn6oxnoZw/w640-h434/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg4ixkx7I_FT-FXd4ZIbUbOn6av28LBHBGFUbaMWO3-3nw_HE5k-KOfBC8ZuCRmGp8jJWEroAaKb02fDJYDCDnuuHOPyOLv7XfR37tNaKcRBZ4gj3BgaJ0nM7Zi4UGGwy7GNPPPFOFcNopo0Nsr-v5CusOZ1mq0etY_w-0RHufhzKMcFL-8JOOjldDw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg4ixkx7I_FT-FXd4ZIbUbOn6av28LBHBGFUbaMWO3-3nw_HE5k-KOfBC8ZuCRmGp8jJWEroAaKb02fDJYDCDnuuHOPyOLv7XfR37tNaKcRBZ4gj3BgaJ0nM7Zi4UGGwy7GNPPPFOFcNopo0Nsr-v5CusOZ1mq0etY_w-0RHufhzKMcFL-8JOOjldDw/w640-h430/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, an example of recycling, hard level: the rivets that must be<br />removed from the front of the turret were reused in the door hinges!!!<br />Greta was speechless!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kxooJiwRY3PSqefqp_zSFAoyrLLGf2sKB54e1cXRWzXv4cOAEkzGwU0FScP5n4xXe-byZpkwVB76x2hvqFhFomeFFU6We7uV2lE9Mo2AlwCCrvFxXnlORqdY13YdKNigy5xF3OYuZSU5MelZBtoI4nDQbPpqeHQNomNu8XEkzEGkMgwTxCCu8vPxoA/s512/greta.gif" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kxooJiwRY3PSqefqp_zSFAoyrLLGf2sKB54e1cXRWzXv4cOAEkzGwU0FScP5n4xXe-byZpkwVB76x2hvqFhFomeFFU6We7uV2lE9Mo2AlwCCrvFxXnlORqdY13YdKNigy5xF3OYuZSU5MelZBtoI4nDQbPpqeHQNomNu8XEkzEGkMgwTxCCu8vPxoA/s320/greta.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> The construction of the kit, in the standard form, is practically ready...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfImMUxR2cRGgPfYt_PET_FgvgbhwZbZO22fA5OA4Yb3R0hjfwLExVnWow37GcuGgx6q9rM2io9LHUpJXkVD3KFLmFvVVK3-fDwpaCUGABLCBA8vJnf8pK8zcXB2fZGY6pMIItg_CUcmKLI2ZmYEg-sIIjnmUPvfX4Df9X51Ibm0Kn0To0OFp_tSX-1A/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfImMUxR2cRGgPfYt_PET_FgvgbhwZbZO22fA5OA4Yb3R0hjfwLExVnWow37GcuGgx6q9rM2io9LHUpJXkVD3KFLmFvVVK3-fDwpaCUGABLCBA8vJnf8pK8zcXB2fZGY6pMIItg_CUcmKLI2ZmYEg-sIIjnmUPvfX4Df9X51Ibm0Kn0To0OFp_tSX-1A/w640-h394/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding final "organic" details to the Vickers kit...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NROTCHQu72N2VSPJV7HQt-yM5AIZN-rMuz8GL_PAW3LQuIYu6vxbkoPEez3ZIbVhCl8SNSOxnlsUGAEvsnYT2vm4F9O_BZouNXbZgVuUdvHv45mHw4bMLYSaLOOV59a3CJn6TpySZWM3uxUqxRnZ1q8oYVyWU3QVadUWeqQlSRkU48gnQTnnWWefNQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NROTCHQu72N2VSPJV7HQt-yM5AIZN-rMuz8GL_PAW3LQuIYu6vxbkoPEez3ZIbVhCl8SNSOxnlsUGAEvsnYT2vm4F9O_BZouNXbZgVuUdvHv45mHw4bMLYSaLOOV59a3CJn6TpySZWM3uxUqxRnZ1q8oYVyWU3QVadUWeqQlSRkU48gnQTnnWWefNQ/w640-h442/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20028.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really a very nice kit...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But now, the party begins: let's work a little with scratch, old school... No 3D printing: just plasticard, pencil and scalpel!!! First step: making the rear door air-filter-fan intake. Photos, drawings and dedication for this stage...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUMLSh4_XbBGB9Sz-6ptPc5gSmTBSbEZDk5pMin0n2iDrnJfEyCcWoYF9j-cu31mavOozUEIqukcMPznFDmfaqj-n2wTGSyyux-MWK01tp00vAczGQllW2Gzheu-tbAfzttxS3f8YXJhA4KqpUWkcqYTXvUBVrU6ysZQm_IMLs7NNjpLHnWVbL9980A/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUMLSh4_XbBGB9Sz-6ptPc5gSmTBSbEZDk5pMin0n2iDrnJfEyCcWoYF9j-cu31mavOozUEIqukcMPznFDmfaqj-n2wTGSyyux-MWK01tp00vAczGQllW2Gzheu-tbAfzttxS3f8YXJhA4KqpUWkcqYTXvUBVrU6ysZQm_IMLs7NNjpLHnWVbL9980A/w640-h390/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing and cutting the sides and "back" of the air intake...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KP9jzKbsSacXoCryRiWSkyTBcB98nuRNc6pu92yXgTwT1snj59G0qs_rPcSHLZ4VN6BHNHajHoK9hhJGJmUJtcRio9WjKWqI78swuzsYK9eWZBfQjIjfWqX0KcdaiscfZXgablRRCR0iYW_vvnFogITE0Na9kmFd3rB95UXBG-cQZ8J6h_x18a6Ppw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KP9jzKbsSacXoCryRiWSkyTBcB98nuRNc6pu92yXgTwT1snj59G0qs_rPcSHLZ4VN6BHNHajHoK9hhJGJmUJtcRio9WjKWqI78swuzsYK9eWZBfQjIjfWqX0KcdaiscfZXgablRRCR0iYW_vvnFogITE0Na9kmFd3rB95UXBG-cQZ8J6h_x18a6Ppw/w640-h372/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The air intake side in detail...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqQs7nrMw-0kg0jQVNzHbUJuxL3pgu_ba8MzY0-E6mUFRW5vuyVt70htPPaTEBtQBbECcw8p_-M2ZeAcgKg6gEGlsGv5Bi4ZCzAFfKBnbteQdRS0NawofF89AO7lBhqYflogWSF6HnPeYdhSYgPmkbAcId1GGia1NTuwHT1TClnq-fmQDC5S5eEOXCg/s1277/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1277" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqQs7nrMw-0kg0jQVNzHbUJuxL3pgu_ba8MzY0-E6mUFRW5vuyVt70htPPaTEBtQBbECcw8p_-M2ZeAcgKg6gEGlsGv5Bi4ZCzAFfKBnbteQdRS0NawofF89AO7lBhqYflogWSF6HnPeYdhSYgPmkbAcId1GGia1NTuwHT1TClnq-fmQDC5S5eEOXCg/w640-h302/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plastic on the sides is 0.7mm thick and the<br />plastic on the "back" and front portion is only 0.3mm thick,<br />to allow a smooth curvature, without fractures...<br />The cross gussets seen in the photo above will be removed...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIAxd8lpsbS1Cvyt0oo5ZuKDO9YxS11_LLqxnQoyGJg_LTdoIWRXdLyLpugksF4agPRocM8byfHNHX6TmgVgbKeIto9tH8_LM73lS0nDFd3aRtncyGPqeGvSDSfKVgkdzt6FcPRJHUHNCfm0RDlAM2ql34l7JrNhODb1MzzaKxyv4IgeRrpR2RQjacA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIAxd8lpsbS1Cvyt0oo5ZuKDO9YxS11_LLqxnQoyGJg_LTdoIWRXdLyLpugksF4agPRocM8byfHNHX6TmgVgbKeIto9tH8_LM73lS0nDFd3aRtncyGPqeGvSDSfKVgkdzt6FcPRJHUHNCfm0RDlAM2ql34l7JrNhODb1MzzaKxyv4IgeRrpR2RQjacA/w640-h404/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the air intake is ready, we will test its position on the door...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM226spvtm85KzZoZUs4nscWO_l9yAzJ6NxZkBp0T9On4kbAiEktedL_rDM8k3YZSpMSxPUjgZGFoxgWa3A5d58SdjPkQ-tAJIC-_9XMbhOWZBmWp2-iHcRHQ9BjJHHq6ZDgXYwdVp25wlCP7_1chgvHP9HW-vUk-v55uuPAqM_ScZLRR9q-Fb0h8pg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM226spvtm85KzZoZUs4nscWO_l9yAzJ6NxZkBp0T9On4kbAiEktedL_rDM8k3YZSpMSxPUjgZGFoxgWa3A5d58SdjPkQ-tAJIC-_9XMbhOWZBmWp2-iHcRHQ9BjJHHq6ZDgXYwdVp25wlCP7_1chgvHP9HW-vUk-v55uuPAqM_ScZLRR9q-Fb0h8pg/w640-h446/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN0cScRy3ZRgJKy9tFSSC5vDs1NX5AgRx2gnrpGtSgb0ZO2T1IpFsgYM2got1Hed7cUydV3vtUeXg091vsVnD8VSMsm-SV6ZO88IOuPMYBW3bRHYyWRGjmN6Aq7TmHieCS6GrLKGzl5Rtp5LwpPBe5LrGwYfzkX25H1CPSX-sAGg3yKLZ7U0mAO0tng/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBN0cScRy3ZRgJKy9tFSSC5vDs1NX5AgRx2gnrpGtSgb0ZO2T1IpFsgYM2got1Hed7cUydV3vtUeXg091vsVnD8VSMsm-SV6ZO88IOuPMYBW3bRHYyWRGjmN6Aq7TmHieCS6GrLKGzl5Rtp5LwpPBe5LrGwYfzkX25H1CPSX-sAGg3yKLZ7U0mAO0tng/w640-h402/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like a glove!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVGaYsBWo-ovdNEq8rwdhGoZTrtRKYsSs8zjLqJcn81-JyKdltce5fXs7fYYHcNoEFVx1NRwDwz-zzZ3fSDIzQDnw8Cof0R41m-2bbe2CsiwPwCyhlaYtHOGKjA6zDoX07ojv2OB0DFeCNeApGZGuThxwci5Cpbj9h_twpm7xcKHXy0bTnFdM7ortSw/s457/Like%20a%20glove.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="457" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVGaYsBWo-ovdNEq8rwdhGoZTrtRKYsSs8zjLqJcn81-JyKdltce5fXs7fYYHcNoEFVx1NRwDwz-zzZ3fSDIzQDnw8Cof0R41m-2bbe2CsiwPwCyhlaYtHOGKjA6zDoX07ojv2OB0DFeCNeApGZGuThxwci5Cpbj9h_twpm7xcKHXy0bTnFdM7ortSw/w400-h308/Like%20a%20glove.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHP2yQ7ywS3VCInyV4Aa1vv1gL2a6fn1_5teMN2tfSP62hHTC3DrkcVtnRPvuJvRaxEhVkpaJ6hOgtbyHPuFJ4QbwyZv2b7V8rx9Gu-w91Q2CquQdv1ZR78AaCQ1dmN9XknmkeNm0_nJwcl49GtkrgF-qL1L6oODoTOnobKrIHMXDpVhzis7_KgaPqew/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHP2yQ7ywS3VCInyV4Aa1vv1gL2a6fn1_5teMN2tfSP62hHTC3DrkcVtnRPvuJvRaxEhVkpaJ6hOgtbyHPuFJ4QbwyZv2b7V8rx9Gu-w91Q2CquQdv1ZR78AaCQ1dmN9XknmkeNm0_nJwcl49GtkrgF-qL1L6oODoTOnobKrIHMXDpVhzis7_KgaPqew/w640-h326/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviOF2tgD5fUdIC9Fb6_P5flC-Cjyv65XQXH8YLEUvl-nmZ5RsAx_4mdS36A5N3uSkFxzTTBRVMdv1iVp3iYDATSU5BR6FQnEgntoukKYGk4I-SnXRLc0pcg2iU5GHm5hZOWKXNj7K5rd4szvh1FDIhyhgPEDvSd6cR-HZv5Bv6G6MZfN3EZ4T0V9irg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviOF2tgD5fUdIC9Fb6_P5flC-Cjyv65XQXH8YLEUvl-nmZ5RsAx_4mdS36A5N3uSkFxzTTBRVMdv1iVp3iYDATSU5BR6FQnEgntoukKYGk4I-SnXRLc0pcg2iU5GHm5hZOWKXNj7K5rd4szvh1FDIhyhgPEDvSd6cR-HZv5Bv6G6MZfN3EZ4T0V9irg/w640-h372/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the part's structural reinforcements. <br />I just LOVE my Plastruct's stuff!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkOks0CHCMDwF-Q21vwgfJAWr9ocMDtf-GQ_kR5eoWlMnoBMMwH5073qdl5np5jqoUGF1YO8E2Gl1FwYXNjdZhEApjSI8OWfL_ykuvwCq3i6oZCqrgIt3D7-iOKsNNvaruihoIilTUfVKR6pB_W7Q-SeGHWuF_qOxM961ySlLeJmE36lPUKJXsCFOKw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkOks0CHCMDwF-Q21vwgfJAWr9ocMDtf-GQ_kR5eoWlMnoBMMwH5073qdl5np5jqoUGF1YO8E2Gl1FwYXNjdZhEApjSI8OWfL_ykuvwCq3i6oZCqrgIt3D7-iOKsNNvaruihoIilTUfVKR6pB_W7Q-SeGHWuF_qOxM961ySlLeJmE36lPUKJXsCFOKw/w640-h368/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekwxjLLpe730tj4wd1E2YKUgdFSQoNqnrJ6u4yg-2rbXW2iQjrndnn4ZXhd2KYZOPexHvphya4hpEM8zu4_32Y93lR_JjjZEsnNjbvJ-rPuCNR7rEyIF38LYhp6B-PnRdrvGLQwGi6fD2DU09ngCxsy3myJoCVzlbj1B2fyRjh5FISnSVMdQePqbB1w/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekwxjLLpe730tj4wd1E2YKUgdFSQoNqnrJ6u4yg-2rbXW2iQjrndnn4ZXhd2KYZOPexHvphya4hpEM8zu4_32Y93lR_JjjZEsnNjbvJ-rPuCNR7rEyIF38LYhp6B-PnRdrvGLQwGi6fD2DU09ngCxsy3myJoCVzlbj1B2fyRjh5FISnSVMdQePqbB1w/w640-h378/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUvYQ3TiAFmyPHPA9o1qhJ90evQ6h7xBBAaMbInTqsFlnp9YL5NFw2_uHBWv21psE0Pq0yL95O8gpxry6LVVON7HiaKvsDgwwfvPq_g8eAVzn7oDT7M3CFDnOTQuQqsZLY95bFiiI5CxDyEvDSi81Z6nWPgYPkpKOd5Y_x0onFc41_AZtjUYO1ywfNA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1280" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUvYQ3TiAFmyPHPA9o1qhJ90evQ6h7xBBAaMbInTqsFlnp9YL5NFw2_uHBWv21psE0Pq0yL95O8gpxry6LVVON7HiaKvsDgwwfvPq_g8eAVzn7oDT7M3CFDnOTQuQqsZLY95bFiiI5CxDyEvDSi81Z6nWPgYPkpKOd5Y_x0onFc41_AZtjUYO1ywfNA/w640-h314/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding a screen to the air intake...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YSKLBk7QWtQUnhWn8CBJBf18aoYBO3dVm1ffxX3JK2s2GWQtK7XxTDDCFOZgmwKs2zYEm1SfkNoaYF2CUiGQI2KyqE7yaqUHfjhKa5RbdqLHUugWDlKPzxhgP9tGw7btgmx9ax4m2StLyU3kQttrFLHRu-jdtRHtX0Y0kgWeYwSNDIZMRpOaIg4IIg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YSKLBk7QWtQUnhWn8CBJBf18aoYBO3dVm1ffxX3JK2s2GWQtK7XxTDDCFOZgmwKs2zYEm1SfkNoaYF2CUiGQI2KyqE7yaqUHfjhKa5RbdqLHUugWDlKPzxhgP9tGw7btgmx9ax4m2StLyU3kQttrFLHRu-jdtRHtX0Y0kgWeYwSNDIZMRpOaIg4IIg/w640-h412/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now let's take care of the beauty of the "nape" of the turret!<br />Radio compartment made with plasticard and Plastruct...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM0ftDhxgODjjuo9iM7VPG_RvX7qJGQO7Xj0yfgpi81GQ3NLuXmAz5BSwopgVwpE8mMuMCOYW7WpxtEjPjbA831e7En30O4zWOU5cyDFkPxAQNk4H-tEPCc5Py1lk_EOxNG5Bc6lp_6npFK2GdMkkIsrOOGVqii_e3pGFUqIlan4nd7zNE5PSNLNIUA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM0ftDhxgODjjuo9iM7VPG_RvX7qJGQO7Xj0yfgpi81GQ3NLuXmAz5BSwopgVwpE8mMuMCOYW7WpxtEjPjbA831e7En30O4zWOU5cyDFkPxAQNk4H-tEPCc5Py1lk_EOxNG5Bc6lp_6npFK2GdMkkIsrOOGVqii_e3pGFUqIlan4nd7zNE5PSNLNIUA/w640-h418/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The radio compartment taking shape...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KPIDZmB4ItgQYmUq7rC15CcTUetOzLGxkyNc7E43nw4_mp8jITrECClTj-SpcW_ZXbuCmXHgkbwQBsygIl8N0upg3T1HQh1urisWXMfXmkPEFO_rj9xYxrDRCKU_QpiP_WPl5HsKk-cBj-48LW4qJdEOjlS6vbjYaDnBchWElaQ3delHPkdxAExBvA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KPIDZmB4ItgQYmUq7rC15CcTUetOzLGxkyNc7E43nw4_mp8jITrECClTj-SpcW_ZXbuCmXHgkbwQBsygIl8N0upg3T1HQh1urisWXMfXmkPEFO_rj9xYxrDRCKU_QpiP_WPl5HsKk-cBj-48LW4qJdEOjlS6vbjYaDnBchWElaQ3delHPkdxAExBvA/w640-h420/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rectifying the "cake frosting" with putty!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG9mmmJA1LUSIHxcux9kjNWhl5x6syeT1x3i9Vg7hejXF0QcgiqeMq_m9MOmLgmTif1BhOOoJbT-qu_DpXgKDkWVVyvmqMsgtRbuOHn4KmaLPZSDKT56skV81PtiTlAn6wRgA6lyywy-CTcs_cd8TLYv6c5wydG3q32IDIK6VYI5V7IPRhLg9MMSp5g/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG9mmmJA1LUSIHxcux9kjNWhl5x6syeT1x3i9Vg7hejXF0QcgiqeMq_m9MOmLgmTif1BhOOoJbT-qu_DpXgKDkWVVyvmqMsgtRbuOHn4KmaLPZSDKT56skV81PtiTlAn6wRgA6lyywy-CTcs_cd8TLYv6c5wydG3q32IDIK6VYI5V7IPRhLg9MMSp5g/w640-h396/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rectifying the "cake frosting" with putty!!<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcig-8ZN3UCse2xIKgr1lw2Tu4u1hF1dOxozFCORvMYoui42HEajmK8M4Ve81xqLl9oOLTDMwJiNcj4MP1QWuzecuaADZXXc6gdDIkaDx52jO-Fyhf5Q1AvxE49dLYsrBwAkow-PqYyoYHjltH6x1RrgHSwhgPcPc1L_mZt6lH97-NqCQU2sMVq0EQQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcig-8ZN3UCse2xIKgr1lw2Tu4u1hF1dOxozFCORvMYoui42HEajmK8M4Ve81xqLl9oOLTDMwJiNcj4MP1QWuzecuaADZXXc6gdDIkaDx52jO-Fyhf5Q1AvxE49dLYsrBwAkow-PqYyoYHjltH6x1RrgHSwhgPcPc1L_mZt6lH97-NqCQU2sMVq0EQQ/w640-h448/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After everything dried and sanded, the final result!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-adxTbkd5_d6VN6pVEtdbNehbJmh3t0Lj2HmrlAihHPcc9u2cwxb9bEnAev0GK_ZECgPHFKjtJXXOvRJg_ZD2BzsrzlmZDzpLF9swPIaYqLqy41pRm8Y2Wp3RDMFPnfnDpCumXMe9BHe1Ae13ClNQqsiJzw_CYLUbyRlshulW5tt5YP8s5X3ImLKvQw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-adxTbkd5_d6VN6pVEtdbNehbJmh3t0Lj2HmrlAihHPcc9u2cwxb9bEnAev0GK_ZECgPHFKjtJXXOvRJg_ZD2BzsrzlmZDzpLF9swPIaYqLqy41pRm8Y2Wp3RDMFPnfnDpCumXMe9BHe1Ae13ClNQqsiJzw_CYLUbyRlshulW5tt5YP8s5X3ImLKvQw/w640-h408/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (and Kojak) very satisfied!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgUI28rn4dw8rIMml3tKGHn6AbeEnbPx3TjtIuvtiIOPxjyo1BFTOz-760sueWs8WOXYOUiR4KcMnotq1F3oj5SvOggOAUVYAYi2WjPbYOIcse2LDRhoBPV_ftn-4Xk5uFMAr2s-y68qqV2CsyWbQEfpUfGkh8u_BnGDNFGYjEdS8Vb2shc51FnMP9g/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgUI28rn4dw8rIMml3tKGHn6AbeEnbPx3TjtIuvtiIOPxjyo1BFTOz-760sueWs8WOXYOUiR4KcMnotq1F3oj5SvOggOAUVYAYi2WjPbYOIcse2LDRhoBPV_ftn-4Xk5uFMAr2s-y68qqV2CsyWbQEfpUfGkh8u_BnGDNFGYjEdS8Vb2shc51FnMP9g/w640-h476/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now yes...Our Vickers Mk II evolved into Vicker Mk II**</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSPZ9IqZ8loDssRj2aaUVnGzJJO-dkMgZe19X9tVvHyinUPc1ulr1oy8FjGpR_JkKi-4UeDomEhh4aFvME5Jr6TrZn4Ndj6Xwk_kNzuz45LYaVUOh2XFTx8-5l5rVc7SA2cMz7HB32I00tm6hRl_G-7g1sFsMzrAZs6E14_1g67pK0W3jbR-MUTXrUA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSPZ9IqZ8loDssRj2aaUVnGzJJO-dkMgZe19X9tVvHyinUPc1ulr1oy8FjGpR_JkKi-4UeDomEhh4aFvME5Jr6TrZn4Ndj6Xwk_kNzuz45LYaVUOh2XFTx8-5l5rVc7SA2cMz7HB32I00tm6hRl_G-7g1sFsMzrAZs6E14_1g67pK0W3jbR-MUTXrUA/w640-h412/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view. Notice the antenna, made with an acupuncture needle<br />and the details in PE from the kit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrUFdcf-W_aXtAjNbU8_1rsI65hset_bHD7XbsHhJELniOTie0O1CLGTJpmXRFtNNIK_U1ivkJD5CoiB8god0BZpjzxJNNP90maY27XaK7P2l1_9e_gnt9-J5LD_2UrYAZt1RJ1eYzABN97srneNdnzuM-BBBDSuwYJjVl0sJw3CDsf59PZ2BpPWeWA/s1278/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1278" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrUFdcf-W_aXtAjNbU8_1rsI65hset_bHD7XbsHhJELniOTie0O1CLGTJpmXRFtNNIK_U1ivkJD5CoiB8god0BZpjzxJNNP90maY27XaK7P2l1_9e_gnt9-J5LD_2UrYAZt1RJ1eYzABN97srneNdnzuM-BBBDSuwYJjVl0sJw3CDsf59PZ2BpPWeWA/w640-h450/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hell, she REALLY is getting pretty!!!<br />Notice the the support of the plate, made with leftover PE, <br />in the upper right corner of the back of the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJtVQWZ6mSD0YHZ6QZCnUROs5pXS5LveD__6bdZyStSW6GEbmQxVYrOM04rK0EkTI7PWES3FRDMGn8ySq6NQKjpE282ivqxmN-IBnNyGH5iazjPx4zRZwO1nZS7fA7zGI9OCUdhH84Nb7H5AzEnGDdPHSOhDKrfuSP1ICQQhHWn9n7btvAsDkpzxx0w/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJtVQWZ6mSD0YHZ6QZCnUROs5pXS5LveD__6bdZyStSW6GEbmQxVYrOM04rK0EkTI7PWES3FRDMGn8ySq6NQKjpE282ivqxmN-IBnNyGH5iazjPx4zRZwO1nZS7fA7zGI9OCUdhH84Nb7H5AzEnGDdPHSOhDKrfuSP1ICQQhHWn9n7btvAsDkpzxx0w/w640-h446/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRdtUqhVmK38gB36j5kJYojCtkYCrtOuQNOg9OYUa1jUvLIPr3Y2Yrvkz7-mtBcj8S-AOwesYNloxo6giIz5LdN6asa2m_epqDzmsX6CzivSdBDSFX9Kxjc0Lu13TdfQ-yagaECPmMU7YgPRkN55xULDJMe0j0wjkKyRIGStSuGYXg0lM1ArHGJtDlw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRdtUqhVmK38gB36j5kJYojCtkYCrtOuQNOg9OYUa1jUvLIPr3Y2Yrvkz7-mtBcj8S-AOwesYNloxo6giIz5LdN6asa2m_epqDzmsX6CzivSdBDSFX9Kxjc0Lu13TdfQ-yagaECPmMU7YgPRkN55xULDJMe0j0wjkKyRIGStSuGYXg0lM1ArHGJtDlw/w640-h408/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn__TXeAetdJjRkuXVxSld3i4ni0TzTb2Wsetbm0eCinIJr1TZ4Vja7Am98nvV1AiF2yVfVU5PNyRZB-zW646phaxsXGxR5mwjQhyOW_2IEOnts9DEdbKaZzBCuPVkArtoM-2oN63Q0k2U91lgOCQQ3z8BXkQ4ztTJN_0wcoXVE8Tqll-7ELDvnyMGaA/s1277/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1277" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn__TXeAetdJjRkuXVxSld3i4ni0TzTb2Wsetbm0eCinIJr1TZ4Vja7Am98nvV1AiF2yVfVU5PNyRZB-zW646phaxsXGxR5mwjQhyOW_2IEOnts9DEdbKaZzBCuPVkArtoM-2oN63Q0k2U91lgOCQQ3z8BXkQ4ztTJN_0wcoXVE8Tqll-7ELDvnyMGaA/w640-h398/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view. Notice the door hinges, in the hull...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07Ydky4yruyJNJin4jgGNAbqRKGbxDJRyMaLDjpPAL8jEC0i9NEtyyhiL8XpTvwXVbmyEpcwlx4G_6-9ksEOu1Y9EVmOQ2Agu00FXF_iEV-wQqDF4XHvgqZVdyg3ufDlBnBPD0KHyESQNRblA_YaBYwNI4xhM_bHbEJh6n39Aw6efZhdPD-cH0O4LPg/s1275/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1275" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07Ydky4yruyJNJin4jgGNAbqRKGbxDJRyMaLDjpPAL8jEC0i9NEtyyhiL8XpTvwXVbmyEpcwlx4G_6-9ksEOu1Y9EVmOQ2Agu00FXF_iEV-wQqDF4XHvgqZVdyg3ufDlBnBPD0KHyESQNRblA_YaBYwNI4xhM_bHbEJh6n39Aw6efZhdPD-cH0O4LPg/w640-h408/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes... I'm very, very satisfied, indeed!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqqA3AOwNGBR1hX2wtZyHjMdkHIoBH4tksyRQMVAtVv3y4gk_BO2ka4xWn3fdauI9U_XWh582t0Iy7ZGcsAU_9CdgULd932fmvqmTg_tnQBxFg94RdOHOTOHp1sAHf_VNcYQj3mH9B7EL047J3PK12koHTUxUm2H_5WDSRAneYiFtefYpIGymIXaX6g/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqqA3AOwNGBR1hX2wtZyHjMdkHIoBH4tksyRQMVAtVv3y4gk_BO2ka4xWn3fdauI9U_XWh582t0Iy7ZGcsAU_9CdgULd932fmvqmTg_tnQBxFg94RdOHOTOHp1sAHf_VNcYQj3mH9B7EL047J3PK12koHTUxUm2H_5WDSRAneYiFtefYpIGymIXaX6g/w640-h422/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl, almost ready...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnPapg8A8GIYKOeAaaBmZBdG0nayjdqK1IhcRC94SxO9tZzm20GFYp15jHIGlhNVdNugLWLT6lGJ_zk8R0fs93_lclQNRXvjwC6LsA45tYEqyXbml0FXki6C1J8dHxLpxrZ3nitvq1lG-_PD8raFwxpiyIptTQZk8WaZfyGcP4-a6ilOthCzeZMjvPQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnPapg8A8GIYKOeAaaBmZBdG0nayjdqK1IhcRC94SxO9tZzm20GFYp15jHIGlhNVdNugLWLT6lGJ_zk8R0fs93_lclQNRXvjwC6LsA45tYEqyXbml0FXki6C1J8dHxLpxrZ3nitvq1lG-_PD8raFwxpiyIptTQZk8WaZfyGcP4-a6ilOthCzeZMjvPQ/w640-h444/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soooo coool!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9XILTpvpSIEXYVdOBM5XIL6sP6aS22IYbqvvRTwa3tT0eQ8mbvNtVOdql-A3wo-4ppG2jAKsO5Jd6WjfR9lCLDVaMMpcmc8m8NPOaa4AtI9gG1pmfEfxOPs3coX9re9ghzZJSKjFF0kF5F0h9SaNPJae1uLobdhMiIpb4QU8253JR50qRd25gTA0rQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9XILTpvpSIEXYVdOBM5XIL6sP6aS22IYbqvvRTwa3tT0eQ8mbvNtVOdql-A3wo-4ppG2jAKsO5Jd6WjfR9lCLDVaMMpcmc8m8NPOaa4AtI9gG1pmfEfxOPs3coX9re9ghzZJSKjFF0kF5F0h9SaNPJae1uLobdhMiIpb4QU8253JR50qRd25gTA0rQ/w640-h428/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two British legends, by Saint George!!!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But back to construction, let's not forget that the back door will be built open... So I need to detail the inside of this door. Thankfully there is a photo with some details showing... Time for some plastic surgery!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB51tdgROxISC0Swu_Bt7g0QW2uFjOLVwTocoaur2atb6ItkCc8HDv6MpV_NnA32NCtepAQbmD0dOhCdhNtkfMCvK4t5lgLxuhqHBOcpHXsSjuijzRBd83upe0I7sRFwCcIBhRC2Cl90-Ctqvag62oLyRPxt3UydCF3tfayURexxaoDv445UhmDHN9_g/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB51tdgROxISC0Swu_Bt7g0QW2uFjOLVwTocoaur2atb6ItkCc8HDv6MpV_NnA32NCtepAQbmD0dOhCdhNtkfMCvK4t5lgLxuhqHBOcpHXsSjuijzRBd83upe0I7sRFwCcIBhRC2Cl90-Ctqvag62oLyRPxt3UydCF3tfayURexxaoDv445UhmDHN9_g/w640-h394/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building internal details of the door: opening the outlet (or inlet...) of the air intake, <br />in a rectangular shape and a "lining"with 0.3mm thick plasticard.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUElWm6BppfyiK3bS80C2nYqUg50Yi1Dexuva8NvxXFsnxL0fZWHK4pSeAG22EGmv0p3IW58yVi6rQBfbqhXs3WgrUQkW80RG6s2bIrO_8Piv9pg91W6LiU1Da17cx92WPechdTGXwBgV-nZvnb7lWJi6uG19paQT5KE64ID6yk6mEYMSABUKyebiFg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUElWm6BppfyiK3bS80C2nYqUg50Yi1Dexuva8NvxXFsnxL0fZWHK4pSeAG22EGmv0p3IW58yVi6rQBfbqhXs3WgrUQkW80RG6s2bIrO_8Piv9pg91W6LiU1Da17cx92WPechdTGXwBgV-nZvnb7lWJi6uG19paQT5KE64ID6yk6mEYMSABUKyebiFg/w640-h376/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20064.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all this together. Notice the lock, the handle,<br />the internal filter, etc...<br />The thing turned out decent!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> While the door detail dries, we'll use a primer to prep the paint.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQMB8JUb3q39nWKIlmHqYvr_Dx4Jv4N2-evxX_jeKFtrFuo0IOWye2v41knMTU5NYxyRmeT3yIm3KWQNRTU6VKSgeOSTApTWQa0wysKb6etoUtcB1QL5Sj4mfbaKzzOE-njFYTqtYC5nzgTvnGbfhAWSy5PRQPyNGGdiTfFmF392Z6EoRbaSTxGTNlA/s1179/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1179" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQMB8JUb3q39nWKIlmHqYvr_Dx4Jv4N2-evxX_jeKFtrFuo0IOWye2v41knMTU5NYxyRmeT3yIm3KWQNRTU6VKSgeOSTApTWQa0wysKb6etoUtcB1QL5Sj4mfbaKzzOE-njFYTqtYC5nzgTvnGbfhAWSy5PRQPyNGGdiTfFmF392Z6EoRbaSTxGTNlA/w640-h440/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light gray primer...left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNH0ZtLOCFFbMP81PW9ArdAZprYMCDg3ANrF78TR18xfr1ytc43ynFOGhBDTHK8lz4O41jMEyk9c287_NT4m4BHMlbL0teJn4kq-a-YzUwjnEW3y9Z49ThbpNzxgIC6qRIHyxWvx88aQU3pQgLOZz7be2Ob16JAeBvYWX3lW6ElK62Tr5J39BDo-2RJg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNH0ZtLOCFFbMP81PW9ArdAZprYMCDg3ANrF78TR18xfr1ytc43ynFOGhBDTHK8lz4O41jMEyk9c287_NT4m4BHMlbL0teJn4kq-a-YzUwjnEW3y9Z49ThbpNzxgIC6qRIHyxWvx88aQU3pQgLOZz7be2Ob16JAeBvYWX3lW6ElK62Tr5J39BDo-2RJg/w640-h390/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light gray primer...right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSICpznDI2-ybvO_TIWnYL9fBiOxA9gfEWPM0HwTgZnEvqxV38TiUP3XfT3HdrympsprIe8Z3VKFIzFuoLzaY_PzSm2BSNUU7ZbNPA2CPJul418cM_0Njz_oA5azsPZkoK5S-DahrZlxywyubTKX91JuSge2XrmGSGrFEt1KFRf7mXeIiZTeu1RaiSQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSICpznDI2-ybvO_TIWnYL9fBiOxA9gfEWPM0HwTgZnEvqxV38TiUP3XfT3HdrympsprIe8Z3VKFIzFuoLzaY_PzSm2BSNUU7ZbNPA2CPJul418cM_0Njz_oA5azsPZkoK5S-DahrZlxywyubTKX91JuSge2XrmGSGrFEt1KFRf7mXeIiZTeu1RaiSQ/w640-h398/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20067.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light gray primer...rear view.<br />The rear door is only fitted, not glued...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Many must be asking: what about the rivets on the radio compartment and the air intake?? Well then, I'm going to use the decals of rivets in resin from the extinct Archer Decals. I use it after the primer, because the relief is not as clear as those injected in plastic and if I use the primer after applying the decals, these rivets are not very prominent, clear.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQdTGkEjqTyZk_ut7Pel5e1Vkn8TjczMzBpAfXtPtHBPsMKAwadcQr4ILtefGtL1u2WTIEH9RfV52M3EKUNHMn1IGlwWAWwGLm1djYJyNT_TPpHFSzGNFWmazlb6cZudsZvPFQIQzaJBWxTP2jv3PLy4BEQYH_qDB6pbx1UkpgbIXqffrE6CaXJ-H2A/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQdTGkEjqTyZk_ut7Pel5e1Vkn8TjczMzBpAfXtPtHBPsMKAwadcQr4ILtefGtL1u2WTIEH9RfV52M3EKUNHMn1IGlwWAWwGLm1djYJyNT_TPpHFSzGNFWmazlb6cZudsZvPFQIQzaJBWxTP2jv3PLy4BEQYH_qDB6pbx1UkpgbIXqffrE6CaXJ-H2A/w640-h398/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosie, the riveter only works after primer...<br />Notice in the open left side hatch, the lining detail that was built...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrHFyzj09T6V3cobGX6tch0y_Z4PvJ7IfjwpUa0h_8c8idxUmZ6xSEeHCYlKsVkHPSLb3xt3kQw8Gzn-85qKsA-BcBb7JzsCNZVDLeItVZBKgA4Uj0Bb-JZXRC0teLRv5p2hYU2_Jd6ZgJImVeH3AYMveIGdZHcUGxdrjPn29OIg-xtBXEwZ4kD1Qeg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrHFyzj09T6V3cobGX6tch0y_Z4PvJ7IfjwpUa0h_8c8idxUmZ6xSEeHCYlKsVkHPSLb3xt3kQw8Gzn-85qKsA-BcBb7JzsCNZVDLeItVZBKgA4Uj0Bb-JZXRC0teLRv5p2hYU2_Jd6ZgJImVeH3AYMveIGdZHcUGxdrjPn29OIg-xtBXEwZ4kD1Qeg/w640-h402/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice in the open right side hatches, the lining details that was built...<br />Too bad Archer no longer manufactures this and other gem!!! <br />Why Archer??? Why???<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuwX9YtLQRWjvdqIoeD719eL67Rou-WremrFNSxcnl5bObBbcwOLtmSmaX1BJBWBLnGWvQkpGj_QbVLxyxTPWLo4E9qYyRrWvz2dP58Fol3VJCIse-pqMSKCBSceLi1KL2CmHamT66uQ-F2yWAMu4PxeWuUrHeDm4SHZBWziADcwzFLTLgRCQ0x13Jw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJuwX9YtLQRWjvdqIoeD719eL67Rou-WremrFNSxcnl5bObBbcwOLtmSmaX1BJBWBLnGWvQkpGj_QbVLxyxTPWLo4E9qYyRrWvz2dP58Fol3VJCIse-pqMSKCBSceLi1KL2CmHamT66uQ-F2yWAMu4PxeWuUrHeDm4SHZBWziADcwzFLTLgRCQ0x13Jw/w640-h396/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rivets on radio compartment and air intake...<br />All sealed with Pledge!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcz7vBxjyCSN7IdXqv2MGI__2Wc91pknB5YV1TPexauWiPaoT8rTIpNasdUwf2jE1TT0UWPQ6PI3U-iQ2WwVvrbQ4sRU7SmV8qqNXOO73Y8M2zGYjdqq3R030dh9d_rm-psZilQhLsNXzd5axfTLlEwmz1mOzbGLbZbpzUFIWeTxVdTnCZvjBeiaisA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcz7vBxjyCSN7IdXqv2MGI__2Wc91pknB5YV1TPexauWiPaoT8rTIpNasdUwf2jE1TT0UWPQ6PI3U-iQ2WwVvrbQ4sRU7SmV8qqNXOO73Y8M2zGYjdqq3R030dh9d_rm-psZilQhLsNXzd5axfTLlEwmz1mOzbGLbZbpzUFIWeTxVdTnCZvjBeiaisA/w640-h376/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The difference in "volume" between Archer and injected rivets is clear.<br />That's why I apply them AFTER the primer.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After research about the vehicle, I made a change to the drawings in <a href="http://www.wardrawings.be/WW2/Files/Site.htm" target="_blank">War Drawings</a>, to serve as a guide for markings and colors: the Vickers Medium Mark II**, belonged to the 6th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps, was formed in Egypt in 1933. The tank appears in its latest version, without the thermal asbestos, but still with the markings intact, and would later be captured by the Germans in 1940.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1STJJvZca4OOl4U5RNGtO07tGtyFt6q6SHDNmY3jtUc6iWcpDWgPVeFcIRvQhp7Gi1yfxGafgcVURYzkJsAIMOSF4bF2AI4AeK8kVj2t9foFNSf8VKgfEO2TyV8h4uiEBaqLi1hDj4b-7wlwhIxrub7g9gIdGV9GgfB7psUazUj85b1UkOkVnus7Kg/s1400/SPECS%20COLORS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1400" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1STJJvZca4OOl4U5RNGtO07tGtyFt6q6SHDNmY3jtUc6iWcpDWgPVeFcIRvQhp7Gi1yfxGafgcVURYzkJsAIMOSF4bF2AI4AeK8kVj2t9foFNSf8VKgfEO2TyV8h4uiEBaqLi1hDj4b-7wlwhIxrub7g9gIdGV9GgfB7psUazUj85b1UkOkVnus7Kg/w640-h522/SPECS%20COLORS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> First of all, a pale cream base coat, with lighter and darker tones, on the vehicle::</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUu8nAnBVd8NL5YczJJA5o_e4-LKPf45sO79CL1iCxy_hX2U9TKgXPZbc6oxlrvENcScUXcppg9RKMWr02GFPa-8JksN5uZd5ZOa1BIYvxJI-TQFli3niJfdFrireLhmLREAEe7V5juyGVfl1kWe-J1OOAud6lrqTC0zSUGsr1_HHpOM9zbGxKFnkbw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUu8nAnBVd8NL5YczJJA5o_e4-LKPf45sO79CL1iCxy_hX2U9TKgXPZbc6oxlrvENcScUXcppg9RKMWr02GFPa-8JksN5uZd5ZOa1BIYvxJI-TQFli3niJfdFrireLhmLREAEe7V5juyGVfl1kWe-J1OOAud6lrqTC0zSUGsr1_HHpOM9zbGxKFnkbw/w640-h398/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base color with pale-cream with tones.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtw7p4jabnhEejU7FRVNniG7Vn9k16eY35OK4z7EBDFC6jlq0k2jU-uLD1dds_juA9MoqkKIZIDu_ay5Ki2KzWA2FJow10Sta87G9GHOBHeq9UHCcNN298qYdRxf7SCcm3THp6hjvrxhkPCD7yXLZITkMqdaFvFwB3KGYtr2T4MG-6FyY1Cf99wVePg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtw7p4jabnhEejU7FRVNniG7Vn9k16eY35OK4z7EBDFC6jlq0k2jU-uLD1dds_juA9MoqkKIZIDu_ay5Ki2KzWA2FJow10Sta87G9GHOBHeq9UHCcNN298qYdRxf7SCcm3THp6hjvrxhkPCD7yXLZITkMqdaFvFwB3KGYtr2T4MG-6FyY1Cf99wVePg/w640-h512/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view, with rear door glued in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8xGv-ruwVWKUFvyFFRmGnUxpA82Rcsx0BAhe3pf3vOp8RUDyGhUkchq6wcvy1-bsuKDWQcP8oxIlOKqZENxIDx5EmnQoC4sltnAjBUM3DBdz3LmaGZwMB5GnXtbkyuIt46OIMWUnecycsqaZTCj-V_B8d3qZyI-_KdVLYqORueKXTXvSR9ocVbDsng/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8xGv-ruwVWKUFvyFFRmGnUxpA82Rcsx0BAhe3pf3vOp8RUDyGhUkchq6wcvy1-bsuKDWQcP8oxIlOKqZENxIDx5EmnQoC4sltnAjBUM3DBdz3LmaGZwMB5GnXtbkyuIt46OIMWUnecycsqaZTCj-V_B8d3qZyI-_KdVLYqORueKXTXvSR9ocVbDsng/w640-h450/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view, with rear door glued in position...<br />Notice the door's details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoY-lZJCHuB8YIR0Wl0BFDYtPpwz6Zid_NsOUxOTsszPESdXBx1znbyac1lnezEnKbNs2mFPBKGmHXFY4anhB724xydn1NH52VeG6-LZoyNJkYNgMq4L5Zl92vbve7lz3gN0wiULcwPMQuyLdYcreT5ub_PCIFQftpr9AvLyw1VNYSHdrUyjr1jDeDw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoY-lZJCHuB8YIR0Wl0BFDYtPpwz6Zid_NsOUxOTsszPESdXBx1znbyac1lnezEnKbNs2mFPBKGmHXFY4anhB724xydn1NH52VeG6-LZoyNJkYNgMq4L5Zl92vbve7lz3gN0wiULcwPMQuyLdYcreT5ub_PCIFQftpr9AvLyw1VNYSHdrUyjr1jDeDw/w640-h396/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqXDD-qsNKT0r3-nZVA8kC1uP8OFJaJSw1ffzFfTuovGPow2vVbJnIOKOGhLcrE4dPX7inBiaZLTzXvAazZTrNHAN0il1lX10HwdF1D1xIiJkQ6ToJPwHfU1D0_YL64X6smC-QZY_HqUbSG1H7KCgZ0z67XJlzVkUNO_Wl9WEpHqtTRCIwHatxRcM2g/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqXDD-qsNKT0r3-nZVA8kC1uP8OFJaJSw1ffzFfTuovGPow2vVbJnIOKOGhLcrE4dPX7inBiaZLTzXvAazZTrNHAN0il1lX10HwdF1D1xIiJkQ6ToJPwHfU1D0_YL64X6smC-QZY_HqUbSG1H7KCgZ0z67XJlzVkUNO_Wl9WEpHqtTRCIwHatxRcM2g/w640-h462/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> My customer requested that the secondary armaments of the hull be installed. Here's a good option, because the Vickers are simply beautiful in this kit... and give a more bellicose touch to the set...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6x8KdM-a02Q0TmpPMK7QcaC2bnrmRZJYILoBPoFABtZPm9GOdphLL8bSolFqWnhJZnaCAYchfOCTKqm14BmM-pmw5J5jWJC9QhzAKC1slp_DWl3-tiIj-ZmLBhNjVabAVecw6H3BqAJthU9ZAO4mXsBqEoWTJ9ki90KSEmw-x77AnMa01TJdYA1yBw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6x8KdM-a02Q0TmpPMK7QcaC2bnrmRZJYILoBPoFABtZPm9GOdphLL8bSolFqWnhJZnaCAYchfOCTKqm14BmM-pmw5J5jWJC9QhzAKC1slp_DWl3-tiIj-ZmLBhNjVabAVecw6H3BqAJthU9ZAO4mXsBqEoWTJ9ki90KSEmw-x77AnMa01TJdYA1yBw/w640-h374/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20080.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl with her guns...really, she gets more dangerous!!!<br />But they will only be installed at the end of construction, to avoid accidents...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As the vehicle will be represented as if it were stationary, with the crew at rest, I will leave the upper hatches of the weapons posts half-open!! All in the name of heat!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAFGt2y9tvP6uBQGbvSOED4rhZkqDf5w_54SngQf-DXbr51U268zvRDWLS00XmxgruZWWHSJxmKfvgPSR1HjVfi7xqNyemHsQ1sIMh-ICat3wVoRJ5n-0uyhEsx7AN8lzgF4CclDa9-FPaNUH7OedHEGdFHmxgtoWGgYj9omxLXLvrAFBDgoOzi5Amg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20081.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAFGt2y9tvP6uBQGbvSOED4rhZkqDf5w_54SngQf-DXbr51U268zvRDWLS00XmxgruZWWHSJxmKfvgPSR1HjVfi7xqNyemHsQ1sIMh-ICat3wVoRJ5n-0uyhEsx7AN8lzgF4CclDa9-FPaNUH7OedHEGdFHmxgtoWGgYj9omxLXLvrAFBDgoOzi5Amg/w640-h446/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view. Notice the the upper hatch of the MG post half-open.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzitgYZlj5MZ_UjcmxC7xyvcycIWEcNv5AFTYLOu2c3gVQrnghlPqH_pC0TCLiYCCV_jsZaD-b_KSbOsziYnsXxio1ho1XvnOclVm5S9nPgqBAQMaLotdkPuXVCk5vpGqGS0bc1DDwtoV6_LKpflpvk8wPcpAhFl8Q-Y60vdaBGWSCh3VsrAEjJeXaWg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzitgYZlj5MZ_UjcmxC7xyvcycIWEcNv5AFTYLOu2c3gVQrnghlPqH_pC0TCLiYCCV_jsZaD-b_KSbOsziYnsXxio1ho1XvnOclVm5S9nPgqBAQMaLotdkPuXVCk5vpGqGS0bc1DDwtoV6_LKpflpvk8wPcpAhFl8Q-Y60vdaBGWSCh3VsrAEjJeXaWg/w640-h450/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIB99eg61K82T9_BcxrVeS_2x7ZL0NGvHSn61FA5RUExuQOLbn2R-ocHD1CIxzfHtSNQkxHexWbSA0wA0kBqursz309ltXI0oVAmNoDrbFHuK3GmcfOR4uW7k6ScngSlcBHNDX7aaj8PdEj35I5d7TLjX6-WcFua4bNFdecV7p-InuBFc3yZB_IDSlQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIB99eg61K82T9_BcxrVeS_2x7ZL0NGvHSn61FA5RUExuQOLbn2R-ocHD1CIxzfHtSNQkxHexWbSA0wA0kBqursz309ltXI0oVAmNoDrbFHuK3GmcfOR4uW7k6ScngSlcBHNDX7aaj8PdEj35I5d7TLjX6-WcFua4bNFdecV7p-InuBFc3yZB_IDSlQ/w640-h430/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view. Notice the the upper hatch of the MG post half-open.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2OgyJa9fBQ5KpQEO9PZQQ0gmnHf8OijVU1hndNav-m_a1Mqy2TQlYWrZuRHDnWoQTvZAN8omJf4ZBkeobNm1ILC4panzw0GiF2Pg-1Fs4tnf2Xf2Jj53xnfCxZr7zkjhvIRkU8f2xBiEoOvQS1pKk9cjnAVP5FXFT2u1cH6JP5VlQwe3454-JuTwPQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2OgyJa9fBQ5KpQEO9PZQQ0gmnHf8OijVU1hndNav-m_a1Mqy2TQlYWrZuRHDnWoQTvZAN8omJf4ZBkeobNm1ILC4panzw0GiF2Pg-1Fs4tnf2Xf2Jj53xnfCxZr7zkjhvIRkU8f2xBiEoOvQS1pKk9cjnAVP5FXFT2u1cH6JP5VlQwe3454-JuTwPQ/w640-h416/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red identification band, painted on the turret.<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVo98x1-GNBu57hdn1UUG3kZ0Hg_ra3qBYjb7DGDsgzsb287MyQZ54tPPs2sO_1CzgIafBs5pR80ynwUayCRxyBZZ3g3ujfjKge_FeyLXJmQ1rDM1mG9azB-IEfNlPsjNGr3sb9qS_rAGzE5D_slFyG_nmeW6Z6nfrKr8bBCNIAw1vNSgRtvvvH71pw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVo98x1-GNBu57hdn1UUG3kZ0Hg_ra3qBYjb7DGDsgzsb287MyQZ54tPPs2sO_1CzgIafBs5pR80ynwUayCRxyBZZ3g3ujfjKge_FeyLXJmQ1rDM1mG9azB-IEfNlPsjNGr3sb9qS_rAGzE5D_slFyG_nmeW6Z6nfrKr8bBCNIAw1vNSgRtvvvH71pw/w640-h396/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20086.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red identification band, painted on the turret.<br />rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj1I1H-26u65XOcL4pdE3RzI8zI7RERrNsksshXUULRdcDKyp61qG9gaX58G5r8SkJ1j3V75u0Cf3_889h8czlXXFxnA9j36qqdUn6pRULk-hAJnX5zoauMqGg9oLjzc61ik4a1jU8DlldvUReDiRKxYBivB4MDvpod3IQxBQEDbspwyxOtu5J9rPGg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj1I1H-26u65XOcL4pdE3RzI8zI7RERrNsksshXUULRdcDKyp61qG9gaX58G5r8SkJ1j3V75u0Cf3_889h8czlXXFxnA9j36qqdUn6pRULk-hAJnX5zoauMqGg9oLjzc61ik4a1jU8DlldvUReDiRKxYBivB4MDvpod3IQxBQEDbspwyxOtu5J9rPGg/w640-h342/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red identification band, painted on the turret.<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWdXEsRosyHJFxC9379_lX6_nO3OuislhAHJsA1lv_14p8KpRp2aRW44sAkFUM7TFKVw7j_UhqOlkLbuNkaDCy2G7WueTN_wqVhgLKB4WusUdTOb2F3dDbhssmqMVhIsXgYPPeVF6FC7G6gFhZxxNu9O8uKygN6KewnfM7VJiBbfKJGV4xK9w5PLPkQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWdXEsRosyHJFxC9379_lX6_nO3OuislhAHJsA1lv_14p8KpRp2aRW44sAkFUM7TFKVw7j_UhqOlkLbuNkaDCy2G7WueTN_wqVhgLKB4WusUdTOb2F3dDbhssmqMVhIsXgYPPeVF6FC7G6gFhZxxNu9O8uKygN6KewnfM7VJiBbfKJGV4xK9w5PLPkQ/w640-h388/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red identification band, painted on the turret.<br />front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPVrxLq1KQrmSRmCX4Ltno4xZWoFM88EURcw7rCAzx2fHtSBQmaM5dmmVAuQpEun_X06TTxYi3iPbMmi4akYfFwTalJ487eMVY71EhK_gkd9cpQEaymU41Vwjlk_23mBvXZxogBTuKNBxqMZp7r5c11D2cV49VhQDcbJf9oTTKXki1GXHjzR2L9SAUQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPVrxLq1KQrmSRmCX4Ltno4xZWoFM88EURcw7rCAzx2fHtSBQmaM5dmmVAuQpEun_X06TTxYi3iPbMmi4akYfFwTalJ487eMVY71EhK_gkd9cpQEaymU41Vwjlk_23mBvXZxogBTuKNBxqMZp7r5c11D2cV49VhQDcbJf9oTTKXki1GXHjzR2L9SAUQ/w640-h416/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the secondary Vickers machine guns, on the sides<br />of the hull... True badass girl!!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93J5SmR8ggTim2LPJpTGpnYGo4_m-5zXSEFRk_SB9UYfo8-dq4WiPLq3JdiY3lhwDWGamKEbR36NboBoyrhqdYs90cw3pr2EnuztktC9a1IhICpltnPeRtAvaQUyNkaXIJF4zQlY8Yy2bYPGvuFxCpxcpzi3heljNoo7-rWnpKheZwm2RWNbdWrFr_w/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93J5SmR8ggTim2LPJpTGpnYGo4_m-5zXSEFRk_SB9UYfo8-dq4WiPLq3JdiY3lhwDWGamKEbR36NboBoyrhqdYs90cw3pr2EnuztktC9a1IhICpltnPeRtAvaQUyNkaXIJF4zQlY8Yy2bYPGvuFxCpxcpzi3heljNoo7-rWnpKheZwm2RWNbdWrFr_w/w640-h426/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the secondary Vickers machine guns, on the sides<br />of the hull. right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBX6Vp9oz5WDluOoVDcAvOH8XiK2mn7YVlx21ed5R5LrzWTU6FUJTw_8wKyfj8jK--1NZYzOvfVCEXjtCFxCIf9WkKBIUHcETJGxq103Uv5azsLmfu4_AVvXDk1-WdhtCULRYLVSd9uctESAt1qwlx_Ee6d637PFHaJDTMkfwvY3r6hZzIKWnbr_I36A/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBX6Vp9oz5WDluOoVDcAvOH8XiK2mn7YVlx21ed5R5LrzWTU6FUJTw_8wKyfj8jK--1NZYzOvfVCEXjtCFxCIf9WkKBIUHcETJGxq103Uv5azsLmfu4_AVvXDk1-WdhtCULRYLVSd9uctESAt1qwlx_Ee6d637PFHaJDTMkfwvY3r6hZzIKWnbr_I36A/w640-h378/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of the machine guns...<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qgpvPdKFQnUEfQOZsEifkM1UsexEJz_Jsowcw3colbHOH4lKxyfKx0COqhXs81KrjeMjQ9jTJSkKc8Zf0_tNANOTK2F6-qpSnKL_HX_YnxIFb9Wj8gKyJVFbQFH78_ARelGgyOLieZVB8NQwNb26d4racf8af4J_3T7HHZaGouo7gdYJFh8ELGsCkA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qgpvPdKFQnUEfQOZsEifkM1UsexEJz_Jsowcw3colbHOH4lKxyfKx0COqhXs81KrjeMjQ9jTJSkKc8Zf0_tNANOTK2F6-qpSnKL_HX_YnxIFb9Wj8gKyJVFbQFH78_ARelGgyOLieZVB8NQwNb26d4racf8af4J_3T7HHZaGouo7gdYJFh8ELGsCkA/w640-h424/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of the machine guns...<br />right side<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzzN7rearz0w-FxDUyapEOgbjW20jKpzc_kJNHMmg1XnfTMqho0ASOtuQe4bXgH2UFM8y7cN7n9M-c82bjxGbMb6s7EO1rjhJWacik-BK9uS0KjBnREv34mLVqmATs7BcuSZKmmfuYci9KHLPalcOTWS3qqddoAcHB1shqwRTdLIx7o0_BV4sSSPPmg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20093.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzzN7rearz0w-FxDUyapEOgbjW20jKpzc_kJNHMmg1XnfTMqho0ASOtuQe4bXgH2UFM8y7cN7n9M-c82bjxGbMb6s7EO1rjhJWacik-BK9uS0KjBnREv34mLVqmATs7BcuSZKmmfuYci9KHLPalcOTWS3qqddoAcHB1shqwRTdLIx7o0_BV4sSSPPmg/s320/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf2a18Q7rt_IhnB4_T_j2YQ76gyBbFKMEjVoZt58wNveOe55F3pEDy6GgYBm9dGEMmpGwZmdstkYkiVUS5DvzgPS1XXFNJM3ZvqoqlDYvNR0w8kO8HNeZUdeXSU9K6NHUBSQUJe7m56FY8hFSOhAWPXBmBhsTusZ49g6yvRnms6oNppnebTzUyXxCIw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFf2a18Q7rt_IhnB4_T_j2YQ76gyBbFKMEjVoZt58wNveOe55F3pEDy6GgYBm9dGEMmpGwZmdstkYkiVUS5DvzgPS1XXFNJM3ZvqoqlDYvNR0w8kO8HNeZUdeXSU9K6NHUBSQUJe7m56FY8hFSOhAWPXBmBhsTusZ49g6yvRnms6oNppnebTzUyXxCIw/w640-h442/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks in gun-metal</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdECJlV3hwVayUGPuKwa9XepgycUEWz3wjzvWvZfGVRgjeWRn3cmU2FxnGuO-gbYUzcg1A8VmsMcCFxCIcCN2WLCBV8-SoKKWh_yp0Dc_XXd_HRvKhYPfBPzwOHC2kn4FQB5TiUp6cSS05V6a0CQdducC5aZi2d3qOnmd51CMZzyeI5V8oxrJYcEc2qg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1280" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdECJlV3hwVayUGPuKwa9XepgycUEWz3wjzvWvZfGVRgjeWRn3cmU2FxnGuO-gbYUzcg1A8VmsMcCFxCIcCN2WLCBV8-SoKKWh_yp0Dc_XXd_HRvKhYPfBPzwOHC2kn4FQB5TiUp6cSS05V6a0CQdducC5aZi2d3qOnmd51CMZzyeI5V8oxrJYcEc2qg/w640-h508/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decal made with transparent decal +laser print<br />Starting the weathering...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUou43PSpIL_skzjz4dEnvPU0D77Ktbg3etXVbQAQfFm6ys4poW8BfZyIk6KbXqYhWMiElDMI2kK6qUNq2kGV0Pow41ySuvN5nkjNzmfxSkq1PK4-C_41VlIA6Ljjldds2vUcA4b27A4fCjczs3y6nGCcP5qyuYFfjTvh9CNccwv0zVFR8jI_oI7aIw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUou43PSpIL_skzjz4dEnvPU0D77Ktbg3etXVbQAQfFm6ys4poW8BfZyIk6KbXqYhWMiElDMI2kK6qUNq2kGV0Pow41ySuvN5nkjNzmfxSkq1PK4-C_41VlIA6Ljjldds2vUcA4b27A4fCjczs3y6nGCcP5qyuYFfjTvh9CNccwv0zVFR8jI_oI7aIw/w640-h480/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7uqPpOqGPc6b3CHmKFBZp71XL9fTufvxy74hAJHC3vHoryA45HeYPs-768YHN6vDAeHyKwjocp4_R89P_Adfo3ickdWvh3-NqfloWrGxVokg8NTbv8hl3o03BoxI0NfxiNdDG-lhaAf4vrB80Z9qXwdg27MGzlbbdawENI_jkmEF3T8adsKo3dlYUA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7uqPpOqGPc6b3CHmKFBZp71XL9fTufvxy74hAJHC3vHoryA45HeYPs-768YHN6vDAeHyKwjocp4_R89P_Adfo3ickdWvh3-NqfloWrGxVokg8NTbv8hl3o03BoxI0NfxiNdDG-lhaAf4vrB80Z9qXwdg27MGzlbbdawENI_jkmEF3T8adsKo3dlYUA/w640-h408/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20097.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the markings in the front air intake</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And after a few weathering and fraying sessions, here's our Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank, belonged to the 6th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps, was formed in Egypt in 1933. The tank appears in its latest version, without the thermal asbestos, but still with the markings intact, before its capture by the Germans in early 1940.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAHi1ea9qsTqBzw2pAXgf5KipR5HPK1oxCPTubUbQw_7imqdP8wW_TmD5SO7BtECetoKzI6l9z2sNCYvUGy1Tg3YVc4VpYd_iB71upPGJFcRHXDX5nadAnuVzt5vVm7-fLiPDBPJp7QIeNanFceteRhGT7lc8F0RAeAPFYMVUhhpZxD4NZ4v-8vjHuQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAHi1ea9qsTqBzw2pAXgf5KipR5HPK1oxCPTubUbQw_7imqdP8wW_TmD5SO7BtECetoKzI6l9z2sNCYvUGy1Tg3YVc4VpYd_iB71upPGJFcRHXDX5nadAnuVzt5vVm7-fLiPDBPJp7QIeNanFceteRhGT7lc8F0RAeAPFYMVUhhpZxD4NZ4v-8vjHuQ/w640-h410/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank<br />6th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps - Egypt<br /> early 1940.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aIh5h6lyQK-1p4zSm3CjhgoNA6Zs4A4orbYR2s-iSj-ayfvXT5lE01C2SA5pLSvCZ9vwfiZKIIXtjVOGqmlZpnhw0AWd_z3DIEJvMUwO8AWK3kIECYj4k5HCVO1xsWIF0_91CVuorEvpJtDPnB37VP9zMHY1357Hk6d6Weeom1kYIX-zNoYXc5QIFw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aIh5h6lyQK-1p4zSm3CjhgoNA6Zs4A4orbYR2s-iSj-ayfvXT5lE01C2SA5pLSvCZ9vwfiZKIIXtjVOGqmlZpnhw0AWd_z3DIEJvMUwO8AWK3kIECYj4k5HCVO1xsWIF0_91CVuorEvpJtDPnB37VP9zMHY1357Hk6d6Weeom1kYIX-zNoYXc5QIFw/w640-h456/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank<br />front left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwel-eEg6IJmJuM_nrc5toiJJg8sCIMobD-x9SPBl5-ZHIKLXdMQtvv5wRuxFlo3wtDk4BZYDy806kxSxvZXsAh0jMfpsJYnKq8CNFNgBqaEvRZgZ0xtPC4UOM583R4-4WF6Fr132YfeXcHpYBQfK_XgBnDih7rwOt6aQcBVxVRtcM23MdBvDWOuGyQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPwel-eEg6IJmJuM_nrc5toiJJg8sCIMobD-x9SPBl5-ZHIKLXdMQtvv5wRuxFlo3wtDk4BZYDy806kxSxvZXsAh0jMfpsJYnKq8CNFNgBqaEvRZgZ0xtPC4UOM583R4-4WF6Fr132YfeXcHpYBQfK_XgBnDih7rwOt6aQcBVxVRtcM23MdBvDWOuGyQ/w640-h456/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front left top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bZD4Ge9f6OSvVMiVXCKmRf1KOLXYvjCVcZY-Kpjq5PmE_qmVmhmKXY31IEheVqw0dQoSjManPhorMnnNx0A_Jc_YN4_vx6Cqh2ZxJTL1TamU2P84yAw-JhvKcUimw9_A66RjYNeTj_KSiyo4mNGVJDKOX22xiJ0hbrjEImjjJK5OCweQWTZdl2yKBQ/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bZD4Ge9f6OSvVMiVXCKmRf1KOLXYvjCVcZY-Kpjq5PmE_qmVmhmKXY31IEheVqw0dQoSjManPhorMnnNx0A_Jc_YN4_vx6Cqh2ZxJTL1TamU2P84yAw-JhvKcUimw9_A66RjYNeTj_KSiyo4mNGVJDKOX22xiJ0hbrjEImjjJK5OCweQWTZdl2yKBQ/w640-h386/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUlkXwaHMHDs61sEqgRegGf3zS4HL0MARYWhs_bxgdzCoigCbd8N_kSDwnIrNWOHDLUQ3aiPBSUH9EgHiRj6LEk0f77prcPEtEclBSZH8ru7Xtk-WuZQIhd4Q07SSeG55Vuy0M_KHhn_u4DKCLljOnDlGr2I_yaEifSjYewaCRp9tbDI-hiFADecK3w/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20102.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUlkXwaHMHDs61sEqgRegGf3zS4HL0MARYWhs_bxgdzCoigCbd8N_kSDwnIrNWOHDLUQ3aiPBSUH9EgHiRj6LEk0f77prcPEtEclBSZH8ru7Xtk-WuZQIhd4Q07SSeG55Vuy0M_KHhn_u4DKCLljOnDlGr2I_yaEifSjYewaCRp9tbDI-hiFADecK3w/w640-h422/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnRGorPFC-s7kNKDaYV4kx-CT8m42noHVBZ81yWWE1nGI_70uNJU3QWZHxIV88POq99jIL-Yz7UOnCOnV9dyFkP2iHbVFUA5ksRGVCyW-gIznLzplHNjM1wQS-2nrjAe2BEwDIgTfspcDppaaYcrC888nfm6jW8dwy3wFL-qHK4WzzA8YlLcaDJ_usA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnRGorPFC-s7kNKDaYV4kx-CT8m42noHVBZ81yWWE1nGI_70uNJU3QWZHxIV88POq99jIL-Yz7UOnCOnV9dyFkP2iHbVFUA5ksRGVCyW-gIznLzplHNjM1wQS-2nrjAe2BEwDIgTfspcDppaaYcrC888nfm6jW8dwy3wFL-qHK4WzzA8YlLcaDJ_usA/w640-h424/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9RSBcrIu3AMzm3XPH8pBnVgpsO98QMrjA0M8Sho2rcLyOfwkiuCCtEf18Iuvrnawx2cAOe-64K_Fg2t3JIiba_hMlmG4mFQkQbhrw4lNo9ZAVDGqBclAypaxnHKTGhTJU-rgNzf7U5mGqQ8Hr0z7sHr8j7F6mbSMK4m7imgS7yxCyklGJJRcatUiBg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20104.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9RSBcrIu3AMzm3XPH8pBnVgpsO98QMrjA0M8Sho2rcLyOfwkiuCCtEf18Iuvrnawx2cAOe-64K_Fg2t3JIiba_hMlmG4mFQkQbhrw4lNo9ZAVDGqBclAypaxnHKTGhTJU-rgNzf7U5mGqQ8Hr0z7sHr8j7F6mbSMK4m7imgS7yxCyklGJJRcatUiBg/w640-h420/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPsg-b2n76VoISJVITtuVEHUG1go1DdNhuoKYjNP-bCB5ecIPoSVXv_-JvqEm5zG03KL7L6YP7QP3RpDsNWg9BmLeaQu76o79w84Q4mwTyZ228oSKSw4pk1lHci_UEWJ78ndcceD6vg135fexnMRkChH8YRFl5blyjnPwQGqRS2Yc6D5SXROxHODzHA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPsg-b2n76VoISJVITtuVEHUG1go1DdNhuoKYjNP-bCB5ecIPoSVXv_-JvqEm5zG03KL7L6YP7QP3RpDsNWg9BmLeaQu76o79w84Q4mwTyZ228oSKSw4pk1lHci_UEWJ78ndcceD6vg135fexnMRkChH8YRFl5blyjnPwQGqRS2Yc6D5SXROxHODzHA/w640-h432/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf12A9_8hnPsCxtTn-8E-YiAe3paRA72wKyClwctGRU-Xiojwt9Q27STnbiZXdG1GorVnqoo78ZQ_MwpooLgIaTSv-M-q6G-Rno68PhPPYxMGlfTF4SI-5uIyfHc6zWEj_ubDysSkFCTtkT8D85IYBdjqn16v7Uvo7LQ5izsed5qsjt517ezIVH9qnIA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf12A9_8hnPsCxtTn-8E-YiAe3paRA72wKyClwctGRU-Xiojwt9Q27STnbiZXdG1GorVnqoo78ZQ_MwpooLgIaTSv-M-q6G-Rno68PhPPYxMGlfTF4SI-5uIyfHc6zWEj_ubDysSkFCTtkT8D85IYBdjqn16v7Uvo7LQ5izsed5qsjt517ezIVH9qnIA/w640-h404/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz7mKZ_ds3zQiC38iLKcYTHWfU4s4_NqokLhlp2xnA4HWtYO97pK1vKLqSRVW_KW1DJYEDYc2OaIuwZAcBEKG9FHgP6Epvx3dNTs5vck7lF3IvXP_2dVP8Y-uqYpRlgkOL5Dbcv3JZBP2p2JQTFrDiVNP9OEj3rJrBQQDGnXhOZpRU5UmyYv1Yunf-A/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfz7mKZ_ds3zQiC38iLKcYTHWfU4s4_NqokLhlp2xnA4HWtYO97pK1vKLqSRVW_KW1DJYEDYc2OaIuwZAcBEKG9FHgP6Epvx3dNTs5vck7lF3IvXP_2dVP8Y-uqYpRlgkOL5Dbcv3JZBP2p2JQTFrDiVNP9OEj3rJrBQQDGnXhOZpRU5UmyYv1Yunf-A/w640-h394/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDYnyxmWAE-7CyAFPKsUA3E5pm-LYfcYOzPerK3WpWHRUkcppbNiBmb_Wbb97PI13DgbrBFDh9YBjKoiuM5Bw6povP5j7FcId01mixFbqecAX2YAkNU426a13OibDh6JpiLDAxlPe0b8EJ6ONug9VCgiKKh8MySE32Oys5DcibHUxE6SSWR-ZXruQKg/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20108.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDYnyxmWAE-7CyAFPKsUA3E5pm-LYfcYOzPerK3WpWHRUkcppbNiBmb_Wbb97PI13DgbrBFDh9YBjKoiuM5Bw6povP5j7FcId01mixFbqecAX2YAkNU426a13OibDh6JpiLDAxlPe0b8EJ6ONug9VCgiKKh8MySE32Oys5DcibHUxE6SSWR-ZXruQKg/w640-h372/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6b4eHFM13Xzxw3WYxfrp63tmhtzpMisKUkPwxzDRiCXvBLydVFXeHFnKhLcQxRrmgIcekXsUsx0gQJSVIEL_u4lUPhSQgQz7UwmFClh2tbYhPX7Z0U6vGUvQrDkktXU9iv48k18v4Yt1oz2L1uipiuiN-Ty7_V5v4whgjofLtdLM-GpyPgi-ZLnD6g/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6b4eHFM13Xzxw3WYxfrp63tmhtzpMisKUkPwxzDRiCXvBLydVFXeHFnKhLcQxRrmgIcekXsUsx0gQJSVIEL_u4lUPhSQgQz7UwmFClh2tbYhPX7Z0U6vGUvQrDkktXU9iv48k18v4Yt1oz2L1uipiuiN-Ty7_V5v4whgjofLtdLM-GpyPgi-ZLnD6g/w640-h424/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDONHgJJKuCNX4JO1710oMJP0GpZwq3GFHSeOXKEMGHDGyxh4oVlUa85rqhJxi8Xk1fF-G7hRQBR9fso5ch1oHo0Wm65udr4wPQvVgfbHJ2KHBEhHIDT6KoGtHmHdLZphRcUkfMk_W6yaKJug5ZsS8ihlRS9gBQfBhCGs3SM4UHH7XpXs9aRRcIfnTXw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20112.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDONHgJJKuCNX4JO1710oMJP0GpZwq3GFHSeOXKEMGHDGyxh4oVlUa85rqhJxi8Xk1fF-G7hRQBR9fso5ch1oHo0Wm65udr4wPQvVgfbHJ2KHBEhHIDT6KoGtHmHdLZphRcUkfMk_W6yaKJug5ZsS8ihlRS9gBQfBhCGs3SM4UHH7XpXs9aRRcIfnTXw/w640-h424/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">with Kojak and Rover, the dog!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjjnEMQe083rmNixooIjauVaMx3qmqna7iyz4uVx6R6L48pI4p5LS4j-pw5Ebtya_E5nHrSKUvvbjEQ5V4phDDxX_7CXCInqKUJRHEY50QiKOdDcWGEz1weDtHPDipz5-uwKqcyL2Zi1wX4LuhwduQP7VfKCCmbT_cOcckbC5LPs6Blv4W4l5knZd8w/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjjnEMQe083rmNixooIjauVaMx3qmqna7iyz4uVx6R6L48pI4p5LS4j-pw5Ebtya_E5nHrSKUvvbjEQ5V4phDDxX_7CXCInqKUJRHEY50QiKOdDcWGEz1weDtHPDipz5-uwKqcyL2Zi1wX4LuhwduQP7VfKCCmbT_cOcckbC5LPs6Blv4W4l5knZd8w/w640-h438/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two desert girls: Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank<br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">and </span><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Crusader%20Mk%20I%20-%20A15%20cruiser%20tank%202pdr%20gun" target="_blank">British Cruiser A15 tank Crusader Mk I - 2pdr gun</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsGzeXS9iU3bAdKzL4MRA4tF2mYwS1wR_2hBtQu0L6I1WwBnh34aNjkoTF878X5mcviwrbDcv5-zLomuG1LW2_9ptwun9YryZvsHfVe8QyzQ2Ro5_2x-Tpzy-gbTgsa5PlHORegU-thxEi_Zyd9JQGepPgkefWDG4oV2rEUgd3vjgR1wL8dIxeeNAHw/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsGzeXS9iU3bAdKzL4MRA4tF2mYwS1wR_2hBtQu0L6I1WwBnh34aNjkoTF878X5mcviwrbDcv5-zLomuG1LW2_9ptwun9YryZvsHfVe8QyzQ2Ro5_2x-Tpzy-gbTgsa5PlHORegU-thxEi_Zyd9JQGepPgkefWDG4oV2rEUgd3vjgR1wL8dIxeeNAHw/w640-h458/Vickers%20Medium%20Mk%20II%20110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium Mark II** (stars) tank<br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">6th Battalion, Royal Tank Corps - Egypt</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> early 1940.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you for following this project... </span></b></div></b><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you soon, Lads!!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0roOx05e-ub2rH60i4l9tbsiXMEGxKjl9WFZKyEetXYdJxoUj8qSuWNy-LzJafVf8AOH1n2qBlYPPrIrkmbf2xvN5dTMrSJgGgRRcW9ujK4Xw8Wd1XLORitrIelr8VfJDWLHxLMW8r7zl8mV67jNtJNmSKGkgyfHh79dqQ0hdrjp3SFR3CrWp0lIzQ/s1280/See%20you%20soon,%20boys.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe0roOx05e-ub2rH60i4l9tbsiXMEGxKjl9WFZKyEetXYdJxoUj8qSuWNy-LzJafVf8AOH1n2qBlYPPrIrkmbf2xvN5dTMrSJgGgRRcW9ujK4Xw8Wd1XLORitrIelr8VfJDWLHxLMW8r7zl8mV67jNtJNmSKGkgyfHh79dqQ0hdrjp3SFR3CrWp0lIzQ/w640-h498/See%20you%20soon,%20boys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-65530532127146593612023-04-19T18:15:00.000-03:002023-04-19T18:15:37.120-03:00 Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5 - standard trailer 5 ton. model E5 - case report<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Soldaten!!!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Today we're going to talk about a silent hero, who very quietly and almost anonymously contributed to Germany's logistics efforts in a decisive way throughout WWII. This brave and tireless worker is the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5, </i>the standard trailer 5 ton., model E5.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VlnckYw00TeWshzUT4UaRCdejiw6fX95to0_p9fH-cwfEyg4CHqqt3XUHN_aE3nqTjaU3Qz2Ne23yKlabErOeMDLdoPU9nV3PqsXLuclO2vbncCx5-OuktsxvBYYJQNWzA4gbVUYoLDu-NI5z05jgTsJfCep-xTifP0E_lgdjLbCB3_BzIIY7zzypQ/s1400/das%20werk%20box%20art%20joke2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VlnckYw00TeWshzUT4UaRCdejiw6fX95to0_p9fH-cwfEyg4CHqqt3XUHN_aE3nqTjaU3Qz2Ne23yKlabErOeMDLdoPU9nV3PqsXLuclO2vbncCx5-OuktsxvBYYJQNWzA4gbVUYoLDu-NI5z05jgTsJfCep-xTifP0E_lgdjLbCB3_BzIIY7zzypQ/w640-h426/das%20werk%20box%20art%20joke2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div><div><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <i style="font-weight: bold;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5 </i>(standard trailer 5 ton, model E5)<b><i> </i></b>was the military standard medium 2 axle trailer of the Germany throughout the WWII.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The chassis is welded from steel profiles, the floor is made of wood and the structure is made of wood and profiles. The front wall is fixed, the side and rear walls can be folded down. The maximum permissible speed of the trailer is 80 km/h. A spare wheel on the trailer floor can be lowered or picked up with a hand spindle without much work.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZsljIHRVIMUCOEk8tC7DWSpS_NVH34Rzl-FQ0x3aLxrHEAu_CY8b5rDpq84kNDl_-il8aMduDmgnXURHlkhAOXhxc8arUlOVP5pC-JdDJB057F-jKe7FoOyHKbgv-xez_1Hf0kgr8UWAnGddwcK5ADyOJTrhzHlYlLzzRNYgtO_8XY8LSMOUw2PIsA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20convoy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZsljIHRVIMUCOEk8tC7DWSpS_NVH34Rzl-FQ0x3aLxrHEAu_CY8b5rDpq84kNDl_-il8aMduDmgnXURHlkhAOXhxc8arUlOVP5pC-JdDJB057F-jKe7FoOyHKbgv-xez_1Hf0kgr8UWAnGddwcK5ADyOJTrhzHlYlLzzRNYgtO_8XY8LSMOUw2PIsA/w640-h412/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20convoy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 ton trucks pulling trailers <i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5<br /></i> loaded with furniture and boxes. These trailers were extremely versatile.<br />Russian front - 1943</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The trailer featured a payload of the 5.000 kg, with a dead weight of 2.275 kg. The cargo platform measured 4.5 meters in length and 2.1 meters in width. The sides were 60 cm tall, which could be opened by means of hinges on the sides and at the rear (the front portion was fixed). On the side walls of the trailer's cargo area, 5 metal arches could be mounted, for the installation of a canvas cover to protect the load.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMczkIPTEhP-jnZpwr_3wtZVAN4thGMSGBwRHCBzjuRcHFZqJb6ra3BaecZx9cHKzPhpx5hkAEr9jPtslz5qtVqEU00pXgEjAH1xTwwvEZ1IWiI7trqQp2A0FjH--6YgWlvUAHOu8jFVl50CxML9MNw5fx1Ydx4wkflVfHy4gjIEC_69SLUPTQnxs4Ng/s1280/trailer%20006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMczkIPTEhP-jnZpwr_3wtZVAN4thGMSGBwRHCBzjuRcHFZqJb6ra3BaecZx9cHKzPhpx5hkAEr9jPtslz5qtVqEU00pXgEjAH1xTwwvEZ1IWiI7trqQp2A0FjH--6YgWlvUAHOu8jFVl50CxML9MNw5fx1Ydx4wkflVfHy4gjIEC_69SLUPTQnxs4Ng/w640-h346/trailer%20006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">The simple and robust lines of the <i><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</b></span></i></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Notice the rear coupling system</span></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgp6OTypaW2V9IZL4vnR1Ztoa0DkLN84hsdTVJLSOHCC5shEkOUvZDVCVR7JBSDWI_MAr5j9zhTIJ4xMDi1fL6EMDj7eYTci3Lrs_YjGC5yab5Zf4qw204Q-EXP2M7p4Dr2cJfemEVUhC67a0kRE9ZOpxhKhPhWTZWte_3UtH5oY61HEGKzVMEKhPDA/s800/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20old%20pic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="800" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgp6OTypaW2V9IZL4vnR1Ztoa0DkLN84hsdTVJLSOHCC5shEkOUvZDVCVR7JBSDWI_MAr5j9zhTIJ4xMDi1fL6EMDj7eYTci3Lrs_YjGC5yab5Zf4qw204Q-EXP2M7p4Dr2cJfemEVUhC67a0kRE9ZOpxhKhPhWTZWte_3UtH5oY61HEGKzVMEKhPDA/w640-h384/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20old%20pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5 </b></span></i>with the metal arches<br />installed in the side wall supports.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmbOWht81ZbYhH5z-4neHeSsC89MYitWw8dN3EimCJmUi38Dxr1jEqeKoO2iteFhvZrJYe8qp8634sd-fHI1pEiyKUCDhPqlHg5GfWAJEMcGevrKJqc8-keXqfLySwPR_Wvmak57gF0xfKxwqpiUEaJAiP0EfnwYV6I4dv5IYr1rUH9jm9_DavhivFA/s1024/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20old%20pic2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmbOWht81ZbYhH5z-4neHeSsC89MYitWw8dN3EimCJmUi38Dxr1jEqeKoO2iteFhvZrJYe8qp8634sd-fHI1pEiyKUCDhPqlHg5GfWAJEMcGevrKJqc8-keXqfLySwPR_Wvmak57gF0xfKxwqpiUEaJAiP0EfnwYV6I4dv5IYr1rUH9jm9_DavhivFA/w640-h406/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20old%20pic2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and with the canvas installed over the arches.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The trailer was very maneuverable, thanks to the robust front axle steering system. The trailer was pulled by means of an A-frame installed in this system. The coupling system provided the movement for activating the trailer's brakes in the four double wheels. The brake system is a single-line, single-circuit compressed air brake and acts on all 4 wheels. The air reservoir was installed at the rear of the front axle steering system.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhBWd9WM6rSH0rPClwQc7tagAWBEUcRQmNKxekVz2hfPz5AmDdVK3Wd0RI5VO4TrVME68Zb4nZnRz2uFFizUzLfRD3Ng_gOczgy45kAtmN_FSaNwCq6q557ga4VMZd2mruF8DJp_t2uBasu2VYJh79ZRJW_rqMiW7PWqc1vnRb2rbzKwJwL3OsuSVbg/s1280/trailer%20007.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhBWd9WM6rSH0rPClwQc7tagAWBEUcRQmNKxekVz2hfPz5AmDdVK3Wd0RI5VO4TrVME68Zb4nZnRz2uFFizUzLfRD3Ng_gOczgy45kAtmN_FSaNwCq6q557ga4VMZd2mruF8DJp_t2uBasu2VYJh79ZRJW_rqMiW7PWqc1vnRb2rbzKwJwL3OsuSVbg/w640-h410/trailer%20007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steerable front axle of the trailer<br />with leaf spring suspension, A-frame towbar<br />and air reservoir.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The rear axle was very simple, with robust <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_spring" target="_blank">semi-elliptical springs</a> and double wheels. There were no shock absorbers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8gQPFUr4TkAciDLU8rUUfMkq3R_yREBd-s9N_jTM71-ha5ow11c0iaweL81fcB8oa0EN0riTmxmSo5uqz9k8ZDYZd6Q2r0xPhJJy8y9BkBx6ojuTWpeYfUz6vzOz3z_Dg82sqLjLBUj7sGIyh9hMIOtUlnWz5EbJCZ60G5xRhHZooDXs9jYn0MNCSw/s1280/trailer%20008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8gQPFUr4TkAciDLU8rUUfMkq3R_yREBd-s9N_jTM71-ha5ow11c0iaweL81fcB8oa0EN0riTmxmSo5uqz9k8ZDYZd6Q2r0xPhJJy8y9BkBx6ojuTWpeYfUz6vzOz3z_Dg82sqLjLBUj7sGIyh9hMIOtUlnWz5EbJCZ60G5xRhHZooDXs9jYn0MNCSw/w640-h330/trailer%20008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear axle, with leaf spring suspension.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> On the platform cargo water tanks, weapons and devices could be installed. Particularly well studied, the trailer had a coupling system fixed to the rear spar which allowed it to be coupled to another trailer, forming a composition. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRTlsldNmpR33Qa1ytDR3n4cXejcAimwwj_KcJDXOnnO4_8TFFMT8Iwx95FhYwIf0le2QVIFn7jH_YGYSbWSI-3kB12jvZvWKNCXg4SThrp0HkBxOqNTtIlC_VRKzGM322vbOpEzeZ-68X_liZ8qbHmLrC9_VwSe3ARngSJVZ66K53M9gFq9dQ06urA/s1024/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20convoy2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRTlsldNmpR33Qa1ytDR3n4cXejcAimwwj_KcJDXOnnO4_8TFFMT8Iwx95FhYwIf0le2QVIFn7jH_YGYSbWSI-3kB12jvZvWKNCXg4SThrp0HkBxOqNTtIlC_VRKzGM322vbOpEzeZ-68X_liZ8qbHmLrC9_VwSe3ARngSJVZ66K53M9gFq9dQ06urA/w640-h426/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20convoy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two trailers <i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5 </i>covered with tarpaulin<br />coupled together in a composition, pulled by a truck.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> For its simplicity, robustness and reliability, the trailer could be found on all the fronts where the Germans fought, throughout WWII.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LH2VTFd49TmggV_X7v9RPkA2z7BSuKf9IM4h3HJsKULp-c8_Zq2NU4Cy5ivOX7IJbb87LkKoJ3vJCI_dpG2rCsjtLoWAv7KfIa4A2H9GFIRXCvhTFBiNx3NLB1oteTMtCc7rlAkKHiz8GrBw-LTQ8U1ZcE_qDOFesKhUS7Bxt02lTNg2craMc7mewA/s1024/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20mud.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1024" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LH2VTFd49TmggV_X7v9RPkA2z7BSuKf9IM4h3HJsKULp-c8_Zq2NU4Cy5ivOX7IJbb87LkKoJ3vJCI_dpG2rCsjtLoWAv7KfIa4A2H9GFIRXCvhTFBiNx3NLB1oteTMtCc7rlAkKHiz8GrBw-LTQ8U1ZcE_qDOFesKhUS7Bxt02lTNg2craMc7mewA/w640-h376/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20in%20mud.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A trailer <i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5 </i>stuck up<br />to its axles in the fearsome <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasputitsa" target="_blank"><i>Rasputitsa</i></a> mud. <br />Vehicles were pushed to their limits in these conditions.<br />Russian Front.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> It was tough enough to transport many kinds of cargo, including fuel and munitions. It was used by several branches of the German army, including the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wehrmacht">Wermacht</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luftwaffe" target="_blank">Luftwaffe</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriegsmarine" target="_blank">Kriegsmarine,</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organisation_Todt" target="_blank">Organisation Todt</a>, and others. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> In the end, after the conflict ended, many of the surviving trailers were used for civilian purposes in the task of rebuilding war-torn Germany.</div></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xDJkweczjUQjFhGFDv_3jF7YWjB49u6mcWMXqgPDqsKRQHwRXZpkwRR-nDrejWUgxaFuMRf9oMNBFJxKrUQr1jxsk7Tr7tviZVzs5rOkV9iUI-WPDIeMLPdUPe8o2HVMSc3DnAs4cFqbNCJvnBqgrITUUexxmRiAGr4W0-mAJ7f6iX0nhMmj6qn6HQ/s1400/specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1400" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xDJkweczjUQjFhGFDv_3jF7YWjB49u6mcWMXqgPDqsKRQHwRXZpkwRR-nDrejWUgxaFuMRf9oMNBFJxKrUQr1jxsk7Tr7tviZVzs5rOkV9iUI-WPDIeMLPdUPe8o2HVMSc3DnAs4cFqbNCJvnBqgrITUUexxmRiAGr4W0-mAJ7f6iX0nhMmj6qn6HQ/w640-h332/specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #333333; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org"> <i>Einheitsanhänger 5 t Baumuster E 5</i> </span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">standard medium <br />5 ton. trailer</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin <br />Used by </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Nazi Germany<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wehrmacht" target="_blank">Wermacht</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luftwaffe" target="_blank">Luftwaffe,</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriegsmarine" target="_blank">Kriegsmarine,</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organisation_Todt" target="_blank">Organisation Todt</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">WWII and after</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Empty weight<br />Payload</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.275 - 2.600Kg<br />5.000Kg</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length (trailer)</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6.405mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width (trailer)</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.295mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height (trailer)<br />Length (cargo area)<br />Width (cargo area)<br />Height (cargo area)<br />Wheelbase<br />Wheel track</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1.750mm<br />4.500mm<br />2.100mm<br />600mm<br />2.940mm<br />1.735mm (front &rear)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Axes<br />Maneuverability</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2 (double wheels)<br />Steerable front axle</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension<br />Towing system<br />Brakes<br />Max. speed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Leaf springs<br />Frontal A-frame<br />Pneumatic (4 wheels)<br />80 Km/h.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I already reported in the article about the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/mercedes-benz-l4500a-schwere.html" target="_blank">Mercedes Benz L4500A AA truck</a>, this trailer was ordered to work togheter with the German armored anti-aircraft truck. The kit chosen was the excellent Das Werke <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/das-werk-dw35006-einheitsanhaenger-5t--1265381" target="_blank">Einheitsanhänger 5t</a> (#DW-35006).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8IdfVKp6UZIyRPRTswqr-J02pho7Z_-CvkL2SSybeuNRs6zT0r5mX8uk9ALYqoo2HupF4sOwwtKAvRiXuXo3uFzlZiEmikHylk3TB1aiA9UMOlTUXVlvWvaAzMDBbaVcl5glh43c3B6rHe0MUEg26_bm2C2kWc3-uR2EeSn1qVn04zZ3xXPHtrtF7A/s1280/kojak%20two%20kitys.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8IdfVKp6UZIyRPRTswqr-J02pho7Z_-CvkL2SSybeuNRs6zT0r5mX8uk9ALYqoo2HupF4sOwwtKAvRiXuXo3uFzlZiEmikHylk3TB1aiA9UMOlTUXVlvWvaAzMDBbaVcl5glh43c3B6rHe0MUEg26_bm2C2kWc3-uR2EeSn1qVn04zZ3xXPHtrtF7A/w640-h424/kojak%20two%20kitys.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak with <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/mercedes-benz-l4500a-schwere.html" target="_blank">Mercedes Benz L4500A AA</a> truck and<br />Einheitsanhänger 5t trailer</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd4f3DO1_loIjzbtF_-RzptzhPucB_xk8uaFxIkfHZWPOdfdHO7SgIW_-9yzzZETVCM30k39VyqxlohRzc0mp-RBCeoGJquiDpx7i8gapWKRsJXNAp5Wwz76cbaU9-RgmIHFZSINUpmy6TRRCKsOs5v9V1MhPbHs4oyluae5vN1cEFdLupWtNuawUsA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd4f3DO1_loIjzbtF_-RzptzhPucB_xk8uaFxIkfHZWPOdfdHO7SgIW_-9yzzZETVCM30k39VyqxlohRzc0mp-RBCeoGJquiDpx7i8gapWKRsJXNAp5Wwz76cbaU9-RgmIHFZSINUpmy6TRRCKsOs5v9V1MhPbHs4oyluae5vN1cEFdLupWtNuawUsA/w640-h418/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak ( and Rover, the dog...) with the trailer...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Well, let's, as always, start at the beginning: according to Das Werke's very well done instruction booklet, the first step is the tyres. They are made of injected styrene plastic (Hurrah!!), but with a lot of burrs and injection defects (Boooo!!). These delicate parts are extremely annoying to clean, but it is something that must be carried out with great care, as the presence of any irregularity compromises the final result of the piece.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9PW7foLuSOIipnxB4WUREqEwyF3A9u3OaqO_W-kpJbyG3sJV86-CPcBhlhFFjEXij1MBfxDk4MC8Rr6g-Xv6CYEmOcpjB8sGCNDkrF-9ioW4NmEYNJeath4nrf1Xi7mYD5mfeh2oBopxZVGkkYILSWHZoq668V_HKoLS2ntY6LbOz2atvuAtzJEmJw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9PW7foLuSOIipnxB4WUREqEwyF3A9u3OaqO_W-kpJbyG3sJV86-CPcBhlhFFjEXij1MBfxDk4MC8Rr6g-Xv6CYEmOcpjB8sGCNDkrF-9ioW4NmEYNJeath4nrf1Xi7mYD5mfeh2oBopxZVGkkYILSWHZoq668V_HKoLS2ntY6LbOz2atvuAtzJEmJw/w640-h388/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tire slices and their defects...<br />Man, cleaning these defects is very boring...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1ZuKN-HHWZdr3RGfbDeE1hTM74nZIpo8IJIqZjLQMX7_ENWFqeCtRwJziVn6jjrgvkmEKIW28TZAjV_ooV0DBixnZeWh9bv5q3E9UEfgBGLoEjyqAbBGSl_nKYeezD5GZbWoOeLXF3KU55paEEufrF0h4VLesfrcVu2p-rWl1SYBwGX1n1xl7jLbSg/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1ZuKN-HHWZdr3RGfbDeE1hTM74nZIpo8IJIqZjLQMX7_ENWFqeCtRwJziVn6jjrgvkmEKIW28TZAjV_ooV0DBixnZeWh9bv5q3E9UEfgBGLoEjyqAbBGSl_nKYeezD5GZbWoOeLXF3KU55paEEufrF0h4VLesfrcVu2p-rWl1SYBwGX1n1xl7jLbSg/w640-h480/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up view...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EbI9SgU9AC8FyhUuE5xO_If3VeszUURGq3ccd5PkzpGNi-5yKxiozZqIHqqAZxy3QGQtTkb_Qg6Lzg5C0PMssfmdExNyEslSZUgbIJXfs-EOd19EEXQfhiffdPw7T7f-4yRe5VcANz54asbhdfpEOmpiWDtn94wkFB3-pPPJsw4nXg9nRSVgUQfy-w/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EbI9SgU9AC8FyhUuE5xO_If3VeszUURGq3ccd5PkzpGNi-5yKxiozZqIHqqAZxy3QGQtTkb_Qg6Lzg5C0PMssfmdExNyEslSZUgbIJXfs-EOd19EEXQfhiffdPw7T7f-4yRe5VcANz54asbhdfpEOmpiWDtn94wkFB3-pPPJsw4nXg9nRSVgUQfy-w/w640-h350/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But once you get the hang of it, the thing slides smoothly... <br />Detail to observe that the "bulges" of the tires under<br />load are all in the same position (blue arrow)<br />Logically, the spare wheel does not have this detail (red arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16UqlhOnKYQGbcxJk1Z4JV2MSsvXI44rB8fTNiBKCWLdzwas4erC4qXb6yjrkMILnPIblkm61ZRn8MEAGbqAaY485YEXUAMMm0IkKuCsi-vIVwuCQV_tTqekNORpbn0Reik-42oBFJ6BO10PoAv146JYG-Gx_w4n-k4o476UZ4gXICA3jVtbm7OuXpQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="1280" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16UqlhOnKYQGbcxJk1Z4JV2MSsvXI44rB8fTNiBKCWLdzwas4erC4qXb6yjrkMILnPIblkm61ZRn8MEAGbqAaY485YEXUAMMm0IkKuCsi-vIVwuCQV_tTqekNORpbn0Reik-42oBFJ6BO10PoAv146JYG-Gx_w4n-k4o476UZ4gXICA3jVtbm7OuXpQ/w640-h242/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steerable device is very well injected.<br />All parts fit perfectly.<br />Notice the delicacy of the A-frame tow bar.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvlH1uMAQKM02ZIOkLX7iUAWbxKhIjrNY1WGuselC_FKNskfeoPlGHskhx6BWs6ZJMPO5a4XjjdQkk8aNI98FBlnKMrBmcta1DULBTUltkkYpVy9SV_68y7uSfaY9dpCr0JVPuNBRLEDJBDYpON6RcpKZi1KkvZ39IRNOnqGmOFHQs7g0iVxZS2OGfQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvlH1uMAQKM02ZIOkLX7iUAWbxKhIjrNY1WGuselC_FKNskfeoPlGHskhx6BWs6ZJMPO5a4XjjdQkk8aNI98FBlnKMrBmcta1DULBTUltkkYpVy9SV_68y7uSfaY9dpCr0JVPuNBRLEDJBDYpON6RcpKZi1KkvZ39IRNOnqGmOFHQs7g0iVxZS2OGfQ/w640-h344/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steerable front axle assembly is almost ready.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dqY2RXhe0UQslF2U1KWRvyK0_vQrqJIFKnvyERkVpmcZcqU9ag4t7iQ4zmi7sKtyLq-bwZ98hRm__c9-G6hgwt6F7djqicECBmc0IRY8MfG9qv8SDhucG1fN3JKlyi-rd7Uc6zQU0-77dWkohklJmEgDs30z6vxNEw3NW38furNyd1gc267IfFPKxg/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dqY2RXhe0UQslF2U1KWRvyK0_vQrqJIFKnvyERkVpmcZcqU9ag4t7iQ4zmi7sKtyLq-bwZ98hRm__c9-G6hgwt6F7djqicECBmc0IRY8MfG9qv8SDhucG1fN3JKlyi-rd7Uc6zQU0-77dWkohklJmEgDs30z6vxNEw3NW38furNyd1gc267IfFPKxg/w640-h322/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now yes, totally ready!!<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgv9sAhaF5f8FanbecaBmF6Lwt_07QWZH2_R8-OfMbvym2m0HW9ACFZo7jucVHu4ryvTMxM9YkwtUtjG9eMx2NMhEevHGo_NmD5m59g-VlxWUKW1df4wovP7E5tRkOfIlBtHCirTCfqas1u9YWUd-PNBFGtSvSSbPQlXhusEYN1_6f8c5m3bW9gtNpaQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgv9sAhaF5f8FanbecaBmF6Lwt_07QWZH2_R8-OfMbvym2m0HW9ACFZo7jucVHu4ryvTMxM9YkwtUtjG9eMx2NMhEevHGo_NmD5m59g-VlxWUKW1df4wovP7E5tRkOfIlBtHCirTCfqas1u9YWUd-PNBFGtSvSSbPQlXhusEYN1_6f8c5m3bW9gtNpaQ/w640-h318/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20012.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steerable front axle ready.<br />left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The booklet now has the rear leaf springs built on the corresponding axle. But the possibility of misalignment is very high if we do it at this stage, without any reference. I chose to build the loading platform, in order to have the spring supports in position so that we could use these structures as aligners for the suspension springs.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicflkYLysRjpNtp0g_VUh9Iwfj5kE2b_HEvDZgI0u94IQDfdFHksh9rN8UO3e0tvGpBodcQ8ufYjYpr7ziWpJG_HOCNMdLPKRsm36C3HVHgJpKfnmdKdAWe1Z9mKCY-iBKYXAflRX_TdlK8QhCtaruqftPpWBfCwowwJZYAmR15Swx8w7txmhf5OoaA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicflkYLysRjpNtp0g_VUh9Iwfj5kE2b_HEvDZgI0u94IQDfdFHksh9rN8UO3e0tvGpBodcQ8ufYjYpr7ziWpJG_HOCNMdLPKRsm36C3HVHgJpKfnmdKdAWe1Z9mKCY-iBKYXAflRX_TdlK8QhCtaruqftPpWBfCwowwJZYAmR15Swx8w7txmhf5OoaA/w640-h394/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The loading platform and rear axle...<br />The burrs on the semi-elliptical springs have not yet<br />been removed (red arrows)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwvUiOXPF8lfRI_p4F0rJcgw9J1imXT_TRboySwlY-8f3k1gmHQEGLasaqyGhTzVsggdp5RLId5T0YgTWUg-7bPS_BsirKbPJ0tsaRc_SzQ5bQmWNHS_FouUfRP4_uiBGBwdvwbdzHXpz4xwvUIQy4Y-1RZTLJ2qkLmLfeUmD25NIQaonuL71ZVCBnQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwvUiOXPF8lfRI_p4F0rJcgw9J1imXT_TRboySwlY-8f3k1gmHQEGLasaqyGhTzVsggdp5RLId5T0YgTWUg-7bPS_BsirKbPJ0tsaRc_SzQ5bQmWNHS_FouUfRP4_uiBGBwdvwbdzHXpz4xwvUIQy4Y-1RZTLJ2qkLmLfeUmD25NIQaonuL71ZVCBnQ/w640-h330/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The loading platform with the spring supports <br />glued in position (right). Notice the s</span>teerable device<br />(left) and the crank for the spare wheel (mid)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheriDjnYZLJLLrVxFPd638VrDdMATyoUnD6zG9rky9Z7Li6_-P3Bl7wu93MKbhhXmwdJHhDKTxa_YK-O4bOSq2hjAVemgsXDxELEWWkMGYHP2YuOmEgVcSL4xfI0eSm-etFxTan3KrQlFK47s3nuYi2Np2vgHvyscqs_74RvZJLzRwqO6uWgB34lJPqQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheriDjnYZLJLLrVxFPd638VrDdMATyoUnD6zG9rky9Z7Li6_-P3Bl7wu93MKbhhXmwdJHhDKTxa_YK-O4bOSq2hjAVemgsXDxELEWWkMGYHP2YuOmEgVcSL4xfI0eSm-etFxTan3KrQlFK47s3nuYi2Np2vgHvyscqs_74RvZJLzRwqO6uWgB34lJPqQ/w640-h364/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now I can install the springs and the rear axle,<br />without the danger of making a mistake...<br />Notice the rear coupling system.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSNTGhv64jozc-SgVAIWa_nzPg0BzcrxksbwK9YpqKLZN7PjZOln8tAEdUL3aqXGmuHRbaAlFVO0nJlqcIFHHixDZG37iTHGaf9KvX2H_-P0FLZYvB1LhCAzN8emHMWL1QZBnL8eYcMGohw5f-YLveI-iLl_sqxjuPMNl7dBmsc_u3n7fbtSetus6aQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSNTGhv64jozc-SgVAIWa_nzPg0BzcrxksbwK9YpqKLZN7PjZOln8tAEdUL3aqXGmuHRbaAlFVO0nJlqcIFHHixDZG37iTHGaf9KvX2H_-P0FLZYvB1LhCAzN8emHMWL1QZBnL8eYcMGohw5f-YLveI-iLl_sqxjuPMNl7dBmsc_u3n7fbtSetus6aQ/w640-h306/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A belly view of the trailer, almost complete...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHu-AhHTO5dN9u7q5klfkxSMamTqnXG3Ka8w4ggp3_RC7tYKwTqZgdwFe3PyncH6apakY774WHQghP3UhxWmU9eggcgGf93ipon79N8xsYNG-9vkBHvuZ4Wr_Dbc54gxenawfKuL5KBCazYJrVnW6zDYFUBJ1p4OH4C7YIxyJYZwndFfD6QiBuZNLKw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHu-AhHTO5dN9u7q5klfkxSMamTqnXG3Ka8w4ggp3_RC7tYKwTqZgdwFe3PyncH6apakY774WHQghP3UhxWmU9eggcgGf93ipon79N8xsYNG-9vkBHvuZ4Wr_Dbc54gxenawfKuL5KBCazYJrVnW6zDYFUBJ1p4OH4C7YIxyJYZwndFfD6QiBuZNLKw/w640-h302/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit is excellent...Everything fits perfectly and easily<br />(with the exception of the tire slices...which really sucks to build...)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJFA47UQwQIIW8WZLJPRjEuIU2eAybmCO90F8kMpuEue1hjED9JWcS_Z1b5OuYYQFg_Spg_h-l6Ct20c7_ZsKRCEAqfmKMrL3ggHXRF9w6tVo-JlH6cpjsZMS3UQJiwX7-s1RF3QJcxPNYDz79T6kpcKIfMEpqHSf_5mNPUdLH1Sa0K9gU4liGGXxkg/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJFA47UQwQIIW8WZLJPRjEuIU2eAybmCO90F8kMpuEue1hjED9JWcS_Z1b5OuYYQFg_Spg_h-l6Ct20c7_ZsKRCEAqfmKMrL3ggHXRF9w6tVo-JlH6cpjsZMS3UQJiwX7-s1RF3QJcxPNYDz79T6kpcKIfMEpqHSf_5mNPUdLH1Sa0K9gU4liGGXxkg/w640-h284/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking the alignment of the suspensions... <br />Everything perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtwa1bK7G698NUYVgCDpXiB8y5sezUvVVYKdOpL_f9DulKqoXDPz8J9xLKValjYbdN63pSQLs6-Kz9qQwUtVBen-zdfFALf3qjiAAIFdMw7IlfHxAkcc6fGO3ebr4zhcMFQ_mH3TVozvCMg4WZV1d2RpQMYDu0XF8Zqzl85f46dOoNs0v5J1IIrwg3A/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtwa1bK7G698NUYVgCDpXiB8y5sezUvVVYKdOpL_f9DulKqoXDPz8J9xLKValjYbdN63pSQLs6-Kz9qQwUtVBen-zdfFALf3qjiAAIFdMw7IlfHxAkcc6fGO3ebr4zhcMFQ_mH3TVozvCMg4WZV1d2RpQMYDu0XF8Zqzl85f46dOoNs0v5J1IIrwg3A/w640-h310/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing trailer sidewalls...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEcrO8-w1z2a_Ji_nxkquKnRWwSF8VHbeYjmvvaAPQ8sTw_JctuGfCz7zI1lXnbIe8_0YQtfmtfg_YSE6KxDdfGS8mEoWZYL6sXg7z-JZFbpffGzRBC-2BQhdlPK4dCBAL_sbfId5ANz1vm2ZU3rv9i0DIB6iDsi56pWGJex3IIoNJ-V79fma-WYi9w/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEcrO8-w1z2a_Ji_nxkquKnRWwSF8VHbeYjmvvaAPQ8sTw_JctuGfCz7zI1lXnbIe8_0YQtfmtfg_YSE6KxDdfGS8mEoWZYL6sXg7z-JZFbpffGzRBC-2BQhdlPK4dCBAL_sbfId5ANz1vm2ZU3rv9i0DIB6iDsi56pWGJex3IIoNJ-V79fma-WYi9w/w640-h358/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20021.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing trailer sidewalls...<br />left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> For the sake of aesthetics, I decided to paint the trailer in the panzer-gray late pattern, that is, with green stripes applied over the common panzer-grey. A nice contrast to the truck's striped yellow camouflage pattern. It was a common procedure among the Germans not to worry too much about camouflaging "second line" vehicles, if we can put it that way. These vehicles were usually kept in the factory colors, and in our case, the soldiers striped them with green, for conscience sake...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0pGtlYMVeuPyivkcR_ot4eVAQvMtcHjg01Iy8He3q3G0le05M6Sbw9t1jilzd0e0ayg6Fy5O6F-30tXwZqMNat3pbkXNYKBWZGIgduaM7Dl8SrUhTYoh99m4HNSVu61VCNUn4RWuABS9tvgJyxf9pIOH3UFpt5eytL_NL8DWI3IG8TEczRsEo0gHYQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20021a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0pGtlYMVeuPyivkcR_ot4eVAQvMtcHjg01Iy8He3q3G0le05M6Sbw9t1jilzd0e0ayg6Fy5O6F-30tXwZqMNat3pbkXNYKBWZGIgduaM7Dl8SrUhTYoh99m4HNSVu61VCNUn4RWuABS9tvgJyxf9pIOH3UFpt5eytL_NL8DWI3IG8TEczRsEo0gHYQ/w640-h454/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20021a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying panzer-gray as a base color.<br />Don't be scared by the bluish aspect... <br />this will be reduced with the following steps... <br />Notice the truck with white primer in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Oops...I almost forgot about the Panzerserra Color & Marking Guide. As this girl will be pulled by the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/mercedes-benz-l4500a-schwere.html" target="_blank">Mercedes Benz L4500A AA truck</a> of the 12 SS Panzer Division, nothing more normal than the trailer having the same marks of this brave Panzer Division.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NtPF5k_u1nRhBrekuiLybyrCWb38xPlt0wJdFlARcWKlaOou7v20Ux4aUf3qVsswS-aC9cjSTEH-Z91N8AEls6PxN7z0sSQEiUySYpvE8nVtqZ8bSLM0yr6347vjvEDy-k9as8S1aCBxXuJ00Hc4sLx0YyCdbFFHBZNs5jMPoDDsbeA26uidu7KVBw/s1400/Einheitsanh%C3%A4nger%205t%20specs%20colors2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1400" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NtPF5k_u1nRhBrekuiLybyrCWb38xPlt0wJdFlARcWKlaOou7v20Ux4aUf3qVsswS-aC9cjSTEH-Z91N8AEls6PxN7z0sSQEiUySYpvE8nVtqZ8bSLM0yr6347vjvEDy-k9as8S1aCBxXuJ00Hc4sLx0YyCdbFFHBZNs5jMPoDDsbeA26uidu7KVBw/w640-h350/Einheitsanh%C3%A4nger%205t%20specs%20colors2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Panzerserra Color & Marking Guide</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlSCjy6rWZzlim-6BO5EBv10Oze-8OF-DdGgY7Nnt5GVdFT5Hj8AZ-mA0j0ra54nqDMnXIP9taeqALP_y-QjTWYPa-6cbVpNUOZJ7f4s4XIuOR-FcKA76-95c3GlwAO3s0a1Nq_Aox5gQcKj5lDA4LRULTxM5HiuHhsEGP4EcRZFqvwdZvVTUZQJ9ag/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1280" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlSCjy6rWZzlim-6BO5EBv10Oze-8OF-DdGgY7Nnt5GVdFT5Hj8AZ-mA0j0ra54nqDMnXIP9taeqALP_y-QjTWYPa-6cbVpNUOZJ7f4s4XIuOR-FcKA76-95c3GlwAO3s0a1Nq_Aox5gQcKj5lDA4LRULTxM5HiuHhsEGP4EcRZFqvwdZvVTUZQJ9ag/w640-h292/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying tonal variations over panzer-gray<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0LMetLje-IPdXPyS0HkYv7sl6k62CWYzruNK0hPX5IrJ-wUt5cI6DDzwYy8y9t5cgcAODtqJMhA2KCbSvU2apcmgbt9F4EcYvVibFU0X36G9ajwUOWn-34hDufJ4bUH19QOcif1lE46U3QOe_I6JllqJb0BfpmvqlELEJ-xQMR4C6SnQPSRKGWVVZg/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0LMetLje-IPdXPyS0HkYv7sl6k62CWYzruNK0hPX5IrJ-wUt5cI6DDzwYy8y9t5cgcAODtqJMhA2KCbSvU2apcmgbt9F4EcYvVibFU0X36G9ajwUOWn-34hDufJ4bUH19QOcif1lE46U3QOe_I6JllqJb0BfpmvqlELEJ-xQMR4C6SnQPSRKGWVVZg/w640-h332/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonal variations over panzer-gray<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACSLB3VrVoFieKJi67pr6IxCe50Qm7zO-OAZOcYMxGiZ9E6O2Xr92XMxWlmHda5nGsMoWM0pfk2pZ0p4mytUMZwHqMjdAVDwjDH_G6lnSI6NtvsLqEkmdPYZYv7SIWgcbTWdCRiBY_kD2ocJKqas0ulZixBk5HeNrvI1YoNoQ_rk43JSzOHbNcCheew/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACSLB3VrVoFieKJi67pr6IxCe50Qm7zO-OAZOcYMxGiZ9E6O2Xr92XMxWlmHda5nGsMoWM0pfk2pZ0p4mytUMZwHqMjdAVDwjDH_G6lnSI6NtvsLqEkmdPYZYv7SIWgcbTWdCRiBY_kD2ocJKqas0ulZixBk5HeNrvI1YoNoQ_rk43JSzOHbNcCheew/w640-h332/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the movement of the front axle... All ok!!<br />A good trick: apply graphite powder to surface<br />in contact with your fingertip...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7sRdC8NTDXSmwZExfrb4uewR4xZjHfHGJaTJyI2lTzf1N98htffvx1gXfdta8bdVcQtQ7lRKCK4VnKc7nJl0kYWs1WgX_n0MWIfzdszwYu1xP3GMp2GX4nWmjdYWanHsdj-cQxgE5BQ06sLwmQk_AJf0gRjj6Pt4fYQuYGRw6eixBt75uGdFLl8sCA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7sRdC8NTDXSmwZExfrb4uewR4xZjHfHGJaTJyI2lTzf1N98htffvx1gXfdta8bdVcQtQ7lRKCK4VnKc7nJl0kYWs1WgX_n0MWIfzdszwYu1xP3GMp2GX4nWmjdYWanHsdj-cQxgE5BQ06sLwmQk_AJf0gRjj6Pt4fYQuYGRw6eixBt75uGdFLl8sCA/w640-h324/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting and installing the wheels in their respective locations<br /> Notice the bulging position of the tires and<br />the green stripes painted over panzer-gray.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcFFkK0Lh02i3ttZYIgL_mmtWX1Gt-Q9_8jNFy6oUFPmf7HmcAaouFU1bRUu39f1DfxrIctlAAJi5fQr42lKCOh7tDawYs4_QO9HdlrInAngy94sT5I_OpX1O3FlUfUcIDbxR5YuQnW6ei-z0fQGFyAj1bRg6eXSWJAJvGfPf75dLyLyrOrVDyheZaQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcFFkK0Lh02i3ttZYIgL_mmtWX1Gt-Q9_8jNFy6oUFPmf7HmcAaouFU1bRUu39f1DfxrIctlAAJi5fQr42lKCOh7tDawYs4_QO9HdlrInAngy94sT5I_OpX1O3FlUfUcIDbxR5YuQnW6ei-z0fQGFyAj1bRg6eXSWJAJvGfPf75dLyLyrOrVDyheZaQ/w640-h330/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing...testing...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGER4JWddnLkfBkv1HCL-JZGUoeNtxHL-116n6qFZZxZLgoObygaNJ43KsZ4Bf6PzRf1nR5YvAoedAqX1Wnjt55LAKgPMLivyvgbB8TA6mNFQdhIrRILQ12ljy4wBN52ixIZWvbYhRp1S4LwaR1eAQ2_PfZhK4E_F3gKF6Qgd__OPkhLX9-rCpEODOjw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGER4JWddnLkfBkv1HCL-JZGUoeNtxHL-116n6qFZZxZLgoObygaNJ43KsZ4Bf6PzRf1nR5YvAoedAqX1Wnjt55LAKgPMLivyvgbB8TA6mNFQdhIrRILQ12ljy4wBN52ixIZWvbYhRp1S4LwaR1eAQ2_PfZhK4E_F3gKF6Qgd__OPkhLX9-rCpEODOjw/w640-h332/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooooo cute!!<br />Panzer-gray late cammo!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJYD5mUgMDjU-kJet_YB7118t84tZW2MduS_eDFsUnV2tg5DEbUnInvv4Y2Ahr5box3X5geq0HGRJZalVVwaDeu3LopQSc6rg3c3lOXde9O8xW5gHRmx4V5ubValU1dOk3wHKBfU1VGvNWftMuUKcnoND8aj1579cvV81AesGOvgTdKfmccBjU0sc8g/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJYD5mUgMDjU-kJet_YB7118t84tZW2MduS_eDFsUnV2tg5DEbUnInvv4Y2Ahr5box3X5geq0HGRJZalVVwaDeu3LopQSc6rg3c3lOXde9O8xW5gHRmx4V5ubValU1dOk3wHKBfU1VGvNWftMuUKcnoND8aj1579cvV81AesGOvgTdKfmccBjU0sc8g/w640-h342/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailer almost ready...<br />Perfect ground alignment...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"> But an empty trailer is like pizza without mozzarella... totally bland and heretic!! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVRqkBu-AAc9MjwQEFPOD12ppDbCW1qnYHfLU6WPi5VH4Zue4_wlqRyOW-KPbjwyenS2bUPIpHfBA40ClacBeB9Or49FPO49n0s7VuJ2F9ldCIvexgY-3f-tO3NcB99rZcdbqWercmSB05-TyIZyROGFPAidhwg9G3qGsjOzlJJMcqq58tPjFxCs7dA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1280" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVRqkBu-AAc9MjwQEFPOD12ppDbCW1qnYHfLU6WPi5VH4Zue4_wlqRyOW-KPbjwyenS2bUPIpHfBA40ClacBeB9Or49FPO49n0s7VuJ2F9ldCIvexgY-3f-tO3NcB99rZcdbqWercmSB05-TyIZyROGFPAidhwg9G3qGsjOzlJJMcqq58tPjFxCs7dA/w640-h314/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heresy!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> So... let's fill this girl with some junk!!! The first thing that comes to mind is of course: FUEL DRUMS!!! And the AFV Club comes to the rescue with its <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af35266-german-20l-and-200l-fuel-drums--257738" target="_blank">German fuel drum kit (#AF35266 )</a>.</div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkEnv3OB7oXXle9Vpzd6pMgExJy2PTeZ85JE8MH_RTYqfLqcHfZhSGLjTzUSg-vYAubuEqYmBJ7WGOICKQ3FiBKHGfVJspJhtJX70a0IFBKbhwax7qCGosdYTp9if6sax4GO6K9AIec1ZqW0DDoyiCB7WT8mkgKMQVLFk_-gtaJsbVcVXjkf4MqHNFQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkEnv3OB7oXXle9Vpzd6pMgExJy2PTeZ85JE8MH_RTYqfLqcHfZhSGLjTzUSg-vYAubuEqYmBJ7WGOICKQ3FiBKHGfVJspJhtJX70a0IFBKbhwax7qCGosdYTp9if6sax4GO6K9AIec1ZqW0DDoyiCB7WT8mkgKMQVLFk_-gtaJsbVcVXjkf4MqHNFQ/w640-h384/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20029.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuel!!! The spring of society!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6u7ozjpH1PI4Pu4SDTkrjB_lvD4PzAqtQmGkqzC7Yrc5KVPljo3JH9DNXDs40r5f_AtBvw51TaUgDpa070HqUaGVlYWhNn4ICfMib3V4pWnlqECr-xKgwL3QAPdx2znuOvl_YB09nc8PSf5z8dUy5tP6QJWZIb6HmoHYqTcPkMOaBiW9N6OnjrZTXQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6u7ozjpH1PI4Pu4SDTkrjB_lvD4PzAqtQmGkqzC7Yrc5KVPljo3JH9DNXDs40r5f_AtBvw51TaUgDpa070HqUaGVlYWhNn4ICfMib3V4pWnlqECr-xKgwL3QAPdx2znuOvl_YB09nc8PSf5z8dUy5tP6QJWZIb6HmoHYqTcPkMOaBiW9N6OnjrZTXQ/w640-h410/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20030.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, of course, the Value Gear details cannot be left<br />out of this load!!! Ammo crates!!!<br />Testing placement...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But our girl has a capacity of 5 tons... So, let's put more stuff inside this trailer: how about a load covered by tarpaulin??!! Panzerserra technique of sculpted styrofoam covered with tracing-paper wetted with water + PVA glue. First, the cargo...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2s_Y_KFo8-geDFVsGoq7FLh16ZZr6hylMz3daYxmRUnhUGfhkPs5wlM6ZOetw1FFgkmPD8Q-PybklV3IVVFoKZfx6PzrvDNbwjWiz7MhJAo6QHp_l-lkh5NXxI4Hde5RR3l7NTld3_0czTzhynyVeZoX3de7Y9Tcjgb7cuTmStp0TOReKdzR1K8hTA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2s_Y_KFo8-geDFVsGoq7FLh16ZZr6hylMz3daYxmRUnhUGfhkPs5wlM6ZOetw1FFgkmPD8Q-PybklV3IVVFoKZfx6PzrvDNbwjWiz7MhJAo6QHp_l-lkh5NXxI4Hde5RR3l7NTld3_0czTzhynyVeZoX3de7Y9Tcjgb7cuTmStp0TOReKdzR1K8hTA/w640-h414/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sculpted styrofoam as cargo...<br />Testing volume and placement...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPJIuEZ8ZheKSFkyUMdUtDbYCfjfYYeLIUxJlipNGYoMyykxXM3sNAhsHHhLj4KeQgN8hpyVj1aiWqpXbo5h0hpFSX_w_0ixFtYei1z6w5JfoEqkqbmHzmxeKiSxnRx5q8YJGqsWAwUpHuCmZnzH_WMUGYwRMrimrqiYItBRxBluUl0d4baQgaRMrRQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPJIuEZ8ZheKSFkyUMdUtDbYCfjfYYeLIUxJlipNGYoMyykxXM3sNAhsHHhLj4KeQgN8hpyVj1aiWqpXbo5h0hpFSX_w_0ixFtYei1z6w5JfoEqkqbmHzmxeKiSxnRx5q8YJGqsWAwUpHuCmZnzH_WMUGYwRMrimrqiYItBRxBluUl0d4baQgaRMrRQ/w640-h430/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the canvas with tracing-paper dipped in PVA glue diluted in water... <br />Easy, fast, light and convincing...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fPhX1sqihRQNYslFQEXD2d0ihnWjCe33E1P_LxC3QB1EPoGAzS-_ZNZX2wlJEe0SB1HwlaRFtbKjoj3d94hG22n6gaAfgj5XVeGQmMdlWypKqYI4IBYRKtwsY4sb1tZQPPARd4JIElxwcT6QG4Q65rWkwqXolQIc3TZdaJ67EQDUSvpGjM4FJ9q9bw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3fPhX1sqihRQNYslFQEXD2d0ihnWjCe33E1P_LxC3QB1EPoGAzS-_ZNZX2wlJEe0SB1HwlaRFtbKjoj3d94hG22n6gaAfgj5XVeGQmMdlWypKqYI4IBYRKtwsY4sb1tZQPPARd4JIElxwcT6QG4Q65rWkwqXolQIc3TZdaJ67EQDUSvpGjM4FJ9q9bw/w640-h358/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tracing-paper (canvas) after drying, painted<br />with Khaki color and its tones...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsCjheILTd0Q7S1GjjNFumCUte7gCCw76XiANQ5Y6QUXr5WoPlsdl2KQmklyni4wZitYXbJ4tVxszBsTGcEsFsE9s4p_8D9aLGOIQ5XSOi7JBbwhpZssOnHaCG5gT41Di7gzU7vx9ranDW5m-sjK-T8tns--i6eSdmJk4XA7X82kdTkJaz5uPjOW36w/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsCjheILTd0Q7S1GjjNFumCUte7gCCw76XiANQ5Y6QUXr5WoPlsdl2KQmklyni4wZitYXbJ4tVxszBsTGcEsFsE9s4p_8D9aLGOIQ5XSOi7JBbwhpZssOnHaCG5gT41Di7gzU7vx9ranDW5m-sjK-T8tns--i6eSdmJk4XA7X82kdTkJaz5uPjOW36w/w640-h386/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tracing-paper (canvas) after drying, painted<br />with Khaki color and its tones...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK2oDAo0OakBSfc6DRKm9iD-9-t4uwjuLCzHYSety0x1L7AK7JgHQznYEo6DWA9Pi6f3CtK1NX6OmsD06dV9B5o53YkEsJp5XcwcTa5zTWyE3-pzLMDqhUL4wfzbEUvOxlfaXBOpbG0Woompr65KOsWGeQmKVksOsA5uggQFYCJiwBdmlJn96xDTQSw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK2oDAo0OakBSfc6DRKm9iD-9-t4uwjuLCzHYSety0x1L7AK7JgHQznYEo6DWA9Pi6f3CtK1NX6OmsD06dV9B5o53YkEsJp5XcwcTa5zTWyE3-pzLMDqhUL4wfzbEUvOxlfaXBOpbG0Woompr65KOsWGeQmKVksOsA5uggQFYCJiwBdmlJn96xDTQSw/w640-h354/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the load, placed all together, inside the trailer...</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Really, everything was ok and historically correct... even militarily speaking, everything was very cohesive... But as we are building scale models, the whole thing became very boring... the color tones overlap, in a tremendous monotony ...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDSntBABoqVJ13WS81OK1ar5L2rEP-8W5lqGpjUd5sTWj1fwew-GZWnJpI0Z6fH07iolltWJEmcsYhuAh_2FjLAnmyEb7rVHxa7TOZUzjWJyqJLlfTUrC00XXYBHGDuRMVaZds72kbGSl7WqZqxsS8MnmwoLdsDYSSxAxK13b96I6Hd2FGCcxxafqSQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDSntBABoqVJ13WS81OK1ar5L2rEP-8W5lqGpjUd5sTWj1fwew-GZWnJpI0Z6fH07iolltWJEmcsYhuAh_2FjLAnmyEb7rVHxa7TOZUzjWJyqJLlfTUrC00XXYBHGDuRMVaZds72kbGSl7WqZqxsS8MnmwoLdsDYSSxAxK13b96I6Hd2FGCcxxafqSQ/w640-h450/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boooooring!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> I immediately thought of gasoline drums "requested" in France...something a little more colorful, to "up" the look of the composition. And Miniart has a kit like that on the market!!! But the Devil is that it's easier to find an honest politician who finds a kit like that available out there....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3KgQjFtunyjxGnUjKTYwATZDHarbzxWluJSc0vjE9BUcqxw_4Hvz05xSyKX_gI6w7QPJVhLK7gbRx4cdPBpxBzjQYZ9fPzWC5NhhyMAAjDIDPaZcL_c2XeEdUHkt5Ano_aShnKxyuKSBKhmtz4jeI1QuIRksOG5vFkGIXe_DettzojTSjhKwFjYLPQ/s1088/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20037a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="712" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3KgQjFtunyjxGnUjKTYwATZDHarbzxWluJSc0vjE9BUcqxw_4Hvz05xSyKX_gI6w7QPJVhLK7gbRx4cdPBpxBzjQYZ9fPzWC5NhhyMAAjDIDPaZcL_c2XeEdUHkt5Ano_aShnKxyuKSBKhmtz4jeI1QuIRksOG5vFkGIXe_DettzojTSjhKwFjYLPQ/w418-h640/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20037a.JPG" width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miniart accessory kit <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/miniart-35616-petrol-station--1283766" target="_blank">French Petrol Station</a><br />(#35616).<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Man, I was already imagining these civil drums in red and blue, with the French brand AZUR on the sides, breaking the aesthetic monotony of my trailer and, unfortunately... not accessible, at least for now... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But, as the ancients said: "All roads lead to Rome!" So... let's recreate the MiniArt kit, because what really interests me are the fuel drums. And these drums are sold in the American kit, which I have. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3R72EX4xCftP4Km4WqVL85eJm4H1568NAWTz_mwe1WS16RoeVsS6InukvyJg4YnGuUnr47UYxf94UFwpPMmqSrovmorHyDNsVuiU38GHCoLBBZJdeOAVpp2lGqtAZJ2_HlUTTYX2rTN2U0HvsODgA8bzjjia89K6954BGmxUna-sZnqhzXL-3sA_VQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20037b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3R72EX4xCftP4Km4WqVL85eJm4H1568NAWTz_mwe1WS16RoeVsS6InukvyJg4YnGuUnr47UYxf94UFwpPMmqSrovmorHyDNsVuiU38GHCoLBBZJdeOAVpp2lGqtAZJ2_HlUTTYX2rTN2U0HvsODgA8bzjjia89K6954BGmxUna-sZnqhzXL-3sA_VQ/w640-h400/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20037b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have this kit in my closet...I need two fuel drums...<br />but not the decals...yet!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> All that's missing is the AZUR markings for everything to work out... and the decals I'll make on my laser printer. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfCkhvmleqIknWED3TR5T_1L_sXGx4HhJTExtX-Hs5qXcJt54hIzPhtDpjTODH37eydYtG_fc2Cnmcfwx9t-YcxfcG_6DXN4finJWh3APbiTeF2832FQgkeSERSy4WRUMqGPoKR0ahLVemHAhrl87gj8GVqLQ5DJLVW2WesKAwbDhjF4YUmXYJD12dA/s1024/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1024" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfCkhvmleqIknWED3TR5T_1L_sXGx4HhJTExtX-Hs5qXcJt54hIzPhtDpjTODH37eydYtG_fc2Cnmcfwx9t-YcxfcG_6DXN4finJWh3APbiTeF2832FQgkeSERSy4WRUMqGPoKR0ahLVemHAhrl87gj8GVqLQ5DJLVW2WesKAwbDhjF4YUmXYJD12dA/w640-h364/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After making the graphic art in Corel Draw, print some samples... <br />I liked some and others, no... I'm going to use some of the ones I approved!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7rg8mSQVIEab3fwC-FUHmXV0pEE2AdRFt2LaXwZdnyGLKAf1f0tL0IjaVJAWqk6flJRWDSbLw2EU2Uvdgvx9s2Gkc3mT8pEVlnkGwqvUrZZWNQ6P8Li3-XqBH05bVNYqvrE9mkALk_imb1R4_YG9mgoQKE9mYc1IKsF-29FzTwa65-WjTwf05JhPRw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7rg8mSQVIEab3fwC-FUHmXV0pEE2AdRFt2LaXwZdnyGLKAf1f0tL0IjaVJAWqk6flJRWDSbLw2EU2Uvdgvx9s2Gkc3mT8pEVlnkGwqvUrZZWNQ6P8Li3-XqBH05bVNYqvrE9mkALk_imb1R4_YG9mgoQKE9mYc1IKsF-29FzTwa65-WjTwf05JhPRw/w640-h350/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here are two drums: American in origin<br />but French in their final aspect....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwNW-nEUHVFS_NmjBz4xkYbydgLNv14aQBBf5X9IQXnqrOEZ7kA6FMlM7fC-Y4VtEyJjWa7B1zXyEGtU13LEOFSZBsAXNe2tyV1ojzJQxBMgumcZlCfhidP6zLXQFZH7erJcmECGAkptIY3vs-KALHimip49XuivndkVJG9Ph0N13HdizmcSXP1asLA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwNW-nEUHVFS_NmjBz4xkYbydgLNv14aQBBf5X9IQXnqrOEZ7kA6FMlM7fC-Y4VtEyJjWa7B1zXyEGtU13LEOFSZBsAXNe2tyV1ojzJQxBMgumcZlCfhidP6zLXQFZH7erJcmECGAkptIY3vs-KALHimip49XuivndkVJG9Ph0N13HdizmcSXP1asLA/w640-h346/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the fuel drums ready for transport...<br />The Germans AFV Club and French MiniArt drums. <br />Notice the cammo painted on German drums...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r26NH0X3RtPBMufF-UZmw5yxngeb6c76F70mvEbkv5yzUYV3FQQsd3TWhiN2-SdWaGLHvylP3cI1cIJSA89XCB4s-Qg2s1-sid4P2OObEZcmHEcIrHvCOmuMA7C_sPlKIUrXBNy4SwaehdsH0iR1c9BsbjiHgjBqsfb6qXiTHpuLf0XRDXJR2SPLHQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_r26NH0X3RtPBMufF-UZmw5yxngeb6c76F70mvEbkv5yzUYV3FQQsd3TWhiN2-SdWaGLHvylP3cI1cIJSA89XCB4s-Qg2s1-sid4P2OObEZcmHEcIrHvCOmuMA7C_sPlKIUrXBNy4SwaehdsH0iR1c9BsbjiHgjBqsfb6qXiTHpuLf0XRDXJR2SPLHQ/w640-h412/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And to complete the team, <a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear</a> stuff!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxrZThc9ZhIdRUIdJIM_b1WmUsIylDobsWwKashTDENSf4DRhrunCC-4HGxAV12KAfClGS8OXIkRxyxZV6DaGjMKZfaAErnMdE-Uu30v6xiYckmWcbJpqWJzIslsMHxTmRvuSFVj9SZHew0Kh4T6iNIBjMYJUgrCFYokWnN6XG1XIbiUJ3aF1cRQy7w/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxrZThc9ZhIdRUIdJIM_b1WmUsIylDobsWwKashTDENSf4DRhrunCC-4HGxAV12KAfClGS8OXIkRxyxZV6DaGjMKZfaAErnMdE-Uu30v6xiYckmWcbJpqWJzIslsMHxTmRvuSFVj9SZHew0Kh4T6iNIBjMYJUgrCFYokWnN6XG1XIbiUJ3aF1cRQy7w/w640-h466/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice how the drums gave a different touch to the load...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaTh_64294BQpNMnm-4Ps21z--K_s0dyWyygkPxrscmICWtWLqFd84XlNYHRPbuzvBAbGTONguo3-9urz-c6GhNCwRr85eqYX_Xs86MecNpNwTpB9ek1n5KSrL7NlRkh5hySmASOE03vEleFKjcU44ujYXZI_HGy7x-XK6F03JY5yNL-ICtk3snZm0A/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaTh_64294BQpNMnm-4Ps21z--K_s0dyWyygkPxrscmICWtWLqFd84XlNYHRPbuzvBAbGTONguo3-9urz-c6GhNCwRr85eqYX_Xs86MecNpNwTpB9ek1n5KSrL7NlRkh5hySmASOE03vEleFKjcU44ujYXZI_HGy7x-XK6F03JY5yNL-ICtk3snZm0A/w640-h476/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least it wasn't so monotonous...<br />And most importantly: Historically accurate!!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> And to complete the fuel-kit, we're going to use one more detail from the AFV Club German drum kit: the manual fuel pump. As a fuel hose, I used insulation from a thin electrical wire. I removed the thin inner wires and replaced it with a single copper wire. This wire will work as a skeleton, allowing the hose to be positioned over the load. See the pic below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBIFqEXLEvxiubABvkb11Fg2B94CdtCFuSaAJmvRo-xel340PH02CnnBSBC2EYTWnqbFNboLrgYifH736DsLqhIHhs5m6sNhHkX7J1N7_TrkYMjVeQnsZsjacP0ttpIJEs5n05udBt2guwUr1uVUgHB-wd9D9WpZ1j6zp-DQjJCAp57CpAW-7ryG5Nw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBIFqEXLEvxiubABvkb11Fg2B94CdtCFuSaAJmvRo-xel340PH02CnnBSBC2EYTWnqbFNboLrgYifH736DsLqhIHhs5m6sNhHkX7J1N7_TrkYMjVeQnsZsjacP0ttpIJEs5n05udBt2guwUr1uVUgHB-wd9D9WpZ1j6zp-DQjJCAp57CpAW-7ryG5Nw/w640-h384/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the hand pump and fuel hose...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2oyIBE0FSFIZ5ROUeuQKP6VvUIvaeDLOKFixzwQVLpIUFKR-uNp8rysaEWHlhcOW4OqGJoTAKTCYGkNHlUJ2WornsPu2VDQVVjbx2Ule4SMIb3w5FSTZNIkd__Robx4qjVLqKePP10TsFVi14d1ZreNTT8cn2fGgfrAKMXG-Z4sEfB8dtVsAAmchuw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2oyIBE0FSFIZ5ROUeuQKP6VvUIvaeDLOKFixzwQVLpIUFKR-uNp8rysaEWHlhcOW4OqGJoTAKTCYGkNHlUJ2WornsPu2VDQVVjbx2Ule4SMIb3w5FSTZNIkd__Robx4qjVLqKePP10TsFVi14d1ZreNTT8cn2fGgfrAKMXG-Z4sEfB8dtVsAAmchuw/w640-h340/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final result of inserting the detail...<br />Notice that I already applied the decals...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XzxHo8ELOKG2tSn0KXkshU8iorddg8E-9dAoGk15SO03YRJDMEyR0WWVstecWPgZqdIuRIGyV99mENx9iOtCZRmaJWuazYfeJblqq4kCcVgPBpFlqlLSfEedkq3Yz0Gc9u-69N1F-x3JmSv_ZTQRWUlLgN-aTtBr_2UNrpnlsTzJvS66fiR7cHMyiQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XzxHo8ELOKG2tSn0KXkshU8iorddg8E-9dAoGk15SO03YRJDMEyR0WWVstecWPgZqdIuRIGyV99mENx9iOtCZRmaJWuazYfeJblqq4kCcVgPBpFlqlLSfEedkq3Yz0Gc9u-69N1F-x3JmSv_ZTQRWUlLgN-aTtBr_2UNrpnlsTzJvS66fiR7cHMyiQ/w640-h406/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The copper wire skeleton allows me to position the hose over <br />the load, simulating its weight and the action of gravity. <br />Modeling is also Physics!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSaJT9SQSZvM678XKB4ZuL5nUjtH2fH7EGXh5yfXP7c4UBnhs4JJQGT9cB_LNjCmMAzEZnuXBO8NHwq3jdvdFwBhotfPfcITtQwDxELJZlgdaLpmT-NRa-a2yliGHfF6GFnilNNsQgvQ7LA1IQPFegIaPLk0z3vfh7yKuDg4i06flpdAKZh797NBFuw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSaJT9SQSZvM678XKB4ZuL5nUjtH2fH7EGXh5yfXP7c4UBnhs4JJQGT9cB_LNjCmMAzEZnuXBO8NHwq3jdvdFwBhotfPfcITtQwDxELJZlgdaLpmT-NRa-a2yliGHfF6GFnilNNsQgvQ7LA1IQPFegIaPLk0z3vfh7yKuDg4i06flpdAKZh797NBFuw/w640-h320/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fuel pump gave a really charming detail to the whole thing!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpILMFRTVu3AAwexAGFOAzP9p-QXi6o7tINccIxxh0-A5CDxsYk0bWNDSDyHqbVeL3AR2r71A7oDHdTeGneAW1rMsAugAxzheV78KqLpUBFmjFUBlN-IyY90mPz85QB-RJKjoROFhUjvLKCVUWgbsNHhk31TgYcu1H9IT1WIf36Yz5icCyPrWZI4bxsA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpILMFRTVu3AAwexAGFOAzP9p-QXi6o7tINccIxxh0-A5CDxsYk0bWNDSDyHqbVeL3AR2r71A7oDHdTeGneAW1rMsAugAxzheV78KqLpUBFmjFUBlN-IyY90mPz85QB-RJKjoROFhUjvLKCVUWgbsNHhk31TgYcu1H9IT1WIf36Yz5icCyPrWZI4bxsA/w640-h432/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The load became more colorful, without being exaggerated... <br />Aesthetics is something to be sought and improved...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksNfQpat7-kISl06c_T-mIktKVUiieLkoeR4mJrapymOYBx99VevGBrfysCgL4Yd-VZ61TmhqBiFTBe6gVJaxPTa1jNVj6eE3iUYMaLIBs0GZPUfZxvKh067nSSDm4qFEA7Gs88dyPgly-zW0otvHYRvdSU4nI1W0GZDcxJbnykr2_b7EjgnDI-EQEQ/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksNfQpat7-kISl06c_T-mIktKVUiieLkoeR4mJrapymOYBx99VevGBrfysCgL4Yd-VZ61TmhqBiFTBe6gVJaxPTa1jNVj6eE3iUYMaLIBs0GZPUfZxvKh067nSSDm4qFEA7Gs88dyPgly-zW0otvHYRvdSU4nI1W0GZDcxJbnykr2_b7EjgnDI-EQEQ/w640-h412/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked the end result!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And a preview of the end of the project:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO83cN8JjRhms5wUctrDgnVPYQziSMKzCuf6XHTjBCfCoqa-O5GkJROLhuMzMoqfkR7RC4plhGUCBtgj8cYtfsIREGljxX5xz0-T38ZblQ88V0JbDROi-94cLfuWcpx4Wev7jH7yLCMNQIxb7f7RrTcm81pT838l8KbDlyQUCdRw8tlAzd5D1MChpalA/s1280/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1280" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO83cN8JjRhms5wUctrDgnVPYQziSMKzCuf6XHTjBCfCoqa-O5GkJROLhuMzMoqfkR7RC4plhGUCBtgj8cYtfsIREGljxX5xz0-T38ZblQ88V0JbDROi-94cLfuWcpx4Wev7jH7yLCMNQIxb7f7RrTcm81pT838l8KbDlyQUCdRw8tlAzd5D1MChpalA/w640-h292/001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mercedes and the trailer, side by side...<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ti%C3%A3o_Macal%C3%A9_(comedian)" target="_blank">Tião Macalé</a> is happy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And after a light dirt treatment, I call this girl ready!! Behold the <i><b>Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</b></i> (standard trailer 5 ton. model E5) number 2, providing services with <b><i>SS FlaK Abteilung 12</i></b>, in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_SS_Panzer_Division_Hitlerjugend"><b><i>12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend</i></b></a>, in the critical times of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord">Overlord Operation</a>, Normandy, France, in June 1944.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzWnrLiKJKIpoDSMH4hjkAfJ4mTIM5Kl2SYHQVPS0OQq8CN2Fn0xeJdGo_rik9urJMowe2_ZrxO2Gfbm36PktOv4YrwNE9G8xk8YJNzuziHLo2OeT_DfSzTtxR8X9ynjHOyYFJB4qB4xNA6y23ZF9AezFgY6kBvtNgwFx3FnggXOL3CZd-kNhc2GqTg/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzWnrLiKJKIpoDSMH4hjkAfJ4mTIM5Kl2SYHQVPS0OQq8CN2Fn0xeJdGo_rik9urJMowe2_ZrxO2Gfbm36PktOv4YrwNE9G8xk8YJNzuziHLo2OeT_DfSzTtxR8X9ynjHOyYFJB4qB4xNA6y23ZF9AezFgY6kBvtNgwFx3FnggXOL3CZd-kNhc2GqTg/w640-h406/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i> (</span><span style="text-align: justify;">no.2)<br />(standard trailer 5 ton. model E5)<br /> </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>SS FlaK Abteilung 12 -</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_SS_Panzer_Division_Hitlerjugend" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend</i></b></a><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Normandy, France - June 1944.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYGD9XzVnO0KTlHW1NMcla3Gm3KytgD2Fu7zKIu0IUtf0EO6YnNfCSyFrgJwr-NIx9ggSfh5YpGnstxrHQcxYwxgfGPuZXm9jjJ9Dm33YpEwn0fwDEZQheM5sQH9GRljDZFzxv8qOhQLYjDYnvoN8c6ELqks5L47XRQnlo03Kv6O3XKY-opLlKb285A/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYGD9XzVnO0KTlHW1NMcla3Gm3KytgD2Fu7zKIu0IUtf0EO6YnNfCSyFrgJwr-NIx9ggSfh5YpGnstxrHQcxYwxgfGPuZXm9jjJ9Dm33YpEwn0fwDEZQheM5sQH9GRljDZFzxv8qOhQLYjDYnvoN8c6ELqks5L47XRQnlo03Kv6O3XKY-opLlKb285A/w640-h298/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i><br />left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW04wPNQEGMHjvw4mbWq9blw8sq3Lym0aP0RpmJXbONey6CFas7rMWYGDOiotWB3kgxDgfCnlp9VzeDkwAB0JSzOCZu-6hZjCL1o1-qBcDA93cNZdh-96uBkHj17ZZQCI27kqWuvTqXU-qXGN2Bvs6dWf1CI-ZabJ_iaJPaiQdqbFsOu0q1jWsDPMEZA/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW04wPNQEGMHjvw4mbWq9blw8sq3Lym0aP0RpmJXbONey6CFas7rMWYGDOiotWB3kgxDgfCnlp9VzeDkwAB0JSzOCZu-6hZjCL1o1-qBcDA93cNZdh-96uBkHj17ZZQCI27kqWuvTqXU-qXGN2Bvs6dWf1CI-ZabJ_iaJPaiQdqbFsOu0q1jWsDPMEZA/w640-h386/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMJcc7MwCYr3qsYTgzis0FawNShQiMRu023uQf7zzpXYqNNZJKBz1IBQ7uJQS4G87LVpk1i3mkWCWlg_efgwnWUYum9zGu5TTFZySxEVG_l1ngZTbMgN7Zlo9VSVyq3UCGsvt3JZ83tbrePMVi0EuHlT0YkWymi7gVk_mg04kYlk9gJtVK5ikhPB8ng/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMJcc7MwCYr3qsYTgzis0FawNShQiMRu023uQf7zzpXYqNNZJKBz1IBQ7uJQS4G87LVpk1i3mkWCWlg_efgwnWUYum9zGu5TTFZySxEVG_l1ngZTbMgN7Zlo9VSVyq3UCGsvt3JZ83tbrePMVi0EuHlT0YkWymi7gVk_mg04kYlk9gJtVK5ikhPB8ng/w640-h430/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">up left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBpnWhPDDsYW2DfBlR8DaGnUO8WpGtnCUq3xefn39i5t9p_aq2eMYBZn3x-iZdK7O-FL4-nDJiMX3a6O--FaYrOnRPimeVn7lksUl_3nlNdSWETAoST2YKjo-lMGwMn7XNWyue4VveAs0nwHiZTRx6wdYVxWbUFEBR77pPr4vC-yGo677k8cgTvjB5g/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBpnWhPDDsYW2DfBlR8DaGnUO8WpGtnCUq3xefn39i5t9p_aq2eMYBZn3x-iZdK7O-FL4-nDJiMX3a6O--FaYrOnRPimeVn7lksUl_3nlNdSWETAoST2YKjo-lMGwMn7XNWyue4VveAs0nwHiZTRx6wdYVxWbUFEBR77pPr4vC-yGo677k8cgTvjB5g/w640-h454/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">up right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3cdl4FAaaQpmdO4oDI3mFnP4DgOU30PYjb34PGTd-uMIg3hT9WF95G4MbyYmCamKdGzZ_VVYvaYBkV5Or4uEijrAtlKl-O_8mj5o5uRasOzbgPYZZy5QMV7QCH0LbgNUjLJlCZFuLVOv3cKopT8gFsrW_kucrr8G7zqWuc1DCahoqWwNXL41enAsOg/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1280" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3cdl4FAaaQpmdO4oDI3mFnP4DgOU30PYjb34PGTd-uMIg3hT9WF95G4MbyYmCamKdGzZ_VVYvaYBkV5Or4uEijrAtlKl-O_8mj5o5uRasOzbgPYZZy5QMV7QCH0LbgNUjLJlCZFuLVOv3cKopT8gFsrW_kucrr8G7zqWuc1DCahoqWwNXL41enAsOg/w640-h506/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">up rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9J2dXy84s7QBUuPC4CNbB98svQqWslFn53vx_obJP1_hRZeiaSpZJb3Ohpe9FVNuHJNcK9AVVs1ksPTRqJp02t8qXKNBrrDg0_89sp9e5Uy1oS2T6C0l38368uG9wkL791glkv0Or5CWvbci4_xdTgL1QGSlMq84RNyprNhVf-ATJLdOAG0SrC6h1w/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9J2dXy84s7QBUuPC4CNbB98svQqWslFn53vx_obJP1_hRZeiaSpZJb3Ohpe9FVNuHJNcK9AVVs1ksPTRqJp02t8qXKNBrrDg0_89sp9e5Uy1oS2T6C0l38368uG9wkL791glkv0Or5CWvbci4_xdTgL1QGSlMq84RNyprNhVf-ATJLdOAG0SrC6h1w/w640-h310/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUPE0ilVTzRJf6-DwRQMYJxB87gwKRnAMO8mUOfytVo1RBgWN9faPXR4SLfB0AaXNGKbML5u21t3kzbAsjlkY4l42fgpakwzrJkgsne2D4_oxdQ_pJ-QDh3ER3Rgl5RHyJHVVSots0hdj2G1X9r_STOePluJoFN4WePeVqzRtCgCQHV5Q8m9PIEiTcg/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUPE0ilVTzRJf6-DwRQMYJxB87gwKRnAMO8mUOfytVo1RBgWN9faPXR4SLfB0AaXNGKbML5u21t3kzbAsjlkY4l42fgpakwzrJkgsne2D4_oxdQ_pJ-QDh3ER3Rgl5RHyJHVVSots0hdj2G1X9r_STOePluJoFN4WePeVqzRtCgCQHV5Q8m9PIEiTcg/w640-h380/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ciXCthdEle7Hysb248IHnIrtFxnLEIrfaj7E3haAYCKjJ9DKBy6rMc9jnyV_pS-23Woj8PyDA5Di_NM041uIrROb2lN6hFJFFvlMBfCDApGJ43RcVb1RKGa6aH8G6QfZ1aQLQSov9TbjfgfE10LnBybfwZ9CxkCqVnhb9TzFO6CdlVzLAk-FocPvTQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ciXCthdEle7Hysb248IHnIrtFxnLEIrfaj7E3haAYCKjJ9DKBy6rMc9jnyV_pS-23Woj8PyDA5Di_NM041uIrROb2lN6hFJFFvlMBfCDApGJ43RcVb1RKGa6aH8G6QfZ1aQLQSov9TbjfgfE10LnBybfwZ9CxkCqVnhb9TzFO6CdlVzLAk-FocPvTQ/w640-h358/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/mercedes-benz-l4500a-schwere.html" target="_blank"><i>Mercedes Benz L4500A Schwere Geländegängiger<br />Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i></a> and<br /><i style="text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA68vpd97JxrrxDEIUFgKDNJmz-OvATz5xSxskcF143kxHG9ip-gpEkNjVOU0IIfhUoOzWsaLFP1D0s9K4TV243ERIwUA_DmRcwQlFlV3pCz4-wcIBd18OwFM6qNSQahMKWzskiPH2X2Cap1fy8UBS6t91Xydteio9tzCddxeUo0pG4jqXk8wfZH-FA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="1280" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA68vpd97JxrrxDEIUFgKDNJmz-OvATz5xSxskcF143kxHG9ip-gpEkNjVOU0IIfhUoOzWsaLFP1D0s9K4TV243ERIwUA_DmRcwQlFlV3pCz4-wcIBd18OwFM6qNSQahMKWzskiPH2X2Cap1fy8UBS6t91Xydteio9tzCddxeUo0pG4jqXk8wfZH-FA/w640-h242/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20137.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/mercedes-benz-l4500a-schwere.html" target="_blank">Mercedes Benz L4500A<i> Schwere Geländegängiger<br />Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i></a> towing the<br /><i style="text-align: justify;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHKSvgdMAIBkubA8NySuLa2bcSXL2RQvOnaYgllR29sva9ad-24cRDssN_7ugRknkI6jnc6AquFenOy_B1GhIIuQIwJp-lHpxcfzP-izVHcN62GG0gzxPLxTAcwEnME_ikUadwR5CreeEwahJVIxWS7zyNFddDnaacMnYiGJyxgakaty0chNxwOyohA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHKSvgdMAIBkubA8NySuLa2bcSXL2RQvOnaYgllR29sva9ad-24cRDssN_7ugRknkI6jnc6AquFenOy_B1GhIIuQIwJp-lHpxcfzP-izVHcN62GG0gzxPLxTAcwEnME_ikUadwR5CreeEwahJVIxWS7zyNFddDnaacMnYiGJyxgakaty0chNxwOyohA/w640-h240/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/mercedes-benz-l4500a-schwere.html" target="_blank">Mercedes Benz L4500A<i> Schwere Geländegängiger<br />Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i></a> towing the<br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i><br />with Kojak and Rover, the dog.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzNpym6bsBWQiafrxatENnHSnhX-MALlp5bSY0K0uCXw7WOryMTtuFnqif8lOja7Y3WhCdqQUxHMdRozxXsgRFavyU_s5jC6r0KtfdT6L0qeME4oFd_x4Fi_qGUYvCQwbfbmiAPReclmZoukCoVpxjQsyuHT3p_W5rw7JucYzDgufL0jtmgIRnCNB0A/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzNpym6bsBWQiafrxatENnHSnhX-MALlp5bSY0K0uCXw7WOryMTtuFnqif8lOja7Y3WhCdqQUxHMdRozxXsgRFavyU_s5jC6r0KtfdT6L0qeME4oFd_x4Fi_qGUYvCQwbfbmiAPReclmZoukCoVpxjQsyuHT3p_W5rw7JucYzDgufL0jtmgIRnCNB0A/w640-h310/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</b><br />with Kojak and Rover, the dog.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G5qMGR8p-2yN3DCIfJpDRZ-chwplFBEu2AacZ7MS1_Ity6R6kNTHn3AP4Od98alqATdBTKiOMHQN3hnB5tLuY3W-oZiyTM_Evo8PSEHvGO-173BFIFIO5B9d8lDUohkYF1us2BNDaHSUyg6_xwsE-HV6wHYDvwfFnCMEYuN3h7U2j5sDnzpZKq9Hrw/s1280/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8G5qMGR8p-2yN3DCIfJpDRZ-chwplFBEu2AacZ7MS1_Ity6R6kNTHn3AP4Od98alqATdBTKiOMHQN3hnB5tLuY3W-oZiyTM_Evo8PSEHvGO-173BFIFIO5B9d8lDUohkYF1us2BNDaHSUyg6_xwsE-HV6wHYDvwfFnCMEYuN3h7U2j5sDnzpZKq9Hrw/w640-h336/Einheitsanhanger%205t%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</i> (</span><span style="text-align: justify;">no.2)<br />(standard trailer 5 ton. model E5)<br /> </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>SS FlaK Abteilung 12 -</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_SS_Panzer_Division_Hitlerjugend" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend</i></b></a><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Normandy, France - June 1944.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you for following all the steps!!!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you soon!!</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-34964032884321172802023-04-09T08:42:00.011-03:002023-04-19T19:12:38.937-03:00Mercedes-Benz L4500A Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37 - case report - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Soldaten der Flakgeschütze!!</span></i></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> When planes dominate the skies, ground operations are riskier and more costly. To allow air cover over the theater of operations, many nations developed various weapons and doctrines during World War II. And the Germans, who based their feared Blitzkrieg on the punctual action of air support, knew very well how effective bombers and fighter-bombers were... And how they "invented" the disease, nothing more logical that they worried about the cure. And light, self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery has always been extensively used by the Germans. Today we are going to see a low-cost but highly effective vehicle, developed within this doctrine. Today we are going to meet the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37 </i>(Heavy all-terrain truck 4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A as anti-aircraft vehicle for 3.7cm FlaK 36/37.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbBPImIke78inh6gbUhLhs1aV79x78hDLjDRu0LPRch_q7exFA-ip2Qp1hBW9IGzeHB8ZUBF4cJGr2QCaEoCUwpO6o2ZhPx1Lbfuc5ZYmeNaAYKrvVisEMCFAISO0DAnAii_pFzZiW7_whNudWHZ6e-isxzl61J2eEjl5BoAP_73ZtjAxZCOI7aCsnw/s1280/L4500%20flak%2037mm%20joke%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbBPImIke78inh6gbUhLhs1aV79x78hDLjDRu0LPRch_q7exFA-ip2Qp1hBW9IGzeHB8ZUBF4cJGr2QCaEoCUwpO6o2ZhPx1Lbfuc5ZYmeNaAYKrvVisEMCFAISO0DAnAii_pFzZiW7_whNudWHZ6e-isxzl61J2eEjl5BoAP_73ZtjAxZCOI7aCsnw/w640-h430/L4500%20flak%2037mm%20joke%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNXxXDnGAW5DGAnRPBnj1nn9K_giNeRk9a1DqFqT48TGSlYL7Cxh3MwWAVG_2pe6NJq9YA9AcZzjiENfwaHpKhbzm2Ksv36vKtoS2Ev5Gu00gEopWiYBI-oEF2Z9iT09bSy3SMK6dITVuqkWqG9E70zUmy7BEGhcMXBSpPYz2smDvAEFu6Pb9T0ar4g/s1302/Mercedes%20L4500A%20with%20a%203.7cm%20Flak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1302" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNXxXDnGAW5DGAnRPBnj1nn9K_giNeRk9a1DqFqT48TGSlYL7Cxh3MwWAVG_2pe6NJq9YA9AcZzjiENfwaHpKhbzm2Ksv36vKtoS2Ev5Gu00gEopWiYBI-oEF2Z9iT09bSy3SMK6dITVuqkWqG9E70zUmy7BEGhcMXBSpPYz2smDvAEFu6Pb9T0ar4g/w640-h348/Mercedes%20L4500A%20with%20a%203.7cm%20Flak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen <br />4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A<br />als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b>.</i></span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> The vertiginous development of aviation and the observation of the effectiveness of the plane as a weapon during WWI, propelled a technological race in the period between World War I and World War II, as it became increasingly evident that the corresponding development of material was necessary. and AA tactics to combat and neutralize this new and effective threat. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ0J5Ty3ddY72DL4PchuoGDvXsMxcP6zJ-BVW5NQTqVJx-BQuVmcokqXhoUxDW2UQNt5GA2XTvtFJ-HtmGVGRtbRuTfGYXsG8RHvxIwshwHs_nk1fQzxFncnFFl4ecosgmo-ULZ3c5UvD-gBLthkch2o68NV7gSINRqN9L1xLfsERNCYpiEAUgC7Ycg/s1280/Handley%20Page%20bomber%20Langley,%20built%20in%20US%20by%20Standard%20Aircraft-%206%20july%201918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ0J5Ty3ddY72DL4PchuoGDvXsMxcP6zJ-BVW5NQTqVJx-BQuVmcokqXhoUxDW2UQNt5GA2XTvtFJ-HtmGVGRtbRuTfGYXsG8RHvxIwshwHs_nk1fQzxFncnFFl4ecosgmo-ULZ3c5UvD-gBLthkch2o68NV7gSINRqN9L1xLfsERNCYpiEAUgC7Ycg/w640-h300/Handley%20Page%20bomber%20Langley,%20built%20in%20US%20by%20Standard%20Aircraft-%206%20july%201918.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dawn of a new threat: the bomber plane<br />Handley Page 0-400 bomber, built in US by<br />Standard Aircraft- 6 july 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><div> Although after WWI the Germans were very limited militarily, by virtue of Treaties, they carried out extensive research and testing to develop new AA equipment. In parallel to this, the mechanization of the Armies, with the replacement of animal traction by trucks, added one more factor to this immense puzzle that was the reconstruction of the armed forces in face of the modern armaments of the time. Under the circumstances, it was only logical that some experimentation should take place with the aim of designing a weapon that could be used against aircraft or mechanized ground vehicles and that would be carried, not dragged, to the front. And, with that in mind, engineers began to imagine installing rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns on trucks. This was the birth of self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7lD-s8dIsjZomp1bhyd8G_pAaBspUvDM_SC_Rjfbe1z3D1eonbfe0B7qgBFYgjYhkUxRNt8dbdeH_hPzBuGGlioR3-30DFgJjO0hlbewJaxgyMXyzjR9lXvrXlU7847Rndl60pB1gJxedP8q-vMdGAIacWIPDmGAFJo-G8rxI48opqvlWC6KN_5nsA/s1280/British%20QF%203%20inch%2020%20cwt%20anti-aircraft%20gun%20mounted%20on%20a%20Peerless%20lorry,WWI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7lD-s8dIsjZomp1bhyd8G_pAaBspUvDM_SC_Rjfbe1z3D1eonbfe0B7qgBFYgjYhkUxRNt8dbdeH_hPzBuGGlioR3-30DFgJjO0hlbewJaxgyMXyzjR9lXvrXlU7847Rndl60pB1gJxedP8q-vMdGAIacWIPDmGAFJo-G8rxI48opqvlWC6KN_5nsA/w640-h432/British%20QF%203%20inch%2020%20cwt%20anti-aircraft%20gun%20mounted%20on%20a%20Peerless%20lorry,WWI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British QF 3 inch 20 cwt anti-aircraft gun<br />mounted on a Peerless lorry<br />1917 -WWI</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3hKZTwGoIxtTCqA17rojeSxgtTRaNC693QmJOaRpI8Haac5Cwa4KBCTfM85ViYcoHewiUjyKqnJCNh-1vJ6P48sApcwVh1Gez6BZVrNPzzg6thT0KlU9JjAJlJ5WFh7MpwXKvCGjLZB_VU1P4V8gw7FNgy7wODlcHfqjEkwqhcjnOjQB5izeKWl5eg/s1280/German%20mobile%20anti-aircraft%20gun.%20Flanders.%20August%201917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp3hKZTwGoIxtTCqA17rojeSxgtTRaNC693QmJOaRpI8Haac5Cwa4KBCTfM85ViYcoHewiUjyKqnJCNh-1vJ6P48sApcwVh1Gez6BZVrNPzzg6thT0KlU9JjAJlJ5WFh7MpwXKvCGjLZB_VU1P4V8gw7FNgy7wODlcHfqjEkwqhcjnOjQB5izeKWl5eg/w640-h458/German%20mobile%20anti-aircraft%20gun.%20Flanders.%20August%201917.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">German AA truck <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.7_cm_Leichte_Kraftwagengesch%C3%BCtze_M1914" target="_blank">7.7 cm Leichte Kraftwagengeschütze M1914</a></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Flanders. August 1917 - WWI</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div> Trucks were initially used as carriers for anti-aircraft guns of various calibres, as tracked vehicles were not mechanically very reliable yet. </div><div> With the end of World War I, many of these efforts were scaled back, but engineers continued to improve and augment the principles of this new concept of anti-aircraft artillery. Tests on vehicles with tracks (now more reliable) began, but trucks offered safer and cheaper options. </div><div> In 1936, the Spanish Civil War gave the Germans a chance to test their first efforts in this direction; In 1939, already in WWII, the campaign in Poland allowed a fully operational test of these new products and the results were used as a guide for standardization and further development. And within that context, the Germans chose some heavy trucks to be used as automatic anti-aircraft gun carriers, the 4.5-ton Mercedes Benz being one of them.</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History of Mercedes-Benz:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The saga of the Daimler-Benz, owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand, is intertwined with the history of the automobile, from its beginnings. It all started with Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Cannstatt, Germany, 1882, developing various types of engines and experimental vehicles.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTDpGnECyCxteV8_NKh0I5yc7GhJeXHZMi_rfhF4qP_RNHYFnDWvGcUmbFBMLDnxoXaLkrS-nR7HDHMNP4gPbmlxPNxXrslUwe6xP-Rr7pYIYMAnQUMH4UeV0r8dI9lYHE1jNUbJuDAfS/s1600/Gotlieb+-+Maybach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="598" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTDpGnECyCxteV8_NKh0I5yc7GhJeXHZMi_rfhF4qP_RNHYFnDWvGcUmbFBMLDnxoXaLkrS-nR7HDHMNP4gPbmlxPNxXrslUwe6xP-Rr7pYIYMAnQUMH4UeV0r8dI9lYHE1jNUbJuDAfS/s640/Gotlieb+-+Maybach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Gottlieb Daimler (1834-1900) Wilhelm Maybach (1846-1929)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> These initial works presented the first practical results in 1884, with the advent of the "Grandfather Clock". </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnwB3tmsWTeA3fPkFsEXuE6cquk42spJR1Kx6X9s8UCVwreWbCanD_BFgMC8Qh5cFIWmRswgvKbuhI9lWoSPLGAoFOV5isIfK8l-pYIao0QA6NIa2EfZG99BvXDISfTD4M95oFiyyL9rs/s1600/Grandfather+Clock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnwB3tmsWTeA3fPkFsEXuE6cquk42spJR1Kx6X9s8UCVwreWbCanD_BFgMC8Qh5cFIWmRswgvKbuhI9lWoSPLGAoFOV5isIfK8l-pYIao0QA6NIa2EfZG99BvXDISfTD4M95oFiyyL9rs/s640/Grandfather+Clock.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><i>Grandfather Clock</i> engine</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This engine was characterized by generating one HP at dizzying 600 rpm, when the normal engines of that time were mere 120-180 rpm's. These engines were installed in various vehicles, such as a motorcycle <i>Reitwagen</i> in 1885 and culminating in the Daimler automobile in 1886, the world's first car.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMYRDz7n5VRXevQCouv8wOHjHbFfqPh7G4S7EtlWFp1r0qyFW2Vvsyxq_6UV_oUXq6rG69lnNt_n22o_LPACWdP_07XipQN3aE14UYACSxFmcCgk8BIBgmIadFPJU0ZsG4xUAM7n9R0cD/s1600/Reitwagen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="945" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMYRDz7n5VRXevQCouv8wOHjHbFfqPh7G4S7EtlWFp1r0qyFW2Vvsyxq_6UV_oUXq6rG69lnNt_n22o_LPACWdP_07XipQN3aE14UYACSxFmcCgk8BIBgmIadFPJU0ZsG4xUAM7n9R0cD/s640/Reitwagen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daimler_Reitwagen">Daimler Petroleum Reitwagen</a> - It is widely recognized as the first motorcycle - 1885.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VAnmESLMzpWlqcD-5WxSp6Ul2g6bXKT59nitn_gO0y0TSHbg1EdGRHqeg6zJC-ks0vStEszLsW-gNghRW4lBFId2-WWQRUdihUk1y-SYeDTmgNnOTDZwGF-guM5TihnXr4XEZlRpjEop/s1600/gotlieb+car.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="800" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3VAnmESLMzpWlqcD-5WxSp6Ul2g6bXKT59nitn_gO0y0TSHbg1EdGRHqeg6zJC-ks0vStEszLsW-gNghRW4lBFId2-WWQRUdihUk1y-SYeDTmgNnOTDZwGF-guM5TihnXr4XEZlRpjEop/s640/gotlieb+car.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gottlieb Daimler and his son Adolf on the motor car (motor carriage), 1886.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Daimler car was a quadricycle with the basic features of a car, while the vehicle of Karl Benz, another car pioneer who would later become part of the history of this great brand, was a tricycle.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwlSQPI1_PcV6b0ql0f0NPTyqqkeZctR2BL4wWl7p8LIFbVGqV4YMiAafrODow8tWq8b0i5r9VyFf08VlAEJmYY1wVrKuvxZm9LXluQehdnBN0sKTYDKiWwgElOXxxPpwrZRckzJ0xVvV/s1600/Karl+benz+tricicle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwlSQPI1_PcV6b0ql0f0NPTyqqkeZctR2BL4wWl7p8LIFbVGqV4YMiAafrODow8tWq8b0i5r9VyFf08VlAEJmYY1wVrKuvxZm9LXluQehdnBN0sKTYDKiWwgElOXxxPpwrZRckzJ0xVvV/s640/Karl+benz+tricicle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Karl Benz tricycle - 1886</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZf8yyfCxRr3p_xLcKTYXSkC3TykhVUtNNSlOdimoz8YV9uER5vxoXShS4na-YS9VLSdj3DkHc-3dOHyIxYxIUvQLSRrinSwafA_OJM-mkO_oYP-5pNgbKY7j9OBZ0VXExe-HIbZdLwkG/s1600/karl+benz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="542" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZf8yyfCxRr3p_xLcKTYXSkC3TykhVUtNNSlOdimoz8YV9uER5vxoXShS4na-YS9VLSdj3DkHc-3dOHyIxYxIUvQLSRrinSwafA_OJM-mkO_oYP-5pNgbKY7j9OBZ0VXExe-HIbZdLwkG/s400/karl+benz.jpg" width="348" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karl Benz - 1844- 1929</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After 10 years of the releasing of its automobile, the first Daimler truck was manufactured in 1886, with Phoenix two cylinders engine, 1100 cc and 04 HPs of power, with a weight of 1200 kg and capacity of load of 1500 kg. Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, from Cannstatt (DMG) made the world's first truck.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbSobVHg5W4nqcD6m-KaikrOEcwIBQZ5v_WJZUvdzwnNoJJQhtl_8wehO2YWKoPaMiO9oXKRJQMbRedl5tlRhRhWHcmYVggjApQajI2ezxOAiXNgAaeGGk6lholArfnSFKNM2oxjVpgMQ/s1600/Daimler+truck+1896.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="1280" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbSobVHg5W4nqcD6m-KaikrOEcwIBQZ5v_WJZUvdzwnNoJJQhtl_8wehO2YWKoPaMiO9oXKRJQMbRedl5tlRhRhWHcmYVggjApQajI2ezxOAiXNgAaeGGk6lholArfnSFKNM2oxjVpgMQ/s640/Daimler+truck+1896.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Daimler world's first truck - 1896.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Meanwhile in 1897, Emil Jellineck, a very prosperous insurance trader who was passionate in speed, goes to Cannstatt to order a two-cylinder Daimler. This transaction would be the beginning of a Jellineck representation across Europe of the special Daimler vehicles with four-cylinder and high-performance engines, which would be called the Daimler-Mercedes. The name Mercedes is due to its daughter, Mercedes Jellineck.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IQsr6KEIGfAlvh12awsHU2NutC5Fo9GByD51QdrW3mbSKtGlu3dEvV-ddLa_hZD9ssmP_MmPUtffa7iMU2OlLPt1W_Knp3vxWwmOyjZRn3GoMYxUULdwqlhDYD3BMArRza4JnSZbOvkK/s1600/Emil+and+Mercedes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="979" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IQsr6KEIGfAlvh12awsHU2NutC5Fo9GByD51QdrW3mbSKtGlu3dEvV-ddLa_hZD9ssmP_MmPUtffa7iMU2OlLPt1W_Knp3vxWwmOyjZRn3GoMYxUULdwqlhDYD3BMArRza4JnSZbOvkK/s400/Emil+and+Mercedes.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emil Jellineck and his daughter, Mercedes.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The pioneering spirit of these men made them collect other achievements, such as the construction of the first bus, the first gasoline-powered truck, and the world's first diesel truck. Daimler and Benz's work in Germany resulted in the formation in 1926 of Daimler-Benz AG.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Mercedes Benz L4500 heavy truck:</b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Mercedes-Benz L 4500 was built by Daimler-Benz from 1939 - 1944 in the Mercedes-Benz plant Gaggenau, and from 1944 - 1945 by Saurer. The vehicle is a long-bonnet truck and was offered for the military in many versions: the <b>rear-wheel-drive truck</b> <b>4x2 L4500S</b>, the <b>all-wheel-drive truck</b> <b>4x4 L4500A</b> and the <b>half-track truck L4500R</b>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> All these versions could come with two types of cabin: the normal <b>rounded civil cabin</b> and the <b>Einheitsfahrerhaus</b><i> </i>(standard cabins) simplified standardised cabin, with rectangular lines and flat mudwings. These simplified cabins appeared from 1943 onwards and can be seen on all versions of the Mercedes-Benz L4500, after that date. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li> 4x2 rear-wheel-drive truck (L4500S).</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisDDhcDq6-7-Sxrf7rKzVuOcfsT5ToR2BezRIFZz4J2MVAJmpxQMVfDujPN6y1xwsklbD7S7JVIN1uShTjPeYla5XPkmvFj-kzzD9hwnNw2NjX97gDayEb_W62lOG_UL7Kd-uosVId6Ash2a-mZhH9A97OJLTs5JqKv6sgj-4-ZQ56n9-0ah8hoEYEA/s1280/Mercedes%20standard%20cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisDDhcDq6-7-Sxrf7rKzVuOcfsT5ToR2BezRIFZz4J2MVAJmpxQMVfDujPN6y1xwsklbD7S7JVIN1uShTjPeYla5XPkmvFj-kzzD9hwnNw2NjX97gDayEb_W62lOG_UL7Kd-uosVId6Ash2a-mZhH9A97OJLTs5JqKv6sgj-4-ZQ56n9-0ah8hoEYEA/w640-h404/Mercedes%20standard%20cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes-Benz </span>L4500S <i style="text-align: justify;">Einheitsfahrerhaus </i>(standard cabin)<br />Notice the simple front axle (4x2)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>4x4 all-wheel-drive truck (L4500A) </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w4PlWOz94hRAsnRwKahClRDxTH3X6G6aTh3A3I7zmF9VUZ6g_wZbGQDxx3YWr8AQuXcWE8efCurJZvUVmir4ek3H8PiXtvosiKHPphK0imb4xB97c7b3GrVLP6xYAkDVp-TsxsTx1htbbozB5CXQEGN8GizZnFMUg7gcqg7kkatucea_RMG-fWpuYA/s1280/Mercedes%20civil%20cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w4PlWOz94hRAsnRwKahClRDxTH3X6G6aTh3A3I7zmF9VUZ6g_wZbGQDxx3YWr8AQuXcWE8efCurJZvUVmir4ek3H8PiXtvosiKHPphK0imb4xB97c7b3GrVLP6xYAkDVp-TsxsTx1htbbozB5CXQEGN8GizZnFMUg7gcqg7kkatucea_RMG-fWpuYA/w640-h392/Mercedes%20civil%20cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes-Benz </span>L4500A <i style="text-align: justify;"> </i>(civil cabin)<br />Notice the drive front axle (4x4)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>Half-track Maultier (L4500R). </li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKFcJLQrOADpbQZwk9lrDr_wfjVmCKlRGFNrPHHG1s-2S9Dm8lB2EAOmHO3Lvyxk0sfeMoV_kbTIhoPWFvYEyLQj-c8zOX4RU1IfaKHNjZtsIFmBQdptSV86YTtgltRQ56KfU_SQC79p4CG_JiQZmhXzQlAETVz0GEU8nbsbCY7iQnQVuu4hqWA0PEA/s1280/Mercedes%20civil%20cabin%20maultier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKFcJLQrOADpbQZwk9lrDr_wfjVmCKlRGFNrPHHG1s-2S9Dm8lB2EAOmHO3Lvyxk0sfeMoV_kbTIhoPWFvYEyLQj-c8zOX4RU1IfaKHNjZtsIFmBQdptSV86YTtgltRQ56KfU_SQC79p4CG_JiQZmhXzQlAETVz0GEU8nbsbCY7iQnQVuu4hqWA0PEA/w640-h366/Mercedes%20civil%20cabin%20maultier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes-Benz </span>L4500R <i style="text-align: justify;"> </i>(civil cabin)<br />Notice the tracked rear suspension<br />and drive front axle.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Description:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The L 4500 was a long hood truck, with a U-shaped ladder-type chassis with two beam axles. Both axles had semi-elliptical spring suspensions. The front axle had single wheels while the rear axle had twin wheels. The tyres had the size 10.5-20". An air-hydraulic brake-system was used, each wheel with a drum brake and the parking brake locking the rear wheels only. For steering, a ZF Type 721 steering system was used. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDg61WkUNCb6H4eYfazfBtbAPUAIMgGJorJyNbDLM_8fbRmn47xAzVRugQu7aBNtnwgi9h4BpBNneLX8XqqjhLbw1rOzQm-aEcQF1gAbjHMNB31v5btrJPZUZVQFf3prskK6VuiJzn-8LKrktI_BugiacRB8ADyRKKdACRUaOv5Bu8fLCmsmfWLjfmw/s1427/L4500%20chassis%20and%20suspensions.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDg61WkUNCb6H4eYfazfBtbAPUAIMgGJorJyNbDLM_8fbRmn47xAzVRugQu7aBNtnwgi9h4BpBNneLX8XqqjhLbw1rOzQm-aEcQF1gAbjHMNB31v5btrJPZUZVQFf3prskK6VuiJzn-8LKrktI_BugiacRB8ADyRKKdACRUaOv5Bu8fLCmsmfWLjfmw/w628-h640/L4500%20chassis%20and%20suspensions.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> From the engine, the torque was transmitted to a five-speed manual gearbox with a single disc dry clutch. The gearbox had a reduction gear. In the L4500S version, only the rear wheels were driven. In the 4x4 L4500A version, the truck has an offroad gear, which automatically switches on the front-wheel drive and disables even torque distribution.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Mercedes-Benz OM 67/4 Diesel engine was installed in the L4500. It is a six-cylinder, straight, four-stroke, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indirect_injection#Precombustion_chamber">precombustion-chamber-injected</a>, water-cooled diesel engine with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OHV">OHV-Valvetrain</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC5wgD2b4M3C_tGOxyHbs1U7Q203UqpFKs4z4id_qmBUd28dvEn8obw1u2151auxHbvD4qMtOVIorUGR1gDBMjf-rHnXQZbC2gSrwVPWCt4E4OJebAs-IwxWyjoJcTMurKWUanJPbxZNOc8EJEL1TEzugZjTqNKi5yYSbdFrgSHsygFFOmc6Oizb6hQ/s1024/Mercedes-Benz%20OM%2067-4%20Diesel%20engine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1024" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGC5wgD2b4M3C_tGOxyHbs1U7Q203UqpFKs4z4id_qmBUd28dvEn8obw1u2151auxHbvD4qMtOVIorUGR1gDBMjf-rHnXQZbC2gSrwVPWCt4E4OJebAs-IwxWyjoJcTMurKWUanJPbxZNOc8EJEL1TEzugZjTqNKi5yYSbdFrgSHsygFFOmc6Oizb6hQ/w640-h522/Mercedes-Benz%20OM%2067-4%20Diesel%20engine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes-Benz OM 67/4 Diesel engine</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The AA armoured ruck:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After many field experiences, with automatic anti-aircraft guns precariously installed on truck loading platforms, it was found that this concept could be improved.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJky8vj1VEMMtW8emcyLbdx9LDRvZaCsv4mW-lVY7F9iBO8PEYs4XfnHh_agLRhDWgKNASU9P7KNzCKPJm3dLBQi1adiqZJZOi2X0bwozYKK3bGvAQzZRut2KDLF9Qu3J4yhILTptlkeFky8FA78AK3GAV60MngqqxFP8nF94smMymJdkLVT9S7K4-A/s1280/MB%204500%20civil%20cabin%20with%20FlaK%2038%20quad%2020mm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJky8vj1VEMMtW8emcyLbdx9LDRvZaCsv4mW-lVY7F9iBO8PEYs4XfnHh_agLRhDWgKNASU9P7KNzCKPJm3dLBQi1adiqZJZOi2X0bwozYKK3bGvAQzZRut2KDLF9Qu3J4yhILTptlkeFky8FA78AK3GAV60MngqqxFP8nF94smMymJdkLVT9S7K4-A/w640-h408/MB%204500%20civil%20cabin%20with%20FlaK%2038%20quad%2020mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercedes Benz L4500A with civil cabin and standard <br />loading platform as improvised self-propelled AA gun, <br />with Quad FlaK 38 2,0 cm AA gun.<br />Somewhere in African Desert - 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0mL2DYNQSyYU7-tMl6Jc4LmQAhUEsw4GVU6htuMmPx6_k0hTIj8x5zs9J0IaOGpfJ4Z39BmbrW1vLBw67hkzIu2cSvCEVzCrvGWQmErfIlxrr2hPVutPOK0PulAB08zstU1wgY7BPxZsGVg7QaykD4887hVlqxzYQxIdRUJ_jXMXE95dtwhPT6QM1w/s1280/MB%20L4500R%2037mm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1280" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0mL2DYNQSyYU7-tMl6Jc4LmQAhUEsw4GVU6htuMmPx6_k0hTIj8x5zs9J0IaOGpfJ4Z39BmbrW1vLBw67hkzIu2cSvCEVzCrvGWQmErfIlxrr2hPVutPOK0PulAB08zstU1wgY7BPxZsGVg7QaykD4887hVlqxzYQxIdRUJ_jXMXE95dtwhPT6QM1w/w640-h536/MB%20L4500R%2037mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another adaptation: this time taking advantage of the<br />greater stability of the half-track suspension: MB L4500R Maultier <br />with civil cabin with a 3,7cm FlaK 36/37 adapted on the cargo platform.<br />Russian Front - Winter - 1943</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> The anti-aircraft gun was mounted on a 360° rotating base in the middle of the original cargo area, behind the cabin. The original sidewalls were replaced with new ones lined with resistent wire mesh. During preparation for firing, these side walls were folded at 90°, freeing up space for the weapon's rotation and increasing the crew's circulation area. </div><div> An effective anti-aircraft weapon needs stability in order to keep up with the fast trajectory of the target. To increase the stability of the gun during the sequence of shots, two supports were installed on each side, at the ends of the loading area. These supports were telescopic and folded downwards, resting on the ground and providing a stable platform for the gun firing. These same supports were folded upwards during vehicle displacement.</div><div> Even after installing the nearly two tons of armament, there was still enough payload to armor the cabin. Riveted armor plates, in a quadrangular shape, formed the "box" of the cabin. There were two front portholes protected by armored glass, as well as two side portholes and a rear porthole for the driver. In addition, the frontal portion of the engine and radiator received armor in the form of a steel plate bent in a V, which rested on the front bumper and was stabilized by tie rods in the upper portion of the hood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioFKoJ-4tyJxB_heoejAmVJTeImfOMsu5VXKTvR3nGnuP4IfXjJv1oR4z340HMja9Rt2AMDZStQpTdUsw2m6ERjUogVRE2XvpKoCa0gtU5S2e3vo5aMfMEQSuXJU37N9_S6vcNsONAskDy36q6PlJne6Az5UQI-ssg0fp4DQX3OWJ2TcD5hHnYTVGGg/s1280/MB%204500A%20flak37%20mm%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhioFKoJ-4tyJxB_heoejAmVJTeImfOMsu5VXKTvR3nGnuP4IfXjJv1oR4z340HMja9Rt2AMDZStQpTdUsw2m6ERjUogVRE2XvpKoCa0gtU5S2e3vo5aMfMEQSuXJU37N9_S6vcNsONAskDy36q6PlJne6Az5UQI-ssg0fp4DQX3OWJ2TcD5hHnYTVGGg/w640-h368/MB%204500A%20flak37%20mm%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> The crew consisted of four to five men, depending on which weapon they carried. In addition to the commander and driver, there were also a loader (or two) and a gunner. But it was not uncommon for larger crews, as a greater amount of loaders increased the weapon's rate of fire.</div><div> The gunner and loader(s) were protected by the gun's own frontal shields. Only a minimal supply of ammunition was loaded aboard the vehicle, for initial use. The rest of the ammunition was usually transported by trailer dragged by the antiaircraft truck itself or by a standard cargo truck.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> The L4500A with armoured cabin trucks could carry several automatic weapons, namely: The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.7_cm_Flak_18/36/37" target="_blank"><b>3,7cm FlaK 36</b></a>, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_cm_FlaK_41" target="_blank"><b>5,0cm FlaK 41</b></a> and <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_cm_Flak_30,_Flak_38_and_Flakvierling_38" target="_blank">2,0cm Flakvierling 38</a>.</b> There were slight differences between trucks when carrying different weapons. The first version produced was the 3.7 cm, followed by the 5.0 cm and finally, the 2.0 cm quadruple.</div><div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt2hcas-NQ9m3govQPDG9Aj50oR_s49T9UIA-ZcMc5L7-TyjoWJGrK_Av1ucH5bFMjnjXzRtTsXvtLdCYrfMeMjizGcszCWKPJ7nrnoF3GhmbqP9apJ6P1IikE0QX3c8c3J2zuCOcswdi-LeBhCv3GXzq1h_o6AugeBhT9lBr5Ttr268RnrKEJT8XEQ/s1280/Trumpeter%20box%20aart.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt2hcas-NQ9m3govQPDG9Aj50oR_s49T9UIA-ZcMc5L7-TyjoWJGrK_Av1ucH5bFMjnjXzRtTsXvtLdCYrfMeMjizGcszCWKPJ7nrnoF3GhmbqP9apJ6P1IikE0QX3c8c3J2zuCOcswdi-LeBhCv3GXzq1h_o6AugeBhT9lBr5Ttr268RnrKEJT8XEQ/w640-h402/Trumpeter%20box%20aart.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes-Benz </span>L4500A (armoured cabin)<br />with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.7_cm_Flak_18/36/37" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">3,7cm Flak 36</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.7_cm_Flak_18/36/37" target="_blank">/37</a> - crew: 4</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4L50mgg7BY5sluc1I9FFIcEBPeVTJCDGh2O2hFDrTRnrbDVpJLRSD2jECQ4BfgdxuN8QYnrb029iFOurrX3p2SE5OFuHKNVP1gUyEkNFjxAVWI9ao53In_nLVlnTGF4KfNMKr4bGAPoTDbVXqTgm3tppDcVi_aDDw0tR8chIliSirK_P77JeQ61JLA/s1280/L4500A%20mit%205cm%20flak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4L50mgg7BY5sluc1I9FFIcEBPeVTJCDGh2O2hFDrTRnrbDVpJLRSD2jECQ4BfgdxuN8QYnrb029iFOurrX3p2SE5OFuHKNVP1gUyEkNFjxAVWI9ao53In_nLVlnTGF4KfNMKr4bGAPoTDbVXqTgm3tppDcVi_aDDw0tR8chIliSirK_P77JeQ61JLA/w640-h374/L4500A%20mit%205cm%20flak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes-Benz </span>L4500A (armoured cabin)<br /><div style="text-align: center;">with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_cm_FlaK_41" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">5,0cm Flak 41</a> - crew: 4</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt9ASV8wyj7cVESo_euT55_mRk2peBeeRZuibJcjsp1iTRsJrkoAIDnsiiZ9-4ZJSHg18N8D9wZbN3t4rIuFL_oC7pMG3mxAs9tFrajJv1KC6sbxxuvO3D_tC5UHHfQA5ncMQV1U6jQ0thjHnxXPbCho70zBfw-r2x4wBZu5cwUMeVhz5mbLCncgunA/s1280/L4500A%20mit%204x2cm%20flak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSt9ASV8wyj7cVESo_euT55_mRk2peBeeRZuibJcjsp1iTRsJrkoAIDnsiiZ9-4ZJSHg18N8D9wZbN3t4rIuFL_oC7pMG3mxAs9tFrajJv1KC6sbxxuvO3D_tC5UHHfQA5ncMQV1U6jQ0thjHnxXPbCho70zBfw-r2x4wBZu5cwUMeVhz5mbLCncgunA/w640-h426/L4500A%20mit%204x2cm%20flak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes-Benz </span>L4500A (armoured cabin)<br />with <span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_cm_Flak_30,_Flak_38_and_Flakvierling_38" target="_blank">2,0cm Flakvierling 38</a><b> <br /></b></span><span style="text-align: justify;">crew: 5 (two loaders)<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl9FRc3KTrLNbWzJ7kl9vR858bvmbjxxl00yE8V5TVsP4lB-jAWpMnQV7k7ojQt6sTTn4EL5kpjjy7mRljivfVFjqnqE7nJhFkr1UCGU0MmsSQ98GHruuGxQQ-indt0yEaCbWwXSxaJUvegvDAdjP_L7mRt4daredyY16_Y-jKQnBdWRtjIG31FjeQg/s1400/Des%203,7%20cm%20FlaK%2043%20auf%20s.%20gl.%20Lkw.%204,5%20t%20roulent%20dans%20le%20sud%20de%20la%20France%20lors%20de%20l'op%C3%A9ration%20%20Asche.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1400" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl9FRc3KTrLNbWzJ7kl9vR858bvmbjxxl00yE8V5TVsP4lB-jAWpMnQV7k7ojQt6sTTn4EL5kpjjy7mRljivfVFjqnqE7nJhFkr1UCGU0MmsSQ98GHruuGxQQ-indt0yEaCbWwXSxaJUvegvDAdjP_L7mRt4daredyY16_Y-jKQnBdWRtjIG31FjeQg/w640-h378/Des%203,7%20cm%20FlaK%2043%20auf%20s.%20gl.%20Lkw.%204,5%20t%20roulent%20dans%20le%20sud%20de%20la%20France%20lors%20de%20l'op%C3%A9ration%20%20Asche.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line of 3.7cm FlaK 36/37 Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5 t's<br /> rolling in the south of France (near Toulon) during <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Achse" target="_blank">Operation Asche</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_AVPTY3L6IGWLARb--CeBQzALo3gpddKw8uJ_pRnCp-K-ZtU9uzcYKTRBU-FCcwgpxgggMqS_aPHZ5X1lyVaGbEFolnW7iajcmOshfr-cgpYbz1sCD65wYMBYGq7ZjBlitGr2TGga6-Sn62tdNpRls_T54jzZKSmpH5aTbA_lBCI8bvR-BE2JLGKXg/s1280/Des%203,7%20cm%20FlaK%2043%20auf%20s.%20gl.%20Lkw.%204,5%20t%20roulent%20dans%20le%20sud%20de%20la%20France%20lors%20de%20l'op%C3%A9ration%20%20Asche2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1280" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_AVPTY3L6IGWLARb--CeBQzALo3gpddKw8uJ_pRnCp-K-ZtU9uzcYKTRBU-FCcwgpxgggMqS_aPHZ5X1lyVaGbEFolnW7iajcmOshfr-cgpYbz1sCD65wYMBYGq7ZjBlitGr2TGga6-Sn62tdNpRls_T54jzZKSmpH5aTbA_lBCI8bvR-BE2JLGKXg/w640-h510/Des%203,7%20cm%20FlaK%2043%20auf%20s.%20gl.%20Lkw.%204,5%20t%20roulent%20dans%20le%20sud%20de%20la%20France%20lors%20de%20l'op%C3%A9ration%20%20Asche2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anpther view of 3.7cm FlaK 36/37 Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5 t's<br /> rolling in the south of France (near Toulon) during <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Achse" target="_blank">Operation Asche</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJwxEg9F2sC7SyNgOqh0S2N4y4qi8fyDjPwtsCn7o1Nbp7Bn6rMpzdnj41VNeBFrM9_86l6P0H9xtP9oeI3lX7VcwWtikj5rYEqQmQcfgHx8rkqJwz6E6Kq0LO_73UTHhx6zM14td3-uulBa8sbsa3TeSFG7Xk7o8Xj5QaTjMtdlpFIlNfz5r5YdWdA/s994/MB%20L4500A%20AA%20ruck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="994" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJwxEg9F2sC7SyNgOqh0S2N4y4qi8fyDjPwtsCn7o1Nbp7Bn6rMpzdnj41VNeBFrM9_86l6P0H9xtP9oeI3lX7VcwWtikj5rYEqQmQcfgHx8rkqJwz6E6Kq0LO_73UTHhx6zM14td3-uulBa8sbsa3TeSFG7Xk7o8Xj5QaTjMtdlpFIlNfz5r5YdWdA/w640-h328/MB%20L4500A%20AA%20ruck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew of a Mercedes Benz L4500A 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br />happily poses for the camera. Here we see seven soldiers,<br />with the weapon in a stabilized firing position.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwYurmN6XXcVg9GI7MFlFKkCDAQZRDt9NmFUfHATK7UImmYzj5PzBMSyi7GlOQxar-H1Kcx9T9ARCI2_Cldl9ZcI8ws7YDgIDxhy6loGWCinUc6fZf3sLHjWbSFkIPXa-sYf__TSUNm2Ma-L94DtRxJv4kD8apu2spKsdgMSLXa-zSea7qF27HJifLw/s1280/Mercedes%20L4500A%20with%20a%205,0%20cm%20Flak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwYurmN6XXcVg9GI7MFlFKkCDAQZRDt9NmFUfHATK7UImmYzj5PzBMSyi7GlOQxar-H1Kcx9T9ARCI2_Cldl9ZcI8ws7YDgIDxhy6loGWCinUc6fZf3sLHjWbSFkIPXa-sYf__TSUNm2Ma-L94DtRxJv4kD8apu2spKsdgMSLXa-zSea7qF27HJifLw/w640-h334/Mercedes%20L4500A%20with%20a%205,0%20cm%20Flak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <i>Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A<br /> als Flakwagen für 5.0cm FlaK 41</i> in firing position.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM43125JsDHf4JsvNcx-MfHTcYn9BEiywy4jcQVp9s9QGND9aiQO1j5tTO5SvMRf3uz-fzDpsl2RkhMzs9WNw5XfNvLYj-mC_4IP41NBKUVg8rWtrQHLXqfjvsM_H3LNrlfmWLLAbjQwEAiCRmC9qFvy4kmk5_rpXYz7djfhShf3Wl_nkyN-8j1ZAvw/s1280/flak%2041%2050mm%20mb%204500%20armoured%20open%20cabin2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM43125JsDHf4JsvNcx-MfHTcYn9BEiywy4jcQVp9s9QGND9aiQO1j5tTO5SvMRf3uz-fzDpsl2RkhMzs9WNw5XfNvLYj-mC_4IP41NBKUVg8rWtrQHLXqfjvsM_H3LNrlfmWLLAbjQwEAiCRmC9qFvy4kmk5_rpXYz7djfhShf3Wl_nkyN-8j1ZAvw/w640-h416/flak%2041%2050mm%20mb%204500%20armoured%20open%20cabin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Mercedes Benz L4500A 5,0cm FlaK 41 with the crew on standby.<br />This truck features an open armored cab with no radiator guard.<br />Notice the camouflage net.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70oJut4sAJUTwQrOyERrN6HH1i8lrAKT7lq_fy3_OIPnNi2MU0cjozftQXrA2QIr7D0ibXrLPMBSw6zR3FAJrZC2f_vOsZBo8tfNeSB0Cz-lIWnrmR8UEI-4cov8bAadEEb1VNb7OPU85mloIoWgoITTJX6HgnMPmel1HCG30isfdT3EzoJad7FdQhA/s1280/flak%2041%2050mm%20mb%204500%20armoured%20open%20cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70oJut4sAJUTwQrOyERrN6HH1i8lrAKT7lq_fy3_OIPnNi2MU0cjozftQXrA2QIr7D0ibXrLPMBSw6zR3FAJrZC2f_vOsZBo8tfNeSB0Cz-lIWnrmR8UEI-4cov8bAadEEb1VNb7OPU85mloIoWgoITTJX6HgnMPmel1HCG30isfdT3EzoJad7FdQhA/w640-h418/flak%2041%2050mm%20mb%204500%20armoured%20open%20cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same vehicle above, in side view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD7tJgDU9m_K-6XUiimbQ0PLyv0bXFmAmycyvlL_-xtzTCdizoCmKOwWWgir7ioARVdH_VhhOlBiVLlWDUDQYqaxJoFCJp93RSnDOQyOHDmP08et503rc0I5vr9KqV19Iv8DB3r6qY1uqWBrX-YmyEIRvBCKHke-7T6aoMNP5bhUkmnUiHg07rtEfsA/s1024/20mm%20quad%20MB%20L4500A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="1024" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD7tJgDU9m_K-6XUiimbQ0PLyv0bXFmAmycyvlL_-xtzTCdizoCmKOwWWgir7ioARVdH_VhhOlBiVLlWDUDQYqaxJoFCJp93RSnDOQyOHDmP08et503rc0I5vr9KqV19Iv8DB3r6qY1uqWBrX-YmyEIRvBCKHke-7T6aoMNP5bhUkmnUiHg07rtEfsA/w640-h348/20mm%20quad%20MB%20L4500A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <i>Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A<br /> als Flakwagen für </i><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>2,0cm Flakvierling 38</i> with<br />standard 5 men crew.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSciwV1t47fTYFij3FYKQBGBFSaudNJPZM8aOFZ1y0DicwJIIClZZqGVbfWGL6VdKBkDYvGwuhwCrP2bJcitdxZOfuWQdiZgCAeKjqprToK3Bsh9zc60CmR1DBSh_p2PgCCeg3oQ60nQjzyWCq3SaYlkB4C8BJAzU6lBTsPVS0B4N-1FR5H4Btu5HdPw/s1400/armoured%204500%20france%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1400" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSciwV1t47fTYFij3FYKQBGBFSaudNJPZM8aOFZ1y0DicwJIIClZZqGVbfWGL6VdKBkDYvGwuhwCrP2bJcitdxZOfuWQdiZgCAeKjqprToK3Bsh9zc60CmR1DBSh_p2PgCCeg3oQ60nQjzyWCq3SaYlkB4C8BJAzU6lBTsPVS0B4N-1FR5H4Btu5HdPw/w640-h402/armoured%204500%20france%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">A </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"> als Flakwagen für </i><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>2,0cm Flakvierling 38 </i>towing the standard</span></div></i><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.kfzderwehrmacht.de/Homepage_english/Trailers/Special_trailers/Sd__Ah__52/sd__ah__52.html" target="_blank">Sonderanhänger (1 achs.) (Sd. Ah. 52)</a> </i>ammo trailer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the camo in 3 tones and absence of side walls of the engine hood.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somewere in France - 1944.</div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div> The exact number of pieces produced is unknown, but probably not many. In all three cases, these weapon systems can be thought of as a gap-filling solution, something more or less temporary. The combat value of these machines was greatly limited by the low level of crew protection (the gunner and loaders were carried exposed) and the operational limitations of using a wheeled vehicle (poor off-road performance and tires that could be easily destroyed). But they did their job very well, while better and better protected weapons (<a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search?q=ostwind" target="_blank">Flakpanzers</a>) were not yet available in sufficient quantities.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6v5b67au2pFmpnmeel2Ox9B_FOwhKubJmPj_uxy08307rxUAda6TG5n9_4oyV9kae9MkIXSob5LUD7afJPymsqUaGeSo_x4BMS9K053vtdeqIPJSaNHye3VC1SOdqewuwZov5Dua8WKXN4Y1dhi1DsM80Exs9rIuwkmjLlCWj-t3uAIz13eRxqO3JxA/s1024/Mobelwagen%2037mm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6v5b67au2pFmpnmeel2Ox9B_FOwhKubJmPj_uxy08307rxUAda6TG5n9_4oyV9kae9MkIXSob5LUD7afJPymsqUaGeSo_x4BMS9K053vtdeqIPJSaNHye3VC1SOdqewuwZov5Dua8WKXN4Y1dhi1DsM80Exs9rIuwkmjLlCWj-t3uAIz13eRxqO3JxA/w640-h406/Mobelwagen%2037mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flakpanzer IV Möbelwagen 3,7cm Flak 43</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDet5GmUs-MR79nXaFfNXDeIeJYu1pgBZKl5QwA3acH_oCLdsl4sAF5B4Mi1GMGOX_xzmTp6P9Up2_D6vUQiHB1Ya4mi6foIac2FrKHNpV93lug9H_5rC54htnx_d5cl3yfAtgb-rx6qZgjQnKeCwDtn3N6zP8i3FHPs-XBv2VoBWTpX7Q_4ensVFXcw/s1280/Flakpanzer%20IV%20Ostwind%20with%203.7cm%20Flak%2043.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDet5GmUs-MR79nXaFfNXDeIeJYu1pgBZKl5QwA3acH_oCLdsl4sAF5B4Mi1GMGOX_xzmTp6P9Up2_D6vUQiHB1Ya4mi6foIac2FrKHNpV93lug9H_5rC54htnx_d5cl3yfAtgb-rx6qZgjQnKeCwDtn3N6zP8i3FHPs-XBv2VoBWTpX7Q_4ensVFXcw/w640-h408/Flakpanzer%20IV%20Ostwind%20with%203.7cm%20Flak%2043.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flakpanzer IV Ostwind with 3.7cm Flak 43</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2_a2dBUN2b9E9c6Ko5JC7qNLGh1RDaDbcxGbcrJjP0ba0z_QQ0HU-CCdmHEHONP1fG1By5yImimsdTSYafqBxVFedjKCBzZIGYkXYlH5sjVYgQbU-br43bukzEMHQXPaVPWlk4vfUdg8KZezDqiINupZ_Rz97_0HESyEw0y4BFjFd4ewAdv9rXfdlA/s1356/specs%20b&w.%20horiz.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1356" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2_a2dBUN2b9E9c6Ko5JC7qNLGh1RDaDbcxGbcrJjP0ba0z_QQ0HU-CCdmHEHONP1fG1By5yImimsdTSYafqBxVFedjKCBzZIGYkXYlH5sjVYgQbU-br43bukzEMHQXPaVPWlk4vfUdg8KZezDqiINupZ_Rz97_0HESyEw0y4BFjFd4ewAdv9rXfdlA/w640-h388/specs%20b&w.%20horiz.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Heavy all-terrain truck<br />4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A<br />as anti-aircraft vehicle for 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></b><table class="infobox hproduct" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border-spacing: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 22em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above fn" colspan="2" style="background-color: silver; font-size: 15.4px; padding: 0.25em 1em; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">Mercedes-Benz L4500 AA armoured truck</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data category" style="vertical-align: top;">Truck</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Daimler-Benz AG</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Production</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1939 – 1945</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Assembly </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Germany: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaggenau" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Gaggenau">Gaggenau</a><br />Austria: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simmering_(Vienna)" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Simmering (Vienna)">Simmering</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: silver; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">Body and chassis</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Class</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">AA armoured 4,5 t truck</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Body style</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">long bonnet truck</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Layout</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Front engine, 4x4 (A)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Platform</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">L 4500</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: silver; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">Powertrain</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Mercedes-Benz OM 67/4, Diesel - 7274 cm<sup style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1;">3</sup>, 120 hp</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission </th><td class="infobox-data category" style="vertical-align: top;">Manual five-speed</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Propulsion</th><td class="infobox-data category" style="vertical-align: top;">Tyres</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: silver; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">Dimensions</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wheelbase</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4600 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7860 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2350 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3345 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Total weight<br />Fording height <br />Max speed<br />Consumption</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">10.420 kg<br />80 cm<br />66 Km/h (road)<br />3,7 Km/l</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The kits: </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The models that will be used in this project are <b>Mercedes-Benz truck <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/trumpeter-09593-l4500a-mit-37cm-flak-37--1257686">L4500A mit 3.7cm Flak 37</a></b> by Trumpeter (#09593) and the <a href="https://www.das-werk-models.com/products/einheitsanh%C3%A4nger-5t/"><b>Einheitsanhanger 5 t trailer</b></a> by Das Werk (#DW35006).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjkLlkc44rNw8ZfA_tEoxi4DUFMHEMFbqr_ReyG7a9sq0EsujpV4_7IKRrlg1ihQFA095hYl1LnI4o7aF-5BggdBHRg2avc2fmllL8aVs4CK3m1fuzLEblOQLLr-etaXhTLj1Dvc4DzzJbLPol2qT_RHtvS_IdKh8wKtzFeW3K9y3HiR7YR3fnNtDsg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjkLlkc44rNw8ZfA_tEoxi4DUFMHEMFbqr_ReyG7a9sq0EsujpV4_7IKRrlg1ihQFA095hYl1LnI4o7aF-5BggdBHRg2avc2fmllL8aVs4CK3m1fuzLEblOQLLr-etaXhTLj1Dvc4DzzJbLPol2qT_RHtvS_IdKh8wKtzFeW3K9y3HiR7YR3fnNtDsg/w640-h424/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20000.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak with the two kits on the workbench... <br />The bald man hadn't spoken German in a while...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The concept of the idea is that this armoured truck (which Trumpeter insists on not mentioning the name... It's a MERCEDES-BENZ !!!) is moving from one operating position to another. And since it's on the road, it would be dragging a 5-ton trailer with material to the new base of operations. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After all, a truck is and always will be a truck... And before any purists say this would be wrong (where has a FlaK-truck ever pulled anything other than its proper ammo trailer???), here's photographic proof that a FlaK-truck is, first and foremost, a truck... and trucks serve to load and pull things....</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2YPlA_FdYb2w6zgO8fOAzdc8zujFxddocb6wEuj1PDwTZbUGtgvDwpglsKbgxNDK_IOrDTPWRP_IZG6MaXL7_B2XjZnORvFRCLtetQHk7Z1YosMe_VHT8Pn_b_RPDZZpOOwRoXO3PMudmINF3ZwSPSJp9GaakvrDp68GOIBF2CwxdJWWl6p_ZeCuQQ/s1440/Mercedes%20L4500A%20with%20a%203.7cm%20Flak%20gun%20pulling%20an%2088mm%20gun%20that%20was%20shot%20up%20by%20Lt.Stuart%20Hills%20of%20C%20Squadron%20at%20Het%20Zonneke,%20South%20of%20Geel%20Belgium-%2010%20September%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1440" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2YPlA_FdYb2w6zgO8fOAzdc8zujFxddocb6wEuj1PDwTZbUGtgvDwpglsKbgxNDK_IOrDTPWRP_IZG6MaXL7_B2XjZnORvFRCLtetQHk7Z1YosMe_VHT8Pn_b_RPDZZpOOwRoXO3PMudmINF3ZwSPSJp9GaakvrDp68GOIBF2CwxdJWWl6p_ZeCuQQ/w640-h412/Mercedes%20L4500A%20with%20a%203.7cm%20Flak%20gun%20pulling%20an%2088mm%20gun%20that%20was%20shot%20up%20by%20Lt.Stuart%20Hills%20of%20C%20Squadron%20at%20Het%20Zonneke,%20South%20of%20Geel%20Belgium-%2010%20September%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A destroyed Mercedes L4500A with a 3.7cm FlaK gun pulling<br />an 88mm FlaKgun. Shot taken by Lt.Stuart Hills of C Squadron<br />at Het Zonneke, South of Geel Belgium- 10 September 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But enough rambling... Let's build these beauties... Starting with the truck..., following the booklet, let's face the engine:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2QDFVYFd-q4L-C2K-ztB8WBNDoaeVDRmkznrhomYqOwnopH1u-s4AEDT0goPfLMEWYwoIAsCia38tBARzD6rl1w8gKZWM9wI0BwVQS50mJp6iqLuvvmWNxgHjutyJxdjQtDHwEWztpFlzKQ8KpFZY9FqqwAi9AF1SXdr6zBbyif9lT-n2K3f9R2Hrw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2QDFVYFd-q4L-C2K-ztB8WBNDoaeVDRmkznrhomYqOwnopH1u-s4AEDT0goPfLMEWYwoIAsCia38tBARzD6rl1w8gKZWM9wI0BwVQS50mJp6iqLuvvmWNxgHjutyJxdjQtDHwEWztpFlzKQ8KpFZY9FqqwAi9AF1SXdr6zBbyif9lT-n2K3f9R2Hrw/w640-h366/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The engine is very well detailed...<br />Too bad he has to be enclosed inside the nose of the truck...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG1P8HJ3bYvDozC48GWMeQpLE37vTT7jtYGhU5ieBWu1Okvk0COHxnvkaaHklpDgps_wglbrQgpdxZ6Ec7n9fJRtkQfVXUHkYx9CvIVJ5Gqbxj2AWeWz0plwL_LOyYQdl2nsfnjh5Dbes6yT18wRkSnt9LiKl2RBxXbFD-JHpZZgAW2Ay3FE01DZbZg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDG1P8HJ3bYvDozC48GWMeQpLE37vTT7jtYGhU5ieBWu1Okvk0COHxnvkaaHklpDgps_wglbrQgpdxZ6Ec7n9fJRtkQfVXUHkYx9CvIVJ5Gqbxj2AWeWz0plwL_LOyYQdl2nsfnjh5Dbes6yT18wRkSnt9LiKl2RBxXbFD-JHpZZgAW2Ay3FE01DZbZg/w640-h368/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unless.... hmmmm.... here we go...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The chassis features well-injected parts, without deformations or burrs. Keeping everything lined up is a no-brainer (but that doesn't mean alignment falls out of the sky into your lap...)</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12YO5rGmKZ6_Pzfhy_DFDFTdrR-2wgOPAMMuMh36GdeT6iCEqBBxEw-qyDtAHeIw5wwmJ8-CGyLRWNRBc-XiI48fFAHnQLBG_mrFOAAhpyMSn81n34TwdPXfTJ83WiKX9lF1J-eCQPPGl19YwGd8CRJIwESVWmCsWkprbNgcGY77NlPtpSpesXnUlXg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12YO5rGmKZ6_Pzfhy_DFDFTdrR-2wgOPAMMuMh36GdeT6iCEqBBxEw-qyDtAHeIw5wwmJ8-CGyLRWNRBc-XiI48fFAHnQLBG_mrFOAAhpyMSn81n34TwdPXfTJ83WiKX9lF1J-eCQPPGl19YwGd8CRJIwESVWmCsWkprbNgcGY77NlPtpSpesXnUlXg/w640-h316/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belly view of the chassis under construction... <br />A cool part to build, in the kit...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPMF9t-MOvfBiBi2JJ2GyPtaCjijbjDkfAZxq0-EFGW5hnQqpfjdqv-EKAN8JfKFFZmmUuG4KnO9oBIM0Zqciy8WMWtjQ-nPkdlkdt_w7-dJ2KgSH19AzZ7aeL0EbVjE-aMqetpMUMXsQwcBHugoWrqkwa01jypm4aKEHfHkjUj5phVIsDqLDrBidWg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="1280" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPMF9t-MOvfBiBi2JJ2GyPtaCjijbjDkfAZxq0-EFGW5hnQqpfjdqv-EKAN8JfKFFZmmUuG4KnO9oBIM0Zqciy8WMWtjQ-nPkdlkdt_w7-dJ2KgSH19AzZ7aeL0EbVjE-aMqetpMUMXsQwcBHugoWrqkwa01jypm4aKEHfHkjUj5phVIsDqLDrBidWg/w640-h274/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Chassis under construction... <br />Notice the engine, accessories and suspensions in place...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOvmwQ_kYWRt9Xf0Vn3DhmM1RNvyDI3HB9gfVPPbrVyFx-7VgwwM8snCtgOmIC4JGMy8QN0P2LHZb5LtQ_TIyuEBfLHsCtV2YtE46Fz7iSRjW_cgxamhjg5FnjftAdluIUa2_zhF2rJi6PRGluPNMs5k5kijJghvcJr54q_mgMd_w3zkY8nW8O65jvQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOvmwQ_kYWRt9Xf0Vn3DhmM1RNvyDI3HB9gfVPPbrVyFx-7VgwwM8snCtgOmIC4JGMy8QN0P2LHZb5LtQ_TIyuEBfLHsCtV2YtE46Fz7iSRjW_cgxamhjg5FnjftAdluIUa2_zhF2rJi6PRGluPNMs5k5kijJghvcJr54q_mgMd_w3zkY8nW8O65jvQ/w640-h322/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20005.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chassis under construction... <br />Notice the engine, accessories and suspensions in place...<br />right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Trumpeter didn't skimp on the pin-marks... Some would be extremely visible as I'm going to build the cockpit with the captain's hatch open. The internal pin-marks of the ceiling I will close for conscience sake...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWC1x1pXYzms009rlxO2KNTZ1BBLDV7ouulDtXVsNV08dg9f7eMSGP6liJwehb2sbOh8uFgVZ8Lje2ev-yVWwa50BQfk55l2SS63vjMM4-_5JWLSKIM8NGRZg6HMA_xlLlrXgRNd_aV1F7x-IH6Psor95_QaCAh0kY9PV5hZAZFT3N_eP8KZ0jX8zpA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWC1x1pXYzms009rlxO2KNTZ1BBLDV7ouulDtXVsNV08dg9f7eMSGP6liJwehb2sbOh8uFgVZ8Lje2ev-yVWwa50BQfk55l2SS63vjMM4-_5JWLSKIM8NGRZg6HMA_xlLlrXgRNd_aV1F7x-IH6Psor95_QaCAh0kY9PV5hZAZFT3N_eP8KZ0jX8zpA/w640-h466/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin-marks...Man, they are many and evident, in the cabin...<br />Putty time!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2iGq0snSalbhpYAGWxhsMfhT3rsVFnvkzi8wg2A-VhJjJyA9LbBgcVC6EhUG_w3HJESuZh3kczS74o1a-AuQCYD8yA1E63hRKePTTxL_OsGQ6TbbqMQJU0RJ2uy9kq4B_hovasfv8uemKiTXCraqfK3DmvYvAR933uhZilcxAFHz3Vz78Pt_kGz-Uw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20006a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2iGq0snSalbhpYAGWxhsMfhT3rsVFnvkzi8wg2A-VhJjJyA9LbBgcVC6EhUG_w3HJESuZh3kczS74o1a-AuQCYD8yA1E63hRKePTTxL_OsGQ6TbbqMQJU0RJ2uy9kq4B_hovasfv8uemKiTXCraqfK3DmvYvAR933uhZilcxAFHz3Vz78Pt_kGz-Uw/w640-h478/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20006a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To level the putty, nothing like using my sander Panzerserra <br />made with an electric toothbrush</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAW46SOkvGSo7QFOCZY33ZbG5nd57AybJjjLykSvbKrhuFXv-oIg7Wze_9HMH2nPN6QQ4w8IxvBVBLM0LAWfaoUx43QgopnrWrYHp0O5WzFjJuKkuot1GphVf9vOQucq0CvuOQ8L05x5v2cg0wPvS7OJugXQ7uh1Oc9F-CZf_YsttvYlgrsyEjKmbiw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAW46SOkvGSo7QFOCZY33ZbG5nd57AybJjjLykSvbKrhuFXv-oIg7Wze_9HMH2nPN6QQ4w8IxvBVBLM0LAWfaoUx43QgopnrWrYHp0O5WzFjJuKkuot1GphVf9vOQucq0CvuOQ8L05x5v2cg0wPvS7OJugXQ7uh1Oc9F-CZf_YsttvYlgrsyEjKmbiw/w640-h310/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the fit of parts. Positive point for the Trumpeter:<br />everything fits very well!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> As I said above, it's a shame to have to close the engine inside the front hood. And, seeing this photo, the will that arises is: Let's open our girl's engine compartment???</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_igVSKCF6iyB2gMafxxy1u0UGkLktYizGmGS4a30zQN2cjeDY3S2Appi4zno-6lWqdUKzKJErvpqin96F5kD6HF-O10OEpSatl4p7AS47Mw8daFPzNz9vJfwOn7XSeGPH5fOwdn2cJg_fsiypQeh_8cem67PyPO8lp0bUR1vfwV8tUz3CLX6zOfYrA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20007a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_igVSKCF6iyB2gMafxxy1u0UGkLktYizGmGS4a30zQN2cjeDY3S2Appi4zno-6lWqdUKzKJErvpqin96F5kD6HF-O10OEpSatl4p7AS47Mw8daFPzNz9vJfwOn7XSeGPH5fOwdn2cJg_fsiypQeh_8cem67PyPO8lp0bUR1vfwV8tUz3CLX6zOfYrA/w640-h342/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20007a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about we refresh our girl's heart a little???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> As Trumpeter doesn't make things easy in that sense, we're going to a surgery that, although simple, must be performed with care... The first thing is to deepen the tiny groove between the sides of the engine hood. I used the scalpel with the help of a metal ruler... It's like "little-plane-builders" do to scribing the fuselage panels lines.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjdFTI8uJckl6akQ9jUjHbInAfDHt8RmPbuKCujolOSHev4SFLlAbH8kzanZsmIJxha0iMrWcYvAYJTmKpsKP_xQE-GB2BuuGgHudCUx4QwV9tzH8YunAYjzwyb0KArADEohk-8phEmP-aLuCdc7Qm6BybOuXla7wCLapNEa-jLBFl6HLuEw69JC4uQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjdFTI8uJckl6akQ9jUjHbInAfDHt8RmPbuKCujolOSHev4SFLlAbH8kzanZsmIJxha0iMrWcYvAYJTmKpsKP_xQE-GB2BuuGgHudCUx4QwV9tzH8YunAYjzwyb0KArADEohk-8phEmP-aLuCdc7Qm6BybOuXla7wCLapNEa-jLBFl6HLuEw69JC4uQ/w640-h390/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the scalpel to deepen the lines and allow the plastic to be cut.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPV0LuR26D3YDACJiYvvPuuD7GyflvSE9GU8jAB3BYuL8QHP7lemQJrc0X_DU6DwF7St1PQsg6G9Xe8idF9E0dbjAWrJEutaJwUzjbIlPUPq-fHwDNErFxIdcpVMFnO5wQDQrKVZGqCa8QlEwuJ4pH6AKS4e2mOXGnI838x0JwSWHqpS_I4WQdWmsfw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPV0LuR26D3YDACJiYvvPuuD7GyflvSE9GU8jAB3BYuL8QHP7lemQJrc0X_DU6DwF7St1PQsg6G9Xe8idF9E0dbjAWrJEutaJwUzjbIlPUPq-fHwDNErFxIdcpVMFnO5wQDQrKVZGqCa8QlEwuJ4pH6AKS4e2mOXGnI838x0JwSWHqpS_I4WQdWmsfw/w640-h404/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compare the parts with the surgery done (left - red arrow)<br />and not yet performed (right).<br />I made the groove on both sides of the piece (external and internal)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOGHfzYT-pO_7uSErc_4buoHAhwXQMfW_L7yBghQe-rDjkom1PDQcqNhyYrw7PZeDdjmQBQ3oRcWYf_ofTKR4FUJNfvFfo-11O_pDPnh2Vy83fLFsydWK1eoF5LHO0_p-SfEgaozD1KrvZ9NsKOXbXCZKiFL1MsyPPRxmLbCMrNbFtY32aTfj2qci4Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOGHfzYT-pO_7uSErc_4buoHAhwXQMfW_L7yBghQe-rDjkom1PDQcqNhyYrw7PZeDdjmQBQ3oRcWYf_ofTKR4FUJNfvFfo-11O_pDPnh2Vy83fLFsydWK1eoF5LHO0_p-SfEgaozD1KrvZ9NsKOXbXCZKiFL1MsyPPRxmLbCMrNbFtY32aTfj2qci4Q/w640-h352/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the PE bending tool to "fracture" the pieces cleanly and straight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKx1BD4_g_ouHfuYFFpgNpJU19Y-KWTcVWdWnSJS0tsVcixnTUCROK35LQr4EXe-TYCOPsRT7-VQ3LgBwUlQ6qbDGGV-m4WslP_n7oB9INUcd-P-hX-2PMuvTIuuFTM61yvogJVWXO5pMXMJ1NCGS1ydockaEO_uRfAqOwUpUjaxkP6EdY7wdxBdl9A/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKx1BD4_g_ouHfuYFFpgNpJU19Y-KWTcVWdWnSJS0tsVcixnTUCROK35LQr4EXe-TYCOPsRT7-VQ3LgBwUlQ6qbDGGV-m4WslP_n7oB9INUcd-P-hX-2PMuvTIuuFTM61yvogJVWXO5pMXMJ1NCGS1ydockaEO_uRfAqOwUpUjaxkP6EdY7wdxBdl9A/w640-h386/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surgery done. The part marked with the red "X" will go to the scrap box</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNC4gEZTVfVvpDSavqPYDdjO4oAiAQAzHoddSqdUQLvgnt49wA0MftvZbb_n0gWMoyis4kZPK5EArWTjzquNGjlyo0VZ-aANyjDOaJbNfQoDZf5tiayNGtXufNRzu6Lnsd8wDdxAHq1bpH4CrBLAtQRMpgdkpZjzo17yYsdjB9LAJDo9Qnlb3jT4GiA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNC4gEZTVfVvpDSavqPYDdjO4oAiAQAzHoddSqdUQLvgnt49wA0MftvZbb_n0gWMoyis4kZPK5EArWTjzquNGjlyo0VZ-aANyjDOaJbNfQoDZf5tiayNGtXufNRzu6Lnsd8wDdxAHq1bpH4CrBLAtQRMpgdkpZjzo17yYsdjB9LAJDo9Qnlb3jT4GiA/w640-h450/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repeating the process on the other side.<br />Notice the practically built armored cabin in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQq__SSoH4_cDM5fBjQW7cr-MbuQFjc-3VwAbS6yyyL0eELbmeROqduqx6_8QVz3ro6ompsCnTK314WvZlhV943Cavo4rxxJfXJXvNq43KtmAR8eRTDJMAlP_v0OVP8h3P5SqDYiPToxq_GfpUDPmbMlufoqcFMClJahi1FIlJcDd_-ocwTxLh7YhaQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQq__SSoH4_cDM5fBjQW7cr-MbuQFjc-3VwAbS6yyyL0eELbmeROqduqx6_8QVz3ro6ompsCnTK314WvZlhV943Cavo4rxxJfXJXvNq43KtmAR8eRTDJMAlP_v0OVP8h3P5SqDYiPToxq_GfpUDPmbMlufoqcFMClJahi1FIlJcDd_-ocwTxLh7YhaQ/w640-h450/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the fit of the engine hood, with the sides open. </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCc4gZf-kvJ57hr_h9Orxvqw0fIrTdAXDdfN98fqHty5gxsTtw89SQFnrYJveKoL_v6s8o8nHJldP_N7nAVqg8heJtdFtXevhHUQ6iujJhxbky9f2W-QoCJBnJLubT13a2fKKOaWRGIyD09MghqZX1E1P2QFXU-U-djprCE48IvxvLMU7AZ_-TUS0Fw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1280" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCc4gZf-kvJ57hr_h9Orxvqw0fIrTdAXDdfN98fqHty5gxsTtw89SQFnrYJveKoL_v6s8o8nHJldP_N7nAVqg8heJtdFtXevhHUQ6iujJhxbky9f2W-QoCJBnJLubT13a2fKKOaWRGIyD09MghqZX1E1P2QFXU-U-djprCE48IvxvLMU7AZ_-TUS0Fw/w640-h474/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the engine hood, with the sides open.<br />I really liked the result...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxa8NPKNwwaQRPT9EShpAcmAofCu8srLSKd-po2xpi_77-kKzOp61aw1GwwPJGPXk7wumJFydNWmAXeYgrv0FANBl7h9JTEnX8YTrHmtjv3BxB43bx-v81rpNzMcUHB6LX2_KHFE5Ql4VLxmxftALsCXpfGHX75r6e4elvVVUEHZA0JZ5zMkq7ve2zQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxa8NPKNwwaQRPT9EShpAcmAofCu8srLSKd-po2xpi_77-kKzOp61aw1GwwPJGPXk7wumJFydNWmAXeYgrv0FANBl7h9JTEnX8YTrHmtjv3BxB43bx-v81rpNzMcUHB6LX2_KHFE5Ql4VLxmxftALsCXpfGHX75r6e4elvVVUEHZA0JZ5zMkq7ve2zQ/w640-h408/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the fit of the cabin floor. Everything fits together wonderfully. <br />Well done, Trumpeter!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHw-D5Tpcft1mMeHhbGNdAyyj-cP8GaLKpc52q4Z_yjcV9hprRvJutLJOYXpB1Q9gUSU5nRbCfYYWDtWFukfSUD_E0XI5teOX-pKVjNL3FP3igav4q4_P0WsJT4m6olAcjleu8RDddNoLCYriG55pMjbph5CIOJN2aVP37pjFqPz9h_wMSJLugCnEFtA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHw-D5Tpcft1mMeHhbGNdAyyj-cP8GaLKpc52q4Z_yjcV9hprRvJutLJOYXpB1Q9gUSU5nRbCfYYWDtWFukfSUD_E0XI5teOX-pKVjNL3FP3igav4q4_P0WsJT4m6olAcjleu8RDddNoLCYriG55pMjbph5CIOJN2aVP37pjFqPz9h_wMSJLugCnEFtA/w640-h412/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view... The cabin floor fits perfectly....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidph70UHlelExyo9bVr3kppJ-KNkPWjrkXhViFOJPt4y053JpXqZxA0k8pUHNC6OXzW_OPtOZCGFXQ18dcv2F78JPpYhs4_ND8nTJOnXR5Nhv8MRAmqmGDzTouPAC8U7WHhgJWs5swAYEx3K5H0Oys3yGMdlgmtXg4Bhi1Z2IBdpFFyIUe8QJAkTuPxQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidph70UHlelExyo9bVr3kppJ-KNkPWjrkXhViFOJPt4y053JpXqZxA0k8pUHNC6OXzW_OPtOZCGFXQ18dcv2F78JPpYhs4_ND8nTJOnXR5Nhv8MRAmqmGDzTouPAC8U7WHhgJWs5swAYEx3K5H0Oys3yGMdlgmtXg4Bhi1Z2IBdpFFyIUe8QJAkTuPxQ/w640-h406/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squaring is essential. Mudguards and floor fit perfectly... <br />One reinforcing the other...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLXzyG55svJ2rVEoZw0IDlzl66f1a2HTUCbu9WFAM1PGEVxOo8l3QRSoSIbOSIhImrzff2JPmEThJud0YXoJgvHUzZeBw4EI55r2WCy_vgq0IqAiiulpmbYTAPqKUp8kMnyKfpr0YzhofKiBYG0eeWNeU4dN3RhXCqcm3_0DDKA2YVa3G_sk1U1VlNQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLXzyG55svJ2rVEoZw0IDlzl66f1a2HTUCbu9WFAM1PGEVxOo8l3QRSoSIbOSIhImrzff2JPmEThJud0YXoJgvHUzZeBw4EI55r2WCy_vgq0IqAiiulpmbYTAPqKUp8kMnyKfpr0YzhofKiBYG0eeWNeU4dN3RhXCqcm3_0DDKA2YVa3G_sk1U1VlNQ/w640-h392/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the cabin floor. Everything fits perfectly....<br />Our architect is happy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkTsVzG5ub_0JyjDqYBbE1fFlJ_-8gc6FCAqoic4pIaCwbcIJCFxB4nJo0TWlxK4VDyiF4r6Xd42YY7pOot3cgyCUWCShrQjOXIS3Z_BbObcvCioW9fXKagU1_6munsSZ60ppXJZbB-SiWeOFLKQRh9NDayG-jxbrHXI4wdc_bPGvMHX8raTb0CIG7w/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkTsVzG5ub_0JyjDqYBbE1fFlJ_-8gc6FCAqoic4pIaCwbcIJCFxB4nJo0TWlxK4VDyiF4r6Xd42YY7pOot3cgyCUWCShrQjOXIS3Z_BbObcvCioW9fXKagU1_6munsSZ60ppXJZbB-SiWeOFLKQRh9NDayG-jxbrHXI4wdc_bPGvMHX8raTb0CIG7w/w640-h374/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabin glued!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTntXLtkBL0M9p6kS4Y4lH239_ajz8QVea8_gQ7OgUn8rGzm-Nt5Npot45kMyu9d8ScdaryUUCOVlcHUzZYGJKUfzm0eWRya3qc2IzGOcMPwyHPf18zKbsMnp8p-aBe7eKs5xxym5li0r1kj-oHB0cdq_waRaD4qIGClW1fZuNDRQ9W__lFeOPl8eEzA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTntXLtkBL0M9p6kS4Y4lH239_ajz8QVea8_gQ7OgUn8rGzm-Nt5Npot45kMyu9d8ScdaryUUCOVlcHUzZYGJKUfzm0eWRya3qc2IzGOcMPwyHPf18zKbsMnp8p-aBe7eKs5xxym5li0r1kj-oHB0cdq_waRaD4qIGClW1fZuNDRQ9W__lFeOPl8eEzA/w640-h318/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primer application, for the internal painting of the cabin<br />and chassis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtqSI5prnVkix60WxXkFy2jX6I9-CnItXQIHiGQfdhuyS214NYW0JIOvb1JGW8T8woVcERx7XrHllrRQ5ph3EhBZSrvhKy36QDMoqZwtj9jkbEd1IcWkPjWmR1nUj3vZyBof832aQMQSYfGl3_Kc3JBBAylf4ew3XnVWjnLU0DQp8TszT8cZVCi2lVw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtqSI5prnVkix60WxXkFy2jX6I9-CnItXQIHiGQfdhuyS214NYW0JIOvb1JGW8T8woVcERx7XrHllrRQ5ph3EhBZSrvhKy36QDMoqZwtj9jkbEd1IcWkPjWmR1nUj3vZyBof832aQMQSYfGl3_Kc3JBBAylf4ew3XnVWjnLU0DQp8TszT8cZVCi2lVw/w640-h436/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These vehicles were usually painted in Panzer-gray.<br />Let's make your interior and bottom with this color...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y9j4H5KKY76Frb8u9qJf9SIUZHNMdsPCKGbNewNyGEVTKU5dm1pWdV3YgYYCfnxdokcjrH11Do6BxXd5QA9EIgVGa3tjhiwDS_a-PD241cdrPU6j0y54-KAMrC8gBHnPWNZd8lgx510VYMcavRggaqNQ13k7quVFRyWVjor9I2dh-nd4n4gJ2tFkow/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Y9j4H5KKY76Frb8u9qJf9SIUZHNMdsPCKGbNewNyGEVTKU5dm1pWdV3YgYYCfnxdokcjrH11Do6BxXd5QA9EIgVGa3tjhiwDS_a-PD241cdrPU6j0y54-KAMrC8gBHnPWNZd8lgx510VYMcavRggaqNQ13k7quVFRyWVjor9I2dh-nd4n4gJ2tFkow/w640-h352/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chassis in Panzer-gray<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxh_yc_m6DH1fy1PHQ4Zz-6phIYewu6ISr1BpWtgUU3fzbvCVYMC_zY3uhF5IuWNjPymJnky8R-h94bFA9xwOtaBkXU6b28xGruwtCHYPtCw1-8U5qIFSe50rxm3M-uCdy_qALajroSjvv0ymLC7O65aBLdA6Pspi6V4UkzFFJKkJ4Y07X-7JUTFT5RA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1280" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxh_yc_m6DH1fy1PHQ4Zz-6phIYewu6ISr1BpWtgUU3fzbvCVYMC_zY3uhF5IuWNjPymJnky8R-h94bFA9xwOtaBkXU6b28xGruwtCHYPtCw1-8U5qIFSe50rxm3M-uCdy_qALajroSjvv0ymLC7O65aBLdA6Pspi6V4UkzFFJKkJ4Y07X-7JUTFT5RA/w640-h264/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chassis in Panzer-gray<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh9N7lBEiP84Nn0QNRYwdRgsEcAJcOYSSCMDUbN6JZ0QjHJ1-DIynUVw9Fg4TMm2HoUosY6tdxRAiHi4U2CtK86857zQ-CprOxs2A30cYh4fUBqgEKwGMj38hkFwmyXRW5T4SGS4-l9RWYc0SNPjK5gUkxEakhaW-BZqs9jwpAyQvxeCDUkmSoge7Yg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh9N7lBEiP84Nn0QNRYwdRgsEcAJcOYSSCMDUbN6JZ0QjHJ1-DIynUVw9Fg4TMm2HoUosY6tdxRAiHi4U2CtK86857zQ-CprOxs2A30cYh4fUBqgEKwGMj38hkFwmyXRW5T4SGS4-l9RWYc0SNPjK5gUkxEakhaW-BZqs9jwpAyQvxeCDUkmSoge7Yg/w640-h414/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The armoured cabin in PG</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPFVKkNRgC47fnyYw5ylBB3HKaefcBvA9kx-beRf6jimwNhcNwd_ZQzkqCJZ540kM0sdekz2TzphF37x3QKDVDh2ov5IK0aeTKTHOmZi_dD-n-rtcLCTX5S-ggxCKa6YwTLOzzpU5IKNQq6vDwdxbChS7zxNEphXdl7zhMKbPdiJlPu7UD9Gje3z8og/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPFVKkNRgC47fnyYw5ylBB3HKaefcBvA9kx-beRf6jimwNhcNwd_ZQzkqCJZ540kM0sdekz2TzphF37x3QKDVDh2ov5IK0aeTKTHOmZi_dD-n-rtcLCTX5S-ggxCKa6YwTLOzzpU5IKNQq6vDwdxbChS7zxNEphXdl7zhMKbPdiJlPu7UD9Gje3z8og/w640-h318/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weathering in the chassis painting...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonfZE5sKbiXTSre0zaPSnSve0GpnrqL8EjHPNBCTOuqHq8cRb5E-qOxDNaIpHaTUxUle2Lqg1tBLqgFVBNYKkOL-JkTd0us_y2wwI4OWnvjmCOVr2E-REus7II0ZuWrK1fQHnVfhMSMFD6DSiz9l3zLy3XBllwPY-5FpJJ9yPU_1WKTb31WKv0BsHLQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonfZE5sKbiXTSre0zaPSnSve0GpnrqL8EjHPNBCTOuqHq8cRb5E-qOxDNaIpHaTUxUle2Lqg1tBLqgFVBNYKkOL-JkTd0us_y2wwI4OWnvjmCOVr2E-REus7II0ZuWrK1fQHnVfhMSMFD6DSiz9l3zLy3XBllwPY-5FpJJ9yPU_1WKTb31WKv0BsHLQ/w640-h316/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weathering in the chassis painting...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRF_Bzx_dNjzu85uZWLANBO36u3BgcysRdFvtxHpvNFy51diq71gzhqVUV2wLmDFwos29QOx6vgwgNlQxMsq1uNlYmviJmdtjo4wymeTF3TeCvxrwd2jPWPEoaaSD5A6d9cMqRFBZiqg5_PKVFGuc84NcAchyfQfl-rtaV-ZqxmiaGhST2xBdashkZw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRF_Bzx_dNjzu85uZWLANBO36u3BgcysRdFvtxHpvNFy51diq71gzhqVUV2wLmDFwos29QOx6vgwgNlQxMsq1uNlYmviJmdtjo4wymeTF3TeCvxrwd2jPWPEoaaSD5A6d9cMqRFBZiqg5_PKVFGuc84NcAchyfQfl-rtaV-ZqxmiaGhST2xBdashkZw/w640-h440/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weathering in the cabin interior...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiv9Muc9m8ugzZSW05KQVEh0jZAEX_N4GCFhwE3WbWZyT1-oSNKGD4Xhjp7LBKmQ9GeTBm4IWfbwlfXUAuVrhWtf-FI144IFogaXvpfenY2x0CbDC-Ji4xNp0SOHpWin9-BMxvFUTtz6KW7Fv01f7A42PU6DernraOhrc6Cxim_-vHOt5PFaduM7taw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiv9Muc9m8ugzZSW05KQVEh0jZAEX_N4GCFhwE3WbWZyT1-oSNKGD4Xhjp7LBKmQ9GeTBm4IWfbwlfXUAuVrhWtf-FI144IFogaXvpfenY2x0CbDC-Ji4xNp0SOHpWin9-BMxvFUTtz6KW7Fv01f7A42PU6DernraOhrc6Cxim_-vHOt5PFaduM7taw/w640-h472/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weathering in the seat, dashboard instruments<br />and armoured doors...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTMUyUFgj6GFHO25lDTtOetpBARrFDYssvsVthlLE5srYX9bWN3BEt0NeXBX0UTm1Ug-_0YvJ2DhJdagjQ_oyBdwqbgBLtcDPYcw5wFYxaBYLsGu97S77etil0kLoCGtDP879IhBCMacLAHbE9hWRHheI8hIWjUE4vDfRNwroPgmCLhHnezdSBG-s8Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTMUyUFgj6GFHO25lDTtOetpBARrFDYssvsVthlLE5srYX9bWN3BEt0NeXBX0UTm1Ug-_0YvJ2DhJdagjQ_oyBdwqbgBLtcDPYcw5wFYxaBYLsGu97S77etil0kLoCGtDP879IhBCMacLAHbE9hWRHheI8hIWjUE4vDfRNwroPgmCLhHnezdSBG-s8Q/w640-h442/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The instrument panel installed inside the cabin. <br />View through Commander's hatch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwSWqxd4YD_pJVek9XzRtJX0l5SG2008qMu75_RuDrWuESyw0p4XzaKD-OQkMjpgm00SjnxQ14tfNQ-H1PzipV5B_QAUulQghPtvooz0ie64pxKvEdGzM8Nc9PVmyr3OOSCDs7_K3aZHz1-TW6r85hZzU7KAbc_TltqQMQ88Svk0DGy9KknbQGvehoA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1280" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwSWqxd4YD_pJVek9XzRtJX0l5SG2008qMu75_RuDrWuESyw0p4XzaKD-OQkMjpgm00SjnxQ14tfNQ-H1PzipV5B_QAUulQghPtvooz0ie64pxKvEdGzM8Nc9PVmyr3OOSCDs7_K3aZHz1-TW6r85hZzU7KAbc_TltqQMQ88Svk0DGy9KknbQGvehoA/w640-h564/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabin interior details.<br />Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ITBW8Z0F_vaR5B4hBRAm8bNxjRpiyRXdvrU4zYFECB-qR0SPWZpz8XLm68yqTRklnCqI-GHzSxem-Toro84WSJaKkIqBwN8ZfTLdh0MSA_gvf3Ia3PJ_CDFJo938Mec0ETvfqcU6GPDq-EAChrxtXjh00nHYyI9P8PtImpZdsv96q5RAYh0SYV5Mtw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ITBW8Z0F_vaR5B4hBRAm8bNxjRpiyRXdvrU4zYFECB-qR0SPWZpz8XLm68yqTRklnCqI-GHzSxem-Toro84WSJaKkIqBwN8ZfTLdh0MSA_gvf3Ia3PJ_CDFJo938Mec0ETvfqcU6GPDq-EAChrxtXjh00nHYyI9P8PtImpZdsv96q5RAYh0SYV5Mtw/w640-h424/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabin interior details.<br />Left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv52qckPALpbLttvGAUdQG7JkA3JYf130JJ6O2LYZ81ukFfNGBqMDG4bfprZLnSWBH1jiI-JiZtG8A7SxWUfUMrmzzslwOYZIvD0YxVIXlc_qOrhLhlr9gzu7M5YgfhXUCyKjPd8Z9Bx9-kFptgVDxaKyeDW8z3fDKhGCY8JGOddv7E5Yyu6rrDmKu2Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv52qckPALpbLttvGAUdQG7JkA3JYf130JJ6O2LYZ81ukFfNGBqMDG4bfprZLnSWBH1jiI-JiZtG8A7SxWUfUMrmzzslwOYZIvD0YxVIXlc_qOrhLhlr9gzu7M5YgfhXUCyKjPd8Z9Bx9-kFptgVDxaKyeDW8z3fDKhGCY8JGOddv7E5Yyu6rrDmKu2Q/w640-h444/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing the doors...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLy5mkuEfUimo_r4f6GOykf38eN1fMpxHD1lVpGxlrojMEiOPfyP_cNx5isMVlgl-ozMTMIq14QUqe5dVfjWlkAafqr7I-J0Uo3FNfRY8_NXa2q8Y3Ktph75GyHAUrJDDNiWfawhQb0rS2RF_eq385toOYsUKKw26uPA0mleF4gcii3XoWOuKcx2lfQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLy5mkuEfUimo_r4f6GOykf38eN1fMpxHD1lVpGxlrojMEiOPfyP_cNx5isMVlgl-ozMTMIq14QUqe5dVfjWlkAafqr7I-J0Uo3FNfRY8_NXa2q8Y3Ktph75GyHAUrJDDNiWfawhQb0rS2RF_eq385toOYsUKKw26uPA0mleF4gcii3XoWOuKcx2lfQ/w640-h438/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing the doors...<br />right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgei2prQdnBu9uqCe1XNeio0KXzLkSxMb0gi3rq_sTsATQchk7FWxe5Fl1d-lyBdpz-zZhiRkwzlWS_nHOauNWD3Hk7ajN5-oRUPQ1SY0HFuoTuj_zgCAmJg8sjd7QQ6GCavO4BJPZtrSrM5gw4luijGLrZ4WkGj0jZRAwlbhcym6UzNToitxP_FvvzVg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgei2prQdnBu9uqCe1XNeio0KXzLkSxMb0gi3rq_sTsATQchk7FWxe5Fl1d-lyBdpz-zZhiRkwzlWS_nHOauNWD3Hk7ajN5-oRUPQ1SY0HFuoTuj_zgCAmJg8sjd7QQ6GCavO4BJPZtrSrM5gw4luijGLrZ4WkGj0jZRAwlbhcym6UzNToitxP_FvvzVg/w640-h428/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details in the engine hood...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaM6ck4GU-FaqHFL_icPNfai-dDU8jxtMc_ZUf4ZR3eEcobgq9warg37CtgYTy8rtnqkAcFx91qlzOITFfqXDENFoBuWxkSHF83-tI2HOUqjUatbyTxktlH3Rm3GoiwDp_SzHS4sd7SMJJUuYkyOzMWLthD2gTBWg_XwjQK2MBMeYfROR17u7Fxyxfg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaM6ck4GU-FaqHFL_icPNfai-dDU8jxtMc_ZUf4ZR3eEcobgq9warg37CtgYTy8rtnqkAcFx91qlzOITFfqXDENFoBuWxkSHF83-tI2HOUqjUatbyTxktlH3Rm3GoiwDp_SzHS4sd7SMJJUuYkyOzMWLthD2gTBWg_XwjQK2MBMeYfROR17u7Fxyxfg/w640-h428/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wheels and vinyl tires....<br />The tires are easily removable from the wheels (they are very soft).<br />This will make painting easier...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Js6TeUt8W6SkJL22AkvPLW2BZitKOHKnLu88Np6S00LdLZtq5HnhVUgEM80ZK2-D95p5JhZly01-CYBy_IZ1llECvfkPYQAk3TbRChMhA2TXPGsUQNC2eAaTlQziwmX_jvlUS8Vqtm15DPI7dSSXjlZQWpsZzpdQ2zxxQYJK-6Xmxc2Im7-PbowwXw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Js6TeUt8W6SkJL22AkvPLW2BZitKOHKnLu88Np6S00LdLZtq5HnhVUgEM80ZK2-D95p5JhZly01-CYBy_IZ1llECvfkPYQAk3TbRChMhA2TXPGsUQNC2eAaTlQziwmX_jvlUS8Vqtm15DPI7dSSXjlZQWpsZzpdQ2zxxQYJK-6Xmxc2Im7-PbowwXw/w640-h394/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the wheels in a well-aligned and squared way.<br />The presence of tires at this stage makes the work perfect</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkE9uRunhRWAyexEgPdTu-3MAVeZACLVn3epTnL5pvukkalo8iLTZbpTSKVu3xqXswYXwCcJuoe_RSd3D618T3B8Yt-YbK3fH4IgfBpMdAfdtXbLEpq1Ksb4UI22lgz_sNYXOH-Nh9niljbG8OOIxOMtc5GUP9iW69Ng8LSrN0hfrE8T-aRAXEet0ClA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkE9uRunhRWAyexEgPdTu-3MAVeZACLVn3epTnL5pvukkalo8iLTZbpTSKVu3xqXswYXwCcJuoe_RSd3D618T3B8Yt-YbK3fH4IgfBpMdAfdtXbLEpq1Ksb4UI22lgz_sNYXOH-Nh9niljbG8OOIxOMtc5GUP9iW69Ng8LSrN0hfrE8T-aRAXEet0ClA/w640-h414/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As always, squaring is key...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvDY4OFt36mNxgDZqfto52kenNoRp-oXFTmWJrSW0TeM_pl27skSxqsM5-_rvr0g940gfOYV5MDW1g-K4-Gkxu82TwH2NtfjYemHx_n2kCQSVAbpT7LCax3q5Um12sNoFbjFdM2UmzSbWA2IXqQ6IN2G6Ar1Nr1SwAz3oA4CwqVaFHUQpx3KaOCnuUg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvDY4OFt36mNxgDZqfto52kenNoRp-oXFTmWJrSW0TeM_pl27skSxqsM5-_rvr0g940gfOYV5MDW1g-K4-Gkxu82TwH2NtfjYemHx_n2kCQSVAbpT7LCax3q5Um12sNoFbjFdM2UmzSbWA2IXqQ6IN2G6Ar1Nr1SwAz3oA4CwqVaFHUQpx3KaOCnuUg/w640-h344/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girl looking simply wonderful. <br />Now yes, she looks like a badass truck ...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyfQUfFI9MGNUilh-qnXoCXdIzquRXYnFgehmSIaS8OyxVKe9V7z9puyTP48ch1y3H4SjYW0mtf2agz_FMHwdIhQK2thTWiLf9sHoyEgTu2RMrf6xNicjj1cpiF-Yry-UHiWrSyzKSmUFo80iscRa63kJTCGA4LUJ2_wZIxZjN8oNQeAghEgweZ3H1Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyfQUfFI9MGNUilh-qnXoCXdIzquRXYnFgehmSIaS8OyxVKe9V7z9puyTP48ch1y3H4SjYW0mtf2agz_FMHwdIhQK2thTWiLf9sHoyEgTu2RMrf6xNicjj1cpiF-Yry-UHiWrSyzKSmUFo80iscRa63kJTCGA4LUJ2_wZIxZjN8oNQeAghEgweZ3H1Q/w640-h350/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfO3SZ0JydVs8MTip_skw-WE6fsWDHUT83UosRTlyEjPm00O5CKZtlezCEwg5g74TFth93Hc3AtTFfhVOzFg7d32p7u-zfT_6rsjeZdZBBEL4TjMiWotbZx1meh6CU_Xh1yPR4h15zusMDCGjRkfvB2vAoixX4aM9zjjobqwCge4f4MHJXh0ll4Lp1Iw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfO3SZ0JydVs8MTip_skw-WE6fsWDHUT83UosRTlyEjPm00O5CKZtlezCEwg5g74TFth93Hc3AtTFfhVOzFg7d32p7u-zfT_6rsjeZdZBBEL4TjMiWotbZx1meh6CU_Xh1yPR4h15zusMDCGjRkfvB2vAoixX4aM9zjjobqwCge4f4MHJXh0ll4Lp1Iw/w640-h350/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting construction of truck loading area... <br />PE panels fit perfectly....<br />Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-MM-64LTGvBtQ8xjC3whuUDcDzGjaLUk0tF1oa-7kEi19gDny18UPaLPcPdllbdRXVyhxXU7I-cEi63LB9dffwN4qFU1kO2f-TY5MZD7heCF0QJLPlYsnd7BwJ9_idngIEXv49iBFNBlCzgryxVnSeE0W-5z0G4G2iMTm2Y47ZIp8A6RPdtxI9Pqog/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-MM-64LTGvBtQ8xjC3whuUDcDzGjaLUk0tF1oa-7kEi19gDny18UPaLPcPdllbdRXVyhxXU7I-cEi63LB9dffwN4qFU1kO2f-TY5MZD7heCF0QJLPlYsnd7BwJ9_idngIEXv49iBFNBlCzgryxVnSeE0W-5z0G4G2iMTm2Y47ZIp8A6RPdtxI9Pqog/w640-h412/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20051.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truck loading area...<br />Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Here, a blunder by Trumpeter: it left the toolboxes bottomless (blue arrows). The first impression is that they would be covered by the sub-chassis, but this is not the case. The way is to apply a thin strip of plasticard (0.3mm - green arrow) so that the Krauts can celebrate that they won't lose their tools along the way!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKslKjdfMdnjnOM4d810E9Zldlmswil7ag0whiyLZx6mzGpraFmAeFaf77dSz4XYzgA2oqGSRd5BuGZNDZra6YtlUy0ASdgzZ1ZgJ1DnKVjvTPEdGk8VM3fpsTW6vK3jpxItytiQ43yc0e5f3rTOZ7L29R1Ij1WZBrOaL3AqODs-LOSVFonC-0js74A/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKslKjdfMdnjnOM4d810E9Zldlmswil7ag0whiyLZx6mzGpraFmAeFaf77dSz4XYzgA2oqGSRd5BuGZNDZra6YtlUy0ASdgzZ1ZgJ1DnKVjvTPEdGk8VM3fpsTW6vK3jpxItytiQ43yc0e5f3rTOZ7L29R1Ij1WZBrOaL3AqODs-LOSVFonC-0js74A/w640-h422/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karl, Fritz and Hans can celebrate Kojak's care in building the truck...<br />Notice the spare wheel rack in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUHyMNahJMa4p7OfWl3OW_bHs5ILZfWZzeR8DQy53W3upHRiax00unJPq59AyoxuWkoJHDnEtg-zwImtwwO28G3Jt5wT82qOwelhnLDAdWnY9vWpdWvRIX8gejndgUcTJi4GBZB4ZRHIbzA_gP0DM5IHWPA6n89_KTkOTqZ38WoiAi8H6rK9R3wR4fg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUHyMNahJMa4p7OfWl3OW_bHs5ILZfWZzeR8DQy53W3upHRiax00unJPq59AyoxuWkoJHDnEtg-zwImtwwO28G3Jt5wT82qOwelhnLDAdWnY9vWpdWvRIX8gejndgUcTJi4GBZB4ZRHIbzA_gP0DM5IHWPA6n89_KTkOTqZ38WoiAi8H6rK9R3wR4fg/w640-h424/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toolboxes closed (as it should be). <br />Karl is very happy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XqR3ODva1p_tsUpxvhHma434Fg-TerN8kL7PBFJaPeQREHBHgyvCNyGrktxvyCha96nsOLmHOm0yhK6lDT01KcDpFAuobS0l1Ljp_-FNbtDlffwZtk8E1Ax3w-y32ANuUKoHBUWifkwuK9TDPIimOVC5e_XJJCl9qwVJ6i058mEg_YastdfulEd2wA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8XqR3ODva1p_tsUpxvhHma434Fg-TerN8kL7PBFJaPeQREHBHgyvCNyGrktxvyCha96nsOLmHOm0yhK6lDT01KcDpFAuobS0l1Ljp_-FNbtDlffwZtk8E1Ax3w-y32ANuUKoHBUWifkwuK9TDPIimOVC5e_XJJCl9qwVJ6i058mEg_YastdfulEd2wA/w640-h462/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the gap between the sub-chassis and the bottom of the box...<br />What an ugly thing, Trumpeter!!! <br />Good thing Kojak is a capricious fellow...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHlSt14D3PkL7IKBDNHXxMGB1MiBcJaLULbatirnAxEC6DmMJrqepJVKcZ6prEfUEYOpBTObt0QmmL_G_ufEikBhbd0goOUED_E6UEdzShDoUNuW7YL18c00XyAJpGvizq06LVQOK1_uITyZS_qoh0X6CRkU9x9c7q8Emg_KcJ-tWu2Ss905mkUlPbQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHlSt14D3PkL7IKBDNHXxMGB1MiBcJaLULbatirnAxEC6DmMJrqepJVKcZ6prEfUEYOpBTObt0QmmL_G_ufEikBhbd0goOUED_E6UEdzShDoUNuW7YL18c00XyAJpGvizq06LVQOK1_uITyZS_qoh0X6CRkU9x9c7q8Emg_KcJ-tWu2Ss905mkUlPbQ/w640-h378/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the loading area dries the glue, let's build the stabilizing legs...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IDsCAp4w2sVJzvPY1bH3paLuedNO6s0MFxd2FXWMXfm9IIKwdw31iiKx6c3TTGB9UOM5z_ZE8UzI7V14LRPNGc5JUsRXrJoszya9UEG_nZRvfuAy3rb-k1MCQf8_kyRu23moJzqpns-iKUmSVT4HTF92myGGXXWiBiW7Su6GIvRLMcEmqSp_rAeu-A/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IDsCAp4w2sVJzvPY1bH3paLuedNO6s0MFxd2FXWMXfm9IIKwdw31iiKx6c3TTGB9UOM5z_ZE8UzI7V14LRPNGc5JUsRXrJoszya9UEG_nZRvfuAy3rb-k1MCQf8_kyRu23moJzqpns-iKUmSVT4HTF92myGGXXWiBiW7Su6GIvRLMcEmqSp_rAeu-A/w640-h406/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stabilizing legs in position and movable...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifTfubb9zsz-5JC9QXz0P5dGsUInz5a6W8ERdl2KZ9EBIcXuBWNkHFLA9lJa5J4JNO19ly_Jugku1ZGdlPPdC9OYYYEoLoNZpuJyjRT27JI3mxKH7dwC0C4wjooKVldhzBapi14-hFZa2Q_OT1LS_122hmbRHruOuflMz0ga-vJKacAs85nLVCIW8WQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifTfubb9zsz-5JC9QXz0P5dGsUInz5a6W8ERdl2KZ9EBIcXuBWNkHFLA9lJa5J4JNO19ly_Jugku1ZGdlPPdC9OYYYEoLoNZpuJyjRT27JI3mxKH7dwC0C4wjooKVldhzBapi14-hFZa2Q_OT1LS_122hmbRHruOuflMz0ga-vJKacAs85nLVCIW8WQ/w640-h404/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stabilizing legs in position and movable...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDQKK95cakvOJP5wil3mPIAKmWC1Y-t7sLycI1gD1e01Z2_TmK8aUs35ZzCEsXjsPPu_bgzXO5snOLxrs6bpUeQmsbGvbKvfmnRQcX3mhqk6CKRi-PhknMoQA3pBg9xkgKV41GxAie9GwySDBmLWMKmadQB40coL0BVauL6WTKEyruJSQI68r9IVEQg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDQKK95cakvOJP5wil3mPIAKmWC1Y-t7sLycI1gD1e01Z2_TmK8aUs35ZzCEsXjsPPu_bgzXO5snOLxrs6bpUeQmsbGvbKvfmnRQcX3mhqk6CKRi-PhknMoQA3pBg9xkgKV41GxAie9GwySDBmLWMKmadQB40coL0BVauL6WTKEyruJSQI68r9IVEQg/w640-h362/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding details and fenders to the bottom of the cargo area<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2V4g5SmMXbQ11z5NYycZSU10DYEfhq7pJjmDgwYwKMsJ3rfl4EWoFNToQcATacSC59CHn22FGgBIrLXkFiJRSwxPfbVlSNiq9Cz-8tcx3iUx02YziCaSQ4zPMFzbtHFZbWrQSu3CqGvpwoc1MAY-wAz5zAqifnZe3IxTN1epuXFOAPOFXVMGIaAblUQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2V4g5SmMXbQ11z5NYycZSU10DYEfhq7pJjmDgwYwKMsJ3rfl4EWoFNToQcATacSC59CHn22FGgBIrLXkFiJRSwxPfbVlSNiq9Cz-8tcx3iUx02YziCaSQ4zPMFzbtHFZbWrQSu3CqGvpwoc1MAY-wAz5zAqifnZe3IxTN1epuXFOAPOFXVMGIaAblUQ/w640-h360/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding details and fenders to the bottom of the cargo area<br />Right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuPA0ocOKre70CsFTEvssmxNVCEJthy88P6pBvV2J6a-d5Y9zlhnmTEvodkTrkI8FvMucnCssp3uFt4nAeLZA2qHTbIRNvUVnIjiq0z2YXh8wp600QYJ5hsK3P5cwvJlcyAU47QT_1mJtci0oGBPaEAYLZNyXk7TbI2oTrrIhbtkDPjLYyjPxjIhOtA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuPA0ocOKre70CsFTEvssmxNVCEJthy88P6pBvV2J6a-d5Y9zlhnmTEvodkTrkI8FvMucnCssp3uFt4nAeLZA2qHTbIRNvUVnIjiq0z2YXh8wp600QYJ5hsK3P5cwvJlcyAU47QT_1mJtci0oGBPaEAYLZNyXk7TbI2oTrrIhbtkDPjLYyjPxjIhOtA/w640-h318/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And gluing the cargo area to the chassis and cab. <br />The truck is completely rigid, with the cargo area-cab-chassis connection. <br />This rigidity should increase the weapon's shooting stability...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYojEPtxDlRbCN2md7XEbyILSpHkV13xafVKfq-Ng9ycOKF0q7_2Iu65nljY1UNzzk3e_lA6I0iiTOVYTA-MfDSVKvdXtlCtEfnSOUnkXdCZF7mk7JIY7tay_2Armqm3dDp5Opr3ArtdGLOdCf7LHN-IuzZSWhyXfrfVMw23hiylNMpxl52gEH2dKTQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYojEPtxDlRbCN2md7XEbyILSpHkV13xafVKfq-Ng9ycOKF0q7_2Iu65nljY1UNzzk3e_lA6I0iiTOVYTA-MfDSVKvdXtlCtEfnSOUnkXdCZF7mk7JIY7tay_2Armqm3dDp5Opr3ArtdGLOdCf7LHN-IuzZSWhyXfrfVMw23hiylNMpxl52gEH2dKTQ/w640-h374/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3LA1fUDltqDAm8nPB5J_KPn2tx8zs8QvBOlNogP2h5Qeo5TV6rwa1_3ik1f-cvnsvgZ55UJL5JTbLQd797sgQ8ylDX4izvPQIlHWkz46w5NQowucpNmhX3kbmfdFOUhA8eKv1nCcoN5I6x7nq-MvU667BJmSI9cjIXF8wCDCpIHI0foQKRvrR2oWOA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3LA1fUDltqDAm8nPB5J_KPn2tx8zs8QvBOlNogP2h5Qeo5TV6rwa1_3ik1f-cvnsvgZ55UJL5JTbLQd797sgQ8ylDX4izvPQIlHWkz46w5NQowucpNmhX3kbmfdFOUhA8eKv1nCcoN5I6x7nq-MvU667BJmSI9cjIXF8wCDCpIHI0foQKRvrR2oWOA/w640-h350/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20062.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belly view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Prevention is better than cure... The width beacons are the most broken parts in a model. I'm going to replace the (fragile) plastic parts with two metal pins. Although the spheres are smaller, it's a small price to pay when it comes to toughness...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmD1RuxKoN9z5bO78myUz4r1txjyG_vWUVxecXKLOvTsijFYEKoqZAsRn2iAeR7CPURDFmZ4wIWs9u0IBwQlVh0IMRehTEOTyCXOeNUKBXHIzZCFKSKL-ri3F4d1E-fQQ6-LTorB27I3y7L3IqZIGq7oU1LQt3jv-WZ4JPMvK8JxR2hJ8IBhnbarTW1g/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmD1RuxKoN9z5bO78myUz4r1txjyG_vWUVxecXKLOvTsijFYEKoqZAsRn2iAeR7CPURDFmZ4wIWs9u0IBwQlVh0IMRehTEOTyCXOeNUKBXHIzZCFKSKL-ri3F4d1E-fQQ6-LTorB27I3y7L3IqZIGq7oU1LQt3jv-WZ4JPMvK8JxR2hJ8IBhnbarTW1g/w640-h330/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacing the (thin and fragile - red arrows) plastic parts <br />by two metal pins (blue)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TVztamjP8yfrBkaFBcVpoq1Ke0AcfHPRXKATItj5Yu3RTr6_op5dIU8FpTjDr8s_7E9GlWd1A6jWP-wIGr6SShOxmCeDTWiQbvRbelsFgypCvckfJa4vZlTQbZBO7IBcVJkn0_Db6j5Ccgwc3nXWbDIT4i4ouJ_taSh2JOZdNz7w21GNnuUMeTPYNw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TVztamjP8yfrBkaFBcVpoq1Ke0AcfHPRXKATItj5Yu3RTr6_op5dIU8FpTjDr8s_7E9GlWd1A6jWP-wIGr6SShOxmCeDTWiQbvRbelsFgypCvckfJa4vZlTQbZBO7IBcVJkn0_Db6j5Ccgwc3nXWbDIT4i4ouJ_taSh2JOZdNz7w21GNnuUMeTPYNw/w640-h440/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better... Notice other details added<br />Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkwEv8N-XmjjOuzQnBwEcOzHpJpe0EL4bqR7sRVPys4iuJpKG97Bb4dYM9cHcO4n6WARX2Uchrlm3HEd4MDjApro77hl-LJ1vV7ExkH4zAqnFNgqVoBj5AOaaI6E_Y0ltOWy4OnfTbkXEcRoYPZWBQ9AI5trrjKVvHb8tJ5tLYjQW5jabH5hPd4OfJA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkwEv8N-XmjjOuzQnBwEcOzHpJpe0EL4bqR7sRVPys4iuJpKG97Bb4dYM9cHcO4n6WARX2Uchrlm3HEd4MDjApro77hl-LJ1vV7ExkH4zAqnFNgqVoBj5AOaaI6E_Y0ltOWy4OnfTbkXEcRoYPZWBQ9AI5trrjKVvHb8tJ5tLYjQW5jabH5hPd4OfJA/w640-h420/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well...the girl's construction is practically done. <br />Let's now take care of the AA gun...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu-AnuXPJQiD2fSy-vVV0dhRG_tMmo4Xk4qKqEwwm3S9blzqbH0LRBklo-Pd4lPNRRBh6Y7u3v2xAXW9LgI4JvZwXs37u8dd4XNUuxKv1TXgdwgQF0qO2Ani6WW7N3eIcY9RMMQCwNl2sbCesKTu1fp-F-hMtCyUVxTYRZe4glYs0bXi3lcOS1oM6jQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJu-AnuXPJQiD2fSy-vVV0dhRG_tMmo4Xk4qKqEwwm3S9blzqbH0LRBklo-Pd4lPNRRBh6Y7u3v2xAXW9LgI4JvZwXs37u8dd4XNUuxKv1TXgdwgQF0qO2Ani6WW7N3eIcY9RMMQCwNl2sbCesKTu1fp-F-hMtCyUVxTYRZe4glYs0bXi3lcOS1oM6jQ/w640-h356/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacing the absurd engineering solution of two pins retaining<br />the gun's lifting pinion with a single axis, in plasticard.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Do-2GseFlgrukYXJ6mDcdiCKXeP3FgnL_Vq-CgXN7JQv5njveNlObAK7BPLYvKnv3UaGC3UQhLKBgJ-J3u-FXEq6ByctTEhlxbrzwrT5binhjR_MouNxEfhHRJIG5UqEeh_MJGjBFwzCvR1tu4ZanRzlnoPtEnp7bYz0_zoQnqTUV-fupKtyLpHwsA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Do-2GseFlgrukYXJ6mDcdiCKXeP3FgnL_Vq-CgXN7JQv5njveNlObAK7BPLYvKnv3UaGC3UQhLKBgJ-J3u-FXEq6ByctTEhlxbrzwrT5binhjR_MouNxEfhHRJIG5UqEeh_MJGjBFwzCvR1tu4ZanRzlnoPtEnp7bYz0_zoQnqTUV-fupKtyLpHwsA/w640-h302/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 37mm gun, under construction...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fs36XOs7c9EDibC4xLlB67BEKEmiSMO7aQSfyBngVmUiPTpfref0mUhtKpancIe6n89tr3bHQsOAbQ-ooomW6t15RBYVDH1KHZHg_KFK_mPrL07HDrGijHdyMMZfO0pHYrG-5WpPYzTQA6GR8UXAGNHFVWczw4jXK-PFRmiCD1TGr5h-N2-Wd3hlwA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1280" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Fs36XOs7c9EDibC4xLlB67BEKEmiSMO7aQSfyBngVmUiPTpfref0mUhtKpancIe6n89tr3bHQsOAbQ-ooomW6t15RBYVDH1KHZHg_KFK_mPrL07HDrGijHdyMMZfO0pHYrG-5WpPYzTQA6GR8UXAGNHFVWczw4jXK-PFRmiCD1TGr5h-N2-Wd3hlwA/w640-h308/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOd2CNsJ7H9VXQY8nC5xNOXU8xHGmaRpMO9ALc74DIN7CqaIow1Gs6oQ-YMxEnQ5jcMDYSq6p4XfL0TCPORJODpanPCL3-oUTUtwqNszuGg66ZoFGn-vTsfuvFuKZ6I4irW5Qn-U_UtWF0QubG8bJU6bWWZQbxMOfhvOP1Y2OdjBI455GmNhxWnwCGA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOd2CNsJ7H9VXQY8nC5xNOXU8xHGmaRpMO9ALc74DIN7CqaIow1Gs6oQ-YMxEnQ5jcMDYSq6p4XfL0TCPORJODpanPCL3-oUTUtwqNszuGg66ZoFGn-vTsfuvFuKZ6I4irW5Qn-U_UtWF0QubG8bJU6bWWZQbxMOfhvOP1Y2OdjBI455GmNhxWnwCGA/w640-h296/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indeed, it is a very respectable weapon...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnK27bcz8lWF6Gv7SbgxVgJYaoKzXg1fiD1cOELfvW88_LJp60grBnXdzjM-3DpEhbhlsbmMPJlJCnbZrjhipg1NrAD_H0HgblAYXohBQrIPIfDCIIqjVtLrXpJjopwHEoV-HEo2dnMt56e6jOgnnHRS9N8wKIUgqQ9PqbPpd_FBtF6Ail8LMYPgi1rg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnK27bcz8lWF6Gv7SbgxVgJYaoKzXg1fiD1cOELfvW88_LJp60grBnXdzjM-3DpEhbhlsbmMPJlJCnbZrjhipg1NrAD_H0HgblAYXohBQrIPIfDCIIqjVtLrXpJjopwHEoV-HEo2dnMt56e6jOgnnHRS9N8wKIUgqQ9PqbPpd_FBtF6Ail8LMYPgi1rg/w640-h370/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the 37mm FlaK 41 in its place. <br />Dude, this thing looks amazing!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf-lvoX5BpjQ9srUp5tb8BwwR3S8qeTm0-3th7cfncPNJcDw-p81dhOXgU953US_LzHaSP6sPe2WVTbkkaevGAi7c0rSpIZ6Sum_DzfBnTV3WFHYJbg_SG3UPQLhEsE2rCfCLI2kF9jViM65uuwLuLW_T0JIFJJFIwq-M8udONgSlf86zzq6vIM1XYw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf-lvoX5BpjQ9srUp5tb8BwwR3S8qeTm0-3th7cfncPNJcDw-p81dhOXgU953US_LzHaSP6sPe2WVTbkkaevGAi7c0rSpIZ6Sum_DzfBnTV3WFHYJbg_SG3UPQLhEsE2rCfCLI2kF9jViM65uuwLuLW_T0JIFJJFIwq-M8udONgSlf86zzq6vIM1XYw/w640-h378/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5uXmAHhHsATw2bk2_XaVeN8cOEeu2A9yrZ1ccHk6JgmolDcy_x-nrWvNVOou7GxVfbFrL3tPcBQB40P7yGb5cUA5Y6MubqZ2vOLxe2MmyJoJ62-owlnIrpI-xLLtgipf3gUYaVLYKtaEK7mmH72bO9a2fYFVDC751zRH9YzCYwdMw_j0_JvMMwBwXg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5uXmAHhHsATw2bk2_XaVeN8cOEeu2A9yrZ1ccHk6JgmolDcy_x-nrWvNVOou7GxVfbFrL3tPcBQB40P7yGb5cUA5Y6MubqZ2vOLxe2MmyJoJ62-owlnIrpI-xLLtgipf3gUYaVLYKtaEK7mmH72bO9a2fYFVDC751zRH9YzCYwdMw_j0_JvMMwBwXg/w640-h380/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYezASoX4suJtECfU8LeOQb8GLm2fP-WBtPXV1SReTrh_RIAo1UthuG5cfQfNSkVWSmYwGsiLhQR2C-z28QY8LLb1MzLVHaAK3mKixkPka3pGZE9LBlZasMkrKy1Y0DNVndYR96aeuyF3-OUCDD7PyJH3BWzAtJg5CRXUZirtabptP08Q2j6wUkW7uQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYezASoX4suJtECfU8LeOQb8GLm2fP-WBtPXV1SReTrh_RIAo1UthuG5cfQfNSkVWSmYwGsiLhQR2C-z28QY8LLb1MzLVHaAK3mKixkPka3pGZE9LBlZasMkrKy1Y0DNVndYR96aeuyF3-OUCDD7PyJH3BWzAtJg5CRXUZirtabptP08Q2j6wUkW7uQ/w640-h420/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5ut_dbsB4V1KDj5C9x2052ZRrkVqHoNhYnRHltcUzCFqVkLA-MhguSdv5_FSfBOfcmw-Q6D81mqKM3PJeV6AjifiCo3O7hTcGLgsR68way6e-uNMnuw_IBGfZ-0Adnr9EKaeNOZOhzIY_WiiFPmPtz0mcml1tvJXTHxISmuO2897Drk70GQZNsyGNg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5ut_dbsB4V1KDj5C9x2052ZRrkVqHoNhYnRHltcUzCFqVkLA-MhguSdv5_FSfBOfcmw-Q6D81mqKM3PJeV6AjifiCo3O7hTcGLgsR68way6e-uNMnuw_IBGfZ-0Adnr9EKaeNOZOhzIY_WiiFPmPtz0mcml1tvJXTHxISmuO2897Drk70GQZNsyGNg/w640-h480/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gun details...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And, after everything is finished, we move on to the primer application step, as we try to locate this girl in time and space. My client requested a post-February 1942 paint job in the dark yellow brindle with green and brown pattern. The decals from the kit are for vehicles in the panzer-gray pattern, so let's do some research...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ECR0JZhabJTLoHWhk0BfHHw-BFIEI0xvd5A3RJ2LW2xfbcIoRX9Idb6acwBGnsSX0MHRuEMoPCDhYQB__3bkqqHja859-ajz1Y9DM7Ln2MewjzAMlywPfsCnYGfLWJRY425L0yf34lTSG---j_jVROJoiPHo0sO_d-Lx86QGv0TrtOrSTc-Ep0uHIA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ECR0JZhabJTLoHWhk0BfHHw-BFIEI0xvd5A3RJ2LW2xfbcIoRX9Idb6acwBGnsSX0MHRuEMoPCDhYQB__3bkqqHja859-ajz1Y9DM7Ln2MewjzAMlywPfsCnYGfLWJRY425L0yf34lTSG---j_jVROJoiPHo0sO_d-Lx86QGv0TrtOrSTc-Ep0uHIA/w640-h286/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The primer under drying...note that another kit is under construction.<br />It will be described in parallel.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Guys, I hate the famous phrase: "Unidentified unit" in the Painting & marking guides! If these manufacturers got in touch with a modeling club, I guarantee they would solve this issue in minutes... and at a very low cost...<b>Too lazy to research, Miss Trumpeter!!! Shame on you!!</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6ZDLkQuYUa39PCaC_eFLK-4ld4TdKEY8FN2RUrr7EJgYHW_xc57nnGhTGYs3RnKRBCj-AG0-OfmsjY2cmRlM7d4OW-_RpGuE3YvpoSsBe6JFsmJLHXe2cTL_SVi8_B9tvTyMBxQQ6-l8h9udHP2W9VMmOcTCo60XlsAdDbuADZZ2Ta4M5kuv1QpqiQ/s498/Shame.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="498" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6ZDLkQuYUa39PCaC_eFLK-4ld4TdKEY8FN2RUrr7EJgYHW_xc57nnGhTGYs3RnKRBCj-AG0-OfmsjY2cmRlM7d4OW-_RpGuE3YvpoSsBe6JFsmJLHXe2cTL_SVi8_B9tvTyMBxQQ6-l8h9udHP2W9VMmOcTCo60XlsAdDbuADZZ2Ta4M5kuv1QpqiQ/w400-h224/Shame.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trumpeter, you guide sucks!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As my old and wise father used to say: "If you want something done right, do it yourself!" So let's make a decent, historically accurate painting and markings guide: a Panzerserra one!! Let's meet the Mercedes Benz L4500A Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37 number 4, belongs to <i><b>SS FlaK Abteilung 12</b></i>, in the <i><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_SS_Panzer_Division_Hitlerjugend" target="_blank">12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend</a></b></i>, in the critical times of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord" target="_blank">Overlord Operation</a>, Normandy, France, in June 1944.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9Q7u0ibDqkxdY6qEiEZAPsuM-fvlIoAfHCazRqOx9iEk5cg0nitd19H593c58TJcDX9LcBcR2k6kHDCtmjC9Qk92O3lAUlW6wmhyZ0lJixQbedArtlubbgjoj25VXCueZiSWN9u5bIhNbm3QII8tayuAEPch4lF1bYVJVDnhGBNgmEwZuZ-ZXBRu4w/s1280/specs%20colors%20markings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9Q7u0ibDqkxdY6qEiEZAPsuM-fvlIoAfHCazRqOx9iEk5cg0nitd19H593c58TJcDX9LcBcR2k6kHDCtmjC9Qk92O3lAUlW6wmhyZ0lJixQbedArtlubbgjoj25VXCueZiSWN9u5bIhNbm3QII8tayuAEPch4lF1bYVJVDnhGBNgmEwZuZ-ZXBRu4w/w640-h418/specs%20colors%20markings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good reference for our Mercedes...<br />Panzerserra's guide of markings & painting.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Let's start painting with the dark yellow base color...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpkgZav4hcFjE8LqofBU18hGAt__8sg3pM1FjLlJGcvDWi8gV9zIduPH_JGZad2VI0Hls_K3nnhEs-tk81x5X_n31oYL2HyYHAK81LSWK9CMKEwUrA-tRSb8iDyejXIxG1e-yn41Yty3eZYK8qf_3itcCKpjnrCd69T-uhL7uN7rLNeRHN-4TKfk9DA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpkgZav4hcFjE8LqofBU18hGAt__8sg3pM1FjLlJGcvDWi8gV9zIduPH_JGZad2VI0Hls_K3nnhEs-tk81x5X_n31oYL2HyYHAK81LSWK9CMKEwUrA-tRSb8iDyejXIxG1e-yn41Yty3eZYK8qf_3itcCKpjnrCd69T-uhL7uN7rLNeRHN-4TKfk9DA/w640-h376/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The truck and the gun, under yellow colors....</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_KMhpnRoa4Mv-5bWn38lTNzZmZuzUFBfiw4ZTrGqD3GKw539XrA8wefmPD9oBCiGmN8TPVAiW3QDCY-rV4RcLIo9ul9Qmtm6TdcLJlU_QEvb73yJ3OYkaQml70kijXb-v69s4kJp933Zt6d3huH6_8yoqBI4jZQOwIALjIgtS2lmwjSvC5qZiUn08w/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_KMhpnRoa4Mv-5bWn38lTNzZmZuzUFBfiw4ZTrGqD3GKw539XrA8wefmPD9oBCiGmN8TPVAiW3QDCY-rV4RcLIo9ul9Qmtm6TdcLJlU_QEvb73yJ3OYkaQml70kijXb-v69s4kJp933Zt6d3huH6_8yoqBI4jZQOwIALjIgtS2lmwjSvC5qZiUn08w/w640-h372/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20085.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3,7cm FlaK is a very beautiful detail...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I insulated the undersides of the truck, which were already painted panzer-gray. Usually, the camouflages striped in green and brown on yellow were executed on the battlefields, with only the outermost parts being painted...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Dsl-5dqkVpEU-67_zzrITb4fiG2m5dIdvUq5WKkzFdx0cHRnl3VPmdvLKerXTShhHR3z4tPozwVvkvvyjip5RFICSSB7Jiql4ypUjPtAeFVFu9Hazu7P86yL4bqBhGPV6l70M6jL3rzh1eanVWEt4nTNJmMMJvLr3ETaHpuGB0CUe2jPkeGXSaT2VQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Dsl-5dqkVpEU-67_zzrITb4fiG2m5dIdvUq5WKkzFdx0cHRnl3VPmdvLKerXTShhHR3z4tPozwVvkvvyjip5RFICSSB7Jiql4ypUjPtAeFVFu9Hazu7P86yL4bqBhGPV6l70M6jL3rzh1eanVWEt4nTNJmMMJvLr3ETaHpuGB0CUe2jPkeGXSaT2VQ/w640-h352/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark-yellow in the truck...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz28gO3CeevEq6e5wy_RaWPNngL8fG71872Qo8Y4Ul-UXii-BKL1A1BKMgYt6MoUnMB7xoU7YlWzKoARME3iuAGzwVzsT09Ih89u_rQJQXslBt10DUrqVONrS2EbkdWmT34BHfTjJOeGjpSXqCzqoZ-AYtwg13f2fXPs5N5kT-FfTUnoSm5ns4FfIGxA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="1280" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz28gO3CeevEq6e5wy_RaWPNngL8fG71872Qo8Y4Ul-UXii-BKL1A1BKMgYt6MoUnMB7xoU7YlWzKoARME3iuAGzwVzsT09Ih89u_rQJQXslBt10DUrqVONrS2EbkdWmT34BHfTjJOeGjpSXqCzqoZ-AYtwg13f2fXPs5N5kT-FfTUnoSm5ns4FfIGxA/w640-h258/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20086.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gun and the transporter...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbpP9BvX7C64CD47tavBUAdOtmr6VBjyMxKsu9eqRGlwC5fhbwHiiv0PSp63sEOACUj--r0b_MtdwKvxKteVnYBfX-o3qsLgwtovJa_x7MYNHrLPvyebrgLQBwlKnzIZhml1e9TDkgZcJKS2tqxQJImmb_puziQsX4mlE7uCrIpQH9cbBk5WgvmaCPw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1280" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbpP9BvX7C64CD47tavBUAdOtmr6VBjyMxKsu9eqRGlwC5fhbwHiiv0PSp63sEOACUj--r0b_MtdwKvxKteVnYBfX-o3qsLgwtovJa_x7MYNHrLPvyebrgLQBwlKnzIZhml1e9TDkgZcJKS2tqxQJImmb_puziQsX4mlE7uCrIpQH9cbBk5WgvmaCPw/w640-h278/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And after using the green and brown colors with an airbrush... <br />The girl is getting more showy and more colorful!!!<br />right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6sILzKCuKrHajM9hIPaGDklupwtKf6x4DJw27E1DJtwi7L7q_e4NiWybWOlcwaqR7TD_z95oQPg4aZXKD_MSJ4ri9Wr34KQrOAHdp2U7SpBM7iPkegGOiqxuLRVbF9uxZRhICdr7Jy5Cnr0AE3-nAA5m9JqtDww-JQGoJjpaB8O3t0Mqqnnwk-RkaA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6sILzKCuKrHajM9hIPaGDklupwtKf6x4DJw27E1DJtwi7L7q_e4NiWybWOlcwaqR7TD_z95oQPg4aZXKD_MSJ4ri9Wr34KQrOAHdp2U7SpBM7iPkegGOiqxuLRVbF9uxZRhICdr7Jy5Cnr0AE3-nAA5m9JqtDww-JQGoJjpaB8O3t0Mqqnnwk-RkaA/w640-h284/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9mKMlEcMEx8zzrdS02ZdI4Ehhl5_vUB700SJbl1-NBaaIuztLThrgQkeHY4VjbqAvMzxsttPDUlzIEIDp8d78KaZksIh9uqSfNXjrHldiMfHD6z7-NbKDwE05rkAccECgITtOBT6K47tXtryO7dV9a-j34-on1hvz7nTnKWBF0bg8c1gmPGalPEt7Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9mKMlEcMEx8zzrdS02ZdI4Ehhl5_vUB700SJbl1-NBaaIuztLThrgQkeHY4VjbqAvMzxsttPDUlzIEIDp8d78KaZksIh9uqSfNXjrHldiMfHD6z7-NbKDwE05rkAccECgITtOBT6K47tXtryO7dV9a-j34-on1hvz7nTnKWBF0bg8c1gmPGalPEt7Q/w640-h328/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/4 front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHg9A8ZOrWFGzS1uBAevl3fg9wwhDOWkoyatb_HejP_lSxOVVGegHnUkYOofZacyGC2GvSa8xescE9nLN8urRTajO3OkLvA-HVVV83ieXQEWekwy0GPT2-uvXyXWna4lbGn6NnGr3MDIT02qlf5mUXeeUG-XAhOSZbH8SAT6bzEyNTMTxi8nQNd5gRA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHg9A8ZOrWFGzS1uBAevl3fg9wwhDOWkoyatb_HejP_lSxOVVGegHnUkYOofZacyGC2GvSa8xescE9nLN8urRTajO3OkLvA-HVVV83ieXQEWekwy0GPT2-uvXyXWna4lbGn6NnGr3MDIT02qlf5mUXeeUG-XAhOSZbH8SAT6bzEyNTMTxi8nQNd5gRA/w640-h294/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/4 rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmqoIQczZuzll3foB9GAukCcilrjeYVnRczGINT_EB2ueD3EixmYYlF0MIJIXCZx_BI7VIX3ugKewUv-MgpSv7Jj-QZOVJLbptR--3x07fS6QLiubws_yDn0YljGtfsFO7y-Zn6AwEa4vz3H60c_3njDHA0v3OvBDARarA9d8NiM8fZRl0rBGA3EeDQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmqoIQczZuzll3foB9GAukCcilrjeYVnRczGINT_EB2ueD3EixmYYlF0MIJIXCZx_BI7VIX3ugKewUv-MgpSv7Jj-QZOVJLbptR--3x07fS6QLiubws_yDn0YljGtfsFO7y-Zn6AwEa4vz3H60c_3njDHA0v3OvBDARarA9d8NiM8fZRl0rBGA3EeDQ/w640-h310/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooo cooolll!!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"> After a thin application of Pledge (Future) to avoid silvering, let's apply the decals...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyJcUtqpSWzFtWGUi6g-zbPSGk0Q-unzCsU4I0Rn8UjM4Bd6MCnkzwMhO4Sl8_vX6a1Kmatj4ss4G4q4z-xVrYFM-y-4lWXk1JMlxpM-qCpNIBlqMwHMQU8gKm9Czjdx6Q1diBRO6dAKU0ZohLaCGkBhJLLEquxtC1KiF-JUEHacGdfeRXf8riHmoZQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyJcUtqpSWzFtWGUi6g-zbPSGk0Q-unzCsU4I0Rn8UjM4Bd6MCnkzwMhO4Sl8_vX6a1Kmatj4ss4G4q4z-xVrYFM-y-4lWXk1JMlxpM-qCpNIBlqMwHMQU8gKm9Czjdx6Q1diBRO6dAKU0ZohLaCGkBhJLLEquxtC1KiF-JUEHacGdfeRXf8riHmoZQ/w640-h384/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A Schwere Geländegängiger<br />Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37 number 4<br /></span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>SS FlaK Abteilung 12 -</b></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_SS_Panzer_Division_Hitlerjugend" target="_blank">12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend</a><br /></b></i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Overlord Operation</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, Normandy, France - June 1944</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsNACxRWuZYFqVhmtO4_g6-M0DREuJxCdUCOVOq9a4kxprGD8Q7UZAB2_XxxmrWVOdzm2-fDaf_2O-xjUgf8jv_b4UvsXhkpOmFRSyc8ZrQ7GPm2IeySiJIJhhLGI_nN-7JECg0byLtG-L_wZKn6kIhaKGR9q6kuywl4YwLpbd0Mt32nURf-310vUUA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsNACxRWuZYFqVhmtO4_g6-M0DREuJxCdUCOVOq9a4kxprGD8Q7UZAB2_XxxmrWVOdzm2-fDaf_2O-xjUgf8jv_b4UvsXhkpOmFRSyc8ZrQ7GPm2IeySiJIJhhLGI_nN-7JECg0byLtG-L_wZKn6kIhaKGR9q6kuywl4YwLpbd0Mt32nURf-310vUUA/w640-h440/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </span>Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br />front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1UJToFXoZ2NpuZuopPAOg1C_aKhoYzhpzVzSoH3JHzOwN0SsIqMSHrvLLxiU0fhew3L4WLZ1DVvzMikkmw7BCogYLT-KwJc9l9aJs6AnXo7YKG9wHSBhH1U3hdpTXkllD5x7PM256Mc4qq_BuNWY9B-gW-PJneKPl0u59KG2xOIJ7RiMjv3W1DcqJw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1UJToFXoZ2NpuZuopPAOg1C_aKhoYzhpzVzSoH3JHzOwN0SsIqMSHrvLLxiU0fhew3L4WLZ1DVvzMikkmw7BCogYLT-KwJc9l9aJs6AnXo7YKG9wHSBhH1U3hdpTXkllD5x7PM256Mc4qq_BuNWY9B-gW-PJneKPl0u59KG2xOIJ7RiMjv3W1DcqJw/w640-h424/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </span>Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br />front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbzslqmVNPDArjImJk89kUz9KkefHiELonytH3kT3PW70fNzsTYW7bDPyg8wnO1LbfjmsJA7kmID1jWpBOBkqOqTa6NJeC2_CdKBdgPOsl3jJYgbs2fg_urdoAVPVq3AyOVtj2pU5lzgIhDQsPscLyxNGgW-B-h8-zfwdpOxVd55RlcpT7-ZjcjZt7Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbzslqmVNPDArjImJk89kUz9KkefHiELonytH3kT3PW70fNzsTYW7bDPyg8wnO1LbfjmsJA7kmID1jWpBOBkqOqTa6NJeC2_CdKBdgPOsl3jJYgbs2fg_urdoAVPVq3AyOVtj2pU5lzgIhDQsPscLyxNGgW-B-h8-zfwdpOxVd55RlcpT7-ZjcjZt7Q/w640-h470/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </span>Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br />rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5k7rnvz2tiplgJ4rIpc1Hmjpt8IZBVkzt1d7MfxRyBFrY0SGsJOHwh8w3s6kqhY2n7FY2H_l8hQRF1pMWTYNKEWPl4GPw9puAQgUl5GYKTqp4rJU4S_PR78ORIUPBrvOsfGN0CZHVVBCD7nmm73mbct9o9YZ1_M0ane_z6CT_dVTLgm2H9ZUSb8P6QA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5k7rnvz2tiplgJ4rIpc1Hmjpt8IZBVkzt1d7MfxRyBFrY0SGsJOHwh8w3s6kqhY2n7FY2H_l8hQRF1pMWTYNKEWPl4GPw9puAQgUl5GYKTqp4rJU4S_PR78ORIUPBrvOsfGN0CZHVVBCD7nmm73mbct9o9YZ1_M0ane_z6CT_dVTLgm2H9ZUSb8P6QA/w640-h410/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20100.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </span>Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br />front view</td></tr></tbody></table></span><div style="text-align: justify;"> Adding some more details to the truck. As my client wanted the vehicle in running position, I decided to add some more cargo to the Mercedes, because in addition to our girl being a weapon, she is still a truck... And as she was on the move, nothing more correct than carrying a little supplies in the cargo area...</div><span style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDoZGKW8RyAY_fsc8PNQvfeLaslfR0hnUp82J2trFhDnN4w71oVdJHlE3n-83UK9IGsrT45Yhba-4SJfPsHPxm4Py1RMy5vGpJQBo9oPvl44sGGidgaPLLPgxtGMdi5P0MA1VMqV_jtmlxJ7pjn0v_nSLXoXgwyxxAd5zlkHO4vxMutXy8wrKWJCbvA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDoZGKW8RyAY_fsc8PNQvfeLaslfR0hnUp82J2trFhDnN4w71oVdJHlE3n-83UK9IGsrT45Yhba-4SJfPsHPxm4Py1RMy5vGpJQBo9oPvl44sGGidgaPLLPgxtGMdi5P0MA1VMqV_jtmlxJ7pjn0v_nSLXoXgwyxxAd5zlkHO4vxMutXy8wrKWJCbvA/w640-h308/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the crates and fuel drums in the cargo area...<br />plus a little more ammo, of course...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIWDLSMToH8h81wc9hCD0GKXDqviBnDEuHdCOyNKE40hSvQ1ZeF_OczzU7PEq03plByEcJ_PZ1K6ZhbA5yNQOFiOlPq54m7EAmFPb5f0KoP6MzcMjH5-HFdpzVCkaYr0blLGxp3-SVQgEd-WwLfwB_Rgv7VwDfAV2gUUud22Jg3uDdRAyqChalqq9TQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20102.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZIWDLSMToH8h81wc9hCD0GKXDqviBnDEuHdCOyNKE40hSvQ1ZeF_OczzU7PEq03plByEcJ_PZ1K6ZhbA5yNQOFiOlPq54m7EAmFPb5f0KoP6MzcMjH5-HFdpzVCkaYr0blLGxp3-SVQgEd-WwLfwB_Rgv7VwDfAV2gUUud22Jg3uDdRAyqChalqq9TQ/w640-h392/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This German girl is really pretty!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nuK9CLArQ5bsRjZX786l7Osdo4PfNk4uWRTdxEj04k3U2IrKqH98abEWSQlJNaWhxwRkXKTVVouUG3Q9TeNPixyuwWDzuhRf_42ySJR7eF3Kp53_h-Tu7YOO2B4RrtH2cKCd4SDGs_AlDLkWRCrDYPxK8vClx-_Ycy1YilSb1PROc_KZr0Ff2ew3Pg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nuK9CLArQ5bsRjZX786l7Osdo4PfNk4uWRTdxEj04k3U2IrKqH98abEWSQlJNaWhxwRkXKTVVouUG3Q9TeNPixyuwWDzuhRf_42ySJR7eF3Kp53_h-Tu7YOO2B4RrtH2cKCd4SDGs_AlDLkWRCrDYPxK8vClx-_Ycy1YilSb1PROc_KZr0Ff2ew3Pg/w640-h356/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm still going to tie these fuel drums to the cargo structure...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWqOMJgNsp8Eda3XXJcAJNiFbfzvkdkzY6qRYsaCig24oktKLttJlddlJ4XTmWBnQhcqXsSlXc4V0aWXoLil1ST3l3jSBqyw1TmX9ZbMDtTz1AUDpm3hOrWqqFrISVxIMu-Y5pMzSeDt0hJaEjraZc3K_DEnihSGcrcdlxrt7q6pisC5FUdVsRYJmEA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20104.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWqOMJgNsp8Eda3XXJcAJNiFbfzvkdkzY6qRYsaCig24oktKLttJlddlJ4XTmWBnQhcqXsSlXc4V0aWXoLil1ST3l3jSBqyw1TmX9ZbMDtTz1AUDpm3hOrWqqFrISVxIMu-Y5pMzSeDt0hJaEjraZc3K_DEnihSGcrcdlxrt7q6pisC5FUdVsRYJmEA/w640-h322/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </span>Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_DnZ-2s0x9hp5TRIazIvYiVjQ6gCC04HmA5wf6OeeQCHv6-WnMNq2kFCeE_gkNqWy-KhC_3kbA-AmZVNfXIpq5C_YERCW-OjqeJ7hCh3q5OkJIHqsWHATwpmcv9gwtuwlTJ6XCJuvux4dHs3SPovtcfWfyeTUbPcUs_vXfibDqwqsmjQwq7J-2gDIQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_DnZ-2s0x9hp5TRIazIvYiVjQ6gCC04HmA5wf6OeeQCHv6-WnMNq2kFCeE_gkNqWy-KhC_3kbA-AmZVNfXIpq5C_YERCW-OjqeJ7hCh3q5OkJIHqsWHATwpmcv9gwtuwlTJ6XCJuvux4dHs3SPovtcfWfyeTUbPcUs_vXfibDqwqsmjQwq7J-2gDIQ/w640-h386/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </span>Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br />rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQlNA8WcOiBHgeTI--n2vYCBHJj9ta5p_S4x49se4tdyh73qPxj4dbVCdVJBQYVtzCLcw3xD7-5QZOz5c5I_kSl6ZRiPtbgnQ6bdZT-FTatq3TC5Ky0TAFPAtw7EoU7VlAuhL7Tdrzu11IGf9v4N9xnOK1V2cR0RX4iO8_nguTjBI3HHcC_TXkXepmA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQlNA8WcOiBHgeTI--n2vYCBHJj9ta5p_S4x49se4tdyh73qPxj4dbVCdVJBQYVtzCLcw3xD7-5QZOz5c5I_kSl6ZRiPtbgnQ6bdZT-FTatq3TC5Ky0TAFPAtw7EoU7VlAuhL7Tdrzu11IGf9v4N9xnOK1V2cR0RX4iO8_nguTjBI3HHcC_TXkXepmA/w640-h408/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </span>Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br />rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And after a few more details, our girl who hates planes was ready. With you, the <span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mercedes Benz L4500A <i>Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i></b> number 4, providing services with </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>SS FlaK Abteilung 12</b></i><span style="text-align: justify;">, in the </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_SS_Panzer_Division_Hitlerjugend" target="_blank">12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend</a></b></i><span style="text-align: justify;">, in the incredible days of the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Overlord Operation</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, Normandy, France, in June 1944.</span></div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxBaiuaoh9IMxa52uJZ6iTwzCQxIwnW4R3hWWj0ll59VWA976LjAFYa1Uq6MTZLq1g9Lt1pnScs6_L31kBW9IfOO3HClJ0MU57RhidDecMLvXsoyOIRIVQq7Yxnnb1prv6AdqnuMz_cdi7vShJp1DGbp3nz1y2nE33RM7EcOlRxTqZ5UFOLkeMRIS4Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20115.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxBaiuaoh9IMxa52uJZ6iTwzCQxIwnW4R3hWWj0ll59VWA976LjAFYa1Uq6MTZLq1g9Lt1pnScs6_L31kBW9IfOO3HClJ0MU57RhidDecMLvXsoyOIRIVQq7Yxnnb1prv6AdqnuMz_cdi7vShJp1DGbp3nz1y2nE33RM7EcOlRxTqZ5UFOLkeMRIS4Q/w640-h394/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mercedes Benz L4500A <i>Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen<br />als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i></b> - number 4<br /> </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>SS FlaK Abteilung 12 - </b></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_SS_Panzer_Division_Hitlerjugend" target="_blank">12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend</a></b></i><span style="text-align: justify;">,<br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;">Normandy, France - June, 1944.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTJKN8Q_kt_Mfz_cN5chEfqn2iITExD6QyunyUzJQoVY4mSFisxlGe5oR4mEEJwlQR_GV42G6T5tXuJWqEdR-e9VUcltcCYwau9fEBO3P6eRgF9HILv0VhaQj_vom6WZzVKvvbpiUASFa2Cr5gcpH8H3a7NraB_l8B-i4Acj9_ns7bmYzvyyRgXBWVg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20116.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTJKN8Q_kt_Mfz_cN5chEfqn2iITExD6QyunyUzJQoVY4mSFisxlGe5oR4mEEJwlQR_GV42G6T5tXuJWqEdR-e9VUcltcCYwau9fEBO3P6eRgF9HILv0VhaQj_vom6WZzVKvvbpiUASFa2Cr5gcpH8H3a7NraB_l8B-i4Acj9_ns7bmYzvyyRgXBWVg/w640-h436/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20116.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br /><b style="font-style: italic;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b><br />front left top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg191rSTFlwHCftsp9hsRNdv7X69S1h_s10yT75FLwe4wzOm4-KS7gyuUszsp7pJ0pd6bf5jaJo3nTzTkPdu7KXhvMIP2WA4l5GWSPnrENvtGsq-XTgH3rhuIdltkSeOAyEnyiCNqmTkmVZoXtAb7SUukvG89wNrYNHAbtiGvs8fIjk5VCu6FQNpImNOw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg191rSTFlwHCftsp9hsRNdv7X69S1h_s10yT75FLwe4wzOm4-KS7gyuUszsp7pJ0pd6bf5jaJo3nTzTkPdu7KXhvMIP2WA4l5GWSPnrENvtGsq-XTgH3rhuIdltkSeOAyEnyiCNqmTkmVZoXtAb7SUukvG89wNrYNHAbtiGvs8fIjk5VCu6FQNpImNOw/w640-h294/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37<br /></b><span style="text-align: justify;">left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz59d35xiLnFXPKKTm_oYqPqiJdI-KfwhpuOcWpF8CPZETKaflIK4nQETF3Q-lBBrkakMMWBaXlDyMNqzD_bfBDy5pLaUAaMrNJYSD9ny56sakaSoHILRaqudlu_o2KLuNyWyIr1yDcbTDMIB02_EIpj22w4lQWG0E0NwBYO4CD8QcM0-vFEFnhkQVw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20118.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz59d35xiLnFXPKKTm_oYqPqiJdI-KfwhpuOcWpF8CPZETKaflIK4nQETF3Q-lBBrkakMMWBaXlDyMNqzD_bfBDy5pLaUAaMrNJYSD9ny56sakaSoHILRaqudlu_o2KLuNyWyIr1yDcbTDMIB02_EIpj22w4lQWG0E0NwBYO4CD8QcM0-vFEFnhkQVw/w640-h398/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxJ9k-g1lcQxZwuVMWwkQpF-4ZZlK4D3B4DqVuGCOsY8Fpvqk70QtU-2kXX1cKYisc41nYL9DUXUdnbGT2aDTFMLfRkTp-EL7H0MHvOp5yITB45rA_3DOYS4fsh7xbvptZVNQyvBtdhRrzonHnkpqTAwG2mdy1uRyLUZbQzlnLul-ZDUABGZhb4Brfg/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20119.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxJ9k-g1lcQxZwuVMWwkQpF-4ZZlK4D3B4DqVuGCOsY8Fpvqk70QtU-2kXX1cKYisc41nYL9DUXUdnbGT2aDTFMLfRkTp-EL7H0MHvOp5yITB45rA_3DOYS4fsh7xbvptZVNQyvBtdhRrzonHnkpqTAwG2mdy1uRyLUZbQzlnLul-ZDUABGZhb4Brfg/w640-h354/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20119.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOHSqOOV4Lok2xoPMAnkF9zhskBrTBOnHAeSNjLQb0A-w-xyImkPVHb9bO9LJME9yufZVzMQ_5Tr7o69nhklDUXPWuUQB5hGOd60AsfgjwpM7lI9zkuZuknjKKI_ltjb9jRnK1h7cueRUcZ6HjxReNQVpBV2Fprybh5VgIN3YUSEQ6a8QVJRrKa30Rw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20120.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOHSqOOV4Lok2xoPMAnkF9zhskBrTBOnHAeSNjLQb0A-w-xyImkPVHb9bO9LJME9yufZVzMQ_5Tr7o69nhklDUXPWuUQB5hGOd60AsfgjwpM7lI9zkuZuknjKKI_ltjb9jRnK1h7cueRUcZ6HjxReNQVpBV2Fprybh5VgIN3YUSEQ6a8QVJRrKa30Rw/w640-h476/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXGa0QIJ0OOTIogXblkhaPBV8mG4e-G3hCZHERqjXOeazXfgMwbCcXnAggQt5P7nXREXSpZwsTOlUvhbHV5gJLgjZWn0ri6QH3Oxl1yEc-X3LUxGnHpxN8DHBEpCDaunHVa9CB9c2eyR8bgxH-swInFA3CS9R3GYJol8nBKtptrd_q_3MBRH0d4Dv-A/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20121.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXGa0QIJ0OOTIogXblkhaPBV8mG4e-G3hCZHERqjXOeazXfgMwbCcXnAggQt5P7nXREXSpZwsTOlUvhbHV5gJLgjZWn0ri6QH3Oxl1yEc-X3LUxGnHpxN8DHBEpCDaunHVa9CB9c2eyR8bgxH-swInFA3CS9R3GYJol8nBKtptrd_q_3MBRH0d4Dv-A/w640-h380/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b><br style="text-align: justify;" />rear right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03TXmgMX0gpD9DjTgwybmSudc2T78h7xOPTLcAiqP4KKqlj_7O7xXPz26VYhL55CoNyYRPY6h4QPzerbNq3iWJc_GTdoC2VcyV6IZ5dJY2mcG4Cxr8U6qAOrEUpSfzVeHb9TFnHwM6yXlJBkBvXnChNWlLEkWel5ktTJ2yKuVUd6dJkyMS8ZwI4mFlQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03TXmgMX0gpD9DjTgwybmSudc2T78h7xOPTLcAiqP4KKqlj_7O7xXPz26VYhL55CoNyYRPY6h4QPzerbNq3iWJc_GTdoC2VcyV6IZ5dJY2mcG4Cxr8U6qAOrEUpSfzVeHb9TFnHwM6yXlJBkBvXnChNWlLEkWel5ktTJ2yKuVUd6dJkyMS8ZwI4mFlQ/w640-h316/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /> right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aD2Kk6HPi4P72TSUegldifEB0JE9pT9vJc884w82Nkrivdr8E-6TwW2TCCcMcVpFKGknVHVZJmLKX5l-21fzx-f_MAn6FLksPY8oyzcYnRC38KR4sfGDq3Y8scgg06rH2K4thRXU1f_jy-ZAVKpR_wVoVP54-bzX1uyz9QQyauBRvbrbTTVR7tlZ2Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20124.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aD2Kk6HPi4P72TSUegldifEB0JE9pT9vJc884w82Nkrivdr8E-6TwW2TCCcMcVpFKGknVHVZJmLKX5l-21fzx-f_MAn6FLksPY8oyzcYnRC38KR4sfGDq3Y8scgg06rH2K4thRXU1f_jy-ZAVKpR_wVoVP54-bzX1uyz9QQyauBRvbrbTTVR7tlZ2Q/w640-h384/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b><br style="text-align: justify;" />front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUEOjKyLK3WSkR4t8vrwg0ihGje1VXvu-qhWcKtPKUHPpmjqJmWteoQYBqYfoeJQY7zl9lnMbgPe73NDJwow6kKE7l-080AA1nxnyLG8U5cuAJkH0UW1nrGOcii6AGuoF3PEa955weSfKdvmbSCCXscjmcSKq8hQXd9CJFCf7YigDZ5uvnKTm4EcPtw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20127.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUEOjKyLK3WSkR4t8vrwg0ihGje1VXvu-qhWcKtPKUHPpmjqJmWteoQYBqYfoeJQY7zl9lnMbgPe73NDJwow6kKE7l-080AA1nxnyLG8U5cuAJkH0UW1nrGOcii6AGuoF3PEa955weSfKdvmbSCCXscjmcSKq8hQXd9CJFCf7YigDZ5uvnKTm4EcPtw/w640-h352/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Mercedes Benz L4500A </b><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen</b><br style="text-align: justify;" /><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</b><br style="text-align: justify;" />front left view.<br />Notice the stabilizer legs in fire position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp5XrfytT6Q3dM1XIlju1mcBJKiP5IdEBPPwqrYSI_7REK2UvtNxVBw51g6IColbE8aQwhBSjc7eJ8-E4gSpY6bjUS7yEZoUqK3j9M43lLoEVQtHwpQyTrO-Cyn_Zak5iK7z1eKNLlTLc1-dmNNWFgGD3Y_bRCLzYZfsqPMWW9q8PtWMvyTL9CrW_0A/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20128.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp5XrfytT6Q3dM1XIlju1mcBJKiP5IdEBPPwqrYSI_7REK2UvtNxVBw51g6IColbE8aQwhBSjc7eJ8-E4gSpY6bjUS7yEZoUqK3j9M43lLoEVQtHwpQyTrO-Cyn_Zak5iK7z1eKNLlTLc1-dmNNWFgGD3Y_bRCLzYZfsqPMWW9q8PtWMvyTL9CrW_0A/w640-h406/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20128.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak and Rover, the dog, catching a ride on the Mercedes...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4PpggH7ec-DwdI0X4298-nn5raPDvR2mHg3r1yo6tfvIKJisquoARmZE3OanWLQk2ECKN-KIdELGvWxz0AXfc-lkjHiaQgby-2593Uq8ubMAXnLCrXr6s3PI652c05yi-gRRVzwu1aE-v65OnWjw8Teotnbg1dwLNjdsguQ_GeW_f4meSDOP0pkv2Q/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20129.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4PpggH7ec-DwdI0X4298-nn5raPDvR2mHg3r1yo6tfvIKJisquoARmZE3OanWLQk2ECKN-KIdELGvWxz0AXfc-lkjHiaQgby-2593Uq8ubMAXnLCrXr6s3PI652c05yi-gRRVzwu1aE-v65OnWjw8Teotnbg1dwLNjdsguQ_GeW_f4meSDOP0pkv2Q/w640-h340/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20129.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bald one is very happy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGqJvDDbh1NXKXb1QD0NunmJu23i4nX1B3MFdUhlD9sf8q0XxdswTZXxyhaUYaiubFiB3coaVS2QZHLloxqZdMUjIl5g0Dc9irrVD7o5sskBAyv65iowIiGSoZ6XFWpJoNthSGXxCCVjcCbbCZ16yxHGYt3LMbloXuJUW6lsXX7YZQNi164NwMiMdIQ/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGqJvDDbh1NXKXb1QD0NunmJu23i4nX1B3MFdUhlD9sf8q0XxdswTZXxyhaUYaiubFiB3coaVS2QZHLloxqZdMUjIl5g0Dc9irrVD7o5sskBAyv65iowIiGSoZ6XFWpJoNthSGXxCCVjcCbbCZ16yxHGYt3LMbloXuJUW6lsXX7YZQNi164NwMiMdIQ/w640-h358/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mercedes Benz L4500A Schwere Geländegängiger<br />Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i> and<br /><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/einheitsanhanger-5t-baumuster-e5.html" target="_blank">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</a><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMRY8c9Vu5JQ7UB0tqkZkUboMVA6FFKfpZL3RhD3XuPS--9RSqUazEK0CbjjaKW_aaLukiHLrEgL6Tvu3ht_-VKQeOJqXv_Cvc5oD9phVXoDUU3F5o7GVHg8QiTIJQ79PMaPV73QVTZfdIDmzhjsUubICroVdookwA0ix-HELKFbQM4eNfcp5497u5w/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20131.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="1280" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMRY8c9Vu5JQ7UB0tqkZkUboMVA6FFKfpZL3RhD3XuPS--9RSqUazEK0CbjjaKW_aaLukiHLrEgL6Tvu3ht_-VKQeOJqXv_Cvc5oD9phVXoDUU3F5o7GVHg8QiTIJQ79PMaPV73QVTZfdIDmzhjsUubICroVdookwA0ix-HELKFbQM4eNfcp5497u5w/w640-h224/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20131.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercedes Benz L4500A<i> Schwere Geländegängiger<br />Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i> towing the<br /><i style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/einheitsanhanger-5t-baumuster-e5.html" target="_blank">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</a><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3_-zYw01UU10bKgi8yVooG_nPUkYEjdW_A_gHJNs4I0pnlFMT9E93Io1N0UT2Y9Lb7s9qBzCa2kvHg-5sR1SWvuwr9-vnioBBC5V1qvOLConJNvpP8olHY2fyLjluKqZnSIVH5awTpbimHR-7gmztSTLxp8GJYAaJOaDRkYUaKTSVNoF_JJ2PBdjsA/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20135.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3_-zYw01UU10bKgi8yVooG_nPUkYEjdW_A_gHJNs4I0pnlFMT9E93Io1N0UT2Y9Lb7s9qBzCa2kvHg-5sR1SWvuwr9-vnioBBC5V1qvOLConJNvpP8olHY2fyLjluKqZnSIVH5awTpbimHR-7gmztSTLxp8GJYAaJOaDRkYUaKTSVNoF_JJ2PBdjsA/w640-h240/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercedes Benz L4500A<i> Schwere Geländegängiger<br />Lastkraftwagen als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i> towing the<br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><i><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/04/einheitsanhanger-5t-baumuster-e5.html" target="_blank">Einheitsanhänger 5t Baumuster E5</a></i><br />with Kojak and Rover, the dog.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHndqnmO2MquEvV63dtjh8ByQRHcW4r6baHqC2M1Mjf0-C2XWWc5vlZRqKZGT8A1GITIBqmLMJ_TsqGVnG2cLIfR0HlfJLLpWyuntkZTSWTfeRaj-RpopjIGkzmKfsRuixDzmsVhE-XgUgEyn-Y9C4Gn7XPs-L50Pzha8ktil5zKWhQ4_rfXs5GzcEw/s1280/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20125.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHndqnmO2MquEvV63dtjh8ByQRHcW4r6baHqC2M1Mjf0-C2XWWc5vlZRqKZGT8A1GITIBqmLMJ_TsqGVnG2cLIfR0HlfJLLpWyuntkZTSWTfeRaj-RpopjIGkzmKfsRuixDzmsVhE-XgUgEyn-Y9C4Gn7XPs-L50Pzha8ktil5zKWhQ4_rfXs5GzcEw/w640-h420/L4500%20mit%2037%20flak%20125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mercedes Benz L4500A <i>Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen<br />als Flakwagen für 3.7cm FlaK 36/37</i></b> - number 4<br /> </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>SS FlaK Abteilung 12 - </b></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_SS_Panzer_Division_Hitlerjugend" target="_blank">12. SS-Panzer-Division Hitlerjugend</a></b></i><span style="text-align: justify;">,<br /></span><span style="text-align: justify;">Normandy, France - June, 1944.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bleib bei uns!!!</span></i></b></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-43393387724800806882023-03-25T07:10:00.003-03:002023-03-25T07:15:11.778-03:00 Mark VIII - Liberty - International heavy tank - case report <p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Over there!!</span></b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Ladies and Gentlemen, let's talk about a multinational tank, which was even known by the name International. It was born from an unprecedented concept of a joint war effort between nations but which, with the end of hostilities in 1918, did not have the opportunity to demonstrate its real capabilities on the battlefield. We are talking about a great pioneer in the history of armored vehicles. Today is the day to talk about the <b>Mk VIII Liberty- International heavy tank</b>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EXzSVqTl0hrZQtIUa6A1iXmYCBphEj8TF4bks6zmlavOK8RpDE4NNDDGXt-wvauIM28_xquaGvGZYD9YLKFwyTsndeUHC7DEArWs0Vi8oFmIsBRLRw2duN4pt7uh0W2nz0ND0WbSTifRVU6BIMbwpmQbgIoWyR-qfLS3kbFVIw66QNoX6EDDR0DhGg/s1600/LibertyTank1920%20joke%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EXzSVqTl0hrZQtIUa6A1iXmYCBphEj8TF4bks6zmlavOK8RpDE4NNDDGXt-wvauIM28_xquaGvGZYD9YLKFwyTsndeUHC7DEArWs0Vi8oFmIsBRLRw2duN4pt7uh0W2nz0ND0WbSTifRVU6BIMbwpmQbgIoWyR-qfLS3kbFVIw66QNoX6EDDR0DhGg/w640-h376/LibertyTank1920%20joke%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Meanwhile, at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Meade" target="_blank">Camp Meade</a> - Maryland... circa 1921</i>.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNYO1o9ULeK22A7J4AWXuW8oqSXaOv6SXdFuH6CfdmiKIJOOMEG8LgD09hqGiDf6gtwZ8T_y79bwdboh5tVAbNR3_A0oi4otDF1GhHXP830WIhWkiMkNI_wlXi9hMYBziuIfAWqNsWn-RKoa85EwnfhjlpvkV-euDQZpJwyrns5aH4FUca2UDy15Bodw=s800" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="800" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNYO1o9ULeK22A7J4AWXuW8oqSXaOv6SXdFuH6CfdmiKIJOOMEG8LgD09hqGiDf6gtwZ8T_y79bwdboh5tVAbNR3_A0oi4otDF1GhHXP830WIhWkiMkNI_wlXi9hMYBziuIfAWqNsWn-RKoa85EwnfhjlpvkV-euDQZpJwyrns5aH4FUca2UDy15Bodw=w640-h296" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pilot British Mark VIII Liberty tank<br />Notice the rear side exhausts, characteristic of this first tank. <br />mid 1918<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Mark VIII tank</b> also known as the <b>Liberty</b> or<b> The International </b>was a British-American tank design of the First World War intended to overcome the limitations of the earlier British designs and be a collaborative effort to equip France, the UK and the US with a single heavy tank design.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Production at a site in France was expected to take advantage of US industrial capacity to produce the automotive elements, with the UK producing the armoured hulls and armament. The planned production levels would have equipped the Allied armies with a very large tank force that would have broken through the German defensive positions in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plan_1919">the planned offensive for 1919</a>. But in practice, manufacture was slow and only a few vehicles were produced before the end of the war in November 1918.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the war, 100 vehicles assembled in the US were used by the US Army until more advanced designs replaced them around 1932. A few tanks that had not been scrapped by the start of World War II were offered to Canada for training purposes.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sccS-624HCX4BMz3QCNISm3Nh81KOSASf4_ytb_pEMtDQgHOLKMvc6CUfGevoxuNBFROtVFrhsFXEwDYQRDhnDEVrUZS50SQNbyvyguqt5CBQ6FXgQYQF-JU5g3M85SXlGYqmB8Hk0zB2iMvLeLg7MeUke9juyaB8rIWViLyAVsqzC3TVL8obLlO4Q/s1024/Mark-VIII-Canada-1940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="1024" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sccS-624HCX4BMz3QCNISm3Nh81KOSASf4_ytb_pEMtDQgHOLKMvc6CUfGevoxuNBFROtVFrhsFXEwDYQRDhnDEVrUZS50SQNbyvyguqt5CBQ6FXgQYQF-JU5g3M85SXlGYqmB8Hk0zB2iMvLeLg7MeUke9juyaB8rIWViLyAVsqzC3TVL8obLlO4Q/w640-h220/Mark-VIII-Canada-1940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several American Liberty tanks being prepared for<br />shipment to Canada - 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Development of an idea:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As the First World War progressed, the industrial production capacity of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Entente">Entente</a> was taxed to the limit. Of the Allies, only Great Britain and France had been major industrial nations in 1914 and the latter had lost 70% of its <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_industry">heavy industry</a> when the Germans overran that part of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorraine_(province)">Lorraine</a> that they had not already occupied in 1871.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> When the United States of America declared war on Germany on 6 April 1917, many in Britain hoped this event would solve all these problems. The two men directly responsible for British tank production, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eustace_Tennyson_d%27Eyncourt">Eustace Tennyson d'Eyncourt</a> and Lieutenant-Colonel <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Gerald_Stern">Albert Gerald Stern</a>, initially considered sending a delegation to the United States immediately, to convince the new ally to start production of a British tank design. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5P94UbrUfA20lQm8g6FdLBbMimIyr38nDLNq3ARuNIQW-DA5dSIGm5AJvCZtU8Ncy3ggad_ZG2K1bi8g1FwfaYfF-276fwNGwl9kvBb33X4tHRK5s3zYwlFU3fguJv5c2y6Usdld0mAsmx3ZTXuMmX6whPZ-d7tbsqb2wphRtexdKbvQ_Bn48aTfNg/s1200/Sir%20Eustace%20&%20Albert.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1200" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5P94UbrUfA20lQm8g6FdLBbMimIyr38nDLNq3ARuNIQW-DA5dSIGm5AJvCZtU8Ncy3ggad_ZG2K1bi8g1FwfaYfF-276fwNGwl9kvBb33X4tHRK5s3zYwlFU3fguJv5c2y6Usdld0mAsmx3ZTXuMmX6whPZ-d7tbsqb2wphRtexdKbvQ_Bn48aTfNg/w640-h410/Sir%20Eustace%20&%20Albert.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;">Sir Eustace Henry William Tennyson d'Eyncourt Sir Albert Gerald Stern</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After some reflection they decided it was best to leave the initiative to the Americans. Stern did contact the American <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Attach%C3%A9">Military Attaché</a> in London immediately after war was declared. In June 1917 the first American approaches were made, but not by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Army">US Army</a> as they had expected. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Navy">US Navy</a> wanted the most modern tanks for its <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/US_Marine_Corps">US Marine Corps</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> At that moment the current British tank project was the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_VI_(tank)">Mark VI</a>. It was designed with existing British industrial capacity in mind, posing limits that might be overcome by larger American production facilities. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eevKdqyt-ByCieamfzplZll-Eca_JCiA8ngnwZMJe57PVxntWO6orVen5kJsK5cXEHl4QCALKxSAjP6PEl8nnUPimEnZJMLAN8W2rwZgu3_p3xQBI34UJ3UCI1zAX4embYydqhpTRvtErcUMyRGo6xsrbxLpMog5LXgqv5g3trtOnDBnTtPRYxxmVQ/s1280/Mark%20VI%20Mock%20up%20wood%20tank%20Q%2014521.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eevKdqyt-ByCieamfzplZll-Eca_JCiA8ngnwZMJe57PVxntWO6orVen5kJsK5cXEHl4QCALKxSAjP6PEl8nnUPimEnZJMLAN8W2rwZgu3_p3xQBI34UJ3UCI1zAX4embYydqhpTRvtErcUMyRGo6xsrbxLpMog5LXgqv5g3trtOnDBnTtPRYxxmVQ/w640-h382/Mark%20VI%20Mock%20up%20wood%20tank%20Q%2014521.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Mark VI - British heavy tank - front left view</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wooden mockup - 1917</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkuamGN6brZzF6Vrn0kdmOOa1P2jcynd7hG_nzOJf1s4YR9yJ6nct4DiWQzN8SpzkU593246c9VvjNKxwQjMtGI6eFmTG1KFvGoltm6pH-IDATeLw_RpNnhUqvz_DZ2YWMKFm4uIMfSAKOe8spTeE5L5yFuB5tnlOhPlP-WpXcHi67xgU0AZmpHTwoA/s1280/Mark%20VI%20Mock%20up%20wood%20tank%20-%20%2013th%20July,%201917%20-%20Q%2014566.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkuamGN6brZzF6Vrn0kdmOOa1P2jcynd7hG_nzOJf1s4YR9yJ6nct4DiWQzN8SpzkU593246c9VvjNKxwQjMtGI6eFmTG1KFvGoltm6pH-IDATeLw_RpNnhUqvz_DZ2YWMKFm4uIMfSAKOe8spTeE5L5yFuB5tnlOhPlP-WpXcHi67xgU0AZmpHTwoA/w640-h402/Mark%20VI%20Mock%20up%20wood%20tank%20-%20%2013th%20July,%201917%20-%20Q%2014566.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Mark VI - British heavy tank - rear left view</div><div>Wooden mockup - 1917</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWA5IAc4ADM2jTGIPXJpkXQa2ewWHI_8CaA6b_45_y6dLKR-XAlvPqygxWGD599oKoCYGZ1neIJ1hgkUmgzZ2aN7a3Dy3gJDn9s_HD7IIBYtBn0Asoz28kaFnpJAzD1C4pN3uyPZpPWpXjslc6bJNUE6yjZm7cLufQx8qrwajLm_P6omf_YYuLz4Izg/s1024/Mark%20VI%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="1024" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWA5IAc4ADM2jTGIPXJpkXQa2ewWHI_8CaA6b_45_y6dLKR-XAlvPqygxWGD599oKoCYGZ1neIJ1hgkUmgzZ2aN7a3Dy3gJDn9s_HD7IIBYtBn0Asoz28kaFnpJAzD1C4pN3uyPZpPWpXjslc6bJNUE6yjZm7cLufQx8qrwajLm_P6omf_YYuLz4Izg/w640-h262/Mark%20VI%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark VI heavy tank - artistic concept</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Lieutenant-Colonel Stern therefore pretended that an even more advanced project had already been in existence which he called the Mark VIII (there was also a much more conventional Mark VII project). He invited the Americans to participate and contribute as much as they would like to its design. The Navy was on the brink of sending a team of engineers to Britain when the American <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_War">Department of War</a> was informed of developments by the US Military Attaché in London. It ordered the project to be shifted to the Army and selected Major H. W. Alden – in peacetime he had been an industrial expert – to go to the UK to work with the Mechanical Warfare Department design team at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollis_Hill">Dollis Hill</a> on the first drawings of the new tank. He arrived in London on the 3 October, 1917, to discover that a lot of design work had already been done by Lieutenant G. J. Rackham, who had been sent to the Front to see for himself how the current designs performed in the dismal conditions then encountered at the battlefield in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flanders">Flanders</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-Vn8P7JGhv-2ZBEdZvbUPijFLqFzffLBMPDiVI118E9x3OS6jDR-X7ASOaShOW3I9Qsg_Dc-Us4uOfVe7wbGC5vbLDX_fyOhHUDp2SxXs8N4luaZ1s7_47DnDWlS3RoWE_qDDZcqOh884KAB6rAmxcYnWu_h-pNoYBZ-0_dXbxRcU-Yb46JkukIRDA/s1280/Tank%20knocked%20out%20in%20the%20Third%20Battle%20of%20Ypres%20(Flanders)%20%20used%20as%20the%20roof%20of%20a%20dug%20out.%20Zillebeke,%2020%20September%201917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-Vn8P7JGhv-2ZBEdZvbUPijFLqFzffLBMPDiVI118E9x3OS6jDR-X7ASOaShOW3I9Qsg_Dc-Us4uOfVe7wbGC5vbLDX_fyOhHUDp2SxXs8N4luaZ1s7_47DnDWlS3RoWE_qDDZcqOh884KAB6rAmxcYnWu_h-pNoYBZ-0_dXbxRcU-Yb46JkukIRDA/w640-h482/Tank%20knocked%20out%20in%20the%20Third%20Battle%20of%20Ypres%20(Flanders)%20%20used%20as%20the%20roof%20of%20a%20dug%20out.%20Zillebeke,%2020%20September%201917.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Tank knocked out in the Third Battle of Ypres</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Passchendaele" target="_blank">Battle of Passchendaele</a> - used as the roof of a trench.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Zillebeke - Flanders, 20 September 1917</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The International tank</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The US Army had set up headquarters in France. In September it decided to form its own tank corps with 25 tank battalions including five heavy tank battalions. To equip the heavy units, Major James A. Drain – a staff officer to General Pershing and responsible for initial planning of the tank force – provisionally ordered 600 Mark VI tanks (then under development) from the British in October 1917. The Army tried to convince the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_War">Department of War</a> to divert all available tanks to the Army, leading to a conflict with the Navy (the first of many to come over this issue). This posed serious problems for the British government. It now seemed that American involvement in the war would mean a lesser number of tanks available for the British forces. Also on 4 February 1917 binding agreements had been made with the French about tank production. These had to be renegotiated.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill">Winston Churchill</a>, the new <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_of_Munitions">Minister of Munitions</a>, had just been forced to fire Stern as director of the Mechanical Supply Department (Controller of the Mechanical Warfare Department) because of his mistakes in handling the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Mk%20IV%20%22Male%22%20WWI%20British%20heavy%20tank" target="_blank">Mark IV</a> project, leading to enormous production delays. In pushing production through in the early days he had upset civil and military authorities.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatmESbSde4lFULV6GwzydZTFsFgJeCvag-5OyPwO4h0tlpdUemJAAcZ_eZG148ezR2-PvFhD6Fl6Qq_gcNWJlDayk76mmPfOaGTfmYjgySgInf5r29ZU4FyvV51hjMb_GM619UkW9YeNIlrSPGkZysjFT3l4kZ0b_FqhYzeCvmQNd2QN9th6eHy9wdA/s1280/The%20Minister%20of%20Munitions%20Winston%20Churchill%20meets%20female%20workers%20at%20Georgetown's%20filling%20works%20near%20Glasgow%20during%20a%20visit%20on%209%20October%201918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatmESbSde4lFULV6GwzydZTFsFgJeCvag-5OyPwO4h0tlpdUemJAAcZ_eZG148ezR2-PvFhD6Fl6Qq_gcNWJlDayk76mmPfOaGTfmYjgySgInf5r29ZU4FyvV51hjMb_GM619UkW9YeNIlrSPGkZysjFT3l4kZ0b_FqhYzeCvmQNd2QN9th6eHy9wdA/w640-h442/The%20Minister%20of%20Munitions%20Winston%20Churchill%20meets%20female%20workers%20at%20Georgetown's%20filling%20works%20near%20Glasgow%20during%20a%20visit%20on%209%20October%201918.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Minister of Munitions Winston Churchill meets<br />female workers at Georgetown's filling works near Glasgow.<br />during a inspection - 9 October 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Lieutenant-Colonel Albert Gerald Stern was appointed in September to the new position of "Commissioner for Mechanical Warfare (Overseas and Allies Branch)" in order to coordinate tank production with the US and France. Stern went to France to meet the<a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Loucheur" target="_blank"> French Minister of Munitions, Louis Loucheur</a> and the American commander-in-chief, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pershing">John Pershing</a>. Loucheur made it clear from the beginning that France had nothing to offer in terms of existing production facilities. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG91uucLjrj83A4pTy_67HVyRU9WHpxWswY5c3CMml0h-FzskoVdP_tRxSA8a7czCtGhS3jK6xherJe2OaLUagf3B9A3aVpIja4ZoZfUaG3-KexVhObsY7HjwgMgx49AW7FBEq50U4bB64K7bF-0ZPOfQDX50xMv0mnC1c_74GtXnGRxcFB21cVe3dw/s920/Louis%20Loucher%20&%20Jihn%20pershing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG91uucLjrj83A4pTy_67HVyRU9WHpxWswY5c3CMml0h-FzskoVdP_tRxSA8a7czCtGhS3jK6xherJe2OaLUagf3B9A3aVpIja4ZoZfUaG3-KexVhObsY7HjwgMgx49AW7FBEq50U4bB64K7bF-0ZPOfQDX50xMv0mnC1c_74GtXnGRxcFB21cVe3dw/w640-h426/Louis%20Loucher%20&%20Jihn%20pershing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> Louis Loucheur General John J. Pershing</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> This came as no surprise to Stern who had already prepared an "International Plan" of ten points (in fact a bilateral agreement between the US and Britain) that he now managed to get accepted by the Americans. He submitted this to Churchill on the 11 November. Its main points included (using the original terminology):</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b style="text-align: justify;">The incorporation of a partnership between the US and Great Britain for the production of 1.500 heavy tanks to be erected in France.</b></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>The supply of a number of these tanks to France to further the higher purpose of Allied unity, should she require them. The British hoped that the French would be able to put <b><b>into production</b></b> their own super-heavy tanks </b><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20FCM%202C%20-%20Super-heavy%20French%20tank" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Char FCM 2C</a> <b>in sufficient numbers, but Loucheur already knew this was unlikely to happen.</b></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CvV9HfiGxnMsGpZru9UPFdH-Z04j27Sy1clRENo0HyPy5UYyWGEDYTpP-6S89JwjlSMP6o_FNjv70tftryRkTfxD3mcW4bvQoRrjpOET-kY6_5TACQFNjdB4NxZG7nv1K7zg01V7HXUmCCfH4Mk4eOyeFUZMC1qAbH5ipdacwGgXl_EmTKQEF3Sy5w/s930/Char%20FCM%202C.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="930" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CvV9HfiGxnMsGpZru9UPFdH-Z04j27Sy1clRENo0HyPy5UYyWGEDYTpP-6S89JwjlSMP6o_FNjv70tftryRkTfxD3mcW4bvQoRrjpOET-kY6_5TACQFNjdB4NxZG7nv1K7zg01V7HXUmCCfH4Mk4eOyeFUZMC1qAbH5ipdacwGgXl_EmTKQEF3Sy5w/w640-h314/Char%20FCM%202C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>France might supply an erecting shop, if convenient; in any case it might be wiser to build a new one (so a completely new factory would have to be built in France).</b></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>A joint supply of components: Britain would supply guns, ammunition, and armour; the USA engines, transmissions, forgings, and chains (employing US car industry).</b></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>The design would be based on British experience and American ideas and resources, and eliminate most of the faults in current tanks in power, loading, and trench crossing.</b></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Major Alden would collaborate to finish the working drawings before Christmas enjoying full cooperation of the British; the design was to be approved by both nations.</b></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Unskilled labour might be provided by imported Chinese; the French government ensured their local accommodation.</b></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Production would begin in April 1918 and finally reach 300 a month (so the number of 1.500 was only preliminary).</b></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>The project would have high priority in regards raw materials, labour, factories, and transport.</b></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Management would be in the hands of two Commissioners, one British (Stern himself) and one American; but the French could appoint their own if their interests were concerned.</b></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> The plan already contained a specification: the tank should have a 300 hp (220 kW) engine, weigh 39 tons and have a trench crossing capacity of 4.3 m. The 11 November briefing included the first use of the word <b><i>"Liberty"</i></b> for the tank which was taken from the engine chosen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The first design conference took place on 4 December at GHQ in France and Churchill approved the plan soon afterwards. It was made into a formal treaty signed by the British Foreign Secretary <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Balfour">Arthur Balfour</a> and the US Ambassador <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Hines_Page">Walter Hines Page</a> on 19 January 1918. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOCV9UfaTC55_kAW0ShozZP0wFKMIGDAro4ZD8gOmHZUmK-42qaAWnU30lY4LpLGKzF5c0ZP-6YWIMdj_YFLJKzC0HQuBh01sZT2cj4TOjcAqlvq_ddtfIqSVXiUo_Q995Sqn-HiBwtCmO3o5_GnHd3p9XrTH9FxAZURMqCGLg-4uH9UkGlhk-FyAWQ/s1052/Balfour%20&%20Page.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1052" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOCV9UfaTC55_kAW0ShozZP0wFKMIGDAro4ZD8gOmHZUmK-42qaAWnU30lY4LpLGKzF5c0ZP-6YWIMdj_YFLJKzC0HQuBh01sZT2cj4TOjcAqlvq_ddtfIqSVXiUo_Q995Sqn-HiBwtCmO3o5_GnHd3p9XrTH9FxAZURMqCGLg-4uH9UkGlhk-FyAWQ/w640-h384/Balfour%20&%20Page.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"> British <span style="text-align: justify;">Foreign Secretary</span> Arthur James Balfour US AmbassadorWalter Hines Page</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The treaty specified the programme in great detail. The first 1.500 tanks had to be made by the end of the year and the factory should be capable of expansion to 1.200 a month. Both goals were very ambitious given the fact there was neither a completed design nor a factory and that British tank production would in fact be 150 a month during 1918.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The United States would supply: the engine; radiator; fan; piping; silencer; lighting; dynamo; battery; propeller shaft; transmission, including gearbox; brakes; roller sprockets; gear shift and brake control; track links and pins; rear track sprockets, hub and shafts; front idler hub and shafts; track roller, track spindles and bushings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Britain would supply: bullet and bomb-proof plates; structural members; track shoes and rollers; guns, machine guns and mountings; ammunition racks and ammunition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The agreed price was to be £5,000 per vehicle. In December 1917 the Mark VI order was cancelled ensuring that the Mark VIII would be the new standard Allied weapon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tank production</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>United Kingdon:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> In April 1918, the British formed the Manchester Tanks Association, a conglomerate of 25 local companies under the control of West's Gas Improvements Ltd, which would manufacture the hull parts and other components, for the British contribution to the program. But due to the War, the shortage of materials and labor delayed this process a lot. And all this effort practically became redundant with the end of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_I" target="_blank">World War I</a>, in November. </div><div> The Americans decided to build around 1.500 Mark VIII tanks in the USA for their own use, while in Great Britain it was decided to build another 1.450 for the British Army. the latter would be equipped with the 300 hp Ricardo V12 engine and production started in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_British_Locomotive_Company">North British Locomotive Company</a> workshops in Glasgow, but this too was stopped by the Armistice. Plans were also underway to prepare part of the National Projectile Factory at Cardonald in Glasgow to build a further 335 tanks, managed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Beardmore_and_Company">William Beardmore and Company</a>, while it was decided to order a further 810 from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metro-Cammell" target="_blank">Metropolitan Carriage, Wagon and Finance Company</a> in Birmingham. In fact, none of these production lines were carried out, except at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_British_Locomotive_Company">North British Locomotive Company</a>, where sources report that 24 tanks were completed, of which six were taken into British tests. The mild steel prototype with a Rolls-Royce engine was tested on 11 November, the day of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice">Armistice</a>.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_giljAVkKqHN9_eUui2rceqSZTd-dmHwsNaYersAaBDcm4UvHgfOy1Y9x1sl7JxJnbBWOgildjlOH6P-Tf4oeW8NYzaUGQX_fcZNU9BRn3u6a79RUeLHXOo-IuX2WMSBuMq0NXgeUAAxxM4a2jZ-4DZ899rl_IxNEo7ZJ9BYRJOnNlzZZ7l_UQqGu-g/s1280/Mark%20VIII%20tank%20on%20an%20overhead%20crane%20in%20the%20North%20British%20Locomotive%20Co%20Queens%20Park%20Works%20-%20Glasgow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_giljAVkKqHN9_eUui2rceqSZTd-dmHwsNaYersAaBDcm4UvHgfOy1Y9x1sl7JxJnbBWOgildjlOH6P-Tf4oeW8NYzaUGQX_fcZNU9BRn3u6a79RUeLHXOo-IuX2WMSBuMq0NXgeUAAxxM4a2jZ-4DZ899rl_IxNEo7ZJ9BYRJOnNlzZZ7l_UQqGu-g/w640-h294/Mark%20VIII%20tank%20on%20an%20overhead%20crane%20in%20the%20North%20British%20Locomotive%20Co%20Queens%20Park%20Works%20-%20Glasgow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilot Mark VIII Liberty tank on an overhead crane in the<br />North British Locomotive Company Ltd.<br /> Queens Park Works - Glasgow<br />Notice the markings in the side of the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04LlVJtY4GNq4k8E_9hJJJVZWYXQ9565eLTgKW_9tD5-MVk7juv3ff73_p84HDR72ozdTnWrJEjFrERnp3zbuS8nTU30agtVgFkzet9cgy-WgC_toyvoC-wqrMJNYaROH1rYH42CPYZg2Ll428i5SHn0Ma9xEMW-ZoEQZNrZ7k39AocmLTslZjdawaw/s1839/Mark_VIII_tank,_Q_71031.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1839" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh04LlVJtY4GNq4k8E_9hJJJVZWYXQ9565eLTgKW_9tD5-MVk7juv3ff73_p84HDR72ozdTnWrJEjFrERnp3zbuS8nTU30agtVgFkzet9cgy-WgC_toyvoC-wqrMJNYaROH1rYH42CPYZg2Ll428i5SHn0Ma9xEMW-ZoEQZNrZ7k39AocmLTslZjdawaw/w640-h394/Mark_VIII_tank,_Q_71031.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Mark VIII Liberty tank seen above, in mild steel armour.<br />Notice the rear side exhausts, characteristic of this first tank.<br />mid 1918</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> One of these six vehicles underwent extensive testing on the roads around <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovington">Bovington</a> in Dorset, in early 1919; the fate of the other five was not recorded. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNnwxGAiKNmj2OI6XFK6HgU2jXJKygIAc5xcDAN6FCQ9pHDx--F1brBok56Ee06Sp_nssONbH_xz1hfOkTjDGBnrYwSAccTb5TLNQdlt8fR76lgjoms7Gge5le8dTEWV97aYH1b0GVXqVkrm9dLHXivwSkDCRhos5N_XuurXgNxVG7KM1kN28KgTNtA/s1320/Mark_VIII_tank%20-%20CITY%20OF%20BRADFORD%20VII.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1320" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNnwxGAiKNmj2OI6XFK6HgU2jXJKygIAc5xcDAN6FCQ9pHDx--F1brBok56Ee06Sp_nssONbH_xz1hfOkTjDGBnrYwSAccTb5TLNQdlt8fR76lgjoms7Gge5le8dTEWV97aYH1b0GVXqVkrm9dLHXivwSkDCRhos5N_XuurXgNxVG7KM1kN28KgTNtA/w640-h396/Mark_VIII_tank%20-%20CITY%20OF%20BRADFORD%20VII.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mk VIII Liberty tank CITY OF BRADFORD VII under trials<br />Notice the absence of the exhaust pipe on the rear side of the tank,<br />which characterizes this being a production vehicle</td></tr></tbody></table> Fortunately, one of these British tanks, number 12007, has been preserved and today is on display at the <a href="https://tankmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Tank Museum in Bovington</a>. The other 18 completed tanks were apparently scrapped.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEJcz3HxR9aiERTdT1L_SUk5hCtN5BgAl6U6wWN_BrCzjNjDwfSGu4-MYX_A0BYVS5rq_klSPRCtyotp8zxHA5ID9jzf0IUuVQQ-HNmVNRyCyUcXiZhHAnv-IOsCl1fPGr9iI1UQxYaAi6KPd1V7pXCwCS8G7M20Coyx-xNpLdokGr9x-1xl-_jmLsg/s1280/Bovington-Mk-VIII-display2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEJcz3HxR9aiERTdT1L_SUk5hCtN5BgAl6U6wWN_BrCzjNjDwfSGu4-MYX_A0BYVS5rq_klSPRCtyotp8zxHA5ID9jzf0IUuVQQ-HNmVNRyCyUcXiZhHAnv-IOsCl1fPGr9iI1UQxYaAi6KPd1V7pXCwCS8G7M20Coyx-xNpLdokGr9x-1xl-_jmLsg/w640-h350/Bovington-Mk-VIII-display2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mk VIII Liberty tank n° 12007<br /><a href="https://tankmuseum.org/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Tank Museum - Bovington</a><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> <b>France:</b> </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The French government hoped to receive 700 Mark VIIIs for free, as the French superheavy tank, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_2C">Char FCM 2C</a>, could not be produced in sufficient numbers, if at all. However, suffering from a lack of manpower and raw materials the French were not forthcoming in providing any facilities for the production of the International Tank. Soon the Americans decided to build a brand new assembly factory at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuvy-Pailloux">Neuvy-Pailloux</a>, 200 miles south of Paris, contracting a British company. Far from producing its first tank in April, the factory was not even finished by June. In August they contracted another British firm. It finished the factory in November, by which point the war had already ended; not a single tank would be built there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOnZTN_XcUEdGF5NC06s5j6kH9SD2jqz2BvzDhi3f8ilzL3CngG_Q4ci9aIPyhy9QnpM72ueahGzmbN7ZJ4RKZFmiNxVHTt2f-UwZ3iQ2a2W0JoelKDNT-f3ZBEGWG1LqJdsj8-b3IqzVtQTKCP1M4GgeiitFZQ-_Vef5t9K1rclAETlmZjkVZT1zTQ/s1280/American%20Liberty%20factory%20Neuvy-Pailloux%20factory%20c.1919%20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOnZTN_XcUEdGF5NC06s5j6kH9SD2jqz2BvzDhi3f8ilzL3CngG_Q4ci9aIPyhy9QnpM72ueahGzmbN7ZJ4RKZFmiNxVHTt2f-UwZ3iQ2a2W0JoelKDNT-f3ZBEGWG1LqJdsj8-b3IqzVtQTKCP1M4GgeiitFZQ-_Vef5t9K1rclAETlmZjkVZT1zTQ/w640-h414/American%20Liberty%20factory%20Neuvy-Pailloux%20factory%20c.1919%20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank Mk VIII factory at Neuvy-Pailloux - France<br /> An example of a big waste of time and money...<br />early 1919<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>United States:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In July 1918, a Mk VIII with mild steel hull was manufactured in Britain and shipped to the United States, for installation of the engine and power train. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuqoZ2d3M0TlUPa3tbR7qsFFhn75EoWPvMoGCDtUNsjNp8DocmQDmtBa_Jb7WVcG0cbcdlnYAaM2LGLuz-tAVumqZg1T10gt1dDhmetTtEOxNLeDmxpZ684y8eBVstMjOa9jgxm_2hFt-9bZzeC-3Thp0nbEY2Fzav1d0t3Im4feNr5q2r6F-jDNDDw/s1280/American%20liberty%20right%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuqoZ2d3M0TlUPa3tbR7qsFFhn75EoWPvMoGCDtUNsjNp8DocmQDmtBa_Jb7WVcG0cbcdlnYAaM2LGLuz-tAVumqZg1T10gt1dDhmetTtEOxNLeDmxpZ684y8eBVstMjOa9jgxm_2hFt-9bZzeC-3Thp0nbEY2Fzav1d0t3Im4feNr5q2r6F-jDNDDw/w640-h266/American%20liberty%20right%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII tank without secondary armament. <br />Notice the exhaust in its primitive form,<br />coming out in the rear side of the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> On arrival it transpired that no mass-produced parts were ready to finish the prototype, so the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Locomobile_Automobile_Company&action=edit&redlink=1">Locomobile Automobile Company</a> in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridgeport,_Connecticut">Bridgeport, Connecticut</a> made these all by hand, completing the first vehicle on the 28 September. Testing began on 31 October of 1918, with the tank showing the armament ( two 6 pdr. guns and ten Hotchkiss machine guns) shipped from Britain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk4rE9EulxQhhYhFsGYJfiqm9esXtCrtKYNR52sFyqwwPhY3X8khQB7smkUkwaSbpSEj9gGBKckvQZW8O-mwGX6BFgw8kFkF6KYbiEfoOZHC9d503louvdcm6EtnCZmMiL9XijSs31bboOsLvHVNoCtN3sho6yP9TElaDi3JeBFDvYJk2S7rP7C9HGw/s1447/Group%20of%20brit%20Officers%20Q%2071013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1447" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk4rE9EulxQhhYhFsGYJfiqm9esXtCrtKYNR52sFyqwwPhY3X8khQB7smkUkwaSbpSEj9gGBKckvQZW8O-mwGX6BFgw8kFkF6KYbiEfoOZHC9d503louvdcm6EtnCZmMiL9XijSs31bboOsLvHVNoCtN3sho6yP9TElaDi3JeBFDvYJk2S7rP7C9HGw/w640-h348/Group%20of%20brit%20Officers%20Q%2071013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Members of the Anglo-American Tank Commission and other<br />dignataries in front of the Mk VIII pilot after its arrival in the USA.<br />Note that the crouching officer has a Hotchkiss .303 machine gun in his hands.<br />Test camp of Bridgeport - Connecticut - USA - 31 October, 1918<br />Watch this video of these field tests, below.:</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6HB62XHwlV4" width="320" youtube-src-id="6HB62XHwlV4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank went through several tests and several successful public presentations. Although these tests showed highly positive results, the continued use revealed the need for a number of small but significant modifications. As an example, we can mention that the engine exhaust system exiting through the lower rear portion of the hull left the engine compartment floor extremely hot. This was resolved by relocating the exhaust pipes and silencers to the rear-upper part of the tank, exposed to the weather.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm4HcF5X0rKODbWsP59RP1xIoCSL1vBj7fHl7kR_VGjrB78d7Nz119HKIsvTe-79cnetonNnkLi54b2gU6klOBYBw7g8oHXLz7mNuy2pjevmGLnFASFL32k9mlN854fKi1eiUsINrjJiIK3SqJxUkIQewe0ogl3T_xY4a4hJ-8vXAzYpLYmyW1ptJIg/s1400/Mark_VIII_pilot%20version.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="1400" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm4HcF5X0rKODbWsP59RP1xIoCSL1vBj7fHl7kR_VGjrB78d7Nz119HKIsvTe-79cnetonNnkLi54b2gU6klOBYBw7g8oHXLz7mNuy2pjevmGLnFASFL32k9mlN854fKi1eiUsINrjJiIK3SqJxUkIQewe0ogl3T_xY4a4hJ-8vXAzYpLYmyW1ptJIg/w640-h216/Mark_VIII_pilot%20version.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mk VIII pilot tank.<br />Notice the primitive exhaust system...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The World War I ended before full production could be achieved, but in early 1919, Colonel Harry B. Jordan, then commanding officer at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_Arsenal" target="_blank">Rock Island Arsenal</a>, received orders to assemble 100 Mark VIII tanks at that location. These tanks would use 100 sets of component parts purchased from Britain. On 2 February 1919, the mild steel Mark VIII pilot arrived at Rock Island, to serve as a comparative model for production tanks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VNgVGFWq7AETnMvMHDQgx4V4xox4RsIFG-o86IWYzXcUsRaEfxZPxayqbyeJVaNnRude6mHG96BOJnNAJ-2BM5P7seJSSzMCg0CAHUgrgv9u6zqvgnqTgnoCG0wUcwxR6iCqWN9YorQuwHY-5O8jweH8QSvFUNin0RaLV53fBhoM3HcxbbF7ssVWgA/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20pilot%20(see%20the%20exhausts)%20march%201919%20USA%20with%20.303%20mg%20mounts.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="1280" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VNgVGFWq7AETnMvMHDQgx4V4xox4RsIFG-o86IWYzXcUsRaEfxZPxayqbyeJVaNnRude6mHG96BOJnNAJ-2BM5P7seJSSzMCg0CAHUgrgv9u6zqvgnqTgnoCG0wUcwxR6iCqWN9YorQuwHY-5O8jweH8QSvFUNin0RaLV53fBhoM3HcxbbF7ssVWgA/w640-h258/Mk%20VIII%20pilot%20(see%20the%20exhausts)%20march%201919%20USA%20with%20.303%20mg%20mounts.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mild steel pilot Mk VIII tank, right after arriving at Rocky Island Arsenal.<br />The tank does not have secondary armament, but the Americans have already<br />installed the <span style="text-align: left;">semaphore mast, for communication between tanks,<br /></span> in the rear left corner of the fixed turret.<br />March - 1919<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5sNS25SsFQb7fnntjWoaTJrvVyzASSxyJc1rZ4akaHWpo2p3yfbXK0aKhU3wq4ETyDc8Czmc9l89di2TuxwjOwWei4Mfh6RqwnQlsKMF-rGnxoEPElxonxxEZ6C1oz1XwSC9Tq9qPOdmz6Ug1TLJB7lycGsvSCQ5WcZgASjh-VLLOdAJhKYW1VuYPQ/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20pilot%20(see%20the%20exhausts)%20march%201919%20USA%20with%20.303%20mg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1280" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5sNS25SsFQb7fnntjWoaTJrvVyzASSxyJc1rZ4akaHWpo2p3yfbXK0aKhU3wq4ETyDc8Czmc9l89di2TuxwjOwWei4Mfh6RqwnQlsKMF-rGnxoEPElxonxxEZ6C1oz1XwSC9Tq9qPOdmz6Ug1TLJB7lycGsvSCQ5WcZgASjh-VLLOdAJhKYW1VuYPQ/w640-h260/Mk%20VIII%20pilot%20(see%20the%20exhausts)%20march%201919%20USA%20with%20.303%20mg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Mk VIII pilot tank, seen above<br />with .303 Hotchkiss machine guns installed.<br />The tank shows the "american" <span style="text-align: left;">semaphore mast.<br />Notice the rear exhaust in the side rear of the tank.<br />March - 1919</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk6RNHTM8uwBKvMgUN1qHXSZDUl2Vx3COMvp_qQGtXkqywQ-sDnnKWuXNiJhgFGIEyVZnCdmws5u-5sZOH66FTahsAFEpJxdKcD8FYLk3zHjRrJbgN8kfDank1c0jVxdANqPrBqxfe1dZR37_41Bos_-rYWGuDgKqqrQrQffzfvpUMZH7IKH1QlAi4A/s1024/Pilot%20Mk%20VIII%20with%20.30%20browning%20mg%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="1024" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk6RNHTM8uwBKvMgUN1qHXSZDUl2Vx3COMvp_qQGtXkqywQ-sDnnKWuXNiJhgFGIEyVZnCdmws5u-5sZOH66FTahsAFEpJxdKcD8FYLk3zHjRrJbgN8kfDank1c0jVxdANqPrBqxfe1dZR37_41Bos_-rYWGuDgKqqrQrQffzfvpUMZH7IKH1QlAi4A/w640-h346/Pilot%20Mk%20VIII%20with%20.30%20browning%20mg%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, the pilot Mk VIII tank with .30 Browning MG<br />installed in the side of the turret. Later, on production vehicles,<br />this combat station would be deleted from American tanks<br />May - 1919</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The construction of the first Mark VIII at Rock Island Arsenal started on 1 July 1919 and by 1 September, general assembly of the vehicles was underway with as many as 28 tanks being built at the same time. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BTvoPGuxPWPT5Fpl87E3O8VQVGUSx75tJQnYelG4DTz3Kd2BkKkdzumJXr4pZN7XS_BXeZw4rKlnIz4po_5OUbMdo-RgO9JU1Igu6NcXWBuO5BxkgKg8GEiq-uUUpjXZgTpqYI-ppsiBfc5cvfsFCA9aP-OnVmmJzyaBRppDFqYtoMOQk4Q-ddBiMA/s1280/Mark_VIII_Rocky%20island%20arsenal.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BTvoPGuxPWPT5Fpl87E3O8VQVGUSx75tJQnYelG4DTz3Kd2BkKkdzumJXr4pZN7XS_BXeZw4rKlnIz4po_5OUbMdo-RgO9JU1Igu6NcXWBuO5BxkgKg8GEiq-uUUpjXZgTpqYI-ppsiBfc5cvfsFCA9aP-OnVmmJzyaBRppDFqYtoMOQk4Q-ddBiMA/w640-h498/Mark_VIII_Rocky%20island%20arsenal.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank<br />The tank n° 5 under construction in<br />Rocky Island Arsenal<br />5th December, 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicToGH7NkfQVTeuAOp_bo9lvsxgvWck1fJVwjAjkj6EJxtGgvbBOZmVLnJ8ZhXL1vGHb2GtEc7zySWdP34qycOAyDfDkHYSPsdWClArkubizrGYDPi3R78UQueJyg2RCwqoMtqzKJnjCHvr0Py-LYZjYTfQuB4rpG9YcviyrSSl8mEJq-z67682T0QEg/s1024/American%20liberty%20under%20construction%20M1917%20in%20middle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="1024" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicToGH7NkfQVTeuAOp_bo9lvsxgvWck1fJVwjAjkj6EJxtGgvbBOZmVLnJ8ZhXL1vGHb2GtEc7zySWdP34qycOAyDfDkHYSPsdWClArkubizrGYDPi3R78UQueJyg2RCwqoMtqzKJnjCHvr0Py-LYZjYTfQuB4rpG9YcviyrSSl8mEJq-z67682T0QEg/w640-h336/American%20liberty%20under%20construction%20M1917%20in%20middle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembly area of Rocky Island Arsenal.<br />Mk VIIIs tanks under construction.<br />Notice the little 6 ton M1917 ligt tank between heavy tanks</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp9u9yKpABrEmz_5z_HgEpppYmIe3i8u5tNkH_8WZ95GJktI-fqbIuiRI0xyM_zrEClAMV9bhvwDhGnPOScurkEAfv_d_4NpUklOz8aGFUd4LKYv83pTKr2eHwhAS6-u0S1acOtAvunJ4pfKGhCFsVmzfuSLiqcOxJSQRNPdZY_3O-2PwYRZK3onZLw/s1024/American%20liberty%20under%20construction%20Liberty%20engine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1024" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMp9u9yKpABrEmz_5z_HgEpppYmIe3i8u5tNkH_8WZ95GJktI-fqbIuiRI0xyM_zrEClAMV9bhvwDhGnPOScurkEAfv_d_4NpUklOz8aGFUd4LKYv83pTKr2eHwhAS6-u0S1acOtAvunJ4pfKGhCFsVmzfuSLiqcOxJSQRNPdZY_3O-2PwYRZK3onZLw/w640-h512/American%20liberty%20under%20construction%20Liberty%20engine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mk VIII under construction in USA.<br />The upper deck is open, with Liberty V12 engine visible in this shot.<br />Notice the exhaust gas system, on the sides of the upper chassis</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">The first American Mk VIII tank was ready on January 5, 1920 and the last of the 100 ordered was delivered on June 5, 1920. As with every production of a new vehicle, some setbacks arose during construction and the field tests. For example, one of these initial problems was fires caused by fuel backflow through the carburetor. Fortunately, these fires were easily brought under control by the fire extinguishers that were available inside the vehicle. An unusual accident happened during the boarding of a tank in a railroad car, on March 22, 1920. The wagon threshold gave way to the weight of the tank and it rolled, falling upside down. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI3RalSIc4pTcVGczQKx4a8LaODR3L98Qf94nvU6KjMpwFYeVv9diCz7e9TnlD6HSjVPYQWWku73_HKpi6MNt6_U6JPxfnUjYr4kxbs-A-2lxGOnOuuEKocGiFHqKNXtluiEEb1xyRI6OBf4H8tzjHUsiZ4VpbpDYgsd0CoPULxgQkWn1bSOeMyapTw/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20accident%20railcar%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwI3RalSIc4pTcVGczQKx4a8LaODR3L98Qf94nvU6KjMpwFYeVv9diCz7e9TnlD6HSjVPYQWWku73_HKpi6MNt6_U6JPxfnUjYr4kxbs-A-2lxGOnOuuEKocGiFHqKNXtluiEEb1xyRI6OBf4H8tzjHUsiZ4VpbpDYgsd0CoPULxgQkWn1bSOeMyapTw/w640-h350/Mk%20VIII%20accident%20railcar%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loading new Mk VIII tanks onto rail cars, shipped from the Rocky Island Arsenal<br />to Camp Mead, Maryland - 22, March - 1920.<br />Notice the Mk VIII turned upside down in the left (yellow circle)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg36lg63VHCXnHYepBE1d_PGAyehDKfTcTJz8_OvXR82q3E6v-iFSdwA-4Fw9OcmY3vl8DJoSfZZNYJW7jE56EkrszanmH3Hkzb434alAYXKd3hEfzEnr_etoQudLG3buo9CNVx0uGranNyPspnQb_3_DJQ3CRBCii4czSADlQaUrW9gVnmofgUroAg/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20accident%20railcar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1280" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBg36lg63VHCXnHYepBE1d_PGAyehDKfTcTJz8_OvXR82q3E6v-iFSdwA-4Fw9OcmY3vl8DJoSfZZNYJW7jE56EkrszanmH3Hkzb434alAYXKd3hEfzEnr_etoQudLG3buo9CNVx0uGranNyPspnQb_3_DJQ3CRBCii4czSADlQaUrW9gVnmofgUroAg/w640-h474/Mk%20VIII%20accident%20railcar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mk VIII tank turned upside down, seen from picture above, in closeup.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Fortunately, the driver and the tank mechanic who were inside the vehicle were not injured, being only shaken by what happened. Traction cables were attached to the vehicle and another tank managed to return the tank to its position. The vehicle managed to return to the workshop with its own engine. The only damage was a slight dent in the roof of the fixed turret (the commander's cupola was retracted for transport) and a bent semaphore pole. All damage was repaired, and the roof was fixed without the need to dismantle this part of the tank. </span>These 100 Mark VIII tanks were used by the Americans in training exercises in an infantry support role, in Camp Meade - Maryland.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Description:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With a total length of 10,367 meters, the Mark VIII was a larger version of the typical British rhomboidal tanks that preceded it, all of which were designed to allow maximum optimization in trench crossing action. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lw6mw2T7MBvOqoY-6BmC3Z5GDZZInQNXeaOof8Tq7BEAXTYQtm7B7Imi17WhM643Z2FIzsk8R5Qeg9MfENy5adOi4bnctzpD26TymotZMuaSSBU7lYlkWOAHoxbNpBnzWnI9eA9IIgrDHm5_UK_rVRWc6HS2-buwyX_D9xwYEK8DokQtpBLGI2IVxA/s1280/Mk%20IV%20&%20Mk%20VIII.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lw6mw2T7MBvOqoY-6BmC3Z5GDZZInQNXeaOof8Tq7BEAXTYQtm7B7Imi17WhM643Z2FIzsk8R5Qeg9MfENy5adOi4bnctzpD26TymotZMuaSSBU7lYlkWOAHoxbNpBnzWnI9eA9IIgrDHm5_UK_rVRWc6HS2-buwyX_D9xwYEK8DokQtpBLGI2IVxA/w640-h392/Mk%20IV%20&%20Mk%20VIII.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size comparison between the Mk IV<br />and the Mk VIII heavy tanks</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And even though they were larger than their predecessors, an even longer version of the standard Mark VIII tank was designed, the Mk VIII* (Star) version.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> During 1918, the then prevalent preoccupation with trench crossing capabilities led to preparations being made for the production of an even longer tank: the Mark VIII* (Star). The hull was to be lengthened a full three meters: 1.2 m at the front and 1.8 m at the back, with a total length of 13,41 meters. This way it should be able to cross a trench 5.5 m wide. To ensure that the tank could turn at all, despite its critically high length-width ratio, the bottom profile of the tracks would be more strongly curved, so that a smaller part of the track would touch the ground. Ground pressure would have increased however, as total weight reached 42.5 tons (43.2 tonnes). If the tank had sunk into soft ground somewhat, it's questionable whether it would have been able to make a turn. No prototype was built.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOGN0JAfX4Yu5hWC8p8tL4MxdMBlKhpccQ4dt_04Acv7YFOSBIsVR5sx0B8tXoy5bI7u8VQvkfhqStjWnR4k1Rgji0QgcRXvKVq7aqvDUyeTBbd9ULtzk23DThHzBsk9PyHwuXgn1zs3M1xbCVp_gj_hvlfMIGMAgSV_9W5D7pDx1PB-VaacXrMqtew/s1280/Mk%208%20star.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="1280" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOGN0JAfX4Yu5hWC8p8tL4MxdMBlKhpccQ4dt_04Acv7YFOSBIsVR5sx0B8tXoy5bI7u8VQvkfhqStjWnR4k1Rgji0QgcRXvKVq7aqvDUyeTBbd9ULtzk23DThHzBsk9PyHwuXgn1zs3M1xbCVp_gj_hvlfMIGMAgSV_9W5D7pDx1PB-VaacXrMqtew/w640-h210/Mk%208%20star.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artistic drawing of Mk VIII* with increased trench-clearing capability</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The armament of the pilot version of the Mark VIII consisted of two <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_6-pounder_6_cwt_Hotchkiss" target="_blank">Ordnance QF 6-pounder (57mm) 6 cwt Hotchkiss gun</a>. as main armament and seven <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_M1909_Ben%C3%A9t%E2%80%93Merci%C3%A9_machine_gun" target="_blank">.303 Hotchkiss Portative MkI machine guns</a> as secondary armament. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CiFaD7jKX8rafs4X2Jss1z7JVIBwWl-SR7HDe8pd_27_dbZ0XXGBAQjzMcHVgtkQ7KEAq66TXCujNsp0TreKYsJ0GU-CM_kdxiMRW25UJnMxLkObOeYx-loRXS3tWrDJJWrPqB0cAGgmqoN7JTWwfU4dLrC_TvszmRDwPwI-Nasx5hU1LB7obrzM7w/s1296/QF%206-pounder%206%20cwt%20Hotchkiss%20gun%20-%20Aussie%20War%20Memorial.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="1296" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CiFaD7jKX8rafs4X2Jss1z7JVIBwWl-SR7HDe8pd_27_dbZ0XXGBAQjzMcHVgtkQ7KEAq66TXCujNsp0TreKYsJ0GU-CM_kdxiMRW25UJnMxLkObOeYx-loRXS3tWrDJJWrPqB0cAGgmqoN7JTWwfU4dLrC_TvszmRDwPwI-Nasx5hU1LB7obrzM7w/w640-h192/QF%206-pounder%206%20cwt%20Hotchkiss%20gun%20-%20Aussie%20War%20Memorial.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ordnance QF 6-pounder (57mm) 6 cwt Hotchkiss gun<br />without shield - left and right view.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscgllIvySU4SCaqOdc7QE9A2Vnp80OauuV5YH-MRun78gtqcaGcCzrx_EpCFvi7ii09pWGK3n_z3fppiHcxSGC_NWDNkU6lpMwnt9olk-Rh9whnMo6MoV5D076vl6VOA_bB8GmHTOfcjfbqYuLtyWn0Egw9br9fMIdRyZ-_3SfPCajrqi76bbkFz-ew/s1280/.303%20Hotchkiss%20M1909%20Ben%C3%A9t%E2%80%93Merci%C3%A9%20machine%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="1280" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscgllIvySU4SCaqOdc7QE9A2Vnp80OauuV5YH-MRun78gtqcaGcCzrx_EpCFvi7ii09pWGK3n_z3fppiHcxSGC_NWDNkU6lpMwnt9olk-Rh9whnMo6MoV5D076vl6VOA_bB8GmHTOfcjfbqYuLtyWn0Egw9br9fMIdRyZ-_3SfPCajrqi76bbkFz-ew/w640-h166/.303%20Hotchkiss%20M1909%20Ben%C3%A9t%E2%80%93Merci%C3%A9%20machine%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The .303 Hotchkiss Portative tank machine gun<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> A 57mm <span style="text-align: center;">Ordnance QF 6-pounder </span>cannon was mounted on sponsons on either side of the vehicle, in the typical British tank arrangement. But these sponsons had an interesting detail: Major Alden had designed the sponsons to be retractable (they could be swung in at the rear by the crew, being pivoted at the front), to facilitate rail transportation and to reduce the width of the vehicle if enemy obstacles were encountered.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnVtiYteFMAR8wMkUufH0yoWUZbnQurqHS5sENlWRZPhHxxR-JbhmQqsxQ2YZpEskpUNFP3s0PCiEpIKUGTUPwYrmqQEvtNyZWowDTIarWB-l_-CuKLnOVaZLQsUk2k4dFLq-Aid0xFG1ylBbQWLmftjl4YV9eXNfUY1-NovgzNCJYmAP1qfK-GX_7w/s1218/Alden%E2%80%99s%20patent%20for%20his%20pivoting%20sponson%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="759" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnVtiYteFMAR8wMkUufH0yoWUZbnQurqHS5sENlWRZPhHxxR-JbhmQqsxQ2YZpEskpUNFP3s0PCiEpIKUGTUPwYrmqQEvtNyZWowDTIarWB-l_-CuKLnOVaZLQsUk2k4dFLq-Aid0xFG1ylBbQWLmftjl4YV9eXNfUY1-NovgzNCJYmAP1qfK-GX_7w/w398-h640/Alden%E2%80%99s%20patent%20for%20his%20pivoting%20sponson%20colors.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A diagram of Major Alden's patent: the sponson pivotage system,<br /> with a red detail (current design) of the sponson sliding course.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify9jyGbT4QVrM9ueixCBT9pMTTUzsDXId5_JCSwW4AxdASmeF1T9PLH0DPGJBDH36xD9BvhKJg6He8cGF14wJOYB8Jv8q-9lJZ3ek5voyq7pGRCgIiNMhXFfZu9t-uUGH4Rv_etYb_HZUyWwxRTrFRe_53tYZlp6uoRKHG2Hx2mxq7NwMnKGUHlDYTw/s1280/American%20liberty%20moveable%20sponson%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify9jyGbT4QVrM9ueixCBT9pMTTUzsDXId5_JCSwW4AxdASmeF1T9PLH0DPGJBDH36xD9BvhKJg6He8cGF14wJOYB8Jv8q-9lJZ3ek5voyq7pGRCgIiNMhXFfZu9t-uUGH4Rv_etYb_HZUyWwxRTrFRe_53tYZlp6uoRKHG2Hx2mxq7NwMnKGUHlDYTw/w640-h458/American%20liberty%20moveable%20sponson%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right sponson of Mk VIII tank in closing process,<br />showing where sponson pivot (simple red arrows)<br />and the opening between the rear portion of sponson<br />and the side of the tank (double pointed arrow)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In addition to the two machine guns in the side doors (red-4, in the drawing below), there were five more machine guns, making a total of seven small arms. These five machine guns were all in the superstructure on top of the hull, namely: two in the front arch (red-1), flanking the driver, one on each side, just behind the commander's cupola (red-2) and one machine gun pointing to the rear (red-3). This rear machine gun featured a blind spot in the lower rear region of the tank (black-6) and enemy infantry could take advantage of this vulnerable blind spot. To solve this problem, a triangular bullet deflector plate was attached to later versions of the tank, mostly American versions. The rear superstructure gunner could use this deflector plate to "spray" his bullets into this area behind the tank. This same type of device was later fitted to the American M2 medium tank.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip05IlGCpaTZ_HuWmuRPKirkXAdp3qyrBC8PFwd_eUoEyf6Qcqw1qhOxIFucMVzCwVAZGPNf4djmnAKlErj1_km2dsPMGIJG8KgUi0UMuMCPRMzC_oI3ajU6Cn6OUvOD2ofg-YOLJY-8olKPjHisWhsyhbuj-oR9nbUm6MJJhLwX90Y6yTo_qWVXk3w/s1173/Liberty%20arch%20of%20fire.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1157" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip05IlGCpaTZ_HuWmuRPKirkXAdp3qyrBC8PFwd_eUoEyf6Qcqw1qhOxIFucMVzCwVAZGPNf4djmnAKlErj1_km2dsPMGIJG8KgUi0UMuMCPRMzC_oI3ajU6Cn6OUvOD2ofg-YOLJY-8olKPjHisWhsyhbuj-oR9nbUm6MJJhLwX90Y6yTo_qWVXk3w/w632-h640/Liberty%20arch%20of%20fire.jpg" width="632" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">The armament and firing arcs of the Mk VIII tank:</div><div style="text-align: left;">1-small ball mounts of the front machine guns</div><div style="text-align: left;">2-small ball mounts of the sidewalls of the turret (deleted in USA-tanks)</div><div style="text-align: left;">3-large hemispherical housing for rear machine gun</div><div style="text-align: left;">4-large hemispherical housings for doors machine guns</div><div style="text-align: left;">5-Ordnance QF 6-pounder (57mm) 6 cwt Hotchkiss gun</div><div style="text-align: left;">6-blind spot next to Mk VIII hull's rear</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The seven machine guns were fitted on ball mounts. Three of them were installed in large hemispherical housings: one in each of the two side doors of the hull and one at the rear of the fixed turret. These three housings were pivoted at the top and bottom, thus increasing increasing the horizontal traverse of the machine guns allowing them to fire upon targets much closer to the tank.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLPk8jQq9FbCLwopB3F6hGZXDOxll746T0ljynDe2QHn27J2R9PFdqJA3QZGLr2lucZ0FVYcIOx-mnQDU1zpU1Z5XFV-XH-lPqR0v2ougvFabB0jxaInv85HNQy7mdEZ0ZSIcYz_YkuJw6h1F-0ncSQFU36xAD60xbM9pOTLs1PMr7dKTqVtpPZ2cGA/s1280/American%20liberty%20crew%20%20ball%20mounted%20machine%20guns%20worked%20%E2%80%93%20the%20gun%20itself%20is%20an%20M1919%20tank%20machine%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="939" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLPk8jQq9FbCLwopB3F6hGZXDOxll746T0ljynDe2QHn27J2R9PFdqJA3QZGLr2lucZ0FVYcIOx-mnQDU1zpU1Z5XFV-XH-lPqR0v2ougvFabB0jxaInv85HNQy7mdEZ0ZSIcYz_YkuJw6h1F-0ncSQFU36xAD60xbM9pOTLs1PMr7dKTqVtpPZ2cGA/w470-h640/American%20liberty%20crew%20%20ball%20mounted%20machine%20guns%20worked%20%E2%80%93%20the%20gun%20itself%20is%20an%20M1919%20tank%20machine%20gun.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lateral machine guns were installed at the side doors,<br />just after the sponsons with the cannons.<br />Here, the right .30 Browning M1919 tank machine gun<br />installed in large hemispherical housing.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmdtmq9sE1kL-irWtTKm6gdFVlzYLrdlHlB3PvsIEqZFL_aCgrvN8yLPG6tbgliXTBXO9YP18GuLZX2Yvr-Z937XMsbcsARBtqmL22UDNQxnHsbg16PCtGossToYZTV8Stp2_06IoLM6tNFe1V12BOLPj9D0M2sZAoh93YeEm67AoJW9igR2p04YzoA/s1024/Rear%20MG%20position.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1024" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmdtmq9sE1kL-irWtTKm6gdFVlzYLrdlHlB3PvsIEqZFL_aCgrvN8yLPG6tbgliXTBXO9YP18GuLZX2Yvr-Z937XMsbcsARBtqmL22UDNQxnHsbg16PCtGossToYZTV8Stp2_06IoLM6tNFe1V12BOLPj9D0M2sZAoh93YeEm67AoJW9igR2p04YzoA/w640-h436/Rear%20MG%20position.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The large hemispherical housing for machine gun<br />in the rear of the fixed turret.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The two sidewalls stations in the fixed turret (red-2, in the drawing above) were eliminated on American-produced tanks, as their angles of fire were the same as those covered by the door machine guns (red-4).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In addition to these modifications, US-built tanks were armed with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1919_Browning_machine_gun" target="_blank">M1919 Browning MG tank machine guns</a>, with the barrel encased in a heavy protective sleeve.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoNBPHBNMqyFODS4reBvOM4NlEeXx-1fl-7gqSN_sSSD_V9gIvfkLD4GAlPoR7rsO79wm7tbQc72-xbSI6Aps-iga5lvdig_SDFAjHYm4PJLKzPaxZhby5t4tNYs_z9LitSW50WpqK9BM67yMU77jHY7ceweZzf_YvkhnHAACsjaTzOsfKqjiygEzQQ/s1280/.30%20ball%20mount.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoNBPHBNMqyFODS4reBvOM4NlEeXx-1fl-7gqSN_sSSD_V9gIvfkLD4GAlPoR7rsO79wm7tbQc72-xbSI6Aps-iga5lvdig_SDFAjHYm4PJLKzPaxZhby5t4tNYs_z9LitSW50WpqK9BM67yMU77jHY7ceweZzf_YvkhnHAACsjaTzOsfKqjiygEzQQ/w640-h288/.30%20ball%20mount.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.30 Browning M1919 tank machine gun<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqQ7Q50dgYxpZgGkn_-zKzYBFdIkZazSAwFLtxHL1jYAERsf74kSu-oqyNjEwhehcxFGqLus5Kd7y2DelqM0j0jvWOqhUOgEj9tHAqcdfyBfKGfcpZva-esUl7xVJwzE_dEFIopdPMFmN0P397GHtBd5ZnYDNmG1zt0B2OtaGCAB8_VGrHUpjIpo0uQ/s1280/.30%20Browning%20tank%20machine%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1280" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqQ7Q50dgYxpZgGkn_-zKzYBFdIkZazSAwFLtxHL1jYAERsf74kSu-oqyNjEwhehcxFGqLus5Kd7y2DelqM0j0jvWOqhUOgEj9tHAqcdfyBfKGfcpZva-esUl7xVJwzE_dEFIopdPMFmN0P397GHtBd5ZnYDNmG1zt0B2OtaGCAB8_VGrHUpjIpo0uQ/w640-h230/.30%20Browning%20tank%20machine%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.30 Browning M1919 tank machine gun<br />with barrel armored protector and ball mount.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank hulls were built by the classic technic of riveting the armor plate to a framework of angle iron and steel channels. The face hardened armor plate varied in thickness from 6mm on the top to 16mm for the fixed turret (casemate) side plates. Unlike earlier British designs, the hull of the Mark VIII was divided by a bulkhead separating the fighting compartment in the front from the engine compartment in the rear. Two sliding doors, one near each side of the tank, permitted movement between the two compartments. Another opening in the center of the bulk-head was closed by a vertical sliding door.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This arrangement was a great improvement in the design and ergonomics of the tanks, as it lessened the noise and heat load borne by the crew, allowed for better breathing in the fighting compartment by eliminating engine exhaust gases, and reduced the danger of fire. A 25.5 cubic meters per minute fan installed in the right front of the engine compartment supplied air for ventilation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF96U3T_8SHyE-W74uzNv-0PHPNTSkTR0NuiF4kJe1NUsFX5c9FncywUJeUW649yWxpnAfHlsm1NIkBkVni9WJS33Wftzg3gxMCry6WGKc7pD1h6iDaeaKIVLuBVFELlP1eR_ctMPSx4ke1gPmwmryTEQmW1RWzsHopD_UF3YcJ5wfA6JDrlQHCB-QCw/s1280/Liberty%20cutaway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1045" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF96U3T_8SHyE-W74uzNv-0PHPNTSkTR0NuiF4kJe1NUsFX5c9FncywUJeUW649yWxpnAfHlsm1NIkBkVni9WJS33Wftzg3gxMCry6WGKc7pD1h6iDaeaKIVLuBVFELlP1eR_ctMPSx4ke1gPmwmryTEQmW1RWzsHopD_UF3YcJ5wfA6JDrlQHCB-QCw/w522-h640/Liberty%20cutaway.jpg" width="522" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank in a period cutaway drawing.<br />Notice the crew in separate engine and transmission compartment<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The British tanks used Ricardo V-12 engines, with 300 Hp of power. US-built tanks were propelled by a 12-cylinder, liquid-cooled, Liberty aircraft engine modified for this application. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbMgCIoL-Ehoeau_RV6PTX5s8YX4q6e-TNHuajK5eW2SaL7KTg9fHOhOtavo5BhyVhuepUpraeoXElfq5N9SzCJQILf6YlxDBEXc381yB4zYclwTfOTx3OUSOm9LGAPH_IPp-AjVPWAHDwaE33xwPZusBWL9VipIeLeWoX4giXRa56wRvyGy40lc-VQ/s1280/Ricardo%20300%20h.p.%20Tank%20engine%20Two%20sets%20of%20six%20standard%20Ricardo%20cylinders%20arranged%20as%20a%20V%20engine%20-%20Q%2014581.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbMgCIoL-Ehoeau_RV6PTX5s8YX4q6e-TNHuajK5eW2SaL7KTg9fHOhOtavo5BhyVhuepUpraeoXElfq5N9SzCJQILf6YlxDBEXc381yB4zYclwTfOTx3OUSOm9LGAPH_IPp-AjVPWAHDwaE33xwPZusBWL9VipIeLeWoX4giXRa56wRvyGy40lc-VQ/w640-h436/Ricardo%20300%20h.p.%20Tank%20engine%20Two%20sets%20of%20six%20standard%20Ricardo%20cylinders%20arranged%20as%20a%20V%20engine%20-%20Q%2014581.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Ricardo 12 cylinder engine - 300 hp<br /> Two sets of six standard Ricardo 6 cylinders arranged as a V engine<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">font: IWM pic Q 14581<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsAwb9ylih2dW-W8T6_9ZOo1bYa8_FZ3PXc_qnkaH5hzH14bM8Q4XyJmGLQHWJGbrrhD51DcBxCUBX9GolJ6FWfX9uhdkGHSMG9vxIvvQgvmonz6vMPbfFQdKhZSY52HXfllLxmUXHHoEaW7XfyFL8A6KOIfWXVrg8t-2YFm0LTUzg_N-KYSUWwXPgQ/s1161/American%20Liberty%20V12%20engine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1161" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsAwb9ylih2dW-W8T6_9ZOo1bYa8_FZ3PXc_qnkaH5hzH14bM8Q4XyJmGLQHWJGbrrhD51DcBxCUBX9GolJ6FWfX9uhdkGHSMG9vxIvvQgvmonz6vMPbfFQdKhZSY52HXfllLxmUXHHoEaW7XfyFL8A6KOIfWXVrg8t-2YFm0LTUzg_N-KYSUWwXPgQ/w640-h386/American%20Liberty%20V12%20engine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Liberty 12 cylinder engine - 300 hp<br />cutaway side view - 1917<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The power of the engines was transmitted through an epicyclic gear box and a chain drive to the track driving wheels (sprockets) at the rear. Petrol was carried in three gasoline tanks, each with a capacity of 300 liters, installed in the rear of the hull isolated from the engine compartment by another bulkhead. The three tanks were pressurized by an engine driven air pump which forced the gasoline into a gravity feed tank directly above the engine. The engines were fitted with an electric started, however, it was not intended to start a cold engine without help from the hand crank. The latter extended through the bulkhead into the fighting compartment.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgs3CXS312yFulXxKKX4ZmA0UQ18JgIAMImv-DR4n_L_iKdzRf0-SfQ4UGP82_zq4eab5MhiSpBDYVmuG2c1u56b-qRaSIyKE5FDQ4R1Tf7GQghio8cGX4XpUQWGBj7BRgGEnibcgH7QZW_YeuoSg_cGyyQn4l-wnHIE2Gt3O7DRIWFBd2vkp4PqQrQ/s1400/Mark_VIII_sectioned%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1400" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgs3CXS312yFulXxKKX4ZmA0UQ18JgIAMImv-DR4n_L_iKdzRf0-SfQ4UGP82_zq4eab5MhiSpBDYVmuG2c1u56b-qRaSIyKE5FDQ4R1Tf7GQghio8cGX4XpUQWGBj7BRgGEnibcgH7QZW_YeuoSg_cGyyQn4l-wnHIE2Gt3O7DRIWFBd2vkp4PqQrQ/w640-h242/Mark_VIII_sectioned%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank -sectioned drawing view<br />Notice the transmission (right after the main clutch) and exhaust systems.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> On the pilot tank, the exhaust pipes exit through the rear on each side of the hull. As mentioned previously, this arrangement proved to be unsatisfactory during the test program and it was recommended that the exhaust pipes and mufflers be relocated to the top of the rear hull. This was done on the tanks manufactured in Britain. However, on the American tanks, the upper exhaust pipes were extended without the installation of any mufflers. With that, the yankee tanks were much noisier (see drawing above).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In absolute terms the vehicle was very large: at 3.12 m tall the Mark VIII was the third largest operational tank in history, after the 4,09 m of <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20FCM%202C%20-%20Super-heavy%20French%20tank" target="_blank">Char FCM 2C</a> and the 3,90 m of the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Carro%20Armato%20Fiat%202000%20-%201918%20-%20Italian%20heavy%20tank" target="_blank">Fiat 2000</a>. However its weight was only 38.9 tons, fitted for battle as the armour plate was thin with a thickness of 16 mm on the front and sides - a slight improvement over the Mark V but very thin by later standards. The roof and bottom of the hull were protected by only 6 mm thick armour plate, leaving the tank very vulnerable to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortar_(weapon)">mortar shells</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landmine">landmines</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ1_sBLgiTQC0kY9bWV60gUuzDAUUaKeGu7QUovRO5mNXqcFInlmN5bk6sZApwL8ufd04S2xOnstX3F9eMjp0_YiH8Co0Jc1dijyw0S_4LQOLzioK00isrVkV_7k1ZKXgXnktTV4mCsWuYrbmWin1xv3u8V-ohavNmKp3Aq7r0sofoBf0bAQ1l-6Q9g/s1280/Mark_VIII_under%20construction.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ1_sBLgiTQC0kY9bWV60gUuzDAUUaKeGu7QUovRO5mNXqcFInlmN5bk6sZApwL8ufd04S2xOnstX3F9eMjp0_YiH8Co0Jc1dijyw0S_4LQOLzioK00isrVkV_7k1ZKXgXnktTV4mCsWuYrbmWin1xv3u8V-ohavNmKp3Aq7r0sofoBf0bAQ1l-6Q9g/w640-h498/Mark_VIII_under%20construction.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Mk VIII no. 5 under construction.<br />Notice in the thickness of the plates used.<br />This big tank really had a very thin armor, even for the time.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The traction system was by tracks, unsprung, supported by 29 lower rollers, attached directly to the vehicle's hull. In the upper part, the tracks ran on rails and only one upper roller was positioned more or less in the middle of the hull, where the track angle changed. Top speed was about 8.0 km per hour on flat terrain.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> The track length was 10.41 m but even though the hull width was an impressive nominal 3.76 m, the actual length-width ratio of the tracks was very poor as that width included the sponsons. Combined with wide tracks it proved difficult to turn the tank. </div><div> During testing many tracks twisted and broke in a turn and it was decided to use longer, stronger 337 mm links made of hardened cast armour plate, stiffened by webs formed by recesses in the track plate.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52_JVMvTmJv-aNSnbHBqjr4yZJb2KnYEhdQz0fVLgHElIk8HYmDX9egOZHYRKsVmHJvkNQ0bgDXaa18zGfdjY5lnhmTKSwVUprzsswajARXG_tIZyaEnsztzyB8rZPZSW3MOA8TkuqL-uGM98utUD3kEEcAy0wyL63et6Rmky7dTZj0GOfsSC6op8tQ/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20track%20links.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1280" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg52_JVMvTmJv-aNSnbHBqjr4yZJb2KnYEhdQz0fVLgHElIk8HYmDX9egOZHYRKsVmHJvkNQ0bgDXaa18zGfdjY5lnhmTKSwVUprzsswajARXG_tIZyaEnsztzyB8rZPZSW3MOA8TkuqL-uGM98utUD3kEEcAy0wyL63et6Rmky7dTZj0GOfsSC6op8tQ/w640-h538/Mk%20VIII%20track%20links.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII 337mm track links<br />(internal view)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span>A great deal of confusion exists about the number of crew for this tank. Sources cite numbers from 12 to 9 crew members, described as follows: Commander, driver, two gunners and two loaders for the 6 pdrs guns. And two machine gunners in the side stations of the turret, one in the aft station of the turret and two in the doors, besides a mechanic, who sat in the engine compartment. This makes a total of 12 crew members. With the removal of the two stations of the sides of the turret, the Americans reduced the presence of two crew members. And some sources think that the presence of a mechanic was a waste of crew, as one of the machine guns on the doors could have that function. Therefore, the number could vary from 12 to 9 crew members.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGgcQfysNwIK9F9WA4mrE1fJZ2nmFhSlOTQySmbzZZ_53_De5HelOr53KSkRz0yp2_x96RBYY_D3pI81om9YRqa-yGOonbKqB773P4Gxh4sfiNrNXWuDV4wVjRVm5H3qdRxbJIMRikpb25fjqXlr6l5OfKDNNUleK-o47gkj_1xOUgMuUvgXH5_GZ6g/s1280/Crew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGgcQfysNwIK9F9WA4mrE1fJZ2nmFhSlOTQySmbzZZ_53_De5HelOr53KSkRz0yp2_x96RBYY_D3pI81om9YRqa-yGOonbKqB773P4Gxh4sfiNrNXWuDV4wVjRVm5H3qdRxbJIMRikpb25fjqXlr6l5OfKDNNUleK-o47gkj_1xOUgMuUvgXH5_GZ6g/w640-h414/Crew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Period drawing showing some combat stations<br />on the Mk VIII Liberty tank</td></tr></tbody></table><span><div style="text-align: justify;"> The driver's station was located in the front and middle position of the tank's hull, with the driver sitting on a raised seat, with the control levers at his side and with his head protected by a small rectangular armored cupola, situated directly in front of the fixed tower. There were 3 peepholes (one forward facing and two sideways) for viewing and the front plate of the driver's cupola was hinged to allow direct viewing (and ventilation) when not exposed to enemy fire. </div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span> The tank Commander was usually located in the center of the fixed turret, under a small rectangular dome, with 4 vision slots. </span>This rectangular cupola could not rotate, but it was retractable (by means of some screws) and could be withdrawn into the fixed turret in order to reduce overall height for rail travel.</div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrjsCnnRD2YrmuH08rItBtMyaVnS7Rk1XaNGJpyDq3FQtIF0ggX29hbEkO0h2c3_tiUWbZrrKf1tb-H8fbIkS8ylD51UDTQ1j6LIvYf5Q2A-Qx6vGcWODqp1H1T9DRRwk1Q0LG94vgLIM5ILtxg2dEwpbZnKuZit9oHjF0Xa_OqPUjMwbXTpZmYjF2w/s1280/International%20tank%20Q%2064476.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrjsCnnRD2YrmuH08rItBtMyaVnS7Rk1XaNGJpyDq3FQtIF0ggX29hbEkO0h2c3_tiUWbZrrKf1tb-H8fbIkS8ylD51UDTQ1j6LIvYf5Q2A-Qx6vGcWODqp1H1T9DRRwk1Q0LG94vgLIM5ILtxg2dEwpbZnKuZit9oHjF0Xa_OqPUjMwbXTpZmYjF2w/w640-h422/International%20tank%20Q%2064476.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty - British version.<br /> Notice the white-red-white stripes in the front of tank<br />and the ball gun position in the left side of fixed turret<br />Also notice the Commander's cupola retracted inside the hull,<br />lowering the overall height of the tank.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Font : IWM -Q 64476</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span> An officer's kit box on the floor of the fighting compartment for the Commander to stand on provided enough height for him to see through the peep holes in the armoured cupola.</span></div><div><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJR89HOYWmD3oOBV8ymWLd59vcVZPI7X7HgtTjxmtODkNrWDwuKKGKSyPkxSQGNgUSBtPQy-oAiy008hU1fD32uLFV62DueRip5yhMImdr-weNux_d_bwIkrgLynn777Iay24a3mXmdSAvkiZYeQmJO1aPa8-DfEZBA9P9BaQYe7B6hha8kuSWz3M-bg/s1280/tank%20with%20.303%20Hotchkiss%20%20machine%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJR89HOYWmD3oOBV8ymWLd59vcVZPI7X7HgtTjxmtODkNrWDwuKKGKSyPkxSQGNgUSBtPQy-oAiy008hU1fD32uLFV62DueRip5yhMImdr-weNux_d_bwIkrgLynn777Iay24a3mXmdSAvkiZYeQmJO1aPa8-DfEZBA9P9BaQYe7B6hha8kuSWz3M-bg/w640-h464/tank%20with%20.303%20Hotchkiss%20%20machine%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The .303 Hotchkiss Portative tank machine gun<br />installed in the upper right front station<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span> The rear gunner manned the rear machine gun crouched over the ammunition lockers, facing aft. On British tanks, this space was shared with the two side machine guns, which must have been quite cramped.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2D_gh-2ivSydyp3fmd7lF_lZ3Jpn75TZw0ktAlCiRBHiR5B0EMiBAb3y065ti5dG6_lorZJ0-A0lBG4f7Y4p-CL7d0PSOAW6Iv8HK65SaEcq7ZGphk4XUu8cXEB6-y9PPPu1h5JV5n6b2k8Sce0il6TLO8D3ii2eZYXmj4p5PgbZ2gK5v_v57zyuQw/s1400/Mk%20VIII%20crew%20comm%20driver2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1400" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2D_gh-2ivSydyp3fmd7lF_lZ3Jpn75TZw0ktAlCiRBHiR5B0EMiBAb3y065ti5dG6_lorZJ0-A0lBG4f7Y4p-CL7d0PSOAW6Iv8HK65SaEcq7ZGphk4XUu8cXEB6-y9PPPu1h5JV5n6b2k8Sce0il6TLO8D3ii2eZYXmj4p5PgbZ2gK5v_v57zyuQw/w640-h254/Mk%20VIII%20crew%20comm%20driver2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some combat stations in the Mk VIII tank</td></tr></tbody></table> The frontal machine guns, which flank the driver, could be handled by the Commander, who moved to just behind the driver's seat, as well as by one of the 6 pdr cannon loaders. The main guns were manned by the gunners of the 6 pdr. who stayed crouched next to the cannon, in the shells of the sponsons and were assisted by the loaders, who stayed sideways to the weapons. Although the MkVIII was a big tank, the fighting compartment was actually quite a tight place.<br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span>The door gunners were just behind the side access doors, standing, handling the weapons. The hemispherical housings of the machine guns allowed a wide angle of fire for the weapons, which resulted in the elimination of side turret gunners on American tanks, which increased crew effectiveness without sacrificing firepower.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKxldHQMaxIc29y7o3rfBeryHcmOhhN4PLa-xRaxQ10a0k025qJPvTL--1x0GS5sHNFZqKo95OeKHeNOxopd05p5ThrgQPJzn08RtDm7m1lwP3dqm8H7Ioo-WKhbJLpgFPJJaTvcbscGGGdLHlOLxD-6J-SekGAkXZMCtKEVMHpE7fqEcgBrH-7_YkQ/s1400/Mk%20VIII%20crew%20comm%20driver.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1400" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKxldHQMaxIc29y7o3rfBeryHcmOhhN4PLa-xRaxQ10a0k025qJPvTL--1x0GS5sHNFZqKo95OeKHeNOxopd05p5ThrgQPJzn08RtDm7m1lwP3dqm8H7Ioo-WKhbJLpgFPJJaTvcbscGGGdLHlOLxD-6J-SekGAkXZMCtKEVMHpE7fqEcgBrH-7_YkQ/w640-h254/Mk%20VIII%20crew%20comm%20driver.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some combat stations in the Mk VIII tank</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span>The access to the tank was provided by a hatch with two lids in the rear portion of the roof of the fixed turret (red arrows, below) and two doors with large hemispherical housing for machine guns , one in each side of the hull (blue arrows). The upper hatch was normally used by the Commander, for a panoramic view, when the vehicle was not in a combat situation.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9PLw15iNHvSVG9REZmiIHn3aq-ntyhFJA5Djx7UviulZr5dExaGLYJ-jggD2rz_ow_4-aAMJUB8VIx-LS6_6TqvJPcowHgDLTiIDGgH_fL9hmtTs60uh3DhlWbMKe_leFqP4GT_BMBy5dQKn-aPSWsLg4dWH6U5cGygo8qcx0WFeLgupGSbUFnHgCA/s1280/International%20crew%20access.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1280" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9PLw15iNHvSVG9REZmiIHn3aq-ntyhFJA5Djx7UviulZr5dExaGLYJ-jggD2rz_ow_4-aAMJUB8VIx-LS6_6TqvJPcowHgDLTiIDGgH_fL9hmtTs60uh3DhlWbMKe_leFqP4GT_BMBy5dQKn-aPSWsLg4dWH6U5cGygo8qcx0WFeLgupGSbUFnHgCA/w640-h532/International%20crew%20access.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatches and doors for crew access</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank carried 182 high-explosive shells (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_(projectile)" target="_blank">HE</a>) 6 pdr. guns, 26 rounds of smoke shells and from 15.000 to 21.000 machine gun rounds.The 6 inch shells were stored in racks installed in the sides and in the lower portion of the sponsons. The projectiles were also stored on shelves flanking the central driver's station and in a large central ammunition closet, located in the middle of the vehicle, next to the floor. Above the cannon shells were stored the projectiles for the machine guns.This cabinet served as a platform for the gunner of the aft machine gun. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDegN0XPEfvazXdeu9rgASBzLAKgd9wtI3qouUIzqBN3nnIo1HjbroJCa-D7BV2LDOPRQQBURUvBaGdhR6oo54EE-xeeytlqZJ0WSCjYkiHZvua1xz_O-UQXveaZTjjeodA2WgJBMiNcPgFGgx4YJZW_POPsoLpt9qbHt48Z26BeWGLBiKx4fNIx-sKA/s1280/Liberty%20weaponry%20cutaway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDegN0XPEfvazXdeu9rgASBzLAKgd9wtI3qouUIzqBN3nnIo1HjbroJCa-D7BV2LDOPRQQBURUvBaGdhR6oo54EE-xeeytlqZJ0WSCjYkiHZvua1xz_O-UQXveaZTjjeodA2WgJBMiNcPgFGgx4YJZW_POPsoLpt9qbHt48Z26BeWGLBiKx4fNIx-sKA/w640-h414/Liberty%20weaponry%20cutaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distribution of armament and ammunition inside the tank</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br style="text-align: left;" /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIgEXqJjBxmF8uATXlL91tixvB0oDr2rmlu31R48WBKMWOkNARSK3hVDkeicmF0QShL9Waw5iZniiI6cMCrARuctoRmKnq_QvzyWK_0rlCs2TSpbJGeSAJgifqHOY8kU7OxMLE8espE4-IAH3yOJPeN8mA4Ker5yBEOpVL6S4SL7__-cfjhyB7HOCZw/s1280/6%20pdr.%2057mm%20sponson%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIgEXqJjBxmF8uATXlL91tixvB0oDr2rmlu31R48WBKMWOkNARSK3hVDkeicmF0QShL9Waw5iZniiI6cMCrARuctoRmKnq_QvzyWK_0rlCs2TSpbJGeSAJgifqHOY8kU7OxMLE8espE4-IAH3yOJPeN8mA4Ker5yBEOpVL6S4SL7__-cfjhyB7HOCZw/w640-h500/6%20pdr.%2057mm%20sponson%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside view of the 6-pdr. gun station on the articulated sponson.<br />Note the sponson movement hinges (red arrows)<br /> and the ammo shell racks (green arrows).<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigKQsJ-dz8xZ8PPsiOxlbe6I316176j4xC_tuG6gjdQzdKT8rVEtrIzp8NkfVIT3YgdMZtD8TwNP8wKe4P2SirlHxJPp-pjml9-5pRqWlZYv_kmQ1BsnrJ4Ri1pzGxpxXcwoYE_uxC1YUPOv9mpDqm0x1vJrY5VEY1FYXJOs404d6liYiwGNtLN9kGg/s1280/American%20liberty%20drive%20station%20and%206%20pdr.%20ammo%20racks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigKQsJ-dz8xZ8PPsiOxlbe6I316176j4xC_tuG6gjdQzdKT8rVEtrIzp8NkfVIT3YgdMZtD8TwNP8wKe4P2SirlHxJPp-pjml9-5pRqWlZYv_kmQ1BsnrJ4Ri1pzGxpxXcwoYE_uxC1YUPOv9mpDqm0x1vJrY5VEY1FYXJOs404d6liYiwGNtLN9kGg/w640-h360/American%20liberty%20drive%20station%20and%206%20pdr.%20ammo%20racks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back-to-front view of the driver's station.(British version)<br />Note the two ammo side racks (green arrows),<br />the sponsons movement hinges (red arrows)<br />and the driver's front view slit.</td></tr></tbody></table><div> As we have seen, there were some differences between tanks made in England and those made in the United States. See these details in the photos of American tanks, below:</div><div><ul><li>The two machine gun positions at the sides of the turret were eliminated (red arrows)</li><li>Use of .30 Browning M1919 machine guns, with their armored barrel covers (green arrows)</li><li>Installation of a semaphore mast, for communication between tanks (dark blue arrow).</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR-yz-JhHUenP9pRxkeSvcX-BtPmBK8-Xj2SFoh9DN53-wxTzFgIDDR1DvJKioZm2zZJXTjA9xUL_TPlclgWmYCoVxtLTzHPp3bnmqLFInrjXa_BT1brrcUvrrqhNhW2-tJUWvsOsNXY18wLH74UPAti2gGz5eoyy7GOgECI2NyCYAlG5cENm9S4cng/s1400/American%20liberty%20mods.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1400" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPR-yz-JhHUenP9pRxkeSvcX-BtPmBK8-Xj2SFoh9DN53-wxTzFgIDDR1DvJKioZm2zZJXTjA9xUL_TPlclgWmYCoVxtLTzHPp3bnmqLFInrjXa_BT1brrcUvrrqhNhW2-tJUWvsOsNXY18wLH74UPAti2gGz5eoyy7GOgECI2NyCYAlG5cENm9S4cng/w640-h344/American%20liberty%20mods.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Mk VIII Liberty tank</td></tr></tbody></table><ul></ul><ul><li>bullet deflector plate installed at rear of tank (orange arrows)</li><li>canvas cover, to reduce water infiltration, in the stored tanks (light blue arrow).</li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPETrPsjBDqwoC_ZVJrNFyzxauYzDsohXePC9WuMon9brxDm5j0c7FdO1_8pqSSlQcO-NeQK6ge2Nv-UTtnCyhDRywbVo3sCbQpkXaYShpkT26g4jaSTIiysMrwV8mtgYMkw-iO11Ci6cdcx6ND8GYz_5oFJsDRnKIyPzTxNV-kT7iOQ2NuSB5sGPr7w/s1280/American%20liberties%20parking%20at%20Aberdeen%20details%201932%20to%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPETrPsjBDqwoC_ZVJrNFyzxauYzDsohXePC9WuMon9brxDm5j0c7FdO1_8pqSSlQcO-NeQK6ge2Nv-UTtnCyhDRywbVo3sCbQpkXaYShpkT26g4jaSTIiysMrwV8mtgYMkw-iO11Ci6cdcx6ND8GYz_5oFJsDRnKIyPzTxNV-kT7iOQ2NuSB5sGPr7w/w640-h360/American%20liberties%20parking%20at%20Aberdeen%20details%201932%20to%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Mk VIII Liberty tanks parking in Aberdeen Camp - 1932</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Most of these tanks were used on training exercises and only two modifications are recorded. One such program was in an attempt to improve the Commander's operational visibility, the US Army Artillery Department developed a project (from 1920 to 1925) experimenting with so-called stroboscopic cupolas, such as in the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20FCM%202C%20-%20Super-heavy%20French%20tank">French FCM 2C super-heavy tank</a>. The American stroboscopic cupola had only a single slotted cylinder, being simpler than the French one. Swiveling vertical slots allowed a 360° view, albeit with a reduced light level.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgDxdhTcYGgjM75XPNiGmPxPY4wxpPrbW3e5yvZ9iKwQKDYExs0rjk61bG0SmdnvEXauVFDr-NcHesfgI126_K0CPkqOfgmjRkQ91TXEY-9Y9odHd2_9Jt7M_ROi276Dlz-95LTdFtth5sA-5JnezbKGzs1gig-FYWO2K2yvN2S-ZWEhT8D4szcuciA/s1280/strob%20vision%20device.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgDxdhTcYGgjM75XPNiGmPxPY4wxpPrbW3e5yvZ9iKwQKDYExs0rjk61bG0SmdnvEXauVFDr-NcHesfgI126_K0CPkqOfgmjRkQ91TXEY-9Y9odHd2_9Jt7M_ROi276Dlz-95LTdFtth5sA-5JnezbKGzs1gig-FYWO2K2yvN2S-ZWEhT8D4szcuciA/w640-h300/strob%20vision%20device.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American stroboscopic cupola - simplified technical drawing<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80nBN3Cz5vYXdw9G817sOylWBPKK-kKqYNoJZocqeprnNcNu2jl5bVTOgI78PgMCn9yjHHSQvK5WjmhkG8Z05qVHjuT_iucfGSBLg_gfCwhIfX3ZN3nuUIcAOxVX6Pdr7aePfGIDQ3z-PZKyUdQ8SGGjopt5viga3dGQeleP6tO4cy0EDRiZB5oUvDw/s1024/american%20stroboscope%20cupola.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1024" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80nBN3Cz5vYXdw9G817sOylWBPKK-kKqYNoJZocqeprnNcNu2jl5bVTOgI78PgMCn9yjHHSQvK5WjmhkG8Z05qVHjuT_iucfGSBLg_gfCwhIfX3ZN3nuUIcAOxVX6Pdr7aePfGIDQ3z-PZKyUdQ8SGGjopt5viga3dGQeleP6tO4cy0EDRiZB5oUvDw/w640-h630/american%20stroboscope%20cupola.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American stroboscopic cupola in close-up pic.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKWUGmzfxXsopsY5oZj5WzhdvGKGW_n6llFOUDdcmdJlllCqt7NP63a0tI1_JzuWc3jnjRfPjvNQ0gBoTfMzOyaH9EdwzFu10rkRqSRMuZRVSl1WF73mKv9Wxbr013Mf22e6Q6_pjbZ5Ki9GUNQaILTCNISJiQu46vNMEZkWvUU-hrOzcIanbBiqFeA/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20stroboscope%20cupola.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKWUGmzfxXsopsY5oZj5WzhdvGKGW_n6llFOUDdcmdJlllCqt7NP63a0tI1_JzuWc3jnjRfPjvNQ0gBoTfMzOyaH9EdwzFu10rkRqSRMuZRVSl1WF73mKv9Wxbr013Mf22e6Q6_pjbZ5Ki9GUNQaILTCNISJiQu46vNMEZkWvUU-hrOzcIanbBiqFeA/w640-h460/Mk%20VIII%20stroboscope%20cupola.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty american tank equiped with stroboscopic cupola<br />front view - 1925<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6T0I8vUDFhkJLrvq3nlwKMxZwUA2N9s2RAcZmMzkQ0ErzpS-Py6jsLVjAF1qpM1UF7ZzEBnJUJVs34n2-GQ0Sw9cE7L-IVTq86W_D8fxgRLqJwUIcnRr-P3CaohUcsG1G33EwzYL1FZEwchehxhSK18ET0PsBN8S549JjHuXslK77KXqxU6edP4IzQ/s1024/Mk%20VIII%20stroboscope%20cupola2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="1024" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6T0I8vUDFhkJLrvq3nlwKMxZwUA2N9s2RAcZmMzkQ0ErzpS-Py6jsLVjAF1qpM1UF7ZzEBnJUJVs34n2-GQ0Sw9cE7L-IVTq86W_D8fxgRLqJwUIcnRr-P3CaohUcsG1G33EwzYL1FZEwchehxhSK18ET0PsBN8S549JjHuXslK77KXqxU6edP4IzQ/w640-h332/Mk%20VIII%20stroboscope%20cupola2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty american tank equiped with stroboscopic cupola<br />side view - 1925<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Unfortunately, testing showed that the strobe vision dome was extremely vulnerable to shrapnel from .30 caliber bullets. Later developments attempted to improve the equipment, but on May 4, 1926, the Ordnance Committee concluded that the device was inherently inferior to the periscope and recommended that development cease. The single Mark VIII tank was fitted with a strobe dome for testing, then reverted to the standard pattern.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another engineering development was the result of avoiding a chronic defect in the Liberty tanks: the leakage of coolant through the engine cooling lines. Many tanks featured cylindrical water tanks on the aft decks to keep coolant levels in conditions to prevent overheating of the engines. To solve this problem once and for all, avoiding these clumsy adaptations, it was planned replace the liquid-cooled Liberty engine (with its sensitive coolant lines) by an air-cooled one. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp5x1V1iYpJ9uAso8p-m_q8p0gS32Tx4Ysw3hglmmJqUyW_dAobckXF8JOn2gP7C4cuYdh7D_nIvl1ZChmXY6cpHW-EyTdF1lNyh3oOBH3TVy9kbqbT0MIlQ3oTDV542vfbjaC2EVovJwelfaHFYfWWZDf6Btb2D7-1uR_vDmgab_76iDrmiCSl5xoA/s1280/Mark_VIII_a%20merican%20no%20muflers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp5x1V1iYpJ9uAso8p-m_q8p0gS32Tx4Ysw3hglmmJqUyW_dAobckXF8JOn2gP7C4cuYdh7D_nIvl1ZChmXY6cpHW-EyTdF1lNyh3oOBH3TVy9kbqbT0MIlQ3oTDV542vfbjaC2EVovJwelfaHFYfWWZDf6Btb2D7-1uR_vDmgab_76iDrmiCSl5xoA/w640-h430/Mark_VIII_a%20merican%20no%20muflers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank climbing a ravine. Note the cylindrical water tank<br />adapted on the top deck of the tank (red arrow) <br />and the absence of silencers on the exhaust pipes (blue artrows).</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> During 1932, an air-cooled Liberty engine was evaluated in the Mark VIII tank at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Modified by the Heat Controlled Motor Company, the vehicle featured an upgraded air circulation system and the engine had a higher compression ratio of 6:1. This tank was easily identified by the presence of an external fan set, installed on the left side of the hull.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHpv6ZEiAGIUPUYWmMs6iI22ppblRl-cRuZAMXnv7bVyOOf_SRwfHbnIvDpFzlLvilZLEYwmtvQ7fB5Hmn3ZTdx37SiuOtq2oSruhoSdETd4BHlI3SL6NFE-vy2prWhX-pmj26M-opwKS9NnQURtj2niv34051o23VpXioDgcwczxauZuSXJBvqXR3A/s1024/Mk%20VIII%20tank%20Liberty%20air%20cooled%20engine%20july%201932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHpv6ZEiAGIUPUYWmMs6iI22ppblRl-cRuZAMXnv7bVyOOf_SRwfHbnIvDpFzlLvilZLEYwmtvQ7fB5Hmn3ZTdx37SiuOtq2oSruhoSdETd4BHlI3SL6NFE-vy2prWhX-pmj26M-opwKS9NnQURtj2niv34051o23VpXioDgcwczxauZuSXJBvqXR3A/w640-h386/Mk%20VIII%20tank%20Liberty%20air%20cooled%20engine%20july%201932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank equiped with air-cooled engine<br />Notice the large side grille (red arrow) for the enlarged engine fan<br />(with its ballistic vulnerability) and the mufflerless exhausts (blue arrow)<br />typical of American tanks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLlGZNRSeiN-d0VoR_dH4QPKYzzEDYwkDEMeGdeyG0gYzLX9QXvMlSMuE1uqU1dLeihA9dSlqxL_Dnqtr2rMs0EFiQs4ytSYTK1NXyLSn5Qw-K5trwasyi1LVnc5-y2K2jaK6g_t3C2UUaTXZ31VbgmWk35MrubOsX5nFZziR3rhMcWpX1L8FclxGBg/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20tank%20Liberty%20air%20cooled%20engine%20july%201932%20Aberdeen%20Proving%20Ground.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLlGZNRSeiN-d0VoR_dH4QPKYzzEDYwkDEMeGdeyG0gYzLX9QXvMlSMuE1uqU1dLeihA9dSlqxL_Dnqtr2rMs0EFiQs4ytSYTK1NXyLSn5Qw-K5trwasyi1LVnc5-y2K2jaK6g_t3C2UUaTXZ31VbgmWk35MrubOsX5nFZziR3rhMcWpX1L8FclxGBg/w640-h370/Mk%20VIII%20tank%20Liberty%20air%20cooled%20engine%20july%201932%20Aberdeen%20Proving%20Ground.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank air-cooled engine<br />manned by cadets during training<br />Notice the big side grill on the left rear of the tank.<br />July - 1928</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Although limited testing did not determine the durability and reliability of the modified engine, the use of air-cooled engines was considered theoretically safer for use in tanks and further development of this principle was recommended.</div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Operational history</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As previously mentioned, only American tanks were officially incorporated into the armored corps of its army and used operationally. <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">The American Liberty tanks equipped a single unit: the 67th Infantry (Tank) Regiment, based in </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen,_Maryland">Aberdeen, Maryland</a>.<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfCtSSmtVhfez_YIu50z7X87PgxlOXZ6kUibGsLP9HdOsUb5gMGzwLwiAFlc6SClZnR8xtsgDq31016z7O0soFrgZnXLBgeCEq_SZUFfZApREo2qOhGIVL2crs1IhKw0zqAV7vHcvfVmmgZ_ltmPcEWqK2eKAcShZqoH_J8mkChsl296iS5RhmGiRpQ/s693/67%20tank%20regiment%20usa%20badge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="693" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfCtSSmtVhfez_YIu50z7X87PgxlOXZ6kUibGsLP9HdOsUb5gMGzwLwiAFlc6SClZnR8xtsgDq31016z7O0soFrgZnXLBgeCEq_SZUFfZApREo2qOhGIVL2crs1IhKw0zqAV7vHcvfVmmgZ_ltmPcEWqK2eKAcShZqoH_J8mkChsl296iS5RhmGiRpQ/w400-h400/67%20tank%20regiment%20usa%20badge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">67th Infantry (Tank) Regiment badge</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> The curious designation of the unit had its origin in the fact that since 1922 by law all tanks had to be part of the Infantry. Some Liberty tanks were assigned to the 301st Tank Battalion (Heavy), later redesignated the 17th Tank Battalion (Heavy). Throughout most of 1921 and 1922, Major Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded this unit.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Noto Sans", "Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigthrk80O4rRvAKE_SnhpPX7eXp74uf5b6j4LA2Bcrf7kNjLSTXY5pCPNhPV7EXGdjzVPRua0uiJYLKJ16B6RrYA2XLa0KuZ4Sx9F4Cf1VwF0Uin2OrQMzxWBDqO3fmQcR6DKUYkdI9TmV77c28xyMoXeZ-zk6T-QBJ-3wePDKWmPOZFPhetsuLk0gw/s1024/Mk%20VIII%20down%20hill%20driver%20scopes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1024" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigthrk80O4rRvAKE_SnhpPX7eXp74uf5b6j4LA2Bcrf7kNjLSTXY5pCPNhPV7EXGdjzVPRua0uiJYLKJ16B6RrYA2XLa0KuZ4Sx9F4Cf1VwF0Uin2OrQMzxWBDqO3fmQcR6DKUYkdI9TmV77c28xyMoXeZ-zk6T-QBJ-3wePDKWmPOZFPhetsuLk0gw/w640-h392/Mk%20VIII%20down%20hill%20driver%20scopes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Mk VIII Liberty tank in training.<br />Notice the semaphore pole, the absence of middle MG station and<br />the cilinder in the rear deck (water tank for the engine cooling system.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs0syaEmUkt57v90MSXrRQb8hbLvpQOqnXtVa9JP-rpIsNTRjfqhun3Gh97ILnTTiHeNB7pEjN-hZkPHpQLtgxs-whawzOD9VlYBrK4uARqxVh2OytqxJVcG5dqO4QunpaK3i7C9igq8MBeBNOhge7_TW9x8m2iMC3clKRskXypcnPXhNRGWYpd7GOw/s1280/Ford%20M1918%20-%20M1917%20-%20Mk%20VIII.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1280" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs0syaEmUkt57v90MSXrRQb8hbLvpQOqnXtVa9JP-rpIsNTRjfqhun3Gh97ILnTTiHeNB7pEjN-hZkPHpQLtgxs-whawzOD9VlYBrK4uARqxVh2OytqxJVcG5dqO4QunpaK3i7C9igq8MBeBNOhge7_TW9x8m2iMC3clKRskXypcnPXhNRGWYpd7GOw/w640-h282/Ford%20M1918%20-%20M1917%20-%20Mk%20VIII.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interesting photo among contemporary vehicles:<br />Size comparison between <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_3-Ton_M1918" target="_blank">Ford 3-ton M1918</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_3-Ton_M1918" target="_blank">tankette </a>, <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_light_tank" target="_blank">7-ton. M1917 light tank</a> and the Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank<br />USA - 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKIkqkq6GGIzSSFNPdRBxdMrXbMdMZ3p2B0Rus0iG-Br8JX29sXkiuzdYaNvq928eECVXd0lYCbboM4RL1TjBZZyXlPNXahi0heM1MN81aqYINo89O-ZLkMwBkdl2HRpLKaW7irzK7-va07jbwpgLKOB-HCIDdwJ0DKhX3XJQsdQ0-84LeAifaINQLw/s1280/LibertyTank1920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKIkqkq6GGIzSSFNPdRBxdMrXbMdMZ3p2B0Rus0iG-Br8JX29sXkiuzdYaNvq928eECVXd0lYCbboM4RL1TjBZZyXlPNXahi0heM1MN81aqYINo89O-ZLkMwBkdl2HRpLKaW7irzK7-va07jbwpgLKOB-HCIDdwJ0DKhX3XJQsdQ0-84LeAifaINQLw/w640-h376/LibertyTank1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brand new Mk VIII Liberty tank</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iB3Tre8FvkCgH4sgS31xqU_OhUU3Snb7mFfRBjM5RyolJ9AEGjmb6BmKFUDIHQl6h2OyfAF3uGi3Q-99GuTr26ezFYiRYgzCvAZzXga10eiD3uW9LbnJStkWUYwoFX5RT_i5zg7POZEN-11ccJaZa8LtajdCv3zBOD7og3HxVhWefyZzk6O31IdODw/s1280/American%20liberty%20training%20at%20Camp%20Meade%20-%201922.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1280" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iB3Tre8FvkCgH4sgS31xqU_OhUU3Snb7mFfRBjM5RyolJ9AEGjmb6BmKFUDIHQl6h2OyfAF3uGi3Q-99GuTr26ezFYiRYgzCvAZzXga10eiD3uW9LbnJStkWUYwoFX5RT_i5zg7POZEN-11ccJaZa8LtajdCv3zBOD7og3HxVhWefyZzk6O31IdODw/w640-h282/American%20liberty%20training%20at%20Camp%20Meade%20-%201922.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Mk VIII Liberty tanks<br />training at Camp Meade, Maryland - 1922</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaT8HmGAJctMu5QaAro23Ze9cTgxAPPL_zzp9t170G-kULODDc4Tlgmbwngr_KGrNwy0D0aX4rs7Kbw6E3xOehgrwiR6CBZSJ-fuLXWTLvw1bgftc6rHcDXa8UjVXBUaK4YtcqyI88mwB65dLXOITQUKzz4mZd4IMZOJbdZhzfQFDIPpgugikuVGFFA/s1024/Mark_VIII_water%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1024" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaT8HmGAJctMu5QaAro23Ze9cTgxAPPL_zzp9t170G-kULODDc4Tlgmbwngr_KGrNwy0D0aX4rs7Kbw6E3xOehgrwiR6CBZSJ-fuLXWTLvw1bgftc6rHcDXa8UjVXBUaK4YtcqyI88mwB65dLXOITQUKzz4mZd4IMZOJbdZhzfQFDIPpgugikuVGFFA/w640-h310/Mark_VIII_water%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tanks under training and evaluation<br />Notice the water tank in the rear of the fixed turret</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9gz4qxM_GLCak5wMRhFbOVkRGwuwrIRm4qjIBlJaZjlKhjkCCn88lwpoEkT0N1YYLP1AlhV4t2IAuZFkH_kSeoeAyDIcncSwciacTM363CxEEf3LFVUjdwMrBRn3bBZr_q98Mmhay-32sVHY8Q512G7Zc8deiV-vp2vYK82iYSrz3kkM9bvyKYKPiA/s1280/American%20liberty%20in%20training%20-%2067th%20Infantry%20regiment%20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9gz4qxM_GLCak5wMRhFbOVkRGwuwrIRm4qjIBlJaZjlKhjkCCn88lwpoEkT0N1YYLP1AlhV4t2IAuZFkH_kSeoeAyDIcncSwciacTM363CxEEf3LFVUjdwMrBRn3bBZr_q98Mmhay-32sVHY8Q512G7Zc8deiV-vp2vYK82iYSrz3kkM9bvyKYKPiA/w640-h360/American%20liberty%20in%20training%20-%2067th%20Infantry%20regiment%20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mkm VIII Liberty tank in crossing river<br />training, with 67th Infantry Regiment </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhC6wyjcG57R0EOf-f28gSiuJvBTX-jnBs3qsCN9iiplne4kMboqC13ui_WEw2DgWcwr364qjrm4RVVSpIiY_nr9jBskjOYczzQvNOZw1XV-3_zphUtx6lMkk7c54YN9Epjr1Y8JaugHhlxySACfj9KLxVt_FAvIwz8JhbQmHCmG_1kypjvPRM4BfBw/s1280/Demonstration%20at%20Camp%20Meade%20-%201925.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhC6wyjcG57R0EOf-f28gSiuJvBTX-jnBs3qsCN9iiplne4kMboqC13ui_WEw2DgWcwr364qjrm4RVVSpIiY_nr9jBskjOYczzQvNOZw1XV-3_zphUtx6lMkk7c54YN9Epjr1Y8JaugHhlxySACfj9KLxVt_FAvIwz8JhbQmHCmG_1kypjvPRM4BfBw/w640-h360/Demonstration%20at%20Camp%20Meade%20-%201925.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public demonstration of Mk VIII Liberty tanks<br />at Camp Meade, Maryland, in 1925.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r8muf4mwm1Ini7owym0DNxHG4tOFvd50-cui4xmTab41o8RHCCFHpRt047_yc9e-ZKJeFL-Ga0TOLXdut4O1IMuh-DuEqT6HS3CoqS9uAlTP6dXyMP8pmbvzjpGpKU3-4tEESYQqTGouzu17WZ5cemYP5w2vnPPftFOYEVQEgwXgQlDOMlL4gy9JjA/s1280/LibertyTank1920%20with%203%20ton%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0r8muf4mwm1Ini7owym0DNxHG4tOFvd50-cui4xmTab41o8RHCCFHpRt047_yc9e-ZKJeFL-Ga0TOLXdut4O1IMuh-DuEqT6HS3CoqS9uAlTP6dXyMP8pmbvzjpGpKU3-4tEESYQqTGouzu17WZ5cemYP5w2vnPPftFOYEVQEgwXgQlDOMlL4gy9JjA/w640-h360/LibertyTank1920%20with%203%20ton%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_light_tank" target="_blank">7-ton. M1917 light tank</a> climbing in the<br />rear of Mk VIII Liberty tank.<br />The purpose of this maneuver is really unknown....<br />Camp Meade - 1921 </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"> By this time, the concept of a heavy, slow, lightly armored large tank was proving to be obsolete and interest had shifted to smaller, lighter, and faster armored vehicles for further development.</div><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"> In 1932, the now obsolete Mark VIIIs were withdrawn from active military service and stored at the Aberdeen Proving Ground. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaRNqfIskMmq4RbJ2apac064bzRF58ode8jfXd3cnEVftsG_n6dIwqaFFdghPQ1Uo3A2Ics6oQPL8lpFMhGCAOv--ZD-nLO41NSCQI46NUTJCgU1lOWmyT8Hzu1GsvcKD3_libImEtp-jSPTH6NybZit7_1yHYTHL5xqvLES9dokzlVJLcnSpRsYr0Q/s1280/Liberty%20storage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnaRNqfIskMmq4RbJ2apac064bzRF58ode8jfXd3cnEVftsG_n6dIwqaFFdghPQ1Uo3A2Ics6oQPL8lpFMhGCAOv--ZD-nLO41NSCQI46NUTJCgU1lOWmyT8Hzu1GsvcKD3_libImEtp-jSPTH6NybZit7_1yHYTHL5xqvLES9dokzlVJLcnSpRsYr0Q/w640-h360/Liberty%20storage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tanks in storage in sheds and under tarps. <br />A melancholy vision for such beautiful machines....<br />Aberdeen Proving Ground - 1932</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq03K0ct3LccxnHzN9QWec0M5PJE_Y7c4vybJseP7MmueKeFIeybE9UfCisBrBJrkSFVTCfoUkZcHdf1eY3tVevgRm4hISQ1djACoIbdVILxFEVlflYIchklZHh5Zn4qs2lu4ChjYvfYEJMsd0Jpl6T0mqRbPNgaGnCFI-U9ABT7hnRQ1Z8QawDBY-rQ/s1280/American%20liberties%20parking%20at%20Aberdeen%201932%20to%201940%20-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq03K0ct3LccxnHzN9QWec0M5PJE_Y7c4vybJseP7MmueKeFIeybE9UfCisBrBJrkSFVTCfoUkZcHdf1eY3tVevgRm4hISQ1djACoIbdVILxFEVlflYIchklZHh5Zn4qs2lu4ChjYvfYEJMsd0Jpl6T0mqRbPNgaGnCFI-U9ABT7hnRQ1Z8QawDBY-rQ/w640-h362/American%20liberties%20parking%20at%20Aberdeen%201932%20to%201940%20-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tanks in storage<br />Aberdeen Proving Ground - 1932</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_s1iOTkVcpgtmpww5oIQY-qsegTPfvLHhmKKRpXhDo6_Q2XmbLHXNX70TNpHNlDlpIPBmXhQqMMjtcH8Oa13DUHys57l51bMy93xamk0AMsCszHXCk1Ab9k5CMA_QV9frzMuEYGNM2b2nV10-dafPCg13NWqBMMwGSUxgV0dT7NtMl5ZU3TcgcRevA/s1280/American%20liberties%20parking%20at%20Aberdeen%201932%20to%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_s1iOTkVcpgtmpww5oIQY-qsegTPfvLHhmKKRpXhDo6_Q2XmbLHXNX70TNpHNlDlpIPBmXhQqMMjtcH8Oa13DUHys57l51bMy93xamk0AMsCszHXCk1Ab9k5CMA_QV9frzMuEYGNM2b2nV10-dafPCg13NWqBMMwGSUxgV0dT7NtMl5ZU3TcgcRevA/w640-h360/American%20liberties%20parking%20at%20Aberdeen%201932%20to%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tanks in storage<br />Aberdeen Proving Ground - 1932</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"> In April 1936, the Ordnance Committee recommended that the requirement for a heavy tank be canceled and removed from the Ordnance Book of Standards. This action was passed on May 7 (This measure would later be regretted, with the advent of WWII). The Mark VIIIs remained in storage at Aberdeen until after the outbreak of World War II. <span style="font-size: medium;">In 1940, Canada had a lack of training tanks and were offered the remaining tanks at scrap value, but the Canadians instead opted to purchase </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_light_tank">M1917 light tanks</a><span style="font-size: medium;">. The sad end of these machines was scrapping.</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span face=""Noto Sans", "Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif"><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Surviving examples:</b></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Noto Sans", "Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;"> A Liberty tank survives at </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_George_G._Meade" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Fort Meade</a><span style="background-color: white;"> in </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Maryland</a><span style="background-color: white;">. The tank was displayed in the Post Museum and was made in 1920 at the Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. It was assigned to the 301st Tank Battalion (Heavy), later redesignated the 17th Tank Battalion (Heavy). Throughout most of 1921–1922, Major </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwight_D._Eisenhower" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Dwight D. Eisenhower</a><span style="background-color: white;"> commanded this unit. Today, this tank is displayed in</span></span> the <a href="https://history.army.mil/museums/TRADOC/fortBenning_natArmor/index.html" target="_blank">US Army’s Armor & Cavalry Collection at Ft. Benning.</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxYdPhbkyVFoRlckxKEHP8RoZzlC0TWDL8sFNoZ-w7EsWt9xGPYlDDc7dhfRc55idy_7vcCyg7vlfAJ_gYIeT59mQEX-9XZsh0oEGm-XRFCj4U1RwVvPTD6TAPa5uw8jcsFJSvAXUytZFfQtqpVWnO_OR2b28RB5IFmmst9dQEiOgWoDsJm99yWjeHg/s1280/Mark%20VIII%20'Liberty'%20Tank%20at%20Fort%20George%20G.%20Meade,%20MD,%20USA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="1280" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxYdPhbkyVFoRlckxKEHP8RoZzlC0TWDL8sFNoZ-w7EsWt9xGPYlDDc7dhfRc55idy_7vcCyg7vlfAJ_gYIeT59mQEX-9XZsh0oEGm-XRFCj4U1RwVvPTD6TAPa5uw8jcsFJSvAXUytZFfQtqpVWnO_OR2b28RB5IFmmst9dQEiOgWoDsJm99yWjeHg/w640-h244/Mark%20VIII%20'Liberty'%20Tank%20at%20Fort%20George%20G.%20Meade,%20MD,%20USA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank when it was exposed to the public<br />at the Post Museum - Fort Meade. Vehicle in very good condition,<br />with practically flawless interior, but without the main armament.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs9tHkhagqcjRfO9CU4JlPBjAj0f1W4n8gryx5GmQzgwR9t3YdjtAK98iiR5ABG_yEmD7IrToPkoEmrQeucl8vVLEzH6u6kgriRG6eNX5Gazyex7Tgv9SnHfTfFgYUVninJmo8gNmYnvfAxbDb9AdaVdP57iigQ0sHukVkbWztEtRKTN3TcMD4AfSCg/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20-%20Fort%20Meade%20Museum%20interior.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs9tHkhagqcjRfO9CU4JlPBjAj0f1W4n8gryx5GmQzgwR9t3YdjtAK98iiR5ABG_yEmD7IrToPkoEmrQeucl8vVLEzH6u6kgriRG6eNX5Gazyex7Tgv9SnHfTfFgYUVninJmo8gNmYnvfAxbDb9AdaVdP57iigQ0sHukVkbWztEtRKTN3TcMD4AfSCg/w640-h426/Mk%20VIII%20-%20Fort%20Meade%20Museum%20interior.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank when it was exposed to the public<br />at the Post Museum - Fort Meade<br />Interior view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kcNzhJnI_XNro2xqoKmONQHpbdaraO5FLf_NUyKZGrSrlaQn5JYGmXE9iBCOfw4x_DPObz1WYmqyW5bopWAsSvcSuYY358D_LtL1yK9Uyd1htDZTpQ5PqTkir6LJ5-vH0QzG7STjRExvKq_QmUxjn_kDK7F8TxQL_UsvLd0oCfydGmEMp8U-5yL3EA/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20Liberty%20tank%20US%20Army%E2%80%99s%20Armor%20&%20Cavalry%20Collection%20at%20Ft.%20Benning.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1280" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kcNzhJnI_XNro2xqoKmONQHpbdaraO5FLf_NUyKZGrSrlaQn5JYGmXE9iBCOfw4x_DPObz1WYmqyW5bopWAsSvcSuYY358D_LtL1yK9Uyd1htDZTpQ5PqTkir6LJ5-vH0QzG7STjRExvKq_QmUxjn_kDK7F8TxQL_UsvLd0oCfydGmEMp8U-5yL3EA/w640-h292/Mk%20VIII%20Liberty%20tank%20US%20Army%E2%80%99s%20Armor%20&%20Cavalry%20Collection%20at%20Ft.%20Benning.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Mk VIII Liberty tank, now at <br /> US Army’s Armor & Cavalry Collection at Ft. Benning,<br />in very good company...</td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""Noto Sans", "Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif"><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> A second American Liberty tank was at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen_Proving_Ground">Aberdeen Proving Ground</a> in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen,_Maryland">Aberdeen</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland">Maryland</a>; it was moved to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=U.S._Army_Armor_and_Cavalry_Collection&action=edit&redlink=1">U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Collection</a> at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Benning,_Georgia">Fort Benning, Georgia</a> in 2014, and was inside until 2021. The interior has extensive damage from water/rust, although plans are in place for structural repairs. This tank was what was modified to use the air-cooled Liberty engine. It still features the large opening on the right side of the shield for the engine compartment fan.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03BL1xwS3FFxQg-Dc1G-vVZCDwyvsoxo4BpUk16pAa16NCQ0LZAClz-bc7w8tXsd5YuYKbirtESrG-sxrkT5r-2iD81GlSZMK6-qlFcvYJvZzlh3Ckk7C-W-zRMhFjiSW_5t0wyqiEdO5MWhXyWt8wqGtVFyH1SWr0KYz9-rTarCCD9CyLcdtvsNg3w/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03BL1xwS3FFxQg-Dc1G-vVZCDwyvsoxo4BpUk16pAa16NCQ0LZAClz-bc7w8tXsd5YuYKbirtESrG-sxrkT5r-2iD81GlSZMK6-qlFcvYJvZzlh3Ckk7C-W-zRMhFjiSW_5t0wyqiEdO5MWhXyWt8wqGtVFyH1SWr0KYz9-rTarCCD9CyLcdtvsNg3w/w640-h348/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The worn out Mk VIII Libery tank (air-cooled engine version)<br />from Aberdeen Proving Ground, stowed in <br />U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Collection<br />waiting displacement for repairs.<br />Notice the big fan in the hull's side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd_QWrzZUfSUgKJYlzKF7Rp62ebY3sGCu_1knA7UC2Dbusue7xkQZxY0uDtOL1bxUq_QKNlwfaSItry9huh4hDHQbXLg7kB-VVGI8uBIPyqzg1kj6vjoQ3C_PL1C4hS4evMaRvj5k8iQkrcNsW478ZuVyDk66QsETKfzbPxDbVq2NH38qwBFV3MvcIw/s1024/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20interior2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1024" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd_QWrzZUfSUgKJYlzKF7Rp62ebY3sGCu_1knA7UC2Dbusue7xkQZxY0uDtOL1bxUq_QKNlwfaSItry9huh4hDHQbXLg7kB-VVGI8uBIPyqzg1kj6vjoQ3C_PL1C4hS4evMaRvj5k8iQkrcNsW478ZuVyDk66QsETKfzbPxDbVq2NH38qwBFV3MvcIw/w640-h636/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20interior2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Libery tank (air-cooled engine version)<br />Interior view - driver station<br />The poor condition of the interior, in contrast to the <br />Post Museum's tank. Glad this beauty will be completely renovated...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXML51kRtS2eftpdaIWC1g_OEnQmYD_VJPJB8mYal8xybpYUI6-mExuLkOUZ2NOgu7aThp1ebQoCIFwPxf7VWVANRa_MHcSdfiBlBhgSMFNd8SfYaiRShARZk24uKNvBUFijQ1sNOmytQ1KjMGwzyJM2w2TuPL-Xbw5dHej_LsCY1wj9sV8vQf7787Gw/s1024/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20interior.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1024" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXML51kRtS2eftpdaIWC1g_OEnQmYD_VJPJB8mYal8xybpYUI6-mExuLkOUZ2NOgu7aThp1ebQoCIFwPxf7VWVANRa_MHcSdfiBlBhgSMFNd8SfYaiRShARZk24uKNvBUFijQ1sNOmytQ1KjMGwzyJM2w2TuPL-Xbw5dHej_LsCY1wj9sV8vQf7787Gw/w640-h510/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20interior.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Libery tank (air-cooled engine version)<br />Interior view - mid ship view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65yIYRJ1vewCv7WlbWtnL0Af8dxfsuLiexSzUdWZWqjS1qrBV4XNu6PbE35xdK39A6HP0GRIu3WPXVLC-1dWwqN2BIPv7XzDGGxC2p9FG45i9r7DsstsLnq50fIjX7Sy6f9V2vPAgfc_JkDGwYLtMqaY-uFKaF2nF1VjzXCxYQyqefh0HZ_A-kYP88A/s1024/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20fan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65yIYRJ1vewCv7WlbWtnL0Af8dxfsuLiexSzUdWZWqjS1qrBV4XNu6PbE35xdK39A6HP0GRIu3WPXVLC-1dWwqN2BIPv7XzDGGxC2p9FG45i9r7DsstsLnq50fIjX7Sy6f9V2vPAgfc_JkDGwYLtMqaY-uFKaF2nF1VjzXCxYQyqefh0HZ_A-kYP88A/w640-h480/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20fan.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Libery tank (air-cooled engine version)<br />The main characteristic of this vehicle...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> The tank was moved in May 2021, back to its original construction location, at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, Illinois, with plans to refurbish it and place it on public display at a later date. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJHJz_I98XUtIB-1Vxh-gh-KDIssPF9aV3AZ0OtwIW1lbagpnT4X7ZHNfNLahA64Oxmr3XO5KTFxjuBGOgifI0ug04rYE7CuzQiFgGs6eOafhIm2ziGRmrpaqGQe1mFFQ0-neth035eyklTifeqMbVKF1HF501My0HVvlheWrp_DT2K7qj3fJkIgBMA/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20returning%20Rocky%20Island4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJHJz_I98XUtIB-1Vxh-gh-KDIssPF9aV3AZ0OtwIW1lbagpnT4X7ZHNfNLahA64Oxmr3XO5KTFxjuBGOgifI0ug04rYE7CuzQiFgGs6eOafhIm2ziGRmrpaqGQe1mFFQ0-neth035eyklTifeqMbVKF1HF501My0HVvlheWrp_DT2K7qj3fJkIgBMA/w640-h386/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20returning%20Rocky%20Island4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Mk VIII Liberty tank (air-cooled), manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal,<br />makes it way home through the streets of Moline, Illinois. <br />The tank will be restored for future viewing.<br />May - 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhJHqyFOhl-k1418Pld_8qZSyC6CWAkXD82zLj55OCE7WmuKpZlIMSNWvVwBv3Mg0IjOAXishxjQqW2bAnBbAmuDaIfW6E2w_N1REDboaHlzD8qooHtZWg_FTpEQxKXDTWFahDX057bJHrXvuIbh2x1edQzBMjhdQLZtWERBSg993iqO5COfqrW5m7g/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20returning%20Rocky%20Island2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhJHqyFOhl-k1418Pld_8qZSyC6CWAkXD82zLj55OCE7WmuKpZlIMSNWvVwBv3Mg0IjOAXishxjQqW2bAnBbAmuDaIfW6E2w_N1REDboaHlzD8qooHtZWg_FTpEQxKXDTWFahDX057bJHrXvuIbh2x1edQzBMjhdQLZtWERBSg993iqO5COfqrW5m7g/w640-h394/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20returning%20Rocky%20Island2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Mk VIII Liberty tank (air-cooled)<br />on her transport trailer...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvq67v49YhBF6AmMYIPr4LS62J-rWJ_CjJFvxVUcu8kBxj923zOBz9hHD1HuTuIuzjhjUhNb4nW8RtHoyy7WrSJtHMcL1jZ4JOmT6nqLt4CNWBwEhtAoX_yaYrrR--q_AbzTguSeIIMQp-0VlHmoJO-TxDJY884kRABYcCfb9iKG1QIBtCWGgwcjqxsw/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20returning%20Rocky%20Island3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvq67v49YhBF6AmMYIPr4LS62J-rWJ_CjJFvxVUcu8kBxj923zOBz9hHD1HuTuIuzjhjUhNb4nW8RtHoyy7WrSJtHMcL1jZ4JOmT6nqLt4CNWBwEhtAoX_yaYrrR--q_AbzTguSeIIMQp-0VlHmoJO-TxDJY884kRABYcCfb9iKG1QIBtCWGgwcjqxsw/w640-h400/Mk%20VIII%20aberden%20camp%20air%20cooled%20returning%20Rocky%20Island3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and being unloaded inside the Arsenal.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> The British never allocated their Mark VIIIs to a tank unit. But luckily, one of them, the 12007, survived the scrapping of its sisters. A single vehicle survives at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovington_Tank_Museum">Bovington Tank Museum</a>, in excellent preservation conditions, proudly sporting the period colors and the white-red-white stripes on the front of the hull.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSvUSubcgtxKWHFzIMPeK2CXrGd4yhWgvOgc02FvvH6qlMXjKauywlpTT15q0nQVEGDGvHNVN03qLpwXq6Xv0XM9z0V2uXihmpEUu_MqzMEwLdKGLb7VEFZZTRj1ZUcQggQGMs6KHwnIXmvPwGfYuiwEQ9w6g1W144VckQlF3EvuMzezHRhL358sBuw/s1280/Mk%20VIII%20bovington.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSvUSubcgtxKWHFzIMPeK2CXrGd4yhWgvOgc02FvvH6qlMXjKauywlpTT15q0nQVEGDGvHNVN03qLpwXq6Xv0XM9z0V2uXihmpEUu_MqzMEwLdKGLb7VEFZZTRj1ZUcQggQGMs6KHwnIXmvPwGfYuiwEQ9w6g1W144VckQlF3EvuMzezHRhL358sBuw/w640-h440/Mk%20VIII%20bovington.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mk VIII Liberty tank - built in United Kingdon<br />Bovington Tank Museum<br />The tank is very well maintained and<br />the scale model is simply awesome!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzvcZqB5Gsvq687UJ1W4ydLl97guk9Drk36Lf3U9MEa0F2obsBnoX7kpmfuJh-D77gdeuVClv7AZAzTaZgZpzDi6yFpsT67qlZH9ndkS8eSb2-7lfYbIKaMKeG8bApz0w13qpE4JxauMVxZ1mwWCe94byk5PigqWWySjCCcoSMEjZdO63qs8p6fkspg/s1400/Bovington-Mk-VIII-display.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1400" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzvcZqB5Gsvq687UJ1W4ydLl97guk9Drk36Lf3U9MEa0F2obsBnoX7kpmfuJh-D77gdeuVClv7AZAzTaZgZpzDi6yFpsT67qlZH9ndkS8eSb2-7lfYbIKaMKeG8bApz0w13qpE4JxauMVxZ1mwWCe94byk5PigqWWySjCCcoSMEjZdO63qs8p6fkspg/w640-h354/Bovington-Mk-VIII-display.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mk VIII Liberty tank n° 12007<br /><a href="https://tankmuseum.org/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Tank Museum - Bovington</a><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>Fun Fact:</b></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"> Although many people say that the tank that appears in the movie from <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">1989, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Jones_and_the_Last_Crusade" style="font-size: 16px;">Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade</a> was a Mk VIII Liberty tank, the truth is the tank<span face=""Noto Sans", "Noto Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> appearing in the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> movie was a replica vehicle made from an </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excavator" style="font-size: 16px;">excavator</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">, following the hull shape of the Mark VIII but with a </span></span><span style="text-align: justify;">rotary </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">turret added.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_9915-Iyep2rud4SDS1qRYvnfikUECMZFykvP4JhB0MP7UzYjkrnj_ldl-J6Aa5dFCMbxH_V2H19gbbrmm539Zf701o5YfYacSP53sLSBxwxvjHuOzK1QLj5CI7hfnLzLlWual5-esp7rolVVcF3bs5xcSVN1rtUfHQFhFzxjSba5U2rI1EJkpRKjw/s1280/Indy%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_9915-Iyep2rud4SDS1qRYvnfikUECMZFykvP4JhB0MP7UzYjkrnj_ldl-J6Aa5dFCMbxH_V2H19gbbrmm539Zf701o5YfYacSP53sLSBxwxvjHuOzK1QLj5CI7hfnLzLlWual5-esp7rolVVcF3bs5xcSVN1rtUfHQFhFzxjSba5U2rI1EJkpRKjw/w640-h284/Indy%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still from the movie <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Jones_and_the_Last_Crusade" style="font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade</a><br />showing the tank in question</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwLSBZSOVrvQb-clAJUygjENFAFFMm6KKP8T-7tzq2DsFx_SEhFZm98LWj8PlXiejN4ao_FiIpHANBTtB7TBuRBqMjDJ2qI7f586CaR5_qOl6hQOdjsddSUy_2gHSnyzHnK88JMfPRJ9wiIj_JpFhGt_kmgjxumTyv1sDZXZ6vSJ-BHHddBHvxQnlqQ/s1600/International%20specs%20British.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwLSBZSOVrvQb-clAJUygjENFAFFMm6KKP8T-7tzq2DsFx_SEhFZm98LWj8PlXiejN4ao_FiIpHANBTtB7TBuRBqMjDJ2qI7f586CaR5_qOl6hQOdjsddSUy_2gHSnyzHnK88JMfPRJ9wiIj_JpFhGt_kmgjxumTyv1sDZXZ6vSJ-BHHddBHvxQnlqQ/w640-h362/International%20specs%20British.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGk7hChfrkI_3VHwyeGDoJ3dH0oUVPSywlCgceh4n_11REGd6kq4Cs7i5GlmUidlikqvkEns-9ZDqT7Kfo05zHePw5M9TW2J9-IFEe5M6MIVC7MMlAUsLtjcbUp24KcVIetroEYxBFXjPi0Nc2vsnhnxn85aFseuOdI8rrehQW6wlDuPA0feKTqZqXg/s1600/International%20specs%20American.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGk7hChfrkI_3VHwyeGDoJ3dH0oUVPSywlCgceh4n_11REGd6kq4Cs7i5GlmUidlikqvkEns-9ZDqT7Kfo05zHePw5M9TW2J9-IFEe5M6MIVC7MMlAUsLtjcbUp24KcVIetroEYxBFXjPi0Nc2vsnhnxn85aFseuOdI8rrehQW6wlDuPA0feKTqZqXg/w640-h362/International%20specs%20American.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Mark VIII tank - Liberty / International tank</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom<br />United States</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1917</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">UK: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_British_Locomotive_Company" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="North British Locomotive Company">North British <br />Locomotive Company</a><br />US: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Island_Arsenal" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Rock Island Arsenal">Rock Island Arsenal</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1918–1920</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">125</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">38 t - dry weight</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">10.41 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3.56 m<br />2.7 m - sponsons in</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3.12 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">12 or 9</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">16 mm maximum</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2x <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_6_pounder_6_cwt_Hotchkiss" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-decoration-line: none;" title="QF 6 pounder 6 cwt Hotchkiss">QF 6 pdr 6 cwt <br />57mm</a><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_6_pounder_6_cwt_Hotchkiss" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none;" title="QF 6 pounder 6 cwt Hotchkiss"> Hotchkiss</a><span style="color: black; text-align: justify;"> guns</span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7x.303 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_M1909_Ben%C3%A9t%E2%80%93Merci%C3%A9_machine_gun" target="_blank">Hotchkiss Portative Mk I</a> <span style="font-size: 12.32px; text-align: justify;">MG or <br />5x.30 </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1917_Browning_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; font-size: 12.32px; text-align: justify; text-decoration-line: none;" title="M1917 Browning machine gun">M191 Browning </a><span style="font-size: 12.32px; text-align: justify;">MG</span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">V-12 Liberty (USA)<br />V-12 Ricardo (UK)<br />300 hp (220 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.89 hp/tonne (5.79 kW/t)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">unsprung</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">80 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">8.5 km/h governed to<br />10.0 km/h maximum</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b>This is a commission project and my client, who is a fan of interwar vehicles, sent me this 3D printed kit for assembly. And here we go with another product from <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models</a>. I really like Vargas kits and Luis Vargas is a good friend of mine, but we are here to comment on the kit and its positive and negative details in the most honest way possible. So get to work, Kojak!!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The kit is the <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/products/1-35-liberty-international-tank-mk-viii" target="_blank">Liberty- International Mk VIII Heavy Tank - 1917 (#R3D- 35070)</a> and here we already have a constructive criticism: the Liberty was built at the end of WWI, that is, in 1918. I don't understand why the date 1917 on the box and on the identification plate of the vehicle.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEgEBXOXrsyc54hM-uGGv3ivTrD9JxC64GfXLU5nZOzfONemZ5ZoqNYiWZ8rxOwxgaLBW-uQmy1O0X7a8BUhBi3AnJttVTm-H59CfYMYDb3x3HOM6H8hDGWHW-lwIJuqlWG2EsGnwSnqMFeWBbS_vpUvgdNT2V9bu5oBOaJyNwOjgeZHxWuo8IVX2Vg/s1280/International%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEgEBXOXrsyc54hM-uGGv3ivTrD9JxC64GfXLU5nZOzfONemZ5ZoqNYiWZ8rxOwxgaLBW-uQmy1O0X7a8BUhBi3AnJttVTm-H59CfYMYDb3x3HOM6H8hDGWHW-lwIJuqlWG2EsGnwSnqMFeWBbS_vpUvgdNT2V9bu5oBOaJyNwOjgeZHxWuo8IVX2Vg/w640-h438/International%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak in my workbench, with Vargas Models box kit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fpRMhF4jFCT9L4NcgAuh27iGjwrbx8UZTOckABpfwIUnpmnDvAd7VD2NGgQWjwifFSSm8ISulXJ5jpmUuOylPZhthduveZSGJTtKLzNFahyCEyJwAoUD4Hk9AzSgEkw8cok1pLPOlpNbI5LRxKCMFCyHsxyiztGVmk2z18KiwYTu_d_7jb8qucip2w/s1280/International%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fpRMhF4jFCT9L4NcgAuh27iGjwrbx8UZTOckABpfwIUnpmnDvAd7VD2NGgQWjwifFSSm8ISulXJ5jpmUuOylPZhthduveZSGJTtKLzNFahyCEyJwAoUD4Hk9AzSgEkw8cok1pLPOlpNbI5LRxKCMFCyHsxyiztGVmk2z18KiwYTu_d_7jb8qucip2w/w640-h412/International%20001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's in the box: few but very detailed pieces. <br />The date 1917 on the vehicle's identification plate is an error:<br />the correct date would be at least 1918...The ideal would be 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Here, some minor and serious defects: the bending on the Hotchkiss machine guns is due to careless packaging (green arrow) and the printing flaws on the muzzles of the 6 pdr guns. are a quality control error (red and blue arrows): these parts should not have been incorporated into the final sale product.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb6ThzOPlnDXK3p6km2LqYFK5DLP9Ko4j_lilyh150WlIjyEp0jp9wOfuB6-PFUXFTgmQzur0K3v6IeDnWcrJM87mU4QUg9cIknWhXOW_t_wxo5Gweig2gdmJT1BmZIpfLrNSRdU_wDR0-garh_3bbUPSHirHvLi0ufgyTc2CI-7JaI-vUCIfFsJuoQ/s1280/International%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb6ThzOPlnDXK3p6km2LqYFK5DLP9Ko4j_lilyh150WlIjyEp0jp9wOfuB6-PFUXFTgmQzur0K3v6IeDnWcrJM87mU4QUg9cIknWhXOW_t_wxo5Gweig2gdmJT1BmZIpfLrNSRdU_wDR0-garh_3bbUPSHirHvLi0ufgyTc2CI-7JaI-vUCIfFsJuoQ/w640-h406/International%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bendings on the Hotchkiss machine guns<br />and </span>flaws on the muzzles of the 6 pdr guns<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79yM1qfCfVieyDO-PyDNGenMCPqY3ZwhmYQLfOOsr8IAI0cHYpVPoE1SgrDAPwvaYauIQOrAklwf9IBDQJBBNkq_T_hTtxVOXwhIllaBYi4LjKXyEtPWOECeJ2cA3YBDNiPOLclQgHd_rR6sOSqNdL_NSoP7i0eiCD-zRTnSs-F0mHuvFaEG2z2eLFg/s1280/International%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79yM1qfCfVieyDO-PyDNGenMCPqY3ZwhmYQLfOOsr8IAI0cHYpVPoE1SgrDAPwvaYauIQOrAklwf9IBDQJBBNkq_T_hTtxVOXwhIllaBYi4LjKXyEtPWOECeJ2cA3YBDNiPOLclQgHd_rR6sOSqNdL_NSoP7i0eiCD-zRTnSs-F0mHuvFaEG2z2eLFg/w640-h412/International%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here a small graft surgery will be necessary...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> I used a segment of a Plastruct polystyrene tube to make the graft in the most severe case (red arrow, below). In the other cannon, it was just a matter of gluing the fragment (which was still adhered to the part - green arrow) and rectifying it with putty and delicate sanding...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ubpj6pPEzFrjuONO6HCusD4c4MlCZJnr3cc9HV3NGLNen58Ti9ZWiv4T9JNWEhHNOcGORFhb_h3kn0DGZvg7UQXddByhcUunjBrtIoB8SIvuWVU0z0XSAPyYPqON3dgo7NMZ4wPif9VoUmm3zMmASC6fYmuuN1_tMISbklF0ktF0hGwHll0ULUT2gw/s1280/International%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ubpj6pPEzFrjuONO6HCusD4c4MlCZJnr3cc9HV3NGLNen58Ti9ZWiv4T9JNWEhHNOcGORFhb_h3kn0DGZvg7UQXddByhcUunjBrtIoB8SIvuWVU0z0XSAPyYPqON3dgo7NMZ4wPif9VoUmm3zMmASC6fYmuuN1_tMISbklF0ktF0hGwHll0ULUT2gw/w640-h480/International%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little Celtic sorcery to correct these defects...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HjZgXj_bdxkajPNe0jk3ujq-Wcg7v-DYXno9hIv4VJRzuJYlDGu9dHnpPtlydipnX3Y5_2nxd7Ap8spy5J7BUaTVaae4EpoUFAGiqvbJ_kVrbOMz0hlU7J5XnqclOlL825hpXNJeUa024FURVaRELlByLfJE-uxUSMDjfqvlYOv3rM1VHo_wniztDA/s1280/International%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HjZgXj_bdxkajPNe0jk3ujq-Wcg7v-DYXno9hIv4VJRzuJYlDGu9dHnpPtlydipnX3Y5_2nxd7Ap8spy5J7BUaTVaae4EpoUFAGiqvbJ_kVrbOMz0hlU7J5XnqclOlL825hpXNJeUa024FURVaRELlByLfJE-uxUSMDjfqvlYOv3rM1VHo_wniztDA/w640-h330/International%20004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A positive point: the delicacy and detail of the<br />cooling grids on the upper deck of the tank. <br />Really good!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> A precious tip: when you are going to build the cannons on the rotating sponson shields, before sanding these parts, reinforce the bases of the cannon trunions with cyanoacrylate. These pieces are extremely delicate and brittle, being "adhered" to the shields only in small portions.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V6vRptmhiNDUqOlD0qS5X5JQ48x4Y7-Xb6HBoB_sSa5knEmqxyWRH93hnywSZc_EsG7Al8-OTRq8vAgH8r4tozekR5UsM1MAETMHzaIjuOStw2qSCgsyMXrJWs2dY08_ygN86srdIhUY-oltAcjBsImkeFRFDH_tbcBoT8GgEubCLVvnfuEoPzbUpA/s1280/International%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V6vRptmhiNDUqOlD0qS5X5JQ48x4Y7-Xb6HBoB_sSa5knEmqxyWRH93hnywSZc_EsG7Al8-OTRq8vAgH8r4tozekR5UsM1MAETMHzaIjuOStw2qSCgsyMXrJWs2dY08_ygN86srdIhUY-oltAcjBsImkeFRFDH_tbcBoT8GgEubCLVvnfuEoPzbUpA/w640-h412/International%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Increase the strength and resistance of<br />cannon trunions with cyanoacrylate.<br />Put little portions of superglue in those<br /> places indicated by the green arrows.<br />Be careful not to block the movement of the 6 pdr. gun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRtVbk1wDayvD2LPGLLRDz-UvFROyLAeq__REWcIgyvxJXJ_C-cOgVw6R_nWEfN0gT1tBNHtpHjPWbfdUO14K-r73FLsZNxlg0vH0KNb4j1Jm3fxVQ3InQBOlbZuSMURCUaQnb_ZBCe27AJVVWSQJ1hhjnGZAS6mHqy47Wa1K1q8Fug9BuaaG89GpYQ/s1280/International%20010a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRtVbk1wDayvD2LPGLLRDz-UvFROyLAeq__REWcIgyvxJXJ_C-cOgVw6R_nWEfN0gT1tBNHtpHjPWbfdUO14K-r73FLsZNxlg0vH0KNb4j1Jm3fxVQ3InQBOlbZuSMURCUaQnb_ZBCe27AJVVWSQJ1hhjnGZAS6mHqy47Wa1K1q8Fug9BuaaG89GpYQ/w640-h418/International%20010a.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same treatment was performed on the other side...<br />Be careful not to block the movement of the 6 pdr. gun</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Here, I'm going to change the order of construction: I'm going to reinforce this whole joint, using small pieces of plasticard (green arrows, below...), and then I'm going to insert the gun+ shield through the sponsons openings. It's a little more work, but I manage to reinforce these trunions, guaranteeing the movement of the main weapons.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_u662ynXvodBsO0rRLNvT9tptUmA-VZu7F62xlwzJ51gKQfYF3gCcatMwFD57O7uYSEp57V2eLcEEScLzOHxPDx4ks-ki2xtglF-AnbEkyar9XH88sNBX2GcnG1gh_FKDtL8lpyIm7Alq6BUyhTB9IIzMGrtCeg4aEpb2pq3w7ek3wU37fDCquHDqg/s1280/International%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_u662ynXvodBsO0rRLNvT9tptUmA-VZu7F62xlwzJ51gKQfYF3gCcatMwFD57O7uYSEp57V2eLcEEScLzOHxPDx4ks-ki2xtglF-AnbEkyar9XH88sNBX2GcnG1gh_FKDtL8lpyIm7Alq6BUyhTB9IIzMGrtCeg4aEpb2pq3w7ek3wU37fDCquHDqg/w640-h380/International%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most reinforced trunions, by Crom!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA_mwm4AG3qK_6NaSCBGkmzr_LPs8g5xPTQ0KZE7v3332psOWa_Gv7Uo4FklQ4PI29_yCjxPYZvAxVSPVEqEEcF5wcuDiE0I_8iAJ3W9yuCbljbuigYEqiY6OKUmpfiXFHvF0nyip0dA5XNPAtHIeOC01zETKGnmPru6uJWTqsbbnEZvwvR9cHD4B2A/s1280/International%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA_mwm4AG3qK_6NaSCBGkmzr_LPs8g5xPTQ0KZE7v3332psOWa_Gv7Uo4FklQ4PI29_yCjxPYZvAxVSPVEqEEcF5wcuDiE0I_8iAJ3W9yuCbljbuigYEqiY6OKUmpfiXFHvF0nyip0dA5XNPAtHIeOC01zETKGnmPru6uJWTqsbbnEZvwvR9cHD4B2A/w640-h480/International%20013.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crom likes Strength and Power!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And here, the insertion of the shield into the sponson: the lower part fits easily, but the gun's upper semi-circular armor gets in the way. Just push that "petal" down with a thin instrument (green arrows) and at the same time, push the petal inwards (red arrow), gently. The shield just fits like a glove. Delicacy and patience of a Tibetan monk...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF1biUd6vPlEbtX_nvP04yf-Goc5QlgIOJ0wwrWpj0wAQTXujo2lhkV4U8x2BHMHuYd0zmbsC6bGVQxThXqk2LL6q_qoAiznN3S8MksCdyY7d2tzcb5FoGU2oIGoA1IGByeC6DocP63Iri6XWPcVSA7iihod41J4wQDBWXL8hit5V2dCXQREvuDHdbA/s1280/International%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF1biUd6vPlEbtX_nvP04yf-Goc5QlgIOJ0wwrWpj0wAQTXujo2lhkV4U8x2BHMHuYd0zmbsC6bGVQxThXqk2LL6q_qoAiznN3S8MksCdyY7d2tzcb5FoGU2oIGoA1IGByeC6DocP63Iri6XWPcVSA7iihod41J4wQDBWXL8hit5V2dCXQREvuDHdbA/w640-h404/International%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squeeze and push gently...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbLEFPTmSw5fpzUkBNfZVYEHdOJnYX81R7kjChhQw7atgrOhC2thsfaEMLOl9H4TUf32r_K_pjFQ-dn5keFZAREmOHxEvOgpklZWcSaOsHK6t7i-au5V1EmJ3PlydfvsjsgrQbcmZIWQlX3wUxoBWa-iwKfPEqxi2TDjUh9aaixn_k3aFKQ9N8vwfqQ/s1280/International%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbLEFPTmSw5fpzUkBNfZVYEHdOJnYX81R7kjChhQw7atgrOhC2thsfaEMLOl9H4TUf32r_K_pjFQ-dn5keFZAREmOHxEvOgpklZWcSaOsHK6t7i-au5V1EmJ3PlydfvsjsgrQbcmZIWQlX3wUxoBWa-iwKfPEqxi2TDjUh9aaixn_k3aFKQ9N8vwfqQ/w640-h384/International%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the cannon rotor fits like a glove!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9Y7MacJg-ULMV0S4BIlLEjGJipoqgxlrZ0NyA9mc_DDfXwIvplOj2Ltu7MkZY0ZNMZhkEG-EixSpk2AXOYrk0feuqnPU43yTEk79vPBNWDtZhjL0jmD1saT-mFO9hNPjB_AUz4SefL8zuVpA6PLhryS00nZt0zOLhvGk48JOw1rfAipJiRyzo9mx-w/s1280/International%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9Y7MacJg-ULMV0S4BIlLEjGJipoqgxlrZ0NyA9mc_DDfXwIvplOj2Ltu7MkZY0ZNMZhkEG-EixSpk2AXOYrk0feuqnPU43yTEk79vPBNWDtZhjL0jmD1saT-mFO9hNPjB_AUz4SefL8zuVpA6PLhryS00nZt0zOLhvGk48JOw1rfAipJiRyzo9mx-w/w640-h440/International%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside view of this detail: you first fit the lower portion (1) <br />and then compress and insert the upper portion (2).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__0Qz6oacGOezBShEhMVY1S5vN43cjBxmMVGWvVKmA9JS2o8CXuBeN7IC4QKbtrz4eJGnP9oWd-vp_gj_td-O9Bta6U-cRABQY93n8ycv5OMKz4zQvZJJ4iDEe5wQ9IxQuXqZKAJ81AUyBEYnZa2Pm37rf-Xgi46vDAX4pqD8ny-BrmxtixjOr3hZCA/s1280/International%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__0Qz6oacGOezBShEhMVY1S5vN43cjBxmMVGWvVKmA9JS2o8CXuBeN7IC4QKbtrz4eJGnP9oWd-vp_gj_td-O9Bta6U-cRABQY93n8ycv5OMKz4zQvZJJ4iDEe5wQ9IxQuXqZKAJ81AUyBEYnZa2Pm37rf-Xgi46vDAX4pqD8ny-BrmxtixjOr3hZCA/w640-h340/International%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two guns of 6 pdr. with his movements preserved... <br />Good job, Grasshopper!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPr31DMp1rxag2a4rtnuBYILQv_8Q5QMCvsZ7JOIglKN-S1hiSdEGk2J7HnNq4CrI0RPHn1XujPCSzSBzTIkTSvhVghak2Hyp-kviugasAhWLuHOC8hH6vZXXYE7X6VpUXGJw38S3uNK43bToDKafq1-tkveMAPdTTsUMtP8edluiSjTtsKolZxCnKA/s1280/International%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPr31DMp1rxag2a4rtnuBYILQv_8Q5QMCvsZ7JOIglKN-S1hiSdEGk2J7HnNq4CrI0RPHn1XujPCSzSBzTIkTSvhVghak2Hyp-kviugasAhWLuHOC8hH6vZXXYE7X6VpUXGJw38S3uNK43bToDKafq1-tkveMAPdTTsUMtP8edluiSjTtsKolZxCnKA/w640-h326/International%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After these details, let's glue the two suspension sets to the tank hull. <br />An imposing machine!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKyAbfYHme1wVAVhrD6sY6mWCQajaqi1kW2jLIDv_Sy9c15lTp8hyeJavgbF9KAcDU0cPapO3peXm_1ojmZtQtSZHhtMqhSSTpgnk0zETyrTenzB9lirpU2PQSUr0uU8K3Tekaa6w9uI7piH12au5A9cMzbzwAsZNzVIbMratyhWHPgtmh1GdnqliTw/s1280/International%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKyAbfYHme1wVAVhrD6sY6mWCQajaqi1kW2jLIDv_Sy9c15lTp8hyeJavgbF9KAcDU0cPapO3peXm_1ojmZtQtSZHhtMqhSSTpgnk0zETyrTenzB9lirpU2PQSUr0uU8K3Tekaa6w9uI7piH12au5A9cMzbzwAsZNzVIbMratyhWHPgtmh1GdnqliTw/w640-h444/International%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squaring is essential... Be careful not to destroy your<br />tank's aesthetics with a construction error...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharHDWFrlnnD5Cw8AOXwNW6q1pyrSxGzjkX3XG_NC35OYrb3JEJQjIE7fQ_w2o8Pc_HWV6pnTP7xHbKbbr_Q_PxaexSARDeifyCyC-vJaytFpx54L8ix6sg6poJ_oF5v7-8IHs_c-ELf_zAcKd5Qzr09BFAULmBXMoK8rEs60sYYX83OCo8j88_nL1zw/s1280/International%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1280" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharHDWFrlnnD5Cw8AOXwNW6q1pyrSxGzjkX3XG_NC35OYrb3JEJQjIE7fQ_w2o8Pc_HWV6pnTP7xHbKbbr_Q_PxaexSARDeifyCyC-vJaytFpx54L8ix6sg6poJ_oF5v7-8IHs_c-ELf_zAcKd5Qzr09BFAULmBXMoK8rEs60sYYX83OCo8j88_nL1zw/w640-h304/International%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit is really beautiful!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoECJEGwOGT0oTpJHqWuAaQFzIc2O9ukZ8iFTfy5OHlshQjKgcUZik_3xUPPeSTW8jFUVxcSKCyOZY8TCeJR-DKCZTti1PJ0uK9sadGe4bPo75r3pxZFbHtwkPJgxWWt-nLkY-n7SKwEZtVlVl_5ISHiiU3BxUFZcxGFTcpEFZNyucl7_x_yHtHzo0hA/s1280/International%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoECJEGwOGT0oTpJHqWuAaQFzIc2O9ukZ8iFTfy5OHlshQjKgcUZik_3xUPPeSTW8jFUVxcSKCyOZY8TCeJR-DKCZTti1PJ0uK9sadGe4bPo75r3pxZFbHtwkPJgxWWt-nLkY-n7SKwEZtVlVl_5ISHiiU3BxUFZcxGFTcpEFZNyucl7_x_yHtHzo0hA/w640-h384/International%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y2mG2yYxzB3rxBE-PO-lGZW9Hahz_-dw8HvEeFYqH0v2WmaWZmxT2voFThaYnTHvkoIv1XduU7aiG_yuAm7tgCHeJ_RAy9wvIFfZpcbukaL3oc8abCAuiEs9VofTKJRhv0b2509AyA8Y31kGxnaSZUD_sqIUdnhA5qUARejh44b2ymcM_ERuZz0FzQ/s1280/International%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Y2mG2yYxzB3rxBE-PO-lGZW9Hahz_-dw8HvEeFYqH0v2WmaWZmxT2voFThaYnTHvkoIv1XduU7aiG_yuAm7tgCHeJ_RAy9wvIFfZpcbukaL3oc8abCAuiEs9VofTKJRhv0b2509AyA8Y31kGxnaSZUD_sqIUdnhA5qUARejh44b2ymcM_ERuZz0FzQ/w640-h346/International%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the exhausts and glue thetrack guards to the rear of the tank. <br />My intention is to make the British version (God save the King)...<br />So let's keep the silencers on the exhausts and the mid stations<br />for the machine guns on the fixed turret.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSUI3HghnlL_t0T4OKn6NjueFuGrhhIgrmBpq5dzwI7chg7yk3G28DjRkg-W8Af4Lc0gpR4tVWMY-Nzv9zfafrMIIYEuZmjQ3UPGl__XFLmxaQvwhH2WcauI5ReBFXB1MgNdXdckD3tnl9EhTCpNKou8NQIb7PdlUnWVCF5IPYStt_lZGTb0gOVcMrA/s1280/International%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSUI3HghnlL_t0T4OKn6NjueFuGrhhIgrmBpq5dzwI7chg7yk3G28DjRkg-W8Af4Lc0gpR4tVWMY-Nzv9zfafrMIIYEuZmjQ3UPGl__XFLmxaQvwhH2WcauI5ReBFXB1MgNdXdckD3tnl9EhTCpNKou8NQIb7PdlUnWVCF5IPYStt_lZGTb0gOVcMrA/w640-h416/International%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The detail of the exhaust pipes with mufflers, typically British. <br />And the absence of the deflector plate for the rear machine gun <br />(these Yankees are crazy...)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3SOzarYIUhym-vgCYeH74B35PDW1sQjJLx8aL57gtJd-fRa36fJvtHwkKOLmeaBEbsIY5FNtjSH_9StmSVX5jIf4JL-AahIbQ-Z8xHTK1I_nAC726fpBGpCsx3rFd1C36_eKtLpdigYDt90l5zhXFIVJkNyHwo78vIehqCxyyJNflkrXPUZ04g6hgg/s1280/International%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3SOzarYIUhym-vgCYeH74B35PDW1sQjJLx8aL57gtJd-fRa36fJvtHwkKOLmeaBEbsIY5FNtjSH_9StmSVX5jIf4JL-AahIbQ-Z8xHTK1I_nAC726fpBGpCsx3rFd1C36_eKtLpdigYDt90l5zhXFIVJkNyHwo78vIehqCxyyJNflkrXPUZ04g6hgg/w640-h326/International%20025.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The detailing of the kit is very good.<br />I really liked this girl, Vargas!!!</td></tr></tbody></table>And with that, construction ended. The good thing about these Vargas kits is that they are very quick to build!! Let's give the girl a nice soap bath, before applying the primer...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHZ3zfI1Ld4qGxkjcCBPn7Lxao8W6dN49bpS2WXQiuYGwI0C-JpExycTbRMAWexbR7MRbMYZfceOHpoI2IDncxeZ18dVugYcvEGGhhpJPF1GcaTbx8JV2gpkNcDH_ykoCpyUIPGdliTZvvwLmw3i-KTHEZ_gL-2A7LrGu26MfEf33GUQL5dGFjNnHHQ/s1280/International%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="1280" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHZ3zfI1Ld4qGxkjcCBPn7Lxao8W6dN49bpS2WXQiuYGwI0C-JpExycTbRMAWexbR7MRbMYZfceOHpoI2IDncxeZ18dVugYcvEGGhhpJPF1GcaTbx8JV2gpkNcDH_ykoCpyUIPGdliTZvvwLmw3i-KTHEZ_gL-2A7LrGu26MfEf33GUQL5dGFjNnHHQ/w640-h272/International%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primer time!!<br />Left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiVaaEBQwl6nn0ztoYfUmiRkM8Twslblk2LvW4wZvu7kHjJasEgVu_ZKEc6F6ObxATMD6wOVdeem-uZbY0i0WXNPJVh2-n2ykad2FWit1vXw_Wx0E_N1dQnTYaY3Ii2GdKcWsJ_91ySRrYfQyNRXFOPFkhpL8It8H-eeiUWGUdCd6DqK8o4sQrHevVQ/s1280/International%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiVaaEBQwl6nn0ztoYfUmiRkM8Twslblk2LvW4wZvu7kHjJasEgVu_ZKEc6F6ObxATMD6wOVdeem-uZbY0i0WXNPJVh2-n2ykad2FWit1vXw_Wx0E_N1dQnTYaY3Ii2GdKcWsJ_91ySRrYfQyNRXFOPFkhpL8It8H-eeiUWGUdCd6DqK8o4sQrHevVQ/w640-h296/International%20031.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As I said, this project is a commission and I know my client loves European material. So, no red-neck tanks...let's make one of the old Albion ones, for Saint George's sake!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I loved this photo, so here's our girl: Mk VIII Liberty tank CITY OF BRADFORD VII.. in field tests at <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovington">Bovington</a> in Dorset, England, in early 1919.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbuow4bb6jHe8l4jVv0BY-GjX1d7594WzqBBF73wA2t-70KSCINGvDQA7CfPhb0GpVouS2UI-xIjKLWx9lX1n0quuDHiJZ6tk9WRvZi24WcJzbiu2uHpf_eI726sxPwM8IR5w3Iaot9-JV-WSX1Qqj8DMMTSIKoFfP5tV-LAe4ul7V0FvIuVXBwSjJg/s1320/Mark_VIII_tank%20-%20CITY%20OF%20BRADFORD%20VII.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1320" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbuow4bb6jHe8l4jVv0BY-GjX1d7594WzqBBF73wA2t-70KSCINGvDQA7CfPhb0GpVouS2UI-xIjKLWx9lX1n0quuDHiJZ6tk9WRvZi24WcJzbiu2uHpf_eI726sxPwM8IR5w3Iaot9-JV-WSX1Qqj8DMMTSIKoFfP5tV-LAe4ul7V0FvIuVXBwSjJg/w640-h396/Mark_VIII_tank%20-%20CITY%20OF%20BRADFORD%20VII.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank CITY OF BRADFORD VII<br />in trials - Bovington<span style="text-align: justify;"> in Dorset, </span> England - early 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafHMz91Nd_jsm2Et971U3R7je0ZHjSI9qCD7Hrvvl0BQSl57tDl8J8042iQrcimKr3suC50rnDIImF_kI2cRazh3Cjjavf8Gw53F0qL6rHagKtmHMAsOx_XoWbfJa629ESsN_nPEeNTPDRwDX7Ez5h822s5VSakK_4snb42LEuO626Q-15wsEK1Q9HQ/s1280/International%20COLOR%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafHMz91Nd_jsm2Et971U3R7je0ZHjSI9qCD7Hrvvl0BQSl57tDl8J8042iQrcimKr3suC50rnDIImF_kI2cRazh3Cjjavf8Gw53F0qL6rHagKtmHMAsOx_XoWbfJa629ESsN_nPEeNTPDRwDX7Ez5h822s5VSakK_4snb42LEuO626Q-15wsEK1Q9HQ/w640-h424/International%20COLOR%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzerserra's color & markings guide</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the historical identification solved, let's go to the painting...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntIH4_T7ZQ2UVuzJSPpwhhtopR2pzjYRZFzWGeeLYdng6Fd-UbIbA8G7lxf9buwq9WhUT9BSSKFcdfg96sVUz1CieHIW4TI5NdcvNiYK17sxXDxMeJFtpT4DtLy9NBAaibSkk5dPfewENFi6cXiBRUDvSkxnvOVnRhbw_lL0fTD2CNjratW-iBzbBLQ/s1280/International%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntIH4_T7ZQ2UVuzJSPpwhhtopR2pzjYRZFzWGeeLYdng6Fd-UbIbA8G7lxf9buwq9WhUT9BSSKFcdfg96sVUz1CieHIW4TI5NdcvNiYK17sxXDxMeJFtpT4DtLy9NBAaibSkk5dPfewENFi6cXiBRUDvSkxnvOVnRhbw_lL0fTD2CNjratW-iBzbBLQ/w640-h336/International%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base color. left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWYB4UycN1aHrNqS4GJcim6MV2C4r2RH4WvBRVSKQfcFFnb19OCat5C1vb-M3qzoO8mdqDJ9JKJkz7YUOWncqTxBQ6-Xh5qwLw5WH1jPna3nXWH9UH-q-gTp6qeLWzfF5z0TV0nKlArSYjWvVfu-vrSeplA-MnRrwSvz_f-bCEry9GDVV0yflaboJ3Q/s1280/International%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1280" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWYB4UycN1aHrNqS4GJcim6MV2C4r2RH4WvBRVSKQfcFFnb19OCat5C1vb-M3qzoO8mdqDJ9JKJkz7YUOWncqTxBQ6-Xh5qwLw5WH1jPna3nXWH9UH-q-gTp6qeLWzfF5z0TV0nKlArSYjWvVfu-vrSeplA-MnRrwSvz_f-bCEry9GDVV0yflaboJ3Q/w640-h304/International%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base color. right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHVA-xcvkPuaRjikBr16DLMXSh0AL7Xwp8xE97PV2ysSa4e53p-Hy2JtsWtMpWgJDE8L9LdFXf8cG9nSioqaK5cyyWP7Rq7zQK5sLwhi_0HLlMaoSnu4K372_caa6jwSMFLi76tO_aGvDNlhE17uC4vKeLo011HtHRSC4UrIonKRYF7zRR1QXssPz9A/s1280/International%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHVA-xcvkPuaRjikBr16DLMXSh0AL7Xwp8xE97PV2ysSa4e53p-Hy2JtsWtMpWgJDE8L9LdFXf8cG9nSioqaK5cyyWP7Rq7zQK5sLwhi_0HLlMaoSnu4K372_caa6jwSMFLi76tO_aGvDNlhE17uC4vKeLo011HtHRSC4UrIonKRYF7zRR1QXssPz9A/w640-h338/International%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some tonal variations of the base color... <br />old-school style painting, to match the girl's elegance...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I2Gd66I8iI9qkcAqEhWPMKKJpd89nBgiGALgL7qr9EG8D3l3yjvX0IAbkqvsgpXmZVjdSQKw_yIfR_Ucsz2TNsPs7DyEueJkv1stuYHKhOxg7Z0ZZPpWfEOJqdnMyb8Hohmjp3Z5x6g5MqyMYCVThbLpFFH2mxmihS2zDAukV7NHIiUvZL6BRJ9lrg/s1280/International%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3I2Gd66I8iI9qkcAqEhWPMKKJpd89nBgiGALgL7qr9EG8D3l3yjvX0IAbkqvsgpXmZVjdSQKw_yIfR_Ucsz2TNsPs7DyEueJkv1stuYHKhOxg7Z0ZZPpWfEOJqdnMyb8Hohmjp3Z5x6g5MqyMYCVThbLpFFH2mxmihS2zDAukV7NHIiUvZL6BRJ9lrg/w640-h350/International%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOpo69ScNZT5E4BSBOJvJhX5jMo6ynVSOiJdegQykC-NeFJNxXUsgz2uRfXi7pNhKpT90fZE0zh5NqzYa-YYT-V598sOO_D4-0xnLKgANY58kCwqyLX2CdChasfyi3Myi4jbEPYaOszz5EUXi3Uy_Vr1E34oJtQ9x2Rpj6MLWAD7y4YS_NNSQS5nBpg/s1280/International%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOpo69ScNZT5E4BSBOJvJhX5jMo6ynVSOiJdegQykC-NeFJNxXUsgz2uRfXi7pNhKpT90fZE0zh5NqzYa-YYT-V598sOO_D4-0xnLKgANY58kCwqyLX2CdChasfyi3Myi4jbEPYaOszz5EUXi3Uy_Vr1E34oJtQ9x2Rpj6MLWAD7y4YS_NNSQS5nBpg/w640-h424/International%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zeBgMmvdcPgakR2ScUvRivUeOTKdJ3-RbNlZWLL9W8u4vfu5e7MnudleUBCqRCNA2lh6Da-n21qBF7J3LQNOiEvc0_-GCDMeloLkbObIxZIHuoLtlKRYFc9SRsXQKv9yIW75y2Y7gc9r83m7v9cG_92EeJUYhswBIO9PNC_Eyu0O2f_asiYVU-8Law/s1280/International%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zeBgMmvdcPgakR2ScUvRivUeOTKdJ3-RbNlZWLL9W8u4vfu5e7MnudleUBCqRCNA2lh6Da-n21qBF7J3LQNOiEvc0_-GCDMeloLkbObIxZIHuoLtlKRYFc9SRsXQKv9yIW75y2Y7gc9r83m7v9cG_92EeJUYhswBIO9PNC_Eyu0O2f_asiYVU-8Law/w640-h298/International%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting painting the tracks...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELYYzyMu_-CgNS2J-saP-Bo3yM_OrVa1Ns0b4SyCSh3lnK58ubLC5IH0YdFMTdBpfHQcUSn2Bb2cj6fC-i5ymEEkm8jlQ0XR0ll-ARCqqgjIMrKAxtGtsSas9tq7qYBDGirFjNL8_WQ6OyOx5dJVjBgRggWW0Qlr83KYxkBnXRSEsPleUVh2eXzadEg/s1280/International%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELYYzyMu_-CgNS2J-saP-Bo3yM_OrVa1Ns0b4SyCSh3lnK58ubLC5IH0YdFMTdBpfHQcUSn2Bb2cj6fC-i5ymEEkm8jlQ0XR0ll-ARCqqgjIMrKAxtGtsSas9tq7qYBDGirFjNL8_WQ6OyOx5dJVjBgRggWW0Qlr83KYxkBnXRSEsPleUVh2eXzadEg/w640-h338/International%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the tracks...<br />right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcMSTOjJ0PJ5tdRulFmLWYtEwBbk6wzHO12QOAzDSpKVzhHVCXN3yomYWsrS2LclouWWtU7kSq1GUuq_RT5QSu0cjEI5LExdv3z2BSZZRm0j-tFQl_doOWxZ0iPhaqiaK6OQmLZKZcZyj7PwLhi15Jijs6CSeCHZQ28fr7ouZwJ57b3h7456prOAFdg/s1280/International%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcMSTOjJ0PJ5tdRulFmLWYtEwBbk6wzHO12QOAzDSpKVzhHVCXN3yomYWsrS2LclouWWtU7kSq1GUuq_RT5QSu0cjEI5LExdv3z2BSZZRm0j-tFQl_doOWxZ0iPhaqiaK6OQmLZKZcZyj7PwLhi15Jijs6CSeCHZQ28fr7ouZwJ57b3h7456prOAFdg/w640-h330/International%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glorious white-red-white combat bands.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0huNkNr-Gn_y_TXccYYHYuws3127xYM9QbQieX0BY9DdcoQb1e12w7Tmk4qMFCzYjQnPYt2UtQACJhiNkF1dlZNgYGXE3eD9y88YnDVz-gmXfUx6YO-JpzW1vvZt44O7tEd_0K4R8VdGByjBT3IN42gmmByTbBU_B6-d8O_SDCIY-Tg8AhaUnT66Hmg/s1280/International%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0huNkNr-Gn_y_TXccYYHYuws3127xYM9QbQieX0BY9DdcoQb1e12w7Tmk4qMFCzYjQnPYt2UtQACJhiNkF1dlZNgYGXE3eD9y88YnDVz-gmXfUx6YO-JpzW1vvZt44O7tEd_0K4R8VdGByjBT3IN42gmmByTbBU_B6-d8O_SDCIY-Tg8AhaUnT66Hmg/w640-h370/International%20043.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How beautiful is it getting!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> For the marking of the girl's name, based on the study of real photography, I made a plate with plastic and made a decal with the name of the city on my laser printer, using the Panzerserra technique of two layers of transparent decals: In the first layer, I painted the letters with a thin brush and white paint and, after the paint dried, I applied the second layer of transparent decal, with the black edges of the letters hiding the paint defects. I really liked the end result...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1cBoFQ6sIzgU3rldD_lkhskTzjf3aYQl2Zrn50ldVWh0jIlgDT6Di-yo8Vdu1h4vSveiKeDSmTMVOEsv9OES5e4E3QuKvLtWF9Ke5mgP0mTDYN7Frd1tYpgadcMGqEUN0HY0C2LQhnUsu5pDU0TwfyROPhNa1GMFZEjDjbEDnsmF7rZ5uXiYjd5sOQ/s1280/International%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1cBoFQ6sIzgU3rldD_lkhskTzjf3aYQl2Zrn50ldVWh0jIlgDT6Di-yo8Vdu1h4vSveiKeDSmTMVOEsv9OES5e4E3QuKvLtWF9Ke5mgP0mTDYN7Frd1tYpgadcMGqEUN0HY0C2LQhnUsu5pDU0TwfyROPhNa1GMFZEjDjbEDnsmF7rZ5uXiYjd5sOQ/w640-h376/International%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Bradford VII - right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AyHgzxlEyRdx_Oum_Fvus3FO5mDOAvbW4YobUsJ_WOcpkjg3nDIbbeCKwpygLTAB0U5ZTWY1zI0pH0TRW-QF55uoEWKZB-4KqARDNw3yFaXoXvd5WVcg_uM_931HFeipSRHMpHSuepk0jL0TzcFJX7hrHLRIFeq-kPAuTx1VDdsZYKlTXhJ5ss-V1A/s1280/International%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AyHgzxlEyRdx_Oum_Fvus3FO5mDOAvbW4YobUsJ_WOcpkjg3nDIbbeCKwpygLTAB0U5ZTWY1zI0pH0TRW-QF55uoEWKZB-4KqARDNw3yFaXoXvd5WVcg_uM_931HFeipSRHMpHSuepk0jL0TzcFJX7hrHLRIFeq-kPAuTx1VDdsZYKlTXhJ5ss-V1A/w640-h288/International%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Bradford VII - left side<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgaJEOQz_6IyUGxZP8G6PYNuV48lUt369ib340iIGjIWhJcoo1Cxfqs9aF4SiiyWXofwUVdnT17p4wyeto7VtOvSp1s3aFn_bcjkD1VBWZGmxTBfPTYAYLTSG44kYKB-irG8EI5E1DIn7ILuqc98sz9O5vOmna7ASZKRiDsGXvU500kCgVEKt_N6GbQ/s1280/International%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgaJEOQz_6IyUGxZP8G6PYNuV48lUt369ib340iIGjIWhJcoo1Cxfqs9aF4SiiyWXofwUVdnT17p4wyeto7VtOvSp1s3aFn_bcjkD1VBWZGmxTBfPTYAYLTSG44kYKB-irG8EI5E1DIn7ILuqc98sz9O5vOmna7ASZKRiDsGXvU500kCgVEKt_N6GbQ/w640-h382/International%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nameplate, which was glued to the hull<br />after the decals were applied...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsncMPHnXzMb8MACR8PJ1lD3tlGC0y679zbUlw9cq8aG_yeWBXy3LLAFaYTaYspijaLmUpEnOGNREy3PuAsmkjGJVf75zUnKgaWWQyFcISi9pm0FedrE7faP7uSH0qFlox84bVZUiBr7xPpjPxMQeEUywS1dvvUpP8oSGnJT7zgz7yWzImAWl1GWMSg/s1280/International%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsncMPHnXzMb8MACR8PJ1lD3tlGC0y679zbUlw9cq8aG_yeWBXy3LLAFaYTaYspijaLmUpEnOGNREy3PuAsmkjGJVf75zUnKgaWWQyFcISi9pm0FedrE7faP7uSH0qFlox84bVZUiBr7xPpjPxMQeEUywS1dvvUpP8oSGnJT7zgz7yWzImAWl1GWMSg/w640-h324/International%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Americans, forgive me, but this little big English<br />girl is getting really pretty!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU-V_3YVsu529Lz5_UgFLZiF-Ic_VPuSqC6-NkhKIWveX0RU-3uRoMR_BQxba-wjsTCZU7rF53HdPUK1W05R9ZNb7IgvMY1lpwzdZEp7cdf9RUt9wFIwN1KkxPHCoyuKBsNh1rmiYqTWQyhSV2ddm_uBFucISL_MdviO8XUebyFMbGA3YaD4OF56z5w/s1280/International%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXU-V_3YVsu529Lz5_UgFLZiF-Ic_VPuSqC6-NkhKIWveX0RU-3uRoMR_BQxba-wjsTCZU7rF53HdPUK1W05R9ZNb7IgvMY1lpwzdZEp7cdf9RUt9wFIwN1KkxPHCoyuKBsNh1rmiYqTWQyhSV2ddm_uBFucISL_MdviO8XUebyFMbGA3YaD4OF56z5w/w640-h358/International%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the weathering...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCICE4qBtmxdbK2_PVZvhi1c5646uVgbxoW2TqHt16BFB7Eb4PrIGQyAHvIjSqa6Too2Eqd5DvU4Emkly0EUBRl8YfLS8lmIE1Gva2c4a9TZtoQvzswHy2-kOdWD8CMsNwiLL2HRFz-HHE21ULTsB552oXWfQWeMQt7ifTFjkBFtxYCTL4vvDhGPlnA/s1280/International%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCICE4qBtmxdbK2_PVZvhi1c5646uVgbxoW2TqHt16BFB7Eb4PrIGQyAHvIjSqa6Too2Eqd5DvU4Emkly0EUBRl8YfLS8lmIE1Gva2c4a9TZtoQvzswHy2-kOdWD8CMsNwiLL2HRFz-HHE21ULTsB552oXWfQWeMQt7ifTFjkBFtxYCTL4vvDhGPlnA/w640-h380/International%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivyeEq2PRdEJR5EaverGbH74s3UkBbvh2ftdo75AxpN-i_d-E7_ZmQI3dnvgCDiTXqIy-yVbrLVYq1wZwBhYKoy5TUZWWEg-_Odeu6IVHox6d9Ev5scblzIvxIaQlINC4yMnNhRQxG7-yf2NssWjkCnkDuskf8Yz-mctayOvIq1TcwQ_OB6aQ-CqztA/s1280/International%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivyeEq2PRdEJR5EaverGbH74s3UkBbvh2ftdo75AxpN-i_d-E7_ZmQI3dnvgCDiTXqIy-yVbrLVYq1wZwBhYKoy5TUZWWEg-_Odeu6IVHox6d9Ev5scblzIvxIaQlINC4yMnNhRQxG7-yf2NssWjkCnkDuskf8Yz-mctayOvIq1TcwQ_OB6aQ-CqztA/w640-h356/International%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTlWZA_CtdlTK97tJgIRq8z-j4yrDR16zGA5pVqbwG6xzLJQPYSgAsHEwKIXEGB4YAv0OSKdYtSGWyP15XwRiXdJ7YNzJ2H3dBBYjDpHnMwxzy5B00ak6xDevQQYN3stRt8s-kgvk6B79XcKcIF6WGAqhD-dBMoIl-M6vojncdUWMznY_i-qEVMUUJA/s1280/International%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTlWZA_CtdlTK97tJgIRq8z-j4yrDR16zGA5pVqbwG6xzLJQPYSgAsHEwKIXEGB4YAv0OSKdYtSGWyP15XwRiXdJ7YNzJ2H3dBBYjDpHnMwxzy5B00ak6xDevQQYN3stRt8s-kgvk6B79XcKcIF6WGAqhD-dBMoIl-M6vojncdUWMznY_i-qEVMUUJA/w640-h368/International%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view: notice the exhausts with mufflers and <br />the "clean" tail, without the bullet deflector</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And while I was detailing the weathering effects, I realized one thing: the kit does not feature the side <span style="text-align: center;">vision slits</span> on the driver's armoured dome!!! In the kit, there is only the front vision slit, but the driver needed the two side ones. And this detail is evident in the photos of the tank and in the blueprints. See the images below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaluQuIxnClwIk24acn2PNnz1k_WcoTkz6idXfKo8U5HgE8Mf0xiZAN02pRoELK9VOokOYqEHTFGESQM7P47FVWQsRaZFKvLjWQiMjkrV-K7jmaABIqZVJdjOuuGn78WPe8_1wZKpw4ojs1E9mzrhfs6P4k6kiyolu4DOuRgy7GZzxl2F8FlR1Famhw/s1040/International%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1040" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaluQuIxnClwIk24acn2PNnz1k_WcoTkz6idXfKo8U5HgE8Mf0xiZAN02pRoELK9VOokOYqEHTFGESQM7P47FVWQsRaZFKvLjWQiMjkrV-K7jmaABIqZVJdjOuuGn78WPe8_1wZKpw4ojs1E9mzrhfs6P4k6kiyolu4DOuRgy7GZzxl2F8FlR1Famhw/w640-h630/International%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side vision slits in thr driver's cupola</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But ihis detail is missing in the kit. And the worst thing is that I only realized this flaw now, after the kit was almost finished... But better late than never!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4M7ZsfP14nHOX9yr90Y6bBGI6jf7Uq6ifm1ZkWdQ8nZ9nwEn30dpk73DvjNAU-nc-Git543FHjp85WS1cTO0ucW4lbatsXqkzkFEzVtp-DOzn1IspQsUFv1LWy5cgWIEIOj7CoZJ524GJPY149w0GfO-QcNlmP6vnDwMa_hTxhJRySSScjnAqv3HOtA/s1280/International%20065a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4M7ZsfP14nHOX9yr90Y6bBGI6jf7Uq6ifm1ZkWdQ8nZ9nwEn30dpk73DvjNAU-nc-Git543FHjp85WS1cTO0ucW4lbatsXqkzkFEzVtp-DOzn1IspQsUFv1LWy5cgWIEIOj7CoZJ524GJPY149w0GfO-QcNlmP6vnDwMa_hTxhJRySSScjnAqv3HOtA/w640-h300/International%20065a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calm down Boromir!!! Let's settle this...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypZ_7VZmgLJ30LBCVbxLOSX6gLNs4dDID2vc6vXH1Oja40IlCZMvWDN1eZvV96K805Dy85CArXO3SpS-txVmMJy-1ihoE6dPgHmojTYT8RJCiy-VxudzLrziTY4CnPkGUmrrHEKztPO_qyxwSEpFXLtOgKuzqEPyf7sviSWjwcpR1gr1ym26f5q6i-g/s1280/International%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypZ_7VZmgLJ30LBCVbxLOSX6gLNs4dDID2vc6vXH1Oja40IlCZMvWDN1eZvV96K805Dy85CArXO3SpS-txVmMJy-1ihoE6dPgHmojTYT8RJCiy-VxudzLrziTY4CnPkGUmrrHEKztPO_qyxwSEpFXLtOgKuzqEPyf7sviSWjwcpR1gr1ym26f5q6i-g/w640-h382/International%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The solution is simple: make the vision slits armours<br />with very thin plasticard (0.3 mm thick)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkJkWH24uU-fAyrlFoZx6EkijsCQzWNRBkk6VZGN9P0TFrZ2BQezw5louFUb1jaYdG0DReiU8e07jDWCTt60fNdeb7UdbAcdl0Axeqn-_23x4yEJUG2ucZoYMpPVi1QVSWb0ZwmDYy-m86aTRlRiyFF1kOWfLJsdHfigsdeMDvukzCTYOjaJzDBhsNQ/s1280/International%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkJkWH24uU-fAyrlFoZx6EkijsCQzWNRBkk6VZGN9P0TFrZ2BQezw5louFUb1jaYdG0DReiU8e07jDWCTt60fNdeb7UdbAcdl0Axeqn-_23x4yEJUG2ucZoYMpPVi1QVSWb0ZwmDYy-m86aTRlRiyFF1kOWfLJsdHfigsdeMDvukzCTYOjaJzDBhsNQ/w640-h344/International%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the shields of the vision slits made in plasticard,<br />now it's just a matter of soldering the pieces with superglue</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4vGqvAny2U8Fd_MmdZLLQK3LS5tEb0RdvvYZ6zEjLakCG_omQ--c-_JXkeV3V7BYwEPauhNWngjyhbl55sWjLzNRJav55oiN1oqiiMkBRdz10d3QnW_crYyClVT1u59wioElkD5b8m9cAGgGH4HKyBKN9Ll8F2T9qokvzPPx7eG2HKjxxuva-bX6iQ/s1280/International%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4vGqvAny2U8Fd_MmdZLLQK3LS5tEb0RdvvYZ6zEjLakCG_omQ--c-_JXkeV3V7BYwEPauhNWngjyhbl55sWjLzNRJav55oiN1oqiiMkBRdz10d3QnW_crYyClVT1u59wioElkD5b8m9cAGgGH4HKyBKN9Ll8F2T9qokvzPPx7eG2HKjxxuva-bX6iQ/w640-h472/International%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Driver's left vision slit in position...<br />Yeah!! I'm happy and satisfied, now!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArtnWGHTP7rPVsRlfaGvt49OLHOIRcwO-A-aj-l4E4Kd-WqRQ1alj469shmylmTgxreCwsqlkaJRJBFWmZ3Lcibs4yb53gJcbWj-d98vK_jLKOI6LqM8TF011WK05r-164TS7XNa-54RHuKmMKWwQmr7kwUMqAYUOQngO4OlmZ5NIM5blxtVF5xYkfA/s1280/International%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArtnWGHTP7rPVsRlfaGvt49OLHOIRcwO-A-aj-l4E4Kd-WqRQ1alj469shmylmTgxreCwsqlkaJRJBFWmZ3Lcibs4yb53gJcbWj-d98vK_jLKOI6LqM8TF011WK05r-164TS7XNa-54RHuKmMKWwQmr7kwUMqAYUOQngO4OlmZ5NIM5blxtVF5xYkfA/w640-h480/International%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driver's right vision slit in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOIiHKfWngd6vxAJkBWbNEDnkACrvjACh1TfakiZPQp3MTg6MiUrnXEVgpwAHW357FDIo7hpj5OWHKnhAR88RYwpwJn7RthhMV36LTsR_QTaEd5AYVUjmC8gUM187WbtTcSoplFN8Rfzp3rZrPTsPbdfd1Z1-0dUWKYAnJ093CxRCQmI0KNBs61j11A/s1280/International%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOIiHKfWngd6vxAJkBWbNEDnkACrvjACh1TfakiZPQp3MTg6MiUrnXEVgpwAHW357FDIo7hpj5OWHKnhAR88RYwpwJn7RthhMV36LTsR_QTaEd5AYVUjmC8gUM187WbtTcSoplFN8Rfzp3rZrPTsPbdfd1Z1-0dUWKYAnJ093CxRCQmI0KNBs61j11A/w640-h480/International%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driver's left vision slit, after painting...<br />Tommy is happy, indeed!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeINRKBQ-ZsSVbjTXHfbKWMoIuEEc57M-vr08bJ5qubJaRhxz5doswgIYnQUoKGPbYLjvZEHPkbCnsnAgtz4luQyC_oaevs5GjJku8-1kRxQgtVjSzQdjfAv6G8tIchi6MCtneBTJ00aonspYiOoVnK6oOlRwKdHVWRGjSQBw0Ct7ehwe5wV_0rqHRCA/s1280/International%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeINRKBQ-ZsSVbjTXHfbKWMoIuEEc57M-vr08bJ5qubJaRhxz5doswgIYnQUoKGPbYLjvZEHPkbCnsnAgtz4luQyC_oaevs5GjJku8-1kRxQgtVjSzQdjfAv6G8tIchi6MCtneBTJ00aonspYiOoVnK6oOlRwKdHVWRGjSQBw0Ct7ehwe5wV_0rqHRCA/w640-h434/International%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The driver now has a better view of the vehicle's operating situation...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1dJa-esxNcrr5FTpLKMijVy7ie8wbkJZ9EwMdEJUGXDI33nU5-rKoHPxY6OilOQOLhnsbKsOp4rXl2FfmSxo2zhpVBm7fuFRMgs_GNmMq-gXxidwcbvLBUePWSlZVjsXKrhbDy3Bd9zPX9zSfng4zOcV3uNugSp5z-loQ779S_dOBjEAAKTmhcs5ZQ/s1280/International%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1dJa-esxNcrr5FTpLKMijVy7ie8wbkJZ9EwMdEJUGXDI33nU5-rKoHPxY6OilOQOLhnsbKsOp4rXl2FfmSxo2zhpVBm7fuFRMgs_GNmMq-gXxidwcbvLBUePWSlZVjsXKrhbDy3Bd9zPX9zSfng4zOcV3uNugSp5z-loQ779S_dOBjEAAKTmhcs5ZQ/w640-h400/International%20072.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view...<br />Hurrah!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And while Boromir was upset about the absence of the driver's vision slit, he remains dismayed by the presence of this armor plate in the kit that is non-existent on real vehicles. Okay, Vargas... a little more careful, my friend.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv26ZpyPYvfc6RlkARFePOrfD_P-zYhhUJLoAKDpdPtedOEV-OW9nBTxJeYBYQ74jdVBALWADI2_kg_2U2tzdKww71Krx6QzWNM_RVg5w16pnTzViaJA1pvGuPownax8InHp4jSoWu86rzsLSbfoQiVLyOhw1-Ft7iJAkwt8qiQMhyPv6vjVm_rYtBVw/s1211/International%20072a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1211" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv26ZpyPYvfc6RlkARFePOrfD_P-zYhhUJLoAKDpdPtedOEV-OW9nBTxJeYBYQ74jdVBALWADI2_kg_2U2tzdKww71Krx6QzWNM_RVg5w16pnTzViaJA1pvGuPownax8InHp4jSoWu86rzsLSbfoQiVLyOhw1-Ft7iJAkwt8qiQMhyPv6vjVm_rYtBVw/w640-h284/International%20072a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the hell did that armor plate come from???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> But let's go ahead... Let's paint and install the Hotchkiss machine guns on the ball mounts. Warped Hotchkiss were aligned by dipping the machine gun barrels in hot water and straightening the alignment of the pieces with fingers... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBjqoZumxnu0LeMKo4v7CaXiVzi8iQsJgjfWa2RJRMNMgD3E4nPTtCTYIlOlEQDBPTn-rHpX0hJWl_pgGLRvkTJw7wggH7qm30olP6rAhwSINVWe0Zvqe3eQ7CKvtm5XY96ANa757R22sG30G_3NOFi7625t4K5k071zrMYpAEBgFWNNWhoCu6qaz3A/s1280/International%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBjqoZumxnu0LeMKo4v7CaXiVzi8iQsJgjfWa2RJRMNMgD3E4nPTtCTYIlOlEQDBPTn-rHpX0hJWl_pgGLRvkTJw7wggH7qm30olP6rAhwSINVWe0Zvqe3eQ7CKvtm5XY96ANa757R22sG30G_3NOFi7625t4K5k071zrMYpAEBgFWNNWhoCu6qaz3A/w640-h326/International%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good trick is to glue the Hotchkiss on a piece<br />of plastic to make painting easier...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3s8yMSYFWDthQkwlw0XgCMwU_plE9REXq8iuMuK89K9mIjkqrAmz7nqk8xw4n1gXxrDl2VI9wzuTBcKLoWOLFKmb4zE3glPKQP9GFnre-iioFY7Y0X4dHBhNzUtOXXt379KOZRgQpkR94ue7chPbrqUXHqYXqqUaN1_ZNDqU5sUlllZzCDGggomtLg/s1280/International%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3s8yMSYFWDthQkwlw0XgCMwU_plE9REXq8iuMuK89K9mIjkqrAmz7nqk8xw4n1gXxrDl2VI9wzuTBcKLoWOLFKmb4zE3glPKQP9GFnre-iioFY7Y0X4dHBhNzUtOXXt379KOZRgQpkR94ue7chPbrqUXHqYXqqUaN1_ZNDqU5sUlllZzCDGggomtLg/w640-h388/International%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And after more weathering details, we can call this girl ready for work. Meet CITY OF BRADFORD VII, a heavy Mk VIII Liberty tank, built by the British at North British Locomotive Company, in performance tests around Bovington in Dorset, in early 1919.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLc4Hlcav1YVMof5vbsyvMrH-FmAGrU5JpEQNcPT7HHvSljC7CpuHfrlFEYkzpADYdj-S4A3lH8jiiMram5QiNNxNhJQLbgCmzcnEnuANT12rDB0zhb_glNDnMnPcIFtlCb4RswWzsX4ZURyCx2B12nEORRsRvwr77Gq0VKYVXl6hLGujkLtUHVcxZrg/s1278/International%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1278" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLc4Hlcav1YVMof5vbsyvMrH-FmAGrU5JpEQNcPT7HHvSljC7CpuHfrlFEYkzpADYdj-S4A3lH8jiiMram5QiNNxNhJQLbgCmzcnEnuANT12rDB0zhb_glNDnMnPcIFtlCb4RswWzsX4ZURyCx2B12nEORRsRvwr77Gq0VKYVXl6hLGujkLtUHVcxZrg/w640-h358/International%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br /> Bovington in Dorset, England - early 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqDkg5Ciq2BwuMAgB-LieyZ3gRWCSnStJcqEZuE5L9g45ZaY70xhor9qAWpNXgiD8gYADOXO4mx_zUF_Rh6n85_k-TRXNql2KYhkvY6zjmBicvz894W9jycjUvg4ewfaIYjbwvfMbSJGbfslxCWfhOMC1Sb1g2DoymypFfXyUWW4CChCJ1RSq1EYuXA/s1280/International%20079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1280" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqDkg5Ciq2BwuMAgB-LieyZ3gRWCSnStJcqEZuE5L9g45ZaY70xhor9qAWpNXgiD8gYADOXO4mx_zUF_Rh6n85_k-TRXNql2KYhkvY6zjmBicvz894W9jycjUvg4ewfaIYjbwvfMbSJGbfslxCWfhOMC1Sb1g2DoymypFfXyUWW4CChCJ1RSq1EYuXA/w640-h311/International%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />left front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTGqAcvJW0a0o7KWt-AqTedzqG5q3tHTtgJFKXP-FMK6dbyOTbkoM4AebrRVLiyfzXgwY_nYU4EMJZa-IFhdUxKiFhi02cbBNmebteHd0k5R7SHiHIBB8W5p7q8vEuuyAX6GYYAJGw24RFmJycynpgHekol3FpZzv5t1OFuQ8CIIwgRphzceLejeISA/s1280/International%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTGqAcvJW0a0o7KWt-AqTedzqG5q3tHTtgJFKXP-FMK6dbyOTbkoM4AebrRVLiyfzXgwY_nYU4EMJZa-IFhdUxKiFhi02cbBNmebteHd0k5R7SHiHIBB8W5p7q8vEuuyAX6GYYAJGw24RFmJycynpgHekol3FpZzv5t1OFuQ8CIIwgRphzceLejeISA/w640-h404/International%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />left front top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG0lh_P675so6hLsqNZKcdPGt5gTR75zYiFGnhbia4S1bBLnitl-zsSiWQfLTQ8_i8AzJPc1Ph35YrpJEzgWkf8Ye5ICBW9PaYnsfTpotrP3Go4wD96brn0nZ776pKYD1_40otW_Nle6VOnPdytNOz7yP8nRh71AfGWydWatgazwxSS-kEcHZXjEQVA/s1280/International%20081.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1280" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmG0lh_P675so6hLsqNZKcdPGt5gTR75zYiFGnhbia4S1bBLnitl-zsSiWQfLTQ8_i8AzJPc1Ph35YrpJEzgWkf8Ye5ICBW9PaYnsfTpotrP3Go4wD96brn0nZ776pKYD1_40otW_Nle6VOnPdytNOz7yP8nRh71AfGWydWatgazwxSS-kEcHZXjEQVA/w640-h276/International%20081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvFVfLW9bD4mWPShjzKSpV5td5m64ptUtL1_KbuEgjCYdoBoZFe6iDJAc9p6IVoEYK_4NybjSQjkm7NJFBqPrGJm6jqQ2cu6D0DUvHKDI-UN3pcFz7uFWjJTjkHHozyzncLN_Lui-Xm1mDIt54Qu41kzV3Y6SjIYdI6u7IXVBRkSYSfWmkQyDNfU3SA/s1280/International%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvFVfLW9bD4mWPShjzKSpV5td5m64ptUtL1_KbuEgjCYdoBoZFe6iDJAc9p6IVoEYK_4NybjSQjkm7NJFBqPrGJm6jqQ2cu6D0DUvHKDI-UN3pcFz7uFWjJTjkHHozyzncLN_Lui-Xm1mDIt54Qu41kzV3Y6SjIYdI6u7IXVBRkSYSfWmkQyDNfU3SA/w640-h318/International%20082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />left front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrzVmBOWulXLOHT5BpG6F2SwQn18X8OfvJbPEWnlmqPocHk2Y6hKkdTCQisWz4phFpw7jnQweOfXkkdcmHxKS_rQDL_JF4YozIZMLk2CDnNSDUWOm-0omlxAri3YFauRQyiT4IF2ehmKSUMtQ0gsCfbsV44YQG4ROyttR17eeoRm3jDWOeOqOVVtemQ/s1280/International%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="1280" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCrzVmBOWulXLOHT5BpG6F2SwQn18X8OfvJbPEWnlmqPocHk2Y6hKkdTCQisWz4phFpw7jnQweOfXkkdcmHxKS_rQDL_JF4YozIZMLk2CDnNSDUWOm-0omlxAri3YFauRQyiT4IF2ehmKSUMtQ0gsCfbsV44YQG4ROyttR17eeoRm3jDWOeOqOVVtemQ/w640-h278/International%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />left top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjBYwtoIR4BYGWwObtDMQURpQOnrdO1pYjDDdlXNGF9wWcX88Vj0c8XqJ0JZ2xqsVLu8IdP6S2P6go9toyy_kbUl-y0ROanXq1cxzDSOBmLl2ZKLRP38M8PjfEvZSGtXuGqlzNv5bFB-JqMrHLVUZiYFKsyRpUi0ucuxPLksgl_s3QVOzzakJX_A9sg/s1280/International%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjBYwtoIR4BYGWwObtDMQURpQOnrdO1pYjDDdlXNGF9wWcX88Vj0c8XqJ0JZ2xqsVLu8IdP6S2P6go9toyy_kbUl-y0ROanXq1cxzDSOBmLl2ZKLRP38M8PjfEvZSGtXuGqlzNv5bFB-JqMrHLVUZiYFKsyRpUi0ucuxPLksgl_s3QVOzzakJX_A9sg/w640-h346/International%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />left rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpj-08vqHu8rPnMPr1kCPoniS7lGz3qzbqlT3D_NyhgfkIhbBuQTRZ9YvBB_H28QBEK34RQ1kBmo_W9bam-TovkUGBqQncUPojjxaU7vJgpcMWsuulwqRUleac9S7htamIiGVaTeF1dP2cLCOJuQyt4m77AbsCIdBZuxZLKKdaZy784eqou-HDmk4bg/s1280/International%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpj-08vqHu8rPnMPr1kCPoniS7lGz3qzbqlT3D_NyhgfkIhbBuQTRZ9YvBB_H28QBEK34RQ1kBmo_W9bam-TovkUGBqQncUPojjxaU7vJgpcMWsuulwqRUleac9S7htamIiGVaTeF1dP2cLCOJuQyt4m77AbsCIdBZuxZLKKdaZy784eqou-HDmk4bg/w640-h404/International%20085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />right rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1awT7-VKspvEDTloziTvAu0JC80zZBhYgzxBotB3dAjErIsUsKU2eB0m2aN0jDUJweCSTkp3nuJoQ6yS0ExGJ-wqyIo6XMssYhFitRgRGbfaechDnHZjyx8IZBV6KPNZ1OegZCj2W8eVBSUG0JL0Unf64zqugrqvaVB9cZv9Dbj-YKSgeiAV4IhZsyQ/s1280/International%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="1280" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1awT7-VKspvEDTloziTvAu0JC80zZBhYgzxBotB3dAjErIsUsKU2eB0m2aN0jDUJweCSTkp3nuJoQ6yS0ExGJ-wqyIo6XMssYhFitRgRGbfaechDnHZjyx8IZBV6KPNZ1OegZCj2W8eVBSUG0JL0Unf64zqugrqvaVB9cZv9Dbj-YKSgeiAV4IhZsyQ/w640-h244/International%20086.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgtLFaGJyffXzE6XI59npn-seVMPhCJQNtU1n5sLC242xxQH3Dhpbi0IBq50MzAPEdvBGFUtWduaYfNsBH03eQ-4-Dqslf3iE5X2D39r-ieoZaOHY0eLS5aZ1fA-NlG2Gufc8z3u3H6aDdfedYnpep661W3JHrNtQY172r0XLTmj_1JRmZDcs0UEz9w/s3576/International%20088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1587" data-original-width="3576" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgtLFaGJyffXzE6XI59npn-seVMPhCJQNtU1n5sLC242xxQH3Dhpbi0IBq50MzAPEdvBGFUtWduaYfNsBH03eQ-4-Dqslf3iE5X2D39r-ieoZaOHY0eLS5aZ1fA-NlG2Gufc8z3u3H6aDdfedYnpep661W3JHrNtQY172r0XLTmj_1JRmZDcs0UEz9w/w640-h284/International%20088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />with Kojak</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVCGcauCI929roBGzrr1cEFQ4MK0ozBmXr1ljrPFl7Om7UIPfD61Yt2-7235Xk2h-EL0q8wpDMUPHQBK0khd9RU29W4OJPLiNuavQEhux92GBjFySVSO7rwdBGfFktMS-jg9ep-ejcmLtBbjzYCphOoqv0IV4hXoEbdAWRHCFrKvD66JsdfkbVwzokw/s1280/International%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVCGcauCI929roBGzrr1cEFQ4MK0ozBmXr1ljrPFl7Om7UIPfD61Yt2-7235Xk2h-EL0q8wpDMUPHQBK0khd9RU29W4OJPLiNuavQEhux92GBjFySVSO7rwdBGfFktMS-jg9ep-ejcmLtBbjzYCphOoqv0IV4hXoEbdAWRHCFrKvD66JsdfkbVwzokw/w640-h362/International%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br />right front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGMNO6JSVsC6zQGmV8ppM324EvOOpvPUxdTRG36Z6u0Of2-d8AAOwTZODHpVVE1fiMizHSUiNrdOtYBqRYrZIU78x6I3IAGv8YBY3vy9ZH76_EOoIg9Po-bI-BeW6zSFAU-5t5-ezXhg-yrmsND2Ey4cuHD3B3NifuCAJ4BvMZB4LBf3ZuBkDiW04Fw/s1280/International%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGMNO6JSVsC6zQGmV8ppM324EvOOpvPUxdTRG36Z6u0Of2-d8AAOwTZODHpVVE1fiMizHSUiNrdOtYBqRYrZIU78x6I3IAGv8YBY3vy9ZH76_EOoIg9Po-bI-BeW6zSFAU-5t5-ezXhg-yrmsND2Ey4cuHD3B3NifuCAJ4BvMZB4LBf3ZuBkDiW04Fw/w640-h368/International%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak is feeling powerful today...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79vBpMaFZC1boutW-BF5lxs9-Xjv44wR5QFknO2zwBGmUy75xnoA6tb63S50PIVOr3C6NOAAM2K_tFQ9R8WzEiZwloAn2-rLZtf88yUMYfr2F5OySXDPkamyYnMn1I5kpdRy1QL05vAsgLM4Jp29MfhL1atjueSB7Vl60bkHcjvystn8na_Yi-Qpwlw/s1280/International%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79vBpMaFZC1boutW-BF5lxs9-Xjv44wR5QFknO2zwBGmUy75xnoA6tb63S50PIVOr3C6NOAAM2K_tFQ9R8WzEiZwloAn2-rLZtf88yUMYfr2F5OySXDPkamyYnMn1I5kpdRy1QL05vAsgLM4Jp29MfhL1atjueSB7Vl60bkHcjvystn8na_Yi-Qpwlw/w640-h352/International%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a photo from the "Improbable Encounters" series,<br />the Mk VIII Liberty tank together with a<br /><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/M4A3E2%20%2875%29%20Jumbo%20-%20Assault%20tank" target="_blank">M4A3E2 (75) Jumbo assault tank,</a> for size comparison purposes</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WxX1u_16F20LYe3D8WKFc2rfKrHMasq-0nS2MD4V4vKU1FsDN9lgF5zZxXPYXbahNuat-SHF0J5Y9UrD-sDK9SzF0GlyqJ6GMjpjZ8LPmHoH6aL15NX6KHzY-FF6fdoHi5onY0wKRtcPVaGJa4q6ixiVhQUMvLgYnLGhyOLC8N-EzUf6jKsAOJNT7A/s1280/International%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WxX1u_16F20LYe3D8WKFc2rfKrHMasq-0nS2MD4V4vKU1FsDN9lgF5zZxXPYXbahNuat-SHF0J5Y9UrD-sDK9SzF0GlyqJ6GMjpjZ8LPmHoH6aL15NX6KHzY-FF6fdoHi5onY0wKRtcPVaGJa4q6ixiVhQUMvLgYnLGhyOLC8N-EzUf6jKsAOJNT7A/w640-h356/International%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VIII Liberty heavy tank </span>CITY OF BRADFORD VII <br /> Bovington in Dorset, England - early 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you for your visit!!!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZogM34pRv_AV0kX3q3vXh2mjnN_pBYdfWzC72-BzZF2h_efi1u3zgosBaVE1Pr-TMMEBrBcnXPCmKDW00nmZ-oluwIvaclL6jCzvhuMfFzLbgdnUxfJ6xTFGucDAACLul1naD9ZE2zaLSe1hZuxXXmoFVHcC8SwKxG2LgIhW7hOOkv3_iLdKd6x6xwQ/s1280/American%20liberty%20crew%20bye.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZogM34pRv_AV0kX3q3vXh2mjnN_pBYdfWzC72-BzZF2h_efi1u3zgosBaVE1Pr-TMMEBrBcnXPCmKDW00nmZ-oluwIvaclL6jCzvhuMfFzLbgdnUxfJ6xTFGucDAACLul1naD9ZE2zaLSe1hZuxXXmoFVHcC8SwKxG2LgIhW7hOOkv3_iLdKd6x6xwQ/w640-h360/American%20liberty%20crew%20bye.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-49620518722770622832023-02-02T14:21:00.039-03:002023-04-19T19:03:00.589-03:00Carro Armato Fiat 2000 - 1918 - Italian heavy tank - case report<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><i>Ferrea mole, ferreo cuore...</i></b></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div style="text-align: right;">"Iron mole, iron heart"... the famous motto of the italian tankers</div></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i> Amici Italiani!!!</i></b> Today we're going to talk about one of the largest armored vehicles ever designed and actually built. The vehicle in this article is the huge<i> </i><b><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b>, a forty-ton monster, which was built at the end of the First World War. A pioneer, a giant, a predecessor of our modern main battle tanks. <b><i>Avanti!!</i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2NFVu2p7Ux2b47Lswquhh6HDywSG4c0JN1PrgLXsSWuArC-fxNgBAhZK5yABFD_BMS5XN6wf5wYSNdHc06HRm9EbcSrzKV836sb8U8Z2aG35WJIZDO7Ux_GLFZFhAAtxb5ndLFZVX03ShDU6Eup0ZTgzGFbGh0n_xxQaglfU5OMWQIT08WylS79f-Q/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2NFVu2p7Ux2b47Lswquhh6HDywSG4c0JN1PrgLXsSWuArC-fxNgBAhZK5yABFD_BMS5XN6wf5wYSNdHc06HRm9EbcSrzKV836sb8U8Z2aG35WJIZDO7Ux_GLFZFhAAtxb5ndLFZVX03ShDU6Eup0ZTgzGFbGh0n_xxQaglfU5OMWQIT08WylS79f-Q/w640-h376/Fiat%202000%202022%20replica.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Carro Armato </i>Fiat 2000</b> - fully functional replica.<br />April - 2020</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN8XBQvf_d2QvnfJ6aMbQB0XUaPAC58yJkGEkpx0f5kXwsLe7XenyB6wetySK-XNeXW4umbDvxG5IYAwTs1-VfKlO8itdCYYT-tGLjcbLEWOotzQ_kkMbW3SbGZBopGcJVVh_awGxNLd_PuvBXjtjNeiULGOuWkbE5LDITCmnkcgy1BgVBU01xQiSpw/s1024/Fiat%202000%20Prototype%20No.2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1024" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixN8XBQvf_d2QvnfJ6aMbQB0XUaPAC58yJkGEkpx0f5kXwsLe7XenyB6wetySK-XNeXW4umbDvxG5IYAwTs1-VfKlO8itdCYYT-tGLjcbLEWOotzQ_kkMbW3SbGZBopGcJVVh_awGxNLd_PuvBXjtjNeiULGOuWkbE5LDITCmnkcgy1BgVBU01xQiSpw/w640-h410/Fiat%202000%20Prototype%20No.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Carro Armato </i><b>Fiat 2000</b><br />Prototype no.2 - 1918</td></tr></tbody></table></b><p></p><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Fiat 2000 was an Italian heavy tank designed in 1916 by engineers <a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulio_Cesare_Cappa" target="_blank"><i><b>Giulio Cesare Cappa</b></i></a> and <b><i>Carlo Cavalli</i></b> and built in only two examples between 1917 and 1918 and never entered in serial production. It was one of the largest designs of its time. During World War I, Italy did not field any armoured units, due to a lack of tanks. The only solution at the time was to begin production of original designs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnhsaIDs9Zc-4r3NGyxEwGl34iH5J6AVPaGRcIzQrbMeQHODi0oHHIjwY1Xg7obvC1cJjG0dPwGgpMjSYbwgBPIDQv8M9LNTWhM8-FGRIulJU8w0EWSnIUOmUNjId7XmY2t8D9d-iY5B7q13Zvun3YN16UDSdwwJlD87bRGSjEoemMRdzNM7OYpDdEg/s1024/FIAT%20-%20Historic%20logos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnhsaIDs9Zc-4r3NGyxEwGl34iH5J6AVPaGRcIzQrbMeQHODi0oHHIjwY1Xg7obvC1cJjG0dPwGgpMjSYbwgBPIDQv8M9LNTWhM8-FGRIulJU8w0EWSnIUOmUNjId7XmY2t8D9d-iY5B7q13Zvun3YN16UDSdwwJlD87bRGSjEoemMRdzNM7OYpDdEg/w640-h240/FIAT%20-%20Historic%20logos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The order to design and produce the first Italian tanks was accepted by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIAT">FIAT</a> automobile company in 1916. The prototype of the new tank was displayed to a military commission on 21 June 1917; its mechanical systems were complete but its superstructure was added later, being represented on the prototype by a wooden mockup with a conical open turret and dummy gun. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1KAMQRPbQfDYL73rR95Gm-7XzcPtSGoUIVzg3spZu5jV5rZJsuJCd5o8rJ0nli0AwZCvlioycmJs3GFzolcTyyV9TACADc0puBzfSnpJDuA-YcbkzVM2lNzdiC5-zBBu7oS9txuejYT5EYOM4Jdqt0Cb5CJHKhzxq_2iFjqQWguZ0w5k8ZJ9qdbOzw/s1024/Fiat%202000%20Prototype%20No.1%20chassis%20during%20trials%20during%201917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1KAMQRPbQfDYL73rR95Gm-7XzcPtSGoUIVzg3spZu5jV5rZJsuJCd5o8rJ0nli0AwZCvlioycmJs3GFzolcTyyV9TACADc0puBzfSnpJDuA-YcbkzVM2lNzdiC5-zBBu7oS9txuejYT5EYOM4Jdqt0Cb5CJHKhzxq_2iFjqQWguZ0w5k8ZJ9qdbOzw/w640-h496/Fiat%202000%20Prototype%20No.1%20chassis%20during%20trials%20during%201917.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the chassis, suspension and drive train<br />of the first version of the Fiat 2000 prototype<br />mid 1917</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The final configuration of the superstructure was not completed until 1918, when it was subjected to intense field tests, for evaluation by the military.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlJu4z6VyZ2Suc33oJELOzWXvGhVdrKKZdxeXTc_HCS9HwgOSP0rctwU37_tTgh5Q9vWuriY5G_HgPVoGpQEbHZ0EtMhRgSIpzksxi-n5oHKY2Mjyy_9ysK_Hr0V2mLUK34zi4G5gEzTNrf51Lw46_xKJzJZ5L0Dk41ZbjknMH7NexWSNGw2ESF4dAg/s997/Prototype%20Fiat%202000%20No.1%20seen%20during%20trials%20late%201917%20to%20early%201918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="997" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlJu4z6VyZ2Suc33oJELOzWXvGhVdrKKZdxeXTc_HCS9HwgOSP0rctwU37_tTgh5Q9vWuriY5G_HgPVoGpQEbHZ0EtMhRgSIpzksxi-n5oHKY2Mjyy_9ysK_Hr0V2mLUK34zi4G5gEzTNrf51Lw46_xKJzJZ5L0Dk41ZbjknMH7NexWSNGw2ESF4dAg/w640-h410/Prototype%20Fiat%202000%20No.1%20seen%20during%20trials%20late%201917%20to%20early%201918.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First version of the Fiat 2000 prototype seen going down a hill, during trials <br />late 1917.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh543RyA0xllCCIw2fqm7rGLvDYzrSNgRMFy0M1ek-SBOFNwI9MZWWwqIYTC_xmUBrEmsp2Lq4EbrOF1dTgeAWUBeWNjdZKeYd5h4ASEEd7cKTOpmBbgxvHQfUzVPXXx2Q8n30sONfEtQ50KeVYlRQGAwib9mYXY1KBDi1Jx0EtgeAokwgpaaAiARWQAA/s1280/Prototype%20Fiat%202000%20No.1%20seen%20during%20trials%20late%201917%20to%20early%201918b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh543RyA0xllCCIw2fqm7rGLvDYzrSNgRMFy0M1ek-SBOFNwI9MZWWwqIYTC_xmUBrEmsp2Lq4EbrOF1dTgeAWUBeWNjdZKeYd5h4ASEEd7cKTOpmBbgxvHQfUzVPXXx2Q8n30sONfEtQ50KeVYlRQGAwib9mYXY1KBDi1Jx0EtgeAokwgpaaAiARWQAA/w640-h352/Prototype%20Fiat%202000%20No.1%20seen%20during%20trials%20late%201917%20to%20early%201918b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First version of the Fiat 2000 prototype, under maintenance, during trials<br />late 1917.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhCMg3vXT7NDmjQtaZzVtOBf89S1fROll4gafq2BI6tmoXurto8MXPCVKRP7T3Lfu-OVc-DlStu7-HZuNdghSN6jvhNawxPy8YkBu_JbWdojphmmtb_HK6WZ01MmHxKAGI7Rhofg6x0q6IMOCGNHGMqqfPdmSNV8N2UeN0MKkjIp3ZpPptJEETBW7tw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20x%20trees.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhCMg3vXT7NDmjQtaZzVtOBf89S1fROll4gafq2BI6tmoXurto8MXPCVKRP7T3Lfu-OVc-DlStu7-HZuNdghSN6jvhNawxPy8YkBu_JbWdojphmmtb_HK6WZ01MmHxKAGI7Rhofg6x0q6IMOCGNHGMqqfPdmSNV8N2UeN0MKkjIp3ZpPptJEETBW7tw/w640-h434/Fiat%202000%20x%20trees.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No field test is complete without at least a few poor trees<br />being ripped to shreds... Here we see the first version<br />of the Fiat 2000 prototype tank using its strength and weight to do just that...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> See below this excerpt from an <a href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/" target="_blank">IWM</a> newsreel about field testing of the f<span style="text-align: center;">irst version of the Fiat 2000</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">prototype</span>:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IPlaXyNkCrM" width="320" youtube-src-id="IPlaXyNkCrM"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Description:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Fiat 2000 was a substantial vehicle, of comparable dimensions to the British <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_I_(tank)#Mark_V_series">Mark V</a> tanks, and weighing 40 tons as compared to the Mark V's 28 tons.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKx_JqBn73dst7s5477uRe4cu_EbkqX1zrT1GcN2uj-HlqMMnBvvUvA4i_dVvC4IkzIrI9ZJy3ap8Zn-TJtMLukMRyk9j1XgMWaExbEoxLNBd_Y_LiGYu0kuiZM9HT8q-VMhl3hRP_XBYqiRLeHZGNtwG78iF3UIjoweq9fzuauwle9ejTP1odkUOLQ/s1280/British%20Mark%20V%20tank%20cutaway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaKx_JqBn73dst7s5477uRe4cu_EbkqX1zrT1GcN2uj-HlqMMnBvvUvA4i_dVvC4IkzIrI9ZJy3ap8Zn-TJtMLukMRyk9j1XgMWaExbEoxLNBd_Y_LiGYu0kuiZM9HT8q-VMhl3hRP_XBYqiRLeHZGNtwG78iF3UIjoweq9fzuauwle9ejTP1odkUOLQ/w640-h414/British%20Mark%20V%20tank%20cutaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mark V Male tank cutaway</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The driver was seated at the front, with very good overall vision consisting of a large port forward and small lateral loopholes. The gunners were distributed by the hull and turrets of the vehicle, handling their weapons. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1FJVRw65zxysnntoeaxfAcpk-T_XYkmBaDoduGFIzQBup6ICwxoD01azOzsbkLz57F4iNrua-6ibxTrMbDrEVWLP8dS3UwDbXQieCbrFLngReBVzYeQLqCUetPecLy_tBrcAxtr-aoizsZS_23wK6ghXcSHm3zbzMsTOvezc828WK3tlKuPURjDz2A/s1025/Fiat%202000%20crew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1025" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1FJVRw65zxysnntoeaxfAcpk-T_XYkmBaDoduGFIzQBup6ICwxoD01azOzsbkLz57F4iNrua-6ibxTrMbDrEVWLP8dS3UwDbXQieCbrFLngReBVzYeQLqCUetPecLy_tBrcAxtr-aoizsZS_23wK6ghXcSHm3zbzMsTOvezc828WK3tlKuPURjDz2A/w640-h358/Fiat%202000%20crew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 - crew stations<br />Notice the in the mechanical lay-out of the vehicle.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_K3s4rfNjTTfONbJNGJZAoCtDttg1s_OruIKJcJn_9J8z7j5dOV6qMjRAF8Z1ifKJHz6HVbJJ_hBJV8bDr3pk-KKYLEG439ioo2FzICEkZqtcFae4RBHSpNc7Uxn03iWBbojWzRwH20Z6fD8_Dmgx8uLNKlBUxspMPeBU49A-7AE9NVhWMUH5sRD9w/s1280/Fiat%202000%203-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_K3s4rfNjTTfONbJNGJZAoCtDttg1s_OruIKJcJn_9J8z7j5dOV6qMjRAF8Z1ifKJHz6HVbJJ_hBJV8bDr3pk-KKYLEG439ioo2FzICEkZqtcFae4RBHSpNc7Uxn03iWBbojWzRwH20Z6fD8_Dmgx8uLNKlBUxspMPeBU49A-7AE9NVhWMUH5sRD9w/w640-h470/Fiat%202000%203-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 nº1 - 3/4 front right view<br />Italy, 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dimtjTS08NWtoys0oVudgKiheNW1_Q4xPW7J6UjW6FazAm9NVLlKRAwKe5k2PGz8KlO02rJr8bCHPipy1gwkdm5k3OSyH7IFM4LUDteydOLhrnBTNS01r9qlm29guEhuEIwZu_GgjxcdXEw1N9E5j3GkCxZCzLFrzB5TxIrn6DagkduUW9u4Ccn23g/s1024/Fiat%202000%20Prototype%20No.2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1024" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dimtjTS08NWtoys0oVudgKiheNW1_Q4xPW7J6UjW6FazAm9NVLlKRAwKe5k2PGz8KlO02rJr8bCHPipy1gwkdm5k3OSyH7IFM4LUDteydOLhrnBTNS01r9qlm29guEhuEIwZu_GgjxcdXEw1N9E5j3GkCxZCzLFrzB5TxIrn6DagkduUW9u4Ccn23g/w640-h410/Fiat%202000%20Prototype%20No.2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 nº2 - 3/4 front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSjbPX5yrc3qDIIMBM_p-LrtY1JmNqZeMTspmqQEDL1p0XSlxsLGoU6CFnz3Oxs6zDO8clgN3zbtrm1-6tvIuveyaypF4DJF8MeGOR4g5LR3wZlq2uYN-_9Q_I3txs-eOPSCIXRkmkSZaqMoJb22SVEdnQprYnJKMEdxTnJTof4GCFJSvaPI421YWHA/s1024/fiat_2000_rear%20view%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1024" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSjbPX5yrc3qDIIMBM_p-LrtY1JmNqZeMTspmqQEDL1p0XSlxsLGoU6CFnz3Oxs6zDO8clgN3zbtrm1-6tvIuveyaypF4DJF8MeGOR4g5LR3wZlq2uYN-_9Q_I3txs-eOPSCIXRkmkSZaqMoJb22SVEdnQprYnJKMEdxTnJTof4GCFJSvaPI421YWHA/w640-h418/fiat_2000_rear%20view%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 - 3/4 rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The layout of the Fiat 2000 differed to the other tanks then in use, especially the British ones. The engine was separated from the crew; not placed behind the crew compartment as modern tanks, but below it. This was extremely innovative for the time, which generated greater safety for the crew (away from the main fuel lines and exhaust gases), in addition to the comfort generated by thermal and acoustic insulation allowing better performance by tankers in their work.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxYZFs5Ayz2J3PS-ESOmgkctwNykBZMevbrtpuPOJ2H0EMtcRAENIlgFbqg60ZHGuhse6QqPi96Ic3dGSu-0ZzBu456FoimrSKMomFyJaXMN4fjFphrvuKDq33ddSUhIHL48Z2Mv_2lNNACXvVmgDOTKWtnIOBTV0MevT1KWmkS6vYiucEZx7qnOK-Q/s1025/Fiat%202000%20crew%20compartment.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1025" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxYZFs5Ayz2J3PS-ESOmgkctwNykBZMevbrtpuPOJ2H0EMtcRAENIlgFbqg60ZHGuhse6QqPi96Ic3dGSu-0ZzBu456FoimrSKMomFyJaXMN4fjFphrvuKDq33ddSUhIHL48Z2Mv_2lNNACXvVmgDOTKWtnIOBTV0MevT1KWmkS6vYiucEZx7qnOK-Q/w640-h358/Fiat%202000%20crew%20compartment.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew compartment was separated from the<br />mechanical components (hatched red line)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The mechanical layout was also interesting and innovative, comprising a huge <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_A.12" target="_blank">FIAT Aviazione A12, water-cooled engine</a> (21.200 cm³ , with 6 cylinders in line, generating 250 hp @ 1.400rpm) driving the tracks through a transverse transmission, and final transmission by chain. The fuel capacity was 600 liters, but this gave only 75 km range on paved roads.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIA2q7UbSXyMsy024KY7sGFcVe9whieA0uLX0iHVrpYIUTo1cfAzbSrmixtDfUGlSLk9tDYntuEwNmMOTBZfF-hfNxHbMzWDWVuYPhhjt6UmHJRRZysXCirezLUEDl2XIxvVvAakO_XOf4iKZB-LgE4AjZWidQPto-FlPr7hM0d_zLFLzAK6OoR4fNA/s1280/FIAT%20A.12%20at%20Research%20&%20Development%20Gallery,%20National%20Museum%20of%20the%20United%20States%20Air%20Force.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIA2q7UbSXyMsy024KY7sGFcVe9whieA0uLX0iHVrpYIUTo1cfAzbSrmixtDfUGlSLk9tDYntuEwNmMOTBZfF-hfNxHbMzWDWVuYPhhjt6UmHJRRZysXCirezLUEDl2XIxvVvAakO_XOf4iKZB-LgE4AjZWidQPto-FlPr7hM0d_zLFLzAK6OoR4fNA/w640-h472/FIAT%20A.12%20at%20Research%20&%20Development%20Gallery,%20National%20Museum%20of%20the%20United%20States%20Air%20Force.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIAT A.12 engine<br />Research & Development Gallery<br />National Museum of the United States Air Force</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tracks were longer than the hull, but were lower in comparison to the wrap-around type found on the British rhomboidal tanks and thus lower in weight. The armour was of clean design, being made of riveted steel plates. It was 15 mm thick on the sides and 20 mm on the front.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Armament originally consisted of the turret mounted gun and ten machine guns (three on each side and four in front - see the pics of the first version of the prototype, at the beginning of this article), but this left the rear of the tank undefended and tended to contaminate the interior with propellant fumes. So it was decided to install a ventilator in the rear roof and alter the machine gun positions to two on each side, one of the midle of the rear and four in the corners of the hull, in the definitive version of the tank.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XLqHIiDLIZXLSawpzEt-WjceJzAMhduh-wvN-JQYr_lIBd4vYnACZB8ARPGvCPMSM5gqR2ljteS1HL1l-BPT6xuWgvHItcWD2tm0sghiQpprUTpnehKOEefQVwzmkaIrDe3gtL2b9ocFEL46OXGiTYlllC3c69tQFxJ3oICpaSSqB3EPsDm01aYRzA/s1280/Carro%20Armato%20Fiat%202000%20weapons.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XLqHIiDLIZXLSawpzEt-WjceJzAMhduh-wvN-JQYr_lIBd4vYnACZB8ARPGvCPMSM5gqR2ljteS1HL1l-BPT6xuWgvHItcWD2tm0sghiQpprUTpnehKOEefQVwzmkaIrDe3gtL2b9ocFEL46OXGiTYlllC3c69tQFxJ3oICpaSSqB3EPsDm01aYRzA/w640-h512/Carro%20Armato%20Fiat%202000%20weapons.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Perhaps the most interesting feature of the tank's weaponry was the turret. apart from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_FT">Renault FT</a>, this was the first tank to have a rotating turret mounted above the hull. The turret was made of four curved pieces rivetted together and had room enough for two crew members. Its weapon was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/65/17_howitzer">65/17 howitzer</a> (of 65mm caliber with a barrel 17 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliber_(artillery)">calibers</a> long). Thanks to the tall turret and the space available beneath it, the gun's elevation was -10/+75°.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_srP9FdfdQEam_d9ZvBrDlXNh0njouXsyY_WGcdi5boo02KkupaTkwaoazcewrYVOXG9JMZD2h6anMU87A0EDpilUzg1rW-hhjLjsCBfQpeZhowFT7Ud_Q9BaOcyrfG6KjXLC9g17JTch3m3VvOF626rehYjT-jmYbHQ2uWWB-QOHR2bShvg1qtAYnA/s1280/Monte%20Padon%20-%20Italian%2065-17%20modello%2013%20mountain%20howitzer%20firing%20at%20Austrian%20positions%20on%20the%20Sass%20di%20Mezdi%20WWI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_srP9FdfdQEam_d9ZvBrDlXNh0njouXsyY_WGcdi5boo02KkupaTkwaoazcewrYVOXG9JMZD2h6anMU87A0EDpilUzg1rW-hhjLjsCBfQpeZhowFT7Ud_Q9BaOcyrfG6KjXLC9g17JTch3m3VvOF626rehYjT-jmYbHQ2uWWB-QOHR2bShvg1qtAYnA/w640-h358/Monte%20Padon%20-%20Italian%2065-17%20modello%2013%20mountain%20howitzer%20firing%20at%20Austrian%20positions%20on%20the%20Sass%20di%20Mezdi%20WWI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Cannone 65/17 modello 13</i></b> mountain howitzer<br />firing at Austrian positions on the Sass di Mezdi - Monte Padon<br />World War I - Italian Army</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat%E2%80%93Revelli_Modello_1914" target="_blank">6.5 mm Fiat-Revelli machine guns Mod. 1914</a> (seven in total) had 50º drift to each side, giving a total firing angle of 100º. Elevation was 20º and depression was -5º.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nv0n2lqYDKVX2t_9cjqTzLRELNxqkfOAVEwiHddZmlOeSzJDdtACCGKc9mLZyf8BWPn2LypxUnOrR47nV8qag_hSXah3d8dB4AViCS5PdcSd7_kvvLVe4F4jdbmEzSgdoaVMJcMXi6EZCBabmckvfFjYET4cq7QRgbATda6CGyGAgrD4Fez8z73_tw/s1280/Fiat%E2%80%93Revelli%20Modello%201914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Nv0n2lqYDKVX2t_9cjqTzLRELNxqkfOAVEwiHddZmlOeSzJDdtACCGKc9mLZyf8BWPn2LypxUnOrR47nV8qag_hSXah3d8dB4AViCS5PdcSd7_kvvLVe4F4jdbmEzSgdoaVMJcMXi6EZCBabmckvfFjYET4cq7QRgbATda6CGyGAgrD4Fez8z73_tw/w640-h454/Fiat%E2%80%93Revelli%20Modello%201914.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat%E2%80%93Revelli_Modello_1914" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">6.5 mm Fiat-Revelli water-cooled machine gun Mod. 1914</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Operation:</b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"> This tank was often called "the heaviest World War I tank" but this is not strictly accurate, since the Fiat 2000 never actually saw combat in World War I. Also, the modest order for 50 tanks was never completed, the only tanks produced being two prototypes. But at difference of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-Wagen">K-Wagen</a>, was built and so is the heaviest tank of World War I era.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4On5X0J3Jf704JvUlncqPjGBT7OhzOSkN_Fd1qCV8wK52EpPj4OJKXUYPk_MWcaYiDcoy5eP3jhMjKJTCTvYX450MxFUSTFiUAq2xN8a4qC01X6UcRCBwX2vBP6emUc2o-Jpth_eC6RfGl_CknKLek3pvpQ6Y1cjJ8ZVm2dEDeSN8GhaX0iHpnhdQmg/s1280/K-Wagen.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4On5X0J3Jf704JvUlncqPjGBT7OhzOSkN_Fd1qCV8wK52EpPj4OJKXUYPk_MWcaYiDcoy5eP3jhMjKJTCTvYX450MxFUSTFiUAq2xN8a4qC01X6UcRCBwX2vBP6emUc2o-Jpth_eC6RfGl_CknKLek3pvpQ6Y1cjJ8ZVm2dEDeSN8GhaX0iHpnhdQmg/w640-h376/K-Wagen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcokvRksnrk4ctTaIEHDnuzMbSecAnQvbkCv8iGXYvYvW2PAmRibpBNlmy9tk8yBVThJBYCUyiv2pi5SqiW7tuoN9qB5pfHD0YGQ0-YrXtwvbg6-ykuxf10nsou5DTN5ANCHMC2S3rLkaUXcbOPBAdp9JEMmwMMkkehBed6SzKrjo08-FBtx0NB5zHA/s1197/size%20comp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1197" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcokvRksnrk4ctTaIEHDnuzMbSecAnQvbkCv8iGXYvYvW2PAmRibpBNlmy9tk8yBVThJBYCUyiv2pi5SqiW7tuoN9qB5pfHD0YGQ0-YrXtwvbg6-ykuxf10nsou5DTN5ANCHMC2S3rLkaUXcbOPBAdp9JEMmwMMkkehBed6SzKrjo08-FBtx0NB5zHA/w640-h286/size%20comp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison of dimensions between tanks...<br />Indeed, the Fiat 2000 was very big<br />Fort Tiburtino - Italy - 1927.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp8pxY7rKS2vW_Ab1cGJnpmBITw5FOqrlLU_0zfz5uS2VCey-9H5R2mIjzREwt_0TzF-jpzyAsIzKHU12GtH1y8ZwvvMeF2RLSYL_F42do9o8wGZaGT82SBwO1Hwfhwnb3B3ulw2JpP3E_57sJRhUQhR1iuLe9UHDDvaZ22_tPAgwrgIEdFClLnIUCw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20on%20trials.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp8pxY7rKS2vW_Ab1cGJnpmBITw5FOqrlLU_0zfz5uS2VCey-9H5R2mIjzREwt_0TzF-jpzyAsIzKHU12GtH1y8ZwvvMeF2RLSYL_F42do9o8wGZaGT82SBwO1Hwfhwnb3B3ulw2JpP3E_57sJRhUQhR1iuLe9UHDDvaZ22_tPAgwrgIEdFClLnIUCw/w640-h420/Fiat%202000%20on%20trials.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the two Fiat 2000 prototypes undergoing final tests,<br />before being incorporated into the <i><b><a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regio_Esercito" target="_blank">Regio Esercito</a></b></i>. <br />Notice that the machine guns are not installed...<br /> Italy - early 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the war, the Fiat 2000 was presented as one of the weapons used 'to defeat the enemy' and of the two completed prototypes, the number 1 was sent to<i><b><a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripolitania" target="_blank"> Tripolitania</a></b></i>, Libya to fight the guerrilla forces, together with other tanks bought from France, in a special unit, the 1st Autonomous Assault Tank Battery. (<i><b>1° Batteria autonoma carri d'assalto</b></i>).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZk4AQ2HMzG5UzuNH7BRGkh_Idt5dOBW3nf2fA2TedZmTAPuZ68TNG6z1kKxCcG6L67Cdqc_fuoD8VgduYrI3eE4M4mq4BFteaApkVJEzJzzssbvjI6scxpGVXLdjdyajhkAlNlFjWIh4UQiDzA4DwAa_arkuYW6hnYJaH3R6GQeLdy1ap84Iixyojg/s800/Fiat%202000%20no%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="800" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZk4AQ2HMzG5UzuNH7BRGkh_Idt5dOBW3nf2fA2TedZmTAPuZ68TNG6z1kKxCcG6L67Cdqc_fuoD8VgduYrI3eE4M4mq4BFteaApkVJEzJzzssbvjI6scxpGVXLdjdyajhkAlNlFjWIh4UQiDzA4DwAa_arkuYW6hnYJaH3R6GQeLdy1ap84Iixyojg/w640-h402/Fiat%202000%20no%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 nº 1, just arrived in Libya - 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_pZC1VnelNyuA9ljz1VEtv6CdiZijqeDoa2jffdfycRc4D_bwXQ8H6-GjTSHeiZXah7Yxit4lIUJ8I8sQVS1ZJf-lJum7bWE5XhTJ-IBLvY3zgTYr5WppnQuNqzb5fkWwr54E8tzfsVLqZsUB58EHMp4Pe0TQUjq6jw7ByQsLpt118sBzJ6CwgIijg/s1218/Fiat%202000%20on%20active%20service%20in%20Libya.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="1218" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_pZC1VnelNyuA9ljz1VEtv6CdiZijqeDoa2jffdfycRc4D_bwXQ8H6-GjTSHeiZXah7Yxit4lIUJ8I8sQVS1ZJf-lJum7bWE5XhTJ-IBLvY3zgTYr5WppnQuNqzb5fkWwr54E8tzfsVLqZsUB58EHMp4Pe0TQUjq6jw7ByQsLpt118sBzJ6CwgIijg/w640-h236/Fiat%202000%20on%20active%20service%20in%20Libya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 nº 1 - <i style="text-align: justify;">1° Batteria Autonoma Carri d'Assalto</i><br />Tripoli, Libya - 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libya">Libya</a>, the Fiat nº1 tank proved to be slow and clumsy, being practically useless to follow the fluidity of the type of combat it was exposed to, most of the fights were rapid movements (guerrilla tactics) of the Arab rebels in the Misrata area. Its operational employment was very short, and after a few months of use, it was abandoned on the African sands.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Despite the efforts, only those two Fiat 2000s were completed and production was permanently halted on November 4, 1918. It is known that at least one of the two tanks, prototype number 2, was taken to the Piave River in the spring of 1918 however there are no records of its wartime use</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Fiat 2000 nº2 returned to Italy and remained stored until the spring of 1919, where it performed before the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Emmanuel_III_of_Italy" target="_blank">King <i>Victor Emmanuel II</i></a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Emmanuel_III_of_Italy" target="_blank"><i>I di Savoia</i></a><b style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> </b>at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadio_Nazionale_PNF" target="_blank"><b><i>Stadio Nazionale del PNF</i> (</b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>National Stadium of the National Fascist Party)</b></span></a>, in Rome, in 02 April, 1919.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5HtqVdFVxX_-h4goGBCDCbAx79j6hdST7lWmiQWcgp4UjnWVyuptrUoEbmWofIv-YCh3Z-EqGJhUoLZH8ga3TbJtrcOFaU0x19ZY-hWjT8MmJkS7CfX1OtPUteYonH7uKwYQJGG_ogWw1xy06ruQt2gNbwykGSrregIlkDPQ6yAT_MiFVdDX_Z7Z7A/s1024/Fiat%202000%20No.2%20putting%20on%20a%20show%20for%20the%20crowd%20in%20Rome,%20April%201919.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5HtqVdFVxX_-h4goGBCDCbAx79j6hdST7lWmiQWcgp4UjnWVyuptrUoEbmWofIv-YCh3Z-EqGJhUoLZH8ga3TbJtrcOFaU0x19ZY-hWjT8MmJkS7CfX1OtPUteYonH7uKwYQJGG_ogWw1xy06ruQt2gNbwykGSrregIlkDPQ6yAT_MiFVdDX_Z7Z7A/w640-h386/Fiat%202000%20No.2%20putting%20on%20a%20show%20for%20the%20crowd%20in%20Rome,%20April%201919.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 No. 2 performing for the crowd in Rome<br /><b><i>Stadio Nazionale del PNF</i></b> - 02 April 1919</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUjMTXQsOWxslvoPQSyunpjUIrROIWpuFTj5PkgOeMFEWmgS33BZojK-iNjoZyrKBNqk5c092Zeh-17_CYEKi12n_lJbavlsJ_KFQTEkq02zjBlpcm3fyR1RtuUG28BEXTHCVND9Tw8pi7d8GOWCreCOyKUvq3a5x18VHTA3EgpZmsCeF7e7hlFsDgg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20No.2%20putting%20on%20a%20show%20for%20the%20crowd%20in%20Rome,%20April%201919a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUjMTXQsOWxslvoPQSyunpjUIrROIWpuFTj5PkgOeMFEWmgS33BZojK-iNjoZyrKBNqk5c092Zeh-17_CYEKi12n_lJbavlsJ_KFQTEkq02zjBlpcm3fyR1RtuUG28BEXTHCVND9Tw8pi7d8GOWCreCOyKUvq3a5x18VHTA3EgpZmsCeF7e7hlFsDgg/w640-h412/Fiat%202000%20No.2%20putting%20on%20a%20show%20for%20the%20crowd%20in%20Rome,%20April%201919a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fiat 2000 nº 2 knocking down an inner wall in the stadium<br /><i><a href="https://www.info.roma.it/monumenti_dettaglio.asp?ID_schede=10123" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Stadio Nazionale del PNF</a><b> <a href="https://www.info.roma.it/monumenti_dettaglio.asp?ID_schede=10123" target="_blank">(later Flaminio Stadium)</a></b></i> - Rome - 02 April 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank put on a convincing display: it climbed a 1.1 m wall, then faced another 3.5 m wall, which it knocked down with its weight. Then a trench of 3 m width was successfully crossed and several trees were knocked down. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LorM8f7TsIa8RJ3T2FHqok7iNxFmOZ3iBqR6-NHFJ-BHDIMhP8NU-YaCY2mychqHPMdaTjQsf5ipQdrLG_7u8pYLKjaYvLkDpO0_TRwjWUs9_vMjOq99Jmhzl9Fxewi7MtfGjsGw1rgf9FqhTt9iscgzj-LZUH6vJjBQI2rsa0_QpPBmse8f_SED9Q/s1024/fiat_2000_crossing%20trench.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1024" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LorM8f7TsIa8RJ3T2FHqok7iNxFmOZ3iBqR6-NHFJ-BHDIMhP8NU-YaCY2mychqHPMdaTjQsf5ipQdrLG_7u8pYLKjaYvLkDpO0_TRwjWUs9_vMjOq99Jmhzl9Fxewi7MtfGjsGw1rgf9FqhTt9iscgzj-LZUH6vJjBQI2rsa0_QpPBmse8f_SED9Q/w640-h444/fiat_2000_crossing%20trench.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fiat 2000 nº 2 crossing a specially constructed<br />trench inside the <b><i>Stadio Nazionale del PNF</i></b> - Rome - 02 April 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iOFm7ZV3TrZSWLmOaCiTZpluvw0G4kYfI-0YRZWMWyVS4pWt0-bTqQmvgVvpKb0Gm6WL2Pi6aDeWvNE3rDznS19EEfOuQSk-6glKhGR1o56V0J7EEwXlaLddx6HiK69F9Yso8PUwvs6Y5doTKDw-TApeXbAAsl4jIZiCwM8h6ocjqmCoUEKA_je1pg/s1024/fiat_2000_belly%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1024" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iOFm7ZV3TrZSWLmOaCiTZpluvw0G4kYfI-0YRZWMWyVS4pWt0-bTqQmvgVvpKb0Gm6WL2Pi6aDeWvNE3rDznS19EEfOuQSk-6glKhGR1o56V0J7EEwXlaLddx6HiK69F9Yso8PUwvs6Y5doTKDw-TApeXbAAsl4jIZiCwM8h6ocjqmCoUEKA_je1pg/w640-h444/fiat_2000_belly%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dramatic angle shot of the Fiat 2000 nº 2<br />overcoming an obstacle, at the Rome show - 02 April 1919</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqtClDNO-gs_qKbLLdQ3Va1MvY89z8F0TzfdhLBOPROHsyP2CFj6SRb3ZpOtETk214YYvu5nmS4IsI4vsLtWbSy4wbHje15WLthyGvwgm06aGtTNbufsfKapQCaCzzBum1MhlZFSVAfsnv50DUR9TRCtl_m2NG57BZ-XCqH_scwJkDeCWAcmf11MfeQ/s1280/Fiat%20at%20stadium%202-4-1919.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqtClDNO-gs_qKbLLdQ3Va1MvY89z8F0TzfdhLBOPROHsyP2CFj6SRb3ZpOtETk214YYvu5nmS4IsI4vsLtWbSy4wbHje15WLthyGvwgm06aGtTNbufsfKapQCaCzzBum1MhlZFSVAfsnv50DUR9TRCtl_m2NG57BZ-XCqH_scwJkDeCWAcmf11MfeQ/w640-h408/Fiat%20at%20stadium%202-4-1919.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fiat 2000 nº 2 knocking climbing a wall in the stadium<br /><b><i>Stadio Nazionale del PNF</i></b> - Rome - 02 April 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSqg2Odi4mWYHJXsG1JjNefTnq2Q8pZ2XtNxZJmYEE5avH0NoJ-r-BuWO6-CShReVyELHsqt-Pq5PGMtfXAmjHBM6Z_YvZS5kh6GqPTKhK4xIJQL1DiIhskTzJxJevB2xagP-6y8Q2MHd0stoQ-_tEzpUE1HILK9Y_TrWSAOwN9cozuRxxonHkIzEgg/s1280/Fiat%20at%20stadium%202-4-1919%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSqg2Odi4mWYHJXsG1JjNefTnq2Q8pZ2XtNxZJmYEE5avH0NoJ-r-BuWO6-CShReVyELHsqt-Pq5PGMtfXAmjHBM6Z_YvZS5kh6GqPTKhK4xIJQL1DiIhskTzJxJevB2xagP-6y8Q2MHd0stoQ-_tEzpUE1HILK9Y_TrWSAOwN9cozuRxxonHkIzEgg/w640-h422/Fiat%20at%20stadium%202-4-1919%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, the Fiat 2000 nº2 in performance ...<br /><b><i>Stadio Nazionale del PNF</i></b> - Rome - 02 April 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3WRbVSnpxYjfjLQfYRaYwbpwtqeVci_PH8LYyV0uUwdUVnS7RKjjhlHWQwW8_Z8mAbOLqOy95arTC0Tau9iUAzP2HhxkQFE-mV7G2aNX-aCpK3ijaUNEnRUVV-KC-wjABTv13zrW1BXrLjA-JnHQY8u4-H61r268HZRSwAZn7o0q_CbPwGiVman7xg/s1280/Fiat%20at%20stadium%202-4-1919%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3WRbVSnpxYjfjLQfYRaYwbpwtqeVci_PH8LYyV0uUwdUVnS7RKjjhlHWQwW8_Z8mAbOLqOy95arTC0Tau9iUAzP2HhxkQFE-mV7G2aNX-aCpK3ijaUNEnRUVV-KC-wjABTv13zrW1BXrLjA-JnHQY8u4-H61r268HZRSwAZn7o0q_CbPwGiVman7xg/w640-h438/Fiat%20at%20stadium%202-4-1919%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unstoppable Fiat 2000 in its performance for the King... <br />The crowd goes wild!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj1ePfAhd_h1RPBIN-4sQzqX0Rkan-_NTjYBFhwasPTlX03y1sOQsYlrhy11M7-pqDppPLBGO5vOIaVRgAKn5MRwFcncTuDiPBxRi9xkwGCkDjBQiXc7wGc7GeZ5jUyWR5M93mk_Kg81mwYIuH9lI3c2HlL-ivQSwaBZdG5NUEGK_31Az3Ew3U68-WQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20No.2,%20date%20unknown%20with%207%20men%20and%20an%20officer%20in%20front%20suggesting%20a%20crew%20of%208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1280" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj1ePfAhd_h1RPBIN-4sQzqX0Rkan-_NTjYBFhwasPTlX03y1sOQsYlrhy11M7-pqDppPLBGO5vOIaVRgAKn5MRwFcncTuDiPBxRi9xkwGCkDjBQiXc7wGc7GeZ5jUyWR5M93mk_Kg81mwYIuH9lI3c2HlL-ivQSwaBZdG5NUEGK_31Az3Ew3U68-WQ/w640-h508/Fiat%202000%20No.2,%20date%20unknown%20with%207%20men%20and%20an%20officer%20in%20front%20suggesting%20a%20crew%20of%208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the show, the Fiat 2000 nº 2 with his full crew in front of him.<br />One officer (commander) and seven soldiers.<br /><b><i>Stadio Nazionale del PNF</i></b> - Rome - 02 April 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoZ8OYfXFZZqmpzeFeAjbwIPFiHu97nwgTQf7kUuTLfoB-USAYkMjd2iuTxWPV4AiCTe7Z8s4GjqTigOyuj9e279bvfoR5NZpF8UB-LlquTO1RSqS7vOrOkCq_ufFIN3gnimHkuEzqeNTGiN_3H0_bn4EwefDATgkJQfV70Ey6T2iEiUqRy2Fp52-Dg/s1024/Fiat%202000%20rear%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1024" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUoZ8OYfXFZZqmpzeFeAjbwIPFiHu97nwgTQf7kUuTLfoB-USAYkMjd2iuTxWPV4AiCTe7Z8s4GjqTigOyuj9e279bvfoR5NZpF8UB-LlquTO1RSqS7vOrOkCq_ufFIN3gnimHkuEzqeNTGiN_3H0_bn4EwefDATgkJQfV70Ey6T2iEiUqRy2Fp52-Dg/w640-h436/Fiat%202000%20rear%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the show, the Fiat 2000 nº 2 with hiscrew in front of him.<br />rear view<br /><b><i>Stadio Nazionale del PNF</i></b> - Rome - 02 April 1919.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But this impressive performance failed to revive interest in the Military and due to its poor operating performance in Libya and the high cost of being manufactured, the plans for series production were abandoned, with the two vehicles built again being stocked.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The FIAT 2000 nº 2 at Rome was left in a depot for several years, until it was sent on the orders of Colonel Maltese to <i><b><a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_Tiburtina" target="_blank">Forte Tiburtina</a>, </b></i><span style="text-align: left;">where it caught fire during transport, being restored</span>. In 1934 it was seen again in a Campo Dux parade, having been repainted and even rearmed, with two <b><i>37 mm Vickers-Terni L/40 (37/40) semi-automatic guns</i></b>, built at the Terni plant in Italy (the same used by <i><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M11/39_tank" target="_blank">Carro Armato M11/39</a></b></i>) instead of the front corners machine guns.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnACDtgNN3GOvBel-U-lHO31qAKF3sEPSMCf9W0B3nLiFWR60v2WlLvrokEgTISWCpebcS1oBcpna9RKqZHFI7VicOI_7hhCkRi8LVx-AJS1Bb7CCpz7nJeLgpcm78TINSuK_tdg4EUnWI3wiOj2BWjf6DpEo7W8t27DpXscFeMFzKiuXHSM3ehgOFg/s1024/cannone%20da%2037-40.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="1024" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnACDtgNN3GOvBel-U-lHO31qAKF3sEPSMCf9W0B3nLiFWR60v2WlLvrokEgTISWCpebcS1oBcpna9RKqZHFI7VicOI_7hhCkRi8LVx-AJS1Bb7CCpz7nJeLgpcm78TINSuK_tdg4EUnWI3wiOj2BWjf6DpEo7W8t27DpXscFeMFzKiuXHSM3ehgOFg/w640-h196/cannone%20da%2037-40.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">37 mm Vickers-Terni L/40 (37/40) semi-automatic gun</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_Ng3FoFXijZqethB4-DFQgGTfYvl1jQdjoiCOteIkj_iJP3f-sakolz3N4WvWLpE_mi0f8_8PBxoJd63AEJEkU2jJ37_gb8ykvg-91ED3vACUvQK3Lrv1WJ81YHGvrsRutAN3q1msKfldtCl-O_8qKA8hA8wwNqHfHyfc1PyCyIm4uVACSS4YOSeJw/s1600/Carro%20Armato%20Fiat%202000%20-1934%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1600" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_Ng3FoFXijZqethB4-DFQgGTfYvl1jQdjoiCOteIkj_iJP3f-sakolz3N4WvWLpE_mi0f8_8PBxoJd63AEJEkU2jJ37_gb8ykvg-91ED3vACUvQK3Lrv1WJ81YHGvrsRutAN3q1msKfldtCl-O_8qKA8hA8wwNqHfHyfc1PyCyIm4uVACSS4YOSeJw/w640-h350/Carro%20Armato%20Fiat%202000%20-1934%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueprint of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Carro Armato Fiat 2000 </i>- 1934 upgrade<br /> two 37 mm Vickers-Terni L/40 semi-automatic guns<br />in the front angles stations of the tank.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFF4orKYS7jnL8x4WtFAdoHB0A7z5SMMgHZiayY446RQTV58emxMnvsyETYTmeVE99lTWnJpeGrs8FBe2SFH9nYUCEcFAYinsaWvhEp_2dp0LfCiL8ZmJ_kqJW4NioJkOpF-2oz_7zk9NMHVeaqXA-PI4rrtTleN6bNY3dQDUu7x8wQYUCBPsQ642WA/s800/Campo%20Dux%20en%201934,%20en%20el%20centro%20Fiat%202000%20y%20a%20los%20lados%20fiat%203000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="800" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFF4orKYS7jnL8x4WtFAdoHB0A7z5SMMgHZiayY446RQTV58emxMnvsyETYTmeVE99lTWnJpeGrs8FBe2SFH9nYUCEcFAYinsaWvhEp_2dp0LfCiL8ZmJ_kqJW4NioJkOpF-2oz_7zk9NMHVeaqXA-PI4rrtTleN6bNY3dQDUu7x8wQYUCBPsQ642WA/w640-h404/Campo%20Dux%20en%201934,%20en%20el%20centro%20Fiat%202000%20y%20a%20los%20lados%20fiat%203000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An attractive vehicle for the public and for state propaganda:<br />Fiat 2000 nº 2 updated with two 37/40 guns, flanked by two <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2018/05/fiat-3000-model-21-1st-serie-case-report.html" target="_blank">Fiats 3000</a><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2018/05/fiat-3000-model-21-1st-serie-case-report.html" target="_blank">/21</a><br />in an <span style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera_Nazionale_Balilla" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Opera Nazionale Balilla</a> event.</span><br />Campo Dux - Rome - 1934</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsZzu6hQzR_97swoUxKU-W8AJLkWBwNkBqVvFW_XS0t5LFUT4ZiztfVSVeiTbl5wUrwZ4mYGg-Lwttz1MCqh1PmLm-IqOh3I94hIKxjsf2AY55m3ror5XbcXSFpRpDHWOqM9fKV1798_7hilFVABro2dhI0XVUspEjWEBifgQfASFBxPrV7KhIG-N3Q/s1024/Fiat%202000%20en%20exposici%C3%B3n%201934.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1024" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsZzu6hQzR_97swoUxKU-W8AJLkWBwNkBqVvFW_XS0t5LFUT4ZiztfVSVeiTbl5wUrwZ4mYGg-Lwttz1MCqh1PmLm-IqOh3I94hIKxjsf2AY55m3ror5XbcXSFpRpDHWOqM9fKV1798_7hilFVABro2dhI0XVUspEjWEBifgQfASFBxPrV7KhIG-N3Q/w640-h622/Fiat%202000%20en%20exposici%C3%B3n%201934.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Two members of the <b><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera_Nazionale_Balilla" target="_blank">Opera Nazionale Balilla - ONB</a></i></b>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">(an association of the Italian Fascist Party similar to the <i> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler_Youth" target="_blank">Hitlerjugend</a></i>)</div><div style="text-align: center;">pose proudly in front of Fiat 2000 nº 2. Notice this tank had its front</div><div style="text-align: center;">6.5mm machine guns removed, but the two 37mm guns have not yet been installed,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the same happening with the turret howitzer</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bHoxUHKYdM1PBUenZEzJ-hK8vph--_dtkGC5wqr5pt5yQ6rjPBkBh7O-m3GdKqy1Ln55cG3TOBbrBq93NA5sRkSnOSc9XoNhwC_YwklclGiqH9JeqP8ZmJzJtVMD2MO84-rmQSPkZq1ZPjnJNn7Fig6LLb93PSAYMhEGjdRb7PW5tVGq6-FzNZ7FTw/s1024/Fiat%202000%20(No.2)%20M.34%20-%2037mm%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="732" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bHoxUHKYdM1PBUenZEzJ-hK8vph--_dtkGC5wqr5pt5yQ6rjPBkBh7O-m3GdKqy1Ln55cG3TOBbrBq93NA5sRkSnOSc9XoNhwC_YwklclGiqH9JeqP8ZmJzJtVMD2MO84-rmQSPkZq1ZPjnJNn7Fig6LLb93PSAYMhEGjdRb7PW5tVGq6-FzNZ7FTw/w458-h640/Fiat%202000%20(No.2)%20M.34%20-%2037mm%20front.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opera_Nazionale_Balilla" target="_blank">Balilla boys</a> with Fiat 2000 nº 2...<br />Typical photo of the Fascist Party Propaganda, <br />for the volatile and enthusiastic masses.<br />Notice that the tank now features the two 37mm guns installed,<br />as well as the new howitzer in the turret (partially hidden by the boys)<br />Rome - 1934.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After these demonstrations, the tank was again stored and after which stood as a monument in the Corrado Mazzoni barracks in Bologna, headquarters of the 3rd Tank Infantry Regiment, but then this too disappeared around 1943, during the WWII, to obtain precious metal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With that, the story of the first Italian tank ended, but the Armored Gods had other ideas in mind...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b>Replica:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 2017, a group of members of the <i><b><a href="https://www.assocarri.it/" target="_blank">Associazione Nazionale Carristi d’Italia (ANCI)</a></b></i> and restorers of vintage military vehicles from Fabio Temeroli's <b><i>"Raggruppamento Spa"</i></b> and the <i><b>"Cultori della Storia delle Forze Arme"</b></i> Association read an article on the centenary of the construction of the Fiat 2000, the first tank built in Italy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The idea of rebuilding this tank, which was lost in time, settles and grows, almost automatically. The search for drawings and blueprints begins immediately. The descendant of Count Bennicelli, father of Italian motorsport, is traced, research is carried out in the archives of Fiat and Ansaldo firms but almost nothing is found. Research is also carried out in <i><b><a href="https://www.unipi.it/" target="_blank">Università di Pisa</a></b></i> and in <i><b><a href="https://www.casaccia.enea.it/" target="_blank">Centro Ricerche Casaccia - ENEA</a></b></i> in Rome. But the only thing available is a longitudinal section and several period photographs. With that in hand, designer Mario Italiani, former M-47 tank driver and now president of <i><b>ANCI</b></i> from Zeccone, begins to virtually redesign the chassis with a 3D modeling program. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After an exciting "mechano-archaeological" adventure, the 1.5 m long wooden "mock-up" from 1917 was found. This priceless find revealed precise details such as the riveting of the plates, the links of the tracks and constructive details of the large spoked wheels. After more than 1500 hours of work (free of charge), the 3D project was ready. According to Mario Italiani,<i> </i>the exterior of the vehicle reproduces 100% of the original while the interior and mechanical functions, the vehicle-replica is around 85%.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yipTYy_Eq7ls0mr6HRXWhASmQZzSXhgbDUXe6eG5Vl2TKrsMzGKgbi1DaE-P2zNcPHVvSvOTcYGAtk1T0IDR2mjBhO1Sn0dZmioK57YWEibELmX5bpyhCSpZSdqkbUMfPvaa6E3tG3GrxQxs1HWNpnb6kYS8vefBp7MOcQVk3Zd09TAnOIKeqD569w/s1280/Fiat%202000%20engine%20and%20transmission.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yipTYy_Eq7ls0mr6HRXWhASmQZzSXhgbDUXe6eG5Vl2TKrsMzGKgbi1DaE-P2zNcPHVvSvOTcYGAtk1T0IDR2mjBhO1Sn0dZmioK57YWEibELmX5bpyhCSpZSdqkbUMfPvaa6E3tG3GrxQxs1HWNpnb6kYS8vefBp7MOcQVk3Zd09TAnOIKeqD569w/w640-h318/Fiat%202000%20engine%20and%20transmission.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3d drawings for the replica</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nxwszj2l1zSwBonqJPmXgxj9HJ443tMVpnqZyxMf7CU3RWh4KG9CV9OhKVojeUAmMbBbNpDjmIjYMMrnYNm3-IX-m62Gjf2-1iyy019zhoJFDU8SJKESt85Jz4jXgQb8QlSXtcLh46AdcocPZI5qoaK_CW0bg9XBuGcPvDa3_gc-DI7wlHo_ULQz_A/s1280/Fiat%202000%20suspension%20bogies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nxwszj2l1zSwBonqJPmXgxj9HJ443tMVpnqZyxMf7CU3RWh4KG9CV9OhKVojeUAmMbBbNpDjmIjYMMrnYNm3-IX-m62Gjf2-1iyy019zhoJFDU8SJKESt85Jz4jXgQb8QlSXtcLh46AdcocPZI5qoaK_CW0bg9XBuGcPvDa3_gc-DI7wlHo_ULQz_A/w640-h284/Fiat%202000%20suspension%20bogies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3d drawings for the replica</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But now, things got complicated: where to raise funds? A special commission was created to raise funds, under the aegis of the National President of the <i><b>ANCI</b></i> who, after having beaten many large Companies, initiates subscriptions - sponsored mainly by the <i><b>ANCI</b></i> section from Florence - aimed at all former tank crews and enthusiasts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A crowdfunding raised 35,000 euros, but it was still not enough. The industrialist Giancarlo Marin, owner of <b><i><a href="https://www.svecom.com/" target="_blank">Svecom PE S.r.l.</a></i></b>, and founder of the <b><i><a href="https://www.museostorico.com/" target="_blank">Museo Civico delle Forze Armate 1914-45</a></i></b> (Montecchio Maggiore - Vicenza - Italy) receives 10,000 visitors a year free of charge, took care of advancing the expenses and solving the most emergent situation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The construction of the Fiat-replica started on 15 November 2018. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOp8anWl4F-DddfjMYv0pw0ZBb2qgnRErLR6hluU8G_9mFqynL2OSojEVIFsWuHZFraTeY6tmIaxDVJkrT3k1XQrdDlPmFY8K-jXgIDVZTABPoV_jyAcgepvWmvfSE3OXXRqGo29SLsNsay1MtxHLR7NSH10zXn30RdedHV-HA4SmdBlZC0RouNeroA/s1024/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20under%20chassis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1024" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOp8anWl4F-DddfjMYv0pw0ZBb2qgnRErLR6hluU8G_9mFqynL2OSojEVIFsWuHZFraTeY6tmIaxDVJkrT3k1XQrdDlPmFY8K-jXgIDVZTABPoV_jyAcgepvWmvfSE3OXXRqGo29SLsNsay1MtxHLR7NSH10zXn30RdedHV-HA4SmdBlZC0RouNeroA/w640-h482/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20under%20chassis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of construction: chassis and support arms for suspension bogies</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk-WrW6WUEq-NPySb7tlnzCUJ2WqpGH0ebH4x5PQ2cJujt1yjL1IEiDNWfGsisaFTBkKLwG0se4_Aj9DtfiYvddU2VVpZY26uOZVAribc9X0LcBC4uo6mUe4Sfs-fh4EJRBkbtOgpswmr5YTpXKvglasPUc_SWHAF4D5i-2DPsQgnkxXfI5tBAARLRQ/s800/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20chassis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk-WrW6WUEq-NPySb7tlnzCUJ2WqpGH0ebH4x5PQ2cJujt1yjL1IEiDNWfGsisaFTBkKLwG0se4_Aj9DtfiYvddU2VVpZY26uOZVAribc9X0LcBC4uo6mUe4Sfs-fh4EJRBkbtOgpswmr5YTpXKvglasPUc_SWHAF4D5i-2DPsQgnkxXfI5tBAARLRQ/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20chassis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Structural reinforcements of the chassis ventral armor</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjM32I02keWQIn6gi43w79qcM_7dTRMJFY4iZxHxCx3i2jOq5oJES8YoTLK44Z6FVOFAOcx54Wt-NYD73I6trkQ83kb24MSUBR0bMoR31sFxhcCJVySwisxs8PFgszubWs2gfvsIAJWHDh_yCwBgOmUo0oRa4FWI8Le_K--mx195Wt5sCL7RaOW1b0A/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20under%20construction.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjM32I02keWQIn6gi43w79qcM_7dTRMJFY4iZxHxCx3i2jOq5oJES8YoTLK44Z6FVOFAOcx54Wt-NYD73I6trkQ83kb24MSUBR0bMoR31sFxhcCJVySwisxs8PFgszubWs2gfvsIAJWHDh_yCwBgOmUo0oRa4FWI8Le_K--mx195Wt5sCL7RaOW1b0A/w640-h420/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20under%20construction.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on the bow of the vehicle. The driver's station taking shape...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivQwLeLinvfBwrQC0x3jx8aZ4spvuO1V4FASmcSX_TLY8c-1vLZlWT9EbV_7ioJQslo5sRo407HqzTn8sAGQJMemxKJAbBUvkLdVthxmoDzRtHQ_C1ckyRBynMlP_PAwTwGzRZTisS7tltEZkV42soSBj61m-_su-9eVDVcH0Zkx1xBoqYEqEstx3aw/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20under%20construction2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivQwLeLinvfBwrQC0x3jx8aZ4spvuO1V4FASmcSX_TLY8c-1vLZlWT9EbV_7ioJQslo5sRo407HqzTn8sAGQJMemxKJAbBUvkLdVthxmoDzRtHQ_C1ckyRBynMlP_PAwTwGzRZTisS7tltEZkV42soSBj61m-_su-9eVDVcH0Zkx1xBoqYEqEstx3aw/w640-h478/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20under%20construction2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 replica - front view<br />Notice the driver´s hatch and front glacis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBdMHdlJNnqn_MDQllK3upGekmevcj5mEHkqnVVK_LNIuk-vKs7LlhZK2fR6FwJxOoi40cUTGVLQog4XR0nsMdgjx0So0Sn2DYtE-K37etc4ODzjfkTjOfn2NKBsrKjmdoSN7poWi7VSJaLYBZ-WMdDPnMDb6WX7a2BpZeLqGfnIHVIw2ZM-NywlePw/s1024/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20under%20construc%20gearbox.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBdMHdlJNnqn_MDQllK3upGekmevcj5mEHkqnVVK_LNIuk-vKs7LlhZK2fR6FwJxOoi40cUTGVLQog4XR0nsMdgjx0So0Sn2DYtE-K37etc4ODzjfkTjOfn2NKBsrKjmdoSN7poWi7VSJaLYBZ-WMdDPnMDb6WX7a2BpZeLqGfnIHVIw2ZM-NywlePw/w480-h640/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20under%20construc%20gearbox.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the interior portion of the vehicle. <br />The bus-type Fiat gearbox being installed just behind the driver's station.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_L34U1txP8sBDvNIkkdphRTe635a57FoOuusXtW8VMIM7qceODBgzxmezuXGoyav_PvynhtODGBUvHWEBu7sdO4He8G59yUKSsF-tgy3-GqA3Bu_LiRPcvAS_qZZ7Qu2roiU2BFpn4rMmQ8Q6CoKZ6oNBjEJ6l6iqRc1MMYYpAuEAl_FnUIxPvmwog/s1024/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20chassis%20and%20suspensiion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_L34U1txP8sBDvNIkkdphRTe635a57FoOuusXtW8VMIM7qceODBgzxmezuXGoyav_PvynhtODGBUvHWEBu7sdO4He8G59yUKSsF-tgy3-GqA3Bu_LiRPcvAS_qZZ7Qu2roiU2BFpn4rMmQ8Q6CoKZ6oNBjEJ6l6iqRc1MMYYpAuEAl_FnUIxPvmwog/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20chassis%20and%20suspensiion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 under construction<br />Side hull and suspension details<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiL2BdLFa2Gq4g3b37R9YBn2NfRbGjCaAn7kK3Te8qtcATDT1yLyq5iVcMWYHlYTIRg-YMC0RK7sPg2GWs1G1c0K9fp2T-GrvOnLun2x3pB3qhi4XYo1ALUJZPnp0-iUpiEMNzCpIFXBojShrGdYvm7de4daPzdSB1_gjzx_GIcr75n2XPlOuO3Bp8iw/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20susp%20detail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiL2BdLFa2Gq4g3b37R9YBn2NfRbGjCaAn7kK3Te8qtcATDT1yLyq5iVcMWYHlYTIRg-YMC0RK7sPg2GWs1G1c0K9fp2T-GrvOnLun2x3pB3qhi4XYo1ALUJZPnp0-iUpiEMNzCpIFXBojShrGdYvm7de4daPzdSB1_gjzx_GIcr75n2XPlOuO3Bp8iw/w640-h426/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20susp%20detail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspension bogies recreated down to the last detail,<br />following the original blueprints.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyp4jpPRBiGTNh4DnryqvhW2ESVdv9-xF4Z7xRNxSIz4brNt0bycpTlvEYaf3beSHgKBHkuFoeJBUI6e5J0X9iW0ytj2PKfpUJGPl5mPjhSuWMXjJYQeLbU5DxDiExR2vDAnovKr26CPjP9QDaz7OEI6qYpJZHqdbl5Ztdck-_AtGXIXxXDOmX_q7Vg/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20whells%20and%20tracks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyp4jpPRBiGTNh4DnryqvhW2ESVdv9-xF4Z7xRNxSIz4brNt0bycpTlvEYaf3beSHgKBHkuFoeJBUI6e5J0X9iW0ytj2PKfpUJGPl5mPjhSuWMXjJYQeLbU5DxDiExR2vDAnovKr26CPjP9QDaz7OEI6qYpJZHqdbl5Ztdck-_AtGXIXxXDOmX_q7Vg/w640-h420/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20whells%20and%20tracks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks, links and wheels...perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbGR3K32UBIMreyBvHYnW6KLMhux_4dVk6CbBR03uQXd0wPJLIr7lwEju_4NCxKbMVWMbG8rp6ioYx0gIIPwaX5GA8rc0kSh7Z8L4-fqy-L17EDPD3ReYBsf6AzVmm0mUMjSXVoiRsgpQFIHurHamkVKcKPDpYVyupQGpqSPjdsVTlyxegF0U0hT6kw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20turret%20replica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1280" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbGR3K32UBIMreyBvHYnW6KLMhux_4dVk6CbBR03uQXd0wPJLIr7lwEju_4NCxKbMVWMbG8rp6ioYx0gIIPwaX5GA8rc0kSh7Z8L4-fqy-L17EDPD3ReYBsf6AzVmm0mUMjSXVoiRsgpQFIHurHamkVKcKPDpYVyupQGpqSPjdsVTlyxegF0U0hT6kw/w640-h600/Fiat%202000%20turret%20replica.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big rounded turret, with gun being able to shoot in<br />360º of drift. A pioneer in its time...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The builders opting to use an "old school" (1952) autobus type diesel engine, the <b><i>Fiat Verticale 203/03</i></b> - 6-cylinder, with 10.676 cc and 140hp @ 900 rpm. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoHbm5IedCdfKb7voJne6uM_yZxNVWL1yTMtce_BdXI2CGfUokm9UrsZaiR3pu3oLuP17pkfPGbnRoF1isT54vlzgXw4pYc8z26uzjlM4mGMiWrBHLsoFfhUP-vfT5YTwvhQTx_HYntb2h5kZWg69BiV0N6-qd8PuvNv8-e4e9NAXhv6JtDSNkLF43Q/s1024/Fiat%20203%20engine%201956%20catalogo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoHbm5IedCdfKb7voJne6uM_yZxNVWL1yTMtce_BdXI2CGfUokm9UrsZaiR3pu3oLuP17pkfPGbnRoF1isT54vlzgXw4pYc8z26uzjlM4mGMiWrBHLsoFfhUP-vfT5YTwvhQTx_HYntb2h5kZWg69BiV0N6-qd8PuvNv8-e4e9NAXhv6JtDSNkLF43Q/w600-h640/Fiat%20203%20engine%201956%20catalogo.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat parts catalog cover on the <br />203 diesel engine from 1956.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> They thought of using a contemporary engine from the 1916s, but spare parts would have been a huge problem. With this intermediate option, they had at least something very close to the original, with more reliability, since the tank would have to be mechanically operational. The weapons are non-operational replicas, and the machine guns are perfect copies of the originals. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA879vAY5-VcawKI_WhYJ7aHwlBgYsmyE87HUnxHp0E52btFjy3c3TB7tTHfwKVgvFBEz3QlM-GElcAh8QCMkQx2mbFgLxBF61PY2hRKniZQRP2LeGM27pyXWSNCvJqik_YfhE-3xR54xmUeuymTgHJAIox8SJLX9L3nwyC9SUshFWf2OnxNWwKu4Vw/s800/7%20x%20mg%206,5mm%20MG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA879vAY5-VcawKI_WhYJ7aHwlBgYsmyE87HUnxHp0E52btFjy3c3TB7tTHfwKVgvFBEz3QlM-GElcAh8QCMkQx2mbFgLxBF61PY2hRKniZQRP2LeGM27pyXWSNCvJqik_YfhE-3xR54xmUeuymTgHJAIox8SJLX9L3nwyC9SUshFWf2OnxNWwKu4Vw/w640-h480/7%20x%20mg%206,5mm%20MG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Seven non-operatives replicas of</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">6.5 mm </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat-Revelli_Modello_1914" style="text-align: justify;">Fiat-Revelli</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat-Revelli_Modello_1914"></a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat-Revelli_Modello_1914" style="text-align: justify;">Mod. 1914</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> machine guns.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwAGIATWcGh5exZ4RkXqOpt-rmjpMMZvfB1EUwZ7Jno54DM8WUuDlpYPaREjNc2EJv-3PsrV0qQVKZcOrZMCszWoIHNpSM7DaScvVKgaSZ0eV1JO0ca8mqQFW8d_OFHAUIClY0tshP3OUcHIu8i6up5YfV6Pv8YAEB4rX4UZkapAnXYSS_aJyLub7Lg/s1024/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20mg%20%20front%20right%20corner2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwAGIATWcGh5exZ4RkXqOpt-rmjpMMZvfB1EUwZ7Jno54DM8WUuDlpYPaREjNc2EJv-3PsrV0qQVKZcOrZMCszWoIHNpSM7DaScvVKgaSZ0eV1JO0ca8mqQFW8d_OFHAUIClY0tshP3OUcHIu8i6up5YfV6Pv8YAEB4rX4UZkapAnXYSS_aJyLub7Lg/w640-h426/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20mg%20%20front%20right%20corner2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front right corner combat station, with armored rotor<br />and machine gun in position, under construction. <br />Notice the driver's station in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2fHDNpqEBDkX7xV5DmZoueIDQdbTotmaXsWSZWOnWIeZdqWesK-oc_KZJUOktetqzEAgCyVC88D97J2zOB-az7W20OBrgAFjLRlISpJ0O5rdyLg6yZ2FXaSh_t-9EqqKOxcjFj_60R0szutVJNlwFow4zrkUoShIIwGnhlOq6f1OOEPeU7VPuP4few/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20mg%20%20front%20right%20corner.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2fHDNpqEBDkX7xV5DmZoueIDQdbTotmaXsWSZWOnWIeZdqWesK-oc_KZJUOktetqzEAgCyVC88D97J2zOB-az7W20OBrgAFjLRlISpJ0O5rdyLg6yZ2FXaSh_t-9EqqKOxcjFj_60R0szutVJNlwFow4zrkUoShIIwGnhlOq6f1OOEPeU7VPuP4few/w640-h420/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20mg%20%20front%20right%20corner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same station view above, after completing the tank.<br />Notice the details of the reconstruction...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysgH2N_Sy9ND8cwYBFN7PukSjZZh2QQOVnkBl6VZ1I70N1tCrTxlZBv93ZdUpUsZJy5n_lZszc9R9uSy-6vle0qLb6s6n0iZ22kpEw8-QAyz51biXVaL9m1MyYKDtzoY-NHBaSAP_PKj4l40Dt8bfG__jo--8rKdcsMvByWg7j4RbHfNDHM1PSxm5bA/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20interior%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1280" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysgH2N_Sy9ND8cwYBFN7PukSjZZh2QQOVnkBl6VZ1I70N1tCrTxlZBv93ZdUpUsZJy5n_lZszc9R9uSy-6vle0qLb6s6n0iZ22kpEw8-QAyz51biXVaL9m1MyYKDtzoY-NHBaSAP_PKj4l40Dt8bfG__jo--8rKdcsMvByWg7j4RbHfNDHM1PSxm5bA/w640-h295/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20interior%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of the tank, after finishing. Rear-to-front viewing angle,<br />with the driver's station in the center. Notice the amazing details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJRr_YoPRE91MUsNhof1eVgQiwHZki1sAdf1VVDFr2MUltV_y3V74HXOL8THU-Igf7Z_MmHUBsXYBnYnFyV2nJ1jO0o1FXLWT7tL6yY3qoxyBr83xAXNFH2TQuC6BwOp5PPizVBFxVUSewRiNPex3moQ_FRg850e_CE4BPQC4Pwy2apc0AcPd9dV5SA/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20interior%20rear%20corner%20left.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1280" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJRr_YoPRE91MUsNhof1eVgQiwHZki1sAdf1VVDFr2MUltV_y3V74HXOL8THU-Igf7Z_MmHUBsXYBnYnFyV2nJ1jO0o1FXLWT7tL6yY3qoxyBr83xAXNFH2TQuC6BwOp5PPizVBFxVUSewRiNPex3moQ_FRg850e_CE4BPQC4Pwy2apc0AcPd9dV5SA/w640-h293/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20interior%20rear%20corner%20left.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of the tank, after finishing. Front-to-rear viewing angle,<br />from left to right: aft central machine gun station, aft rear corner station<br />and right side station.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B6a4yu1DhFrTpPCtvhea6vU2rZtXNXxjKeua6jPluWJgiWa2H_Y2nuhFy_p6wmgSqq2uMv8EnjygDOcxp5PAriWz__jASy4Pq3a_EuLcu5q-dEBwIUD0rCIqeKAVGQ4fS7oi67zzfamIgcjB3Ojw_hxYKr0s51J0RESFVkodieTq9lXt94va4PhHrA/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20interior%20rear%20corner%20right.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="1280" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-B6a4yu1DhFrTpPCtvhea6vU2rZtXNXxjKeua6jPluWJgiWa2H_Y2nuhFy_p6wmgSqq2uMv8EnjygDOcxp5PAriWz__jASy4Pq3a_EuLcu5q-dEBwIUD0rCIqeKAVGQ4fS7oi67zzfamIgcjB3Ojw_hxYKr0s51J0RESFVkodieTq9lXt94va4PhHrA/w640-h292/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20interior%20rear%20corner%20right.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of the tank, after finishing. Front-to-rear viewing angle,<br />from left to right: left side station, aft left corner station<br />and aft central machine gun station.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZk2mYOWKIRD31k1STjU9e63sUFKUcb1YdJ6WgvYzUSvj5fhPf7i1kcnvsgCeN1V_ng0nYfVpaV-qZrmPmbftXBCSXDgn-XtyVhPki0mMgxFAuEEAMOkXmE7pi8VIPoDtEtC_JU1pTEsx-nO2drm56tP0-Nbc4QUDBHphgGQiso3-z3JJkU2VTu-j8w/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20turret%20and%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZk2mYOWKIRD31k1STjU9e63sUFKUcb1YdJ6WgvYzUSvj5fhPf7i1kcnvsgCeN1V_ng0nYfVpaV-qZrmPmbftXBCSXDgn-XtyVhPki0mMgxFAuEEAMOkXmE7pi8VIPoDtEtC_JU1pTEsx-nO2drm56tP0-Nbc4QUDBHphgGQiso3-z3JJkU2VTu-j8w/w640-h334/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20turret%20and%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The turret finished.<br />The Cannone da 65/17 modello 13 in position.<br />Externally, a perfect reproduction...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHV2Msti8c-cd1aJiSVcSIuwino_AxSbg-KnrD_OU-_yUlju8yn4A-4vsjIvpAlBlQj6GnfP8dO57EJ0cLJDSz4zuIwHZSK9v12qDwV-KdFCG6AjwNyjvHFmaa9lhDNUfbbRZKsh4mTYMu7fAIJckG9zNuipF6fJuHtWbwNMIYOKXbX1MC5-fckizPA/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20turret%20and%20gun%20int.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1280" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHV2Msti8c-cd1aJiSVcSIuwino_AxSbg-KnrD_OU-_yUlju8yn4A-4vsjIvpAlBlQj6GnfP8dO57EJ0cLJDSz4zuIwHZSK9v12qDwV-KdFCG6AjwNyjvHFmaa9lhDNUfbbRZKsh4mTYMu7fAIJckG9zNuipF6fJuHtWbwNMIYOKXbX1MC5-fckizPA/w640-h292/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20turret%20and%20gun%20int.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret. Internal view.<br />Internally, the reproduction of the main weapon was not faithful.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM_WzC4eJELEAlc4VQ-a6NBd5rljZ2S4EeF7KRlDkkMl-faPNqPduSHNgDYhP0lJD1sIZxD0s5dlUXmmcLLXZbJ1dDEMNncYXxF5QzMtR6XX6StuRG6c6-nCz0jmfcshCoheXlIYaVTlH3SCdJxN165CScsFa5lTyLF6KUvLCpkKBmCOQBjwSjOtoJg/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20no%20side%20armour.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM_WzC4eJELEAlc4VQ-a6NBd5rljZ2S4EeF7KRlDkkMl-faPNqPduSHNgDYhP0lJD1sIZxD0s5dlUXmmcLLXZbJ1dDEMNncYXxF5QzMtR6XX6StuRG6c6-nCz0jmfcshCoheXlIYaVTlH3SCdJxN165CScsFa5lTyLF6KUvLCpkKBmCOQBjwSjOtoJg/w640-h384/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20no%20side%20armour.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fiat 2000 replica, without the right side armoured skirt,<br />showing suspension details and tracks...<br />A strange thing is that this replica features access doors on both sides<br />of the vehicle and not just on the left side, as in the original tanks.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lqxtwRUxUlYHv2HRshscnk2vUZr86hj2fAbMx75tP4vMF3SkTgUIrDfaiJMfTCPaC01n1mmE7uQfFpxyk-Rl2AJzzCXl5xGnr_AwMd4a8DRz5gnLFpG4H3wrMShwevXY6rd_ZgYV7bGjfhSfIi-NSVz6oO9wb4hcVQyoU60NDJIea6EQZr_RQOvoBw/s1280/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20transport.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lqxtwRUxUlYHv2HRshscnk2vUZr86hj2fAbMx75tP4vMF3SkTgUIrDfaiJMfTCPaC01n1mmE7uQfFpxyk-Rl2AJzzCXl5xGnr_AwMd4a8DRz5gnLFpG4H3wrMShwevXY6rd_ZgYV7bGjfhSfIi-NSVz6oO9wb4hcVQyoU60NDJIea6EQZr_RQOvoBw/w640-h336/Fiat%202000%202022%20replic%20transport.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fiat 2000 - 2022 being transported to its new home!!!<br /><i><b>Una ragazza bellissima e meravigliosa!!!</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEDbWS8MIsuJm_QorSC4d1dt19thda7HaVc1EiMSapeKReMIJ3cXuKYr0afOkVXdnbWzhrCXCc_4ShNW0cF2fFQBHWU5uJYMMa_-_Te5rzTEmmgXq1kGHcfRbSB1sbbcBpo-aUqivfsjzaS4pof6rXkzfgnr312Ry14-kyfiD8sz10uIXbDRQKO570A/s1280/Fiat%202000%20replica.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEDbWS8MIsuJm_QorSC4d1dt19thda7HaVc1EiMSapeKReMIJ3cXuKYr0afOkVXdnbWzhrCXCc_4ShNW0cF2fFQBHWU5uJYMMa_-_Te5rzTEmmgXq1kGHcfRbSB1sbbcBpo-aUqivfsjzaS4pof6rXkzfgnr312Ry14-kyfiD8sz10uIXbDRQKO570A/w640-h368/Fiat%202000%20replica.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Carro Armato </i>Fiat 2000</b> - fully functional replica<br />April - 2020</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Fiat 2000 reconstruction project was painted with the two-color camouflage and similar markings of its presentation in Rome in 1919, running on its own and declared ready from April 2020, and can be seen at <b><i><a href="https://www.museostorico.com/" target="_blank">Museo Civico delle Forze Armate 1914-45</a></i></b> , in Montecchio Maggiore , Vicenza - Italy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> Congratulations, Italy!!</b> An example of respect for history that other countries could follow...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b>Specs:</b><p style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgi-u3ucCDUAsNF6_vBpg6eLmQx_ZR9VZQK0sro8NVn-24WUE-LxlkFoF5dUA1p78XEoWEvIaV7-vLSQ6HJgkZgwlfS3F5fgJWm-7RHTBzVFnJjIMitiv6-SSVmMmVgmIO0l8aqLJpSFTVO2Ckc4XfJgtlhX8Oa-Hl4HWBARLh4KPMtYO81PLduykbg/s1600/specs%20George.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1600" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgi-u3ucCDUAsNF6_vBpg6eLmQx_ZR9VZQK0sro8NVn-24WUE-LxlkFoF5dUA1p78XEoWEvIaV7-vLSQ6HJgkZgwlfS3F5fgJWm-7RHTBzVFnJjIMitiv6-SSVmMmVgmIO0l8aqLJpSFTVO2Ckc4XfJgtlhX8Oa-Hl4HWBARLh4KPMtYO81PLduykbg/w640-h350/specs%20George.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Fiat 2000 - heavy tank</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Heavy tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin<br />User </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Italy<br /><a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regio_Esercito" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0645ad; font-size: 13.3px; outline-color: rgb(51, 102, 204);" title="">Regio Esercito</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars<br />Setting date<br />Test date<br />In Service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacification_of_Libya" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Pacification of Libya">Pacification of Libya</a><br />1916<br />1917<br />1918 -1934</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built<br />Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2<br />Fiat S.p.a.</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">38.780 Kg</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.4 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3.1 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3.9 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">8</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Front/sides 20 mm <br />Top/rear 15 mm </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1 x <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannone_da_65/17_modello_13" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Cannone da 65/17 modello 13">Cannone da 65/17 <br />modello 13</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7 x 6.5 mm <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat-Revelli_Modello_1914" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Fiat-Revelli Modello 1914">Fiat-Revelli<br />Mod. 1914</a> machine guns</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_A.12" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Fiat A.12">Fiat Aviazione A.12</a><br />water-cooled inline six cyl. (petrol) - 21.200<span style="color: #202122; font-size: 13.3px; vertical-align: inherit;"> </span>cm³<br />250 hp @ 1.400rpm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6 hp/t (4.5 kW/t)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6 forward and 2 reverse ratios gearbox, low range</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Leaf springs - <a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balestra_(meccanica)" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0645ad; font-size: 13.3px; outline-color: rgb(51, 102, 204);" title="">balestre</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Ground clearance</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">0.4 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">600 liters</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">75 km </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7,5 km/h</td></tr></tbody></table><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The kit: </b></div></b></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This is another commission project, with my client purchasing the 3D printed <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/products/1-35-fiat-2000-italian-heavy-tank-ww1">Vargas Scale Models</a> <b><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/es/kits/vargas-scale-models-r3d-35-071-fiat-2000-heavy-tank--1439949" target="_blank">Fiat 2000 Italian Heavy Tank M.1918 or M.34 (#R3D-35-071)</a></b> kit for this order. I really like this Manufacturer, because Luis Vargas really invests in the release of historically important vehicles, following the company's motto: "Bringing History to Life".</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz-UVC3h5wPNeqWi5Tq7SdJC4f0QAprSZ2HXZwuSOf6FE4wR72g2fS8q1z297N0arJY2It08NH4KRaL36fR59SIB7LMCPISJ6FRDUL2FC2TX9HLh6lTD8UzKGqG7jyglb5fBtBVVdC1rRUzlcS9y5zubf8DA3feAfADYD-4HNsj_YbipyY_ndAo4pQQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz-UVC3h5wPNeqWi5Tq7SdJC4f0QAprSZ2HXZwuSOf6FE4wR72g2fS8q1z297N0arJY2It08NH4KRaL36fR59SIB7LMCPISJ6FRDUL2FC2TX9HLh6lTD8UzKGqG7jyglb5fBtBVVdC1rRUzlcS9y5zubf8DA3feAfADYD-4HNsj_YbipyY_ndAo4pQQ/w640-h378/Fiat%202000%20000.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak with the Vargas Scale Models kit box, in my workbench...<br />Another day, another challenge...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Vargas kits are very well printed, with an improvement that is noticed with each new release, but when I opened this box, I found pieces that were fractured and warped, perhaps during the packaging and/or transport phase. A pity, because the printing details are very, very beautiful and this, without a doubt, will delay the progress of the construction...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR4IUZOfXTwsFx9IFON9Op1xEYOCbVdxV37JqW1buttGeFI1pzDHbmkmhGcFHH5uEXaAmP9mR3VGtCIHYwA3ilWV63LqsuACv0MJBCxjObCRwYhVxg_5NVWGFDbOfSR5ko8cXB8CFPkBklCDBkSKiRThnkmHAhMQKxgLyVDkaFj5CSDKbB89pU2cyew/s1280/Fiat%202000%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoR4IUZOfXTwsFx9IFON9Op1xEYOCbVdxV37JqW1buttGeFI1pzDHbmkmhGcFHH5uEXaAmP9mR3VGtCIHYwA3ilWV63LqsuACv0MJBCxjObCRwYhVxg_5NVWGFDbOfSR5ko8cXB8CFPkBklCDBkSKiRThnkmHAhMQKxgLyVDkaFj5CSDKbB89pU2cyew/w640-h332/Fiat%202000%20001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kit contents: very well printed pieces, but with packaging<br />protection problems: parts with fractures and warping...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDxaBfpPoG7AcwF6_CC3_HriHl9NHTQmPghq9Fln5GFLo1DJLz33KEXvGZ0ygoi0Ktl3HVXaa-wb8E8dpcJcotDuSjjmNzW-07GhZWB-_3Q8UUTRuUtI6GGLiNSK0-fnWtF295P-l2Qm2XUjJghE0UJh8bReJalsZ6Z9qs1O37aJGrxqDiZhl7Y_oBA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDxaBfpPoG7AcwF6_CC3_HriHl9NHTQmPghq9Fln5GFLo1DJLz33KEXvGZ0ygoi0Ktl3HVXaa-wb8E8dpcJcotDuSjjmNzW-07GhZWB-_3Q8UUTRuUtI6GGLiNSK0-fnWtF295P-l2Qm2XUjJghE0UJh8bReJalsZ6Z9qs1O37aJGrxqDiZhl7Y_oBA/w640-h426/Fiat%202000%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspension and track sets are delicate and very well detailed...but...<br />these fractures were really not foreseen in the planning...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGR0-GRFKnhppK-_d0t1ruwgINtSVqOB4HUQTxqIbxdd9uObStDwhcehXZUEXZhyzDtoHY-C7b6mzMUmv51l3Lw2B3xnqPcCqJnGZ5Ieh_0dE9DvkirgbUnxQGRRDuiglL_QzwaOqx8uldJFSKRdKr8sIYonLOOl9__0Ds4H5CNGqI7_R1azbDPY5CQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1280" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGR0-GRFKnhppK-_d0t1ruwgINtSVqOB4HUQTxqIbxdd9uObStDwhcehXZUEXZhyzDtoHY-C7b6mzMUmv51l3Lw2B3xnqPcCqJnGZ5Ieh_0dE9DvkirgbUnxQGRRDuiglL_QzwaOqx8uldJFSKRdKr8sIYonLOOl9__0Ds4H5CNGqI7_R1azbDPY5CQ/w640-h526/Fiat%202000%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebuilding this is going to be tricky... Let's see what we get...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-OPFNxjNub-OZcp7stMb5_tGef-mPygLQ8N4pSjhdcxY8ZF0yupHXllqAv_yWiWiMFPVjDqfMqq9e8ONwKE3wLTj3bYkheBJXiFPpWs3uCbyc_wIrntGM62An4f69XyXEHwL9SYzbRXrJMui-1qg_8f5u3Xt2Ee6y2h5ZKt0TkjK-SGcImA7lhB1EQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="1280" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-OPFNxjNub-OZcp7stMb5_tGef-mPygLQ8N4pSjhdcxY8ZF0yupHXllqAv_yWiWiMFPVjDqfMqq9e8ONwKE3wLTj3bYkheBJXiFPpWs3uCbyc_wIrntGM62An4f69XyXEHwL9SYzbRXrJMui-1qg_8f5u3Xt2Ee6y2h5ZKt0TkjK-SGcImA7lhB1EQ/w640-h236/Fiat%202000%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The details are fantastic, but the warping of the pieces also<br />compromises the quality. Maybe the packaging was done before the pieces <br />"cooled down" properly.... I don't know.... My 2 cents!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP3DrBJuyWIzVew4sCPfFoo80nXMdWYAz7p_nroCD2Q4LmtFA_9BD9gLaHwjX_TrwVdJwQskX5Of_I4VERwD0Lr-EFqm08wiPQ2vpY5bKN_5WXdbJ3GT71kHCOuhhkpvEB7VrQ4uLMmvihFjHrGaJVaqTgRe1_K4GduqlSLuh-vM_daZ2yrI_0-QpBA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP3DrBJuyWIzVew4sCPfFoo80nXMdWYAz7p_nroCD2Q4LmtFA_9BD9gLaHwjX_TrwVdJwQskX5Of_I4VERwD0Lr-EFqm08wiPQ2vpY5bKN_5WXdbJ3GT71kHCOuhhkpvEB7VrQ4uLMmvihFjHrGaJVaqTgRe1_K4GduqlSLuh-vM_daZ2yrI_0-QpBA/w640-h424/Fiat%202000%20005.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From this angle, you can see the size of the challenge that awaits me....<br />Such delicate pieces do not withstand heat to facilitate straightening...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And to complicate things a little more,I think I won the lottery on the contrary, with this kit: The tank hull came with parts where the printed resin was melting into oil, forming blisters and deformities. Thanks to the Immortal Gods, these parts are not evident in the vision, but that will have to be worked on and rectified for a correct construction.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJhjWB-B-DGV7JweD5eDs9WnMws0YlnAYuXbpc5RenX2lEO786OGCIDE9x5DLEEcHiKtZv-ZFWlbRAWDqxBg-L2lk9IfTAQHFnd62xzQLifXSyb62nLR_3adFetdVu5XmrbP-HsTiT-J8jscBnoGS-WKtzCZjDP_J_z7XrgVy9D59KMl6lf8G3EIQ_Q/s1280/Fiat%202000%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJhjWB-B-DGV7JweD5eDs9WnMws0YlnAYuXbpc5RenX2lEO786OGCIDE9x5DLEEcHiKtZv-ZFWlbRAWDqxBg-L2lk9IfTAQHFnd62xzQLifXSyb62nLR_3adFetdVu5XmrbP-HsTiT-J8jscBnoGS-WKtzCZjDP_J_z7XrgVy9D59KMl6lf8G3EIQ_Q/w640-h396/Fiat%202000%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the material "laminating" on the lower portions of the sponsons<br />and the blisters and deformities on the ventral armour.<br />Notice the different color of the material, in the ventral portion,<br />where the problems are concentrated...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMe7BMUh5MYXddg0SL97GyDYPuFFYbl7f_DewoWLLOFKC3KZG-MfZj_3trHrOCUOCbqBgFb8VdnCOdzwlKID5R-dbFmacew4vUu78JyLi4t0308FeLsJMcxEImXSa9MWgwjhze0euL1QTdcwzT6e0_VkOY_oPBPN6sXEUrljZLKBbzsiXTUI54U8HXQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMe7BMUh5MYXddg0SL97GyDYPuFFYbl7f_DewoWLLOFKC3KZG-MfZj_3trHrOCUOCbqBgFb8VdnCOdzwlKID5R-dbFmacew4vUu78JyLi4t0308FeLsJMcxEImXSa9MWgwjhze0euL1QTdcwzT6e0_VkOY_oPBPN6sXEUrljZLKBbzsiXTUI54U8HXQ/w640-h392/Fiat%202000%20007.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deformity in the ventral armor, with "lamination" on<br />one of the edges (red arrows) and "lamination" on the lower<br />portions of the sponsons in the other side (blue arrows)...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Didn't I say I'm a lucky guy? Continuing the examination of my kit, I discovered a "dip" in the roof of the driver's station, exactly where the periscope is located...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPfe7zH0SsdpF-SXrSl52GtSLMk87sqvpSZkm1i-OnlovL_Kd-wq25TJ4cSz_KD33IguDFr3Yo2z7emaLEAsGSFn5hhLKP4Bhzh5704WM5v82427idzQ64nSp1fLVRUJebix3RC5EVSD_cRIsYkrCvDVwUdiYK0e6tykoSjNSteB8Pvf_oJ3_orLNHg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPfe7zH0SsdpF-SXrSl52GtSLMk87sqvpSZkm1i-OnlovL_Kd-wq25TJ4cSz_KD33IguDFr3Yo2z7emaLEAsGSFn5hhLKP4Bhzh5704WM5v82427idzQ64nSp1fLVRUJebix3RC5EVSD_cRIsYkrCvDVwUdiYK0e6tykoSjNSteB8Pvf_oJ3_orLNHg/w640-h294/Fiat%202000%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the "curve" in the driver´s roof...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZrxQMMrs7ds9gKnR10z2TSwGCmy2UNtOBZii-akjR6FoDTUqsD4YXJQ7NgjuXPk_KdRRD91Ypy3B0LU-gf6x6V5vBZEcmbxQ0tb0Wfli_QK78Mv8m0B3-a_mnRLnvx4g9s26_csFv8t0GiW4VqNuaWWNfkluY4bLlZo7UKVTh-z6OkWf1m46iomIbg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZrxQMMrs7ds9gKnR10z2TSwGCmy2UNtOBZii-akjR6FoDTUqsD4YXJQ7NgjuXPk_KdRRD91Ypy3B0LU-gf6x6V5vBZEcmbxQ0tb0Wfli_QK78Mv8m0B3-a_mnRLnvx4g9s26_csFv8t0GiW4VqNuaWWNfkluY4bLlZo7UKVTh-z6OkWf1m46iomIbg/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And along with the "sag", some cracks in the rear portion on<br />the limit between the periscope and the roof (red arrows)... <br />Am I or am I not a lucky guy???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRN08hO_Ep8_RUR7NXaEfeTDc25kyZkuCJRv8pRcSyFW637g8v04dmFaPh3jeeNZQ0HLT0hJSLvqoBBEoSIZ9S2Kx6r66JSSN1IHJhqvs2ORVGKShYRBHwLseaaI8edLR8TbCase8iexjuI-DthsUl5yrHSlHV9M55ZiL9cxU-dppORIwl1qnrq9P2g/s1280/Fiat%202000%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRN08hO_Ep8_RUR7NXaEfeTDc25kyZkuCJRv8pRcSyFW637g8v04dmFaPh3jeeNZQ0HLT0hJSLvqoBBEoSIZ9S2Kx6r66JSSN1IHJhqvs2ORVGKShYRBHwLseaaI8edLR8TbCase8iexjuI-DthsUl5yrHSlHV9M55ZiL9cxU-dppORIwl1qnrq9P2g/w640-h420/Fiat%202000%20009.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another angle of the same problem...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Since I'm going to replace the ENTIRE tank floor with a plasticard, I'm going to access it to visualize and try to understand the reason for the problem with the roof of the driver's station. Opening a window to access the interior of the tank, for a ventral view of its interior... Using (carefully...) a sharp steel disk on my priceless and dear Dremel...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViMzcdR0jWgg3TDBmh0MU5P_-UfWOku0Hyj6MmEaS_RK-oLbpjOXQqnp-Bd3DRiCmQJ7yat00TWiZHl5-db1dkv6x_pNykmIdTtzBy5ir-XGuF5lepSR-Txo14BnahBYG6-FfDPhW0UkmkJzh76daHQixExGHEgDQlunBVFXSnIGhvHCjArnvFRFblA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViMzcdR0jWgg3TDBmh0MU5P_-UfWOku0Hyj6MmEaS_RK-oLbpjOXQqnp-Bd3DRiCmQJ7yat00TWiZHl5-db1dkv6x_pNykmIdTtzBy5ir-XGuF5lepSR-Txo14BnahBYG6-FfDPhW0UkmkJzh76daHQixExGHEgDQlunBVFXSnIGhvHCjArnvFRFblA/w640-h406/Fiat%202000%20012.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening an inspection panel...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">... and BINGO!! I discovered the same "immature" or "uncured" (Excuse the experts, but I don't know how to define this type of material in any other way...) resin forming the inner portion of the driver's station roof. With my fingernail, I was able to pull "oily chips" out of this resin, in an attempt to remove this "contaminated" material. I'm feeling like a Surgeon Oncologist....See the green arrow below...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nvY0zzgfLo119JkdXXLJ9rgGhrJZ_UMU9V2iJEnaXhxJunn_Q7YeuOlbyYmypptyqg_Iif5y0vNkmpFuyGg98-J3e5EUVcJg-SlGhF_08-OG5B3Z660YkHgf8bNGi_3PyOXgvyqzLymvq-LLrGMJZDA5ANcLKmvgOSkRs7cwKeqMf08MZexpt0A93Q/s1280/Fiat%202000%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nvY0zzgfLo119JkdXXLJ9rgGhrJZ_UMU9V2iJEnaXhxJunn_Q7YeuOlbyYmypptyqg_Iif5y0vNkmpFuyGg98-J3e5EUVcJg-SlGhF_08-OG5B3Z660YkHgf8bNGi_3PyOXgvyqzLymvq-LLrGMJZDA5ANcLKmvgOSkRs7cwKeqMf08MZexpt0A93Q/w640-h404/Fiat%202000%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roof of the driver station, deformed by "immature" resin...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> My correction intention is to apply a piece of 2mm thick plasticard to the inner portion of the driver's roof, with superglue applied to the entire surface of the plastic, to lift, flatten and support this roof that is "collapsing"...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQxbLE27x16Lo1YMhYBOjTwlObxBu9ZWAibA02Aw3HuyfLWreTd5E0jegFTWNSUpdS0d1-3eqjqM3D-hbSxT54myKgofu1qL4_4H_Sto-vBax1NssWM5RncSfjv-FPre9fVqsjznPvL1suGkkZnbqn0MB5QPWMYK_HcciHTymmMyoxfiMQcAJw4-KEg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQxbLE27x16Lo1YMhYBOjTwlObxBu9ZWAibA02Aw3HuyfLWreTd5E0jegFTWNSUpdS0d1-3eqjqM3D-hbSxT54myKgofu1qL4_4H_Sto-vBax1NssWM5RncSfjv-FPre9fVqsjznPvL1suGkkZnbqn0MB5QPWMYK_HcciHTymmMyoxfiMQcAJw4-KEg/w640-h464/Fiat%202000%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The problem and the cure...<br />Plasticard with 2mm thick which will be glued to the inner portion<br />of the driver's roof. The idea is to "anchor" everything with an ice cream stick...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7i-dLI5UilbSFsJK8iplb-blT3jlE7q5ElGmWPnV4bvmi7GE7Fqs87_o-ToQ-DCYD_1qbT8ekD1YC9IqPCEXaQz3eLBJH1ImEh__uTWBInRwbEsLdbO-TrvEHLtL9ZycXZfx6fQQfZIIPNNRuSn4NKdIl27zumHb2NITNQHv5k--GASFsEDvvC--HA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7i-dLI5UilbSFsJK8iplb-blT3jlE7q5ElGmWPnV4bvmi7GE7Fqs87_o-ToQ-DCYD_1qbT8ekD1YC9IqPCEXaQz3eLBJH1ImEh__uTWBInRwbEsLdbO-TrvEHLtL9ZycXZfx6fQQfZIIPNNRuSn4NKdIl27zumHb2NITNQHv5k--GASFsEDvvC--HA/w640-h438/Fiat%202000%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plasticard being glued to the inner portion of the roof. <br />Notice (green arrows) another internal laminations in the kit...<br />These laminations did not deform the kit because the resin<br />is not "oily" in these sectors...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJWSfO-wUJOjDk_-bcXE3HH8NH0N21BmB44cpH0MNwqP-9mKFrQULUhXrEd3uEccDhGOiuGFOet5Q6v9QPFmK8pncpD26gWvRTqu20qbLzbPW9PX6Uw6XN_pDLMCzwn_RU0hGt8hGlLHCgIls3sbsuOIY5FVSncA2ryrqjQdlho0E1GFTx3f2ITMBdg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJWSfO-wUJOjDk_-bcXE3HH8NH0N21BmB44cpH0MNwqP-9mKFrQULUhXrEd3uEccDhGOiuGFOet5Q6v9QPFmK8pncpD26gWvRTqu20qbLzbPW9PX6Uw6XN_pDLMCzwn_RU0hGt8hGlLHCgIls3sbsuOIY5FVSncA2ryrqjQdlho0E1GFTx3f2ITMBdg/w640-h372/Fiat%202000%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the ice cream stick anchor length... The objective is to<br />anchor the plasticard against the ceiling (red arrows), resting the stick on the<br />remnant of the ventral shield (green arrow) while the glue dries!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYh-aFdhgNer_G5l2PxYfX0mzWCjm5aBIFhhi2T973qXKSKp3ZlVKSNFGPnTKYlq5DYJCeZxqfv1l7Wj55Eaed9dhnmnyxYE79VBvate9qK6jEvTPUgYSQFoqpKW82-y4k21iGUVmtERtwbmPH42Gdut4IIPOHBwhU7QZiCmAH5HP9db20jbDji-vLuw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYh-aFdhgNer_G5l2PxYfX0mzWCjm5aBIFhhi2T973qXKSKp3ZlVKSNFGPnTKYlq5DYJCeZxqfv1l7Wj55Eaed9dhnmnyxYE79VBvate9qK6jEvTPUgYSQFoqpKW82-y4k21iGUVmtERtwbmPH42Gdut4IIPOHBwhU7QZiCmAH5HP9db20jbDji-vLuw/w640-h418/Fiat%202000%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Achieving a rectification of 90%, in my opinion...<br />The left portion of the ceiling still has a slight depression... <br />Much better, but still noticeable. I'll try to rectify that later with some local heat...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzk3DAD0XKe08EXeOPnBstWwvvAMl4HX6siTXqlfV-z97qzxiMx0NPc1jb2fcDc4wWywxGWN9wmuMQFVL2OsrYlnwmLWvJ90KjawJW8WwnbuudfSdHIMBX4oEstEmTqNHK4zlmfG9iI126krViJvhAwCaAIHnQWzbVJOQ-0wqerRTmu-1EzOrX2VUdA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjzk3DAD0XKe08EXeOPnBstWwvvAMl4HX6siTXqlfV-z97qzxiMx0NPc1jb2fcDc4wWywxGWN9wmuMQFVL2OsrYlnwmLWvJ90KjawJW8WwnbuudfSdHIMBX4oEstEmTqNHK4zlmfG9iI126krViJvhAwCaAIHnQWzbVJOQ-0wqerRTmu-1EzOrX2VUdA/w640-h438/Fiat%202000%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the rectification, the fractures became more evident...(red arrows)<br />This is easy to fix with a superglue filler and then putty.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptZrhuUOE4jwAuwFmL8rRMMl-DfnIxnDrIjCQubd4Qi3IcsteU4lmKwdorDuWar2ZQBsbPuV7dqg6o8P8xfCq-yAqnkn3Al_8NE0k9Thp1CclJkOV1tf33kVvHOcF-5bDjETBixDlnDehu8_El03Ztgmnz0tDAQ_JjMjsQBVFrAkelMpf66LJZBDvpg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptZrhuUOE4jwAuwFmL8rRMMl-DfnIxnDrIjCQubd4Qi3IcsteU4lmKwdorDuWar2ZQBsbPuV7dqg6o8P8xfCq-yAqnkn3Al_8NE0k9Thp1CclJkOV1tf33kVvHOcF-5bDjETBixDlnDehu8_El03Ztgmnz0tDAQ_JjMjsQBVFrAkelMpf66LJZBDvpg/w640-h326/Fiat%202000%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The superglue marks (cyanoacrylate)... <br />I'll sand it down and then fill it in with putty... <br />Easy as slapping a drunk guy...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Honestly, due to the damage presented, I think that my kit represents what disappeared in Tripolitania, Libya, in 1919!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But continuing the construction: after repairing the roof of the driver's station, we go to the hull, or rather to the lower armor of the tank. Remember the softened resin? Well... the time has come to resolve this issue...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EwGX6IBwqN923-ooMZ1-xQcc0tGYqxP6gTjkKXQlpFqAD-G6AzfaJi_hSaF3AY0xfRwPQfdealH-eGLBsBFqEXRTq1r9FSshXVcVyFDKDXaMBAsY-skUKjvvxma0-jvo0rVQVxsdWPEWWncC7dhPV4PD8nKCMnzvVHpNn5oA7xYGALhj2yIjVYIaIQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0EwGX6IBwqN923-ooMZ1-xQcc0tGYqxP6gTjkKXQlpFqAD-G6AzfaJi_hSaF3AY0xfRwPQfdealH-eGLBsBFqEXRTq1r9FSshXVcVyFDKDXaMBAsY-skUKjvvxma0-jvo0rVQVxsdWPEWWncC7dhPV4PD8nKCMnzvVHpNn5oA7xYGALhj2yIjVYIaIQ/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%20020.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modeling cancer: uncured resin... Let's eradicate this disease!!!<br />In red, the lower armour that will be replaced.<br />In blue, the inoperable cancer...<br />Good thing it won't be visible when we build the suspension...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> My intention is to remove all "contaminated" armor, to replace it by a plasticard plate. For this, I'm going to use a circular saw on my Dremel. This tool is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Just use with great care and training...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdIj-rPofMkoodZknWn-l32rO0eRgZ3VYN81rK2c6sSk4kCduVNIrKc8w60cbF2RhNAW_ke984GHGHkQ0qHsDBiaaM63Yo1ZTwnLDIP3SZB1QXikRrU5zPjwpu_gAtaS-YwKaWjBKR0ojMH50JlyN9m5NCbQa6HuOKvhFZnzqpLyF8oWcWc-jtnBE2A/s1280/Fiat%202000%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdIj-rPofMkoodZknWn-l32rO0eRgZ3VYN81rK2c6sSk4kCduVNIrKc8w60cbF2RhNAW_ke984GHGHkQ0qHsDBiaaM63Yo1ZTwnLDIP3SZB1QXikRrU5zPjwpu_gAtaS-YwKaWjBKR0ojMH50JlyN9m5NCbQa6HuOKvhFZnzqpLyF8oWcWc-jtnBE2A/w640-h438/Fiat%202000%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The surgery will be performed on the line demarcated by the red arrows...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb2wY5AYzTHmXxGoaTjs9zYYSKyYl_Y3M7IrGWyHCR0-yTvlGmeWXn69OIXlrFfUhMhTC5bFhkMWa_QuvFFssaEqmib6XsGdMQk_KsQovqLzz0yVdWQHPqlEnVNN_lgzgmQHJtjBgFXAAn9JzFp3psRNpWyQHU5sOennM879xesmIn6O4OW60YWdxpA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqb2wY5AYzTHmXxGoaTjs9zYYSKyYl_Y3M7IrGWyHCR0-yTvlGmeWXn69OIXlrFfUhMhTC5bFhkMWa_QuvFFssaEqmib6XsGdMQk_KsQovqLzz0yVdWQHPqlEnVNN_lgzgmQHJtjBgFXAAn9JzFp3psRNpWyQHU5sOennM879xesmIn6O4OW60YWdxpA/w640-h318/Fiat%202000%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's separate the bone from the meat...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvVRODcFuDIu1vV0KAXb5WiJVdbYN1XgHHKLbnBzxVC8I4V9rNRnRjRXosg5eiQRYx8RWCfXDr37JFz0d0wxsU1tE4GApafYLHpl4Xv98AC_iD-6vsvm7EMNMjxQ_W3BjE4Z-V55294xvnQZCbL3lqTTMWfENITsXCsSPsZSWDqPiZlkT_j_nljk7vw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvVRODcFuDIu1vV0KAXb5WiJVdbYN1XgHHKLbnBzxVC8I4V9rNRnRjRXosg5eiQRYx8RWCfXDr37JFz0d0wxsU1tE4GApafYLHpl4Xv98AC_iD-6vsvm7EMNMjxQ_W3BjE4Z-V55294xvnQZCbL3lqTTMWfENITsXCsSPsZSWDqPiZlkT_j_nljk7vw/w640-h420/Fiat%202000%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surgery performed. Man, this circular saw is very good,<br />but it's scary to use it!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV5BQEtH7WLQY_HAr9ZbH5g8PNXHoOrn6WSS3LaIfLUi-iI-JU2N5186RaNT7R2URU7_gUMi87CU4HHWmS-5Y5TTS4RMs07TkV-Ws1XBu8e0rEKc0M5gOInm8MbhVnC-ahsHW0Tzp85xg-eLW-ACl_jBHsp9mXLWMGld6uWK7Y13uCaqGdSkpELf03g/s1280/Fiat%202000%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV5BQEtH7WLQY_HAr9ZbH5g8PNXHoOrn6WSS3LaIfLUi-iI-JU2N5186RaNT7R2URU7_gUMi87CU4HHWmS-5Y5TTS4RMs07TkV-Ws1XBu8e0rEKc0M5gOInm8MbhVnC-ahsHW0Tzp85xg-eLW-ACl_jBHsp9mXLWMGld6uWK7Y13uCaqGdSkpELf03g/w640-h436/Fiat%202000%20024.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cancerous portion excised... A pity that the part in blue<br />can only be repaired... Caesar approved the conduct!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the cut (which was done as flat as possible...), I rectified any irregularities by passing the complete hull through my sanding plate (a sheet of sandpaper glued to a glass plate). The important thing is that everything is flat...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H6iim6j1BmIqwSSXkLa4o6K_1a_lWdvT__cA9wnKrlL6KamoY26LpzosauZ7Wj3CDS7kSxymxQ3bORWwmX8OZAjZkiisV8yKG90qGQpbLxyxuEZG5-GPPwxQ262hZgoJQL1sKiI2CrYR7R-brZkIgMTq515H3okKOPNFqvBNRKr-yKTNrav_u6Jh2g/s1280/Fiat%202000%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H6iim6j1BmIqwSSXkLa4o6K_1a_lWdvT__cA9wnKrlL6KamoY26LpzosauZ7Wj3CDS7kSxymxQ3bORWwmX8OZAjZkiisV8yKG90qGQpbLxyxuEZG5-GPPwxQ262hZgoJQL1sKiI2CrYR7R-brZkIgMTq515H3okKOPNFqvBNRKr-yKTNrav_u6Jh2g/w640-h440/Fiat%202000%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanding and leveling the irregularities of the cut. <br />Alternating back-and-forth and circular movements (see below)...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpjHzrXHLafuLLmJIE1oDc62nxK1k4PpKtyDfhg_zjy590BQwg6Wvp9BZVF1AtKesa3lV39ZHSKozSDpPg8NEFARrB4XKABOIZkdHSNYox3DryMDveRswqMfKa3s5UQqPra6zE5E_Yxo5kLBD3mUUJM3yNCxikEUuLd17523cux3qiOtoz1aPEvf-pg/s1024/Fiat%202000%20025b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpjHzrXHLafuLLmJIE1oDc62nxK1k4PpKtyDfhg_zjy590BQwg6Wvp9BZVF1AtKesa3lV39ZHSKozSDpPg8NEFARrB4XKABOIZkdHSNYox3DryMDveRswqMfKa3s5UQqPra6zE5E_Yxo5kLBD3mUUJM3yNCxikEUuLd17523cux3qiOtoz1aPEvf-pg/w640-h400/Fiat%202000%20025b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resin responds very well to sanding.<br />Our Emperor is still satisfied!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtDM3GTDZYPp7Od8kgBXDyzDNZJBwP9DKHmXiO3Ek_0_dowN81GGNU57oSUK4zGLdN-IQ4JzXQUQj6qDF4fePGOpWDYfwpsEbl88EbYl5ba7ou7SXGY9XRQk1QbE61JBithg1nwNQqJxJyY-dY2uz-CLYEz5_NbuhvJVHjElsSZgJi8kwp-FSxuCZ8A/s3648/Fiat%202000%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtDM3GTDZYPp7Od8kgBXDyzDNZJBwP9DKHmXiO3Ek_0_dowN81GGNU57oSUK4zGLdN-IQ4JzXQUQj6qDF4fePGOpWDYfwpsEbl88EbYl5ba7ou7SXGY9XRQk1QbE61JBithg1nwNQqJxJyY-dY2uz-CLYEz5_NbuhvJVHjElsSZgJi8kwp-FSxuCZ8A/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Result of sanding grinding...<br />Perfect!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Tzfb2hXcaU_ivp24btRY1ehxE_IvOy2XLUMBTUlQe-C4ZeFw-viR3FUyV-TEF7UCp8d0mZ0EbN1ijvy_vEPZU7C1Ee4t5M99dhCWca-hFqMZ1xlj5xdnvcM1iC7iGqxuscl4e7a4WDVXaDb46Oh-fn5VyrQr84jxhDQZYLYJ-FVNCgKNl5oPruh6w/s1280/Fiat%202000%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8Tzfb2hXcaU_ivp24btRY1ehxE_IvOy2XLUMBTUlQe-C4ZeFw-viR3FUyV-TEF7UCp8d0mZ0EbN1ijvy_vEPZU7C1Ee4t5M99dhCWca-hFqMZ1xlj5xdnvcM1iC7iGqxuscl4e7a4WDVXaDb46Oh-fn5VyrQr84jxhDQZYLYJ-FVNCgKNl5oPruh6w/w640-h402/Fiat%202000%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQokE8Cumzp7waDRrqcs-zqATTxp6CllP3O5OYi_rLc0Yzz3A_id2sWHAymGrm2HbvAb6mhrJP1Rtb7f2jBNlJPAkbqR-Q-8K7aQU6SpUqqiVPlmClOS6TMmp7Wxy7qPDAsF-Zc7uBsgCYwS2_MPVEsOWEZSyc-RYNAPnI0asx1NAxFW7JK0SbZM0-A/s1280/Fiat%202000%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQokE8Cumzp7waDRrqcs-zqATTxp6CllP3O5OYi_rLc0Yzz3A_id2sWHAymGrm2HbvAb6mhrJP1Rtb7f2jBNlJPAkbqR-Q-8K7aQU6SpUqqiVPlmClOS6TMmp7Wxy7qPDAsF-Zc7uBsgCYwS2_MPVEsOWEZSyc-RYNAPnI0asx1NAxFW7JK0SbZM0-A/w640-h420/Fiat%202000%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using two Plastruct Styrene tubing with 6,4mm diameter for <br />structural reinforcement of the hull. <br />The reinforcements were installed in the direction of the suspension supports</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUUT4IX6JAzPFVhc7Vzzm63dOIH3uOKLjPGA68zhoUORrkMWjzw4sAUu7bgIv97jvVnFyLpFSQBqZr5DzOJAQgsVlWf7qNL57afOVKbRD47wsWS5n-bh_Q025yrvFTMZbCoRWkBHZgG4JUxypc2KbrPTG4EnM1IA7jt2dSG6OWCbc2F1oUPipxt4i8g/s1280/Fiat%202000%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUUT4IX6JAzPFVhc7Vzzm63dOIH3uOKLjPGA68zhoUORrkMWjzw4sAUu7bgIv97jvVnFyLpFSQBqZr5DzOJAQgsVlWf7qNL57afOVKbRD47wsWS5n-bh_Q025yrvFTMZbCoRWkBHZgG4JUxypc2KbrPTG4EnM1IA7jt2dSG6OWCbc2F1oUPipxt4i8g/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The structural reinforcements of the hull must<br />face the lower portion of the armor.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpggdG0b3NfwYwIMM7jvAT4gzpv1UYvDXLykkVG5B5qqNgz8xNEIkLBkuewoHLUz-POX9Vk-UD2S35VvYjHk5SRgioVe1v_7h7jcU1LKF4scr__qZF5y41Wm8Vp_s2UB2FbsWrCaSN-SNog9b625NBqWMbVw88dhibQlJ5YqLS0RpxzHt9F5-mMwwtw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpggdG0b3NfwYwIMM7jvAT4gzpv1UYvDXLykkVG5B5qqNgz8xNEIkLBkuewoHLUz-POX9Vk-UD2S35VvYjHk5SRgioVe1v_7h7jcU1LKF4scr__qZF5y41Wm8Vp_s2UB2FbsWrCaSN-SNog9b625NBqWMbVw88dhibQlJ5YqLS0RpxzHt9F5-mMwwtw/w640-h410/Fiat%202000%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Application of a thin Plasticard plate (0.3 mm thick),<br />glued with superglue, respecting the vehicle's squareness. <br />The excess (red arrows) will be cut off after the glue dries.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EAGv2Bz1-bYaOwMVT_TLoTZHYwS9rlhFJfzfKfMXKcSK1KAl5b22QB4rG9u2ML5prb2_dmLdqXZeecb-kYSVD8qZXOeVTOobGZ1skeFPlQrnRbeo6xytC24vArGFj0tUN0lFzITvs7m5bSyLuEqX4KJo0HoJyNaVg5yCunerBeCFsNdV-kEfUd-VRQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EAGv2Bz1-bYaOwMVT_TLoTZHYwS9rlhFJfzfKfMXKcSK1KAl5b22QB4rG9u2ML5prb2_dmLdqXZeecb-kYSVD8qZXOeVTOobGZ1skeFPlQrnRbeo6xytC24vArGFj0tUN0lFzITvs7m5bSyLuEqX4KJo0HoJyNaVg5yCunerBeCFsNdV-kEfUd-VRQ/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new ventral armor plate with no signs of cancer!!! <br />The vehicle is cured of the plague!! <br />Caesar grants life to our Italian Gladiator!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Well, with the cancer problem solved, let's get to our girl's polytrauma problems. Let's fix the two suspensions that came fractured. The right suspension has a complete fracture in the track links region, just below the drive sprocket. And another incomplete fracture at the last wheel set of the last bogie, close to the idler wheel. See photo below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkKTGaNEka21p-OUUKURS76BNdvD7y9Gmqv0eYORHd6tNj6gP5dG93D_3W0EtDcq-Pwxd5CZnpSEdhgz8aLshBnDZEfb-_rwTlVsQ0Qq8dK3cc1e98Zzj2FNPohXk4xp7XeBTZJe1xht5_SfWsw3feFg5cRtrUn1WilV8TLv9XdmEdNBJED6mO80Y6Q/s1280/Fiat%202000%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkKTGaNEka21p-OUUKURS76BNdvD7y9Gmqv0eYORHd6tNj6gP5dG93D_3W0EtDcq-Pwxd5CZnpSEdhgz8aLshBnDZEfb-_rwTlVsQ0Qq8dK3cc1e98Zzj2FNPohXk4xp7XeBTZJe1xht5_SfWsw3feFg5cRtrUn1WilV8TLv9XdmEdNBJED6mO80Y6Q/w640-h298/Fiat%202000%20037.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right suspension. Internal view.<br />Notice the complete and incomplete fractures (arrows)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The good news here is that the fracture edges are clean with no loss of substance, allowing alignment and bonding with just a little more care when gluing. The use of cyanoacrylate solved everything. The slight warping of the suspension will be corrected during the positioning of the part on the tank chassis. <b>An honorable mention to Luis Vargas' kit: the delicacy and detailing of the piece is impressive. Very beautiful piece</b>. My suggestion is that the packaging of these pieces be better taken care of, to avoid this type of problem for the modeler. I consider myself an experienced modeler and I find these problems feasible to solve, but a colleague who is new to the hobby can simply get discouraged and abandon the project.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBjlpwzJLb_HU3R73RPT7DBmocuQlFGD1LqVAXIZFBjE-Fx8SP9AcCEFTxTBMASlJEx5FeTVX3goj0PUBWff-r3Wmg_2KiFAopxPCdEIP5zRhB0hkX7O2Y-khpQ98un7kZelHQOjtaAIZwxgsgevhPlDC509HrQjm_yNvgtgJPHBGF3jQwbC5epPvYA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBjlpwzJLb_HU3R73RPT7DBmocuQlFGD1LqVAXIZFBjE-Fx8SP9AcCEFTxTBMASlJEx5FeTVX3goj0PUBWff-r3Wmg_2KiFAopxPCdEIP5zRhB0hkX7O2Y-khpQ98un7kZelHQOjtaAIZwxgsgevhPlDC509HrQjm_yNvgtgJPHBGF3jQwbC5epPvYA/w640-h368/Fiat%202000%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The right suspension fixed!! <br />Hail Caesar!! Those who will live glorify and salute you!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj1XJIB1vOC1EvDo3qO8lX7ZFUhMP6On1tKnWvOUSqwL7bPUTFiM_wEoLGuMjGcJZeP7-wn_K8jSBGgvrTpINd72mz9KHsTYRaloi1M4ITBk4ZZSRjfH0NhTBkXjsM3PgJa9VZ85p-bUp21sYyMK88ZCXCOCIaWE3L0xYVQen_47_kNX6qg4k3iu0GQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20038a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihj1XJIB1vOC1EvDo3qO8lX7ZFUhMP6On1tKnWvOUSqwL7bPUTFiM_wEoLGuMjGcJZeP7-wn_K8jSBGgvrTpINd72mz9KHsTYRaloi1M4ITBk4ZZSRjfH0NhTBkXjsM3PgJa9VZ85p-bUp21sYyMK88ZCXCOCIaWE3L0xYVQen_47_kNX6qg4k3iu0GQ/w640-h360/Fiat%202000%20038a.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the right suspension gluen in the hull.<br />The holes and markings help (a lot...) the correct<br />positioning of such a large and delicate part.<br />Detail: the infamous resin with curing problems strikes again,<br />at the edges of the links (red arrows). This type of problem is<br />solved by cutting these "petals" with a scalpel... I'm glad Caesar didn't notice...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now for the worst part: the compound fractures of the left suspension. Here, we have comminuted fractures with loss of substances and scattered bone fragments... A real emergency room...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V1ju4gJp8PeMb_8lsOmhBBEfNoHcH6pVykHR1Pc2mv-QBqvDzeO5bi1kcVRzS5qpRkTPerzrh5DkARfTj6yV1R7GFkGNUSsyfz0KO2ci3vUbmG77F_wIWN5jqjzMghyWK4jR896-VzjmbuMngGPn6hVhxwKybWgGwi71twWxrbTmzM1Dluy_84qa_A/s1279/Fiat%202000%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1279" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V1ju4gJp8PeMb_8lsOmhBBEfNoHcH6pVykHR1Pc2mv-QBqvDzeO5bi1kcVRzS5qpRkTPerzrh5DkARfTj6yV1R7GFkGNUSsyfz0KO2ci3vUbmG77F_wIWN5jqjzMghyWK4jR896-VzjmbuMngGPn6hVhxwKybWgGwi71twWxrbTmzM1Dluy_84qa_A/w640-h412/Fiat%202000%20039.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the extension of the fractures...<br />But don't cry, Sophia. Our girl will be like new!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> My plan is to use the Fiat hull markings as a guide for the suspension reconstruction. First, I will install the upper portion of the track (step 1, below) and, based on ithe markings of the hull (little red arrows, step 2), glue the lower portion, together with the fragments of the disaster... Let's see if the reconstruction evolves in good terms...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGIax400Ucsd_I7RiBVE8Db-CtjjD3dHnP-v6eepIZYmmcALTRUTdWpngv1PItR2JPREBDoH4x3EizGoarAcQmuU19cePj8SoRMhG35RmLJto8ZH85DhZYiTUIl88m7N6n_xtW38jupDPIT6DGoSJgxlIPFtqlfoOfl_1NYqVxyTdPfA88B04OZlQpQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGIax400Ucsd_I7RiBVE8Db-CtjjD3dHnP-v6eepIZYmmcALTRUTdWpngv1PItR2JPREBDoH4x3EizGoarAcQmuU19cePj8SoRMhG35RmLJto8ZH85DhZYiTUIl88m7N6n_xtW38jupDPIT6DGoSJgxlIPFtqlfoOfl_1NYqVxyTdPfA88B04OZlQpQ/w640-h364/Fiat%202000%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm..starting the reconstruction... Follow the steps...<br />Caesar is not very confident...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAo4FpmlnvwK29gIWNDqiO6QLsuOYcSDjjs3zpz6B-276EiJ8hXESqfGexdd4EvRWRrLrlZll920qdHI5vdUDY3Dyho8kEd_NidUGpck0KkzDMAX9Skm_tKASbHiNjBXBL1hQ7CLcPnG8DM3CIApzTNspt6EBhaOtot4yo-pcsO9ms7vLwGPXJ5t6Cg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAo4FpmlnvwK29gIWNDqiO6QLsuOYcSDjjs3zpz6B-276EiJ8hXESqfGexdd4EvRWRrLrlZll920qdHI5vdUDY3Dyho8kEd_NidUGpck0KkzDMAX9Skm_tKASbHiNjBXBL1hQ7CLcPnG8DM3CIApzTNspt6EBhaOtot4yo-pcsO9ms7vLwGPXJ5t6Cg/w640-h362/Fiat%202000%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once the large segments of suspension are installed,<br />it's time to realign the parts that have come apart:<br />two links next to sprocket wheel (yellow), the sprocket<br />and drive chain (orange) and the last link next to idler wheel (green).<br />Caesar is just watching, in a measured way!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnHJCy_ga6FvHdUl2OoYvUk_kfeEs3ujBiB_t05Ox7hIH_q2Oxw8zF0Z8palwgEoo-hEpbqaZ1wPij2IKTnHFlTKnfkeF-f4ynXAAnZA-nYWDpYSQDtNyiBeHN7tz9Rsdfiq_MIGlLYdSjGxb7vZ8O8IGmF3mPrN6mvQPD4XT79dwiD_09jgEpBQ5OQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnHJCy_ga6FvHdUl2OoYvUk_kfeEs3ujBiB_t05Ox7hIH_q2Oxw8zF0Z8palwgEoo-hEpbqaZ1wPij2IKTnHFlTKnfkeF-f4ynXAAnZA-nYWDpYSQDtNyiBeHN7tz9Rsdfiq_MIGlLYdSjGxb7vZ8O8IGmF3mPrN6mvQPD4XT79dwiD_09jgEpBQ5OQ/w640-h346/Fiat%202000%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And all the reconstituted parts, together... <br />The Emperor finally pointed his thumb up!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhFQvs9BSP5QB0USnvFxmOsbDVOdVHoJvXS5Pw0whKxQIW3qZeBsb-LT1RrdZZCkdit4Ic16MM9cMqVnlv4rSujDy2A9WupQyudIzuAWcKc0JQ1wQ3GvzyXtvDpAFlhk2cas1wydKdHgtWpz22eCMRfxb5PRjmSViE8PBVfpwx11cxZu2Yrxiuy2mgg/s3648/Fiat%202000%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhFQvs9BSP5QB0USnvFxmOsbDVOdVHoJvXS5Pw0whKxQIW3qZeBsb-LT1RrdZZCkdit4Ic16MM9cMqVnlv4rSujDy2A9WupQyudIzuAWcKc0JQ1wQ3GvzyXtvDpAFlhk2cas1wydKdHgtWpz22eCMRfxb5PRjmSViE8PBVfpwx11cxZu2Yrxiuy2mgg/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, a little scare, but easily replaced by scratch...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgjT_B2-1fwQ7feP6Oaf-SYXsFoIGnMexvhigX3mWkuKpCuQRVDLWDUis6lNYxozqD1P-QfNUV4m7NDZHP4Kt5wEkwozrkmJGPhk0xaE0CSxvJJCCJf2a_qG_RIqxfUMPbtIlcaKEtk488WeAijRkUHqshjtHp-GMPsisF1Wmun_ReDxa-SOxxE6k8g/s1280/Fiat%202000%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgjT_B2-1fwQ7feP6Oaf-SYXsFoIGnMexvhigX3mWkuKpCuQRVDLWDUis6lNYxozqD1P-QfNUV4m7NDZHP4Kt5wEkwozrkmJGPhk0xaE0CSxvJJCCJf2a_qG_RIqxfUMPbtIlcaKEtk488WeAijRkUHqshjtHp-GMPsisF1Wmun_ReDxa-SOxxE6k8g/w640-h380/Fiat%202000%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning of reconstruction, with plasticard...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xfz_pSOGMADEqDNOyUih2vMDKyHuLMQq9L5Or1szok5iKgOJjdM54w7GNat6HZ_2SD6AfvfxUM7V3GPyL4dMRkLFOKB6p42dSP0M8eUdgm7R8GMLmImpBgSaPTYMoE2sc8huuFoFh3Fw_RnGkagwjfYcFBGl2m7ITNqrnV4-bqiB0tgETVV0myFS3g/s1280/Fiat%202000%20045a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xfz_pSOGMADEqDNOyUih2vMDKyHuLMQq9L5Or1szok5iKgOJjdM54w7GNat6HZ_2SD6AfvfxUM7V3GPyL4dMRkLFOKB6p42dSP0M8eUdgm7R8GMLmImpBgSaPTYMoE2sc8huuFoFh3Fw_RnGkagwjfYcFBGl2m7ITNqrnV4-bqiB0tgETVV0myFS3g/w640-h306/Fiat%202000%20045a.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And Julius finally cracked a big smile,<br />with the final result of the surgery!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> To relax, let's "close" the top deck of the tank, gluing this piece to the upper hull of the Fiat. And here, Monica was puzzled: what the hell are these two hatches doing here??? </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip72TpozA4lB_TLM6KQ08cupe3l9Rj5YJNPBHxhc1AapJj44wCoTlR3wdPYkz9MQD5uQbDER1mI3KMOrx3mJ_1k_t70-4-buxbDD8qkogtO-mZ0bLq6FPD0enZ9_96lkudsMXJ6u4LEy0v4TllfgrTVLCg0enByFp_jWTjAz4Qkr2bUAGpheoqF5XkWA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip72TpozA4lB_TLM6KQ08cupe3l9Rj5YJNPBHxhc1AapJj44wCoTlR3wdPYkz9MQD5uQbDER1mI3KMOrx3mJ_1k_t70-4-buxbDD8qkogtO-mZ0bLq6FPD0enZ9_96lkudsMXJ6u4LEy0v4TllfgrTVLCg0enByFp_jWTjAz4Qkr2bUAGpheoqF5XkWA/w640-h378/Fiat%202000%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monica is confused...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Looking at technical drawings, period photos and the reconstruction of the Fiat 2000 by the Italians in 2020, there is no evidence of these huge hatches here. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BcoiQoTfTsqJpeqQ20CJL9XU4tEG1I8wiqQ3cOfSmjwU38JJFTzUM_VZfj3DIn_YAm06a8QiEhRb8J3Fr9qLvAH0uqNLS_ZDZA2o8wJDyHN82wVKlEACd25KkmimAMqcrE6FBOHeaeqWcnLUAGaqFEh48SSrcg8CxWtV-m7Gd1pH638td_9CR8SerA/s870/Fiat%202000%20046c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="791" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BcoiQoTfTsqJpeqQ20CJL9XU4tEG1I8wiqQ3cOfSmjwU38JJFTzUM_VZfj3DIn_YAm06a8QiEhRb8J3Fr9qLvAH0uqNLS_ZDZA2o8wJDyHN82wVKlEACd25KkmimAMqcrE6FBOHeaeqWcnLUAGaqFEh48SSrcg8CxWtV-m7Gd1pH638td_9CR8SerA/w582-h640/Fiat%202000%20046c.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZm6YlgHobvBJvgpvcE_I7ZC-7MGTPpIVJCyPfyOry2MU9bbVByzlIY4KzZHZFM_-sym1rPb5Y0G8ztuea4EusaZGYOezGP9Ezlc-vVVWUJmvcNLBF2XsNCAyVkerTqfe25WnVtcUFteO9WaOE1x-VyPpgxhi6N0TbyEDxeiYZ5u-wm_yLSGGr3aVhQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20046a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZm6YlgHobvBJvgpvcE_I7ZC-7MGTPpIVJCyPfyOry2MU9bbVByzlIY4KzZHZFM_-sym1rPb5Y0G8ztuea4EusaZGYOezGP9Ezlc-vVVWUJmvcNLBF2XsNCAyVkerTqfe25WnVtcUFteO9WaOE1x-VyPpgxhi6N0TbyEDxeiYZ5u-wm_yLSGGr3aVhQ/w640-h294/Fiat%202000%20046a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 replica (2020)<br />forward view: no roof hatches...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtqBH7zWkLiFO_qjcAOMCWP9Y3GehNmxvEQtk4NluI9ThMwp5QZ8q4UdOT7MNPyO_FChlca8Zz-Fbe8vvseKVFJR2LTikN8neX6eEGEScdV3B8kjQ2q7haCaIMqVTZ6Gb9HOBmoUaC2SyfgrvePOHYvBrMltJ9PWgv-ZUraOu5IeAGgHJEGSpZlqeUw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20046b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtqBH7zWkLiFO_qjcAOMCWP9Y3GehNmxvEQtk4NluI9ThMwp5QZ8q4UdOT7MNPyO_FChlca8Zz-Fbe8vvseKVFJR2LTikN8neX6eEGEScdV3B8kjQ2q7haCaIMqVTZ6Gb9HOBmoUaC2SyfgrvePOHYvBrMltJ9PWgv-ZUraOu5IeAGgHJEGSpZlqeUw/w640-h294/Fiat%202000%20046b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 replica (2020)<br />rear view: no roof hatches...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I'm not a rivet counter, but two hatches are a lot more than a few rivets!!! Let's be a little more careful with these details, Vargas!!! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQyn8O6nMMPrp6Obo_uHr9pCwLljNy4t-eWW505aWwEQrWkQB3EXEedVZQveAuGrI7CLHXZHeGsOPfEpEuuf-qbTIv3ll_QSGgDuzivIFBKaO2iO5FQ5WfaD8ONG2pA1rKK63ZKgK7GZQ3NW3RqvoWogX5XwBzR7ptUGZAKH9cw61rcOWxfI3x-Mh6g/s1280/Fiat%202000%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQyn8O6nMMPrp6Obo_uHr9pCwLljNy4t-eWW505aWwEQrWkQB3EXEedVZQveAuGrI7CLHXZHeGsOPfEpEuuf-qbTIv3ll_QSGgDuzivIFBKaO2iO5FQ5WfaD8ONG2pA1rKK63ZKgK7GZQ3NW3RqvoWogX5XwBzR7ptUGZAKH9cw61rcOWxfI3x-Mh6g/w640-h372/Fiat%202000%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I opted not to remove the hatches, but be warned for the purists...<br />Julius César ( and Monica...) forgave my heresy... They are very happy with the project!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuO9GTSt9UA-sS3tGSw7HXe-JEJD_5Zm6wk_WyU13W4up9K8dtZN8rHavi79capW_durmeRiD-kllrEdeUdVJ9ts_A8oW_akNrR4wV6QhIhDYS2cVuOCTgLSSVzUwf947E7wf_CjNKD1Txuv2wPe6i3USYepaRpMYBB7ikJQkLIBNAD0ZJTXuSsfMgg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwuO9GTSt9UA-sS3tGSw7HXe-JEJD_5Zm6wk_WyU13W4up9K8dtZN8rHavi79capW_durmeRiD-kllrEdeUdVJ9ts_A8oW_akNrR4wV6QhIhDYS2cVuOCTgLSSVzUwf947E7wf_CjNKD1Txuv2wPe6i3USYepaRpMYBB7ikJQkLIBNAD0ZJTXuSsfMgg/w640-h376/Fiat%202000%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I glued the two side armored skirts to the tank. While it hides a lot of <br />the suspension details, it stays truer to the original and<br />reinforces the structure of the kit as a whole.<br />Our noble Roman roared "Beautifull !" (in Latin, of course...)<br />front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhninotm8twUsToYUk3i0uSLsf2kXQoP_Qe8p3jjX-vJzLQ-pSdz8rz8TFowuDvcjttdgM5Brq_6p6_8KcQucWDye38MNvPWzb4YAcuwM-VJA-ivDNDMiFrA06KnQm3uW6RoKsWgeN1j7f3yBvFgYy86nSslPP-QUQ51fC4DKKeERY_eAjcR_1uFgz9Ew/s1280/Fiat%202000%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhninotm8twUsToYUk3i0uSLsf2kXQoP_Qe8p3jjX-vJzLQ-pSdz8rz8TFowuDvcjttdgM5Brq_6p6_8KcQucWDye38MNvPWzb4YAcuwM-VJA-ivDNDMiFrA06KnQm3uW6RoKsWgeN1j7f3yBvFgYy86nSslPP-QUQ51fC4DKKeERY_eAjcR_1uFgz9Ew/w640-h486/Fiat%202000%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 - front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jYkULBy3SncQRQq1msQoK0109Md7HW8_Yg8gTeDfQYGVB2TF1-C8mo2Bb1eazSeREroh8CuMoTJrurPu9-lNMaBaAHribioKyWpf04SnxWO8Icemvw39DvkXdt2Q5CPQ8tLPRnAJE9li7KkXhAEBwS3yQtAduFTtSjjs591K8__GDvUt1KpYVjQi2A/s1280/Fiat%202000%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jYkULBy3SncQRQq1msQoK0109Md7HW8_Yg8gTeDfQYGVB2TF1-C8mo2Bb1eazSeREroh8CuMoTJrurPu9-lNMaBaAHribioKyWpf04SnxWO8Icemvw39DvkXdt2Q5CPQ8tLPRnAJE9li7KkXhAEBwS3yQtAduFTtSjjs591K8__GDvUt1KpYVjQi2A/w640-h448/Fiat%202000%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 - front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWaK-XmQWw2wY5WHPqL8xce5AdFFUO4CBlFXIiLY6BQiR-V3wo0LAjfkNNgWDg6tdBY8DFG5r6Lo6OgI9bQmqUBfsAw8JP2xr3PIxyRxxk_E5CKEpvVpRG-eXwnxLCxsYsKrC1oGe7jV9bTdl89Q2cjAsztNGOPFLqtiFT3jt6Y3CtgM_9jRsJP5Yxw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWaK-XmQWw2wY5WHPqL8xce5AdFFUO4CBlFXIiLY6BQiR-V3wo0LAjfkNNgWDg6tdBY8DFG5r6Lo6OgI9bQmqUBfsAw8JP2xr3PIxyRxxk_E5CKEpvVpRG-eXwnxLCxsYsKrC1oGe7jV9bTdl89Q2cjAsztNGOPFLqtiFT3jt6Y3CtgM_9jRsJP5Yxw/w640-h376/Fiat%202000%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 - belly view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA8JerV2UVQsBXeKk63mSrQ3ek8fmVtfrb1w5_ssd9EBBbX_e5X2ZNjHZF2MZuKFI_Wn4WuscDmQ82WRrnUDqAVxpusmRhME4cRRqtk2KxaN4ssKY3htRVJeTBdr2-T46_Tbxo2U_sFDFjSDeVJGlSEbgnWLtivCXGeal3J4HGHOcltiGoFpfCPiuXQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA8JerV2UVQsBXeKk63mSrQ3ek8fmVtfrb1w5_ssd9EBBbX_e5X2ZNjHZF2MZuKFI_Wn4WuscDmQ82WRrnUDqAVxpusmRhME4cRRqtk2KxaN4ssKY3htRVJeTBdr2-T46_Tbxo2U_sFDFjSDeVJGlSEbgnWLtivCXGeal3J4HGHOcltiGoFpfCPiuXQ/w640-h396/Fiat%202000%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 - rear right view<br />I agree: It is perfect!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"> Putty around the driver's periscope and handles for the (weird) hatches. Since it's a what-if issue, I put the hatches on the forward deck and not the aft one, as per Vargas' instructions. Since we are in the realm of conjecture, the front region seemed more logical to me.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsowHRogUbDBN2qcI_tYkCBHZShlINKwg5dnINRMl65_hijXvfX3pvRvbmhrxI-FVStoAAUFB3kpov06RlGido5jcaNPZIqIVitaw9YVGQcFCX5Hp5M1KQsOIM9Onec2aFkwVfzkbaYlz69SDgFIoEQ-ENgo8eM6Dsp8cfEH7X7c4iBbrz3k3AUCGHMg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsowHRogUbDBN2qcI_tYkCBHZShlINKwg5dnINRMl65_hijXvfX3pvRvbmhrxI-FVStoAAUFB3kpov06RlGido5jcaNPZIqIVitaw9YVGQcFCX5Hp5M1KQsOIM9Onec2aFkwVfzkbaYlz69SDgFIoEQ-ENgo8eM6Dsp8cfEH7X7c4iBbrz3k3AUCGHMg/w640-h428/Fiat%202000%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putty around the driver's periscope and handles for the hatches.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj-fFYDXOe-AJSoRxHy1b3SuAqgNENGZfjIUDtPjPpo5NwpWGwwevRzwA4whVwBW0aHa55DKr9mhkyLsTx0CHnFE3D8sDpykpTiiuI0Zzs29qpwq2mHEaQ6w6MGhJgabx1mQ2oO6axCE5020QXtULE0a7S-8ANEwlunV8NnHHzdY8w1JuAzqZz6TCXA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj-fFYDXOe-AJSoRxHy1b3SuAqgNENGZfjIUDtPjPpo5NwpWGwwevRzwA4whVwBW0aHa55DKr9mhkyLsTx0CHnFE3D8sDpykpTiiuI0Zzs29qpwq2mHEaQ6w6MGhJgabx1mQ2oO6axCE5020QXtULE0a7S-8ANEwlunV8NnHHzdY8w1JuAzqZz6TCXA/w640-h386/Fiat%202000%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primer time!!First, the kit was well washed<br />with detergent as these 3D printed kits get a bit greasy...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnc1D-vk8h2T9FqEMvFKGpvYcuSM6_iCfqkGbbYWmun1ytMC3CU34bgvng-Z0R24MwtdFlgOb_1zEva0lZticpP2FGHTsjDgDuwX23Wzv4XjgkYB3HnsjSdaUbgFsUWU7OGNk3p_-FCo_cAiMAF2p3kHaj-7hmlveuEvEpDBr9ZX5BtCsOo9Q2ivCiA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnc1D-vk8h2T9FqEMvFKGpvYcuSM6_iCfqkGbbYWmun1ytMC3CU34bgvng-Z0R24MwtdFlgOb_1zEva0lZticpP2FGHTsjDgDuwX23Wzv4XjgkYB3HnsjSdaUbgFsUWU7OGNk3p_-FCo_cAiMAF2p3kHaj-7hmlveuEvEpDBr9ZX5BtCsOo9Q2ivCiA/w640-h400/Fiat%202000%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAwwBSQKwsPummBjIt0IuuDEceqWWjFR2tmjbA5vk0Q9HSmCGVc6X7r0NKZEeH8F3IQ1eIWmQy8xnRqTcqYu8yQdiQnT7F1Dbp3VxjggVw7KnzUKfWh-NU4Q2UuG1TJL-sJeguFsdVZ-naCvB6XcdvMI3FnWKvyvRJ3IpNlAbOeu8JqIThlbANlD9lg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAwwBSQKwsPummBjIt0IuuDEceqWWjFR2tmjbA5vk0Q9HSmCGVc6X7r0NKZEeH8F3IQ1eIWmQy8xnRqTcqYu8yQdiQnT7F1Dbp3VxjggVw7KnzUKfWh-NU4Q2UuG1TJL-sJeguFsdVZ-naCvB6XcdvMI3FnWKvyvRJ3IpNlAbOeu8JqIThlbANlD9lg/w640-h416/Fiat%202000%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret, main gun and machime guns with primer...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">For the colors, I love this camouflage pattern:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvzqlAJJcLzX46ltPSu5VBz5FxaTt3zZXNjVzSCt84nM82S4XQU3UzoM_u3cMsaruFvQ68cMvHcLCih_6ALtOqvgjN6EdRjI0swXD1uTtxrmwVbwlLWMr2afrR4wbSvpsiQh2oqdFTetAoPT7f-_R7J2NG_9tHka8f1ewXK70noWzmTqMaZtBJY5glg/s1280/color%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvzqlAJJcLzX46ltPSu5VBz5FxaTt3zZXNjVzSCt84nM82S4XQU3UzoM_u3cMsaruFvQ68cMvHcLCih_6ALtOqvgjN6EdRjI0swXD1uTtxrmwVbwlLWMr2afrR4wbSvpsiQh2oqdFTetAoPT7f-_R7J2NG_9tHka8f1ewXK70noWzmTqMaZtBJY5glg/w640-h434/color%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camo with sand-yellow, green and chocolat-brown.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But really I would like to add a few more details on the marking of the kit (still based on real photos...not the faithful reproduction, but something that really could have been...). Something more or less like this:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQYP1C_Up3qGUm4YJ4w3qZj0DW0khO0dv6p8BmJKWb5BF4f9FjaBvn_ZO5C-R1YtMKiGaVfEqHYE8s-RQZceA5yI9HpxlLll6QOZ7nR4lO9rznGt8XOSMUX2d9a9qIwtxmxpoxmNNfYd6nPnypYJZvCTuHYJSQL23PCxOHeBQg8cul2owmis316YaHQ/s1280/color%20profile2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQYP1C_Up3qGUm4YJ4w3qZj0DW0khO0dv6p8BmJKWb5BF4f9FjaBvn_ZO5C-R1YtMKiGaVfEqHYE8s-RQZceA5yI9HpxlLll6QOZ7nR4lO9rznGt8XOSMUX2d9a9qIwtxmxpoxmNNfYd6nPnypYJZvCTuHYJSQL23PCxOHeBQg8cul2owmis316YaHQ/w640-h434/color%20profile2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 - tank no. 2 - Testing a battle camouflage.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfQN4bBng-5iLkTJdoyK5awj5ZNb_p7mJhw5ezvpTghmfU7AHVNI30F5tZ8PQO5G7j0TYGRn71KrIghwsTzhqGah9PzIt8MeGcPKcCb8CqKgTv9bFcKyMW4omYQd9vyaFqXIjNWVz5DE5FIvDXN4U3d0Wl7PZ8pey5eDHQsk6dpaAQCgVYM1WQzClvg/s1280/color%20markings%20guide.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfQN4bBng-5iLkTJdoyK5awj5ZNb_p7mJhw5ezvpTghmfU7AHVNI30F5tZ8PQO5G7j0TYGRn71KrIghwsTzhqGah9PzIt8MeGcPKcCb8CqKgTv9bFcKyMW4omYQd9vyaFqXIjNWVz5DE5FIvDXN4U3d0Wl7PZ8pey5eDHQsk6dpaAQCgVYM1WQzClvg/w640-h512/color%20markings%20guide.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzerserra colors & markings guide</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> With that decided, let's get to the painting...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEAdtsNB5l4MQOvxMtueD0HaOba0ckGNXOfgfZ97dLzt4BBKkT8RAVBGh1623sOxXRXNKxyeexny24hndgOY8bGoOPAeKpw77Zi56hLEui_K3KXjNdUwRYJMB4zZSC9Cipg5QwmrSwpCWZMNCRwYBEpWRKpN1d7CTtgOA0CZGj_NE55Wq1Mj8DdNR5Q/s1280/Fiat%202000%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEAdtsNB5l4MQOvxMtueD0HaOba0ckGNXOfgfZ97dLzt4BBKkT8RAVBGh1623sOxXRXNKxyeexny24hndgOY8bGoOPAeKpw77Zi56hLEui_K3KXjNdUwRYJMB4zZSC9Cipg5QwmrSwpCWZMNCRwYBEpWRKpN1d7CTtgOA0CZGj_NE55Wq1Mj8DdNR5Q/w640-h380/Fiat%202000%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting by base-color: <i style="font-weight: bold;">giallo sabbia chiaro</i><br />(light sandy yellow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3Vig8F2hkWQwajV60LDTTRaxCaEGDHVpRNyjzmRDEDChZ4cuQKBlUzKOb2HVQUkOxtTjDp8yQFHh0c0sIhiBDeBXZHr9it5wu8Vf906ouFFwc_YBxmLxWzGGxz2NeopJ-8EDlfCxvOYRvC0r9E0vCcztlUmghPHn7EvTNdXqH9-du2uVSk6Zjlunfw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3Vig8F2hkWQwajV60LDTTRaxCaEGDHVpRNyjzmRDEDChZ4cuQKBlUzKOb2HVQUkOxtTjDp8yQFHh0c0sIhiBDeBXZHr9it5wu8Vf906ouFFwc_YBxmLxWzGGxz2NeopJ-8EDlfCxvOYRvC0r9E0vCcztlUmghPHn7EvTNdXqH9-du2uVSk6Zjlunfw/w640-h452/Fiat%202000%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some shades over the sand color....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp639hBV6dNZ44kvzGJL5Io_RDXYGv0n0nj0JARcWfRTDnifUAEOACDe7E8iX7D9snd5TJ1pQ8wtPFFOphzNbB-yxVlrfSjGGt572LgTVAJxsEIkgwaWDdpQMcQddLHMLcxXevSEkeuZNciGITRG6svqFxODeYZ8LPipqu3trS9FWj8Moi0QQJWNfcfQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp639hBV6dNZ44kvzGJL5Io_RDXYGv0n0nj0JARcWfRTDnifUAEOACDe7E8iX7D9snd5TJ1pQ8wtPFFOphzNbB-yxVlrfSjGGt572LgTVAJxsEIkgwaWDdpQMcQddLHMLcxXevSEkeuZNciGITRG6svqFxODeYZ8LPipqu3trS9FWj8Moi0QQJWNfcfQ/w640-h448/Fiat%202000%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophia is happy, now...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B4Oga_L9zI-GJtjq-PTopaLi31gF3Nnch4TzlIonA_VCOaKkMYOWY1oYtLC-ShL0gVN-CQ92w_ey4d1tpDZNnIAsw9ngfppnmYP3oQr68p2p5t6_gGnVhQv3AbDmpgssdVJKbkJanzhvYHM_A-5RlwMIz8AlJ_bDeeu1R3ikFjbPi7hX-MhbM5ETRg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B4Oga_L9zI-GJtjq-PTopaLi31gF3Nnch4TzlIonA_VCOaKkMYOWY1oYtLC-ShL0gVN-CQ92w_ey4d1tpDZNnIAsw9ngfppnmYP3oQr68p2p5t6_gGnVhQv3AbDmpgssdVJKbkJanzhvYHM_A-5RlwMIz8AlJ_bDeeu1R3ikFjbPi7hX-MhbM5ETRg/w640-h410/Fiat%202000%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Starting the painting masks...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-zrdsh3kMH4n5mkmvTvq-pNFht9jo8MAe98M_145xG25hjXVCTOIUgdqkAxeNUkcN4uoLM28aMGoByfB1HFFZFG3tBo0dCaFi21mgp0vkqJFRPYn7BOgNh6AItFwgr3rV_eYWpk4p04RUclbzDQCSJbVA7rUqb9gI5CkebwFUf4FaCxePdSLTGGS2A/s1280/Fiat%202000%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-zrdsh3kMH4n5mkmvTvq-pNFht9jo8MAe98M_145xG25hjXVCTOIUgdqkAxeNUkcN4uoLM28aMGoByfB1HFFZFG3tBo0dCaFi21mgp0vkqJFRPYn7BOgNh6AItFwgr3rV_eYWpk4p04RUclbzDQCSJbVA7rUqb9gI5CkebwFUf4FaCxePdSLTGGS2A/w640-h384/Fiat%202000%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">After the green color, masking for the chocolat-brown...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu3tHEkrwljsh7VRqU58QD0GyFRmCTP_-sCiQI3Oo9-cRPuIt3AxOYadobmh6d6Fslf68f-HvhQuuEIYTQ9K3vszgDEkUMfi7e9vkS0aN7QoahsAWe2o0JqvwBuirB2jbXV4znqge_iBvizIpyiAsv2u6U7CY19RhtGO198jgBLwgnCcxK_I0p-HWQw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu3tHEkrwljsh7VRqU58QD0GyFRmCTP_-sCiQI3Oo9-cRPuIt3AxOYadobmh6d6Fslf68f-HvhQuuEIYTQ9K3vszgDEkUMfi7e9vkS0aN7QoahsAWe2o0JqvwBuirB2jbXV4znqge_iBvizIpyiAsv2u6U7CY19RhtGO198jgBLwgnCcxK_I0p-HWQw/w640-h416/Fiat%202000%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And the "Battle Cammo" is ready!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOCyo4gWNESeDmUhmwhkA1y-kwQLQ7wlPLjgWGSqhXfbiI4Uz8rirdYhPtUyczSrCnXDc5_wKOoKIBo5l2XjVHWFiSamIMeQiF-vmRJJeaJjqj80Dj0x5SqS8zPaByjgbCrcuOha3fkSEGmZwvC5_IoFzf2sTYyE-F6u_8xKXIxWxM__LSKLpUcTIUA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOCyo4gWNESeDmUhmwhkA1y-kwQLQ7wlPLjgWGSqhXfbiI4Uz8rirdYhPtUyczSrCnXDc5_wKOoKIBo5l2XjVHWFiSamIMeQiF-vmRJJeaJjqj80Dj0x5SqS8zPaByjgbCrcuOha3fkSEGmZwvC5_IoFzf2sTYyE-F6u_8xKXIxWxM__LSKLpUcTIUA/w640-h450/Fiat%202000%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The girl turns very beautiful!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And after making the word <b>FIAT</b> in CorelDraw, I printed the Italian brand on a transparent decal sheet,in black. The number 2 came from my priceless scrap box of decals...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYnNcr9W_LeleC-WpoMLhTELeqTzNOtf9VkAGD5A4jlz1x9LwM1Tq1C9yr8P5Saw7xtjUAG9xh7BpBIaSsnaP8nbMHlxl4SS8t7m5tcyu8JPxNFP-jHDg2jecKZJqiqtgkpqqWB2liYg33R-TJz9p_qWakuh_BMgs9QIYy9MycSM3UN-6j2wda1qTSQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYnNcr9W_LeleC-WpoMLhTELeqTzNOtf9VkAGD5A4jlz1x9LwM1Tq1C9yr8P5Saw7xtjUAG9xh7BpBIaSsnaP8nbMHlxl4SS8t7m5tcyu8JPxNFP-jHDg2jecKZJqiqtgkpqqWB2liYg33R-TJz9p_qWakuh_BMgs9QIYy9MycSM3UN-6j2wda1qTSQ/w640-h330/Fiat%202000%20077.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Fiat 2000 heavy tank no. 2</div><div>left side</div></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTPxjCrpG0sG9wmcDk8msDBrzuw-toHCrkSXwuu0zYGHa7uQnuW-LTn_jxCbYsGE6XG-0g8x343bn39fRCgn9HalZlxv31RNdTJqLKCuhk1Z4dDSc9i6G0KfoPsNj07An00uwJO3JnfiFWBuB82a_PJ6B723uNXQQ79jc1lb82Xu4LK52pyBxXKqtLQ/w640-h412/Fiat%202000%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 heavy tank no. 2 <br />front right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp7nIvxdRh3SBO7W6EGmM4ysSlsZ3DOtQPyDlawHLb0RJ0pcXGhscb1DUS0XWjgJmtu-8EYSAq0vLsmvjq031-McqLUwTiPI8ijDL94uSHrt-whgCaHIYKmXxcJjHgbmsdAI4cJO9O5c1LS1B84NtZ0Y_9xDvEVV9ZUSswrn5GQNtCo1ZaWFxLJvHCg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp7nIvxdRh3SBO7W6EGmM4ysSlsZ3DOtQPyDlawHLb0RJ0pcXGhscb1DUS0XWjgJmtu-8EYSAq0vLsmvjq031-McqLUwTiPI8ijDL94uSHrt-whgCaHIYKmXxcJjHgbmsdAI4cJO9O5c1LS1B84NtZ0Y_9xDvEVV9ZUSswrn5GQNtCo1ZaWFxLJvHCg/w640-h458/Fiat%202000%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 heavy tank no. 2<br />front left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChJkXeROsLkZ0O7qsKfjLaql80RubK5Y4b9Uvujqrnu1BNG9lQRdzyL1PLdpN04DQQfdm0y-_ER9Cdm9X9m38g1oDTcrcjEDF3ZFhKT6xFq4PgUBKd3qDrxrQVlXMTG6k-OfjqF_zgikkZm1RhxrvzwA2Ez3CYlD5F-aEzvYOM8E3jWvIW59z1mp9jQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChJkXeROsLkZ0O7qsKfjLaql80RubK5Y4b9Uvujqrnu1BNG9lQRdzyL1PLdpN04DQQfdm0y-_ER9Cdm9X9m38g1oDTcrcjEDF3ZFhKT6xFq4PgUBKd3qDrxrQVlXMTG6k-OfjqF_zgikkZm1RhxrvzwA2Ez3CYlD5F-aEzvYOM8E3jWvIW59z1mp9jQ/w640-h384/Fiat%202000%20076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Fiat 2000 heavy tank no. 2</div><div>rear left side</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPpKwUdaq7odW2Kb_Wj1brimEa8llsKfXopChCMkTMzBElqubQEiK9cM0dzdfOwse34xh7JFM5hcgvICTVDm_Verl3jumVz65iRWloU5uqv1GN_BlpOZWvUR_MzxW6RILW1fA8lVAaVdMS5m1BXO0l-nCQrcJosGAuAfHoOxCim3T8vGaj6XQrV12Cw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPpKwUdaq7odW2Kb_Wj1brimEa8llsKfXopChCMkTMzBElqubQEiK9cM0dzdfOwse34xh7JFM5hcgvICTVDm_Verl3jumVz65iRWloU5uqv1GN_BlpOZWvUR_MzxW6RILW1fA8lVAaVdMS5m1BXO0l-nCQrcJosGAuAfHoOxCim3T8vGaj6XQrV12Cw/w640-h404/Fiat%202000%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Fiat 2000 heavy tank no. 2</div><div>rear right side</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYK9ARuX5OXvok8GRcXKkWIcKgvMeomo5AVHh6i9di5QExNSrA8zT-YrgL6TXEwWjKw1v5Ppuop1zXYSAHGCyPv485CciKt2_S59w9w-ObevNpn9XlFmYMtwQCSJFq-A5He89r46SWQE7AZmQRN6DTj--u7ET_LVVDjDe23oNNLaYxHjB49RruCtDPQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYK9ARuX5OXvok8GRcXKkWIcKgvMeomo5AVHh6i9di5QExNSrA8zT-YrgL6TXEwWjKw1v5Ppuop1zXYSAHGCyPv485CciKt2_S59w9w-ObevNpn9XlFmYMtwQCSJFq-A5He89r46SWQE7AZmQRN6DTj--u7ET_LVVDjDe23oNNLaYxHjB49RruCtDPQ/w640-h348/Fiat%202000%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Fiat 2000 heavy tank no. 2</div><div>right side</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As we are going to start the weathering phase, one thing still bothers me about this kit: the turret is completely loose, without any locking system. As you know, I always try to find a way to allow the turret to rotate with some locking system, to avoid accidents (and the turret almost fell while I was painting...). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But I wasn't finding a good system for this, until I had an idea: how about using some elastic material to hold the tower? And, from the idea, let's execute!!! The concept came to mind when I remembered my airplanes powered by rubber bands when I was a kid... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> First step: bend a metallic wire in the shape of a hook and glue it inside the tank turret with self-curing acrylic resin. Then, glue (with cyanoacrylate and acrylic resin) a sprue bar on the inner portion of the tank chassis, right in the center of the turret ring. The idea is to pass a rubber band under the sprue and, with long tweezers, pull this band to the hook.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6ewHaMaVqUD8n9KNKia32VQVd65RaqN86jKlURKkjb60CI8awy1AJcoyDK4Ss5jGXaSlD4FncNputfFmIruzeo1mbaxLZ3sAsuD4nQAaw0ai4uYFzLohrx1EwSyG_wwUnaAIad66j1u_3_k9cKYbSwc54b-6HFM_Jp7Kx375Zapl_IpyzZ6yHCEBUQ/s1024/Fiat%202000%20078a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6ewHaMaVqUD8n9KNKia32VQVd65RaqN86jKlURKkjb60CI8awy1AJcoyDK4Ss5jGXaSlD4FncNputfFmIruzeo1mbaxLZ3sAsuD4nQAaw0ai4uYFzLohrx1EwSyG_wwUnaAIad66j1u_3_k9cKYbSwc54b-6HFM_Jp7Kx375Zapl_IpyzZ6yHCEBUQ/w640-h424/Fiat%202000%20078a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schematic drawing of the <br />"<i><b>Panzerserra Turret Retaining Elastic Apparatus</b></i>".</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUqmZGgzQYTQfmRGvPyBDGyZLNs6Fya9yr_km61csX5aGQqc9uzamobyGRCEKNkEUbkApifoV-iRAQHsxZRsJ_39epWA7x9DKqzVaZmIEFAin5kgDEfdS6DMKD6V9cbUS0Dx_vY7ATc5hPF9L6j-CnzOr9kUuFye9Y6NpBUvwcprF8REUnzSU34hlYg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20078b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUqmZGgzQYTQfmRGvPyBDGyZLNs6Fya9yr_km61csX5aGQqc9uzamobyGRCEKNkEUbkApifoV-iRAQHsxZRsJ_39epWA7x9DKqzVaZmIEFAin5kgDEfdS6DMKD6V9cbUS0Dx_vY7ATc5hPF9L6j-CnzOr9kUuFye9Y6NpBUvwcprF8REUnzSU34hlYg/w640-h420/Fiat%202000%20078b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "<i><b>Panzerserra Turret Retaining Elastic Apparatus</b></i>"<br />under installation...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23GIiK1zNyasBCyhP6o44MxdiAhqS9jxFpN7e4jJocxl1MEDBnyX-cavrJ8bwvNpJv8heMTWj2vMXMLrTcKWpvSqLfSpUD1mJVpDWzahVth09s1qB2YEn_Kxb0W-r0-M5YutZ2SuWNqzpLZkWRMqaN_Pygwu7ack2rjsk2T34v-pvEy1kTAEyA4ezFQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20078c.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23GIiK1zNyasBCyhP6o44MxdiAhqS9jxFpN7e4jJocxl1MEDBnyX-cavrJ8bwvNpJv8heMTWj2vMXMLrTcKWpvSqLfSpUD1mJVpDWzahVth09s1qB2YEn_Kxb0W-r0-M5YutZ2SuWNqzpLZkWRMqaN_Pygwu7ack2rjsk2T34v-pvEy1kTAEyA4ezFQ/w640-h434/Fiat%202000%20078c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The use of long tweezers is essential...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjg1ElBy1G7yGeb_rWHS3hFgCkQXRiB5zgc3_9fz8pDFmmFWOXBe_PKz9md0XCaea4NX7I5kOowye1tqEDMAsvKwSFtqd22h1uwWmTvA2qxVEb6-ICInPb6WS94RPlJdmRDUdMyFBOvsDM1My6pRvRjtnRNKw-On0XUeTb9hxQ9l-IcpDBtaM_ccpA4Q/s1280/Fiat%202000%20079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjg1ElBy1G7yGeb_rWHS3hFgCkQXRiB5zgc3_9fz8pDFmmFWOXBe_PKz9md0XCaea4NX7I5kOowye1tqEDMAsvKwSFtqd22h1uwWmTvA2qxVEb6-ICInPb6WS94RPlJdmRDUdMyFBOvsDM1My6pRvRjtnRNKw-On0XUeTb9hxQ9l-IcpDBtaM_ccpA4Q/w640-h444/Fiat%202000%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The folded rubber band in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnclw135fKqhOH9qrg5t2GwXE4b4_po4F7-uBkfCPms1Q_hcMR7A7cVXkXbqzBL-0Y90kEx0xarl1Hxg7qKYPonFuAE4-LP45A57PaQjuWm5p7y94JRauUQwmZuVWm35C_wELTGNDmP-jpV_8Lq_v88383pl_OY7CoF6GCQxB5Hrq7aLw2vp-6UfShTA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnclw135fKqhOH9qrg5t2GwXE4b4_po4F7-uBkfCPms1Q_hcMR7A7cVXkXbqzBL-0Y90kEx0xarl1Hxg7qKYPonFuAE4-LP45A57PaQjuWm5p7y94JRauUQwmZuVWm35C_wELTGNDmP-jpV_8Lq_v88383pl_OY7CoF6GCQxB5Hrq7aLw2vp-6UfShTA/w640-h372/Fiat%202000%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the turret in its place, pulled gently by the rubber band...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Kh4LGnKX89iJGYesi7h7WBQZQq1BCBgUN40qalb17T0V6hVK3twzaGtYvkjMTATYphQ4FX9jZ88Ph4gCQ4K9KyfXxXko2HXdbVXKCq15oWM6O2Udz5lplgvoNI0YeOjakVDPRW_yK3eHmz8gRHZbzPPuxDMqsYbcKDpa3YUDbyTYaUxQ8HYfdQ5mQg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Kh4LGnKX89iJGYesi7h7WBQZQq1BCBgUN40qalb17T0V6hVK3twzaGtYvkjMTATYphQ4FX9jZ88Ph4gCQ4K9KyfXxXko2HXdbVXKCq15oWM6O2Udz5lplgvoNI0YeOjakVDPRW_yK3eHmz8gRHZbzPPuxDMqsYbcKDpa3YUDbyTYaUxQ8HYfdQ5mQg/w640-h430/Fiat%202000%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaking the kit, upside down... All ok!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExSgzjPIGTR4ZVFqCDYm_4lBNbFR2EbaUWGIeup33T2HHE9vz66Op3blo-WlawgRyzyQo4cPpZqeQUwsm582PRJEDcQ3ejCVydTLlnL4n-WqNNgBpuptvqZ15Ps4SVY0eqdyo7xzWaX8yCh_M3H-7hz4OLYqVkUfw1w7lBc4MpjQwNkrbBfkYDkDRtQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExSgzjPIGTR4ZVFqCDYm_4lBNbFR2EbaUWGIeup33T2HHE9vz66Op3blo-WlawgRyzyQo4cPpZqeQUwsm582PRJEDcQ3ejCVydTLlnL4n-WqNNgBpuptvqZ15Ps4SVY0eqdyo7xzWaX8yCh_M3H-7hz4OLYqVkUfw1w7lBc4MpjQwNkrbBfkYDkDRtQ/w640-h406/Fiat%202000%20085.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the turret turning, no problem. <br />Monica was finally able to smile, relieved...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And since we are in the final stretch of the project, I discovered in my catacombs these two metal shackles, which were a little big for my tanks, but still a little tight for the Fiat. But nothing a pair of round nose pliers and a little whim can't fix... <a href="https://www.rbmodel.com/index.php?action=products&group=077" target="_blank">RB Models</a> old stuff... Too bad they're out of production right now...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IE0oOz55kUaFw7Rzuruuu1GeWiBkvsWU45e0snH-f7tf8rZflOg4TFDbeyZDqFXMd5eYiE_O0zheJq4ifewbwLqPH-UPaR8PWUemY6nBKzD2160pNDPIhKJSx2jCBF8oCpVPVKeRvl6j18xHhmEn6g8QfONq3wbQwQ5Wqtt7CJzgE_m0acTK6uJKVQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IE0oOz55kUaFw7Rzuruuu1GeWiBkvsWU45e0snH-f7tf8rZflOg4TFDbeyZDqFXMd5eYiE_O0zheJq4ifewbwLqPH-UPaR8PWUemY6nBKzD2160pNDPIhKJSx2jCBF8oCpVPVKeRvl6j18xHhmEn6g8QfONq3wbQwQ5Wqtt7CJzgE_m0acTK6uJKVQ/w640-h480/Fiat%202000%20086.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panther shackles (#8244) from <a href="https://www.rbmodel.com/index.php?action=products&cat=c_bm&sub=35A" target="_blank">RB Models</a>.<br />In the wood base, the standard one.<br />In the tank, the expanded version...<br />Too bad I only have two left...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mWkOGD6hSbnuh-q80wxNJ5yUC09tbZOIDvgMI2sgFAgxF7eMKxeiSkh0GOKBpB-mYCLkDo6-znJcxriOyaBZQebFMxpJ59XS8xgXGi6xpJhCRHhixB-_T4sdySJexpZqxa9jl-Goi0zY7hn67qh_7f2Msy52OLTOsrgFDPmMuE0AraYxlpvSFyxQkw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mWkOGD6hSbnuh-q80wxNJ5yUC09tbZOIDvgMI2sgFAgxF7eMKxeiSkh0GOKBpB-mYCLkDo6-znJcxriOyaBZQebFMxpJ59XS8xgXGi6xpJhCRHhixB-_T4sdySJexpZqxa9jl-Goi0zY7hn67qh_7f2Msy52OLTOsrgFDPmMuE0AraYxlpvSFyxQkw/w640-h452/Fiat%202000%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two shackles in position...<br />Stronger than that only <b><i>Crom</i></b>!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_awcaBJzixryEsVbdzbCUJCUR-MtiRut6IHE30EjxilwZbd58zYeSZN5etDXoMcCqZsMpFNsk0-lzC9o7J6lcKopmNa47qON7rZ7Wi6Bw6JOv8d0_DGclw69yDrQBfGjgG_kbffFxJDGy1eqzCko9AJHXwQ6BGuSzb88fa-KvnJV2x1k2XGKK7z4ew/s1280/Fiat%202000%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_awcaBJzixryEsVbdzbCUJCUR-MtiRut6IHE30EjxilwZbd58zYeSZN5etDXoMcCqZsMpFNsk0-lzC9o7J6lcKopmNa47qON7rZ7Wi6Bw6JOv8d0_DGclw69yDrQBfGjgG_kbffFxJDGy1eqzCko9AJHXwQ6BGuSzb88fa-KvnJV2x1k2XGKK7z4ew/w640-h460/Fiat%202000%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Fiat 2000 heavy tank, with weathering starting and pigments being applied... <br />What a badass italian girl!!<br /><i><b>Che ragazza tosta!!</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQDbGX2IEOFpD4OokAydbTXn9Eho87DF-KISAIjSmxOqW-l2257mYfXgniMPAS7FY-EYGV36fIOPrvHNgYMR8rZLzW-G_hm1KMtVdt2pywkdQwzcl-8fIO-CUfIt5kMYrbtAawVE48ygkVEuMthuNu-P-i1e-uY1fIo1NgHsfuoXNexDhVJNv5kOPIQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQDbGX2IEOFpD4OokAydbTXn9Eho87DF-KISAIjSmxOqW-l2257mYfXgniMPAS7FY-EYGV36fIOPrvHNgYMR8rZLzW-G_hm1KMtVdt2pywkdQwzcl-8fIO-CUfIt5kMYrbtAawVE48ygkVEuMthuNu-P-i1e-uY1fIo1NgHsfuoXNexDhVJNv5kOPIQ/w640-h380/Fiat%202000%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 heavy tank<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgQPeSBhPsojLwo8Zeh4EO2CCX7Lp98q6x4cGweIuc2F0916ratjBpXeO-1IjFQYHyoaj6KB33NOH_u4QEklVF1dw05sHJcAnowIQGniNbj-TCeYpSxZg2muBaNTZ6MM0SWCumfDfndIi0zqNDEj7Bhw1R6MmRuQjfwuna7wKXuQFRarAZpc7T2JVTw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgQPeSBhPsojLwo8Zeh4EO2CCX7Lp98q6x4cGweIuc2F0916ratjBpXeO-1IjFQYHyoaj6KB33NOH_u4QEklVF1dw05sHJcAnowIQGniNbj-TCeYpSxZg2muBaNTZ6MM0SWCumfDfndIi0zqNDEj7Bhw1R6MmRuQjfwuna7wKXuQFRarAZpc7T2JVTw/w640-h410/Fiat%202000%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 heavy tank<br />rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyswpv_W75TFeaBHv1iL9_hb9Ccx5y7AH7FyR6O-cPdcx-dG3iiVXmmMWxD0FMObk0NdvoL24258vFeFjwscqiseNoiS6wRJ8bQrtaAIFWy1fb2_0DbBr_u9j0L3i6DzIuU6wNbO_am4P7E2Sm7FN2TiCRT_Xq89_B6X9GyAIB_etPfZzzq-erb3kQcQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyswpv_W75TFeaBHv1iL9_hb9Ccx5y7AH7FyR6O-cPdcx-dG3iiVXmmMWxD0FMObk0NdvoL24258vFeFjwscqiseNoiS6wRJ8bQrtaAIFWy1fb2_0DbBr_u9j0L3i6DzIuU6wNbO_am4P7E2Sm7FN2TiCRT_Xq89_B6X9GyAIB_etPfZzzq-erb3kQcQ/w640-h386/Fiat%202000%20093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 heavy tank<br />rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNec2geuUqlZmjuxtxsbNhA5Mam02oVUXsgNl-HHQq1cxszA_gDOPd0kWraBpSZHMBJRJZzdh2J7ciMH2k1hgpOJONSgE12giIOMh9rIxfBmuLLZRScZ-aqCOwzcxnP4I7lBxGEsm1VOGr5OU13s8tCZblzo7OHw6AaSEpQJahA1mj21kSOU1DupDXQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNec2geuUqlZmjuxtxsbNhA5Mam02oVUXsgNl-HHQq1cxszA_gDOPd0kWraBpSZHMBJRJZzdh2J7ciMH2k1hgpOJONSgE12giIOMh9rIxfBmuLLZRScZ-aqCOwzcxnP4I7lBxGEsm1VOGr5OU13s8tCZblzo7OHw6AaSEpQJahA1mj21kSOU1DupDXQ/w640-h366/Fiat%202000%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 heavy tank<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpPWOfxVXNhBtQYOfdmX5yUmCmj2ER25uRRMWFdhHIVqKYbhYNV7OTYlW-C1Gi98wxk1A4KKitIyC8gRtJsuEAPWLpROT8UlVT_V2-JSMlv15z3FWfVm91VnhseAMjI-KsTvT0S5vO_pfWwffmD1PU84Ew-I5w368lFbiDamrEdoNJMXcbBHHwzidKg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpPWOfxVXNhBtQYOfdmX5yUmCmj2ER25uRRMWFdhHIVqKYbhYNV7OTYlW-C1Gi98wxk1A4KKitIyC8gRtJsuEAPWLpROT8UlVT_V2-JSMlv15z3FWfVm91VnhseAMjI-KsTvT0S5vO_pfWwffmD1PU84Ew-I5w368lFbiDamrEdoNJMXcbBHHwzidKg/w640-h432/Fiat%202000%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiat 2000 heavy tank<br />Now I remembered what this girl reminded me of!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span> And the Italian girl got ready. I present to you </span><b><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b> (number 2), </span><span style="text-align: left;">in its battle garb when on duty in Italy at the end of 1918.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVdhFBeAMKLBBcPfXSBKMxOLQb10Pfstx_NSQp0rrHZsvG1r-wU0lxysu8D0_MSVnoVfPBPVb5IXHPR91VcWXiusq15UtyFPadHp1hYLJxQYZIEQtC16QBSwbpW4l-iELzAvneWycmtVhH4QkJr3_-s6gH9M4-IgV9r2yjx5dRpAWa8xTOcmaQQZDeg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVdhFBeAMKLBBcPfXSBKMxOLQb10Pfstx_NSQp0rrHZsvG1r-wU0lxysu8D0_MSVnoVfPBPVb5IXHPR91VcWXiusq15UtyFPadHp1hYLJxQYZIEQtC16QBSwbpW4l-iELzAvneWycmtVhH4QkJr3_-s6gH9M4-IgV9r2yjx5dRpAWa8xTOcmaQQZDeg/w640-h368/Fiat%202000%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span> - number 2<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;"> Italy - late 1918.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySXbW-5v-M-2rJTJk6_lLFqxLJKOHv0De8UsYz7jFOZ6-MriZTFihOwe3NR9KLVgyZWkG6BfTNNMdz78FQhlRuVdggqCB-Jt7CYRWienyVfAuUlu7T8P3JxoYWXD71vyiFUDrSGmO04wzKaCczEZKGmJ7kfpli0CMYddLJz_5ztN5hmaq3IovYZrNLg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySXbW-5v-M-2rJTJk6_lLFqxLJKOHv0De8UsYz7jFOZ6-MriZTFihOwe3NR9KLVgyZWkG6BfTNNMdz78FQhlRuVdggqCB-Jt7CYRWienyVfAuUlu7T8P3JxoYWXD71vyiFUDrSGmO04wzKaCczEZKGmJ7kfpli0CMYddLJz_5ztN5hmaq3IovYZrNLg/w640-h402/Fiat%202000%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span><br />front left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnrN558_1A5N5Stsp1jrDFEivjTsV21eyVcFBaQfwky5_4kAHm38MXcrgCYHTVTAtRgfdVEVSTkuPoKta0QFmjE-1iusnqwrRPqVYkchSAgadKsBu82pSHNhnwzIz9wcLafL-5yaqyG_pyAQdehUQkWROB44eZYZXn-qP9Ju9SuXMBuBXBQBbf8sAxA/s1280/Fiat%202000%20101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnrN558_1A5N5Stsp1jrDFEivjTsV21eyVcFBaQfwky5_4kAHm38MXcrgCYHTVTAtRgfdVEVSTkuPoKta0QFmjE-1iusnqwrRPqVYkchSAgadKsBu82pSHNhnwzIz9wcLafL-5yaqyG_pyAQdehUQkWROB44eZYZXn-qP9Ju9SuXMBuBXBQBbf8sAxA/w640-h348/Fiat%202000%20101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;"> left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE5tPMg2cbPPnv4-HvZlfXGFWtTVNWBJz0VJkWI8DcncJIlSXeAtSCsZm-3QzNqRegBWKbs41Tl3jsRdImkkCg4EWOcioXADyesbeUb4B7qH88PFL9tQs6b3drGKe7lQ6O9Q98y2N3R4sfh9vDbOHFmQBrbo_hRCxuaS8_yHnpkyT_o49oPiSuJvtlQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20102.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE5tPMg2cbPPnv4-HvZlfXGFWtTVNWBJz0VJkWI8DcncJIlSXeAtSCsZm-3QzNqRegBWKbs41Tl3jsRdImkkCg4EWOcioXADyesbeUb4B7qH88PFL9tQs6b3drGKe7lQ6O9Q98y2N3R4sfh9vDbOHFmQBrbo_hRCxuaS8_yHnpkyT_o49oPiSuJvtlQ/w640-h358/Fiat%202000%20102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">top left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PtuMHYiqLvWi7frZXMTewU-AnHggZfIQ9bczfdGaPyZtohnHUz1j8mF4ROHdKj188wBgMc8SklVFjviK7rCUeZrKxx-LTRl7BdOwyoxhOhLUD-BJpD9cd62lkMDJTqIMM7PyuZOhqT_gJCht7WNE10f9oBDQ0YfEvDraXn6V5jLZJ5nPf1iHhoJ60g/s1280/Fiat%202000%20103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PtuMHYiqLvWi7frZXMTewU-AnHggZfIQ9bczfdGaPyZtohnHUz1j8mF4ROHdKj188wBgMc8SklVFjviK7rCUeZrKxx-LTRl7BdOwyoxhOhLUD-BJpD9cd62lkMDJTqIMM7PyuZOhqT_gJCht7WNE10f9oBDQ0YfEvDraXn6V5jLZJ5nPf1iHhoJ60g/w640-h428/Fiat%202000%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzyLl_HH5pRHAmulr3-fciNSGJbN2DraDPs1C_fN1vkWwZiCM1MlrhH1WSrdmuD-9caXv2uOwTgaIucXNyJFJFlSNVDnIC0lJNPd5cIzk4bjH1hSyVRRv5fOu0gRa-St3DUbTpNkTUK6z1HqJhi0I3WjQXRgQPw_N1mo1QYX5oe0-bluTybHkdTwIiw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20104.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzyLl_HH5pRHAmulr3-fciNSGJbN2DraDPs1C_fN1vkWwZiCM1MlrhH1WSrdmuD-9caXv2uOwTgaIucXNyJFJFlSNVDnIC0lJNPd5cIzk4bjH1hSyVRRv5fOu0gRa-St3DUbTpNkTUK6z1HqJhi0I3WjQXRgQPw_N1mo1QYX5oe0-bluTybHkdTwIiw/w640-h434/Fiat%202000%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">rear right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUfCSr6sCxNojYYNz_f0iycvRZC5TPwaaT7D9F-0Mtw9loP2RM_HX-BYuKaF3kDdLwJ_Z5dLxhvyEESD7WhpwCnqMLsYTdwNr1d2HhcjzOy-TeHKrF2w5rASl7FpLYKmevgAqtmgpKAJgBmor1n5iVqr1MEKBGe2IZR0v_Ph-_HlgtieSEjSExwRjYg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUfCSr6sCxNojYYNz_f0iycvRZC5TPwaaT7D9F-0Mtw9loP2RM_HX-BYuKaF3kDdLwJ_Z5dLxhvyEESD7WhpwCnqMLsYTdwNr1d2HhcjzOy-TeHKrF2w5rASl7FpLYKmevgAqtmgpKAJgBmor1n5iVqr1MEKBGe2IZR0v_Ph-_HlgtieSEjSExwRjYg/w640-h356/Fiat%202000%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtc7xbIeltW8AK0vm4Kdv-K53tHh_jiTCdiXK6iF_H7JAZZOEEMuSLXDegmAhPHyc2qFg4waVRyYYndbRQi8O-rYRwIlIjs2T3Sw7jmIHWPWvz9KQLIcrvBmVw0HPJhf3auF_8qeaHXVPRv9_eNWb_ypIlQs8aCgVw4z-CNqj0vqZ-SkHjtVp9qOfkQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtc7xbIeltW8AK0vm4Kdv-K53tHh_jiTCdiXK6iF_H7JAZZOEEMuSLXDegmAhPHyc2qFg4waVRyYYndbRQi8O-rYRwIlIjs2T3Sw7jmIHWPWvz9KQLIcrvBmVw0HPJhf3auF_8qeaHXVPRv9_eNWb_ypIlQs8aCgVw4z-CNqj0vqZ-SkHjtVp9qOfkQ/w640-h428/Fiat%202000%20107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="text-align: left;">front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUBzK6Ul-lN6gVhB_p1ps5vHPwpm2Ah8FRprNP_v7YnXyG0MmZv-8WQrtzADpFzyt9lUvCfLRoNYawyFq6i23ZPOZKfTdWDMtlVww0gtoaJfUqJ39Zj2uBBkUPQS-HYWrXVm31S4omsgoA2IElTDehhInM9NjLB-oxUPKWXsi_lsixB_ajsPhXOZMHw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20108.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUBzK6Ul-lN6gVhB_p1ps5vHPwpm2Ah8FRprNP_v7YnXyG0MmZv-8WQrtzADpFzyt9lUvCfLRoNYawyFq6i23ZPOZKfTdWDMtlVww0gtoaJfUqJ39Zj2uBBkUPQS-HYWrXVm31S4omsgoA2IElTDehhInM9NjLB-oxUPKWXsi_lsixB_ajsPhXOZMHw/w640-h444/Fiat%202000%20108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hYoMM44KBbJWdcNzmWy8lOFlQPlacWrcP6aK-3q-SVRhMAE7PljSD6LgMmslIB0EyvP7wR9tvRKj5NFRho9mRSdPbLzRbTd2tahlk_I0DRwo6NOt9bSl-E8Ra748lxcneKag6rnx5A27UcLL-Gj7jyr8ZC4xESJBsTIhjkTp54E4n7LhtAUQoaPJNg/s1280/Fiat%202000%20110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hYoMM44KBbJWdcNzmWy8lOFlQPlacWrcP6aK-3q-SVRhMAE7PljSD6LgMmslIB0EyvP7wR9tvRKj5NFRho9mRSdPbLzRbTd2tahlk_I0DRwo6NOt9bSl-E8Ra748lxcneKag6rnx5A27UcLL-Gj7jyr8ZC4xESJBsTIhjkTp54E4n7LhtAUQoaPJNg/w640-h348/Fiat%202000%20110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span><br />with Kojak and Rover, the dog.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOOe6oSNy52wQ4-nzqxQEAUJlqsUsQisFykmMjg0EMdtqsOCdHRHtNzev3tvPMuNi9yU088lpiNUjp-nZxVrezq2BkICfeO-5YE_Lx0hmpmrYUOZ46nujfwJeg82vfihndJd6pWUUw-k5BDCuK0nlKKRslfZvjBbx5lmZaaDMTH9gYCiP7b0FO-jtFQ/s1280/Fiat%202000%20111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOOe6oSNy52wQ4-nzqxQEAUJlqsUsQisFykmMjg0EMdtqsOCdHRHtNzev3tvPMuNi9yU088lpiNUjp-nZxVrezq2BkICfeO-5YE_Lx0hmpmrYUOZ46nujfwJeg82vfihndJd6pWUUw-k5BDCuK0nlKKRslfZvjBbx5lmZaaDMTH9gYCiP7b0FO-jtFQ/w640-h362/Fiat%202000%20111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl is big...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUPZcFz_JlnuSTiZ67VfobE5bo_PsiNuifdKNfTCY5gYW9JGz2BezuWcH86ExPGBmiN19qcBrWdT9lMU2xOXwyjH-kusFOkEvLQIzHAyu7hPPyEgH2M0HXnyNz3RRPKAnsDdbkL9iFgcjYYafCnN6nEsIb1cUw_5Lh32O824z-E4Hd2c2hSzEdCFbxw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20112.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUPZcFz_JlnuSTiZ67VfobE5bo_PsiNuifdKNfTCY5gYW9JGz2BezuWcH86ExPGBmiN19qcBrWdT9lMU2xOXwyjH-kusFOkEvLQIzHAyu7hPPyEgH2M0HXnyNz3RRPKAnsDdbkL9iFgcjYYafCnN6nEsIb1cUw_5Lh32O824z-E4Hd2c2hSzEdCFbxw/w640-h396/Fiat%202000%20112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the impossible encounters series, compare the size<br />of the Fiat 2000 with a Sherman Firefly VC</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GzTbuGpOXNWdoyWbNG3bOfLhrh1UbZuUwZtg5cLf-U7XOF0rJZAuZ3aEiLz1uJ6Zx3WxHSYKRVL9fjwzdH9rEbo1b0b8J3I0puLHQAoeZil68ghArz4a-Zu53kaXz_Yn5FbDcNT5pn7ifO6NvNufolk_USaDqyuwcZol3Q4nMEOhiOjLz0YK0xbZzw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GzTbuGpOXNWdoyWbNG3bOfLhrh1UbZuUwZtg5cLf-U7XOF0rJZAuZ3aEiLz1uJ6Zx3WxHSYKRVL9fjwzdH9rEbo1b0b8J3I0puLHQAoeZil68ghArz4a-Zu53kaXz_Yn5FbDcNT5pn7ifO6NvNufolk_USaDqyuwcZol3Q4nMEOhiOjLz0YK0xbZzw/w640-h410/Fiat%202000%20113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, this italian tank is very big!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pt1IMUrqefvjKGmA-d6dT22e3hDqwT3zNTWrbMiqjLBjZ6LBab6jS6BOMbflyknENSwygY25R9Vh4zfOD0cG3zPO29QIR2-nnEWfNNpLr_NFSIak4CDuIfD2mtODdGAtZv9Fe_Nka-1zwYJewP73bcU1v2_tZq89pItHO5MIHt9g8WWuBGCvDY3tfw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pt1IMUrqefvjKGmA-d6dT22e3hDqwT3zNTWrbMiqjLBjZ6LBab6jS6BOMbflyknENSwygY25R9Vh4zfOD0cG3zPO29QIR2-nnEWfNNpLr_NFSIak4CDuIfD2mtODdGAtZv9Fe_Nka-1zwYJewP73bcU1v2_tZq89pItHO5MIHt9g8WWuBGCvDY3tfw/w640-h428/Fiat%202000%20100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Carro Armato</i> Fiat 2000</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"> heavy tank</b></span> - number 2<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;"> Italy - late 1918.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: left;">Caesar liked it...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj4-cU4DFZNJPxAf2DGrEX0srhkKcl7tgjEHm0xhYjz1JYj9F7K5NWFnfq6ylZr2yu5rew4UysNVQSoJH-8y4JwVYLGAlmFbpvopmW0u4wfuXC8YATRaQ2Ki5DFxFWcy7oo2aD4Fo9h1d8LWU_IS6NnK_3RZCbUr7VIjFdCteem8qeRom1sebWbeVYw/s1280/Fiat%202000%20114%20joke.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJj4-cU4DFZNJPxAf2DGrEX0srhkKcl7tgjEHm0xhYjz1JYj9F7K5NWFnfq6ylZr2yu5rew4UysNVQSoJH-8y4JwVYLGAlmFbpvopmW0u4wfuXC8YATRaQ2Ki5DFxFWcy7oo2aD4Fo9h1d8LWU_IS6NnK_3RZCbUr7VIjFdCteem8qeRom1sebWbeVYw/w640-h400/Fiat%202000%20114%20joke.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>... and me, too!</b></span></span></div></div></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-1395327650089219952023-01-19T10:42:00.006-03:002023-03-18T15:57:41.165-03:00Vickers light AA Mk II tank ("Ack ack" Mk II light tank) - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Keep eyes on the Stukas, lads!!!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> This article is about the late operational anti-aircraft version of the Light Tank Mk VI, built by Vickers. Today, we're going to talk about the<b> Vickers light AA Mk II tank</b> , known as <b>"Ack Ack" Mk II light tank</b>.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRly5S7LXEgty3yns_fbqK3QPggnZX5iylyw4Wd9IIK_fMYq3OplgDiyw2l78HqeyFe8bcXtvzJNCiCJGyYvCdXb6l_Tr0AChj1gwRAHeozkHVwWtx2cVH4ySW8EjMXDK-P_NkHNI6Yp2X6YBu6vX1DWPGgP9hOrb026giiod7ncqjLKBIzqcyoMw0zA/s1024/Ack%20ack%20girl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1024" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRly5S7LXEgty3yns_fbqK3QPggnZX5iylyw4Wd9IIK_fMYq3OplgDiyw2l78HqeyFe8bcXtvzJNCiCJGyYvCdXb6l_Tr0AChj1gwRAHeozkHVwWtx2cVH4ySW8EjMXDK-P_NkHNI6Yp2X6YBu6vX1DWPGgP9hOrb026giiod7ncqjLKBIzqcyoMw0zA/w640-h556/Ack%20ack%20girl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-aircraft_warfare" target="_blank">"Ack ack"</a> girl</i></b> from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auxiliary_Territorial_Service" target="_blank">Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS)</a> in training.<br />A humorous tribute to such brave girls!!<br /><i><b>Lest we forget!!</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdbjqybDGhDwCvxwV-VxKxxzEVhGTaSHYLXLCtc4EBG6aaoYCB5dQeITSP-oxqEI4Rl_KESbxRDX4haPoD7VXa1oQLOmyYZmLRmBm09vbsI541jXCKugYgtFipEFm3GZQ2cthoANNlckJCXerb3MZfP76XUNF6XXkotIBCX_sVryzQ6wKwUcBgnejvw/s1024/Vick%20ack%20ack%20mk%20II%20specs%20solo.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1024" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdbjqybDGhDwCvxwV-VxKxxzEVhGTaSHYLXLCtc4EBG6aaoYCB5dQeITSP-oxqEI4Rl_KESbxRDX4haPoD7VXa1oQLOmyYZmLRmBm09vbsI541jXCKugYgtFipEFm3GZQ2cthoANNlckJCXerb3MZfP76XUNF6XXkotIBCX_sVryzQ6wKwUcBgnejvw/w640-h472/Vick%20ack%20ack%20mk%20II%20specs%20solo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>History:</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> The German <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blitzkrieg">Blitzkrieg</a> came as a shock to the Allied nations, with its doctrines and tactics. At the beginning of WWII, with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Poland" target="_blank">Invasion of Poland</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_France" target="_blank">Battle of France</a>, the attacked nations had to learn the hard way how important close air support was, brought to perfection by the Luftwaffe in the turbulent early stages of the War. The precision of the air attacks, through dive bombers masterfully executed by the Germans, devastated the defensive positions and the logistical columns, creating chaos in the core of the Allied forces. The British desperately studied these operations in an attempt to neutralize this German Cyclone.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67EnnHvwhv2ODop6LBFFu9sHgQuOBSqFE_hRzud339eL5tT6nNZksa443malhXdXRfgZLWJxX2FGqSd3_jJNjjbpmd0DywqXjvr9zwswTuIRjSEXUHmhHfcqsK9bWv2XJrbB3jj-Yif_nWnqHKAhO3A7MKhsga7MMmJJCw95CnrsGl3rAzMucTwdrcQ/s1200/Blitzkrieg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67EnnHvwhv2ODop6LBFFu9sHgQuOBSqFE_hRzud339eL5tT6nNZksa443malhXdXRfgZLWJxX2FGqSd3_jJNjjbpmd0DywqXjvr9zwswTuIRjSEXUHmhHfcqsK9bWv2XJrbB3jj-Yif_nWnqHKAhO3A7MKhsga7MMmJJCw95CnrsGl3rAzMucTwdrcQ/w640-h426/Blitzkrieg.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junkers_Ju_87" target="_blank">Ju-87 Stukas</a></i> beginning its attack dive...<br />Somewhere in France - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1940, the British Army proposed the development of an anti-aircraft (<i><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-aircraft_warfare" target="_blank">Ack ack</a></b></i>) vehicle that could accompany the armored columns in their movement, providing cutting-edge air protection. Two prototypes were built by Vickers using light tanks Mk VI chassis: The first one was a light tank MK VIB with an open turret armed with two <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" target="_blank">15 mm Besa heavy machine guns</a>, with ammunition boxes projecting externally to the sides of the turret.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Uh2W3SdD3IPOCziNEcmrPbNrzmlKBMUsrZ7IBaGzZFpNfm3YAXToA3I4V1kQ7RhUTa-ZYTHQyL1rLxqka2QSK09etRm5M83rMH5NSTauBev5Ub9dgMeS4f7EEZDMllI4lUjPj-ZmGID7_lqJPE7F1DEcVsaI89d6XaE-RaI5LnJphsMGVmkFqVu-LQ/s1197/Light%20tank%20MkVIB%2015mmBesaAA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Uh2W3SdD3IPOCziNEcmrPbNrzmlKBMUsrZ7IBaGzZFpNfm3YAXToA3I4V1kQ7RhUTa-ZYTHQyL1rLxqka2QSK09etRm5M83rMH5NSTauBev5Ub9dgMeS4f7EEZDMllI4lUjPj-ZmGID7_lqJPE7F1DEcVsaI89d6XaE-RaI5LnJphsMGVmkFqVu-LQ/w548-h640/Light%20tank%20MkVIB%2015mmBesaAA.jpg" width="548" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light AA tank Mk VIB prototype<br />with two 15 mm Besa heavy machine guns.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYK9P5-eKPyoNGy_KMFpfVCDkkLaj4wEwjeoyDCkWHFE9g-00eqXFi_OHClTrdjSPSOHMEyfc2xf1k_Ziwie0XIDoUjtL8oC7itFqvYBxmu1FsyWkX2xkYp2DfQpW2Y0ezQvVEPc-30_4g-t76Lg99H0VIbQpNP_K5Eqj7x1S3-huKfDXoLzxZA5MiJA/s1280/Besa%2015mm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="1280" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYK9P5-eKPyoNGy_KMFpfVCDkkLaj4wEwjeoyDCkWHFE9g-00eqXFi_OHClTrdjSPSOHMEyfc2xf1k_Ziwie0XIDoUjtL8oC7itFqvYBxmu1FsyWkX2xkYp2DfQpW2Y0ezQvVEPc-30_4g-t76Lg99H0VIbQpNP_K5Eqj7x1S3-huKfDXoLzxZA5MiJA/w640-h186/Besa%2015mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 mm Besa heavy machine gun</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The second prototype was built in a light tank Mk VI chassis. The early version of this vehicle had its weapons installed in a complete power-operated <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Beaverette%20Mk%20III%20AA%20%20with%20Boulton-Paul%20type%20A%20turret" target="_blank">Boulton-Paul type A turret</a>, with four <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1919_Browning_machine_gun" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">.303 Browning light machine guns</a>, used by RAF planes. The concept bore a certain resemblance to the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Beaverette%20Mk%20III%20AA%20%20with%20Boulton-Paul%20type%20A%20turret" target="_blank">Beaverettes Mk III AA.</a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-65RHtO_xQUErSLPW3hlklpIgWvYxTZRefedgWm2m1iwng4Ua-fVFZb7mQnZzxwepGVFjHvIf8c3ghnOjCUAdh9RuWQHQcLM00uy_NhfUz9viUsLovCMCSRawEPQNsgP6T5msqH7snI7I4Fm9VgGkh_tvOpUw9sXIdEaT1oFLGhMi34n9UWWkaocJxw/s1400/Light%20Mk%20VI%20ack%20ack%20Boulton-Paul.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1400" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-65RHtO_xQUErSLPW3hlklpIgWvYxTZRefedgWm2m1iwng4Ua-fVFZb7mQnZzxwepGVFjHvIf8c3ghnOjCUAdh9RuWQHQcLM00uy_NhfUz9viUsLovCMCSRawEPQNsgP6T5msqH7snI7I4Fm9VgGkh_tvOpUw9sXIdEaT1oFLGhMi34n9UWWkaocJxw/w640-h440/Light%20Mk%20VI%20ack%20ack%20Boulton-Paul.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light AA tank Mk VI prototype (early version)<br />with four <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1919_Browning_machine_gun" target="_blank">.303 Browning light machine guns</a>.<br />Notice the return roller on the top of the front bogie.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FKwqy_syZvKT7LbTFYQTnagojqGk8ZHBooPEv5BkJ4EqC1hHVe45ynUALYTqqUyPvYKrEQqTjL6o9yFtYLiTHEW_pFgbYH2CrgcKeIpmMTqKPeL74iVHU1ouUKrUSmV6DaGjgMIedrGcVMzS5dQt7cz9XTEQbEUn6DY-Z7AO03ZR-ODr1ynQNsCP6A/s1280/.303%20%20Browning.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1280" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FKwqy_syZvKT7LbTFYQTnagojqGk8ZHBooPEv5BkJ4EqC1hHVe45ynUALYTqqUyPvYKrEQqTjL6o9yFtYLiTHEW_pFgbYH2CrgcKeIpmMTqKPeL74iVHU1ouUKrUSmV6DaGjgMIedrGcVMzS5dQt7cz9XTEQbEUn6DY-Z7AO03ZR-ODr1ynQNsCP6A/w640-h264/.303%20%20Browning.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1919_Browning_machine_gun" target="_blank">.303 Browning light machine gun</a> (aircraft model)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poly(methyl_methacrylate)" target="_blank">Perspex</a> cupola of the turret was removed and four folding armor flaps have been added to increase the protection of the gunner. Neither of these turret designed was used on the production of the AA light tanks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEZTkfyI7fJYzNzlg0VTcWtyLpKOTlKPCk_fFE-e23RU611LyL0_jFJBifpA-f_sj_ZKEe4Mj--xDVPFTClXv7vg-psjpYc3Y_7NfwzJaY_vYwSkCOpZGz_rU9AES9ulOjMkVUGAwXyXuC7qQI4Nub6q2Z3-p3J-JRePDb8PqGkLFUrNJ-Kv_Ogtzuw/s631/Light%20tank%20MkVI%20AA%204%20guns.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="631" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPEZTkfyI7fJYzNzlg0VTcWtyLpKOTlKPCk_fFE-e23RU611LyL0_jFJBifpA-f_sj_ZKEe4Mj--xDVPFTClXv7vg-psjpYc3Y_7NfwzJaY_vYwSkCOpZGz_rU9AES9ulOjMkVUGAwXyXuC7qQI4Nub6q2Z3-p3J-JRePDb8PqGkLFUrNJ-Kv_Ogtzuw/w640-h360/Light%20tank%20MkVI%20AA%204%20guns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk VI AA prototype - (late version)<br />Notice the turret without transparent cupola,<br />the folded armoured flaps and the return roller on top of the<br />front bogie, characteristic of the early versions of MK VI chassis.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Operational Ack ack light tanks:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Light AA Tank Mk I</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Light AA Tank Mk I </b><span style="text-align: left;">(also known as <b>Ack ack light tank Mk I</b>)<b> </b></span>was the first production vehicle designed. It used the chassis of the Mk VI A or B light tanks, having its standard two-man turret removed and replaced by a new, open-top AA Mk I turret with 360º manually operated, armed with four <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" target="_blank">Besa 7.92 mm light machine guns</a> in a horizontal row. </div></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPD2qSa8LZ0H-f27X9e6Mo6vZCb0eckPKI5-9HalsQXq1I0Zm89ba6L7Zc2iWyzM4WJ1D8CNwmy18OMfLvrXqnhE5FloqDf5_XDRpn1fnP9u5tMzLYKvfWoPGefQgWfGqxinndae9trsPeC4OFsFh1qpeJ5RaOODCzwWJdcE0Ov5rPlQB5haGNMsjdQ/s1280/Besa%207.9mm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPD2qSa8LZ0H-f27X9e6Mo6vZCb0eckPKI5-9HalsQXq1I0Zm89ba6L7Zc2iWyzM4WJ1D8CNwmy18OMfLvrXqnhE5FloqDf5_XDRpn1fnP9u5tMzLYKvfWoPGefQgWfGqxinndae9trsPeC4OFsFh1qpeJ5RaOODCzwWJdcE0Ov5rPlQB5haGNMsjdQ/w640-h356/Besa%207.9mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left and right view of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Besa 7.92 mm light machine guns</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOd2x3N0pSHtjdLmUFFyMM7EcKiwGgGBICgKKRyGR1IgYId6y7ZcBlwGjhjCqHA6kkO8GGhGBnsnMHExgSVcYi8yX9-RnTzNK_DK5GpVkCrzgVcaFow2EO6Wk9f97hnoiehgZm1CEb3L5N28NLuw_QOuDyY7TXFQ2bEDpMyjTScZUOjoJ7fHGp0h7RA/s1024/ack%20ack%20Mk%20I%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1024" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOd2x3N0pSHtjdLmUFFyMM7EcKiwGgGBICgKKRyGR1IgYId6y7ZcBlwGjhjCqHA6kkO8GGhGBnsnMHExgSVcYi8yX9-RnTzNK_DK5GpVkCrzgVcaFow2EO6Wk9f97hnoiehgZm1CEb3L5N28NLuw_QOuDyY7TXFQ2bEDpMyjTScZUOjoJ7fHGp0h7RA/w640-h514/ack%20ack%20Mk%20I%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up view of the Mk I AA turret<br /> with the four Besa 7.92mm light machine guns.<br />Note the tight look of the turret...<br /><span style="text-align: justify;">African Desert, </span>15 September, 42.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> It was installed on top of a rectangular box added on top of the original superstructure. The standard light tank carried three men, but in the anti-aircraft version the crew was reduced to two.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5OJ-h3W0gUYS-VYskbZUkA8epwZT8tF1KCwyHMhOnLigUIGzX8GX6qo2S6-AIlyc3D8wODLxo2PTwv9yfopxfwFPRwpRA9otAMq-g1XwDHSgckQDzEgrrWf9YKrJg72GiJKo1Hoxkos4uQfN1dUHOhpusS6mACmqyGorNW2V91dq983Vwmtk-sonLQ/s1204/Mk%20I%20AA%20specs%20final.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1204" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5OJ-h3W0gUYS-VYskbZUkA8epwZT8tF1KCwyHMhOnLigUIGzX8GX6qo2S6-AIlyc3D8wODLxo2PTwv9yfopxfwFPRwpRA9otAMq-g1XwDHSgckQDzEgrrWf9YKrJg72GiJKo1Hoxkos4uQfN1dUHOhpusS6mACmqyGorNW2V91dq983Vwmtk-sonLQ/w640-h476/Mk%20I%20AA%20specs%20final.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueprint of Vickers light AA Mk I tank<br />(with Mk VIA chassis)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3ukvQlGq1ByxKHl_Gmpdd48iBP1QU5jwjZ-D9fmqcVKaVq51i1Zygmb7dLU-XdOnYJ5HP0c56N-ME5gTVmnxxuiHPwOllJQaOzYUj2oAttRQmtVc-ZqypPM2IFL6egNsNxUHo0FbLrHR0snER-GZ1EDSjFl-1DVDvNjf0CVpQgSJw41H5fBBC8nMSQ/s1280/Light%20Tank%20AA%20Mk%20I%20during%20an%20inspection%20of%20an%20armoured%20division%20by%20the%20Prime%20Minister,%20Southern%20Command,%2025%20July%201941%20H%2012049.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3ukvQlGq1ByxKHl_Gmpdd48iBP1QU5jwjZ-D9fmqcVKaVq51i1Zygmb7dLU-XdOnYJ5HP0c56N-ME5gTVmnxxuiHPwOllJQaOzYUj2oAttRQmtVc-ZqypPM2IFL6egNsNxUHo0FbLrHR0snER-GZ1EDSjFl-1DVDvNjf0CVpQgSJw41H5fBBC8nMSQ/w640-h472/Light%20Tank%20AA%20Mk%20I%20during%20an%20inspection%20of%20an%20armoured%20division%20by%20the%20Prime%20Minister,%20Southern%20Command,%2025%20July%201941%20H%2012049.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tank, Li</b></span><b style="text-align: justify;">ght, AA Mk I</b> (T 2344)<b style="text-align: justify;"> </b><span style="text-align: justify;">also </span><span style="text-align: justify;">known as</span> "ack-ack tank"<br />during inspection of an Armoured Division by PM Winston Churchill.<br />Notice the use of Mk VIB chassis ( one armored cover for the engine air inlet)<br />Southern Command, 25 July - 1941.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVmzhehja3LyUQCEf4Fc80twf5ZWBCw1JIf8rYESSWWYC0dfJ2W2YLQguW_igfdg7Hg-m6amF2rAQIgCErTkSOxeGgl8luSEZxYBNPJDVEqcnPpb_Om-KnR4Yf4balGM3r-W-5inDipBPnvSE8v35snmCHsTPN8hqAfNWQcH4yEFAwHstDVjPKjTejg/s1024/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%2024-08-42%20%20H%2023425%20%2033th%20Tank%20Brigade%20Ordnance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1024" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVmzhehja3LyUQCEf4Fc80twf5ZWBCw1JIf8rYESSWWYC0dfJ2W2YLQguW_igfdg7Hg-m6amF2rAQIgCErTkSOxeGgl8luSEZxYBNPJDVEqcnPpb_Om-KnR4Yf4balGM3r-W-5inDipBPnvSE8v35snmCHsTPN8hqAfNWQcH4yEFAwHstDVjPKjTejg/w640-h521/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%2024-08-42%20%20H%2023425%20%2033th%20Tank%20Brigade%20Ordnance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tank, Li</b></span><b style="text-align: justify;">ght, AA Mk I </b><span style="text-align: justify;">(T 1728)</span><b style="text-align: justify;">, </b><span style="text-align: justify;">also </span><span style="text-align: justify;">known as</span> "ack-ack tank"<br />with the markings of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/33rd_Tank_Brigade_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">33th Tank Brigade</a> - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_%28United_Kingdom%29_Division" target="_blank">3rd Infantry Division</a>.<br />Notice the use of the chassis of Mk VIA in this vehicle.<br />(two armored covers for the engine air inlets on the front glacis)<br />August - 1942.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQXaHzxqdGi1hjna1uCRCl87Dfm9mbw2ONAir7y3-SeQVm-cFny9wfq_qVc3nMz9NU90nmfmGN0tcDpqiZ7qRL5_4zZtInse4_ltyaJcPqQHaCF1y05Uv4T1RjgerCYDsRwBV72kPeMJFBrWY0hI_WY7wPZEwlEw-4PsNevDwqmFT8Nj5j7EoyevMxg/s1280/Mk%20I%20AA%20turret%20close%20up.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQXaHzxqdGi1hjna1uCRCl87Dfm9mbw2ONAir7y3-SeQVm-cFny9wfq_qVc3nMz9NU90nmfmGN0tcDpqiZ7qRL5_4zZtInse4_ltyaJcPqQHaCF1y05Uv4T1RjgerCYDsRwBV72kPeMJFBrWY0hI_WY7wPZEwlEw-4PsNevDwqmFT8Nj5j7EoyevMxg/w640-h466/Mk%20I%20AA%20turret%20close%20up.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very close view of Light tank AA Mk I turret.<br />Notice the Besa 7.92mm light machine guns<br />and aiming device</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbQk84ndnRBUt_I630Z6nESXgMj43sCbU5QigHSOtsHp-fFdDFm4VeFxiqyXkAYVZsKWzLJ7ojpKq2XnHsbLEtS_AYlJPLkJ9GJYITyUkOPG9g9EE8kRFPgULsi1PxUfyyIVmIXMn3g_wlrj7EHCjWQR-xMsUTZoWydkqXWOpL-kTS1l-jyhCtkS3dQ/s1280/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%20Hurricane.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbQk84ndnRBUt_I630Z6nESXgMj43sCbU5QigHSOtsHp-fFdDFm4VeFxiqyXkAYVZsKWzLJ7ojpKq2XnHsbLEtS_AYlJPLkJ9GJYITyUkOPG9g9EE8kRFPgULsi1PxUfyyIVmIXMn3g_wlrj7EHCjWQR-xMsUTZoWydkqXWOpL-kTS1l-jyhCtkS3dQ/w640-h478/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%20Hurricane.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><div><span><b>Tank, Li</b></span><b>ght, AA Mk I, </b><span>(T 1742 - HURRICANE)</span></div>Notice the use of the chassis of Mk VIA with two armored covers</div><div>for the engine air inlets on the front glacis and the</div><div>vehicle´s name censored as a white band above the red-white-red mark</div><div>front left view</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy02lQDzaKl9oJud92V5iLjiG-x5dKy39Nb7WSh1te04pb88N08CLiSVhtTtfbqtXFhh09Cx-WJw5224Ou5NGEnDTFkIl9c1pqrU_veZ7FRJMgv_T0q_jR2nOHoBoTE3ro8vsKyZN4Q5mm9kO86vp10Q1jrlbSOW1iqw0amMclvYCSXXqldW2vznSEg/s1045/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%20Hurricane%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1045" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNy02lQDzaKl9oJud92V5iLjiG-x5dKy39Nb7WSh1te04pb88N08CLiSVhtTtfbqtXFhh09Cx-WJw5224Ou5NGEnDTFkIl9c1pqrU_veZ7FRJMgv_T0q_jR2nOHoBoTE3ro8vsKyZN4Q5mm9kO86vp10Q1jrlbSOW1iqw0amMclvYCSXXqldW2vznSEg/w640-h386/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%20Hurricane%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><div><span>The same </span><span><b>Tank, Li</b></span><b>ght, AA Mk I, </b><span>(T 1742 - HURRICANE) above</span></div></div><div>In this left side view, the censor not smudged the name HURRICANE</div><div> above the red-white-red mark, as pictured above.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5D6gTSKUDlmP-xQKeI3fZcDSiaLyvZc7UVFYMgq2RmwNju9uBaGSVatz6sdg_cYNyxmVB_CkTuFiusfwvsSUtwXMGB_ye1snoa6vCtwd4yauQ7juS1FDzR0EC1CYsatBgOGPqYP8_CzrycrCgDR1-WOBuGm6EtX7iZ-qZatvzwbFtgAR37EZ5JU9QA/s1024/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%20Hurricane%20rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1024" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5D6gTSKUDlmP-xQKeI3fZcDSiaLyvZc7UVFYMgq2RmwNju9uBaGSVatz6sdg_cYNyxmVB_CkTuFiusfwvsSUtwXMGB_ye1snoa6vCtwd4yauQ7juS1FDzR0EC1CYsatBgOGPqYP8_CzrycrCgDR1-WOBuGm6EtX7iZ-qZatvzwbFtgAR37EZ5JU9QA/w640-h444/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%20Hurricane%20rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span>The same </span><span><b>Tank, Li</b></span><b>ght, AA Mk I, </b><span>(T 1742 - HURRICANE) above</span></div><div>In this right side view, the name HURRICANE</div><div> above the exhaust muffler, it's blurred.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqnwWW-UpJonB7Pwf3e-2i_CaHcQn94pVBFHcSQHrh1-r_aFrBH1wdxrzrShSrecApH7_9pOUICSYJE-roRUiCnPEbxjDHeD4Oksmz-YxzYdciP8hUM5ESssP2Q_pmpW5cPKND2_-uHwY8kXuduFAmBqYeRNaXCtW3eNyHgYOMyzBnKV3nOkI1DApRw/s1024/An%20ack-ack%20tank%20arrives%20in%20the%20forward%20areas%20on%20a%20transporter%2015%20-9-42.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1024" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqnwWW-UpJonB7Pwf3e-2i_CaHcQn94pVBFHcSQHrh1-r_aFrBH1wdxrzrShSrecApH7_9pOUICSYJE-roRUiCnPEbxjDHeD4Oksmz-YxzYdciP8hUM5ESssP2Q_pmpW5cPKND2_-uHwY8kXuduFAmBqYeRNaXCtW3eNyHgYOMyzBnKV3nOkI1DApRw/w640-h586/An%20ack-ack%20tank%20arrives%20in%20the%20forward%20areas%20on%20a%20transporter%2015%20-9-42.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tank, Li</b></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>ght, AA Mk I, </b>( T 2011 - MARY) <br /></span>arrives in the forward areas on a transporter.<br />Notice the chassis of Mk VIB version and yellow cammo. <br /><span style="text-align: justify;">African Desert, </span>15 September, 42.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO217DbxhjK_KJ9JfOz5qyFcaUY4ENOG8jeqBoAR_XNWjWob7cyvbIV4ibqNytJ6spSTCcFn4SVPDZP0O5hO-KMD4maBjiVpOHVciio8NR5SxSg6De-vhTlrWvi-0nCxSHXpxDnB4k_eM9NDIelSbctZwDiZqNEObGrYMkKCubsrnH7YLlPSO53c-zQ/s1024/driver%20and%20gunner%20are%20well%20protected%20in%20the%20ack-ack%20tank.%20E%2016825.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1024" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO217DbxhjK_KJ9JfOz5qyFcaUY4ENOG8jeqBoAR_XNWjWob7cyvbIV4ibqNytJ6spSTCcFn4SVPDZP0O5hO-KMD4maBjiVpOHVciio8NR5SxSg6De-vhTlrWvi-0nCxSHXpxDnB4k_eM9NDIelSbctZwDiZqNEObGrYMkKCubsrnH7YLlPSO53c-zQ/w640-h520/driver%20and%20gunner%20are%20well%20protected%20in%20the%20ack-ack%20tank.%20E%2016825.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tank, Li</b></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>ght, AA Mk I, </b>( T 2011 - MARY) <br /></span>the same tank above, right after stepping off your transporter.<br />Notice the chassis of Mk VIB version and yellow cammo. <br /><span style="text-align: justify;">African Desert, </span>15 September, 42.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEk3qimirAL2vJWesSMczoyxVk_b2f9RH0dbuO1tBgl84qvc3t-exS9GTqzN0x-IPpV8HV-DBHD61oi5LUMRIgyovN5xmSYVu5GL8D1qHT8_RX6jH3MqMq3W1kS0kUQgiPnZUD9-t2zId2IOp8jfkbRazAGIhUqVl4yCVFEcuLuMMYPgZWTKQGvMWbA/s1024/driver%20and%20gunner%20are%20well%20protected%20in%20the%20ack-ack%20tank.%20E%2016824.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1024" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVEk3qimirAL2vJWesSMczoyxVk_b2f9RH0dbuO1tBgl84qvc3t-exS9GTqzN0x-IPpV8HV-DBHD61oi5LUMRIgyovN5xmSYVu5GL8D1qHT8_RX6jH3MqMq3W1kS0kUQgiPnZUD9-t2zId2IOp8jfkbRazAGIhUqVl4yCVFEcuLuMMYPgZWTKQGvMWbA/w640-h604/driver%20and%20gunner%20are%20well%20protected%20in%20the%20ack-ack%20tank.%20E%2016824.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tank, Li</b></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>ght, AA Mk I, </b>( T 2011 - MARY) <br /></span>the same tank above, with the crew at their stations.<br />Notice the colonial type helmet on the left fender.<br /><span style="text-align: justify;">African Desert, </span>15 September, 42.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcyVCKga0MUUusJnm-5wk_KQRfQdbiOCdKU4Yvn_AmHpvewGbrAuR79XTCI1FGGjRy6ZBL0QKm40Dd4g_4CHXL3FIA3DIAMw1wXuA_NTkkfC6yiP6_4G6PM2zigKd1aylWus8NqSk3Vq7cDPirIimK2_ONJ8l3jPEfYsEyp8QGm2KFCmQfB2CUh1lIQ/s1280/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%2015-09-42%20%20E%2016822.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcyVCKga0MUUusJnm-5wk_KQRfQdbiOCdKU4Yvn_AmHpvewGbrAuR79XTCI1FGGjRy6ZBL0QKm40Dd4g_4CHXL3FIA3DIAMw1wXuA_NTkkfC6yiP6_4G6PM2zigKd1aylWus8NqSk3Vq7cDPirIimK2_ONJ8l3jPEfYsEyp8QGm2KFCmQfB2CUh1lIQ/w640-h482/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%2015-09-42%20%20E%2016822.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tank, Li</b></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>ght, AA Mk I </b>(T2011 - MARY)<b> </b>in anti-aircraft readiness</span>.<br />Notice the chassis of Mk VIB version and yellow cammo. <br /><span style="text-align: justify;">African Desert, </span>15 September, 42.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkiqMxv_Y3r2l1cHplf2HvhleYUENa9xKwaqauTLajMzYHfzxLiBpJhGU86_OR8dD98oIMpy2fiBKIptvhpwnUMz6YPGdEcNsp-MFYR5oTHl6m_Z07yL_PK5twoa8QbOi2aqNdoZvl365eNVZLmDFqtYAZq0QPIHrtmqIJwpGbYCJ7lRvFVGixMygzA/s1024/Vickers%20Light%20Anti-Aircraft%20Mk1%20tank%204%20x%207.92mm%20mg.%20Camouflage%20netting%20in%20reari%20-%20Western%20Desert,%20Western%20Desert%20(Egypt),%20El%20Alamein%20Area%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkiqMxv_Y3r2l1cHplf2HvhleYUENa9xKwaqauTLajMzYHfzxLiBpJhGU86_OR8dD98oIMpy2fiBKIptvhpwnUMz6YPGdEcNsp-MFYR5oTHl6m_Z07yL_PK5twoa8QbOi2aqNdoZvl365eNVZLmDFqtYAZq0QPIHrtmqIJwpGbYCJ7lRvFVGixMygzA/w640-h452/Vickers%20Light%20Anti-Aircraft%20Mk1%20tank%204%20x%207.92mm%20mg.%20Camouflage%20netting%20in%20reari%20-%20Western%20Desert,%20Western%20Desert%20(Egypt),%20El%20Alamein%20Area%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Australian <b>Vickers Light Anti-Aircraft Mk I</b> tanks<br /> Notice the camouflage netting crammed into the rear rack<br />of the T 2033 vehicle.<br />Western Desert (Egypt), El Alamein Area - 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></p><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Light AA Tank Mk II</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Light AA Tank Mk II </b><span style="text-align: left;">(also known as <b>Ack ack light tank Mk II</b>) </span><span style="text-align: left;">replaced the Mk I version on production lines. The Mk II </span> version featured a slightly more spacious turret, better protected and motorized, with a new and improved aiming system, but still with the same light armament. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQa3LcZE22HBUWoqAZexfQfm-WoXsDCrRqEX8oVsKFlOBhCuGFKMhN1awtLshj_BlD1soW4Fm8FKr61OlzdBnIy_57ZcrmGYFLErSGWwF4Ar_ef6lcC_SgRASofIn4Ma485HL2rHCmLLifCMLRbawb_ZZ2V7q59Izr6SKt0aJf8JrXttFKjIK-hCEgA/s1024/QuadBesaMkIITurret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1024" height="629" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQa3LcZE22HBUWoqAZexfQfm-WoXsDCrRqEX8oVsKFlOBhCuGFKMhN1awtLshj_BlD1soW4Fm8FKr61OlzdBnIy_57ZcrmGYFLErSGWwF4Ar_ef6lcC_SgRASofIn4Ma485HL2rHCmLLifCMLRbawb_ZZ2V7q59Izr6SKt0aJf8JrXttFKjIK-hCEgA/w640-h629/QuadBesaMkIITurret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view of AA Mk II turret (late version).<br />Notice the Besa 7.92mm light machine guns<br />and new aiming device.<br />This turret was also installed in <a href="https://warwheels.net/Humber1AntiAirIndex.html" target="_blank">Humber Mk I AA Armored Car</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> This vehicle also used the chassis of the Mk VI A or B version, with the early Mk II variants having the box on top of the tank superstructure of the same size as the Mk I model, with later Mk II versions featuring a box with lower height, at the top of the superstructure, perhaps to decrease the center of gravity and the stability of the fire when the turret was in a fast rotation to follow the target. Another feature of the later versions of the Mk II model was <span style="text-align: left;">an external ammo bin on the rear of the hull, </span><span style="text-align: left;">between the sloping rear face of the original tank and the back of the rectangular base for the AA turret. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Strangely, there are many more photos of Mk I models than Mk II models.</span></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZitpOkqFElqVsMCvRjpxZq_lTY-U18UzBexy51EBgJNMcgB7tKFDFhTLzTTg1s1ucT2r2ESq-nTbuIw7q-aMWJU_fj8S1IiLigvuqHL2HDpepMV8wCSYnU5ErDiW1WkEJ55XCm7Md___E5KvW00LlR12pF0jzWGrjAI3XDBQHCwwCXRgzxZG0S5ZjQ/s1204/Mk%20II%20AA%20specs%20final%201200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1204" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZitpOkqFElqVsMCvRjpxZq_lTY-U18UzBexy51EBgJNMcgB7tKFDFhTLzTTg1s1ucT2r2ESq-nTbuIw7q-aMWJU_fj8S1IiLigvuqHL2HDpepMV8wCSYnU5ErDiW1WkEJ55XCm7Md___E5KvW00LlR12pF0jzWGrjAI3XDBQHCwwCXRgzxZG0S5ZjQ/w640-h476/Mk%20II%20AA%20specs%20final%201200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Blueprint of Vickers light AA Mk II tank</div><div style="text-align: center;">(late version with Mk VIB chassis)</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsTufpxlUB3KRnb1kmkxWekZCrmrPalSvEeemzbhuk_Pf4XUEwFQM8dv2UAreU-kpRW8Ptfj7sV3W7-3mNU5HEskni6Ilyf9jmncF-ynoKMu7rb0knpS5xO3fTofSlWrsPusCTLag474u1r5F06DQ7oZzWqv3Y2i3A7j2Ck5ZmfW9vdgGrNd6uwZsXw/s1024/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20II%20a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1024" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYsTufpxlUB3KRnb1kmkxWekZCrmrPalSvEeemzbhuk_Pf4XUEwFQM8dv2UAreU-kpRW8Ptfj7sV3W7-3mNU5HEskni6Ilyf9jmncF-ynoKMu7rb0knpS5xO3fTofSlWrsPusCTLag474u1r5F06DQ7oZzWqv3Y2i3A7j2Ck5ZmfW9vdgGrNd6uwZsXw/w640-h446/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20II%20a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial version of the <b style="text-align: justify;">Tank, Light, AA Mk II</b>, with the same high top box<br />as the <b style="text-align: justify;">Tank, Light, AA Mk I</b>, which increased the center of gravity<br />and instability in the rotation of the turret.<br />This chassis in particular was a Mk VIA verion.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdgEpc6ZLiNzkpmKHPtMnsVN40P0GIA2Gt6Br5pc44f0v6QrYES_1u1nE6xOFWCrISzmB5yHyqdTh5eYw2TbLCkVpkAHxdSX8SHo9f8s2TApQZzB8lIRegXwUV6RfUw2Oqy3ExdMW7wVBzbzu3utrhmTc3zG0bgR0FI1BPnTQVoQBf3cSmWf7sX9QJw/s1024/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1024" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdgEpc6ZLiNzkpmKHPtMnsVN40P0GIA2Gt6Br5pc44f0v6QrYES_1u1nE6xOFWCrISzmB5yHyqdTh5eYw2TbLCkVpkAHxdSX8SHo9f8s2TApQZzB8lIRegXwUV6RfUw2Oqy3ExdMW7wVBzbzu3utrhmTc3zG0bgR0FI1BPnTQVoQBf3cSmWf7sX9QJw/w640-h482/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20II.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final version of the <b style="text-align: justify;">Tank, Light, AA Mk II</b>, with the upper box lowered,<br />which increased stability in the rotation of the tower and rear ammo bin.<br />This "ack ack tank" wear a Mk VIB chassis</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; text-align: left;"><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEC_MFX9AVI3YJ9kYvOMkytwH0ZXu42qBvVUHXvBJZqKEpyAGET1jXTcxAl2_7WK55-GHZtzvBksvKyw9rWrp3HPJnxH4oPi62D_4VOAFA_ENxzlGW8Wwwgc6j-YiBID9eji6-bX0sLGfM4Gk63YyA6WEwkl8b7kcfyBY-8ScJfg8qs1NDPUtCe4aiw/s1280/Light%20tank%20Mk.VI%20AA%20Mk.II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEC_MFX9AVI3YJ9kYvOMkytwH0ZXu42qBvVUHXvBJZqKEpyAGET1jXTcxAl2_7WK55-GHZtzvBksvKyw9rWrp3HPJnxH4oPi62D_4VOAFA_ENxzlGW8Wwwgc6j-YiBID9eji6-bX0sLGfM4Gk63YyA6WEwkl8b7kcfyBY-8ScJfg8qs1NDPUtCe4aiw/w640-h400/Light%20tank%20Mk.VI%20AA%20Mk.II.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Rear view of the final version of the Tank, Light, AA Mk II.</div><div>This vehicle in particular does not have the external ammo bin at the rear.</div><div>Notice the ejectable fuel tank attached to left of vehicle.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Ack ack Mk I</b> model was effective against early machines (especially unarmored dive bombers), but in the second half of the war it was no longer suitable for destroying high-flying or heavily armored enemy units. The <b>Ack ack Mk II</b> model probably boasted slightly better stats than its predecessor, but its small-caliber weaponry also limited its effectiveness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> About fifty Mk VIs were converted into anti-aircraft tanks, and the plan was to give a troop of four to each regimental HQ squadron, although the numbers produced suggests that this didn't happen.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><b>Specs:</b></span></span></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthO41zG5emSR7JhisRfwaxwxRjV0io89e2yseeFb5GtBpicZrMitY8Bxwnu61YMDJez_hKs5VFi3oRdP-eBgS5hTVsdEKBUBAW8K_JnMbg3yt-jBsG2FIPmHDoUvJ2AIIz7cMN-f_K83rczUb70mU9xO0aRxQnBi3z8xvq-s63j_X8_V0KhIbxEdGxA/s1400/Mk%20II%20AA%20specs%20final.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1400" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthO41zG5emSR7JhisRfwaxwxRjV0io89e2yseeFb5GtBpicZrMitY8Bxwnu61YMDJez_hKs5VFi3oRdP-eBgS5hTVsdEKBUBAW8K_JnMbg3yt-jBsG2FIPmHDoUvJ2AIIz7cMN-f_K83rczUb70mU9xO0aRxQnBi3z8xvq-s63j_X8_V0KhIbxEdGxA/w640-h396/Mk%20II%20AA%20specs%20final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Vickers light AA Mk II tank( Ack ack MkII tank)</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Anti aircraft light tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1940 -1942 (frontline)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom<br />Australia<br /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="World War II">Second World Wa</a>r</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers-Armstrongs" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers-Armstrongs">Vickers-Armstrongs</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers-Armstrongs" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers-Armstrongs">Vickers-Armstrongs</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1940</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">around 50 (Mk I + Mk II)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Variants</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Mk I and Mk II</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5 ton</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4.0 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.08 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.35 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2 (commander/gunner,<br />driver)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 -14 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" target="_blank">4 x </a></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0645ad;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12.32px;">7.92 mm</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.32px;"> Besa light <br />machine gun</span></a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">none</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Meadows" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Henry Meadows">Meadows</a> 6-cylinder petrol<br />88 hp (66 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">16.9 hp/ton</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Gordon_Wilson" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Walter Gordon Wilson">Wilson</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-selector_gearbox" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Pre-selector gearbox">pre-selector gearbox</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horstmann_suspension" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Horstmann suspension">Horstmann inclined springs</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Ground clearance</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">250 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">140 l</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">210 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">56 km/h on road<br />40 km/h off road</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><b>The kits:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"> In this commission work, I'm going to use two kits: a plastic injected (hard-to-find) kit from <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/vulcan-scale-models-56008-light-tank-mark-vi-b--133748" target="_blank">Vulcan Scale Models - British Light Tank Mark VIB -</a></span></span><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/vulcan-scale-models-56008-light-tank-mark-vi-b--133748" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/vulcan-scale-models-56008-light-tank-mark-vi-b--133748">#56008)</a>, and the resin conversion kit from <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/resicast-351239-vickers-light-tank-aa-turret-mkii-conversion--949438" target="_blank">Resicast - Vickers Light Tank AA Turret Mk.II Conversion - #351239</a>. This Ack ack girl will be built in parallel with its older sister, the<a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20light%20tank%20Mk%20VIB" target="_blank"> standard Vickers light tank Mk VIB, as you can see in this article</a>.</div><div><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC44hZl_h-UaPclRVe9JoeWE8Al3sHxslD0mcYtuDCM6biaLND3igldk2tvY2amdCny0o7ufymAbMPmo5I1jp0i5YHRJsXVBPh2GP0mEo6f1IQlXQPeukF2h-yH7LJDpNYGKhacXsFZOphZdQ-6K6Um5kqsb7_qC5TnN0OhtcF9xPR_Y6T1BVrBOVXFw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC44hZl_h-UaPclRVe9JoeWE8Al3sHxslD0mcYtuDCM6biaLND3igldk2tvY2amdCny0o7ufymAbMPmo5I1jp0i5YHRJsXVBPh2GP0mEo6f1IQlXQPeukF2h-yH7LJDpNYGKhacXsFZOphZdQ-6K6Um5kqsb7_qC5TnN0OhtcF9xPR_Y6T1BVrBOVXFw/w640-h372/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak in a new double project...<br />Injection plus resin!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The first thing to do is always to start by the most laborious job, that is, cleaning the resin parts. Let's separate the parts from their foundry bases and remove all excess...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGEreOJiGGVgEBS4MCH_obodt1ulIR_Apmg-5AD-fPZrf1dz3Fm086Ba08KdF_qnlVTsg3cnygXZeA4N6SD05VdtQYx1O2RgmkFx1xABfv49Dt3rANjAYJnHRTLUVN-vv1UN6G1D_xbzSx5HdwNGe73pqaysMmAZBBadzv8Ab4oYpiSH9HvRM_OCeSQ/s1225/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1225" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGEreOJiGGVgEBS4MCH_obodt1ulIR_Apmg-5AD-fPZrf1dz3Fm086Ba08KdF_qnlVTsg3cnygXZeA4N6SD05VdtQYx1O2RgmkFx1xABfv49Dt3rANjAYJnHRTLUVN-vv1UN6G1D_xbzSx5HdwNGe73pqaysMmAZBBadzv8Ab4oYpiSH9HvRM_OCeSQ/w640-h452/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All polyurethane resin castings from Resicast´s conversion kit</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Vickers injected in plastic you can see<a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20light%20tank%20Mk%20VIB" target="_blank"> in this article</a>. In the left, the standard build; In the right, the future Ack ack tank, that will not use the standard turret.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbD-JXsOKaYUAjMqIgmxrB16zuJIv7mWAuucoZAMdOrkainvl7Ovq5OzuFObNvkpYKnqVp1zcrYzIpDsn6K70GfTFdyLRNqcB5FN4_allti8HBBcjR-OwCUiw_XTetRK9JoT2_7Zg4M4eOyArMAF0dXjLUrgxkLjDEsDl_RBamgPRir37URijEI77Wg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbD-JXsOKaYUAjMqIgmxrB16zuJIv7mWAuucoZAMdOrkainvl7Ovq5OzuFObNvkpYKnqVp1zcrYzIpDsn6K70GfTFdyLRNqcB5FN4_allti8HBBcjR-OwCUiw_XTetRK9JoT2_7Zg4M4eOyArMAF0dXjLUrgxkLjDEsDl_RBamgPRir37URijEI77Wg/w640-h402/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Vickers girls with different fangs...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> First, let's install the vehicle's spartan interior which unfortunately only reproduces detail in the turret area. No details of the driver's station...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvUwF9-R7HyQWEqby1x4s_-68RZMd58UOvU7cwdNc3YjLwXq71bd6Y0E5jjbpfpHbg8t2uL95f-3gOsvYw2OwoIL2X2AHllUdEZeApyfMzhPmfhCalEp8_QhrPQXUUMKcuudOf1fCmJvkGNrbLqbEQTxqrjkq9__RXjIE8moSYe3UgdPtC3uYLyOk-Q/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvUwF9-R7HyQWEqby1x4s_-68RZMd58UOvU7cwdNc3YjLwXq71bd6Y0E5jjbpfpHbg8t2uL95f-3gOsvYw2OwoIL2X2AHllUdEZeApyfMzhPmfhCalEp8_QhrPQXUUMKcuudOf1fCmJvkGNrbLqbEQTxqrjkq9__RXjIE8moSYe3UgdPtC3uYLyOk-Q/w640-h432/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details only in the turret area...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A common problem in resin kits is the deformities and contractions of the parts... And, for a change, I was drawn with a kit with some dimension deformities in its parts...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5h0SlJLvPYwbjo1psUr_Q-i8BSQBEHldMhILo6TAgCDxhFNJhsRBoa8YRq96v7Qwnb0rn_9Gz99oGNxNKVVbOZYWA6DrfgF0qk8EcSDZrddruOgLbDIXtmWUYZQMEe46hi6Wc30Nhd7JT-I2tuuqykS98VjrCvNJZoLvEQDvq1r8eq1vS1V5kI9_Tg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5h0SlJLvPYwbjo1psUr_Q-i8BSQBEHldMhILo6TAgCDxhFNJhsRBoa8YRq96v7Qwnb0rn_9Gz99oGNxNKVVbOZYWA6DrfgF0qk8EcSDZrddruOgLbDIXtmWUYZQMEe46hi6Wc30Nhd7JT-I2tuuqykS98VjrCvNJZoLvEQDvq1r8eq1vS1V5kI9_Tg/w640-h384/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built the upper deck of the vehicles. Notice the gap between the<br />upper deck and the turret superstructure box, on the AA version<br />(red arrow above)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Tjtp-R3CUChLEe5w_N9OzxN6_IIJyfb3NEflOoinalr3ANPRPwRYH2FB7OoRV4NAT7yv04toKT641GITl0NIWWUNN857_S46n68c-MDeo54tfop7ftxZu7YErZm2uP-TmLqtl72VMOzXPab-dAZmV6rxkE6pWxs9-SBEPtwmxVKZsgcgE8gf0SYwIg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Tjtp-R3CUChLEe5w_N9OzxN6_IIJyfb3NEflOoinalr3ANPRPwRYH2FB7OoRV4NAT7yv04toKT641GITl0NIWWUNN857_S46n68c-MDeo54tfop7ftxZu7YErZm2uP-TmLqtl72VMOzXPab-dAZmV6rxkE6pWxs9-SBEPtwmxVKZsgcgE8gf0SYwIg/w640-h480/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the considerable gap between the superstructure box<br />and the driver's station deck.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH8PoFj009zin1vUE4HvRGCMSfYZpY_mAecOaXpSRsUw5Mu0XmLG6z5TrV8RdKlB6xbxVqsdOlVzmDKcPbOldnVby4OJ7yyUWVVdfUSWqohIfPOwJE1pGgtctWJMU-oeasWO7E3YAWzjRP-XfIq6U59jrwZdJNgUc39hh_B7larJjAhHGUb-nOFmuMg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiH8PoFj009zin1vUE4HvRGCMSfYZpY_mAecOaXpSRsUw5Mu0XmLG6z5TrV8RdKlB6xbxVqsdOlVzmDKcPbOldnVby4OJ7yyUWVVdfUSWqohIfPOwJE1pGgtctWJMU-oeasWO7E3YAWzjRP-XfIq6U59jrwZdJNgUc39hh_B7larJjAhHGUb-nOFmuMg/w640-h426/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice that the gap in the rear portion of the<br />turret superstructure box is even larger. Here we have a typical<br />case of material contraction (red arrows).<br />The rear ammo bin is already glued (with superglue) in its position...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5t4gRGyv9MoTi_vI5zD5FcCGj16wZ_t3ulGtvKe5Bm5caGkI23lcnh-hjVG9rApNDLINiTyYoJWOkBSiauohr3Llb9DjqlJMn-Ts14ZGrDAcc2SIYUpLo7qlJnjuSMQsKcj0yKYsBCknWFboB7uYCi7V3Nk-A7oJI18eyjw_vfOFGmaJ7N9XEFs5NA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5t4gRGyv9MoTi_vI5zD5FcCGj16wZ_t3ulGtvKe5Bm5caGkI23lcnh-hjVG9rApNDLINiTyYoJWOkBSiauohr3Llb9DjqlJMn-Ts14ZGrDAcc2SIYUpLo7qlJnjuSMQsKcj0yKYsBCknWFboB7uYCi7V3Nk-A7oJI18eyjw_vfOFGmaJ7N9XEFs5NA/w640-h480/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My solution was to add a 0.3mm sheet of plasticard to<br />the front (red arrow) and back of the turret box, as well as a<br />corner profile to the front of the superstructure (blue arrow).<br />This "mechanically logically" rectified the shrinkage of material in that area.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Notice below, the sheet of plasticard on the back of the turret box (red arrows) and the beginning of construction of the turret basket, with the Commander/gunner seat.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zjz4-n9PR6xmPzJC-qTBou8h_z1oYv-pHJtj79yp2oRwz6sSq4JkCC--ohMWeawYvsW9vg9FPwsw5ocjciAIYnMYfJJFMNp2z4bedwkqL6Po0FDRzDEL6xXafn29Cchdzulj5rG9LgD41mL6IUV2LmOlyeUO3uC0EuCQY_r13yLWqdhuzpIMdIVrzg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zjz4-n9PR6xmPzJC-qTBou8h_z1oYv-pHJtj79yp2oRwz6sSq4JkCC--ohMWeawYvsW9vg9FPwsw5ocjciAIYnMYfJJFMNp2z4bedwkqL6Po0FDRzDEL6xXafn29Cchdzulj5rG9LgD41mL6IUV2LmOlyeUO3uC0EuCQY_r13yLWqdhuzpIMdIVrzg/w640-h402/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rectification of the dimension of the superstructure box,<br />at the rear (red arrows)... Things are going in the right direction...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGztUgK4-kKBjGO36oWNr9kdMqTw5hJs4T54RNeBukGz4f9GkV4PRdqCigzBo46B49_q3cQHNAdDsk5VzXRp_Ga34Xvhta2zPJ8ImwYD-EBSXu96mp0gXvKBXPB6os8f0-RyjBU1ZAd7Y6yNILeCJ_M-75zmdu7ULf86ZS4FXG3XvERteUarAuNmDcA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGztUgK4-kKBjGO36oWNr9kdMqTw5hJs4T54RNeBukGz4f9GkV4PRdqCigzBo46B49_q3cQHNAdDsk5VzXRp_Ga34Xvhta2zPJ8ImwYD-EBSXu96mp0gXvKBXPB6os8f0-RyjBU1ZAd7Y6yNILeCJ_M-75zmdu7ULf86ZS4FXG3XvERteUarAuNmDcA/w640-h418/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much, much better!!<br />The Old Henry was satisfied with the solution found!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX1DExAKePJ4y5lgqkW1j9o6JXL4JJ50yo7e_mCN8tf1ZNZBcQUmdNyGbBoO2TSO24qPawThuEn6fU9SEx3_5dlsqh-X5ogOBTjdx5ZdV-S39pjgvjHkKVgq3C-VijAbT6PwSs6Agw5ASNYqnj99bBQeMb6hmdyDTJgaSYo-xSNNffvYgxlXbtZpwSA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX1DExAKePJ4y5lgqkW1j9o6JXL4JJ50yo7e_mCN8tf1ZNZBcQUmdNyGbBoO2TSO24qPawThuEn6fU9SEx3_5dlsqh-X5ogOBTjdx5ZdV-S39pjgvjHkKVgq3C-VijAbT6PwSs6Agw5ASNYqnj99bBQeMb6hmdyDTJgaSYo-xSNNffvYgxlXbtZpwSA/w640-h446/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like a piece of plastic to fix a resin block!!!<br />The King is very pleased!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuop5m7X4mkjNJNjWTvRloLZc9cmRKUpMPs2cK4hjfNngqf90UnsFwZXD67t6YG1NafNCvwN5YhvWhiFf_J-76z5prqw_1ONLt8JAfaA_239VuiiOkgGdpH9c_EFVN5QlpLFi2dq58i2bLD8VFwtvOHqE5Bvhtc4Y49FSzb20MN0YKk1Dtgej2gJB6mw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuop5m7X4mkjNJNjWTvRloLZc9cmRKUpMPs2cK4hjfNngqf90UnsFwZXD67t6YG1NafNCvwN5YhvWhiFf_J-76z5prqw_1ONLt8JAfaA_239VuiiOkgGdpH9c_EFVN5QlpLFi2dq58i2bLD8VFwtvOHqE5Bvhtc4Y49FSzb20MN0YKk1Dtgej2gJB6mw/w640-h350/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The commander's basket. A piece not with many details, but well made...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xL8nFhv_jTJYJqsYiYadCrThdaabFrjksqoGZTqN0GEA8WwZElYQTLDz-qRseJPsK6fyawqlDFO2tvtPL17wrc7ep86SN4sbyWsDt5VCk1Li5fnoq27pNrDKIYTXpZZjvT_sWJ3o_tr5FDAyVvQkSgzXHMdmi4kIVQ1-Jh1ldY0R7_PkHvpzAO-Gyg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xL8nFhv_jTJYJqsYiYadCrThdaabFrjksqoGZTqN0GEA8WwZElYQTLDz-qRseJPsK6fyawqlDFO2tvtPL17wrc7ep86SN4sbyWsDt5VCk1Li5fnoq27pNrDKIYTXpZZjvT_sWJ3o_tr5FDAyVvQkSgzXHMdmi4kIVQ1-Jh1ldY0R7_PkHvpzAO-Gyg/w640-h370/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An <i><b>"in loco"</b></i> test of the Commander's basket... Fits perfectly. <br />No dimensional problems here...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pZ9Hw0E1CmCPw_Yq2hCJbOQRholvFeoq7jssGIxuemZS7A2YakGNDzkY1OlHqSA-foVvL-JdPak9NzaBglXQ40sMeZJEHFJBXa_OzdtqyrLfLg5FmqFJ5wAFTzt15hgvKSGxockXuNJL7FyCRgMZzPVk_9CIudXoAjajdPbLhQXJS9vHqfosscJI6w/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pZ9Hw0E1CmCPw_Yq2hCJbOQRholvFeoq7jssGIxuemZS7A2YakGNDzkY1OlHqSA-foVvL-JdPak9NzaBglXQ40sMeZJEHFJBXa_OzdtqyrLfLg5FmqFJ5wAFTzt15hgvKSGxockXuNJL7FyCRgMZzPVk_9CIudXoAjajdPbLhQXJS9vHqfosscJI6w/w640-h428/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The adaptation between the superstructure box<br />and the tank chassis is now perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But now, things really got ugly: the machine guns' rotor of the turret is simply too narrow...Here, contraction has reached Heaven!!! And I (and Kojak, of course...) cannot admit such heresy!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJZR1UTbu2ZqdEApdNA_e2O2zj-vpPTfvI1kswC1hag3rJ_E-9MtUbNM6AMAF9I6m987GsYwUFFJlTKE_fue4jVwWmUPvy5Pkn4Hq7T5NmX4C-tT0wPqA-iGUIpgQT1tbU1BtVqMTnrJBPC72kfskL15rxscAf9wweos8dOWMZCkZKEntNU9zHXcrKg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJZR1UTbu2ZqdEApdNA_e2O2zj-vpPTfvI1kswC1hag3rJ_E-9MtUbNM6AMAF9I6m987GsYwUFFJlTKE_fue4jVwWmUPvy5Pkn4Hq7T5NmX4C-tT0wPqA-iGUIpgQT1tbU1BtVqMTnrJBPC72kfskL15rxscAf9wweos8dOWMZCkZKEntNU9zHXcrKg/w640-h400/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy crap!! the machine gun rotor is much narrower<br />than the front of the turret!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I'm going to use the same recipe as for the box correction: rectify with plasticard, this time with a 0.6mm thick sheet that, after being glued at both ends, was hollowed out and rectified following the same internal and external perimeter of the rotor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0Zr3VObgLSLhtJtnYRItCMwYG4tRxa2ocPaun3QLNy4Kl3qct5Qfm7C7yUnhoxB6e5sB_mFbSG5OQ2jvZLJLwEDPwqKfHOWIk4wz-_tVSjCDfMWTp-Vk5gu5WizcDRyk3JXzlX_XxEuAyJVkb2iE-cKZeGUVF5BYofC8Jas8mNvB2AnYkT0NPT709Q/s1279/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1279" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0Zr3VObgLSLhtJtnYRItCMwYG4tRxa2ocPaun3QLNy4Kl3qct5Qfm7C7yUnhoxB6e5sB_mFbSG5OQ2jvZLJLwEDPwqKfHOWIk4wz-_tVSjCDfMWTp-Vk5gu5WizcDRyk3JXzlX_XxEuAyJVkb2iE-cKZeGUVF5BYofC8Jas8mNvB2AnYkT0NPT709Q/w640-h356/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting fat (like Old Henry...) a bit: notice the white plastic<br />portions on the rotor ends (red arrows).</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnlg0AnoGdBIB4voYGyWB23kquHrG5Abx2N6X9nxEk7BEkxUxA3QkpH1MSgt10s6AqsoZ3Sdy8_5-NFCXWVpDDjgXJrGVQSv89Vb12lcEcBm_6FkKJ0cxW10ifcrFYCzCDWhK2rgUtv0ksaCB19LW_E9NgO-hxH8XZnc0YhkGSNjxHMzCrVNn46k0KA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1280" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnlg0AnoGdBIB4voYGyWB23kquHrG5Abx2N6X9nxEk7BEkxUxA3QkpH1MSgt10s6AqsoZ3Sdy8_5-NFCXWVpDDjgXJrGVQSv89Vb12lcEcBm_6FkKJ0cxW10ifcrFYCzCDWhK2rgUtv0ksaCB19LW_E9NgO-hxH8XZnc0YhkGSNjxHMzCrVNn46k0KA/w640-h566/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, the rotor fits perfectly, without gaps... <br />and keeping the movement of elevation and depression free...<br />Damn, Kojak knows how to work the little (big) details!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoer7Y46EIqG7f4XXTp7NgrP3SbhjDRsFGhjduSmcMUT1oNUYyPIl8KFKFyznp56mUDGrd7wJz20tvsX_13Q0wzIN_6Z7ff7umuvxNNvRkMxCnVYYRbPFZXNV1WgN9oQXeJ6n7rvBtYRbz6Ix1L5lNkdBZJ7Uw-tIqpK6tjfJFeyjPNEJg74Zdo1cSA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoer7Y46EIqG7f4XXTp7NgrP3SbhjDRsFGhjduSmcMUT1oNUYyPIl8KFKFyznp56mUDGrd7wJz20tvsX_13Q0wzIN_6Z7ff7umuvxNNvRkMxCnVYYRbPFZXNV1WgN9oQXeJ6n7rvBtYRbz6Ix1L5lNkdBZJ7Uw-tIqpK6tjfJFeyjPNEJg74Zdo1cSA/w640-h408/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rotor, fully armed with four 7.9mm Besa machine guns installed,<br />at maximum elevation, testing the movements...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngQK1zLbQZ_fdF9CxGZuZ-xgvoA7_9glSXvTdi40EF--Q-XoLcqTb5ycDawR3necxEas38wXj9tgVFpDGby5iL1itcL5Sl3RUov7pPXzKYPNVNQ_QObJ-rjOvwLuatu74eGrWtn7s54UwaZo5IQiLG_VGf6D1HCUB2ZWlfSiOKBOL143YG2VVyiK2tw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngQK1zLbQZ_fdF9CxGZuZ-xgvoA7_9glSXvTdi40EF--Q-XoLcqTb5ycDawR3necxEas38wXj9tgVFpDGby5iL1itcL5Sl3RUov7pPXzKYPNVNQ_QObJ-rjOvwLuatu74eGrWtn7s54UwaZo5IQiLG_VGf6D1HCUB2ZWlfSiOKBOL143YG2VVyiK2tw/w640-h384/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still testing the moves...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4cPMI0EFwmiBVa00qbrHqaTr2q_VtiES4cssj5uiNlPzyHwXJAStQ_CIklb_UTeiJ_aF1NWYrhzIB3vN0oTk0grW3CdCiUQwBZLCzJQ7UIP0K5TI6smb7dIC22RxdJO1zl6uHqRshx2O_Q-OV8y_qmUtPtEMSQuEXHbtVT35pjSk5dYcOqsWC1Rfmg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4cPMI0EFwmiBVa00qbrHqaTr2q_VtiES4cssj5uiNlPzyHwXJAStQ_CIklb_UTeiJ_aF1NWYrhzIB3vN0oTk0grW3CdCiUQwBZLCzJQ7UIP0K5TI6smb7dIC22RxdJO1zl6uHqRshx2O_Q-OV8y_qmUtPtEMSQuEXHbtVT35pjSk5dYcOqsWC1Rfmg/w640-h400/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The installation of the ammunition tray below the rotor<br />is a bit delicate, but the tray cannot touch the struts of the basket,<br />as this tray moves with the elevation and depression of the weapons</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFoYRLGV8fuoO9ksCyxD9RThPZPmcBgXUx_htu0Jesric7bKOXvEPy2cOwvuvXxvUuHriN8mOR2tDOESXsw9MVoyulN7w8IieH2lc_NFPJRU65yno1bNmztx_3xa0HgZcTFQQdSU8s8XMC2sRDYMXVscXHAuBRUI0pwrfqwIKuMpNAASAZscxZ5SaJQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFoYRLGV8fuoO9ksCyxD9RThPZPmcBgXUx_htu0Jesric7bKOXvEPy2cOwvuvXxvUuHriN8mOR2tDOESXsw9MVoyulN7w8IieH2lc_NFPJRU65yno1bNmztx_3xa0HgZcTFQQdSU8s8XMC2sRDYMXVscXHAuBRUI0pwrfqwIKuMpNAASAZscxZ5SaJQ/w640-h414/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice that I had to make a little wear on the tray angles<br />so that the movement was smooth and I continue.<br />No big deal here...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxiS-x3qJwIm5zGC1dlEH_3ruTbuYRJtvKJoVVoITMyfRveoxu3ahyNx_qkLSzzPAjCuTUuQ8pymq8BUmA562xHn13IsIROtv6WUqlZPRXg0LbhknB3P62gBLRgUZhA2Yo2oCwXgnsGT5jE2zLoRixHfO1Il8WokfrdRrfFC2YOZp-cfslbaT3n4hJQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxiS-x3qJwIm5zGC1dlEH_3ruTbuYRJtvKJoVVoITMyfRveoxu3ahyNx_qkLSzzPAjCuTUuQ8pymq8BUmA562xHn13IsIROtv6WUqlZPRXg0LbhknB3P62gBLRgUZhA2Yo2oCwXgnsGT5jE2zLoRixHfO1Il8WokfrdRrfFC2YOZp-cfslbaT3n4hJQ/w640-h442/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the turret in position...<br />Looking left!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeDLdYzCeeGPIIZN2EYQvcr7zcoOAKoSXhRT7fq_kQvlEMG97oJshxIqRFvNB_u-t1SaP6tC1nUgtzKcDeoKFDd_EAm9ps1kCsbXVHeDSPIUpXFXHRiLHVmGNiPyxBRJWyxPuMFIeHLH5WyxTE-aSQlwyF12bAdxNZsKqJPpq_waWdjSELGh37EOXJQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeDLdYzCeeGPIIZN2EYQvcr7zcoOAKoSXhRT7fq_kQvlEMG97oJshxIqRFvNB_u-t1SaP6tC1nUgtzKcDeoKFDd_EAm9ps1kCsbXVHeDSPIUpXFXHRiLHVmGNiPyxBRJWyxPuMFIeHLH5WyxTE-aSQlwyF12bAdxNZsKqJPpq_waWdjSELGh37EOXJQ/w640-h446/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2AafPfadGWrf4fPjkVF0c1jnWlr2sl_zpplYcviTZPRpB2u1pQ3ftvqNSqIyuhk2LlgjS6bcArDLI463Z6Z2rNlGj6e1pvRB4D4dwCYALefnOiu3sl0U7IIDa1aVLOSKh7_hJDAruDc9LkqmKsm3T11NGA3opZ5uTS1JZHoNT7TlXMOj48NFUXBRUQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2AafPfadGWrf4fPjkVF0c1jnWlr2sl_zpplYcviTZPRpB2u1pQ3ftvqNSqIyuhk2LlgjS6bcArDLI463Z6Z2rNlGj6e1pvRB4D4dwCYALefnOiu3sl0U7IIDa1aVLOSKh7_hJDAruDc9LkqmKsm3T11NGA3opZ5uTS1JZHoNT7TlXMOj48NFUXBRUQ/w640-h408/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two girls, side by side. the AA version<br />and the standard version, <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20light%20tank%20Mk%20VIB" target="_blank">Mk VIB</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV6kz_aGarXp64F6PD9wASCgAugqtkY2rXxVtFtSMiyfyKgOWYHFE2lA0vrxzTARN4jiciV_MHZz5XnI5o6HwquwvhgQ_f7mZ7KM2AEU0BaD229gkVHqYwjeH5HKv3kdDQZz-ue_VrgQya7qhwh7Qiw28YjkUQyjfEvHzd9C4NHW4RC5piW-bUMQcDw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV6kz_aGarXp64F6PD9wASCgAugqtkY2rXxVtFtSMiyfyKgOWYHFE2lA0vrxzTARN4jiciV_MHZz5XnI5o6HwquwvhgQ_f7mZ7KM2AEU0BaD229gkVHqYwjeH5HKv3kdDQZz-ue_VrgQya7qhwh7Qiw28YjkUQyjfEvHzd9C4NHW4RC5piW-bUMQcDw/w640-h392/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Hulls and upper decks in position.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Note the unique armored air intake of the Mk VIB versions,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">in front of the hulls.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_okV29m33OZ5DH8XiB7YRFs9or613pDz_2zjx1mrjbBHN7wegpEbiP1TWewWXpx0aryiZ7DQ3mxynuJqJHRa8UQUJ0rXLNhGzwXoaxlyzI0uR3b7onFiyTuuQsyMZnQCArUZ8zdfOq7AswtfChfB6rgWDbom3vIb74dkm549i3EbMZiQkOnIbXg78uQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_okV29m33OZ5DH8XiB7YRFs9or613pDz_2zjx1mrjbBHN7wegpEbiP1TWewWXpx0aryiZ7DQ3mxynuJqJHRa8UQUJ0rXLNhGzwXoaxlyzI0uR3b7onFiyTuuQsyMZnQCArUZ8zdfOq7AswtfChfB6rgWDbom3vIb74dkm549i3EbMZiQkOnIbXg78uQ/w640-h424/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> As the kits do not feature interior detailing in the driver stations,<br />I will leave the hatches in the glacis plates closed.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjezzpR96puv_aVOO8yxChvIkOccrHXRCcaRUIRFv46E6hMlo5tUYqNpytcrToEbH0wQW8GpFW3z993aZ2JgNF_0TMJQ_EQ34UAffEJojWZ45v5YBjCEHTSyyQHeCYz3toXgcskhpWfyV0WpxKwsMwM4p7-8TZ3P0-GRMeWuaLEdHedKq4SWgesyoMwQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjezzpR96puv_aVOO8yxChvIkOccrHXRCcaRUIRFv46E6hMlo5tUYqNpytcrToEbH0wQW8GpFW3z993aZ2JgNF_0TMJQ_EQ34UAffEJojWZ45v5YBjCEHTSyyQHeCYz3toXgcskhpWfyV0WpxKwsMwM4p7-8TZ3P0-GRMeWuaLEdHedKq4SWgesyoMwQ/w640-h406/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hulls almost complete...<br />Right view.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The supension of Vulcan kit is very delicate and full of tricks. But using the <i><b>Vickers-type suspension wheel alignment apparatus</b></i>, as described in the steps of the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20light%20tank%20Mk%20VIB" target="_blank">Vickers light tank Mk VIB article</a>, the thing flows like a thousand wonders!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVKzW9d0R2G0qN9Dtj0aFMnFtz_0ZiGRe4PZiGlDprL0E9CFz4poR5l2SyUPsTsJSqRrDkA4t251RTIKOLH68O_O6TNsAA6hEvh464AyOZnwWhr7RfgO_goxwnSpvEYYmApJoqzOh8FM170W3UKHasmw6wazJPMhL7CJ9uwBPqbF-97O1ee2_VcroKg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVKzW9d0R2G0qN9Dtj0aFMnFtz_0ZiGRe4PZiGlDprL0E9CFz4poR5l2SyUPsTsJSqRrDkA4t251RTIKOLH68O_O6TNsAA6hEvh464AyOZnwWhr7RfgO_goxwnSpvEYYmApJoqzOh8FM170W3UKHasmw6wazJPMhL7CJ9uwBPqbF-97O1ee2_VcroKg/w640-h450/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Vickers-type suspension wheel alignment apparatus</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">in action</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-3VxajVJIX9TSwcIeI7c1zJy-a9ku7tnn_Hcyyr8QPfjkdIB-yYDEeUmFpy2rajjim7LZkwIKtLi3iDneZH7xEkBP_UFL8b38Bu70e0cSzSrw1E_nsyw-x7jwJG7TlP6nPbL5Iof2JiYYbIaVoSK3W-2fM_mfG6m-5JzgFW8cMlG8aL_s9JtLuEuqA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-3VxajVJIX9TSwcIeI7c1zJy-a9ku7tnn_Hcyyr8QPfjkdIB-yYDEeUmFpy2rajjim7LZkwIKtLi3iDneZH7xEkBP_UFL8b38Bu70e0cSzSrw1E_nsyw-x7jwJG7TlP6nPbL5Iof2JiYYbIaVoSK3W-2fM_mfG6m-5JzgFW8cMlG8aL_s9JtLuEuqA/w640-h426/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bogies ready for the springs...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ64Sv9lYQLIjEEYEcQaiiZiW2uveK4sp9RsWYM92vV5HsfPXuBjfqUDvqLNtTRLSQDsgOCfYn-cP7qxrUeKI2x7O-J8UbAzJzTUmN6zqvHVb6A1Hs0GzyQUptVp5tK9MGIcTD3dlBsykyEOtUvygj3CFHfl215p0eQcaBnG596K7N8lOsi2qNCV17_g/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20049a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="1280" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ64Sv9lYQLIjEEYEcQaiiZiW2uveK4sp9RsWYM92vV5HsfPXuBjfqUDvqLNtTRLSQDsgOCfYn-cP7qxrUeKI2x7O-J8UbAzJzTUmN6zqvHVb6A1Hs0GzyQUptVp5tK9MGIcTD3dlBsykyEOtUvygj3CFHfl215p0eQcaBnG596K7N8lOsi2qNCV17_g/w640-h272/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20049a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bogie o suspension in detail<br />Superglue to stabilize the suspension steel wire...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITMPF0fcXUChyFuFSWfDeMabglMezbMvVlQ6QkqCzGdEgH_pNJTEHDdL2mPnZ5Y6E1Sg3Lfk8LVCt25_lgxjPKg9qgjkZckzcuplEn-6ONNDBvd5H3hXrPDooBZvzTJ-k2fzmokgyuB6ST8Bur72oUG5TajpcWCcQMy515B4Q_WvR7-DlEpZ4zMGDzA/s1280/Vickers%20VIB%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="1280" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgITMPF0fcXUChyFuFSWfDeMabglMezbMvVlQ6QkqCzGdEgH_pNJTEHDdL2mPnZ5Y6E1Sg3Lfk8LVCt25_lgxjPKg9qgjkZckzcuplEn-6ONNDBvd5H3hXrPDooBZvzTJ-k2fzmokgyuB6ST8Bur72oUG5TajpcWCcQMy515B4Q_WvR7-DlEpZ4zMGDzA/w640-h212/Vickers%20VIB%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bogies ready for the installation...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWew3eKpcW-d3HC__x3MIlTX3fB8O1uQCDAXLEj-4zP38lm_ZvDJG0bhYdG1iEOmf0yxOkglsKRiqLaADFUx_M2buwrWmUhht4A-zh2o1L34yR_hjZ9UDZ7tE-zlFH6BxK7eHTehcfrIWLTDDPjL8phsdGzUry-QYTIF8nO6v33Vn9OLuEmG95zSVs3w/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWew3eKpcW-d3HC__x3MIlTX3fB8O1uQCDAXLEj-4zP38lm_ZvDJG0bhYdG1iEOmf0yxOkglsKRiqLaADFUx_M2buwrWmUhht4A-zh2o1L34yR_hjZ9UDZ7tE-zlFH6BxK7eHTehcfrIWLTDDPjL8phsdGzUry-QYTIF8nO6v33Vn9OLuEmG95zSVs3w/w640-h386/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12.3648px;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank, standing on its own foot!!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12.3648px;" /><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 12.3648px;">Left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsX0kGvZ83K9Tbrw3pSR9hQQHFicOyDuQmOdmx1b3Zgp7WjasokHMTawG3OKgLSFr726EqeQRF5frHa-HhT8lQ7o26pqmj3MgRw8If0epcioB6v-5VDT5lACmD19gpGLyFZCsuSFHqzt_25e7yZy6y-k1NrwT8LLJ5H9s6PtWoOj_TRDbgRP7dAXvgsg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsX0kGvZ83K9Tbrw3pSR9hQQHFicOyDuQmOdmx1b3Zgp7WjasokHMTawG3OKgLSFr726EqeQRF5frHa-HhT8lQ7o26pqmj3MgRw8If0epcioB6v-5VDT5lACmD19gpGLyFZCsuSFHqzt_25e7yZy6y-k1NrwT8LLJ5H9s6PtWoOj_TRDbgRP7dAXvgsg/w640-h432/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank, standing on its own foot!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Right view</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvWRJV6V71VCdWYIjh8Ayoez6v0tBpu9bj3Y-mwuw0VnL2_IZumGLWHFJOfBBJhdQxbeELUIlLG-do-21wjpdOpmJ43qog1UpfNOdHyysfzlFr_6OBtcOmKqm4jb5BpxMUReM-HB7kLcZCTmNoUoC971U-mvgMurDvqOVlKmsUpfSA-jnne6mYVPTkg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvWRJV6V71VCdWYIjh8Ayoez6v0tBpu9bj3Y-mwuw0VnL2_IZumGLWHFJOfBBJhdQxbeELUIlLG-do-21wjpdOpmJ43qog1UpfNOdHyysfzlFr_6OBtcOmKqm4jb5BpxMUReM-HB7kLcZCTmNoUoC971U-mvgMurDvqOVlKmsUpfSA-jnne6mYVPTkg/w640-h404/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The two Vickers sisters, side by side, with</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">tracks in position...</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZESJ01MqE4cZbBszvyEFct5d621rYr0hclqy8L9wuZHBvq5hsfEmndJTFznvhs7Y14KSAI5eKEJIKHouTMFyN0acrh_V37T21EAjO8biriJENFJFWGVDjj45oMDF7zp2b1mdvZFi_fVkI-RWAm2M79txAwoauR1HRH-_3ZVp5ZmxjsiILPLOh49ZbQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZESJ01MqE4cZbBszvyEFct5d621rYr0hclqy8L9wuZHBvq5hsfEmndJTFznvhs7Y14KSAI5eKEJIKHouTMFyN0acrh_V37T21EAjO8biriJENFJFWGVDjj45oMDF7zp2b1mdvZFi_fVkI-RWAm2M79txAwoauR1HRH-_3ZVp5ZmxjsiILPLOh49ZbQ/w640-h446/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two Vickers growing togheter...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The rearview mirror is very fragile and, being prominent, it will be the first piece to be broken when handling the model... To avoid heart attacks, replace the plastic rods with metal rods. Prevention is always better than cure!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHXc85-arQI32gWRylWaQNXGRuyeBgoFmqMMyMwl3JLygS2sLJAd8rJgkjGVDjeebnokw13QElnLPIRmN-8x-z5ZqSz2I3KGesveqwK0nQEEc0uDJvWJEstKU8W66eOLc6A25Jhe-7_Sw8I71CxqgxWGXxOCBHFZX1NLm9pvUzOq6wOF2Kd_4q2JyRQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHXc85-arQI32gWRylWaQNXGRuyeBgoFmqMMyMwl3JLygS2sLJAd8rJgkjGVDjeebnokw13QElnLPIRmN-8x-z5ZqSz2I3KGesveqwK0nQEEc0uDJvWJEstKU8W66eOLc6A25Jhe-7_Sw8I71CxqgxWGXxOCBHFZX1NLm9pvUzOq6wOF2Kd_4q2JyRQ/w640-h348/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal in action...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSpOpMvRfwr7nwL8TT2MafQRy3LtdFUWiq2fF2XjBxbVchcpNJ_mfxdzXB0oiB-lM8-wa2zlgcy1BknFmgj73531GCb3UjKfsaSvK0gQtAD9Yxb5p8OmiTDG-vm0I7xmPCCj4XJJx8_ybPa-sP5lzkkL20u19bYESNTXEB0myM2FgnUVNBknc_iu9oQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSpOpMvRfwr7nwL8TT2MafQRy3LtdFUWiq2fF2XjBxbVchcpNJ_mfxdzXB0oiB-lM8-wa2zlgcy1BknFmgj73531GCb3UjKfsaSvK0gQtAD9Yxb5p8OmiTDG-vm0I7xmPCCj4XJJx8_ybPa-sP5lzkkL20u19bYESNTXEB0myM2FgnUVNBknc_iu9oQ/w640-h384/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details in pairs...headlights and mirrors in position...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0949mzrEe6qjc6WHMQYX88QrWe3TAteLta2mcQ8tBmNfP5kAocfAItnK4eQsv5Nm-tqgganjH70Vcln4P5gZ_tMmIfeRDlRwPmQRwiUdG7tVTId-80o66sR34yK6NdsI-lr-b0VqqT_FYqortFafkJwaq1xcMTUW6wrifpXsVFmdqZ93POlNrPWs7A/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0949mzrEe6qjc6WHMQYX88QrWe3TAteLta2mcQ8tBmNfP5kAocfAItnK4eQsv5Nm-tqgganjH70Vcln4P5gZ_tMmIfeRDlRwPmQRwiUdG7tVTId-80o66sR34yK6NdsI-lr-b0VqqT_FYqortFafkJwaq1xcMTUW6wrifpXsVFmdqZ93POlNrPWs7A/w640-h422/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The twoVickers girls, side by side...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpPtRMHBMthyq2iojXGoRIBynBGSdgOYOCoDihEXi1Z2qYPpyHMZbr8Wl6YcHKgaCEpSqv68atLN4MiRLLFwRatbi3DMrTRkux-_e1gqSKnK03RQS3qgOcoaZfzLzHFr_cusaJlFIHwvWhY9_ezmvAYRm-jPdcghiDS4mT1DeBZ2rFsz84xvZXcs37Q/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpPtRMHBMthyq2iojXGoRIBynBGSdgOYOCoDihEXi1Z2qYPpyHMZbr8Wl6YcHKgaCEpSqv68atLN4MiRLLFwRatbi3DMrTRkux-_e1gqSKnK03RQS3qgOcoaZfzLzHFr_cusaJlFIHwvWhY9_ezmvAYRm-jPdcghiDS4mT1DeBZ2rFsz84xvZXcs37Q/w640-h458/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPvxe127nV5zk_6gewym079qDklbQ-kBAN6LbOxgkR4E-0V5xZrDiLEI_waFasV9fwWt_w4jSpPKpzY69VhNptfUZ1FOH1SMdr8VOIuvCLU_n3GuMXGbstti03_JbIqitBE3V8yk4IgkxIyc800tLN0kkgDErV4EnAmOwdvXaYJLEo86NzTxQuSSkCA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPvxe127nV5zk_6gewym079qDklbQ-kBAN6LbOxgkR4E-0V5xZrDiLEI_waFasV9fwWt_w4jSpPKpzY69VhNptfUZ1FOH1SMdr8VOIuvCLU_n3GuMXGbstti03_JbIqitBE3V8yk4IgkxIyc800tLN0kkgDErV4EnAmOwdvXaYJLEo86NzTxQuSSkCA/w640-h380/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two girls are really cute!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZS-IPkfIR_lSwSfOaXtILOG-_ZC6VyC29s5AiMac_xDwxblSRVm1FSM2XSfzyWxMq8dm7-R667QzcKJPc3o7As0KtCOKvpJAMNmWZiX3zzkJ5JWkim1x523YWhOS6rz-tGPGOcAoZPbLAIxtBPoffvFFjFmgNHdLS3UQr4AKOQYvbsXvF5fP6jGtsQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZS-IPkfIR_lSwSfOaXtILOG-_ZC6VyC29s5AiMac_xDwxblSRVm1FSM2XSfzyWxMq8dm7-R667QzcKJPc3o7As0KtCOKvpJAMNmWZiX3zzkJ5JWkim1x523YWhOS6rz-tGPGOcAoZPbLAIxtBPoffvFFjFmgNHdLS3UQr4AKOQYvbsXvF5fP6jGtsQ/w640-h384/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two girls almost ready!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3oGuaIFEkD7SSwSPn98Mf8ZvLhte8W_IPU2MRH6oHwQ_VXxdikH_3qECJti77vJryT9QdAFwRR8oAN3zFAD124VAVXZAUnWoNqX1fxZBXwsdl1P1dTSuCHzZrVz2ukK0FIDqFdLoIZhoJAOOjZYczYJQEgoHyudnsnVzxO4orTbFAoQtiQ-1lnvApA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3oGuaIFEkD7SSwSPn98Mf8ZvLhte8W_IPU2MRH6oHwQ_VXxdikH_3qECJti77vJryT9QdAFwRR8oAN3zFAD124VAVXZAUnWoNqX1fxZBXwsdl1P1dTSuCHzZrVz2ukK0FIDqFdLoIZhoJAOOjZYczYJQEgoHyudnsnVzxO4orTbFAoQtiQ-1lnvApA/w640-h454/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ack ack Mk II light tank<br />3/4 front left view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0cB2mVMIn5bIhgh3aAK607appGI7nAsKFia-EuvjE9IwPC4M5ge6F-QfulfSFPcggzePxLIPiEGGzJbnK7Icq3wRk2fgFAtmrIpkCpLghQWFB7TyEPc5g5P8qecix8Qqgt4et7amfeoY_YNGa2LLt8keXyiQUXGwUsHadK_21uQO-sExDvQqK_hBAQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0cB2mVMIn5bIhgh3aAK607appGI7nAsKFia-EuvjE9IwPC4M5ge6F-QfulfSFPcggzePxLIPiEGGzJbnK7Icq3wRk2fgFAtmrIpkCpLghQWFB7TyEPc5g5P8qecix8Qqgt4et7amfeoY_YNGa2LLt8keXyiQUXGwUsHadK_21uQO-sExDvQqK_hBAQ/w640-h442/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ack ack Mk II light tank<br />3/4 front right view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iusABco606OA1jHVzI-Ze4FvvdTlssguB99140tGuZOlIfE-HcvAqb8k3wxAhv8C64kX5t_-KBsclOtnl9He-XyUQGcpSLsYPqY2sougXoc27iJkbS7XyG1cjuc96wWGyeoaLilB9PRKawACtmoUgDEYteV9Txpt8huGrTnn__wdd7OR_YWRoXVa0A/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iusABco606OA1jHVzI-Ze4FvvdTlssguB99140tGuZOlIfE-HcvAqb8k3wxAhv8C64kX5t_-KBsclOtnl9He-XyUQGcpSLsYPqY2sougXoc27iJkbS7XyG1cjuc96wWGyeoaLilB9PRKawACtmoUgDEYteV9Txpt8huGrTnn__wdd7OR_YWRoXVa0A/w640-h424/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modifying the aiming device, using an original<br />photo as a reference...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjqUSXiFxth8jPWCuKMEwnR4pvqF4qZ3qiE19WVg8w_ZaXO8-ag4p-8m8le_hMllZL_PUGN7F8ES2w8Ptq2-3G4cs4kcjJOfOyXmPlz6jInJSkVGRRZSVC-P10h5a26cRHa1hp4-e2c7Rw2FTm-UbYMFHwQIbhVd9VfZ9NmXMkIz6jgUmFDSptWhYUA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjqUSXiFxth8jPWCuKMEwnR4pvqF4qZ3qiE19WVg8w_ZaXO8-ag4p-8m8le_hMllZL_PUGN7F8ES2w8Ptq2-3G4cs4kcjJOfOyXmPlz6jInJSkVGRRZSVC-P10h5a26cRHa1hp4-e2c7Rw2FTm-UbYMFHwQIbhVd9VfZ9NmXMkIz6jgUmFDSptWhYUA/w640-h452/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank - rear right view<br />Notice the license plate</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9iNGKe9sjiSl_xGJDf-5N6uT20kuUEidAA-xnqhwtrDNWt6ugjelQo9T2Z0WQPxbxjF4v4mNKflCYRDhHjwi0KxP1dKsTNR15tJgUH0gWOnmjSEG801IxdzAE8RQL8-qG9oTHIIS7qwSlnHsr9MaYOsvbeZxupKbc6XrEchxs6-Jaf_il4TdHIjD9Q/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20078.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9iNGKe9sjiSl_xGJDf-5N6uT20kuUEidAA-xnqhwtrDNWt6ugjelQo9T2Z0WQPxbxjF4v4mNKflCYRDhHjwi0KxP1dKsTNR15tJgUH0gWOnmjSEG801IxdzAE8RQL8-qG9oTHIIS7qwSlnHsr9MaYOsvbeZxupKbc6XrEchxs6-Jaf_il4TdHIjD9Q/w640-h442/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank<br />rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the project almost finished, it's time to look for details to improve the kit...and looking at the photo below, in addition to discovering that some Mk II turrets had the armor on the Commander's back angled (the one in the kit is the rolled plate type. ..), I noticed the presence of two chains hanging from the inner portion of the turret's frontal shield (red arrows). From the looks of it, it should be for locking the vertical drift movement of the weapons, when the vehicle is in transport. But whatever it is, it's a nice detail to add. Let's make these chains...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11i6C9Yd8mGGRe1bVT6Mclzr8HHc_LTM8rUPWjP42Di584ZRdjCWgzvBCJ5b5mVIFT2R0-LWC3YLaO4lMiHEvSlfO90gFLATmKbbFZd3S5gcmMA_yfNahek4Ly3MikC8syZmtq47awG-6CqmUou6ZkVybk1_YXgZDrKfGdc98d1_ufcqqAYKLU1X0rg/s941/Vickers%20AA%20turret%20detail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="941" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11i6C9Yd8mGGRe1bVT6Mclzr8HHc_LTM8rUPWjP42Di584ZRdjCWgzvBCJ5b5mVIFT2R0-LWC3YLaO4lMiHEvSlfO90gFLATmKbbFZd3S5gcmMA_yfNahek4Ly3MikC8syZmtq47awG-6CqmUou6ZkVybk1_YXgZDrKfGdc98d1_ufcqqAYKLU1X0rg/w640-h438/Vickers%20AA%20turret%20detail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two mysterious chains... it's a lot of temptation for<br />the bald man's creative spirit!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First, we're going to take some very thin copper wire, cut a segment more than twice the desired length, bend the wire exactly in half, and thread the bend portion through a hook made of thicker metallic wire, attached to the Dremel. The Dremel is meant to be just a stand...I won't be using electricity to turn the wire, but turning the tool's chuck by hand for more control. The important thing is to obtain a twisted yarn with a regular and harmonious appearance.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGjD5kustS7_lErdHDkthCgkgICZn_rt9SEJKggLx4fMDBlDaHtIe95VWDB7RMAN9K3y_PBTp0QNM8grI0OiFJ5bdeVB5WjLDQvfrNdN0WuwXgV0d4gXnDkSChqE8FSYyhUhr2hQRvVXGULAVSXlPig5_RDdDO8datTSkHwtS6oOc-ofY9_tfDxMjQA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGjD5kustS7_lErdHDkthCgkgICZn_rt9SEJKggLx4fMDBlDaHtIe95VWDB7RMAN9K3y_PBTp0QNM8grI0OiFJ5bdeVB5WjLDQvfrNdN0WuwXgV0d4gXnDkSChqE8FSYyhUhr2hQRvVXGULAVSXlPig5_RDdDO8datTSkHwtS6oOc-ofY9_tfDxMjQA/w640-h310/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very thin copper wire, attached to the Dremel.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE64Qhh2QDVxAqn6hYweaatri3YaS9-ZsKFRSIdMPlPNMIU0Tz78kd3PKVQ-rgx7J9prGYtAiMdvDCrdNAirUBAOhbGDfihbsLWw4NKu4mHjqLsrFIpJYeUJWOUtJlzPWH7-4t6-fNqIE6y1jsSIccH_WuHbxWznsu27wNltfqtCXPe1gtpYV9ywiejg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE64Qhh2QDVxAqn6hYweaatri3YaS9-ZsKFRSIdMPlPNMIU0Tz78kd3PKVQ-rgx7J9prGYtAiMdvDCrdNAirUBAOhbGDfihbsLWw4NKu4mHjqLsrFIpJYeUJWOUtJlzPWH7-4t6-fNqIE6y1jsSIccH_WuHbxWznsu27wNltfqtCXPe1gtpYV9ywiejg/w640-h302/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the braided copper wire from the Dremel´s hook.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With flat and smooth jaw pliers, I crush the twisted wire, and this flattening reproduces the appearance of a very thin chain... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwQ4DMFIqiv5TngkyydBMdGi3KJCPGVQhxbAgEJSbqcdgb9Sh7Eqbxekssb6v8yioJuT4wgIqPetmAm6EmuZvJ8tRL6wZ5RwmDp-PdoK0GtPs7tE_ufEX2vZ62aWydSkotJQQkTB5ZH7-IT-Ryjpo5yyJpCq1Zs_VGHORhgBJWSOMzbZZ5Se_iNOPww/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20081.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwQ4DMFIqiv5TngkyydBMdGi3KJCPGVQhxbAgEJSbqcdgb9Sh7Eqbxekssb6v8yioJuT4wgIqPetmAm6EmuZvJ8tRL6wZ5RwmDp-PdoK0GtPs7tE_ufEX2vZ62aWydSkotJQQkTB5ZH7-IT-Ryjpo5yyJpCq1Zs_VGHORhgBJWSOMzbZZ5Se_iNOPww/w640-h356/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20081.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The King was surprised by the results....<br />Well done, Edna!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_PBCkEzLO0XWLVNDE9E9ROlpCaiQZiGcRdaOwMWo1LFQO-8vdC-w1nUtkY3aNnXbrFwYwwyv-Nufcky3CacMAkz5uuyemISZCkh3AO957EThz5YXeezaM3abtFhfSdzbEwPtV3DRIpBfiXhMROcUzpyPqfHM3zw_Q_o_QpTs-SuWfn2ZORjMVurpOw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_PBCkEzLO0XWLVNDE9E9ROlpCaiQZiGcRdaOwMWo1LFQO-8vdC-w1nUtkY3aNnXbrFwYwwyv-Nufcky3CacMAkz5uuyemISZCkh3AO957EThz5YXeezaM3abtFhfSdzbEwPtV3DRIpBfiXhMROcUzpyPqfHM3zw_Q_o_QpTs-SuWfn2ZORjMVurpOw/w640-h448/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the "chains" on thin copper wires, which<br />will later be cut, after the superglue dries...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR7hKYSjgpIURRJHeVFTIyYxbqPlhqYGuNjF-DoD9_AUFOpgFNMmYXQ2fxF5UVfUGMX0JK1NosisUxKULWztu4T8pD4jhAn2ZPxOIFPgvPl2Wi8gRSfKDzPxu8KtYUFt3Rre9wHWfmCNlJHSk_4ujLjVVwVfYX5H1fQKmDuZvMHm1p51fn17dGnmcdw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKR7hKYSjgpIURRJHeVFTIyYxbqPlhqYGuNjF-DoD9_AUFOpgFNMmYXQ2fxF5UVfUGMX0JK1NosisUxKULWztu4T8pD4jhAn2ZPxOIFPgvPl2Wi8gRSfKDzPxu8KtYUFt3Rre9wHWfmCNlJHSk_4ujLjVVwVfYX5H1fQKmDuZvMHm1p51fn17dGnmcdw/w640-h424/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20083.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chains installed... Really, a great little added detail.... <br />rear view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWJn3cmB_dZnuGt9ODBxSkZGdXoQZ68RqkmfidqCVasctCN0coUoltN-kkTGHT-h3fzc_G1pgWPlSZ-wcNHngrA4kUVxdkvOim6eHHaEvkXM5moCQMQV_4VRx0JwvrlMerRmPpaWWUwfBYNr5HhFBd4xe_G3Lgi8FyFWo327IRber8SfuvoJpe4ORHg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWJn3cmB_dZnuGt9ODBxSkZGdXoQZ68RqkmfidqCVasctCN0coUoltN-kkTGHT-h3fzc_G1pgWPlSZ-wcNHngrA4kUVxdkvOim6eHHaEvkXM5moCQMQV_4VRx0JwvrlMerRmPpaWWUwfBYNr5HhFBd4xe_G3Lgi8FyFWo327IRber8SfuvoJpe4ORHg/w640-h392/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20084.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chains installed.... rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMmisA5hYQDYphRjmXa6ppC1Qfzcxy2z9Eq5Yge4380HqjeFw7-gTZDsIWy7bmiSLkJXJQ94BGD3UzB6r4dpP9n3p4GEm-vaHMAhzjyHKNrQglFsvDbDCm9OTrOU461EvEnXlumDIEsHLMUYOgEhMP6V9gn_4-QB1l5GY44DzcMn6oUTJ_Q6PoGDTqA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMmisA5hYQDYphRjmXa6ppC1Qfzcxy2z9Eq5Yge4380HqjeFw7-gTZDsIWy7bmiSLkJXJQ94BGD3UzB6r4dpP9n3p4GEm-vaHMAhzjyHKNrQglFsvDbDCm9OTrOU461EvEnXlumDIEsHLMUYOgEhMP6V9gn_4-QB1l5GY44DzcMn6oUTJ_Q6PoGDTqA/w640-h414/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And since I have the "Spirit of Scratch" around, I decided to make<br />a "field adaptation" type toolbox with Value Gear stuff.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67TfgoJx6adIrsuU3SkKH4P1jYQYL6GR0KCFV3PWjQro58FlfGVkNeYfdoityvrfPzZrknQAbRpn2gFRuqCob9gDc5NXhuk4D_ER1-nsjI_wfKd18xL_z4kjHG5EQGfVLahjyiZn851FJgfIv3_3c_DaCK8P8srJI9mgvYC7mB9k2oAhSQwuX1qWspA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67TfgoJx6adIrsuU3SkKH4P1jYQYL6GR0KCFV3PWjQro58FlfGVkNeYfdoityvrfPzZrknQAbRpn2gFRuqCob9gDc5NXhuk4D_ER1-nsjI_wfKd18xL_z4kjHG5EQGfVLahjyiZn851FJgfIv3_3c_DaCK8P8srJI9mgvYC7mB9k2oAhSQwuX1qWspA/w640-h404/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20086.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It could be an ejectable fuel tank, as in some photos, but I decided<br />to do something more "field"... something simpler, that a tanker<br />with a blowtorch and scrap metal would do in a workshop...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf2LuIaXYLfvp2YxdHA4A8wlkMYxZjSleU9UwEx5oBbhxVkpjSeXaSkxdrZCCqKYk8OdVR2nCVnZkgwM13p9Jm2by864q1lCOjZ690dRreWbNP8PjMMVJ0YSQadc_UkguBftweDp6cCkd2MM7CJF0MHqV9Xws6AzNS-c6fHS3XsSOX05tEs3cB5c5pA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf2LuIaXYLfvp2YxdHA4A8wlkMYxZjSleU9UwEx5oBbhxVkpjSeXaSkxdrZCCqKYk8OdVR2nCVnZkgwM13p9Jm2by864q1lCOjZ690dRreWbNP8PjMMVJ0YSQadc_UkguBftweDp6cCkd2MM7CJF0MHqV9Xws6AzNS-c6fHS3XsSOX05tEs3cB5c5pA/w640-h374/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ack ack girl, almost ready for painting...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegYgZp9gSFiLCKwhg1B5hIPTQT50CQKsuExv0vk4s4tRXDXPouTaUn6MUA8kOzm-VMf1M1JgSWZW4W5eIsn9LRS4JPSLunAPzC95ScWUXJm2qfKfhGNoV5O2zyHx27gGNza0JaxE_6Dh4BrtxUEeFZ_i5EcszuEJwBGeJLB6Kh4HNdwTBNbyyRI1m-w/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegYgZp9gSFiLCKwhg1B5hIPTQT50CQKsuExv0vk4s4tRXDXPouTaUn6MUA8kOzm-VMf1M1JgSWZW4W5eIsn9LRS4JPSLunAPzC95ScWUXJm2qfKfhGNoV5O2zyHx27gGNza0JaxE_6Dh4BrtxUEeFZ_i5EcszuEJwBGeJLB6Kh4HNdwTBNbyyRI1m-w/w640-h390/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mk II AA turret, in close view...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRWb5hCHRo_NheDMMkVRiWHSMAdDsVWDPqAO13eB3M3q_Rtwz2aiJHS99TQQDrHxYIwDfl2MaeC6L0Co2iFoUDZm6t1M2zJLdanXTzk-e3MzKz09DyOodNL_-SWeknMvlUQTr5CCbm5JEPkT9uZQO6bKCCZEYi_jlByULXMjxcsz9T9zPZ2CF095JMg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRWb5hCHRo_NheDMMkVRiWHSMAdDsVWDPqAO13eB3M3q_Rtwz2aiJHS99TQQDrHxYIwDfl2MaeC6L0Co2iFoUDZm6t1M2zJLdanXTzk-e3MzKz09DyOodNL_-SWeknMvlUQTr5CCbm5JEPkT9uZQO6bKCCZEYi_jlByULXMjxcsz9T9zPZ2CF095JMg/w640-h402/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two light girls from Vickers, side by side<br />ready for make-up!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrEdzANxZTXGTjjxY8cg2Td8ZrKAqvX-MKzfsnvUWju3hGHA_sPD2BL9jFytN4yy8xLlrhPWhVdV8OJzRuYiagWg9RR90X4UcivSa7cf8rWEEVZOVyee1LLVuMi-wudxw2OHSuFvR0KOtaWjq9oS2BYE58QZs1SJXzBy-Q2X46UB1Nm8_HkrIHExITA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrEdzANxZTXGTjjxY8cg2Td8ZrKAqvX-MKzfsnvUWju3hGHA_sPD2BL9jFytN4yy8xLlrhPWhVdV8OJzRuYiagWg9RR90X4UcivSa7cf8rWEEVZOVyee1LLVuMi-wudxw2OHSuFvR0KOtaWjq9oS2BYE58QZs1SJXzBy-Q2X46UB1Nm8_HkrIHExITA/w640-h378/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Really, two very beautiful girls....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Vickers%20light%20tank%20Mk%20VIB" target="_blank">Vickers light tank Mk VIB</a> and</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers "Ack Ack" Mk II light tank</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMF7u4-oCCo722durX_6oR4jviUx5mLeeb57wPhmCMKcGg9VRlj-ukFIcJek_kSNkZ77GYguqe4PVreoM6431VorP3di25d2HKPqyZdp3Az92W0Mm29j7cY3VUjuaPgSmHy4XATmZgKvNkCgnsphjhNnbQ1Cv3OwgTlV9I0fhdlLIFjjwv_Mc-THZxw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMF7u4-oCCo722durX_6oR4jviUx5mLeeb57wPhmCMKcGg9VRlj-ukFIcJek_kSNkZ77GYguqe4PVreoM6431VorP3di25d2HKPqyZdp3Az92W0Mm29j7cY3VUjuaPgSmHy4XATmZgKvNkCgnsphjhNnbQ1Cv3OwgTlV9I0fhdlLIFjjwv_Mc-THZxw/w640-h364/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank, ready for painting and markings...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Well, about markings, let's build our girl with these details: Meet "QUEEN", a Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank (T-2445), serving in the 33th Tank Brigade, 3rd (mixed) Infantry Division, training in Burleigh in Hampshire, England, in August 1942.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnIX6W8iiKuOXiKfxXjl2C911SyNcKc52MiwQO4RkVzz5cJBXd0-RyGkqL7u_lvGetgdlkvzwuApQSqBtUQShtI_1Z3knBFUehi2jNyK5bgSBVTct4O4FwwaCX08CYluI-nqmIoC7TXFIEsQOmm-hDVr-sqp3YSi2WdqdlOtAYV5RdDux14bYoUHIOg/s1400/Ack%20ack%20mk%20II%20color%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1400" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnIX6W8iiKuOXiKfxXjl2C911SyNcKc52MiwQO4RkVzz5cJBXd0-RyGkqL7u_lvGetgdlkvzwuApQSqBtUQShtI_1Z3knBFUehi2jNyK5bgSBVTct4O4FwwaCX08CYluI-nqmIoC7TXFIEsQOmm-hDVr-sqp3YSi2WdqdlOtAYV5RdDux14bYoUHIOg/w640-h470/Ack%20ack%20mk%20II%20color%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgvDY2I6PyOfXaOVmBEKKJBh5HDVg2qfG7UFF4_p5kqFWumncnVOOf1le_w_G407ZEH1xuQi1rcYHPBrXRVZh2lP4DalFw8VEk2EHHJjxP_AMbDuwUUtRm8gik8-Oxjc0Lf04b-bWMYD3AdWUE4Tm3z2TRKqpEu4xEtXqOG8VZuaBQ7WwW9NttqYJCg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgvDY2I6PyOfXaOVmBEKKJBh5HDVg2qfG7UFF4_p5kqFWumncnVOOf1le_w_G407ZEH1xuQi1rcYHPBrXRVZh2lP4DalFw8VEk2EHHJjxP_AMbDuwUUtRm8gik8-Oxjc0Lf04b-bWMYD3AdWUE4Tm3z2TRKqpEu4xEtXqOG8VZuaBQ7WwW9NttqYJCg/w640-h384/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shades of green...<br />Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank <br />left front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8Ff25fispiDf2yPfvF1SvYIdr_YX7zfTjWOeVPGewlpIgSSGh8PjpsNa7QVRSX2rZawDiRm--xpITtZcAI5MDqwmXDdbAybffc1mgIh609wqWDA1CDdnze5v9alReEzKu6n0LhfvFZxMEF5Q-mMrHhIpyqITCRHJGbADKNgIyvKLcgTroYeSugjtVg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20102.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8Ff25fispiDf2yPfvF1SvYIdr_YX7zfTjWOeVPGewlpIgSSGh8PjpsNa7QVRSX2rZawDiRm--xpITtZcAI5MDqwmXDdbAybffc1mgIh609wqWDA1CDdnze5v9alReEzKu6n0LhfvFZxMEF5Q-mMrHhIpyqITCRHJGbADKNgIyvKLcgTroYeSugjtVg/w640-h402/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank <br />right front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0DKQWvmNChCAR-x3v-30hDV68DhVooJlTBztxr3uBqGClyx_2NNa0hp2Ap-FxygD2NCegx2v55xSCHjEiVY1_ajpPTQ-PEu0trtrlfIzYTxqheFQAYAkRpPy_4a33rrAEf9RJNLBvaIWNCNK-EtSd42oDAJUE_AWnpIG8plQTpOZdtvbceNUYEN_PA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0DKQWvmNChCAR-x3v-30hDV68DhVooJlTBztxr3uBqGClyx_2NNa0hp2Ap-FxygD2NCegx2v55xSCHjEiVY1_ajpPTQ-PEu0trtrlfIzYTxqheFQAYAkRpPy_4a33rrAEf9RJNLBvaIWNCNK-EtSd42oDAJUE_AWnpIG8plQTpOZdtvbceNUYEN_PA/w640-h386/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank </span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right rear view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iXBh7fRKN7mgEtKprisCjU2uEfqxf_2jSPAsEiggRaYmfcPpmdzA4OMASaDlw7QIcYAr9o9vq9c_FQnEyiDpEM1-udhICyMSpC8-xnf4VEUtdiB7u86m9BGbwAFa3VUsJlLyXbf7frpwHS3OCvS3SLbx0n9bZO-aO0QUq0ComXLxL_uPG_ssKSnOlg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20104.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iXBh7fRKN7mgEtKprisCjU2uEfqxf_2jSPAsEiggRaYmfcPpmdzA4OMASaDlw7QIcYAr9o9vq9c_FQnEyiDpEM1-udhICyMSpC8-xnf4VEUtdiB7u86m9BGbwAFa3VUsJlLyXbf7frpwHS3OCvS3SLbx0n9bZO-aO0QUq0ComXLxL_uPG_ssKSnOlg/w640-h422/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank </span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left rear view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCjxSJ37xrsM8NzX1NU4jx569BHwbvPyTm3g5kYBcrGc9tNGZoVP1JnE2K-6-9FZ-4W1Nym20s6v7yuKKTc7cbNEzAIxp31x1KtcXrRXYVwTR2PaP_JYK5YR_bXQ0hfVa_R-Fp2LGP7z_15Gdg1eJN-z84CSCFYPYmo-jCXCLQFygc-u-KWQ8QQAe6g/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCjxSJ37xrsM8NzX1NU4jx569BHwbvPyTm3g5kYBcrGc9tNGZoVP1JnE2K-6-9FZ-4W1Nym20s6v7yuKKTc7cbNEzAIxp31x1KtcXrRXYVwTR2PaP_JYK5YR_bXQ0hfVa_R-Fp2LGP7z_15Gdg1eJN-z84CSCFYPYmo-jCXCLQFygc-u-KWQ8QQAe6g/w640-h392/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and after a layer of pledge, decals with colors for<br /><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank "QUEEN"</span> <br />33th Tank Brigade, 3rd (mixed) Infantry Division<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gOFEE-R1H8R0jeCY6y_YlqrZenAN6H-0Ol7vXYISSoK0c5d1Pox5Q3RQEnzynaYat0xqt4EMgK6CY_3z7tcwPblAkcWvGlmnYz9OUoWzkDomZ_tSwDaWw403-Jd6xw86u3bJ17wDTuAUGZQ3NGoAo3E2ZO98UeJav1Ssr1OhIC1Y5t1KFYERgV_FHQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20112.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6gOFEE-R1H8R0jeCY6y_YlqrZenAN6H-0Ol7vXYISSoK0c5d1Pox5Q3RQEnzynaYat0xqt4EMgK6CY_3z7tcwPblAkcWvGlmnYz9OUoWzkDomZ_tSwDaWw403-Jd6xw86u3bJ17wDTuAUGZQ3NGoAo3E2ZO98UeJav1Ssr1OhIC1Y5t1KFYERgV_FHQ/w640-h402/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank "QUEEN"</span> <br />33th Tank Brigade, 3rd (mixed) Infantry Division<br />front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxPkeqJLEfQ7K7NpUh7lFfA90D9Yt2creRP1oEByQaRQtN9vY83DWDF-4pRpfHJFxC9Uu_E96k4VoG_Cf6pKvQlrIWX2dDfiryzCBZgLXZ-iaIH7_ivn1Umtz5NPgRgE1AFMGbvtiES5xf3YbubEDv6r1oejA3qqsWmBIhYWrjWrgvSkeFpfo_xbX0g/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxPkeqJLEfQ7K7NpUh7lFfA90D9Yt2creRP1oEByQaRQtN9vY83DWDF-4pRpfHJFxC9Uu_E96k4VoG_Cf6pKvQlrIWX2dDfiryzCBZgLXZ-iaIH7_ivn1Umtz5NPgRgE1AFMGbvtiES5xf3YbubEDv6r1oejA3qqsWmBIhYWrjWrgvSkeFpfo_xbX0g/w640-h384/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank "QUEEN"</span> <br />33th Tank Brigade, 3rd (mixed) Infantry Division<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0qm3QaSx0tM0CakYbfT1Pa-hhlAfH9ZJdejZHGkEd1c0YH1KIOpMKu_qZWdACBvcmSYvzudL-OUEi1KgVGofRaAt8TtAKISopGGKeClSpToy0ZBuSiv27v2bEYdwXtw1GyQCaXmotxtxGoUvHoW8_5bT0wH-lZkOVD9AE24jw-Zk-WbKkV_jU2Wciw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20114.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0qm3QaSx0tM0CakYbfT1Pa-hhlAfH9ZJdejZHGkEd1c0YH1KIOpMKu_qZWdACBvcmSYvzudL-OUEi1KgVGofRaAt8TtAKISopGGKeClSpToy0ZBuSiv27v2bEYdwXtw1GyQCaXmotxtxGoUvHoW8_5bT0wH-lZkOVD9AE24jw-Zk-WbKkV_jU2Wciw/w640-h404/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20114.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA (Ack-Ack) Mk II tank "QUEEN"</span> <br />33th Tank Brigade, 3rd (mixed) Infantry Division<br />rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY5AGabDfIBXgCNWcqTTX4IIXF2UJXnyq7vKFIK_5uARIr5nm8ut7azXzpTiJshrxKkDf1GzcZ3A-H-mYeEsYOER2PwqU010fM3gapwiYUmERVhNyCTMozQLSgkJ48ZZBqWiXIZkZWfekebBPZM5h7KNhbkFJ_z4HetzLq8DEFOe7ZxWhYqQIUcSsaw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20120.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUY5AGabDfIBXgCNWcqTTX4IIXF2UJXnyq7vKFIK_5uARIr5nm8ut7azXzpTiJshrxKkDf1GzcZ3A-H-mYeEsYOER2PwqU010fM3gapwiYUmERVhNyCTMozQLSgkJ48ZZBqWiXIZkZWfekebBPZM5h7KNhbkFJ_z4HetzLq8DEFOe7ZxWhYqQIUcSsaw/w640-h426/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting details and starting the weathering...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFly0EbScjhShKtf83BC6dDFfHKcv_T7b_IF0i193Mlmiv46GbdT61aJHF7Rm7W6lYRx8vxkMVrL87TYb_NHPNtAgKVg0QQR26hr4ktUtSWVGmHZWFhgY-ui51gCQFv-nmXYOxwJ3EVqeTEJL5ythmiHbp1lBGxGk9Iq-BOKuZKl3F-7Dch3xXUjoLZA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20121.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFly0EbScjhShKtf83BC6dDFfHKcv_T7b_IF0i193Mlmiv46GbdT61aJHF7Rm7W6lYRx8vxkMVrL87TYb_NHPNtAgKVg0QQR26hr4ktUtSWVGmHZWFhgY-ui51gCQFv-nmXYOxwJ3EVqeTEJL5ythmiHbp1lBGxGk9Iq-BOKuZKl3F-7Dch3xXUjoLZA/w640-h374/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Ack ack Mk II light tank <br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIbom64EeMdAsDoaTwCYqfmW7bvQuVcVJHEw9g1D3G32oiXxXlyfCGOJ_p6L7AMYKgSxuntFw6c7ptyqXX98Ni06Y3ca_9eYdqZvZjEhMx7TTJcZdE7SpMmKaxC8cBiDI9gk6iXC8rQkLyPPqjRnQl8eI_mJKvP8qgkN-2ZuA2_5DzZYyjvA_S_hHrw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIbom64EeMdAsDoaTwCYqfmW7bvQuVcVJHEw9g1D3G32oiXxXlyfCGOJ_p6L7AMYKgSxuntFw6c7ptyqXX98Ni06Y3ca_9eYdqZvZjEhMx7TTJcZdE7SpMmKaxC8cBiDI9gk6iXC8rQkLyPPqjRnQl8eI_mJKvP8qgkN-2ZuA2_5DzZYyjvA_S_hHrw/w640-h392/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ack ack Mk II light tank<br />rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLRlEAC2xygS83BBiJ4vrf8c-JJH6CtGGAwP2mZME6T_iR1YDk59PBGnTkzQOrt1mdLR9qRh0kvVyhKJBBuPzMwzFeBMwab2ML-aePD0YHSYQunx0C3QFkjQplNQ0u6a34kMo1UKfKNPkOg_TK2ZH9KsmNQyEOfKeTBo_3O7Kx0mQ4_qhxIMeRBF3-Q/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20123.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLRlEAC2xygS83BBiJ4vrf8c-JJH6CtGGAwP2mZME6T_iR1YDk59PBGnTkzQOrt1mdLR9qRh0kvVyhKJBBuPzMwzFeBMwab2ML-aePD0YHSYQunx0C3QFkjQplNQ0u6a34kMo1UKfKNPkOg_TK2ZH9KsmNQyEOfKeTBo_3O7Kx0mQ4_qhxIMeRBF3-Q/w640-h390/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ack ack Mk II light tank<br />rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXqYVO6oIxM90TsYDBgjVEqePtd1yf3m9K8rQJ0Iht3iXIx0SesjVp_1FL1uB47yRJ2YSv1awrIfdwvz61RRFojUsNY9IhCFySFaYDaC__s1-wsNYZqjzsJZaX6wKNST0ebd-kJ19Dp2W54mGreKKv2LGg4FE49yRQ_YcuBAMR3cCPnTDxClhzfHFuQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20124.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXqYVO6oIxM90TsYDBgjVEqePtd1yf3m9K8rQJ0Iht3iXIx0SesjVp_1FL1uB47yRJ2YSv1awrIfdwvz61RRFojUsNY9IhCFySFaYDaC__s1-wsNYZqjzsJZaX6wKNST0ebd-kJ19Dp2W54mGreKKv2LGg4FE49yRQ_YcuBAMR3cCPnTDxClhzfHFuQ/w640-h430/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ack ack Mk II light tank<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBhhj6dSxOP9YVQ0xZlwl9ShVbc1GE_UKTjYbPKyYZIopqX_IIeJxmxOLd25w2958aLoXE13ELfk8EZUDQPYor5zm-z4a5oss0cgpFqcIKfDGxBeBFG3ijY1U7FMqSvHLohNr1Ak1gilEYimCOqKhK8MlVjadkmpjJ3I3cHSnWZpQqNkQjg4dNi8PmA/s1247/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20126.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1247" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBhhj6dSxOP9YVQ0xZlwl9ShVbc1GE_UKTjYbPKyYZIopqX_IIeJxmxOLd25w2958aLoXE13ELfk8EZUDQPYor5zm-z4a5oss0cgpFqcIKfDGxBeBFG3ijY1U7FMqSvHLohNr1Ak1gilEYimCOqKhK8MlVjadkmpjJ3I3cHSnWZpQqNkQjg4dNi8PmA/w640-h410/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since she already has a roll bag on her back deck,<br />let's use one from <a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear</a> to balance things out...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpV0nrnDnvhptzw7Ga9f-2K9zTzC-WURsue4sFGzhIJhILCW4-qZejkET_T5nCF0R2-jNgNGpSB7tUjUMpY8fbDwkpjhlXR9FMXkkOczrOyGpi08ZkLWaBQkwKyOBTBWz0AnyBVBE5TL24hV55JNMJJmGlF3bGwjYLwwoup-bQB9_Cw2fnzpiFzvuPA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20127.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpV0nrnDnvhptzw7Ga9f-2K9zTzC-WURsue4sFGzhIJhILCW4-qZejkET_T5nCF0R2-jNgNGpSB7tUjUMpY8fbDwkpjhlXR9FMXkkOczrOyGpi08ZkLWaBQkwKyOBTBWz0AnyBVBE5TL24hV55JNMJJmGlF3bGwjYLwwoup-bQB9_Cw2fnzpiFzvuPA/w640-h396/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So far, so good!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcBu_y8vWiccJ13Q3iJIGubK_WH8iCoL_u6F5sGsHVjX54fdoi5CvLhCPRWNFMMEB5RjcSt7YJhfhwcqgmuExZFO7gcULt-LtxNj76iZFxWD32Vj2ogubDw02y9cGzvWHyN-wERX8ubxr2M6kl-6pKIhsutmZl1fwon181duKGDrvfmpHeEkQcJi6Og/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcBu_y8vWiccJ13Q3iJIGubK_WH8iCoL_u6F5sGsHVjX54fdoi5CvLhCPRWNFMMEB5RjcSt7YJhfhwcqgmuExZFO7gcULt-LtxNj76iZFxWD32Vj2ogubDw02y9cGzvWHyN-wERX8ubxr2M6kl-6pKIhsutmZl1fwon181duKGDrvfmpHeEkQcJi6Og/w640-h372/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting the roll bags, from this and others projects...<br />Primer time!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdx9VErVcTcl-a0x_tPfWETHLJkNYrVqh_6gP2BEb13wIsnyE9WZAcJIAux2oqF5BZ2yUgDCUmvKqofdJQFVSr1CSGbv2RnD7gzBflMOYD2yDu-FDYftc1k1GS7a2XiXezyKKJgSK0NoLN_zCZWK1d4Co_8z-ACnMuebgYcvtmOmtf4NKQJpjU5yucA/s1024/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="1024" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJdx9VErVcTcl-a0x_tPfWETHLJkNYrVqh_6gP2BEb13wIsnyE9WZAcJIAux2oqF5BZ2yUgDCUmvKqofdJQFVSr1CSGbv2RnD7gzBflMOYD2yDu-FDYftc1k1GS7a2XiXezyKKJgSK0NoLN_zCZWK1d4Co_8z-ACnMuebgYcvtmOmtf4NKQJpjU5yucA/w640-h214/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the Value Gear roll bags painted...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> After a more detailed weathering session, our little girl who hates planes is finally ready. With you, Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN, belonged to 33th Tank Brigade, 3rd (Mixed) Infantry Division, in training before the fight, in Burleigh in Hampshire, England - August, 1942.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HGD92OXOdbeOM1Zd5eC7k9Osx3MalwZcF_tbRWA--c1mxWoGkQXoiiimQVXfVLTpEMea0vBwo_oJCd0ien2Da8C9BaWQiRRxw4CmAcBZRUaAnwDlMsP4FIrrl0wHUpD6AHm2PTyfeQA4PiBfOIGi2rrhXQBFEPUuh_jqChGVk5jdIh-gQGmkCY2CDQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HGD92OXOdbeOM1Zd5eC7k9Osx3MalwZcF_tbRWA--c1mxWoGkQXoiiimQVXfVLTpEMea0vBwo_oJCd0ien2Da8C9BaWQiRRxw4CmAcBZRUaAnwDlMsP4FIrrl0wHUpD6AHm2PTyfeQA4PiBfOIGi2rrhXQBFEPUuh_jqChGVk5jdIh-gQGmkCY2CDQ/w640-h330/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN<br />33th Tank Brigade - 3rd (Mixed) Infantry Division<br />Burleigh in Hampshire, England - August, 1942.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp29_KIerwuFCgQ7mHUDCwBZ7O5Z-5dHVT0JO2B6exPdNIlcDK5PUjrtL5YlVNK0lchaw_L5dmUimMEhk1nEPhUSI9Dc4ld5CqEpcRlkOY1J1lNWmXMPWJ0FeHWAjxbMIo5mftgruFwI12_ISwn6Us03a_zr1VpENqgP2aKCdv-dUa6qEzcHFxoAcUeg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp29_KIerwuFCgQ7mHUDCwBZ7O5Z-5dHVT0JO2B6exPdNIlcDK5PUjrtL5YlVNK0lchaw_L5dmUimMEhk1nEPhUSI9Dc4ld5CqEpcRlkOY1J1lNWmXMPWJ0FeHWAjxbMIo5mftgruFwI12_ISwn6Us03a_zr1VpENqgP2aKCdv-dUa6qEzcHFxoAcUeg/w640-h328/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN<br />left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-ZaUJ8S5bOImKFHgIDuLt5bkEpXApwfIOdq0sIJ7XjhzsZrrTEBymsMsqyKPBSLG2bh3rcxPxZsOQFnvwxf8g5OVqASdv4oc9IzagcxqbE-I9_Dh8KEPiVDYMBoiXXhp0bLy_Mt-WtUAeANGMdTUrGohIsDx-j_FSXe-oJDQZCiNBxemTOKE-i8VTA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-ZaUJ8S5bOImKFHgIDuLt5bkEpXApwfIOdq0sIJ7XjhzsZrrTEBymsMsqyKPBSLG2bh3rcxPxZsOQFnvwxf8g5OVqASdv4oc9IzagcxqbE-I9_Dh8KEPiVDYMBoiXXhp0bLy_Mt-WtUAeANGMdTUrGohIsDx-j_FSXe-oJDQZCiNBxemTOKE-i8VTA/w640-h340/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20136.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7bkaHKNQabxdV6fFf6ZF4Uz-z4sHQZH5D3kNy0LoShwgiL2Qm9qdcx9olMfi3VH_ZNwDoWwN3t4a0bVr2whXvoLQJ49H-fdielc426I2xpcyylDbHWRKFP_nyffDR6gBgBKvJ8mcIrgD0Ofz2xagvIPDkzbpjfdnHD8dvhSkHLWz72s1ygdliFJSIg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7bkaHKNQabxdV6fFf6ZF4Uz-z4sHQZH5D3kNy0LoShwgiL2Qm9qdcx9olMfi3VH_ZNwDoWwN3t4a0bVr2whXvoLQJ49H-fdielc426I2xpcyylDbHWRKFP_nyffDR6gBgBKvJ8mcIrgD0Ofz2xagvIPDkzbpjfdnHD8dvhSkHLWz72s1ygdliFJSIg/w640-h336/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20137.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQtgqAiAG4ZZD6PqnFy1DjgD1TBZjILB8KsEO8707uZglNIRuMer6bhLnxl2iUuih_JPBBbOZSfOqrppRxRK9XsyhQEHAxw344Wy0Wo9tsfP1_Uq5eyfCoPvvg8bbu84S0Q3uftQ6hPq5tAZUZ5i9JA2GhRtvXUyKAU00h6ak7oremHB-Scrts_0K6g/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQtgqAiAG4ZZD6PqnFy1DjgD1TBZjILB8KsEO8707uZglNIRuMer6bhLnxl2iUuih_JPBBbOZSfOqrppRxRK9XsyhQEHAxw344Wy0Wo9tsfP1_Uq5eyfCoPvvg8bbu84S0Q3uftQ6hPq5tAZUZ5i9JA2GhRtvXUyKAU00h6ak7oremHB-Scrts_0K6g/w640-h360/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20138.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf0TL3AT10YxfQ16MP97t6XuCKj4ORt_bNLIibZ7oaEhEeRfrVOShP8VYwWbWOJdj2vbIhZMgnhKF9x9c0hD7RN70haC9Ow77dgxUWgvzbxFuSvPDxDgLoDugZIU9g7-aSpTxXLP6cEXJxlfqtkoP7EMwK2wsbLwQzU99MnWgd5aiolf6h4XUeOFUXw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1280" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUf0TL3AT10YxfQ16MP97t6XuCKj4ORt_bNLIibZ7oaEhEeRfrVOShP8VYwWbWOJdj2vbIhZMgnhKF9x9c0hD7RN70haC9Ow77dgxUWgvzbxFuSvPDxDgLoDugZIU9g7-aSpTxXLP6cEXJxlfqtkoP7EMwK2wsbLwQzU99MnWgd5aiolf6h4XUeOFUXw/w640-h290/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20139.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uTB07yUuxQqN9K15vz621mGbspZIC2jkpqAemXrc8AAytnkwpRmCrmVfhc39HXyEh0By4n_tPlFzQHf5GYEryAbby9qER1iElRm7TfVC4FOi4VvWasdyJluWA9pJWCLhMfr5pcx2bWW4M0HUDl_VzO3_WFZhm0oNOYE6UtsiF_uKqf8ns7S7o87GmA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uTB07yUuxQqN9K15vz621mGbspZIC2jkpqAemXrc8AAytnkwpRmCrmVfhc39HXyEh0By4n_tPlFzQHf5GYEryAbby9qER1iElRm7TfVC4FOi4VvWasdyJluWA9pJWCLhMfr5pcx2bWW4M0HUDl_VzO3_WFZhm0oNOYE6UtsiF_uKqf8ns7S7o87GmA/w640-h336/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20140.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xla59rdlVDYQB7RDyYVlKmzfXbmMa7kxj0P37PbnLuyJUJdhfZroeMXDhfwgsELuD0L8HRenI-vI5lyfhX2oOKS5b39S3qZ0XSQCWM0RFWgp_l04jyGmmLQDJh5es_aY2l93aMBDaOdu7vpZQ1H5oIu-rqQA2Ktd6cRFqQZ_Tfh8F65D-sh72vrkmA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xla59rdlVDYQB7RDyYVlKmzfXbmMa7kxj0P37PbnLuyJUJdhfZroeMXDhfwgsELuD0L8HRenI-vI5lyfhX2oOKS5b39S3qZ0XSQCWM0RFWgp_l04jyGmmLQDJh5es_aY2l93aMBDaOdu7vpZQ1H5oIu-rqQA2Ktd6cRFqQZ_Tfh8F65D-sh72vrkmA/w640-h328/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEDLS26B1bDxxOKF8tqKEa93ek53RejLXejUVJLmbm7Z0RNT4BvyZAZokUVPnTNqPyy3taS6T-If7uHTTgkk_JJTiqUQDvGcpx-K567bhiFQKaBqyKC2VuaoTvWEa9MXx8u2nom9khR4S-R6mU829-qJK-qTJn64uqG-fM61LC67AKnAsDhN5xPZdgQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEDLS26B1bDxxOKF8tqKEa93ek53RejLXejUVJLmbm7Z0RNT4BvyZAZokUVPnTNqPyy3taS6T-If7uHTTgkk_JJTiqUQDvGcpx-K567bhiFQKaBqyKC2VuaoTvWEa9MXx8u2nom9khR4S-R6mU829-qJK-qTJn64uqG-fM61LC67AKnAsDhN5xPZdgQ/w640-h350/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20143.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">with Kojak.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeGuk0K5EBcqD4bmSk_NxpxuBz_5tSxaOn5ZuejIR8V9vCvqGlZ4mAWs5R8xLtMT7f5rp_3ddbOy3fbzAFTPmNi5E01vikLI-iTyDu5tTzmxD8SXSfuuJHniuE5yi-3WJhXN51-hRDrFkD2hhX-BcB7xqyFQlo50HYQU0LNnBhJO_8fnPSlOUCG42gA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeGuk0K5EBcqD4bmSk_NxpxuBz_5tSxaOn5ZuejIR8V9vCvqGlZ4mAWs5R8xLtMT7f5rp_3ddbOy3fbzAFTPmNi5E01vikLI-iTyDu5tTzmxD8SXSfuuJHniuE5yi-3WJhXN51-hRDrFkD2hhX-BcB7xqyFQlo50HYQU0LNnBhJO_8fnPSlOUCG42gA/w640-h366/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20144.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">with </span><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/01/vickers-light-tank-mk-vib-case-report.html" target="_blank">Light tank MkVI B </a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZscIfy_JR30uT_yrJVKf5nrTJVUfQ4IA4shaoBhIx6JXiMKCnTxakJWh2qh_oN6rygskUqFH3tDCCozC6Xsy4rntCkMcX8Mmy-LV4VCzdQlYUMXIAgvZ0chZMZUYjUPIINh-LWJmpyNhiEZBQ3hLbAZ3zEGI-ELVVUhfW6ysjQ9VsS2AKkZA0uHL3w/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZscIfy_JR30uT_yrJVKf5nrTJVUfQ4IA4shaoBhIx6JXiMKCnTxakJWh2qh_oN6rygskUqFH3tDCCozC6Xsy4rntCkMcX8Mmy-LV4VCzdQlYUMXIAgvZ0chZMZUYjUPIINh-LWJmpyNhiEZBQ3hLbAZ3zEGI-ELVVUhfW6ysjQ9VsS2AKkZA0uHL3w/w640-h362/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Vickers light AA Mk II tank QUEEN</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">33th Tank Brigade - 3rd (Mixed) Infantry Division</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">Burleigh in Hampshire, England - August, 1942.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you very much for following us!!!</span></b></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG2HCiKoyLLDZZZdJq9JXptHX327yXWR3LusFhZAF94qn2y2BGGXrZrwb2EwFq7LU-9MKJfXR_phbrmtINZ6xIf1xh0F4TQMkEHx-fr6kJ9RfGP3HmLzEjj4hOFMWwnFUWIb-BbImo8YPuUUD57FBNWGCxZARpH4B58VZi4bn8_iC39P5UXVdMJxAAQ/s1200/Ack%20ack%20girls.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1200" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG2HCiKoyLLDZZZdJq9JXptHX327yXWR3LusFhZAF94qn2y2BGGXrZrwb2EwFq7LU-9MKJfXR_phbrmtINZ6xIf1xh0F4TQMkEHx-fr6kJ9RfGP3HmLzEjj4hOFMWwnFUWIb-BbImo8YPuUUD57FBNWGCxZARpH4B58VZi4bn8_iC39P5UXVdMJxAAQ/w640-h454/Ack%20ack%20girls.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Ack ack girls</i></b> from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auxiliary_Territorial_Service" target="_blank">Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS)</a> in readiness.<br />A humorous tribute to such brave girls!!<br /><i><b>Lest we forget!!<br /></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-45597616064903691452023-01-04T08:59:00.025-03:002023-05-22T08:44:08.496-03:00Vickers light tank Mk VIB - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hello, chaps!!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The vehicle for this article is the ubiquitous (in early stages of WWII) <b>Vickers Light tank Mk. VIB</b>. Let's get to know a little more about this brave and reliable British reconnaissance tank.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoYIpW_qX-zbY77eIiuRv4bUbTSJeZBAYzMZewEOIFRxvNHMjHQLEh-X1C5Nw75Wq9_KUrzz7riw0o675_eCva6R1FgiVAyex8qaGk7_LOQpqwXRpLm5BN-yB_MOnJgFuYjUXMNCT0DG1LE7FWMShQEbDHxdo8osGTA4AEqqY61-hBj8lnI0Tu32n-g/s1280/French%20farmer%20driving%20a%20horse-drawn%20water%20cart%20waves%20his%20cap%20at%20the%20crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%2013;18th%20Royal%20Hussars,%201st%20Infantry%20Division's%20recce%20regiment,%20near%20Arras,%2012%20October%201939.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoYIpW_qX-zbY77eIiuRv4bUbTSJeZBAYzMZewEOIFRxvNHMjHQLEh-X1C5Nw75Wq9_KUrzz7riw0o675_eCva6R1FgiVAyex8qaGk7_LOQpqwXRpLm5BN-yB_MOnJgFuYjUXMNCT0DG1LE7FWMShQEbDHxdo8osGTA4AEqqY61-hBj8lnI0Tu32n-g/w640-h376/French%20farmer%20driving%20a%20horse-drawn%20water%20cart%20waves%20his%20cap%20at%20the%20crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%2013;18th%20Royal%20Hussars,%201st%20Infantry%20Division's%20recce%20regiment,%20near%20Arras,%2012%20October%201939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">modified from IWM O 679 photo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_rjwYF55zJoU_GJnqFxNRQPI3RHCNmBiv7TvRwfqyCOaGOFLoEPMjIHNbdS1VWt8fm5Y9ExaM5jY2qvO11Y71PibYTNnXb6O8nNo7qmjvMasJvmzV3nPze5sSVZQmwiKIptT18hO99yiU_vm9-SfpjpkzjicZ8NB2IGpyIPCtdJaxLQLRQmC0zU4KQ/s1280/Mk%20VIB%20%204th-7th%20Dragoon%20Guards%20%20with%202nd%20Infantry%20Division%20-%20BEF-%20France%201940.%20Bovington.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_rjwYF55zJoU_GJnqFxNRQPI3RHCNmBiv7TvRwfqyCOaGOFLoEPMjIHNbdS1VWt8fm5Y9ExaM5jY2qvO11Y71PibYTNnXb6O8nNo7qmjvMasJvmzV3nPze5sSVZQmwiKIptT18hO99yiU_vm9-SfpjpkzjicZ8NB2IGpyIPCtdJaxLQLRQmC0zU4KQ/w640-h426/Mk%20VIB%20%204th-7th%20Dragoon%20Guards%20%20with%202nd%20Infantry%20Division%20-%20BEF-%20France%201940.%20Bovington.jpg" width="640" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk VIB with the colors of 4th/7th Dragoon Guards <br />2nd Infantry Division - British Expeditionary Force<br />Battle of France -1940 - Bovington Museum</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>The Tank, Light, Mk VI </b>(<span style="text-align: left;">Vickers light tank Mk VI)<b> </b></span>was a British <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_tank">light tank</a>, produced by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers-Armstrongs">Vickers-Armstrongs</a> in the late 1930s, which saw service during the early stages of Second World War.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk3kGXPbUvRjRGSBs3hC5EAbM0ExjHxGa9PdiMd1u0DGglBlHTwx1tyUXTYQItcKTdeyw-Jd4l-sKDNtgNNxXIMgnWrgWJtAYTgZXDgQOhSqHxR386dJ8o-rvDhqpihPSY0ufKRZBVZT9H0pN6ZmQAauvkgohwTOZdYqtCKJJdJAutKcjjOprxIRy_A/s1280/Mk.VIB%20IWM%20MH%203585.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCk3kGXPbUvRjRGSBs3hC5EAbM0ExjHxGa9PdiMd1u0DGglBlHTwx1tyUXTYQItcKTdeyw-Jd4l-sKDNtgNNxXIMgnWrgWJtAYTgZXDgQOhSqHxR386dJ8o-rvDhqpihPSY0ufKRZBVZT9H0pN6ZmQAauvkgohwTOZdYqtCKJJdJAutKcjjOprxIRy_A/w640-h466/Mk.VIB%20IWM%20MH%203585.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Light tank Mk.VIB<br />England - 1936</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Development:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Tank, Light, Mk VI</b> </span>(<span style="text-align: left;">Vickers light tank Mk VI) </span><span>was the sixth in the line of light tanks built by <b>Vickers-Armstrongs</b> for the British Army during the </span>interwar period<span>. The company had achieved a degree of standardization with their previous five models. See the lineage evolution (Mk.I to Mk. V) of these light tanks in the images below:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4OwKqB5pEh_4Nsf9B86mQR456AfEmK14Ru7tScX-KQRK3jclG8dQneAPBtWj6etpRqH-QsRRHjwH2nG21JJO-fVWVWu67ZHOO9XHbZ0CW6ZBhDRlxR-5DiKH4ZN_4z-PZ0mtbZicJ66SwVqECq1dmYGscCuLgejhRZ2ONuvh9QAe-AHCKRZp5g_yUQ/s1024/LIGHT%20TANK%20MARK%20I%20-%20A4E4%20-%20Farnborough%20-%20oct.%201929..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1024" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4OwKqB5pEh_4Nsf9B86mQR456AfEmK14Ru7tScX-KQRK3jclG8dQneAPBtWj6etpRqH-QsRRHjwH2nG21JJO-fVWVWu67ZHOO9XHbZ0CW6ZBhDRlxR-5DiKH4ZN_4z-PZ0mtbZicJ66SwVqECq1dmYGscCuLgejhRZ2ONuvh9QAe-AHCKRZp5g_yUQ/w640-h394/LIGHT%20TANK%20MARK%20I%20-%20A4E4%20-%20Farnborough%20-%20oct.%201929..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Light Tank Mark I (A4E4)<br />with leaf springs suspension - Farnborough - 1929</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VF-2G7CtVusItg5shCMIuBi2zZIV6Rd0nemk5OnRqwLGUjjYWIv4uRNqqrKgrYJc_cUD_2bYWib5l4EzaDfWdYCQlu39fTbIlf2xMiVdlVSh1BjC3tCaALFIvCsnoUBAB394AtYz8ayX9g7hzCEUo5WBAHRC2x-gPKqK5pGY88Yb8vKuZf_Jdyoixw/s1280/British%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20I%20(A4E4),%201930%20%20KID%20321.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VF-2G7CtVusItg5shCMIuBi2zZIV6Rd0nemk5OnRqwLGUjjYWIv4uRNqqrKgrYJc_cUD_2bYWib5l4EzaDfWdYCQlu39fTbIlf2xMiVdlVSh1BjC3tCaALFIvCsnoUBAB394AtYz8ayX9g7hzCEUo5WBAHRC2x-gPKqK5pGY88Yb8vKuZf_Jdyoixw/w640-h406/British%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20I%20(A4E4),%201930%20%20KID%20321.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Light Tank Mk I (A4E4)<br />England - 1930 </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaayO5TvXNryWQ_6XOjOq0-011_lMpvXnzJyHmoyrJzhBdyI9ZbPX8J-COVQ7_80qsi_k6HlNG-U-HgHZHGplseGetFovF5-CcgKrG1QeT3_eqZhD4QSb8cOM0y6nKk_we-Nd4NcwatY_hHNnrVfrmyiNoss2NskYUPSOoMue-knCLtkrJhuXjEV4dWg/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20IA%20(A4E8)%20fitted%20with%20Horstman%20coil%20spring%20suspension%20KID%20322.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaayO5TvXNryWQ_6XOjOq0-011_lMpvXnzJyHmoyrJzhBdyI9ZbPX8J-COVQ7_80qsi_k6HlNG-U-HgHZHGplseGetFovF5-CcgKrG1QeT3_eqZhD4QSb8cOM0y6nKk_we-Nd4NcwatY_hHNnrVfrmyiNoss2NskYUPSOoMue-knCLtkrJhuXjEV4dWg/w640-h394/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20IA%20(A4E8)%20fitted%20with%20Horstman%20coil%20spring%20suspension%20KID%20322.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Tank Mk IA (A4E8) fitted with<br />Horstman coil spring suspension</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-uAHgvBm-MfRGHHzZO_dslRPYh4D7m0iSewGLFJJMI-m5HrBVmNmrc5zqeDJHZevoCjYbVL3PJsn_2TYN1EgFSDDbbqV6JkJTBt9pOaC69fZ26azoSggx36coLrqUWjCBKc_SPtFGnQlafQjUm5f3D8S0Hw318XSleidH5g2s-JvbCalygjOSUXM-Q/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20IA%20(A4E10)%20KID%20470.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-uAHgvBm-MfRGHHzZO_dslRPYh4D7m0iSewGLFJJMI-m5HrBVmNmrc5zqeDJHZevoCjYbVL3PJsn_2TYN1EgFSDDbbqV6JkJTBt9pOaC69fZ26azoSggx36coLrqUWjCBKc_SPtFGnQlafQjUm5f3D8S0Hw318XSleidH5g2s-JvbCalygjOSUXM-Q/w640-h412/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20IA%20(A4E10)%20KID%20470.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mark IA (A4E10) showing tall turret with<br />two machine guns (.50 and .303) and spring leaf suspension<br />Lulworth - England</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUJjYg2nfRTk8TChjXy9iL7ttJ7LNg5S_yQux4n2_xw_xHxx6lJZNVMZNblABAXAriKkIpa9QqGfoe3_pJRtx7WafsTbWk4_VS7gUhQbv6aNsmCqgXEvkqXykGi_uyvObZhr1Dkf8AghCUFolxrhhQI6rN693_nHkZwXTXYFeWZ2GgbagnlnZJ2eLZQ/s1024/Vickers%20Mark%20IA%20India%20Pattern%20-%20with%20suspension%20Horstmann.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="1024" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUJjYg2nfRTk8TChjXy9iL7ttJ7LNg5S_yQux4n2_xw_xHxx6lJZNVMZNblABAXAriKkIpa9QqGfoe3_pJRtx7WafsTbWk4_VS7gUhQbv6aNsmCqgXEvkqXykGi_uyvObZhr1Dkf8AghCUFolxrhhQI6rN693_nHkZwXTXYFeWZ2GgbagnlnZJ2eLZQ/w640-h274/Vickers%20Mark%20IA%20India%20Pattern%20-%20with%20suspension%20Horstmann.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Four </span>Light tanks Mark IA<span style="text-align: start;"> were also built for trials in India.<br />All feature modified Horstmann suspension - 1930</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjDTIfxlRbDU7gZYpkb5YiW16HKE50N0q56id9FvrFMii8ZVUOmuoVaQE_MIO3pcOUNmW5pPUDavmcgHE33_qx9PzujE8oL1izBM_HN-OiOlPZrLAstpSA-Xe0quRbtCc9vi85pfKrznqoCkrIvC58PS2tPznrtVj5-HabFxU4Fwtjsqjdwm4bsnqTg/s1024/Light%20tank%20Mk%20IIB%20Aussie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1024" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjDTIfxlRbDU7gZYpkb5YiW16HKE50N0q56id9FvrFMii8ZVUOmuoVaQE_MIO3pcOUNmW5pPUDavmcgHE33_qx9PzujE8oL1izBM_HN-OiOlPZrLAstpSA-Xe0quRbtCc9vi85pfKrznqoCkrIvC58PS2tPznrtVj5-HabFxU4Fwtjsqjdwm4bsnqTg/w640-h462/Light%20tank%20Mk%20IIB%20Aussie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk.IIB with a two-man enlarged sloped turret.<br />These tanks had been captured in large numbers during the<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Beda_Fomm" target="_blank">Battle of Beda Fomm</a> in February, 1941.<br />Notice the modified Horstmann suspension.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa8LmmEqySX1EvTHCVZl-eR6TSJrW05vaAn3mB-pa8QuvrFEWx6DZfJYm8ziEqpn25YhpGvA1zephj61GaO_9VLIIqvEMCmXuX0M5mpjhuQNM0BjeaT7b1J9VcF3O1d2pLQq5EpShFrG7IwzJ5eVOY7_M576QXQiHNYMEjrls6EHTg43RsWVQ4yzB4g/s1024/Vickers-Armstrongs-built%20Light%20Tank%20Mark%20IIB,%20identified%20by%20the%20petrol%20filler%20cap%20on%20the%20side%20England.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1024" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZa8LmmEqySX1EvTHCVZl-eR6TSJrW05vaAn3mB-pa8QuvrFEWx6DZfJYm8ziEqpn25YhpGvA1zephj61GaO_9VLIIqvEMCmXuX0M5mpjhuQNM0BjeaT7b1J9VcF3O1d2pLQq5EpShFrG7IwzJ5eVOY7_M576QXQiHNYMEjrls6EHTg43RsWVQ4yzB4g/w640-h386/Vickers-Armstrongs-built%20Light%20Tank%20Mark%20IIB,%20identified%20by%20the%20petrol%20filler%20cap%20on%20the%20side%20England.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers-Armstrongs built Light Tank Mark IIB<br /> identified by the petrol filler cap on the side,<br />with early Horstman coil spring suspension, <br />under trials, in England.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd-g9feCwbyEMP6fz6vPSaVcuhTdGIPsOEo73TX8F-yJKomLddCYxzbjkx21sfqKmMRhW3w0fFk3KpRSISNbcNLBYw96L1-N3t7CnOFxoU6F8c2Srlt2BZQeYcld-7nhsBi5Uzu-mScxtauYiScuDS58Xp9SfJEVZPJYfqzk3pXZ5ujV19QwX2RpBXA/s1024/Indian%20Pattern%20Light%20Tank%20Mark%20IIB.%20Notice%20the%20Indian%20cupola.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="1024" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPd-g9feCwbyEMP6fz6vPSaVcuhTdGIPsOEo73TX8F-yJKomLddCYxzbjkx21sfqKmMRhW3w0fFk3KpRSISNbcNLBYw96L1-N3t7CnOFxoU6F8c2Srlt2BZQeYcld-7nhsBi5Uzu-mScxtauYiScuDS58Xp9SfJEVZPJYfqzk3pXZ5ujV19QwX2RpBXA/w640-h318/Indian%20Pattern%20Light%20Tank%20Mark%20IIB.%20Notice%20the%20Indian%20cupola.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk.IIB India pattern, with indian<br />turret cupola and definitive modified Horstmann suspension,<br />in need of a little help.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG3YL75txd8VYHKOkpQr1qSBbJ-6VYGDtU103K8d8czGePQ5XdpT3v4KnzY6WclfxRPy9Zq0zjB4rxheRmSgwx0g9DiL0B1mqBb-EoWLU7lNHgjLoFYwSOqMspizKOLwFstzt1BanXaRnVuu0TC5mfKY-fwWdLYHk8BgQzLc8fl7-6phcy-nPKjLLGQ/s1024/LIGHT%20TANK%20MARK%20III,%20EGYPTIAN%20ARMY.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1024" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG3YL75txd8VYHKOkpQr1qSBbJ-6VYGDtU103K8d8czGePQ5XdpT3v4KnzY6WclfxRPy9Zq0zjB4rxheRmSgwx0g9DiL0B1mqBb-EoWLU7lNHgjLoFYwSOqMspizKOLwFstzt1BanXaRnVuu0TC5mfKY-fwWdLYHk8BgQzLc8fl7-6phcy-nPKjLLGQ/w640-h376/LIGHT%20TANK%20MARK%20III,%20EGYPTIAN%20ARMY.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk.III <br />with colors of Egypt Army, in 1932.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgtlRHvC036DeZDBiZYN1ARCISthjUXaF-SlhlNyqkBGk6-kT_0--1ZYuSuOojskxs9LvOxL2xzR_pxc3kHi-1aM2EWifvdW5WU6Z13JtWtPBgu_fwsikBFV7xMrc9qwU9Df9GOilJbMPKBD_EmfKqmWOmSP5SLkuiFrNmEIZzn5M0f26a3kjBPi6oA/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20III%20KID%20333.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgtlRHvC036DeZDBiZYN1ARCISthjUXaF-SlhlNyqkBGk6-kT_0--1ZYuSuOojskxs9LvOxL2xzR_pxc3kHi-1aM2EWifvdW5WU6Z13JtWtPBgu_fwsikBFV7xMrc9qwU9Df9GOilJbMPKBD_EmfKqmWOmSP5SLkuiFrNmEIZzn5M0f26a3kjBPi6oA/w640-h378/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20III%20KID%20333.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk.III in test fields</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78ttwHvEkPTkMHWY_7P7dl1X4dgLL6Il2LzqolzNod-rVQvaHvUZtLC-e5Vt0jG_bZqVj9xUCpNE4WKGXADyUpPOJhN0K4pKsxrDfRSNgrjkxssC8ou6g8fG43xQv3Zh_yJ9eh1Hf6VkPepPoO_jkxI0ZdMzXXg_-Ggvy4eqZO1v8uH1xthMpZZPRFg/s1024/Light%20tank%20mk%20IV%20sandhurst.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78ttwHvEkPTkMHWY_7P7dl1X4dgLL6Il2LzqolzNod-rVQvaHvUZtLC-e5Vt0jG_bZqVj9xUCpNE4WKGXADyUpPOJhN0K4pKsxrDfRSNgrjkxssC8ou6g8fG43xQv3Zh_yJ9eh1Hf6VkPepPoO_jkxI0ZdMzXXg_-Ggvy4eqZO1v8uH1xthMpZZPRFg/w640-h496/Light%20tank%20mk%20IV%20sandhurst.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk.IV in a violent stop. The high center of gravity<br />and the suspension caused this weird roll.<br />Trials in 102nd Officer Cadet Training Unit (102 OCTU)<br />Sandhurst - August, 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr-BmqKqYjuDKWqu8RZfzMlwkUBevoCTCA-YVvJ3aRpgpR1tEQ-J2R5v8jgSeX-wD0yTa9fD4H3Ty2pIX4TtlJJLYzQA_tJcdtwz0RsEs8oWrCbOZb7FA4e_-MkBN0zwb4HK56MwNMHXd1TXqCIgNoeZ2KPEq8ky_fhFsFKzgMCys_fVDlzoby6I9gQ/s1024/Light%20tank%20Mk.IV%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps%20-%20late%2030.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr-BmqKqYjuDKWqu8RZfzMlwkUBevoCTCA-YVvJ3aRpgpR1tEQ-J2R5v8jgSeX-wD0yTa9fD4H3Ty2pIX4TtlJJLYzQA_tJcdtwz0RsEs8oWrCbOZb7FA4e_-MkBN0zwb4HK56MwNMHXd1TXqCIgNoeZ2KPEq8ky_fhFsFKzgMCys_fVDlzoby6I9gQ/w640-h486/Light%20tank%20Mk.IV%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps%20-%20late%2030.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk.IV in trials<br />with Royal tank Corps - late 30´s</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30HWb-wmzsahN8po6Vr58yQzcLXScRH5I8rtLZrGh8LEdHSV3mbv-0dHjpth2ik6FnrMgDzmsAs-WPo4mwEaF7h7-WncueIpv32RFL18zAHQ7AAT_VQJ8gwQStZy1pFdYimBUggRJNA21t4vM9AThIbdaoUEYVmYu8fCLPDG_66kIHwQiROZRVzVn-A/s1024/Light%20tank%20Mk.V%209th%20Queen%E2%80%99s%20Royal%20Lancers%201937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1024" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30HWb-wmzsahN8po6Vr58yQzcLXScRH5I8rtLZrGh8LEdHSV3mbv-0dHjpth2ik6FnrMgDzmsAs-WPo4mwEaF7h7-WncueIpv32RFL18zAHQ7AAT_VQJ8gwQStZy1pFdYimBUggRJNA21t4vM9AThIbdaoUEYVmYu8fCLPDG_66kIHwQiROZRVzVn-A/w640-h434/Light%20tank%20Mk.V%209th%20Queen%E2%80%99s%20Royal%20Lancers%201937.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk.V - 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers<br />1937.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE7FAD1NWMkje1fLryTD73N8DSn2dFxRVbUKgJ5kWG98bWlXehwFkuToTR4Y_UmXQM_BvK7v9NyQTc0Ko7czh0otU6cYP3yYv-FhEgVff3CP4Zj3m-pZKcAXotj0ZMExKheQcWZejy122F-bBdzc_t4Eml7qCqg2UtNg03ja2OQE3SKumJjqFzyNsQA/s1024/Light%20tank%20Mk.V%20from%209th%20Queen%E2%80%99s%20Royal%20Lancers%201935.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1024" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE7FAD1NWMkje1fLryTD73N8DSn2dFxRVbUKgJ5kWG98bWlXehwFkuToTR4Y_UmXQM_BvK7v9NyQTc0Ko7czh0otU6cYP3yYv-FhEgVff3CP4Zj3m-pZKcAXotj0ZMExKheQcWZejy122F-bBdzc_t4Eml7qCqg2UtNg03ja2OQE3SKumJjqFzyNsQA/w640-h372/Light%20tank%20Mk.V%20from%209th%20Queen%E2%80%99s%20Royal%20Lancers%201935.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tanks Mk.V from 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers <br />Trials in England - 1937</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> The Mark VI was an evolution of this family of tanks, being very similar to all of them, except in some aspects, such as the turret, which had been expanded in the </span>Mk V<span style="text-align: justify;"> to allow a three-man crew to operate the tank, was further expanded to give room in its rear for a wireless set. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG1VxyUd4UzKdSpUCoyQ0-XMJ_4zg5Kl3_Df-iD0iF72ImHCxTdLuoZYK5naJkCGfyvt9bIbf4lnj0l8NwfPJiE2l5A8aAZt_TLEO02Jgf8F1i5yKFCNxox7l0RGbk310yO7VG9ooGhM86XnYoDxyKKwmJu8o1-W2GATojrl8G2PxShCp7WnW0SevkA/s1280/Light%20tank%20Mk.VI%20B%20drawing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUG1VxyUd4UzKdSpUCoyQ0-XMJ_4zg5Kl3_Df-iD0iF72ImHCxTdLuoZYK5naJkCGfyvt9bIbf4lnj0l8NwfPJiE2l5A8aAZt_TLEO02Jgf8F1i5yKFCNxox7l0RGbk310yO7VG9ooGhM86XnYoDxyKKwmJu8o1-W2GATojrl8G2PxShCp7WnW0SevkA/w640-h370/Light%20tank%20Mk.VI%20B%20drawing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Tank Mk. VIB - Canadian Armoured Corps<br />Borden - Ontario - Canada - 1939</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> The weight of the tank was increased to 4.900 kg, which although heavier than previous models actually improved its handling characteristics, and an 88 horsepower (66 kW) Meadows engine was added to the model to increase its maximum speed to 56 km/h.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaqjm57Rcg2RyJKIMmEUqID61dql0WtpcJjv4JNcPh9AaR_TeiUhiKilJsmSTAY_UYfL3XIEycJywXMTuIIjFKiPKlFrhaaLBCabHRnoEDqgHykniyvlmHYoth5ZdLBofeUfdmUDjMZPimQPMFjdM-G5NarsIOrvjThkKfsp8an19pTzADUlBg6Bepw/s974/Meadows%20engines6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaqjm57Rcg2RyJKIMmEUqID61dql0WtpcJjv4JNcPh9AaR_TeiUhiKilJsmSTAY_UYfL3XIEycJywXMTuIIjFKiPKlFrhaaLBCabHRnoEDqgHykniyvlmHYoth5ZdLBofeUfdmUDjMZPimQPMFjdM-G5NarsIOrvjThkKfsp8an19pTzADUlBg6Bepw/w526-h640/Meadows%20engines6.jpg" width="526" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows 1930s pamphlet on 6-cylinder engines</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0eAWDKrroBMNQARkCGWw_Toe-FRECgl3EghSh8yDDyiqKD6vng6er8wH40Azd_SUTmLrFnSpwoRF62GOPbu9zYwszrw-xx4QoYrSoY11xDXIfCV7Yt8OtFC7QSLJ-Y5MDIfPDFL78S3yReRikaC3WNYNTyQvTeJzVB7rfDYU6IaD3WOWemEaTKFFRw/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20undergoes%20repair%20work%20on%20its%20engine%20at%20a%20RASC%20vehicle%20workshop%203%20January%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1280" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0eAWDKrroBMNQARkCGWw_Toe-FRECgl3EghSh8yDDyiqKD6vng6er8wH40Azd_SUTmLrFnSpwoRF62GOPbu9zYwszrw-xx4QoYrSoY11xDXIfCV7Yt8OtFC7QSLJ-Y5MDIfPDFL78S3yReRikaC3WNYNTyQvTeJzVB7rfDYU6IaD3WOWemEaTKFFRw/w640-h522/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20undergoes%20repair%20work%20on%20its%20engine%20at%20a%20RASC%20vehicle%20workshop%203%20January%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Tank Mk VI from 13/18th Hussars undergoes repair<br /> work on its engine at a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Army_Service_Corps" target="_blank">RASC</a> vehicle workshop<br />France, 3 January 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> It had a slightly modified version of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horstmann_suspension">Horstmann</a> coil-spring suspension system, which was found to be durable and reliable, although the fact that the tank was short in relation to its width and that it pitched violently on rough ground made accurate gunnery whilst moving exceptionally difficult.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CZVgMF5Fpe-uajqjJpIPIhVqDtj48vfQqdfDfXOdOCvG7vZd8i9_Ckt9h3pthumd2wLixY2gbj4jJW1A-W8Kpvp5lPq2IC8n51ZpRBpqxUP2JlgYfUoD9PHQ4Dzm_crzhnSGXgi2SdUbpqwgfQlajVheFNZZKZu9_lZT_u5LHGrF6tK4PhwW9rmibw/s1280/Suspension.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="1280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CZVgMF5Fpe-uajqjJpIPIhVqDtj48vfQqdfDfXOdOCvG7vZd8i9_Ckt9h3pthumd2wLixY2gbj4jJW1A-W8Kpvp5lPq2IC8n51ZpRBpqxUP2JlgYfUoD9PHQ4Dzm_crzhnSGXgi2SdUbpqwgfQlajVheFNZZKZu9_lZT_u5LHGrF6tK4PhwW9rmibw/w640-h200/Suspension.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modified Horstmann suspension<br />installed in Light tank Mk. VI B</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Mk VI possessed a crew of three consisting of a driver, gunner and commander, who also doubled as the radio operator, between 4 mm and 14 mm of armour, which could resist rifle and machine gun bullets.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5y6CUvFOid_wtprjyRCaXjsxloUJol0xM7rq8_Fb3RJbOf7GQAwnWbNbYxEsUHYLq_uM5rVxzSJHPZgX5p71enTnOejX79rMNB4112FptilVGg_ExXIfoVUu6VyYqMaO-bQtD04qEej-xe0gWLBP0pfJOUerSxIy_2nzzVCbo2U-BLfKWfxCjX7URPQ/s1280/The%20crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIB%20cook%20their%20Christmas%20dinner%20besides%20their%20vehicle,%2031%20December%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1280" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5y6CUvFOid_wtprjyRCaXjsxloUJol0xM7rq8_Fb3RJbOf7GQAwnWbNbYxEsUHYLq_uM5rVxzSJHPZgX5p71enTnOejX79rMNB4112FptilVGg_ExXIfoVUu6VyYqMaO-bQtD04qEej-xe0gWLBP0pfJOUerSxIy_2nzzVCbo2U-BLfKWfxCjX7URPQ/w640-h570/The%20crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIB%20cook%20their%20Christmas%20dinner%20besides%20their%20vehicle,%2031%20December%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew of a Light Tank Mk VIB cook their<br />New Year´s Eve dinner by their vehicle<br />31 December 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> The light tank in their versions Mk.VI, Mk.VIA and Mk.VIB, featured an armament consisted of one water-cooled <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.303_British">.303 inch (7.7 mm)</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun">Vickers machine gun</a> and one <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_.50_machine_gun">.50 inch (12.7 mm) Vickers machine gun</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1dl2cIY0wDeifD7MAf8mC2LOvHN72vEkn_thsba5h4Kkd8ojl3ZdSG5BA-xLuYvDgZMMQzqPDGBP9doXlS4pk2Bz7ldhARzDXUseXa_jFAjUKkxfK6YnuHRUkyUkoVmtv_ENoNIDgPNEBiayWGyJYFhB0ccEWLEtjTncoz0XngwFPA7hLEaWt0gD5g/s1280/Vickers%20.303.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1dl2cIY0wDeifD7MAf8mC2LOvHN72vEkn_thsba5h4Kkd8ojl3ZdSG5BA-xLuYvDgZMMQzqPDGBP9doXlS4pk2Bz7ldhARzDXUseXa_jFAjUKkxfK6YnuHRUkyUkoVmtv_ENoNIDgPNEBiayWGyJYFhB0ccEWLEtjTncoz0XngwFPA7hLEaWt0gD5g/w640-h356/Vickers%20.303.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.303 Vickers water cooled medium machine gun</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggosaekk4jWoEfXw1lySPDEzRBnDajX1rebB4-OJaTldDx5u6hx7WJBjz40KW01nZqFvJf4bktE2JIhfjbgSYk5yc_d7pYKf39ZMwDo8Cg-DEeML0e6wS8GrLuCysbDMdAmgWGyRtez5g1shujjsns5pmQx3GfOukOM-132AdqMntvaHYq1DBl45xC5g/s1280/Vickers%20.50.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggosaekk4jWoEfXw1lySPDEzRBnDajX1rebB4-OJaTldDx5u6hx7WJBjz40KW01nZqFvJf4bktE2JIhfjbgSYk5yc_d7pYKf39ZMwDo8Cg-DEeML0e6wS8GrLuCysbDMdAmgWGyRtez5g1shujjsns5pmQx3GfOukOM-132AdqMntvaHYq1DBl45xC5g/w640-h356/Vickers%20.50.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.50 Vickers water cooled heavy machine gun</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Production of the Mk VI began in 1936 and ended in 1940 with 1.682 Mark VI tanks having been built. Many of those produced were actually variants designed to solve problems found with the original design. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>The <b>Vickers light tank Mk VI</b> had the return roller in the top of the front bogie, with drum-type simplified turret cupola and no extensions on front fenders. Generally, they did not have grenade launchers on the sides of the turret.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8VEwJ1tYZNeyDUkSfFsva6t9njO8N-Ic1SQ_GsWwyvyOKXW2j1sh2XKJsjF7t-d5UhcgrJOpSZ52CF7__PX5k-OF2IDfa87VOBgjsPQ0wMMxLh3BgWMCh-3ecfNMjleYLmr30Dtl0KEwlnWvr6PgLEF02j7wM-7YjjCjTS27fq7SYAjAScyFwraeyA/s1300/Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1300" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8VEwJ1tYZNeyDUkSfFsva6t9njO8N-Ic1SQ_GsWwyvyOKXW2j1sh2XKJsjF7t-d5UhcgrJOpSZ52CF7__PX5k-OF2IDfa87VOBgjsPQ0wMMxLh3BgWMCh-3ecfNMjleYLmr30Dtl0KEwlnWvr6PgLEF02j7wM-7YjjCjTS27fq7SYAjAScyFwraeyA/w640-h406/Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk.VI</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>The <b>Vickers light tank Mk VI A</b> had a return roller removed from the top of the front bogie and attached to the hull sides instead, and also possessed a faceted cupola. The presence of grenade launchers on the sides of the turret was standard. Notice the curved extensions on front fenders.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5gF8_tZxASxYqB3IDeCS1_RkWMZsXXr169mftfd5ZgS1aB9UZ-zZF4JiZVaGf3zz2_83DMwU8cI3HW1n7mSB65DIFRM-yy0F1ADWKkVYwKQbdz3BryQRpM_SdseRGYqzjfAWpRz7uwVagmLJEKFus-NLQ9AlT1PLitTNJ88VzyHyZN3AHdKfdgPBGg/s1280/Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIA%20KID%20483.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5gF8_tZxASxYqB3IDeCS1_RkWMZsXXr169mftfd5ZgS1aB9UZ-zZF4JiZVaGf3zz2_83DMwU8cI3HW1n7mSB65DIFRM-yy0F1ADWKkVYwKQbdz3BryQRpM_SdseRGYqzjfAWpRz7uwVagmLJEKFus-NLQ9AlT1PLitTNJ88VzyHyZN3AHdKfdgPBGg/w640-h442/Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIA%20KID%20483.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk.VIA</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>The <b>Vickers light tank Mk VI B</b> was mechanically identical to the Mk VIA but with a few minor differences to make production simpler, including a one-piece armoured louvre over the radiator instead of a two-piece louvre, and a plain circular cupola instead of the faceted type.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dZta2tBwQo14hcsg4o2q90-lO-BxrfZ6-2iQtwLCuhW-l4W0wk9QdNMhEgmHNcAHIGyDzM_krzbLthNvGK6H6gSNQiuKBLfqPbhbB25iQDx3tXMGIalmdb-5JX03KeOz95cwjNoeJizMum-Frn3ugzq3wY_1vRik1RTEvrnbF13gGinooWt9aVSZ6w/s1465/Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIB%20KID%20195.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="1465" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dZta2tBwQo14hcsg4o2q90-lO-BxrfZ6-2iQtwLCuhW-l4W0wk9QdNMhEgmHNcAHIGyDzM_krzbLthNvGK6H6gSNQiuKBLfqPbhbB25iQDx3tXMGIalmdb-5JX03KeOz95cwjNoeJizMum-Frn3ugzq3wY_1vRik1RTEvrnbF13gGinooWt9aVSZ6w/w640-h450/Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIB%20KID%20195.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk.VIB</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzmeIkEBWxaRySxdntQcaXveWobxZXWTfCu02QHJE42yl50-dr8SQktSd9wxXCsvsrAT834NXDqWvYnWLcuYK9ziAnp9Vzr0DRW3zIz5qVRCWr9z7ipW2HAGitQBCKQ0N-MGdbqo12QouM03SX78m8KUK-2vwmlaGhHokLp_KyW1LFCCai5wmr5oM9A/s1599/MK%20VI%20differences%20Mks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1599" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzmeIkEBWxaRySxdntQcaXveWobxZXWTfCu02QHJE42yl50-dr8SQktSd9wxXCsvsrAT834NXDqWvYnWLcuYK9ziAnp9Vzr0DRW3zIz5qVRCWr9z7ipW2HAGitQBCKQ0N-MGdbqo12QouM03SX78m8KUK-2vwmlaGhHokLp_KyW1LFCCai5wmr5oM9A/w640-h230/MK%20VI%20differences%20Mks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">External identification details between Mk.VI, Mk.VIA<br />and Mk.VIB models. The Mk.VIC model is easily differentiated<br />by the different armament</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>The <b>Vickers light tank Mk VI B (India pattern)</b> was a standard Mk VIB with small differences, such as the absence of the Commander´s circular turret cupola and sighting vane, replaced by a double hatch with periscope and a little deflector flap on front fenders. You don't notice the presence of the grenade launchers on the sides of the turret, either.</li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-y5K8W4N4PQ_9MRWfh0MkOunVRPeMwXgAFvY9TDb1xq4AGiwUV3Z0Y8lLH6-idlG0JHt4RmSYzE2IYwt5Jy9IKjFrC8-AyBvTGVY9urLFcwj7KmWf-fs8F7fhcn6NCK1gbnV0gfT_-UY7qMao31vZcXnllsGmeFBVwZBrpoY2WdYA3ASXYL6f3ci8A/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIb%20India%201936.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-y5K8W4N4PQ_9MRWfh0MkOunVRPeMwXgAFvY9TDb1xq4AGiwUV3Z0Y8lLH6-idlG0JHt4RmSYzE2IYwt5Jy9IKjFrC8-AyBvTGVY9urLFcwj7KmWf-fs8F7fhcn6NCK1gbnV0gfT_-UY7qMao31vZcXnllsGmeFBVwZBrpoY2WdYA3ASXYL6f3ci8A/w640-h440/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIb%20India%201936.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk.VIB - India pattern</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z1QYRZKEYTZxJ_DB5KnQgXRTvTGs_z0qV_Cql_SazPiN7XJJAz7V3X9hkVpRAvSEgnSmJBO9HVIWRRCq9K5sXqW8ojU6YpAlQYW16SIotKBblCgunwTUH-mFAnLdzEvVjToxF2LsW642KU14OmETrKG9gH4aGk9c93rhgScEoW6MqABDoyTw1h39iw/s1400/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIb%20India%20x%20brit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1400" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z1QYRZKEYTZxJ_DB5KnQgXRTvTGs_z0qV_Cql_SazPiN7XJJAz7V3X9hkVpRAvSEgnSmJBO9HVIWRRCq9K5sXqW8ojU6YpAlQYW16SIotKBblCgunwTUH-mFAnLdzEvVjToxF2LsW642KU14OmETrKG9gH4aGk9c93rhgScEoW6MqABDoyTw1h39iw/w640-h246/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIb%20India%20x%20brit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">External identification details between<br />standard Mk.VIB and Mk.VIB India pattern.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>The <b>Vickers light tank Mk VI C</b>, which was the last in the MK VI series, had the commander's cupola removed, wider bogies and three carburettors to improve engine performance; it was also more powerfully armed than the other models, replacing the .303 and .50 Vickers machine guns by co-axial 15 mm and 7.92 mm <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun">Besa machine guns</a>. </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eYX-Q0eLc1G-dLghzphtlVDY69rqU86g5wh3glKszQ4xpXutwWKjFRbbU-HrNDYu7JB8hzQhyvhArpp_2DYCL-Ja6gl7ZFHZO8ezpk2YjQalrKKZbzbH0Q2zBA3TPJkqqb4HGLanxuScaPG_ysoePBVIobtgrZXjNQn-Udr-jKfzKBU1JYhhwkcTLQ/s1280/Besa%207.9mm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eYX-Q0eLc1G-dLghzphtlVDY69rqU86g5wh3glKszQ4xpXutwWKjFRbbU-HrNDYu7JB8hzQhyvhArpp_2DYCL-Ja6gl7ZFHZO8ezpk2YjQalrKKZbzbH0Q2zBA3TPJkqqb4HGLanxuScaPG_ysoePBVIobtgrZXjNQn-Udr-jKfzKBU1JYhhwkcTLQ/w640-h356/Besa%207.9mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> 7.92 mm </span>Besa light machine gun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx0Yy4rTHzSE4xBEkx_6KYaAjc6jGK3kMMt-5A9Z5qGmYuvpMsphPPyvXXzJ3KN8gVQ69vFtT1x8yry1RhpGiBnMpJuEoi2L1GeElYukvMtmdClLFnMCLHpvy_4V2QE26fPoBLFEDjRmtBFoPIoQ8dUB_fhzQrhvYCoJ74cSgtg44DhGmOUBPHXirWA/s1280/Besa%2015mm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="1280" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHx0Yy4rTHzSE4xBEkx_6KYaAjc6jGK3kMMt-5A9Z5qGmYuvpMsphPPyvXXzJ3KN8gVQ69vFtT1x8yry1RhpGiBnMpJuEoi2L1GeElYukvMtmdClLFnMCLHpvy_4V2QE26fPoBLFEDjRmtBFoPIoQ8dUB_fhzQrhvYCoJ74cSgtg44DhGmOUBPHXirWA/w640-h186/Besa%2015mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">15 mm </span>Besa heavy machine gun<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbvEGU_rf1MQvzEbt1_eE_xl2AwOV2w-xHWw3PqTs19ZKZ43NsjF0cARxEXmNjbUyccLniFSzLxnSaNAjsiVK-Z5fELtuu9uWPQq_0m6VrR-yx1gbGZIPegeE-yK1fYAheiCD7F2fiwN5o1aj14evPSAND1E9MkLZi4EDzrbnbmNgydu6VOE6vIUuyA/s1280/Besa%207.9%20and%2015mm%20MG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbvEGU_rf1MQvzEbt1_eE_xl2AwOV2w-xHWw3PqTs19ZKZ43NsjF0cARxEXmNjbUyccLniFSzLxnSaNAjsiVK-Z5fELtuu9uWPQq_0m6VrR-yx1gbGZIPegeE-yK1fYAheiCD7F2fiwN5o1aj14evPSAND1E9MkLZi4EDzrbnbmNgydu6VOE6vIUuyA/w640-h402/Besa%207.9%20and%2015mm%20MG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">7.92 mm and 15mm </span>Besa machine guns</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF9bcX652dPWicg1QnghI4sXIpxIFtOHT-j_cmPj3ndW5KnfM4z1lxXpWNas4JeBjodyYMQ50OcKkBdk2OiHZyzRvjyiI5ffbUhFGR_EJwJcJo2Vkw1p6eixdD_ESNOPjAWYNkBMfH1XxvelDePrug1nbIDnr6PuCK9JOYSrIyWuqq1r-hGXl_X8NIg/s1024/Light%20tank%20Mk.%20VI%20C.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1024" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinF9bcX652dPWicg1QnghI4sXIpxIFtOHT-j_cmPj3ndW5KnfM4z1lxXpWNas4JeBjodyYMQ50OcKkBdk2OiHZyzRvjyiI5ffbUhFGR_EJwJcJo2Vkw1p6eixdD_ESNOPjAWYNkBMfH1XxvelDePrug1nbIDnr6PuCK9JOYSrIyWuqq1r-hGXl_X8NIg/w640-h432/Light%20tank%20Mk.%20VI%20C.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk.VI C</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjenf1AkTek2npQMVBoaIwQ-6_6NRDDlo2MNMjt-ekGA2tUD_1EKWrG6c_JqX8ltLCa_ajUtHf6U-m-QlZNNIoec1My8U9ldGJ8dLkTUKCbGqNbGigxMtQVFX4OLRkHdjxUt5v6vmCBl0Lz4NoLO8GrJJcdsLcWUV72nbaPbdx-dRn4q2I5qH1Eoaaag/s1280/Mk.6C%20malta%20real.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjenf1AkTek2npQMVBoaIwQ-6_6NRDDlo2MNMjt-ekGA2tUD_1EKWrG6c_JqX8ltLCa_ajUtHf6U-m-QlZNNIoec1My8U9ldGJ8dLkTUKCbGqNbGigxMtQVFX4OLRkHdjxUt5v6vmCBl0Lz4NoLO8GrJJcdsLcWUV72nbaPbdx-dRn4q2I5qH1Eoaaag/w640-h462/Mk.6C%20malta%20real.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Light Tanks Mk VIs roaring in an exercise in Maltese road.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Foreground vehicle is a Mk VIC, with a Mk VIB parking in the trees.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta_Tanks_(Royal_Tank_Regiment)" target="_blank">Malta Tanks - Independent Royal Tank Regiment</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Malta - 24 May 1942</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0--e-Js0igxy2UX3a9PXL2sV4sFlAC_C2Pz4B7XnzS5dcGah2YnXd5fih5lFxB3dDjH-Exsak7VsN3B6Fy8G_xzvj7BUcHsG7SzAbVvIPYldyvDvrhpT_-02qQ07VCU2prATxeTPFy4iYzafrIJhJF3-2Exg-uylpAMhTj_uWFS7CpwkLp-e6OIZ-FQ/s1024/Mk.6C%20malta.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1024" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0--e-Js0igxy2UX3a9PXL2sV4sFlAC_C2Pz4B7XnzS5dcGah2YnXd5fih5lFxB3dDjH-Exsak7VsN3B6Fy8G_xzvj7BUcHsG7SzAbVvIPYldyvDvrhpT_-02qQ07VCU2prATxeTPFy4iYzafrIJhJF3-2Exg-uylpAMhTj_uWFS7CpwkLp-e6OIZ-FQ/w640-h356/Mk.6C%20malta.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="text-align: justify;">box art from </span><span style="text-align: justify;">British Light Tank Mark.VI C (#72292)</span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://acemodel.com.ua/en/model/405" target="_blank"> </a></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://acemodel.com.ua/en/model/405" target="_blank">ACE Models</a> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">1/72 </span><span style="text-align: justify;">kit</span></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>The<b> Tank, Light, AA Mk I</b> (<b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-aircraft_warfare" target="_blank">"Ack Ack"</a> Mk I light tank) </b>was built in the aftermath of the Battle of France and was intended to act as a counter-measure against attacks by German aircraft. It featured a hand-operated turret fitted with four 7.92 mm Besa machine guns.</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNS5mPMqr99QmtZW2w0RPhjuXKzzBIlzH9R4tGdvfEEp1Z3mUsx2TN7C2O8DZFPy67Wo95mKe54kWIFrVnwNALuD5EOBsus9u7BcTg2d5N0tOefFs83DCf4kWffxb4GvHmrmasWZe1qgOjHUx1b8Z--AJEwdTS0DPk17xZBg-HKGBdxGeh70Gxdgspg/s1280/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%2015-09-42%20%20E%2016822.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="963" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNS5mPMqr99QmtZW2w0RPhjuXKzzBIlzH9R4tGdvfEEp1Z3mUsx2TN7C2O8DZFPy67Wo95mKe54kWIFrVnwNALuD5EOBsus9u7BcTg2d5N0tOefFs83DCf4kWffxb4GvHmrmasWZe1qgOjHUx1b8Z--AJEwdTS0DPk17xZBg-HKGBdxGeh70Gxdgspg/w640-h482/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20I%20ack-ack%20tank%2015-09-42%20%20E%2016822.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tank, Li</b></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>ght, AA Mk I, </b>in anti-aircraft readiness</span>.<br />Notice the chassis of Mk VIB version and yellow cammo. <br /><span style="text-align: justify;">African Desert, </span>15 September, 42.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><b>Tank, Light, AA Mk II</b> (<b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-aircraft_warfare" target="_blank">"Ack Ack"</a> Mk II light tank) </b>was produced which was mechanically similar but had improvements, such as better quality sights for the machine guns and a larger power-operated turret for better access and operational handling. </li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdgEpc6ZLiNzkpmKHPtMnsVN40P0GIA2Gt6Br5pc44f0v6QrYES_1u1nE6xOFWCrISzmB5yHyqdTh5eYw2TbLCkVpkAHxdSX8SHo9f8s2TApQZzB8lIRegXwUV6RfUw2Oqy3ExdMW7wVBzbzu3utrhmTc3zG0bgR0FI1BPnTQVoQBf3cSmWf7sX9QJw/s1024/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1024" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdgEpc6ZLiNzkpmKHPtMnsVN40P0GIA2Gt6Br5pc44f0v6QrYES_1u1nE6xOFWCrISzmB5yHyqdTh5eYw2TbLCkVpkAHxdSX8SHo9f8s2TApQZzB8lIRegXwUV6RfUw2Oqy3ExdMW7wVBzbzu3utrhmTc3zG0bgR0FI1BPnTQVoQBf3cSmWf7sX9QJw/w640-h482/Light%20VI%20AA%20Mk%20II.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final version of the <b style="text-align: justify;">Tank, Light, AA Mk II</b>, with the upper deck lowered,<br />which increased stability in the rotation of the tower.<br />This "ack ack tank" wear a Mk VIB chassis...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Operational use of </b><b>Vickers light tank Mk VIB </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> When the Mk VI was first produced in 1936, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_General_Staff">Imperial General Staff</a> considered the tank to be superior to any light tank produced by other nations, and well suited to the dual roles of reconnaissance and colonial warfare. Like many of its predecessors, the Mark VI was used by the British Army to perform imperial policing duties in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_India">British India</a> and other colonies in the British Empire, a role for which it and the other Vickers-Armstrongs light tanks were found to be well suited.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg2h303cq4CIdeAtyZdUhl23pZLPZdSBPkHwK61kwWX1CDBUWZp5rsYh8-zKkbr4KyRZNkvtQAyiQ3UM8QrmcfVK6_2mLH0s7pAS-_WNrunOedbIbxM2ryq-u_vDFDOZYb9CcNknwNZrawaJq1EsiEKHxJuxA8tdloVPZPCvSzfz6TVQxn3N5Y41-Ew/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps%20on%20exercise%20near%20Petersfield%20in%20Hampshire,%201938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbg2h303cq4CIdeAtyZdUhl23pZLPZdSBPkHwK61kwWX1CDBUWZp5rsYh8-zKkbr4KyRZNkvtQAyiQ3UM8QrmcfVK6_2mLH0s7pAS-_WNrunOedbIbxM2ryq-u_vDFDOZYb9CcNknwNZrawaJq1EsiEKHxJuxA8tdloVPZPCvSzfz6TVQxn3N5Y41-Ew/w640-h400/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%20the%20Royal%20Tank%20Corps%20on%20exercise%20near%20Petersfield%20in%20Hampshire,%201938.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Tanks Mk VIB of the Royal Tank Corps<br />on exercise near Petersfield, in Hampshire<br />England - 1938</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> When the British government began its rearmament process in 1937, the Mk VI was the only tank with which the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Office">War Office</a> was ready to proceed with manufacturing; the development of a medium tank for the Army had hit severe problems after the cancellation of the proposed <a href="https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Medium_Mark_III" target="_blank">Vickers Mk III "16 Tonner" medium tank</a> in 1932 (after only 3 tanks built) due to the costs involved, and cheaper models only existed as prototypes with a number of mechanical problems. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGoORM0ZkrwVyNryqRMkxHDPdgVJhZ_vT4jJeblTgkbmgDuREePtfk3dw4MD-6geEamJA-mf0UbeszRGRDMSG6-GuNllc1coEOgRAtwNMxFWbM5Zi84grxnv48Bl7ammBPUE6gCdF-DCzlW36eewGV_ozmFzB3HxWA39Ygi0uqQV-L-Cq4EvtAFhvHA/s1400/Vicker%2016%20ton.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1400" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGoORM0ZkrwVyNryqRMkxHDPdgVJhZ_vT4jJeblTgkbmgDuREePtfk3dw4MD-6geEamJA-mf0UbeszRGRDMSG6-GuNllc1coEOgRAtwNMxFWbM5Zi84grxnv48Bl7ammBPUE6gCdF-DCzlW36eewGV_ozmFzB3HxWA39Ygi0uqQV-L-Cq4EvtAFhvHA/w640-h350/Vicker%2016%20ton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwg8H_gRRfrC51VHdIFlExvph_4qgjLCtnCMrKSJvh-txNBobPagpl9UlahZKmceav0dEUlHVlC9EGfLVqFyZ7qF3TL0FBxV5-E5LR0WrBAtDF2CYljUU-M5GnfoJGCN4xD67B8Ht4hkk_w85TNvTieK5L8o5kLKiqtsplsns6iQSeexn3nsxIoq57A/s1280/Vicker%2016%20ton%20comm%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwg8H_gRRfrC51VHdIFlExvph_4qgjLCtnCMrKSJvh-txNBobPagpl9UlahZKmceav0dEUlHVlC9EGfLVqFyZ7qF3TL0FBxV5-E5LR0WrBAtDF2CYljUU-M5GnfoJGCN4xD67B8Ht4hkk_w85TNvTieK5L8o5kLKiqtsplsns6iQSeexn3nsxIoq57A/w640-h384/Vicker%2016%20ton%20comm%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers Medium tank Mk III - command version (A1E3)<br />Salisbury Plain training area - 1935<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As a result of this, when the Second World War began in September 1939, the vast majority of the tanks available to the British Army were Mk VIs; there were 1.002 Mk VI Light Tanks, 79 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_Mk_I">Mk I</a> (A9) and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_Mk_II">Mk II</a> (A10) Cruiser Tanks and 67 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_Mk_I">Matilda Mk I</a> infantry tanks. Of these tanks, only 196 light tanks and 50 infantry tanks were in use by operational units of the army.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj4Bq1UrkQQz2RwX8zTl5Ubc1WbqlnUL3Z0CbX8clSLtnX2zVWpGAZi3v7gTewsEdC_ZK6EXhNgoG-NK_GOuoZs_BQTUrUbBKSv0_V3eirQxb0QaBoC13kSGDfqsPGSCOXNOA-N2lku3dgoDghSJjD5eGS1lHA4WkbXeOyTG0N2j7Z6vDrdp-OQ25Uw/s1280/Tank,%20Cruiser,%20Mk%20I%20(A9)%20specs.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj4Bq1UrkQQz2RwX8zTl5Ubc1WbqlnUL3Z0CbX8clSLtnX2zVWpGAZi3v7gTewsEdC_ZK6EXhNgoG-NK_GOuoZs_BQTUrUbBKSv0_V3eirQxb0QaBoC13kSGDfqsPGSCOXNOA-N2lku3dgoDghSJjD5eGS1lHA4WkbXeOyTG0N2j7Z6vDrdp-OQ25Uw/w640-h296/Tank,%20Cruiser,%20Mk%20I%20(A9)%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes3_WzgFNoJH1lFysBQ-1KtlY9WrolelcEkpQb4Xa5kLCVAhe3-p81eX-fW76vY3ypIVPzFBI1rc_mFOu5lW_J1_65Oxl85JJ_8EGAH2n-lknBKphpGmlyqjlrNkqWiiLFpj87588bpIqGW7kWfgWRpqtBJk8zf1CobUKHiI9nFM8G_-0469_rvhg8g/s1280/Tank,%20Cruiser,%20Mk%20II%20(A10)%20specs.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhes3_WzgFNoJH1lFysBQ-1KtlY9WrolelcEkpQb4Xa5kLCVAhe3-p81eX-fW76vY3ypIVPzFBI1rc_mFOu5lW_J1_65Oxl85JJ_8EGAH2n-lknBKphpGmlyqjlrNkqWiiLFpj87588bpIqGW7kWfgWRpqtBJk8zf1CobUKHiI9nFM8G_-0469_rvhg8g/w640-h296/Tank,%20Cruiser,%20Mk%20II%20(A10)%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoDu1OQ4pvyjrVLl33CQ8uWKOe7r-LrSaezM5IqLaD0eXaEL4jK9cfFro9BHjGKZu0nhAEHYhzE2b8UU6rAnyEY9SZbdGjoJVPq1FrbdCjTa8sh63sCNGL4yxK8u8_m3SLBndkXcz2_JFqVhHtryKrs3h6-ok3mO4VbcmEW8Lk1yKKL3nFknSPGCGdg/s1280/Matilda%20A11%20specs.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoDu1OQ4pvyjrVLl33CQ8uWKOe7r-LrSaezM5IqLaD0eXaEL4jK9cfFro9BHjGKZu0nhAEHYhzE2b8UU6rAnyEY9SZbdGjoJVPq1FrbdCjTa8sh63sCNGL4yxK8u8_m3SLBndkXcz2_JFqVhHtryKrs3h6-ok3mO4VbcmEW8Lk1yKKL3nFknSPGCGdg/w640-h296/Matilda%20A11%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> When the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_France">Battle of France</a> began in May 1940, the majority of the tanks possessed by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Expeditionary_Force_(World_War_II)">British Expeditionary Force</a> were Mark VI variants; the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Royal_Armoured_Corps_Regiments_in_World_War_II" target="_blank">Royal Armoured Corps</a> divisional cavalry regiments, the principal armoured formations of the BEF, were each equipped with 28 Mk VIs. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)">1st Armoured Division</a>, elements of which landed in France in April, was equipped with 257 tanks, of which a large number were Mk VIB and Mk VICs. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_Royal_Tank_Regiment" target="_blank">3rd Royal Tank Regiment</a>, which formed part of the division's 3rd Armoured Brigade, possessed by this time 21 Mark VI light tanks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVEyFQoPqXyl4c0hnUZmQu58bSoS5DDPW7kmvDs94SYQ9_Rrz1erIJHy-w2xxonKiaMJKro3Ihx76opRhja0_ByM82ktNyO32tpAAwOUk_WM2O6EQNYF7D54vIKQRW69-LfG7W2YRJF4VHW7rG6yn5TNtlwV4kdpvc-ATjcGN6WJWMXd0bJygosQXDw/s1280/farmer%20waves%20his%20cap%20at%20the%20crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%2013-18th%20Royal%20Hussars,%201st%20Infantry%20Division's%20recce%20regiment,%20near%20Arras,%2012%20October%201939.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVEyFQoPqXyl4c0hnUZmQu58bSoS5DDPW7kmvDs94SYQ9_Rrz1erIJHy-w2xxonKiaMJKro3Ihx76opRhja0_ByM82ktNyO32tpAAwOUk_WM2O6EQNYF7D54vIKQRW69-LfG7W2YRJF4VHW7rG6yn5TNtlwV4kdpvc-ATjcGN6WJWMXd0bJygosQXDw/w640-h414/farmer%20waves%20his%20cap%20at%20the%20crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%2013-18th%20Royal%20Hussars,%201st%20Infantry%20Division's%20recce%20regiment,%20near%20Arras,%2012%20October%201939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VI of 13/18th Royal Hussars,<br />France, near Arras - 12 October 1939<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxbR49TSAJYc0D2h8AyEkpDLbE7EpR2P3ZZM8rqUzyZ9Mbd3Fj2Mhrl3qC863TQS-_wOKvCusNvA1QPt5MXilg8yKyF0iKc9wC5CyahvBuLyg3Yf9Y5o_lha5OL5ffwYnjbHOHUNrtDEFlSqXi2gUAspROzuotvtIoB3kSBb97MvlIIGJqQ9ZuygV-w/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20crews%20of%204-7th%20Royal%20Dragoon%20Guards%20mount%20up%20during%20an%20exercise%20at%20Bucquoy,%2012%20January%201940..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxbR49TSAJYc0D2h8AyEkpDLbE7EpR2P3ZZM8rqUzyZ9Mbd3Fj2Mhrl3qC863TQS-_wOKvCusNvA1QPt5MXilg8yKyF0iKc9wC5CyahvBuLyg3Yf9Y5o_lha5OL5ffwYnjbHOHUNrtDEFlSqXi2gUAspROzuotvtIoB3kSBb97MvlIIGJqQ9ZuygV-w/w640-h434/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20crews%20of%204-7th%20Royal%20Dragoon%20Guards%20mount%20up%20during%20an%20exercise%20at%20Bucquoy,%2012%20January%201940..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bren carriers and Light Tanks Mk VI crews of<br />4/7th Royal Dragoon Guards mount up during an exercise<br /> Bucquoy, France - 12 January 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_ge76Q5fEA2qKaVImIMrYxDWxeHgBdkaMFpfgNAd7F1-1tj5DQblbwRN584ikzbWrVoGK96uucNjIMbBP_FtxPyLxGJIa5qDFmE1fCubaGznzQa2cithQUsy9kGDcT4GZcm3vtDMw0bARwSgGDWKYB1OvcHhgdWtik0FEIi9OLvH5SWA7hVvNYAlGA/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20crews%20of%201st%20Fife%20and%20Forfar%20Yeomanry,%20attached%20to%2051st%20Division,%2019%20March%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_ge76Q5fEA2qKaVImIMrYxDWxeHgBdkaMFpfgNAd7F1-1tj5DQblbwRN584ikzbWrVoGK96uucNjIMbBP_FtxPyLxGJIa5qDFmE1fCubaGznzQa2cithQUsy9kGDcT4GZcm3vtDMw0bARwSgGDWKYB1OvcHhgdWtik0FEIi9OLvH5SWA7hVvNYAlGA/w640-h468/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20crews%20of%201st%20Fife%20and%20Forfar%20Yeomanry,%20attached%20to%2051st%20Division,%2019%20March%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Tank Mk VI crews of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fife_and_Forfar_Yeomanry#1st_FFY" target="_blank">1st Fife and Forfar Yeomanry</a><br />attached to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/51st_(Highland)_Division#France_1940" target="_blank">51st (Highland) Division</a>.<br />France - 19 March 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4ptXqWcNvGhWw3-iONs4nTfx-7CpE5YLoiX1q_fCvYHMKosaF3qF0mLVl5p1AKD-LGXzUcP9ey7Ry0ZrWBxSNTpdnOeF-DYUC-NcmgYFdS3Q6j1dCnbSe9Gav5LdZAUfZ2aIZOUuObnyDzEvFdbteSVWNjO5J5CstmeYeD5pA_V884GI2M769V_HXQ/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIC%20knocked%20out%20during%20an%20engagement%20on%2027%20May%201940%20on%20the%20road%20between%20Huppy%20and%20St%20Maxent%20in%20the%20Somme%20sector.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4ptXqWcNvGhWw3-iONs4nTfx-7CpE5YLoiX1q_fCvYHMKosaF3qF0mLVl5p1AKD-LGXzUcP9ey7Ry0ZrWBxSNTpdnOeF-DYUC-NcmgYFdS3Q6j1dCnbSe9Gav5LdZAUfZ2aIZOUuObnyDzEvFdbteSVWNjO5J5CstmeYeD5pA_V884GI2M769V_HXQ/w640-h420/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIC%20knocked%20out%20during%20an%20engagement%20on%2027%20May%201940%20on%20the%20road%20between%20Huppy%20and%20St%20Maxent%20in%20the%20Somme%20sector.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Tank Mk VIC knocked out during an engagement<br />on the road between Huppy and St Maxent, in the Somme sector.<br />France - 27 May 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NnqXsX2st7eRFx90O_NGHoYvKewmmA7zHd20rgEGSyU667uyY4Pu70eNdAuKC5sCGfDWvqcsJIy0p1uMgkSWrQ8SabXdAZpMj50501vWLKQKjnX3YzOxzfh_AuMUVKhUUE8jgZof1l9SlNIkDYEC313L6fJAxM9x4Crf_bZF-xOQ2SYfAKDJ5CpEpA/s1270/French%20soldier%20talking%20with%20Light%20tank%20mk%20VIb%20crew%20France%20-%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1270" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NnqXsX2st7eRFx90O_NGHoYvKewmmA7zHd20rgEGSyU667uyY4Pu70eNdAuKC5sCGfDWvqcsJIy0p1uMgkSWrQ8SabXdAZpMj50501vWLKQKjnX3YzOxzfh_AuMUVKhUUE8jgZof1l9SlNIkDYEC313L6fJAxM9x4Crf_bZF-xOQ2SYfAKDJ5CpEpA/w640-h428/French%20soldier%20talking%20with%20Light%20tank%20mk%20VIb%20crew%20France%20-%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A French soldier talks with the commander of a <br />British Vickers Mk VIB light tank about the combat situation, ahead. <br />The driver seems to be concerned about the situation...<br />France - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the operational employment of the Vickers light tanks Mk VI, their shortcomings proved simply disastrous. Compared to their far better armed Panzer II and Panzer 38(t) light tanks contemporaries, they resulted in significant losses.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IOp0mjddloRs_ZDEDFYMBN1fpa8gUCK2V8d2t400D9vI9kRP5h1Yze-uQCX19MkyA-R-DwXZaxt7ncjAGQTwdNacpL3S7vLJf15rADuep-__W9bSCem4ur8N-BgkAiEYqGHaa-7eqkGYDNMiGbSKrOTOM9goMAv-l26vBhiZ1yhgccnx0l0c5aL4Rw/s1280/German%20Panzer%2038(t)%20tanks%20of%20the%207th%20Panzer%20Division%20push%20through%20a%20small%20creek%20on%20the%20way%20into%20the%20heart%20of%20France.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IOp0mjddloRs_ZDEDFYMBN1fpa8gUCK2V8d2t400D9vI9kRP5h1Yze-uQCX19MkyA-R-DwXZaxt7ncjAGQTwdNacpL3S7vLJf15rADuep-__W9bSCem4ur8N-BgkAiEYqGHaa-7eqkGYDNMiGbSKrOTOM9goMAv-l26vBhiZ1yhgccnx0l0c5aL4Rw/w640-h360/German%20Panzer%2038(t)%20tanks%20of%20the%207th%20Panzer%20Division%20push%20through%20a%20small%20creek%20on%20the%20way%20into%20the%20heart%20of%20France.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_II" target="_blank">Panzer II</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_38(t)" target="_blank">Panzer 38(t)</a> light tanks of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_Panzer_Division_(Wehrmacht)" target="_blank">7th Panzer Division</a><br />push through a small creek on the way into the heart of France.<br />May - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSarzEUF-GgfhpzrgA2vq8APHDbbufmrPiZKJX72Ygd7Vh3bLqAHHIYqNYtX-j76jFg6E6eaDmWUcvO8C9IIT_8zd4-PYfdAwfKGb6HFbjSmwngWKpHrVyJB6dP8HYjUaksD701cQI5nf6FXvRrGFZo_rDZSDJTvewtFINS_SyHklD5iTr0gchC3xRSg/s975/Destroyed%20in%20combat%20light%20tank%20Vickers%20Mk%20VIB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="975" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSarzEUF-GgfhpzrgA2vq8APHDbbufmrPiZKJX72Ygd7Vh3bLqAHHIYqNYtX-j76jFg6E6eaDmWUcvO8C9IIT_8zd4-PYfdAwfKGb6HFbjSmwngWKpHrVyJB6dP8HYjUaksD701cQI5nf6FXvRrGFZo_rDZSDJTvewtFINS_SyHklD5iTr0gchC3xRSg/w640-h410/Destroyed%20in%20combat%20light%20tank%20Vickers%20Mk%20VIB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB abandoned<br /> after being penetrated in the frontal armor <br />(see perforation in the margin of the stain of the photo)<br />being inspected by a German soldier.<br />France - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwXIrMd5Yi2b4Gaxs0r2n-moP_Ssx9KwaEwIpwrg24YbY4SM48-Y41CpIZISWM_WDBcZP_5MC0Y5NBqaRcomavhzmEgF2COn7y2NBpojPjHyk0tVjgrA7ko0brX2YHgFOhg2S9yGkVfzfjdAtcUEFkdHQEGonEKQksCXesnI9SInvN5wUUSqEYBY__Q/s1024/C%20Squadron%20with%209B%20inside,%20would%20mean%209th%20troop%20second%20tank%203rd%20RTR%20in%20Calais,%20France.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1024" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwXIrMd5Yi2b4Gaxs0r2n-moP_Ssx9KwaEwIpwrg24YbY4SM48-Y41CpIZISWM_WDBcZP_5MC0Y5NBqaRcomavhzmEgF2COn7y2NBpojPjHyk0tVjgrA7ko0brX2YHgFOhg2S9yGkVfzfjdAtcUEFkdHQEGonEKQksCXesnI9SInvN5wUUSqEYBY__Q/w640-h442/C%20Squadron%20with%209B%20inside,%20would%20mean%209th%20troop%20second%20tank%203rd%20RTR%20in%20Calais,%20France.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A damaged Vickers light tank Mk VIB from C Squadron,<br /> 9th Troop, second tank, 3rd Royal Tank Regiment.<br />Notice the penetrations in the front base of the turret and in the cupola.<br />Calais, France - 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIR_8y76VGc6QWUs0jGSYuY59UBmJfckF05Vw4FsIoVjfnM7-WV8TPg3t5x7_Qs0pLIl84-PwQaIGqtPfBXXzT_Qa1N4KptHJcpa64yjvHkiKLIOijAdYV6pT8yowsWaYsvX-4SVjSrf96Bzi7mOODjEM8YMzChdiiHP0JqJRV53uq40m12gOVhxloUw/s1024/Light%20tank%20mk%20VIB%203rd%20RTR%20in%20Calais,%20France%20C%20Squadron%20with%209B%20inside,%20would%20mean%209th%20troop%20second%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1024" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIR_8y76VGc6QWUs0jGSYuY59UBmJfckF05Vw4FsIoVjfnM7-WV8TPg3t5x7_Qs0pLIl84-PwQaIGqtPfBXXzT_Qa1N4KptHJcpa64yjvHkiKLIOijAdYV6pT8yowsWaYsvX-4SVjSrf96Bzi7mOODjEM8YMzChdiiHP0JqJRV53uq40m12gOVhxloUw/w640-h504/Light%20tank%20mk%20VIB%203rd%20RTR%20in%20Calais,%20France%20C%20Squadron%20with%209B%20inside,%20would%20mean%209th%20troop%20second%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">The same vehicle above, with German soldiers </div><div style="text-align: center;">posing for photographs wrapped in .303 ammo belts.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The divisional rhinoceros insignia from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">1st Armoured Division</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">it is clearly visible.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Calais, France - 1940</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Of the nearly 340 light tanks that were sent to the continent, only 6 managed to be evacuated from France, in 1940. This left England almost entirely bereft of any type of armored vehicles when the Battle of Britain ensued.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIXQweixELlI4wZ_Grpa3SGqc7vgrQdwPzINnZPxrpvAPEeW02UTotzuB-X4GMggYEmz_hLtHcilh2_0SIKNgxaQC6ZLKwKHbzPRw3mxHOM4IXpBfozsEqlI8euz2RWMjjQrSpghe2MOPkElFA9J0-00F0L40Jo08XNT8LifgWLqK8k9ZtVI-Ue_RCQ/s959/Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20Mk.%20IV%20Bs%20with%20the%20tank%20in%20the%20foreground%20bearing%20evidence%20of%20rear%20penetrations%20-%20France%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="959" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIXQweixELlI4wZ_Grpa3SGqc7vgrQdwPzINnZPxrpvAPEeW02UTotzuB-X4GMggYEmz_hLtHcilh2_0SIKNgxaQC6ZLKwKHbzPRw3mxHOM4IXpBfozsEqlI8euz2RWMjjQrSpghe2MOPkElFA9J0-00F0L40Jo08XNT8LifgWLqK8k9ZtVI-Ue_RCQ/w640-h416/Vickers%20Light%20Tank%20Mk.%20IV%20Bs%20with%20the%20tank%20in%20the%20foreground%20bearing%20evidence%20of%20rear%20penetrations%20-%20France%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk. IV Bs destroyed by the Germans<br />Notice the tank in the foreground bearing<br />evidence of rear penetrations <br />France -1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2cGqjt5tRXdKNKV7SEafBEm5ombnhlnkTbSKARmzT9zYDxqjx9kIPMe25Fgdnmwq8KJIU-U2sI40uskubgtb9E3TMXKxGAYEBNs23J-w9r2OjR8qse58Fy7paSWgUQRBy5zihbIImcyV_iOF5Iu1GpGAcXEIucIx8VRbZ_qt7JFQqGwNtzo0WcxqKg/s1280/Destroyed%20in%20combat%20light%20tanks%20Vickers%20Mk%20VIB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2cGqjt5tRXdKNKV7SEafBEm5ombnhlnkTbSKARmzT9zYDxqjx9kIPMe25Fgdnmwq8KJIU-U2sI40uskubgtb9E3TMXKxGAYEBNs23J-w9r2OjR8qse58Fy7paSWgUQRBy5zihbIImcyV_iOF5Iu1GpGAcXEIucIx8VRbZ_qt7JFQqGwNtzo0WcxqKg/w640-h422/Destroyed%20in%20combat%20light%20tanks%20Vickers%20Mk%20VIB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Light tanks Mk VIB destroyed <br />near Dunkirk, northern France - 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLfmhlS8MoQGLvqEuhyX3Ia5yv3LTXAWjATj_j6PiyvfLjh_2XHs8eWCgs5zFJnz21U6B_fXEVa3aRuQsmSAlscbRuWznwJpTu50mpPMnRiHLNeRD94bmzlHV55nt4t00kB3fJK0YCkrg08pflShllcEfhhEKwoF0niyrdmXw4k5cLVLFqZuFV6shcg/s1024/rear%20view%20of%20a%203rd%20RTR%20Mk%20VI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1024" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLfmhlS8MoQGLvqEuhyX3Ia5yv3LTXAWjATj_j6PiyvfLjh_2XHs8eWCgs5zFJnz21U6B_fXEVa3aRuQsmSAlscbRuWznwJpTu50mpPMnRiHLNeRD94bmzlHV55nt4t00kB3fJK0YCkrg08pflShllcEfhhEKwoF0niyrdmXw4k5cLVLFqZuFV6shcg/w640-h572/rear%20view%20of%20a%203rd%20RTR%20Mk%20VI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vickers light tank Mk VIB from 3rd RTR, 1st AD<br />being inspected by a German soldier, after being abandoned,<br />along with a Bren Carrier, stuck in the sandy terrain<br />near Calais - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Several of these vehicles were captured in good conditions by the Wehrmacht, repaired and being redesignated as <b><i>Leichter Panzerkampfwagen Mk. IV 734(e)</i></b> and used sporadically and occasionally as vehicles for police patrol and training purposes until the fall of 1942. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Vy7OEvEgzrf29qt6JkvVUXtdS8fsqcWzmn6PjxNf5bcCbYICSPlT4TmLP_wN9RyHzxAxjVnUcCEordEfdy4Qd63CxTxiggi4dcdWZreJY9i8PXTLMwlcPbum_vAKHoz7IcjseM0k5ccK9ufUy0IyBcJgNs2vQkrlW5b9yiVfgri9gwH36UYOsOgFTw/s890/light%20Mk%20VIB%20captured.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Vy7OEvEgzrf29qt6JkvVUXtdS8fsqcWzmn6PjxNf5bcCbYICSPlT4TmLP_wN9RyHzxAxjVnUcCEordEfdy4Qd63CxTxiggi4dcdWZreJY9i8PXTLMwlcPbum_vAKHoz7IcjseM0k5ccK9ufUy0IyBcJgNs2vQkrlW5b9yiVfgri9gwH36UYOsOgFTw/w576-h640/light%20Mk%20VIB%20captured.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Light tank Mk VIB, captured by Germans in France,<br />painted in panzer grey and with German markings, used as<br /> <b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Leichter Panzerkampfwagen Mk. IV 734(e).</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY7XSsX1r-2o5PbwpfikGxJWV7czLkyuqbyJakx87HGhKbI1T8MQZ14GCRZdxJEdQ5iz7gJrcUnAm-F9wcEbyTVcCkGZrs_6FYhPdEBs96Rn_87JekuU688WryGeW3qNaw1xL_nc4kZoPyNA7479vkhLVCbjkhP5PYtN2AxKcoP9DPsncV4AmlXcJ8w/s800/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20captured%20by%20germans%20police%20academy%20diferent%20gun%20and%20mantlet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="800" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwY7XSsX1r-2o5PbwpfikGxJWV7czLkyuqbyJakx87HGhKbI1T8MQZ14GCRZdxJEdQ5iz7gJrcUnAm-F9wcEbyTVcCkGZrs_6FYhPdEBs96Rn_87JekuU688WryGeW3qNaw1xL_nc4kZoPyNA7479vkhLVCbjkhP5PYtN2AxKcoP9DPsncV4AmlXcJ8w/w640-h622/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20captured%20by%20germans%20police%20academy%20diferent%20gun%20and%20mantlet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Leichter Panzerkampfwagen Mk. IV 734(e)</b>, in panzer-gray.</span></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">a Vickers light tank Mk VI captured by Germans and </div><div style="text-align: center;">used by <b><i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schutzpolizei_(Nazi_Germany)" target="_blank">Schutzpolizei des Reiches</a>.</i></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the modified gun mantlet, with a</div><div style="text-align: center;">single .303 Vickers light machine gun.</div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But these vehicles were not very useful for the Germans as tanks, but as they were tracked vehicles and their chassis and mechanics were robust, they had the potential to be converted into support vehicles and self-propelled guns. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Becker" target="_blank">Hauptmann Alfred Becker</a>, 227th Infantry Division, Doctor of Engineering, saw the potential in this and other captured Allied vehicles.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UjHnNwkd6o84Vw9ItU8OQ8gn8kZLHoO6nC5aR7xuVqEh-tJCld8DZUSBVVrEfBgQW1pa-SCKDqUFzYbShf544tl5B9PKRYDU_hAKXMlyjZdoe8MbF9aobDfh28xxKSgdHDwM1MhlAxax-1HwN3YpP0Ifo8Bn9ppw2rHd_3KU8PoUGMd_sVGSE13SIA/s900/Hauptmann%20Alfred%20Becker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UjHnNwkd6o84Vw9ItU8OQ8gn8kZLHoO6nC5aR7xuVqEh-tJCld8DZUSBVVrEfBgQW1pa-SCKDqUFzYbShf544tl5B9PKRYDU_hAKXMlyjZdoe8MbF9aobDfh28xxKSgdHDwM1MhlAxax-1HwN3YpP0Ifo8Bn9ppw2rHd_3KU8PoUGMd_sVGSE13SIA/w371-h400/Hauptmann%20Alfred%20Becker.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Doctor Engineer Alfred Becker<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">20 August 1899 - 26 December 1981<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Knight’s Cross of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Merit_Cross">War Merit Cross</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Cross"></a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Cross"><span style="font-size: x-small;">German Cross in Gold</span></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> During late 1940 and early 1941 he and his specially chosen men (later known as <i><b>Baukommando Becker</b></i> (Construction Unit Becker))<span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: #f0f0f0; color: #222222; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> </span>converted various models of British and French vehicles into useful vehicles for the German army. The Vickers Light tank Mk VI was one of them. The Germans converted 34 of these trusty light tanks into self-propelled guns and support vehicles such as:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Twelve <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_16_Gesch%C3%BCtzwagen_Mk_VI_736_(e)" target="_blank"> <i><b>10.5cm leFH 16 auf Geschutzwagen auf Fahrgestell Mk VI 736 (e)</b></i></a></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOX-UBGbEIMEv0mnUcpjKmHOwqMhaI96as2RvA6lzjStdT-TiftWGxKzvhmcvUyrKIXwVudMEysbPj2VJVCi82rJrd-6gAIVCKarfimCzIvdM5c_ilZHBsBDX_upj7YinSF-buz9wPkxyeXKRQTBb3--_DngR_-EZPfBtQfOAwJ_yqn9BO9FJu6_zmw/s1024/10.5cm%20leFH%2016%20auf%20Geschutzwagen%20auf%20Fahrgestell%20Mk%20VI%20736%20(e)%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOX-UBGbEIMEv0mnUcpjKmHOwqMhaI96as2RvA6lzjStdT-TiftWGxKzvhmcvUyrKIXwVudMEysbPj2VJVCi82rJrd-6gAIVCKarfimCzIvdM5c_ilZHBsBDX_upj7YinSF-buz9wPkxyeXKRQTBb3--_DngR_-EZPfBtQfOAwJ_yqn9BO9FJu6_zmw/w640-h426/10.5cm%20leFH%2016%20auf%20Geschutzwagen%20auf%20Fahrgestell%20Mk%20VI%20736%20(e)%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10.5cm leFH 16 auf Geschutzwagen auf Fahrgestell Mk VI 736 (e)</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>Six <i><b>15cm leFH 13 auf Geschutzwagen auf Fahrgestell Mk VI 736 (e)</b></i></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPLAVXfILBp74FLbB4qTSPIeREAUnVOAnqIo2Oegcj9v7rnOjoIygcmTA6jcJqTec1r_GYGs6NojYTGX8vwPwYX5-GqZcp4UMDla9-s3S7FcjqxM-6-99f0zlFzDQmAYMX_UO5TGi85zmGLjM_ISGWgmw7WT0DlTATz366CRaeT7kJvWg-3qEePZDXw/s1400/10.5cm%20leFH%2016%20auf%20GW%20specs%202.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1400" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPLAVXfILBp74FLbB4qTSPIeREAUnVOAnqIo2Oegcj9v7rnOjoIygcmTA6jcJqTec1r_GYGs6NojYTGX8vwPwYX5-GqZcp4UMDla9-s3S7FcjqxM-6-99f0zlFzDQmAYMX_UO5TGi85zmGLjM_ISGWgmw7WT0DlTATz366CRaeT7kJvWg-3qEePZDXw/w640-h306/10.5cm%20leFH%2016%20auf%20GW%20specs%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><ul><li>Twelve <i><b>Mk VI Munitionspanzer</b></i></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVak8KyRL19Tb2N0GphpzmGP95VsiE0YonCJd2ZHIcQbecEFSYoyawMy4zUULY5m-G6tuDg1lvzBLBD13PRaHMFzdgAuyfGg-tSbWQMy-EfbEcYrwx1bzsaT2QlnffbVmn9bGaPmKinyi6nB5pMH0gJEw68WAb_VKKbLlhOzON5zTFpQedlzs_6FT_g/s1024/Mk%20VI%20Munitionspanzer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVak8KyRL19Tb2N0GphpzmGP95VsiE0YonCJd2ZHIcQbecEFSYoyawMy4zUULY5m-G6tuDg1lvzBLBD13PRaHMFzdgAuyfGg-tSbWQMy-EfbEcYrwx1bzsaT2QlnffbVmn9bGaPmKinyi6nB5pMH0gJEw68WAb_VKKbLlhOzON5zTFpQedlzs_6FT_g/w640-h360/Mk%20VI%20Munitionspanzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VI Munitionspanzer with ammo trailer</span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>Four <i><b>Mk VI Beobachtungspanzer</b></i></li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIURqd8kK_BlVl2DVl5aXkvsQwSMqCikSXILo69vmgfJS-FCJp9p7mzeSZ1QKHdQrzILrYcLL7gshX-hZNbyZAEG1rqG_wld1FC3inhHTP2zhO6r9w6P53p41JsHVJjWt4IraAlK0ldSZPc0CBOZA8evuUA6y3cp2zYmZx43kgcZY6Qr7dSVVd4HBxw/s1024/Mk%20VI%20Beobachtungspanzer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1024" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIURqd8kK_BlVl2DVl5aXkvsQwSMqCikSXILo69vmgfJS-FCJp9p7mzeSZ1QKHdQrzILrYcLL7gshX-hZNbyZAEG1rqG_wld1FC3inhHTP2zhO6r9w6P53p41JsHVJjWt4IraAlK0ldSZPc0CBOZA8evuUA6y3cp2zYmZx43kgcZY6Qr7dSVVd4HBxw/w640-h452/Mk%20VI%20Beobachtungspanzer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Mk VI Beobachtungspanzer</span></td></tr></tbody></table> These converted vehicles served with <i><b>15 Batterie, Artillerie-Regiment 227</b></i> (part of 227 Infanterie-Division) on the Eastern Front until 1942. All these SPGs were subsequently lost during the defense of France in the summer and fall of 1944.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_African_campaign" target="_blank">North African Campaign</a>, the Vickers light tanks Mk VIs performed much better, against the Italian Army because of the fragility of the armor and armament of the Italian tanks and tankettes then in use. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUgPpOwrV_OV60hFF4fDlT7qsyjZp44kBbyW70x9b8Jxph621I--mTsAjydTb7-LPb2E9yr9sDwCFFQsglwlaHJDM5PVfZ73VrzkR6AODQHOnQgd_3-l3ExJuE0_m4g6kjtcgc1csAKADNBmNfLTsn-3jzIFVpl8Ures6MFhS-c8q6Snpt7PVXOnntw/s1280/Carro%20Armato%20M11-39%20and%20L3-33%20tankette.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUgPpOwrV_OV60hFF4fDlT7qsyjZp44kBbyW70x9b8Jxph621I--mTsAjydTb7-LPb2E9yr9sDwCFFQsglwlaHJDM5PVfZ73VrzkR6AODQHOnQgd_3-l3ExJuE0_m4g6kjtcgc1csAKADNBmNfLTsn-3jzIFVpl8Ures6MFhS-c8q6Snpt7PVXOnntw/w640-h376/Carro%20Armato%20M11-39%20and%20L3-33%20tankette.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian tank <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M11/39_tank" target="_blank"><i>Carro Armato</i> M11/39</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L3/33" target="_blank"><i>Carro Veloce</i><b style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> </b>L3/33</a> tankette<br />North African Campaign - 1940<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> At this time, the British had 200 light tanks (presumably the Mk VIB) along with 75 cruiser tanks (A9, A10, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-13_(tank)">A13</a>) and 45 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_II">Matilda IIs</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyZrbMyL-NXak8Ht39I_4ozUOr6KnkW-LPER3igxaZG1ndV6oECgjb0T5w7-X6ALvlWj_FuyAj29W9szM7X3HfFhbjJOjkhoKj6zA8qDDF-efyBIKYMY2qOKEOJJ5JqSa79FRr_zokNF4S-dGlaEMhhwMgMu5ZPufCNo-A3kJh4KoSAJV8DOrKPBvKA/s1280/Tank,%20Cruiser,%20Mk%20IV%20(A13)%20specs.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyZrbMyL-NXak8Ht39I_4ozUOr6KnkW-LPER3igxaZG1ndV6oECgjb0T5w7-X6ALvlWj_FuyAj29W9szM7X3HfFhbjJOjkhoKj6zA8qDDF-efyBIKYMY2qOKEOJJ5JqSa79FRr_zokNF4S-dGlaEMhhwMgMu5ZPufCNo-A3kJh4KoSAJV8DOrKPBvKA/w640-h296/Tank,%20Cruiser,%20Mk%20IV%20(A13)%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpdrMNNwffogZHCcw2JyKKTosCQBChKQoiJJsekyq5AH9meqPdBd1n2rVILq0_WzUK_y02YHWslaHgs8lzjUDaS7xKMbChx862t5bvJaYp9_OC-skQ2xYK8d2asda_LUCAHfFm5X_OnuPtdSsXLFOYB1cCDkyxhvNGXl2JsORGYl0GJMw_26swhmZEQ/s1280/Matilda%20Infantry%20Tank%20Mk.%20IIA%20(A12)%20specs.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpdrMNNwffogZHCcw2JyKKTosCQBChKQoiJJsekyq5AH9meqPdBd1n2rVILq0_WzUK_y02YHWslaHgs8lzjUDaS7xKMbChx862t5bvJaYp9_OC-skQ2xYK8d2asda_LUCAHfFm5X_OnuPtdSsXLFOYB1cCDkyxhvNGXl2JsORGYl0GJMw_26swhmZEQ/w640-h296/Matilda%20Infantry%20Tank%20Mk.%20IIA%20(A12)%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5mgtIHXES7e79ZqWyj_QPox9nxcFpR0A3YtdgCZt8FyDDeb2obEiFVZuw26-ihCwpZ9GcCXR-MHJpil83Xeqtf-ZtuKHwEPkqmKOXt-9hFCURbqCL1AjqxlRBIMbhPEJfMozis3erDt7PbbIoQeU4_Btt0mpBQigM-98fGSc9FAPbASOBJTqc_cLVA/s1024/Light%20tanks%20of%201RTR%20in%20trials%20with%20infantry%20-%20may%201940..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1024" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5mgtIHXES7e79ZqWyj_QPox9nxcFpR0A3YtdgCZt8FyDDeb2obEiFVZuw26-ihCwpZ9GcCXR-MHJpil83Xeqtf-ZtuKHwEPkqmKOXt-9hFCURbqCL1AjqxlRBIMbhPEJfMozis3erDt7PbbIoQeU4_Btt0mpBQigM-98fGSc9FAPbASOBJTqc_cLVA/w640-h438/Light%20tanks%20of%201RTR%20in%20trials%20with%20infantry%20-%20may%201940..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tanks Mk VIB of 1st Royal Tank Regiment<br />in trials with infantry - May 1940.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKH2RcxVyJ79YIwlBMYb830vYSAUAgZPYmYJV8eMMFiO7sRzTGpSoD38H7mwtB7FoEQxlhkSAOkHKsyrGLtnZOhY0tqbUV2YeMXurLWtSQc_VGcN0Vhxz9_Dc5pQq6QGCQxr_llQHic3sw56yLKU91vc34gpquLikaA-p1qF6CQDlsxlxz2SLVBKowQ/s1024/Light%20tank%20of%201RTR%20in%20trials%20-%20may%201940..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1024" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKH2RcxVyJ79YIwlBMYb830vYSAUAgZPYmYJV8eMMFiO7sRzTGpSoD38H7mwtB7FoEQxlhkSAOkHKsyrGLtnZOhY0tqbUV2YeMXurLWtSQc_VGcN0Vhxz9_Dc5pQq6QGCQxr_llQHic3sw56yLKU91vc34gpquLikaA-p1qF6CQDlsxlxz2SLVBKowQ/w640-h444/Light%20tank%20of%201RTR%20in%20trials%20-%20may%201940..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Light tank Mk VIB from 1st RTR<br />with a headlamp on the side of a turret cupola,<br />crossing barbed wire somewhere in the Western desert<br /> May - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX9uWzOt7O-5Hr4CSal-PB14Fw-5k7JWBNQXwboIxbspnMdeenbeLf8OQf6UtxPveFBNcPL_VYm349ktwImEPGRshuCqPHcPpRS1cmGrvMMLZMLA8cXh9xsPlZ_oFpDz2cz3w2lFPfaRBdDvwFGZjIvyogZ6uZEaoQmX94eQL9GoYlyQYBEg9MD7SCg/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%208th%20Hussars%20in%20rough%20ground%20in%20Egypt,%205%20June%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTX9uWzOt7O-5Hr4CSal-PB14Fw-5k7JWBNQXwboIxbspnMdeenbeLf8OQf6UtxPveFBNcPL_VYm349ktwImEPGRshuCqPHcPpRS1cmGrvMMLZMLA8cXh9xsPlZ_oFpDz2cz3w2lFPfaRBdDvwFGZjIvyogZ6uZEaoQmX94eQL9GoYlyQYBEg9MD7SCg/w640-h434/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%208th%20Hussars%20in%20rough%20ground%20in%20Egypt,%205%20June%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light Tank Mk VIA belonging to 8th Hussars<br />in rough ground in Western Desert - 5 June 1940<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso3GTqXRjHuXu2cpkxsvi4Sm5aivsGa4Lo0oxpqRffHdJevy1ORkHUAKzoMoHUsfLrCjeVPH5IYa94BpKAkZN8LkX5uhtlcAxlgM9Y82ebFIFiCi4vEAzWI5LT-yz1_2I06YSonfxO0_VJ2bjfTUpxyHDehdyxBfLkFiojbsELMGpuTPek2L8BIFznA/s1024/MK%20VIB%20Light%20Tanks%20of%207th%20Armoured%20Division%20on%20patrol%20in%20the%20desert,%202%20August%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1024" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso3GTqXRjHuXu2cpkxsvi4Sm5aivsGa4Lo0oxpqRffHdJevy1ORkHUAKzoMoHUsfLrCjeVPH5IYa94BpKAkZN8LkX5uhtlcAxlgM9Y82ebFIFiCi4vEAzWI5LT-yz1_2I06YSonfxO0_VJ2bjfTUpxyHDehdyxBfLkFiojbsELMGpuTPek2L8BIFznA/w640-h458/MK%20VIB%20Light%20Tanks%20of%207th%20Armoured%20Division%20on%20patrol%20in%20the%20desert,%202%20August%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Line of Vickers light tanks MK VIB<br />belonging to 7th Armoured Division<br />on patrol in open desert.<br />2 August 1940</td></tr></tbody></table> But soon, Vickers' weaknesses were starting to show: an attack by the 3rd Hussars at Buq Buq on 12 December 1940 resulted in its tanks getting bogged down in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_pan_(geology)">salt pans</a> and severely mauled. In ten minutes, 13 tanks were destroyed, ten officers and men killed - including the CO - and 13 wounded. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7VxZWBOJOsxS1G-mQkkwNVGLejiMxTTu_Pf1pbQ-HmHr7-KuihXXi8fBG2MEVoVyWZjOslC4rVBtS-6rhb4PPeJCSwvRxt8M7ZqD360_VG2pwAe3GyE-F4_8RJnIgHCUAasx2NawSJHTlSubAJrVsueb7tgHP_7nV6Z-SRGMxbrm8Dv_1sAr4dFV0w/s571/3rd%20King's%20Own%20Hussars.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="571" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7VxZWBOJOsxS1G-mQkkwNVGLejiMxTTu_Pf1pbQ-HmHr7-KuihXXi8fBG2MEVoVyWZjOslC4rVBtS-6rhb4PPeJCSwvRxt8M7ZqD360_VG2pwAe3GyE-F4_8RJnIgHCUAasx2NawSJHTlSubAJrVsueb7tgHP_7nV6Z-SRGMxbrm8Dv_1sAr4dFV0w/w640-h502/3rd%20King's%20Own%20Hussars.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew of this Vickers light tank Mk VIB<br />posing for a photo, on a rest break in the desert.<br /> 3rd King's Own Hussars<br />December - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)">7th Armoured Division</a> had 100 tanks left on 3 January 1941; this increased to 120 tanks on 21 January, when they were used to outflank the battlefield and capture scattered Italian troops, sometimes joining or leaving the main attacks to the cruiser and Matilda II tanks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZBctMaSYN_tS4Yf4VXVuz56EFgtWMn6vLN_6aA9JVRWxwfGbchGQOSbQ2j2OkLeYbwLWfZl2ATrFeaSY_-2-Bi8ZL019a0HUHOb5yaSQ8wifsX1GWZplZ6SD52ZzCtjnnKBzQy1Xg7LD8B49G7hAWKAaz3yL15YTrKislio3uVTuvbp-o8eoiqH_GA/s1024/A%20column%20of%20Italian%20prisoners%20captured%20during%20the%20assault%20on%20Bardia,%20Libya,%20march%20to%20a%20British%20army%20base%20on%206%20January%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1024" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZBctMaSYN_tS4Yf4VXVuz56EFgtWMn6vLN_6aA9JVRWxwfGbchGQOSbQ2j2OkLeYbwLWfZl2ATrFeaSY_-2-Bi8ZL019a0HUHOb5yaSQ8wifsX1GWZplZ6SD52ZzCtjnnKBzQy1Xg7LD8B49G7hAWKAaz3yL15YTrKislio3uVTuvbp-o8eoiqH_GA/w640-h484/A%20column%20of%20Italian%20prisoners%20captured%20during%20the%20assault%20on%20Bardia,%20Libya,%20march%20to%20a%20British%20army%20base%20on%206%20January%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A column of Italian soldiers prisoners captured during<br />the assault on Bardia, Libya, marching to a British army base.<br /> 6 January 1941<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> During an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Action_at_Mechili,_24_January_1941">engagement at Mechili</a> on 24 January, six Mk VIs were destroyed by newly arrived superior Italian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_M13/40"><i>Carro Armato</i> M13/40s</a> for no loss, forcing a retreat until cruiser tanks arrived. The 2nd RTR continued to battle the Italians with light tanks as late as 6 February 1941.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw99zR9Qc2-AYqH_GDtTxlFwdC0U6qEZzxfGa3YfTCyfvnfDNnLWOLcHZqIQuxWro4WxNSiCokz4e5TCpXLCdPBJu9YyCydkUbsomExSe7Tag3JkCI-qAD624KYlE-jK4EW4NeZ-x_hyVLY1qK5Vhd-Mv-NCoKKCnMps95GDgtZu12Ht50fUlnIyqbg/s1280/Carro%20Armato%20M13-40)%20specs.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw99zR9Qc2-AYqH_GDtTxlFwdC0U6qEZzxfGa3YfTCyfvnfDNnLWOLcHZqIQuxWro4WxNSiCokz4e5TCpXLCdPBJu9YyCydkUbsomExSe7Tag3JkCI-qAD624KYlE-jK4EW4NeZ-x_hyVLY1qK5Vhd-Mv-NCoKKCnMps95GDgtZu12Ht50fUlnIyqbg/w640-h296/Carro%20Armato%20M13-40)%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnmMObRsi5zgtxgktXTajX4qMH3RIEG2PuelO9l4s00BKGmu4S1XQkNW1k-wNTJsIWKKnhdWVyDdbQah8ZSpRBEPEz5vLlOQDNq_2aQClCYf3iQk8dZAQW9xK4eVAEyFDjK9s1_E0Vmek5hm_Iz47ej5Y2Yas_LCYlmmJw47GTKa8yBi75SyoDjObEQ/s1280/Carro%20Armato%20M13-40%20desert.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnmMObRsi5zgtxgktXTajX4qMH3RIEG2PuelO9l4s00BKGmu4S1XQkNW1k-wNTJsIWKKnhdWVyDdbQah8ZSpRBEPEz5vLlOQDNq_2aQClCYf3iQk8dZAQW9xK4eVAEyFDjK9s1_E0Vmek5hm_Iz47ej5Y2Yas_LCYlmmJw47GTKa8yBi75SyoDjObEQ/w640-h408/Carro%20Armato%20M13-40%20desert.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carro Armato</i> M13/40 in action in the Western Desert<br />January - 1941</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The British lost many of these light tanks, but continued to use them, adapting their combat tactics. Thanks to their robustness and reliability, they could still provide good services as armored artillery observation posts and recce patrol missions.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg1HV6dxi2tIeuapoj6KUG0PlS4bxfvM7XgQ_1hUBtGo4aIwSmNg3kIVeXPJtTBU07vLshlNmWy0XLgU0RbzzuYE7PrrhXcvbfMw325plaDhRv9BspBHdmIBvlMdTf44SAbOj5Rt-Q1ssSIXYwK561Gmf1d4moG0_75UOg5Di6JMcjn9-_m8ejoN5-g/s1280/crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIB%20looking%20for%20any%20movement%20of%20the%20enemy%20near%20Tobruk,%2028%20November%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg1HV6dxi2tIeuapoj6KUG0PlS4bxfvM7XgQ_1hUBtGo4aIwSmNg3kIVeXPJtTBU07vLshlNmWy0XLgU0RbzzuYE7PrrhXcvbfMw325plaDhRv9BspBHdmIBvlMdTf44SAbOj5Rt-Q1ssSIXYwK561Gmf1d4moG0_75UOg5Di6JMcjn9-_m8ejoN5-g/w640-h484/crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIB%20looking%20for%20any%20movement%20of%20the%20enemy%20near%20Tobruk,%2028%20November%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weak armor and weaponry require a keen eye...<br />The crew of a fully equiped light tank Mk VIB<br />looking for any movement of the enemy, near Tobruk.<br /> 28 November 1941</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The light tanks </span><span style="text-align: left;">Mk VI </span><span style="text-align: left;">in active service were being outnumbered by the best German armor, with the arrival of the <a href="https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrika_Korps" target="_blank">Afrika Korps</a> at the Theater of Operations, in February of 1941. They continued in active service until early 1942, when many of them were transferred to Greece (</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Greece">Battle of Greece</a>)<span style="text-align: left;">, where they formed the core of the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4th_Hussars">4th Hussars</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and other units, and again in Crete (</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Crete">Battle of Crete</a>), <span style="text-align: left;">with </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_The_King%27s_Own_Hussars">3rd The King's Own Hussars</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and Malta.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqKgITqCTDpttEt3BPJZ3RXJI-3qz589ptbP7HGgFKjdN9w3JbOBeWKbtkEJSuJjIsuytPB2FZjtq_PW_81jt_h9PK8adzMa3ACK7_IT94MJJYh4jZGwfff4ZS-nwN7RMApYn6PQFq4gsbw4dRyIkOI7_SQ64zg4-Aba2lS4KOPKbP6GW-v1LDTLZ9g/s1024/British%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20destroyed%20in%20Galatas.%20The%20tank%20was%20one%20of%20two%20that%20supported%20the%20New%20Zealand%20counter-attack%20on%20Galatas,%2025%20May%201941..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqKgITqCTDpttEt3BPJZ3RXJI-3qz589ptbP7HGgFKjdN9w3JbOBeWKbtkEJSuJjIsuytPB2FZjtq_PW_81jt_h9PK8adzMa3ACK7_IT94MJJYh4jZGwfff4ZS-nwN7RMApYn6PQFq4gsbw4dRyIkOI7_SQ64zg4-Aba2lS4KOPKbP6GW-v1LDTLZ9g/w640-h406/British%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20destroyed%20in%20Galatas.%20The%20tank%20was%20one%20of%20two%20that%20supported%20the%20New%20Zealand%20counter-attack%20on%20Galatas,%2025%20May%201941..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Light Tank Mk VIB destroyed in Galatas. <br />The tank was one of two that supported the<br />New Zealand counter-attack on Galatas <br />Battle of Crete - 25 May 1941.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KilZ4KBX7FZSy02qZlUVq3k9cEe3zU5Z3-d2ZKlnmKvS8qxik0TYi-ZPhAXbrltUze6EzNFlm5UvJ5_XL3lij3jltnWXtOAg8VN2W-fjpdzIoHV6Nk3QWkiKDPy_FwyLN-ZSMu-ISvfAKT5zMO4Sah-dv72iKgU03D8fYUyHR4uIWbUW7jClZ3pXfw/s1280/Mk.6C%20malta%20real.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KilZ4KBX7FZSy02qZlUVq3k9cEe3zU5Z3-d2ZKlnmKvS8qxik0TYi-ZPhAXbrltUze6EzNFlm5UvJ5_XL3lij3jltnWXtOAg8VN2W-fjpdzIoHV6Nk3QWkiKDPy_FwyLN-ZSMu-ISvfAKT5zMO4Sah-dv72iKgU03D8fYUyHR4uIWbUW7jClZ3pXfw/w640-h462/Mk.6C%20malta%20real.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Light Tanks Mk VIs roaring in an exercise in Maltese road.</div><div>Foreground vehicle is a Mk VIC, with a Mk VIB parking in the trees.</div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta_Tanks_(Royal_Tank_Regiment)" target="_blank">Malta Tanks - Independent Royal Tank Regiment</a></div><div> Malta - 24 May 1942</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwZqTGwnp-skV2EwuFK54jJYDTFJWjK4PhZfE2LfPoNFghUM5_Rl48vuzVK2qWfc0605i-4sl6qGNkpdMS9DspkGdfRVOwSllqCRe7e7RUOOOyl2KulthbTDEqBO_feWJtzr4YFGW4YcwPvA0brd78y6YulQb8oxL5toLuMrc8H1Xpybbx7zqdANQjg/s1280/A%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIC%20on%20exercise%20in%20the%20Maltese%20countryside,%2024%20March%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwZqTGwnp-skV2EwuFK54jJYDTFJWjK4PhZfE2LfPoNFghUM5_Rl48vuzVK2qWfc0605i-4sl6qGNkpdMS9DspkGdfRVOwSllqCRe7e7RUOOOyl2KulthbTDEqBO_feWJtzr4YFGW4YcwPvA0brd78y6YulQb8oxL5toLuMrc8H1Xpybbx7zqdANQjg/w640-h412/A%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIC%20on%20exercise%20in%20the%20Maltese%20countryside,%2024%20March%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vickers light tank Mk VIC on exercise <br />in the Maltese countryside.<br />Notice the typical Maltese stone camouflage<br /> 24 March 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DOT31YgYD5Y4sm_1Pf0GiWqIZ-C0hOuSGjjmwJTNvXKm1rjsPjhmoA-dNBoE7iGVLNT1JMVYoZHOIDg1wGI_YVkCSLojXOnYAysGY9vIEOD0NxLRonXhG-iVU7FHs3NJRwNVmNdCjRx93HJqVZXDmId4aUKXuYKj4hbP80RE674E0lXP7FmDBhEnIQ/s1280/British%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI-%20on%20a%20firing%20range%20on%20Malta,%2024%20March%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DOT31YgYD5Y4sm_1Pf0GiWqIZ-C0hOuSGjjmwJTNvXKm1rjsPjhmoA-dNBoE7iGVLNT1JMVYoZHOIDg1wGI_YVkCSLojXOnYAysGY9vIEOD0NxLRonXhG-iVU7FHs3NJRwNVmNdCjRx93HJqVZXDmId4aUKXuYKj4hbP80RE674E0lXP7FmDBhEnIQ/w640-h452/British%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI-%20on%20a%20firing%20range%20on%20Malta,%2024%20March%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIC testing their weaponry at a<br />Shooting Range in Malta - 24 March 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduQNp7xgz6ZhXOBPIFQhFcVDz-5Ja4_lkCcxpE-Q3An7rzixqwvNQotbegD4NvwTMVUfc7TF80ymEn-t-4VGRmutM9OzsmrZ4O_VYsr-NsmNYH5860meTSIvwfiyImDLr2a0emBuTNrDedtMEETDqWhsdT4xpQsE26QduayTKcL60T_Us6YMC75bzmA/s1280/crew%20work%20on%20the%20Vickers%20gun%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20during%20an%20exercise%20in%20the%20Maltese%20countryside,%2024%20May%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1280" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduQNp7xgz6ZhXOBPIFQhFcVDz-5Ja4_lkCcxpE-Q3An7rzixqwvNQotbegD4NvwTMVUfc7TF80ymEn-t-4VGRmutM9OzsmrZ4O_VYsr-NsmNYH5860meTSIvwfiyImDLr2a0emBuTNrDedtMEETDqWhsdT4xpQsE26QduayTKcL60T_Us6YMC75bzmA/w640-h634/crew%20work%20on%20the%20Vickers%20gun%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20during%20an%20exercise%20in%20the%20Maltese%20countryside,%2024%20May%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew of Vickers light tank Mk VIB cleaning his<br />Vickers .50 heavy machine gun under the trees,<br />in the Maltese countryside - May 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_The_King%27s_Own_Hussars">3rd The King's Own Hussars</a> had previously embarked three MK VIB tanks for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Campaign">Norwegian Campaign</a>, but they were lost in transit to a German aircraft attack. The tanks also saw limited service against the Japanese in Malaya and Dutch East Indies.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bHJ5DYStWhkQRFxbwaF19nMIjh_N6m70KawzXW-xczj8fpgQiUJ_ANWFu95tQuqOFC1IcZONlJHhq0EW8-RyAPHywekpSERHtgIyBZgrUa7FgxzmcPLPVpDTyPcRmlNolIhMH1iS6fWvm7NrT6buNWTHS3mxrktbbAvoYfrYUw6mjUuVtZL8F35U_Q/s1024/A%20light%20Tank%20Mk.VIB%20from%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Squadron%20of%20the%203rd%20King's%20Own%20Hussars,%20Oosthaven,%20Sumatra,%20Netherlands%20East%20Indies.%20circa.%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1024" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bHJ5DYStWhkQRFxbwaF19nMIjh_N6m70KawzXW-xczj8fpgQiUJ_ANWFu95tQuqOFC1IcZONlJHhq0EW8-RyAPHywekpSERHtgIyBZgrUa7FgxzmcPLPVpDTyPcRmlNolIhMH1iS6fWvm7NrT6buNWTHS3mxrktbbAvoYfrYUw6mjUuVtZL8F35U_Q/w640-h432/A%20light%20Tank%20Mk.VIB%20from%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Squadron%20of%20the%203rd%20King's%20Own%20Hussars,%20Oosthaven,%20Sumatra,%20Netherlands%20East%20Indies.%20circa.%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Light tank Mk.VIB from a Light Tank Squadron<br />of the 3rd King's Own Hussars, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandar_Lampung">Oosthaven</a>, Sumatra, Netherlands<br />East Indies - circa. 1942.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C-SVjoW8jdiGbI91PKj1hYegYlGoiyrOsRAZrU8osXXYmlpEx3cCsTl8rSwjuXof57ciev2IzwEWvJpLmg3yR1Tm5aH7QeeZP-wOkIlDvNv1nI0KyNVseepjE49FQ1CZg-FWUZAHwhkdBygaeQz-2DFdFMvBJi_1oagV0Tys9PLsBJTlj-OU-0Wzzg/s1280/Two%20Light%20Tank%20Mk.VIs%20captured%20by%20Imperial%20Japanese%20Army%20at%20a%20workshop%20in%20Bandung,%201946.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C-SVjoW8jdiGbI91PKj1hYegYlGoiyrOsRAZrU8osXXYmlpEx3cCsTl8rSwjuXof57ciev2IzwEWvJpLmg3yR1Tm5aH7QeeZP-wOkIlDvNv1nI0KyNVseepjE49FQ1CZg-FWUZAHwhkdBygaeQz-2DFdFMvBJi_1oagV0Tys9PLsBJTlj-OU-0Wzzg/w640-h426/Two%20Light%20Tank%20Mk.VIs%20captured%20by%20Imperial%20Japanese%20Army%20at%20a%20workshop%20in%20Bandung,%201946.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Vickers light tank Mk.VIBs captured by Imperial Japanese Army<br />with Japanese markings, found at a workshop.<br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandung" target="_blank">Bandung, Java</a> - Indonesia - 1946</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As the conflict progressed, the huge shortcomings of the light tank concept became increasingly apparent. Although operated in a heroic and fearless manner, their anemic armament and thin armor turned these machines into true death traps. Surviving operational tanks were increasingly relegated to rear, training or support operations, and by 1942 almost none were seen in lines. That was the end of the operational use of these light, elegant, robust, mechanically reliable, but essentially useless tanks.</div><br /><b>Specs:</b><p style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6eSq9kVEPCawjOWcaxfNKm6-s2Zbr6hJzi02D3Oegw31X1-aLqH-iBjp8kCTCDgZT6dZseLssrhcHZ6c3cwnaitJczpj-SqkSH_GS4yGwmwww--F4l_CUnPyrXnSCjs0YHnM0LXonBLFvt3eEoRJUj3oQeHAsh-EbNj6A5F88FEPx3plAYC_8rGC6A/s1280/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIB%20%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6eSq9kVEPCawjOWcaxfNKm6-s2Zbr6hJzi02D3Oegw31X1-aLqH-iBjp8kCTCDgZT6dZseLssrhcHZ6c3cwnaitJczpj-SqkSH_GS4yGwmwww--F4l_CUnPyrXnSCjs0YHnM0LXonBLFvt3eEoRJUj3oQeHAsh-EbNj6A5F88FEPx3plAYC_8rGC6A/w640-h390/Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VIB%20%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Tank, Light, Mk VI (Vickers light tank Mk VIB)</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_tank" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Light tank">Light tank</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1936–1942 (frontline)<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1948_Arab%E2%80%93Israeli_War" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="1948 Arab–Israeli War">1948 Arab–Israeli War</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">United Kingdom<br />Australia<br />New Zealand<br />Canada<br />Egypt</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Second World War<br />1948 Arab–Israeli War</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers-Armstrongs" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers-Armstrongs">Vickers-Armstrongs</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Vickers-Armstrongs</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1936–1940</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1,682</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Variants</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Mk VI, Mk VIA, Mk VIB<br />Mk VIC, Ack Ack tanks</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4.93 t - later 5.3 t</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4.0 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.08 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.26 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3 (commander, gunner, driver)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 - 14 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main<br />armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_.50_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vickers .50 machine gun">.50 in Vickers mg</a><br />(Mk VIC - 15 mm <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Besa machine gun">Besa.mg</a>)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary<br />armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.303_British" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title=".303 British">.303 in</a> Vickers mg<br />(Mk VIC - <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7,92_x_57_mm" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="7,92 x 57 mm">7.92 mm</a> Besa mg)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Meadows" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Henry Meadows">Meadows</a> 6-cylinder petrol<br />4.4 liters 88 hp (66 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">16.9 hp/ton (Mark VIB and VIC)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Gordon_Wilson" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Walter Gordon Wilson">Wilson</a> pre-selector gearbox</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horstmann_suspension" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Horstmann suspension">Horstmann inclined springs</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Ground clearance</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">250 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">140 liters</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">210 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">56 km/h - road<br />40 km/h - off road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>The kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This model will be a parallel build project, built together with its anti-aircraft version (Ack ack version), as described in this Bunker article. Therefore, you will see some photos with duplicate parts, but the description of each step will be individual. For the "normal" version, we will use the kit <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/vulcan-scale-models-56008-light-tank-mark-vi-b--133748" target="_blank"><b>British Light Tank Mark VIB </b>(#56008)</a>, from Vulcan Scale Models, from 2010.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1rQ7hbpOcEsA2E7mq-RQsp1oTjM4LRU_Wj2NKW8br3WSXEbwkL7iiUpoiV4uPqh2OI-nVm8UcV8kPpdvq1PQnoYPX1Z9ue0UbQwe17VcT_17X6tXsJ0FPBcIxVEyQ3wmvCn2jDF-fNjjDIBP5gImZ6AUSxdFdhB0mEs4esej93GImbAgdbGPKSsrZQ/s1024/Vulcan%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1rQ7hbpOcEsA2E7mq-RQsp1oTjM4LRU_Wj2NKW8br3WSXEbwkL7iiUpoiV4uPqh2OI-nVm8UcV8kPpdvq1PQnoYPX1Z9ue0UbQwe17VcT_17X6tXsJ0FPBcIxVEyQ3wmvCn2jDF-fNjjDIBP5gImZ6AUSxdFdhB0mEs4esej93GImbAgdbGPKSsrZQ/w640-h416/Vulcan%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vulcan Scale Models <b>British Light Tank Mark VIB </b>(#56008) box art</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczVBw5pdXDHAFBaji3aQtK5LxEk7XgBquzzNy4jJGBtuyQ5cnWhXZARHZJufWZoxLza3GcEpIXMSZdzoivmqp21yrlSWG_q6M9QngbXWYVMO2dxEDHKpDZd3iyvdGcmw2qqzEjueW_abrlZIpSgv82KT2wJZO4LJTkHQZBYdkjYbjr7xgcNWyUChYiQ/s1023/Vickers%20VIB%20000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1023" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczVBw5pdXDHAFBaji3aQtK5LxEk7XgBquzzNy4jJGBtuyQ5cnWhXZARHZJufWZoxLza3GcEpIXMSZdzoivmqp21yrlSWG_q6M9QngbXWYVMO2dxEDHKpDZd3iyvdGcmw2qqzEjueW_abrlZIpSgv82KT2wJZO4LJTkHQZBYdkjYbjr7xgcNWyUChYiQ/w640-h494/Vickers%20VIB%20000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bald one getting ready for another day of work.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> This Vulcan kit is very well injected, almost without burrs and the plastic is pleasant to work with. It's a multimedia kit, with a PE sheet and metal parts (like spiral springs) for detailing the model. The decal sheet is very well printed, with markings for two vehicles. The tracks are link-by-length, which I think is much better to build than the LBL (that I hate with passion!!!).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbD-JXsOKaYUAjMqIgmxrB16zuJIv7mWAuucoZAMdOrkainvl7Ovq5OzuFObNvkpYKnqVp1zcrYzIpDsn6K70GfTFdyLRNqcB5FN4_allti8HBBcjR-OwCUiw_XTetRK9JoT2_7Zg4M4eOyArMAF0dXjLUrgxkLjDEsDl_RBamgPRir37URijEI77Wg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbD-JXsOKaYUAjMqIgmxrB16zuJIv7mWAuucoZAMdOrkainvl7Ovq5OzuFObNvkpYKnqVp1zcrYzIpDsn6K70GfTFdyLRNqcB5FN4_allti8HBBcjR-OwCUiw_XTetRK9JoT2_7Zg4M4eOyArMAF0dXjLUrgxkLjDEsDl_RBamgPRir37URijEI77Wg/w640-h402/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chassis bathtubs and other parts, from the parallel building<br />of the two Vickers. One of the turrets will be anothera<br />addition to <i>"Kojak's Unbelievable Spare Parts Box"</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The construction is smooth and quiet... The fittings are excellent and the finish of the built parts is very good... For comments on the resin parts in this image below, see the article about Ack ack light tanks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV6kz_aGarXp64F6PD9wASCgAugqtkY2rXxVtFtSMiyfyKgOWYHFE2lA0vrxzTARN4jiciV_MHZz5XnI5o6HwquwvhgQ_f7mZ7KM2AEU0BaD229gkVHqYwjeH5HKv3kdDQZz-ue_VrgQya7qhwh7Qiw28YjkUQyjfEvHzd9C4NHW4RC5piW-bUMQcDw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyV6kz_aGarXp64F6PD9wASCgAugqtkY2rXxVtFtSMiyfyKgOWYHFE2lA0vrxzTARN4jiciV_MHZz5XnI5o6HwquwvhgQ_f7mZ7KM2AEU0BaD229gkVHqYwjeH5HKv3kdDQZz-ue_VrgQya7qhwh7Qiw28YjkUQyjfEvHzd9C4NHW4RC5piW-bUMQcDw/w640-h392/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20026.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hulls and upper decks in position.<br />Note the unique armored air intake of the Mk VIB versions,<br />in front of the hulls.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As the kits do not feature interior detailing, I will leave the driver hatches in the glacis plates closed. <b><i>What the eyes don't see the heart doesn't feel!!</i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_okV29m33OZ5DH8XiB7YRFs9or613pDz_2zjx1mrjbBHN7wegpEbiP1TWewWXpx0aryiZ7DQ3mxynuJqJHRa8UQUJ0rXLNhGzwXoaxlyzI0uR3b7onFiyTuuQsyMZnQCArUZ8zdfOq7AswtfChfB6rgWDbom3vIb74dkm549i3EbMZiQkOnIbXg78uQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_okV29m33OZ5DH8XiB7YRFs9or613pDz_2zjx1mrjbBHN7wegpEbiP1TWewWXpx0aryiZ7DQ3mxynuJqJHRa8UQUJ0rXLNhGzwXoaxlyzI0uR3b7onFiyTuuQsyMZnQCArUZ8zdfOq7AswtfChfB6rgWDbom3vIb74dkm549i3EbMZiQkOnIbXg78uQ/w640-h424/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hulls almost complete. Left view.<br />Notice the metal parts, </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjezzpR96puv_aVOO8yxChvIkOccrHXRCcaRUIRFv46E6hMlo5tUYqNpytcrToEbH0wQW8GpFW3z993aZ2JgNF_0TMJQ_EQ34UAffEJojWZ45v5YBjCEHTSyyQHeCYz3toXgcskhpWfyV0WpxKwsMwM4p7-8TZ3P0-GRMeWuaLEdHedKq4SWgesyoMwQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjezzpR96puv_aVOO8yxChvIkOccrHXRCcaRUIRFv46E6hMlo5tUYqNpytcrToEbH0wQW8GpFW3z993aZ2JgNF_0TMJQ_EQ34UAffEJojWZ45v5YBjCEHTSyyQHeCYz3toXgcskhpWfyV0WpxKwsMwM4p7-8TZ3P0-GRMeWuaLEdHedKq4SWgesyoMwQ/w640-h406/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hulls almost complete. Right view.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, a tense part of the construction of these kits: the suspension bogies, their arms, wheels and springs...I started this step building a "<i>NASA-worthy device"</i> to allow alignment of the wheels and suspension arms. I know that the purists must be rolling their eyes madly and scandalized in the face of such heresy.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOkOindD30d6EDqP5hmDePqn9DN22wx9ijDBNrTCPIV2-VhI82KaQwYyYZf6yn1mVr_G79A-nMdKljdTGxVPR6-mdrfvj-U4tWoTMyASy14GHRsm7Sc09Cxijvtx3PvM9torSTOS5K0REcrhnb5N3VZOeJhMncJTiQFOrop-PJEGbIMkgTyEsxtU8Fg/s900/eyeroll-4.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOkOindD30d6EDqP5hmDePqn9DN22wx9ijDBNrTCPIV2-VhI82KaQwYyYZf6yn1mVr_G79A-nMdKljdTGxVPR6-mdrfvj-U4tWoTMyASy14GHRsm7Sc09Cxijvtx3PvM9torSTOS5K0REcrhnb5N3VZOeJhMncJTiQFOrop-PJEGbIMkgTyEsxtU8Fg/w400-h266/eyeroll-4.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, man!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But the two ice cream sticks attached in parallel with adhesive tape on top of a perforated base fulfilled its function as a template with zero cost and zero waste of time.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KKUwP5PrV-BiM4SQ7rDE42uMuPl58KYZKvqVs8Vbi83vDIiCPkj1F6W1ev3Z5yeyd2YRjps4p9Lj1L8qi8Ubbri8SSKmB6KpPiso0icmdPHR0q8zg5-X3J_4yDqp52mBIRVGDDhSnUWWuuWPn1YOTnPVCsZdtcNXp_CCV9Hrn77MknnET98oDXvgbg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KKUwP5PrV-BiM4SQ7rDE42uMuPl58KYZKvqVs8Vbi83vDIiCPkj1F6W1ev3Z5yeyd2YRjps4p9Lj1L8qi8Ubbri8SSKmB6KpPiso0icmdPHR0q8zg5-X3J_4yDqp52mBIRVGDDhSnUWWuuWPn1YOTnPVCsZdtcNXp_CCV9Hrn77MknnET98oDXvgbg/w640-h364/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Vickers-type suspension wheel alignment apparatus</b></i><br />(worldwide patent pending)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVKzW9d0R2G0qN9Dtj0aFMnFtz_0ZiGRe4PZiGlDprL0E9CFz4poR5l2SyUPsTsJSqRrDkA4t251RTIKOLH68O_O6TNsAA6hEvh464AyOZnwWhr7RfgO_goxwnSpvEYYmApJoqzOh8FM170W3UKHasmw6wazJPMhL7CJ9uwBPqbF-97O1ee2_VcroKg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVKzW9d0R2G0qN9Dtj0aFMnFtz_0ZiGRe4PZiGlDprL0E9CFz4poR5l2SyUPsTsJSqRrDkA4t251RTIKOLH68O_O6TNsAA6hEvh464AyOZnwWhr7RfgO_goxwnSpvEYYmApJoqzOh8FM170W3UKHasmw6wazJPMhL7CJ9uwBPqbF-97O1ee2_VcroKg/w640-h450/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20029b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Vickers-type suspension wheel alignment apparatus</b></i><br />in action</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-3VxajVJIX9TSwcIeI7c1zJy-a9ku7tnn_Hcyyr8QPfjkdIB-yYDEeUmFpy2rajjim7LZkwIKtLi3iDneZH7xEkBP_UFL8b38Bu70e0cSzSrw1E_nsyw-x7jwJG7TlP6nPbL5Iof2JiYYbIaVoSK3W-2fM_mfG6m-5JzgFW8cMlG8aL_s9JtLuEuqA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig-3VxajVJIX9TSwcIeI7c1zJy-a9ku7tnn_Hcyyr8QPfjkdIB-yYDEeUmFpy2rajjim7LZkwIKtLi3iDneZH7xEkBP_UFL8b38Bu70e0cSzSrw1E_nsyw-x7jwJG7TlP6nPbL5Iof2JiYYbIaVoSK3W-2fM_mfG6m-5JzgFW8cMlG8aL_s9JtLuEuqA/w640-h426/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20030.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wartime...mass production!<br />Bogies ready for the springs...<br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Important detail:</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The bogies must be very well glued and firm before the next step.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Here, I tried to follow the instruction booklet, using the supplied metal wires and small plastic pieces to insert the springs between the suspension arms... Lads, the thing was a disaster... the springs were flying, the metal wires were bent, a real modeling disgrace... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRda_7C0g-8mXBWbgZDV4FXIknyzuW6WvJZjok0eSNcuYFVOpZxcaorR0bQDMJZr_0MGNPP1Zp-3wzkLVHpv_i4UdEGJuuJ2fRiaEUi0_vJS44xdlOH5qhp_57qtRXVNVW8rH9rf3B4Jq4Yahz4SV9jRvOnEbjYYp-2AAwseDhJifTbLVszriYWOHyA/s1024/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="1024" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRda_7C0g-8mXBWbgZDV4FXIknyzuW6WvJZjok0eSNcuYFVOpZxcaorR0bQDMJZr_0MGNPP1Zp-3wzkLVHpv_i4UdEGJuuJ2fRiaEUi0_vJS44xdlOH5qhp_57qtRXVNVW8rH9rf3B4Jq4Yahz4SV9jRvOnEbjYYp-2AAwseDhJifTbLVszriYWOHyA/w640-h334/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The metal parts of the kit were very soft and easily bent...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> And as for me model making is fun and not self-flagellation, I decided to replace the small pieces of soft metal by steel wires sturdier, with the same diameter but longer, so I can handle these sets without having a stroke or a heart attack. Folow the steps, below: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP_dMgMasafQT7tx6qN6gjz1rZUSmMjR7P6DuvrlKhmsfHGfxuf46EMeMGfH1W-rShZPRvPjAUuVM-7CDQIe7PncYIxLDV2GOZzxXGQTEl32OvhPe9ipMoc4F7ZAM7cAbM1z1gF0NKwgYkHl1l1ybdT0KwDY-sSrZSAOOl1r3uTNT6_ra5hbRKW2vsg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeP_dMgMasafQT7tx6qN6gjz1rZUSmMjR7P6DuvrlKhmsfHGfxuf46EMeMGfH1W-rShZPRvPjAUuVM-7CDQIe7PncYIxLDV2GOZzxXGQTEl32OvhPe9ipMoc4F7ZAM7cAbM1z1gF0NKwgYkHl1l1ybdT0KwDY-sSrZSAOOl1r3uTNT6_ra5hbRKW2vsg/w640-h250/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1- Passing the steel wire freely through the holes in the arms...<br />The springs will be inserted in the portion pointed by the blue arrow.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoVeUTmpJxtDlyAVl252k62TSn8IsYXeD9dMVasm7w1L7UW5odL0kFweBvrkDqd-QnnM5esGgsCLbY4sYmH1tYV7iOX_X_pj4mUOEZ1kM7SJ_zRENv5Kau6NCPuf47XRbGt1tTvzbO5vw3djBrabZ-kw8cfq0o1h3iKW7DVsBrv4H1TU-9hTKWl6hSQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoVeUTmpJxtDlyAVl252k62TSn8IsYXeD9dMVasm7w1L7UW5odL0kFweBvrkDqd-QnnM5esGgsCLbY4sYmH1tYV7iOX_X_pj4mUOEZ1kM7SJ_zRENv5Kau6NCPuf47XRbGt1tTvzbO5vw3djBrabZ-kw8cfq0o1h3iKW7DVsBrv4H1TU-9hTKWl6hSQ/w640-h318/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2-Testing the free movement of the steel wire...<br />Then we reposition the wire as in the photo in step 1, above...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We introduce the fine spring + thick spring (red arrow) + plastic separator (blue arrow) + fine spring + thick spring (red arrow), in that order. Notice in the photo below:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYw5fbbaH7G-r12e3VgYMw8UOYe5hurlgN1RMzAS2f_bUiuVw3SK4vzRoQw1Ts3zMyAmzu7Em7bk5-ImtZVzFTDVHTVRngYinUc-dbeQQVfFVEp0Y2aT-1qI_PkquIi1ASVJCMK6vXU82Eg_0YvTCvHeCcH2yG-VgfUNDvJJS4ygjgyeUmarhvCGZMZQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYw5fbbaH7G-r12e3VgYMw8UOYe5hurlgN1RMzAS2f_bUiuVw3SK4vzRoQw1Ts3zMyAmzu7Em7bk5-ImtZVzFTDVHTVRngYinUc-dbeQQVfFVEp0Y2aT-1qI_PkquIi1ASVJCMK6vXU82Eg_0YvTCvHeCcH2yG-VgfUNDvJJS4ygjgyeUmarhvCGZMZQ/w640-h286/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3- Inserting the elastic components of the suspension into the steel wire.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Notice in the photo below, the locking tweezers attached to the end of the wire, with a small portion of the wire showing (yellow arrow). The locked twizzers will push the wire with the spring assemblies against the arm (short green arrow) until it can fit the end of the exposed wire in the front arm of the bogie (orange arrow). When the wire fits that arm, we release the tweezers and the springs slide to the desired position.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_NdfRO_gtY7V2TmHP7Y7gdl1itmbM5O5ZYNrciGrA9gxh0CFlHhEf5ph-bO0Ok_30oEwiYd-QZ-Z7D_vVsJtKCrIm4H7BX8hb9ixdFPe78xYbJPMGCMRlMN7QLvTHAVaLHUDRyzJ0oZ0AgGYYDTFwhOq1BXxgG4Q4gsIz1orAa6FPVQvYOfsvkn2fA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_NdfRO_gtY7V2TmHP7Y7gdl1itmbM5O5ZYNrciGrA9gxh0CFlHhEf5ph-bO0Ok_30oEwiYd-QZ-Z7D_vVsJtKCrIm4H7BX8hb9ixdFPe78xYbJPMGCMRlMN7QLvTHAVaLHUDRyzJ0oZ0AgGYYDTFwhOq1BXxgG4Q4gsIz1orAa6FPVQvYOfsvkn2fA/w640-h334/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4- Starting to compress the elastic components of the suspension.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"> Now, you slide the wire with the tweezers, compressing the springs (green arrow movement) until you can fit the end of the wire (yellow arrow) in the arm hole:</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizPtPFmZLr-qa4n6-rZoe7De_cdlxVxy87Pos_29VEzzcRzc5-CsJ-yzkMC13bYmhwelJKLXtCx6A_usccjIcB1bfW2Ra7xoCqgS9kHFk8ife9nSVtIK2DAS4y1rFcVbA0UnbxyuonfiSRv2Vfo6ycewTvJPg2dPgjo_ONTLtBOoph4Qq8R66zW8xjg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizPtPFmZLr-qa4n6-rZoe7De_cdlxVxy87Pos_29VEzzcRzc5-CsJ-yzkMC13bYmhwelJKLXtCx6A_usccjIcB1bfW2Ra7xoCqgS9kHFk8ife9nSVtIK2DAS4y1rFcVbA0UnbxyuonfiSRv2Vfo6ycewTvJPg2dPgjo_ONTLtBOoph4Qq8R66zW8xjg/w640-h346/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5-Starting the spring compression (see description above).<br />Notice the small portion of the wire repositioned in the hole<br />in the bogie arm (yellow arrow). <br />The plastic spacer (short green arrow) slides along with springs...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnco6XxziLfMeYN8HitN5nxnEbdqQAjrC0j0KAXuLUK5DHcj-p9wXFH8WhypqVMVZU3nMAx-3LZ-jBVZ1FhIohN78_Ut9gOQeR03gfH3aJGCnz-F6u29cBYf2LcMJ6aS03t8zxkXKX7U1_pizg14hRQVhlU_ofD-U-cqpZsaHAhZigmxhZHfC6GrYSQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnco6XxziLfMeYN8HitN5nxnEbdqQAjrC0j0KAXuLUK5DHcj-p9wXFH8WhypqVMVZU3nMAx-3LZ-jBVZ1FhIohN78_Ut9gOQeR03gfH3aJGCnz-F6u29cBYf2LcMJ6aS03t8zxkXKX7U1_pizg14hRQVhlU_ofD-U-cqpZsaHAhZigmxhZHfC6GrYSQ/w640-h300/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6- When releasing the tweezers, the springs occupy the empty space<br />and we can slide the steel wire to the desired position (green and yellow arrows)<br /> Then, we cut the excesses with cutting edge pliers.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAL7Z_XldraspQc_TS1fN-t9M5PlejdY6H0yIDXyTGejt2wMgisiwWZgL-kqQroyEOs08uoEOtiLL3r_gPYXPAOvdKEKDOI_T8194jzNHtcXFrGnlpsZFq6ERMvQCtWyu1F_jMLNKl7yJh1dDO7VklzyKkCbMAmdyUWWhzX41g_UXnJpto4ofWcsEcw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="1280" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAL7Z_XldraspQc_TS1fN-t9M5PlejdY6H0yIDXyTGejt2wMgisiwWZgL-kqQroyEOs08uoEOtiLL3r_gPYXPAOvdKEKDOI_T8194jzNHtcXFrGnlpsZFq6ERMvQCtWyu1F_jMLNKl7yJh1dDO7VklzyKkCbMAmdyUWWhzX41g_UXnJpto4ofWcsEcw/w640-h272/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7- Slide the wire (green arrow) so as to leave 1mm at each free end<br />of the steel wire (yellow), carefully cutting off the excess (red double arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ64Sv9lYQLIjEEYEcQaiiZiW2uveK4sp9RsWYM92vV5HsfPXuBjfqUDvqLNtTRLSQDsgOCfYn-cP7qxrUeKI2x7O-J8UbAzJzTUmN6zqvHVb6A1Hs0GzyQUptVp5tK9MGIcTD3dlBsykyEOtUvygj3CFHfl215p0eQcaBnG596K7N8lOsi2qNCV17_g/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20049a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="1280" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ64Sv9lYQLIjEEYEcQaiiZiW2uveK4sp9RsWYM92vV5HsfPXuBjfqUDvqLNtTRLSQDsgOCfYn-cP7qxrUeKI2x7O-J8UbAzJzTUmN6zqvHVb6A1Hs0GzyQUptVp5tK9MGIcTD3dlBsykyEOtUvygj3CFHfl215p0eQcaBnG596K7N8lOsi2qNCV17_g/w640-h272/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20049a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8- Glue the steel wire into position with superglue (yellow arrows).<br />Repeat the process on the other side of the bogie and on all bogies.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqniphvss90WDmC53ncpYSOtNGDJAIEAgev8oAm-RfnxVL9PRmP_WZOPANKs6W3-8w9MSJhwyBD3ibBsYjptxrs5oLS0pQBRkFjq7mbJ4qmRhKnFXCoyvNx5gt4ZHDwnyVHzUmxo804w2JkSpbOAa29ljN7sJBQUMzJHAYNiU9YjXC8GiWlhPu0_eq8A/s1280/Vickers%20VIB%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="1280" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqniphvss90WDmC53ncpYSOtNGDJAIEAgev8oAm-RfnxVL9PRmP_WZOPANKs6W3-8w9MSJhwyBD3ibBsYjptxrs5oLS0pQBRkFjq7mbJ4qmRhKnFXCoyvNx5gt4ZHDwnyVHzUmxo804w2JkSpbOAa29ljN7sJBQUMzJHAYNiU9YjXC8GiWlhPu0_eq8A/w640-h212/Vickers%20VIB%20002.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the bogies ready for the installation...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The track links fit perfectly, being easy to install and with no problems adapting to the suspension wheels... Just pay attention to the position of the links, so as not to build inverted tracks...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_L49MaHnlmGi0zlmJMELA3PPE08a_4PEdUetnUXW0XrGhdwlDfAfsInhCeIwe9SYz2yZAMNCkqrv8d1NAXCInGvdFdXV8-rqiG0kTVpJJcFjQMKUeA1tAMCjtEPAsZ3crfZ6ZeFwvDQKqM37t6S8KVpH6kh6gzk8SEbaSNZ-ch9OxM5MlTlN3q2h2A/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_L49MaHnlmGi0zlmJMELA3PPE08a_4PEdUetnUXW0XrGhdwlDfAfsInhCeIwe9SYz2yZAMNCkqrv8d1NAXCInGvdFdXV8-rqiG0kTVpJJcFjQMKUeA1tAMCjtEPAsZ3crfZ6ZeFwvDQKqM37t6S8KVpH6kh6gzk8SEbaSNZ-ch9OxM5MlTlN3q2h2A/w640-h382/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB, standing on its own paws!!<br />Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHdoFOKgXi3SOn19gsIwm_xuN-3qwKmUjXeikC9IpAH79OzgzJZROU3mOTytHyL2Qrlb-yYF6yuICzxUAsqPhWSnK-ryudWkfY8J-jxb-OCDr2meeA6EWFyYE4rLUqm8jqUnZwg5yi1cwjhgcCw-2-69Pk4yvlvx4kkkLRLeuGKLCzCylX8eHYF8Dlw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHdoFOKgXi3SOn19gsIwm_xuN-3qwKmUjXeikC9IpAH79OzgzJZROU3mOTytHyL2Qrlb-yYF6yuICzxUAsqPhWSnK-ryudWkfY8J-jxb-OCDr2meeA6EWFyYE4rLUqm8jqUnZwg5yi1cwjhgcCw-2-69Pk4yvlvx4kkkLRLeuGKLCzCylX8eHYF8Dlw/w640-h416/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB, standing on its own paws!!<br />Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvWRJV6V71VCdWYIjh8Ayoez6v0tBpu9bj3Y-mwuw0VnL2_IZumGLWHFJOfBBJhdQxbeELUIlLG-do-21wjpdOpmJ43qog1UpfNOdHyysfzlFr_6OBtcOmKqm4jb5BpxMUReM-HB7kLcZCTmNoUoC971U-mvgMurDvqOVlKmsUpfSA-jnne6mYVPTkg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvWRJV6V71VCdWYIjh8Ayoez6v0tBpu9bj3Y-mwuw0VnL2_IZumGLWHFJOfBBJhdQxbeELUIlLG-do-21wjpdOpmJ43qog1UpfNOdHyysfzlFr_6OBtcOmKqm4jb5BpxMUReM-HB7kLcZCTmNoUoC971U-mvgMurDvqOVlKmsUpfSA-jnne6mYVPTkg/w640-h404/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two Vickers sisters, side by side, with<br />tracks in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dnGxrniN0o4RBw1mOxBUKdrZ0xzkMfLDFcYY76KWLhoRcJw5bvDHfpa-ntfmOSUymz72Pri9-WiCTjD4M6WTca7PoF2yZEw2aJTe-vaiEv_KdMg2Z-5pUBYJm6bQOecCuc-pCv5ixKZCoHqDXKuvi6zWo1ggf0UwbYMHeQxnPIC_GmuJNYmRVtXm5w/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dnGxrniN0o4RBw1mOxBUKdrZ0xzkMfLDFcYY76KWLhoRcJw5bvDHfpa-ntfmOSUymz72Pri9-WiCTjD4M6WTca7PoF2yZEw2aJTe-vaiEv_KdMg2Z-5pUBYJm6bQOecCuc-pCv5ixKZCoHqDXKuvi6zWo1ggf0UwbYMHeQxnPIC_GmuJNYmRVtXm5w/w640-h386/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing this row of rivets for a perfect adaptation<br />of the armored cover of the hull ventilation.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZESJ01MqE4cZbBszvyEFct5d621rYr0hclqy8L9wuZHBvq5hsfEmndJTFznvhs7Y14KSAI5eKEJIKHouTMFyN0acrh_V37T21EAjO8biriJENFJFWGVDjj45oMDF7zp2b1mdvZFi_fVkI-RWAm2M79txAwoauR1HRH-_3ZVp5ZmxjsiILPLOh49ZbQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZESJ01MqE4cZbBszvyEFct5d621rYr0hclqy8L9wuZHBvq5hsfEmndJTFznvhs7Y14KSAI5eKEJIKHouTMFyN0acrh_V37T21EAjO8biriJENFJFWGVDjj45oMDF7zp2b1mdvZFi_fVkI-RWAm2M79txAwoauR1HRH-_3ZVp5ZmxjsiILPLOh49ZbQ/w640-h446/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20058.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Armored covers in position!!!<br />Notice the fenders installed on the sides of the hulls.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The construction of the turret has no mystery. The disappointment is due to the fact that the weapons are not mobile, as the cartridge tray does not move. The mantlet should just be fitted (blue arrow, below) by pression until you install the cartridge tray and position the weapons at the correct elevation.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PYdz2cVV8s0rcI8_2e_GUVQiQzigqH8GfmoQb6rcqcsTTPzUKmyy86RTUkhFarJSUEtatQ2Km4RmLMLO7cSCIrmQ5Z2839Ce_r_DilKYmlmPwn0rOJA2rp3_WfeLaRpFVAxCnGWpNVGgrl_JrVaZCgNAQnxkny6hqjGx6Xu5ei_dCrZiJvAmc_w7rA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PYdz2cVV8s0rcI8_2e_GUVQiQzigqH8GfmoQb6rcqcsTTPzUKmyy86RTUkhFarJSUEtatQ2Km4RmLMLO7cSCIrmQ5Z2839Ce_r_DilKYmlmPwn0rOJA2rp3_WfeLaRpFVAxCnGWpNVGgrl_JrVaZCgNAQnxkny6hqjGx6Xu5ei_dCrZiJvAmc_w7rA/w640-h448/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20059.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret and guns in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The rearview mirror is very fragile and, being prominent, it will be the first piece to be broken when handling the model... To avoid disappointment, replace the plastic rods with metal rods. Prevention is always better than cure!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHXc85-arQI32gWRylWaQNXGRuyeBgoFmqMMyMwl3JLygS2sLJAd8rJgkjGVDjeebnokw13QElnLPIRmN-8x-z5ZqSz2I3KGesveqwK0nQEEc0uDJvWJEstKU8W66eOLc6A25Jhe-7_Sw8I71CxqgxWGXxOCBHFZX1NLm9pvUzOq6wOF2Kd_4q2JyRQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHXc85-arQI32gWRylWaQNXGRuyeBgoFmqMMyMwl3JLygS2sLJAd8rJgkjGVDjeebnokw13QElnLPIRmN-8x-z5ZqSz2I3KGesveqwK0nQEEc0uDJvWJEstKU8W66eOLc6A25Jhe-7_Sw8I71CxqgxWGXxOCBHFZX1NLm9pvUzOq6wOF2Kd_4q2JyRQ/w640-h348/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacing the flimsy plastic with strong metal!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EajSbvy3JWe8mMbd_qHSGA70OkNw_Fl1pXG7jwKYGK5I6bGUELnMxpMSIqujR-X5b1vSOY4jyaYiDUc_c8Jm72nMSBb4GcOgJ3zFv4FE-e-UVREX8o3lwAE__JlO2B7O8CIWMyyUMDO62TXvJRUjnW5XuHbfNt5hFu6cQdPEGZ__gN1ZLZEm_yONmA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EajSbvy3JWe8mMbd_qHSGA70OkNw_Fl1pXG7jwKYGK5I6bGUELnMxpMSIqujR-X5b1vSOY4jyaYiDUc_c8Jm72nMSBb4GcOgJ3zFv4FE-e-UVREX8o3lwAE__JlO2B7O8CIWMyyUMDO62TXvJRUjnW5XuHbfNt5hFu6cQdPEGZ__gN1ZLZEm_yONmA/w640-h434/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And adding details to our model: fancy headlights!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0949mzrEe6qjc6WHMQYX88QrWe3TAteLta2mcQ8tBmNfP5kAocfAItnK4eQsv5Nm-tqgganjH70Vcln4P5gZ_tMmIfeRDlRwPmQRwiUdG7tVTId-80o66sR34yK6NdsI-lr-b0VqqT_FYqortFafkJwaq1xcMTUW6wrifpXsVFmdqZ93POlNrPWs7A/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0949mzrEe6qjc6WHMQYX88QrWe3TAteLta2mcQ8tBmNfP5kAocfAItnK4eQsv5Nm-tqgganjH70Vcln4P5gZ_tMmIfeRDlRwPmQRwiUdG7tVTId-80o66sR34yK6NdsI-lr-b0VqqT_FYqortFafkJwaq1xcMTUW6wrifpXsVFmdqZ93POlNrPWs7A/w640-h422/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, the two sisters, side by side.... wearing details in metal...<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpPtRMHBMthyq2iojXGoRIBynBGSdgOYOCoDihEXi1Z2qYPpyHMZbr8Wl6YcHKgaCEpSqv68atLN4MiRLLFwRatbi3DMrTRkux-_e1gqSKnK03RQS3qgOcoaZfzLzHFr_cusaJlFIHwvWhY9_ezmvAYRm-jPdcghiDS4mT1DeBZ2rFsz84xvZXcs37Q/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpPtRMHBMthyq2iojXGoRIBynBGSdgOYOCoDihEXi1Z2qYPpyHMZbr8Wl6YcHKgaCEpSqv68atLN4MiRLLFwRatbi3DMrTRkux-_e1gqSKnK03RQS3qgOcoaZfzLzHFr_cusaJlFIHwvWhY9_ezmvAYRm-jPdcghiDS4mT1DeBZ2rFsz84xvZXcs37Q/w640-h458/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two sisters, side by side....<br />right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPvxe127nV5zk_6gewym079qDklbQ-kBAN6LbOxgkR4E-0V5xZrDiLEI_waFasV9fwWt_w4jSpPKpzY69VhNptfUZ1FOH1SMdr8VOIuvCLU_n3GuMXGbstti03_JbIqitBE3V8yk4IgkxIyc800tLN0kkgDErV4EnAmOwdvXaYJLEo86NzTxQuSSkCA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPvxe127nV5zk_6gewym079qDklbQ-kBAN6LbOxgkR4E-0V5xZrDiLEI_waFasV9fwWt_w4jSpPKpzY69VhNptfUZ1FOH1SMdr8VOIuvCLU_n3GuMXGbstti03_JbIqitBE3V8yk4IgkxIyc800tLN0kkgDErV4EnAmOwdvXaYJLEo86NzTxQuSSkCA/w640-h380/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two sisters, side by side....<br />rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZS-IPkfIR_lSwSfOaXtILOG-_ZC6VyC29s5AiMac_xDwxblSRVm1FSM2XSfzyWxMq8dm7-R667QzcKJPc3o7As0KtCOKvpJAMNmWZiX3zzkJ5JWkim1x523YWhOS6rz-tGPGOcAoZPbLAIxtBPoffvFFjFmgNHdLS3UQr4AKOQYvbsXvF5fP6jGtsQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZS-IPkfIR_lSwSfOaXtILOG-_ZC6VyC29s5AiMac_xDwxblSRVm1FSM2XSfzyWxMq8dm7-R667QzcKJPc3o7As0KtCOKvpJAMNmWZiX3zzkJ5JWkim1x523YWhOS6rz-tGPGOcAoZPbLAIxtBPoffvFFjFmgNHdLS3UQr4AKOQYvbsXvF5fP6jGtsQ/w640-h384/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20067.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two sisters, side by side....<br />Eeeeeyes left!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">The tubes of the smoke grenade dispensers came with injection defects (parts D25 and D26). Rather than using putty and sanding, let's replace it with plastic tubes from Plastruct</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8g4U_MmcBWy5AkrZLsarsAw0Fxp4Xf7oSLKgpQ4Mayhsbb6m9uobzaKs7X07HCyE23jVyuOWbG1HtJjCpKL7meHKz-FWlLTiGFJROdLb7-83nbMGWU5XnMVuWGGqDliC5C7xL0jsw6nH-O7pm4ZHvBj6nkSKvk_1fYbdaxH54elJPKv-P8bT9nVtHDA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8g4U_MmcBWy5AkrZLsarsAw0Fxp4Xf7oSLKgpQ4Mayhsbb6m9uobzaKs7X07HCyE23jVyuOWbG1HtJjCpKL7meHKz-FWlLTiGFJROdLb7-83nbMGWU5XnMVuWGGqDliC5C7xL0jsw6nH-O7pm4ZHvBj6nkSKvk_1fYbdaxH54elJPKv-P8bT9nVtHDA/w640-h412/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to be lazy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3Bk29rhg0ykTI7WFH2YW2b9iNQNL889CmMnAYmacaMO-bIWdGnUEkjxRKt8fGa3p6BKFzIaqRfG1FTz0Th3_LHZSf4cs5P4IMp6AAnxkWIAvdXz07PMFzmonV0j5tdtLWyEHJ6gcQH9SV2KA36vGG11d7KT9GTC8nOV5Dypn8U1PzCkik3PBqPA2Dw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3Bk29rhg0ykTI7WFH2YW2b9iNQNL889CmMnAYmacaMO-bIWdGnUEkjxRKt8fGa3p6BKFzIaqRfG1FTz0Th3_LHZSf4cs5P4IMp6AAnxkWIAvdXz07PMFzmonV0j5tdtLWyEHJ6gcQH9SV2KA36vGG11d7KT9GTC8nOV5Dypn8U1PzCkik3PBqPA2Dw/w640-h422/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect!!! The King is pleased!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQmYH0WM04N2y1vvqMLvlQdpRdQ7ryd15-TX16xV7LCWmJD1na_ZqwFcxwnxwwfC6NKUQ99nm847HrylnvVSjpY8E8GAP1hFpZ1E808C-73_jr0XgBRUALTFhJC_qh2mhIEPkERpRZQA9qVydboPMTLw3D89krIhfprIVt9s_YYcSbfqfXPaPBgB0XA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1280" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQmYH0WM04N2y1vvqMLvlQdpRdQ7ryd15-TX16xV7LCWmJD1na_ZqwFcxwnxwwfC6NKUQ99nm847HrylnvVSjpY8E8GAP1hFpZ1E808C-73_jr0XgBRUALTFhJC_qh2mhIEPkERpRZQA9qVydboPMTLw3D89krIhfprIVt9s_YYcSbfqfXPaPBgB0XA/w640-h524/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vickers is very nice with those little ears!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiCWVCHWdd88uyle2oyGEXf869VvItF6T8poAF_UUC5QmPWP_frUrqIUAiW7SecctDOeX48Xy15CLZvK3agyGUdXChm8TWIpTDMdsD2qDK7NaZ9weyGJaxAgFvdOKmGepi3S0D726v89IR7h1yfRLeY0HBJtMKVptX8jglYixYFLJlpalLh45WvWj3A/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZiCWVCHWdd88uyle2oyGEXf869VvItF6T8poAF_UUC5QmPWP_frUrqIUAiW7SecctDOeX48Xy15CLZvK3agyGUdXChm8TWIpTDMdsD2qDK7NaZ9weyGJaxAgFvdOKmGepi3S0D726v89IR7h1yfRLeY0HBJtMKVptX8jglYixYFLJlpalLh45WvWj3A/w640-h442/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small details in PE...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ1u4zVU20hjc-XEqlhqMZSdTjYjR4v-otLMswXqySm0Q6H8nd0F1_ixmV_YEisxHz5uov-vFAgsqcS8sJmQubej3ztZRujoCSVxcTrVclUxjQ4cbUs6148jXGjY-3JJqxlI6ZrEPYDRFFjf0yavzS_Yhm1oqIZSZru8J4KGk27aCrdlBnwiudgj8IA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ1u4zVU20hjc-XEqlhqMZSdTjYjR4v-otLMswXqySm0Q6H8nd0F1_ixmV_YEisxHz5uov-vFAgsqcS8sJmQubej3ztZRujoCSVxcTrVclUxjQ4cbUs6148jXGjY-3JJqxlI6ZrEPYDRFFjf0yavzS_Yhm1oqIZSZru8J4KGk27aCrdlBnwiudgj8IA/w640-h434/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute are these light tanks!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3n90ZOVE2oGE0LFHhaEoe1_vmzbyUbpskIcdB5wJUPzrL2ayAkhHqtRFT2FdkzPgfeBBtqrwR1I9wMXA7S4mv9jzm_Ss-iT6RTh1ZYP1B1gY5oR_axTnoc95PjYSFJvzilYXsmFNeoNT2DkN-INqu7O0eUk8q7CWcGvE5sAAR9JPPz6mAfn2pVa3uQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3n90ZOVE2oGE0LFHhaEoe1_vmzbyUbpskIcdB5wJUPzrL2ayAkhHqtRFT2FdkzPgfeBBtqrwR1I9wMXA7S4mv9jzm_Ss-iT6RTh1ZYP1B1gY5oR_axTnoc95PjYSFJvzilYXsmFNeoNT2DkN-INqu7O0eUk8q7CWcGvE5sAAR9JPPz6mAfn2pVa3uQ/w640-h428/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB - rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ61ZRViQpkA-jAyK79L5vfCJhqO7GvsO2LS5Nrt4xt1GfcJWw6JM4egMRHiVW0PLLvoGNI-nHqI0zCZqb7NHtlZ2_nROjbe62RWzwQ61QkyLshrqz99Fjy2QdzDKs3bgM_pEURm97Y5TW3cOQ7BWO_0O5XtCq8Jln8B_2_Ri5FxM5DMPPGSpWVz5sTw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ61ZRViQpkA-jAyK79L5vfCJhqO7GvsO2LS5Nrt4xt1GfcJWw6JM4egMRHiVW0PLLvoGNI-nHqI0zCZqb7NHtlZ2_nROjbe62RWzwQ61QkyLshrqz99Fjy2QdzDKs3bgM_pEURm97Y5TW3cOQ7BWO_0O5XtCq8Jln8B_2_Ri5FxM5DMPPGSpWVz5sTw/w640-h432/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB - left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymc2vizMzCEGvQdpYCUMqL285ZU9TBPJ1wswus2KEC_qMJoF7FIw-Rupd_ZERlCqHbSgaRCSWkqFZmbiU4iy-kX4v8be8M9wi2GxgTbGmepsrO6kFAIelBkkewxWOqxcqrdHxOBoJtY5uDuNMhNlNNjsmwRTN1SdsKFMkUS58gSHxKWyEOGakCifDaA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymc2vizMzCEGvQdpYCUMqL285ZU9TBPJ1wswus2KEC_qMJoF7FIw-Rupd_ZERlCqHbSgaRCSWkqFZmbiU4iy-kX4v8be8M9wi2GxgTbGmepsrO6kFAIelBkkewxWOqxcqrdHxOBoJtY5uDuNMhNlNNjsmwRTN1SdsKFMkUS58gSHxKWyEOGakCifDaA/w640-h408/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB - rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRv5f37obg-vy0wtRTPw5IsOJ6C2ZYg1ikywSG61rij2UDKTlSAhHDpVFwvbWeHJgJp3MrWyjwQkCqaKqjty6asiODPEGLKdAE8wz_JTtjIvh9FgQWbxJ3rPz2XpbzI1kee7efS9zxwi-rWR33AyDMqALyN39C-K4NJIK0E5IPI0LVboxRaYHukMwxw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRv5f37obg-vy0wtRTPw5IsOJ6C2ZYg1ikywSG61rij2UDKTlSAhHDpVFwvbWeHJgJp3MrWyjwQkCqaKqjty6asiODPEGLKdAE8wz_JTtjIvh9FgQWbxJ3rPz2XpbzI1kee7efS9zxwi-rWR33AyDMqALyN39C-K4NJIK0E5IPI0LVboxRaYHukMwxw/w640-h364/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB - right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Nt52Xi8_vHkjW-GaAHID7Ca1tvc1hun-vx8wI6ArMtTdJD8CoD4mzNA0lRI0XzP3K3EW2c63v3_CywZMWtrSAxkRQGv2mqFndz6sLEK0IumWFTWOlAVFtT7biAVP9Z-vLi4ifnjwlX3h9XQ4Lqhaeaez7p9e1HyWCy7XYU--cb1f7a-XxcA2AS56Ag/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Nt52Xi8_vHkjW-GaAHID7Ca1tvc1hun-vx8wI6ArMtTdJD8CoD4mzNA0lRI0XzP3K3EW2c63v3_CywZMWtrSAxkRQGv2mqFndz6sLEK0IumWFTWOlAVFtT7biAVP9Z-vLi4ifnjwlX3h9XQ4Lqhaeaez7p9e1HyWCy7XYU--cb1f7a-XxcA2AS56Ag/w640-h396/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB - ready for painting...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRWb5hCHRo_NheDMMkVRiWHSMAdDsVWDPqAO13eB3M3q_Rtwz2aiJHS99TQQDrHxYIwDfl2MaeC6L0Co2iFoUDZm6t1M2zJLdanXTzk-e3MzKz09DyOodNL_-SWeknMvlUQTr5CCbm5JEPkT9uZQO6bKCCZEYi_jlByULXMjxcsz9T9zPZ2CF095JMg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRWb5hCHRo_NheDMMkVRiWHSMAdDsVWDPqAO13eB3M3q_Rtwz2aiJHS99TQQDrHxYIwDfl2MaeC6L0Co2iFoUDZm6t1M2zJLdanXTzk-e3MzKz09DyOodNL_-SWeknMvlUQTr5CCbm5JEPkT9uZQO6bKCCZEYi_jlByULXMjxcsz9T9zPZ2CF095JMg/w640-h402/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB and <br />Vickers "Ack Ack" Mk II light tank<br />left front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrEdzANxZTXGTjjxY8cg2Td8ZrKAqvX-MKzfsnvUWju3hGHA_sPD2BL9jFytN4yy8xLlrhPWhVdV8OJzRuYiagWg9RR90X4UcivSa7cf8rWEEVZOVyee1LLVuMi-wudxw2OHSuFvR0KOtaWjq9oS2BYE58QZs1SJXzBy-Q2X46UB1Nm8_HkrIHExITA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrEdzANxZTXGTjjxY8cg2Td8ZrKAqvX-MKzfsnvUWju3hGHA_sPD2BL9jFytN4yy8xLlrhPWhVdV8OJzRuYiagWg9RR90X4UcivSa7cf8rWEEVZOVyee1LLVuMi-wudxw2OHSuFvR0KOtaWjq9oS2BYE58QZs1SJXzBy-Q2X46UB1Nm8_HkrIHExITA/w640-h378/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB and <br />Vickers "Ack Ack" Mk II light tank<br /> front right view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Colors & Markings:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Ever since I saw this photo from the <a href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/" target="_blank">Imperial War Museums</a> (O 6779), of a Vickers Mk VIB crew hailing and being hailed by a French farmer, I just loved the scene: It speaks about courtesy, respect, trust... I liked so much so that I used it as the opening of this article...This is a colorized version:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb--NDGQNPsYkiFAjovBTbiGXKL2jA9agw9pD91HxKAbGEcAQTx1IPB1Vez7uspCvNO6ZPheBzywdiHGqTQnu2nfXs9U-s-_wubpxHs-2wFz_Od44PQ3mm-9KaWl_FE-CqGjFIQOGOi8PwiGVFrKdU1YrIPpQ4fPSHIGsdaqR69WPo90eNcrQONiaPA/s1280/Vickers%20and%20farmer%20colorized.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYb--NDGQNPsYkiFAjovBTbiGXKL2jA9agw9pD91HxKAbGEcAQTx1IPB1Vez7uspCvNO6ZPheBzywdiHGqTQnu2nfXs9U-s-_wubpxHs-2wFz_Od44PQ3mm-9KaWl_FE-CqGjFIQOGOi8PwiGVFrKdU1YrIPpQ4fPSHIGsdaqR69WPo90eNcrQONiaPA/w640-h436/Vickers%20and%20farmer%20colorized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French farmer driving a horse-drawn cart salut the crew of<br />Vickers light tank Mk VI B of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13th/18th_Royal_Hussars" target="_blank">13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own)</a>,<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_British_1st_Division_during_the_World_Wars" target="_blank">1st Infantry Division</a>'s Recce Regt, near Arras, 12 October 1939.<br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">colorized from IWM O 679</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> And since it's time for the markings on my kit, I asked myself: What if I reproduced this tank??? Searching through the "Holy Internet", I found this decal set: <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/echelon-fine-details-d356127-vickers-light-tank-mk-vib-pt-2--225447" target="_blank">British Vickers Light tank Mk VIB - pt.2 - D356127</a>) from Echelon Decals, which cover the unit, period and this tank in particular: the T 5112!!! <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Bingo!!!</span></i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15AWbcQ5zQnqssmPrN1uQoUPv5dEvM9K6OXnnM70D0oGYHWyNTdptUYh0hatduLcK-USGEdq2Un8p83S-jTFbBhy3mkqcqNRhhLUD6y1rzKi-apS-PdP2q2qQhJOPhyE5MVvujazv513lFoK8uAmtratvNuhvQsRVR6ElnkequT9h-lfB3qmP3dyNIQ/s1280/Echelon%20decals.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15AWbcQ5zQnqssmPrN1uQoUPv5dEvM9K6OXnnM70D0oGYHWyNTdptUYh0hatduLcK-USGEdq2Un8p83S-jTFbBhy3mkqcqNRhhLUD6y1rzKi-apS-PdP2q2qQhJOPhyE5MVvujazv513lFoK8uAmtratvNuhvQsRVR6ElnkequT9h-lfB3qmP3dyNIQ/w640-h462/Echelon%20decals.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">External part of decal set (<a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/echelon-fine-details-d356127-vickers-light-tank-mk-vib-pt-2--225447" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">D356127</a>) from Echelon Decals.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Vickers MkVIB T-5112, markings from Echelon Decals</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqiZ1a0QSKOcRj9R9gYCYN_AqxfhyA9e6FjsyWMCoKHuH-ZJ6e497sJXwl8UHWRwXhSv-2_P0NVzuBAx4NY0fdcfSq2bOR28pzk_92kpxIkiY7Secv3Hl1qWaKE_6LvJJQQm0NqXMolSokDcQJWuZf5hqVl0p9624-4vyb8qlb65rRsoT9JZ5niCL4w/s1059/digitalizado2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1059" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqiZ1a0QSKOcRj9R9gYCYN_AqxfhyA9e6FjsyWMCoKHuH-ZJ6e497sJXwl8UHWRwXhSv-2_P0NVzuBAx4NY0fdcfSq2bOR28pzk_92kpxIkiY7Secv3Hl1qWaKE_6LvJJQQm0NqXMolSokDcQJWuZf5hqVl0p9624-4vyb8qlb65rRsoT9JZ5niCL4w/w640-h488/digitalizado2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Echelon Decals instructions</span></td></tr></tbody></table> And the Panzerserra's Colors and Markings guide:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7tu0vaCUXdl_wfJQZdJc8Fet25s8QFSbsfWjMv6-TepeFRtAKS0oOhxllLXSYnB4GGKQlAC2dXpaReg0NgSeeXKJmxVOxPb6BM7_ftA-3bOjLQ-jMf7VTMIi9Aemto8oUKppZE6n90d2Wu565Sm6zfwGPH-KDw4_e3qpZVdiTsaGmoeL9imifjfEnA/s1400/Mark%20VIB%20color%20specs.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="1400" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7tu0vaCUXdl_wfJQZdJc8Fet25s8QFSbsfWjMv6-TepeFRtAKS0oOhxllLXSYnB4GGKQlAC2dXpaReg0NgSeeXKJmxVOxPb6BM7_ftA-3bOjLQ-jMf7VTMIi9Aemto8oUKppZE6n90d2Wu565Sm6zfwGPH-KDw4_e3qpZVdiTsaGmoeL9imifjfEnA/w640-h598/Mark%20VIB%20color%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div> Starting the painting...sorry...I lost the pic with primer, but the base color is here:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiv-gMCb79m2pZbUyRea4RpWtYAgEs2LGZ_FXsjjjSZoP1uhIFKARgZI4lJUTt_TQpfIUG6lkNzbAs8hmw5tDFtfOZ9W5fExo5PwdyA5fgCBEPjvWU6irH1l3Z0jCbyxaCAazWGCNbJrYLuUz9yTSCtsG-VVHrTtz8UhM3fWQFHgeIxBEv_K95ySMMw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiv-gMCb79m2pZbUyRea4RpWtYAgEs2LGZ_FXsjjjSZoP1uhIFKARgZI4lJUTt_TQpfIUG6lkNzbAs8hmw5tDFtfOZ9W5fExo5PwdyA5fgCBEPjvWU6irH1l3Z0jCbyxaCAazWGCNbJrYLuUz9yTSCtsG-VVHrTtz8UhM3fWQFHgeIxBEv_K95ySMMw/w640-h416/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shades of Bronze Green<br />Light tank Mk VIB - left front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL_2sYa82XjP5Fdaawc4mGnpjyh4wu-yepenWKN8Sdz8_LB3lymdGlarly-ILaST9mi06vBSUAnxYj0bljiFRsn15yMbvq-nW1Sis-ulB9pddXT2UwuOiQ0vQhDot4OpSTkPSkcFeb2J8xQLJUH99FWsNVFP-Y_7rEmCigYFfX-LHQGnSZ4z6w95-Ew/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL_2sYa82XjP5Fdaawc4mGnpjyh4wu-yepenWKN8Sdz8_LB3lymdGlarly-ILaST9mi06vBSUAnxYj0bljiFRsn15yMbvq-nW1Sis-ulB9pddXT2UwuOiQ0vQhDot4OpSTkPSkcFeb2J8xQLJUH99FWsNVFP-Y_7rEmCigYFfX-LHQGnSZ4z6w95-Ew/w640-h438/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk VIB - left rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM2NLBA2F21a137qe00dR_Vrvqho0TGstzT2tu40bSSEO5qX9_rTucsYcCj8OmYaodT2j2Ky6VGqCIDQjS-1hKwahu-8yc1JIGvgsqTCc_sFiofHhS2w2Nn9IT5fiSj_yy4w_T_WwzDizsAexFYSQdlmvlNskJhqV5wphSAU9dawyZuBQteW8OGVsXQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM2NLBA2F21a137qe00dR_Vrvqho0TGstzT2tu40bSSEO5qX9_rTucsYcCj8OmYaodT2j2Ky6VGqCIDQjS-1hKwahu-8yc1JIGvgsqTCc_sFiofHhS2w2Nn9IT5fiSj_yy4w_T_WwzDizsAexFYSQdlmvlNskJhqV5wphSAU9dawyZuBQteW8OGVsXQ/w640-h374/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk VIB - right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO9tyJUhaKqW6T0DxoNJQE8APS4CbLgEbsN_YRnTKRVi9kJ5aC7nh2Pcz84WmdXsTogW7lzQXDrw9EqKlyqmHfBkU00oM4MFuXgOWuxcTi2TUxC2S7REgxZsXZA623IG7UU3JTwR3oY92cORCJ8DFyQrn0HeRqP19hF6xsMp_IOa05x-3TAivI1_iag/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFO9tyJUhaKqW6T0DxoNJQE8APS4CbLgEbsN_YRnTKRVi9kJ5aC7nh2Pcz84WmdXsTogW7lzQXDrw9EqKlyqmHfBkU00oM4MFuXgOWuxcTi2TUxC2S7REgxZsXZA623IG7UU3JTwR3oY92cORCJ8DFyQrn0HeRqP19hF6xsMp_IOa05x-3TAivI1_iag/w640-h422/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank Mk VIB - right front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwfDamsHeXC2kPJY_xtckOoRa2of1l8g6IC9TL3LoB4GX8oHSlRli3ohPGCAzm7SjHZ6hfwPcQE0pKl3nIV1__MaC6lA7pZ2XsdGfCXchh-JC_XC7otsC4CdO8aBr97nW77zykZWQT0pB9JtFSphH6M__Nxfe_o9uIqgRNo8SmNved2doixwrT-cNNQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwfDamsHeXC2kPJY_xtckOoRa2of1l8g6IC9TL3LoB4GX8oHSlRli3ohPGCAzm7SjHZ6hfwPcQE0pKl3nIV1__MaC6lA7pZ2XsdGfCXchh-JC_XC7otsC4CdO8aBr97nW77zykZWQT0pB9JtFSphH6M__Nxfe_o9uIqgRNo8SmNved2doixwrT-cNNQ/w640-h434/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the decals, after a layer of Pledge<br />Notice the small size of census number...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjgvngcUS7_wA9krsyFZO2W18wkYpYeDAI1CoFqrJVQOKVf5pq2Pdzv6N9ajuEHa1JK9FLS_ERvyMUASy8IQFV8eBiGfU0CvQXYzMJL3EB2cJmnijJ6XETVI_-pFJ5rxHOV19AOuJzdNhp7QW_EBg085ToOcWHC-1AnSwDjuhNK_sj0xQYcvkkdruMg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjgvngcUS7_wA9krsyFZO2W18wkYpYeDAI1CoFqrJVQOKVf5pq2Pdzv6N9ajuEHa1JK9FLS_ERvyMUASy8IQFV8eBiGfU0CvQXYzMJL3EB2cJmnijJ6XETVI_-pFJ5rxHOV19AOuJzdNhp7QW_EBg085ToOcWHC-1AnSwDjuhNK_sj0xQYcvkkdruMg/w640-h412/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markings in the Light tank Mk VIB - rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLy0X7xoclqZvCoIuao_MIOi_E4OYD3nEvjpcG1lUVGLn25vpPsLIlzWQRkzUyd1hl2WRzWKJyx_L8JUVFugKt7KaqJajV-2tgC20dQmb6LgGFTZ4KS1s5pa337tN_rLP6pVjl_EeyJosDUJBHSamic6FOm-w1VDwi8Wc_EuPO1u9ehgikWiYxhr4HA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20108.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLy0X7xoclqZvCoIuao_MIOi_E4OYD3nEvjpcG1lUVGLn25vpPsLIlzWQRkzUyd1hl2WRzWKJyx_L8JUVFugKt7KaqJajV-2tgC20dQmb6LgGFTZ4KS1s5pa337tN_rLP6pVjl_EeyJosDUJBHSamic6FOm-w1VDwi8Wc_EuPO1u9ehgikWiYxhr4HA/w640-h416/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markings in the Light tank Mk VIB<br />right front view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hKUEPgyPoy9SATaxr3Z7A1L-jq0qc5rQX_GfZP0T2GB8uIBRyDSuzj5dwO7065CGwd1_7iXJXy4qoRPGx1vLWmwpnSPzIkPd3G-NlvaZifZP1dEfEUoVI7HlXMhm36x3ZtbmmC_AoPpKYaHkXWSRDLLuhZxEUEamLLUqp3X0JImYQGVOMEUT5LuH3A/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hKUEPgyPoy9SATaxr3Z7A1L-jq0qc5rQX_GfZP0T2GB8uIBRyDSuzj5dwO7065CGwd1_7iXJXy4qoRPGx1vLWmwpnSPzIkPd3G-NlvaZifZP1dEfEUoVI7HlXMhm36x3ZtbmmC_AoPpKYaHkXWSRDLLuhZxEUEamLLUqp3X0JImYQGVOMEUT5LuH3A/w640-h410/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markings in the Light tank Mk VIB<br />front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewG8auUsy1nPfYOs9jdaSOMSAs1ctQ4YZnL-4Tjg8gn9sEuYyIraM8QJYCqAJQeKVCoe_UMLbfwj0e6oJsB9xGKUDtVqumaJa23-YsqwhvApPsjrSkvKKKRI4FUa2kpow34d_jfR4ZpM7HqpPvE0IkUveTL6sKT_DAC7h2NMDGudgFmi4cgL5JrfVmg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewG8auUsy1nPfYOs9jdaSOMSAs1ctQ4YZnL-4Tjg8gn9sEuYyIraM8QJYCqAJQeKVCoe_UMLbfwj0e6oJsB9xGKUDtVqumaJa23-YsqwhvApPsjrSkvKKKRI4FUa2kpow34d_jfR4ZpM7HqpPvE0IkUveTL6sKT_DAC7h2NMDGudgFmi4cgL5JrfVmg/w640-h414/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markings in the Light tank Mk VIB<br />close up front view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyr16PWOfoTyACpvs5_EDknz4ufWf8cBz6oCGIAAiTKsuLRZ8vPobUC_uqg2jP35K25aNwYo2O_Whf3xn-UU7GxufOggszdMs_JHI-unXvcWtwR4cBUduhVLvAjEt2kVKA3y8qiwb9jICUKb6EBqDwHhXkBLWXwiDGDlQPKQlZuReZnowwfsZU3U0Vw/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20116.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyr16PWOfoTyACpvs5_EDknz4ufWf8cBz6oCGIAAiTKsuLRZ8vPobUC_uqg2jP35K25aNwYo2O_Whf3xn-UU7GxufOggszdMs_JHI-unXvcWtwR4cBUduhVLvAjEt2kVKA3y8qiwb9jICUKb6EBqDwHhXkBLWXwiDGDlQPKQlZuReZnowwfsZU3U0Vw/w640-h338/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20116.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After sealing the decals with matte varnish, let's start the weathering...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMQcUSwOi_BEP1DhFDU46atNf1l8fal8cdUKxnPrDw0VIDv1qf8gj1CYo97xR9WxB8qHR3SVPSX5r6rFQ8gIUkKzQt2RJjozZgVUagyfGzEKLLRSyuuW-aNurXohz7fD5WN8X_o8Wrcvkvdg8J0N2u5dJutJ083hX_zDGqOeXql2yQwwpoL74TEImeA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMQcUSwOi_BEP1DhFDU46atNf1l8fal8cdUKxnPrDw0VIDv1qf8gj1CYo97xR9WxB8qHR3SVPSX5r6rFQ8gIUkKzQt2RJjozZgVUagyfGzEKLLRSyuuW-aNurXohz7fD5WN8X_o8Wrcvkvdg8J0N2u5dJutJ083hX_zDGqOeXql2yQwwpoL74TEImeA/w640-h412/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20117.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weathering will not be intense, as these<br />vehicles have just arrived in France...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vGuro9ExjyYQgElj6H78TH0e4Txm0fBvnpLCSz6ZocqDTtk6XItBXeAYEI_5AHp1ojviZjD1nTGYeEmZrnXkPVrkrOnEYpTfMvWkzpsRiyuE3XMoJVOrSQ2Xtt0GFuFJbx02L0NKwWFg5duA7AfOvpQpQIROGV903BY9cPddE-pUL2GqoZt9y9GcKA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20118.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vGuro9ExjyYQgElj6H78TH0e4Txm0fBvnpLCSz6ZocqDTtk6XItBXeAYEI_5AHp1ojviZjD1nTGYeEmZrnXkPVrkrOnEYpTfMvWkzpsRiyuE3XMoJVOrSQ2Xtt0GFuFJbx02L0NKwWFg5duA7AfOvpQpQIROGV903BY9cPddE-pUL2GqoZt9y9GcKA/w640-h412/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4Yyej8Mw6uHkz_EN5_A2prXzubwoH_wj9VY9jFdF4HvtsXSiQ9bEFxj4gIZfVsyL9VFOs4Vzfo8arjHYjenjMYOiYcwO4rG8rUMj6-pOwO0TNB0e7sABXgBWC4TQGdzc4JgUaV2AWDjkzJwt1HjYgUGZfxUYtMiAQlQ3kVdhWXU1n7h9o2Vwf1oMpg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20119.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4Yyej8Mw6uHkz_EN5_A2prXzubwoH_wj9VY9jFdF4HvtsXSiQ9bEFxj4gIZfVsyL9VFOs4Vzfo8arjHYjenjMYOiYcwO4rG8rUMj6-pOwO0TNB0e7sABXgBWC4TQGdzc4JgUaV2AWDjkzJwt1HjYgUGZfxUYtMiAQlQ3kVdhWXU1n7h9o2Vwf1oMpg/w640-h406/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20119.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers light tank Mk VIB...<br />these little tanks are very cool!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLLX0uc9bL0a5qdn70k8TFJnRPfSuXsSbJ8BqeT-MLNCm4Tidw9FGJGQrp4PnskjnRCXKON2IeSUz6Pdf1-9Dh9xSvfSVtg9Am0J8B1x8EFEcnx0xp2CZoFjGYJhrYhNDDvF3vZ5ip4sBAEtzHfuqtQ4Asv8EtlgwpV5MIn-UjefWM_ondO_qglbHDg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20130.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLLX0uc9bL0a5qdn70k8TFJnRPfSuXsSbJ8BqeT-MLNCm4Tidw9FGJGQrp4PnskjnRCXKON2IeSUz6Pdf1-9Dh9xSvfSVtg9Am0J8B1x8EFEcnx0xp2CZoFjGYJhrYhNDDvF3vZ5ip4sBAEtzHfuqtQ4Asv8EtlgwpV5MIn-UjefWM_ondO_qglbHDg/w640-h422/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to add a set of roll bags to the rear rack of the tank.<br /><a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear</a> to the rescue!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6YqguFFK2XO9pt5tvYBor5wAYkiK87wD6u5zbEr1-Bo4BQTLqFw17ZkKFfQGQWwX_1-b_wUp9orDy1ft0AruVZZn30bf1X07Oz2HqzhiCKz9ygVY_aOEahDhSvZC9MmH3_vpnCov4ujdTHUjil_jU2eDUuSVkTUcxx5eTXUoTicKmOIjA8C00aLWPA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6YqguFFK2XO9pt5tvYBor5wAYkiK87wD6u5zbEr1-Bo4BQTLqFw17ZkKFfQGQWwX_1-b_wUp9orDy1ft0AruVZZn30bf1X07Oz2HqzhiCKz9ygVY_aOEahDhSvZC9MmH3_vpnCov4ujdTHUjil_jU2eDUuSVkTUcxx5eTXUoTicKmOIjA8C00aLWPA/w640-h398/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the Value Gear kit adaptation...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_UdxFxWlaKVgjcESRpYlgYKxA2CrAlGVrGazl_auFvPmVVyn0SaDX3-PdqrtaC19Afh8P2_CcZRZ17xvqJsSeMDHBCmuOte6D_WduMuxmlsDp_tbxWevhdqXa_eBYTwB9HGxfjDz4zm5VvIVF0jfaHgFmtd__102N5Ndf3s1Iy1oTEoIbomP9p6SbQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_UdxFxWlaKVgjcESRpYlgYKxA2CrAlGVrGazl_auFvPmVVyn0SaDX3-PdqrtaC19Afh8P2_CcZRZ17xvqJsSeMDHBCmuOte6D_WduMuxmlsDp_tbxWevhdqXa_eBYTwB9HGxfjDz4zm5VvIVF0jfaHgFmtd__102N5Ndf3s1Iy1oTEoIbomP9p6SbQ/w640-h372/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And applying the primer on this and<br />other roll bags from other projects...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRtmiAqJ4Uj_yEfrYuTGr6GqnNQ-P6HN7lm-VlVDbGhpRiNyol7fL31WKNqJehl6dlIvWi4FHJbZ_znAkamOQRK9SmFBA6fYueMZ3VSIYX4dzJhkQXhxlNN7I-7maNJBo_rFW-ZlId0m47gZbNwks9yPxOscRXx4wauGqScYKcK8p-wQQJIgL05h00A/s1024/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="1024" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRtmiAqJ4Uj_yEfrYuTGr6GqnNQ-P6HN7lm-VlVDbGhpRiNyol7fL31WKNqJehl6dlIvWi4FHJbZ_znAkamOQRK9SmFBA6fYueMZ3VSIYX4dzJhkQXhxlNN7I-7maNJBo_rFW-ZlId0m47gZbNwks9yPxOscRXx4wauGqScYKcK8p-wQQJIgL05h00A/w640-h214/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20131b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roll Bags for the two Vickers light tanks, painted...</td></tr></tbody></table></i></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> And finally, after all details glued and checked, our little girl is ready: This is Light tank MkVI B, sporting the markings of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13th/18th_Royal_Hussars" target="_blank">13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary Own)</a>, attached to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_British_1st_Division_during_the_World_Wars" target="_blank">1st Infantry Division</a>, British Expeditionary Force (BEF). She's camping in Arras, Battle of France, in October, 1939.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTV56lkbQOTmiyXkrSFCI4mDS3rnygISvSFDxeaGO-gcphQ3cUHo_D2dfw18uqvE0wwpopkZ-qxIzLlcDvBUx86047TzDHPvxCyQW8WTo21aAeX2Myf4V8C1I-4fvNmqjIC3mfbSmhKa78dEXnnAdGyvSi4Pu0s3VtmF9lDombfXKG7KqbirYlJWpLA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20146.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTV56lkbQOTmiyXkrSFCI4mDS3rnygISvSFDxeaGO-gcphQ3cUHo_D2dfw18uqvE0wwpopkZ-qxIzLlcDvBUx86047TzDHPvxCyQW8WTo21aAeX2Myf4V8C1I-4fvNmqjIC3mfbSmhKa78dEXnnAdGyvSi4Pu0s3VtmF9lDombfXKG7KqbirYlJWpLA/w640-h462/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B - 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary Own)<br />1st Infantry Division - British Expeditionary Force (BEF). <br />Arras - France - October, 1939</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY2ICwzvJk9_tNycVcHBmhgWtfUjbM50rE3LHhegNdptTxsjRigZZLXLRuiSWTHbJIZqzGiCTIL_U-SdKTAEJMSBZG9bVOHnRk5_WO4s4Mw89iSsctrzq0QGjaEbR64uKWHLnRae1ngfXfCpAxI2HOZNtedP_qes-uYzRTjTNGlr1bQHjWxBf5NyfUA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20153.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY2ICwzvJk9_tNycVcHBmhgWtfUjbM50rE3LHhegNdptTxsjRigZZLXLRuiSWTHbJIZqzGiCTIL_U-SdKTAEJMSBZG9bVOHnRk5_WO4s4Mw89iSsctrzq0QGjaEbR64uKWHLnRae1ngfXfCpAxI2HOZNtedP_qes-uYzRTjTNGlr1bQHjWxBf5NyfUA/w640-h450/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20153.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5k7K5xoKdVvkQ4wy1d0glMLiv0ZjAltx5Cz_TViFyxvD3a-DMXFBELebDVtgGXPeHhGiOjgpFac6EfeO_gxb_qDWMb0EcbT62ll5mUPRX-cwKiMCZVHLbjUgQ1K4GPOL0eETit0TNY8WNbeRkOY7Agkm0kDfXyZdF3L012X4KqQkRf1jPin6P02tBQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5k7K5xoKdVvkQ4wy1d0glMLiv0ZjAltx5Cz_TViFyxvD3a-DMXFBELebDVtgGXPeHhGiOjgpFac6EfeO_gxb_qDWMb0EcbT62ll5mUPRX-cwKiMCZVHLbjUgQ1K4GPOL0eETit0TNY8WNbeRkOY7Agkm0kDfXyZdF3L012X4KqQkRf1jPin6P02tBQ/w640-h446/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B<br />right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgwh0LdpHD30SDfctI1HHl9VGVFD-PAZ_vIijDYZJLA17LqXGvrAYWMt97HUy5hU50CHLDk_pYF0qnCVWCOyHrzp41qtcxc8s6MttYfFVc_HG5V_yxAuDiuAvo51UrDx9ucvri1WmYioLn07qym_RbU_Fl2652lZrXXkHyMwQz6r5ujMO3WXK9mhmsQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgwh0LdpHD30SDfctI1HHl9VGVFD-PAZ_vIijDYZJLA17LqXGvrAYWMt97HUy5hU50CHLDk_pYF0qnCVWCOyHrzp41qtcxc8s6MttYfFVc_HG5V_yxAuDiuAvo51UrDx9ucvri1WmYioLn07qym_RbU_Fl2652lZrXXkHyMwQz6r5ujMO3WXK9mhmsQ/w640-h404/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20150.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWD-2YAOc8N9AzvwRv9WMAh4A8_ZkiFqKY9qgBRV7-KaTy1Izldp7aU4nbz-bkdK25TNASx_VBczwfYmOlJCavvpurbpnudPMDTPenQP481QI2wShCfMoW-M98eHTofmBWmkcJpUgNq8EkVb-cFOFRGZW0BhEaG71JYq9YGjZcB0fJbhwhzKd9os9hg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20149.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWD-2YAOc8N9AzvwRv9WMAh4A8_ZkiFqKY9qgBRV7-KaTy1Izldp7aU4nbz-bkdK25TNASx_VBczwfYmOlJCavvpurbpnudPMDTPenQP481QI2wShCfMoW-M98eHTofmBWmkcJpUgNq8EkVb-cFOFRGZW0BhEaG71JYq9YGjZcB0fJbhwhzKd9os9hg/w640-h478/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20149.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt2z8O6Grxn7RY6VPxQ_pSD__xPwpRAmQQaGBOqguZUXbWgoKRJMyG7XXLlM2pw5sbMPgETs3_sQZ_kfHtL2_6iVumAhYy8_beDhMGoB0CUph12SWh4OAf9yvHfE2bhewWdbJYmszc24JTbhf6hYkoigzLp-lCKqkiLAAxLMiek3JLEB8hWAnXU9NJg/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20148a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGt2z8O6Grxn7RY6VPxQ_pSD__xPwpRAmQQaGBOqguZUXbWgoKRJMyG7XXLlM2pw5sbMPgETs3_sQZ_kfHtL2_6iVumAhYy8_beDhMGoB0CUph12SWh4OAf9yvHfE2bhewWdbJYmszc24JTbhf6hYkoigzLp-lCKqkiLAAxLMiek3JLEB8hWAnXU9NJg/w640-h478/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20148a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgse-3YMt-9aMDEJxKHwZyX2lPfXDgdYZFKxIE6quIhbXFwyY6ICItWYMPFiPaRdPZxn77rtq6lIrdSW5MvQaWn78V8SZ3A_rLcjvL1mQHtNd_xRqYMdQzxd-FxFA7kY94mx2fLrSKkvHOHhr4icPDgikCLj-YVCW84SxDOLOenv5qV1TUyOg-sof05RA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20148.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgse-3YMt-9aMDEJxKHwZyX2lPfXDgdYZFKxIE6quIhbXFwyY6ICItWYMPFiPaRdPZxn77rtq6lIrdSW5MvQaWn78V8SZ3A_rLcjvL1mQHtNd_xRqYMdQzxd-FxFA7kY94mx2fLrSKkvHOHhr4icPDgikCLj-YVCW84SxDOLOenv5qV1TUyOg-sof05RA/w640-h394/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> left view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sc1zzBCCOgYwVFp1Oc7SE1AyFvOrtsdE3w3TuOv5CzcJY2jI35csU1mK6MCCNPLJBPUGPZHt8zyi9ERCc5SO_qAPAHwdyrsUOCU-PXSkCcbJtf1aOcpPbWchrxhWLeqZCM_byep-Hoo04mkjMQAPrAxoh7ImOKYzp-J3ti-yDkRXJv3pQDHasQRG9A/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20147b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Sc1zzBCCOgYwVFp1Oc7SE1AyFvOrtsdE3w3TuOv5CzcJY2jI35csU1mK6MCCNPLJBPUGPZHt8zyi9ERCc5SO_qAPAHwdyrsUOCU-PXSkCcbJtf1aOcpPbWchrxhWLeqZCM_byep-Hoo04mkjMQAPrAxoh7ImOKYzp-J3ti-yDkRXJv3pQDHasQRG9A/w640-h488/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20147b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">front left view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ8LpEP06MP3RnCXdweFNYEjGmbI98gK8tD_w3itBKhFXiWvySCOKmV1NxFU9ygZX-ueZPl3ZCzba71fincWT4ENmzC6X8e6xBu9TQTYb6ICkTuY8GfmpFfi3UpqhRnoreheBdvpZxsJvHJ8hC38MAelcFOWGDNTBTc2SauhRth2EC6i0rZWorGpSDA/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20147.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZ8LpEP06MP3RnCXdweFNYEjGmbI98gK8tD_w3itBKhFXiWvySCOKmV1NxFU9ygZX-ueZPl3ZCzba71fincWT4ENmzC6X8e6xBu9TQTYb6ICkTuY8GfmpFfi3UpqhRnoreheBdvpZxsJvHJ8hC38MAelcFOWGDNTBTc2SauhRth2EC6i0rZWorGpSDA/w640-h402/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm small, but I'm proud!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLhDJb5CFvd0_Usv5xqailo3tAiHBGw_1JD6SwJ7QWizvMQ6-D2AXHe6BBri2Kgz6O1yjmVL6RXPPFRKt3ipbB4jq0qVeHYiGZpdtsmJqsmEuBDiZSxjRTDb7RbgQxK-TORtGaON7yOLCuBWUhh_QxOIXUxTfO892WwER5FNonT8LCZ2L636LBPP46Q/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20155.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLhDJb5CFvd0_Usv5xqailo3tAiHBGw_1JD6SwJ7QWizvMQ6-D2AXHe6BBri2Kgz6O1yjmVL6RXPPFRKt3ipbB4jq0qVeHYiGZpdtsmJqsmEuBDiZSxjRTDb7RbgQxK-TORtGaON7yOLCuBWUhh_QxOIXUxTfO892WwER5FNonT8LCZ2L636LBPP46Q/w640-h410/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20155.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">with Kojak.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNuLWtDhnqlkhT_b6_LjcZ27D_WSDG_r0uOQbtU8Mu19k3MmbOla-8RVTsqm9cCIlfuwvGjjbL--cvnUd0EHJN7T8mibA5ZRiELKipru3-lO3g-KtBaOjc7CD6tCctVPwLj-g0mM7rlk-mZozhznduU99isMM5BEsSXEEwif_TuMkT_NRHijCNTts6A/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20154.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNuLWtDhnqlkhT_b6_LjcZ27D_WSDG_r0uOQbtU8Mu19k3MmbOla-8RVTsqm9cCIlfuwvGjjbL--cvnUd0EHJN7T8mibA5ZRiELKipru3-lO3g-KtBaOjc7CD6tCctVPwLj-g0mM7rlk-mZozhznduU99isMM5BEsSXEEwif_TuMkT_NRHijCNTts6A/w640-h434/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20154.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Light tank MkVI B</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">and the bald one!!!<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRirKQO_JjDpGd-ZIsPPeoouvWb5hQQqPWs6q2ZrvwN9QDbkcGLz0wLykNMHHdsFxj69Ga-XlGotzX9lxrfGNjVyi2RN4esqL6jzedg8CzpaD3R7s0pJzcS7XS7o95nEAX7osMn3btwsoE5UNJti8oMYN9RuPkhijMvmKv6Qfe_KNOf6ywYtVBOU0hQ/s1280/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRirKQO_JjDpGd-ZIsPPeoouvWb5hQQqPWs6q2ZrvwN9QDbkcGLz0wLykNMHHdsFxj69Ga-XlGotzX9lxrfGNjVyi2RN4esqL6jzedg8CzpaD3R7s0pJzcS7XS7o95nEAX7osMn3btwsoE5UNJti8oMYN9RuPkhijMvmKv6Qfe_KNOf6ywYtVBOU0hQ/w640-h372/Vickers%20Mk%20VI%20145.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Light tank MkVI B - 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary Own)</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">1st Infantry Division - British Expeditionary Force (BEF).</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">Arras - France - October, 1939</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>New projects are on the horizon...</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuNtEVA0BKPEPXXNx5ia3-s5VGQ3XeQcg-L62NRGGyzOckxFih1qXjiCZRB4D9X1WL5tuKTZsC_DA0Gav20OgYFNzlK2eh6YMJAl_O1On-wAxdSq7o2T4LTnS9gR1YboRXZlGBhD8yaC99NvVLKoyob5TKEYXE1REFudoRmYFsW2zWu-eNr7eXjR6uQ/s1280/crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%201st%20Fife%20and%20Forfar%20Yeomanry%20attached%20to%2051st%20Division,%2019%20March%201940%20joke.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuNtEVA0BKPEPXXNx5ia3-s5VGQ3XeQcg-L62NRGGyzOckxFih1qXjiCZRB4D9X1WL5tuKTZsC_DA0Gav20OgYFNzlK2eh6YMJAl_O1On-wAxdSq7o2T4LTnS9gR1YboRXZlGBhD8yaC99NvVLKoyob5TKEYXE1REFudoRmYFsW2zWu-eNr7eXjR6uQ/w640-h484/crew%20of%20a%20Light%20Tank%20Mk%20VI%20of%201st%20Fife%20and%20Forfar%20Yeomanry%20attached%20to%2051st%20Division,%2019%20March%201940%20joke.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The crew of a Light tank Mk VI of 1st Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">attached to 51st Division - France, 19 March 1940.</span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;">modified from IWM photo</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-67408024768299906752022-12-01T07:40:00.039-03:002023-03-18T14:05:11.751-03:00Char léger FCM 36 - french light infantry tank - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Allons enfants de la patrie</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">le jour de gloire est arrivé!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The FCM 36 was a French light infantry tank, created in the interwar period. Its concept and design can be considered progressive and modern for the time: it was the first tank (before the famous T34) with sloped armor to be put into production. While other French tanks and most other countries were mounted with screws or rivets, the FCM brought its armor almost completely welded. Furthermore, the FCM 36 had a diesel engine, which increased the operating range and minimized the risk of fire. But unfortunately, because it was so innovative, it was very expensive and few were built. We can say that the <i><b>Char léger FCM 36</b></i> was ahead of its time... Come with me to meet this nice girl.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM7cV1MQp2IZQrEdb5YStEN52xzfWM_fKQpRdiLxOFBM3cqbuXRSftvByDu7OOq82FFNjac5cKFFTQ7Jt-fdy91WclPo-LrmdnhP8RJQcu54Zi0HMWsomfr87FoM8IrxADwDW2rPl3Kl3eJx4cLNBv_ec_AkdhlhpgKEQ-XH2lov4kTaMLg0kVR6LbA/s1680/fcm%2036%20big%20pin%20up4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1680" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM7cV1MQp2IZQrEdb5YStEN52xzfWM_fKQpRdiLxOFBM3cqbuXRSftvByDu7OOq82FFNjac5cKFFTQ7Jt-fdy91WclPo-LrmdnhP8RJQcu54Zi0HMWsomfr87FoM8IrxADwDW2rPl3Kl3eJx4cLNBv_ec_AkdhlhpgKEQ-XH2lov4kTaMLg0kVR6LbA/w640-h400/fcm%2036%20big%20pin%20up4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCFXKNzX-_86bAgt-5B9fk9LASINU81ibsyWuExy7oHiTBoy63uiLcX5DdmtaYPBAr_B-_r0QEmfWRnKnS3p-oRZ0TuDqkKkOWrGa6FU3HeFFrR8N14Fjp1UTwB1B3OW-flVrUy9RtEjkk8-ElklpshxqCKrJmG_M2IzGg3X_HcwlNKQVkQt5Lv_v0A/s1400/FCM%2036%20of%20I-503%20RCC%20november%201938,%20Paris.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1400" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCFXKNzX-_86bAgt-5B9fk9LASINU81ibsyWuExy7oHiTBoy63uiLcX5DdmtaYPBAr_B-_r0QEmfWRnKnS3p-oRZ0TuDqkKkOWrGa6FU3HeFFrR8N14Fjp1UTwB1B3OW-flVrUy9RtEjkk8-ElklpshxqCKrJmG_M2IzGg3X_HcwlNKQVkQt5Lv_v0A/w640-h350/FCM%2036%20of%20I-503%20RCC%20november%201938,%20Paris.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 light tanks of the I-503 RCC (later 7e BCC)<br />Parade of November, 1938 - Paris - France</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The<b> FCM 36</b> or <b><i>Char léger Modèle 1936 FCM</i></b>, was a light infantry tank that was designed for the French Army prior to World War II. It weighed around 12 tons and was powered by a 91 hp diesel engine. Like many tanks of the time, had a crew of two and was equipped with a short 37 mm main gun and a 7.5 mm coaxial machine gun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Development:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1933 the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_et_Cie">Hotchkiss</a> company proposed to build a cheap mass-produced light infantry tank. In reaction to this proposal the French Army invited the whole of French industry to offer alternative designs. In the end three of the competing prototypes would be taken into production: the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_H35">Hotchkiss H35</a>, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_R35">Renault R35</a> and the FCM 36.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoCMserPCbrBKO6OAeoQJIQEVKe_3XrgUvKOCeEi8X4uee4l3lkyoiDv86GW2X_Pzam-dcy7kYbFw2jYQjjY15o3jUzM2Sx4v8FVNdOCJ2cw5Gua4lb7rdUGN9gQpyRqjZHL2Kd1QP_5lXiGQREEtkdF4IoI75Rd7-vdJDfrlzGwNacBPSdg00m7tZA/s928/Hotchkiss%20light%20tank%20prototype%201,%20January%201935.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="928" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoCMserPCbrBKO6OAeoQJIQEVKe_3XrgUvKOCeEi8X4uee4l3lkyoiDv86GW2X_Pzam-dcy7kYbFw2jYQjjY15o3jUzM2Sx4v8FVNdOCJ2cw5Gua4lb7rdUGN9gQpyRqjZHL2Kd1QP_5lXiGQREEtkdF4IoI75Rd7-vdJDfrlzGwNacBPSdg00m7tZA/w640-h418/Hotchkiss%20light%20tank%20prototype%201,%20January%201935.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1st prototype of a Hotchkiss light tank (2 were built).<br />No turreted - bolted casting armour <br />January - 1935.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmI7OxcUZ9fraVzN2qbU9AZHSy99diUX1ZdU1KUOrA8w1iXo8bC4GEC23mXavAyyiXVKz7d99BpUG2zDVj_yp93rSPKud19dxzZAbMElOeYB3E8trUEYoQN897dFf0gH3lPNaii8PsXzyBnfB_2EzFnsrxRQ45lCO7ZmqWv7Vx5VWIPu5gmXRXNjTuA/s1280/Hotchkiss%20light%20tank%20third%20prototype%20received%20a%20new%20upper%20hull%20and%20an%20early%20APX%20R%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYmI7OxcUZ9fraVzN2qbU9AZHSy99diUX1ZdU1KUOrA8w1iXo8bC4GEC23mXavAyyiXVKz7d99BpUG2zDVj_yp93rSPKud19dxzZAbMElOeYB3E8trUEYoQN897dFf0gH3lPNaii8PsXzyBnfB_2EzFnsrxRQ45lCO7ZmqWv7Vx5VWIPu5gmXRXNjTuA/w640-h398/Hotchkiss%20light%20tank%20third%20prototype%20received%20a%20new%20upper%20hull%20and%20an%20early%20APX%20R%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 3rd Hotchkiss prototype received a new<br />upper hull and an early APX R turret.<br /> and the same six small road wheels per side,<br />coupled into 3 bogeys.<br />July - 1935</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqt-S3lv80eiG2I6VilFfhgPYxMsP6z3pMb7Grl1DXS6QzdDa5iJl7_A8GeDW67QE4Y2G4C9cOSVBLpIlk4wiDb6L74G4JjAizlU5i_ymyzLRA85pXp6_Jp4qLDhc-nMdIGVDESp5841n0dW1P-kQ2P0tVax1YN3fIPZi8l9u2_-7jWqd4hvZJP4plw/s1280/Renault%20ZM%20prototype%20on%20trials%20late%201934..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqt-S3lv80eiG2I6VilFfhgPYxMsP6z3pMb7Grl1DXS6QzdDa5iJl7_A8GeDW67QE4Y2G4C9cOSVBLpIlk4wiDb6L74G4JjAizlU5i_ymyzLRA85pXp6_Jp4qLDhc-nMdIGVDESp5841n0dW1P-kQ2P0tVax1YN3fIPZi8l9u2_-7jWqd4hvZJP4plw/w640-h358/Renault%20ZM%20prototype%20on%20trials%20late%201934..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Renault ZM prototype (father of Renault R-35) on trials</div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the turret with two machine guns and 3 bogeys with 5 road wheels</div><div style="text-align: center;">late 1934.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmXlUBgcg_7UjyXGD-ENKudo0MOw_GzMxGXzch7Wog9L3xK5NPbZ4MwCBxrX15O6pbO4VNQs0a6rz9nzSxCwY67e_f1fllH8elx4o5-6eXwh2u-cz4-PwmFXnZL1rvM_JdSy3RAFkknuHwXkYoc48Zyox3dwVcaoalYNfNH0Fkmoyj9jPeoGUd5DOmw/s1280/Renault%20R35%20first%20version.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1280" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmXlUBgcg_7UjyXGD-ENKudo0MOw_GzMxGXzch7Wog9L3xK5NPbZ4MwCBxrX15O6pbO4VNQs0a6rz9nzSxCwY67e_f1fllH8elx4o5-6eXwh2u-cz4-PwmFXnZL1rvM_JdSy3RAFkknuHwXkYoc48Zyox3dwVcaoalYNfNH0Fkmoyj9jPeoGUd5DOmw/w640-h490/Renault%20R35%20first%20version.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Renault ZM pilot modified with new APX-R turret, <br />seen here in this R-35 pre-series configuration.<br />The numerous rectangular shapes bolted to the hull are<br />test weights to simulate the actual weight of a production tank.<br />December - 1934.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <i><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forges_et_Chantiers_de_la_M%C3%A9diterran%C3%A9e">Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée</a> (FCM)</b></i>, located at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toulon">Toulon</a>, had some previous experience with tank production as it had constructed the ten giant <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_2C">Char 2C</a> tanks in 1921 and had been involved in the development of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Char_B1">Char B1</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK5b9v_QUs5hcPGicP3mUZxQTBCV4_hYHZJmOnQ0VSxtX5ktwejCsmenTki5FgjHysNLbWilWPRxukTEpKJHNdb3_n-e2VCB0OvTfR4UTdQwGEeaEdsHtAfiJzAY9FZOX97EU2j7Dyh93/s1280/Char+2c+009+90+Poitou.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK5b9v_QUs5hcPGicP3mUZxQTBCV4_hYHZJmOnQ0VSxtX5ktwejCsmenTki5FgjHysNLbWilWPRxukTEpKJHNdb3_n-e2VCB0OvTfR4UTdQwGEeaEdsHtAfiJzAY9FZOX97EU2j7Dyh93/w640-h480/Char+2c+009+90+Poitou.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Char 2C 90 (10) Poitou heavy tank<br />See more <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20FCM%202C%20-%20Super-heavy%20French%20tank" target="_blank">here</a>, in Panzerserra Bunker</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1mPDW8Iso_ovVqjkLQfTCdUZoHbVza_oxVthLepq1seJj5GNihZxB-xeX_QOuDtItuosBEzMECDbCbsc7itXT_OccNDl9bVC-HFpGxfCZwfRuScE5lGc60Ju7FnpQnqxALM7SZrSyiof/s1280/B1+Flandres.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1mPDW8Iso_ovVqjkLQfTCdUZoHbVza_oxVthLepq1seJj5GNihZxB-xeX_QOuDtItuosBEzMECDbCbsc7itXT_OccNDl9bVC-HFpGxfCZwfRuScE5lGc60Ju7FnpQnqxALM7SZrSyiof/w640-h376/B1+Flandres.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20B1%20French%20heavy%20tank" target="_blank">Char B1</a> - FLANDRES (128) heavy tank</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Engineer Bourdot, who had designed the suspension of the Char B, was ordered to create a modern tank design taking full advantage of the large electro-welding capacity of the wharf. In March 1934 he presented a wooden mock-up that was approved by the Army. On 2 April 1935 the prototype was delivered to the Commission de Vincennes, with a turret equipped with a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puteaux_SA_18" target="_blank">Puteaux SA 18<b style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </b>37mm gun</a> and 7.5 mm MAC31 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reibel_machine_gun">Reibel machine gun</a> coaxial. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejee2CUQamFxib6FZUZ4vEdZs9F4Mn3DHjySW8-KXGnw20dUwV3fyv_Hp7mqBblLFefGaFm-jYWvQajPpdF4CF-F-I1WqwrzjSOxJ_EV4DiFx5uB7dagEUZYlJJtLjExHio3KphsSeLO7pcRTpCgA_WAKuCF9wtVo7Kzqf8xAkD7lghpEffRnPcSbhg/s1280/FCM%2036%20prototype.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejee2CUQamFxib6FZUZ4vEdZs9F4Mn3DHjySW8-KXGnw20dUwV3fyv_Hp7mqBblLFefGaFm-jYWvQajPpdF4CF-F-I1WqwrzjSOxJ_EV4DiFx5uB7dagEUZYlJJtLjExHio3KphsSeLO7pcRTpCgA_WAKuCF9wtVo7Kzqf8xAkD7lghpEffRnPcSbhg/w640-h388/FCM%2036%20prototype.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First prototype for FCM 36 light tank:<br />Tracteur RN3 prototype no. 1<br />Notice the sloped armour<br />April - 1935</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The commission was quite impressed by the vehicle, especially because of its welded <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloped_armour">sloped armour</a> and the use of a diesel engine promising a good range. It was a bit heavier than the specified nine metric tons at 10,168 kgs. However the prototype was untestable because of mechanical problems. After the first evaluation had been finished on 9 June it was sent back to the manufacturer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In fact FCM had not tested the prototype itself yet; this was now done and many shortcomings became apparent. As a result, the vehicle was completely redesigned with a new and lighter hull and turret configuration, suspension and track. The roof of the engine compartment was now bolted on to ease replacement. On 10 September it was again sent to Vincennes only to be sent back on 23 October to have its suspension reinforced. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFpSCmRRRC1LOVv4W_u5x3-2-qc0vDC3dkRBcPHAVpjeVSCqws_2AWS9GpkaTz1rfzmQsa_5iUdXoiFklfdoSUE6J-NbXfl0VPGSPgvSZbYMUv4SxrCFPwlyY1VQiaYZ3jHB21MtLj73yYpmcsAV0ryLbUCGquDubEGLl9rKwAkSIi2Xr6uVrPhip8Q/s1280/2nd%20prototype%20Tracteur%20RN3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFpSCmRRRC1LOVv4W_u5x3-2-qc0vDC3dkRBcPHAVpjeVSCqws_2AWS9GpkaTz1rfzmQsa_5iUdXoiFklfdoSUE6J-NbXfl0VPGSPgvSZbYMUv4SxrCFPwlyY1VQiaYZ3jHB21MtLj73yYpmcsAV0ryLbUCGquDubEGLl9rKwAkSIi2Xr6uVrPhip8Q/w640-h436/2nd%20prototype%20Tracteur%20RN3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd prototype of the Tracteur RN3<br />Notice the sloped welded armour, new turret design<br />and new tracks, with better grip.<br />September - 1935<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> On 19 December it returned to be tested until 14 May 1936. It was then approved on the provision that the armour would be thickened from 30 to 40 mm, according to the new specifications. This was done by welding an appliqué 10 mm armour plate on top of the main armour, a feature maintained for the production vehicles. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0M97DjjoLsBYsw1xDxOyythygKJKpI42AzNsF2DGi8pEF6slDMtBbf3ubUcU0A7GsWcc9zrhDUzemCI5Pnmd8GGyjzyn4dHv1SxqtiMmlKQ_X2TSmQwOlQYVUnOJkoXJmN5_XFif1d8ifDthjW7VDaM1dYNGIl0fxqhOINc61kJ1PT7OdD8ljhAcUfQ/s1280/2nd%20prototype%20Tracteur%20RN3%20spring%201936.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0M97DjjoLsBYsw1xDxOyythygKJKpI42AzNsF2DGi8pEF6slDMtBbf3ubUcU0A7GsWcc9zrhDUzemCI5Pnmd8GGyjzyn4dHv1SxqtiMmlKQ_X2TSmQwOlQYVUnOJkoXJmN5_XFif1d8ifDthjW7VDaM1dYNGIl0fxqhOINc61kJ1PT7OdD8ljhAcUfQ/w640-h442/2nd%20prototype%20Tracteur%20RN3%20spring%201936.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracteur RN3 final version, with improvments<br />in field tests - Spring - 1936<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The prototype was now brought to the attention of the Commission d'Infanterie, who declared on 9 July that it was the best of all competitors, especially since it had been proven on 17 June to be completely gas-proof, a unique quality that was considered a very desirable feature at the time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Production:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Even before the type had been approved however, because of Germany's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remilitarization_of_the_Rhineland">remilitarization of the Rhineland</a>, on 26 May an order was hastily made for 100 vehicles of the Char léger Modèle 1936 FCM for 450,000 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_franc">FF</a> a piece. The tanks were numbered from 30001 to 30100.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgsm21Z54FAHmQUn7A7u9DIlNZU8V-WfyBnf1qJBHbI0-ef_WI1NARKjHH_ptaAlFWB1FODw7L-lRfkBN34M6_oOAd5O7qjpqYvMW-bl-5hUZJdZLfcBzHRYgflgiBmaoV38SpFONf45U0RTkGZ4U0hLDUWIRbYoF2GBj7XqOEQNARfpgy1oXt58QiA/s1280/FCM%2036%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgsm21Z54FAHmQUn7A7u9DIlNZU8V-WfyBnf1qJBHbI0-ef_WI1NARKjHH_ptaAlFWB1FODw7L-lRfkBN34M6_oOAd5O7qjpqYvMW-bl-5hUZJdZLfcBzHRYgflgiBmaoV38SpFONf45U0RTkGZ4U0hLDUWIRbYoF2GBj7XqOEQNARfpgy1oXt58QiA/w640-h326/FCM%2036%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 light infantry tank - color profile</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Hotchkiss H35 and Renault R35 light tanks would also be brought into production, and as these competing types were much cheaper, they would make up the bulk of the French light infantry tanks produced. The reason for co-producing the third most expensive type was its development potential. An important detail to be mentioned is that the turret rings of these light tanks were all of the same diameter, that is, there could be the possibility of interchangeability between turrets and hulls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmysb_hPv1Hg2AfCE70yYDg17mLBFBadMx7Lirxl_ygiDY4MpKuOkYqniD0piiZ_gLjaFGY1O2Xwsx9nz9Yep8GygRleXsl2J8hn6B3uYqsgPIT5cHkuWeGKKF3GGIZVDLzo6lB-KpgW8QyWVfemf9_lzIUVU94qG89J3HynB5z980SGgGU77wHMgEQ/s1279/H35%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1279" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmysb_hPv1Hg2AfCE70yYDg17mLBFBadMx7Lirxl_ygiDY4MpKuOkYqniD0piiZ_gLjaFGY1O2Xwsx9nz9Yep8GygRleXsl2J8hn6B3uYqsgPIT5cHkuWeGKKF3GGIZVDLzo6lB-KpgW8QyWVfemf9_lzIUVU94qG89J3HynB5z980SGgGU77wHMgEQ/w640-h312/H35%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H35 Hotchkiss light tank - color profile</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkDheSRc4SQh4_uRUMJgOtDWa8V-c9Fj7Ze9IMt_nmxTmq6fUL6QX68xOLOBKaPmwY4FQvD-zZQM6GYzYwA9_kUzbwFjuDk-5_L34NkggcDRG8ex-7p5w6F601XIcu45o8Nr1ufpz_-kx9ughGG_S2FP7ey4qx0z21AvuFNl-vUJTK_gGft0z39d_zw/s1280/R35%20Profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkDheSRc4SQh4_uRUMJgOtDWa8V-c9Fj7Ze9IMt_nmxTmq6fUL6QX68xOLOBKaPmwY4FQvD-zZQM6GYzYwA9_kUzbwFjuDk-5_L34NkggcDRG8ex-7p5w6F601XIcu45o8Nr1ufpz_-kx9ughGG_S2FP7ey4qx0z21AvuFNl-vUJTK_gGft0z39d_zw/w640-h332/R35%20Profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R35 Reanult light tank - color profile</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The FCM 36 was seen as the most advanced French tank and should function as a test bed for further improvements. This also meant there was no hurry to start series production. The production facilities only began to be prepared from December 1936 and actual manufacture was delayed for a year to first test a newer design with a stronger engine and a lighter track. Only when this did not render the expected results, the original type was produced, with the first delivery on 2 May 1938. During 1938 and 1939 several modifications were tested on vehicle number 30057 including a new track, clutch and engine, but none of these would be applied on the existing vehicles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> On 12 May 1938 and 3 February 1939 two additional orders were made of a hundred each. However, when the last tank, series number 30100, of the original order was delivered on 13 March 1939, FCM suddenly announced that it would permanently cease production unless the price was raised to at least 900,000 FF, apparently the actual cost of production. Also FCM indicated that given its increased demanded production quota of the Char B1, there simply would be no capacity to manufacture any FCM 36s before September 1940. In view of these circumstances Inspector-General Jacomet allowed the production of the hull to be discontinued. although the manufacture of the turrets was maintained.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt88NR6g8BHtT70qkFApYF2l-vTHabuSX-D1bOtg2G7YoGOKb-c1yP2lryBDp7ebdHzD4Tx4O3V6OgohyJRZeTc4XMaGFpgRU1-3Ek9aPMsR7B9QUeksLtv41RPojy8mtfcHcCVrJmwZVEKVSriyffKI1YcMFRJusZ_X6d_tYZjLmhWI-K3bswRPZ_g/s1430/Char%20B1%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1430" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt88NR6g8BHtT70qkFApYF2l-vTHabuSX-D1bOtg2G7YoGOKb-c1yP2lryBDp7ebdHzD4Tx4O3V6OgohyJRZeTc4XMaGFpgRU1-3Ek9aPMsR7B9QUeksLtv41RPojy8mtfcHcCVrJmwZVEKVSriyffKI1YcMFRJusZ_X6d_tYZjLmhWI-K3bswRPZ_g/w640-h312/Char%20B1%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Char B1 heavy tank - color profile</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The FCM turret had already been planned to become the standard for all light tanks, as the old APX-R standard turret early on suffered serious production delays. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKscLbpbmfCBN6958dXcvfGwCR3z2o7XpBuFUVJ4oQ-HOWNRhZHDJH_T0avGYltWVBERzGPzcTbjTNnIdSUkjj0g3YQMd7v8NdaOsbM2yQIT8nCxeBEpoIvHKIhwj0PaAdnMI_VLniIIeK4iyKO3eyctOsyEQdLpcJ1u9sO8tGxJEiRTtmyO5Mey59pA/s1280/FCM%2036%20Saumur%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="1280" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKscLbpbmfCBN6958dXcvfGwCR3z2o7XpBuFUVJ4oQ-HOWNRhZHDJH_T0avGYltWVBERzGPzcTbjTNnIdSUkjj0g3YQMd7v8NdaOsbM2yQIT8nCxeBEpoIvHKIhwj0PaAdnMI_VLniIIeK4iyKO3eyctOsyEQdLpcJ1u9sO8tGxJEiRTtmyO5Mey59pA/w640-h232/FCM%2036%20Saumur%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM turret - right side<br /><a href="https://www.museedesblindes.fr/" target="_blank">Musée des Blindés</a> - Saumur - France</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KW-7zcpl42lgV0UCNI6XR7dVSJDPh0_pktfiNIRRJZ56dN6petbGN06reOP80I0COTHaAxpt0vM93jmW322HMY1TWG31LP_BftJX1FwZ6ZPMmkrSvtLLN0cBQYKwBK3hTKQUGjsgjusB23Ca44rC4kxoR6s2bdmbXfp6Qi4ieLaCI-SGZgy2ti9V_A/s1280/FCM%2036%20Saumur%20turret%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KW-7zcpl42lgV0UCNI6XR7dVSJDPh0_pktfiNIRRJZ56dN6petbGN06reOP80I0COTHaAxpt0vM93jmW322HMY1TWG31LP_BftJX1FwZ6ZPMmkrSvtLLN0cBQYKwBK3hTKQUGjsgjusB23Ca44rC4kxoR6s2bdmbXfp6Qi4ieLaCI-SGZgy2ti9V_A/w640-h318/FCM%2036%20Saumur%20turret%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM turret - front side<br /><a href="https://www.museedesblindes.fr/" target="_blank">Musée des Blindés</a> - Saumur - France<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrNlpOpYNdcKRIslen9Bpw0agRgiZ7ZU3CT78HOl1rcB6AQJcTDEW7O8axms5_oEB60rMTWD484xmlC-6b40nVmC9W92kDyzUbEHafPiPOLr9FWDj5q50kM6O3_1Hr_FE0ZGOW4JqjeIs9JFQstoc32Gl3oPwMO6_PD_BX17jMMUEJ6NVGKr9XXsM0w/s1024/FCM%20interiro%20turret%20(hatch%20to%20gun).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1024" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrNlpOpYNdcKRIslen9Bpw0agRgiZ7ZU3CT78HOl1rcB6AQJcTDEW7O8axms5_oEB60rMTWD484xmlC-6b40nVmC9W92kDyzUbEHafPiPOLr9FWDj5q50kM6O3_1Hr_FE0ZGOW4JqjeIs9JFQstoc32Gl3oPwMO6_PD_BX17jMMUEJ6NVGKr9XXsM0w/w640-h448/FCM%20interiro%20turret%20(hatch%20to%20gun).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM turret - interior<br />Notice the breech of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puteaux_SA_18" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Puteaux SA 18<b style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </b>37mm gun</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and <br />7.5 mm MAC31 </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reibel_machine_gun" style="text-align: justify;">Reibel machine gun</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> coaxial. (right side)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Relative to the FCM turret, the APX-R turret was tighter (if that was possible), heavier (1.552 to 1.287 kg) and even inferior in protection to the FCM turret, due to constant quality issues with its cast steel that was too soft or too soft fragile. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZX-EQw9-wUEvNYjXmj5da2uq0Ch-hKKdnif7AINIOXaa07AKKM_pdplQ2q-SCTjnbGF2qy-SnYaFjFLOUiq5GrTVSBa0yC2f_ZIQKS0dHoNZ9EfqUoZJI2LFlwiXAl5kW6qyWOpvj8FC3M9hjZNqI_WiC2IdZpOVadDesFXbpgGkcLaqrCt96TL04Q/s1280/APX%20turret%20R35%20tank%20on%20display%20at%20King%20Ferdinand%20National%20Military%20Museum,%20Bucharest.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZX-EQw9-wUEvNYjXmj5da2uq0Ch-hKKdnif7AINIOXaa07AKKM_pdplQ2q-SCTjnbGF2qy-SnYaFjFLOUiq5GrTVSBa0yC2f_ZIQKS0dHoNZ9EfqUoZJI2LFlwiXAl5kW6qyWOpvj8FC3M9hjZNqI_WiC2IdZpOVadDesFXbpgGkcLaqrCt96TL04Q/w640-h338/APX%20turret%20R35%20tank%20on%20display%20at%20King%20Ferdinand%20National%20Military%20Museum,%20Bucharest.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">APX-R turret in Renault R35 tank on display at<br /><a href="https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muzeul_Militar_Na%C8%9Bional" target="_blank">King Ferdinand National Military Museum</a><br />Bucharest - Romania</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Because it is better armored, sloped-shaped and easier to build, the use of the FCM turret would be extended to the entire French light tank fleet. The possibility of using both types of turrets on the hulls of light tanks was an important logistical and maintenance facilitator.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAaVoxhnBoxnylLdFopvQqfaZakA3Lug2gdOxHMv3sPKbkgTKjDiA9_3wEgZQsL7nePYeF3OQdAUs6aWf79xserv-bIVHPDApFfeIlKLzqhIuk5SnoOhS4iTrINHcrpPh_JSyFGbqw2l18o6fQQiGZ3_zarhZj-szQ-FMCId6i1OZtqrIu5uD4oMRtA/s1280/FCM%20with%20APX%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAaVoxhnBoxnylLdFopvQqfaZakA3Lug2gdOxHMv3sPKbkgTKjDiA9_3wEgZQsL7nePYeF3OQdAUs6aWf79xserv-bIVHPDApFfeIlKLzqhIuk5SnoOhS4iTrINHcrpPh_JSyFGbqw2l18o6fQQiGZ3_zarhZj-szQ-FMCId6i1OZtqrIu5uD4oMRtA/w640-h344/FCM%20with%20APX%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 light tank dressing an APX-R turret<br />equiped with the short Puteaux SA 18<b style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </b>37mm gun</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE3RE9yDeQlHP-xOg5n2j_xyI3DQXt_-efW6_0dTdk5SEwLDWQ7NSr0QCqFnVGK6nEDFlWudimQm4eNSh_3zQJdWvQ9RCgzJ9LKK4uz3XDUBEKcxFQGMzUR511aG_b924c4xQn03dsq5lqCqUaJNvSboNUE2bYy_ZiixlL_Ia66VGsf3MpIyL3Z5q7w/s1280/R-35%20with%20FCM%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigE3RE9yDeQlHP-xOg5n2j_xyI3DQXt_-efW6_0dTdk5SEwLDWQ7NSr0QCqFnVGK6nEDFlWudimQm4eNSh_3zQJdWvQ9RCgzJ9LKK4uz3XDUBEKcxFQGMzUR511aG_b924c4xQn03dsq5lqCqUaJNvSboNUE2bYy_ZiixlL_Ia66VGsf3MpIyL3Z5q7w/w640-h400/R-35%20with%20FCM%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R35 Renault light tank with FCM turret<br />equiped with the short Puteaux SA 18<b style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </b>37mm gun<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> However, this issue of standardization of the FCM turrets was complicated when tests of fire were carried out to enable the installation of a more powerful version of the Poteaux SA 18 cannon. The longer Poteaux SA 38 37 mm gun was installed in the turret of the FCM 36 tank nº 30057, for live fire tests. After the tests, it was found that the welds of the FCM turret had cracks and fissures, due to the stronger recoil of the new weapon. With this, to enable the installation of the most powerful weapon, all the turrets already manufactured had to be reinforced, which was almost impossible to execute in view of the political pressure existing at the time. As a result, existing vehicles would not be equipped with the new weapon. The APX-R turret, for being casted, without welds, did not have this problem, being the option to receive the necessary upgrade of the most powerful armament.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhdtnRLy0cVtXjNuDn7q2omCbfOzE5lVtpuMQLsONOePXPAsXc43LVeqEPPksN1FxfWHJz22I9LSAsaznm4OHDuEOARSCIkVPV7W4KcR10JXeIgyp4XOwo2IcpzKZ-G5iVj06i9CFz159rDsKer2uENEdvkXN2rBwXI-bp3rcbq1LwJkWwdGs5wn8IQ/s1280/37%20mm%20SA%2038%20gun%20Saumur.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhdtnRLy0cVtXjNuDn7q2omCbfOzE5lVtpuMQLsONOePXPAsXc43LVeqEPPksN1FxfWHJz22I9LSAsaznm4OHDuEOARSCIkVPV7W4KcR10JXeIgyp4XOwo2IcpzKZ-G5iVj06i9CFz159rDsKer2uENEdvkXN2rBwXI-bp3rcbq1LwJkWwdGs5wn8IQ/w640-h376/37%20mm%20SA%2038%20gun%20Saumur.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">37mm SA 38 tank gun</div><div style="text-align: center;">right side</div><div style="text-align: center;">Musee Des Blindes - Saumur - France</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE1IRHJ5QiHSLGygqCrXwZBCs1WtqUSXV6sR8Z8kHqsnKJ9sk-Qo6kYdY7zIynrSsoOmFEaTfxe-LuPxmX1AOAOiQsO3gQ61Tzx6zx7zVIa4cTrHmEnmRreo_e-pSz-3nUc_i2tzGRr9VjS-wmgMulcPO8pTYWab1TEiteVq3kV5xSqp-MQEW3jCW3Q/s1280/37%20mm%20SA%2038%20gun%20Saumur2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwE1IRHJ5QiHSLGygqCrXwZBCs1WtqUSXV6sR8Z8kHqsnKJ9sk-Qo6kYdY7zIynrSsoOmFEaTfxe-LuPxmX1AOAOiQsO3gQ61Tzx6zx7zVIa4cTrHmEnmRreo_e-pSz-3nUc_i2tzGRr9VjS-wmgMulcPO8pTYWab1TEiteVq3kV5xSqp-MQEW3jCW3Q/w640-h362/37%20mm%20SA%2038%20gun%20Saumur2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>37mm SA 38 tank gun</div><div>left side</div><div>Musee Des Blindes - Saumur - France</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tYcjATk5f2GR8WHTGIFDTtxNf-N_Z9hH3UlASFZYa0U8sxRSAMeF_-crC94nWHr2vK1lAi2OFqZkDCpJTC1pV2axdRXi0MXfv2OhCOs-Bto-e_LwrRN3eR2Jh33I3hJg2nwCcTSmGX8rOnBzTR9vP1mvM-3m4wsc2KZpBacq1cUC59Tqe0KbBdyFlQ/s1280/FCM%20with%2037%20mm%20SA%2038%20gun%20left.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tYcjATk5f2GR8WHTGIFDTtxNf-N_Z9hH3UlASFZYa0U8sxRSAMeF_-crC94nWHr2vK1lAi2OFqZkDCpJTC1pV2axdRXi0MXfv2OhCOs-Bto-e_LwrRN3eR2Jh33I3hJg2nwCcTSmGX8rOnBzTR9vP1mvM-3m4wsc2KZpBacq1cUC59Tqe0KbBdyFlQ/w640-h392/FCM%20with%2037%20mm%20SA%2038%20gun%20left.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">37mm SA 38 tank gun<br />installed in the FCM 36 turret - tank no.30057<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYSPZ6mID6vJwwhyF46Sk9-76kN2oensXuWkKnHNNIS2VvEO7KGam5776jDxNV2hizyRxfCQFLXD-Zh0t__n9ZQkKTIezqzTixGArk9e8UqWR4m53630-0DGfvYqGmNWvDzX-UavcpE1DrZ4kHjE1dy7SL4acUPOPNdWJBy6edaj0uY7Ye-JtRnHV9A/s1280/FCM%2036%20turret%20with%20SA%2038%20gun%20%20-%20FCM%2030057.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYSPZ6mID6vJwwhyF46Sk9-76kN2oensXuWkKnHNNIS2VvEO7KGam5776jDxNV2hizyRxfCQFLXD-Zh0t__n9ZQkKTIezqzTixGArk9e8UqWR4m53630-0DGfvYqGmNWvDzX-UavcpE1DrZ4kHjE1dy7SL4acUPOPNdWJBy6edaj0uY7Ye-JtRnHV9A/w640-h316/FCM%2036%20turret%20with%20SA%2038%20gun%20%20-%20FCM%2030057.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">37mm SA 38 tank gun<br />installed in the FCM 36 turret - tank no.30057<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">notice the 7.5 mm MAC31 </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reibel_machine_gun" style="text-align: justify;">Reibel machine gun</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> coaxial. </span></div>right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVzfuCt4AkEtH0mM1YWfCDI4WvRr_OGEN7t2jyanN5hDt8RCCbR8mYhYchoqiSsNYqQ4N2GXDwplIcXYxAZi_v36nPhM_vyPLWiJDh_nU5aYg93VzBsfOyWyK23LOZSQsSdiPN0LwiL65q2OQmACrYDdvlU7T_Ndrqfn3fKobTg1w2b6nz-GfHRxJ5g/s967/FCM%20with%2037%20mm%20SA%2038%20gun%20right%20-%20FCM%2030057.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVzfuCt4AkEtH0mM1YWfCDI4WvRr_OGEN7t2jyanN5hDt8RCCbR8mYhYchoqiSsNYqQ4N2GXDwplIcXYxAZi_v36nPhM_vyPLWiJDh_nU5aYg93VzBsfOyWyK23LOZSQsSdiPN0LwiL65q2OQmACrYDdvlU7T_Ndrqfn3fKobTg1w2b6nz-GfHRxJ5g/w554-h640/FCM%20with%2037%20mm%20SA%2038%20gun%20right%20-%20FCM%2030057.jpg" width="554" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">37mm SA 38 tank gun<br />installed in the FCM 36 turret - tank no.30057<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Description:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The FCM 36 was a small vehicle, 4.46 m long, 2.20 m high and 2.14 m wide, with a crew of two. It has a weight of 12.35 metric tons. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYiqPOC5eQP5qIZTs7w1j3DPv0LiZJd3aUNQR46BzCswam2S3t3I8kWTBW_ZxZdphAl8UXdStiid447IWaL8KbxK1W7F_mK38Qxq6T6jErFc1XLbBgN6-sgHg8XAKEyDeDGuylaFRZLirjPOgVZISeLUywH0QSdpjWsbk088ynMRI8LJllTHSb5qsmw/s1265/FCM%2036%20top%20saumur.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1265" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYiqPOC5eQP5qIZTs7w1j3DPv0LiZJd3aUNQR46BzCswam2S3t3I8kWTBW_ZxZdphAl8UXdStiid447IWaL8KbxK1W7F_mK38Qxq6T6jErFc1XLbBgN6-sgHg8XAKEyDeDGuylaFRZLirjPOgVZISeLUywH0QSdpjWsbk088ynMRI8LJllTHSb5qsmw/w640-h416/FCM%2036%20top%20saumur.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 light tank<br />front view<br />Saumur - France</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The armour consists of many panels electro-welded together into an pyramidal shape to avoid shot-traps and fully implement the principle of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloped_armour">sloped armour</a>. Such a configuration was unique at the time. This included the upper track run and the suspension units, protected by zig-zag armour plates. The engine deck is the only armour which is bolted as this enables easier access to the engine. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DZrBakg1UpeiT6O76Z-kileLNUmniawoZ_mrt82xg_AdiN6afWROirjcMOw54SuHlBvt7RsdfDbLRFB5-QYlyTAK6wWu5-cPMtzEqsQFRCcvGzdB2fQkW0vjMwDa3vtnqtN1_jVXCRp2m8DLPgAPbnI3QlUixpPzsCZrhp9Z5cVZfQb5-aZHcrPngQ/s1240/FCM%2036%20bolted%20rear%20deck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1240" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DZrBakg1UpeiT6O76Z-kileLNUmniawoZ_mrt82xg_AdiN6afWROirjcMOw54SuHlBvt7RsdfDbLRFB5-QYlyTAK6wWu5-cPMtzEqsQFRCcvGzdB2fQkW0vjMwDa3vtnqtN1_jVXCRp2m8DLPgAPbnI3QlUixpPzsCZrhp9Z5cVZfQb5-aZHcrPngQ/w640-h444/FCM%2036%20bolted%20rear%20deck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 light tank - rear view <br />notice the bolted rear armour<br />Saumur - France</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As the armour is of good quality, the 40 mm thickness angled at 30 to 45 degrees from the vertical, renders an equivalence of about 45–55 mm, enough to regularly defeat the standard anti-tank guns of its day, even when the gun was ideally positioned. The reclining armour implied that more raking shots would quickly start to deflect. The type was the only actually produced French tank of the period that featured a diesel engine, which gives the vehicle a superior range of 225 kilometres from a fuel tank of 217 litres. In other aspects, it conformed to the French design standards. French tanks were usually slow compared to their German, British or Soviet counterparts. The V-4 91 hp <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berliet">Berliet</a> diesel allows for a top speed of just 24 km/h. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSSY870e_EeicAv7fdBK7I5QEYM-PaS3agMOo0Py2PvliG9oMC-Yqe18uR5i0wqs-lwM2-EJOAxNVGUsti-J4QdkqXyyhhnrF_fZPpEC7ZpjMCGsY6-sqNc4e0Ld6N2_j0d6ojgC_6gXfQZ9B_M-4D71N6hUopzynBZmqo53v6SvC3nVykZAmgkXTiw/s923/Engine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="923" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSSY870e_EeicAv7fdBK7I5QEYM-PaS3agMOo0Py2PvliG9oMC-Yqe18uR5i0wqs-lwM2-EJOAxNVGUsti-J4QdkqXyyhhnrF_fZPpEC7ZpjMCGsY6-sqNc4e0Ld6N2_j0d6ojgC_6gXfQZ9B_M-4D71N6hUopzynBZmqo53v6SvC3nVykZAmgkXTiw/w640-h406/Engine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"> Berliet</span>V-4 diesel engine - FCM 36 light tank<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqMJWTFTGM4" target="_blank">video frame</a> from Musée des Blindés Saumur video</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The suspension is accordingly simplistic, consisting of eight road wheels per side sprung by eight vertical coil springs. The tank can cross a two metres trench and climb a 70 cm obstacle or an 80% slope. Also very limited is the armament: apart from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reibel_machine_gun" target="_blank">Reibel Mitrailleuse modèle 1931 7,5mm machine gun</a>, the standard short <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puteaux_SA_18" target="_blank">Puteaux L/21 37 mm SA 18 gun</a> was fitted, a cannon with very poor anti-armour capacity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkF3FtXz6DNi9AoYLZvCqxPY2pm3LXRxz1obFXKETaMI7bDinAoWZa2UfumcsDUPit5GORh_1G5bdEaDNnL72q5t-9vpGMDsuCRy-pq4eDXTOO3Upo0ZOA3qqv6z8F6RCGehBBoV3Qpbm94OKxzF-XZYsWBYiqnQSaYcNdMcR9iB3va9L544WOTvTQw/s1280/Reibel%207,5%20mg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkF3FtXz6DNi9AoYLZvCqxPY2pm3LXRxz1obFXKETaMI7bDinAoWZa2UfumcsDUPit5GORh_1G5bdEaDNnL72q5t-9vpGMDsuCRy-pq4eDXTOO3Upo0ZOA3qqv6z8F6RCGehBBoV3Qpbm94OKxzF-XZYsWBYiqnQSaYcNdMcR9iB3va9L544WOTvTQw/w640-h384/Reibel%207,5%20mg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbTbQIMaiBSIzBrLtIy07GTia6mbdkp1je2aFA7ZZaXXP20Fc7_Lu55ux64IkA3P319HGunPfQHUPtmI-Ga3XojfIDvHs-9isFDdrUdnxrWDWN73XtOiySSHP2stsVtZb-ZZexAxES4hBVyGO95CGuNUWcNmiiOJMRa_xY4_I5BqoyYHREtByMVMimw/s1280/SA%2018%20-%2037mm%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="1280" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbTbQIMaiBSIzBrLtIy07GTia6mbdkp1je2aFA7ZZaXXP20Fc7_Lu55ux64IkA3P319HGunPfQHUPtmI-Ga3XojfIDvHs-9isFDdrUdnxrWDWN73XtOiySSHP2stsVtZb-ZZexAxES4hBVyGO95CGuNUWcNmiiOJMRa_xY4_I5BqoyYHREtByMVMimw/w640-h242/SA%2018%20-%2037mm%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Operational use - </b><b>France:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As 100 FCM 36s were to be produced, only a limited number of units would be equipped with the type. However these would happen to participate in the key event of 1940 during the Battle of France: the crossing of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meuse">Meuse</a> river, by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XIX_Army_Corps">XIX Army Corps</a> of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinz_Guderian">Heinz Guderian</a> on 14 May 1940.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGc8AO5d43ubLgTa8Nmhtr03m_uirvCcP7PKh-ZlZjfs8TBPj977u6dVLLerBlhj4l-exa0b8MxF_i2aqDQUpcVnwcP8z4uKZ9DwVqx-Z2ect1fTZBCkJL0FmUxbMVRRRPDgai3wAN5Xj62UUsZfslMiRZrHBy7urCDcUw9DYgqato3DSmCKOw7qZfoA/s1024/Heinz%20Guderian%20in%20a%20SdKfz.%20251-3%20halftrack%20vehicle,%20France,%20May%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGc8AO5d43ubLgTa8Nmhtr03m_uirvCcP7PKh-ZlZjfs8TBPj977u6dVLLerBlhj4l-exa0b8MxF_i2aqDQUpcVnwcP8z4uKZ9DwVqx-Z2ect1fTZBCkJL0FmUxbMVRRRPDgai3wAN5Xj62UUsZfslMiRZrHBy7urCDcUw9DYgqato3DSmCKOw7qZfoA/w640-h426/Heinz%20Guderian%20in%20a%20SdKfz.%20251-3%20halftrack%20vehicle,%20France,%20May%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Heinz Guderian in a SdKfz. 251/3 halftrack<br />command vehicle - France, May 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In March and April 1939 two battalions were created. Unique among those battalions equipped with light infantry tanks, these units would be called <i><b>Bataillon de Chars Légers</b></i> or <i><b>BCLs</b></i>: the <b><i>4e</i></b> and <b><i>7e</i></b> <i><b>BCL</b></i>, that each received 45 FCM 36s. They had an organic strength of 39 (three companies of thirteen), a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Materiel"><i>materiel</i></a> company of six and used five tanks for driver training. Of the other ten tanks, eight were used for driver training, one was destroyed testing the efficiency of the German <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teller_mine">Teller mine</a>, and one remained with the factory to serve as a test bed. On 25 August 1939, upon mobilisation, the BCLs were renamed <i><b>Bataillons de Chars de Combat</b></i>. The 7e BCC was incorporated into the <i><b>503e Régiment de Chars de Combat</b></i>, the 4e BCC into the <i><b>502e RCC</b></i>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQ52HvDDCDgC7TReN2cFxn7Dt9iKPypXKOJRUgg_mfuNeu1tJe8He_GGmLpBGCpNg7v4WrlZ0gR-Y40nk7jiN0jg1tFKbEE0HHJHz77cSlIxEL5_YfOb74P607MoxfkWUgXbWi_j0RqSHB1oqKlkuRr09FZXNmOPKNNr2pRiu2kjeMt86Hn-5rxqOig/s1280/30004%20%20%20%207e%20BCC%202e%20Cie%202e%20Sect.Destroyed%20on%20the%20road%20from%20Maisoncelle%20to%20Chemery%20on%20May%2014,%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQ52HvDDCDgC7TReN2cFxn7Dt9iKPypXKOJRUgg_mfuNeu1tJe8He_GGmLpBGCpNg7v4WrlZ0gR-Y40nk7jiN0jg1tFKbEE0HHJHz77cSlIxEL5_YfOb74P607MoxfkWUgXbWi_j0RqSHB1oqKlkuRr09FZXNmOPKNNr2pRiu2kjeMt86Hn-5rxqOig/w640-h378/30004%20%20%20%207e%20BCC%202e%20Cie%202e%20Sect.Destroyed%20on%20the%20road%20from%20Maisoncelle%20to%20Chemery%20on%20May%2014,%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 (30004) from <i>7e BCC - 2e Cie - 2e Sect.<br /></i>showing its immaculate and colorful camouflage.<br />She would be destroyed on the road from Maisoncelle to Chemery<br />France - May 14, 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After war was declared against Germany in September 1939, both FCM 36 battalions were combined, together with <i><b>3e BCC</b></i>, a R 35 unit, into the <i><b>503e Groupement de Bataillons de Chars</b></i>, the armour reserve of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Army_(France)">Second Army</a>. When German infantry on 13 May 1940 established a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Sedan_(1940)" target="_blank">bridgehead over the Meuse at Sedan</a>, the FCM 36 battalions were late in the afternoon ordered to counterattack and reduce it, cooperating with an infantry regiment, as they themselves had no organic infantry component. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvDungoGsMDqW2Xf0Qg2dZa6MgBhRHHsFsyzK6_oLTry5PX-rp0Kqpw5LFDQ7ry_OTVPqI8RRov7LJPqKLkeHCiL-cbN1VZFP72cmJBgD5dxJKnzBoJXq-IabfbpPHNl0J5bPhKwgbj57i5iJewdG-hajfsJ9oelgTJLOg7yqPILjfSJIXNWZEJ0skA/s1280/Panzer%20IV%20crossing%20the%20Meuse%2010%20-5-1940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvDungoGsMDqW2Xf0Qg2dZa6MgBhRHHsFsyzK6_oLTry5PX-rp0Kqpw5LFDQ7ry_OTVPqI8RRov7LJPqKLkeHCiL-cbN1VZFP72cmJBgD5dxJKnzBoJXq-IabfbpPHNl0J5bPhKwgbj57i5iJewdG-hajfsJ9oelgTJLOg7yqPILjfSJIXNWZEJ0skA/w640-h364/Panzer%20IV%20crossing%20the%20Meuse%2010%20-5-1940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzer IV crossing the Meuse, France - May -1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Due to the rout of the last French defence line at Bulson during the night and the ensuing confusion, the approach march could not begin until early in the morning of the 14th, when the first German tanks started to cross the river on pontoon bridges. The German armoured vanguard and <i>7e BCC</i> collided near Bulson. French FCM 36 tanks destroyed some lighter German armored fighting vehicles such as the Panzer II and I, but their short guns were too weak in penetrating power to deal with the 30mm armor of the Panzerkampfwagen III, although the latter also had trouble penetrating. the thick and sloped armor of the FCM 36, with its 37mm guns from the early series.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7Kf8qprL3Q6-i8FC0h6nzDAiCQJxaDMpWQwzqSKN4BkX2Ql5SIE6sL_g8QGkF6DlghisRtEnnYOln6wE24W4ecVt2xdqW1KTOucc4YE7m-2Z-d9wZ-rEtP964cthY-Iv6gWA9rdgZzJB5BseqIwcYmz5z-ZP2cOaiI9V58LY29UZxeoZV5A5jOx2Lw/s1280/Pz%20III%20Ausf.E%20destroyed%20France%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7Kf8qprL3Q6-i8FC0h6nzDAiCQJxaDMpWQwzqSKN4BkX2Ql5SIE6sL_g8QGkF6DlghisRtEnnYOln6wE24W4ecVt2xdqW1KTOucc4YE7m-2Z-d9wZ-rEtP964cthY-Iv6gWA9rdgZzJB5BseqIwcYmz5z-ZP2cOaiI9V58LY29UZxeoZV5A5jOx2Lw/w640-h438/Pz%20III%20Ausf.E%20destroyed%20France%201940.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Panzer III Ausf. E destroyed near Sedan.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.7_cm_KwK_36">3.7 cm KwK 36</a> gun</div><div style="text-align: center;">France - 1940.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Both sides slugged it out, often engaging at the shortest possible distance, to increase the effectiveness of their weak cannons. In the end, the FCM 36's applied armor failed and the welds, being the weakest points between the plates, including the bottom corners of the turret just above the hull, were penetrated. The <i>7e BCC</i> had to withdraw, leaving 26 of the 36 tanks employed behind.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3GIzu5mcNrbC9raNipv6Byj7kdc367i-SA7J5o7NxrNVOLyVoUpNYf64zmZW5fPbj-jAdiLTFuJG_qkuKQWKywlZrKSr0-mxUJgJWRo9DQ2jgaNg4WN2g1plFH2AqNUIojfwWVpCcBmozccsFohs2RncQCe4yhwo9d2IIV5GdLy1Rn0hnlqoOMXcRg/s1024/FCM%2036%20-%2030015%20%20LE%20ZEPHIR%207e%20BCC%20%201%C3%A8re%20Cie%20%20%203e%20Sect.%20Destroyed%20at%20the%20western%20exit%20of%20Maisoncelle%20(Ardennes)%20on%20May%2014,%201940.%20The%20crew%20died%20in%20combat..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1024" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3GIzu5mcNrbC9raNipv6Byj7kdc367i-SA7J5o7NxrNVOLyVoUpNYf64zmZW5fPbj-jAdiLTFuJG_qkuKQWKywlZrKSr0-mxUJgJWRo9DQ2jgaNg4WN2g1plFH2AqNUIojfwWVpCcBmozccsFohs2RncQCe4yhwo9d2IIV5GdLy1Rn0hnlqoOMXcRg/w640-h436/FCM%2036%20-%2030015%20%20LE%20ZEPHIR%207e%20BCC%20%201%C3%A8re%20Cie%20%20%203e%20Sect.%20Destroyed%20at%20the%20western%20exit%20of%20Maisoncelle%20(Ardennes)%20on%20May%2014,%201940.%20The%20crew%20died%20in%20combat..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - 30015 <i>LE ZEPHIR 7e BCC 1ère Cie 3e Sect. </i><br />Destroyed at the western exit of Maisoncelle (Ardennes).<br /> The crew died in combat.<br />May 14, 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnIpDpvldLxi2gEO9_dmr8HTbDi_eEgd7-_-WtV1zItpu92e_1dPEo9aToUXDPklt7FWiMDDYlMqhqH7FbLhgESz6NV63prxlzqA0n3bGc9G8bPyYU0tK_iavFbq3XWxaau7Kx8OMSFWfJWOdCOgcR9fSVZbecuiEGfPvAg0zyhYFzD8l0v_r47B0yQ/s1280/Abandoned%20FCM%2036%20tanks,%20France%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnIpDpvldLxi2gEO9_dmr8HTbDi_eEgd7-_-WtV1zItpu92e_1dPEo9aToUXDPklt7FWiMDDYlMqhqH7FbLhgESz6NV63prxlzqA0n3bGc9G8bPyYU0tK_iavFbq3XWxaau7Kx8OMSFWfJWOdCOgcR9fSVZbecuiEGfPvAg0zyhYFzD8l0v_r47B0yQ/w640-h372/Abandoned%20FCM%2036%20tanks,%20France%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Destroyed FCM 36 tanks, abandoned on the road<br />to Maisoncelle (Ardennes), being examined by the Germans.<div>May 14, 1940</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTn-7LAiBagDnNeB9i6OJl7D8nbKrUaeov_e-4GtpazWkekiMSQTQdpOihe_W2iK253zgKvngTjA8pIqGq-oUuUlWQydyJyt0RtC2XzqB23Dp1eCsBJGRDNZXPKfKRsd7BW4YX2czM2Mw5bJO3BG_dvhajuC7CcDxrc7BsaKqdq574o4nbu-C2SxCVg/s1280/FCM%2036%20%E2%80%93%20details%20of%20the%20damaged%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTn-7LAiBagDnNeB9i6OJl7D8nbKrUaeov_e-4GtpazWkekiMSQTQdpOihe_W2iK253zgKvngTjA8pIqGq-oUuUlWQydyJyt0RtC2XzqB23Dp1eCsBJGRDNZXPKfKRsd7BW4YX2czM2Mw5bJO3BG_dvhajuC7CcDxrc7BsaKqdq574o4nbu-C2SxCVg/w640-h414/FCM%2036%20%E2%80%93%20details%20of%20the%20damaged%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - 30025 - <i>7e BCC 1ére Cie</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">turret </span>showing multiple penetrations on its side.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Destroyed on the road to Maisoncelle (Ardennes)</div><div style="text-align: center;">May 14, 1940</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAUbSCxYqC2fxVMlV6iGtEb9Z9Sy9nxoJAQZDAQLE2jIdlgjT7ArEA36OdZvKPJZ-vlZUs3R_D4B0LPl3ZKPPvQToJc7hL3BcA549XysLjYSNWWAvbmdKYG2EGf-BEkm4WXsZdBYzCrAGKMEozWkyKMXpQM-sDHU2aPeNVdtmRdeg70gRQX8WBGhUqA/s1280/FCM%2036%2030001%20Le%20Mistral%20-%20Destroyed%20on%20the%20road%20from%20Maisoncelle%20to%20Chemery%20-%20Ardennes%20on%20May%2014,%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAUbSCxYqC2fxVMlV6iGtEb9Z9Sy9nxoJAQZDAQLE2jIdlgjT7ArEA36OdZvKPJZ-vlZUs3R_D4B0LPl3ZKPPvQToJc7hL3BcA549XysLjYSNWWAvbmdKYG2EGf-BEkm4WXsZdBYzCrAGKMEozWkyKMXpQM-sDHU2aPeNVdtmRdeg70gRQX8WBGhUqA/w640-h378/FCM%2036%2030001%20Le%20Mistral%20-%20Destroyed%20on%20the%20road%20from%20Maisoncelle%20to%20Chemery%20-%20Ardennes%20on%20May%2014,%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - 30001<i> Le Mistral</i><br /> Destroyed on the road from Maisoncelle to Chemery - Ardennes<br />May 14, 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYnm4AttnhDKYTG8WBROfqG-asqd6wLKbR4cG99VHvOt4AqoapTKtcUx6D4Gm-s_Yr5AEpl16JqYygUvgdaM6-L0vwCk_482lyIaJm6LhL3Mlkz3rmwa3OIWx20zwWBUp7RhuDPQM28mfib644VrDKTrkWNzu2Y-L8HDGKgRuyx_vilH_KGO8DRPShA/s1280/FCM%2036%20-%2030057%20-7e%20BCC%203e%20Cie%20%202e%20Sect.-%20Destroyed%20at%20Chemery%20(Ardennes)%20on%20May%2014,%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYnm4AttnhDKYTG8WBROfqG-asqd6wLKbR4cG99VHvOt4AqoapTKtcUx6D4Gm-s_Yr5AEpl16JqYygUvgdaM6-L0vwCk_482lyIaJm6LhL3Mlkz3rmwa3OIWx20zwWBUp7RhuDPQM28mfib644VrDKTrkWNzu2Y-L8HDGKgRuyx_vilH_KGO8DRPShA/w640-h376/FCM%2036%20-%2030057%20-7e%20BCC%203e%20Cie%20%202e%20Sect.-%20Destroyed%20at%20Chemery%20(Ardennes)%20on%20May%2014,%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - 30057 -<i>7e BCC 3e Cie 2e Sect.<br /></i>This was the tank that tested the 37mm SA 38 tank gun<br />Destroyed at Chemery (Ardennes) road.<br />May 14, 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> When <i>7e BCC</i> had failed, the attack by <i>4e BCC</i> was halted. The battalion attacked and defended <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonne">Stonne</a> on 15 May, but was driven from this key position with some losses. Until 23 May it would be attached to <i>3 DIM</i>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Both battalions were now kept in reserve to rebuild their numbers from the matériel and training units. During <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_Rot">Fall Rot</a> they executed successful counterattacks on 9 and 10 June on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aisne_(river)" target="_blank">Aisne river</a> position, against German infantry units. Later they tried to cover the retreat of the French Army, losing most of their combined strength of 45 in fights with German tanks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkagbkUbFG3fF4zzN5I-GIXO1O5hO-Z1KFw6XIQ88zNK-wYjQXrbd0cUxFzgeTWN_fAAGKhpmRErP7ERAA5adOcmUutBcoAt-LrBg0tCY-rnhwatAPaLivNB4R2nNYVEqaZU385rp1cqT3wgxfaPdPmnlka96nCxmej0rAlqUCvMJQHU9wOb_p1Rknjw/s1280/Char%20leger%20Modele%201936%20FCM%2036%20of%20the%207e%20BCC%20-%20Destroyed%20at%20Attigny%20(Ardennes)%20on%20June%2010,%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkagbkUbFG3fF4zzN5I-GIXO1O5hO-Z1KFw6XIQ88zNK-wYjQXrbd0cUxFzgeTWN_fAAGKhpmRErP7ERAA5adOcmUutBcoAt-LrBg0tCY-rnhwatAPaLivNB4R2nNYVEqaZU385rp1cqT3wgxfaPdPmnlka96nCxmej0rAlqUCvMJQHU9wOb_p1Rknjw/w640-h414/Char%20leger%20Modele%201936%20FCM%2036%20of%20the%207e%20BCC%20-%20Destroyed%20at%20Attigny%20(Ardennes)%20on%20June%2010,%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> FCM 36 - 30026 - <i>7e BCC 2e Cie 1ère Sect.</i><br />Destroyed at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attigny,_Ardennes" target="_blank">Attigny (Ardennes)</a><br />June 10, 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rl7GripkW1FKJDDzVrywwwGMITX8ENWvmZbVQihjbGqhjURQ-QGqQ5lkCjPQu6-Yir_VFiGoCs3d7X1aljFWF7XcoSs-wxnirZCmhlXVoBWMitsfe5daDf1o6L9ln8AT4_hOFvccRR9yLcBWNJoR4C-tzgN7qAwaCLmdFyqh02AXrjuJYUoPQ_iOcg/s1280/FCM%2036%20%2030028%20%207e%20BCC%202e%20Cie%20-%20Destroyed%20at%20Attigny%20(Ardennes)%20on%20June%2010,%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rl7GripkW1FKJDDzVrywwwGMITX8ENWvmZbVQihjbGqhjURQ-QGqQ5lkCjPQu6-Yir_VFiGoCs3d7X1aljFWF7XcoSs-wxnirZCmhlXVoBWMitsfe5daDf1o6L9ln8AT4_hOFvccRR9yLcBWNJoR4C-tzgN7qAwaCLmdFyqh02AXrjuJYUoPQ_iOcg/w640-h434/FCM%2036%20%2030028%20%207e%20BCC%202e%20Cie%20-%20Destroyed%20at%20Attigny%20(Ardennes)%20on%20June%2010,%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 30028 <i> 7e BCC 2e Cie<br /></i>Destroyed at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attigny,_Ardennes" target="_blank">Attigny (Ardennes)</a><br />June 10, 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDczl_xDRRwuujDo3sYnL2FGfXyjeQn34nNf1nJK_ixeIH_iP1KmcESQ1RuGVFgcJX8ITsachyMWl26jlptbCW6eY2Ryt8b0dbJS4gCmDYtlecNlhROfG3AuSeOQVuaj95A-1ylFh9SyxSKz1mAwiE_5Bbx0proRkipVIVgjapUBA8g5GT55KeR9EvwA/s1270/FCM%2036%20-%2030040%20COMME%20TOUT%20LE%20MONDE%20(white52)-4e%20BCC%202e%20Cie%20%202e%20Sect.-%20Destroyed%20at%20S%C3%A9zanne%20(Marne)%20on%20June%2013,%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1270" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDczl_xDRRwuujDo3sYnL2FGfXyjeQn34nNf1nJK_ixeIH_iP1KmcESQ1RuGVFgcJX8ITsachyMWl26jlptbCW6eY2Ryt8b0dbJS4gCmDYtlecNlhROfG3AuSeOQVuaj95A-1ylFh9SyxSKz1mAwiE_5Bbx0proRkipVIVgjapUBA8g5GT55KeR9EvwA/w640-h374/FCM%2036%20-%2030040%20COMME%20TOUT%20LE%20MONDE%20(white52)-4e%20BCC%202e%20Cie%20%202e%20Sect.-%20Destroyed%20at%20S%C3%A9zanne%20(Marne)%20on%20June%2013,%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - 30040 <i>COMME TOUT LE MONDE</i> (white52)<br /><i>4e BCC 2e Cie 2e Sect.</i>- Destroyed at Sézanne (Marne)<br />June 13, 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Markings:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8u7SM8gkSwc7-XJqmsOtlHpYu4fLgJfdTDQRfd-bkauceB-03n-2EU5GBQS6nBdFqcn0Bai98sM9OOGFWONFzbQqoBpqdt38Qda-mDoEqfBztu9-nAydCN_62Lbpk0_KUM3tHNW-87mA3-aJZWW23PUgsTOeAzpihmiUip1lh5ZNhFKeHLND5LJ7JQ/s1591/markings%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1591" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8u7SM8gkSwc7-XJqmsOtlHpYu4fLgJfdTDQRfd-bkauceB-03n-2EU5GBQS6nBdFqcn0Bai98sM9OOGFWONFzbQqoBpqdt38Qda-mDoEqfBztu9-nAydCN_62Lbpk0_KUM3tHNW-87mA3-aJZWW23PUgsTOeAzpihmiUip1lh5ZNhFKeHLND5LJ7JQ/w640-h372/markings%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">FCM 36 - <i>1e Companie, 7e BCC</i><br />Sedan - May, 1940</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> The FCM 36 was generally painted by FCM in a distinctive pattern with light grey blue (gris bleu clair) or pale yellow (jaundtre) at the top, and horizontal rolling bands of red brown (sepia), pale green (reseda), beige, and dark green (vert fond). The 7e BCC usually used a distinctive circular emblem on the turret front, based on the regimental insignia of the 503e RCC, a stylized tanker firing a machine gun. It was reproduced in company colors with the 1e Companie in all blue, the 2e Companie with the gear in white, and the 3e Companie with the gear in red. This is the tank of the commander of the 4e Section, 1e Companie, Aspirant (reserve) Pierre Cassier, named "Le Temeraire" (Reckless). Although not visible from this angle, the turret had a medium blue "club" insignia on both turret rear corners, about 30cm (1 foot) high. This followed the French tank tradition since World War I of using playing card symbols to distinguish subunits. The order in this unit was 1e Section (spade), 2e Section (heart), 3e Section (Diamond) and 4e Section (Club). These were in the company color (le Companie: blue, 2e Companie: white, 3e Companie: red). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aydZ62VSAesC4dY7yHdWS1JQ-JtZuApNLggyp5pWX1ItnGGpsEd5R1qESwLTlLKz8QKioomQUd3-GUbbNjRQSAHXbQo4HtDgGw-Gb9EBCZxm29fcIo_yrqc77i5d5hQfEg2o1Yn08_cqsegpSdvBdOBY3gk2w75z3HcCjidVUPVI3eSLvgaHuPFw1w/s1144/7e%20BCC%20insignias.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1144" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1aydZ62VSAesC4dY7yHdWS1JQ-JtZuApNLggyp5pWX1ItnGGpsEd5R1qESwLTlLKz8QKioomQUd3-GUbbNjRQSAHXbQo4HtDgGw-Gb9EBCZxm29fcIo_yrqc77i5d5hQfEg2o1Yn08_cqsegpSdvBdOBY3gk2w75z3HcCjidVUPVI3eSLvgaHuPFw1w/w640-h458/7e%20BCC%20insignias.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The end and the use by Germans: </b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the fall of France in 1940, captured FCM 36s intact or in good repair were kept in their original state as gun tanks and were therefore named <b><i>Panzerkampfwagen FCM 737(f)</i></b>. However, for logistical reasons, it seems they saw very little use in France in the 1940s. After some improvised use by units in May and June 1940, they were not as such employed by them.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjin-28LLLtR5-eeUJosmYC7jQwLnGxuGhuXaAlQoqFtu9tXSGvfP7r_gy5EExygCYRjgledZZqEVcOIqogDnXwqsg_fJOJnGX-jJy9JiXPfd1jpsujznZM2ZMUi6EuJ6K_53FmD2MYLR44zGCtMtpAykvyD83bmyecMfp9ezl-_VjG8SBdS5DfhX-PnA/s1280/FCM%2036%20-%2030022%20%20%207e%20BCC%20%201%C3%A8re%20Cie%20%202e%20Sect.%20captured%20by%20Germans.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjin-28LLLtR5-eeUJosmYC7jQwLnGxuGhuXaAlQoqFtu9tXSGvfP7r_gy5EExygCYRjgledZZqEVcOIqogDnXwqsg_fJOJnGX-jJy9JiXPfd1jpsujznZM2ZMUi6EuJ6K_53FmD2MYLR44zGCtMtpAykvyD83bmyecMfp9ezl-_VjG8SBdS5DfhX-PnA/w640-h440/FCM%2036%20-%2030022%20%20%207e%20BCC%20%201%C3%A8re%20Cie%20%202e%20Sect.%20captured%20by%20Germans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - 30022 <i>7e BCC 1ère Cie 2e Sect</i>. <br />Damaged in action near Chemery on May 14, 1940.<br />After being repaired, it returned to active duty,<br />being captured by the Germans after June 1940.<br />Notice the crude German markings over the French colors.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsz2KMuYg6A095W_7-4NVg3cKZTUL-VF0dxVTXhLsJ3BXGpwS42Z6WR4b_KXyWEnzkCZ2aReIOQy74D6AqxnwdLlHJ7_TixjEaYipwSmdtUPScuHW_GYAYSP7pK9UNsLWj6dtZm0eKqV0bPj1ovvMlHY64QeRi-jHiJhJRYQ3jVrD9tT81Jx7aGmlJxg/s1560/FCM%2036%20-%2030022%20%20%207e%20BCC%20%201%C3%A8re%20Cie%20%202e%20Sect.profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1560" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsz2KMuYg6A095W_7-4NVg3cKZTUL-VF0dxVTXhLsJ3BXGpwS42Z6WR4b_KXyWEnzkCZ2aReIOQy74D6AqxnwdLlHJ7_TixjEaYipwSmdtUPScuHW_GYAYSP7pK9UNsLWj6dtZm0eKqV0bPj1ovvMlHY64QeRi-jHiJhJRYQ3jVrD9tT81Jx7aGmlJxg/w640-h362/FCM%2036%20-%2030022%20%20%207e%20BCC%20%201%C3%A8re%20Cie%20%202e%20Sect.profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - 30022 <i>7e BCC 1ère Cie 2e Sect</i>.<br />Color profile of the vehicle above</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuT2EBZHQHA2ZiWvpIITJcEGElWCpTzo-0fCGLmYpuIRsQkgS7lcWRbQS8AJjCvLWNV35TjtXoyFy6rMLAvxv-rBQkWrZD0tf4oUWGb0_ipgTfyjGQTc24ldWjoJjlYYBcpdN3mdtqOehkybs1zbmPvFb5qNioWagxdQSvMT5nN8heQspbovgEnaZ2xQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20-30061%20%20%204th%20BCC%20%20%201st%20Co.%201st%20Sect%20.%20captured%20by%20Germans.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuT2EBZHQHA2ZiWvpIITJcEGElWCpTzo-0fCGLmYpuIRsQkgS7lcWRbQS8AJjCvLWNV35TjtXoyFy6rMLAvxv-rBQkWrZD0tf4oUWGb0_ipgTfyjGQTc24ldWjoJjlYYBcpdN3mdtqOehkybs1zbmPvFb5qNioWagxdQSvMT5nN8heQspbovgEnaZ2xQ/w640-h440/FCM%2036%20-30061%20%20%204th%20BCC%20%20%201st%20Co.%201st%20Sect%20.%20captured%20by%20Germans.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 -30061 <i>4th BCC 1st Co. 1st Sect.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lost at Voncq (Ardennes) on June 9, 1940 - captured and used by Germans</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkNepCLuPsdLe4MCLdY48YjDJU83FSM2Iz9Wq3MKlSiKIJaxNBe004TdfIO3F86TTjDqz1TDUqPsT-LdmyHstYk_Fzi4CdNRdHZPtoGaHmP2PEAtxwGnpkfVqOoq1PY-TJmKmo9CK8UZSw4jexOCBq2RYhS6CrH-HjQgASttYvjaDgBlRYAtTNuZHcQ/s1560/FCM%2036%20-%2030061.profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1560" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnkNepCLuPsdLe4MCLdY48YjDJU83FSM2Iz9Wq3MKlSiKIJaxNBe004TdfIO3F86TTjDqz1TDUqPsT-LdmyHstYk_Fzi4CdNRdHZPtoGaHmP2PEAtxwGnpkfVqOoq1PY-TJmKmo9CK8UZSw4jexOCBq2RYhS6CrH-HjQgASttYvjaDgBlRYAtTNuZHcQ/w640-h362/FCM%2036%20-%2030061.profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 -30061 <i>4th BCC 1st Co. 1st Sect.</i><br />Color profile of the vehicle above</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The big problem with the operational use of these tanks was logistics: the German panzers used gasoline and the FCM 36 were powered by diesel. Although diesel was supplied to the heavy trucks, this supply discrepancy was always a problem in the use of the FCM, and the surviving tanks were stored for future emergency use. And, around 1942, the Germans decided to use the chassis of the FCM 36 for conversion into self-propelled artillery and tank destroyers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> From six to twelve (numbers are not precise) FCM 36 chassis were rebuilt as self-propelled artillery, the <b><i>10.5 cm leFH 16/18 (Sf) auf Geschuetzwagen FCM (f), </i></b>in 1942. There are records that eight being sent to <b><i>Sturmgeschuetz-Abteilung 931</i></b> (931st Assault Gun Battalion), in 31st October 1942 and later four more being sent to the same unit in early 1943.. This unit’s long name is often abbreviated to <b><i>Stu.Gesch.Abt. 931</i></b>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-dazsF6wcVZ1QWrughjNATlfGPAY-J8jv7rKfdhslbH-_sh4Pa1aESvC1bMXX7dYHYOmQ7jJdWbjQkRE8E-Dnm6d8aA70E5iD9Q1_NymNNi6kkaJvjYuL5XQAsc8olbVF1_lw7SWPlAfKw7RJv6vNmM9oQsHRUjYyC52cOcKpBezJXVQniFZovytfQ/s650/105mm-fcm-36-spg-becker-factory.jpg.a302af88eb0ca285c5f5fa55453109c2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="650" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-dazsF6wcVZ1QWrughjNATlfGPAY-J8jv7rKfdhslbH-_sh4Pa1aESvC1bMXX7dYHYOmQ7jJdWbjQkRE8E-Dnm6d8aA70E5iD9Q1_NymNNi6kkaJvjYuL5XQAsc8olbVF1_lw7SWPlAfKw7RJv6vNmM9oQsHRUjYyC52cOcKpBezJXVQniFZovytfQ/w640-h436/105mm-fcm-36-spg-becker-factory.jpg.a302af88eb0ca285c5f5fa55453109c2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>10.5cm leFH 16 auf GW FCM 36(f)</i></b> being finalized at the factory. <br />Note the absence of frontal armor on the gun.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemppUhgunxWEWTdwe1U7QBcQqVnRIJ0DQTS02U793bjDE5UOCT9eT59A9_317kQHXk_HXJ0NJQcxUnRFHoe8LzlPYUnmlM2LeBk7RNdQM5pfjGq0960PNurLW5W-ZCby8RcwxAKrcQ9WL3VE2XZNJ6Hf6iSOOzmjdEQmvDT9-H8VKIUs9fkJiOV1qdw/s1280/marder%20105%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemppUhgunxWEWTdwe1U7QBcQqVnRIJ0DQTS02U793bjDE5UOCT9eT59A9_317kQHXk_HXJ0NJQcxUnRFHoe8LzlPYUnmlM2LeBk7RNdQM5pfjGq0960PNurLW5W-ZCby8RcwxAKrcQ9WL3VE2XZNJ6Hf6iSOOzmjdEQmvDT9-H8VKIUs9fkJiOV1qdw/w640-h386/marder%20105%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>10.5 cm leFH 16/18 (Sf) auf Geschuetzwagen FCM (f)</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;">.<br />box art from ICM model kit (#35340)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> In 1943 ten chassis were rebuilt as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marder_I">Marder I</a> tank destroyers, with the 7,5 cm <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PaK_40">PaK 40</a> anti-tank gun and officially called <b><i>7.5cm PaK40(Sf) auf Geschützwagen FCM(f)</i></b>. These destroyers were employed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_Panzer_Division_(Wehrmacht)" target="_blank">21 Panzerdivision</a> in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord">Battle of Normandy</a> in 1944. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatLvqxbw1QKwSSGAmSkQ67Ls19cJfPfTyxvhKYk-KUJH5Eq8Ky6rPWxo_zm-uNMSOU-JdM3EUn6jcxGIspBAf9A12gbxVNZZ9CuOn4Zzu5l4vwFvvTfWGyWS67W7cfnBKBT0oVi3GDIT4yzaam19eRw3hkQboGe_LGj9Y45WxSFDptQeYqG_mDQFCQw/s615/6903970289_960792443d_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="615" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatLvqxbw1QKwSSGAmSkQ67Ls19cJfPfTyxvhKYk-KUJH5Eq8Ky6rPWxo_zm-uNMSOU-JdM3EUn6jcxGIspBAf9A12gbxVNZZ9CuOn4Zzu5l4vwFvvTfWGyWS67W7cfnBKBT0oVi3GDIT4yzaam19eRw3hkQboGe_LGj9Y45WxSFDptQeYqG_mDQFCQw/w640-h372/6903970289_960792443d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">An immaculate<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i></span><b style="font-style: italic; text-align: justify;">7.5cm PaK40(Sf) auf Geschützwagen FCM(f) </b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><br /> </b>of the Marder I family, in the process of being delivered to your unit.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu5l-ZMjqrZD_4czjE1cFkF8zqo0tDXWP8LdX2fxERScEiJyGpBIL_AYuTtGFodbgWP2V96pwS7ICgWKAHNoIHgxEo8B3nXrunUaMRimTp7sJsqioLfuzmQ-BuIkNIyGhFDSjSchq8KhDhojtZWTNcVDTkI9rudsN8U3VM5ZFKXG2fkYCJV39c_bAmg/s1280/marder%20I%20box%20art2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFu5l-ZMjqrZD_4czjE1cFkF8zqo0tDXWP8LdX2fxERScEiJyGpBIL_AYuTtGFodbgWP2V96pwS7ICgWKAHNoIHgxEo8B3nXrunUaMRimTp7sJsqioLfuzmQ-BuIkNIyGhFDSjSchq8KhDhojtZWTNcVDTkI9rudsN8U3VM5ZFKXG2fkYCJV39c_bAmg/w640-h390/marder%20I%20box%20art2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Marder I on FCM 36 base </i>- ICM model kit (#35339) box art</td></tr></tbody></table></div><b>Today:</b><div style="text-align: justify;"> Only one FCM 36 survives at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C3%A9e_des_Blind%C3%A9s">Musée des Blindés</a> at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saumur">Saumur</a>. It has been restored to running condition.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Specs:</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT_OBBt8U32YRCqtWpQcfjIHtHxXgfAHQ-Y-Wv83R7uYrheItcWvKvh0-rw7gzkZowDJ8zDHCHXizY4pMxOzZCXTphXDiI8CHDMoyifXv7KlAlMAFWdzs0FWjLq44_Q--hMJ-cz9vk-b1fqAu4IHQtxa_cS80svpPY3dGGVn-tUFiGL9CifNL_w71Ug/s1400/FCM%2036%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1400" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT_OBBt8U32YRCqtWpQcfjIHtHxXgfAHQ-Y-Wv83R7uYrheItcWvKvh0-rw7gzkZowDJ8zDHCHXizY4pMxOzZCXTphXDiI8CHDMoyifXv7KlAlMAFWdzs0FWjLq44_Q--hMJ-cz9vk-b1fqAu4IHQtxa_cS80svpPY3dGGVn-tUFiGL9CifNL_w71Ug/w640-h378/FCM%2036%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">FCM 36</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanks_in_France#Inter_War" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Tanks in France">Light infantry tank</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">France</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">World War II</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1933–1936</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forges_et_Chantiers_de_la_M%C3%A9diterran%C3%A9e" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée">Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Unit cost</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">₣ 450,000</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1938–1939</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">100</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">12.35 metric tons</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4.46 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.14 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.20 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2 (commander, driver)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">40 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puteaux_SA_18" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Puteaux SA 18">37 mm L/21 SA 18 gun</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.5 mm MAC31 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reibel_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Reibel machine gun">Reibel <br />machine gun</a> coaxial</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">V-4 Berliet diesel engine<br />91 hp (67 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.36 hp/tonne</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5 forward, 1 reverse</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">vertical coil spring</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Ground clearance</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">0.36 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">217 litres</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span>range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">225 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText tooltip" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">24 km/h</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b> </b>For this comission project, I'll use this option, from <a href="https://icm.com.ua/technique/fcm-36-3/" target="_blank">ICM Models</a>:</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MwL4WTqJaYkvmdjvhZ89Og7Wd2jt8HUtDyh_ZzrjW7W138SXfQFxpgD3b03K2QvKirTD42NCwMEER_-S6FJKEqgdik0hvniTh5bNegP_UpEtDptPqgL7fuO01jAgC-QlY8d9wC-Cdt-kescyfn1Mll2Fa17UpNJn0S_kcvB4t4w_37-GJ_IUVZIYoA/s1280/FCM%2036%20ICM%2035337%20%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MwL4WTqJaYkvmdjvhZ89Og7Wd2jt8HUtDyh_ZzrjW7W138SXfQFxpgD3b03K2QvKirTD42NCwMEER_-S6FJKEqgdik0hvniTh5bNegP_UpEtDptPqgL7fuO01jAgC-QlY8d9wC-Cdt-kescyfn1Mll2Fa17UpNJn0S_kcvB4t4w_37-GJ_IUVZIYoA/w640-h480/FCM%2036%20ICM%2035337%20%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ICM kit (#35337) box art<br /><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/icm-35337-fcm-36--1330082" target="_blank">FCM 36 - French light tank in German service</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> My client requested his model with the French colors, but in the store that I acquired this model, this was the only version of this kit available. Fortunately that all kits are the same, just changing the decals of the markings... and that really won't be a problem... But enough talking and let's move on...</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHRewny4tuDeQQ-zmciO-rJu1JQYQ4BrRWRJOL41xBKdK1hgzo8zFQObL9MIOxzxz-2inofAKXUxZVym7hbB6pZKXcvpBrveG-gyi8Okn6eEZ3zJ-s7fsgf4MoYpAok_0QxmyaIqsK4OP9BUigB2e7Q4Gp--K2GYl3YXXSvnD9ugfJKamYDNKQjcbmA/s1024/FCM%2036%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1024" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHRewny4tuDeQQ-zmciO-rJu1JQYQ4BrRWRJOL41xBKdK1hgzo8zFQObL9MIOxzxz-2inofAKXUxZVym7hbB6pZKXcvpBrveG-gyi8Okn6eEZ3zJ-s7fsgf4MoYpAok_0QxmyaIqsK4OP9BUigB2e7Q4Gp--K2GYl3YXXSvnD9ugfJKamYDNKQjcbmA/w640-h388/FCM%2036%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My workbench, with the ICM kit parts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg8szbD1rQaivuvmbJt-JCF1BEXmRMvaqHrm6ZBMbCCWlNcXVHxJ18kWpeRdCo5KEXd0O0sq0zdn_KV_VysFP7MhpFjQIariDOCDt3WJhSXL15f6ahUDtBzqtb4gQY_JFAnyvf1T6R0MLBbGa0I_vHKKIsJopmKPvRmDB7PBph9V6Mdck6MZ56uhVdg/s1280/FCM%2036%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfg8szbD1rQaivuvmbJt-JCF1BEXmRMvaqHrm6ZBMbCCWlNcXVHxJ18kWpeRdCo5KEXd0O0sq0zdn_KV_VysFP7MhpFjQIariDOCDt3WJhSXL15f6ahUDtBzqtb4gQY_JFAnyvf1T6R0MLBbGa0I_vHKKIsJopmKPvRmDB7PBph9V6Mdck6MZ56uhVdg/w640-h362/FCM%2036%20001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting by the booklet, by the chassis, gluing the parts togheter.<br />The kit is very well detailed and injected...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0onrFtDBJ1FdrYAVoiHQxGC8koadp7jkhdOavQgaO3rW36-y9zwzPHGBq2TA5cS76LQIi77IwxnpG9o7s4e91HGslsl3Pbc2aAEq0WEKtHxeHqoJZIDW0OgbXSYGm35kVjPWQX43R_eqi93xim1IdDmmiUZBdM8P2xgvaqHNw7ubsxyex90V57iRHg/s1280/FCM%2036%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0onrFtDBJ1FdrYAVoiHQxGC8koadp7jkhdOavQgaO3rW36-y9zwzPHGBq2TA5cS76LQIi77IwxnpG9o7s4e91HGslsl3Pbc2aAEq0WEKtHxeHqoJZIDW0OgbXSYGm35kVjPWQX43R_eqi93xim1IdDmmiUZBdM8P2xgvaqHNw7ubsxyex90V57iRHg/w640-h346/FCM%2036%20002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fit of the parts is perfect. So far, a delight to build, no doubt....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> To glue the bogie wheels perfectly aligned to each other, I made a "Mad Scientist" invention: I used thick metal wire, which I sanded to the same size of the inside diameter of the wheels, using the Dremel as a vise. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I kept the metal pin installed in the Dremel mandrel (I didn't use the Dremel rotating, just as a support...) and inserted the two wheels in this axle, to be able to glue them together, perfectly aligned. Simple and effective.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUrTn1wkpl_Kg-jEQxHurL08QC8xMmzUv630xk5xov4xnHyQ01WfldYMxnHZoP-WvmqbGfvZA-KVdhPCPbyeDp2MTBDP488SF53XVJmFtd8giD5pmyt8eELZ-U3LK1XFnB3q3DvwbXxd-kTUlOr5WRhiBBAzW1bQnNNoSR48y1ZD8aaMAewyc_mvEiw/s1280/FCM%2036%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUrTn1wkpl_Kg-jEQxHurL08QC8xMmzUv630xk5xov4xnHyQ01WfldYMxnHZoP-WvmqbGfvZA-KVdhPCPbyeDp2MTBDP488SF53XVJmFtd8giD5pmyt8eELZ-U3LK1XFnB3q3DvwbXxd-kTUlOr5WRhiBBAzW1bQnNNoSR48y1ZD8aaMAewyc_mvEiw/w640-h324/FCM%2036%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Panzerserra "Wheel Aligner Tool" (patent pending),<br />ready to receive the two wheels to be glued together.<br />The objective is to make pairs of perfectly aligned<br />wheels for the suspension bogies.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbD47bLY659s_qbvXFJp5s7ziCZWlaIXgMODBwnGh4jX8U59FcuRFo4oThAQIGk_hdsO7AerU-VXLKWeucVl2hBucT96fkokJPXcCiCrYG6o4TNmyA4eSm2eyYZ9m3A85flMQMXcLi4FGvAkD-dBNbziGL3Q9fmKdxlLph9I1Kjud7xbtTkfkYvY5y8Q/s1280/FCM%2036%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbD47bLY659s_qbvXFJp5s7ziCZWlaIXgMODBwnGh4jX8U59FcuRFo4oThAQIGk_hdsO7AerU-VXLKWeucVl2hBucT96fkokJPXcCiCrYG6o4TNmyA4eSm2eyYZ9m3A85flMQMXcLi4FGvAkD-dBNbziGL3Q9fmKdxlLph9I1Kjud7xbtTkfkYvY5y8Q/w640-h366/FCM%2036%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using welder glue to fuse one wheel to another.<br />The welder liquid is deposited between the wheels with a brush<br />and the capillarity does the rest...<br />The pin, being metallic, is not attacked by the welder.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMt5IHr0QUN48JSQ02BrgUqzv1dT5UWoSiDVMK5_EVM49NM6DTrS4ZMAEptIcamByDuy7bNhiT7UPKi8Rd_HcqM4sXj_HlIVBMPnRuEA2tOiKAq4uxku5B0c-gBu1WaBlS6d9d7sOLigjZkXkgoU7FWQg5jzzHeIqRtDN7LXDYGfeTHZer8d029u62Q/s1280/FCM%2036%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMt5IHr0QUN48JSQ02BrgUqzv1dT5UWoSiDVMK5_EVM49NM6DTrS4ZMAEptIcamByDuy7bNhiT7UPKi8Rd_HcqM4sXj_HlIVBMPnRuEA2tOiKAq4uxku5B0c-gBu1WaBlS6d9d7sOLigjZkXkgoU7FWQg5jzzHeIqRtDN7LXDYGfeTHZer8d029u62Q/w640-h410/FCM%2036%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Parfait</b></i>, as Brigitte would say...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFZ1dCBpXdGFLI6t54xR9EKoK70g45bXbVmk_4d8CekLH4vEvQkyNoLKodh4u6E0tu3HnNpbYAu3NXez6fVUpCUPQniUkdqOgYjA4waZGUH_NBTVOLFN38zjvye3VTnrT1LJjbiCFAwjpoHTjXTH7MFJPZlqrr6fbcMRiIdzYNoJFiQFUSi9GISD59A/s1280/FCM%2036%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFZ1dCBpXdGFLI6t54xR9EKoK70g45bXbVmk_4d8CekLH4vEvQkyNoLKodh4u6E0tu3HnNpbYAu3NXez6fVUpCUPQniUkdqOgYjA4waZGUH_NBTVOLFN38zjvye3VTnrT1LJjbiCFAwjpoHTjXTH7MFJPZlqrr6fbcMRiIdzYNoJFiQFUSi9GISD59A/w640-h432/FCM%2036%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the bogies and drive sprockets in position...<br /><i><b>Tout parfaitement aligné...</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vjxj5rvU8A6L61dAXpgkogUvbuAoTP-TRNp05JrLTja4TOG2owfxF2Zvi0lz9nrjP59Ns5_zq_wJC-EogSV1ZiI2mJhAyIdiGu9Vdf9h6ujFnNAQM9cPq9DO_tqzOp5K8MhNtFgGFsOGxJNy0CWowLvHbfp8mwgSdobYC6y7c5KXts6PsQJ2I_agSQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vjxj5rvU8A6L61dAXpgkogUvbuAoTP-TRNp05JrLTja4TOG2owfxF2Zvi0lz9nrjP59Ns5_zq_wJC-EogSV1ZiI2mJhAyIdiGu9Vdf9h6ujFnNAQM9cPq9DO_tqzOp5K8MhNtFgGFsOGxJNy0CWowLvHbfp8mwgSdobYC6y7c5KXts6PsQJ2I_agSQ/w640-h488/FCM%2036%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to test superglue for bonding vinyl tracks. <br />The kit features 4 segments of tracks, which must be joined together in pairs. <br />I like to "scrape" the areas that will be glued to increase the adhesiveness...<br />The glue seems to adhere well to the material, keeping the<br />union between the parts very firm...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dgMnMrBPzVLdrm97Y-uRJHdbiQbp_B0gvK48WACqQ5f32iUebJayEMVNVi1oUA3EHVFyB0sB8a4_0WY8mBzo31UTSU1kVRYfB0negj2PRBPG9P-ohmWWx43sThZmTuEqW-X5t6kZXYLpgr67OKJza4OUuQXwRPKDKjEoKaA1DwDEEs_oYKlnbcWRGg/s1280/FCM%2036%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dgMnMrBPzVLdrm97Y-uRJHdbiQbp_B0gvK48WACqQ5f32iUebJayEMVNVi1oUA3EHVFyB0sB8a4_0WY8mBzo31UTSU1kVRYfB0negj2PRBPG9P-ohmWWx43sThZmTuEqW-X5t6kZXYLpgr67OKJza4OUuQXwRPKDKjEoKaA1DwDEEs_oYKlnbcWRGg/w640-h350/FCM%2036%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the superglue dries on the tracks, we continue<br />to build our little girl's suspension and lower hull...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao0jo_LRVHR_aUJq2za0aUKYtq0vZsRYnuw5wuQbn3kPCM1KZQCnstBbIjhYN8HPWM8gcd4gSi6uFAi1NcHrmeZX-5ufjUjwPV_VilDEYyFP0P2o860IEryt-4YUPF3nqTRLV7yYB8UG3haviWtiCqwU8150F6CWur1VSD2OPv6bkqnpcyKEAPDDZ3w/s1280/FCM%2036%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao0jo_LRVHR_aUJq2za0aUKYtq0vZsRYnuw5wuQbn3kPCM1KZQCnstBbIjhYN8HPWM8gcd4gSi6uFAi1NcHrmeZX-5ufjUjwPV_VilDEYyFP0P2o860IEryt-4YUPF3nqTRLV7yYB8UG3haviWtiCqwU8150F6CWur1VSD2OPv6bkqnpcyKEAPDDZ3w/w640-h424/FCM%2036%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, a <i><b>très jolie et sympathique</b></i> little girl !!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JMn9ywNDoKJychHkYzo601Z5b89MFjAy7IQHqv648cyeoFYTz4PjDQkXO8KIixPJYu6_P94cz9jAx7jzMrOaFHwbna5sCCU_ucfMsoPuadsGW9aSMzmN63Z-vCo2z8_sQCkNMBJ3S51zkNxNvlstss2ZTvW3MDiX588W_rCOlQCcF2MG0mc-FSXmqQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JMn9ywNDoKJychHkYzo601Z5b89MFjAy7IQHqv648cyeoFYTz4PjDQkXO8KIixPJYu6_P94cz9jAx7jzMrOaFHwbna5sCCU_ucfMsoPuadsGW9aSMzmN63Z-vCo2z8_sQCkNMBJ3S51zkNxNvlstss2ZTvW3MDiX588W_rCOlQCcF2MG0mc-FSXmqQ/w640-h410/FCM%2036%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tracks in position. I used superglue in the<br />return wheels to to simulate the weight of the upper portion of the tracks,<br />giving this portion a slightly loose look.<br />Notice the joining point of parts (red).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCysCwwrIXf-rpuipzTqpWsp45kJCQqGim0m0FxwB1FOA-HjJp-P3D95Xtk76OCZD2py_6X-dEmi_ZkISNB7NuX6hO_IBP_GSR-zczyDU07CCP5kCcSGAlczMVxMlrQPWK4yQ6Z2W3nfvOdwBpDmEqieMKzR6a_Rni9LF-ZqTjhT_HnAd652y_4oDhA/s1280/FCM%2036%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCysCwwrIXf-rpuipzTqpWsp45kJCQqGim0m0FxwB1FOA-HjJp-P3D95Xtk76OCZD2py_6X-dEmi_ZkISNB7NuX6hO_IBP_GSR-zczyDU07CCP5kCcSGAlczMVxMlrQPWK4yQ6Z2W3nfvOdwBpDmEqieMKzR6a_Rni9LF-ZqTjhT_HnAd652y_4oDhA/w640-h370/FCM%2036%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I almost broke this delicate piece when handling the tank... <br />Don't worry <i><b>mon chéri</b></i>...it's easy to fix!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCMCr1a6RGxuvvezBsyr9_5BOV3tTrgk-ifwZlT2WP5RScaMsKtPFKf3qZSOCQIfkCT1X6-GE9Bc8_Xtv-y_Yc4M9efNGArXpMYxuddur3HnGQjt0UG7V9E4dDz-bBWLXqJLRe8HusVYR9dwtWvgtG-k8GnwfXfOGO0wMQgnK--W5KlhpnZ_qmCNBfA/s1280/FCM%2036%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCMCr1a6RGxuvvezBsyr9_5BOV3tTrgk-ifwZlT2WP5RScaMsKtPFKf3qZSOCQIfkCT1X6-GE9Bc8_Xtv-y_Yc4M9efNGArXpMYxuddur3HnGQjt0UG7V9E4dDz-bBWLXqJLRe8HusVYR9dwtWvgtG-k8GnwfXfOGO0wMQgnK--W5KlhpnZ_qmCNBfA/w640-h350/FCM%2036%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And ready !! <i><b>Tout est parfait!!!</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8MccJsD9B32DN3LjExOLY5hi2KQtOsHF4cimF_Wjuhg_yleG8J8llKmfaRtnwbrbtXJklWlgyfXL-g6LZE_R7Rrq_SYmPS79H4TZ-zTRmnsbQ7ELOXexfJxYMOeFAjmsUSndSsfIewSGkuoO30lMVMDgCE3XFSUoahzshG5oM_nzqULOjTT3YrMZ0Q/s1280/FCM%2036%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8MccJsD9B32DN3LjExOLY5hi2KQtOsHF4cimF_Wjuhg_yleG8J8llKmfaRtnwbrbtXJklWlgyfXL-g6LZE_R7Rrq_SYmPS79H4TZ-zTRmnsbQ7ELOXexfJxYMOeFAjmsUSndSsfIewSGkuoO30lMVMDgCE3XFSUoahzshG5oM_nzqULOjTT3YrMZ0Q/w640-h400/FCM%2036%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I said before, this kit is very nice to build...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0S-YpKXZr414YJa-w_tD3_DMCz1FSDCcNY36ETPK48nfRCqOjN0gzwWnAGa4So48Eyh3FJeD_0J1xxFbvo8IBlXzAtXueEm8A3at2JWVrTPzRkyQk2OgAc2cmId8SSJt0VSg7ikuUel4_71pYEZptHzn6cBRrQYaI7BBeBhAsgool-KhudFaVo1zDxA/s1280/FCM%2036%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0S-YpKXZr414YJa-w_tD3_DMCz1FSDCcNY36ETPK48nfRCqOjN0gzwWnAGa4So48Eyh3FJeD_0J1xxFbvo8IBlXzAtXueEm8A3at2JWVrTPzRkyQk2OgAc2cmId8SSJt0VSg7ikuUel4_71pYEZptHzn6cBRrQYaI7BBeBhAsgool-KhudFaVo1zDxA/w640-h384/FCM%2036%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view.<br />As the kit does not have interior details, <br />I left the driver's hatch half-open...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrdubc-RrJHGxPf6dML_viA-ExD0Yj7c3Kk1dozkpBW2fXt6P5R046h5JVJnqGqU6f7EigyMC6qxtd5plz_xBm97OCn8gBINA_4s1tXRfm2WwLHtb-HjFDFI204rKqCo7yWB18qkJfvjTBJhtS2FzVfuEwEiV6OGrnr6Y4bE5z_7VwBsWBktmlof2UQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrdubc-RrJHGxPf6dML_viA-ExD0Yj7c3Kk1dozkpBW2fXt6P5R046h5JVJnqGqU6f7EigyMC6qxtd5plz_xBm97OCn8gBINA_4s1tXRfm2WwLHtb-HjFDFI204rKqCo7yWB18qkJfvjTBJhtS2FzVfuEwEiV6OGrnr6Y4bE5z_7VwBsWBktmlof2UQ/w640-h366/FCM%2036%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the hull details and starting to build the armament...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPXwPXT5KF-oO2llD7JF9XTMbtoudsZ_S4acoM2hDqsOJ4l9MiCTw74Ll5gQ-CHWpvM-EkmZQbeyni7ITFHdz-Bn1ijSMWGb8N9TSwYLRu62YupfWRXLSeb_PmiADtk9pd2hIAtYCaPhnloU8GQyUBRfMmWa80diAkQHh8hHEs4vozJN4j2S3wrjLkA/s1280/FCM%2036%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPXwPXT5KF-oO2llD7JF9XTMbtoudsZ_S4acoM2hDqsOJ4l9MiCTw74Ll5gQ-CHWpvM-EkmZQbeyni7ITFHdz-Bn1ijSMWGb8N9TSwYLRu62YupfWRXLSeb_PmiADtk9pd2hIAtYCaPhnloU8GQyUBRfMmWa80diAkQHh8hHEs4vozJN4j2S3wrjLkA/w640-h396/FCM%2036%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soooo pretty!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwpj8Rn8s1CGtjcwYGS_InmkzfPetBkYrhCTtPxy5ThzOmfB1T9VO1p5ztBWH0H2lRCmTl8sMBb-a7TyTRZGz5HN51zig57_GhCedEn5im8sZKGpy5UlZjYCjWnIvJx0QuBoedxXlY8ZZuJCkmNLsi_PItws0WiK-_wSiaU53zcAr3oBxiDbDq3x1pQ/s1280/egiptian%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwpj8Rn8s1CGtjcwYGS_InmkzfPetBkYrhCTtPxy5ThzOmfB1T9VO1p5ztBWH0H2lRCmTl8sMBb-a7TyTRZGz5HN51zig57_GhCedEn5im8sZKGpy5UlZjYCjWnIvJx0QuBoedxXlY8ZZuJCkmNLsi_PItws0WiK-_wSiaU53zcAr3oBxiDbDq3x1pQ/w640-h396/egiptian%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the construction of the pyramidal turret.<br />Horus says:<i><b> " * Nice turret..."</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRfMLZm8pPPomWmAhwvWqrHTU16tRhV502OS_IwXvnvp_4bBpS9pm1tEsCakTfnPheRmPpdy_ydKfuo-gI5W9qPSN16yJXAlP7cR8gO4GtgJFDTwO2C6_8HvPNzDW0EW6i3VtOv3xKXSm6hEUoAMseTY4ysQFWv_q1MN2MDF0KcWs3IUfNgGMiZ6Rnw/s1280/FCM%2036%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRfMLZm8pPPomWmAhwvWqrHTU16tRhV502OS_IwXvnvp_4bBpS9pm1tEsCakTfnPheRmPpdy_ydKfuo-gI5W9qPSN16yJXAlP7cR8gO4GtgJFDTwO2C6_8HvPNzDW0EW6i3VtOv3xKXSm6hEUoAMseTY4ysQFWv_q1MN2MDF0KcWs3IUfNgGMiZ6Rnw/w640-h372/FCM%2036%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret - right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4QtrXgSb1GZbLBgbHJiTQWOiODWHvrSBJECFgUj-n2Khs0-YUchYASOy9Rqr3A2ome0Q3RwHeAPeG3fu3xwr3FgdU0P0VdVd2a2C6gv_DhoUsHDlK3E7t7URAM4geGmWtcQ4Kn7EfBXM0MV-6j6b19ybh6PGN2naikODYzBFDlG7B_X3Bck-hTUlCQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4QtrXgSb1GZbLBgbHJiTQWOiODWHvrSBJECFgUj-n2Khs0-YUchYASOy9Rqr3A2ome0Q3RwHeAPeG3fu3xwr3FgdU0P0VdVd2a2C6gv_DhoUsHDlK3E7t7URAM4geGmWtcQ4Kn7EfBXM0MV-6j6b19ybh6PGN2naikODYzBFDlG7B_X3Bck-hTUlCQ/w640-h430/FCM%2036%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit is ready for painting....</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> For this project, I choose represent the brave FCM 36 30056, who fought on May 14, 1940 at Chemery (Ardennes). </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt2hYAYGc7ia6TpbmW159TsYwfcT0AnQlcde6ca8UyGAbqHRwgH2XvVn3l3DYStYbQrqT5O-wfipwcj3h0kOXmni5AryvGT8OquXonVrXv6-B9KEL-CYlQxF6-5NZK1D1pNfgh_umu3yAknj_IDTxCGKOup4KqLL2mg7FpCgtKnfarhO_pcRIESQYDA/s1024/30056-03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1024" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDt2hYAYGc7ia6TpbmW159TsYwfcT0AnQlcde6ca8UyGAbqHRwgH2XvVn3l3DYStYbQrqT5O-wfipwcj3h0kOXmni5AryvGT8OquXonVrXv6-B9KEL-CYlQxF6-5NZK1D1pNfgh_umu3yAknj_IDTxCGKOup4KqLL2mg7FpCgtKnfarhO_pcRIESQYDA/w640-h468/30056-03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The FCM 36 - 30056 in parade.<br /></span>November, 1938 - Paris - France</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> This tank was serving in the 7th Battalion of Tanks, in the 3rd Company, 2nd Section. The crew consisted of Second Lieutenant Jacques Lacroix (Commander) and mécanicien Perrelet (driver). On its way to Chemery, the french tanks encounters three heavier German tanks. The FCM 36 30056 immediately starts firing, imitated by the other French tanks. Second Lieutenant Lacroix's 30056 "White 51" tank is quickly hit and he is mortally wounded. But somehow he managed to crawl out of the tank's turret and was taken prisoner. The driver Perrelet takes his post and continues to fight. We don't know what happened to him.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA6EJJUV-57iHPcTz4c9o7KYK4SJvguo_M2L1vs0XoclDAQKk9BkX21K1nEwzjSOdyYICwaq7NDUFPZU25afmlP9DRXAL3ukdipevCLCXw2OYN1TnHZ83a9VPDHhE_a4gxVBjWXzhtPbrURIh6WeDQutoORFnZtk5ZWKWebD3s-gLI8FqVjnjrZXGZw/s1024/30056-01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1024" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA6EJJUV-57iHPcTz4c9o7KYK4SJvguo_M2L1vs0XoclDAQKk9BkX21K1nEwzjSOdyYICwaq7NDUFPZU25afmlP9DRXAL3ukdipevCLCXw2OYN1TnHZ83a9VPDHhE_a4gxVBjWXzhtPbrURIh6WeDQutoORFnZtk5ZWKWebD3s-gLI8FqVjnjrZXGZw/w640-h378/30056-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The FCM 36 30056 "White 51" destroyed <br />after the Battle of Chemery - Ardennes - 14 May 1940.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKX1j5Pu0MIFHaLPj1cPxoS327lE9HWmen9x96eUPoD6zYNGpH34izHcIadEBVJnglf1fRECnNq6JNRMAJK46kBV5ql2TcmuXv_vep9hERLZZ2mcISio7WqxO0ZSTrXSnvSdq4msXvi8C4ROJEf4eYVuP-oM1jSztvNbdAs9_1wJzYENPRpFRg_Rbsg/s1024/30056-02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1024" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKX1j5Pu0MIFHaLPj1cPxoS327lE9HWmen9x96eUPoD6zYNGpH34izHcIadEBVJnglf1fRECnNq6JNRMAJK46kBV5ql2TcmuXv_vep9hERLZZ2mcISio7WqxO0ZSTrXSnvSdq4msXvi8C4ROJEf4eYVuP-oM1jSztvNbdAs9_1wJzYENPRpFRg_Rbsg/w640-h430/30056-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The FCM 36 30056 "White 51" destroyed<br />after the Battle of Chemery - Ardennes - 14 May 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As usual, I try to make a color profile, as a guide for my paintings and markings:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBrsmQz_ip-t1g3mFkUQmB-uZmbeFvYJA64TTZokrGjniOSobJ18i-JK-cRvlMYWvpCbsI8HWxN7zFXO_M7kAWLM-ShRtQxM7Qsyko3aKAaGxP2CZBMfQOZ5A74eNA9xVqNzPnGC5o4fYSGEZXbuL-SWdnPw_HFIGjlfEPsBblJpEqzI0jwurHrkFhA/s1400/FCM%2036%20color%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1400" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBrsmQz_ip-t1g3mFkUQmB-uZmbeFvYJA64TTZokrGjniOSobJ18i-JK-cRvlMYWvpCbsI8HWxN7zFXO_M7kAWLM-ShRtQxM7Qsyko3aKAaGxP2CZBMfQOZ5A74eNA9xVqNzPnGC5o4fYSGEZXbuL-SWdnPw_HFIGjlfEPsBblJpEqzI0jwurHrkFhA/w640-h490/FCM%2036%20color%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light tank FCM 36 - 30056 - "White 51"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And our industrious bald guy received a priceless gift from our friend <b>Marsy</b> <b>Olivier</b>, sent from beautiful France: The book Trackstory FCM 36 (Editions du Barbotin n° 7), with great historical and graphic material about our little girl, with a nice sheet of decals,with precisely the markings of <i><b>le Blanc 51!!</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Merci beaucoup, mon ami Olivier!!!</span></b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpqj0AXHpWuU3gyioh8GeIGqiI8QLVYLKLoXiAW2U8VZSG-0HwsRqD-LTQbJ22jtWztPFAIRjXXeqTX5FPn0OGbJk09xHd7dQEbZvkeE6OuZYtQgHNp9HV6C3VEm4Zp0nASi6LKfTBM9o9YUK4Fdc6IkZsVl70P89rwVo1bOXFj7KxiN2rF1r2NZKKQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpqj0AXHpWuU3gyioh8GeIGqiI8QLVYLKLoXiAW2U8VZSG-0HwsRqD-LTQbJ22jtWztPFAIRjXXeqTX5FPn0OGbJk09xHd7dQEbZvkeE6OuZYtQgHNp9HV6C3VEm4Zp0nASi6LKfTBM9o9YUK4Fdc6IkZsVl70P89rwVo1bOXFj7KxiN2rF1r2NZKKQ/w640-h480/FCM%2036%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bald one with with your new gifts!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But suddenly, Kojak suffers a paroxysmal attack of "rivet counter disease": Looking closely at the Trackstory decal, he discovers an error in the colors of the markings referring to the Tank Company: the emblem on the decal came with the gear painted blue (the blue ones were from the 1st Company, as we saw above, in the Historic). But as the Le Blanc 51 belongs to the 3rd Company, it would be correct for this gear to be painted red. But that's easy to fix: just use a very fine brush and steady hands to turn the blue gear red... Let's do that in the decal sealing step... But even with this small problem, the decals made our life a lot easier, saving us hours of work!!!! See the detail below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOxqiomNRJtHMQKlU4fhzmXuOaVIxQL5KKkwfgAjC3tZSQOmkGGCyYIc4XnUz2U7sEuZs0SxfpmcSOUz0rGTeAGGWzp4ykZca18ynglWL8rhu469sa551c4L2ZZsQwInEUg9lxMrpbvQOSN9eGJpN3WRbyfa8AhOqafTde64UmAtASsU0JCE21k0opA/s1207/FCM%2036%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1207" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOxqiomNRJtHMQKlU4fhzmXuOaVIxQL5KKkwfgAjC3tZSQOmkGGCyYIc4XnUz2U7sEuZs0SxfpmcSOUz0rGTeAGGWzp4ykZca18ynglWL8rhu469sa551c4L2ZZsQwInEUg9lxMrpbvQOSN9eGJpN3WRbyfa8AhOqafTde64UmAtASsU0JCE21k0opA/w640-h450/FCM%2036%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trackstory's decal with a small coloring error<br />on the emblems of the 3rd Company.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But first of all, primer time!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtguZeX6_thRrsjVZmswGh73Phuk9x8s1FbO8ESZF5NMvDVvZr1fup6-X8mk2LFvMVhRkzcIiuyAMzVOgIHfFVuz_6jN4XyUshPuGGBNJ-i5gB4f4VrwODMtM4lSg5o3PWN6f7dutTVbcfSMakOPnc0w3zUSTFDtKzK-SemqBxDAkWT7vZgxQzcXL39A/s1280/FCM%2036%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtguZeX6_thRrsjVZmswGh73Phuk9x8s1FbO8ESZF5NMvDVvZr1fup6-X8mk2LFvMVhRkzcIiuyAMzVOgIHfFVuz_6jN4XyUshPuGGBNJ-i5gB4f4VrwODMtM4lSg5o3PWN6f7dutTVbcfSMakOPnc0w3zUSTFDtKzK-SemqBxDAkWT7vZgxQzcXL39A/w640-h382/FCM%2036%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light grey primer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXInkYbEU4O9-xtIeOz93p1sIb0NekWHGzlaUyvClTLkm_172vR37cf1zbXt5KaW286zxQiYVBR-Uy8lNKxx93ykwK_xj6lG3IEq5QxWfP2iI-I81Ssq-HwCA1QsO0MqV_lAtUHhn1Z0RTodlyiZotMNXvqf7n9JuawdzK4yCK_NlyyM9wVcFZQKhbw/s1280/FCM%2036%20027a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXInkYbEU4O9-xtIeOz93p1sIb0NekWHGzlaUyvClTLkm_172vR37cf1zbXt5KaW286zxQiYVBR-Uy8lNKxx93ykwK_xj6lG3IEq5QxWfP2iI-I81Ssq-HwCA1QsO0MqV_lAtUHhn1Z0RTodlyiZotMNXvqf7n9JuawdzK4yCK_NlyyM9wVcFZQKhbw/w640-h358/FCM%2036%20027a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fisrt base color: a rather pale desert yellow, with tonal variations...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Vari_JU4ulfzCYcCrJ_b4H1nK4k4aIdVrJmBK8gDY2fLaTbPITfONrDEnGs9jX41z06Zlda_jQqQeG1Zgltik6soq3ADzBcqYvirfyJG6qQOciEGLELxF0kM_mYGgoz1jm7dINoipaF_Cq5WuT8pndwn9-rfoySXpmZkfQp_e3j3K-Hv8_ja96NONA/s1280/FCM%2036%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Vari_JU4ulfzCYcCrJ_b4H1nK4k4aIdVrJmBK8gDY2fLaTbPITfONrDEnGs9jX41z06Zlda_jQqQeG1Zgltik6soq3ADzBcqYvirfyJG6qQOciEGLELxF0kM_mYGgoz1jm7dINoipaF_Cq5WuT8pndwn9-rfoySXpmZkfQp_e3j3K-Hv8_ja96NONA/w640-h328/FCM%2036%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTGCl2EnTDLXPBQkMOtFTeSeAek2LweTQotAYgKxJJ2gJL1BIKMX-KPYq5DKgN8ahQY1mTc8L1bgVwiA3dB_ZDmlQgYoN6F0-5yif--h9EhR4v8rddlNlfHqmHJ8_nc9jEEGp6hxkJpwu6Ysd7lORdYVT9K916b9CZZvWR-i7cqijZyA8gyyTtLzmkQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTGCl2EnTDLXPBQkMOtFTeSeAek2LweTQotAYgKxJJ2gJL1BIKMX-KPYq5DKgN8ahQY1mTc8L1bgVwiA3dB_ZDmlQgYoN6F0-5yif--h9EhR4v8rddlNlfHqmHJ8_nc9jEEGp6hxkJpwu6Ysd7lORdYVT9K916b9CZZvWR-i7cqijZyA8gyyTtLzmkQ/w640-h302/FCM%2036%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it's time to make a lot of masks for the "discreet" french camouflage!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cgGzRpbj6Uq0mZQ5XmczS8dVFaD1Z12pDuigo6Xbvvj8r9FGTNGlqfQ4J80YVROZ2CgglEmmCDBPH7MbBtTJBANsljQ2fglz2Ux-vCfYsm5_4DPkEc3y7eTmNYSiHusKmAL1vpD_TsU-zlJ5s-sA_fMABw0YGJajDqBtoHlMLcDeNtUEmqfcUKgMlw/s1280/FCM%2036%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cgGzRpbj6Uq0mZQ5XmczS8dVFaD1Z12pDuigo6Xbvvj8r9FGTNGlqfQ4J80YVROZ2CgglEmmCDBPH7MbBtTJBANsljQ2fglz2Ux-vCfYsm5_4DPkEc3y7eTmNYSiHusKmAL1vpD_TsU-zlJ5s-sA_fMABw0YGJajDqBtoHlMLcDeNtUEmqfcUKgMlw/w640-h330/FCM%2036%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the masks in position... a boring job...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Sorry, my friends, but I got so caught up in cutting and applying the tapes that I didn't take all the pictures of this step... Here's the result of the color layers, after removing the masking tape:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyp6ud7O7sCYcK4DC-m-dQbf6SCsbZi7qAZS3eQdfSKtZCr1XyT_oNYiWPa2wbdqRkUzHblO_U3P-sEEzvnu961sJ0jcdoa3zgIyJX0prA8IKzqAB6pXOZR5CmSiPcH01XS2nXgccmzLMFWOujPrU-spwvJQbGq_PXk7EOTIuQR2GWwIxNDlrmf7SN9Q/s1280/FCM%2036%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyp6ud7O7sCYcK4DC-m-dQbf6SCsbZi7qAZS3eQdfSKtZCr1XyT_oNYiWPa2wbdqRkUzHblO_U3P-sEEzvnu961sJ0jcdoa3zgIyJX0prA8IKzqAB6pXOZR5CmSiPcH01XS2nXgccmzLMFWOujPrU-spwvJQbGq_PXk7EOTIuQR2GWwIxNDlrmf7SN9Q/w640-h356/FCM%2036%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Vive la France !!! </b>FCM 36 - front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxmbBVo49bmFDWoEj9Ghq2Gx0Ta_xjpw0g4Stll1AUHut-buxtKDHgRrMknJpIBezIDL8uJXe6mtM1tqhpDswH7MDdpbRtbtmRtkW13B0Auenl1VQMoEYYsevNiUl5d-FvRWkPvEuc85ask1jLpzn1wUd5_DfV2uzlTeV9CdAi0NJgHTKDyrzb2OB6w/s1280/FCM%2036%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxmbBVo49bmFDWoEj9Ghq2Gx0Ta_xjpw0g4Stll1AUHut-buxtKDHgRrMknJpIBezIDL8uJXe6mtM1tqhpDswH7MDdpbRtbtmRtkW13B0Auenl1VQMoEYYsevNiUl5d-FvRWkPvEuc85ask1jLpzn1wUd5_DfV2uzlTeV9CdAi0NJgHTKDyrzb2OB6w/w640-h416/FCM%2036%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs4sV2Tf1qMsuKfwDrH9dEUk3KV1WUj6bPFlZWuVs0pHzqPtzdWNl-XDVI-Uuvk75ZHfKDQHTlbIph-d4VB3LORNlC-FX2hdaiakklX-6-Z35mUciP0UHfZksGxxTO8G4EnC3izrDQQuGjo6d0E6wrzZ0zmQtmfcp9uZE9msEIyXvCFyjke-5QZnywA/s1280/FCM%2036%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs4sV2Tf1qMsuKfwDrH9dEUk3KV1WUj6bPFlZWuVs0pHzqPtzdWNl-XDVI-Uuvk75ZHfKDQHTlbIph-d4VB3LORNlC-FX2hdaiakklX-6-Z35mUciP0UHfZksGxxTO8G4EnC3izrDQQuGjo6d0E6wrzZ0zmQtmfcp9uZE9msEIyXvCFyjke-5QZnywA/w640-h342/FCM%2036%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXJB_Z8VaUNON8Pjb9-J-Gdd43240pg8WC2hh8d0ZIsOuCLqYJXjauzqRaEKqgPN1leE1-9ignZWNsw_aI2_7H_ePIB34LDkXM1Z9-k4iJza8aoF0e6D3Ot-RO-IyntEZy6V2XYNr1owMkBNB3t3YUXqcBz5Mlgkl-EGrjZGOw4xSbOFNlksrxlRvpg/s1280/FCM%2036%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXJB_Z8VaUNON8Pjb9-J-Gdd43240pg8WC2hh8d0ZIsOuCLqYJXjauzqRaEKqgPN1leE1-9ignZWNsw_aI2_7H_ePIB34LDkXM1Z9-k4iJza8aoF0e6D3Ot-RO-IyntEZy6V2XYNr1owMkBNB3t3YUXqcBz5Mlgkl-EGrjZGOw4xSbOFNlksrxlRvpg/w640-h336/FCM%2036%20037.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 - left view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, it's time to apply a thin layer of Pledge over the entire light tank and wait for it to dry, to apply the decals without running the risk of having the infamous silvering....</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mr-dA_4YK43hpPEv61Zq4hQC1N6vrc2OweGR3c1VNLurQh-MLgCuqaeQDqX_vWohH-Ro28lURvUqP6sk3RiAzWiM2QcQOQLNiZm3UVvvHV-cqU07848OnGiN9SLGQfeld1Iupm4XUYJtdfUZsUiwwDd-jk49ybJFAqABnucIcaI8FQPwCeqv-c5YyQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Mr-dA_4YK43hpPEv61Zq4hQC1N6vrc2OweGR3c1VNLurQh-MLgCuqaeQDqX_vWohH-Ro28lURvUqP6sk3RiAzWiM2QcQOQLNiZm3UVvvHV-cqU07848OnGiN9SLGQfeld1Iupm4XUYJtdfUZsUiwwDd-jk49ybJFAqABnucIcaI8FQPwCeqv-c5YyQ/w640-h364/FCM%2036%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Le Blanc 51</b></i> being born... Notice that the visible portion<br />of the blue gear on the turret's emblem is very small... <br />Good thing it's only on the left side!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ceqC6tMSv4cumMAOkMtLCJJbAW_LGUrY0HRFafAkKStH0k0i5loM2uRyKcEB5vnckQITpQu6GXq58Eaqlav5J0JQg73hExMshfjNpD3C9GH6ONqky09nvU3dCpg-mbrYUHIw8zLeifsfU56Fu-Y4ZysmDcq74-vGQ6cgqzHcXnwgQ8Vtfm-6w16U7g/s1280/FCM%2036%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ceqC6tMSv4cumMAOkMtLCJJbAW_LGUrY0HRFafAkKStH0k0i5loM2uRyKcEB5vnckQITpQu6GXq58Eaqlav5J0JQg73hExMshfjNpD3C9GH6ONqky09nvU3dCpg-mbrYUHIw8zLeifsfU56Fu-Y4ZysmDcq74-vGQ6cgqzHcXnwgQ8Vtfm-6w16U7g/w640-h450/FCM%2036%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FCM 36 <i>Le Blanc 51</i> - 30056</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3R9-99K48iaSgHINvzShdsenP1u0_XXDzILazvke7wWMB1E1aO8Xlg7E3FG2kfui7OBg4rxVX5hxU76VPeyiOgWP8JeVHM5DJdIlLbQQNjyUX20Q1E3JU3nP7tmQL5c8XEzDUHE23bwyOBXyiVkHtOQcen9RSdtzN_KR-EWnuztGVHn0iG9ZBbefIw/s1280/FCM%2036%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3R9-99K48iaSgHINvzShdsenP1u0_XXDzILazvke7wWMB1E1aO8Xlg7E3FG2kfui7OBg4rxVX5hxU76VPeyiOgWP8JeVHM5DJdIlLbQQNjyUX20Q1E3JU3nP7tmQL5c8XEzDUHE23bwyOBXyiVkHtOQcen9RSdtzN_KR-EWnuztGVHn0iG9ZBbefIw/w640-h370/FCM%2036%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Red Heart" of 2nd section is sooo cute in this girl!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rHSWeGR3XtP6Jd-Xn4SxZH4mnuDQNquISX1MwxQieHTj34pfYTgDkuzL2hDU2k9660xiMaJ9WCOVYJYUMwmYNGbr2f0YF08dK-hxqEKVEcTXCPr3k2b-PFkWin3l5W5Qj-9U0iBmuUWy1tPrwOGn7y4NoNeOkCdgpSdJSERoI3-4yCX2llt8CXGcnA/s1280/FCM%2036%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rHSWeGR3XtP6Jd-Xn4SxZH4mnuDQNquISX1MwxQieHTj34pfYTgDkuzL2hDU2k9660xiMaJ9WCOVYJYUMwmYNGbr2f0YF08dK-hxqEKVEcTXCPr3k2b-PFkWin3l5W5Qj-9U0iBmuUWy1tPrwOGn7y4NoNeOkCdgpSdJSERoI3-4yCX2llt8CXGcnA/w640-h410/FCM%2036%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fixing the wrong color detail of Company emblem gear<br /><i><b>Le Grand Charles était ravi !!!</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDQUnXaLWGfisdXXSvJHWkB5wWh1BtZBJMgCKaw_6__1_GoX_rZWUE6oYkq664hRYEjIQGVshOnqNQiLUNOAFBl_2XxCNe10No31r2L8Tey8FzcP_LfFLUMirnXfZep7VyiIDkuq2LcfcpB158uekOVKUiN4KbZ7Sy5--FPqWKrjLT8FaOWNgnXHE_g/s1280/FCM%2036%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDQUnXaLWGfisdXXSvJHWkB5wWh1BtZBJMgCKaw_6__1_GoX_rZWUE6oYkq664hRYEjIQGVshOnqNQiLUNOAFBl_2XxCNe10No31r2L8Tey8FzcP_LfFLUMirnXfZep7VyiIDkuq2LcfcpB158uekOVKUiN4KbZ7Sy5--FPqWKrjLT8FaOWNgnXHE_g/w640-h414/FCM%2036%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indeed, much better... <i>Le Grand Charles</i> agree!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Geob2zYLQGLtnIzJp2KpOTIWOEk3pfSjfyOjqSrIfihWaVKCFn3ZU83U6J4YuvfYER_as95DjgVRDIjI2K23dR1L4R3eT3WwNWLb0VoLLX2MQ7yr1nNrk3cvIDDu_Jl_6T83kLHkatE4hbHxOY5L0vFHMh8j44Q6Gt_VOuhOhTl7ycAmRx9FmbHEIA/s1280/FCM%2036%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Geob2zYLQGLtnIzJp2KpOTIWOEk3pfSjfyOjqSrIfihWaVKCFn3ZU83U6J4YuvfYER_as95DjgVRDIjI2K23dR1L4R3eT3WwNWLb0VoLLX2MQ7yr1nNrk3cvIDDu_Jl_6T83kLHkatE4hbHxOY5L0vFHMh8j44Q6Gt_VOuhOhTl7ycAmRx9FmbHEIA/w640-h302/FCM%2036%20052.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the weathering...<br />Notice the exhausts in the rear deck...</td></tr></tbody></table><b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrZPweSjPIJ2WIXWhtA8wvEVIDLAoN6r2AiQ-20yupf-HhTloj18Xf6z1gPrdImp34Sj_xv7WT0pzgXecryEW7WZ80oSV1s9LU8lMNUi3pCDM3_inuB3l4UXwOU7FF0LG4Ncg-cjgvZPoxQ9AeIZqWRHtcTuQHww6nNxv4QdIRKtil5MTlyWYMzQzRw/s1280/FCM%2036%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRrZPweSjPIJ2WIXWhtA8wvEVIDLAoN6r2AiQ-20yupf-HhTloj18Xf6z1gPrdImp34Sj_xv7WT0pzgXecryEW7WZ80oSV1s9LU8lMNUi3pCDM3_inuB3l4UXwOU7FF0LG4Ncg-cjgvZPoxQ9AeIZqWRHtcTuQHww6nNxv4QdIRKtil5MTlyWYMzQzRw/w640-h348/FCM%2036%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11Y2xEWPUSCOSZCzb5db2MDENikgWkKyu8hyvm_b5zuSaZJ_qicX7QJu_dXWBRLacyC9SxprcdRfYmECm-BsBa9Idewd1vWmbjaJFbyMVpPhxndbeRq2qngTuCTGOYSKW_QyzYnvQbOkKCeGgIYy4Y9WHq2m_rXl18EuUoH2Lce1RTEEkRKPhT3p4xw/s1280/FCM%2036%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11Y2xEWPUSCOSZCzb5db2MDENikgWkKyu8hyvm_b5zuSaZJ_qicX7QJu_dXWBRLacyC9SxprcdRfYmECm-BsBa9Idewd1vWmbjaJFbyMVpPhxndbeRq2qngTuCTGOYSKW_QyzYnvQbOkKCeGgIYy4Y9WHq2m_rXl18EuUoH2Lce1RTEEkRKPhT3p4xw/w640-h340/FCM%2036%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Starting the weathering...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the exhausts in the rear deck...</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgBAl596fJw8is-L3h5etV9d8hfStLpMPrvkV8aPlFG1LoVe86gnF4EwrXALILPF8fJOENcX9Wo9uj03c0vt_45kk6IJL4BlKlJgqCPDRaV2-AmgAp-9KqJvT9MOiKk882HiusQxi0yA2a5gISu9x6y7j0oxvSUI9rkRizC8KnmBVQjTm-TqlcL-jmg/s1280/FCM%2036%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgBAl596fJw8is-L3h5etV9d8hfStLpMPrvkV8aPlFG1LoVe86gnF4EwrXALILPF8fJOENcX9Wo9uj03c0vt_45kk6IJL4BlKlJgqCPDRaV2-AmgAp-9KqJvT9MOiKk882HiusQxi0yA2a5gISu9x6y7j0oxvSUI9rkRizC8KnmBVQjTm-TqlcL-jmg/w640-h352/FCM%2036%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">FCM 36 <i>Le Blanc 51</i> - 30056</span></td></tr></tbody></table></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrTPJIigVDBmO4yar5lBwYkjiRPiKjze9xW-fdpDwYGQ7WjAJlLvdH8tUf_uFC7mUTaMNMpzge6QZN29Jr-IllE-Utj8yPPak5Uy-B1o_mUYC-v6PAjLa-54YleXlnllUvBHns0FErNXGQQKzI3uIeuyTci40c7vkl88woP-iy6G5dD1hdAxyU65uKA/s1280/FCM%2036%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrTPJIigVDBmO4yar5lBwYkjiRPiKjze9xW-fdpDwYGQ7WjAJlLvdH8tUf_uFC7mUTaMNMpzge6QZN29Jr-IllE-Utj8yPPak5Uy-B1o_mUYC-v6PAjLa-54YleXlnllUvBHns0FErNXGQQKzI3uIeuyTci40c7vkl88woP-iy6G5dD1hdAxyU65uKA/w640-h394/FCM%2036%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's add something from the crew on this little girl... <br /><a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear Details</a> are always a good request...<br />testing the position of the roll bags</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZfSycF5AuYcQZkLEvY5jjACD-_fFygdC_AP6Ei-JSDtAmoD5FymBU1WAP5IPtO8JH4SGybfQHCttXD6GYvOjB3QY7kBlpgv0z-pZUaqB4h7f3MeCra7VUxWBWLAQYDHmKs8IMHS2-2LCXsnKo0D9w2rLU8riOGMvYhpZqYZnHiIVWOC7dea6JUlKQQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZfSycF5AuYcQZkLEvY5jjACD-_fFygdC_AP6Ei-JSDtAmoD5FymBU1WAP5IPtO8JH4SGybfQHCttXD6GYvOjB3QY7kBlpgv0z-pZUaqB4h7f3MeCra7VUxWBWLAQYDHmKs8IMHS2-2LCXsnKo0D9w2rLU8riOGMvYhpZqYZnHiIVWOC7dea6JUlKQQ/w640-h356/FCM%2036%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear Details</a> stuff<br />testing the position of the roll bags</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB5sXa_yWtcEe-OzYg0j0uHUshL7LoUWgTWHDXT1iBsPMHCleVlOhaGltp4KW2Qab5R81dwSCag5teuLWOYSFmWicIbkyoJXdjm8fyi1JUHJEq7knWS7maY3QHnnzPBjQonHqUd-Uuv7Qk7va8xcWZ0FV3qoi2alwJfVzNQAALs3NeUpkyaL51cRFWQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20058a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqB5sXa_yWtcEe-OzYg0j0uHUshL7LoUWgTWHDXT1iBsPMHCleVlOhaGltp4KW2Qab5R81dwSCag5teuLWOYSFmWicIbkyoJXdjm8fyi1JUHJEq7knWS7maY3QHnnzPBjQonHqUd-Uuv7Qk7va8xcWZ0FV3qoi2alwJfVzNQAALs3NeUpkyaL51cRFWQ/w640-h372/FCM%2036%20058a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Primer in the roll bags...</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">I always paint more<br />of these details...for other projects...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFv3kVjmCnRqLNQ7kmCEUfeniSC2vxiw6DnUjYLBXoG3aTUr2BQ28fB9MjszdP3BOsfmrOTmC_2PG2h3_yqCbJRg6z7SydQXy1xU5hd-NQb4wH9ys0jNpfvCUP9ZUpyZ-QV_beXvoEh8_ahEWQGlm5rc1aREHqlf5t-NaWU1ULH8MrvDfIZiS4JThTQ/s1135/FCM%2036%20058b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="1135" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFv3kVjmCnRqLNQ7kmCEUfeniSC2vxiw6DnUjYLBXoG3aTUr2BQ28fB9MjszdP3BOsfmrOTmC_2PG2h3_yqCbJRg6z7SydQXy1xU5hd-NQb4wH9ys0jNpfvCUP9ZUpyZ-QV_beXvoEh8_ahEWQGlm5rc1aREHqlf5t-NaWU1ULH8MrvDfIZiS4JThTQ/w640-h212/FCM%2036%20058b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roll bags for the <i>Le Blanc 51</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> And after the roll bags are applied and the weathering is finished, we can call this little girl ready. With you, <i>Le Blanc 51</i>: <i>Char léger</i> FCM 36 (30056) from 7th Tank Battalion; 3rd Company, 2nd Section. She bravery fought in Chemery, Ardennes - France, in 14 May 1940. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ev-emO8LbRn3PP79tiCjXsQPK34VPejvXcZgbyMsfn0z_AD9FgzPf3KE9N3-Z_Ijf210L9M11WBN8f0yfDWKYwuwSiq-9WCdjPTTBacinOJU9q46-OzUVWSigFQ47E-KlVXKwPFEkvI2Z7r_6efbcQIGP_YBv-Eiwk3zSUkAwezUHyT-kVfumfOTcw/s1280/FCM%2036%20063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ev-emO8LbRn3PP79tiCjXsQPK34VPejvXcZgbyMsfn0z_AD9FgzPf3KE9N3-Z_Ijf210L9M11WBN8f0yfDWKYwuwSiq-9WCdjPTTBacinOJU9q46-OzUVWSigFQ47E-KlVXKwPFEkvI2Z7r_6efbcQIGP_YBv-Eiwk3zSUkAwezUHyT-kVfumfOTcw/w640-h288/FCM%2036%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;">Le Blanc 51</i><span style="text-align: justify;">: </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Char léger</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> FCM 36 (30056)<br />7th Tank Battalion; 3rd Company, 2nd Section.<br />Chemery, Ardennes - France - 14 May 1940. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5tVRJ8UmDpPCx5zPzhId9x9ASpanPHRgGEaoTxEdUd2X3W-wkRcHZ6TXlCjnQ5wkkceOv71Y1zTG2p02AHG1fTo_R5T1Y1pDgpukByXD3AR0y8JOmOmk31W0kZprNLVeNoom5DIm6aIEKsHdGaT4VBcGuvjalmJy2uuddbJVYJ2A9dijOlRlJpF9hA/s1280/FCM%2036%20060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5tVRJ8UmDpPCx5zPzhId9x9ASpanPHRgGEaoTxEdUd2X3W-wkRcHZ6TXlCjnQ5wkkceOv71Y1zTG2p02AHG1fTo_R5T1Y1pDgpukByXD3AR0y8JOmOmk31W0kZprNLVeNoom5DIm6aIEKsHdGaT4VBcGuvjalmJy2uuddbJVYJ2A9dijOlRlJpF9hA/w640-h364/FCM%2036%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;">Le Blanc 51</i><span style="text-align: justify;">: </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Char léger</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> FCM 36 (30056)<br />front right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSQCvoCR-NEO3AilwT2qwKQfORq4G9qcELvSehVgGJk98jne0kVkIlAXzh11kbyrUuGLkFOwE5Fc0fK0bYN7mHYwwO77_1K4oij4vqyDlOl92rFP7RA34FA7bZjTE6RUucF4NrInjZR2b--e-f32ypsJ8h0LkEvUUrMN3GmXbQi9TLLGVLYWjGjc7yA/s1280/FCM%2036%20064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSQCvoCR-NEO3AilwT2qwKQfORq4G9qcELvSehVgGJk98jne0kVkIlAXzh11kbyrUuGLkFOwE5Fc0fK0bYN7mHYwwO77_1K4oij4vqyDlOl92rFP7RA34FA7bZjTE6RUucF4NrInjZR2b--e-f32ypsJ8h0LkEvUUrMN3GmXbQi9TLLGVLYWjGjc7yA/w640-h300/FCM%2036%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i>Le Blanc 51: Char léger</i> FCM 36 (30056)</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">front left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTB4rBeYPax10b5WIlamCZ_SyvgX3TAOvfkKTMqb3pzs02zNPAx2doezUVr3Qm8XyKGq7SOs5LHmfwxN9zKYwQEiQp4yXyWTGFwY5AMFi9hEZAxDo4AxYMTzDlNEk_BituAosoe-P0HisF1WT8vPVyeE16BiZzS2V-x5FkCSOUT4PmUQgprXNK9mC6A/s1280/FCM%2036%20065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1280" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTB4rBeYPax10b5WIlamCZ_SyvgX3TAOvfkKTMqb3pzs02zNPAx2doezUVr3Qm8XyKGq7SOs5LHmfwxN9zKYwQEiQp4yXyWTGFwY5AMFi9hEZAxDo4AxYMTzDlNEk_BituAosoe-P0HisF1WT8vPVyeE16BiZzS2V-x5FkCSOUT4PmUQgprXNK9mC6A/w640-h304/FCM%2036%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i>Le Blanc 51: Char léger</i> FCM 36 (30056)</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_Xw7ag3n7azIqPbyleZHyyA0F_Xu4eN4yb-ae7kxrnHKbvcbemw9IukvBvYZiqkF1kByotJ5DPcnigDi2FYZ-Td4-uNXKx1EMvYFcS1uAPrydkYDJzXdzy4by2k2SHhe73LoCXBAwxCta0hAcHQF6SJWZ0gqlvy2VehUXTc4m1cx4sdlyTJ1HC_XHQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_Xw7ag3n7azIqPbyleZHyyA0F_Xu4eN4yb-ae7kxrnHKbvcbemw9IukvBvYZiqkF1kByotJ5DPcnigDi2FYZ-Td4-uNXKx1EMvYFcS1uAPrydkYDJzXdzy4by2k2SHhe73LoCXBAwxCta0hAcHQF6SJWZ0gqlvy2VehUXTc4m1cx4sdlyTJ1HC_XHQ/w640-h342/FCM%2036%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i>Le Blanc 51: Char léger</i> FCM 36 (30056)</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUM3u7l6fMJUfQZqIr0huxLGOozpErOLgN5JAcT6oWnO-Y8SHQn0H9GitreH6qqRM2JTNC_zu9bL4Vo0wrRR5EcnOSxZwbi0vivizXzUYmnOiC2r177OhgEsEN_d638xmo1NYsBJiacLPWuAdeEitYT3PqIUUZPkaf0ypjCjBL66_y452MhhIpzRg7Vw/s1280/FCM%2036%20067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUM3u7l6fMJUfQZqIr0huxLGOozpErOLgN5JAcT6oWnO-Y8SHQn0H9GitreH6qqRM2JTNC_zu9bL4Vo0wrRR5EcnOSxZwbi0vivizXzUYmnOiC2r177OhgEsEN_d638xmo1NYsBJiacLPWuAdeEitYT3PqIUUZPkaf0ypjCjBL66_y452MhhIpzRg7Vw/w640-h346/FCM%2036%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i>Le Blanc 51: Char léger</i> FCM 36 (30056)</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS7h0qPFt3mJMXMdoPv8dGgGOf94L0S_w-PSnAVzYkJ9WkIFHf1AwpB0lwc_W6k3oAE7h5slQtsUeluURNtlNlUF6IyXGcnZNSABjALpG1vRYp_j1H7FQHRRbtqvg67WZ-SIvKp8HCotARseMcsGvFzbmqB4P54jrxjFvNdRDO1nKGG9xjsTvk5MEtw/s1280/FCM%2036%20068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqS7h0qPFt3mJMXMdoPv8dGgGOf94L0S_w-PSnAVzYkJ9WkIFHf1AwpB0lwc_W6k3oAE7h5slQtsUeluURNtlNlUF6IyXGcnZNSABjALpG1vRYp_j1H7FQHRRbtqvg67WZ-SIvKp8HCotARseMcsGvFzbmqB4P54jrxjFvNdRDO1nKGG9xjsTvk5MEtw/w640-h358/FCM%2036%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i>Le Blanc 51: Char léger</i> FCM 36 (30056)</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUtdFuAMV3k7COsHkGZGbvbQbPwsLoRbTiAnIT_Po4sC7yHZmXrrBv0MBczm9p_Y1lwRR4lR56wQrXZOmakz6gsfDDmDr-MNPLZx33hcAV_p4tnmWWiIcystDKtuvMOgnIkZpFlS-BCarnSNAB97OId1bJMCpsKapTfqHFa15TdFFgwhyrtCOWPygiA/s1280/FCM%2036%20071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUtdFuAMV3k7COsHkGZGbvbQbPwsLoRbTiAnIT_Po4sC7yHZmXrrBv0MBczm9p_Y1lwRR4lR56wQrXZOmakz6gsfDDmDr-MNPLZx33hcAV_p4tnmWWiIcystDKtuvMOgnIkZpFlS-BCarnSNAB97OId1bJMCpsKapTfqHFa15TdFFgwhyrtCOWPygiA/w640-h336/FCM%2036%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i>Le Blanc 51: Char léger</i> FCM 36</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">with Kojak.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-oE9wyPx8c24nvRNwjYbO8Sz8eVx0yuLW4ZjXSR9e0bxhRBJqoRTMOOR5Cz8hke6YsXSqcPPlizL-j-iCT9RBZODSTQndI6QrsqhU9OOj6HDRHbdO6MA7Kwq2FzIddFoBO3hHi_WJAtekhIrnKJkVwqgMX7KL7MraB1a1mR6NiKSHBmbMKI3kMLoGQ/s1280/FCM%2036%20072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-oE9wyPx8c24nvRNwjYbO8Sz8eVx0yuLW4ZjXSR9e0bxhRBJqoRTMOOR5Cz8hke6YsXSqcPPlizL-j-iCT9RBZODSTQndI6QrsqhU9OOj6HDRHbdO6MA7Kwq2FzIddFoBO3hHi_WJAtekhIrnKJkVwqgMX7KL7MraB1a1mR6NiKSHBmbMKI3kMLoGQ/w640-h410/FCM%2036%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Le Blanc 51: Char léger FCM 36 (30056)</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;">with <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2023/01/vickers-light-tank-mk-vib-case-report.html" target="_blank">Vickers light tank Mk VIB</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiwvQv_b_QMaaf5I8o2F_Iq4Y4lUC4SbNw6aqoKxTvITG8SoPkgnqgCVNpVo2mk4UCAg-OpR2_zvpkzkDthsEAkMEU53iNxWaJTBByBM2kHYjk_LgPMyqhjKElZOxHXvMb6zn8br8I4gKXA_H42a5wdqeS5C6MlzZtLIrPhj5m-bwETX_lgHTcDqrSg/s1280/FCM%2036%20069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiwvQv_b_QMaaf5I8o2F_Iq4Y4lUC4SbNw6aqoKxTvITG8SoPkgnqgCVNpVo2mk4UCAg-OpR2_zvpkzkDthsEAkMEU53iNxWaJTBByBM2kHYjk_LgPMyqhjKElZOxHXvMb6zn8br8I4gKXA_H42a5wdqeS5C6MlzZtLIrPhj5m-bwETX_lgHTcDqrSg/w640-h374/FCM%2036%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;">Le Blanc 51</i><span style="text-align: justify;">: </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Char léger</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> FCM 36 (30056)<br />7th Tank Battalion; 3rd Company, 2nd Section.<br />Chemery, Ardennes - France - 14 May 1940. </span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Merci de suivre ce projet !!!</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>À bientôt!!</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FCceKDsVDq2e6O7jsdITOVIMObaRqgN2xQa2rfwWvHefIGITBvimGcBCD_PyEnVwEaF-BXyb3fdq7uwq-EnLTb8msgnc9BJl-8NqSyb3uNHehqt9ghJGx2qSOlttGzjzPlwDvjY7io__PGY2rX9gHVfgL3TKr5P4N3kKL7mQ4sINKr049FHcirxrSg/s1299/FCM%2036%20end%20cartoon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1299" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FCceKDsVDq2e6O7jsdITOVIMObaRqgN2xQa2rfwWvHefIGITBvimGcBCD_PyEnVwEaF-BXyb3fdq7uwq-EnLTb8msgnc9BJl-8NqSyb3uNHehqt9ghJGx2qSOlttGzjzPlwDvjY7io__PGY2rX9gHVfgL3TKr5P4N3kKL7mQ4sINKr049FHcirxrSg/w640-h434/FCM%2036%20end%20cartoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-4890888498816197942022-11-04T11:15:00.009-03:002022-11-06T10:26:51.292-03:00 Bob Semple tank (Temuka no.1) - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">New Zealand has a secret weapon... </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Ladies and gentlemen, today we are going to visit a story that many may consider humorous or ridiculous, but it is the story of a war vehicle that was conceived in a very difficult time, with very few resources, in the face of great danger. Today we are going to see the story of a tank that many classify as "one of the worst tanks in the world", but many consider it as a testament to perseverance and courage: With you, the strange and massive <b>Bob Semple tank</b>, the secret weapon of New Zealand !!!</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8bSFBjyytLw1cs1A30x0Bl85NQu8ISnytv2eRxhn6boK_K_Jv1T8fYjXIvKH9B7dZU580WVswunjwVDu2CbNQ3CrE92sl_xmfgO8d4MozeGL92zXQNw_qDcXkYX4mwjPo6KTSQ4cjhek1LTQifPXeAQbbHwtN-II--ZjqXPp8skfvVVSEW9_Sb7dSw/s1400/Bob%20title.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1400" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8bSFBjyytLw1cs1A30x0Bl85NQu8ISnytv2eRxhn6boK_K_Jv1T8fYjXIvKH9B7dZU580WVswunjwVDu2CbNQ3CrE92sl_xmfgO8d4MozeGL92zXQNw_qDcXkYX4mwjPo6KTSQ4cjhek1LTQifPXeAQbbHwtN-II--ZjqXPp8skfvVVSEW9_Sb7dSw/w640-h374/Bob%20title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08h76Pah4wAmzCIpchFmUvQswBoWRoh8T7NsxXo4EXmXxGfwhsF4OyKfirOEmBeYzN2DMlrk9lffi5Fswjf-ommpqba-985jYUP_EY1lcLVVsufV06-FsYDO_LsEE09s9x1gLjLSt594M5EYaqztuVm9WgBgjf73vAx_8xCdEKNEGtS0Uw-nZzL47yw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20based%20at%20Burnham%20Camp.%20(Canterbury%20Museum).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08h76Pah4wAmzCIpchFmUvQswBoWRoh8T7NsxXo4EXmXxGfwhsF4OyKfirOEmBeYzN2DMlrk9lffi5Fswjf-ommpqba-985jYUP_EY1lcLVVsufV06-FsYDO_LsEE09s9x1gLjLSt594M5EYaqztuVm9WgBgjf73vAx_8xCdEKNEGtS0Uw-nZzL47yw/w640-h454/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20based%20at%20Burnham%20Camp.%20(Canterbury%20Museum).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Semple's tank panting on top of a hill<br /> at <a href="https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/where-we-are/burnham/" target="_blank">Burnham Camp</a>, near Christchurch - New Zealand<br />8th October - 1941 - (Canterbury Museum)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>History:</b></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Bob Semple tank was a tractor-tank designed by <a href="https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3s11/semple-robert" target="_blank">Robert Semple</a>, a controversial New Zealand Minister of Works, during World War II and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Beck_(engineer)" target="_blank">Thomas George Gordon Beck</a>, the engineer in charge of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangitata_Diversion_Race" target="_blank">Rangitata Diversion Race</a>, the huge irrigation schemes in South and Mid-Canterbury, New Zealand.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6TVTreqZfqYGWqQeEzE4i9b3u498vfJp9FlPf1ybDn-xqndhagGdQAg-X1riFIUljoLS5ItTa-3UiEiVUKzXuBliHJVi7X5HDVOIlUHjb_fKLsG28eZ618gEiIgBOtP9GG5m7cBt-dGy2tVhQVvDquqZAk0UpIsvZowmK-zKKqCDe1WeuCMLl6enew/s1020/bob%20and%20beck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1020" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6TVTreqZfqYGWqQeEzE4i9b3u498vfJp9FlPf1ybDn-xqndhagGdQAg-X1riFIUljoLS5ItTa-3UiEiVUKzXuBliHJVi7X5HDVOIlUHjb_fKLsG28eZ618gEiIgBOtP9GG5m7cBt-dGy2tVhQVvDquqZAk0UpIsvZowmK-zKKqCDe1WeuCMLl6enew/w640-h346/bob%20and%20beck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "fathers" of Bob Semple tank.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Originating out of the need to build military hardware from available materials, the tank (sometimes referred to as <b>Big Bob tank</b>)<span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> </span>was built with sheet mild steel, with additional angled corrugated metal armour, on a tractor chassis. Designed and built during a period of uncertainty in which New Zealand feared having to defend itself from Japanese invasion without external assistance, these tanks were a civilian effort to design and create a means to protect New Zealand.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Designed and built without formal plans or blueprints, it had numerous design flaws and practical difficulties, and was never put into mass production or used in combat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiYpNdFZCRJAfk_5UfBAgrBXgddZ8xnHCy28njY2KkjBb__7OXKVorhhk9c4IBlBYHS2H0-TnefVg7K6gVjoiOH3vkfrj9IzOveIqrquDRK4f0fLazbXb84WNPaOc_YDWJ0igzO3pt7BobwZ8J_R0TP_tq2sMDml_-DvRQryWBOGPICPz3jm3CKGSpQ/s1280/Big%20bob%20tank%20art%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiYpNdFZCRJAfk_5UfBAgrBXgddZ8xnHCy28njY2KkjBb__7OXKVorhhk9c4IBlBYHS2H0-TnefVg7K6gVjoiOH3vkfrj9IzOveIqrquDRK4f0fLazbXb84WNPaOc_YDWJ0igzO3pt7BobwZ8J_R0TP_tq2sMDml_-DvRQryWBOGPICPz3jm3CKGSpQ/w640-h512/Big%20bob%20tank%20art%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Design and construction</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> New Zealand, like its neighbor Australia, had no indigenous armored fighting vehicle industry. It was expected that armored fighting vehicles would be provided from Britain. Australia and New Zealand did have some heavy industry that could be turned to the production of armor and armoured vehicles but little had been done. The idea of mechanising the New Zealand Army had been suggested before the war but without much progress. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> The origins of what would be called Bob Semple tank are quite nebulous. In fact, it all started with an inquiry about armor by the Department of Defense to a New Zealand subsidiary of Henry Disston and Sons of Philadelphia in the USA in November 1939. The Army was desperately trying to obtain armor plates for a program to build<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Carrier" target="_blank"> Bren Carriers</a> in New Zealand and Disston was seen as a potential source. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfGPylVaYbFf3Dc5BdsQXnQBhi3ZpBbLp7MXAh_KYKv86yQpyBqEr3YAz6-kyiknA47zm3RmrwN7xAa38vw0AlxN2lLEX45zT-U0KFWp4_W12fAlEkHG3bJIfOmiUJYJcFqnx7n7wgA497S27jNAInszxYO7-GrjgA-RYRQJ2yZUwIcL7TCyXv8drCA/s1280/Universal%20carrier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1280" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfGPylVaYbFf3Dc5BdsQXnQBhi3ZpBbLp7MXAh_KYKv86yQpyBqEr3YAz6-kyiknA47zm3RmrwN7xAa38vw0AlxN2lLEX45zT-U0KFWp4_W12fAlEkHG3bJIfOmiUJYJcFqnx7n7wgA497S27jNAInszxYO7-GrjgA-RYRQJ2yZUwIcL7TCyXv8drCA/w640-h510/Universal%20carrier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English infantry jumping from a Bren Carrier.<br />Notice that the soldier in the center carries a Bren LMG .303,<br />with the soldier on the left carrying a Lee Enfield .303 rifle<br />and an additional barrel for the Bren .303.<br />The soldier on the right carries a Lee Enfield rifle.<br />2nd Monmouthshire Regiment - exercise near Newry in Northern Ireland<br />26 April 1941.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div> This company not only produced armor plates (although with low availability), but also produced some armored vehicles adapted to different models of Caterpillar tractors, some of which were ready for delivery. As an example of one of these vehicles, we can cite the example is the <a href="http://esotericarmour.blogspot.com/2012/12/afghanistan-disston-tractor-tank.html" target="_blank">Disston Six Ton Tractor-Tank</a>, a 1937 vehicle constructed of an armoured box on a Caterpillar Model 35 chassis.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb09xoYjmsv_qoj0llXB5ARGeEX8RgmF_PhaL9hekue4GrWvUnY4nR8QoqjlwmyaTDtrx3YofHohBzJDl5MzIYtDMLZJO8kmf8Glsermsjdvdi_yXi5p5S2-LR_hkFsECqGsqdhUBiiT1xa3YK7pChC4fbKmU0S-vYjMLeE58pf7rvK4gVbw6bB1AEqA/s1280/Disston%206%20ton%20tractor%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb09xoYjmsv_qoj0llXB5ARGeEX8RgmF_PhaL9hekue4GrWvUnY4nR8QoqjlwmyaTDtrx3YofHohBzJDl5MzIYtDMLZJO8kmf8Glsermsjdvdi_yXi5p5S2-LR_hkFsECqGsqdhUBiiT1xa3YK7pChC4fbKmU0S-vYjMLeE58pf7rvK4gVbw6bB1AEqA/w640-h448/Disston%206%20ton%20tractor%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small; text-align: justify;"> </span>Disston Six Ton Tractor-Tank<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LTXWO9kRam9AjZBT5WnOe334RBkSZRaCXNPh8KnMyCdMpQHDNWFFRfjXuc9X4C4B9bGbuXK2bZJ_D9wl0jZrH_GqYY8vK42cAdwOMfz4Hh1Ic7n99zYhScXmz01XxR5pubAzv0GcTBxpQ3bujrbx2dv-KugZM92twQGMmB3PmTBDrjViid2egZxGfA/s974/Cat%2035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="974" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LTXWO9kRam9AjZBT5WnOe334RBkSZRaCXNPh8KnMyCdMpQHDNWFFRfjXuc9X4C4B9bGbuXK2bZJ_D9wl0jZrH_GqYY8vK42cAdwOMfz4Hh1Ic7n99zYhScXmz01XxR5pubAzv0GcTBxpQ3bujrbx2dv-KugZM92twQGMmB3PmTBDrjViid2egZxGfA/w640-h518/Cat%2035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar 35 crawler tractor<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> Eager to make the sale, Disston sent in some technical specifications and photos of their tractor tanks. These photos and specifications eventually found its way into the hands of Bob Semple, who felt that something along these lines could be produced in New Zealand. He showed the photos and technical specifications to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Beck_(engineer)" target="_blank">Thomas George Gordon Beck</a>, the engineer responsible for the large irrigation schemes in South and Mid-Canterbury, who was then based in Temuka. Beck agreed to try to develop a similar project, despite having no military experience. But Beck was an inventive and creative engineer and was excited by the possibilities of building a national armored vehicle.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The construction of a prototype tank based on a D8 tractor was authorized by Public Works Department (PWD) in the early 1940s, with the intention that it would be in the national interest if such vehicles were manufactured locally rather than purchased abroad. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx0k4n6lg1ib1CfGCUv8eiOIJB8PgiOTq9leTc22C54wuw0inqWmxdt2R_u1HWX2wsG6CINAvS2PMWK6lznEGt-M1rPk1cRZ80DF4LM79AxjvC4FjqXJmpYg8vEgy11NL1nzjmax09lpMegXLEyEi02rrXGeSIlzvewDcRMC3AXB15L-FF5UjJ8nTUg/s1280/Caterpillar%20crawler%20RD8%20-%201935.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSx0k4n6lg1ib1CfGCUv8eiOIJB8PgiOTq9leTc22C54wuw0inqWmxdt2R_u1HWX2wsG6CINAvS2PMWK6lznEGt-M1rPk1cRZ80DF4LM79AxjvC4FjqXJmpYg8vEgy11NL1nzjmax09lpMegXLEyEi02rrXGeSIlzvewDcRMC3AXB15L-FF5UjJ8nTUg/w640-h470/Caterpillar%20crawler%20RD8%20-%201935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Not only for the cost factor, but also for the speed of developing the project. In fact, PWD felt they could do all the work for almost half the cost. They already had enough D8 tractors available (81 in total) and the technology to build the armored hulls for these tractors. They were confident that once the initial design was finalized, the hulls could be built to convert all of the PWD's D8s into defensive weapons.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKdHTW3DdnH6nNtzCs0WYq7XfuV1qwAvldnd0uePOQwVBZfgDoK_iO6B86Mn-Py89emMi0Mxs1ovxkM-c6N18yxSDkj5x9U0p1ANHYj1UoQvcfldl2VDNHdiFUZVXs7pQqJ0T2bdFYOiVNwIbrCJQrn1hqIKhEmi0zxQt2tESQ2XeW_XR7DOas0cj6w/s1280/Caterpillar%20crawler%20RD8%20-%201935%20cutaway.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKdHTW3DdnH6nNtzCs0WYq7XfuV1qwAvldnd0uePOQwVBZfgDoK_iO6B86Mn-Py89emMi0Mxs1ovxkM-c6N18yxSDkj5x9U0p1ANHYj1UoQvcfldl2VDNHdiFUZVXs7pQqJ0T2bdFYOiVNwIbrCJQrn1hqIKhEmi0zxQt2tESQ2XeW_XR7DOas0cj6w/w640-h382/Caterpillar%20crawler%20RD8%20-%201935%20cutaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar brochure drawing</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The basic concept was that instead of committing all tractors as tanks, the armored hulls could be stored in strategic places until the country was threatened. Should this occur, the tractors would be quickly dispatched to these storage centers where their chassis would be fitted with their armored hulls and shipped to their designated defense areas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0McuyIetsEH7Lb9xBSaXIYo2BEZwMvlDFClSU9wB7aees0T-kQtLus5QyvNDhayWqSF8n-NU0-bcbO6SZ4IGaI8c0T6bO0x516nPTNSx8CwMcLDZEAlbY2qejurg5kbYUsf7p6WO5V5LsK7D_3pgpfmQThdGp7iCnXjd3zh6Jc54M7IKxfngpIk57A/s1421/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20over%20tractor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1421" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0McuyIetsEH7Lb9xBSaXIYo2BEZwMvlDFClSU9wB7aees0T-kQtLus5QyvNDhayWqSF8n-NU0-bcbO6SZ4IGaI8c0T6bO0x516nPTNSx8CwMcLDZEAlbY2qejurg5kbYUsf7p6WO5V5LsK7D_3pgpfmQThdGp7iCnXjd3zh6Jc54M7IKxfngpIk57A/w640-h490/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20over%20tractor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Semple tank concept: an armoured hull bolted<br />on Caterpillar tractor chassis</td></tr></tbody></table><div> Under that premise, the proposal was indeed very attractive and the Army was interested enough to ask PWD to proceed with a wooden mockup of their proposal.</div><div> The building of this prototype began at PWD's Temuka Workshops in June, 1940. The driver seat, dashboard, hood, fenders and other accessories were removed from a standard D8 tractor and the controls were moved to a position on the left side of the vehicle, next to the engine. The controls for starting the engine were moved to a position that could be operated from inside the tank. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mild_steel" target="_blank">M</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mild_steel" target="_blank">ild steel</a> extensions were added to the tractor's chassis and then a wooden and plywood prototype body was built over this structure.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilP-YPVbTh1KtziSnWU8zETzzY86KvwPj0MnkPAFzCRG7ud30AtgZa0xgpjdJtX1oUnPczSYjHoPvTGZ6T08-OvWNbhw31Ua-UeArItDJ6t0R0gntW8ALT0bLwSuyN7yI8nPf0MF_2xr_nPRhBxAdJyjUN-yA77FQrK4AXnNrK3yilxZt6OjHF8MLjQ/s1280/Bob%20semple%20tank%20early%20june%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilP-YPVbTh1KtziSnWU8zETzzY86KvwPj0MnkPAFzCRG7ud30AtgZa0xgpjdJtX1oUnPczSYjHoPvTGZ6T08-OvWNbhw31Ua-UeArItDJ6t0R0gntW8ALT0bLwSuyN7yI8nPf0MF_2xr_nPRhBxAdJyjUN-yA77FQrK4AXnNrK3yilxZt6OjHF8MLjQ/w640-h480/Bob%20semple%20tank%20early%20june%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very early layout of Bob Semple tank<br />Notice the standard suspension and tracks from Caterpillar D8 tractor<br />and the short and tall hull, with 360° rotation turret</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The completed mock-up was about 3.60 m high to the top of the turret, which would theoretically be armed with a light cannon, which could fire high-explosive projectiles. The initial proposal would be the installation of a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QF_2-pounder_naval_gun" target="_blank">QF-2 pdr. (40mm) Pom-pom AA gun</a> or even an american <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/37_mm_gun_M3" target="_blank">M5 or M6 37 mm tank gun</a> in the 360° swivel turret, as main armament.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqpu89ZPzCXd7MYurJAM9Yi3kyHWsLYiqTKj1m0Z8hwUGXVksyG0V7J17fx3w2UE7rmT6HbfJ-0f9_pD1-El8xquNddQDt1oCfyGgvDab4NGg722_gBHTY0PIRZPB0AXqJw2OgPfH0CFwh4OyiiCa58ohxDVg7reyVBXxB0EJRao8uzxcVxQt6p_IvQ/s1021/qf%202%20pdr%20Pom%20Pom%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1021" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqpu89ZPzCXd7MYurJAM9Yi3kyHWsLYiqTKj1m0Z8hwUGXVksyG0V7J17fx3w2UE7rmT6HbfJ-0f9_pD1-El8xquNddQDt1oCfyGgvDab4NGg722_gBHTY0PIRZPB0AXqJw2OgPfH0CFwh4OyiiCa58ohxDVg7reyVBXxB0EJRao8uzxcVxQt6p_IvQ/w640-h436/qf%202%20pdr%20Pom%20Pom%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">QF-2pdr. Pom-Pom AA gun</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> in naval mount, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">aboard </span> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Kempenfelt_(I18)" target="_blank">HMCS Assiniboine</a> <span style="text-align: justify;">in escorting duties.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">route from Halifax to Britain, 10 July 1940.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCqbC4mWimjhXjsEoULCY8lBP03roEm4f9tVLht7EnREguXyJuJs7npjuSpI1yd082PAMOVJZx4LI0OqdlIoYtntcJaR8lgoRc_Lir2Rpki3cFirsDy2hxse-kj97ou__K8KufhPMLHcBN66sSvxnbgxNgv3FOSQi_WfCIVjQVP4-FwpF-8CFR9vM8Q/s1024/37mm%20Gun%20M5,%20as%20mounted%20in%20Light%20Tank%20M2A4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="1024" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCqbC4mWimjhXjsEoULCY8lBP03roEm4f9tVLht7EnREguXyJuJs7npjuSpI1yd082PAMOVJZx4LI0OqdlIoYtntcJaR8lgoRc_Lir2Rpki3cFirsDy2hxse-kj97ou__K8KufhPMLHcBN66sSvxnbgxNgv3FOSQi_WfCIVjQVP4-FwpF-8CFR9vM8Q/w640-h196/37mm%20Gun%20M5,%20as%20mounted%20in%20Light%20Tank%20M2A4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">37mm M5 tank gun</td></tr></tbody></table><div> Secondary armament would consist of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_machine_gun" target="_blank">Vickers</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_gun" target="_blank">Lewis</a> or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bren_light_machine_gun" target="_blank">Bren</a> 0.303 inch machine guns: two in front of the tank and three in ball mounts on each side and rear of the tank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9iNsGTGhGKXOa2PzEQaV-TQsS7IAj_bZ07haksw2Sv18znZBpUkplAddsJKXP9jS5dMxhqY2VdRq0KujLxHr5OJDioM8VC68KXEzwPvs2G1zQPPf_h5r-ImQvbF1TbqxkW0m8hf5KRUqBpsseKQeb0jh5H_ORm9a2jXoSmP5Yh9wiGfotICE0p2NdA/s1280/Vickers%20Medium%20Machine%20Gun%20.303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1280" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9iNsGTGhGKXOa2PzEQaV-TQsS7IAj_bZ07haksw2Sv18znZBpUkplAddsJKXP9jS5dMxhqY2VdRq0KujLxHr5OJDioM8VC68KXEzwPvs2G1zQPPf_h5r-ImQvbF1TbqxkW0m8hf5KRUqBpsseKQeb0jh5H_ORm9a2jXoSmP5Yh9wiGfotICE0p2NdA/w640-h516/Vickers%20Medium%20Machine%20Gun%20.303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0hDmtjTu5AYR6tMf1NCANXcM2Ep2_OWNibTe47YM9ZKVzZpgZF8zo9kdTmHUD0JOZP5drHdfgq1vlGf95-lJmH4HEUB3qNqPsXafY4kXJL2XoFkX_eiRRNEVFAgZI3yRDTWvE0YHbijqG0nxcT2weQFOlN-xZNB25WlFBoOEqHlfS6S9DaG-ok2HdA/s1280/Lewis%20.303%20mg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="1280" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0hDmtjTu5AYR6tMf1NCANXcM2Ep2_OWNibTe47YM9ZKVzZpgZF8zo9kdTmHUD0JOZP5drHdfgq1vlGf95-lJmH4HEUB3qNqPsXafY4kXJL2XoFkX_eiRRNEVFAgZI3yRDTWvE0YHbijqG0nxcT2weQFOlN-xZNB25WlFBoOEqHlfS6S9DaG-ok2HdA/w640-h220/Lewis%20.303%20mg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZPyz0UZFdrPjXiihVPJNddPZcGfhPLsye8JqGxfGGQjdBrYRbr4c9drLlJlGEaV4ntta5PP9grlFBXGHcDNhMvUNrcoSmEMBUVPpqG4-M5UK09cc8dxFFKfudpV203pIxq002pGsRDXwRX5XJVQdXGmxUEjSQUrVQhZnwdUifzGchZrIcyoj89L-jA/s1280/Bren%20.303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1280" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZPyz0UZFdrPjXiihVPJNddPZcGfhPLsye8JqGxfGGQjdBrYRbr4c9drLlJlGEaV4ntta5PP9grlFBXGHcDNhMvUNrcoSmEMBUVPpqG4-M5UK09cc8dxFFKfudpV203pIxq002pGsRDXwRX5XJVQdXGmxUEjSQUrVQhZnwdUifzGchZrIcyoj89L-jA/w640-h292/Bren%20.303.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> The wooden mock-up was inspected by the Army personnel on June 16, 1940. The military did not like the vehicle's excessive height, but the possibility of using the cannon in a full swing calmed them down a bit. They commissioned the construction of an operational mild-steel prototype and with its completion in mid-July, the the military were called in for a static evaluation. Unfortunately, the PWD was unable to obtain a light cannon to equip the turret, installing a dummie machine gun there, instead. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3B7qbvwV5Brf3jMYAUYsZaoc0QMdLIFk1GNI7bxjaPwLmVyynNMFbr5mL16TnWzsGnsLoU8WY65EDqPcEqny287ptm7nU4FfGh1Yb_J_b2qJTOxXmLGsoKkeC7A1lnMq1RiMlpPiNrNYjBsVUbLSEAU-bjHkoR_kNnI6fc8NQPM9BKqnMKJXHlEnbw/s1400/main%20gun%20semple%20turret.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1400" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3B7qbvwV5Brf3jMYAUYsZaoc0QMdLIFk1GNI7bxjaPwLmVyynNMFbr5mL16TnWzsGnsLoU8WY65EDqPcEqny287ptm7nU4FfGh1Yb_J_b2qJTOxXmLGsoKkeC7A1lnMq1RiMlpPiNrNYjBsVUbLSEAU-bjHkoR_kNnI6fc8NQPM9BKqnMKJXHlEnbw/w640-h404/main%20gun%20semple%20turret.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main guns to Bob Semple tank turret</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The absence of a more powerful weapon in the turret proved to be a true breaking point, with the Army recommending that the best, then, would be remove the turret to reduce the height and weight of the vehicle (...but PWD didn't want to go down that path...) . And they was also dissatisfied with the use of observation slots on the tank, considering them totally outdated, inappropriate and dangerous. The correct would be the installation of periscopes.</div><div> After this static inspection, the vehicle was transported to a field test in the Opihi River Valley (adjacent to Temuka), where things got tricky.The tank fell into a ditch and the tracks jumped off the suspensions, requiring another tractor to free the vehicle. We can hardly say that it was an auspicious debut. </div><div> Again, the Army expressed its dissatisfaction, requesting that something be done about improving its performance in difficult terrain, and also stated that the prototype should reach a speed of at least 24 km/h, before giving its approval for the continuation of the project.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another critical point was the proposed protection given by the tank's armor. The military felt it should at least be proof against 12.7mm (0.5 inch) armor-piercing rounds and requested that live fire tests be carried out on the tank. PWD made some inquiries into the possibility of purchasing armor from Australia, but the demand for it at the time was such that no armor could be made available to New Zealand. But even if these armors were obtained, there was concern that the PWD did not fully master the welding technology of these armors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In August, PWD sent six samples of different types of armor plates to the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trentham_Military_Camp" target="_blank"> Army Ordnance Depot in Trentham</a> for ballistics testing, against the fire from a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_.50_machine_gun" target="_blank">0.5-inch Vickers heavy machine gun</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HEIsJZEzzOx5sfMTbSQIupHQmhnlYSa0ebwoasOqnfEZnsDo20b99aOcqW9aXna2SKHHW5hgTkfy-lcfbA0BKRx79kjF403AiBKq22KCGJwCcTFFjQiKs38JFq091OANtDL3_YNEZ_6TmSJaqYtBTBh89oGvzMiPvVfPP9OorkRF8VstxgwoVvlOXg/s1280/Vickers%20.50.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0HEIsJZEzzOx5sfMTbSQIupHQmhnlYSa0ebwoasOqnfEZnsDo20b99aOcqW9aXna2SKHHW5hgTkfy-lcfbA0BKRx79kjF403AiBKq22KCGJwCcTFFjQiKs38JFq091OANtDL3_YNEZ_6TmSJaqYtBTBh89oGvzMiPvVfPP9OorkRF8VstxgwoVvlOXg/w640-h356/Vickers%20.50.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vickers .50 heavy machine gun<br />right and left view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">These sample plates were:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ol><li>Plate with 14.3mm (9/16 inch) mild steel.</li><li>Two layers of 12.7mm (1/2 inch) mild steel plates welded together.</li><li>A set of 14.3mm (9/16 inch) outer plate, 6.35mm (1/4 inch) middle plate, 3.17mm (1/8 inch) inner plate, all mild steel, 6.35mm (1/4 inch) spaced, filled with concrete.</li><li>A set of 14.3mm (9/16 inch) outer plate, 6.35mm (1/4 inch) back plate, with 6.35mm (1/4 inch) diagonal plates welded between them, all mild steel.</li><li>Plate with 12.7mm (1/2 inch) flat manganese-steel bolted to 14.3mm (9/16 inch) mild steel.</li><li>Plate with 12.7mm (1/2 inch) serrated/ribbed manganese-steel bolted to 14.3mm (9/16 inch) mild steel.</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The 0.5-inch Vickers heavy machine gun pierced all plates from 1 to 4, while in the type 5 and 6 only a few shots penetrated. Plate 6 (serrated/ribbed manganese-steel) was selected, even though it was heavier than the flat plate, because it had the added advantage of deflecting some of the projectiles outward. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdrnIB2PYCN2OsEVjakz_HiKp-1NAWyV0tW2IKUAkY3d5DGtFzT77JWojFyl8vBKon1ujZYo0CRa9XOeHUNd_RbLDS-Yftq8eOWFV-D-mjJWFqDeZeW7Jx8FRYSux17acHvgDHiQEm9d4NZR1ut2D0bfH4QkOMpHccng7TP9XCSBujNI6sUbAzcxJyg/s1000/serrated-ribbed%20manganese-steel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdrnIB2PYCN2OsEVjakz_HiKp-1NAWyV0tW2IKUAkY3d5DGtFzT77JWojFyl8vBKon1ujZYo0CRa9XOeHUNd_RbLDS-Yftq8eOWFV-D-mjJWFqDeZeW7Jx8FRYSux17acHvgDHiQEm9d4NZR1ut2D0bfH4QkOMpHccng7TP9XCSBujNI6sUbAzcxJyg/w492-h640/serrated-ribbed%20manganese-steel.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schematic drawing with the different thicknesses<br />of corrugated manganese-steel armor.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The tank was returned to Temuka's workshops for the improvements. The engine structures were cut and extended by 60cm. A secondary 2:1 gearbox was built and installed in between the engine and the existing gearbox to reach the tank speed to 24.5 km/h. An upswept idler was fitted in front of the roller frames and the tracks extended to give extra traction in rough terrain, to the tank. These changes required a lengthening of the tank hull by 90 cms, and the engine compartment was reduced by around 30 cms. Also, the flat radiator front plate was replaced with one with a shallow V-section, in an attempt to improve ballistics. <span style="text-align: center;">The extension of the tank's hull involved the insertion of three panels in the roof and one on each side, as shown in the drawing below. Unfortunately, this had the effect of pulling the commander's dome away from the machine gun he was supposed to operate. Also notice the suspension extension (front portion) and tracks.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxZs3bjdcwv9v3HoSOWIYpuWDIScMcicBG10w5khLQLfNBCdfTC8GZSB_TyzTTZsb4oWDT4rczp_y7oHFgTS0a7WsicJnyNnFi7hYr7PQqS6ns1jHtHg_RjcjA7AxaKLnp8IQ71LUz81dRVJpDLXR_bA0NzNHPOF8eGphDYl0h1E-ycqfF1y4SiDQiA/s1280/Bob%20semple%20tank%20final%20design.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxZs3bjdcwv9v3HoSOWIYpuWDIScMcicBG10w5khLQLfNBCdfTC8GZSB_TyzTTZsb4oWDT4rczp_y7oHFgTS0a7WsicJnyNnFi7hYr7PQqS6ns1jHtHg_RjcjA7AxaKLnp8IQ71LUz81dRVJpDLXR_bA0NzNHPOF8eGphDYl0h1E-ycqfF1y4SiDQiA/w640-h434/Bob%20semple%20tank%20final%20design.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Semple tank<br />extended final version</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEf4iW7qktHe51wRv1bO-3NE80yci42whG-ERCZFWRpDMLaqwmkr1No1hgHJOQlAoF38z4Nl0ewyNM-dn0WmI-isiDCZt-Y-M1lUmpGV5pmDKRq1lJvF0LRectTJRQOEdeY6Rvusy7-PdNCsIZXA8l9zLncjlIUFrY4iddMPdNVMoHXVpnbHArgOySQ/s1490/Bob%20Semple%20evolution.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="1490" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEf4iW7qktHe51wRv1bO-3NE80yci42whG-ERCZFWRpDMLaqwmkr1No1hgHJOQlAoF38z4Nl0ewyNM-dn0WmI-isiDCZt-Y-M1lUmpGV5pmDKRq1lJvF0LRectTJRQOEdeY6Rvusy7-PdNCsIZXA8l9zLncjlIUFrY4iddMPdNVMoHXVpnbHArgOySQ/w640-h238/Bob%20Semple%20evolution.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evolution of Bob Semple tank design:<br />the short and the extended and final version<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> After Temuka's upgrades, the tank was transported to the hills around Hororata in September, for yet another field test. Finally, an acceptable speed was achieved, but the tank's weight and high center of gravity did not improve the rough terrain performance at all, which was not much better than the previous test. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUfAVP8qbwx2-A3JS-7gAIGNf7Av_sYj1GlH0MgelbPJ6-M5fT7N7pBxPl0Il0RPDjbfFqz6cnkEGdBkUYgdL0_q0uFVA5sRCyHEOVnfTyDEK3RjWu2CIn-hO6etLNK7YELxLji870xKKZ8Nhh0t8rX-No2w5ASH0snIpjRwRpNrXuQzJTl2fNbHu5w/s1280/Works%20staff%20camouflaging%20the%20Tractor%20Tank%20at%20Temuka%20sometime%20in%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUfAVP8qbwx2-A3JS-7gAIGNf7Av_sYj1GlH0MgelbPJ6-M5fT7N7pBxPl0Il0RPDjbfFqz6cnkEGdBkUYgdL0_q0uFVA5sRCyHEOVnfTyDEK3RjWu2CIn-hO6etLNK7YELxLji870xKKZ8Nhh0t8rX-No2w5ASH0snIpjRwRpNrXuQzJTl2fNbHu5w/w640-h394/Works%20staff%20camouflaging%20the%20Tractor%20Tank%20at%20Temuka%20sometime%20in%201940.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workers painting a camouflage on the tractor tank in Temuka,<br />right after its upgrade to the long version. At this stage,<br />the tank still features dummy weapon mounts.<br />Note the prominent V-shaped front plate on the tank's nose,<br />which hampered the front gunner's vision.<br />September - 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table> The increase in speed greatly increased the instability of the vehicle and it was decided to revert to low speed for more stability. The tank was beginning to show its inability to develop one defect without worsening another... <br /><div> Returning to Temuka Workshop, the additional gearbox was removed (sacrificing speed...) and the engine frames returned to their original state. But the extended track frames were retained and the V-shaped front plate was installed flush with the front of the hull, greatly improving the vision of the gunners and the driver. </div><div> The dummy gun stations were removed and replaced with spherical mounts with a Bren .303 light machine gun, which was the weapon of choice (or available) for the tank.</div><div><div> The Brens were installed as follows: one in each side, two facing the front, one in the turret and one at the rear. Probably the Brens installed in the tank should have drum-type magazines, with 100 rounds, much more effective in maintaining fire than the curved magazines, such as those used by the infantry, which held a maximum of 30 rounds. These machine guns with 100-round ammunition barrels were the most used in vehicles and in the AA function.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PCfKR4P3VrTEKmM9XQO6bHw7ZnvX7Zh5cKeGMSIvAFN4aTbjzP20Ac68p9DZCyUrw2yY6kc7ZtsbvgcTAYAGOzGZW_zDUT_ggaKX_uUB0jaadH5pLtTjXjO4CUzy8xQ0NQLzOMnnBJ2gVx_Iur2OYvwq7iO3rl4rraVMY_F7NGC6FqsDiwmGFEwPpA/s500/73khcucsxv431.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="500" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PCfKR4P3VrTEKmM9XQO6bHw7ZnvX7Zh5cKeGMSIvAFN4aTbjzP20Ac68p9DZCyUrw2yY6kc7ZtsbvgcTAYAGOzGZW_zDUT_ggaKX_uUB0jaadH5pLtTjXjO4CUzy8xQ0NQLzOMnnBJ2gVx_Iur2OYvwq7iO3rl4rraVMY_F7NGC6FqsDiwmGFEwPpA/w640-h436/73khcucsxv431.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bren light machine gun (LMG) .303 with complete<br />maintenance kit and spare barrel.<br />Notice the 100-round detachable drum-type magazine more.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ffzKAp5SQt329tpoM4j12ujl5BPF3oz3yj3xS83MIc8YS33SSnAPO3n6098KhOC8tBDxiEOIf43KWffXAsm1qK4hmpuqFWBcB2jaygltHwPYI0VGMGGlNuzXCMycU4Tnn7pmU1Bs7ZEYggFp2wIloV6XXmRWIPlKYHdbkSI0b9syJa7dudevgqu2Jg/s1280/Bren%20gunner%20of%208th%20Royal%20Scots%20at%20Moostdijk,%206%20November%201944..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1280" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ffzKAp5SQt329tpoM4j12ujl5BPF3oz3yj3xS83MIc8YS33SSnAPO3n6098KhOC8tBDxiEOIf43KWffXAsm1qK4hmpuqFWBcB2jaygltHwPYI0VGMGGlNuzXCMycU4Tnn7pmU1Bs7ZEYggFp2wIloV6XXmRWIPlKYHdbkSI0b9syJa7dudevgqu2Jg/w640-h556/Bren%20gunner%20of%208th%20Royal%20Scots%20at%20Moostdijk,%206%20November%201944..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldier of 8th Royal Scots equipped with .303 Bren gun<br />(30 rounds curved magazine) advancing to<br />Moostdijk, The Netherlands, 6 November 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div> The crew for the Bob Semple tank varied, with some sources citing 6 and others as many as 8. The crew included a Commander, who could or could not handle the turret machine gun, a driver on the front left side of the vehicle, three gunners in the hull machine guns on the sides and rear, in addition to a frontal gunner, on the right side of the tank and a gunner lying on a mattress on top of the compartment of the tank engine, handling the frontal central gun of the hull. If the Commander does not wield the turret weapon, one more gunner would be assigned to the task, totaling 8 crew. An economy of men would be for the Commander to wield the turret gun and the two side gunners taking turns with the rear machine gun.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IDtwLhzkSH_l_CBK8SuoHvDbJYvySqsAaqVHK5DdsqEFxbQiiljtvvDHAKt4by94hBC2NQz1S1TQLgFxFdsa4wOHt4RkM2zIXixgzgBovGApXJnFjKZMNFnXMFwi_KyJkzjn6tEevwr_ijb6JYx2jccy4JIyYMQld6BV80Aij5wmQXePbe7HW97GSg/s1400/Bob%20Semple%20crew%20battle%20stations.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1400" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IDtwLhzkSH_l_CBK8SuoHvDbJYvySqsAaqVHK5DdsqEFxbQiiljtvvDHAKt4by94hBC2NQz1S1TQLgFxFdsa4wOHt4RkM2zIXixgzgBovGApXJnFjKZMNFnXMFwi_KyJkzjn6tEevwr_ijb6JYx2jccy4JIyYMQld6BV80Aij5wmQXePbe7HW97GSg/w640-h336/Bob%20Semple%20crew%20battle%20stations.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The schematic drawing above shows the combat stations - full option.<br /> In blue, the Commander and the driver and in green, the gunners.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> Continuing with the vehicle's development, armor plates were installed on the tank. In the turret, four curved plates, riveted, with 12.7mm of manganese steel, were installed on the sides and rear while a flat plate was mounted on the front, spaced apart to free up the gun ball mount and sight slits. The corrugated armor was installed on the front and sides of the hull while flat armour plates were riveted protecting the two ball mount forward machine guns and the tank driver hatch.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcTKo3yqI63nu12A8MCr4uznTlH8HhuJrHqYW58Gon-4k_zIuk99moWnB3i8r1h3zKL8e_Jns4okF-bzYFJxKdGn5LU3GJ1TdY32McVIMaeUWt2yAO7M3nZRzWDHMpLKFlGUuUpT_A4XFGgszlOAWpkGAD-wC-1toCSfhmvZw1YaBCgSoVBSlXBeXVg/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20no%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1024" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcTKo3yqI63nu12A8MCr4uznTlH8HhuJrHqYW58Gon-4k_zIuk99moWnB3i8r1h3zKL8e_Jns4okF-bzYFJxKdGn5LU3GJ1TdY32McVIMaeUWt2yAO7M3nZRzWDHMpLKFlGUuUpT_A4XFGgszlOAWpkGAD-wC-1toCSfhmvZw1YaBCgSoVBSlXBeXVg/w640-h476/Bob%20Semple%20no%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bob Semple tank being fitted with its corrugated armour.<br />By this stage, the 2:1 gearbox had been removed and the<br />radiator plate moved back until it was flush with the hull front. <br />The slits either side of the turret machine gun have<br />now been replaced by shutters. The machine gun ball mounts <br />for Bren guns have now been installed, the gun being<br />sighted through a triangular hole in the mount beside the barrel.<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temuka" target="_blank">Temuka</a> Workshops, New Zealand.<br />November - 1940.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> Concerned about the weight factor, Army personnel recommended that the top, rear and sides of the upper rear be left without the corrugated armor. Triangular-shaped rails running the entire width of the hull roof protected the turret ring (front and rear portion) from small arms fire, while a guardrail on one side protected the rear of the commander's cupola from machine gun fire. of the turret, restricting its depression in that region. The installation of armor plates considerably increased the already excessive weight of the vehicle. Another round of field tests was carried out at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnham_Military_Camp" target="_blank">Burnham Camp</a>, near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch">Christchurch</a>, in December 1940. This time the vehicle was evaluated by Colonel L.G. Goss.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwflH-Wc9tF0kq2OA4rGP2QlWrO7yjvVqRKlteyLHJ2WTs0N9i0ApkkkztNPM0tqIYv3sQCl-ujRxBbNR5Bp4sLSEUHV4zM0zUiscmuhN-xZDQYibbFWljk_2BoTATuIaA37kslSjjkQ3Hqkt3bKSqe8y-UWvsLTHdgNPeiyJeATo9pAAMeXClGFSZg/s1280/Temuka%20built%20tank%20left%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1280" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwflH-Wc9tF0kq2OA4rGP2QlWrO7yjvVqRKlteyLHJ2WTs0N9i0ApkkkztNPM0tqIYv3sQCl-ujRxBbNR5Bp4sLSEUHV4zM0zUiscmuhN-xZDQYibbFWljk_2BoTATuIaA37kslSjjkQ3Hqkt3bKSqe8y-UWvsLTHdgNPeiyJeATo9pAAMeXClGFSZg/w640-h417/Temuka%20built%20tank%20left%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temuka built tank at Burnham Camp - left side view<br />Note the distribution of corrugated armor, following the<br />Army's recommendations to save weight.<br />7 December 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsbBg9BfzRK3HzXedyuGVR5pFljORc0u1VEn5AvjYRbIKjPHAG1LbkupjYICbGz8Dc8VORcL_MbIPOP_iL0GxgXXmzdZP4Y8hzgXqocloYJ5W3X0VfcUADpWbIzX5XgIg6EFTb3fkETSnpnwPhodUnEB4T4jA_asEAyBv0HWJXvzRBWLyrzsWnNAmrg/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20half%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1024" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsbBg9BfzRK3HzXedyuGVR5pFljORc0u1VEn5AvjYRbIKjPHAG1LbkupjYICbGz8Dc8VORcL_MbIPOP_iL0GxgXXmzdZP4Y8hzgXqocloYJ5W3X0VfcUADpWbIzX5XgIg6EFTb3fkETSnpnwPhodUnEB4T4jA_asEAyBv0HWJXvzRBWLyrzsWnNAmrg/w640-h436/Bob%20Semple%20half%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temuka built tank at Burnham Camp - right side view<br />7 December 1940.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQj32agcSfqYI3UVi2SzJQvscY8CdTNSGZwztlqjp4b0KqSQ4sVYov-mDdtoJUJSk3AOFcGzlNlXMwplxuKId9hslCUtwDoxiDL9F5sttZmPFN-RQhtsQRPIK90qBn6EslRn8j-ocN2UNXkPL6DEuo-422CsEvXlUOWF4YSQ53fSHJug0cqGVCsXVJg/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20half.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1024" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQj32agcSfqYI3UVi2SzJQvscY8CdTNSGZwztlqjp4b0KqSQ4sVYov-mDdtoJUJSk3AOFcGzlNlXMwplxuKId9hslCUtwDoxiDL9F5sttZmPFN-RQhtsQRPIK90qBn6EslRn8j-ocN2UNXkPL6DEuo-422CsEvXlUOWF4YSQ53fSHJug0cqGVCsXVJg/w640-h492/Bob%20Semple%20half.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temuka built tank at Burnham Camp - rear right view<br />The weld lines on the rear plate indicate that the rear door and<br />machine gun ball mount were also lowered during<br />the development of the design.<br />7 December 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M_I7XNYtvKv6GciF03luAoEXGR4bl_hYCHtem8XmiLUvbhfqShk7oXBzRqd0ev1NfYv8m2UNnkyVd2do1A8ijK5akSMFc9cb7XYb083R6uut16YLjmewqx1a2xpSqfK8H4S6ujqM3fFFvk9rpd_NZX1RF0jnQuV0DtIN_0eQUs1QfmUgIkCUXB6TAQ/s1024/Bob%20Semplefront.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1024" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M_I7XNYtvKv6GciF03luAoEXGR4bl_hYCHtem8XmiLUvbhfqShk7oXBzRqd0ev1NfYv8m2UNnkyVd2do1A8ijK5akSMFc9cb7XYb083R6uut16YLjmewqx1a2xpSqfK8H4S6ujqM3fFFvk9rpd_NZX1RF0jnQuV0DtIN_0eQUs1QfmUgIkCUXB6TAQ/w640-h474/Bob%20Semplefront.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temuka built tank at Burnham Camp - front view.<br />Notice that the corrugated armor covers all front of the tank<br />and steel armour plates riveted in the front MG<br />hull positions, turret and driver hatch.</td></tr></tbody></table><div> With the removal of the 2:1 gearbox, the tank returned to poor 8-10 km/h performance in cross-country conditions and continued to exhibit longitudinal and transverse instability when on uneven terrain, making fire accuracy extremely difficult. when in motion. Seeing the Semple Tank move, Colonel Goss concluded that the tank's great mass, along with the absence of a suitable cannon, simply restricted the vehicle's operational employment to a mobile pillbox or as an armored personnel/ammunition carrier. <span style="text-align: left;">And again, the Army issued an ultimatum for the installation of a cannon in the turret or its complete removal. </span><span style="text-align: left;">And, strangely, despite the heavy criticism that came from observing the field tests, in their final recommendation the military reported that six vehicles would be needed (two for each military district), although this claim was soon reduced to a total of just three tanks. </span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> By January 1941, PWD contacted <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addington_Workshops" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">New Zealand Railway Workshops</a> </span><span style="text-align: left;">(NZR) </span><span style="text-align: left;">in Addington</span><span style="text-align: left;">, Christchurch, asking if they could build two additional tanks and a special wheeled trailer to transport them. With the acceptance, the tank and existing designs were shipped to Addington at the end of the month. Work on the hulls and gun emplacements began immediately and by the time the first tractor was received, around mid-February, the armored hulls were ready to be assembled. The second tractor was delivered in late February and by late March both tanks were complete enough to be included in an NZR-made military equipment display in Addington.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The tank transport trailer was completed in early April. This had a platform-type design, with a 3-axle suspension. It was large, 2.60m wide and 7.90m long. The tires and wheels came from a city bus. The trailer when built weighed 30 tons and its load capacity was 20 tons per axle. The problem is that this weight far exceeded the standard weight requirements for bridges in New Zealand, making this transport system unsafe, but it seems PWD ignored this "little detail"!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlWngPsy296pWYoz2BsHKF52gRHkRytDVdbWC_L7KX3FG5p_vj1CyIk84QK85WC5Vvs_NUWXw-BxIljgJ64Dlhl62ne5qomBArJZnF5LR9F15c4fhA3hdWEU83fVwtsaB05iHrBY9nrpMJl_Q8alrXKWrpN2bLAD7nMBQWFriku3L3axozzmbws4DEg/s1024/Bob%20semple%203%2021%20abril%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlWngPsy296pWYoz2BsHKF52gRHkRytDVdbWC_L7KX3FG5p_vj1CyIk84QK85WC5Vvs_NUWXw-BxIljgJ64Dlhl62ne5qomBArJZnF5LR9F15c4fhA3hdWEU83fVwtsaB05iHrBY9nrpMJl_Q8alrXKWrpN2bLAD7nMBQWFriku3L3axozzmbws4DEg/w640-h496/Bob%20semple%203%2021%20abril%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Semple tank, after being unloade from a ship, placed on his<br /><span style="text-align: left;">New Zealand Railways </span>trailer to be transported.<br /> Christchurch - New Zealand<br />Notice the corrugated magnesium armor extends further back,<br />on the side of the tank, encircling the machine gun position.<br />See also the two headlights in the front armour are open.<br />21 Apr. 1941</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFGxkOc_g-vydq8mzMrOpMZ2TRP4Cqk_Ai9TCiNK2h77iCxYWORhz3KVxVDS7YjWRAzUWHJcSJeCgyATl66w39px5WkEuWKFYlcGZvRKzFm2IhPKmo7T6V8vFln8wvPAJdE18nLlSgLx7wVRoGvaXhzOmeX7kwyrb_ayWXeEtHqspnYobWyEVMeJaOw/s1024/temuka%20tank%20is%20his%20trailer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1024" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFGxkOc_g-vydq8mzMrOpMZ2TRP4Cqk_Ai9TCiNK2h77iCxYWORhz3KVxVDS7YjWRAzUWHJcSJeCgyATl66w39px5WkEuWKFYlcGZvRKzFm2IhPKmo7T6V8vFln8wvPAJdE18nLlSgLx7wVRoGvaXhzOmeX7kwyrb_ayWXeEtHqspnYobWyEVMeJaOw/w640-h468/temuka%20tank%20is%20his%20trailer.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Temuka Bob Semple tank, in his trailer.<br />Notice the corrugated armour not involving the<br />right ball gun mount, compared to the photo above.<br />21 April, 1941 - (Christchurch Star-Sun)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In mid-April, the tank was inspected once more, this time by Colonel Milner. And the report of that inspection really was not at all favorable to the vehicle: in the Colonel's opinion, the tank was practically a throwback in terms of performance and design to the pioneering times of the WWI; weak armor, insufficient and too slow and bulky to be operationally useful in any of the functions provided for the vehicle. Milner categorically stated that two or three Bren Gun Carriers could be built for the price of the tank being tested and these Carriers would be infinitely more useful to the country. Naturally PWD was extremely disappointed by this verdict, although that didn't stop them from showing the vehicle at three more shows, one in Wellington on 19 April, another in Christchurch on 26 April and the other in Auckland on 10 May.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJTY5esaD98gSRXQL9N3xO8meJoGAuxLZR8XFoSSY4WMO0upn_ftf2LbXBEaglOY6fbPpBoScMCU8ncDvXrzba3bD1tLmrzV033g9YdrrJxTGzt1CdmwWcEbpVb-9a3-uQTLEYxRJOMeXqgrOJgS16YJhCf2L-q-a3uuPuc82duTXBCNsoOLLGP1jBQ/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20crosses%20the%20Bridge%20of%20Remembrance%20during%20parade%20through%20Christchurch%2026%20Apr.%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="786" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJTY5esaD98gSRXQL9N3xO8meJoGAuxLZR8XFoSSY4WMO0upn_ftf2LbXBEaglOY6fbPpBoScMCU8ncDvXrzba3bD1tLmrzV033g9YdrrJxTGzt1CdmwWcEbpVb-9a3-uQTLEYxRJOMeXqgrOJgS16YJhCf2L-q-a3uuPuc82duTXBCNsoOLLGP1jBQ/w492-h640/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20crosses%20the%20Bridge%20of%20Remembrance%20during%20parade%20through%20Christchurch%2026%20Apr.%201941.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Semple tank crossing the <a href="https://www.google.com.br/maps/@-43.5331232,172.6336986,3a,45.1y,283.49h,96.47t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sI_YF_VfJQanUTmqn8qu4sA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=pt-BR&authuser=0" target="_blank">Bridge of Remembrance</a><br />during parade through Christchurch - New Zealand<br />Notice that right headlight in the front armour is open<br />and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptospermum_scoparium" target="_blank">Manuka wooden</a> pads in the tracks, to protect the streets.<br />26 Apr. 1941<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj6475_lNAPf9lsmylV12iN5YQtdXmSrL9MCQYrhGv7-8p48K5upj1Jz_08GEEv02HrxKAMATxPrx83o9r4ABTkV5iSzG2YscLbAm1uZ8qRtNyTjOYvt9qfJFR5ubOJpMo9iOulfltfns7UnLvhR1dTA5TIvsTUDjzYfUrowfBFbsF5iGQjZoUbWjgw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20in%20Cashel%20Street%20during%20parade%20of%2026%20April%201941%20in%20Christchurch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1280" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj6475_lNAPf9lsmylV12iN5YQtdXmSrL9MCQYrhGv7-8p48K5upj1Jz_08GEEv02HrxKAMATxPrx83o9r4ABTkV5iSzG2YscLbAm1uZ8qRtNyTjOYvt9qfJFR5ubOJpMo9iOulfltfns7UnLvhR1dTA5TIvsTUDjzYfUrowfBFbsF5iGQjZoUbWjgw/w640-h490/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20in%20Cashel%20Street%20during%20parade%20of%2026%20April%201941%20in%20Christchurch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Bob Semple tank above, with full corrugated armour<br />roaring in parade by Cashel Street, Christchurch.<br />Notice the wooden pads in the tracks.<br />New Zealand - 26 April 1941.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7i-_19wKJHJXpyjq_FhSI5CepZeLV1AlSnZrToczUULhZOtp5pd_yuyIK0A6WuhsU-tSNI45hiKU-9RtRnWvkaBLkw1qcBM8y3tkDQ5nt-DX49BfQyLujSN8pqD9pXAL2wD1lFUvbYk5QaQw5xloK20SsocPBAIsIO_NJGO-nB516BYZWKBjYPn7fw/s1280/Bob%20semple%203%20Semple%20Tank%20on%20parade%20Auckland,%2010th%20May%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7i-_19wKJHJXpyjq_FhSI5CepZeLV1AlSnZrToczUULhZOtp5pd_yuyIK0A6WuhsU-tSNI45hiKU-9RtRnWvkaBLkw1qcBM8y3tkDQ5nt-DX49BfQyLujSN8pqD9pXAL2wD1lFUvbYk5QaQw5xloK20SsocPBAIsIO_NJGO-nB516BYZWKBjYPn7fw/w640-h430/Bob%20semple%203%20Semple%20Tank%20on%20parade%20Auckland,%2010th%20May%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Bob </span>Semple Tank taking part in a parade in <a href="https://www.google.com.br/maps/@-36.8529339,174.7636312,3a,75y,261.4h,86.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdJzQbvjReCy2WVTnzc2T_w!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=pt-BR&authuser=0" target="_blank">Queen Street</a>.<br />Notice the partial side corrugated armour<br />Auckland, New Zealand - 10, May - I94I.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMEFyqySrtrGn-V3O2RF7_9vHQ7XiNlm1XHVZMN7I-nFWAyOpIVdVUFoGU3w3ZybTAiqDzW8FHwwbmWCSR5-X08PpPHbjb3PMYKyZ4AA-lvD_NmgVeWBFNJ7nxTtTbvE_xrXgi8RmJDMTJijtfQP43Y54-6PZW4lH5Q4v-m-dVFl8Eu5oPlf57l5prg/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20tank,%20Aucland.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1024" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMEFyqySrtrGn-V3O2RF7_9vHQ7XiNlm1XHVZMN7I-nFWAyOpIVdVUFoGU3w3ZybTAiqDzW8FHwwbmWCSR5-X08PpPHbjb3PMYKyZ4AA-lvD_NmgVeWBFNJ7nxTtTbvE_xrXgi8RmJDMTJijtfQP43Y54-6PZW4lH5Q4v-m-dVFl8Eu5oPlf57l5prg/w640-h412/Bob%20Semple%20tank,%20Aucland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Bob Semple tank, from the photo above<br /> parade in the city of Auckland - New Zealand<br />Notice that headlights in the front armour are closed.<br />10 May, 1941.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The exposure of the vehicles in the parades had almost the opposite effect to what was desired, as their erratic behavior and precarious locomotion triggered a series of mocking comments in the population about the supposed validity of the weapon. This bad appearance to the public, along with Colonel Milner's reports, created embarrassment for both the PWD and the Army. More and more questions were asked about the real contribution to the war effort that these vehicles could make, in relation to their economic cost and industrial effort. The general opinion was that the work on the Semple tanks should be stopped, as the alleged improvements were always nullified by a bad concept of conception, which was incorrigible.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oAOyZNdftFrJ7zwJ1IkTP6W6DOAehzpQL81wr9n4zfrJY4IQRbh-krL7goHuG2-yNfwOJKPnqLf-Ap1L-w4pazePZ4ntduaIY2_DYAvtCI93XsejlJ5PVbi_LaEA2gTG5SEKlV8CQpKVyhrhNSkX5xo6dQ3WOfD0J4RrFBcyuIEw6ahpxQ3ul-HB1w/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20joke%2001%20New%20Zealand%20Herald,%2013th%20May%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1024" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oAOyZNdftFrJ7zwJ1IkTP6W6DOAehzpQL81wr9n4zfrJY4IQRbh-krL7goHuG2-yNfwOJKPnqLf-Ap1L-w4pazePZ4ntduaIY2_DYAvtCI93XsejlJ5PVbi_LaEA2gTG5SEKlV8CQpKVyhrhNSkX5xo6dQ3WOfD0J4RrFBcyuIEw6ahpxQ3ul-HB1w/w640-h438/Bob%20Semple%20joke%2001%20New%20Zealand%20Herald,%2013th%20May%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Minhinnick" target="_blank">Gordon Minhinnick</a> cartoon about the Bob Semple tank.<br /> Notice the caricature of Bob Semple, in the driver's position.<br />The artist has captured the appearance of the tank and its creator very well.<br />The tank also features the wooden pads on the track links<br />and the partial corrugated armour of the side, just after this model<br />have been featured in the Parade on the 10th May (see pics above)<br />New Zealand Herald - 13th May 1941.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9_tKtV9gmR_XL17oqhDxiUcx3JhjgnnxFjfXlugscLrgkpmcnBaOGpO3ETqYNKG4DiF0F7Qgk3Gei6MkkqXFEboHsli6uUAVa37uxkOlKiEVKhCYcrx9pcc0e2aAyphQcCrXBbxno0JNdfR17ivnA3bzTVgcvEUlXgVhk2H0CAajkHvKn4x0QVxcBw/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20joke%2002%20New%20Zealand%20Herald%2021st%20October%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1024" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9_tKtV9gmR_XL17oqhDxiUcx3JhjgnnxFjfXlugscLrgkpmcnBaOGpO3ETqYNKG4DiF0F7Qgk3Gei6MkkqXFEboHsli6uUAVa37uxkOlKiEVKhCYcrx9pcc0e2aAyphQcCrXBbxno0JNdfR17ivnA3bzTVgcvEUlXgVhk2H0CAajkHvKn4x0QVxcBw/w640-h438/Bob%20Semple%20joke%2002%20New%20Zealand%20Herald%2021st%20October%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Another <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Minhinnick" target="_blank">Gordon Minhinnick</a> cartoon featuring the Bob Semple tank</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It was published shortly after the arrival of the first Valentine tanks in New Zealand.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Big Bob tank has some "creative liberties", such as the hatch</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the top turret (where Bob Semple's impassive head emerges...)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and the engine exhaust, emitting a jocular tuff...tuff...tuff...</div><div style="text-align: center;">But the icing on the cake is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_governor" target="_blank">centrifugal steam governor</a> on the rear deck!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Really, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Minhinnick" target="_blank">Minhinnick</a> was really very good!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> New Zealand Herald - 21st October 1941</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In a final effort to try to salvage the project, another inspection was scheduled. Bob Semple, Gondon Beck and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Puttick" target="_blank">Lieutenant General Edward Puttick</a>, who had just arrived in New Zealand from the North African Campaign, to assume the position of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_of_Army_(New_Zealand)">Chief of the General Staff</a>. They visited Burnham's camp in 8th October, to inspect the tanks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor3j1FzVGYywMmUdZM1FmZcMhFiMOkbYvm8rLYU4wkkkrvDvmqFmmo2aex3haBVDYz4okoBQ4HaimUhI1Mo3x3WxhtgYD9l8gNV7gG0mnOKXdEqdNwcjVyUseXlmiMdlIe1_9I-nu7XozcEJUg7-rmTrbKodISPhBq3XsRT3iDcvn4XcGWjwwrHsHZA/s1024/Bob%20semple%20and%20%20Semple%20Tank%20armour.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1024" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor3j1FzVGYywMmUdZM1FmZcMhFiMOkbYvm8rLYU4wkkkrvDvmqFmmo2aex3haBVDYz4okoBQ4HaimUhI1Mo3x3WxhtgYD9l8gNV7gG0mnOKXdEqdNwcjVyUseXlmiMdlIe1_9I-nu7XozcEJUg7-rmTrbKodISPhBq3XsRT3iDcvn4XcGWjwwrHsHZA/w640-h518/Bob%20semple%20and%20%20Semple%20Tank%20armour.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Semple and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Puttick" target="_blank">General Edward Puttick</a> standing by one of the tanks <br />at Burnham Camp. Notice the full corrugated armor on the side of the tank.<br />Indeed, the girl was very huge!!!<br /> 8th October -1941</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08h76Pah4wAmzCIpchFmUvQswBoWRoh8T7NsxXo4EXmXxGfwhsF4OyKfirOEmBeYzN2DMlrk9lffi5Fswjf-ommpqba-985jYUP_EY1lcLVVsufV06-FsYDO_LsEE09s9x1gLjLSt594M5EYaqztuVm9WgBgjf73vAx_8xCdEKNEGtS0Uw-nZzL47yw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20based%20at%20Burnham%20Camp.%20(Canterbury%20Museum).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08h76Pah4wAmzCIpchFmUvQswBoWRoh8T7NsxXo4EXmXxGfwhsF4OyKfirOEmBeYzN2DMlrk9lffi5Fswjf-ommpqba-985jYUP_EY1lcLVVsufV06-FsYDO_LsEE09s9x1gLjLSt594M5EYaqztuVm9WgBgjf73vAx_8xCdEKNEGtS0Uw-nZzL47yw/w640-h454/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20based%20at%20Burnham%20Camp.%20(Canterbury%20Museum).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Semple's tank panting in tests, on top of a hill<br /> at <a href="https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/where-we-are/burnham/" target="_blank">Burnham Camp</a>, near Christchurch - New Zealand<br />8th October - 1941 - (Canterbury Museum)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As most things remained the same, General Puttick suggested carrying out a real test of fire. This tests were scheduled for the end of the month at Ellesmere Air Force Base, near Christchurch. On this occasion, about 1,000 projectiles were fired from the tank as the vehicle moved across the test field, with no dangerous effect on the crew. But when the tank was targeted by live fire, the situation changed: shrapnel from the projectiles of .303-inch Vickers light machine gun used in the test were found inside the tank, which penetrated through the vision slits in the commander's cupola and through the ball mounts of the machine guns. Finally, it was decided that the tanks would have their turrets removed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In January 1942, the two vehicles in Christchurch were sent back to Addington to have their turrets removed and the opening covered with a 12.7mm mild steel plate. The people involved in the project were so discouraged that this work was not completed until April.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze6LjPDLtHcqYdFKZQwUuo8Rsua8P6WUAnBRWdOpygFHwImVzlszzrUWQ9pVCM5uNqGLMsCuAKK6vr_e4nSQ8RXN7RB8yIBszuWvhWgV_knZkr2kl72WtF8UWZXA-OJw0wCc0UxyBJSL30yl-7WkYBBoudQiiALLxad3mRT3WMxeZLPJUf37kHGOY7g/s1500/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20NZR%203%20turretless.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1500" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze6LjPDLtHcqYdFKZQwUuo8Rsua8P6WUAnBRWdOpygFHwImVzlszzrUWQ9pVCM5uNqGLMsCuAKK6vr_e4nSQ8RXN7RB8yIBszuWvhWgV_knZkr2kl72WtF8UWZXA-OJw0wCc0UxyBJSL30yl-7WkYBBoudQiiALLxad3mRT3WMxeZLPJUf37kHGOY7g/w640-h394/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20NZR%203%20turretless.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> With controversy arising from criticism, the idea of producing Bob Semple hulls was discarded, but even under the mockery, Robert Semple kept his design and even said, sensibly: <b><i>"I don't see anyone else with better ideas"</i></b>. Another example of the veracity of the statement that reads: "Desperate times generate desperate solutions". </div><div> We cannot forget that England itself, after the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkirk_evacuation" target="_blank">Dunkirk</a> disaster, where it lost a large part of its armored material, had to resort to at least unusual solutions for its domestic defense, in fear of an amphibious invasion by Germany. . We have already discussed this in the articles about the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Beaverette%20Mk%20III%20AA%20%20with%20Boulton-Paul%20type%20A%20turret" target="_blank">Beaverettes</a>.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8Ijo2QE2xwR4Ts6fIHVBCn6Hs3H4b0oBkTYqdt3jaD4BODdXPf5vr_vbRSmbQI_r5uNRFCFw_W5iTvsxwV0oNL4rHcFimC9-zULY71J541fxuC0ilqTvUXgURMhZ8IqpJtQPrgV3LkZG/s1024/Beaverette+02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8Ijo2QE2xwR4Ts6fIHVBCn6Hs3H4b0oBkTYqdt3jaD4BODdXPf5vr_vbRSmbQI_r5uNRFCFw_W5iTvsxwV0oNL4rHcFimC9-zULY71J541fxuC0ilqTvUXgURMhZ8IqpJtQPrgV3LkZG/w640-h424/Beaverette+02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Beaverettes Mk II with .303 Bren LMG</div><div style="text-align: center;">of 53rd Reconnaissance Regiment on manoeuvres</div><div style="text-align: center;">Northern Ireland, 1941.</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> There are no records of service by the Army of the three Bob Semple tanks. There is a report that one of the vehicles at Burnham Camp was used to remove some Macrocarp trees around the Mess of Sergeants and Officers of that Camp. The tank in question had no trouble pushing the trees, uprooting them and dragging their trunks and branches. By the end of 1942 the Southern Military District (SMD) had received M3 Stuarts light tanks in sufficient numbers that they could consider the Semple tanks superfluous. The SMD commander contacted PWD in Christchurch and asked if they would welcome the two Semples tanks back. PWD readily agreed and asked about the vehicle in Auckland. In this case, the Army replied that it wished to keep this vehicle, but like tractor and that it only required that it be stripped of its armor and then returned to them. The two vehicles at Burnham were promptly handed over to PWD, reverted to civil service as tractors. The tank in Auckland was not delivered until May 1943 and it was not until August that the demilitarization work was completed. Armor plates, weapon ball mounts, and other salvaged materials were returned to PWD's Temuka Depot and apparently consigned for scrap. The final fate of the armor plates is unknown, although some corrugated plates were used as targets in the Waiouru Ranges in the 1950s. A piece of corrugate plate from one of the side visors survives and is now preserved at the South Canterbury Museum in Timaru. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> And this is the last remnant that has survived to this day, of the troubled history of the three Bob Semple tractor tanks.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5cRRH4Gr0LAAGz82q0KF1JHO-2ITSiusb239rpRnDfkbVUjqg9prl--y6Cc-c-E6AROG22EgJSg3406eLlH4EwyIEmw4quOiJQGsYYQBByRTY6Xc4s6iyulXHoItFfx6RDAhu3cBhW0sBNT02eyxxEgWjBbXRLrdcv7P7qIhXaDXrmAwOw-d3nasuw/s1280/Last%20remain%20Semple%20tank%20and%20its%20finder%20Bob%20Dunnill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5cRRH4Gr0LAAGz82q0KF1JHO-2ITSiusb239rpRnDfkbVUjqg9prl--y6Cc-c-E6AROG22EgJSg3406eLlH4EwyIEmw4quOiJQGsYYQBByRTY6Xc4s6iyulXHoItFfx6RDAhu3cBhW0sBNT02eyxxEgWjBbXRLrdcv7P7qIhXaDXrmAwOw-d3nasuw/w640-h476/Last%20remain%20Semple%20tank%20and%20its%20finder%20Bob%20Dunnill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last survive part of Bob Semple tank:<br />corrugated plate from one of the side visors.<br />finder: Mr. Bob Dunnill<br /><a href="https://museum.timaru.govt.nz/home" target="_blank">South Canterbury Museum - Timaru</a> - New Zealand</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Identifying the</b></span><b> </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>three </b></span><b>Bob Semple tanks:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A major problem is the difficulty of "positive" identification of the three tanks built, given that the photographic records omit this information. But we can, by the photos, dates and places where they were taken, try to individualize and identify the three Bob Semple Tanks. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Let's get to the facts: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>The first tank was built in Temuka, with photos and date references. We can call this tank Bob Semple Temuka Tank no. 1 as it was the first to be built. This is the tank that was built short in July, 1940 and elongated in September, 1940 (see the drawing above, in this report). This tank, after improvements, was sent for testing at Burnham Camp in December 1940. And this same tank was photographed in April 1941, on its trailer, with no modifications, in a series of parades scheduled for April and May. How do we know it's the same tank?? Due to the extension of the corrugated armor at the rear, leaving the .303 Bren ball mount unprotected and the detail of the reinforcement of the suspension, in a rectangular shape. See the photos below, with the mentioned details highlighted.</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdZEeOVJQX4QhFA3tidICiE1xcFca_VA5kzJdMv3j1Z9Juct1KEdu4p0ISih_lMgfD3GY2OeBfJ6F7TXUalnq41eb1wTHlXQgAKFk0UUsXRpMytrlGUnO0xBGh25n0qeBXeTVpN8kJXwIBZlBs2pmnGTvVle8GaL2gL5oFOeTAlwTgAYPxQHF2jAQQA/s1600/Bob%20tanks%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdZEeOVJQX4QhFA3tidICiE1xcFca_VA5kzJdMv3j1Z9Juct1KEdu4p0ISih_lMgfD3GY2OeBfJ6F7TXUalnq41eb1wTHlXQgAKFk0UUsXRpMytrlGUnO0xBGh25n0qeBXeTVpN8kJXwIBZlBs2pmnGTvVle8GaL2gL5oFOeTAlwTgAYPxQHF2jAQQA/w640-h274/Bob%20tanks%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice, in red, the same extension of the corrugated armor<br />and in blue, the reinforcement of the suspension, in a rectangular shape.<br />Let's call this tank<b> Temuka no.1</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Now, let's try to identify the second and third Bob Semple tanks, which as we know were built at New Zealand Railway Workshops <b>(NZR)</b> in Addington, Christchurch, in late March 1941. Don't forget they were built in a hurry, to participate in the aforementioned parades. Therefore, these parades had the 3 vehicles built, and for these events, we have photos of the 3 and we know that they did not suffer any "intervention" when in transit to these events. The first tank, the <b>Temuka no.1</b>, on it's trailer, being transported to the first first parade.(see pic above, right image). </li></ul><ul><li>Let's see the NZR girls (photo below): Notice that the "left girl" (NZR no.2 -10 May, 1941) feature corrugated armor different from Temuka no.1 (red aquare, above), that is, armor surrounding the Bren ball mount, but not completely (yellow aquare, below), and the "right girl" (NZR no.3 - 26 April, 1941) show armor FULLY covering the side of the tank (purple square, below). And as these three individuals were photographed going to or at the Parades, at the same time (and without undergoing upgrades, as they were in transit), we can deduce that they are three different tanks: The Temuka (no.1) with ball mont without corrugated armor (red square), the NZR no.2 (let's call it that) with the ball mount covered, but still with the rear portion exposed (yellow square) and the NZR no.3 fully covered by corrugated armor (purple square).</li></ul></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe_XYD5cADPKX9Cz7ygiM1v8t3gt__ipNpuXiOnLIHy2R7XfvnKtbWDIZ3E8YdzF3KJrF3H_q4gZ0SBojyerUjEzsWWV7kIlu2QxBwNWiEZVqgh7eLsHPdF5tLv5egplyPsyDCUJAWaENhwurWbS1a8VHRDfmQ-ErWBD5_URH0JGTI1IHrmULg5yRBg/s1600/Bob%20tanks%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe_XYD5cADPKX9Cz7ygiM1v8t3gt__ipNpuXiOnLIHy2R7XfvnKtbWDIZ3E8YdzF3KJrF3H_q4gZ0SBojyerUjEzsWWV7kIlu2QxBwNWiEZVqgh7eLsHPdF5tLv5egplyPsyDCUJAWaENhwurWbS1a8VHRDfmQ-ErWBD5_URH0JGTI1IHrmULg5yRBg/w640-h264/Bob%20tanks%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">New Zealand Railway girls: Tanks no. 2 and 3.<br /></span>Notice the vertical reinforcement of the idler wheel extension,<br />on the front part of the suspension</td></tr></tbody></table></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Another differentiating detail is the vertical reinforcement of the idler wheel extension, on the front part of the suspension: on the Temuka Tank no.1 and on the NZR no.3, this reinforcement is rectangular (blue circle), while on the NZR tank no.2 it is in the shape of a fork (green circle). See these circular details in the two sets of photos above.</li></ul><div><ul><li>And, finally, let's try to solve the mystery of the "Fourth tank" found in the photos... It would be this one, with the side all plated with the characteristic armor of the NZR 3, but with the "fork" reinforcment in the suspension, like the NZR 2. </li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmBcgZSC0aiuZLneSf3CITjke47fhFQvr_vn-YbzDvk9V2Pl4L_qw_iZnQ4LJE_CWRi_myvS1tawhNn9iwzoEVTiX6VALYZ-zfoLEhZikIElmeTP4G6VwPY47xC_VPXSjZCwBwro6FD4TYC1HV3dLZMeMUyV69t-DLinbjTY6xn28mMJABHWFXn-_9A/s1280/Bob%20tanks%20005.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmBcgZSC0aiuZLneSf3CITjke47fhFQvr_vn-YbzDvk9V2Pl4L_qw_iZnQ4LJE_CWRi_myvS1tawhNn9iwzoEVTiX6VALYZ-zfoLEhZikIElmeTP4G6VwPY47xC_VPXSjZCwBwro6FD4TYC1HV3dLZMeMUyV69t-DLinbjTY6xn28mMJABHWFXn-_9A/w640-h476/Bob%20tanks%20005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was there a fourth tank with features from the NZR 3 and NZR 2??</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li>And this "different" tank appears twice in the historical photos: climbing a hill at Burnham Camp (below, left) and being inspected by Bob Semple and General Puttick (below right)...And these events took place on the same day: October 8, 1941... Almost at the end of the Bob Semple tank project.</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WjUeQh7ltBdE6m6EMBJhxGsQZHZ6Kpiuylo0EYQm4XTwSlNSLXhTXUSKRx_S9T1eROPE-mNxOA9DBzF1hwg70Zzroi1aKLHuAok4MXCRg9LuJfOQ5vrv0G2nue5SBz_UFcOvp2KNYnt_sE5cOZL2aRb--mFjGDl3fFawtUpE78ypNaNL-646uXw7IQ/s1557/Bob%20tanks%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1557" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WjUeQh7ltBdE6m6EMBJhxGsQZHZ6Kpiuylo0EYQm4XTwSlNSLXhTXUSKRx_S9T1eROPE-mNxOA9DBzF1hwg70Zzroi1aKLHuAok4MXCRg9LuJfOQ5vrv0G2nue5SBz_UFcOvp2KNYnt_sE5cOZL2aRb--mFjGDl3fFawtUpE78ypNaNL-646uXw7IQ/w640-h272/Bob%20tanks%20004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same tank in two pictures: full side armour (purple)<br />and fork like reinforcment of suspension (green)<br />The light blue rectangle will be explained now...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> No, there was no fourth tank, but in another attempt to save the project, "full" armor was added to the NZR 2 tank, the only one with "fork" suspension. Let's face it, this suspension detail would be the last place they would modify, as it's just a reinforcement. The armor plates could be applied with some ease (their removal would be more complicated, due to the presence of the screw holes.) As the last photo we have with reference to NZR 2 dates is from the Auckland parade, on May 10th. 1941 and the photo of the "mysterious" tank (with the unique suspension characteristic of the NZR 2 ) is October 8, 1941, we can deduce that the PWD people had four months to upgrade the NZR 2 corrugated armor, so that it look the same "more armored" as the NZR 3.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TntCxHhgW4lpTjT-1TDU9az0URh8VWl80t6nPi1KBwEHmMZVFWIivxByvZ-dOlHpgvl4j6FLn4pnOa3y7nFtmjom6TtjnzT1L1xtJX22jFcjPo1A5kz4trwpNazb_c3TVCs4AciIvGP69X4AgyhKnTKChtggZXO4b-qkXH1S3azJsqH9nWQlKuBkFA/s1600/Bob%20tanks%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TntCxHhgW4lpTjT-1TDU9az0URh8VWl80t6nPi1KBwEHmMZVFWIivxByvZ-dOlHpgvl4j6FLn4pnOa3y7nFtmjom6TtjnzT1L1xtJX22jFcjPo1A5kz4trwpNazb_c3TVCs4AciIvGP69X4AgyhKnTKChtggZXO4b-qkXH1S3azJsqH9nWQlKuBkFA/w640-h264/Bob%20tanks%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Bob Semple NZR 2</b> to NZR 2 Plus!!<br />the real side of the tank wit full armour (purple)<br />but the same NZR 2 tank: fork suspension (green)<br />and same angled front corrugated armour (light blue)<br />In the Temuka 1 this front fender is almost curved and<br />in the NZR 3this step does not exist...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The three Bob Semple Tanks, individually identified:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b>Bob Semple tank - Temuka no.1</b></li><ul><li><span style="text-align: center;">side Bren gun ball mount without corrugated armor</span></li><li><span style="text-align: center;">reinforcement of the suspension: rectangular shape</span></li></ul></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKEWjQ89sidvhmu7C4nlBDuC3trugyEgIzFfYi9UmFTcx5fuQkHpmy9k5bLzOdxw9Jeab0nYlEAWZoINEZMEWh_S3S6t_KPp-rhPO0E9TmTrmpLlBTLAVIsZfvxPJwQZGCXMSAmYcKDkZSw0Xq3PdaiZtHbUai6LMySAGPkM8siaSs3wrnWMEu9qLAw/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20half.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1024" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKEWjQ89sidvhmu7C4nlBDuC3trugyEgIzFfYi9UmFTcx5fuQkHpmy9k5bLzOdxw9Jeab0nYlEAWZoINEZMEWh_S3S6t_KPp-rhPO0E9TmTrmpLlBTLAVIsZfvxPJwQZGCXMSAmYcKDkZSw0Xq3PdaiZtHbUai6LMySAGPkM8siaSs3wrnWMEu9qLAw/w640-h492/Bob%20Semple%20half.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - Temuka no.1</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cQ4jx5BOwJgZ2w26xnHJ4m3QvG9EXjCqT5yvbFgbevQh9ma50cmuEc7m744VJl0DefYWi4DSDFYa2HhLCLvmujdcIXhYCP2pM-R00knYFzoUB97ZHVK9aBPi8rOdMYzA12NRCD-aidHnOZ5OogfbnOcPnRvYOFMzbX-rymv4XA0sG2Q5fw9zDNStzw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20half%20side%20left.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cQ4jx5BOwJgZ2w26xnHJ4m3QvG9EXjCqT5yvbFgbevQh9ma50cmuEc7m744VJl0DefYWi4DSDFYa2HhLCLvmujdcIXhYCP2pM-R00knYFzoUB97ZHVK9aBPi8rOdMYzA12NRCD-aidHnOZ5OogfbnOcPnRvYOFMzbX-rymv4XA0sG2Q5fw9zDNStzw/w640-h418/Bob%20Semple%20half%20side%20left.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - Temuka no.1</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uEuoFzI5rgcETgcF4sFLtEKh19sS1YLvzkFezvvAe69FXww0N810rG9DanLDkjkrxbzA76mL4kBlSqN5ljxZAzrGiZDsHzL5UVNdMENxHO74rJhi1z2oRLtiXmznjrQnv1uP3zcxVAPAWFNgKHKGXc8gRhk73juyMzwC2Z9V-a1FRu_MkPZX0nphbg/s1500/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20Temuka%201%20-%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uEuoFzI5rgcETgcF4sFLtEKh19sS1YLvzkFezvvAe69FXww0N810rG9DanLDkjkrxbzA76mL4kBlSqN5ljxZAzrGiZDsHzL5UVNdMENxHO74rJhi1z2oRLtiXmznjrQnv1uP3zcxVAPAWFNgKHKGXc8gRhk73juyMzwC2Z9V-a1FRu_MkPZX0nphbg/w640-h428/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20Temuka%201%20-%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - Temuka no.1</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><ul><li><b>Bob Semple tank - NZR no.2 - early version</b></li><ul><li> Bren ball mount covered with corrugated armour, but the rear portion exposed</li><li><span style="text-align: center;"> reinforcement of the suspension: fork shape</span></li></ul></ul></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGaoKqQ90KRFophagnQeBnih9m5NtEXhsPp8yWGaNKu_O92O_KWdOY3zuIuT0X5S1HcT6Z4TXDhWxablgZKaUDZdWBpayBWNjIYTzRi8L4tCKUAawYPwmPCCzo5uDMqhRdk5C5F537swtVKm3vPnla5TnGUwaGsCMJJQLdMfRym_SpNovfWOReb2Aiw/s1280/Bob%20semple%202%20Semple%20Tank%20on%20parade%20Auckland,%2010th%20May%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGaoKqQ90KRFophagnQeBnih9m5NtEXhsPp8yWGaNKu_O92O_KWdOY3zuIuT0X5S1HcT6Z4TXDhWxablgZKaUDZdWBpayBWNjIYTzRi8L4tCKUAawYPwmPCCzo5uDMqhRdk5C5F537swtVKm3vPnla5TnGUwaGsCMJJQLdMfRym_SpNovfWOReb2Aiw/w640-h430/Bob%20semple%202%20Semple%20Tank%20on%20parade%20Auckland,%2010th%20May%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - NZR no.2 - early version</b></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRFrKxf4QOf5vUG-Z8zgaRg0oOKB_xMoxnCpYRGA8b7CvRrY1ODTHSMNrZW_iXetjQQsiQ9VCZJjre2ANEdqnnpzx4uZIVPQO3mptptWDHPmrUKofaeeYYt9mpmLIwT1PWi7wVYVHK7a_3TY_-lGrCF3EeibGdmRSNUCPP3U4jUB81Qw2q2Dfhx_ztQ/s1500/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20NZR%202%20early.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRFrKxf4QOf5vUG-Z8zgaRg0oOKB_xMoxnCpYRGA8b7CvRrY1ODTHSMNrZW_iXetjQQsiQ9VCZJjre2ANEdqnnpzx4uZIVPQO3mptptWDHPmrUKofaeeYYt9mpmLIwT1PWi7wVYVHK7a_3TY_-lGrCF3EeibGdmRSNUCPP3U4jUB81Qw2q2Dfhx_ztQ/w640-h428/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20NZR%202%20early.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - NZR no.2 - early version</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b>Bob Semple tank - NZR no.2 - late version</b></li><ul><li> full side covered with corrugated armour.</li><li><span style="text-align: center;"> reinforcement of the suspension: fork shape</span></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgctoNwfmnXpTFDIgFUnwpu_wusZDYD0WvFDAH1mD_SVmg3dp1fMesGIrWwxb_j5qTKm8dyRicPV-JKf7clXNzdBycFoxHnN7Ii3jI8h-e1M-CBRn199VXfLjsmzKA7V0tJdERIi_0FQz8Z6mxQPaxI9uyDy7H1oZhpb2iWbuTdh0v7MrDgCo_VLSCcQ/s1280/One%20of%20Bob%20Semple's%20tanks%20based%20at%20Burnham%20Camp.%20(Canterbury%20Museum).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgctoNwfmnXpTFDIgFUnwpu_wusZDYD0WvFDAH1mD_SVmg3dp1fMesGIrWwxb_j5qTKm8dyRicPV-JKf7clXNzdBycFoxHnN7Ii3jI8h-e1M-CBRn199VXfLjsmzKA7V0tJdERIi_0FQz8Z6mxQPaxI9uyDy7H1oZhpb2iWbuTdh0v7MrDgCo_VLSCcQ/w640-h476/One%20of%20Bob%20Semple's%20tanks%20based%20at%20Burnham%20Camp.%20(Canterbury%20Museum).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - NZR no.2 - late version</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcNcnOEloBH48o9Of9sL6kblDMTYGHEAT4yoZtFRa778vjxyaJupXgd-Jq7mANFIHveNawLeR08Tcg4k_HKiCUSEyhPaIgVll719Z_97G4kxwsu136i1DxRW2iQBGIS700WlfpNsLnig4uqWbut2SSGhKieHT9vAUnys4vltdJ0DgGRhnjEAXSucVEg/s1024/Bob%20semple%20and%20%20Semple%20Tank%20armour.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1024" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcNcnOEloBH48o9Of9sL6kblDMTYGHEAT4yoZtFRa778vjxyaJupXgd-Jq7mANFIHveNawLeR08Tcg4k_HKiCUSEyhPaIgVll719Z_97G4kxwsu136i1DxRW2iQBGIS700WlfpNsLnig4uqWbut2SSGhKieHT9vAUnys4vltdJ0DgGRhnjEAXSucVEg/w640-h518/Bob%20semple%20and%20%20Semple%20Tank%20armour.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - NZR no.2 - late version</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuIZ-cutVGjps2uagVwkdSMUugmPl_obdgjo-uat7X29PKNy0Xk7izqPPtUtEzApdUgWXwslm2eh2dgI38A9-z-lq8XE_LHMS-avqvlBnUyZrdgr3FyCwbvBJl6SaijIyGWS_2AzJEXtB2SsYAjb7VXsok7fOqIewhlL1cLFCf_tdf1uB_HN9cLD-wA/s1500/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20NZR%202%20late.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuIZ-cutVGjps2uagVwkdSMUugmPl_obdgjo-uat7X29PKNy0Xk7izqPPtUtEzApdUgWXwslm2eh2dgI38A9-z-lq8XE_LHMS-avqvlBnUyZrdgr3FyCwbvBJl6SaijIyGWS_2AzJEXtB2SsYAjb7VXsok7fOqIewhlL1cLFCf_tdf1uB_HN9cLD-wA/w640-h428/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20NZR%202%20late.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - NZR no.2 - late version</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li><b>Bob Semple tank - NZR no.3 </b></li><ul><li> full side covered with corrugated armour.</li><li><span style="text-align: center;"> reinforcement of the suspension: rectangular shape</span></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE5amNUaApd9KvMJRvcShTh6iqonbOGXQxiEUEoiAOnv9kXEQ0C6QaLzfR4Mup2aycLSBccf2FysD1XTWtOV9yRdHfbCB7lxl_BJs74q_SXfnYtdRsGWomsfo-bwbkQb-h3WxIfsRb4PJF5I7CkEHEV1cpyV4gLs0ZASd0-NMxLUyB2Hnwxwl3foOQg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20in%20Cashel%20Street%20during%20parade%20of%2026%20April%201941%20in%20Christchurch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1280" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE5amNUaApd9KvMJRvcShTh6iqonbOGXQxiEUEoiAOnv9kXEQ0C6QaLzfR4Mup2aycLSBccf2FysD1XTWtOV9yRdHfbCB7lxl_BJs74q_SXfnYtdRsGWomsfo-bwbkQb-h3WxIfsRb4PJF5I7CkEHEV1cpyV4gLs0ZASd0-NMxLUyB2Hnwxwl3foOQg/w640-h490/Bob%20Semple%20tank%20in%20Cashel%20Street%20during%20parade%20of%2026%20April%201941%20in%20Christchurch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - NZR no.3</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Yr0KFp7yzXRxI_H4_WDzF3Q2iV0k3-u2eYIt0388KfXfRZuzK_edwPH9bdug6z21i14N-anIml0vIWHgx1ljL9yAyidlZFqZDgo1dzY0xptEy4jfJYJku8K7gHbvU2fbyDhbUsZewrl07LO1ibEv-L69aJSkWq6-0XmW3sDUewX--Pnm4NeYnJ3kNw/s1500/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20NZR%203%20-%20%2026-4-1941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Yr0KFp7yzXRxI_H4_WDzF3Q2iV0k3-u2eYIt0388KfXfRZuzK_edwPH9bdug6z21i14N-anIml0vIWHgx1ljL9yAyidlZFqZDgo1dzY0xptEy4jfJYJku8K7gHbvU2fbyDhbUsZewrl07LO1ibEv-L69aJSkWq6-0XmW3sDUewX--Pnm4NeYnJ3kNw/w640-h428/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20NZR%203%20-%20%2026-4-1941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank - NZR no.3</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Conclusion:</b></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> Due to requirements and resource limitations, the tank was a functional failure. Using a large tractor as a base and bolting on top of a poorly constructed and hastily designed armored superstructure, the resulting tanks were inadequately armored, extremely heavy (20 - 25 tons), unstable (because their center of gravity is too high) and had a poor maneuverability in the field, derived from a civil tractor mechanics focused on traction capacity and low speed. Furthermore, due to erratic driving and undue vibrations, firing the tank's weapons while moving was difficult, imprecise, and therefore tactically useless. These limitations have caused the Bob Semple tank to often rank first on the "Worst Tanks of All Time" list.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Below, is an interesting (unfortunately, recolored...) video that shows in the first minute of the movie, the <b>Bob Semple tank - Temuka no. 1</b>, roaring in tests, at <span style="text-align: center;">Burnham Camp and </span>then, a scene with <b>Bob Semple tank NZR no. 2 - early version</b>, in parade in the city of Auckland - New Zealand, on May 10, 1941.the movie is narrated in the elegant voice of New Zealander <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russell_Crowe" target="_blank">Russell "Gladiator" Crowe</a>:</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uTNbCpEojTI" width="320" youtube-src-id="uTNbCpEojTI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="mw-headline"> In the end, due to their impracticality, the tanks were discarded by the Army. </span>In the event of a Japanese invasion, it is possible that the Bob Semple tank could have been potentially useful on the battlefield, as a mobile pillbox, supporting infantry with its machine guns. If it could have been built with a bigger weapon like a 2-pdr gun or even the 37mm gun, it might really make a difference, but it's something we (thankfully) will never know. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="mw-headline"> The important thing is that people tried to do something with what they had in hand, in the face of greater danger. And that should never be forgotten...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="mw-headline"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="mw-headline"><div> <b><span style="font-size: medium;"> I would like to thank our fellow military modeler </span><span style="font-size: large;">Rob Mooar</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> who helped me enormously on this project. Many, many thanks, Rob!! </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You are the man!!!</span></b></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span class="mw-headline"><b>Specs:</b></span></div><div><span class="mw-headline"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiCPsdujUQXdoaanUNf9c5dIWs747oKnK4OWpvQNPlCnIJXaOK-nChl8vSq0GInNEMRcGCavEGJPadlH3mac4YrKay47DE0akttSkJ0206NzHdr43nVFUNQUoGJbUD_77hNkqkvGN0Wd0GVa08-0C6ZZ6T34MqFvazBI3keTeqmiI-2ZANe2m5v7ETg/s1500/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20Temuka%201%20-%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1500" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMiCPsdujUQXdoaanUNf9c5dIWs747oKnK4OWpvQNPlCnIJXaOK-nChl8vSq0GInNEMRcGCavEGJPadlH3mac4YrKay47DE0akttSkJ0206NzHdr43nVFUNQUoGJbUD_77hNkqkvGN0Wd0GVa08-0C6ZZ6T34MqFvazBI3keTeqmiI-2ZANe2m5v7ETg/w640-h428/Bob%20Semple%20specs%20-%20Temuka%201%20-%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div><span class="mw-headline"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div><span class="mw-headline"><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Bob Semple tank (Big Bob tank)</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Tractor-tank</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">New Zealand</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer<br />Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Ministry of Works - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temuka" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Temuka">Temuka</a><br />only 3 :1940 - 1942</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">25.4 t</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4.20 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3.30 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">3.65 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6-8 on</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">8mm - 12.7 mm<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1" style="font-size: 9.856px; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"></sup></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6× 0.303 in (7.7mm) <br />Bren light mg</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6-cylinder diesel<br />95 kW (127 hp)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5 hp/t</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">160 km </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">24 km/h</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span class="mw-headline"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span class="mw-headline"><b>Kit: </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="mw-headline"><b> </b>For this project, the option is the <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/vargas-scale-models-r3d-35-061-bob-semple-tank-no-1--1416339" target="_blank">Vargas Models 3D printed kit (</a></span><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/vargas-scale-models-r3d-35-061-bob-semple-tank-no-1--1416339" target="_blank">#R3D-35-061)</a> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEgKY-eyaA-eod0Deuz-mkFJfIQqN537CitzuhWB93HZffoY-knj9HthdzuNgEUY-MKr-Xx2Uptlojg8gJZsPCJF3fVX3M7I5q2K9zXWP3lIgUBbM_GRaX0c3ZUazj0Q1F1Bltrzrs4Qbsn2hDMlNiZv1Doa8ir6auSrAlNz2Tly8f5d8Z0hJnYASjg/s1024/Big%20Bob%20box%20art%20last.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1024" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEgKY-eyaA-eod0Deuz-mkFJfIQqN537CitzuhWB93HZffoY-knj9HthdzuNgEUY-MKr-Xx2Uptlojg8gJZsPCJF3fVX3M7I5q2K9zXWP3lIgUBbM_GRaX0c3ZUazj0Q1F1Bltrzrs4Qbsn2hDMlNiZv1Doa8ir6auSrAlNz2Tly8f5d8Z0hJnYASjg/w640-h472/Big%20Bob%20box%20art%20last.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/products/1-35-bob-semple-tank" target="_blank">Vargas Models</a> Bob Semple tank (#R3D-35-061) box art<br />This is the last version of box art</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> When I purchased this kit (2021) the box kit art was different (was in black and white). See the photo below...</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFWZlIuZEPIW8PoDaqzFlYHESaygdGuJvMwe9Wc-wNnE218MlpCJWNQ9VjzvHuGBqpgAXGpHD3VG-nq27RaW6d1BlrDNbTXuHD8pUAIf3gkM7F2CzBFFwXOoKlR9hWQ3og7BT2o05FBZvzeSgfkkCXGDfEco6P7DmuuiOBKazlTtC_Qw-GsfpaupF5w/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFWZlIuZEPIW8PoDaqzFlYHESaygdGuJvMwe9Wc-wNnE218MlpCJWNQ9VjzvHuGBqpgAXGpHD3VG-nq27RaW6d1BlrDNbTXuHD8pUAIf3gkM7F2CzBFFwXOoKlR9hWQ3og7BT2o05FBZvzeSgfkkCXGDfEco6P7DmuuiOBKazlTtC_Qw-GsfpaupF5w/w640-h446/Bob%20Semple%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak with Bob Semple (old) box kit and all parts</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> A criticism (and a suggestion) to Modelos Vargas is to be more careful with the presentation of the model kit that is being sold. <span style="text-align: left;">In the box art, is mentioned that the tank is the number 1 (red square) and the drawing show a Bob Semple tank with <span style="text-align: center;">corrugated manganese-steel armor </span></span><span style="text-align: left;">involving the ball mount of the .303 Bren machine gun, but with a little space without the corrugate armour (which we call in the article as NZR 2...) (yellow square):</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sPJTGDn5VX2BMphTjDUVQD2uGU8GuvPGT3cxadTgerFBUv9yHVUJhvkfGjQfcZoj6q8b4nO7HqN6XqcVWi3Ttq4YKqCFkPaoKz0UnaLM-1UY0uBr2B0b83sU8_wrhVXlnBDLvAFy1Nro9pTVBZeEfESAGpp7UhOIlOMF534PfVL7oKSUEifdGzRPRg/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20051%20box%20art%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1024" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sPJTGDn5VX2BMphTjDUVQD2uGU8GuvPGT3cxadTgerFBUv9yHVUJhvkfGjQfcZoj6q8b4nO7HqN6XqcVWi3Ttq4YKqCFkPaoKz0UnaLM-1UY0uBr2B0b83sU8_wrhVXlnBDLvAFy1Nro9pTVBZeEfESAGpp7UhOIlOMF534PfVL7oKSUEifdGzRPRg/w640-h488/Bob%20Semple%20051%20box%20art%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vargas Scale Models box art...<br />Things are a little confusing here...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> But the 3D printed scale model in the box is the Temuka 1 model (with Bren's ball mount fully exposed, unshielded). you buy a Sherman kit in which the box art shows an M4 and, when you open the box, the kit has an M4A1 hull. A little more care with these little big details, Luis Vargas!!! Your kits deserve it!!! </span>I made a reconstruction of what I consider to be a box with the correct box art, which correctly indicates what the content is. Feel free to use this art, Luis!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNKQLdcKyJ1m72Qjfh1wBDjcBW44n23eFbD_8ZlrQa2h7Ac7mVxfHrWuMPWehm44DPtHWMo6djYG284U0YhKbD331mO1U5oom5FfF3faP00em6FbNDSIgmvGdzKgyB_rDhV26Bjq2Y0p8TZgfEZo0_qeE7E_5SBfPg1VyhYZ-skhhyaigCLpsol1Rrw/s1024/Bob%20Semple%20051%20box%20art%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1024" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNKQLdcKyJ1m72Qjfh1wBDjcBW44n23eFbD_8ZlrQa2h7Ac7mVxfHrWuMPWehm44DPtHWMo6djYG284U0YhKbD331mO1U5oom5FfF3faP00em6FbNDSIgmvGdzKgyB_rDhV26Bjq2Y0p8TZgfEZo0_qeE7E_5SBfPg1VyhYZ-skhhyaigCLpsol1Rrw/w640-h488/Bob%20Semple%20051%20box%20art%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suggestion of a box-art compatible with the content.<br />The question is not the name, which can be used Temuka or not...<br />The problem is that the profile was different from the content.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Another strange detail is that the date of the construction of the vehicle: is mentioned in the art box and in the instruction booklet as being 1941 and in the identification plate is 1940...</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMMhxq9ogHIDYVTLhwkKsl-3fnZqiMV20aJufv--qIx0nakLkqw77fxL_4u04raNEutzLfTUigzCsmMdtczoYAe1Ragir5jK08knZC5aWy3vKC8Md-0GyfpMXonuLaImGWY0N2B44I3RtLSEZYU3xrn3C_5HzvOH2XYKrugA_BhSzezz4VwHQoz0XtQ/s749/Bob%20Semple%20051b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="749" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMMhxq9ogHIDYVTLhwkKsl-3fnZqiMV20aJufv--qIx0nakLkqw77fxL_4u04raNEutzLfTUigzCsmMdtczoYAe1Ragir5jK08knZC5aWy3vKC8Md-0GyfpMXonuLaImGWY0N2B44I3RtLSEZYU3xrn3C_5HzvOH2XYKrugA_BhSzezz4VwHQoz0XtQ/w640-h240/Bob%20Semple%20051b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautifully printed nameplate supplied with the kit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjXSIDb6SLCLRwEIwNnvHRjOB7exRh8vT1LEmMDTwqBbhS6_SvdEBPCdoYi2W2sa2uWB-0yZShgVtQpvm35XwWA6-Xw_IIPm0CcBbzueBb3dIaLuvoTfASID6M6Ih6xFhlph6myZjz1I4m1G7wp8UVa6VGxcy9B9lBjcuoFm7OjnCWkGue-YoMAQqtA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjXSIDb6SLCLRwEIwNnvHRjOB7exRh8vT1LEmMDTwqBbhS6_SvdEBPCdoYi2W2sa2uWB-0yZShgVtQpvm35XwWA6-Xw_IIPm0CcBbzueBb3dIaLuvoTfASID6M6Ih6xFhlph6myZjz1I4m1G7wp8UVa6VGxcy9B9lBjcuoFm7OjnCWkGue-YoMAQqtA/w640-h374/Bob%20Semple%20051.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Which would be correct: the year of the box and instructions<br />or the year of the license plate???</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> We know that the No.1 tank, built at Temuka, made its operational appearance (as depicted in the kit) at the Burnham Proving Grounds in December 1940. But why then put the year 1941 on the box art and instructions??? Which would be correct?? Both dates may be correct, as in 1941 tank no. 1 had the same external appearance as 1940, but why not specify or describe this possibility?? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This dubiousness raises doubts in less experienced modelers... In my opinion, it could be easily corrected by changing the date of the box art and in the construction instructions, like the suggestion art above.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But one thing is definite: this is, without a doubt, the best 3D printed kit by Vargas Models that I've built so far. Infinitely better than the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT%20Chenilles%20porte%20munitions%20-%20prototype" target="_blank">FT-17 ammo carrier</a>, <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%20%2075mm%20Mle%20mod%201897%20-%20prototype" target="_blank">FT-17 75mm SPG</a> and the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20Frot-Turnel-Laffly%20armoured%20steamroller%20prototype%20-%201915" target="_blank">Char Frot-Turnel-Laffly armored steamroller prototype</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The printed details are very good, the highlight being the delicacy of the corrugated armour shields... simply amazing!!! Very, very good!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGdg5-tF_3gwKkwou928C4tRibs0x-LKooLqYMgRAwr1tiLVrBtpCsub6O4ohQtrTIc3H0B1nXd4ObsgEt0wBDG6oHlXysKd9e2ipTy1RxEafGmf9mgf_rJvpfye_8LLvoEkRiGSXAzmeXLZfhqEFZ6Ev7gJQ9ZifDb3e1VHHobQ7ReOiJxw8ADCwEw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20051a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGdg5-tF_3gwKkwou928C4tRibs0x-LKooLqYMgRAwr1tiLVrBtpCsub6O4ohQtrTIc3H0B1nXd4ObsgEt0wBDG6oHlXysKd9e2ipTy1RxEafGmf9mgf_rJvpfye_8LLvoEkRiGSXAzmeXLZfhqEFZ6Ev7gJQ9ZifDb3e1VHHobQ7ReOiJxw8ADCwEw/w640-h480/Bob%20Semple%20051a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the corrugated armour plates....<br /><b>Awesome!!!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations, Vargas!!!</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3749KaWBTaKEGWHtL38Ccl0Eb8hO2xA1fh-yYtbxBSml2ARuqmKfLoJ8phlb2RDkq90p8f8v2dQKjYdDWTkqWr4zVjOz_8yYodPdxTFQSzdUpsnb4zAjXEmnjA7xu4IiznvkkNmjuyu6OuC4iEE8my-rZ9bihd1osspEWKFjcQcQXGMrEMCV1igmd9Q/s448/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-hobbit.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="448" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3749KaWBTaKEGWHtL38Ccl0Eb8hO2xA1fh-yYtbxBSml2ARuqmKfLoJ8phlb2RDkq90p8f8v2dQKjYdDWTkqWr4zVjOz_8yYodPdxTFQSzdUpsnb4zAjXEmnjA7xu4IiznvkkNmjuyu6OuC4iEE8my-rZ9bihd1osspEWKFjcQcQXGMrEMCV1igmd9Q/w640-h286/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-hobbit.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The people of Middle Earth are very happy!!!<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But going back to building the model, one of the things I like to do right away is test the turret on the hull, so I can get an idea of how the vehicle will look in the future. And, when doing this with the Vargas kit, I noticed that there is a certain gap between the turret and the neck of the hull. You see, I can't categorize this as a flaw, but I particularly like to make this a tight fit. I'm not "playing" with the kit, but this part being tighter, I think I can better visualize the model. Therefore, I decided to make an "adjustment" between the turret ring and the hull ring, adding a thin strip of plasticard glued (with super glue) to the inner portion of the turret ring (red arrows below).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYd-XLtSfxAsgus39YnyJElm4AUOsKtHv4pKTuckNnPVN1ZEaPTooZF6I4gciPrupWZ5WNBc6wLA9oCjoPyw0v0ivA4Vbiy9JaJnel56gv0yOgyr1fklAa_7BtBHCc9kyTGFryr8aR9HO6sXfMja19zannLZkuvc6paZ9vie9uWV_CwejSVXy9YYg_Q/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiYd-XLtSfxAsgus39YnyJElm4AUOsKtHv4pKTuckNnPVN1ZEaPTooZF6I4gciPrupWZ5WNBc6wLA9oCjoPyw0v0ivA4Vbiy9JaJnel56gv0yOgyr1fklAa_7BtBHCc9kyTGFryr8aR9HO6sXfMja19zannLZkuvc6paZ9vie9uWV_CwejSVXy9YYg_Q/w640-h394/Bob%20Semple%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new inner diameter of the turret ring, after gluing the thin styrene.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8-UwjT6aNyh6zeeAKJ-pZD0H1ImykAvhEWyM_dvviheg0_4hBpRb6MvjlM0tnjNZg6FXNMSpylqtNr-uMpMBovoNqOfoZ-WEz0RKndZOJLG_VYuIOcQJnOp3RLBzjXCpihpiKGZasBGsUd1gh1P8BrEBr6-fYpiPkKT7bbp-vdcRASWP4m4eANcIFA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8-UwjT6aNyh6zeeAKJ-pZD0H1ImykAvhEWyM_dvviheg0_4hBpRb6MvjlM0tnjNZg6FXNMSpylqtNr-uMpMBovoNqOfoZ-WEz0RKndZOJLG_VYuIOcQJnOp3RLBzjXCpihpiKGZasBGsUd1gh1P8BrEBr6-fYpiPkKT7bbp-vdcRASWP4m4eANcIFA/w640-h432/Bob%20Semple%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inner diameter of the turret ring is minimally bigger<br />than the outer diameter of the hull ring.<br />Notice the MG glued in the front turret.<br />I chose build the version that was built (with Brens) and not<br />the one planned, with the 37mm gun.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMSszyfQt8svRl9swwdoSGSTrN43P9ef4a_TTDipeMwSdaABlnE7DglcaQ58wnJHOOf_ARPxzrRenaOARPlaR8gyMSxZOACU_yJxjAqfHBWixCaGhai_NcyJjyOgWjbKlhL1skoK0U1rC6oEfZD6Qsn2Iec2_ACgg1S3SVAhVypfAWLZjj7JyQs5GzQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMSszyfQt8svRl9swwdoSGSTrN43P9ef4a_TTDipeMwSdaABlnE7DglcaQ58wnJHOOf_ARPxzrRenaOARPlaR8gyMSxZOACU_yJxjAqfHBWixCaGhai_NcyJjyOgWjbKlhL1skoK0U1rC6oEfZD6Qsn2Iec2_ACgg1S3SVAhVypfAWLZjj7JyQs5GzQ/w640-h408/Bob%20Semple%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret rotating on the upper-hull's neck,<br />smooth and perfectly fitted!<br />Eyes left!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQn2zJFcoYBCdrvylCw5HkFPpR2b3jMLEmRQu4OvVQ4uIBPT1ch4U6mK_8lMdPIvVq-L5eiyoMDI77Amb5dsH70T7v258ojds2b6njHmp7QHKbpNj1Smhoj_XY47MW25Z0-WjLHvZiszFTXPJHUor8dYSnTXtzNaSxMUUGE9LZ02qT41xu5FBLIq3vQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQn2zJFcoYBCdrvylCw5HkFPpR2b3jMLEmRQu4OvVQ4uIBPT1ch4U6mK_8lMdPIvVq-L5eiyoMDI77Amb5dsH70T7v258ojds2b6njHmp7QHKbpNj1Smhoj_XY47MW25Z0-WjLHvZiszFTXPJHUor8dYSnTXtzNaSxMUUGE9LZ02qT41xu5FBLIq3vQ/w640-h448/Bob%20Semple%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret rotating on the upper-hull's neck,<br />smooth and perfectly fitted!<br />Eyes right!!<br />The King is pleased!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And speaking about Lord of the Rings (and New Zealand...), the marking solution of the kit found by Vargas was very cool: an internal relief, only noticeable by the translucency of the bottom of the tank's hull. On the outside, nothing... But seen against the light, inside... here's the image... Sooo THE ONE RING!!! Good thing it doesn't have to be thrown into the fire for the letters to be visible...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJRXZWeUnDVQwdefbcGu-NpaEzorHcdsR7_hlxLWqVmZqVXbhHFHTQn15I9SFPmpr6lqsik21BeKOvblpIYGmeXLrL_1VNyk78Zas9_ZZhwjL5YDbMDDJGAf5i_isKMH14l8eGCMWiakRBovPlwONVfru5ARQVdM_yAwkXFCH7chUEq_uBapRwVkHHw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJRXZWeUnDVQwdefbcGu-NpaEzorHcdsR7_hlxLWqVmZqVXbhHFHTQn15I9SFPmpr6lqsik21BeKOvblpIYGmeXLrL_1VNyk78Zas9_ZZhwjL5YDbMDDJGAf5i_isKMH14l8eGCMWiakRBovPlwONVfru5ARQVdM_yAwkXFCH7chUEq_uBapRwVkHHw/w640-h444/Bob%20Semple%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very, very cool!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The problem with building a kit from New Zealand is that I don't forget about Middle Earth!! But back to Bob Semple: I also sanded the prominent "neck" of the turret, leaving the base of the turret flat and smooth, as per the photos of the real vehicle. Simple and easy!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfC3_woBbLGx72Ge44YjyK0ZJ8pu0cVU8-yof7DBi5j5JRjkBu2xILVZhiOLumfEu5_UhtP5seDc4LE8z8okcF2F3GcySiuZkTl5Xt8xApuiO1Odctu8ewDXDoXTG24tbUrR7dASUxPkWk9FBUTI6b4PTE261BIvRGy200vP_s42Eyg7zV0f6IAuybg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfC3_woBbLGx72Ge44YjyK0ZJ8pu0cVU8-yof7DBi5j5JRjkBu2xILVZhiOLumfEu5_UhtP5seDc4LE8z8okcF2F3GcySiuZkTl5Xt8xApuiO1Odctu8ewDXDoXTG24tbUrR7dASUxPkWk9FBUTI6b4PTE261BIvRGy200vP_s42Eyg7zV0f6IAuybg/w640-h408/Bob%20Semple%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took out the neck of the Big Bob tank's turret... <br />Goodbye, Giraffe!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQVh8uXZsd8-aT3JCcrWnKnTXZrWNIvpqntCsY5a3PWUaMUL8KkOK9xYpKTXRh9Hv0VyImPBGVNWCQ57CCyKEyxXTwq0KyTjzhXI6vU6WFggtAFn6XDkNygPgA3RcbSxZz7988zMwbkXgVBh6naKUEZxntIxOVnsPtVdDRH3pOaXHftRVQ7wlSeFZLQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQVh8uXZsd8-aT3JCcrWnKnTXZrWNIvpqntCsY5a3PWUaMUL8KkOK9xYpKTXRh9Hv0VyImPBGVNWCQ57CCyKEyxXTwq0KyTjzhXI6vU6WFggtAFn6XDkNygPgA3RcbSxZz7988zMwbkXgVBh6naKUEZxntIxOVnsPtVdDRH3pOaXHftRVQ7wlSeFZLQ/w640-h478/Bob%20Semple%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, the tank has some incredible details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2Yj8sSP_35sWWfajUHXyNFXb__s29pFdCWpaPhzVT_WrotsYlffwDRRb36vGPUwiQpQrAKthJUhgW2j_jcgqN30N1QiRswFjlPEGCBu8fuGrUl6_VvR7hXNqxFpDRp59aSjtUon6piPkfwBQC0imhBr-iG5hI3Vj6t0Yepd-mU5_e4a8y1aUA85FAw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2Yj8sSP_35sWWfajUHXyNFXb__s29pFdCWpaPhzVT_WrotsYlffwDRRb36vGPUwiQpQrAKthJUhgW2j_jcgqN30N1QiRswFjlPEGCBu8fuGrUl6_VvR7hXNqxFpDRp59aSjtUon6piPkfwBQC0imhBr-iG5hI3Vj6t0Yepd-mU5_e4a8y1aUA85FAw/w640-h484/Bob%20Semple%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the armor plate of the central machine gun...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVipGz3xNppPHfmfljS4x9_mkemKv4GmuPCtc-m5k0C4z5dD04SepC3446YOTCg9ihphWgz3mrQBQpiUmnKGkTbUknfUOdObep4T4kJL5zNmVZX0msLtx7FutsAy_2KAwOyJzZSyti3vHlDalxGEV-9BWBtRvpJ6OrlA6yVvKli_kglFQMYIT5pRkCw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVipGz3xNppPHfmfljS4x9_mkemKv4GmuPCtc-m5k0C4z5dD04SepC3446YOTCg9ihphWgz3mrQBQpiUmnKGkTbUknfUOdObep4T4kJL5zNmVZX0msLtx7FutsAy_2KAwOyJzZSyti3vHlDalxGEV-9BWBtRvpJ6OrlA6yVvKli_kglFQMYIT5pRkCw/w640-h454/Bob%20Semple%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and pasting the armor plate of the right front hull machine gun.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The mini-turret came with a small warp derived from the packaging, on the back wall... As the wall is very thin, I was worried about getting warm to get back into place. I will choose to glue a thin plasticard plate to rectify this small defect...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfafNrRQfkXciFBU0eBLNUarWJIw9BVNhgRrLJlz8pLhlAFSr-Xo4vJnkJwXNGT-cMxzJO4zFfPQLkbzNUpkyGzupHRz8z7vN51iF6sTDgN4V5t3aKrI2xusepx1q0XNdq6pBMISMlKmu699HmIaZD0hvuwgShxRmZwJ_tNwWxBRip_om7_Elp-Gy0w/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfafNrRQfkXciFBU0eBLNUarWJIw9BVNhgRrLJlz8pLhlAFSr-Xo4vJnkJwXNGT-cMxzJO4zFfPQLkbzNUpkyGzupHRz8z7vN51iF6sTDgN4V5t3aKrI2xusepx1q0XNdq6pBMISMlKmu699HmIaZD0hvuwgShxRmZwJ_tNwWxBRip_om7_Elp-Gy0w/w640-h372/Bob%20Semple%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's fix that little ripple...</td></tr></tbody></table><br style="text-align: left;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLyFydIVjK-p-H46DV-vls0ojPWti7IoeoTwEvWLTG6D9SUEAe2BslfkiVpIIG2vfJvMLZqVfkASyqaELotlN4a_kejJjNLh2SIsKxV4Jmv3ukER1xfUh-MpaXqjPXt-gWgAmnyjMuW78zap7HNK6tIv26OBQ2WYw6qqQ2qQ7Y0WPXS4mf4gDM8urAg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLyFydIVjK-p-H46DV-vls0ojPWti7IoeoTwEvWLTG6D9SUEAe2BslfkiVpIIG2vfJvMLZqVfkASyqaELotlN4a_kejJjNLh2SIsKxV4Jmv3ukER1xfUh-MpaXqjPXt-gWgAmnyjMuW78zap7HNK6tIv26OBQ2WYw6qqQ2qQ7Y0WPXS4mf4gDM8urAg/w640-h430/Bob%20Semple%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best option: glue a thin plasticard (0.2mm) to the back face of the mini-turret.<br />And with that, the turret looks a little more robust...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the back plate in place, a small injection flaw was evident in the posterior right angle of the mini-turret, which was immediately filled with a styrene fragment and super glue.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSjRWbbyTORoShekmTcHg4lRobmLnALPYnKWWAxqp4QqbiprfpTh3F6mZeh20Shx9TUXEYBm2hJqi46spcuMsLMo-4jozIaYijrdjiPYXvJwv_K98PteDgGqcD25tEICSgq4QN7yDwsLm3V-pA44BNIignnfrgQ1FibdWBt7gtqH8BOw9uKD4FrITaw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSjRWbbyTORoShekmTcHg4lRobmLnALPYnKWWAxqp4QqbiprfpTh3F6mZeh20Shx9TUXEYBm2hJqi46spcuMsLMo-4jozIaYijrdjiPYXvJwv_K98PteDgGqcD25tEICSgq4QN7yDwsLm3V-pA44BNIignnfrgQ1FibdWBt7gtqH8BOw9uKD4FrITaw/w640-h340/Bob%20Semple%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini-turret with new rear armour plate and<br />with the right rear angle rectification.<br />Indeed, Samwise... the building of the tank is calm and easy...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="text-align: justify;"> And after a small layer of putty and subsequent sanding, I was able to install the mini-turret on top of the tank's hull:</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWkaPqJdfQy5iJ_awF6f-nlyUktw_NBQPPTnbFMrll1nn5xbT0X7ztZGxnyCOU9rbLyFBRYHDf6h_9gpazaY97ZevFh4J2OyHhlmZvLYIsEspvGXHprznL4QJPx8QVIaaPyBMCaS9vAOuVondZZjkvTgggD0tdWe0ZIxxJe4NqasKaVsSUUh29OJqEQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWkaPqJdfQy5iJ_awF6f-nlyUktw_NBQPPTnbFMrll1nn5xbT0X7ztZGxnyCOU9rbLyFBRYHDf6h_9gpazaY97ZevFh4J2OyHhlmZvLYIsEspvGXHprznL4QJPx8QVIaaPyBMCaS9vAOuVondZZjkvTgggD0tdWe0ZIxxJe4NqasKaVsSUUh29OJqEQ/w640-h512/Bob%20Semple%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini-turret in position. Notice the driver's armour plate<br />in position, too...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0au66iIJNMn9FIOw5qrkH4PpHTPxQF0-aT2hT-nnM7I7xTvD5kbtXFfpgRlG2RFKNwDYoO7Y0-u--q5BFP9SXqkEDcdPMhbFy9sTk9W2HTwJ6ZvsqNbwQN6n7E2s1mAb0kOnTolvZ3S-17nDCQccPop9Scpss60m5VhRBwhLPUzP7UpoO7sgcFtN5Yg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0au66iIJNMn9FIOw5qrkH4PpHTPxQF0-aT2hT-nnM7I7xTvD5kbtXFfpgRlG2RFKNwDYoO7Y0-u--q5BFP9SXqkEDcdPMhbFy9sTk9W2HTwJ6ZvsqNbwQN6n7E2s1mAb0kOnTolvZ3S-17nDCQccPop9Scpss60m5VhRBwhLPUzP7UpoO7sgcFtN5Yg/w640-h412/Bob%20Semple%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogGczBuQJ8ywmfGshi3tNGjTpGiZes9e_23ak2Z3Fk0Ypn30MQ_zQss5un-6c5k_YBEFNC1tfICXwR23ETE_RFfCYKuEzBLm9aVii37z0LpD-Xg4FpH8t8naey6z3rB8kOtWtXIHGbNzyLxbKbqADADT6bEIagX5tBm2o_xq2QMAYpW4l73VD_Sjurg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1280" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogGczBuQJ8ywmfGshi3tNGjTpGiZes9e_23ak2Z3Fk0Ypn30MQ_zQss5un-6c5k_YBEFNC1tfICXwR23ETE_RFfCYKuEzBLm9aVii37z0LpD-Xg4FpH8t8naey6z3rB8kOtWtXIHGbNzyLxbKbqADADT6bEIagX5tBm2o_xq2QMAYpW4l73VD_Sjurg/w640-h496/Bob%20Semple%20022.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view... Big Bob tank</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, let's take care of suspensions. The sets are well primed, although my kit came with a set of return rollers with a print defect.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkdwNUuq2v079PZJzfEqI0j43BqnX0w3xDYIYUzqKjhhkeeYXraazGjv8an2gGzpZmsXjhD5L9jW6_YvzjVKOQi6lXIIGXXREkingNwPKudN1m6vcLHYwFLyimhKUsUR4H8rRMnC1G7K1c9bEVVzM1kXW-eDmdWKJigYo2YXM7aC-JVA6Yra0hm8jdw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1280" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkdwNUuq2v079PZJzfEqI0j43BqnX0w3xDYIYUzqKjhhkeeYXraazGjv8an2gGzpZmsXjhD5L9jW6_YvzjVKOQi6lXIIGXXREkingNwPKudN1m6vcLHYwFLyimhKUsUR4H8rRMnC1G7K1c9bEVVzM1kXW-eDmdWKJigYo2YXM7aC-JVA6Yra0hm8jdw/w640-h314/Bob%20Semple%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspension sets very good ...<br />Notice the flaw in a return roller</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0RYS7ckUdYWirLzEML-cnmvuR20SjENpH2H2sTmkb8ZM4322hI1TOxLpFLuW1uw_Tuc5DFoOOLZHPBlIDOO0ryzV66A7uArBK7gv2BkcZEcts_0kYA67aAPGoc2TR9Ahf1KgCpj6VMnnhXoQlTtxybNwz_EvLqSHKKvkafLrrNuguZ9pv_DB6C0ekQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0RYS7ckUdYWirLzEML-cnmvuR20SjENpH2H2sTmkb8ZM4322hI1TOxLpFLuW1uw_Tuc5DFoOOLZHPBlIDOO0ryzV66A7uArBK7gv2BkcZEcts_0kYA67aAPGoc2TR9Ahf1KgCpj6VMnnhXoQlTtxybNwz_EvLqSHKKvkafLrrNuguZ9pv_DB6C0ekQ/w640-h294/Bob%20Semple%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't worry, Legolas!!! <br />This return roller will be almost hidden...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hspV_UNIv4xr4yKgGG44D86PlW2_4VZT4TPip_DVMApEevhxzQWWL3CfUSFvTz-ngfnCRqEWaI2ytEEjtE4SxUQ9dMdPDaGm87lYaMjtPmoRdEJxVhWGjZOFFjXOCsMGGWc2NA0wduHyTWIcccHwN45rFBd_084i0PwRmbWR5lIuw7nSdHx9baMyRg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hspV_UNIv4xr4yKgGG44D86PlW2_4VZT4TPip_DVMApEevhxzQWWL3CfUSFvTz-ngfnCRqEWaI2ytEEjtE4SxUQ9dMdPDaGm87lYaMjtPmoRdEJxVhWGjZOFFjXOCsMGGWc2NA0wduHyTWIcccHwN45rFBd_084i0PwRmbWR5lIuw7nSdHx9baMyRg/w640-h416/Bob%20Semple%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In place... Legolas is pleased with the result.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, installing the suspension sets: the big pin is inserted into the hole in the hull (red arrows) and the suspension step rests on the hull step (green). Use superglue mini-drops and test the alignment of the set, before a more "vigorous" gluing....</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpzz96--Iydj-Avgb1NIbPDyag5S_DP4dmpk-LqqgbrjfqqLxs0ZKr90mNU0shh0dUxD8OsGYcngHTPop1jjQA1KzM7kzckTE2yFctYBl7Ca3X1JhFT-deZ2kc1ku4eb9SdSeZbs3WRS11t1PXewriz-jVaILUOS5GZ3B0McqIoP-U9jQnROFS0ILNQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpzz96--Iydj-Avgb1NIbPDyag5S_DP4dmpk-LqqgbrjfqqLxs0ZKr90mNU0shh0dUxD8OsGYcngHTPop1jjQA1KzM7kzckTE2yFctYBl7Ca3X1JhFT-deZ2kc1ku4eb9SdSeZbs3WRS11t1PXewriz-jVaILUOS5GZ3B0McqIoP-U9jQnROFS0ILNQ/w640-h398/Bob%20Semple%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the fit of the suspensions sets...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKtFrQ8Qv0avmV2b30c6_7tKlLmyGUu0nwtQ61ty8ROw4aqqui0QB3UHJ_PaGE_8Vpl6PsCscaPQZUXrILdTK5AZV_ZbI2Bg402GAAAC5Cyfcw9JNeVDutF-a3aYMm2OFVeKGTA5UDereZwY_BoDyI8avo8aLz_aHmmLxnaMgKUsqqHlLbs-7gFPfZQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20026a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKtFrQ8Qv0avmV2b30c6_7tKlLmyGUu0nwtQ61ty8ROw4aqqui0QB3UHJ_PaGE_8Vpl6PsCscaPQZUXrILdTK5AZV_ZbI2Bg402GAAAC5Cyfcw9JNeVDutF-a3aYMm2OFVeKGTA5UDereZwY_BoDyI8avo8aLz_aHmmLxnaMgKUsqqHlLbs-7gFPfZQ/w640-h320/Bob%20Semple%20026a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin in the hole (red) and step in the step (green)...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLLEb7PQApaLsr8JTV_llKDo1tJ_TubOZqcL6Gnr5hjK7pzG8SAueirOGPgeTitSusU7hOkmsSPAgn--_m1sRFUVWkB-lzmlP6OwKteL2dy82-u_uhK8UgIOsUEEBcxmVJwCCuxPcJJog-yAMkdnwLL0cTliow7_-WZisp_Fj2wWZP20OTgzgeR4giw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20026b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLLEb7PQApaLsr8JTV_llKDo1tJ_TubOZqcL6Gnr5hjK7pzG8SAueirOGPgeTitSusU7hOkmsSPAgn--_m1sRFUVWkB-lzmlP6OwKteL2dy82-u_uhK8UgIOsUEEBcxmVJwCCuxPcJJog-yAMkdnwLL0cTliow7_-WZisp_Fj2wWZP20OTgzgeR4giw/w640-h388/Bob%20Semple%20026b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the vertical alignment...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBiHdbjy4vp4aNcV-JwMOSZMrBkYfbMQS6lTcCQgUCh3UxNCWCyqjgWWUMaXa2ZWwhD9kNXYsP35moOKNTGJQFEwoV__QBs6Z1JefcRUzmlSoIJu-EokPnH6Bj4J_81R-5v73GQfh0Z1JYCIuT_J1CKUwNL7lZvQHZLjbn0TyJldQzyTO51Fl4xP_UQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBiHdbjy4vp4aNcV-JwMOSZMrBkYfbMQS6lTcCQgUCh3UxNCWCyqjgWWUMaXa2ZWwhD9kNXYsP35moOKNTGJQFEwoV__QBs6Z1JefcRUzmlSoIJu-EokPnH6Bj4J_81R-5v73GQfh0Z1JYCIuT_J1CKUwNL7lZvQHZLjbn0TyJldQzyTO51Fl4xP_UQ/w640-h418/Bob%20Semple%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the horizontal alignment. The popsicle sticks function<br />as distance jigs between the suspension sets and the lower hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZivEu0l6_zWT5n7Vbwea-A28QFV0pjDClH2FPdjKhzSiw8W5xaKAfDc6fMXY4sKHBZxQdR734jzubsIzJ-zPZQLnx4zmJH5IjRwdg5xIuZ9Q9qU4YVsaflamq-uLwFV4R06mbMA8Wmg5WBU4BGb0HOPCvbl95ovKoCSi4hQ_7RivtQibUS7tlxQJ3g/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZivEu0l6_zWT5n7Vbwea-A28QFV0pjDClH2FPdjKhzSiw8W5xaKAfDc6fMXY4sKHBZxQdR734jzubsIzJ-zPZQLnx4zmJH5IjRwdg5xIuZ9Q9qU4YVsaflamq-uLwFV4R06mbMA8Wmg5WBU4BGb0HOPCvbl95ovKoCSi4hQ_7RivtQibUS7tlxQJ3g/w640-h416/Bob%20Semple%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspensions in position... Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE9EbAXpAtxKTEuyUwngijyw595vuVOztGWrofVPtaRfrDzJyjlpEQZJzEIe2j95tyYt1UlKEgxOnh7_bhPRL3h9JILv3S7dhdanCG1DTNdCTXmTh7vfc06WCw4AbOQPIyEH0PzPFwapRTglUM0O-75EBUYe1FLURkKHSa3uxffxJqK7H2VI9R-wpTQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieE9EbAXpAtxKTEuyUwngijyw595vuVOztGWrofVPtaRfrDzJyjlpEQZJzEIe2j95tyYt1UlKEgxOnh7_bhPRL3h9JILv3S7dhdanCG1DTNdCTXmTh7vfc06WCw4AbOQPIyEH0PzPFwapRTglUM0O-75EBUYe1FLURkKHSa3uxffxJqK7H2VI9R-wpTQ/w640-h480/Bob%20Semple%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspensions in position... Left view.<br />The Bob Semple tank is perfectly aligned on its paws!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHAG4e-kQiKhBdRKNsKsBajdZ_ifUMG6GK0yY2t9yJXJnsC3e3nErLdJlhlMocj8_UwDN-3rYmgySMN5Rvi2UCKUWelLV9IpU7NVY_vwNcL1DPwpSGawHHIxKqJtxxl08kTs4LK5QzSiZcJTJzech4BFJJpfnIkPaT9RaK7QpUS99lyHBVOfY_E5i4A/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHAG4e-kQiKhBdRKNsKsBajdZ_ifUMG6GK0yY2t9yJXJnsC3e3nErLdJlhlMocj8_UwDN-3rYmgySMN5Rvi2UCKUWelLV9IpU7NVY_vwNcL1DPwpSGawHHIxKqJtxxl08kTs4LK5QzSiZcJTJzech4BFJJpfnIkPaT9RaK7QpUS99lyHBVOfY_E5i4A/w640-h410/Bob%20Semple%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the closed (red) and open (blue) lifting hooks on the hull and turret.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVyLevz6b2q2KhUBtTsRDvLhZGzeMpZcLjK4cSwwIbRDzZ3TtEEFu1-tBjCEfHw8x4Jh4FqDMEoW5KO965yvxkahna43LMaaruCge2_pzLyMDanVuhqf4ZruNLD1u-n3G3aaGBA6iAkKVwXu9QFoeiDXKGH710DxQJfNGHZ8lmcyJQd92lHnHpttixA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVyLevz6b2q2KhUBtTsRDvLhZGzeMpZcLjK4cSwwIbRDzZ3TtEEFu1-tBjCEfHw8x4Jh4FqDMEoW5KO965yvxkahna43LMaaruCge2_pzLyMDanVuhqf4ZruNLD1u-n3G3aaGBA6iAkKVwXu9QFoeiDXKGH710DxQJfNGHZ8lmcyJQd92lHnHpttixA/w640-h478/Bob%20Semple%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front hull open (yellow) lifting hooks...<br />The closed one is just front to the turret, in the top of front hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I think I've already told you that I HATE leaving turrets without fixing on the hulls, because I've had an accident once with one of them falling, when handling a kit. I like to keep them moving, but I always try to make a locking system to avoid accidents. And with this girl, the story is the same: I'm going to make a locking system, with the turret that can be released with a 90° turn.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sKYw25xpW8_Y-mjQEusQgEYR5V-Km2CuULeIv33RHGwwldXUkYGQyoiexw2mGMI-UNBFoaATnFkeXE_4-zRMfr8s3EB_ZpIO-jGbDklBn5Zc_98VfuKFPLLxyQGucm4y72WSX1pjTQ-VoaZfKj3Ub0oLIs685L56Eiwvwnjeek3g81uZKScr71ethQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sKYw25xpW8_Y-mjQEusQgEYR5V-Km2CuULeIv33RHGwwldXUkYGQyoiexw2mGMI-UNBFoaATnFkeXE_4-zRMfr8s3EB_ZpIO-jGbDklBn5Zc_98VfuKFPLLxyQGucm4y72WSX1pjTQ-VoaZfKj3Ub0oLIs685L56Eiwvwnjeek3g81uZKScr71ethQ/w640-h420/Bob%20Semple%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using a styrene strip from Plastruct (2,0 x 3,2mm) to made<br />the main lock. The length is slightly longer than the outer diameter<br />of the hull neck ring. The bonding of the strip (with superglue and dental acrylic)<br />is done internally, not preventing the turret from moving</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWxsJ5X9PlwZwhUlTZ_Mfyif18EaBsU7J8vYpWY_JEOVk-z-55QfSmhaWKCgScuqGhNngKIb5NRe4CIVfzMhElINbWFPcPnW5r7xGl-MxRBJ4vo538ydFtqdWOp-mtiaaZaEpIE1dfCe3XgYwIwlPlajPUUs9QJE-S4ye-NO35xeii8LHZxAspwSoOg/s1256/Bob%20Semple%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1256" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWxsJ5X9PlwZwhUlTZ_Mfyif18EaBsU7J8vYpWY_JEOVk-z-55QfSmhaWKCgScuqGhNngKIb5NRe4CIVfzMhElINbWFPcPnW5r7xGl-MxRBJ4vo538ydFtqdWOp-mtiaaZaEpIE1dfCe3XgYwIwlPlajPUUs9QJE-S4ye-NO35xeii8LHZxAspwSoOg/w640-h398/Bob%20Semple%20044.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuts into the inner ring of the turret to match the locking bar...<br />Then just rotate the turret 90°, fit into the cuts and rotate the turret<br /> into the aligned position. The tower rotates, but does not fall....<br />It's almost witchcraft!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> An important detail, which is visible in the photos of the real vehicles and is not part of the kit (one more suggestion, Vargas!!) is the bullet deflector arc of the turret's machine gun, to prevent the turret's Bren projectiles from hitting the " back of the mini-turret. This flat-arched bar "lifts" the Bren barrel, preventing "friendly fire"! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-VtYTOsEcCBDjacsTagRSPq1-WE05FpT4se5oG8JcIboSOSRM1W7A0L5P8Ys-_NVKtirKC3FnvbVhix7S9DF0S8wlQxK4KyxOBa3vxIfXs_0V02bvS1OApzylTBMorfzqJgzijP2NN_frv0TjpZobHT6-3K675S1enlWcXJx1yKnXMqTuhthGjUDcA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20044a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-VtYTOsEcCBDjacsTagRSPq1-WE05FpT4se5oG8JcIboSOSRM1W7A0L5P8Ys-_NVKtirKC3FnvbVhix7S9DF0S8wlQxK4KyxOBa3vxIfXs_0V02bvS1OApzylTBMorfzqJgzijP2NN_frv0TjpZobHT6-3K675S1enlWcXJx1yKnXMqTuhthGjUDcA/w640-h394/Bob%20Semple%20044a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made this bow out of leftover PE from my spare parts box.<br />A detail that Galadriel simply loved...and approved!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCoGW0S9ecitC3W3Rz2DqqeTj5cYRhguv6SIIZSaRscj0hOHfwb3dIN21t2ObQQpFMXsg5Wee_r7DyHAC1hXvikjacHTYxfaMlms0qSFVqMI0FvskaRrv9RytcihsCwwedFIhdas2zODq1pd8SGyL2BCT0VcoyyUNqI2DtRAVeB1XLOBhWESZfPJ0og/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20044b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCoGW0S9ecitC3W3Rz2DqqeTj5cYRhguv6SIIZSaRscj0hOHfwb3dIN21t2ObQQpFMXsg5Wee_r7DyHAC1hXvikjacHTYxfaMlms0qSFVqMI0FvskaRrv9RytcihsCwwedFIhdas2zODq1pd8SGyL2BCT0VcoyyUNqI2DtRAVeB1XLOBhWESZfPJ0og/w640-h402/Bob%20Semple%20044b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deflector arc installed....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpz7MGjwQovTvRiftHmJ4ehQZn2Xe8dwbfQWSTpreGnIyEVM6uf8xtpceCPsy-hqJtCJkVVBl9Kp4s-UbKhoecRBQZkfrvwSgjErIyAuih58k3pD7MGniqwW-04IX6E-FLoANIzQEleE5JNOiVPxHo6TIEKeg85TpMU_we6yHH13SfZjZFwbKnmALOYA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20044c.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpz7MGjwQovTvRiftHmJ4ehQZn2Xe8dwbfQWSTpreGnIyEVM6uf8xtpceCPsy-hqJtCJkVVBl9Kp4s-UbKhoecRBQZkfrvwSgjErIyAuih58k3pD7MGniqwW-04IX6E-FLoANIzQEleE5JNOiVPxHo6TIEKeg85TpMU_we6yHH13SfZjZFwbKnmALOYA/w640-h406/Bob%20Semple%20044c.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnPsuKsBMM50vM_xD10NYtG6BgvyRpP4zy1CY0OEV84vC_NJN2f3mylmVvwKJRVjvni5eGkGSBvWUQAJI-86dZ36RXOCQiYsDnIdswNgV2Ncq6HMosC_SRNUi33usJ8caHxf8qy9GxQjuAATn-ivi_hR8R3enV6XuCLC6vXIJHIUPtqwS0JVJWmf0JA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20044d.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnPsuKsBMM50vM_xD10NYtG6BgvyRpP4zy1CY0OEV84vC_NJN2f3mylmVvwKJRVjvni5eGkGSBvWUQAJI-86dZ36RXOCQiYsDnIdswNgV2Ncq6HMosC_SRNUi33usJ8caHxf8qy9GxQjuAATn-ivi_hR8R3enV6XuCLC6vXIJHIUPtqwS0JVJWmf0JA/w640-h438/Bob%20Semple%20044d.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the turret rotation to the right, the bow raises Bren, <br />releasing the nape of the mini-turret from the fire bow.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvnzplrbCC7fgmh2ndJDbZgNbf7fSqH9xaL-FX7BhZORbdwm6qz-yHE2CtL_TNg_LvN9keQAQoYJVcduNtYlUEg_gFQirTXsl_UxeHStp3l-ygUVu_kRx_GRmx_1X6s3AOPob5s7gi9Xu5gEI1Y12gV5s4TXZXy9bXtZrZotzngCdDQ1t9ZgmYD-JUw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20044e.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvnzplrbCC7fgmh2ndJDbZgNbf7fSqH9xaL-FX7BhZORbdwm6qz-yHE2CtL_TNg_LvN9keQAQoYJVcduNtYlUEg_gFQirTXsl_UxeHStp3l-ygUVu_kRx_GRmx_1X6s3AOPob5s7gi9Xu5gEI1Y12gV5s4TXZXy9bXtZrZotzngCdDQ1t9ZgmYD-JUw/w640-h398/Bob%20Semple%20044e.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same happens with rotation from right to left, from posterior to anterior.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF_1smBhklUQkZmeidrdDHQ7RvZ2qAkQCM6Xj1LQCNXnSAyAsSyMzezSBeiUKQnLV4FTRpB_ZcPMu0ZnixC-QHXHZ1cO2HjR7Hv12h5KEKftYpJP7hunF_WIN7bNXhTvpY1fjCdraQDFnpZC5DZqiDHoQPF6dsTz_Qpz0MRNPvOP1Xq6t6Eg92Oyqfg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF_1smBhklUQkZmeidrdDHQ7RvZ2qAkQCM6Xj1LQCNXnSAyAsSyMzezSBeiUKQnLV4FTRpB_ZcPMu0ZnixC-QHXHZ1cO2HjR7Hv12h5KEKftYpJP7hunF_WIN7bNXhTvpY1fjCdraQDFnpZC5DZqiDHoQPF6dsTz_Qpz0MRNPvOP1Xq6t6Eg92Oyqfg/w640-h466/Bob%20Semple%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to install an antenna/mast on our tank...<br />I think it deserves it!!!<br />Rear right corner</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX_fa8pQbGlGJmykhBMhEAUq_sd5-uo0HRO9MxUeBnZ2bo9W-oSEuexhOQz4k6I-Z4Pel1gN7sYtuYKv_hRoyYW2V7c2ZE7O5se4JkL2clRmkfB7ql0xT9OJLfBwCk1bmNhIGWxilF1KHUhJg-6GAKyxlOA0Kuux9FbvoZrnIADobbFuJtQHoJpAfYA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX_fa8pQbGlGJmykhBMhEAUq_sd5-uo0HRO9MxUeBnZ2bo9W-oSEuexhOQz4k6I-Z4Pel1gN7sYtuYKv_hRoyYW2V7c2ZE7O5se4JkL2clRmkfB7ql0xT9OJLfBwCk1bmNhIGWxilF1KHUhJg-6GAKyxlOA0Kuux9FbvoZrnIADobbFuJtQHoJpAfYA/w640-h470/Bob%20Semple%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view...These acupuncture needles<br />are just perfect for that...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i5O4Qy6IDqNJhV2afDK-5r9enV9pOqO5VpOrdBVR_Ij43j5YlZLbBhgzRbF69lG-AO-72vmav0OYXo-lMuI9Jqo5iUcmSPWCtTiVbiEmf2BHeCp8ICmmVX07XwCwdRxsZovsZX2dIbNIEI1LHC8RcoALmkJP2-SpuHvMFrjchX4H-pnNstISw6HjOw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i5O4Qy6IDqNJhV2afDK-5r9enV9pOqO5VpOrdBVR_Ij43j5YlZLbBhgzRbF69lG-AO-72vmav0OYXo-lMuI9Jqo5iUcmSPWCtTiVbiEmf2BHeCp8ICmmVX07XwCwdRxsZovsZX2dIbNIEI1LHC8RcoALmkJP2-SpuHvMFrjchX4H-pnNstISw6HjOw/w640-h446/Bob%20Semple%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And...our little tank is "mechanically" ready!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpYS5mWq2tSpbJEJivLIIvvixpcs3scgG_RCQ8W72IGhpjleo8rbZQb1MMbluD71IRKCLxPI5HArMtMBv8gdzkg-u18acd-K6HMEghUfwJENQpBvcEYQpzTH0StyqC1pv-JoIH1oXEelK7SRbgNX2mwdghuBJLieg5G-Ll5AAfVbr1rNz4VYmbXM3cA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1280" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpYS5mWq2tSpbJEJivLIIvvixpcs3scgG_RCQ8W72IGhpjleo8rbZQb1MMbluD71IRKCLxPI5HArMtMBv8gdzkg-u18acd-K6HMEghUfwJENQpBvcEYQpzTH0StyqC1pv-JoIH1oXEelK7SRbgNX2mwdghuBJLieg5G-Ll5AAfVbr1rNz4VYmbXM3cA/w640-h540/Bob%20Semple%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, my precious!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Now, it's time for the make-up of this girl.... Painting!!!</span></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazj46CbeEBYLK16YRmMpP6iLgWHhL1SLPT-WBnbcC_kgp4HxcFuKQbKcOKnt845GsiIR8z3iQkjH6az6Kp4Kj6vGXgIOaTzzZWeGDxSfbKFI5WYPH6lkFgdvP6XA9K2r4kuhmXVhJSMWX9h6Q727KAM6Ij4OguWBTUV5SRcWAZa5-QvIWJC--oczUpg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazj46CbeEBYLK16YRmMpP6iLgWHhL1SLPT-WBnbcC_kgp4HxcFuKQbKcOKnt845GsiIR8z3iQkjH6az6Kp4Kj6vGXgIOaTzzZWeGDxSfbKFI5WYPH6lkFgdvP6XA9K2r4kuhmXVhJSMWX9h6Q727KAM6Ij4OguWBTUV5SRcWAZa5-QvIWJC--oczUpg/w640-h422/Bob%20Semple%20057.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First of all, primer!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The colors would be that of tank number 2, with a grayish Khaki-like base color, with wavy camouflage with sharp greenish edges, just like the profile below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1vFtq2YFyOBjzRGsmxt7shirfUQIelQs7K2rsfnJIvD2cAQchwRSlpLy-ANDw4f7t_IFYxI-iO0ZaTzVU9PZGSj8Fd7quS-XeFpODcCEz-p9WMp8atRLhc3FJyrtMFb8FhAO3W9EeXeyHdoC3DTCig9sGhJKMnkoDYdC7euLWVmEdGrOUje3f5k9dg/s1400/Bob%20semple%20tank%20n.%202%20-%20color%20profile.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1400" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1vFtq2YFyOBjzRGsmxt7shirfUQIelQs7K2rsfnJIvD2cAQchwRSlpLy-ANDw4f7t_IFYxI-iO0ZaTzVU9PZGSj8Fd7quS-XeFpODcCEz-p9WMp8atRLhc3FJyrtMFb8FhAO3W9EeXeyHdoC3DTCig9sGhJKMnkoDYdC7euLWVmEdGrOUje3f5k9dg/w640-h444/Bob%20semple%20tank%20n.%202%20-%20color%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I decided to make the base color with a mixture of three different colors but with similar shades... Here's the cake recipe:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzZrzdDGWKs9-Hsz7tZbbesJjU1bTbaVha5hl7vtiFpJNi7OsEViLpkNTZEvli8BTP6MtZkM-UOX4ZSvQBIPHRYvnKSvkBOjs6CTyoFfLudjW4z_cE9OzRC3J42SRWlxJZ2-OOqohc7AcCS-NVawGlw3KdMnv_wz0iuIXX6qP7xNfXE_9oT7mi_bLSw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzZrzdDGWKs9-Hsz7tZbbesJjU1bTbaVha5hl7vtiFpJNi7OsEViLpkNTZEvli8BTP6MtZkM-UOX4ZSvQBIPHRYvnKSvkBOjs6CTyoFfLudjW4z_cE9OzRC3J42SRWlxJZ2-OOqohc7AcCS-NVawGlw3KdMnv_wz0iuIXX6qP7xNfXE_9oT7mi_bLSw/w640-h398/Bob%20Semple%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors and shades of the color-base...<br />As you can see, I am extremely ecumenical with paint manufacturers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjPhXtrK37thLmaYrMnDjhXfKK85-nT1Vm44Wasl9ATOjQhItsOtqnDYmdumWXa3BCwel8CyIUIp252DVnAx0etBMXqgmETd9UiRjYbMOhJ8GEo8ijXryBOe6uQp_xQkrfvVLojkKwDHie4McX9yHOutv9K8whLa-NFEsYgH2GZOVuDQBlEVws7EN9Q/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjPhXtrK37thLmaYrMnDjhXfKK85-nT1Vm44Wasl9ATOjQhItsOtqnDYmdumWXa3BCwel8CyIUIp252DVnAx0etBMXqgmETd9UiRjYbMOhJ8GEo8ijXryBOe6uQp_xQkrfvVLojkKwDHie4McX9yHOutv9K8whLa-NFEsYgH2GZOVuDQBlEVws7EN9Q/w640-h384/Bob%20Semple%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color base - right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSaiZdmhI7UNgi_4wTja045FVPgI8Da2AAvbiOYp6WOx2YipHdxGk5W59aZxh1MvBsv1IXN-AS583hVAmv8efAlNHu0bRCszKgMw7w6Oxmudo6_aXhwEluSdttU-jAOpexV5eDbFtm4cSmb8sdTGyBH3EYoZHWSwsPiG426f3oi0WZ_wpSDa24h9GEw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSaiZdmhI7UNgi_4wTja045FVPgI8Da2AAvbiOYp6WOx2YipHdxGk5W59aZxh1MvBsv1IXN-AS583hVAmv8efAlNHu0bRCszKgMw7w6Oxmudo6_aXhwEluSdttU-jAOpexV5eDbFtm4cSmb8sdTGyBH3EYoZHWSwsPiG426f3oi0WZ_wpSDa24h9GEw/w640-h472/Bob%20Semple%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eeeeyeesss Right!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrrXrNpRrMWH_krF1XH2dI1L3hd7hUNhgBaHBMvMo776O9_XHg5y9rgxH-47_7SGcgL9DtswncH88faMHQChq62jnptDEK5bkoDmOHK66O7dzIlsqQDWMpC7RggZ8Aq5oRJghr2NOq98pyLuUhoLWrkuy8PcK-sScdewNdLyMsk-a5-ZgXO99TF6XmQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrrXrNpRrMWH_krF1XH2dI1L3hd7hUNhgBaHBMvMo776O9_XHg5y9rgxH-47_7SGcgL9DtswncH88faMHQChq62jnptDEK5bkoDmOHK66O7dzIlsqQDWMpC7RggZ8Aq5oRJghr2NOq98pyLuUhoLWrkuy8PcK-sScdewNdLyMsk-a5-ZgXO99TF6XmQ/w640-h482/Bob%20Semple%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eeeeyeesss Left!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFCm7ci2f4z6Hm6FTdIH1Jj0WXZglIROUliUaetew3XcVY5Lwe6klpS7LyMn4v4JGCJPo941HZsHoB4r7h4TwUGsneB-V0LrkO7hnGLP_KTOc2T7j09t0RfeoJwTEa4NrJeOV6KZBhzo0TD90bqGSKZmNBQ_zddzj00P8wn7m-GH45cWS-xjIad0aLQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFCm7ci2f4z6Hm6FTdIH1Jj0WXZglIROUliUaetew3XcVY5Lwe6klpS7LyMn4v4JGCJPo941HZsHoB4r7h4TwUGsneB-V0LrkO7hnGLP_KTOc2T7j09t0RfeoJwTEa4NrJeOV6KZBhzo0TD90bqGSKZmNBQ_zddzj00P8wn7m-GH45cWS-xjIad0aLQ/w640-h406/Bob%20Semple%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint mask made with masking tape and Play-Doh<br />Right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6J8gjFyCdUn8b8evkyOUIwHiveIdEm9Yr6_pQYOF30Vm-eujyVrJD1XVdnYwTRJC7e8G-MPDi4T5HyrUKAYzhMG334GEJUSMJqMuORPs_OSubE93ZVrBZqxS7CMpP9gCZpjY6JpxS3YIAwDEZ1PjkL6do7_nJmzlX5ePS3cUvC9dXB26XdthNkuuwDw/s3648/Bob%20Semple%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6J8gjFyCdUn8b8evkyOUIwHiveIdEm9Yr6_pQYOF30Vm-eujyVrJD1XVdnYwTRJC7e8G-MPDi4T5HyrUKAYzhMG334GEJUSMJqMuORPs_OSubE93ZVrBZqxS7CMpP9gCZpjY6JpxS3YIAwDEZ1PjkL6do7_nJmzlX5ePS3cUvC9dXB26XdthNkuuwDw/w640-h480/Bob%20Semple%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paint mask made with masking tape and Play-Doh<br />Left side and turret<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j3nJ0imPBOmz4BqPX0XA7JexGnC9aMxBCL3E4FvRftBFzJzxfBKAHxLQhL3GI_4nNIz02XwHfnFt0Rf1tWdCrHEI-ehPx5F_zlAGazNqb0qOaLT-io1UyGBOuT_spL6KJfZe87uU29Y5J-5JshTjmAOolZIwx_HREtX76iFfamRgzRLib6cySzKjZw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j3nJ0imPBOmz4BqPX0XA7JexGnC9aMxBCL3E4FvRftBFzJzxfBKAHxLQhL3GI_4nNIz02XwHfnFt0Rf1tWdCrHEI-ehPx5F_zlAGazNqb0qOaLT-io1UyGBOuT_spL6KJfZe87uU29Y5J-5JshTjmAOolZIwx_HREtX76iFfamRgzRLib6cySzKjZw/w640-h358/Bob%20Semple%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shades of green...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwkvzQNvLqQF38KNln3vq5Mg_Er9WyPYiXqm9EgFbQtFObGRHnwFiMbl8O4GUCm4Ecz8Im1nqZ9j0ynxCh_DyI3wlRQYJJB7GP_Hnq4Ygyeh6tS4L-FvttLwu0CQVYQD0c1-ZGLovEPCsnJXODfPVs7E_LLJC1Ayolm3L-4hrlKkHi9ugQL6awozcAg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwkvzQNvLqQF38KNln3vq5Mg_Er9WyPYiXqm9EgFbQtFObGRHnwFiMbl8O4GUCm4Ecz8Im1nqZ9j0ynxCh_DyI3wlRQYJJB7GP_Hnq4Ygyeh6tS4L-FvttLwu0CQVYQD0c1-ZGLovEPCsnJXODfPVs7E_LLJC1Ayolm3L-4hrlKkHi9ugQL6awozcAg/w640-h450/Bob%20Semple%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indeed, this Vargas Models kits is awesome!!!<br />Temuka Big Bob tank no.1 - left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ1Udyb73-CmtHsI_iqtTI7yTm0A76KiQQXL9rXuV49-gIIoiFyMylwFstHogYr_NFagoV1Gi1qHlKJLBxkFyIi3iLubm6391GdI78JsvwBoX4EaF0y0YuAKfL5K7ENVduIOh0r5lFKVKzYWnHeIU12BRQ8ptloIdag4hUQCCJ_L-c6JBM9GLueEY2A/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ1Udyb73-CmtHsI_iqtTI7yTm0A76KiQQXL9rXuV49-gIIoiFyMylwFstHogYr_NFagoV1Gi1qHlKJLBxkFyIi3iLubm6391GdI78JsvwBoX4EaF0y0YuAKfL5K7ENVduIOh0r5lFKVKzYWnHeIU12BRQ8ptloIdag4hUQCCJ_L-c6JBM9GLueEY2A/w640-h408/Bob%20Semple%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temuka Big Bob tank no.1 - front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXd78dU_D6N4j2goG4yYo5mQvZ7UQGY-8PhgolwH3D1t7OcqmuMMAFP6huqXN3h9mGFD8oGCtFcir25NUwQtnmMQUYZGfjB6fcy0MfLiMdr1DOG3NIrDOD9hvkF9M2CXnGdaWQTpkB7s93ahnjSJngc5MCXjpOZ8nA64XPWHmyA0To78p7K-zT76_MQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXd78dU_D6N4j2goG4yYo5mQvZ7UQGY-8PhgolwH3D1t7OcqmuMMAFP6huqXN3h9mGFD8oGCtFcir25NUwQtnmMQUYZGfjB6fcy0MfLiMdr1DOG3NIrDOD9hvkF9M2CXnGdaWQTpkB7s93ahnjSJngc5MCXjpOZ8nA64XPWHmyA0To78p7K-zT76_MQ/w640-h446/Bob%20Semple%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temuka Big Bob tank no.1 - right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkt1gcwKKeGKwr1xYH7KO4R8kvyCYH7VmbeoxqjERmz5-49VdOu3yp_JgwBygiVNzD6N0zVnZ1oKgGuV2hS68SICfSUTqqijLBHhjgrdCx81lovsarPFUUxMk2YxENqktY1PJ_VfLHQx7p1PHS_Ypl1soQnH9iPRdBnHjkyamz-DNsoOe9qsV8oVT3A/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkt1gcwKKeGKwr1xYH7KO4R8kvyCYH7VmbeoxqjERmz5-49VdOu3yp_JgwBygiVNzD6N0zVnZ1oKgGuV2hS68SICfSUTqqijLBHhjgrdCx81lovsarPFUUxMk2YxENqktY1PJ_VfLHQx7p1PHS_Ypl1soQnH9iPRdBnHjkyamz-DNsoOe9qsV8oVT3A/w640-h472/Bob%20Semple%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temuka Big Bob tank no.1 - rear view...<br />Next, weathering!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> My intention is to show you our girl performing a little dirty as she just passed by field tests in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnham_Military_Camp" target="_blank">Burnham Camp</a>, near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch">Christchurch</a>, in December 1940. With you, Bob Semple tank (Temuka no1)</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh083Cyjl_V0DVswdjYie1QDuuzhLjROWDyMtg53wR-GAFh-fHPOvkAewsYvDwPxN5lBccj2l6Pofs7pTAL1XV7BoVN6EuurVdJGB1Zpwj1f2x1XtLRq2z5yF5AaX1OAle9vS_yXlPPrMyXv07rdRORHk8dQqp-b3IoC68pc6KoxtxYRUxB0NxAX6_Rzw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1280" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh083Cyjl_V0DVswdjYie1QDuuzhLjROWDyMtg53wR-GAFh-fHPOvkAewsYvDwPxN5lBccj2l6Pofs7pTAL1XV7BoVN6EuurVdJGB1Zpwj1f2x1XtLRq2z5yF5AaX1OAle9vS_yXlPPrMyXv07rdRORHk8dQqp-b3IoC68pc6KoxtxYRUxB0NxAX6_Rzw/w640-h474/Bob%20Semple%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka). <br /> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnham_Military_Camp" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Burnham Camp</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, </span><span style="text-align: justify;">near</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch" style="text-align: justify;">Christchurch</a>. <br />New Zealand - <span style="text-align: justify;"> December 1940.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnxMdSdyGoqDxrfbnzSTWDTmwCJxXGDE-N7nvViW7uFeIrFm4oYSdsIachrEhsPPQ8H9E3SJLKJi8eAOdVrIiLJWSIwmEX8wDyCg1w9Payz7xUMY7lsfQmP0sbl5Lf3jFqDzFPz1AZ_FMH16QTgDDM97ZltJauTpAcV2iqYioaI4sR8M7amFmGlkcfw/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1280" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnxMdSdyGoqDxrfbnzSTWDTmwCJxXGDE-N7nvViW7uFeIrFm4oYSdsIachrEhsPPQ8H9E3SJLKJi8eAOdVrIiLJWSIwmEX8wDyCg1w9Payz7xUMY7lsfQmP0sbl5Lf3jFqDzFPz1AZ_FMH16QTgDDM97ZltJauTpAcV2iqYioaI4sR8M7amFmGlkcfw/w640-h526/Bob%20Semple%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CJbni8wJUw8Sev-yyZK_Nxnxb7GZ7DtqC_IzBSpJ1ezenZi_SOxK7TrVdPhiw016uv0Dc9sEgg-2QNFG_x9sku3SdBdaZ8GfiO7itGFRTGWYG7ONu-23HTJ4mNSSIX_70cE1oPb1OO6MgulCNSKPQobbLbvg01XkUZ3PU_t2TvGwdJ1N5bMDL9KQYg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CJbni8wJUw8Sev-yyZK_Nxnxb7GZ7DtqC_IzBSpJ1ezenZi_SOxK7TrVdPhiw016uv0Dc9sEgg-2QNFG_x9sku3SdBdaZ8GfiO7itGFRTGWYG7ONu-23HTJ4mNSSIX_70cE1oPb1OO6MgulCNSKPQobbLbvg01XkUZ3PU_t2TvGwdJ1N5bMDL9KQYg/w640-h468/Bob%20Semple%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).<br />left side</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfk-PJFFDmwRSSO8iXHjxdZl4mAQjLTHdtxxquzfhh26N3sngyhUP-qLfgt39b_RCA6ANM6SbI2Xhpf-TLLrkevHnEgwx7RCkxDFxmQdDQ4TM86kKENEcXfgi2J6SX-RiYb7F2MC4pCjFQQ5ceEPZ4VOVHr_q28q0zJdcVRJYHaBbnqNJ9I34-RTQgA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfk-PJFFDmwRSSO8iXHjxdZl4mAQjLTHdtxxquzfhh26N3sngyhUP-qLfgt39b_RCA6ANM6SbI2Xhpf-TLLrkevHnEgwx7RCkxDFxmQdDQ4TM86kKENEcXfgi2J6SX-RiYb7F2MC4pCjFQQ5ceEPZ4VOVHr_q28q0zJdcVRJYHaBbnqNJ9I34-RTQgA/w640-h480/Bob%20Semple%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left side - top view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY1HdTxGzz3z-Vh90b0Q8tEPEfAJv0RuMpeJ8nfrnosNL1rIvqDdpR5UzhePgdUe6CE-ggDFitAv4k0f-SCatTocigwWm13cbrizMQ6aNajd58cqdep07-yrqvOGzjIcdPEbN2u3dUAS_sJ9S9md7B8UEp__EW-xyFZbdXJBP4MzBCLUry-cXlalYvQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY1HdTxGzz3z-Vh90b0Q8tEPEfAJv0RuMpeJ8nfrnosNL1rIvqDdpR5UzhePgdUe6CE-ggDFitAv4k0f-SCatTocigwWm13cbrizMQ6aNajd58cqdep07-yrqvOGzjIcdPEbN2u3dUAS_sJ9S9md7B8UEp__EW-xyFZbdXJBP4MzBCLUry-cXlalYvQ/w640-h452/Bob%20Semple%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left rear side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK69XLJ--z0XjLdkFr87UZLc6pZJY16MWF26QbuZmd3ohRMxZOo_rl1JVkUsNG5Vyes0SOncxtEOUV_p27xGcFnGUMNFOx6qpwpyGiTuD9dWCosEX6_fivKDhV-lBWPQoGBYyOEcIV92SnkbwTKdiWqC99Kjec_0zjcbIjD1svmtAYmcl7b5wSkJvVDA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK69XLJ--z0XjLdkFr87UZLc6pZJY16MWF26QbuZmd3ohRMxZOo_rl1JVkUsNG5Vyes0SOncxtEOUV_p27xGcFnGUMNFOx6qpwpyGiTuD9dWCosEX6_fivKDhV-lBWPQoGBYyOEcIV92SnkbwTKdiWqC99Kjec_0zjcbIjD1svmtAYmcl7b5wSkJvVDA/w640-h460/Bob%20Semple%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right rear side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMxYjxmn6k3sMjEWhFgllMlGfhpsm3EGmGuBLNezlTWirmkNTtLhUPYlqeFlxfw34YD9asQjqYmx5f7zxVVLjf1KVk5CYltXQSDNL64AYc05iIHTl8eYQmJLsnA26P4t4xqfIW1ElbsV92vUu3_McHB_wKT6yPr3zUA1vQa6UJQzkNchwk6ldL9BUyA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMxYjxmn6k3sMjEWhFgllMlGfhpsm3EGmGuBLNezlTWirmkNTtLhUPYlqeFlxfw34YD9asQjqYmx5f7zxVVLjf1KVk5CYltXQSDNL64AYc05iIHTl8eYQmJLsnA26P4t4xqfIW1ElbsV92vUu3_McHB_wKT6yPr3zUA1vQa6UJQzkNchwk6ldL9BUyA/w640-h416/Bob%20Semple%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right side</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXFhAa1VTTsHmgH8y0FGPPPoP4p6dh5PAK0hNgbVM2bFxMKJ3wdY7rEs4DXYo5Iai_nUCm7GQjE_vJNynif_OmErEqv37DPV9V63sIqHMkFEjj5uZAClOOZLPBTb9C0yqz6o4MaSV-ntn3uvQ59dxne55pl72OQ-30dWmey7lbIFUg-ck71RkMptdrA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXFhAa1VTTsHmgH8y0FGPPPoP4p6dh5PAK0hNgbVM2bFxMKJ3wdY7rEs4DXYo5Iai_nUCm7GQjE_vJNynif_OmErEqv37DPV9V63sIqHMkFEjj5uZAClOOZLPBTb9C0yqz6o4MaSV-ntn3uvQ59dxne55pl72OQ-30dWmey7lbIFUg-ck71RkMptdrA/w640-h440/Bob%20Semple%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right side - top view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8rOKy8nnAyXZaz9K2hQIB65cKopaLD5rBcEOAOE7R93RFfUdUvn03KGQ5PyYOfgJF5UXE-X99U1y0aS6-zEsy6xGh6_gLHLTI0XMmVzxaruyiF4s2KvwY8pqvNZmVMLlRo2sRd0JJkYUjdYIpN4dsK9N0URaImfFX54lKf5dJw5TaF4prCPdRiEX_w/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8rOKy8nnAyXZaz9K2hQIB65cKopaLD5rBcEOAOE7R93RFfUdUvn03KGQ5PyYOfgJF5UXE-X99U1y0aS6-zEsy6xGh6_gLHLTI0XMmVzxaruyiF4s2KvwY8pqvNZmVMLlRo2sRd0JJkYUjdYIpN4dsK9N0URaImfFX54lKf5dJw5TaF4prCPdRiEX_w/w640-h434/Bob%20Semple%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">She's staring at you....<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg00OsqJxHQm0Ktf2D7RkwYsxf5DdwHNNQCq8UwrLeDvscejeL79vezaosZkIT9tMqPAMPpdwn3N_A0NaBAN0ZmZasSwUjbDCMgDT8vU_opqC48Mxm_KW2dJxJ7vHCjx4TblMEFZBq-cIwJzj6RoC4VXUUElBqjlYcEOJF-2yIx3GD1iilsipb_jb_VA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg00OsqJxHQm0Ktf2D7RkwYsxf5DdwHNNQCq8UwrLeDvscejeL79vezaosZkIT9tMqPAMPpdwn3N_A0NaBAN0ZmZasSwUjbDCMgDT8vU_opqC48Mxm_KW2dJxJ7vHCjx4TblMEFZBq-cIwJzj6RoC4VXUUElBqjlYcEOJF-2yIx3GD1iilsipb_jb_VA/w640-h454/Bob%20Semple%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka)<br />front left side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOoBwQhWNF4aGz5EEvQYNeGTpfJ64PkN5mNV8WlRwmgBZfD3A_x81F28GrLYUaxSW4ProeQGF8fuz6aqfFpsQrP3Ma3Ft2XlkX8pzdL3vzG8B7Qdu0eRGAFJN1dNBF5Y9uJlevybR6nyvZGmldz3WRiFEmrX2fH4mD8V7fiMnuRdQ2yI33r3OeFhdbQ/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOoBwQhWNF4aGz5EEvQYNeGTpfJ64PkN5mNV8WlRwmgBZfD3A_x81F28GrLYUaxSW4ProeQGF8fuz6aqfFpsQrP3Ma3Ft2XlkX8pzdL3vzG8B7Qdu0eRGAFJN1dNBF5Y9uJlevybR6nyvZGmldz3WRiFEmrX2fH4mD8V7fiMnuRdQ2yI33r3OeFhdbQ/w640-h434/Bob%20Semple%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka)<br />with Kojak. Indeed, the girl is huge!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmc64mRiglrhBPgvw2Cx1anCd3Jd1LwfLJV6QibYSvkztt0NToV3PLqvTa4SJQnYbUDc-zr_xw-d46vaGYDzu1Snp_G_zj-k7EJwbFlH_yfvPoqZu1-b96JZqD_4fld3nfFL_hue2THRSUX8LuCx1mTcFWbWu-Fm6owXYtdtVhVuyubEsee7b_135Sg/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmc64mRiglrhBPgvw2Cx1anCd3Jd1LwfLJV6QibYSvkztt0NToV3PLqvTa4SJQnYbUDc-zr_xw-d46vaGYDzu1Snp_G_zj-k7EJwbFlH_yfvPoqZu1-b96JZqD_4fld3nfFL_hue2THRSUX8LuCx1mTcFWbWu-Fm6owXYtdtVhVuyubEsee7b_135Sg/w640-h364/Bob%20Semple%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the series "Impossible Encounters", Bob Semple tank no. 1 (Temuka)<br />alongside an <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/M4A3E2%20%2875%29%20Jumbo%20-%20Assault%20tank" target="_blank">M4A3E2 (75) Jumbo Assault tank</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CYd3wM-i2J4nAsbY0NekAh0AlfZXGPGzCAVkG3ZEhyOkJ1VkOgh6GADT9zUMz52dfFyy4S0istAIz4P6od0QG7hzMT-15cVZhkg2kIgIdiqGWQzGRgwzRTOa1TK1jGwpKKIPVBukac9RRB1FW7LlkOLyU4mCv1cAmxdzXs0ued8Q__5XDO2dGZbYOA/s1280/Bob%20Semple%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CYd3wM-i2J4nAsbY0NekAh0AlfZXGPGzCAVkG3ZEhyOkJ1VkOgh6GADT9zUMz52dfFyy4S0istAIz4P6od0QG7hzMT-15cVZhkg2kIgIdiqGWQzGRgwzRTOa1TK1jGwpKKIPVBukac9RRB1FW7LlkOLyU4mCv1cAmxdzXs0ued8Q__5XDO2dGZbYOA/w640-h438/Bob%20Semple%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Bob Semple tank no.1 (Temuka).<br /> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnham_Military_Camp" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Burnham Camp</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, </span><span style="text-align: justify;">near</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch" style="text-align: justify;">Christchurch</a>.<br />New Zealand - <span style="text-align: justify;"> December 1940.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I just LOVED this project, because with the historical research, I got to know something much more interesting and profound than a vehicle that many consider "the worst tank" ever built. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But to paraphrase Bob Semple: <i><b>"I don't see anyone else with better ideas"...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Talking today is easy... but acting in those old times of fear and anguish of 1940, in front of the unstoppable Japanese Tsunami, the thing was a little different ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Go, Kiwis ...Go!!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y1A_d2Ts15NGLMp5m0GtdXFVeBswEUb3Vb84pmGfg4mQ2WBy-9KZ35BfID4EGaqYyQutAMush4SLVMwk6VO2Q5bdzezqqVGLYmfDH4LOEpLD3LhPyz1-bcKu79PLHgYsgl82M_B54CLL85Pm87NS2zfu5bY2RslkKH1NySdBavJO34P243-frg2jAQ/s480/Haka!.gif" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Y1A_d2Ts15NGLMp5m0GtdXFVeBswEUb3Vb84pmGfg4mQ2WBy-9KZ35BfID4EGaqYyQutAMush4SLVMwk6VO2Q5bdzezqqVGLYmfDH4LOEpLD3LhPyz1-bcKu79PLHgYsgl82M_B54CLL85Pm87NS2zfu5bY2RslkKH1NySdBavJO34P243-frg2jAQ/w400-h225/Haka!.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-30397220907519971812022-10-03T13:04:00.019-03:002022-10-29T14:20:48.736-03:00Churchill Mk IV AVRE - fascine carrier - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Watch out... ditch ahead!!!</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The tank in this report is one of Hobart's famous Funnies! Its main feature is to use a device almost as old as the History of Wars, to pave the way for his companions... I proudly present to you the <b>Churchill AVRE fascine carrier.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N9gW5zs_6iHD4mJeOJ0aL82GR2nBAOo2xOYPL3qNyVWtwttZEJdj4yFFeC4eq6at8bm9kp0UrAs-3vifLkCfFgwungXHDZP4BKsrGhE07H3vdzSBUyCQaphy60XYlrLMdHboUB4cDbcvSGIlFdSscl6bk1d_IFuh9JYy6_Nv07WUpOT1wT93heNIdg/s1042/Churchill%20fascine%20carrier%20box%20%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1042" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1N9gW5zs_6iHD4mJeOJ0aL82GR2nBAOo2xOYPL3qNyVWtwttZEJdj4yFFeC4eq6at8bm9kp0UrAs-3vifLkCfFgwungXHDZP4BKsrGhE07H3vdzSBUyCQaphy60XYlrLMdHboUB4cDbcvSGIlFdSscl6bk1d_IFuh9JYy6_Nv07WUpOT1wT93heNIdg/w640-h454/Churchill%20fascine%20carrier%20box%20%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOXD4AgepDauWhERd2tQanM-6IdahpPQJUDASNxEfkFPI7xAGeyUjRISFCPTl2pRA3MUaiHlG2bzA8Lt-oItkzdYQk8psGehyWfw7EROFk6KtUol8MsJxShqv6brAdWiQVEQxEemr7oijiyRQipe97FVhJR0WS6vOzpwHlg0uUzDKkphlQfmL78v4sA/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20in%20the%20Reichswald%20during%20Operation%20'Veritable',%208%20February%201945..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOXD4AgepDauWhERd2tQanM-6IdahpPQJUDASNxEfkFPI7xAGeyUjRISFCPTl2pRA3MUaiHlG2bzA8Lt-oItkzdYQk8psGehyWfw7EROFk6KtUol8MsJxShqv6brAdWiQVEQxEemr7oijiyRQipe97FVhJR0WS6vOzpwHlg0uUzDKkphlQfmL78v4sA/w640-h406/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20in%20the%20Reichswald%20during%20Operation%20'Veritable',%208%20February%201945..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier towing a fascine sledge<br />(notice the steel rope in the AVRE's rear hook)<br />Reichswald Forest , Germany - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable" target="_blank">Operation 'Veritable'</a>.<br />8 February, 1945.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>History:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> After the bloody landing attempt at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid" target="_blank">Dieppe (Operation Jubilee)</a> in August 1942, the Allies tried to absorb the lessons of the failed landing that were exposed that day. The fact that the many tanks and other military vehicles simply could not leave the sands of the landing beach were the determining factor in the failure of the Operation.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmX8WbAEKxJb5vY_WkZICe1nwzV4pz3YkP5wnNebl9Sc6gK0XF6oLPaxJdjocLpX0d_NFnj9wgrWfqvPJFTE-mNdRon22m8edh9pdtIwPPLheJRLFWxuOtwKU-wFFt8UnNPy3SZU9vuXKOpm3idH006riVWFoADJF7qEICslLCQftbfZU6hX-BZbpTg/s1280/dieppe%20raid%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="1280" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmX8WbAEKxJb5vY_WkZICe1nwzV4pz3YkP5wnNebl9Sc6gK0XF6oLPaxJdjocLpX0d_NFnj9wgrWfqvPJFTE-mNdRon22m8edh9pdtIwPPLheJRLFWxuOtwKU-wFFt8UnNPy3SZU9vuXKOpm3idH006riVWFoADJF7qEICslLCQftbfZU6hX-BZbpTg/w640-h196/dieppe%20raid%20beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We can say that many lessons on how to invade France<br />were learned during Operation Jubilee, but at a terrible<br />cost to Canadian and British soldiers.<br />Dieppe, France - August - 1942.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> Interestingly, even in this frustrated landing, some special vehicles were used, such as Churchills bobbins and flamethrowers, but still very primitive and fragile versions, which contributed very little to the success of the mission.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6kGaOPtkmHoJ3eAnBDfeoTT37gQTQ_YVvXBvo3CSrdfjNmj7C6TG4swzu2Xob3HQKMe-S6qNYrjqsHTk8x-bIw3r_9xl4BkZXUhnxC4DXzRC-9vqKtZLGvH5DuwVGGkknZ2GeQuFBPLB4f10Z_pwcC49E1iETwMgCEWuVCEyjpdN63Bu5jcQPVdphQ/s1205/Churchill%20Oke.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1205" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6kGaOPtkmHoJ3eAnBDfeoTT37gQTQ_YVvXBvo3CSrdfjNmj7C6TG4swzu2Xob3HQKMe-S6qNYrjqsHTk8x-bIw3r_9xl4BkZXUhnxC4DXzRC-9vqKtZLGvH5DuwVGGkknZ2GeQuFBPLB4f10Z_pwcC49E1iETwMgCEWuVCEyjpdN63Bu5jcQPVdphQ/w640-h426/Churchill%20Oke.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Oke in development and operational versions.<br />See more details<a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/2019/08/" target="_blank"> here, on Bunker.</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5u-JBq4lu6ysEil2dVr4qB22_N1PKJKruacBlLylm5Qdx0YgfXR2Gd2qyPd8EzlkukOZ4z3aZHcSOYOP4s-J_YP0NDbLDlYEgmdniT98vBliMK-Rq5bGbtmLMOcqQKA9h4DUjMIpTZ5kS0Ww9P4tc-KgLGZIfBL0BZdCq3zjmeXVqdDDBv7gu50ueg/s1024/Churchill%20bobbin%20dieppe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="1024" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5u-JBq4lu6ysEil2dVr4qB22_N1PKJKruacBlLylm5Qdx0YgfXR2Gd2qyPd8EzlkukOZ4z3aZHcSOYOP4s-J_YP0NDbLDlYEgmdniT98vBliMK-Rq5bGbtmLMOcqQKA9h4DUjMIpTZ5kS0Ww9P4tc-KgLGZIfBL0BZdCq3zjmeXVqdDDBv7gu50ueg/w640-h334/Churchill%20bobbin%20dieppe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">T68173 COUGAR, a Churchill Mk III Bobbin of No. 13 Troop,</div><div style="text-align: center;">“C” Squadron, The Calgary Regiment, one of the five tanks</div><div style="text-align: center;">fitted with the “Beach Track Laying Device,” for the landings at Dieppe</div><div style="text-align: center;">19 August 1942.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> With that in mind, the British Ministry of Defense developed work teams to try to solve the issue and, like everything in wartime, the solution would have to be cheap and accessible... and many strange things were born from this premise. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">One of the best examples was the development of the Churchill AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) tank, armed with a powerful barrier-destroyer mortar and which could be equipped with various equipment, from bridge launchers to fascination carriers, the latter being the objective of this article. A good historical review of Churchill AVRE tanks can be found<a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20III%20AVRE" target="_blank"> here, on Bunker.</a></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9FEKXUbBXPZExAr2-AQUXnSrkON09vnsn-7JPylhaLLwsLeWtR0Zi1kZcHsiiAYCpceM4LORMfEjs53opAkm-ahWTBoT06fMEysdXpRGh0p_WYbNUnlf5rrtzPKVYVPff8wmEJqKARmlnQ6Zon0rtCD1ZHTvV3o3q-9QPvIiTvOv0bDBBmnpKLCXWQ/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20IV%20Belgium%20%2018%20September%201944..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9FEKXUbBXPZExAr2-AQUXnSrkON09vnsn-7JPylhaLLwsLeWtR0Zi1kZcHsiiAYCpceM4LORMfEjs53opAkm-ahWTBoT06fMEysdXpRGh0p_WYbNUnlf5rrtzPKVYVPff8wmEJqKARmlnQ6Zon0rtCD1ZHTvV3o3q-9QPvIiTvOv0bDBBmnpKLCXWQ/w640-h418/Churchill%20AVRE%20IV%20Belgium%20%2018%20September%201944..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk IV AVRE roaring<br />in a dirty village in Belgium - 18 September 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> These tanks were assigned to the 79th Armored Division, under the command of General Percy Hobart and which became known as Hobart's Funnies, because of the strange appearance of these vehicles.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo9R7Q5M9rgROKOuQDqCqZWeAGBFK4w_jbHb8Hmw7ZzO6u5IQBMgj7YaHxkw-4-PLV1JbrfLSr5AqhFe68YvMWrsneBZYjHfro38oj5dnXlij47_YJCA6o243DbiogG4MYzbzWBLjlLc1rGWblBT06LGy7lpJclK0U1e0UQ3eV0gtjzCE0FPA86gHRQ/s1280/Hobart%2079th.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo9R7Q5M9rgROKOuQDqCqZWeAGBFK4w_jbHb8Hmw7ZzO6u5IQBMgj7YaHxkw-4-PLV1JbrfLSr5AqhFe68YvMWrsneBZYjHfro38oj5dnXlij47_YJCA6o243DbiogG4MYzbzWBLjlLc1rGWblBT06LGy7lpJclK0U1e0UQ3eV0gtjzCE0FPA86gHRQ/w640-h336/Hobart%2079th.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Hobart" target="_blank">Major General Sir Percy Cleghorn Stanley "Hobo" Hobart</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight_Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_British_Empire">KBE</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companion_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath">CB</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distinguished_Service_Order">DSO</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_Cross">MC</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and the badge of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank">79th Armoured Division</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Churchill AVRE fascine carrier:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Fascine is a rough bundle of brushwood or other material used for strengthening an earthen structure, or making a path across uneven or wet terrain. Typical uses are protecting the banks of streams from erosion, covering marshy ground and so on. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3bEuUM75vCwbY4JdTYzRWyZqMArquyDgJhfZdm1h0Nkf4PBfV_lH_kyKzATP76AYHtLMlji8v7vh8nFEFvM5Gny1szGweBLI-F6hs1l3_-MRMRx-SjPtLkRwEMxaidlF1f4TXswz3Cuu-XZa5vkEBafazRwwDdv6hbgnNMbJW7sNvUZufH9bTr3MBQ/s1280/Fascines%20near%20the%20tip%20of%20Percho%20(%20C%C3%B4te%20Sauvage%20de%20Saint-Pierre-Quiberon%20)%20used%20to%20protect%20the%20dunes%20from%20erosion..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3bEuUM75vCwbY4JdTYzRWyZqMArquyDgJhfZdm1h0Nkf4PBfV_lH_kyKzATP76AYHtLMlji8v7vh8nFEFvM5Gny1szGweBLI-F6hs1l3_-MRMRx-SjPtLkRwEMxaidlF1f4TXswz3Cuu-XZa5vkEBafazRwwDdv6hbgnNMbJW7sNvUZufH9bTr3MBQ/w640-h480/Fascines%20near%20the%20tip%20of%20Percho%20(%20C%C3%B4te%20Sauvage%20de%20Saint-Pierre-Quiberon%20)%20used%20to%20protect%20the%20dunes%20from%20erosion..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fascines near the tip of Percho ( Côte Sauvage de Saint-Pierre-Quiberon )<br />used to protect the dunes from erosion.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbMcyrz_WN4AdxJ3qazMsfOoW4Jmyj6FbVLy1WD3AC3uPEK2RRI-gd0QgT4wvtt-L7tjbR5DpPtF91D69Mhou1zP2cPs9nAN6XsmWQV78AxZ-7zn8iTFo9zpPiJc1xhjYNCLKeQot9I0Z5lIvShGZPAmhGjt3jmXdrBZP6YNYmwbPo5MqJ6IV8ifD4A/s1280/Templin%20Channel%20in%20Templin,%20Germany.%20The%20riverbank%20was%20strengthened%20with%20fascines..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbMcyrz_WN4AdxJ3qazMsfOoW4Jmyj6FbVLy1WD3AC3uPEK2RRI-gd0QgT4wvtt-L7tjbR5DpPtF91D69Mhou1zP2cPs9nAN6XsmWQV78AxZ-7zn8iTFo9zpPiJc1xhjYNCLKeQot9I0Z5lIvShGZPAmhGjt3jmXdrBZP6YNYmwbPo5MqJ6IV8ifD4A/w640-h480/Templin%20Channel%20in%20Templin,%20Germany.%20The%20riverbank%20was%20strengthened%20with%20fascines..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riverbank was strengthened with fascines. <br />Templin Channel in Templin, Germany.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvAcPlbQH4aqIJYKNXNzWp2T7Iyiot__uOdT6PXGsnd3pDxwZZ3g3Ca9GsGMPQqf_Bm2dnVawtYSJ-eyldJ-Bf63-EelkSc_GyrBEbfCb-deOB1CssxXwb8aUfI6ZWGzr6IaEk4xjQeh6Vxik-SAPj0q3FCGWKY1_AktgZikUqnry9YC3EpzNrvGHRQ/s1280/The%20use%20of%20fascines%20to%20protect%20the%20banks%20of%20a%20river%20in%20Boulages,%20France.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvAcPlbQH4aqIJYKNXNzWp2T7Iyiot__uOdT6PXGsnd3pDxwZZ3g3Ca9GsGMPQqf_Bm2dnVawtYSJ-eyldJ-Bf63-EelkSc_GyrBEbfCb-deOB1CssxXwb8aUfI6ZWGzr6IaEk4xjQeh6Vxik-SAPj0q3FCGWKY1_AktgZikUqnry9YC3EpzNrvGHRQ/w640-h360/The%20use%20of%20fascines%20to%20protect%20the%20banks%20of%20a%20river%20in%20Boulages,%20France.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The use of fascines to protect the riverbanks<br />Boulages, France</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> In war they have often been used to help armies – in modern times, especially tanks and other vehicles – cross trenches, valleys, marshes, walls, muddy or uneven terrain, etc. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Early military uses:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Fascine bundles were used defensively for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revetment">revetting</a> (shoring up) trenches or ramparts, especially around artillery batteries, or offensively to fill in ditches and cross obstacles on a battlefield, since the times of the Roman Legions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The use of fascines by military engineers continued almost wherever armies were deployed and could be an incredibly cheap and effective 'weapon' during a siege, for both attacker and defender.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Narva_(1700)">Battle of Narva</a> in 1700 was a pivotal early battle in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Northern_War">Great Northern War</a> between <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_XII_of_Sweden">Charles XII of Sweden</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_the_Great">Peter the Great</a>, near what is today the border between Estonia and Russia.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSp-E8-enCIMc9jT2YJC3o2-m-3bC0eTV5r9pFDmyABGzDJSnxL493B0ddkbdtymW_zOc_2nFbNbTOxdyKlR0cl4mCwaGFNd5JYTplJA3qTfLLbj36g9lM9D4JXRyNbQJFJW8dV40h7fbY-9BmGfRPyQiAFRaI3YpBaZOHHftjwg-ZxehYejSrOb6jhA/s1280/The%20Battle%20of%20Narva%20by%20Alexander%20Kotzebue.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSp-E8-enCIMc9jT2YJC3o2-m-3bC0eTV5r9pFDmyABGzDJSnxL493B0ddkbdtymW_zOc_2nFbNbTOxdyKlR0cl4mCwaGFNd5JYTplJA3qTfLLbj36g9lM9D4JXRyNbQJFJW8dV40h7fbY-9BmGfRPyQiAFRaI3YpBaZOHHftjwg-ZxehYejSrOb6jhA/w640-h412/The%20Battle%20of%20Narva%20by%20Alexander%20Kotzebue.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle of Narva - November 1700<br />Alexander Kotzebue painting</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Protected by the Narva River to their east, around the town the Russian Army had dug a trench 2 meters wide in front of an earth wall 3 meters. The defenders had 140 cannon mounted around the walls, they outnumbered the exhausted Swedish army four to one and a blizzard had just broken out. Nonetheless, Charles advanced: "Throwing their fascines into the ditch, the Swedes swarmed across on top of them. Waving swords and bayonets, they climbed over the earthworks and threw themselves on the foe. Within fifteen minutes, a fierce hand-to-hand battle was taking place inside the works."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A hundred years later, during the Napoleonic Wars, fascines were still in regular use – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billhook">billhooks</a>, used for cutting branches and saplings, were standard issue for riflemen. In 1806-7 the French <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominique_Vandamme">General Vandamme</a> besieged <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wroc%C5%82aw">Breslau</a> with the assistance of his engineer Colonel Blein. When crossing enemy trenches, Blein used boats, trestles and ladders covered with boards to cross enemy entrenchments – when his account mentions fascines it is along with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabion">gabions</a> as a defensive element.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4NqSyD2FN9fbrdo_FZDjI9uFps8jQuag2EDuWd0LWmQ8jYbi6GGdXX5wiLX0ROkRh9FhhQdPU7xbHNwO0ukonuk0OrJfMfBUuuiZdi0RRrzdkbxNDD8zdBLyDaRfPxOBWrv3OkiDlVsI5T0uIjmXIUQF1gvvFRx6bIM2_pCboXHyU9P0Di5NnFuReA/s1280/trench_gabions_fasc.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1280" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4NqSyD2FN9fbrdo_FZDjI9uFps8jQuag2EDuWd0LWmQ8jYbi6GGdXX5wiLX0ROkRh9FhhQdPU7xbHNwO0ukonuk0OrJfMfBUuuiZdi0RRrzdkbxNDD8zdBLyDaRfPxOBWrv3OkiDlVsI5T0uIjmXIUQF1gvvFRx6bIM2_pCboXHyU9P0Di5NnFuReA/w640-h492/trench_gabions_fasc.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Part of trench (c), with fascines (a), and gabions (b): in fortification, a large<br />basket of wickerwork constructed with stakes and osiers, or green twigs,<br />in a cylindrical form, but without a bottom.” -Whitney, 1911</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fascines in WWI and WWII:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Tanks in World War I, namely the British Mark IV, started the practice of carrying fascines on the front roof, to be deployed to fill trenches and tank traps that would otherwise be an obstacle to the advance of the tank in battle field. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrt5yPu-j-G8qYuqvdpPFiz_NJuOhZWQC7KL_pV3tuSL56CFW0avjlbl4kI0AOt05v9MFenl829H4SnB_ncvT0HhYSbKOYFKSV23R-BTpoNRGu8-QI_7RaOigQPpfZWsV1VA4Egc6ktWMXCrWCnuoH8RNzt0OAcJXhmzdhkNt_vSBWFRjXyPR1_rrHw/s1280/Mark%20IV%20Female%20loaded%20aboard%20flat-bed%20railway%20at%20Plateau%20Station%20in%20prep%20for%20transp%20to%20the%20forward%20area%20prior%20to%20the%20opening%20of%20the%20Battle%20of%20Cambrai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrt5yPu-j-G8qYuqvdpPFiz_NJuOhZWQC7KL_pV3tuSL56CFW0avjlbl4kI0AOt05v9MFenl829H4SnB_ncvT0HhYSbKOYFKSV23R-BTpoNRGu8-QI_7RaOigQPpfZWsV1VA4Egc6ktWMXCrWCnuoH8RNzt0OAcJXhmzdhkNt_vSBWFRjXyPR1_rrHw/w640-h394/Mark%20IV%20Female%20loaded%20aboard%20flat-bed%20railway%20at%20Plateau%20Station%20in%20prep%20for%20transp%20to%20the%20forward%20area%20prior%20to%20the%20opening%20of%20the%20Battle%20of%20Cambrai.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mark IV Female heavy tank with fascine <br />aboard flat-bed railway trucks at Plateau Station.<br />Notice the canvas, protecting the tank from rain moisture.<br />Preparations for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cambrai_(1917)" target="_blank">Battle of Cambrai</a>.<br />November - 1917.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKp07QQ7yxjYZxXtdpv-EEbZcTHOFDK8EcmFXwF384dnWMogF5RNsQacZg7o9LtvFUJN-pykgE5eGx7-Uicra-rSM2Sgx9idqBzlCXD6TmexJigmsd6pYWb8no_PrxHEdWr7Po4ysLKRflqs9Ra9jpDVwlJGfzRdoY2sGnDA4F8xRuw3xHxCHfUX5NA/s1280/British%20tank%20which%20fell%20into%20a%20prepared%20pit%20during%20the%20Battle%20of%20Cambrai.%20Bourlon,%20February%201918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKp07QQ7yxjYZxXtdpv-EEbZcTHOFDK8EcmFXwF384dnWMogF5RNsQacZg7o9LtvFUJN-pykgE5eGx7-Uicra-rSM2Sgx9idqBzlCXD6TmexJigmsd6pYWb8no_PrxHEdWr7Po4ysLKRflqs9Ra9jpDVwlJGfzRdoY2sGnDA4F8xRuw3xHxCHfUX5NA/w640-h408/British%20tank%20which%20fell%20into%20a%20prepared%20pit%20during%20the%20Battle%20of%20Cambrai.%20Bourlon,%20February%201918.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An unfortunate British Mk.IV Female heavy tank which fell into a<br />prepared pit during the Battle of Cambrai. <br />Bourlon, February 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> These were constructed from the traditional bundles of brushwood used to make fascines since Roman times. Although these were cumbersome to deploy they proved an effective gap-crossing device and were used widely by the tanks of the day that weighed up to about 30 tons. It began to be used extensively at the Battle of Cambrai.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADY3Odk7x1Ja6sw5ifO1FDrZcy2Z_gFaK95bB7GJH3rbrGay0DgBXyja1-34T9QqYk0luZfwe2-wehwrL6zwiJYsIASWsLvsoJ76Cezy2Trr35QKN_FPM_mCUv4joL_nZUg0OeHrA9D9RH_msQpiWEqg_X0PM9o2BhSp1z6tMqG-uXQM7rlleZp5O9Q/s1280/Mark%20IV%20Female%20being%20loaded%20aboard%20flat-bed%20railway%20trucks%20at%20Plateau%20Station%20%20preparation%20for%20transportation%20to%20the%20forward%20area%20prior%20to%20the%20opening%20of%20the%20Battle%20of%20Cambrai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADY3Odk7x1Ja6sw5ifO1FDrZcy2Z_gFaK95bB7GJH3rbrGay0DgBXyja1-34T9QqYk0luZfwe2-wehwrL6zwiJYsIASWsLvsoJ76Cezy2Trr35QKN_FPM_mCUv4joL_nZUg0OeHrA9D9RH_msQpiWEqg_X0PM9o2BhSp1z6tMqG-uXQM7rlleZp5O9Q/w640-h390/Mark%20IV%20Female%20being%20loaded%20aboard%20flat-bed%20railway%20trucks%20at%20Plateau%20Station%20%20preparation%20for%20transportation%20to%20the%20forward%20area%20prior%20to%20the%20opening%20of%20the%20Battle%20of%20Cambrai.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mark IV Female heavy tanks with fascines being loaded<br />aboard flat-bed railway trucks at Plateau Station, <br />in preparation for transportation to the forward area<br />prior to the opening of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Cambrai_(1917)" target="_blank">Battle of Cambrai</a>.<br />November - 1917.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeLRKn5iduGmsGkFFzZeNdxSng3Bl5OFonUfJdiydXztxGIwaCjtOzxl4z-yGOn4rM54QlbuatRElQgrd8RGY8bVaID8L9OqLKsalFigsSjf8c0vwqvJcxbSEhYduUHsiglsvZqHhxJxEQBKXlxAHyQkiE2vJ7HpllBSNm4qqzYvm3oyD5_MT6hqu0A/s1280/Mark%20IV%20Female%20and%20Male%20Tanks%20of%20'C'%20Battalion,%20including%20'Crusty'%20and%20'Centaur%20II'%20loaded%20aboard%20a%20train%20at%20Plateau%20Station%20Cambrai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeLRKn5iduGmsGkFFzZeNdxSng3Bl5OFonUfJdiydXztxGIwaCjtOzxl4z-yGOn4rM54QlbuatRElQgrd8RGY8bVaID8L9OqLKsalFigsSjf8c0vwqvJcxbSEhYduUHsiglsvZqHhxJxEQBKXlxAHyQkiE2vJ7HpllBSNm4qqzYvm3oyD5_MT6hqu0A/w640-h346/Mark%20IV%20Female%20and%20Male%20Tanks%20of%20'C'%20Battalion,%20including%20'Crusty'%20and%20'Centaur%20II'%20loaded%20aboard%20a%20train%20at%20Plateau%20Station%20Cambrai.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mark IV Female and Male heavy tanks with fascines <br />from "C" Battalion, including "Crusty" and "Centaur II",<br />loaded aboard a train at Plateau Station - France<br />Preparations to Battle of Cambrai - November - 1917<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Variations of the fascines, called "cribs", were also employed. They were structures built with wooden and steel beams, which had the same purpose as the fascines, but less subject to fire and allowed the drainage of water.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZQaDI8xj9RlwTIOYwq10YChdj_jW50XHWgwlXtLlrKNoPeKIjJDZVtQNkX7rxOA7dOHNY1gSWBP-9ReYqPYkdvQkhtkbn-lKoLF9UKw7wxu9UP7ggbRoACcG_3InkQaV7pLSKBsC6ALUxJX87h-Au5Rqec4ByrAm5wSbVslI_6KgXDP74Xlz3-Ii1g/s1280/Battle%20of%20St%20Quentin%20Canal%20(Saint-Quentin).%20Mark%20V%20%20with%20the%20'cribs'%20carried%20to%20cross%20the%20Hindenburg%20Line,%20Bellicourt,%2029th%20September%201918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZQaDI8xj9RlwTIOYwq10YChdj_jW50XHWgwlXtLlrKNoPeKIjJDZVtQNkX7rxOA7dOHNY1gSWBP-9ReYqPYkdvQkhtkbn-lKoLF9UKw7wxu9UP7ggbRoACcG_3InkQaV7pLSKBsC6ALUxJX87h-Au5Rqec4ByrAm5wSbVslI_6KgXDP74Xlz3-Ii1g/w640-h354/Battle%20of%20St%20Quentin%20Canal%20(Saint-Quentin).%20Mark%20V%20%20with%20the%20'cribs'%20carried%20to%20cross%20the%20Hindenburg%20Line,%20Bellicourt,%2029th%20September%201918.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Mark V heavy tanks with the "cribs" carried to cross <br />the Hindenburg Line - Bellicourt - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_St_Quentin_Canal" target="_blank">Battle of St Quentin Canal</a> <br />France - 29th September 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In World War II, the use of fascines continued as a gap-crossing device and in the British Army, the concept of fascine carrier was tested in the Churchill heavy infantry tanks. These tanks carried a beam of fascine on the front portion of the hull, to be ejected into a trench, crater or even a ditch, to fill the obstacle and allow the vehicle to pass. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfLHMsDWVIjf8Q5VcUU3sx2Pwlj2ZMCrkXPZDvCtCZAmSh5NALPjU8KbCF9IJ2ZdgyGxV3zYB3tZbawg97xDub5NY7NvGgz1VBw9gJvND_nmc9vKVDQY7IrQdUvFXqInQEEoqGs3OKooy9x6UVLlSZ1kzoQTSlPjJCAvbQaG_oTzd6i0_tc0UcAtkUQ/s1280/Churchill%20Mk.IV%206%20pdr.%20of%20163rd%20Brigade,%2054th%20Division,%20with%20fascine%20during%20ditch%20crossing%20exercises%20near%20Dunwich,%2014%20April%201943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfLHMsDWVIjf8Q5VcUU3sx2Pwlj2ZMCrkXPZDvCtCZAmSh5NALPjU8KbCF9IJ2ZdgyGxV3zYB3tZbawg97xDub5NY7NvGgz1VBw9gJvND_nmc9vKVDQY7IrQdUvFXqInQEEoqGs3OKooy9x6UVLlSZ1kzoQTSlPjJCAvbQaG_oTzd6i0_tc0UcAtkUQ/w640-h458/Churchill%20Mk.IV%206%20pdr.%20of%20163rd%20Brigade,%2054th%20Division,%20with%20fascine%20during%20ditch%20crossing%20exercises%20near%20Dunwich,%2014%20April%201943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Churchill Mk.IV 6 pdr. tank of 163rd Brigade, 54th Division,<br />pouring a fascine, during ditch crossing exercises near Dunwich, England.<br />14 April 1943</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEnKy76LeXdGvpoyE1E7A6HDpbjYf-sdG3WpfHE1TlzH3N3laVgLOvj_H_q6sTWiXCNxYL4LJi-C5_doiCkvkePuDUDYxp6Yj9OTLMud2rHYuSt2rF1Gvck29mhOfD3i4HqK62yKFEyX7J5XAHjDJwewHcUFX4EFU2h6DrRUj0TAJY0yHXfppKmq06w/s1280/Fascines%20unloaded%20into%20the%20ditch%20now%20make%20it%20possible%20for%20the%20tanks%20to%20cross.%20Churchill%20Mk.III%20tanks%20seen%20crossing%20a%20ditch%2014-4-43.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEnKy76LeXdGvpoyE1E7A6HDpbjYf-sdG3WpfHE1TlzH3N3laVgLOvj_H_q6sTWiXCNxYL4LJi-C5_doiCkvkePuDUDYxp6Yj9OTLMud2rHYuSt2rF1Gvck29mhOfD3i4HqK62yKFEyX7J5XAHjDJwewHcUFX4EFU2h6DrRUj0TAJY0yHXfppKmq06w/w640-h466/Fascines%20unloaded%20into%20the%20ditch%20now%20make%20it%20possible%20for%20the%20tanks%20to%20cross.%20Churchill%20Mk.III%20tanks%20seen%20crossing%20a%20ditch%2014-4-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fascines unloaded into the ditch now make it possible for the tank to cross the gap. <br />Churchill Mk.III 6 pdr. tank "SATAN" seen crossing a ditch.<br />Trials near Dunwich, England.<br />14 April 1943</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55ITCmi4V6Nm3vCJGX0vxjmrjaurTc4nMK67kOC4SrXQ80pxeAyliTHjBwKjKBOTdNcawMBmx8CdeEE6u8FotUt5ELxArBRZuqCoR08tGTEeFFxsr0gnMiCnDG3MAiTmAVVqafrnN0WUxmEDPjpyyBR2f7UjEKNpOOggBjiKKFwFrTnr8T0MZVLBr7Q/s1280/Fascines%20unloaded%20into%20the%20ditch%20now%20make%20it%20possible%20for%20the%20tanks%20to%20cross.%20Churchill%20tanks%20see%20crossing%20a%20ditch%2014-4-43.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55ITCmi4V6Nm3vCJGX0vxjmrjaurTc4nMK67kOC4SrXQ80pxeAyliTHjBwKjKBOTdNcawMBmx8CdeEE6u8FotUt5ELxArBRZuqCoR08tGTEeFFxsr0gnMiCnDG3MAiTmAVVqafrnN0WUxmEDPjpyyBR2f7UjEKNpOOggBjiKKFwFrTnr8T0MZVLBr7Q/w640-h472/Fascines%20unloaded%20into%20the%20ditch%20now%20make%20it%20possible%20for%20the%20tanks%20to%20cross.%20Churchill%20tanks%20see%20crossing%20a%20ditch%2014-4-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Churchill Mk.III 6 pdr. tank "SATAN" seen above.<br />Trials near Dunwich, England.<br />14 April 1943</td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="text-align: justify;"> Another use of fascines was to allow a proper angle of attack for the tank to be able to climb vertical obstacles...</span><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5Gvbfvb0ThoTqDs7x1XtFFJ6qFwNj4va-cOwoZinory6IuIGW-YUiZePYeqTgU_IZNQ-QsCslXQdCtOEc_asEOO8yla6yevU0Lm3kRZ-_BPBj9un7JD6aVwiuuiyopxrkCmmqSkz8Kas94VGmd2Xei6PoXiqg6bSv2TalEScwNQfxzPNPcit0wwN-Q/s1280/The%20Fascines%20unloaded%20into%20the%20ditch%20now%20make%20it%20possible%20for%20the%20tanks%20to%20cross.%20Churchill%20tanks%20seen%20crossing%20a%20ditch%2014-4-43.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5Gvbfvb0ThoTqDs7x1XtFFJ6qFwNj4va-cOwoZinory6IuIGW-YUiZePYeqTgU_IZNQ-QsCslXQdCtOEc_asEOO8yla6yevU0Lm3kRZ-_BPBj9un7JD6aVwiuuiyopxrkCmmqSkz8Kas94VGmd2Xei6PoXiqg6bSv2TalEScwNQfxzPNPcit0wwN-Q/w640-h466/The%20Fascines%20unloaded%20into%20the%20ditch%20now%20make%20it%20possible%20for%20the%20tanks%20to%20cross.%20Churchill%20tanks%20seen%20crossing%20a%20ditch%2014-4-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A Churchill Mk.IV 6 pdr. tank climbing over several fascines,<br />gaining height to overcome a vertical obstacle.<br />Testing an old and innovative concept at the same time.<br />Dunwich, England - 14 April 1943</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6YPoQCIPU5hCI_rKvMWEB6l9PBeOS1G_pgZDiCvOKz-ul-V-2pEkcay1qwtJAWlGuHIpnZT1xAe5a2IYjSRlFIREr9MKAY2mihneZ-bA3Cyae1k9w6fzf2Hjp7FM9wW2rXsfpeUO-QpaeMvDUPlBe8uR6iVPUNUOIJQzuzHJMWpdf4_kiwBg7kzG4g/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20carrier%20on%20England%20%20trials,%209%20December%201943.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6YPoQCIPU5hCI_rKvMWEB6l9PBeOS1G_pgZDiCvOKz-ul-V-2pEkcay1qwtJAWlGuHIpnZT1xAe5a2IYjSRlFIREr9MKAY2mihneZ-bA3Cyae1k9w6fzf2Hjp7FM9wW2rXsfpeUO-QpaeMvDUPlBe8uR6iVPUNUOIJQzuzHJMWpdf4_kiwBg7kzG4g/w640-h440/Churchill%20fascine%20carrier%20on%20England%20%20trials,%209%20December%201943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the concept of Churchill fascine carrier<br />on England trials - 9 December 1943<br />The tank is a Churchill Mk.IV with an unarmed turret.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The transport of the fascines in the back of the tank was also tested, but the heat of the exhausts proved that this place was not the most appropriate...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKAYa5CTTLgzo0ELF2rMKcUU_fs8CoPf0KxeBsyDzawVjVtHm0bYTFkEmbRfMllypYaUhM-v5OFJExvL8T62fV6sGp-06dlMPs1Q8OT2TQ9OD_h_KkNXR5vgVO3agcaZOo49HQ4f8C_bBo9RTXCfGEyiX36d3CPNj-grOm84lhdc5EPFirBNmmHxv3A/s1024/Churchill%20Tank%20with%20Fascine%20bundles%20ablaze.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1024" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKAYa5CTTLgzo0ELF2rMKcUU_fs8CoPf0KxeBsyDzawVjVtHm0bYTFkEmbRfMllypYaUhM-v5OFJExvL8T62fV6sGp-06dlMPs1Q8OT2TQ9OD_h_KkNXR5vgVO3agcaZOo49HQ4f8C_bBo9RTXCfGEyiX36d3CPNj-grOm84lhdc5EPFirBNmmHxv3A/w640-h384/Churchill%20Tank%20with%20Fascine%20bundles%20ablaze.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's an example of a bad idea!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the Churchill tanks being approved in this work, a special version was developed, called Churchill AVRE - <span style="text-align: left;">Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) pre-positioned fascines made of metal pipes across the Khalkha River (between Japanese held Manchuria and Mongolia, the USSR's protectorate,) in advance of the IJA's 1939 foray into Mongolia. The use of hollow pipes had been predicated on their ability to allow water flow; the pipes were secured such that they were awash, and the river's unimpeded flow initially hid the fascines from Soviet reconnaissance aircraft. While these fascines were designed for stealth rather than combat deployment and were not deployed via armoured vehicles, the use of hollow pipes as fascines was a significant step forward.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br />Churchill AVRE fascine carrier:</b></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> Fascines were a group of sticks (bush), tied together, forming bundles and sub-bundles, tied together in a large roll. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrjBJO5uu9Q9bgAyqFVnAgX1NtwUNoBp5VU6S8haiU4-7H1FYj4Ye5yX58xRH_PWViGKNxt2irFNglc7rIzlN-g1rPnnWqCQ2t8VgGPOmqYrq8BAnbLZhCgfCwvXqSWMdGeY264F3IrkMtZm31hQshw_2A_5iPYC2oD9NHHmTK_vMbrqfbOvF302ZEA/s1280/fascine%20-%2079th%20AD%20Development%20Unit,%20Suffol,%206-9-43.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrjBJO5uu9Q9bgAyqFVnAgX1NtwUNoBp5VU6S8haiU4-7H1FYj4Ye5yX58xRH_PWViGKNxt2irFNglc7rIzlN-g1rPnnWqCQ2t8VgGPOmqYrq8BAnbLZhCgfCwvXqSWMdGeY264F3IrkMtZm31hQshw_2A_5iPYC2oD9NHHmTK_vMbrqfbOvF302ZEA/w640-h466/fascine%20-%2079th%20AD%20Development%20Unit,%20Suffol,%206-9-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fascine bundle in tests. Notice the canvas "strap" of<br />the initial models, later simplified to simple ropes.<br /> Development Unit - 79th Armoured Division<br />Suffolk - September, 1943.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> With approximately 2 to 2.5 meters in diameter and approximately 3.5 meters in width, they could be entirely formed by sticks or have prefabricated metal tubes (generally 3) installed in the center of the roll, to act as a culvert, for water drainage. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIrggrNO5BlYjsH7tIOsI847UjF0sGZJ1NVScRMMguSRZ-c_8u-1k1tUiyw-D0njtNJf8dSD7AUArw0v_1ijP5iPjjoKAHLlytQPVi3MYVBuL0n_7D336MdvIHAz8xeVBf6h0dy1bPm2EcIBRdB0hkFMHTLTJDhWnhwKZxwarqjcB5CMdFIT4kfFyhg/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20moving%20up%20%2053rd%20Division's%20attack%20west%20of%20Oss%20in%20Holland,%2023%20October%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIrggrNO5BlYjsH7tIOsI847UjF0sGZJ1NVScRMMguSRZ-c_8u-1k1tUiyw-D0njtNJf8dSD7AUArw0v_1ijP5iPjjoKAHLlytQPVi3MYVBuL0n_7D336MdvIHAz8xeVBf6h0dy1bPm2EcIBRdB0hkFMHTLTJDhWnhwKZxwarqjcB5CMdFIT4kfFyhg/w640-h426/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20moving%20up%20%2053rd%20Division's%20attack%20west%20of%20Oss%20in%20Holland,%2023%20October%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVRE fascine carrier moving up to the battle.<br />Notice the prefabricated metal tubes in the fascine's core.<br />53rd Division's attack - west of Oss - Holland<br />23 October 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">A special cradle, made with wood, was designed and installed on the forward deck of the tank, in front of the turret, which was deviated 90° to the right or to the left. </span><span style="text-align: left;">This cradle did not interfere with the movement of the hull's machine gun, but restricted the scope of the firing field, as well as the driver's field of observation was also impaired.</span></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDgspBkLcQQ51cFFpauO8-x_PsB2us3vb1BdAwHFXMfKPhuIl89QAovtjhj1l6CUbUV4ZYWb0qxu2_YvGAUN1haXe9lM5yUaK85AWMqmK4wO0oPBFyLKSQwiCPrRT4zZyjuLWoIrQxe0kHcMRwWxPR-BuM8FYjrhLP7hpsxNoaHyqqq7_nlYDo2ALsQ/s1280/cradle%20for%20fascine%20-%2079th%20AD%20Development%20Unit,%20Suffol,%206-9-43.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDgspBkLcQQ51cFFpauO8-x_PsB2us3vb1BdAwHFXMfKPhuIl89QAovtjhj1l6CUbUV4ZYWb0qxu2_YvGAUN1haXe9lM5yUaK85AWMqmK4wO0oPBFyLKSQwiCPrRT4zZyjuLWoIrQxe0kHcMRwWxPR-BuM8FYjrhLP7hpsxNoaHyqqq7_nlYDo2ALsQ/w640-h484/cradle%20for%20fascine%20-%2079th%20AD%20Development%20Unit,%20Suffol,%206-9-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood cradle in tests. Notice the fascines in the background.<br /> Development Unit - 79th Armoured Division<br />Suffolk - September, 1943.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENeh2Ef-qs_MYToqcYUy7hF_u9Liv9MXusfbCzQ4jadf6y5BZnigRRfNRE7vDNGmi7ptUczZETfwZEo2HK311g2JB3vNyp621-LtsKZEp01C9mtBR10s9J9vxPE1nYkgD4XOWsAyrudxObUSgCXV3EPqdjHL7vnjLZlBGqI9_3ICY0Wn54PEvefa8MQ/s1204/wood%20cradle.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1204" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENeh2Ef-qs_MYToqcYUy7hF_u9Liv9MXusfbCzQ4jadf6y5BZnigRRfNRE7vDNGmi7ptUczZETfwZEo2HK311g2JB3vNyp621-LtsKZEp01C9mtBR10s9J9vxPE1nYkgD4XOWsAyrudxObUSgCXV3EPqdjHL7vnjLZlBGqI9_3ICY0Wn54PEvefa8MQ/w640-h460/wood%20cradle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> The fascine was placed in the cradle and fixed by moorings, with a tensioning cable going to the rear of the vehicle. The fascine was released could be released by a mechanical quick-release trigger (with its activation being done inside the turret) or a explosive quick release system: a<span style="text-align: center;"> detonator was inserted into the plastic explosive and </span><span style="text-align: center;">an electrical trigger cable led to the interior of the turret, too. </span><span style="text-align: center;">The explosion released the mooring lines and the fascine </span><span style="text-align: center;">rolled forward into the crib.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh-nAF_Dqbyoe8O0qS-ri36Mlc7_xo3wdRDDbcOE-vhN-q3V_SpTPEYZlQfW0vwepn2mAcPnwNMHCBK4zefLwWpPZpjrFrp0JOdWT8cpn53JzhRuCjWbdkmrJmgiIQD7y06jJ9aXfkFlOk9egHZnel94B5fU2mGo4j4LMESxmT71zTRT3Vw5la9FrMg/s1280/release%20device%20to%20fascine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGh-nAF_Dqbyoe8O0qS-ri36Mlc7_xo3wdRDDbcOE-vhN-q3V_SpTPEYZlQfW0vwepn2mAcPnwNMHCBK4zefLwWpPZpjrFrp0JOdWT8cpn53JzhRuCjWbdkmrJmgiIQD7y06jJ9aXfkFlOk9egHZnel94B5fU2mGo4j4LMESxmT71zTRT3Vw5la9FrMg/w640-h480/release%20device%20to%20fascine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier - rear view<br />Notice the fascine explosive release device: two steel plates bolted together,<br />with plastic explosive inserted between the plates.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> Additional fascines could be towed by the AVRE on a stel sledge. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7zShjeD9IXuGE3K4C5NWAThrcmEyKtJYNYD5xIkCol6fqPfpHvMD8nUx_PZFYNewBb1LsywrrG9ALEAYQWav9xIM1mET21L1tcsdLE0yCKU1BHY3FR_88Vcn_fKS5oBq_gPF4U653vLKCAd2TkbN-_dycmieJ8hSDSqsEnNMXNuccZ44Jd0Pl_OroA/s1400/Churchill%20Mk.IV%20AVRE%20fascine%20sledgespecs.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1400" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7zShjeD9IXuGE3K4C5NWAThrcmEyKtJYNYD5xIkCol6fqPfpHvMD8nUx_PZFYNewBb1LsywrrG9ALEAYQWav9xIM1mET21L1tcsdLE0yCKU1BHY3FR_88Vcn_fKS5oBq_gPF4U653vLKCAd2TkbN-_dycmieJ8hSDSqsEnNMXNuccZ44Jd0Pl_OroA/w640-h268/Churchill%20Mk.IV%20AVRE%20fascine%20sledgespecs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs04uaGOF4kBMFDv7mN4FMCo5VZW3tt029sQfPWI-KSNByVzXJcTjUq02RIepK4WpTbxAlFVLN13ykhlKerGRG9hHr1mxZxW_1zE9up7hnkSKpkT0bBP8mQ0Ukx2Bkg0c-0aucJVa8f_l6hAsUUmTsvrd784_TJN84lhIlfWmvQCNj06Y3O16V_3106A/s1024/Churchill%20Mk.IV%20AVRE%20fascine%20sledge%20-%20Oss%2053rd%20division%2023-10-44.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1024" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs04uaGOF4kBMFDv7mN4FMCo5VZW3tt029sQfPWI-KSNByVzXJcTjUq02RIepK4WpTbxAlFVLN13ykhlKerGRG9hHr1mxZxW_1zE9up7hnkSKpkT0bBP8mQ0Ukx2Bkg0c-0aucJVa8f_l6hAsUUmTsvrd784_TJN84lhIlfWmvQCNj06Y3O16V_3106A/w640-h554/Churchill%20Mk.IV%20AVRE%20fascine%20sledge%20-%20Oss%2053rd%20division%2023-10-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE towing a steel sledge full of fascines.<br />Netherlands - October, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> Unfortunately, the presence of the fascines on the bow of the tank made it difficult the driver's view, (which was already quite restricted in the normal Churchills) and obliterating the forward view of the tank commander, either through the periscopes or through the direct view through the turret hatch. For this reason, it was very common for the tank commander to stay outside the AVRE (with great danger to him...), perched on the fascine, to assist in the visual field of the driver and the tactical situation of the tank in the field.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGf6AUITej_UFsQWf5aYMjaO-bakaLckUilbe_LRJc3o2oS4h6OotEbjGmw2inU1sODNZ4iwLu-0x0IkIJFv27OYxwh4T48heHwjk0Hr_OghaX7bWeSu8o92RUT3OWDBzrQPKoVOgw2RG_DXNzOXmFUTHa0L-iVnmT4GviJVpFMd9SDJigimPtKSKnA/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20moving%20up%20for%2053rd%20Division's%20attack%20west%20of%20Oss%20in%20Holland,%2023%20October%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGf6AUITej_UFsQWf5aYMjaO-bakaLckUilbe_LRJc3o2oS4h6OotEbjGmw2inU1sODNZ4iwLu-0x0IkIJFv27OYxwh4T48heHwjk0Hr_OghaX7bWeSu8o92RUT3OWDBzrQPKoVOgw2RG_DXNzOXmFUTHa0L-iVnmT4GviJVpFMd9SDJigimPtKSKnA/w640-h448/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20moving%20up%20for%2053rd%20Division's%20attack%20west%20of%20Oss%20in%20Holland,%2023%20October%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVRE fascine carrier SABRE with the Commander<br />perched on top of the fascine (with metal tubes core), guiding the tan by radio<br />Notice the "Bull Head" badge of 79th Armoured Division<br />in the left rear plate - Holland, 23 October 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeCz7TTD4MK4tzuow5WcFYKBCSjAp5g3xv7BlXExe-bbGHV0v12Se4hI5DgajSanKQ3IB3KKajSUQ53AjiIh9HVGeBEPj2Ks6fNhaPpCKKbquTlEaGvXuAd2xL2h5-T84hk0OvDFeleomKIE4_RDI18AUaIdQQU-f8K3qFVLZFYL93_ctRe891pJnWw/s1280/Churchill%20AVREs%20carrying%20fascines%20and%20Churchill%20ARKs%20passing%20through%20Forli,%209%20November%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeCz7TTD4MK4tzuow5WcFYKBCSjAp5g3xv7BlXExe-bbGHV0v12Se4hI5DgajSanKQ3IB3KKajSUQ53AjiIh9HVGeBEPj2Ks6fNhaPpCKKbquTlEaGvXuAd2xL2h5-T84hk0OvDFeleomKIE4_RDI18AUaIdQQU-f8K3qFVLZFYL93_ctRe891pJnWw/w640-h412/Churchill%20AVREs%20carrying%20fascines%20and%20Churchill%20ARKs%20passing%20through%20Forli,%209%20November%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVREs fascine carriers and Churchill ARKs<br />passing through Forli, Italy <br />Notice the Churchill AVRE's comanders in the top of fascines.<br />9 November 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> Another problem was that while the tank was carrying the fascine, the mortar could only be fired from a perpendicular derivation of the turret. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUpH4Z59Zf0YZnwFBDJhQBg8Ecs0Jac_Yss3VafXijy9KuAaTQ8Z45aqCKQhr-_-aULKTbye_N_4l0Iz8kjs9NmCdAgLDEIWXSzn84GgtCwjvOlpF99XteHIGXutAhi6yo5YVtLkmxs1hlXD3X4KKoCx6NxJFNXZaArK678Lt3QAIC8i9lB0wzucc2A/s1280/Churchill%20Mk.IV%20AVRE%20with%20fascine,%2019%20December%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUpH4Z59Zf0YZnwFBDJhQBg8Ecs0Jac_Yss3VafXijy9KuAaTQ8Z45aqCKQhr-_-aULKTbye_N_4l0Iz8kjs9NmCdAgLDEIWXSzn84GgtCwjvOlpF99XteHIGXutAhi6yo5YVtLkmxs1hlXD3X4KKoCx6NxJFNXZaArK678Lt3QAIC8i9lB0wzucc2A/w640-h464/Churchill%20Mk.IV%20AVRE%20with%20fascine,%2019%20December%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV with fascine. <br />Notice the unarmed turret pointing to front position.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AoiNQYO7EOIyHO4Z0szRIAgpquKvNkqcpJTQPm1LIMehvwFdzNLV-9IpiZvtbIcKnftoa_mZV5sLn634Zr8bDqDTP3JYocdLMLvHUHYoPYqz8rrGXQ-k2vWvYbJBb9rvssDpVl0cDt3LKSZmlRxO-xZrZtwu-MkwiYk1zTBOH3vzA6wQlK9yRS9UdQ/s1024/Fascine%20AVRE.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0AoiNQYO7EOIyHO4Z0szRIAgpquKvNkqcpJTQPm1LIMehvwFdzNLV-9IpiZvtbIcKnftoa_mZV5sLn634Zr8bDqDTP3JYocdLMLvHUHYoPYqz8rrGXQ-k2vWvYbJBb9rvssDpVl0cDt3LKSZmlRxO-xZrZtwu-MkwiYk1zTBOH3vzA6wQlK9yRS9UdQ/w640-h422/Fascine%20AVRE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier, but with<br /> unarmed turret rotate in 90°, to right position.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> But despite all these problems, the AVRE fascine carrier was quite successful in filling walls, trenches, tank traps, and other voids, allowing it and the remaining allied vehicles to cross and advance.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yQt1CLvEkc1EslzEKFqg2Pn80jL1-AftSJyJaqfOnUlrmoaqjBsCAo_1DDl2mukvuljVwxJff9wwa7Qq8UawVjbOqm1Z6hO52uzQkxUhQPp8_mLCxHuwfnBU9WjZcAcCHJcUfMbnfJ3k6Vv2IIe0kF6rRzyH6TmxYg7W2k1tpvV2TfIdpzBm3kw6Sg/s907/Churchill%20fascine%20carrrier%20front%20ditch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="772" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yQt1CLvEkc1EslzEKFqg2Pn80jL1-AftSJyJaqfOnUlrmoaqjBsCAo_1DDl2mukvuljVwxJff9wwa7Qq8UawVjbOqm1Z6hO52uzQkxUhQPp8_mLCxHuwfnBU9WjZcAcCHJcUfMbnfJ3k6Vv2IIe0kF6rRzyH6TmxYg7W2k1tpvV2TfIdpzBm3kw6Sg/w544-h640/Churchill%20fascine%20carrrier%20front%20ditch.jpg" width="544" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVRE fascine carrier approaching its primary<br />objective: a ditch to be filled.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> One of the unforeseen uses of the fascine carrier in the Normandy Landings was to fill in the large craters created by the guns of Allied battleships and heavy bombers, during the bombardment of the rear areas of the landing beaches. Some of these projectiles and bombs each weighed 500 kilograms of high explosives, which created immense craters that could swallow up to two or three tanks. Once freed from the fascine and rack, the AVRE could continue as a conventional armored vehicle.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F5i8_tXwWLnMhgUsbg8jpArkapmZph6wc7gJ2rWKjmIQVy-wKaouBZghVTULj9685Gy3f5GUWfvgwjzfQVAIAQ2ff3ZdXprJ60kfH7x1jXd-PXq-2T35v8exTCN-fNIuFke5QCYtl2TZZZA-jCClb2NTcZ8H0a9OlQIuS2J23Fgle3UiEeJVyFar3g/s1340/beach%20plan.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F5i8_tXwWLnMhgUsbg8jpArkapmZph6wc7gJ2rWKjmIQVy-wKaouBZghVTULj9685Gy3f5GUWfvgwjzfQVAIAQ2ff3ZdXprJ60kfH7x1jXd-PXq-2T35v8exTCN-fNIuFke5QCYtl2TZZZA-jCClb2NTcZ8H0a9OlQIuS2J23Fgle3UiEeJVyFar3g/w612-h640/beach%20plan.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMLahSFBFexidvRTegR-aVeLM6xHXhy45zOvLv4fPBOKXm0drSchSjiMyW8w_GiUPTNYrFzI0vTf32KiF0wvkunpIpb1_PKvPifpG_eabsJ6EQmrfZe012NwaoJP78HTNt3FTlT3vvAx-hvTUyDod0ac4FyRjyE5xA-OZrT5bkPjDdBzmO3N8VcZo6Q/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20towing%20a%20sled%20with%20fascines,%20and%20another%20carrying%20a%20fascine,%20moving%20up%20for%2053rd%20Division's%20attack%20west%20of%20Oss%20in%20Holland,%2023%20October%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMLahSFBFexidvRTegR-aVeLM6xHXhy45zOvLv4fPBOKXm0drSchSjiMyW8w_GiUPTNYrFzI0vTf32KiF0wvkunpIpb1_PKvPifpG_eabsJ6EQmrfZe012NwaoJP78HTNt3FTlT3vvAx-hvTUyDod0ac4FyRjyE5xA-OZrT5bkPjDdBzmO3N8VcZo6Q/w640-h394/Churchill%20AVRE%20towing%20a%20sled%20with%20fascines,%20and%20another%20carrying%20a%20fascine,%20moving%20up%20for%2053rd%20Division's%20attack%20west%20of%20Oss%20in%20Holland,%2023%20October%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVRE, ready for battle, towing a sled with fascines and<br />Churchill AVRE fascine carrier. Notice the Churchill AVRE fascine carrier <br />Commander in the top of fascine, to be able to "see" the battlefield.<br /> West of Oss - Netherlands - October, 1944.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> The Churchills AVRE fascine carriers although they were designed to perform on D-Day in Normandy (24 were used on the day of the Landing), they were so successful that they were used in the most varied Theaters of Operations in WWII, including Netherlands, Italy and the final advance on Germany. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Giee44SKL0CCPySd9PQbr_agfPb_cksmVxcpJ38h5EtD8Lb_CEWviaEeHmSYfe-CRfsF2ksjOB4TkH-1BxRrLo2cKoEO5GcKSLrcv2OrzzA0b3IoRrrlVLc6FBO08I4T-LeE_cAwLK5XpUK-EyMC87X08XcAMCRlGdt7VKggSm1yMpMxk9NUYIZ-OA/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20fascine%20carrier%20passed%20infantry%20during%20the%20attack%20towards%20Hertogenbosch%20in%20Holland,%2023%20October%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Giee44SKL0CCPySd9PQbr_agfPb_cksmVxcpJ38h5EtD8Lb_CEWviaEeHmSYfe-CRfsF2ksjOB4TkH-1BxRrLo2cKoEO5GcKSLrcv2OrzzA0b3IoRrrlVLc6FBO08I4T-LeE_cAwLK5XpUK-EyMC87X08XcAMCRlGdt7VKggSm1yMpMxk9NUYIZ-OA/w640-h368/Churchill%20AVRE%20fascine%20carrier%20passed%20infantry%20during%20the%20attack%20towards%20Hertogenbosch%20in%20Holland,%2023%20October%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVRE fascine carrier passing by infantry<br />during the attack towards Hertogenbosch in Netherlands.<br />23 October 1944<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL4QMcMVHViNh9INI3vtu0eAFfXCHwiK5rLw4hyYy61k5Zna2LTqEl2pNW2LkI5nhe_xFELn6DZohjmzvEeuUl3jwZWTQxDZ3oUqKTs1-z23e0cCYRVAUc8m9BBXheEXIV_B6EpH-ykh87DXYe5pGhtP4aRQMkrH62Owx_Py3_cjVngsqtv7G3wzmKw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20061c%20Andrew.jpg%20Holland.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL4QMcMVHViNh9INI3vtu0eAFfXCHwiK5rLw4hyYy61k5Zna2LTqEl2pNW2LkI5nhe_xFELn6DZohjmzvEeuUl3jwZWTQxDZ3oUqKTs1-z23e0cCYRVAUc8m9BBXheEXIV_B6EpH-ykh87DXYe5pGhtP4aRQMkrH62Owx_Py3_cjVngsqtv7G3wzmKw/w640-h480/Churchill%20SBG%20061c%20Andrew.jpg%20Holland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier still with his cargo, <br />passing through the streets of newly liberated Apeldoorn, Netherlands.<br />17 April, 1945.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUIxxGwLlIEribUUumTWtszJlfhLbdKa7z1ePrqUtVMX00FCMb807mQBY3wcju65M1P5nD8UiI7tbOI3aqDh32MT1l-2z_mIBs3IOMpb7sJoblHh8vAMZ6RnQKPgkfNUS2oxsmwuXtRiCvK44NAyquktvNhfzf0qeDt1XFpnxWejuMjKleVB_gIExJA/s1280/Attaching%20the%20cable%20and%20hauling%20the%20fascine%20onto%20the%20Churchill%20A.V.R.E.%20which%20carried%20it%20Granarolo%20Italy%20-%208-4-45.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1280" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUIxxGwLlIEribUUumTWtszJlfhLbdKa7z1ePrqUtVMX00FCMb807mQBY3wcju65M1P5nD8UiI7tbOI3aqDh32MT1l-2z_mIBs3IOMpb7sJoblHh8vAMZ6RnQKPgkfNUS2oxsmwuXtRiCvK44NAyquktvNhfzf0qeDt1XFpnxWejuMjKleVB_gIExJA/w640-h538/Attaching%20the%20cable%20and%20hauling%20the%20fascine%20onto%20the%20Churchill%20A.V.R.E.%20which%20carried%20it%20Granarolo%20Italy%20-%208-4-45.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rearming" a Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier with<br />a new fascine beam. Notice the steel cable being used to<br />bring the fascine of the truck to the cradle. The turret is drifting 270°<br />to the left, with the spigot flexed upwards.<br /> Granarolo - Italy - April, 45.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOXD4AgepDauWhERd2tQanM-6IdahpPQJUDASNxEfkFPI7xAGeyUjRISFCPTl2pRA3MUaiHlG2bzA8Lt-oItkzdYQk8psGehyWfw7EROFk6KtUol8MsJxShqv6brAdWiQVEQxEemr7oijiyRQipe97FVhJR0WS6vOzpwHlg0uUzDKkphlQfmL78v4sA/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20in%20the%20Reichswald%20during%20Operation%20'Veritable',%208%20February%201945..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOXD4AgepDauWhERd2tQanM-6IdahpPQJUDASNxEfkFPI7xAGeyUjRISFCPTl2pRA3MUaiHlG2bzA8Lt-oItkzdYQk8psGehyWfw7EROFk6KtUol8MsJxShqv6brAdWiQVEQxEemr7oijiyRQipe97FVhJR0WS6vOzpwHlg0uUzDKkphlQfmL78v4sA/w640-h406/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20in%20the%20Reichswald%20during%20Operation%20'Veritable',%208%20February%201945..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier towing a fascine sledge<br />(notice the wire rope in the AVRE's rear hook).<br />34th Independent Tank Brigade<br />Reichswald Forest , Germany - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable" target="_blank">Operation 'Veritable'</a>.<br />8 February, 1945.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9I5_SEHbbCZoxMrttVSVHtTwNS6zF3LjcgpqjhkhTTVWpX0G_UHmQShV673FCjwA9QS_p-PPMRNBE0uR9uCmRJapbvIL-M6AfocxS95K9e51ErR2q0O_MxR24dkuiP8K1_BpwIODCD5QyfU8Vj97NYsRn_pk9789R3MlAWKWvDDaiBfr4nzqhXSs5g/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20%20fascine%20in%20the%20Reichswald%20Operation%20'Veritable',%208%20February%201945..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1280" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9I5_SEHbbCZoxMrttVSVHtTwNS6zF3LjcgpqjhkhTTVWpX0G_UHmQShV673FCjwA9QS_p-PPMRNBE0uR9uCmRJapbvIL-M6AfocxS95K9e51ErR2q0O_MxR24dkuiP8K1_BpwIODCD5QyfU8Vj97NYsRn_pk9789R3MlAWKWvDDaiBfr4nzqhXSs5g/w640-h470/Churchill%20AVRE%20%20fascine%20in%20the%20Reichswald%20Operation%20'Veritable',%208%20February%201945..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="color: #202122; text-align: justify;">The same road above, but from a different angle of view and moment.</span></div><div><span style="color: #202122; text-align: justify;">A steel sled being towed by </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier</span><span style="color: #202122; text-align: justify;">, </span></div><div><span style="color: #202122; text-align: justify;">with remnants of branches and fascine logs.</span></div><div><span style="color: #202122; text-align: justify;"> Reichswald Forest , Germany - </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable" style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Operation 'Veritable'</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; text-align: justify;">.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; text-align: justify;">Bridging tanks for </span><span style="color: #202122; text-align: justify;">34th Independent Tank Brigade</span></div><div><span style="color: #202122; text-align: justify;">Infantry belongs to 6th Bn.Royal Welsh Fus. - 160th Bde - 53th RD. Div.</span></div><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #202122; text-align: justify;">8 February, 1945.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #202122; text-align: justify;">Thanks to <i><b>Michael Hazell</b></i> and <b><i>Duncan Gunn</i></b>, in Facebook!!</span></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #202122;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zn-gHd4oGobXRbJQpGlgHcjnzlQFd4__eX2aGp6EnMFmCb_hTZKnqPLFK_CRjfN5kQa-_p3w244Fjw5bh2IHgtLo30YYorq2AA5ijZNyutv434BkklVM2jX2CeCSprlXSL-zf5e-lpOV6r4Ys-xNSx8TH9z4jMerAeMlJFeHYRy6fvLRCFnbNkL6sQ/s1280/clergymen%20chat%20to%20the%20crew%20of%20a%20Churchill%20bridgelayer%20of%2034th%20Tank%20Brigade%20at%20the%20start%20of%20Operation%20'Veritable',%208%20February%201945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1276" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zn-gHd4oGobXRbJQpGlgHcjnzlQFd4__eX2aGp6EnMFmCb_hTZKnqPLFK_CRjfN5kQa-_p3w244Fjw5bh2IHgtLo30YYorq2AA5ijZNyutv434BkklVM2jX2CeCSprlXSL-zf5e-lpOV6r4Ys-xNSx8TH9z4jMerAeMlJFeHYRy6fvLRCFnbNkL6sQ/w638-h640/clergymen%20chat%20to%20the%20crew%20of%20a%20Churchill%20bridgelayer%20of%2034th%20Tank%20Brigade%20at%20the%20start%20of%20Operation%20'Veritable',%208%20February%201945.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third photo of the sequence above. Notice the Churchill AVRE fascine carrier, <br />on the left, ( tank for the the first photo, with the lorry Bedford next to it)<br /> towing the sled with logs of the second photo. <br />The clergymen chat with the crew of a Churchill bridgelayer of <br />34th Independent Tank Brigade<br /> start of Operation 'Veritable' - 8 February 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #202122;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"> Not only did the Churchills </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">AVRE</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> have the unique ability to transport fascines to the battlefield: the British liked the idea so much that they used Churchills ARK and Shermans for this purpose. The Shermans were specially modified for this purpose, with their turrets were removed and a huge metallic cradle was installed over the hull of the tanks, allowing the transport of 2 to 3 beams of fascines. We can say that the Fascine Shermans were "closer" to the Sherman Twaby ARK than to their armed brothers.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE96gPZeoy_NAZhTvQq-TyUhLk_-2WTQbcnEF4w40gb-ztTBzQQDFni-H3Ez2I4O09xuc96c4EHredZRrpdVjEqFbqaNFaDMWucGI9GRdO8u9Pw7kvmaHMN0gpcX8lyNNwU-DpL6zq97_y68j956VKRI-9Ubf0nMvziBm37SJSh4RTTyGnFlUkX-U4zw/s1280/Churchill%20ARK%20%20tank%20carrying%20fascines%2031-3-44.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="1280" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE96gPZeoy_NAZhTvQq-TyUhLk_-2WTQbcnEF4w40gb-ztTBzQQDFni-H3Ez2I4O09xuc96c4EHredZRrpdVjEqFbqaNFaDMWucGI9GRdO8u9Pw7kvmaHMN0gpcX8lyNNwU-DpL6zq97_y68j956VKRI-9Ubf0nMvziBm37SJSh4RTTyGnFlUkX-U4zw/w640-h614/Churchill%20ARK%20%20tank%20carrying%20fascines%2031-3-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill ARK fascine carrier.<br />Trials in United Kingdom - late march, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CKBEk1PcyzVM8vWRKX4kTl4sfTRPCfy1VIFP6iHILa-ETiwTZAjajVjZxV48EWe1RHmnVhTZIRRGtr3i8WzT_Lfb-Ku3xmSAyXbq_AcWZiklk6R---gvfsLlopz0tnr-TOkf2j7k1Sl76WzorumcXheO62mpdWuq619nxuUIiZMx5XiVXCpjOomGLw/s1280/Churchill%20tank%20carrying%20high%20%20fascines%2031-3-44.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1280" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CKBEk1PcyzVM8vWRKX4kTl4sfTRPCfy1VIFP6iHILa-ETiwTZAjajVjZxV48EWe1RHmnVhTZIRRGtr3i8WzT_Lfb-Ku3xmSAyXbq_AcWZiklk6R---gvfsLlopz0tnr-TOkf2j7k1Sl76WzorumcXheO62mpdWuq619nxuUIiZMx5XiVXCpjOomGLw/w640-h628/Churchill%20tank%20carrying%20high%20%20fascines%2031-3-44.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view of the same Churchill ARK fascine carrier, above.<br />Notice that the wood cradle is much higher than in the AVRE version. <br />This generated a pendulum-like instability in the vehicle, in very difficult terrain.<br />Trials in United Kingdom - late march, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSm5RZ8fQGaMEveXskxH3LkF6lYBFoyB7Hngi3UdAmLCGFop1RB4QG2RhAfSGI6WvzVVvzHrJhITujvjKJoKE90k-ol28-pmvFZXtsGp0qe1HJYXLDVC-7sx9aAW_K6xdwYFqcihj40cNnJEXOYz-fT1N2RQBvgGQL5LVko7bmA-EMLLdIeFrvZNqZQ/s1280/Loading%20the%20Fascines%20in%20to%20Sherman%20%20Carrier.%20rear%20viewr%20%20Ronco,%20Italy%20-%204-4-45.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1280" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSm5RZ8fQGaMEveXskxH3LkF6lYBFoyB7Hngi3UdAmLCGFop1RB4QG2RhAfSGI6WvzVVvzHrJhITujvjKJoKE90k-ol28-pmvFZXtsGp0qe1HJYXLDVC-7sx9aAW_K6xdwYFqcihj40cNnJEXOYz-fT1N2RQBvgGQL5LVko7bmA-EMLLdIeFrvZNqZQ/w640-h544/Loading%20the%20Fascines%20in%20to%20Sherman%20%20Carrier.%20rear%20viewr%20%20Ronco,%20Italy%20-%204-4-45.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman fascine carrier - rear view<br />Notice the first bundle of fascine being loaded onto the vehicle, <br />by means of a cable being pulled from the rear of the vehicle.<br />2nd Armoured Brigade REME<br />Ronco, near Forli - Italy - early April 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMi8fcfO7AhJwqX2OWZ032sPEqzC67oQijeRaxN8yHfeoS1wZGvtHLUn0jUa52cXAu96oFQffi9Me8UfuaLFT06Km70eYrqCocrGs6aLzoq_dqhgYhacejDOx1FYFotnqzlkmZKBYimxMfukY5CqeHZHkICqvRZf6PtLtuVTyyDwIsBuSQgb49DjS-Q/s1280/Loading%20the%20Fascines%20in%20to%20Sherman%20%20Carrier.%20One%20bundle%20of%20stakes%20already%20on%20the%20carrier%2002%20Ronco,%20Italy%20-%204-4-45.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1280" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMi8fcfO7AhJwqX2OWZ032sPEqzC67oQijeRaxN8yHfeoS1wZGvtHLUn0jUa52cXAu96oFQffi9Me8UfuaLFT06Km70eYrqCocrGs6aLzoq_dqhgYhacejDOx1FYFotnqzlkmZKBYimxMfukY5CqeHZHkICqvRZf6PtLtuVTyyDwIsBuSQgb49DjS-Q/w640-h638/Loading%20the%20Fascines%20in%20to%20Sherman%20%20Carrier.%20One%20bundle%20of%20stakes%20already%20on%20the%20carrier%2002%20Ronco,%20Italy%20-%204-4-45.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman fascine carrier - front view of the same vehicle above<br />Notice the first bundle of fascine being loaded onto the vehicle,<br />by means of a cable being pulled from the rear of the vehicle.<br />2nd Armoured Brigade REME<br />Ronco, near Forli - Italy - early April 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyIxmeXrlu1DYMBNOc8seq8WYpeRwRqKZDkNTxwNQGgBFCgPaLbwffg_TsmBC_ONDstsAzRToEeLf2vfdA40VTVKfYtnDkgh-lGW7fpFI5rA-4Jw5cXuNPpGDe1ttrY2lBkP9t3nP6-HvoGcn_NcLf_QiQYaQJitxXCUdJ0KSmTZAPyaxsf5Tb4vjcg/s1280/Loading%20the%20Fascines%20in%20to%20Sherman%20%20Carrier.%20One%20bundle%20of%20stakes%20already%20on%20the%20carrier%20%20Ronco,%20Italy%20-%204-4-45.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1280" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyIxmeXrlu1DYMBNOc8seq8WYpeRwRqKZDkNTxwNQGgBFCgPaLbwffg_TsmBC_ONDstsAzRToEeLf2vfdA40VTVKfYtnDkgh-lGW7fpFI5rA-4Jw5cXuNPpGDe1ttrY2lBkP9t3nP6-HvoGcn_NcLf_QiQYaQJitxXCUdJ0KSmTZAPyaxsf5Tb4vjcg/w640-h554/Loading%20the%20Fascines%20in%20to%20Sherman%20%20Carrier.%20One%20bundle%20of%20stakes%20already%20on%20the%20carrier%20%20Ronco,%20Italy%20-%204-4-45.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same Sherman fascine carrier of pic above - front view<br />The second bundle of fascine being loaded onto the vehicle.<br />2nd Armoured Brigade REME<br />Ronco, near Forli - Italy - early April 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB53H0xy8HwXcKLhz7sc5g_hBJHMNf9jjU_gaXQzssMGbNGi0PuhO3YhGLmEpMpUABVPU3VbmjIGD5ulp8SBmGgvrBVMZPwj_P65MOlV3lKz-Gm7cJ25H5OO0J4wiV4ORL8eXlEiji8zkLLWItsM4t8PdGUmCfKbPv9e9hKI57EO46v3yRhO-oXO4Q6A/s1280/Sherman%20ark%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB53H0xy8HwXcKLhz7sc5g_hBJHMNf9jjU_gaXQzssMGbNGi0PuhO3YhGLmEpMpUABVPU3VbmjIGD5ulp8SBmGgvrBVMZPwj_P65MOlV3lKz-Gm7cJ25H5OO0J4wiV4ORL8eXlEiji8zkLLWItsM4t8PdGUmCfKbPv9e9hKI57EO46v3yRhO-oXO4Q6A/w640-h484/Sherman%20ark%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherman V Twaby Ark with their ramps folded<br />2nd Armoured Brigade REME<br />Notice the extra-large grousers in the tracks.<br />Ronco, near Forli - Italy - early April 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsIEgWv4SfuExiDcU183X5Vl54frxnC5deWICmLWn6Kkd-zL5YbZW7mV1t4J0-D4_P4EQSxvlxGhoQBf7gTpFF_hj3n_XiL_zaBXvdmmZ1Z2gl_esp1KYnNYpIAM_eW1eAWSh4EFA3JefN8irGJ8mfWoNH3n2BndR5Upe13MDnHS5EJQhdtZsBErzDw/s1280/Sherman%20ark%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsIEgWv4SfuExiDcU183X5Vl54frxnC5deWICmLWn6Kkd-zL5YbZW7mV1t4J0-D4_P4EQSxvlxGhoQBf7gTpFF_hj3n_XiL_zaBXvdmmZ1Z2gl_esp1KYnNYpIAM_eW1eAWSh4EFA3JefN8irGJ8mfWoNH3n2BndR5Upe13MDnHS5EJQhdtZsBErzDw/w640-h462/Sherman%20ark%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same Sherman V Twaby Ark seen above.<br />2nd Armoured Brigade REME<br />Notice the extra-large grousers in the tracks.<br />Ronco, near Forli - Italy - early April 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"><b>Fascines after WWII:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">Fascines continued to be employed by the British Army after WWII as it is a simple and effective means of solving the problem of tank obstacles. From the old recipe with bundles of branches to more modern solutions with polyethylene tubes and composite materials, to better support the weight and size of new and modern vehicles, this equipment has proved to be extremely useful in battle situations, being positively tested. in every conflict since WWII.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Fo6KP-OMTx_rZ-KwIA3aRw1y7jq-tcdOV1-MH8UfO3lvdUYa9y8YF9ng10bZsplwTHTvRggFmnT8d0yxJI2yfLerhmQVG91k33ejWK2WMM2hRGVOKD_E2Pumsv1oGo5G82t3IC3P-lxaRpNCe4XlyhBNhwqVGnmOz103EDRErCDEbz-pL2u9e1oEQQ/s800/Churchill_VII_AVRE_With_Fascine%201955%20165mm%20bore%20demolition%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="800" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Fo6KP-OMTx_rZ-KwIA3aRw1y7jq-tcdOV1-MH8UfO3lvdUYa9y8YF9ng10bZsplwTHTvRggFmnT8d0yxJI2yfLerhmQVG91k33ejWK2WMM2hRGVOKD_E2Pumsv1oGo5G82t3IC3P-lxaRpNCe4XlyhBNhwqVGnmOz103EDRErCDEbz-pL2u9e1oEQQ/w640-h434/Churchill_VII_AVRE_With_Fascine%201955%20165mm%20bore%20demolition%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.VII AVRE (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Ordnance_L9" target="_blank">L9 - 165mm bore demolition gun</a>)<br />with "old-school" bundle of wood fascine<br />United Kingdon -1955<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTgwPKav3-ABVhWyoCYKlM2Huz4o-b4KUO8rY5CvPhX-gZm01e1onji--nXHjo2bSHB1vaiEm3lX0s67EB2q-4bTS6vXH_DA6DKEN_27z3X-7tD3K-H7xIIeyqzD0gSYv6U2QVczelDUcuSijAYb2MEAWwjLKnJ3n0E84cD25cklTNpFWdZDousc2ug/s1280/Centurion%20AVRE%201964.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTgwPKav3-ABVhWyoCYKlM2Huz4o-b4KUO8rY5CvPhX-gZm01e1onji--nXHjo2bSHB1vaiEm3lX0s67EB2q-4bTS6vXH_DA6DKEN_27z3X-7tD3K-H7xIIeyqzD0gSYv6U2QVczelDUcuSijAYb2MEAWwjLKnJ3n0E84cD25cklTNpFWdZDousc2ug/w640-h388/Centurion%20AVRE%201964.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centurion AVRE with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Ordnance_L9" target="_blank">L9 - 165mm bore demolition gun</a><br />passing over a beam of fascines in tubes.<br />United Kingdon -1964</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iTTQLtMZlon_Bno_mRTnbt1Z5I9j1fxep11uyyEucNLg-ZCrdgdAR7YyfNTGCslRhtMN7GZ50-M--qJBKqbTeGrUZ-1bXwxSTFF11pMBzTOf_Vm024LaD0ZIROkmH0OjepszOHcsuWEWUg9YUdV0-eKq5EXyIrx7QjEIyyVXKjYpol7QdRmZVrvRag/s1280/Chieftain%20AVRE%20%E2%80%98CHAVRE%E2%80%99%20in%20Kosovo,%202000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iTTQLtMZlon_Bno_mRTnbt1Z5I9j1fxep11uyyEucNLg-ZCrdgdAR7YyfNTGCslRhtMN7GZ50-M--qJBKqbTeGrUZ-1bXwxSTFF11pMBzTOf_Vm024LaD0ZIROkmH0OjepszOHcsuWEWUg9YUdV0-eKq5EXyIrx7QjEIyyVXKjYpol7QdRmZVrvRag/w640-h358/Chieftain%20AVRE%20%E2%80%98CHAVRE%E2%80%99%20in%20Kosovo,%202000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chieftain AVRE ‘CHAVRE’ with tube fascines.<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosovo_Force" target="_blank">KFOR</a> - Kosovo - 2000</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FTnaMV-WUxm8W7T9qdnsDdyXHNqhPqww5m6QSHDaFZsW8_E2pHp7rfd7ooYGsUNcodXV8-hGWcq-etjwCWen6-MOcCd1w78Jl99u9fxlcAF1XxpSCkYELbBzK1U5ZBK7HePTq_-q1a38zDRw3SlnS6E9GHww7Pxbaj8PGnhSyzjgTOOb5dvU_cX3LQ/s1280/Chieftain%20Armoured%20Vehicle%20Royal%20Engineers%20(AVRE)%20is%20pictured%20carrying%20a%20fascine%202005.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FTnaMV-WUxm8W7T9qdnsDdyXHNqhPqww5m6QSHDaFZsW8_E2pHp7rfd7ooYGsUNcodXV8-hGWcq-etjwCWen6-MOcCd1w78Jl99u9fxlcAF1XxpSCkYELbBzK1U5ZBK7HePTq_-q1a38zDRw3SlnS6E9GHww7Pxbaj8PGnhSyzjgTOOb5dvU_cX3LQ/w640-h348/Chieftain%20Armoured%20Vehicle%20Royal%20Engineers%20(AVRE)%20is%20pictured%20carrying%20a%20fascine%202005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chieftain Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (AVRE)<br />carrying two bundles of tube fascines<br />2005</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9oK85iDKqqvk2LysFgnUAtTvqFzimJ5Tf7c3w3RezGFxEt5PKjDOurWL6f9jgUN1cWpoyy4F5eNFWaBCjXMIn26XcyUnrkdzIPjilLgVSo4zyX-Q19NqtB3wiQyPeJTuRsF1vJLDkJNM7SjbSOTxJ2bapgTTanuZUfFs9hDtu9_rsgxycQ3OdzgoRw/s1280/Trojan%20AVRE%20mine%20clearing%20afganistan%20-%20%20Challenger%202%20-%202009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9oK85iDKqqvk2LysFgnUAtTvqFzimJ5Tf7c3w3RezGFxEt5PKjDOurWL6f9jgUN1cWpoyy4F5eNFWaBCjXMIn26XcyUnrkdzIPjilLgVSo4zyX-Q19NqtB3wiQyPeJTuRsF1vJLDkJNM7SjbSOTxJ2bapgTTanuZUfFs9hDtu9_rsgxycQ3OdzgoRw/w640-h328/Trojan%20AVRE%20mine%20clearing%20afganistan%20-%20%20Challenger%202%20-%202009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challenger II Trojan AVRE mine clearing with tube fascines<br />Afganistan - 2009</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjNvbsRrdqrVkgyXRaZJIVN6CWqdiWHTI9HypvMSOEAWoqU0pcGGgyYefSkQgBB7htJ-AQ6wqeIfj7C420hZAKWS4HqGV9V6PGD9r35yJkglAKhuUm-RKhsuJe5SIq8dEn-Hv0IN_CA_zYqoNq303k7XqPqr94f2I98ZRXy3AZk7rdrxbIpuXUr71UQ/s1400/Churchill%20Mk.IV%20AVRE%20fascine%20carrier%20specs2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1400" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjNvbsRrdqrVkgyXRaZJIVN6CWqdiWHTI9HypvMSOEAWoqU0pcGGgyYefSkQgBB7htJ-AQ6wqeIfj7C420hZAKWS4HqGV9V6PGD9r35yJkglAKhuUm-RKhsuJe5SIq8dEn-Hv0IN_CA_zYqoNq303k7XqPqr94f2I98ZRXy3AZk7rdrxbIpuXUr71UQ/w640-h448/Churchill%20Mk.IV%20AVRE%20fascine%20carrier%20specs2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; text-align: center; width: 315px;"><tbody><tr><th class="hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="fn org">Churchill Mk IV AVRE fascine carrier</span></div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Type</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Infantry - sapper tank</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Place of origin </div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">United Kingdom</div></div></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Service history</div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">In service</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">1941–52</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Used by </div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">United Kingdom</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Canada</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Production history</div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Designer</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">V<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Motors" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; font-size: 12.32px; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vauxhall Motors">auxhall Motors</a></li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Manufacturer</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Motors" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vauxhall Motors">Vauxhall Motors</a></div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Produced</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">1941 to 1945</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Number built</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">754 AVRES</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Variants</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Mk.III & Mk.IV</div></div></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Specifications</div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Weight</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">40.1 tons</span></div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Length</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">7.44 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Width</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">3.25 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Height</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">2.49 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Crew</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">6 </div></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; color: #a2a9b1; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; text-align: left;" /></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">Armour</span></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">102mm hull front</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">89mm hull side</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">51mm hull rear</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">89mm turret front</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">76mm turret side & rear</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Main <span style="font-size: 12.32px;">armament</span></div></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><div style="text-align: left;">Spigot mortar<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> 290mm</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">firing </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> "Flying Dustbin"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">18 kg </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">petard (26 rds)</span></div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sec. <span style="font-size: 12.32px;">armament</span></div></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Two 7.92mm <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Besa machine gun">Besa M</a>G</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Engine</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Bedford 12-cyl., </div><div style="text-align: left;">4 stroke, water-cooled, </div><div style="text-align: left;">horizontally opposed, </div><div style="text-align: left;">L-head petrol engine</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">350 hp @ 2,200 rpm</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Power/weight</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">9.1 hp / tonne</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Transmission</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Merritt-Brown 4-speed constant-mesh epicyclic gearbox</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Suspension</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Coiled spring</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Op. <span style="font-size: 12.32px;">range</span></div></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">90 km</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Speed</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">24 km/h</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Steering <span style="font-size: 12.32px;">system</span></div></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Triple differential steering</div><div style="text-align: left;">in gearbox</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The kits:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> This time, the characters of our novel are the kits <b><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af35288-churchill-mkiv-avre--582799" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: left;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE </span><span style="text-align: left;">w/ Fascine Carrier Frame</span></a></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af35288-churchill-mkiv-avre--582799" target="_blank">AFV Club (# AF35288)</a></b>...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKpHLdzRa8oMMvVVD6LTXydf4erFRnqEWEJEYo6nEOIFKWgtUBgGQBajOj61eI98qr3V9fiY-DRUV8quATK_RCyYndRLbfxGJvQET5a8aa4y1pFKwh7P3gbHsoMwtfANWIA7e8aAos_ytn6QfKyOBSwdIjjB0UNv9AE2t36VmSvfqDajI37ZQEkPZ0w/s1280/AFV%20club%20box%20art%20kit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKpHLdzRa8oMMvVVD6LTXydf4erFRnqEWEJEYo6nEOIFKWgtUBgGQBajOj61eI98qr3V9fiY-DRUV8quATK_RCyYndRLbfxGJvQET5a8aa4y1pFKwh7P3gbHsoMwtfANWIA7e8aAos_ytn6QfKyOBSwdIjjB0UNv9AE2t36VmSvfqDajI37ZQEkPZ0w/w640-h414/AFV%20club%20box%20art%20kit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE w/ Fascine Carrier Frame </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">AFV Club (# AF35288) kit </span><span style="text-align: justify;">box art</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> ...and the amazing fascine resin kit from <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hobby-fan-hf079-lumber-bundles--676490" target="_blank">Hobby Fan <span style="text-align: left;">Lumber Bundles</span><span style="text-align: left;"> (# HF079)</span></a>:<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I6cNXFLHmb4fWXW4yApwLMoZgv3Iq09Wj4j4WFp1I-rBdh9X0K9Fmm1QosT9Es57uZEuV7Q2ZvGjZ_4cFYCp7mVeL0eAeHfQNuAGmuSBM4ixz1INz45i4fyedmyKm3mDLcEW9g_-c6xxmCcyV4aMhWo-yC80ugDpeOu9lsd1S_dxvMnyEqPaRiv4ag/s1280/Hobby%20fan%20%20box%20art%20kit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3I6cNXFLHmb4fWXW4yApwLMoZgv3Iq09Wj4j4WFp1I-rBdh9X0K9Fmm1QosT9Es57uZEuV7Q2ZvGjZ_4cFYCp7mVeL0eAeHfQNuAGmuSBM4ixz1INz45i4fyedmyKm3mDLcEW9g_-c6xxmCcyV4aMhWo-yC80ugDpeOu9lsd1S_dxvMnyEqPaRiv4ag/w640-h356/Hobby%20fan%20%20box%20art%20kit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobby Fan Lumber Bundles (# HF079) kit box art</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ...and the kits in my workbench, under the supervision of the inexhaustible Kojak. These Churchill kits from AFV are simply fantastic...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM6gZ5sU3QGWyRuuzM_qn6uc2-YDJuOsekTPTDc_f1GNe5knpzKkLYhwXJA4EubdfwjSsDMZxJM96v6bzqxwvY9IJEor0E1eSJaIHdX5pyanrTR3-6Eu0XrAwIQfcDTJurLX53-5n4FTgYyhl2tP3FsXzKaNCeD4_TSkXvn527fSoe4S9zvoPn8Rk1A/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEM6gZ5sU3QGWyRuuzM_qn6uc2-YDJuOsekTPTDc_f1GNe5knpzKkLYhwXJA4EubdfwjSsDMZxJM96v6bzqxwvY9IJEor0E1eSJaIHdX5pyanrTR3-6Eu0XrAwIQfcDTJurLX53-5n4FTgYyhl2tP3FsXzKaNCeD4_TSkXvn527fSoe4S9zvoPn8Rk1A/w640-h368/Churchill%20fascine%20001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My workbench with the bald one, ready for action!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Hobby Fan resin kit of the fascine bundles is very interesting: four segments of wooden fascines, finely molded, without any bubbles or defects...fantastic pieces!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM01om1JBPly4x9uTsGokga2ewgBscEyfbJ9G_69GJMKdgbBB6Ng-oN2-_JUwgfMlg7p9CxAWxOTQf2XR-2ss7v8xY1aSa7OKxzo-mtIYSrw_jQXGGhlaLvq6bMCqALqnFUr5w1hbqGxo6SZbtClyYI9XnHhc3ZFPQ6xmeNGWKmgZB6QJEHJo-oGEYQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM01om1JBPly4x9uTsGokga2ewgBscEyfbJ9G_69GJMKdgbBB6Ng-oN2-_JUwgfMlg7p9CxAWxOTQf2XR-2ss7v8xY1aSa7OKxzo-mtIYSrw_jQXGGhlaLvq6bMCqALqnFUr5w1hbqGxo6SZbtClyYI9XnHhc3ZFPQ6xmeNGWKmgZB6QJEHJo-oGEYQ/w640-h316/Churchill%20fascine%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing resin kit !!! Very well done, Hobby Fan!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVfTgjLW38JCNG4-QdxePs8v6L42Jg0PBVh1kZQOboZlzg9l5D0qWwhAA-u0FbEOnnHqL9gjbBFVxVBZD30BC4BCWIDFYlXXhsIW7tyySyBHCoTyN-RadQiQfP93ZUF9QfHvFayI-jL7MhlRhobDZjZwEg6VsEswX_rxUG0IMbojmf95B8kroa9Azvg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVfTgjLW38JCNG4-QdxePs8v6L42Jg0PBVh1kZQOboZlzg9l5D0qWwhAA-u0FbEOnnHqL9gjbBFVxVBZD30BC4BCWIDFYlXXhsIW7tyySyBHCoTyN-RadQiQfP93ZUF9QfHvFayI-jL7MhlRhobDZjZwEg6VsEswX_rxUG0IMbojmf95B8kroa9Azvg/w640-h454/Churchill%20fascine%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressive details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UTt9nuPX-jxcxueavzNdUzCp23_hBLQffKEfekmZgYCv1Q_A0caAoLX8VOJwCfUDCQxH1QFUklkEUW0myf7W_XNaNcLFDlHSlrF7UjtNiNbTtvE0W9khCYD02XwS4Q6eGH8zNefV4Z0w3RdRyaJP6DV2QSA8hj0jzhw2_ghO9kvIo3W-EFtUBmpj5g/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UTt9nuPX-jxcxueavzNdUzCp23_hBLQffKEfekmZgYCv1Q_A0caAoLX8VOJwCfUDCQxH1QFUklkEUW0myf7W_XNaNcLFDlHSlrF7UjtNiNbTtvE0W9khCYD02XwS4Q6eGH8zNefV4Z0w3RdRyaJP6DV2QSA8hj0jzhw2_ghO9kvIo3W-EFtUBmpj5g/w640-h452/Churchill%20fascine%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't resist doing a dry-run... The fitting of the pieces is a bit random...<br />you have to choose the best position of the pieces, especially the external ones...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But enough drooling over the (future) details of the model and let's get to the task of building the kit. I didn't bother to photograph all the stages, because what is not lacking in our Bunker are photos of the construction of the Churchills of the AFV... there are more than 20, if I'm not mistaken... and there are still more Churchills to come... oops..spoiler alert!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> I built this Churchill AVRE fascine carrier in parallel with the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20III%20AVRE%20-%20S.B.G.%20%28Small%20Box%20Girder%29%20assault%20bridge" target="_blank">Churchill AVRE SBG assault bridge</a>...so don't be surprised at photos with duplicate kits...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE1IJBAXK0k77SDqB8J96y71JGnkYI4Jw78UlOyEFqGdfw4hCEhUFi6W-eibyMjy2L32W2PYg8jQbkZgvO8afy7foX9pT3jSTKo4wxGOubbYnsJNwFKmBWpQtairZe2LH-dgPPH3x1TzciwWlRq2gg1oFQWJVAiFL3bmmYWEBIHlRVgj2PqB0PKx4rA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20008.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE1IJBAXK0k77SDqB8J96y71JGnkYI4Jw78UlOyEFqGdfw4hCEhUFi6W-eibyMjy2L32W2PYg8jQbkZgvO8afy7foX9pT3jSTKo4wxGOubbYnsJNwFKmBWpQtairZe2LH-dgPPH3x1TzciwWlRq2gg1oFQWJVAiFL3bmmYWEBIHlRVgj2PqB0PKx4rA/w640-h310/Churchill%20fascine%20008.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the suspensions of the tank...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqY5A4vnfxf6iWK8TBCeOW1rDfNIBkbkujZSPQpLxNYMgx8931BH5NFLEeGWJWqNpO7k4_lQittaM7bVm2fOn_u4dMxZflpnseF0yYQre7zj7P7MMVPzHaPN7sx7SI0ZuRi6Y0u6HHIyZCRDxnigWZj4uXmBMUbS-8qEcfxb9cXcfVPXPoEuTmEtAzA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20009.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqY5A4vnfxf6iWK8TBCeOW1rDfNIBkbkujZSPQpLxNYMgx8931BH5NFLEeGWJWqNpO7k4_lQittaM7bVm2fOn_u4dMxZflpnseF0yYQre7zj7P7MMVPzHaPN7sx7SI0ZuRi6Y0u6HHIyZCRDxnigWZj4uXmBMUbS-8qEcfxb9cXcfVPXPoEuTmEtAzA/w640-h360/Churchill%20fascine%20009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill AVRE fascine carrier in parallel with the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20III%20AVRE%20-%20S.B.G.%20%28Small%20Box%20Girder%29%20assault%20bridge" target="_blank">Churchill AVRE SBG assault bridge</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RsygHpnpHzO_RM588hNJwx92yeS8sktXnV27c__03qWXWMsS0EF2oCzOb4ctwoOQNSY7ASVl4Xx1manV7-JUYMCFjezkRK5LONussjHu_d9Pn_Tn-yg4zZSH0XmtOAECx0TlD4gCmI1MFWLeEvOKKtQW8BUBH5cq8m2mHkuSOWUBSLUZPmUd6O7hLA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RsygHpnpHzO_RM588hNJwx92yeS8sktXnV27c__03qWXWMsS0EF2oCzOb4ctwoOQNSY7ASVl4Xx1manV7-JUYMCFjezkRK5LONussjHu_d9Pn_Tn-yg4zZSH0XmtOAECx0TlD4gCmI1MFWLeEvOKKtQW8BUBH5cq8m2mHkuSOWUBSLUZPmUd6O7hLA/w640-h380/Churchill%20fascine%20010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspensions almost ready...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSC7ruuVEN6eZrsCEHORJMuJkPRC0Og8wlcgVMlUSo-xXuSW66IS7y_m6r9RhO03wUvR9A6m34gj5SqTWTcztBoiMKjqFeFaotM_yixdRBnIruGPc7hVdmT3xWwCUzDIZTAJe-6n2yU4xwifJ3l4T4UNsNTHFqqgxekmYbUOQ2A7kKsIJXM92jbabJA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSC7ruuVEN6eZrsCEHORJMuJkPRC0Og8wlcgVMlUSo-xXuSW66IS7y_m6r9RhO03wUvR9A6m34gj5SqTWTcztBoiMKjqFeFaotM_yixdRBnIruGPc7hVdmT3xWwCUzDIZTAJe-6n2yU4xwifJ3l4T4UNsNTHFqqgxekmYbUOQ2A7kKsIJXM92jbabJA/w640-h310/Churchill%20fascine%20011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these AFV Churchills...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNNfyDjbtaMkAI6xiso1sveh_ZI6krpLbFOnEriRa33urDIBCNxR8EV1Xltl7NUaMVUyuwJQAqhgUEB7GpHk3MNijUnAplfh5BbMk-XwBhSwG5nQswUzajY6NjqNVC8Z878NIHPxDbtVVIcm8jpgFoHRfsgrRIMcyfbpJJ1yXvI3ELamYgL1O_bLsCw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNNfyDjbtaMkAI6xiso1sveh_ZI6krpLbFOnEriRa33urDIBCNxR8EV1Xltl7NUaMVUyuwJQAqhgUEB7GpHk3MNijUnAplfh5BbMk-XwBhSwG5nQswUzajY6NjqNVC8Z878NIHPxDbtVVIcm8jpgFoHRfsgrRIMcyfbpJJ1yXvI3ELamYgL1O_bLsCw/w640-h294/Churchill%20fascine%20013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill AVRE fascine carrier and Churchill AVRE SBG <br />assault bridge hulls...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkrxh3w1k2Vt0RQelJr5NHYHainMZ1kWfg3sB8K6lHkfkFnIShykMj2k4DZswhI6IV4f2FQXUoAM8wPdoIypra38aSTDmFdXpNn_ev2n4VW4KlupgRMLkMDaStexrr2tNmWa6WvIt-VpQU-_vDCA53bAfAL_Dhy39cYLJlkC2J6zJKy-KYf_psbrj0w/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkrxh3w1k2Vt0RQelJr5NHYHainMZ1kWfg3sB8K6lHkfkFnIShykMj2k4DZswhI6IV4f2FQXUoAM8wPdoIypra38aSTDmFdXpNn_ev2n4VW4KlupgRMLkMDaStexrr2tNmWa6WvIt-VpQU-_vDCA53bAfAL_Dhy39cYLJlkC2J6zJKy-KYf_psbrj0w/w640-h352/Churchill%20fascine%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Crushing" the front suspensions to simulate the weight of the<br />future big bundle of fascine. I glued the suspension components in that position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglr4XXrYGmaTPGtOracZcckavxZyyxorDnEOYoritpsKUddzBskluhsZz2AoHJF8wx-KsffrstQxKgEcQ8G1vua9yVSvlEesOCTl_EZv_SOytsSXg14iHpbQZLztFvyGKfl0Dqe91pMdHoxhkb9JPGJFpLTSHbofIQ2TIObNeQ_KCDMCpDm2UYM-U2sg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglr4XXrYGmaTPGtOracZcckavxZyyxorDnEOYoritpsKUddzBskluhsZz2AoHJF8wx-KsffrstQxKgEcQ8G1vua9yVSvlEesOCTl_EZv_SOytsSXg14iHpbQZLztFvyGKfl0Dqe91pMdHoxhkb9JPGJFpLTSHbofIQ2TIObNeQ_KCDMCpDm2UYM-U2sg/w640-h330/Churchill%20fascine%20013a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And in addition to tilting the suspensions, I'm also going to install a<br />counterweight on the (internal) tail of the kit, for better balance...<br />In the pic above, the two Funnies under construction.<br />The higher weight is for the AVRE SBG (140 grams) and the<br />lower weight (110 grams) is for the Fascine Carrier</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30QKjSnsXt4GnzqCqCynSV8HpbcBywtcyvjmt8sqKte32HePX9u3wcDYF9-6v5taoYY60DFQtaHzP5-VBAtTE4zxNCQru1Bj6ETz7JwL6emGiZgIqNq6qwEoYM2SCEKzqLPgXhGIHhgWLVyo7u6WsVqv-XpT6ruJMSangWLOZspb7AcjpiQAfTohs9A/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30QKjSnsXt4GnzqCqCynSV8HpbcBywtcyvjmt8sqKte32HePX9u3wcDYF9-6v5taoYY60DFQtaHzP5-VBAtTE4zxNCQru1Bj6ETz7JwL6emGiZgIqNq6qwEoYM2SCEKzqLPgXhGIHhgWLVyo7u6WsVqv-XpT6ruJMSangWLOZspb7AcjpiQAfTohs9A/w640-h388/Churchill%20fascine%20013b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the ballasts with quick two-component epoxy adhesive...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo6XsqeG0DnVrXMpGIKO8tLo6EZA0Lfa_vYD5hrE7kjRIVEiNtJmgKLqHClUse-wJ5IHRzwrl0X-ZXR-UkFpi-RvnEpqNms6X-OfGSolxGdLYgZvy3qSu2VOFYHg-EF0MNfJ_e3JpHI6YSpDH3YCEZPjGqmQSWtJQbwc-I1foNcS9_Xf6Rlfxkwv61Q/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo6XsqeG0DnVrXMpGIKO8tLo6EZA0Lfa_vYD5hrE7kjRIVEiNtJmgKLqHClUse-wJ5IHRzwrl0X-ZXR-UkFpi-RvnEpqNms6X-OfGSolxGdLYgZvy3qSu2VOFYHg-EF0MNfJ_e3JpHI6YSpDH3YCEZPjGqmQSWtJQbwc-I1foNcS9_Xf6Rlfxkwv61Q/w640-h296/Churchill%20fascine%20013c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epoxy adhesive gluing the ballasts. Super strong, by Crom!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjQvYmuYEtIEtRS7_y0nlTeeR6nobq2Wu7sb2kcndkAliNlWdUomZJOcTwEfIv2UVCU6Db3eEYgFgpADIEreSLXVF3pHx_zu05Sn-W8j6L3vC4EVVj2YZ1cKRKcbuEOlFYvs9dJ5iTyTPTpSJszFJyaW595Tvs1A1mnyQCkk0w82BsxGIft74YSW4dw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013d.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjQvYmuYEtIEtRS7_y0nlTeeR6nobq2Wu7sb2kcndkAliNlWdUomZJOcTwEfIv2UVCU6Db3eEYgFgpADIEreSLXVF3pHx_zu05Sn-W8j6L3vC4EVVj2YZ1cKRKcbuEOlFYvs9dJ5iTyTPTpSJszFJyaW595Tvs1A1mnyQCkk0w82BsxGIft74YSW4dw/w640-h412/Churchill%20fascine%20013d.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I also reinforced it with sprue and acrylic (<a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20III%20AVRE%20-%20S.B.G.%20%28Small%20Box%20Girder%29%20assault%20bridge" target="_blank">see details, here</a>).<br />Hull front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBV5gWzSVnoZASn1xnt8T12qolwkc9lBEVweLSQ8TID2F2Pq76ZDddgkRz-Fd0I9TjZh1V2Z4z9ZHV-I2IJ3mHAvAuKT_n3BfFeg7pj6YNskGL2WC_otsnce9jGiKa6xIBDLyEU2rAQhHdG62KwAEyg3ZCQ4U_xLvuzfBzV3bvP7x9xSr4C-brmQM6g/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013e.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBV5gWzSVnoZASn1xnt8T12qolwkc9lBEVweLSQ8TID2F2Pq76ZDddgkRz-Fd0I9TjZh1V2Z4z9ZHV-I2IJ3mHAvAuKT_n3BfFeg7pj6YNskGL2WC_otsnce9jGiKa6xIBDLyEU2rAQhHdG62KwAEyg3ZCQ4U_xLvuzfBzV3bvP7x9xSr4C-brmQM6g/w640-h362/Churchill%20fascine%20013e.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-NSLWz2l3oZmb5NonLipmnFoxxt4xbisRM-DujvYtOIuoCVWNCy_TUXnPk8s17MBkx_0l7PnHo4Yap1uxdBaKsDUOKGrOYT6NMRzgXn26OcWYz_pU5dCIYmWnfjvE64Uz_Ti2Qecw0jJFMvGzTq3g5PV8Hz9xFC0ETlfb-lwAY5M_xVyQn7lsPcfXg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013f.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-NSLWz2l3oZmb5NonLipmnFoxxt4xbisRM-DujvYtOIuoCVWNCy_TUXnPk8s17MBkx_0l7PnHo4Yap1uxdBaKsDUOKGrOYT6NMRzgXn26OcWYz_pU5dCIYmWnfjvE64Uz_Ti2Qecw0jJFMvGzTq3g5PV8Hz9xFC0ETlfb-lwAY5M_xVyQn7lsPcfXg/w640-h378/Churchill%20fascine%20013f.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning the 3 burrs of the engine safe locks is so annoying<br />(the parts are very fragile) that it is better to replace the whole thing with metal:<br /> copper wires in the correct diameter and lengths...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTysEvnotquzkwgY2WczTYLk0L9j03dtD3WGye9sTF1Cw6N6PHIxSxXXRxVZVGe8agQaj05pjbfT57RkjyS2Cn8MCSViDaA32BY3h5UWgmfbaiT6m19Uld_LeWp9tWPFPfu6XeJOdxzzD6YCDipd9tFg-pmTEjFKW7MaqxNcyBKyEBZHnriAHRVr8vZQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013g.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTysEvnotquzkwgY2WczTYLk0L9j03dtD3WGye9sTF1Cw6N6PHIxSxXXRxVZVGe8agQaj05pjbfT57RkjyS2Cn8MCSViDaA32BY3h5UWgmfbaiT6m19Uld_LeWp9tWPFPfu6XeJOdxzzD6YCDipd9tFg-pmTEjFKW7MaqxNcyBKyEBZHnriAHRVr8vZQ/w640-h372/Churchill%20fascine%20013g.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lads celebrate!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9wvXbjOPNcBWpMI9jDQze7KrnfBa4bK4MTpAH2fmg65hY-oCsGoqa0GsUFf_q5z_hbo5XhinL7QUvA1Y3Bwykk16GtFQneWrBrs3A8HDmAyOMNS7akOIjz_U85ZR5dAFOViScjhZ6ilMl191xnSuBBEjh4nQQpbFKLrgEOs9PliMl0YiA77DqCFigg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20013h.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9wvXbjOPNcBWpMI9jDQze7KrnfBa4bK4MTpAH2fmg65hY-oCsGoqa0GsUFf_q5z_hbo5XhinL7QUvA1Y3Bwykk16GtFQneWrBrs3A8HDmAyOMNS7akOIjz_U85ZR5dAFOViScjhZ6ilMl191xnSuBBEjh4nQQpbFKLrgEOs9PliMl0YiA77DqCFigg/w640-h420/Churchill%20fascine%20013h.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, it´s turret time: the Mk.IV rounded one...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOx4L3aqHoQih3YQOkCzqg0L0UbBd_iMR58un7dDjPNdsi2hXOZocl50I2_oUTHZjzEbkRuwLDPE-s5DDhRZZXg6GeGNPVdSp85zVvudCAhFQ9j3rtXFGw1z-5qpQCpKW5w7e0TBoN5QiYjr1XiET9cGOgBKDrnaIDCtVwhfKlZxwL1oHg_9nvwadU4g/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20022a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOx4L3aqHoQih3YQOkCzqg0L0UbBd_iMR58un7dDjPNdsi2hXOZocl50I2_oUTHZjzEbkRuwLDPE-s5DDhRZZXg6GeGNPVdSp85zVvudCAhFQ9j3rtXFGw1z-5qpQCpKW5w7e0TBoN5QiYjr1XiET9cGOgBKDrnaIDCtVwhfKlZxwL1oHg_9nvwadU4g/w640-h418/Churchill%20fascine%20022a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret done - left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUo_U-H_kxDJGzneLa_DwzYXLritPs0oWBkh3CpoDtDNBmmZiUfwDRh1JibJP20cHDu54Fb33t-5Lcuyh9yjI2tShWjokAf6o-j0ZKK0ttAy9XeHZznoVpGFDt_VV3yX72S2AIeS18egm2J660qkf1G61RMjWnUHSDasYXkpFryv0PMmZSpmU66b8Qw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUo_U-H_kxDJGzneLa_DwzYXLritPs0oWBkh3CpoDtDNBmmZiUfwDRh1JibJP20cHDu54Fb33t-5Lcuyh9yjI2tShWjokAf6o-j0ZKK0ttAy9XeHZznoVpGFDt_VV3yX72S2AIeS18egm2J660qkf1G61RMjWnUHSDasYXkpFryv0PMmZSpmU66b8Qw/w640-h478/Churchill%20fascine%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turret done - right view</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yUW8ecGwHDpKHHU9LrO9ukrha9JnSmVyZ3Wj-XjNAEl2Gcy3aC1KjRSJhgJKccA3r7U6vn-Z5T1yJHv494CdQXRqGAXcCvLj3_eUM93o2OuYlr-poHcB0npjLI-6MlmugeY7mqJJ7CDLSUBDAURbzCneupFKvGvzfUBgvmFKyBo_qKUZ1_Q0vC2kyA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yUW8ecGwHDpKHHU9LrO9ukrha9JnSmVyZ3Wj-XjNAEl2Gcy3aC1KjRSJhgJKccA3r7U6vn-Z5T1yJHv494CdQXRqGAXcCvLj3_eUM93o2OuYlr-poHcB0npjLI-6MlmugeY7mqJJ7CDLSUBDAURbzCneupFKvGvzfUBgvmFKyBo_qKUZ1_Q0vC2kyA/w640-h410/Churchill%20fascine%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the turret in place...<br />Indeed, the girl is awesome!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfGdKtbzX9nvZzTl2KIVNkFR3XGUpIHjhTNh-MGtU2sYjDR0ZyCOQY5KB6nlfnD1Pg6ZGQtgLFmUKxbueoiuOH7xEaa1QgVLbO_hTaN-CN7geDUSpK-SXUVlm3XsQ9h4k21G9TUSfSQRj8-JEl2oRafpPW6j6R55e90fOMPqUd5v17KzaDJTvBvr6MA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfGdKtbzX9nvZzTl2KIVNkFR3XGUpIHjhTNh-MGtU2sYjDR0ZyCOQY5KB6nlfnD1Pg6ZGQtgLFmUKxbueoiuOH7xEaa1QgVLbO_hTaN-CN7geDUSpK-SXUVlm3XsQ9h4k21G9TUSfSQRj8-JEl2oRafpPW6j6R55e90fOMPqUd5v17KzaDJTvBvr6MA/w640-h408/Churchill%20fascine%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNkmlc0SVJRjflRtvt_mV91MU7XIRTFnP8_-sjkt2f4poGHXOc3xvN4pdgiNTYNl6l0X1CbPYg476Pckj3KOaqE211oWEUxDA52IEkF-uiRmoSf-DW7lRBeu--5a6R9SUNIKWFimIi7MXFp4grto6Jk9rLuCTwi7eeWKSo2gCu5vsrukU4kncKUDkpA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNkmlc0SVJRjflRtvt_mV91MU7XIRTFnP8_-sjkt2f4poGHXOc3xvN4pdgiNTYNl6l0X1CbPYg476Pckj3KOaqE211oWEUxDA52IEkF-uiRmoSf-DW7lRBeu--5a6R9SUNIKWFimIi7MXFp4grto6Jk9rLuCTwi7eeWKSo2gCu5vsrukU4kncKUDkpA/w640-h414/Churchill%20fascine%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Well... now, let's take care of the wood cradle... The frame has to be perfectly squared, because the weight of the fascine is considerable...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98r9nZoCHE2soeEXnd8UYBMHQrsu_443BXxWgUP3toprNExE8Tsxz8RI2gFw8g0zcBanQPM2-g3tw5RXPQ3gc044HKr9sUONVFuTk_GmKH3iAvSI3QTymfi63Yhpbv2ZnH1w05-iWvcUYeYrvs8_jV9MVYzKUfCACU9Eu8kIfLDCEuyAodyM_4ExXvw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98r9nZoCHE2soeEXnd8UYBMHQrsu_443BXxWgUP3toprNExE8Tsxz8RI2gFw8g0zcBanQPM2-g3tw5RXPQ3gc044HKr9sUONVFuTk_GmKH3iAvSI3QTymfi63Yhpbv2ZnH1w05-iWvcUYeYrvs8_jV9MVYzKUfCACU9Eu8kIfLDCEuyAodyM_4ExXvw/w640-h446/Churchill%20fascine%20032.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the crib respecting the squaring</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> A small big detail: I had installed the flaps on the driver and machine gun periscopes, but when testing the adaptation of the cradle on the front deck, I noticed that these protections interfered with the cradle. so let's remove those periscope flaps...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxY2pDmutzb5w5NjcmzqVPhKCEUj_FTGELcJqE_roQcYxzg8tnV6sevJ3FRdLjhl1LBPHIMCz2z3U2FAPc4eJDyVoFnd_xwVnlwg4lt4axU8eA7M_0OUeQNMFqBVq8XDnxCLHzlXQvEtVRGymJ-5jc3zK4om6iSNggmh_rB54jOPRnCQi9jPS9eKrhw/s1277/Churchill%20fascine%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1277" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxY2pDmutzb5w5NjcmzqVPhKCEUj_FTGELcJqE_roQcYxzg8tnV6sevJ3FRdLjhl1LBPHIMCz2z3U2FAPc4eJDyVoFnd_xwVnlwg4lt4axU8eA7M_0OUeQNMFqBVq8XDnxCLHzlXQvEtVRGymJ-5jc3zK4om6iSNggmh_rB54jOPRnCQi9jPS9eKrhw/w640-h384/Churchill%20fascine%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Churchill with and without flaps in his periscopes...<br />The young Liz was happy with the repair!!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGoHo67NIWGa64ogsTukKlzBxrtPpO-caixfPSop49TILumZGV9iqxbGJZWjZ6NAV6awK4UEUk4uQHy5sMBcXn0YPPIEStNi8pRlt4-PfZ0BXhySs1Og60mJAOmmVLBXhAh-4hkcee8orRi80lknGHsLsIZQvXXFjYUbHJHUg7heQ805hettnhTvihA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1280" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGoHo67NIWGa64ogsTukKlzBxrtPpO-caixfPSop49TILumZGV9iqxbGJZWjZ6NAV6awK4UEUk4uQHy5sMBcXn0YPPIEStNi8pRlt4-PfZ0BXhySs1Og60mJAOmmVLBXhAh-4hkcee8orRi80lknGHsLsIZQvXXFjYUbHJHUg7heQ805hettnhTvihA/w640-h494/Churchill%20fascine%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crib in an adaptation test</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFF7LfkHOedyzrJvWtz062O6nkvEwAJIyKf-YRpZdDOy4HuKfD1wmhh7I21SmTd4ccAWIZc0CLgiWPMzPn1KGR9tc1LY-0cOR0_khxxuAsRGwEIOPf9x10atOP0r-BYm9QejZZ_IjA0ghFYhpV_JEA_DdZ304ypv9G6GzhMsF_MhwUwLpy3G6RrLkpA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFF7LfkHOedyzrJvWtz062O6nkvEwAJIyKf-YRpZdDOy4HuKfD1wmhh7I21SmTd4ccAWIZc0CLgiWPMzPn1KGR9tc1LY-0cOR0_khxxuAsRGwEIOPf9x10atOP0r-BYm9QejZZ_IjA0ghFYhpV_JEA_DdZ304ypv9G6GzhMsF_MhwUwLpy3G6RrLkpA/w640-h416/Churchill%20fascine%20036.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice that the periscopes without the flaps fit perfectly now...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, a somewhat "sickening" step to do: the two lashing loops of the fascine steel cable. I will use the AFV "U" hooks (E4 parts) along with the F11 parts. It's just that it's impossible for one to get into the other, unless you have minor surgery. see the pictures below...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFSYR0ldNMmQsvmSesQ-HWgYgpJI2haItc8irQWjZ_tzSVxtLQ4JJs1Mc7b3trUuwtOyXhFQ8fuL-ZSJy4TYopVua2qZRTdag_Zp5335FiMxxKCYBB-gx8P3MhdY6J0jblTJaON8gWHGWpLt0tZx2TxS24-qiruR6M6t_8YE1wb8LmL63IHSioCSCKQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFSYR0ldNMmQsvmSesQ-HWgYgpJI2haItc8irQWjZ_tzSVxtLQ4JJs1Mc7b3trUuwtOyXhFQ8fuL-ZSJy4TYopVua2qZRTdag_Zp5335FiMxxKCYBB-gx8P3MhdY6J0jblTJaON8gWHGWpLt0tZx2TxS24-qiruR6M6t_8YE1wb8LmL63IHSioCSCKQ/w640-h388/Churchill%20fascine%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After cutting (with a knife) a part of the E4 part, you fit<br />the F11 and re-glue the cut part, securing the F11 inside the E4.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE47EvYJ0ot9zs0GETML0a6wUdTnV-aIAivKNCm6vnrS31evzR9dV1_I84t1adL9fGW5QcXfH_souGLEhT1DWPeRfEbTGluDWih17Q8Q1933Q4sg4Ie0fTopQEyaOscJA88S7aNO1Nc3PWn2jvt5cr37i3XUeKQBwhuxy4foehDd6wxoDPOv3EQ4z3kQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE47EvYJ0ot9zs0GETML0a6wUdTnV-aIAivKNCm6vnrS31evzR9dV1_I84t1adL9fGW5QcXfH_souGLEhT1DWPeRfEbTGluDWih17Q8Q1933Q4sg4Ie0fTopQEyaOscJA88S7aNO1Nc3PWn2jvt5cr37i3XUeKQBwhuxy4foehDd6wxoDPOv3EQ4z3kQ/w640-h448/Churchill%20fascine%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then, repeating the process with the other handle.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBAl_3SX8emxf5mbVRICk9pp7lyzoPc0Zg1ZIcr-E3Q8p3jZ6kB42EMILi24IfZaP4Abvhqd-Sle5pJFoY2FCzT_u7C3t8-fXxBus_nlzKn-0XpKAOfqkzrMKc-Bp7uyTDKm8rqOI2aBELTzq3v2JI7GMIt4L2nSfdtOk4CNUSfUlr3I5HQ_MMsuLmA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBAl_3SX8emxf5mbVRICk9pp7lyzoPc0Zg1ZIcr-E3Q8p3jZ6kB42EMILi24IfZaP4Abvhqd-Sle5pJFoY2FCzT_u7C3t8-fXxBus_nlzKn-0XpKAOfqkzrMKc-Bp7uyTDKm8rqOI2aBELTzq3v2JI7GMIt4L2nSfdtOk4CNUSfUlr3I5HQ_MMsuLmA/w640-h384/Churchill%20fascine%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the E4+F11 couples installed in Churchill's rear.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nI87q3oWo6abRRb1QEBDBxR9IKOR_9UMyLncFiaoT0EitnwF4YzTgKbF_JzuB5_bPcL3sYD8yfuHr8-xIt3qti3044aQ7HprMFdDBYugw08K-ZWWJVSPtJgpsH3GpRyN2YXrnVq1rI1POQTfLKraqKHvAYlzneQ-eUXHlwZS7XwrxYWhjzce3XNYZg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1280" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nI87q3oWo6abRRb1QEBDBxR9IKOR_9UMyLncFiaoT0EitnwF4YzTgKbF_JzuB5_bPcL3sYD8yfuHr8-xIt3qti3044aQ7HprMFdDBYugw08K-ZWWJVSPtJgpsH3GpRyN2YXrnVq1rI1POQTfLKraqKHvAYlzneQ-eUXHlwZS7XwrxYWhjzce3XNYZg/w640-h508/Churchill%20fascine%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the wire rope according to the kit instructions...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuyusRFaERlhmLDmAPqDkeruXg3uoJ_BkluN_xUaICcNnN1-ooCMI4wq_P6TSTWgovs5GFj6kHqgjVkIm6UqIB6mA3_iOq3VXhmaZ15bQ8p8Z5E17sk7qHvlENQjqDvEyI5NXauL-lifVHKiFL3ZbN1AjO0pKX4mIH9kdSJzo2kfRI-fcuZ-4pYaoWw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuyusRFaERlhmLDmAPqDkeruXg3uoJ_BkluN_xUaICcNnN1-ooCMI4wq_P6TSTWgovs5GFj6kHqgjVkIm6UqIB6mA3_iOq3VXhmaZ15bQ8p8Z5E17sk7qHvlENQjqDvEyI5NXauL-lifVHKiFL3ZbN1AjO0pKX4mIH9kdSJzo2kfRI-fcuZ-4pYaoWw/w640-h452/Churchill%20fascine%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And building the fascine quick release trigger. The red dots are drops<br />of dental acrylic, to give finish and resistance to F12 plastic parts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIEB3KuJS1l3DRv9dioaGNd7qnm07JXvViL5AkjOLHmkXBFpg1jXh-IL6lNGzpXxp0rpJVAS_iB_yiaYp8MbJbFOPUf6TE0I8gBV0zUddau9QGCQvV0u6dKyimSeqSgv96su5MEvetMLsj9AgfkgIxpJeuDy7CCJOxjt1QTctuwlq-Uec2Ce7BgVSqg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIEB3KuJS1l3DRv9dioaGNd7qnm07JXvViL5AkjOLHmkXBFpg1jXh-IL6lNGzpXxp0rpJVAS_iB_yiaYp8MbJbFOPUf6TE0I8gBV0zUddau9QGCQvV0u6dKyimSeqSgv96su5MEvetMLsj9AgfkgIxpJeuDy7CCJOxjt1QTctuwlq-Uec2Ce7BgVSqg/w640-h382/Churchill%20fascine%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing...testing...<br />Notice the towing steel cable in the hull side<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgbdhbocFjTMVIxNm-L4OQa2d4TqkM68xf4cK9wzw6UTEFnzYn4fjM8DbL8lU-87cALpwruKmvDSNld0Hf6bKgS8sNDOEZKnEsNQVz5xF74k3bkMDAgQJLpLEHzWodkzFDN-7hdIqoNsZ2RH5moLcxCuDSftxc5-gTNpzAiwKS4rFozR_A8ikelhTTQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgbdhbocFjTMVIxNm-L4OQa2d4TqkM68xf4cK9wzw6UTEFnzYn4fjM8DbL8lU-87cALpwruKmvDSNld0Hf6bKgS8sNDOEZKnEsNQVz5xF74k3bkMDAgQJLpLEHzWodkzFDN-7hdIqoNsZ2RH5moLcxCuDSftxc5-gTNpzAiwKS4rFozR_A8ikelhTTQ/w640-h426/Churchill%20fascine%20046.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing...testing...<br />Notice the towing steel cable in the hull side<br />right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">And now, a real challenge: to paint the wooden stakes of fascination, in a convincing way and in a way that I can keep my sanity...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PsjLqVBwe1I67E0rGsFMqx-xdxFWUt_DPtLQkj4O9zTHq4Nq7__e6kROihLEwsh6M_VEA-hfNvgMBxmoPLXOGsN5GHSYq9zPks7WOuiklu1sj1oP2d-5DJ1AeEQWrNlP-_02n0Kr7CN5wgU0boYGkoYC2D4pNvaEyQ51qWdizKZb8muB_czLsnUYCA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PsjLqVBwe1I67E0rGsFMqx-xdxFWUt_DPtLQkj4O9zTHq4Nq7__e6kROihLEwsh6M_VEA-hfNvgMBxmoPLXOGsN5GHSYq9zPks7WOuiklu1sj1oP2d-5DJ1AeEQWrNlP-_02n0Kr7CN5wgU0boYGkoYC2D4pNvaEyQ51qWdizKZb8muB_czLsnUYCA/w640-h332/Churchill%20fascine%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airbrush painting random narrow vertical stripes with<br />light wood color, light and dark grey</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsEdZusPUk0Lh_YcSW4EDk5bNQgGyZ6kL4g76CeOlr4CKrYkYlf4TKmzcbHxDlOBTnaHIeSzfCmJQqzdvSNisLz6kef03yd44w0V5QjTKzKVQOzmOyjmrps39xzPvdhbdP1bKqDaZSjPs-k2XO2XZYPguvytvOPuhv_9V4Crw687KpqS_qFoFh5jvIg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsEdZusPUk0Lh_YcSW4EDk5bNQgGyZ6kL4g76CeOlr4CKrYkYlf4TKmzcbHxDlOBTnaHIeSzfCmJQqzdvSNisLz6kef03yd44w0V5QjTKzKVQOzmOyjmrps39xzPvdhbdP1bKqDaZSjPs-k2XO2XZYPguvytvOPuhv_9V4Crw687KpqS_qFoFh5jvIg/w640-h460/Churchill%20fascine%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the fittings...and the random position of the colors....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdB6mUBsfhWC4k5JpW7Qt8OvK1wScxDd_3zjwWVhJJP8_z-3jZzMsFMmRhPg5nBAchh-RzViazAWT8Z0ZowAIuT1e-HRDGNNBLpL5Fw4ZUSWHVXRZCgtxPODvgwPrifUDhtOiCvvIAjSrxeEUBM0GF_q6u3OtqkJQhCA8VVo-Cv-jpA7gsVaGllV2dA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdB6mUBsfhWC4k5JpW7Qt8OvK1wScxDd_3zjwWVhJJP8_z-3jZzMsFMmRhPg5nBAchh-RzViazAWT8Z0ZowAIuT1e-HRDGNNBLpL5Fw4ZUSWHVXRZCgtxPODvgwPrifUDhtOiCvvIAjSrxeEUBM0GF_q6u3OtqkJQhCA8VVo-Cv-jpA7gsVaGllV2dA/w640-h380/Churchill%20fascine%20059.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But now comes the nightmare: painting (many) stakes individually, <br />with different colors, with brush...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> While the fascine colors dry, let's apply a green primer on our girl...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RGTmEf7ckirAAHVRRPYSpppZPtLtwauP6B9IKIylo4AByLuOUjdD_p1IN5C5Z5fmwbGzYq4jtoGaePwx2ngC0EJuo7QBP51yDhajDjQ8vW5YqDXxawx2ZgFmGBwQ4uppsuwzKvf50iijcsQ4jt-0QfBUWSv9IYFBnJ5bKMfY2UNY7T8Kb3ap9GPCQQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RGTmEf7ckirAAHVRRPYSpppZPtLtwauP6B9IKIylo4AByLuOUjdD_p1IN5C5Z5fmwbGzYq4jtoGaePwx2ngC0EJuo7QBP51yDhajDjQ8vW5YqDXxawx2ZgFmGBwQ4uppsuwzKvf50iijcsQ4jt-0QfBUWSv9IYFBnJ5bKMfY2UNY7T8Kb3ap9GPCQQ/w640-h400/Churchill%20fascine%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk IV AVRE with primer...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85yDgTQvJJaM-epkV4nJ4bVQuAtr4s5k4KvwZcrketbmR2-OtKpiI9_qqYgz9_8lymIaq_kMbeKDzT--hZW1Eba1HSlpFeAEFIRyRQXJE3-aaJQIherW_aEBJL_gy82piUH7vqH4zSUFnevMrbI-4AnaFWGWqyGtG-xbP4hyxvq4oGf7uHp4s1clcPg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85yDgTQvJJaM-epkV4nJ4bVQuAtr4s5k4KvwZcrketbmR2-OtKpiI9_qqYgz9_8lymIaq_kMbeKDzT--hZW1Eba1HSlpFeAEFIRyRQXJE3-aaJQIherW_aEBJL_gy82piUH7vqH4zSUFnevMrbI-4AnaFWGWqyGtG-xbP4hyxvq4oGf7uHp4s1clcPg/w640-h428/Churchill%20fascine%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk IV AVRE with primer...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3HWgp0739_KpKOd875hzBWd-Ko7999o2Pv0_qGVcBEyy8RMWTqb7WfvaCVaXwwCxNzKyWPqCcaO_dPv-wdhT7QqT_v9eRGmxu74wB1nsz763AJVnU-mIdy8o64FPws-0lEjh38hwnA1lwC8J7dkBI1cMjQFlqveQnrXgzgCV7qR6U2ccE43uIzZq5w/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3HWgp0739_KpKOd875hzBWd-Ko7999o2Pv0_qGVcBEyy8RMWTqb7WfvaCVaXwwCxNzKyWPqCcaO_dPv-wdhT7QqT_v9eRGmxu74wB1nsz763AJVnU-mIdy8o64FPws-0lEjh38hwnA1lwC8J7dkBI1cMjQFlqveQnrXgzgCV7qR6U2ccE43uIzZq5w/w640-h438/Churchill%20fascine%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the painting of the crib...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Qj9omNOijMb5Kt-MH6HnvLdYR5zQ9UMWSotNkyS-TRCy7ajXA4CicbTL0oeh8E2MPeGPN5_RjmbjOb7LHiqslHvuYGOpC1tg_q9uGqcANq3w4Ms4IoGRprZEzMox7vvQEP-2pOrQIhpo9rijYqQ37z6TV8h8__FPybBeqm_Tand3IeuEmrD8BY9KZw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Qj9omNOijMb5Kt-MH6HnvLdYR5zQ9UMWSotNkyS-TRCy7ajXA4CicbTL0oeh8E2MPeGPN5_RjmbjOb7LHiqslHvuYGOpC1tg_q9uGqcANq3w4Ms4IoGRprZEzMox7vvQEP-2pOrQIhpo9rijYqQ37z6TV8h8__FPybBeqm_Tand3IeuEmrD8BY9KZw/w640-h396/Churchill%20fascine%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the painting of the crib...<br />right view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> And the fascine was ready... This Hobby Fan kit is simply fantastic in its details... I joined the 4 segments together using self-curing dental acrylic, carefully applied to the fittings. Once solidified, the fascine became a single piece, indivisible and with a much stronger and more economical glued than with epoxy or cyanoacrylate... </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcEY2Va91aS1cKeHoICt18cUzAGSvkCyizfqWxcPHdIUGVjH265ysQ4xVz7F-g1ZJwB6OUjAFcnOzYLgm69P6ZRBHpy8gQg_87DolgSi0EdIq3Un6JI4x_LfyDOsrU-PlfL_wpWiL385YgC___1mztkDIN7uYlU6SqwagJbQNMfooq8st4rDPhGJwwg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20065a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcEY2Va91aS1cKeHoICt18cUzAGSvkCyizfqWxcPHdIUGVjH265ysQ4xVz7F-g1ZJwB6OUjAFcnOzYLgm69P6ZRBHpy8gQg_87DolgSi0EdIq3Un6JI4x_LfyDOsrU-PlfL_wpWiL385YgC___1mztkDIN7uYlU6SqwagJbQNMfooq8st4rDPhGJwwg/w640-h480/Churchill%20fascine%20065a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fascine parts bonding with self-curing dental acrylic<br />font: modified from Armorama</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the painting and matt varnish...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier3E4cI1triO6QUUvnY6BjgfurlNHbMNB3MAWusYBConiZhIHqsZ4XR-pZuNcrS9hfaqeRzkG4tJwDzt2YJrwNx2kQ9fl5gSzgHTRmiB5X5zHByA73oW71-dFAOJzdhe5joqcaf99p9N1YVu7PZgsxWOXHkzKMZzt8PCtJV5dRLjAxQm4I_2_4crKGA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEier3E4cI1triO6QUUvnY6BjgfurlNHbMNB3MAWusYBConiZhIHqsZ4XR-pZuNcrS9hfaqeRzkG4tJwDzt2YJrwNx2kQ9fl5gSzgHTRmiB5X5zHByA73oW71-dFAOJzdhe5joqcaf99p9N1YVu7PZgsxWOXHkzKMZzt8PCtJV5dRLjAxQm4I_2_4crKGA/w640-h358/Churchill%20fascine%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fascine, ready for the ditches and craters!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RubtoaARpfcG4KHI_PjaKfro7FUx_ibFBHzCphqRWq9NHhhgtq707GFnhCFVM3iaQfB9vsS245xW_fRKwwJhgJnRQmut2Z9wXRO-yH_7Tp3kwRp_pU0H50Hyy01bBFx7Rd35sWcyR6bZO5UPQ1jv4MkjPPJgO80Mx6lkOIRqDOBZC9WaaxS0mFTWcQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RubtoaARpfcG4KHI_PjaKfro7FUx_ibFBHzCphqRWq9NHhhgtq707GFnhCFVM3iaQfB9vsS245xW_fRKwwJhgJnRQmut2Z9wXRO-yH_7Tp3kwRp_pU0H50Hyy01bBFx7Rd35sWcyR6bZO5UPQ1jv4MkjPPJgO80Mx6lkOIRqDOBZC9WaaxS0mFTWcQ/w640-h360/Churchill%20fascine%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3/4 view of fascine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgWTQ3CaOgOa02y_cLOGFtA2g_kOCLGUvxlKt6dkP9tc_3zn29wLGD3qqKFRNUD6oHDSBIPrZUY045CR46RXpSG744tU3bXNr2Bfkj1s2aXeTUIHqXUg5U5BSlRtqlefxOf0N1wmVM3LSvg2ziSN1SgNkqcpxghgrRKyxdJDfziI-MAws5m0ILDmsDQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgWTQ3CaOgOa02y_cLOGFtA2g_kOCLGUvxlKt6dkP9tc_3zn29wLGD3qqKFRNUD6oHDSBIPrZUY045CR46RXpSG744tU3bXNr2Bfkj1s2aXeTUIHqXUg5U5BSlRtqlefxOf0N1wmVM3LSvg2ziSN1SgNkqcpxghgrRKyxdJDfziI-MAws5m0ILDmsDQ/w640-h480/Churchill%20fascine%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man, this <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hobby-fan-hf079-lumber-bundles--676490" target="_blank">Hobby Fan resin kit (#HF079)</a> fascine<a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hobby-fan-hf079-lumber-bundles--676490" target="_blank"> (lumber bundles)</a> is awesome<br />and heavy: the fascine+crib set weighs exactly 284 grams.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Letting the fascine rest, let's return to the tank, or rather, to the girl's markings. She will be a little sister to our <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20III%20AVRE%20-%20S.B.G.%20%28Small%20Box%20Girder%29%20assault%20bridge" target="_blank">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG</a>, from the same Division, from the same Regiment. I will use the markings provided by the AFV Club, but with considerable historical complementation. With you, Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS" (T 172540), from 82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armored Division, commanded by Lnc Cpl. Phillips, who landed from LCT 2027 on D-Day, Normandy, June 6, 1944.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6dAcHdB2m_-qtBEt196Ls00jNGC4vbmqQGdO0AFC-I_g_HqtFQyqGN_9mLoRmJ1WdOYmvTaiyxkmUUM9EraDn34G8u6RxofT83LFv5JwKTyaJXzeKk429qDjK7fUP0_guervks0lcIP4xamVt441KAj2dYxGjpJd4jO4IE0ow-XQKA4zUH2dwvYqCg/s1460/Churchill%20fascine%20068.specs%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1460" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6dAcHdB2m_-qtBEt196Ls00jNGC4vbmqQGdO0AFC-I_g_HqtFQyqGN_9mLoRmJ1WdOYmvTaiyxkmUUM9EraDn34G8u6RxofT83LFv5JwKTyaJXzeKk429qDjK7fUP0_guervks0lcIP4xamVt441KAj2dYxGjpJd4jO4IE0ow-XQKA4zUH2dwvYqCg/w640-h480/Churchill%20fascine%20068.specs%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Color profile of Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier</div><div style="text-align: center;">The crib and moorings have been omitted for ease of viewing.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uHBAVEzP7N2jzqqE2HCosJ5zsWXJ5XgRDZFQQnaiOaNchWTGWXxVWygSuI1m3WMnr1BAw3-sp8ljf5rT4mw6E-ussinhMZnc4XQqhUjMfjOOI0xe2TDvefAHm2UGOgJHo7RDRMkpI2s4trz_DdH-22JHgGhNKAMcn6jDFqo5nFE-rgaPXS3Ay6lMiQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2uHBAVEzP7N2jzqqE2HCosJ5zsWXJ5XgRDZFQQnaiOaNchWTGWXxVWygSuI1m3WMnr1BAw3-sp8ljf5rT4mw6E-ussinhMZnc4XQqhUjMfjOOI0xe2TDvefAHm2UGOgJHo7RDRMkpI2s4trz_DdH-22JHgGhNKAMcn6jDFqo5nFE-rgaPXS3Ay6lMiQ/w640-h422/Churchill%20fascine%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOCH NESS, a proud girl<br />with a misterious name...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUKwcGq36cH9bUT47aIiB-0p4wwDWUpsDYswckHH4EmqsS1zH3lh_uvAlB4_JwbJUINFNHViPD-LUuSZao7TH_dCjlLqAAUvBJRC3BMJGYp05fSBj04YMWFsxvXUWLmqzUaephvXg1SksUssddO4s2CcjltCAkADtRkOUY28ghE6RmwYz-W7YF_R82A/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUKwcGq36cH9bUT47aIiB-0p4wwDWUpsDYswckHH4EmqsS1zH3lh_uvAlB4_JwbJUINFNHViPD-LUuSZao7TH_dCjlLqAAUvBJRC3BMJGYp05fSBj04YMWFsxvXUWLmqzUaephvXg1SksUssddO4s2CcjltCAkADtRkOUY28ghE6RmwYz-W7YF_R82A/w640-h442/Churchill%20fascine%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"<br />front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmRCNYN0T8iN9xe5Bas0mrksSzLOg648VqqmBDaXH7Loou03CNzP2on476Xou2TsxRZ7UZfU21Sg9Upzadx_WgerNmjVtg1Xwql6LAy5aQmLFuGh9aMW_PL86T6jSaJCnTA0tnJPfr49iHFtW6PySUoTqOeF3gi8ip39wI946DcvNf97Yj6ns7Q5aPg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmRCNYN0T8iN9xe5Bas0mrksSzLOg648VqqmBDaXH7Loou03CNzP2on476Xou2TsxRZ7UZfU21Sg9Upzadx_WgerNmjVtg1Xwql6LAy5aQmLFuGh9aMW_PL86T6jSaJCnTA0tnJPfr49iHFtW6PySUoTqOeF3gi8ip39wI946DcvNf97Yj6ns7Q5aPg/w640-h382/Churchill%20fascine%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"<br /></span>Notice the LCT number written with chalk on the front fender<span style="text-align: justify;"><br />right view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznQ8-AngeWQHA-r8cfzA14t_hZTD6v9EkHeozvl0yhR0naYej8l1ZUTOtUrGZ56PPw_ptsGZSNP52JzpJTsOwYZ7Q1wRam72gNMo-S6h1PAQatSPcgjOiK8rRJqLnNAiNo1a83BRWJftN2ij9xyvTha5usST5-ID3HXMdcSxnysn6hZKY66Fjf8DpLA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznQ8-AngeWQHA-r8cfzA14t_hZTD6v9EkHeozvl0yhR0naYej8l1ZUTOtUrGZ56PPw_ptsGZSNP52JzpJTsOwYZ7Q1wRam72gNMo-S6h1PAQatSPcgjOiK8rRJqLnNAiNo1a83BRWJftN2ij9xyvTha5usST5-ID3HXMdcSxnysn6hZKY66Fjf8DpLA/w640-h358/Churchill%20fascine%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><br />Notice the shape of the steel cable in the tank rear...<br />rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Note, in the photo above and below, the fascine's steel cable at the rear of the vehicle. This arc shape, given by the "inertia" of the thickness of the thread itself, gets in the way of adjusting the correct position of the fascine... My solution was to lift the rear of the kit a little (do you remember that there is a ballast inside the hull? There's nothing like using gravity to help us...), by means of an elastic rubber band attached to a hook made with wire copper wire, which pulls the fascine thread into the desired position. With the thread taut, assuming the form of traction by weight, I applied a thin layer of PVA glue on the thread, using a brush, and let everything dry for an hour... It is very important to keep the tension in the thread (by the weight of the kit) while the PVA glue hardens, otherwise the steel rope will be "frozen" with an unnatural appearance.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsOcm0w3ZWDMEJhMRk9zz_D8yxjT4H1l0IXpduMkfnTVTB-sWY19nvCvAZHAykEfPRUhij1OZVNZRydvdu84zygpxdzY8G-J28MyEueI-KTZ31d4EmcbMNeHL8jlO406TmKFWqwmHpR-eomym5x4-s3CpVWi7GQh9Rs1_3ttZJC1v0uIDRhIKuAZJMg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1280" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsOcm0w3ZWDMEJhMRk9zz_D8yxjT4H1l0IXpduMkfnTVTB-sWY19nvCvAZHAykEfPRUhij1OZVNZRydvdu84zygpxdzY8G-J28MyEueI-KTZ31d4EmcbMNeHL8jlO406TmKFWqwmHpR-eomym5x4-s3CpVWi7GQh9Rs1_3ttZJC1v0uIDRhIKuAZJMg/w640-h594/Churchill%20fascine%20085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzerserra Gravitational Traction Device<br />(*patent required) in action.<br />Notice the shape of the rear mooring cable (green arrows)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the cable issue resolved, let's take care of installing the fascine in its position on the front hull of the AVRE. As the piece is very heavy, I thought of dividing this step into subsets, to facilitate gluing and adjustment. My idea is to glue the fascine to the cradle, forming a sub-assembly that will later be installed in the vehicle, being held in place by its own weight and the traction cables. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> First step: "Testing the crib"!! I've noticed a certain instability of the crib, when its hind legs rest on the AVRE's upper deck. The crib has 3 hind legs: one left, one median and one right. All are the same size and length, but the right leg should be 1mm longer, as it does not rest on the driver's hatch, but on the upper deck of the hull. See pic below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBnnFQJPwSerwjOf23pjLe1Nhj3dqkeL85Mx7BN-g-0vpSuNxkec-rZIpbfr6q0UC1OQeaVgYUcevv4_4OLeXxxaBWr3v8qSaf2OsDHNiLHNCe1IVI80MNpRSwBy46aONYntCESBHfiV4EzehlwxxqAYZn8iFlu4hmKHaSRVB4hB7gsdnZ1hyEDzHtQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBnnFQJPwSerwjOf23pjLe1Nhj3dqkeL85Mx7BN-g-0vpSuNxkec-rZIpbfr6q0UC1OQeaVgYUcevv4_4OLeXxxaBWr3v8qSaf2OsDHNiLHNCe1IVI80MNpRSwBy46aONYntCESBHfiV4EzehlwxxqAYZn8iFlu4hmKHaSRVB4hB7gsdnZ1hyEDzHtQ/w640-h398/Churchill%20fascine%20086.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crib, shifted to the left, showing the 1mm addition<br />at the base of the right rear leg.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"> Once this defect is detected, just add a 1mm thick piece of plasticard to the right hind leg and the entire crib is much more stable.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFG-AqwI4ato5qjnYHGAaUJSlNk4ox-7csthtBPE4l-oE1t5RZWeilJRim4RQfVymy1secDBlfGzSMTwZVcdoWUjjFv8mP0_bRkaojGOhT7ydSKTOJOdtwKGMfJ8mXUJdA0hoeGic1m7R0yXGJomxcVLkfhlVvG1m6fM40si2i6gkGDWqMYnJnKbTug/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFG-AqwI4ato5qjnYHGAaUJSlNk4ox-7csthtBPE4l-oE1t5RZWeilJRim4RQfVymy1secDBlfGzSMTwZVcdoWUjjFv8mP0_bRkaojGOhT7ydSKTOJOdtwKGMfJ8mXUJdA0hoeGic1m7R0yXGJomxcVLkfhlVvG1m6fM40si2i6gkGDWqMYnJnKbTug/w640-h394/Churchill%20fascine%20087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crib, in its resting position. Note that the right hind leg rests<br />on the upper hull and not on the hatches (see arrows). <br />With this little 1mm "insole", our crib is no longer "lame".<br />Then just paint the insole with the same color as the crib...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Second step: "Capture the crib"!! I placed the cradle on the AVRE's nose, now fully stable, thanks to the previous step, in a dry-run test. On the inclined plane of the crib, the fascine will be installed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Previously, I chose which fascine position is more stable on the crib, rotating the fascine beam until finding a more "stable" position. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Upon finding this position, I positioned the fascination next to the tank, taking care not to change this "spatial" position obtained and applied drops of superglue to the upper portions of the crib (but I didn't glue the crib to the hull!!), where the fascine will rest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Carefully, I placed the fascine in the chosen position (worrying about the alignment of the heavy piece over the crib) and waited a few seconds for the superglue dry. I removed the fascine and the crib came together: this is the capture of the crib!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wAxrzY83zgkjU3X3wTABVamK_R80kuqrQ51jNNxtGG9x_jQStN5nqJvk8O7bDHKmu6F8_pdHFACQEnfaiz-7fY5kBNq9yRKoJyF53yiOAORMrAdQ7vU_dppUxIeL281M_DRaMitmNM6-PkM6o4_hWIX_eOFaeBJlAz0qOSPo4_LceiGYDVJLG6qqLg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wAxrzY83zgkjU3X3wTABVamK_R80kuqrQ51jNNxtGG9x_jQStN5nqJvk8O7bDHKmu6F8_pdHFACQEnfaiz-7fY5kBNq9yRKoJyF53yiOAORMrAdQ7vU_dppUxIeL281M_DRaMitmNM6-PkM6o4_hWIX_eOFaeBJlAz0qOSPo4_LceiGYDVJLG6qqLg/w640-h472/Churchill%20fascine%20088.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crib glued (precariously) to the fascine bundle,<br /> in the correct and desired position.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, it's time to reinforce this fascine-crib junction. The use of superglue is not correct, due to the high fluidity of the glue. There are big gaps between the fascine and the crib and superglue is not ideal for this... Another option would be epoxy glue, but even the ultrafast version is complicated to handle, as its fluidity is also great...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Dental acrylic, once again, is the solution, being applied by the drip technique, previously described. To get a more neutral color, I mixed some graphite powder into the acrylic powder. This makes the acrylic dark gray...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZblNLbTzvt0MZejqgLZ-MZYa281PFccTpBVEJFzV8E5VGVjo3QUoI2PCPiW5W7VILT8ifqnQJumcQpX8iIPCKs3CB_vzyLgc8WFx12hsavugtZru-7k71J8tMZXHLBDKfUky2d1ihWVqyRhKFVpwxJVTcUxHwe2kDu0jL0zZWU_e3vVgpMKZh7crvEA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZblNLbTzvt0MZejqgLZ-MZYa281PFccTpBVEJFzV8E5VGVjo3QUoI2PCPiW5W7VILT8ifqnQJumcQpX8iIPCKs3CB_vzyLgc8WFx12hsavugtZru-7k71J8tMZXHLBDKfUky2d1ihWVqyRhKFVpwxJVTcUxHwe2kDu0jL0zZWU_e3vVgpMKZh7crvEA/w640-h432/Churchill%20fascine%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reinforcing the fascine-crib junction. Acrylic adheres to the<br />plastic of the crib, but does not adhere to the resin of fascine. <br />It penetrates in the irregularities of the fascine details,<br />allowing a perfect mechanical lock.<br />Notice the dark-grey aspect of the acrylic...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> While the acrylic on the junction dries, I'm going to make a locking hook between the rear hull cable quick release system (the "gravitational" pull one, remember??) and the fascine cables. I chose to make a hook to allow installation and uninstallation of the fascine in the kit. I made the hook with steel wire and round-nose pliers, used in jewelry crafts. Here's the scratch result:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CFLFePglDUX0jmX0cgIBJYuqmuhEZl6JN6LyTXoiUYLBXKEcpEt9-ADzX1WDnu0R6COKjWo-Yknkqj59cTyc0OaqYDvy4rKpgMBnMvkGm0TQy0T8ua_Qn9pD3w-_T1qQgyAJYbYzdYdSRm0Ixnm1HSSGI9qNIee-W75zF5Kvr4NNUG6SWM-MZZkG7g/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20090b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CFLFePglDUX0jmX0cgIBJYuqmuhEZl6JN6LyTXoiUYLBXKEcpEt9-ADzX1WDnu0R6COKjWo-Yknkqj59cTyc0OaqYDvy4rKpgMBnMvkGm0TQy0T8ua_Qn9pD3w-_T1qQgyAJYbYzdYdSRm0Ixnm1HSSGI9qNIee-W75zF5Kvr4NNUG6SWM-MZZkG7g/w640-h316/Churchill%20fascine%20090b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coupling hook, made with steel wire.<br />It will later be painted in the vehicle's color.<br />The fascine thread is provisionally tied to the piece, to allow this photo...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the steel hook ready, I will now install the fascine thread... I glued the thick thread to the top of the fascine with a micro-drop of superglue. I passed the thread through the steel hook (with the fascine+crib installed on the AVRE's nose) and extended the thread to the other side of the fascine, pulling the thread until it was taut. I deposited a micro-drop of superglue and, with that, I "captured" the position of the fascine thread in its correct and tense position. Then, I applied a thin layer of PVA glue over the thread, to "freeze" the thread in that ideal and tense position, like the rear thread. After the PVA glue dried (the thread has to be kept under tension...the weight of the fascine takes care of that...), I was able to remove the fascine+crib from the AVRE's nose, just by unhooking the steel hook from the "frozen" cable. Simple!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_yH0ykutT4sGLk7QxDmiRd_PRpXZgE1QiS5uEeWUALyBeoj4YKJGRqJs80HeKe7ytPzaK25WW8dQoc19YA6lkzBTSnIngOZo4TTMrwwewhQ9q86P0Rby2nKcpdcJ_K_4J4YEFmo5Xj8ogyEilT3lGQtqAkeXngwOBeJIWWMxssx60kPci7lQMSsLlQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_yH0ykutT4sGLk7QxDmiRd_PRpXZgE1QiS5uEeWUALyBeoj4YKJGRqJs80HeKe7ytPzaK25WW8dQoc19YA6lkzBTSnIngOZo4TTMrwwewhQ9q86P0Rby2nKcpdcJ_K_4J4YEFmo5Xj8ogyEilT3lGQtqAkeXngwOBeJIWWMxssx60kPci7lQMSsLlQ/w640-h486/Churchill%20fascine%20097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fascine thread, "frozen" in tense position,<br />after the PVA glue dries. The thread maintains the <br />appearance of a cable under tension. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx7_vABU_JU4rIzVPvEkngSTiBsYZv4LVG7VO1HOVaRHC8Yz-PRqQ5zdkWAUL4EqJZKLtezzmxugOA4XZPPkAvAF55WaMz-gTSNBdp3zZTNSby-f0G6c-ba1EBe6z_BhUVNtx0lfEVY5J7rWslRuZ0t5e99t1-GSloIMf5FUUc9dhGnD0dy49WTIiJA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx7_vABU_JU4rIzVPvEkngSTiBsYZv4LVG7VO1HOVaRHC8Yz-PRqQ5zdkWAUL4EqJZKLtezzmxugOA4XZPPkAvAF55WaMz-gTSNBdp3zZTNSby-f0G6c-ba1EBe6z_BhUVNtx0lfEVY5J7rWslRuZ0t5e99t1-GSloIMf5FUUc9dhGnD0dy49WTIiJA/w640-h452/Churchill%20fascine%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fascine+crib, presenting its moorings. The small "shiny" portions<br />of superglue will be eliminated with a small brush of matte varnish.<br />This set weighs exactly 284 grams.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-egwjMy4RuPkICTSQw46lrLUlVpVHHXvIZT9HBGl913fWZwviULVtyNaCn9O_Him4lni1_ZSNUgjapUTkrcUmusckZg2AUYIXGbkK_j2an33Seua3j4vnKI7iw2ZYoEhxkaLU6jTh6I5xmUMxDn45jbszI4kyxd66PCVAnD8nkGbJvtwYTXurbHGnA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-egwjMy4RuPkICTSQw46lrLUlVpVHHXvIZT9HBGl913fWZwviULVtyNaCn9O_Him4lni1_ZSNUgjapUTkrcUmusckZg2AUYIXGbkK_j2an33Seua3j4vnKI7iw2ZYoEhxkaLU6jTh6I5xmUMxDn45jbszI4kyxd66PCVAnD8nkGbJvtwYTXurbHGnA/w640-h446/Churchill%20fascine%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the junction between fascine+crib (green)<br />and the tense aspect of the mooring thread (red)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I'm going to install some Value Gear roll-bags on the tank, for better detailing... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cXC_5qVxYoYWy9mXjQABkwGhTRi0GAac_TLFZemfRzgbZxP6dqmnJuwqTM4FGR-voki2FX9QbFuZKs7O2wJP3y_PrpYrj-Hq9QX9WF6zbaYrJ8RIKaOb6EOz5Oij9tNTwAkrOVqc1vWWnURpLUaYmWD-XggFVch98C5TlF8kp6wQdGddveselM1avg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cXC_5qVxYoYWy9mXjQABkwGhTRi0GAac_TLFZemfRzgbZxP6dqmnJuwqTM4FGR-voki2FX9QbFuZKs7O2wJP3y_PrpYrj-Hq9QX9WF6zbaYrJ8RIKaOb6EOz5Oij9tNTwAkrOVqc1vWWnURpLUaYmWD-XggFVch98C5TlF8kp6wQdGddveselM1avg/w640-h426/Churchill%20fascine%20096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Value Gear Details in position (red arrows)<br />Notice the rear thread frozen in tense position (green)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsdNx0zMzUTZYtJRPhZRCm6GMLXMyRCclUi1q7KyDl1GXCbCbbceGh41-hPbT0KbVTtcu9vCIdrEfMeUSPhkvnVkAH8X-W1bRocQpVvh06ljao0TecfJfOdFvsJ3GQTXSv-cRsXn2Slm8rKbG3CWn7E5mMhLVcSBBGEhc8DhRlDUYt2UxIcaqVYgGqg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsdNx0zMzUTZYtJRPhZRCm6GMLXMyRCclUi1q7KyDl1GXCbCbbceGh41-hPbT0KbVTtcu9vCIdrEfMeUSPhkvnVkAH8X-W1bRocQpVvh06ljao0TecfJfOdFvsJ3GQTXSv-cRsXn2Slm8rKbG3CWn7E5mMhLVcSBBGEhc8DhRlDUYt2UxIcaqVYgGqg/w640-h450/Churchill%20fascine%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fascine+crib set in position (dry-run). <br />Look at the Value Gear Details and the fascine mooring<br />thread frozen with PVA glue.<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOMtnCbhN056HLgAVs1EmTGXe9JaNhqEe4SVF1vbEEraCoOZg0e13LiUTnLJLkPpvO6ToVswjMXsU7F5zf4XBMiTu6SF4Kwi4H2Omv2Fhc4XqJMzanxei6n-IQDniwqE1UjLbg0YmGXacHSjdhBe02gTWW1HaoJx9N67rKb3VsqvYGS5TK8i-QTTopQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20093.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOMtnCbhN056HLgAVs1EmTGXe9JaNhqEe4SVF1vbEEraCoOZg0e13LiUTnLJLkPpvO6ToVswjMXsU7F5zf4XBMiTu6SF4Kwi4H2Omv2Fhc4XqJMzanxei6n-IQDniwqE1UjLbg0YmGXacHSjdhBe02gTWW1HaoJx9N67rKb3VsqvYGS5TK8i-QTTopQ/w640-h384/Churchill%20fascine%20093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier LOCH NESS<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx8jCU7eY8yyv9_Z1m0RCoGJe_fr-TuJAYbWXWhBDsTOlWBNoMrYYAicJCA1ciSqrlahkPe7LscDNLzVxfC2CcxP8olDYKoYHLfTJljZrznqf9vvs5qseS2Pfc6tSyUu-GqX_TU6uisaoOa3ZFApJmIGNDpWTYX46i_d4ENf2ElzrHE2OzJGmywMUcA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx8jCU7eY8yyv9_Z1m0RCoGJe_fr-TuJAYbWXWhBDsTOlWBNoMrYYAicJCA1ciSqrlahkPe7LscDNLzVxfC2CcxP8olDYKoYHLfTJljZrznqf9vvs5qseS2Pfc6tSyUu-GqX_TU6uisaoOa3ZFApJmIGNDpWTYX46i_d4ENf2ElzrHE2OzJGmywMUcA/w640-h488/Churchill%20fascine%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the tension aspect of the two sets of mooring wires,<br />frozen with PVA glue.<br />Rear right view </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FS4XDZOvE57u6sI2Rrb53v_3BjK5RYcXeWoUAxos9RCtmcCTc6REUnNBTcIbnaLk7oR2aD66_e27nZ9WLh5YnMZMNhG5RFb1IEeyrWHkSxVz4DFvrE4XGpXFQrIGABNUJu_7ZkQZOf3oVnF7rGiruYWikmj2EO0jNtsx1F8kYKmcZmly4Ijf182HeQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FS4XDZOvE57u6sI2Rrb53v_3BjK5RYcXeWoUAxos9RCtmcCTc6REUnNBTcIbnaLk7oR2aD66_e27nZ9WLh5YnMZMNhG5RFb1IEeyrWHkSxVz4DFvrE4XGpXFQrIGABNUJu_7ZkQZOf3oVnF7rGiruYWikmj2EO0jNtsx1F8kYKmcZmly4Ijf182HeQ/w640-h472/Churchill%20fascine%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier LOCH NESS<br />Rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCv2dH_poN1NhwvBIHa64HSWT5ipMXYLwGYMs6pTZT6zjjb00w1aIGJvTHalM4rQpBtb5y50ohMcQnzU5hMTWsywjf7QXcqnvpzNb2PwQIdPJbhu_YugR3UfzCn8Xw1Hx9QTM03dbwcoWUY-EfLlxEID-W9UdVAVvd5bD2AP5KQankCjlTZxPLKap8g/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCv2dH_poN1NhwvBIHa64HSWT5ipMXYLwGYMs6pTZT6zjjb00w1aIGJvTHalM4rQpBtb5y50ohMcQnzU5hMTWsywjf7QXcqnvpzNb2PwQIdPJbhu_YugR3UfzCn8Xw1Hx9QTM03dbwcoWUY-EfLlxEID-W9UdVAVvd5bD2AP5KQankCjlTZxPLKap8g/w640-h450/Churchill%20fascine%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier LOCH NESS<br />The fascine+crib set is in position by weight effect. <br />Notice the alignment of the set...<br />front view</td></tr></tbody></table><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbCQgzhKeCmSQtIzz8QVq9xYJekWLurFRUnoHS22hp5fCq-BlL4dXiWxDtDto38tjmb7Rgo3KcvIawcYKhWDRT4VjVfeZOhgLypkTOOj_WdRRFDLLuiKyJ8NfnfrdCckOGfQBtAeawIOhrTsiaE_AGz5WGXsEIRMq6OMSJEz1Ou0cYj8nuFTVj_PY7A/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbCQgzhKeCmSQtIzz8QVq9xYJekWLurFRUnoHS22hp5fCq-BlL4dXiWxDtDto38tjmb7Rgo3KcvIawcYKhWDRT4VjVfeZOhgLypkTOOj_WdRRFDLLuiKyJ8NfnfrdCckOGfQBtAeawIOhrTsiaE_AGz5WGXsEIRMq6OMSJEz1Ou0cYj8nuFTVj_PY7A/w640-h486/Churchill%20fascine%20097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice how the traction thread of the fascine was<br />"frozen" in the correct position, thanks to the PVA glue.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXT82fv7mfsFG9hZW_Sfp5Cf1ZkccVIuxBOThh1gP15UBVBkD6qrLCwY3Cz5U8PZ7Isr04jIg0Iqvw-VSr6zcCPsRDPGiU3foM75MOt3l96HFWr_LK_d7s_TyTZ5vHwMBu-7kkcw7NEpXxr1RkzUWt0nLfe-j_OJIfd9ZRxBMEHN9Sk2h1PG5IYt-Qg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXT82fv7mfsFG9hZW_Sfp5Cf1ZkccVIuxBOThh1gP15UBVBkD6qrLCwY3Cz5U8PZ7Isr04jIg0Iqvw-VSr6zcCPsRDPGiU3foM75MOt3l96HFWr_LK_d7s_TyTZ5vHwMBu-7kkcw7NEpXxr1RkzUWt0nLfe-j_OJIfd9ZRxBMEHN9Sk2h1PG5IYt-Qg/w640-h446/Churchill%20fascine%20099.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the crib+fascine+pull wire set waiting to be installed in the kit.<br />This entire system was detachable, so that the kit could be transported <br />without risk of fractures.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> And with a final touch of weathering, I call this project finished: This is the Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS" (T 172540), from 82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armored Division, commanded by Lnc Cpl. Phillips, who landed from LCT 2027 on D-Day, Normandy, June 6, 1944.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXeTkc2KJPZnsLt14SrarMJywZ37g9EnbKEJ1iJeb6q50M0xYBija46wHzTkrq43xrST2HKVOoh8wCpdGeix5Q5UyqoXN9cHvQfJIpWXWa2zvIsTYq3GYiGVmgXaIbGy3KlDByIPZv_7uD2AI0j-pK4PstieSfyUQsXDOPXSiyRQMCw2i-vPqvLN7LQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXeTkc2KJPZnsLt14SrarMJywZ37g9EnbKEJ1iJeb6q50M0xYBija46wHzTkrq43xrST2HKVOoh8wCpdGeix5Q5UyqoXN9cHvQfJIpWXWa2zvIsTYq3GYiGVmgXaIbGy3KlDByIPZv_7uD2AI0j-pK4PstieSfyUQsXDOPXSiyRQMCw2i-vPqvLN7LQ/w640-h380/Churchill%20fascine%20100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"<br />82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armored Division,<br /> D-Day - Normandy, France - June 6, 1944.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjfEcTk2gouQYo43QmZ7z25DatrMALLkha4bal2WHfxa9h4rckuL3LezKnqmN85yyrAJ8fQVY9nfbzS9TlOpf_4Nf5ndxsUo3yRMeYtR02pWqBVixiWQLs0Usz70BnY02MgUTsl0TncoWV1dApMSwk_xgIEudDre_MRru_Owi2mTGWS7wSMg3BSb4LQ/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjfEcTk2gouQYo43QmZ7z25DatrMALLkha4bal2WHfxa9h4rckuL3LezKnqmN85yyrAJ8fQVY9nfbzS9TlOpf_4Nf5ndxsUo3yRMeYtR02pWqBVixiWQLs0Usz70BnY02MgUTsl0TncoWV1dApMSwk_xgIEudDre_MRru_Owi2mTGWS7wSMg3BSb4LQ/w640-h428/Churchill%20fascine%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_l5ChQnmMUsnktpDkj_wH7n7_zCo0HGlW_rIJm30v0oToi8yZCX266szZLQp6NMyRFI2rqUqDehTe_Mm8jjyZpI-eU27cElpsLGLyjvk-3xHmWq4QzxdwRw7bhb47qp-4BGIg2qJEeTnwB4EVL2jd8uPCXfem_10EQfRmt5v32VjG9DMMNrAhyW1Vw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_l5ChQnmMUsnktpDkj_wH7n7_zCo0HGlW_rIJm30v0oToi8yZCX266szZLQp6NMyRFI2rqUqDehTe_Mm8jjyZpI-eU27cElpsLGLyjvk-3xHmWq4QzxdwRw7bhb47qp-4BGIg2qJEeTnwB4EVL2jd8uPCXfem_10EQfRmt5v32VjG9DMMNrAhyW1Vw/w640-h416/Churchill%20fascine%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"<br />left side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLaHCXIbfsuCt-pIet2ufoWHj8YkLNw9hsxw0b9zi512SIZNn2FMz8UsHlXz-72icfN9yzDL0RemRUzlVXauF6ToA4ya4yrp297dAcdHs6IjQUQb7DcJOShmcHK3L9PY3JxkwMgPxWwDFQQzn67f10fIDmMhHW_tRAkq8C-XEXrXgt8ZscqhhI3CrlA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLaHCXIbfsuCt-pIet2ufoWHj8YkLNw9hsxw0b9zi512SIZNn2FMz8UsHlXz-72icfN9yzDL0RemRUzlVXauF6ToA4ya4yrp297dAcdHs6IjQUQb7DcJOShmcHK3L9PY3JxkwMgPxWwDFQQzn67f10fIDmMhHW_tRAkq8C-XEXrXgt8ZscqhhI3CrlA/w640-h416/Churchill%20fascine%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DUv8KJNKjzlDGZA9SbHzwXNepZks5vGcmbzm-qfmSawMFEO6XmwW1aJZCXOSM7cBlWJCPlAXf_6RClIFU0ss73NYpzAz-8_2KL9c6oMsBkePeeQQ0IhDspcxS3ZHizRLp9LhmypdWcbz4QNziShn2qlmbDo2nmlx7etS4_cyyqHjmzrT_W6lOOUllg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DUv8KJNKjzlDGZA9SbHzwXNepZks5vGcmbzm-qfmSawMFEO6XmwW1aJZCXOSM7cBlWJCPlAXf_6RClIFU0ss73NYpzAz-8_2KL9c6oMsBkePeeQQ0IhDspcxS3ZHizRLp9LhmypdWcbz4QNziShn2qlmbDo2nmlx7etS4_cyyqHjmzrT_W6lOOUllg/w640-h380/Churchill%20fascine%20107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"<br />right side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjAPXsv5z3e75iI1y5EEld4_Go5qMDdgZRf9wsLmaPZ4lRdGKd6t2NZHHXKP7EkY93dJ3Yr-4Q0IiYS_2ODQv2xG3xlVyg6p0aUZn3ZXNGtBHYpRsfasP0DU4aVP4nSzocDu8IR4vLLeaXU76-ZEoZhG1U8W4rO3M3SCvc2IXGygxkcWCi6a13CPBQA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjAPXsv5z3e75iI1y5EEld4_Go5qMDdgZRf9wsLmaPZ4lRdGKd6t2NZHHXKP7EkY93dJ3Yr-4Q0IiYS_2ODQv2xG3xlVyg6p0aUZn3ZXNGtBHYpRsfasP0DU4aVP4nSzocDu8IR4vLLeaXU76-ZEoZhG1U8W4rO3M3SCvc2IXGygxkcWCi6a13CPBQA/w640-h454/Churchill%20fascine%20108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdEqopqEpCwcl4KwSzfl6V6LiI2O0CAXfU9_7xoyAa7b3ytm3ZQBp5OthoWFYQlCuSupyPqEfCqSlXDk7Lds4RGc_vqMJIF8cEvk3T6T_7tovugVP275FDWM3Wz2hDwJ6tTVopbEN3HAH6UJEqxSYCYox5wbxtgHqTgXcjoJpoGtSRo5i0MLUbWItxw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdEqopqEpCwcl4KwSzfl6V6LiI2O0CAXfU9_7xoyAa7b3ytm3ZQBp5OthoWFYQlCuSupyPqEfCqSlXDk7Lds4RGc_vqMJIF8cEvk3T6T_7tovugVP275FDWM3Wz2hDwJ6tTVopbEN3HAH6UJEqxSYCYox5wbxtgHqTgXcjoJpoGtSRo5i0MLUbWItxw/w640-h428/Churchill%20fascine%20109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKzkti-AtihsYaAHrjn2i-iZWTi1d8TSvd_FEyDyavdqVlVVz2cSQd5lUKEeBR9y8axk9XWm90YBk6ZPlnqD1Baoiy8schLGruA9jVxE0lipI9kZ8sGWgpg_9etLdsqZx5p_pTdBs5s5RHyDwz99irXY4voH2j-KgL2mDBw3r5SmnjCU1w500mHWuPg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKzkti-AtihsYaAHrjn2i-iZWTi1d8TSvd_FEyDyavdqVlVVz2cSQd5lUKEeBR9y8axk9XWm90YBk6ZPlnqD1Baoiy8schLGruA9jVxE0lipI9kZ8sGWgpg_9etLdsqZx5p_pTdBs5s5RHyDwz99irXY4voH2j-KgL2mDBw3r5SmnjCU1w500mHWuPg/w640-h458/Churchill%20fascine%20110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"<br />front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGSEjWH-H1j503Sz3EOeGEzXxSW_seh80D7ChECj9v96hDObVbfeBKMtDOX_s40R3QXTAYJo05vtmonixawe1wJTekRQgnjClXnzXb8yav-XcEOiMSlVUqzzhaDCjvTFS2GCsUznqWQE-PSwyTzrhLSTbRnfysclx_2aGFSpJY5_-WZcxswQTGZYU_g/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGSEjWH-H1j503Sz3EOeGEzXxSW_seh80D7ChECj9v96hDObVbfeBKMtDOX_s40R3QXTAYJo05vtmonixawe1wJTekRQgnjClXnzXb8yav-XcEOiMSlVUqzzhaDCjvTFS2GCsUznqWQE-PSwyTzrhLSTbRnfysclx_2aGFSpJY5_-WZcxswQTGZYU_g/w640-h414/Churchill%20fascine%20111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94jGeL8t10NLKAFHyviVE3nE-_QQB91OXXth-R_8Ta8_wLvLMfgr9ks_C_Wo7XQBA3qU97KPb-1A44pc55GS-dUzCT6tyqJUUsEr4Rxx7ALyktBjueiitB8bCaUUmHORYjrdtQ3xVe0Vhte4Z5RTyuhq-R6dK5EcroxndEzHalxfV7FFDgBm_CyROoA/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94jGeL8t10NLKAFHyviVE3nE-_QQB91OXXth-R_8Ta8_wLvLMfgr9ks_C_Wo7XQBA3qU97KPb-1A44pc55GS-dUzCT6tyqJUUsEr4Rxx7ALyktBjueiitB8bCaUUmHORYjrdtQ3xVe0Vhte4Z5RTyuhq-R6dK5EcroxndEzHalxfV7FFDgBm_CyROoA/w640-h410/Churchill%20fascine%20114.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"<br />with Kojak, </span>for size comparison...<br />Really, the bald one trusts his own service...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlFZfTvQP84PUPcbacF8hsm-5WgNW5Rd9WaGU7baf0ReNbf6rvfJI_c95oorJK4S3eSMsm94wmHayhRvQ0nh7Bqz9S3YEQwG0CKfmapqZjHo46ZMSbe_IPUvGlAF_jR4BGqfMx4LvTu1PIjFRbBgygR4V3U2mBTTX_O6lU7Mg_IcpTyluldED7PVHrg/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlFZfTvQP84PUPcbacF8hsm-5WgNW5Rd9WaGU7baf0ReNbf6rvfJI_c95oorJK4S3eSMsm94wmHayhRvQ0nh7Bqz9S3YEQwG0CKfmapqZjHo46ZMSbe_IPUvGlAF_jR4BGqfMx4LvTu1PIjFRbBgygR4V3U2mBTTX_O6lU7Mg_IcpTyluldED7PVHrg/w640-h412/Churchill%20fascine%20116.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE fascine carrier "LOCH NESS"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armored Division,</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> D-Day - Normandy, France - June 6, 1944.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for following along...</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I just loved this project!!!</span></b></div><p></p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpitega10NrOWt7waQXhUyVqbHvKRSUzkof9_opZ4_WL5x_dSXJ84BZi2kPoH1qgZbNs8em6bEBkWY_jItLSWIk2B4U0NdzUEQp701GX_GEZkIvxNgL4hT1YFshBgYHTKw3ErQA_a60WyXurS8QvyuTRs1wS6gu_Z0NOnX-HtdfRDjlg0k2qDxmHbDg/s1239/damn%20fascine.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1239" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlpitega10NrOWt7waQXhUyVqbHvKRSUzkof9_opZ4_WL5x_dSXJ84BZi2kPoH1qgZbNs8em6bEBkWY_jItLSWIk2B4U0NdzUEQp701GX_GEZkIvxNgL4hT1YFshBgYHTKw3ErQA_a60WyXurS8QvyuTRs1wS6gu_Z0NOnX-HtdfRDjlg0k2qDxmHbDg/w640-h556/damn%20fascine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><b style="text-align: center;"></b>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-39891152996078270372022-09-07T11:09:00.021-03:002022-10-29T15:48:14.267-03:00Churchill Mk III AVRE - S.B.G. (Small Box Girder) assault bridge - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sappers!!! </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The subject of our project is a vehicle specially designed to facilitate the access for allied armoured forces during D-Day landings. Today we'll talk about one of Hobbart's useful and weirdest Funnies: the <b>Churchill Mk.III AVRE S.B.G. (<span style="text-align: justify;">Small Box Girder</span><span style="text-align: justify;">) a</span>ssault bridge</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGBbGnQD3ojzytdPsOtd1v7v8wTb99H2Ni-2EiKGqxvvlT45z5CMFHLoWtaq3RhhiSXirf8mcmVBuECI8zhiQvNcDzLCRuxNa4vA5MNVrXek8VcrzYezMNi8uvzPKENc-NZ0DywmJJQZvQqW6K8weIYdlAqwCALYOJhpHD3kBVQw3xOjMiiwc3pR0Iw/s1400/Churchill%20AVRE%20S.B.G.%20pin%20up%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1400" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGBbGnQD3ojzytdPsOtd1v7v8wTb99H2Ni-2EiKGqxvvlT45z5CMFHLoWtaq3RhhiSXirf8mcmVBuECI8zhiQvNcDzLCRuxNa4vA5MNVrXek8VcrzYezMNi8uvzPKENc-NZ0DywmJJQZvQqW6K8weIYdlAqwCALYOJhpHD3kBVQw3xOjMiiwc3pR0Iw/w640-h334/Churchill%20AVRE%20S.B.G.%20pin%20up%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>History:</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b>Churchill Infantry Tank </b>was a great line of heavy tanks that sported the name of the famous Prime Minister, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill" target="_blank">Sir Winston Churchill</a>:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJodFDDeoisaakMBOfF0qg7cfWmaPH1X7qHmUF0TmnHNbfpqqgHrtiRmyrsSq3_BIgbirgeUbIuk9O8bGXYcwdOS3qdLpx1exPMDSzY9NjVVWkwHLvZCc8-fkha-FIe7oLRnnMPc97VA0x7j9FQm-FEMbB6TkIZvbzubvi2gFWtUflZlAclmWZW4cQ/s1280/Churchill%20with%20Tommy%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1280" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJodFDDeoisaakMBOfF0qg7cfWmaPH1X7qHmUF0TmnHNbfpqqgHrtiRmyrsSq3_BIgbirgeUbIuk9O8bGXYcwdOS3qdLpx1exPMDSzY9NjVVWkwHLvZCc8-fkha-FIe7oLRnnMPc97VA0x7j9FQm-FEMbB6TkIZvbzubvi2gFWtUflZlAclmWZW4cQ/w640-h588/Churchill%20with%20Tommy%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Winston Churchill handling a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thompson_submachine_gun" target="_blank">.45 Thompson submachine gun</a>,</div><div style="text-align: center;">during the visit to the coastal defense positions near Hartlepool</div><div style="text-align: center;">County Durham, England<span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> -</span> 31 July, 1940</div> </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div> The legend says that when presented to the prototype tank (then unnamed) Sir Winston Churchill reportedly said: "He's a tough guy, just like me ..."</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfmXVCHBNEQpqFpFbGt096gbwRJR7y0MheBlTpxCan3YJ0nqWwz7l8yzYPHpTmy1OmGkCVAD2lRG-mhKsKLcvpwDRI77JTbYVs77HhWIJzjaFmlBuEctPQK9zOfD7vQyS5QDMc54QRACZNAXr8nBXY2zM3cNIdEdxRmTBwhkFfqPwgFVjWtGqPj3Lrg/s1280/Churchill%20with%20Churchill%20tank.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfmXVCHBNEQpqFpFbGt096gbwRJR7y0MheBlTpxCan3YJ0nqWwz7l8yzYPHpTmy1OmGkCVAD2lRG-mhKsKLcvpwDRI77JTbYVs77HhWIJzjaFmlBuEctPQK9zOfD7vQyS5QDMc54QRACZNAXr8nBXY2zM3cNIdEdxRmTBwhkFfqPwgFVjWtGqPj3Lrg/w640-h482/Churchill%20with%20Churchill%20tank.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill inspecting a Churchill Mk I</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But leaving the story (and the legends) aside, the main feature of this model of tank is the a high-speed gun in the turret and a howitzer in the front hull, following the "armour fashion" of the tanks at the time ...</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbcN4yyOdfsTLezy_LI6KyGy8N00BIsqL5MRvcnFsOmQqBgcE-57gaNpals8L2KYHqwR8Yj6irG4FCSLYhJeXkFvNn6vf-jdFfVnFA2ghTL5Yl247fjGJnvtCN9bf1C2zyhai5IOfFHDY/s1600/church01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbcN4yyOdfsTLezy_LI6KyGy8N00BIsqL5MRvcnFsOmQqBgcE-57gaNpals8L2KYHqwR8Yj6irG4FCSLYhJeXkFvNn6vf-jdFfVnFA2ghTL5Yl247fjGJnvtCN9bf1C2zyhai5IOfFHDY/s640/church01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Churchill Mk I with howitzer in the front hull</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> ...such as the French Char B-1 bis heavy tank:</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkE-jYoONj19JIJkbFFclC-zD-M5HQHx2HTrCpaIVB1ulUUojLgKF40dxm4XL2Iow8Bv9ZTGIXVl_vmpPp31f_ti8V8uUCx2ompLCbwoSf6Yr0_7x8c6AwYfdLbEZvdLt1Ku7TK2_ygqURn_u_uTNXgd3ttXc5T72L-9dYRSwicEg0NLi9RHrSqkloA/s1280/Char%20B1%20bis%20VERDUN%20II.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkE-jYoONj19JIJkbFFclC-zD-M5HQHx2HTrCpaIVB1ulUUojLgKF40dxm4XL2Iow8Bv9ZTGIXVl_vmpPp31f_ti8V8uUCx2ompLCbwoSf6Yr0_7x8c6AwYfdLbEZvdLt1Ku7TK2_ygqURn_u_uTNXgd3ttXc5T72L-9dYRSwicEg0NLi9RHrSqkloA/w640-h424/Char%20B1%20bis%20VERDUN%20II.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Char B1 bis 452 named “VERDUN II” of 1st Division Cuirassée de Réserve.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">... and the american M3 medium tank Lee:</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3r2IITqsnEa3OTc4zncNWTJz9ctHX626m2nqCncvhRZnTJcku5XGqqLMOMVeW4Cx251WM_8KuhOXcGuYsIDJf4X2nLMGbPHGXa4u4LTDxslEZ8PqUS3NTVvqvChHWq-bj0x0ZWXcytY0Z8g5y1lu7yVvJURgCuQGiL-nnmB3G0RrO9P3tNuHlJvJ9A/s1280/Women%20war%20workers%20test%20driving%20M3%20Lee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3r2IITqsnEa3OTc4zncNWTJz9ctHX626m2nqCncvhRZnTJcku5XGqqLMOMVeW4Cx251WM_8KuhOXcGuYsIDJf4X2nLMGbPHGXa4u4LTDxslEZ8PqUS3NTVvqvChHWq-bj0x0ZWXcytY0Z8g5y1lu7yVvJURgCuQGiL-nnmB3G0RrO9P3tNuHlJvJ9A/w640-h412/Women%20war%20workers%20test%20driving%20M3%20Lee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women war workers test driving a brand new M3 Lee medium tank.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ww2total.com/WW2/Weapons/Vehicles/Tanks/US/M3-tank/images/M3-Lee-001-px800.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> But in the particular case of Churchill, this arrangement of armament generated a deficiency that would only be detected later on the battlefield: the howitzer had a small elevation capacity. Due to the initial low velocity of the projectile (180m/s), this weapon would need to have a high degree of elevation to allow for a parabolic shooting trajectory. But as the howitzer was installed in the front portion of the tank and as Churchill had a much lower hull than his contemporaries,, the weapon was not effective enough, generating a tactical disadvantage in the use of that vehicle (effective firing range: only 1,800 m).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt-RuB-7XSWGKhjucryoJ3nGYw7v7TEzkrq2LaO2Cfb_vuk2Sz-nDQ3QHW5sYTJOO8eYj53IKqdOuK39Z9GnbvK6xtO9ZXCOLXOkvZ7bkoXFc9sR1ckRosgi6JYBEkP36vEi-m2M3hK0/s1600/Churchill+Mk+I+003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZt-RuB-7XSWGKhjucryoJ3nGYw7v7TEzkrq2LaO2Cfb_vuk2Sz-nDQ3QHW5sYTJOO8eYj53IKqdOuK39Z9GnbvK6xtO9ZXCOLXOkvZ7bkoXFc9sR1ckRosgi6JYBEkP36vEi-m2M3hK0/s640/Churchill+Mk+I+003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Churchill Mk I - Notice the exposed tracks and the air filters in the side of the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Tank, Infantry, Mk IV (A22) was a heavy British <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infantry_tank">infantry tank</a> used in the Second World War, best known for its heavy armour, large longitudinal chassis with all-around tracks with multiple bogies, and its use as the basis of many specialist vehicles. It was one of the heaviest Allied tanks of the war. The origins of the design lay in the expectation that war in Europe might be fought under similar conditions to that of the First World War and emphasised ability to cross difficult ground. The Churchill was rushed into production in order to build up British defences against an possible German invasion and the first vehicles built had flaws that had to be overcome before the Churchill was accepted for wide use. After several Marks had been built a better armoured version - the Mark VII - entered service.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Churchill was used by British and Commonwealth in North Africa, Italy and North-West Europe. In addition many were supplied to the USSR and used on the Eastern Front.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The predecessor: A20</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Initially specified before the outbreak of the Second World War the (General Staff designation) A20 was to be the replacement for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_tank">Matilda II</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine_tank">Valentine</a> infantry tanks.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBumpubgUgLJ6-ddr8YKywdQjdZvqQadiuxRpVUIM3uNOuc2LvnblaxwxWUEFQPXfD6yxDQ5KoW5cUJnHMkoQKqjBDhcYqR2cBe6-d30o7nwoBhSuTUH7yI_L-Yzkd8WH8g-q3hAVnnN0E/s1600/Matilda+Canadian+1941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBumpubgUgLJ6-ddr8YKywdQjdZvqQadiuxRpVUIM3uNOuc2LvnblaxwxWUEFQPXfD6yxDQ5KoW5cUJnHMkoQKqjBDhcYqR2cBe6-d30o7nwoBhSuTUH7yI_L-Yzkd8WH8g-q3hAVnnN0E/s640/Matilda+Canadian+1941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><br />British Infantry Tank - Matilda Mk II A12 - Canadian training - 1941.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgwhKj5T_ntzVBmEzmyFaiyI2MgndswZA_ADa5vDavafzuRUHgcZ7nuKmai5EhsRN-puItZang3PR5Vt7BF0t7_r9pkE4qmF6T8-ICwQMEM0laT7hQiTC1iBGHxsNSwm7pIrttBZAE-fK/s1600/Valentine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1128" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgwhKj5T_ntzVBmEzmyFaiyI2MgndswZA_ADa5vDavafzuRUHgcZ7nuKmai5EhsRN-puItZang3PR5Vt7BF0t7_r9pkE4qmF6T8-ICwQMEM0laT7hQiTC1iBGHxsNSwm7pIrttBZAE-fK/s640/Valentine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Valentine Mark VI tank at <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Base_Borden_Military_Museum">Base Borden Military Museum</a></td></tr></tbody></table> In accordance with British infantry tank doctrine and based on the expected needs of World War I-style trench warfare, the tank was required to be capable of navigating shell-cratered ground, demolishing infantry obstacles such as barbed wire, and attacking fixed enemy defences; for these purposes, great speed and heavy armament was not required.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The vehicle was specified initially to be armed with two <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_QF_2_pounder">QF 2 pounder guns</a> each located in a side <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sponson">sponson</a>, with a coaxial BESA machine gun. A third BESA and a smoke projector would be fitted in the front hull.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The specification was revised to prefer a turret with 60 mm of armour to protect against ordinary shells from the German 37 mm gun. Outline drawings were produced based on using the A12 Matilda turret and the engine of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenanter_tank">Covenanter tank</a>. Detail design and construction of the A20 was given to the Belfast shipbuilders <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harland_and_Wolff">Harland and Wolff</a> who completed four prototypes by June 1940. During the construction period the armament was reconsidered which including fitting either a 6 pounder or a French 75 mm gun in the forward hull. In the end a 3-inch howitzer was chosen.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepoOJCCFleYtTq8_Ks8FB54QBm6omkMjCxKDF4db_pCGU4PFChqi3bDsPKl_hJnl6CG6E4ula-rEcJLlSjQAScFRl_Y8L2mzqLuFkTgY0uV2CZJhG-WqjOBGfCDaCXlpCYBlHGYGktn4M/s1600/A20+turreted+draw.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepoOJCCFleYtTq8_Ks8FB54QBm6omkMjCxKDF4db_pCGU4PFChqi3bDsPKl_hJnl6CG6E4ula-rEcJLlSjQAScFRl_Y8L2mzqLuFkTgY0uV2CZJhG-WqjOBGfCDaCXlpCYBlHGYGktn4M/s640/A20+turreted+draw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A20 prototype (draw) - Notice the hull armament</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The A20 designs were short-lived however, as at roughly the same time the emergency evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkirk">Dunkirk</a> occurred.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9NVlsXrBXuRuhJ9x5ewdxayKT8jmzZAUcywOAWHJF1tHWekd3eAR4kUMh3pMzPTvftEjozbNuJvgp3lETLGiY4pLQ5Yi8jbNo_yGv2Wx6cwbKnhyNrhA12ZOkluMeogWFC-V1O4kWCOq/s1600/A20+turreted.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9NVlsXrBXuRuhJ9x5ewdxayKT8jmzZAUcywOAWHJF1tHWekd3eAR4kUMh3pMzPTvftEjozbNuJvgp3lETLGiY4pLQ5Yi8jbNo_yGv2Wx6cwbKnhyNrhA12ZOkluMeogWFC-V1O4kWCOq/s640/A20+turreted.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A20 prototype with Matilda type turret</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> At 43 tons, with a 300 hp flat-12 Meadows engine, the A20 had limited power compared to the 18 ton Covenanter.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_tQit4tSHfbRJzaqMX18lc6ukJtPr9VlbxdctV2aGVi2MMLCoMP_5-rEr0GEOX9aybx9SwVWGC9GU4uj5dG_6Q5oCnhvBB5y-jv_FI0Rbr3bzbkD10soP7eIkC1MM1kNVbk_laxu9stR/s1600/Covenanter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1189" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_tQit4tSHfbRJzaqMX18lc6ukJtPr9VlbxdctV2aGVi2MMLCoMP_5-rEr0GEOX9aybx9SwVWGC9GU4uj5dG_6Q5oCnhvBB5y-jv_FI0Rbr3bzbkD10soP7eIkC1MM1kNVbk_laxu9stR/s640/Covenanter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Covenanter tank</td></tr></tbody></table> This was a less serious limitation than it might appear, owing to the British distinction between the high-speed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_tank">cruiser tanks</a> and the slow-speed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infantry_tank">infantry tanks</a>. Vauxhall were approached to see if they could build the A20 and one example was sent to Vauxhall at Luton to see if they could provide an alternative engine. To this end they developed a flat-12 petrol engine. For speed of production, this engine was based on a Bedford six-cylinder lorry engine, giving rise to its name of "Twin-Six". Although still a sidevalve engine, the engine was developed with high squish pistons, dual ignition and sodium-cooled exhaust valves in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellite">Stellite</a> seats to give 350 bhp.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The A22 tank:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With France conquered, the scenario of trench warfare in Northern Europe was no longer applicable and the design was revised by Dr. H.E. Merritt, Director of Tank Design at Woolwich Arsenal, based on the combat witnessed in Poland and France. These new specifications, for the A22 or Infantry Tank Mark IV, were given to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Motors">Vauxhall</a> in June 1940.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With German invasion looking imminent and the United Kingdom having lost most of its military vehicles in the evacuation from France, the War Office specified that the A22 had to enter production within the year. By July 1940 the design was complete and by December of that year the first prototypes were completed; in June 1941, almost exactly a year as specified, the first Churchill tanks began rolling off the production line.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPJZo0-3fA3pf4WiojTwMBh3eBRRHEn2KyeE4AzHISsDqPNFbNAn4N1v8WYf9zMPiiur2czSzDia8YQz5NYH4mVkYgo8adzn252rJQgIAM9zrkpfquR7VJqaJE29tXppCSA7CDBB-OIZZ/s1600/A22+turreted.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPJZo0-3fA3pf4WiojTwMBh3eBRRHEn2KyeE4AzHISsDqPNFbNAn4N1v8WYf9zMPiiur2czSzDia8YQz5NYH4mVkYgo8adzn252rJQgIAM9zrkpfquR7VJqaJE29tXppCSA7CDBB-OIZZ/s640/A22+turreted.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">A22 prototype</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This hasty development had not come without cost though, as there had been little in the way of testing and the Churchill was plagued with mechanical faults. Most apparent was that the Churchill's engine was underpowered and unreliable, and difficult to access for servicing. Another serious shortcoming was the tank's weak armament, the 2 pounder (40 mm) gun, which was improved by the addition of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_QF_3_inch_howitzer">a 3 inch</a> (76,2mm) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howitzer">howitzer</a> in the hull to deliver an HE shell albeit not on a howitzer's usual high trajectory.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKAg5fQ2WTX1nWsiwkbe3fanA7ZAq0emRGp8UtOZmrDLddOlqFPoOUm6ipzo10zpzfEe0ZVtyXTWuVmjzEbnCjU5HuK6-YoBxzSzT96lIiyV4Zypcyno3IhtG-Y-PeEMYY-LzUHSiSJZ8/s1600/churchill+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1190" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKAg5fQ2WTX1nWsiwkbe3fanA7ZAq0emRGp8UtOZmrDLddOlqFPoOUm6ipzo10zpzfEe0ZVtyXTWuVmjzEbnCjU5HuK6-YoBxzSzT96lIiyV4Zypcyno3IhtG-Y-PeEMYY-LzUHSiSJZ8/s640/churchill+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20I%20Infantry%20Tank%20-%20early%20version">Churchill Mk I (early)</a></td></tr></tbody></table> These flaws contributed to the tank's poor performance in its first use in combat, the disastrous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieppe_Raid">Dieppe Raid</a> in August, 1942.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Production of a turret to carry the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_QF_6_pounder">QF 6 pounder</a> gun began in 1941 but problems with the plate used in an all-welded design led to an alternative cast turret also being produced. These formed the distinction between Mark III and Mark IV.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The poor performance of the Churchill nearly caused production to be ceased in favour of the upcoming <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cromwell_tank">Cromwell tank</a>; it was saved by the successful use of the Mk III at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_El_Alamein">Second Battle of El Alamein</a> in October 1942.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBBpqErVz6829MRFMbaXuIsrK0rQ6IwHO_n_nXER108avB5oJe7E3WCwbkT0RzZk11V7jgK7HN1n05qLNWfZJf1Ll2Q3dbk91nlukneW_3wNnWQWIyNuT4nOjtqkXSA-HkoROLRBOU8sg/s1600/Churchill+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1024" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBBpqErVz6829MRFMbaXuIsrK0rQ6IwHO_n_nXER108avB5oJe7E3WCwbkT0RzZk11V7jgK7HN1n05qLNWfZJf1Ll2Q3dbk91nlukneW_3wNnWQWIyNuT4nOjtqkXSA-HkoROLRBOU8sg/s640/Churchill+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="https://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Churchill%20Mk%20III%20-%206%20pdr.%20early">Churchill Mk III (early) </a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The second major improvement in the Churchill's design, the Mk VII saw first used in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Overlord">Battle of Normandy</a> in 1944. The Mk VII improved on the already heavy armour of the Churchill with a wider chassis and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordnance_QF_75_mm">75 mm</a> gun which had been introduced on the Mk VI.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n2YAOUUd7Pv_yq-so6rDJ2kbOBUf3VB8wMzvsn6sWbuHT1Vzi3nhFVnixcwERxmMAaBqp65uag9BUREuZJIMcO7cnNl9i9MkBVHRneavtD6mCIv6yWzpm5Ji-kj3cwfB9Xs2Uv5CqUFs/s1600/Churchie+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1158" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n2YAOUUd7Pv_yq-so6rDJ2kbOBUf3VB8wMzvsn6sWbuHT1Vzi3nhFVnixcwERxmMAaBqp65uag9BUREuZJIMcO7cnNl9i9MkBVHRneavtD6mCIv6yWzpm5Ji-kj3cwfB9Xs2Uv5CqUFs/s640/Churchie+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Churchill Mk VII in trials</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> It was primarily this variant, the A22F, which served through the remainder of war and was re-designated as A42 in 1945. The Churchill was notable for its versatility and was utilized in numerous specialist roles, with the AVRE versions being the most interesting and numerous.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Churchill AVRE (Assault Vehicle, Royal Engineers) version:</span></b></div><div> The Churchill AVRE (Assault Vehicle, Royal Engineers) was developed after the Dieppe raid in an attempt to make combat engineers less vulnerable while they were attempting to destroy enemy defences.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj37bgjZa8u00y68pYRg1wdc36ptU7IyLIp_KfNhYZJ_C-y7djI2z5z2i_QO0RImig8XNVZ78p3mMtTGeYn_F2q7RHv4uG74EVlo620YrEcgZAJqwV6CcMENtnHcT-aiuJDPE0zEfg4g/s1600/AVRE+4+CIRD.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj37bgjZa8u00y68pYRg1wdc36ptU7IyLIp_KfNhYZJ_C-y7djI2z5z2i_QO0RImig8XNVZ78p3mMtTGeYn_F2q7RHv4uG74EVlo620YrEcgZAJqwV6CcMENtnHcT-aiuJDPE0zEfg4g/s640/AVRE+4+CIRD.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Churchill Mk IV AVRE</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> The AVRE was developed from a suggestion made by a young (29 years old) Lieutenant John James Denovan, of the Royal Canadian Engineers, but attached to the Special Devices Branch of the Department of Tank Design. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcXgvgShXz1MhcbAM53mq5r6zFTS6Q0eFnGl8e4KC5Q5WxeEQhfkE0VnDrxxxVd8-7nqwlsmijnB_6rDH_BzWHFV28Vhs6S9ypzKAy059WJxLl6IePc2s02Yl4jyRqMyJJTs2hnGakwzXs_zSJ9Ny1MXxdqsr96RMCwn_40okYwEbMuNZE4-9LnrGQA/s584/Lt.%20John%20James%20Denovan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="364" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcXgvgShXz1MhcbAM53mq5r6zFTS6Q0eFnGl8e4KC5Q5WxeEQhfkE0VnDrxxxVd8-7nqwlsmijnB_6rDH_BzWHFV28Vhs6S9ypzKAy059WJxLl6IePc2s02Yl4jyRqMyJJTs2hnGakwzXs_zSJ9Ny1MXxdqsr96RMCwn_40okYwEbMuNZE4-9LnrGQA/w249-h400/Lt.%20John%20James%20Denovan.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Lieutena</span><span style="text-align: justify;">nt John James Denovan</span><span style="text-align: justify;">.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> His idea was for a tank with as much of the standard internal equipment as possible removed and replaced with storage space for the sapper's equipment, tools and explosives. The Churchill was chosen because of its combination of a large interior, thick armour and side access door, and a prototype was developed for the Department of Tank Design by the 1st Canadian M E Company.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The crew of six were drawn from the Royal Engineers, except for the driver who came from the Royal Armoured Corps. One of the RE crew was a demolitions NCO sapper responsible for priming the "Flying dustbin" as well as leading or supervising when they dismounted from the tank (easily done through the side hatches) to place demolition charges ("Wade" charges).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxedQ4YMjThlkaVm-OFl_NgemPt-9YEkUyAXvNsKR1qgogM6KjDDbp1fMKm79rbrKAlGLDCWTwaqCbXRXJRLzhypuOEA6L-REXW7vSH3aeTA0wIbwcsCIj8VcIBZOTAE3xQnmRmWjnYw/s1600/AVRE+4+PETARDS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxedQ4YMjThlkaVm-OFl_NgemPt-9YEkUyAXvNsKR1qgogM6KjDDbp1fMKm79rbrKAlGLDCWTwaqCbXRXJRLzhypuOEA6L-REXW7vSH3aeTA0wIbwcsCIj8VcIBZOTAE3xQnmRmWjnYw/s640/AVRE+4+PETARDS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Flying dustbin" petard</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The AVRE had the main gun replaced by a Petard Mortar. This fired a forty pound (18 kg) HE-filled projectile (nicknamed the Flying Dustbin) 150 yards (137 m). The "Dustbin" could destroy concrete obstacles such as roadblocks and bunkers. This weapon was unusual in that it had to be reloaded externally - by opening a hatch and sliding a round into the mortar tube from the hull.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE5n01M17BFyWufIKs8pBwQ7lP-Xfcyz-6MgAYY6px4UM0yf9PxR1HMRWPNFmZrsnUiuq1USmUWWsX4AFrinBsQN2yMPRXp4q3Z4g5nOCgCEWssWvh_YxRG6OoZeL03ICghqD34pQ6_M/s1600/Churchill_AVRE_Petard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyE5n01M17BFyWufIKs8pBwQ7lP-Xfcyz-6MgAYY6px4UM0yf9PxR1HMRWPNFmZrsnUiuq1USmUWWsX4AFrinBsQN2yMPRXp4q3Z4g5nOCgCEWssWvh_YxRG6OoZeL03ICghqD34pQ6_M/s640/Churchill_AVRE_Petard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Petard mortar in the Churchill Mk IV turret</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB88ZEyGCowPOH1OLfNy4bAymQ3rVhmbP23KjatjN3shgCZxZibkjwZLhKFrVlF2m61aHzdy5QU6HsWS-FV_wkjNRIJH8i93IKMqntYO07yQMsBTNNJXnaU1NvCQyAEr9yH9_lsrDEzfk/s1600/AVRE+3+PETARD.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB88ZEyGCowPOH1OLfNy4bAymQ3rVhmbP23KjatjN3shgCZxZibkjwZLhKFrVlF2m61aHzdy5QU6HsWS-FV_wkjNRIJH8i93IKMqntYO07yQMsBTNNJXnaU1NvCQyAEr9yH9_lsrDEzfk/s640/AVRE+3+PETARD.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The mortar and the petard</td></tr></tbody></table> A demonstration on Hankley Common on 25 February 1943 showed what the engineers had in mind. A Churchill tank with the internal ammunition storage removed and a new side door that unfolded to become an armoured screen was driven up to a concrete wall. The sappers emerged from the tank, placed and lit General Wade explosive charges on the wall, and then retreated in the tank. The resulting hole was large enough to drive a tank through.</div><div> The 290mm muzzle loading mortar was developed separately, by Colonel Blacker, the designer of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacker_Bombard" target="_blank">Blacker Bombard</a>, a spigot mortar built for the Home Guard. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP0o8_5JMrNnjrNqrnZJhbYIQrZawNdwJh2lFz224Ql1PwHT5MtWaWW4N7LZNPFr9Fj8F5rYRDiOQyiUuemihrbewTjBUlGPyzz17y3JJ-C4hPlK4BeqPdRbKxCD_hns82V3bJr798nyKU68d0Jxo9VXiy5VUbwmTJTMXtMyRATdJ39qiXLBeKcAZIQ/s1280/blacker%20bombard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1280" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP0o8_5JMrNnjrNqrnZJhbYIQrZawNdwJh2lFz224Ql1PwHT5MtWaWW4N7LZNPFr9Fj8F5rYRDiOQyiUuemihrbewTjBUlGPyzz17y3JJ-C4hPlK4BeqPdRbKxCD_hns82V3bJr798nyKU68d0Jxo9VXiy5VUbwmTJTMXtMyRATdJ39qiXLBeKcAZIQ/w640-h518/blacker%20bombard.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home Guard soldiers operate a 'Blacker Bombard' spigot mortar<br />during training at No. 3 GHQ Home Guard School<br />Onibury near Craven Arms - Shropshire, 20 May 1943.</td></tr></tbody></table><div> He was asked to design a version of the mortar that could be mounted on a tank, and produced a mortar that could fire a 18 Kg (40 lb) high explosive shell known as the <b>Flying Dustbin</b>. See below a film with AVRES in training action. You can see a Churchill AVRE S.B.G in the first seconds, an AVRE fascine and a Churchill Mk.III AVRE firing his huge mortar against a bunker...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="316" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/48oBqcGKfSo" width="380" youtube-src-id="48oBqcGKfSo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A massive spring soaked up the 20 tons of recoil and used the energy to recock the mortar. At the Hankley Common demonstration this mortar was mounted to a Churchill tanks. After using shells fused for air burst to clear a 8,5 meters wide gap through a minefield, the mortar then fired twelve shells directly at a 1,8 meters thick concrete wall, creating a gap wide enough for a tank.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The two designed were merged to create the AVRE. Around 700 were produced by converting Churchill Mk IIIs and IVs, of which 180 had been completed by the D-Day landing, where they were used by the 1st Assault Brigade of the 79th Armoured Division.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjK0F3Z1CAMRZ7JCiFA1JISzIvMZbuN9sybhzX8xaSmREdftKsWSzvCzdXiGozeoy9dnMtZbctoeuezoCWrlnwPM0dYr0ghsE0exqEwVGKg6ncKmFo2Kll9qhyzMLXM0RNdDoDH4mzXg/s1600/79th.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjK0F3Z1CAMRZ7JCiFA1JISzIvMZbuN9sybhzX8xaSmREdftKsWSzvCzdXiGozeoy9dnMtZbctoeuezoCWrlnwPM0dYr0ghsE0exqEwVGKg6ncKmFo2Kll9qhyzMLXM0RNdDoDH4mzXg/w320-h273/79th.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">79th Armoured Division badge</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The AVRE was given standard attachment points that could be used to carry a wide range of specialised equipment, including fascine carriers that could drop their brushwood bundles into ditches or at the base of barriers, a variety of mine sweeping devices, a Small Box Girder bridge, 'bobbin' carpet laying tanks and the 'Goat' explosive device. <span style="text-align: left;">Here are some specialized versions (among others...) of AVRE:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bridgelayer</b> - The Bridgelayer conversion was based on a Churchill MK-III or MK-IV. The bridge could carry a 18 meters tank or Class 40 wheeled vehicles, and the driver operated the laying mechanism; the only other crew member was the commander.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPADpbCDJcysngxFNeU92RJW-tPQ9HGBPZunEnGHOhir_Br0aPnB7R3YXZFC-cAw9jqNOGEa2FiC16FN7MMScv8r5WJMdzgfgcFnFeOgjrwutqQ5_awqZwBcozAIc7SmdiN9JQ-rY4e3GKaJOfW04ZxIKblPv61TMFQ0x07jmEOvJEOJjTOZjCd95qPw/s1024/Churchill%20%20bridgelayer2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="1024" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPADpbCDJcysngxFNeU92RJW-tPQ9HGBPZunEnGHOhir_Br0aPnB7R3YXZFC-cAw9jqNOGEa2FiC16FN7MMScv8r5WJMdzgfgcFnFeOgjrwutqQ5_awqZwBcozAIc7SmdiN9JQ-rY4e3GKaJOfW04ZxIKblPv61TMFQ0x07jmEOvJEOJjTOZjCd95qPw/w640-h308/Churchill%20%20bridgelayer2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bobbin</b> - A reel of 3.0 meters wide canvas cloth reinforced with steel poles carried in front of the tank and unrolled onto the ground to form a "path", so that following vehicles (and the deploying vehicle itself) would not sink into the soft ground of the beaches during the amphibious landing. </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErbNUVVY8eCg4rb5v5TqL1uhFOsC-hqfgARojIa69haJcQYltS93X88HirFvFHRpBTNU2lAXjG7dbVRw-WfA1_W3GUTFKV_idxNR6JnMfg6-XntKoHU1ISlCqH8QOosNG6AJcfbllfmFi4ws68f56_qGMBwsnYtm3RVX8cmPtpoYAGjVV6N3sxq84Zw/s1024/Churchill%20AVRE%20Bobbin2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1024" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErbNUVVY8eCg4rb5v5TqL1uhFOsC-hqfgARojIa69haJcQYltS93X88HirFvFHRpBTNU2lAXjG7dbVRw-WfA1_W3GUTFKV_idxNR6JnMfg6-XntKoHU1ISlCqH8QOosNG6AJcfbllfmFi4ws68f56_qGMBwsnYtm3RVX8cmPtpoYAGjVV6N3sxq84Zw/w640-h564/Churchill%20AVRE%20Bobbin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fascine</b> - A bundle of wooden poles or rough brushwood lashed together with wires carried in front of the tank that could be released to fill a ditch or form a step. Metal pipes in the center of the fascine allowed water to flow through. </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BkcFC78ujyTAqe3ClsnVYzUoZQ3TFZXdPZbSWtXwdWzu-5i2Aj1AjWuJ-NOa9jJF-PP7H83j712aM4Sw2jFQnjZCuIE5PK97r3vaj556rB351fFw1V6hFQSoo-hS-Hf8fwxkd1Av3u-gLHTIFM3e7IM6WbsFwBlluwArIXPsRIhLswyahstuBgrehw/s1024/Churchill%20avre%20fascine%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1024" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BkcFC78ujyTAqe3ClsnVYzUoZQ3TFZXdPZbSWtXwdWzu-5i2Aj1AjWuJ-NOa9jJF-PP7H83j712aM4Sw2jFQnjZCuIE5PK97r3vaj556rB351fFw1V6hFQSoo-hS-Hf8fwxkd1Av3u-gLHTIFM3e7IM6WbsFwBlluwArIXPsRIhLswyahstuBgrehw/w640-h376/Churchill%20avre%20fascine%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Churchills AVRE Fascine leading Churchills ARKs</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Small Box Girder</b> was an assault bridge that was carried in front of the tank and could be dropped to span a 9.1 meters gap in 30 seconds. </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjb1Qi2K2PFfNQOGzVxV7Nah8t12SroPdOHBQEGfrE3UvqH0P4f46gi9TYDiNFfJQqSEzxm6ZXNuydJaB5IX-Z1hEJ3F2iq6Ox_bPqWFyNfjHpifLTcIIIpXvHbdP6gbJ0qhw6ojRA3I2NF5R7gmbw___abMMyONq4tyWG_eFWSAe-Re7CqgDJHuuxsw/s1024/Churchill%20AVRE%20bridgelayer%20SBG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjb1Qi2K2PFfNQOGzVxV7Nah8t12SroPdOHBQEGfrE3UvqH0P4f46gi9TYDiNFfJQqSEzxm6ZXNuydJaB5IX-Z1hEJ3F2iq6Ox_bPqWFyNfjHpifLTcIIIpXvHbdP6gbJ0qhw6ojRA3I2NF5R7gmbw___abMMyONq4tyWG_eFWSAe-Re7CqgDJHuuxsw/w640-h480/Churchill%20AVRE%20bridgelayer%20SBG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE Small Box Girder</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bullshorn Plough</b>. A mine plough intended to excavate the ground in front of the tank, to expose and make harmless any land mines.</li></ul><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGNIrOTUg3DdLtz71fq9sVwdkWC3fwufiC2uSqiHUP-2tfb5RI701k3MV8pqEnCFiC7phaUoiEWIGMlznHX0mV3BrfitjHKUS6zc4zhlTCOHS7t0VtjaUZNz6GnB2AuYSPIgs6YtN2EZVD7aos7nxA9NYxn84Lkp55BctDSSbyc-MC1-h1kpNDz0naw/s1024/Churchill%20AVRE%20Bullshorn%20Plough.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1024" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGNIrOTUg3DdLtz71fq9sVwdkWC3fwufiC2uSqiHUP-2tfb5RI701k3MV8pqEnCFiC7phaUoiEWIGMlznHX0mV3BrfitjHKUS6zc4zhlTCOHS7t0VtjaUZNz6GnB2AuYSPIgs6YtN2EZVD7aos7nxA9NYxn84Lkp55BctDSSbyc-MC1-h1kpNDz0naw/w640-h364/Churchill%20AVRE%20Bullshorn%20Plough.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></span><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>Double Onion</b>. two large demolition charges on a metal frame that could be placed against a concrete wall and then detonated from a safe distance. It was the successor to the single charge device Carrot. </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FOMN4D4byDkSnRnGEcjbCwQ3FbXgXszrytjVCQqqDqpcCOhMgb8fVF9rOACBM5Sn5FphZ2jpWm5_-SkfUStf5Ze_AOUEXGvmvKT7qhDP8bQixj_71qSANrwU43ZdYxtlAV6ExIGKWETAFAonBudnXhU5FR0kptFrkiZysZDXD3_QFsAZM4a6O3muiA/s1024/Churchill%20AVRE%20Double%20Onion.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="1024" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FOMN4D4byDkSnRnGEcjbCwQ3FbXgXszrytjVCQqqDqpcCOhMgb8fVF9rOACBM5Sn5FphZ2jpWm5_-SkfUStf5Ze_AOUEXGvmvKT7qhDP8bQixj_71qSANrwU43ZdYxtlAV6ExIGKWETAFAonBudnXhU5FR0kptFrkiZysZDXD3_QFsAZM4a6O3muiA/w640-h324/Churchill%20AVRE%20Double%20Onion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><b>CIRD</b>. The Canadian Indestructible Roller Device (CIRD) consisted of two arms attached to the side of the tank, each supporting a heavy roller. The roller was suspended in such a way it could jump in the air and rotate in an arc round the arm when a mine was detonated, thus reducing the chance of the rollers being blown off.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc8EBRXMMGPpxJ2Zs2OmHCCdqzl4q1ZUZbt5xl6akGr5yM6vAj-lDFS4uZcgScc09Owa0Jd2mkn8l-UCsaMWgkVBXc5t4VRkcDsfvIsLiUcLOir8gBlguKiJ6LrlYYsOqD2xPeQ8q33pX9-FZFPx1T8EuE1O72d6VwlYxU2SY98OilcrdgmwAA_5WRA/s1280/Churchill%20CIRD%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikc8EBRXMMGPpxJ2Zs2OmHCCdqzl4q1ZUZbt5xl6akGr5yM6vAj-lDFS4uZcgScc09Owa0Jd2mkn8l-UCsaMWgkVBXc5t4VRkcDsfvIsLiUcLOir8gBlguKiJ6LrlYYsOqD2xPeQ8q33pX9-FZFPx1T8EuE1O72d6VwlYxU2SY98OilcrdgmwAA_5WRA/w640-h480/Churchill%20CIRD%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> The AVREs played an important part in the success of the British and Canadian landings on D-Day, where their spigot mortar was especially valuable, destroying a number of German strong points, the most famous being the Sanatorium at Le Hamel. They continued to operate successfully during the liberation of Europe by the Allies, until the end of WWII., and later versions of the AVRE tank remained in use long after the Churchill had been retired.</div><div><br /></div></div></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Churchill AVRE - S.B.G. (S</b><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>mall Box Girder</b>) a</span><b>ssault bridge:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The Churchill AVRE S.B.G.assault bridge was evolved by the Canadian Army in April 1943, as a method for wall or ditch crossing in assault. It consisted of a small box girder bridge fitted to the front of the Churchill AVRE and adapted for quick release. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHE6hZcuSORJDt0jK_g6mzM8kpJMN6mD9UE957_emfWlEtLJoTirKK5ctmSmGzGXS4PG8Iq7lay_47JWYb5BBqnHbrtQh4zU85Bg1_hGMA22ounht24ugLAvMR4x7wmW59NM8Abxb9wVc8LC9jc_ljHyjDaoHl3fx11OwdqIUx7sY9P1Fp7GtxygsXQ/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20S.B.G.%20Bridge%20Layer%20field%201280.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHE6hZcuSORJDt0jK_g6mzM8kpJMN6mD9UE957_emfWlEtLJoTirKK5ctmSmGzGXS4PG8Iq7lay_47JWYb5BBqnHbrtQh4zU85Bg1_hGMA22ounht24ugLAvMR4x7wmW59NM8Abxb9wVc8LC9jc_ljHyjDaoHl3fx11OwdqIUx7sY9P1Fp7GtxygsXQ/w640-h334/Churchill%20AVRE%20S.B.G.%20Bridge%20Layer%20field%201280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE - S.B.G. (Small Box Girder) assault bridge</div><div style="text-align: center;">in trials, for D-day landings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the absence of petard mortar in the Churchill Mk IV turret</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_1B27gW9VWvpvg8XbxmlUISHOtESUaZf7eyWjXQurL_QUklRGez6y9zPWWkoU-z7xZv-FRs-GOJeb_c9Y_J3SsDilDQaXb7bHYGLrjQPDhflET07zoIo_V6vktZw2N4LXYhWea54UUMisSVsvV2h2XHPV6l6cfsBQeBL24Mzkd1r559O4twH48yHmQ/s1440/Churchill%20mk%20IV%20SBG%20rear%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1440" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_1B27gW9VWvpvg8XbxmlUISHOtESUaZf7eyWjXQurL_QUklRGez6y9zPWWkoU-z7xZv-FRs-GOJeb_c9Y_J3SsDilDQaXb7bHYGLrjQPDhflET07zoIo_V6vktZw2N4LXYhWea54UUMisSVsvV2h2XHPV6l6cfsBQeBL24Mzkd1r559O4twH48yHmQ/w640-h360/Churchill%20mk%20IV%20SBG%20rear%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Churchill Mk.IV AVRE - S.B.G. (Small Box Girder) assault bridge</div><div>in trials, for D-Day landings.</div><div>Notice the overload imposed on the front portion of the</div><div>tank suspension by the weight of the bridge.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIucDRwpdm3gt7pJ15odtiMk4I6iSEm6MTTvrB8Wzt0Jhg2JK-cwVzvT9q26iL_HSnRxIwYYDNUpctUcbESDsXrJgw9YfVmyA338X-DeBaUZtPPYjrhfK48rwTFJH_qgzI0cWqiXOnxOfX7b7GI1dBQ6Salmu_hH2WD6f-spRTEs862z0RJGa_N7OYeQ/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20SBG%20with%20commandos%20of%20No.%204%20Commando,%201st%20Special%20Service%20Brigade,%20move%20inland%20from%20Queen%20Red%20beach,%20Sword%20area.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIucDRwpdm3gt7pJ15odtiMk4I6iSEm6MTTvrB8Wzt0Jhg2JK-cwVzvT9q26iL_HSnRxIwYYDNUpctUcbESDsXrJgw9YfVmyA338X-DeBaUZtPPYjrhfK48rwTFJH_qgzI0cWqiXOnxOfX7b7GI1dBQ6Salmu_hH2WD6f-spRTEs862z0RJGa_N7OYeQ/w640-h374/Churchill%20AVRE%20SBG%20with%20commandos%20of%20No.%204%20Commando,%201st%20Special%20Service%20Brigade,%20move%20inland%20from%20Queen%20Red%20beach,%20Sword%20area.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commandos of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade<br />move inland from Queen Red beach, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_Beach" target="_blank">Sword Beach</a> area<br />Churchill AVRE S.B.G. assault bridge can be seen in the background<br />Normandy, France - 6 June 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The bridge weighed four tons, was 10,36 meters long, was able to take a load of 40 tons, and was controlled by a winch mounted on the upper rear deck of the Churchill AVRE and<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, "Century Gothic"" style="background-color: white; color: #444a2e; font-size: 14px;"> </span>could be deployed from inside the tank. The process took approximately 30 seconds. A considerable improvement in relation to the installation of the SBG bridge by sections, by the engineering groups.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWVHS_DyOlzNA6SVY0wOGSmmEPgAa6xlG8Mq1bIEw78vIU5wszkj5cj6zu5RkGPv_E0qjC_j4lSWI89M8cY9ygFJUYcCoo3heVlcnBWYBJH2vuai-7aigHSg4VDDgAxzSS7_98cSs0QepZnSwlp4A6r6wX-HRYuCjavsPL9ryISlYRc-W9Jp-V3GqcQ/s1280/SBG%20assault%20bridge%20being%20emplaced%20by%20a%20Churchill%20AVRE%20in%20a%20tarining%20camp%20-.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWVHS_DyOlzNA6SVY0wOGSmmEPgAa6xlG8Mq1bIEw78vIU5wszkj5cj6zu5RkGPv_E0qjC_j4lSWI89M8cY9ygFJUYcCoo3heVlcnBWYBJH2vuai-7aigHSg4VDDgAxzSS7_98cSs0QepZnSwlp4A6r6wX-HRYuCjavsPL9ryISlYRc-W9Jp-V3GqcQ/w640-h408/SBG%20assault%20bridge%20being%20emplaced%20by%20a%20Churchill%20AVRE%20in%20a%20tarining%20camp%20-.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A S.B.G assault bridge being placed over an obstacle by a Churchill AVRE, <br />at a training ground. This process was very quick to perform and<br />could be completed from inside the tank.<br />England - 1943.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMrIutEr2s20MDvjWxcV1IMh0iwqCaHwIbjtoijVkbBjhmbv-LffXCURG-YB5d-81Sui3thTMpW3Ku0Q0yGPOaOr1CbOJGdodwn7W95CUSXNW96XythbZb0jxhXHKOFAv7TPDFNeWxLCIkaU9CU6_LAl4rfKfL3We1rfOUXZra9rRRITEyAHGDu_XsA/s1280/SBG%20old%20times.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="927" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYMrIutEr2s20MDvjWxcV1IMh0iwqCaHwIbjtoijVkbBjhmbv-LffXCURG-YB5d-81Sui3thTMpW3Ku0Q0yGPOaOr1CbOJGdodwn7W95CUSXNW96XythbZb0jxhXHKOFAv7TPDFNeWxLCIkaU9CU6_LAl4rfKfL3We1rfOUXZra9rRRITEyAHGDu_XsA/w464-h640/SBG%20old%20times.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawings of period technical manuals describing the installation<br />of a S.B.G. assault bridge by the "old school" way.<br />The detail of the "sapper" balancing on the second drawing is priceless!<br />Imagine it under enemy fire... Poor sappers...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The bridge consisted of 4 sections connected together by cross beams to form a two-track crossing. A cable and a winch were attached to the engine deck, and an A-shaped frame was attached to the front of the Churchill AVRE tank. The bridge was suspended from the front of the tank at an angle of about 60 degrees. A problem in this tank + bridge composition was the weight of the bridge hanging from the Churchill's bow, that compressed the front suspension bogies and lifted the rear bogies from the ground. Thus, steering the tank when cornering was not easy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg47w7kJjL_bWeBWxtE8zavAPQYckrgIHwFlirUeOv_K_0puojDm90CrEJAKiDPbGULjmpUrH1rWbO2rEKHgV0QisxrzO0OZqa4vy1MiXxwfhUDXMgOa1P9V1tABRXc3_Ig4vZgu08W2tBvGoGfc5ei6Mz8u0hRMWAN_jg6kYmRnn2T6DH8-1qro_KRg/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20S.B.G.%20ass%20bridge%20details.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg47w7kJjL_bWeBWxtE8zavAPQYckrgIHwFlirUeOv_K_0puojDm90CrEJAKiDPbGULjmpUrH1rWbO2rEKHgV0QisxrzO0OZqa4vy1MiXxwfhUDXMgOa1P9V1tABRXc3_Ig4vZgu08W2tBvGoGfc5ei6Mz8u0hRMWAN_jg6kYmRnn2T6DH8-1qro_KRg/w640-h362/Churchill%20AVRE%20S.B.G.%20ass%20bridge%20details.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The bridge could surmount a 4,5 meters wall or span a 9,14 meters gap. The design had been formally adapted by the British Army in the 1930s and copied by many countries prior to the war (including Germany). </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRlZAqPcRtgnneRU2ACylDxarmVQlqU10fPXA4Ca5Em6rG2cq2iUDElkAevAaYc4SC5yMfxyWmnEwlcXLkXFZAGEN_VOl7S3dQ5SR11TgiMDkwxRB_i9G30nwmFsC-yQsdFghVTierrEaUGeCx8syEWnrdPGTRIOujPvRjGGJSv2g4Az-ihtxLGIsbw/s1024/Bren%20carrier%20crossing%20a%20SBG.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1024" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRlZAqPcRtgnneRU2ACylDxarmVQlqU10fPXA4Ca5Em6rG2cq2iUDElkAevAaYc4SC5yMfxyWmnEwlcXLkXFZAGEN_VOl7S3dQ5SR11TgiMDkwxRB_i9G30nwmFsC-yQsdFghVTierrEaUGeCx8syEWnrdPGTRIOujPvRjGGJSv2g4Az-ihtxLGIsbw/w640-h618/Bren%20carrier%20crossing%20a%20SBG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bren carrier crossing the a Small Box Girder bridgebuilt by<br /> Northern Ireland Royal Engineers over the River Ballinderry,<br />near Ardtrea, Co. Tyrone - December, 1942.<br /> R.E. Units, 61st Div.<br />At that time, S.B.Gs were transported by heavy trucks<br />and their installation was slow and laborious (see drawing above...)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2oTW3CfRldTAD8OIxTUcZvonLDbCD7B-qImYmYDGIvgl13wS3sF-lsmj1-I-easIVwDjFKQhYjrC2JEFDyv8NPgn06hZFu5z8ZUDuVnQC8fVUmwbeWxsdHTfsJhWMOr7WWXE1NJOTnXOlCICyDP3w-Jy6YZ03CToQpYyf6jWEnfwHdszNUg-f_ONVg/s1280/Soldiers%20of%20the%209th%20Canadian%20Infantry%20Brigade%20deploying%20in%20Nan%20White%20Sector.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2oTW3CfRldTAD8OIxTUcZvonLDbCD7B-qImYmYDGIvgl13wS3sF-lsmj1-I-easIVwDjFKQhYjrC2JEFDyv8NPgn06hZFu5z8ZUDuVnQC8fVUmwbeWxsdHTfsJhWMOr7WWXE1NJOTnXOlCICyDP3w-Jy6YZ03CToQpYyf6jWEnfwHdszNUg-f_ONVg/w640-h400/Soldiers%20of%20the%209th%20Canadian%20Infantry%20Brigade%20deploying%20in%20Nan%20White%20Sector.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British 2nd Army: Second wave troops of 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade,<br />probably Highland Light Infantry of Canada, disembarking with bicycles from <br />LCI(L)s (Landing Craft Infantry Large) onto 'Nan White' Beach,<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juno_Beach" target="_blank"> Juno Beach</a> Area<br />at <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berni%C3%A8res-sur-Mer" target="_blank">Bernières-sur-Mer</a>, shortly before midday on 6 June 1944.<br />Notice the "white" S.B.G. assault bridge, poured over the beach wall, <br />allowing the entry of allied armored vehicles. <br />(in the middle of the image, right behind the bulldozer)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QVBGuw348cmfu6qDbGWU0lSmpLWV3JexexiXZQv-x6aT9-32AGjZHbx5b1wmPv6URQAp_LswKk_FON5LIGY-TEqoXBAqgdJVswIASP6rpSSENj6bs-ArdoC69zu9u7RpzWMlljZuahD7rEPkE-jAAu4VOhjJZLW6FjC-2Pcbx6BCTlhcW-gNwSn_iQ/s1280/SBG%20in%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9QVBGuw348cmfu6qDbGWU0lSmpLWV3JexexiXZQv-x6aT9-32AGjZHbx5b1wmPv6URQAp_LswKk_FON5LIGY-TEqoXBAqgdJVswIASP6rpSSENj6bs-ArdoC69zu9u7RpzWMlljZuahD7rEPkE-jAAu4VOhjJZLW6FjC-2Pcbx6BCTlhcW-gNwSn_iQ/w640-h412/SBG%20in%20beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the same S.B.G. assault bridge of picture above, few hours later.<br />The bridge was left by a Churchill AVRE, immediately after landing.<br />Notice the white color of the bridge.<br /> 'Nan White' Beach,<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juno_Beach" target="_blank"> Juno Beach</a> Area at <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berni%C3%A8res-sur-Mer" target="_blank">Bernières-sur-Mer</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courseulles-sur-Mer" target="_blank">Courseulles-sur-mer</a> area - Normandy - France , 6 june 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the Churchill AVRE S.B.G. ejected the bridge, they could continue in the Theater of Operations as a normal tank, helping the infantry advance with their powerful mortar.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6V1cOqPzR7kKQCKfWQ9Nq5VBGe_Zv-hMx3zdwggLBr7UIp6RHDoRBhM0zG9efSOiUatAo7u8VQU-pzX5_vGRNe9EU3CTb8Y5bI4cs59ePwJIj5znQwd2y2un4GhC3X6cTYvY6HWNS6K-tpR_H5TBPPj7uc8lBXk7Bk_OPqryovBkQXpLRAcVj6cXQw/s1280/Universal%20Carriers%20of%202nd%20Middlesex%20Regiment%20-3rd%20Divisions%20MG%20battalion-%20Churchill%20AVRE%20of%2077th%20Assault%20Squadron,%205th%20Assault%20Regiment,%20in%20La%20Breche%20d'Hermanville,%206%20June%201944..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1280" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6V1cOqPzR7kKQCKfWQ9Nq5VBGe_Zv-hMx3zdwggLBr7UIp6RHDoRBhM0zG9efSOiUatAo7u8VQU-pzX5_vGRNe9EU3CTb8Y5bI4cs59ePwJIj5znQwd2y2un4GhC3X6cTYvY6HWNS6K-tpR_H5TBPPj7uc8lBXk7Bk_OPqryovBkQXpLRAcVj6cXQw/w640-h576/Universal%20Carriers%20of%202nd%20Middlesex%20Regiment%20-3rd%20Divisions%20MG%20battalion-%20Churchill%20AVRE%20of%2077th%20Assault%20Squadron,%205th%20Assault%20Regiment,%20in%20La%20Breche%20d'Hermanville,%206%20June%201944..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Universal Carriers of 2nd Middlesex Regiment (3rd Division's MG battalion)<br />passing by a Churchill Mk.IV AVRE S.B.G. from<br />79th Armoured Division - 5th Assault Regiment - 77th Assault Squadron <br />La Brèche d'Hermanville - Normandy, France - 6 June, 1944.<br />Notice in the front armor of the tank the device that carried the bridge.<br />She must have used the bridge early on in the landing operations.</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-_hB_v7uWfNulf_2TVBjq_qh_lbJEQl2F19zTgoGbJ6GCcWjnhXNHn3V6bSoDHZCgB7rP-TE_LBtKdO3-UbN-RnH9WRBMMxZ8QwcLUfRl_NDonivDAqA9fLj5WH1BuI18ycxmWfn428EoeVzC99WSSTsx0aiP-BYYjJcUdODMQE_BFauxFBRNGZYNQ/s1280/Churchill%20AVRE%20of%2077th%20Assault%20Squadron,%205th%20Assault%20Regiment%20detail.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-_hB_v7uWfNulf_2TVBjq_qh_lbJEQl2F19zTgoGbJ6GCcWjnhXNHn3V6bSoDHZCgB7rP-TE_LBtKdO3-UbN-RnH9WRBMMxZ8QwcLUfRl_NDonivDAqA9fLj5WH1BuI18ycxmWfn428EoeVzC99WSSTsx0aiP-BYYjJcUdODMQE_BFauxFBRNGZYNQ/w640-h354/Churchill%20AVRE%20of%2077th%20Assault%20Squadron,%205th%20Assault%20Regiment%20detail.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the picture above...<br />Notice the winch mounted on the upper rear deck (green)<br />and the front bracket for the bridge (red).<br />Churchill Mk.IV AVRE S.B.G. "BULLDOG - 2B" - assault bridge from<br />79th Armoured Division - 5th Assault Regiment - 77th Assault Squadron.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuLmr1GgbjarMwgGWnMFrULwLVl3JmouTOnbnQFaoP0xMLjekbb4dPQtoZe_7sF08GbhUdBABJy43F_JojAXneGQb-hLH-6-ocsyw1nR2EaRN2vRPXs4u-zdPHOaNJQm2VjLhoeKMKGShtVGT9xSQ_R6ct__YXh6tNgYmonF1ip5o64Vce2LDLG6tHA/s1280/Troops%20of%203rd%20Division%20on%20Queen%20beach,%20Sword%20area,%206%20June%201944.%20On%20the%20left,%20medics%20attend%20to%20wounded%20next%20to%20a%20disabled%20Churchill%20AVRE%20from%205th%20Assault%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Engineers..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuLmr1GgbjarMwgGWnMFrULwLVl3JmouTOnbnQFaoP0xMLjekbb4dPQtoZe_7sF08GbhUdBABJy43F_JojAXneGQb-hLH-6-ocsyw1nR2EaRN2vRPXs4u-zdPHOaNJQm2VjLhoeKMKGShtVGT9xSQ_R6ct__YXh6tNgYmonF1ip5o64Vce2LDLG6tHA/w640-h400/Troops%20of%203rd%20Division%20on%20Queen%20beach,%20Sword%20area,%206%20June%201944.%20On%20the%20left,%20medics%20attend%20to%20wounded%20next%20to%20a%20disabled%20Churchill%20AVRE%20from%205th%20Assault%20Regiment,%20Royal%20Engineers..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troops of 3rd Division on Queen beach, Sword area, 6 June 1944.<br />On the left, medics attend to wounded next to a disabled<br />Churchill Mk.IV AVRE S.B.G. from 5th Assault Regiment, Royal Engineers.<br />The AVRE has already laid its bridge.<br />Notice the rear details of the tank...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIxeIuaiDRDEPka67agpJnnf3MfO1laynNd0pXJgEf-oOLsME4p_D7xeN969g1yCrW_dqM1feuGfKp3NKC5KPizjwhIK5Sl2Ez1tsk90dWIdVQfABkiU5d2UbJykkrrjCwbCKP9f3GodgPxakwW1FNeC2LFo5HArkqOA9cqD0FvIpY3t56LpCXvpq6g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20061e%20Andrew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIxeIuaiDRDEPka67agpJnnf3MfO1laynNd0pXJgEf-oOLsME4p_D7xeN969g1yCrW_dqM1feuGfKp3NKC5KPizjwhIK5Sl2Ez1tsk90dWIdVQfABkiU5d2UbJykkrrjCwbCKP9f3GodgPxakwW1FNeC2LFo5HArkqOA9cqD0FvIpY3t56LpCXvpq6g/w640-h384/Churchill%20SBG%20061e%20Andrew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVRE SBG assault bridge - rear view<br />After ejecting the bridge, this AVRE SBG continues ready to fight. <br />Watch the winch on the aft deck.<br />Netherlands - late 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F8lSGhdabcVF8g-2ooE4sdwYgTXaOpRXOXIoxjFSCce8tcuoueVW2XKBNqujTQdajtjdPLz_3pTJqFnndN_F6UUU6dZaq_rGJY2tFAeh0C2ddHjqfo3_oia6Na-p1IZoYQfI27-12XMtQybDDrr4T1MtX1_7yvCMrrR8BoZht3h3qDSQO_JVfF754g/s1017/Churchill%20SBG%20061d%20Andrew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1017" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-F8lSGhdabcVF8g-2ooE4sdwYgTXaOpRXOXIoxjFSCce8tcuoueVW2XKBNqujTQdajtjdPLz_3pTJqFnndN_F6UUU6dZaq_rGJY2tFAeh0C2ddHjqfo3_oia6Na-p1IZoYQfI27-12XMtQybDDrr4T1MtX1_7yvCMrrR8BoZht3h3qDSQO_JVfF754g/w640-h412/Churchill%20SBG%20061d%20Andrew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Churchill Mk.IV AVRE SBG without herassaultbridge. <br />Even though the photo is terrible, it is possible to identify the bridge coupling device<br />in the bow and the winch in the aft.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhui0ysfdbkUTP1I1VqrG_-TB7sPVyph9Yrgvz9mowM_ykK_DvEmt8LRPWAzCj6vzeENLZ0bNov0J3tx8trJSfRs2wG7D6XhyVzssisMxG4M-K6tYeNvRWmLlkHGkysP5k8n_IF4WcGFI_DWPZTlznJ-KyXLGZBXMb6Wa3z2C9lcrMv2qwhc6Xm_7Yb8g/s1184/SBG%20in%20beach.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="1184" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhui0ysfdbkUTP1I1VqrG_-TB7sPVyph9Yrgvz9mowM_ykK_DvEmt8LRPWAzCj6vzeENLZ0bNov0J3tx8trJSfRs2wG7D6XhyVzssisMxG4M-K6tYeNvRWmLlkHGkysP5k8n_IF4WcGFI_DWPZTlznJ-KyXLGZBXMb6Wa3z2C9lcrMv2qwhc6Xm_7Yb8g/w640-h224/SBG%20in%20beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Small Box Girder bridge after successfully placed in an obstacle<br />on the landing beach. Again, notice the white color of the bridge.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Below, two snapshots from a newsreel about landings on the Sword Beach (Queen Red area), in 6 June, 1944. Notice the Churchill AVRE S.B.G with his "white" bridge erected, immediately after landing, near a boathouse, on the beachfront, in the first snapshot and with the bridge lowered, to be installed, in the second image</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYZ2Cj0_epczc4welryfNIIuvIM_bqxistIMTlfX3dEUNU9UxiMrpkIWGYpZHM5LLM8CohCN2Jbrg0sJlF_dwskQlG1ARAoX8zXj1OL74qIfpPaLsKWx0TZaiRwwxh9endUnPyNqGHmDkfcCwdq5FSh665knvySray0s8jiStY2jeqd8ONXr0Yomi8w/s1280/Royal%20Marine%20commandos%20land%20on%20'Queen%20Red'%20Beach%20at%20La%20Brech%2001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYZ2Cj0_epczc4welryfNIIuvIM_bqxistIMTlfX3dEUNU9UxiMrpkIWGYpZHM5LLM8CohCN2Jbrg0sJlF_dwskQlG1ARAoX8zXj1OL74qIfpPaLsKWx0TZaiRwwxh9endUnPyNqGHmDkfcCwdq5FSh665knvySray0s8jiStY2jeqd8ONXr0Yomi8w/w640-h466/Royal%20Marine%20commandos%20land%20on%20'Queen%20Red'%20Beach%20at%20La%20Brech%2001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill AVRE S.B.G with his "white" bridge erected</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6UQHte0-ST0DrRe6s5K3B1AvlJrHROKO35gaJQzlfrozODg-9fFdTZHP_gSqIQLzU4bjNjJmZuAw34yI_xGoZzHSHTiDEE7qX8swUNVouTffwEsoFSAjZxhYWXLTnLiACdduu4MCRcM-ZuePJaYnQSselgvHU7yI5vlXvgh0KNml7Y2LoxvDetcK-A/s1280/Royal%20Marine%20commandos%20land%20on%20'Queen%20Red'%20Beach%20at%20La%20Brech%2002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6UQHte0-ST0DrRe6s5K3B1AvlJrHROKO35gaJQzlfrozODg-9fFdTZHP_gSqIQLzU4bjNjJmZuAw34yI_xGoZzHSHTiDEE7qX8swUNVouTffwEsoFSAjZxhYWXLTnLiACdduu4MCRcM-ZuePJaYnQSselgvHU7yI5vlXvgh0KNml7Y2LoxvDetcK-A/w640-h450/Royal%20Marine%20commandos%20land%20on%20'Queen%20Red'%20Beach%20at%20La%20Brech%2002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and with bridge lowered, to be put in its place.<br />Sword Beach - Normandy, 6 June 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Churchills AVRE Fascines were often used in conjunction with Churchills S.B.G. assault bridge, working like a team. The Churchill AVTR S.B.G. assault bridge was not very popular with captains and helmsman of landing ships, as the bridges "caught" the wind. Their presence in the front of the landing ships made it difficult to control the vessel, so the bridges were often loaded as back far as possible on the deck.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzYRU3XRV04UNbAzXNGDA4Ck721Uq24RowZ9trGyrGZpRsYN4yENajRjpWrZ4D8p7EWmZ9BtRLjTbIh3F_wVVpCgsFuTFi2CVVaQEEShX9BZ6c6CyyBbElGjfIQUH9ZNZ-hzRALH_WKolwt6DGU6J_yqB6nmxQDUro_GS0PqqSmN3wq1DLvAmTz6s8w/s1280/79th%20Armoured%20Division%20Sherman%20tanks,%20Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20and%20Churchill%20bridgelayer%20loaded%20into%20a%20landing%20craft,%20Saxmundham-Ipswich%20area,%2028%20January%20194.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1280" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzYRU3XRV04UNbAzXNGDA4Ck721Uq24RowZ9trGyrGZpRsYN4yENajRjpWrZ4D8p7EWmZ9BtRLjTbIh3F_wVVpCgsFuTFi2CVVaQEEShX9BZ6c6CyyBbElGjfIQUH9ZNZ-hzRALH_WKolwt6DGU6J_yqB6nmxQDUro_GS0PqqSmN3wq1DLvAmTz6s8w/w640-h634/79th%20Armoured%20Division%20Sherman%20tanks,%20Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20fascine%20and%20Churchill%20bridgelayer%20loaded%20into%20a%20landing%20craft,%20Saxmundham-Ipswich%20area,%2028%20January%20194.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">79th Armoured Division training for the Invasion of Europe: Sherman tanks, <br />Churchill AVRE Fascine, Sherman Crab and Churchill AVRE S.B.G. assault bridge<br /> loaded into a landing craft - Saxmundham-Ipswich area, 28 January 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The next 3 photos were kindly sent by our colleague Duncan Gunn (group admin of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/338932873108945/" target="_blank">Halftrack Engineer ARV Truck</a> - Facebook) showing footage from D-Day, with Churchills AVRE S.B.G.s going into battle... <b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you so much, Duncan!!!</span></i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtW0SDIpK19erlNzFnSPkoK7URNT1kqunnzH5S3LsrT6H6OhoUJR0xd0wHAg-eU3eh5VKZG6xqNf8W1pYjf93-CmpcFNo1Y-ox4RCUa3oAqgKxR8Ru-rHau3K4qatlSHe6oK4PwNK0DMxFRuY1F3Fe0rfhBq1z_g81Kvm1Wgp8ehxoLhfrH3s1YdWtA/s1024/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20SBG%20Bridge%20just%20loading%20onto%20a%20LCT%20via%20Duncan%20Gunn%20facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtW0SDIpK19erlNzFnSPkoK7URNT1kqunnzH5S3LsrT6H6OhoUJR0xd0wHAg-eU3eh5VKZG6xqNf8W1pYjf93-CmpcFNo1Y-ox4RCUa3oAqgKxR8Ru-rHau3K4qatlSHe6oK4PwNK0DMxFRuY1F3Fe0rfhBq1z_g81Kvm1Wgp8ehxoLhfrH3s1YdWtA/w640-h416/Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20SBG%20Bridge%20just%20loading%20onto%20a%20LCT%20via%20Duncan%20Gunn%20facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVRE SBG assault bridge, maneuvering in reverse,<br /> just loading onto a LCT - notice the white (-ish) color of the bridge <br />and the future position of SBG, further aft in the boat...<br />via Duncan Gunn - Facebook</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj27QgFbcOO_yWy5Zlz33uUqNf4U7uC4pmbJy2owHhj3iOUUIHzBKBNvgLSb2P71oyULuJo3RnBcWnYgmrxevM23ue78Xh00NdyoCqWQhwhGeEkwYVFT1hQtZ7n_Gw89TXAxHSwxoDp4exW6U6SHSJdqbPrTHSAfrSMaf-7N-lwivW93zPWmJsCN0Kxg/s1024/LCI%20in%20Convoy%20with%202%20X%20LCT%20loaded%20with%20Churchills%20AVRE%20SBG%20assault%20bridges,%20D-Day.%20%20via%20Duncan%20Gunn%20facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="1024" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj27QgFbcOO_yWy5Zlz33uUqNf4U7uC4pmbJy2owHhj3iOUUIHzBKBNvgLSb2P71oyULuJo3RnBcWnYgmrxevM23ue78Xh00NdyoCqWQhwhGeEkwYVFT1hQtZ7n_Gw89TXAxHSwxoDp4exW6U6SHSJdqbPrTHSAfrSMaf-7N-lwivW93zPWmJsCN0Kxg/w640-h378/LCI%20in%20Convoy%20with%202%20X%20LCT%20loaded%20with%20Churchills%20AVRE%20SBG%20assault%20bridges,%20D-Day.%20%20via%20Duncan%20Gunn%20facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LCI in convoy with 2 X LCT loaded with<br />Churchills AVRE SBG assault bridges. <br />English Channel - 6 june, 1944 - D-Day. <br />Notice the positions of SBGs further aft, in the boats...<br />via Duncan Gunn - Facebook</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXXtj0QlGwWY0lmxhEEWZvbDpwrYztCYFsUQOTLoXfc8sddGOXEcJe-SxT9ivo9umOwozVGvlH9EokNID9TegmhSH2ZBsIBBoKUycQeB1Wtv_BD2mSk3N16OGPt2u6E_TUQ6yGzYchDRyYJqo0pXknuF4IqyA2lyLdYbdLBvo5YAsbFQ4uMEjL-JsJw/s1240/LCT%20loaded%20with%20Crab%20Sherman,%20AVRE%20Fascine%20under%20camo%20netting%20&%20%20AVRE%20SBG%20via%20Duncan%20Gunn%20facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="1240" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZXXtj0QlGwWY0lmxhEEWZvbDpwrYztCYFsUQOTLoXfc8sddGOXEcJe-SxT9ivo9umOwozVGvlH9EokNID9TegmhSH2ZBsIBBoKUycQeB1Wtv_BD2mSk3N16OGPt2u6E_TUQ6yGzYchDRyYJqo0pXknuF4IqyA2lyLdYbdLBvo5YAsbFQ4uMEjL-JsJw/w640-h232/LCT%20loaded%20with%20Crab%20Sherman,%20AVRE%20Fascine%20under%20camo%20netting%20&%20%20AVRE%20SBG%20via%20Duncan%20Gunn%20facebook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photograms of a color film showing LCT loaded with Sherman Crab, <br />Churchill AVRE fascine under camo netting and<br /> Churchill AVRE SBG assault bridge <br />via Duncan Gunn - Facebook</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> To enable the AFV to climb over high obstacles, the Churchill AVRE S.B.G. released its bridge at an angle against the obstacle and then withdrew...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQWKbdiWG-iGgvDi5wwrt0f7lZKE78wDjgL4z8haY-slMQHKhOwMFdpnfstYSfjiynAGozPhMhHbv7Y5x9jz__GuvZFK8PFD7CPgJ9iL1WPfNOZMgM9imwX74rvMXbBIBd6sq1-jcMKwFdzJyoct4Ww9ZU6TnKb0X2Hy_6kdJNjU5UBhqCALQGnXAtg/s1280/79th%20Armoured%20Division%20Churchill%20AVREs%20with%20fascines%20and%20Churchill%20bridgelayer%20loaded%20into%20a%20landing%20craft,%20Saxmundham-Ipswich%20area,%2028%20January%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1280" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQWKbdiWG-iGgvDi5wwrt0f7lZKE78wDjgL4z8haY-slMQHKhOwMFdpnfstYSfjiynAGozPhMhHbv7Y5x9jz__GuvZFK8PFD7CPgJ9iL1WPfNOZMgM9imwX74rvMXbBIBd6sq1-jcMKwFdzJyoct4Ww9ZU6TnKb0X2Hy_6kdJNjU5UBhqCALQGnXAtg/w640-h576/79th%20Armoured%20Division%20Churchill%20AVREs%20with%20fascines%20and%20Churchill%20bridgelayer%20loaded%20into%20a%20landing%20craft,%20Saxmundham-Ipswich%20area,%2028%20January%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">79th Armoured Division AVREs training to overcome obstacles...<br />Vehicles are about to disembark of landing craft, with the Churchill Mk.III AVRE S.B.G.<br />going to extend the bridge over the ravine, while the Churchill Mk.IV AVRE Fascine<br />wait to climb the bridge and pour the fascine over the adjacent gap.<br />Saxmundham-Ipswich area -January, 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">Then, the Churchill AVRE fascine climbs over the bridge and at the top, ejects its fascine roller, so that it fills the height of the wall so that it and other vehicles can safely pass the obstacle. This operation can be repeated until the fascines "fill in" the posterior portion of the obstacle... Look at the photos in sequence below the training of this action: the Churchill fascine made a mistake by ejecting the fascine too far forward or did not wait for another "colleague" fill the void, because when descending, the hull of the tank did not rest on the fascine, generating the possibility of a jam:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FA4vAGBPIgXKcUWLiiPbKOh6kDyOlQjOCHplU6csdg2U9w1R-0TVKXkFs7Nxl5cvlYsetCqQOgxEde5i98QiJ8eezgca91dRQ2Wom1Mghq6qxcl80Onh4NQlnqN99Tw5JkGSNFE9uRovd5C8wqxP7lO2i82ZZz_ga-Lrbl1YQzjSnxyRBowJKqgi6w/s800/Churchill%20fascine%20bridge%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="800" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FA4vAGBPIgXKcUWLiiPbKOh6kDyOlQjOCHplU6csdg2U9w1R-0TVKXkFs7Nxl5cvlYsetCqQOgxEde5i98QiJ8eezgca91dRQ2Wom1Mghq6qxcl80Onh4NQlnqN99Tw5JkGSNFE9uRovd5C8wqxP7lO2i82ZZz_ga-Lrbl1YQzjSnxyRBowJKqgi6w/w640-h388/Churchill%20fascine%20bridge%20001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Churchill AVRE fascine climbing by the SBG assault bridge...<br />So far, so good!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oaOgQuN38CzM9fVNiebouXFG0Zem4mv29HiReu1rIBrEQiWFzCXAQag48wwZUQlls_2TOtyKKmpKg3hf0rXgxx31jjt9x5bY49aBV9Mv1lKo1GWeCtdq9OZIisFFkxKDd7necnFkz6ax3GPif_yPDCGlqy53IAjtV2IqeWk6UXLSG528WVV4n_IvmA/s800/Churchill%20fascine%20bridge%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="800" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3oaOgQuN38CzM9fVNiebouXFG0Zem4mv29HiReu1rIBrEQiWFzCXAQag48wwZUQlls_2TOtyKKmpKg3hf0rXgxx31jjt9x5bY49aBV9Mv1lKo1GWeCtdq9OZIisFFkxKDd7necnFkz6ax3GPif_yPDCGlqy53IAjtV2IqeWk6UXLSG528WVV4n_IvmA/w640-h392/Churchill%20fascine%20bridge%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ops...the fascine after being ejected, it rolled much further... <br />Notice that the wooden cradle also fell (next to the wall),<br />which may have caused the failure...<br />The Churchill's driver is a balanced lad, by Jove!<br />The correct thing would be to back off and allow another <br />Churchill AVRE fascine to complete the service...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4NpKBg3NxVE1RYJK2ZLZifSPcV1PHDxoM2mxybkT2uzq7ewocFqi9CRN_xBE_2lZXw6EPGksLnoaAnJp_8ejEa2dOloxbO7qM-zKftIxesJhq7flPUPbE8ziZaR1bZg2c2LqbKRi-mwl-MH9ZIM77tfyUjJhh9UkbzMV5J1qDFwYab6G5tWZhcbuZQ/s800/Churchill%20fascine%20bridge%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="800" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4NpKBg3NxVE1RYJK2ZLZifSPcV1PHDxoM2mxybkT2uzq7ewocFqi9CRN_xBE_2lZXw6EPGksLnoaAnJp_8ejEa2dOloxbO7qM-zKftIxesJhq7flPUPbE8ziZaR1bZg2c2LqbKRi-mwl-MH9ZIM77tfyUjJhh9UkbzMV5J1qDFwYab6G5tWZhcbuZQ/w640-h386/Churchill%20fascine%20bridge%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But our intrepid driver decided to take a chance and... ouch!!<br />Snout buried in the mud!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></span><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU83cfL0LB7vj_IgspThwe5Iy60r3BrgO7X5hxjaJAYcsHwVmAkir4D5mR2-s0OdJAseCTz0t_xbBKv4aWzsbbS0s06tXHVTR1rZuYioqKjmfpzHJcJR9SDD3cDfcmtHfNqBVMb_L93Wjkw5-xJyebIUfGmr2M0-NNut_BIC-nwBLSYUZNoeBJ9_iYPw/s1280/Churchill%20bridgelayers%20and%20AVREs%20with%20fascines%20move%20up%20at%20the%20start%20of%20Operation%20Veritable,%208%20February%201945%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU83cfL0LB7vj_IgspThwe5Iy60r3BrgO7X5hxjaJAYcsHwVmAkir4D5mR2-s0OdJAseCTz0t_xbBKv4aWzsbbS0s06tXHVTR1rZuYioqKjmfpzHJcJR9SDD3cDfcmtHfNqBVMb_L93Wjkw5-xJyebIUfGmr2M0-NNut_BIC-nwBLSYUZNoeBJ9_iYPw/w640-h404/Churchill%20bridgelayers%20and%20AVREs%20with%20fascines%20move%20up%20at%20the%20start%20of%20Operation%20Veritable,%208%20February%201945%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Again, the Churchills AVRE Fascine and S.B.G. working togheter.<br />Start of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Veritable" target="_blank">Operation Veritable</a> - Germany, 8 February 1945</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtrofxmizg3X-Zron3kfND8hsQQfjCTLSe4LUDgLbqibElo0NMQ3Y8-3osLinxGDREGZ2HVX9EfX-uUldNM_3ITOW6ZFWT1Q5X0enkoztkZ4Vdr9i5LQNX9Mn32i8gsI0Ds2FyPiaemPE0l2tkW3DPeo1IgOudZ23qLbzBdJoa9jQ_K2YRliySEL44Q/s1024/A%20Churchill%20AVRE%20SBG%20with%20AVRE%20fascine%20woods.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1024" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtrofxmizg3X-Zron3kfND8hsQQfjCTLSe4LUDgLbqibElo0NMQ3Y8-3osLinxGDREGZ2HVX9EfX-uUldNM_3ITOW6ZFWT1Q5X0enkoztkZ4Vdr9i5LQNX9Mn32i8gsI0Ds2FyPiaemPE0l2tkW3DPeo1IgOudZ23qLbzBdJoa9jQ_K2YRliySEL44Q/w640-h554/A%20Churchill%20AVRE%20SBG%20with%20AVRE%20fascine%20woods.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE S.B.G. with his co-worker Churchill AVRE Fascine.<br />Somewhere in Europe, Autum, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Churchills AVRE S.B.G. assault bridges were used extensively during the Allied invasion of Normandy and in other battles on the European continent until the end of the war. Another theater of operations in which they were widely used was in the Liberation of the Netherlands, due to the geography of the region.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bJVDHwjmfkUVUE3qxxyH47ztocx4SaZhNGj12rrlUo26eCQAsrajLaLpyAxfp5DBrrzOVSpCo0rQTMS7dh-z7c55jFOe7F3xkOYSPy3jDbPeiih2ZEGn5cjX_PrqAC7gihj3pgueMcu7_Jzhrs-o0E6BOMohDxUDVofYkTOv-QOudM5WnxVYKluALw/s1280/crew%20of%20a%20Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20SBG%20(Small%20Box%20Girder)%20bridge%20warm%20themselves%20around%20a%20fire%20near%20Venlo,%2030%20November%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bJVDHwjmfkUVUE3qxxyH47ztocx4SaZhNGj12rrlUo26eCQAsrajLaLpyAxfp5DBrrzOVSpCo0rQTMS7dh-z7c55jFOe7F3xkOYSPy3jDbPeiih2ZEGn5cjX_PrqAC7gihj3pgueMcu7_Jzhrs-o0E6BOMohDxUDVofYkTOv-QOudM5WnxVYKluALw/w640-h472/crew%20of%20a%20Churchill%20AVRE%20with%20SBG%20(Small%20Box%20Girder)%20bridge%20warm%20themselves%20around%20a%20fire%20near%20Venlo,%2030%20November%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew of a Churchill Mk.IV AVRE with SBG (Small Box Girder) bridge<br />warm themselves around a fire, near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venlo" target="_blank">Venlo</a> - Netherlands -30 November 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLTj_4USpsp22P1ngokGFrcR7Ob4dEikbay9RuybmCsyFZLKTsrvSN0gKuJEFP21da86mdtT1ZUIbvUextXBaE64-ZKletHjcTzAP9UlyirkKfMdf4Hl7AnU68D3eQJq4OF_fZmq3Q84fCiBLnKOuwdF-g09-axLA9VeJzu6aPpMz8IZV9_Vvh5WD-Q/s4032/AVRE%202F%20-%20L-Sgt%20Finan%20travelled%20through%20Overloon,%20the%20SBG%20bringing%20down%20comms%20wire%20as%20it%20went,%20until%20sappers%20went%20ahead%20to%20lift%20it.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLTj_4USpsp22P1ngokGFrcR7Ob4dEikbay9RuybmCsyFZLKTsrvSN0gKuJEFP21da86mdtT1ZUIbvUextXBaE64-ZKletHjcTzAP9UlyirkKfMdf4Hl7AnU68D3eQJq4OF_fZmq3Q84fCiBLnKOuwdF-g09-axLA9VeJzu6aPpMz8IZV9_Vvh5WD-Q/w640-h480/AVRE%202F%20-%20L-Sgt%20Finan%20travelled%20through%20Overloon,%20the%20SBG%20bringing%20down%20comms%20wire%20as%20it%20went,%20until%20sappers%20went%20ahead%20to%20lift%20it.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE S.B.G. assault bridge<br />waiting in the side of road.<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Overloon" target="_blank">Battle of Overloon</a> - Netherlands - October, 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KBrvuFP4Mg489xbpDre8UoFNRQbMXYDzB2-Twqbr62yUgrtXGuXtdtEA2VPn3G96a4OeWMp3UUmHThgmZTszgSfxB9Ny34DwCFbwOl8Z2nNFZp8-a9sDs_uRe_cLrOO1i7vgZI_TdMgtIqu9zdYGwVHJO8D4wPOEejv8Q3QigznS3k9n3EWeufrY1w/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20061b%20Andrew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KBrvuFP4Mg489xbpDre8UoFNRQbMXYDzB2-Twqbr62yUgrtXGuXtdtEA2VPn3G96a4OeWMp3UUmHThgmZTszgSfxB9Ny34DwCFbwOl8Z2nNFZp8-a9sDs_uRe_cLrOO1i7vgZI_TdMgtIqu9zdYGwVHJO8D4wPOEejv8Q3QigznS3k9n3EWeufrY1w/w640-h480/Churchill%20SBG%20061b%20Andrew.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill AVRE S.B.G. assault bridge<br />waiting for action, with a a group of happy Dutch people!!<br /> Netherlands - late 1944.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHH6Mru-sajWQUrCxNHYzaduVet7rTGOjxPVikOY_17qNra_GnkKygeb-1fuVIcYxmgLnI-7wqX3BE0X8ckiIioeoyUAlaHdrrmbhUu_B9OhpkoGx7LYprDvE1HBQuoCBHtGtF7oW79TJY6EpsJO5i5WpQQUC95IuwtX2CrwJFI9TFvrABWaPkbobCw/s1024/Churchill%20over%20atlantic%20wall.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHH6Mru-sajWQUrCxNHYzaduVet7rTGOjxPVikOY_17qNra_GnkKygeb-1fuVIcYxmgLnI-7wqX3BE0X8ckiIioeoyUAlaHdrrmbhUu_B9OhpkoGx7LYprDvE1HBQuoCBHtGtF7oW79TJY6EpsJO5i5WpQQUC95IuwtX2CrwJFI9TFvrABWaPkbobCw/w640-h480/Churchill%20over%20atlantic%20wall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dieppe's hard and bloody lessons were finally learned:<br />A Churchill Mk.IV AVRE S.B.G. assault bridge<br />(notice the bridge rack, on the bow of the tank and the winch on the upper rear deck)<br />climbing over the Atlantic Wall, after having deposited his precious white bridge<br />in the correct place... This odd and funnie vehicle saved countless lives...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Specs:</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVldMdBoYWUQdJmOQhZrCuLhM9Qiz3h_R02vYezyAO9rSxXjKG8KiAHmZQ5xqjoRyZGNSmNadTzi-gcLm4a_iB5Au_M4yeCHQOOXYKZPqk0C3W3z1NSILdrl5OEsxGRylu5ifgRzPdAsZZdLE9ezucdgofY_7fEKUzq5fpnU2Lif9BkPyEl26XiWABmQ/s1400/Churchill%20AVRE%20S.B.G.%20Bridge%20Layer%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1400" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVldMdBoYWUQdJmOQhZrCuLhM9Qiz3h_R02vYezyAO9rSxXjKG8KiAHmZQ5xqjoRyZGNSmNadTzi-gcLm4a_iB5Au_M4yeCHQOOXYKZPqk0C3W3z1NSILdrl5OEsxGRylu5ifgRzPdAsZZdLE9ezucdgofY_7fEKUzq5fpnU2Lif9BkPyEl26XiWABmQ/w640-h422/Churchill%20AVRE%20S.B.G.%20Bridge%20Layer%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; text-align: center; width: 315px;"><tbody><tr><th class="hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="fn org">Churchill Mk III AVRE S.B.G. assault bridge</span></div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Type</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Infantry - sapper tank</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Place of origin </div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">United Kingdom</div></div></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Service history</div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">In service</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">1941–52</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Used by </div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">United Kingdom</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Canada</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Production history</div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Designer</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">V<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Motors" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; font-size: 12.32px; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vauxhall Motors">auxhall Motors</a></li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Manufacturer</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Motors" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vauxhall Motors">Vauxhall Motors</a></div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Produced</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">1941 to 1945</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Number built</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">754 AVRES</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Variants</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Mk.III & Mk.IV</div></div></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Specifications</div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Weight</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">40.1 tons</span></div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Length</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">7.44 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Width</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">3.25 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Height</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">2.49 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Crew</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">6 </div></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; color: #a2a9b1; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; text-align: left;" /></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Armour</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">102mm hull front</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">89mm hull side</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">51mm hull rear</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">89mm turret front</li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">76mm turret side & rear</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Main <span style="font-size: 12.32px;">armament</span></div></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><div style="text-align: left;">Spigot mortar<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> 290mm firing a </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">18 kg "Flying Dustbin"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> petard (26 rounds)</span></div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sec. <span style="font-size: 12.32px;">armament</span></div></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Two 7.92mm <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Besa_machine_gun" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Besa machine gun">Besa M</a>G</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Engine</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Bedford 12-cyl., </div><div style="text-align: left;">4 stroke, water-cooled, </div><div style="text-align: left;">horizontally opposed, </div><div style="text-align: left;">L-head petrol engine</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">350 hp @ 2,200 rpm</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Power/weight</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">9.1 hp / tonne</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Transmission</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Merritt-Brown 4-speed constant-mesh epicyclic gearbox</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Suspension</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Coiled spring</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Op. <span style="font-size: 12.32px;">range</span></div></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">90 km</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Speed</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">24 km/h</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Steering <span style="font-size: 12.32px;">system</span></div></div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Triple differential steering in gearbox</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; text-align: center; width: 315px;"><tbody><tr><th class="hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="fn org">S.B.G. assault bridge</span></div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Type</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">small assault bridge</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Place of origin </div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">United<span style="color: white;">.</span>Kingdom</div></div></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Service history</div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">In service</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">1932–52</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Used by </div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">England - Canada</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th colspan="2" style="background-color: lightsteelblue; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Specifications</div></div></th></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Weight</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">4 tons</span></div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Length</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">10.36 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Width</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">3.30 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Height</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">1.30 m</div></div></td></tr><tr><th scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">Horizontal obstacle</div><div style="text-align: left;">Vertical obstacle</div></div></th><td style="vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;">9.15 m</div><div style="text-align: left;">4.5 m</div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>The kits:</b><div style="text-align: justify;"> While AFV Club does not launch the desired and expected <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af35342-churchill-mkiv-avre-with-sbg-bridge--1415456" target="_blank">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE with SBG bridge (# AF35342)</a> on the market, let's follow the old but effective recipe of an <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af35167-churchill-mkiii-avre--132876" target="_blank">AFV Club Churchill Mk.III AVRE (#AF35167)</a> with a <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/resicast-351119-sbg-bridge--134353" target="_blank">Resicast resin conversion kit S.B.G. Assault Bridge (#35.1119)</a>. </div><p class="mainText" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, Century Gothic" style="color: #444a2e;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NLmCnFEX3n02AhS4_uiQjuK9gUv5v1G_VxJqLYcBIy_uSSQVD3hvNEedEYKaECgcOVZEroMEbn2MQ6Qs1a3dWlYCZTNjWXTz5SkmYQMVvFJt-54xpPUZagqQeNwVhlYZsWleVAOVQ_YpmU_IAUojvkgQgEwpP-86fA9M7mlUCWsIp2jerOtlApKdBA/s1280/Church%20AVRE%20SBG%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NLmCnFEX3n02AhS4_uiQjuK9gUv5v1G_VxJqLYcBIy_uSSQVD3hvNEedEYKaECgcOVZEroMEbn2MQ6Qs1a3dWlYCZTNjWXTz5SkmYQMVvFJt-54xpPUZagqQeNwVhlYZsWleVAOVQ_YpmU_IAUojvkgQgEwpP-86fA9M7mlUCWsIp2jerOtlApKdBA/w640-h402/Church%20AVRE%20SBG%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: justify;">After all, Kojak is not scared of anything!!!<br />The bald one with Churchill Mk.III AVRE AFV Club kit (#AF35167)<br />with Resicast resin conversion kit S.B.G. Assault Bridge (#35.1119). </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Starting by the book, as usual. This project will be executed in parallel with the assembly of a <a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/afv-club-af35288-churchill-mkiv-avre--582799" target="_blank">Churchill Mk.IV AVRE Fascine AFV Club kit (#AF35288)</a>, therefore, in some stages, you will see duplicate parts. </div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uKJnM40QqHH7nYWQtFPBYYtM1RvZNxwa4acm-ZXUhL4ZVgiptJfT3UmVYqhYJCPsj-fLZMC7dAQjdf0IfTBohAkiMQEt2mOZrEAnvuFt9oCYYV9mHql2P2YwCK8fGhlfhqMqammMK5PVc_vjwLYGH5dfTH5asFkkAQIeFRG--G-NIz5Ky927qKdmEw/s1280/Churchill%20fascine%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3uKJnM40QqHH7nYWQtFPBYYtM1RvZNxwa4acm-ZXUhL4ZVgiptJfT3UmVYqhYJCPsj-fLZMC7dAQjdf0IfTBohAkiMQEt2mOZrEAnvuFt9oCYYV9mHql2P2YwCK8fGhlfhqMqammMK5PVc_vjwLYGH5dfTH5asFkkAQIeFRG--G-NIz5Ky927qKdmEw/w640-h376/Churchill%20fascine%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, the bald guy likes a challenge...<br />He's in front the Churchill Mk.IV AVRE Fascine AFV Club kit</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I like to build kits in parallel, to save time. But let's get the party started!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdrEsWuZiWOsKKZmr8Z6VU1xnitIqulS9cNmcoXfJtMVDzgv3Zhfk7T2weQk_dbV3uSXwptOdgvXZnWPav6aHzjUHbyS6WtTK2GrU65RZtawuFepj_ZR6UtSqiBBtZdQxr_XEU8PsUVdf6b0wMIt1-5xFXhDJTAP170mi7f-jfh-hDh0egFWMOsqKag/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdrEsWuZiWOsKKZmr8Z6VU1xnitIqulS9cNmcoXfJtMVDzgv3Zhfk7T2weQk_dbV3uSXwptOdgvXZnWPav6aHzjUHbyS6WtTK2GrU65RZtawuFepj_ZR6UtSqiBBtZdQxr_XEU8PsUVdf6b0wMIt1-5xFXhDJTAP170mi7f-jfh-hDh0egFWMOsqKag/w640-h310/Churchill%20SBG%20002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling the sponsons of the two tanks and gluing the conical nuts,<br />typical of the Churchills...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Lot of people complain about the complexity of the construction of the suspensions of the Churchills of the AFV... I don't know if it's because of experience (I've assembled more than 20 of these kits...) or because of the engineering of the AFV, I really don't think this step is that hard. ... Take a look at the other Churchills constructions of this Bunker... you will understand why I don't have problems at this stage... The secret is to separate and clean the parts and proceed with method, as in an assembly line... And making two kits at the same time, the thing is much easier...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkracL3vtR_XYwXyNqA1M92Ph0xDKuQm6KC2AokDlaQKsMsXd0OvjqGjEWmNoHlMP_zXikn5IKIsTlRMhlWG_BomyL2AOmEslwyxLDuyJKm6QsnFTP2V8iHPTITr_uqcRnjZ9ZrC3KHgXoBzSW18rLGwJEMmPW8lM0oEUQ9uXe_4QWTEvQyTxjb5Rymg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkracL3vtR_XYwXyNqA1M92Ph0xDKuQm6KC2AokDlaQKsMsXd0OvjqGjEWmNoHlMP_zXikn5IKIsTlRMhlWG_BomyL2AOmEslwyxLDuyJKm6QsnFTP2V8iHPTITr_uqcRnjZ9ZrC3KHgXoBzSW18rLGwJEMmPW8lM0oEUQ9uXe_4QWTEvQyTxjb5Rymg/w640-h306/Churchill%20SBG%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the springs on the suspension legs...<br />Start with 3 or 4 sets and hold in position by spring pressure...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwEbeGlG0NHyIbVgG0FACuvm2pdWE1bTny2uhaFusPCPjHUznBFUaXHeTp0udjKJppj4qX5qH_7k_wlhvPIMApgr2M3Eaa39O7FYIEFdvRQAmebXh8DxKUxtfVOyPjaITxViVQPIGxJM4pVqz3ZaEpQQnMI8TXxfG0OqG9Sg-u30iy_ZVluzPoqzjHA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwEbeGlG0NHyIbVgG0FACuvm2pdWE1bTny2uhaFusPCPjHUznBFUaXHeTp0udjKJppj4qX5qH_7k_wlhvPIMApgr2M3Eaa39O7FYIEFdvRQAmebXh8DxKUxtfVOyPjaITxViVQPIGxJM4pVqz3ZaEpQQnMI8TXxfG0OqG9Sg-u30iy_ZVluzPoqzjHA/w640-h376/Churchill%20SBG%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then "close" the sponson, but not paste yet.<br />Use a rubber band to keep the thing together...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2sdMVjoTCZdqjtLIhHzu-1YYM3CC8PeOGQvmfn2sPVgFMZy4_kq1YH6NDcChBwcKHAwgRHo-Pf4dhNMqVYWCNPcFk79J0Hcxjb_WD3lcSgZKftg_uq106ya5v8ycMRCz-PI9_izKcuuFjAdJgeyCwkSK3HhJoColz_YhpOMsBl6ZWYvzV71OYT3vEA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2sdMVjoTCZdqjtLIhHzu-1YYM3CC8PeOGQvmfn2sPVgFMZy4_kq1YH6NDcChBwcKHAwgRHo-Pf4dhNMqVYWCNPcFk79J0Hcxjb_WD3lcSgZKftg_uq106ya5v8ycMRCz-PI9_izKcuuFjAdJgeyCwkSK3HhJoColz_YhpOMsBl6ZWYvzV71OYT3vEA/w640-h398/Churchill%20SBG%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go fitting leg after leg, being careful not to disassemble the previous one...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqt3dm9tUBjdRX_U5G3ChLY0K1PdFBWIC32KMYsbirVhj-kdMNNTnCv4yp9i4bHvTmcBCykBpkrsESlHS7Z6Z9WmiaWQvuLxvF3IM0bMk4M1hD6OemdpVpLc9B5WSt7QhImlpp2eMEYZeNpTSx1didU1ItPGy_zGHjwzQMAmGYmnhBS_3ZTCSOJiicg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqt3dm9tUBjdRX_U5G3ChLY0K1PdFBWIC32KMYsbirVhj-kdMNNTnCv4yp9i4bHvTmcBCykBpkrsESlHS7Z6Z9WmiaWQvuLxvF3IM0bMk4M1hD6OemdpVpLc9B5WSt7QhImlpp2eMEYZeNpTSx1didU1ItPGy_zGHjwzQMAmGYmnhBS_3ZTCSOJiicg/w640-h364/Churchill%20SBG%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With all the suspension legs in place, it's time to start gluing...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6VQDRTmbN97vsEwig0fI6x4TKtAD9q2k-VjKkdUUb2NrEfyieipskvelvNjfwUOzSViBHX2jFl8X3q_W_81eQ4eU1GRVUnB2gFTD0YopYxAP55HbVOJ5sUZffJCUoXbOrfhWbX7h4cs2HvzA4zCdLfTJhMPAYJ4zf7PO1t3-faNKExnSufcGOjpZag/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6VQDRTmbN97vsEwig0fI6x4TKtAD9q2k-VjKkdUUb2NrEfyieipskvelvNjfwUOzSViBHX2jFl8X3q_W_81eQ4eU1GRVUnB2gFTD0YopYxAP55HbVOJ5sUZffJCUoXbOrfhWbX7h4cs2HvzA4zCdLfTJhMPAYJ4zf7PO1t3-faNKExnSufcGOjpZag/w640-h376/Churchill%20SBG%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apply glue to the marked depressions (yellow arrows).<br />Be careful not to let the glue run down the legs, as this would prevent <br />them from moving freely...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYZGxZ31FV50i6QghHtjcGrmUyoiDM7v6_jeQSU4O7q8MWX1gZYFsbaBC3dKUhSp0mEVSK4bkCIDcUfy0Cf1GQXpL3PfQwm0m9xSfM46JIbhb-hbsyYW-h9jQYQ-EZ-I8DMsDqmH25QUoAVauhxwJzaxSl7E3bsClERotNkXHlngoU3JmgtLS4Aobtg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYZGxZ31FV50i6QghHtjcGrmUyoiDM7v6_jeQSU4O7q8MWX1gZYFsbaBC3dKUhSp0mEVSK4bkCIDcUfy0Cf1GQXpL3PfQwm0m9xSfM46JIbhb-hbsyYW-h9jQYQ-EZ-I8DMsDqmH25QUoAVauhxwJzaxSl7E3bsClERotNkXHlngoU3JmgtLS4Aobtg/w640-h334/Churchill%20SBG%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the glue mark (yellow arrows). Test the free movement<br />of the suspension legs by rotating them...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3A2Cqi3TNznRb-aSBmDh9JXQBxM49C4nX7kE6OQl8pju7L_UvkGTgzC6LsIjunvoMlPg4jYJXmycy_dKzj4PhvV4uWB3KJYkk2YryPyIHkVjWPOQBNLC25FoZmQI-GhKepwfud6159DUBN9G3NUXU6WXwzHCGxkY38vZcAWDRU2GO6B3tFAX-DTvaw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3A2Cqi3TNznRb-aSBmDh9JXQBxM49C4nX7kE6OQl8pju7L_UvkGTgzC6LsIjunvoMlPg4jYJXmycy_dKzj4PhvV4uWB3KJYkk2YryPyIHkVjWPOQBNLC25FoZmQI-GhKepwfud6159DUBN9G3NUXU6WXwzHCGxkY38vZcAWDRU2GO6B3tFAX-DTvaw/w640-h360/Churchill%20SBG%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 15 minutes of work, the entire inner part of the<br />suspensions is ready, for the two kits...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeKgLk5B03o-jI53aUmwIT3-xMjFZyciQqp5_gTbPj5LXJ7TC6cXh_Ni0Psjaxw1cnbtkKh902Sup1s9On2_BFqkCg-r3n-w3PmVjyjtCmstTcXX3PVhKNkb2XM5Y-_4RmUyay1w_Mt6B3neFlmIMyZWu9_d_cYzYijTi5Aq4aLnbbu49QUZkCU3_BQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeKgLk5B03o-jI53aUmwIT3-xMjFZyciQqp5_gTbPj5LXJ7TC6cXh_Ni0Psjaxw1cnbtkKh902Sup1s9On2_BFqkCg-r3n-w3PmVjyjtCmstTcXX3PVhKNkb2XM5Y-_4RmUyay1w_Mt6B3neFlmIMyZWu9_d_cYzYijTi5Aq4aLnbbu49QUZkCU3_BQ/w640-h418/Churchill%20SBG%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This step is a bit boring, as the pieces are delicate... But, again, work methodically...<br />Gluing the vertical dividers, on only one side...<br />If you want to see more details of this step, I suggest a quick look<br />at the other Churchills buildings here, in the Bunker...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPqp7vJVMW9Rm3yzUwm_5auSgwq6xSJFRUfxurh7NOlvxUHSc52ZOMMeqyHdSQ-3zNDMaWEueG8Jn1NePinSM_Yztrdng6qduL7F6APbvScllM9vy9LLYZmzT64MFWtv0xYSVLx-4wVmmcbRv6VFc7CZaCxNJOZZWTBoE9dG-zxcBbzEuRzdSVoqK_g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBPqp7vJVMW9Rm3yzUwm_5auSgwq6xSJFRUfxurh7NOlvxUHSc52ZOMMeqyHdSQ-3zNDMaWEueG8Jn1NePinSM_Yztrdng6qduL7F6APbvScllM9vy9LLYZmzT64MFWtv0xYSVLx-4wVmmcbRv6VFc7CZaCxNJOZZWTBoE9dG-zxcBbzEuRzdSVoqK_g/w640-h350/Churchill%20SBG%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspensions practically ready...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZrZt5dgYRmLlMJUwdXDyDEgaK3wuXAnpzoAmVW1unrnR9h98CqNHbvmfrQhSDD5GLF-1r4QmcpTJkv2tF1lYUGDs4iMGpaRuX-ZK_EV5gS-pZHYWOtTIYc8ai3TByOVTldklJ_msiz2X8IBezYTH5RiUeba5ycMt8pxoDXH5SGcoHWu8Mcma6w9sqw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZrZt5dgYRmLlMJUwdXDyDEgaK3wuXAnpzoAmVW1unrnR9h98CqNHbvmfrQhSDD5GLF-1r4QmcpTJkv2tF1lYUGDs4iMGpaRuX-ZK_EV5gS-pZHYWOtTIYc8ai3TByOVTldklJ_msiz2X8IBezYTH5RiUeba5ycMt8pxoDXH5SGcoHWu8Mcma6w9sqw/w640-h390/Churchill%20SBG%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheels time!!! Again, assembly line!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVwmfHde2f4mQJC-oLi6T2ymJMC0ZKYoLj6deazHkIOaShR9e0pQ6fjhBUIolYOTphFKjEDeB6fdi0X7SJG1UHeklvhmC0mmXp2bZUv-02TTBtJizAvIwGRxNT8eokZjogGrKfOSwODS733avvyoGE6DTodVa0ABXGc_jcq5hi0zZtcKmhdtvuRYh3Q/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVwmfHde2f4mQJC-oLi6T2ymJMC0ZKYoLj6deazHkIOaShR9e0pQ6fjhBUIolYOTphFKjEDeB6fdi0X7SJG1UHeklvhmC0mmXp2bZUv-02TTBtJizAvIwGRxNT8eokZjogGrKfOSwODS733avvyoGE6DTodVa0ABXGc_jcq5hi0zZtcKmhdtvuRYh3Q/w640-h356/Churchill%20SBG%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspensions ready!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4y_MHLnkDWV3QsywRYXsFo9R5fX3ORQNWMuBZMrYkhzRaeNHylPYSbB594LcLUcHuxBjJTM7vBiF6HURRDKf9BoaWbpV3gWar7H3zZWTX7R_42rI-H7AHzExgXwy4mWZksg7711vuA4dBPKnwceCi5bsgeKch-PWtyS3g-_n8-WPUit6nA8VapX25w/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4y_MHLnkDWV3QsywRYXsFo9R5fX3ORQNWMuBZMrYkhzRaeNHylPYSbB594LcLUcHuxBjJTM7vBiF6HURRDKf9BoaWbpV3gWar7H3zZWTX7R_42rI-H7AHzExgXwy4mWZksg7711vuA4dBPKnwceCi5bsgeKch-PWtyS3g-_n8-WPUit6nA8VapX25w/w640-h346/Churchill%20SBG%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the suspension sponsons are growing fast, too...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPOvBBHY1SUorJYvUjxKmqKIT8JWmZ6OhSRF_S2Iwy2T4UfYZpD0TOelYU9ZKokiBH0u-ErVjb5WgSI5jSTntdBCW3bDAolVV1pw9OMUhcAVCS0aq7nby6HydbmdVXRnl9U1BBVDCyh7GA2bChRuSgQacPv1OI10jLYoAc3dOQLe4Ux5lpvQifK6TMw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPOvBBHY1SUorJYvUjxKmqKIT8JWmZ6OhSRF_S2Iwy2T4UfYZpD0TOelYU9ZKokiBH0u-ErVjb5WgSI5jSTntdBCW3bDAolVV1pw9OMUhcAVCS0aq7nby6HydbmdVXRnl9U1BBVDCyh7GA2bChRuSgQacPv1OI10jLYoAc3dOQLe4Ux5lpvQifK6TMw/w640-h310/Churchill%20SBG%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sponsons ready for action. Notice which are parts of two tanks...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w7yqolshtgbmJhJ06qFK6BCnlPgfmDiph5YYk64SyiiFWBuGcoadr_9NYpDkNwBO7EF3wat_1Ba0i9EDKd41MCMhczDGihYq4TOVMYrOl-IHVNVQxKjMMDTVdyipoQ6W8N57Lsy7NbEfKXH86svzGsTcS4zEDajLPv1wUtr1s9Xwamz-2PEw8NE5cQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4w7yqolshtgbmJhJ06qFK6BCnlPgfmDiph5YYk64SyiiFWBuGcoadr_9NYpDkNwBO7EF3wat_1Ba0i9EDKd41MCMhczDGihYq4TOVMYrOl-IHVNVQxKjMMDTVdyipoQ6W8N57Lsy7NbEfKXH86svzGsTcS4zEDajLPv1wUtr1s9Xwamz-2PEw8NE5cQ/w640-h336/Churchill%20SBG%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the lower hulls...The weights are for a<br />perfect alignment of the sponsons with the chassis...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OIbdSJ1DG-XY89J1lLtbLtJzvOvmQpI11-NZGbqCQ2oLJtV0LxafgwgUJB457J-OyoZYxbGtaDYjhRPXMN1nizjk_OIBlqIb9cBkGz_0DV7b1OW0D75xqHHn4rwCLUH-Mbzcid_jvul8IPGhXN94OgncRVRm98KjkwF0loUb-y9gpK97c1njNpzY-A/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OIbdSJ1DG-XY89J1lLtbLtJzvOvmQpI11-NZGbqCQ2oLJtV0LxafgwgUJB457J-OyoZYxbGtaDYjhRPXMN1nizjk_OIBlqIb9cBkGz_0DV7b1OW0D75xqHHn4rwCLUH-Mbzcid_jvul8IPGhXN94OgncRVRm98KjkwF0loUb-y9gpK97c1njNpzY-A/w640-h342/Churchill%20SBG%20019.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing the upper-decks. I needed to get to this stage<br />to increase the rigidity of the sets...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Well... now, it's a delicate step: simulating the weight applied to the suspensions by the devices installed in these Funnies. Both, the AVRE SBG assault bridge and the AVRE Fascine have an overhead installed in the forward portion of the tanks (the SBG more intensely). Therefore, I will simulate this concentration of weight in the bow portion of the tanks, compressing the suspensions. For this, I will apply weights and/or adhesive bands to simulate overloading the front suspensions and glue the suspensions with this "overload" aspect.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xGcG0KLLRO-zzWYNF3MOR_xNx_9EfpRzmmDQvvZL_odgt7TvWjMoY_0MPJPEgq_l__4rnYsuuodfBhZxjPiwIlwl-czZuapNZveccLZF7pD6s3iQflpf82BSivJt-Za2yKtEovJa1THNUL8hLbjYhR3XSSh9ddSOLuzBAIap3oF7ge3xKx3rQoEsww/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xGcG0KLLRO-zzWYNF3MOR_xNx_9EfpRzmmDQvvZL_odgt7TvWjMoY_0MPJPEgq_l__4rnYsuuodfBhZxjPiwIlwl-czZuapNZveccLZF7pD6s3iQflpf82BSivJt-Za2yKtEovJa1THNUL8hLbjYhR3XSSh9ddSOLuzBAIap3oF7ge3xKx3rQoEsww/w640-h358/Churchill%20SBG%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Churchill AVRE SBG chassis, with weight<br />Notice the front wheels crushed by the weight...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CiPZzHBAy67iaC-VGpPFVwYyVsVH_YuU9bXHiRzQVbprGwpdh1DDduCDYGEupIieF36vznDs4uvyACKOnNYQZVjI45EbnZ4MAPeWh5apWlYX2zr_ZtQcwT26hHwwtviXcgT2KwYkfNCRNY76v9MNVYAqIvEYkWjrvtRjZNVVnhPUBwIliEHRhbsSOA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CiPZzHBAy67iaC-VGpPFVwYyVsVH_YuU9bXHiRzQVbprGwpdh1DDduCDYGEupIieF36vznDs4uvyACKOnNYQZVjI45EbnZ4MAPeWh5apWlYX2zr_ZtQcwT26hHwwtviXcgT2KwYkfNCRNY76v9MNVYAqIvEYkWjrvtRjZNVVnhPUBwIliEHRhbsSOA/w640-h344/Churchill%20SBG%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I glued the suspension legs in the desired position with self-curing dental acrylic,<br />which I applied with a brush to the inner portions of the hull...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Zx5MGDTHFJcfEpeew0dwW-xmGG4IZpD_eIEGJcq_B0bRc2xOOmlPfi98Nk2SRUeKRmUmypY691lJljktbWYTm6or4j1FEXgAuGXMfO5KyWT5fMnW0pri3cHfPoGLJF8keBW9EBqZVLV3CPRrFMyAdXSRHo0mquXcKkd5_Mwx_j6qYsUPnQE1MxmMuw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Zx5MGDTHFJcfEpeew0dwW-xmGG4IZpD_eIEGJcq_B0bRc2xOOmlPfi98Nk2SRUeKRmUmypY691lJljktbWYTm6or4j1FEXgAuGXMfO5KyWT5fMnW0pri3cHfPoGLJF8keBW9EBqZVLV3CPRrFMyAdXSRHo0mquXcKkd5_Mwx_j6qYsUPnQE1MxmMuw/w640-h344/Churchill%20SBG%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of suspension legs glued to the hull in<br />the desired position with self-curing dental acrylic.<br />Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GM8bbbN4FIt5cZF8O3iwQzfemk5vS7PL5o-89unVXwjHQwmR78khnUNKbUAeGY47dgQM7mL3MUu5p2DJQKENRB2ll1YMJTrkGwU5RaE-ruAoBXaJQiw5P9dv2PvHR6SYBr0N0Vqh0DFICg4L5mFfCS_-0xSTdbf1Y1HiGDXOrVbGmy1R4yTgXa8m4A/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GM8bbbN4FIt5cZF8O3iwQzfemk5vS7PL5o-89unVXwjHQwmR78khnUNKbUAeGY47dgQM7mL3MUu5p2DJQKENRB2ll1YMJTrkGwU5RaE-ruAoBXaJQiw5P9dv2PvHR6SYBr0N0Vqh0DFICg4L5mFfCS_-0xSTdbf1Y1HiGDXOrVbGmy1R4yTgXa8m4A/w640-h378/Churchill%20SBG%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of suspension legs glued to the hull in<br />the desired position with self-curing dental acrylic.<br />Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiwDi9pNqguvyeU3yelIwYLbFbrl9O2dHjY-1urx49sjHlTA_Kqu5pUJluwpNsTc6qq-5zEl9RB9jWC6WU9iHwYadlgQeuyTf-Y_Un0MpKE5W0fxjMs1oCNj6hBe7JHg1fCxkGZvRM1rDOnaO7Xm0_tdRQjQQ3b7mb0WKn9fh_Bz--b62ZobmxZcskg/s1279/Churchill%20SBG%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="1279" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiwDi9pNqguvyeU3yelIwYLbFbrl9O2dHjY-1urx49sjHlTA_Kqu5pUJluwpNsTc6qq-5zEl9RB9jWC6WU9iHwYadlgQeuyTf-Y_Un0MpKE5W0fxjMs1oCNj6hBe7JHg1fCxkGZvRM1rDOnaO7Xm0_tdRQjQQ3b7mb0WKn9fh_Bz--b62ZobmxZcskg/w640-h220/Churchill%20SBG%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two hulls, with suspensions "burdened" by weight...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_39oncS6wfLs2PCRJUSgH9H9yZLPmfaYfQ46udV5amUNwiY2MsfnJ55gwQv_RMdxJyy8dkXo_RLhHPORxGBuEM7XxjuiiqbOLUF6H7oK5_0CPjwB10K_gGxA9_yU5vs3SdI1R0k4wtZQvN8NQG-TbjpSn4_4Ye9kipaHTxDjxDiBzlGihKFHEeWxsA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_39oncS6wfLs2PCRJUSgH9H9yZLPmfaYfQ46udV5amUNwiY2MsfnJ55gwQv_RMdxJyy8dkXo_RLhHPORxGBuEM7XxjuiiqbOLUF6H7oK5_0CPjwB10K_gGxA9_yU5vs3SdI1R0k4wtZQvN8NQG-TbjpSn4_4Ye9kipaHTxDjxDiBzlGihKFHEeWxsA/w640-h294/Churchill%20SBG%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In addition to the suspensions "buried" by the weight, I'm going to put<br />counterweights inside the hull, in the most aft portion possible,<br />to counterbalance the weight of the bridge and the fascine.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I paint some blocks of metal, to prevent future corrosion, to serve as ballast on the back of Funnies Girls. In the real case the Churchill's weight (40 t) is more than enough to balance the 4 t. of the bridge, even being in balance, projecting itself in the bow of the tank. but in the kit, the bridge weight lever can destabilize the kit. The solution is to use a ballast... See the diagram, below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdJCz6Pfrzix_-A4XQAAS6wx1A8zG0PQid22_SVDcpRGdqddoHuffT7Q-thmCWZ7JVzcLNOSkIQhuJmDRS8Tnunagxf8ouahVgiCmYyQ8QDlkBBChvchK3eQ2zX2mfogGT1cI6MVCX7ahTVQSFZEJu3uNBLHzucxFIsVkcIdmp2wnB8bidKPsiXvWFQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20025a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdJCz6Pfrzix_-A4XQAAS6wx1A8zG0PQid22_SVDcpRGdqddoHuffT7Q-thmCWZ7JVzcLNOSkIQhuJmDRS8Tnunagxf8ouahVgiCmYyQ8QDlkBBChvchK3eQ2zX2mfogGT1cI6MVCX7ahTVQSFZEJu3uNBLHzucxFIsVkcIdmp2wnB8bidKPsiXvWFQ/w640-h512/Churchill%20SBG%20025a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our elephant (ballast) will balance the weight of the cantilevered bridge.<br />This will stabilize our kit...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacEkW_HDZ-HudwSC2gFmMMLi_sEsaaOyrxN9BdGbxhNVKI95E2HUhKSH5emvHHbzVk-6Q5nfkNZu0yCBuuyPgh6aOI1WvmH9pb7VO9k8nPf49B2wU3WA1wDSO2AwTqbmiiQ_OyLlsa6gj3Dbg5j1NRvYXj85NajUugyahfftx6lpBE53QjCVpO7L9EQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacEkW_HDZ-HudwSC2gFmMMLi_sEsaaOyrxN9BdGbxhNVKI95E2HUhKSH5emvHHbzVk-6Q5nfkNZu0yCBuuyPgh6aOI1WvmH9pb7VO9k8nPf49B2wU3WA1wDSO2AwTqbmiiQ_OyLlsa6gj3Dbg5j1NRvYXj85NajUugyahfftx6lpBE53QjCVpO7L9EQ/w640-h330/Churchill%20SBG%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm going to use the same solution for the SBG and the fascine<br /> only the SBG needs more ballast, as the bridge is projected<br />further ahead of the hull, multiplying the mass action...<br />In the pic, the left ballast is for the SBG and <br />the the smaller one ( right), is for the fascine</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK7Hyzz_1Bdi4H5RXzfgFf1ShEq7r-smcbIK5aqBYr7gTLtet3Vw-9L1kUHMmo0MA-0uBl7BZjPVRZTfxRDNZZORikjFp6ytdkB5TK_sOntMafT46rmcAUPO1QBcLiQ2k1153EFD6SG1oRfDUM4oa-EU4lITuQql6RDuFiatZY7coWRjl7M-x4k4U_g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnK7Hyzz_1Bdi4H5RXzfgFf1ShEq7r-smcbIK5aqBYr7gTLtet3Vw-9L1kUHMmo0MA-0uBl7BZjPVRZTfxRDNZZORikjFp6ytdkB5TK_sOntMafT46rmcAUPO1QBcLiQ2k1153EFD6SG1oRfDUM4oa-EU4lITuQql6RDuFiatZY7coWRjl7M-x4k4U_g/w640-h466/Churchill%20SBG%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the adaptation of the ballast.<br />It will be placed as far back as possible, inside the hull...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdyXvsaHFB3C4J_8m7GaHFPEJagot9evjlHTm2TL3vS3NLtsQLXrmWBfjH5vxp_gmLINexW5AixEAQsHvNhP3byiohVi_OYsMJZGXxuHo9xQHTjoaOcWltV8RGeboZr8VzrutxAfYzAVkHjuhFW4v_5ahLOG8za4pP6YYOXVX7UoKh_M7obiqjlXcAw/s1279/Churchill%20SBG%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1279" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdyXvsaHFB3C4J_8m7GaHFPEJagot9evjlHTm2TL3vS3NLtsQLXrmWBfjH5vxp_gmLINexW5AixEAQsHvNhP3byiohVi_OYsMJZGXxuHo9xQHTjoaOcWltV8RGeboZr8VzrutxAfYzAVkHjuhFW4v_5ahLOG8za4pP6YYOXVX7UoKh_M7obiqjlXcAw/w640-h372/Churchill%20SBG%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will apply epoxy glue in the marked positions...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UzoHiZ1a2NpPVZOyjJD_zVFGxcekJ1KsyhJgCjRtqJk2fd1787qJfZAlcyU3qIQhks1xJpMBsi0YdEML5dGQzVk2ijVfgzgN1ZrLVP30wKDczYk4D0Kqgm9fku_3Th81HEFdlQLbRQAVO4DgM7dmKbKQOH5aeO0mAT4qrBUAX2Gttp4DYuE6TzUCwg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UzoHiZ1a2NpPVZOyjJD_zVFGxcekJ1KsyhJgCjRtqJk2fd1787qJfZAlcyU3qIQhks1xJpMBsi0YdEML5dGQzVk2ijVfgzgN1ZrLVP30wKDczYk4D0Kqgm9fku_3Th81HEFdlQLbRQAVO4DgM7dmKbKQOH5aeO0mAT4qrBUAX2Gttp4DYuE6TzUCwg/w640-h388/Churchill%20SBG%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick-drying epoxy glue. The Invention of the Gods!!!<br />Chuck is happy with the solution...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsZHGaPzl27SZW2FKNUJOWomPuNef_9SosgkjsQJVhMbH0z9Ciq1UI5-eU8tbacLqAaAEvozF4wo7h_2IETMwAnlL-L_VoKCeTSgAzm-FIYI3MV13Q66DfB9DGVeEt3uhxsq7X1S0rgnyfTo0qyU-Wki0FvvTCfM9dj7Lpwg2cfJniZ8AImkJownwMw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsZHGaPzl27SZW2FKNUJOWomPuNef_9SosgkjsQJVhMbH0z9Ciq1UI5-eU8tbacLqAaAEvozF4wo7h_2IETMwAnlL-L_VoKCeTSgAzm-FIYI3MV13Q66DfB9DGVeEt3uhxsq7X1S0rgnyfTo0qyU-Wki0FvvTCfM9dj7Lpwg2cfJniZ8AImkJownwMw/w640-h296/Churchill%20SBG%20031.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two ballasts glued to the hulls.<br />Adhesiveness is extremely strong, by Crom!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> While the ballast completes drying, I will build the bridge in parallel, to get an idea of the final weight of the piece... if necessary, there is room for more ballast... But when checking the Resicast parts, I discovered some small problems...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E-eD-wKouJPqmkDKWdBfP_VcslThD4pzS7D1vyw02E-APQoKiELj5agnuSTis2G6g6xKwf4P_9Dveqf0Y5etr6PSKW3fWQDp0NO6k1Wt64qHoQn23vllbZhtcPzBIBJSZFNUPc-1Qx-eQWkdEouWIErHzv1jQ_hGfBfdVV2qcfwuqg2EJnK8NScnbg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E-eD-wKouJPqmkDKWdBfP_VcslThD4pzS7D1vyw02E-APQoKiELj5agnuSTis2G6g6xKwf4P_9Dveqf0Y5etr6PSKW3fWQDp0NO6k1Wt64qHoQn23vllbZhtcPzBIBJSZFNUPc-1Qx-eQWkdEouWIErHzv1jQ_hGfBfdVV2qcfwuqg2EJnK8NScnbg/w640-h480/Churchill%20SBG%20032.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two diagonal braces were fractured, beyond the base of one of the bridges...<br />But no big deal... These things are normal in resin kits...</td></tr></tbody></table> But first, let's clean the bridge parts... Removing the resin injection blocks, with my beloved (and dangerous...) Dremel<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tzCyeKDnEND9HUGkrLmFrOWVo1GG8Q1qh7aXWrzEZB7G8Zl5zURH5rWLns1XlGymU8i9tFs0uu4cjrrIrL8IXHe68ZYQPQYv0jOuaNoUZJBrQDX7BAg3ZJrrMcuGD7z31nWFKkwfkxJyaGXs9XfH1Pnlc9ZaCyvd-xyOs6p-mPWgvSBcuFthkqwXaQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tzCyeKDnEND9HUGkrLmFrOWVo1GG8Q1qh7aXWrzEZB7G8Zl5zURH5rWLns1XlGymU8i9tFs0uu4cjrrIrL8IXHe68ZYQPQYv0jOuaNoUZJBrQDX7BAg3ZJrrMcuGD7z31nWFKkwfkxJyaGXs9XfH1Pnlc9ZaCyvd-xyOs6p-mPWgvSBcuFthkqwXaQ/w640-h394/Churchill%20SBG%20033.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch your precious fingers...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the parts clean, we're going to use a 1.2mm T-shaped Plastruct, which Resicast supplies us...although I'm almost certain that the quantity supplied in the kit is insufficient...but come on... one problem at a time...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzMdfkAHsb9EBaGut0KoKW3W6BQGbUYPqGIMDo5sctRrYS3-mL2Tdu9j3kUF_N-gOwUwzZvIkdkEpq184BTHN3De-lJi9HmyZBXaA9Cj2VIHd49hXAXS6DQUEVqwOXAD9DFb8tompHac7pPOfVyiTdVYYAKAcc_lTYESMZqlWW4hce3i2lUp74WOb3g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzMdfkAHsb9EBaGut0KoKW3W6BQGbUYPqGIMDo5sctRrYS3-mL2Tdu9j3kUF_N-gOwUwzZvIkdkEpq184BTHN3De-lJi9HmyZBXaA9Cj2VIHd49hXAXS6DQUEVqwOXAD9DFb8tompHac7pPOfVyiTdVYYAKAcc_lTYESMZqlWW4hce3i2lUp74WOb3g/w640-h414/Churchill%20SBG%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The single Plastruct T-rod from Resicast and the new parts in position...<br />Chuck is happy...for now!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ab3WeWFfo4EzpMzOiBadv3HUkRgs7GhptxEbFQd6srRKk0dCVy0MZhtNvF1Q5_lOKZpH_ZotP4CDd6V-4nL4M3ZQRj5y6qGlsxlqGiOukOFcq_kRqeZJIcswgJSyjktQl1VKvW6wQPa14nxTMU1Od9C-RzIv_xNvOrMIqcURpoiBOYoG2zhI_JtZJw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ab3WeWFfo4EzpMzOiBadv3HUkRgs7GhptxEbFQd6srRKk0dCVy0MZhtNvF1Q5_lOKZpH_ZotP4CDd6V-4nL4M3ZQRj5y6qGlsxlqGiOukOFcq_kRqeZJIcswgJSyjktQl1VKvW6wQPa14nxTMU1Od9C-RzIv_xNvOrMIqcURpoiBOYoG2zhI_JtZJw/w640-h476/Churchill%20SBG%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sides of the bridge are now fixed and cleaned...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKVt8wkA-8bQEIFiq0tJc0bGRzI1-2W4A6SDKw6ISYKD8WPvkvYtDQSxPcD1oRar1iwfOpCIbPmEFkvU2lgyQu7MitH8Z8HR8p0LOsXLcXQJhi4wEoCS3VIliHslBsJFcFMqFMsOHCW167W9p71CXXw5ybukb9GoCNprUqrU_jQGtvNA6KDYWRRItwg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKVt8wkA-8bQEIFiq0tJc0bGRzI1-2W4A6SDKw6ISYKD8WPvkvYtDQSxPcD1oRar1iwfOpCIbPmEFkvU2lgyQu7MitH8Z8HR8p0LOsXLcXQJhi4wEoCS3VIliHslBsJFcFMqFMsOHCW167W9p71CXXw5ybukb9GoCNprUqrU_jQGtvNA6KDYWRRItwg/w640-h352/Churchill%20SBG%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reopening all the holes...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR3r3p8Zu0rXgwdrTS0yuSU3KLnIK9BGmIuMqcHSER99iKufC5WO6xVus19RR2yFycmT3ZG_t2pBaVsY40kJhCf7n0c-6S9LDMYNIF58E8JDSODebPsN-M9WW8p5FrC1u3Cbf8Foe-ZTBBOVf4hHD1nfiPwKEBxTDhaX2js5wD4IBl43wshPaY6wplw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnR3r3p8Zu0rXgwdrTS0yuSU3KLnIK9BGmIuMqcHSER99iKufC5WO6xVus19RR2yFycmT3ZG_t2pBaVsY40kJhCf7n0c-6S9LDMYNIF58E8JDSODebPsN-M9WW8p5FrC1u3Cbf8Foe-ZTBBOVf4hHD1nfiPwKEBxTDhaX2js5wD4IBl43wshPaY6wplw/w640-h428/Churchill%20SBG%20037.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stage is pretty boring...be careful not to break anything,<br />because the pieces don't have extras...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I suspected the amount of the T-rods... The Resicast sent one... it would take at least three... Good thing I have some of these gems in stock...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SYJdnjYLEn8h2tkuTBPsgT-IxVC0a824AGUx3TQwnHrvQvr26jzOxlSaUIqVb7fjq3ICaq014OgHdI0t1mlkLGr26l_KN-4jfh9nI1_pnU_H3DYEYgHdkWX1oC7Uz1VwZczCq-3RbV0yg-x6-akBSTtrz1589xWA_gHlPTmXo4Dz1ykk7EOscnWPpw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SYJdnjYLEn8h2tkuTBPsgT-IxVC0a824AGUx3TQwnHrvQvr26jzOxlSaUIqVb7fjq3ICaq014OgHdI0t1mlkLGr26l_KN-4jfh9nI1_pnU_H3DYEYgHdkWX1oC7Uz1VwZczCq-3RbV0yg-x6-akBSTtrz1589xWA_gHlPTmXo4Dz1ykk7EOscnWPpw/w640-h322/Churchill%20SBG%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my Plastruct's styrene parts stock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xYEn4aJo1OQYy3xSxnak33JYkDeq0KQp8gsSMkTAzHjyzYHWCtwMHr4Oz1bddt5jzxxZA578KbJjuF1iTJM59nw5YUJXQuPmg9OXJ2amvAH_TFF5XzFy5HnokHu74m4YRRVII5H8x8lNfISp0ohSu4vqdsIyKFwuw1_EDnJjI-bzSBuIIAOvZBa-3Q/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xYEn4aJo1OQYy3xSxnak33JYkDeq0KQp8gsSMkTAzHjyzYHWCtwMHr4Oz1bddt5jzxxZA578KbJjuF1iTJM59nw5YUJXQuPmg9OXJ2amvAH_TFF5XzFy5HnokHu74m4YRRVII5H8x8lNfISp0ohSu4vqdsIyKFwuw1_EDnJjI-bzSBuIIAOvZBa-3Q/w640-h352/Churchill%20SBG%20040.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">48 pieces are needed to "braid" the beams...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Gluing each one with super glue. Good thing there are markings on the pieces that indicate the position of the rods. Very important to glue a piece in the center, to prevent deformation during gluing...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z1CrBtmhEdutWs46EDUH67Ist6r9wV1XQyHM2AzvUrUZ3gZ3Tui9J6rGjVYqwLdh2C0tiM9EfpgXiQObrBpOHpYe218XdJqOLc2mM4eK1UI3UZRdGWFDh_spzfvcT1iMpPWlDt7bavFVGWwTXAk8ZZ7Qu5Fy9kzk-kM3Yj1aTLyXpJhLEfiywcKmxQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_z1CrBtmhEdutWs46EDUH67Ist6r9wV1XQyHM2AzvUrUZ3gZ3Tui9J6rGjVYqwLdh2C0tiM9EfpgXiQObrBpOHpYe218XdJqOLc2mM4eK1UI3UZRdGWFDh_spzfvcT1iMpPWlDt7bavFVGWwTXAk8ZZ7Qu5Fy9kzk-kM3Yj1aTLyXpJhLEfiywcKmxQ/w640-h298/Churchill%20SBG%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing the rods...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3T1QO-WPYkMrFh5fhHP0LR6E3Rf7GMx2g28zTQgTgGh3MxxTU2oQYLd6VC2459ylul6Y2Kn3NDU0iJxo9cEkvHz0PLQIS4e8-f_D5MpvqZAeshyZPxxZsz_FMweOSoJ9NZMreeKVTcBA76N7IBYbaGf83adZiq0UMUBD7N7lJFfu1-JdFY0Twm3I0g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3T1QO-WPYkMrFh5fhHP0LR6E3Rf7GMx2g28zTQgTgGh3MxxTU2oQYLd6VC2459ylul6Y2Kn3NDU0iJxo9cEkvHz0PLQIS4e8-f_D5MpvqZAeshyZPxxZsz_FMweOSoJ9NZMreeKVTcBA76N7IBYbaGf83adZiq0UMUBD7N7lJFfu1-JdFY0Twm3I0g/w640-h352/Churchill%20SBG%20043.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good job!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the super glue is completely dry, remove a small portion of the pieces, so that 1 mm from the edge is free of any obstacles, to allow gluing. I removed this portion with carborundum disk in my Dremel. Piece of cake!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlhmnOu2FD8eLApk92EiWcTn0r-9xzZbdrp_fMvActcz_5FhL2q6JnXxy9PH2JMy8NmHel0ifNSjBzAju51gMBp2G6o8GhWsjMbkiPAAGLveoZwhmsLeqL9hwN_P9aX-4-_eZvl1y82T7mwRYKdrmsru-XdYIW_1PScjuexJm5VcMdBeO_k8ZDMpcdw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20043a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlhmnOu2FD8eLApk92EiWcTn0r-9xzZbdrp_fMvActcz_5FhL2q6JnXxy9PH2JMy8NmHel0ifNSjBzAju51gMBp2G6o8GhWsjMbkiPAAGLveoZwhmsLeqL9hwN_P9aX-4-_eZvl1y82T7mwRYKdrmsru-XdYIW_1PScjuexJm5VcMdBeO_k8ZDMpcdw/w640-h378/Churchill%20SBG%20043a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making room for future adaptation of the piece...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1BGHCHBG9sK1UVGkgRMsOtky_qCzSCSUkvpWHzDh0UP_bzTDWtL5cYVnjNXc_WIDeu5YndmoqmF1h4nsJLethXQuChbD6KUSqvPhZniDskFBUbxjcfd6RQxkN7XUXjqzko4XG3Jdaa7s6aapOFWpl6b3MuJQ-D-ryCbCZdrYbj0y5znrKonQiNajJw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1BGHCHBG9sK1UVGkgRMsOtky_qCzSCSUkvpWHzDh0UP_bzTDWtL5cYVnjNXc_WIDeu5YndmoqmF1h4nsJLethXQuChbD6KUSqvPhZniDskFBUbxjcfd6RQxkN7XUXjqzko4XG3Jdaa7s6aapOFWpl6b3MuJQ-D-ryCbCZdrYbj0y5znrKonQiNajJw/w640-h388/Churchill%20SBG%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, let's start assembling the 4 segments that make up the bridge.<br />The position of the crossbars must be the same, following the instruction booklet...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgGN--MAlfCqzCGxsJWPnaHfeId6KUPcdlNLITIJcpVv4jpbUZD4L3t2Hbi_VSpG8SA5Fbl69t90ewPAt96lj1lhKiSmg0idtsfM8KxMwVZSVh2FScE4Nczl_HKQAemXbcN5zFDEEDzKNn_1bQU1fUD7djYOD-gU_-8BJqHS5CT7cKq5J-mN5Gnd0KA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgGN--MAlfCqzCGxsJWPnaHfeId6KUPcdlNLITIJcpVv4jpbUZD4L3t2Hbi_VSpG8SA5Fbl69t90ewPAt96lj1lhKiSmg0idtsfM8KxMwVZSVh2FScE4Nczl_HKQAemXbcN5zFDEEDzKNn_1bQU1fUD7djYOD-gU_-8BJqHS5CT7cKq5J-mN5Gnd0KA/w640-h358/Churchill%20SBG%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm...part number 4 came out really weird...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxolDnCezYQyLOPRQrvAuG-8m_hTL8ipfA4h20Q5eyvtN9fqm6affIrLsgYBQtGUbkA84LrQ8VtiKTm7jrqRbzEl6XeVA46TDl-qoic5J2s6gd9v4QERa32pIfEmUaGfXfNAxA04cFjA8B86kikr1Y_b5Psu8qFtueE4-Qzx5wS4l__fLBXe47u_cZHA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxolDnCezYQyLOPRQrvAuG-8m_hTL8ipfA4h20Q5eyvtN9fqm6affIrLsgYBQtGUbkA84LrQ8VtiKTm7jrqRbzEl6XeVA46TDl-qoic5J2s6gd9v4QERa32pIfEmUaGfXfNAxA04cFjA8B86kikr1Y_b5Psu8qFtueE4-Qzx5wS4l__fLBXe47u_cZHA/w640-h324/Churchill%20SBG%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I find it easier to abort the use of these resin parts and make<br />new ones, with 0.2mm thick plasticard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJDOt1pq8oFMt9ooYnBXMNHAjMfTCcA-vpyCiS7aL1VP2Aj9MXvKaIzgqUdF3vCJK0wJ4EKdupS1L9SJgycVkrbxu1RJXfn5KGyWB4j8K9v6AeqqQ_lvf8-ZE-obsjD5Dunli1IARgUUyuE4YrV0Ih1UtEnpQ7F4B_SZn48KvW1OVS4blr9d0_5Pkrg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJDOt1pq8oFMt9ooYnBXMNHAjMfTCcA-vpyCiS7aL1VP2Aj9MXvKaIzgqUdF3vCJK0wJ4EKdupS1L9SJgycVkrbxu1RJXfn5KGyWB4j8K9v6AeqqQ_lvf8-ZE-obsjD5Dunli1IARgUUyuE4YrV0Ih1UtEnpQ7F4B_SZn48KvW1OVS4blr9d0_5Pkrg/w640-h374/Churchill%20SBG%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much better...I think you agree too, don't you Chuck???</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODlb7d1P27G-EV5wtZwyMDAixq-4bJbVz3bV8QcHEPoBjx_nZYubPFWZVmyFdUqVZZIx-vGXs-UHm38tpmypuDbn5UgY7ahjAiowno1prQ6Oh3QTRELfUkL5XQ2OhTMgs-VVIVxlq9O0GebdtWkAu0sNTT0UbcmvshJUIVqR94u5lNcOlJ9y3iUPL_g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjODlb7d1P27G-EV5wtZwyMDAixq-4bJbVz3bV8QcHEPoBjx_nZYubPFWZVmyFdUqVZZIx-vGXs-UHm38tpmypuDbn5UgY7ahjAiowno1prQ6Oh3QTRELfUkL5XQ2OhTMgs-VVIVxlq9O0GebdtWkAu0sNTT0UbcmvshJUIVqR94u5lNcOlJ9y3iUPL_g/w640-h348/Churchill%20SBG%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngltC93iJ-ifIvRpsLrTWThPEZsOKyyQX2aEOfonVqcjy6DVxDNXiXnXa7f0G-wl675zzlJ5J75xJ63zn3J37pnbQWAHwL1wWnmX5oPbsN5U9Dm5LGSuLKWWoDvoEmp4N2b9I7EeOzCKYmIVy_rTjwPb_0Opv40CCjszmhyF6GCvubQPbtB6vWhafIA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngltC93iJ-ifIvRpsLrTWThPEZsOKyyQX2aEOfonVqcjy6DVxDNXiXnXa7f0G-wl675zzlJ5J75xJ63zn3J37pnbQWAHwL1wWnmX5oPbsN5U9Dm5LGSuLKWWoDvoEmp4N2b9I7EeOzCKYmIVy_rTjwPb_0Opv40CCjszmhyF6GCvubQPbtB6vWhafIA/w640-h376/Churchill%20SBG%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twice perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHj9Qt247IMPlr3YxxQ5ZjWKWZhtkbEQjLWgrGyrE0ALlhdHDjy7eW-BSIdH7xWNJuDWXDyxCv9tW1Dd7zV4Fy0IlIWBu7b434nVhJP2oYb5VGwj8WYHpp5zP-QTe_3sYLSmu1FcqGc5ypJZsds-vGVplBxiO8isuklm7Jxq_WdhYZp1FirxVI_OEpQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1280" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHj9Qt247IMPlr3YxxQ5ZjWKWZhtkbEQjLWgrGyrE0ALlhdHDjy7eW-BSIdH7xWNJuDWXDyxCv9tW1Dd7zV4Fy0IlIWBu7b434nVhJP2oYb5VGwj8WYHpp5zP-QTe_3sYLSmu1FcqGc5ypJZsds-vGVplBxiO8isuklm7Jxq_WdhYZp1FirxVI_OEpQ/w640-h484/Churchill%20SBG%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, let's do the last two parts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSIF9RGE28BcmAb-dkET9mjMEA90yGUjYQPxKDmOR1TRNNQML0yCWHJpu64GX9j9VTkwndqaWEi3EXWiUQzXBCJTQk0bAyvWgXgMP0-iQdpjI1HGCnPcjQJ6wJs_bpmlPPErQA360i2Im3TnAPL4O4sqFDVnlRKSOP5J5mukQOHM72446nB_Xr8RmPg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSIF9RGE28BcmAb-dkET9mjMEA90yGUjYQPxKDmOR1TRNNQML0yCWHJpu64GX9j9VTkwndqaWEi3EXWiUQzXBCJTQk0bAyvWgXgMP0-iQdpjI1HGCnPcjQJ6wJs_bpmlPPErQA360i2Im3TnAPL4O4sqFDVnlRKSOP5J5mukQOHM72446nB_Xr8RmPg/w640-h354/Churchill%20SBG%20054.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bingo!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, an up-grade: we're going to replace some rough resin parts with metal locking hooks, as it would be on a real bridge...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO0Oci404FuBiCdE9O-EpC6-D-d2maVevywf6JoPSfJqtJ-jX23Bnkq7oWasZKuMkBfhoNJzFg341Q19XR0jwPdjmH4dtOk0k1X0YJCSSn5gOxAJTIG9KYtaLwN3icHw9w8w4Ol7oOMn6P9UxRjqLoVvr5gN_3Tr7idILcDNmXxgo-aRN64DQyW-kcw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQO0Oci404FuBiCdE9O-EpC6-D-d2maVevywf6JoPSfJqtJ-jX23Bnkq7oWasZKuMkBfhoNJzFg341Q19XR0jwPdjmH4dtOk0k1X0YJCSSn5gOxAJTIG9KYtaLwN3icHw9w8w4Ol7oOMn6P9UxRjqLoVvr5gN_3Tr7idILcDNmXxgo-aRN64DQyW-kcw/w640-h390/Churchill%20SBG%20055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making metal hooks...<br />Keeping the halves together and stable, forever...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJPX3o2WfMhvt8mvd3MAnBuyN2unQpv0g5Qxy7O0Zbt1mUzblPW80bpiNFp7NTgzO6Kt-bVwoRFZniZ98qFQeRUa3PtZSH7kH14pLjSXmZHwv2IbSktDoWJ7VigNDhtuiFpERu61O_KBZ2ilnQCtcMqbE8maldk_bFkwvhxv43yl2dk_YwTGi57PYPg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJPX3o2WfMhvt8mvd3MAnBuyN2unQpv0g5Qxy7O0Zbt1mUzblPW80bpiNFp7NTgzO6Kt-bVwoRFZniZ98qFQeRUa3PtZSH7kH14pLjSXmZHwv2IbSktDoWJ7VigNDhtuiFpERu61O_KBZ2ilnQCtcMqbE8maldk_bFkwvhxv43yl2dk_YwTGi57PYPg/w640-h434/Churchill%20SBG%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much, much better!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWNy_8Qj78B21sX9vEtDCXjQTfJDu9-h-rhxOiGgPxiXp0hJFI4AvteUVFOWNBsF1SozWxKArsHgCTMqZ8go1VHUXMozequzX9iDmHHxHJP4MkzpQMK9wQT9-tUIldpmiq5A8-Fxk14RZVJAviss2rhTRjhiH5j4B0UF-jkg0ZGyW-yII_hAxCFLygQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWNy_8Qj78B21sX9vEtDCXjQTfJDu9-h-rhxOiGgPxiXp0hJFI4AvteUVFOWNBsF1SozWxKArsHgCTMqZ8go1VHUXMozequzX9iDmHHxHJP4MkzpQMK9wQT9-tUIldpmiq5A8-Fxk14RZVJAviss2rhTRjhiH5j4B0UF-jkg0ZGyW-yII_hAxCFLygQ/w640-h476/Churchill%20SBG%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now, let's glue the other two halves together...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNYsezgNBSHxg06RH7xxC5f4VWQ7p_jQ1WY6beL-a727EZr-Jax5bsLZtFdfoIJ2vY6d0hC2sWx4piyyefzUlPUwlK1Xcg-jEXwEb5rkpjph6xsYZtapXvLZN01v3gLA_bDSG4IiBrpD2gVBwkuZuZzvx_hbluoi6tt1s1Byi9LlVvPqSN3b6LPDCPA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="1280" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNYsezgNBSHxg06RH7xxC5f4VWQ7p_jQ1WY6beL-a727EZr-Jax5bsLZtFdfoIJ2vY6d0hC2sWx4piyyefzUlPUwlK1Xcg-jEXwEb5rkpjph6xsYZtapXvLZN01v3gLA_bDSG4IiBrpD2gVBwkuZuZzvx_hbluoi6tt1s1Byi9LlVvPqSN3b6LPDCPA/w640-h252/Churchill%20SBG%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, alignment is crucial!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLAkEHuWm8Deyv1HUrZSgVWF0MNBw4K06BA4r1ftIfWUN1kPlsJWyJfp6GfRvMrdhvum4ctMW_9-Px-tA_uuoe6bhZlj1vbyNU2bfHo_ftUX2pabb9QKDoymXWgEalXfYeg-GZnwa_-lc_v2Qzk_ZEKquQwDPx8e28s2AjOeTYyP2uqImaWXLBoylHg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLAkEHuWm8Deyv1HUrZSgVWF0MNBw4K06BA4r1ftIfWUN1kPlsJWyJfp6GfRvMrdhvum4ctMW_9-Px-tA_uuoe6bhZlj1vbyNU2bfHo_ftUX2pabb9QKDoymXWgEalXfYeg-GZnwa_-lc_v2Qzk_ZEKquQwDPx8e28s2AjOeTYyP2uqImaWXLBoylHg/w640-h288/Churchill%20SBG%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using plastic clamps so that the two halves are identical and, with that,<br />we can glue the other half perfectly "mirrored"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-db31VTIWppmeShIE0JjKPVgtIQrWEHJOuwlHqtSAV6qHcgeK0brOrsrXq6t4uwUSLW7xav50eBgJg3vnYdrs5MM88d-sutJxmoT3OGia7J9QAfzxsDccxt_1GqHAzYzZ4oDHVJzrGFssTtwL8-iMhBNblv4t0KFRpHiOa85ba-SPGfneoHn9qCbhQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1280" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-db31VTIWppmeShIE0JjKPVgtIQrWEHJOuwlHqtSAV6qHcgeK0brOrsrXq6t4uwUSLW7xav50eBgJg3vnYdrs5MM88d-sutJxmoT3OGia7J9QAfzxsDccxt_1GqHAzYzZ4oDHVJzrGFssTtwL8-iMhBNblv4t0KFRpHiOa85ba-SPGfneoHn9qCbhQ/w640-h558/Churchill%20SBG%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything perfectly aligned...now, it's time to "sew" the<br /> last pair with super glue!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACsL9rP2_25OORshKb-cJXpEI1Q0uwoW37las5a88lakkUx5axfl8QxfO4NmHQnXw9hvQKXwbJ0r0t2yidwnk-M034sIEpjlMFqACzBs30SE-iuKgr0a4JN6lcwCscPfhUwkIcl4n9Y7iFITHnXaLSwuHkrgbgiLZLIeDJaBtQkdLoSGHz41vaa71GQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACsL9rP2_25OORshKb-cJXpEI1Q0uwoW37las5a88lakkUx5axfl8QxfO4NmHQnXw9hvQKXwbJ0r0t2yidwnk-M034sIEpjlMFqACzBs30SE-iuKgr0a4JN6lcwCscPfhUwkIcl4n9Y7iFITHnXaLSwuHkrgbgiLZLIeDJaBtQkdLoSGHz41vaa71GQ/w640-h392/Churchill%20SBG%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super glue drying and....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XBQnxRqui_zWlOLmydJ5C3L6KhnUxYV9JIvXgDGjHbwTmjSdrKns2LmHLU7djnYpq7YSKgF4jrbvu9meOOBuhp8bR-lo1SCo1Bea6fcrLIfPSPQfq3J3KSlpxkvoVLL31uCEqnLuK8Vo2baawXB3o6sh7FMG-HtEbdcckMMiU3kj6mDRyNXDF4LQ_w/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20061a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XBQnxRqui_zWlOLmydJ5C3L6KhnUxYV9JIvXgDGjHbwTmjSdrKns2LmHLU7djnYpq7YSKgF4jrbvu9meOOBuhp8bR-lo1SCo1Bea6fcrLIfPSPQfq3J3KSlpxkvoVLL31uCEqnLuK8Vo2baawXB3o6sh7FMG-HtEbdcckMMiU3kj6mDRyNXDF4LQ_w/w640-h384/Churchill%20SBG%20061a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...both bridges at the same height and alignment.<br />Now, just place the metal clamps and continue the construction...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkDy0r2VYaQjoyzZRElcb2MbtHccZDsB8tI2eLAKS8o-tZ_bPiUcLXsinSnZRVtqTtqevmb3liqhvNgXThUmADmhnl5L6v_rIMeA3R4owmNi4kEdyFnoCFOgmElnjawFumDo5oSTPMbdFMQSh8EWHlEdkU2RxvV4VjYDYECxmALx85SsKbRh0rMDBlQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkDy0r2VYaQjoyzZRElcb2MbtHccZDsB8tI2eLAKS8o-tZ_bPiUcLXsinSnZRVtqTtqevmb3liqhvNgXThUmADmhnl5L6v_rIMeA3R4owmNi4kEdyFnoCFOgmElnjawFumDo5oSTPMbdFMQSh8EWHlEdkU2RxvV4VjYDYECxmALx85SsKbRh0rMDBlQ/w640-h356/Churchill%20SBG%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting all the parts together, carefully and<br />never neglecting the alignment...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FJuvBRZkXv8XZXaq-hMX43nKXltuBcKW1wHwIaNbmgdUPwIrsefYU93ctOm3IIPEfNKYbFf-s58pX7HMe_oFcI07fIu7DdBZkKwWbeWEbBSWBbD2SYtUXkvkCvpF2TmzE6aylPQQOQgu5Kwwg2s1Kvv0dol1uERXXOp7R7-FvTfHwxuSi0gOnhBB-w/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="1280" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FJuvBRZkXv8XZXaq-hMX43nKXltuBcKW1wHwIaNbmgdUPwIrsefYU93ctOm3IIPEfNKYbFf-s58pX7HMe_oFcI07fIu7DdBZkKwWbeWEbBSWBbD2SYtUXkvkCvpF2TmzE6aylPQQOQgu5Kwwg2s1Kvv0dol1uERXXOp7R7-FvTfHwxuSi0gOnhBB-w/w640-h238/Churchill%20SBG%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the SBG assault bridge is almost ready!!!<br />Field test!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheI4fKOxQ8-o9rxZ3c1pdv44rgqprlShdNihGpHMbJ7pY_0x19QuQ2Om54oK2BRBV_CzgVqtbObjWSZ6OQ1YAFltMGkEbUqb6msK7bQKJpAPkBjEuTg0PnYnTNDxCMtjrBdNs48wOR0wJle8KmDrqifF-wJLnq8e1v2_H1Uy53-QWbofgf3oZNji55Rg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheI4fKOxQ8-o9rxZ3c1pdv44rgqprlShdNihGpHMbJ7pY_0x19QuQ2Om54oK2BRBV_CzgVqtbObjWSZ6OQ1YAFltMGkEbUqb6msK7bQKJpAPkBjEuTg0PnYnTNDxCMtjrBdNs48wOR0wJle8KmDrqifF-wJLnq8e1v2_H1Uy53-QWbofgf3oZNji55Rg/w640-h296/Churchill%20SBG%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> SBG assault bridge belly view...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Continuing the construction of the bridge, let's go to the details of its ends... This part is one of the key stages of this construction, as it is through these parts that the bridge connects with the tank. Here, the construction must be strong and aligned, otherwise the bridge could break and/or be crooked, which would destroy the whole project...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> These connecting pieces (so-called nose fixation plates - C1 and C2) are extremely thin and fragile in resin. Thankfully, Resicast provided metal parts (P2) to reinforce these important components.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsQ3KDrxGJdYtuqwfbSgKIg_NZdyqVYuqSCRVXKu7Q6JXpGOETihDvLF-kJNRhVXF4eXREdl2RlOqt_Z07PGYWqx8sQW-yDfWGbClWgO8BqpHkhsUCPvN4Yxbm_0sW3YftCjVSgSQ-KnNDQh8v7dBi2gZAIuE314WUVvmsK-bn5rm8nabpXrzriv7Ww/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsQ3KDrxGJdYtuqwfbSgKIg_NZdyqVYuqSCRVXKu7Q6JXpGOETihDvLF-kJNRhVXF4eXREdl2RlOqt_Z07PGYWqx8sQW-yDfWGbClWgO8BqpHkhsUCPvN4Yxbm_0sW3YftCjVSgSQ-KnNDQh8v7dBi2gZAIuE314WUVvmsK-bn5rm8nabpXrzriv7Ww/w640-h342/Churchill%20SBG%20065.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The very important nose fixation plates - C1 and C2, with the <br />metal reinforcments (P2), ready to install.<br />The P3 metal parts</span> are just details of the set.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> These parts must be aligned both horizontally and vertically. As there are no orientation markingss in the kit, I used a plastic rod to be able to visualize this alignment in a "spatial" way... I made a collage with a micro-drop of superglue until the correct alignment was verified and, only then, I "sewed" the pieces onto the bridge with lots of superglue.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJo2bFQIv280wVbmgj1Sg4lRBirMOW8BhFOBTDgM6QEP0oqyR0G4F9Z7voK4ZorZ3otlwEVGq14vmUU9UPl2AMw8nraqoa1A1gVzuQPj6aFrkuPoAdP5RIkAMtxyvW-O42st_hC8UocrgTXgYsriBrtTFWR_lbTGm-0Z-_Mv3m_5mzgwn9SanLAX2Tg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1280" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJo2bFQIv280wVbmgj1Sg4lRBirMOW8BhFOBTDgM6QEP0oqyR0G4F9Z7voK4ZorZ3otlwEVGq14vmUU9UPl2AMw8nraqoa1A1gVzuQPj6aFrkuPoAdP5RIkAMtxyvW-O42st_hC8UocrgTXgYsriBrtTFWR_lbTGm-0Z-_Mv3m_5mzgwn9SanLAX2Tg/w640-h286/Churchill%20SBG%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visualizing the horizontal alignment of the pieces. These parts will be<br />responsible for coupling the bridge to the tank...<br />Perfect!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjW5ATdvK7PgZLK_lGgkMfDIgo-FMiUDTeRPG_zf5zbD-D0eYiZYuyKsN_PV50Apzw0LRZpFewymlM777yJGGZO5ztgJsuX80_VQananImARrNSSz2KRURa6qL6dmTQ7q-JkwaJj9kK5FDrt-e1Ip-G8LFDHILQBahBlmnyJIJ1QJJGOM22jNbUXJfg/s1521/Churchill%20SBG%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="1521" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjW5ATdvK7PgZLK_lGgkMfDIgo-FMiUDTeRPG_zf5zbD-D0eYiZYuyKsN_PV50Apzw0LRZpFewymlM777yJGGZO5ztgJsuX80_VQananImARrNSSz2KRURa6qL6dmTQ7q-JkwaJj9kK5FDrt-e1Ip-G8LFDHILQBahBlmnyJIJ1QJJGOM22jNbUXJfg/w640-h228/Churchill%20SBG%20068.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visualizing the vertical alignment of the pieces. These parts will be<br />responsible for coupling the bridge to the tank...<br />Again, perfect!!! Now, glue everything tight...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another problem of the fragility of the pieces from the scale and the material used... This time, the two pillars that will receive the "A" frame, which will keep the bridge in balance, through the steel cables. In the kit, these parts will receive a nice load of traction and the resin is almost transparent here... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcfco3dy-qQAp_2BdxhxHYoh-iAS7ONiQhCst9OLv0PZM2Wgg9k5xCft1gapQbXmwZqgGEeybooa3516-QBTlWiTitdw1M0EqM33Xm97Vt2-gwytnXDHou7_f_4IQYSMdc7cPiDau2Ql8_5UVSGvFyhLnCk0FEPgRqRZ3Mys4UZbGZLmT7e1eVZyT5g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcfco3dy-qQAp_2BdxhxHYoh-iAS7ONiQhCst9OLv0PZM2Wgg9k5xCft1gapQbXmwZqgGEeybooa3516-QBTlWiTitdw1M0EqM33Xm97Vt2-gwytnXDHou7_f_4IQYSMdc7cPiDau2Ql8_5UVSGvFyhLnCk0FEPgRqRZ3Mys4UZbGZLmT7e1eVZyT5g/w640-h338/Churchill%20SBG%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the resin pillars and their position in the equipment...<br />A crack here is almost certain...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVzPyCcbHZhUA31wAlqvS9cTrQy4-mWzdTZB31OwQovfTMmEkJnqyOmMs8FuG1PvglvTakEl3DfFdRevY32J8TYjscuUSdVU3m1Wkki5BGuISgb6rdVlb7yXcW_9jGBKDDbBvYIi2GNAnqwbWz7hiLQlEhm0ZlofVGixFc4Ss2OrIVCutmR8fAvHE6Q/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVzPyCcbHZhUA31wAlqvS9cTrQy4-mWzdTZB31OwQovfTMmEkJnqyOmMs8FuG1PvglvTakEl3DfFdRevY32J8TYjscuUSdVU3m1Wkki5BGuISgb6rdVlb7yXcW_9jGBKDDbBvYIi2GNAnqwbWz7hiLQlEhm0ZlofVGixFc4Ss2OrIVCutmR8fAvHE6Q/w640-h374/Churchill%20SBG%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two masts that will form the "A" that will<br />support most of the bridge's weight...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m8laMKV5eXQNDLjra4gmuiYF9N1zh2cayj6fh37oELHpQhPYS3ZS13GcGw8PcA3YYHz8CQB0FREVCdbDS1_hD5Y-6oE99uSAV-9NuSflewxep-EEe2y06zlUO1RHq3sR8XD9aqkWsifaU6Q4UN5manVZ4LYMXJJiU4-xSlH6l3UBHBVbvEtJ-JJ-yw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m8laMKV5eXQNDLjra4gmuiYF9N1zh2cayj6fh37oELHpQhPYS3ZS13GcGw8PcA3YYHz8CQB0FREVCdbDS1_hD5Y-6oE99uSAV-9NuSflewxep-EEe2y06zlUO1RHq3sR8XD9aqkWsifaU6Q4UN5manVZ4LYMXJJiU4-xSlH6l3UBHBVbvEtJ-JJ-yw/w640-h374/Churchill%20SBG%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reinforcing the two cruciform posts with acrylic dental resin.<br />I sacrifice a little fidelity, but gain in robustness!!<br />Crom count the dead!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pfRaaXPQseofhr9v2NmBIhSid-sb49iDx-ipsryjeZKqd0veG1JZkXbQ0_CJgTkOo32Q5CRCzZsIWQOvtEUSozdhbsBhtCWFPbvnaSZFC4Y3RnZbtq1ct-NUBWryMVAHeqarNBxjPTkLv_SdMgqNY_7OQ3caHwN1DSLen1yB7UjD3PUB1h_0z0GGLA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1280" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pfRaaXPQseofhr9v2NmBIhSid-sb49iDx-ipsryjeZKqd0veG1JZkXbQ0_CJgTkOo32Q5CRCzZsIWQOvtEUSozdhbsBhtCWFPbvnaSZFC4Y3RnZbtq1ct-NUBWryMVAHeqarNBxjPTkLv_SdMgqNY_7OQ3caHwN1DSLen1yB7UjD3PUB1h_0z0GGLA/w640-h474/Churchill%20SBG%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "A" frame in position, in dry-run...<br />With the reinforcements, I feel a little more confident... <br />Conan was pleased!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFaAMZEhQEnN-sAtu391Rg7LcW6jbujRWyRMpIhV23vB95H9i7uo_CTqbK0MSPkwOfUxTWnzyQSgiYlpGQt23Eo3OiGiHJIPqxdEYKKwXzGsMQigldtTFcymLpgRkDadERlP9W-DG7CY_z19RYlhLAELfkq9tIJpNQtBXduoTtIvFWh15MQ0Fo0-ElA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFaAMZEhQEnN-sAtu391Rg7LcW6jbujRWyRMpIhV23vB95H9i7uo_CTqbK0MSPkwOfUxTWnzyQSgiYlpGQt23Eo3OiGiHJIPqxdEYKKwXzGsMQigldtTFcymLpgRkDadERlP9W-DG7CY_z19RYlhLAELfkq9tIJpNQtBXduoTtIvFWh15MQ0Fo0-ElA/w640-h398/Churchill%20SBG%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding details at the other end of the bridge...<br /> Hmmm... a small piece was broken...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJcAfEakESWTNMpLjSA2nV8KXFxI-FbxdaQ5xlbfl75CgErOYZyLa2mCVwgTqaGkO-EaQ0ML_TJq8J4_Mpr9iSDpTpoZlkTGYNP26cRSJQIKq6uZ2AscLqoxhfy3GhZ8j1ap7ZeHnNp1AYkKX7Jc9c_RzHsUVz23xDiZT0JBn0MDQljj9BxbmWL9Vqw/s1186/Churchill%20SBG%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1186" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJcAfEakESWTNMpLjSA2nV8KXFxI-FbxdaQ5xlbfl75CgErOYZyLa2mCVwgTqaGkO-EaQ0ML_TJq8J4_Mpr9iSDpTpoZlkTGYNP26cRSJQIKq6uZ2AscLqoxhfy3GhZ8j1ap7ZeHnNp1AYkKX7Jc9c_RzHsUVz23xDiZT0JBn0MDQljj9BxbmWL9Vqw/w640-h342/Churchill%20SBG%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...but nothing a little whimsy can't fix...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjC_o9BBzKz2svuvKCikq_7fXGL9xyehoC3x6JwpWV5DQkTQ-iwP9fle5_qgPejotS7zeAHD3dlv8hBwmG4021NDUV6sZJVAZ3wiI2WDCHKHDCb38Q19kANnb2ihZ5AudczC4CjuIg6MFFwavGz3-REvlo4a8DAVcKMLmx2RNbUUFI1r8oOCsfMxyg3g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjC_o9BBzKz2svuvKCikq_7fXGL9xyehoC3x6JwpWV5DQkTQ-iwP9fle5_qgPejotS7zeAHD3dlv8hBwmG4021NDUV6sZJVAZ3wiI2WDCHKHDCb38Q19kANnb2ihZ5AudczC4CjuIg6MFFwavGz3-REvlo4a8DAVcKMLmx2RNbUUFI1r8oOCsfMxyg3g/w640-h420/Churchill%20SBG%20076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front portion of the bridge almost finished...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzV-29sTQp4CQGsUVdeCp4vr406oEKgv1gW7TE6uJPnisURjhX0FfHj1E0fDKhq1W8kf7AZarQf6lQpeTE_v_vjAK-cF7hTeo3YPuNWWOVvd_G6v_wrqN7SnPamDpURqelgU5X9M2INu9D7BmR7mCaxnejJ1e4pFxAPL6Xg8Q5VrLxXQdowHwqUMCJw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20076a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzV-29sTQp4CQGsUVdeCp4vr406oEKgv1gW7TE6uJPnisURjhX0FfHj1E0fDKhq1W8kf7AZarQf6lQpeTE_v_vjAK-cF7hTeo3YPuNWWOVvd_G6v_wrqN7SnPamDpURqelgU5X9M2INu9D7BmR7mCaxnejJ1e4pFxAPL6Xg8Q5VrLxXQdowHwqUMCJw/w640-h418/Churchill%20SBG%20076a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same problem with cruciform poles... <br />same solution!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> While the bridge rests, let's take care of the hulls... As this girl is going to make a long trip, I decided to reinforce the gluing of the ballasts, placing beams made with spue over the metal, to prevent any movement or displacement... The images speak for themselves: superglue and dental acrylic, as parts of the structural reinforcement. Detail: the sprues are introduced and glued through the air inlets, which will later be sealed with their respective air filter boxes. See below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5twUWFsuVxQiQW8oLtRiaiimlCgrLMtwPWzzRnMMP80k3_CMf__jzHoUtUXpNO_GBAC7MK9tOpw14fCW0r4uHxrrIPBAUrLnuoIiHm-q48p92vUZ4PrVWtqHztCpDzXZfJs1x8DEVlhYJLRWjggW8Kk8bMIO5jiS3HePLKyfOUDGyF_CyP0SKDRvqQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5twUWFsuVxQiQW8oLtRiaiimlCgrLMtwPWzzRnMMP80k3_CMf__jzHoUtUXpNO_GBAC7MK9tOpw14fCW0r4uHxrrIPBAUrLnuoIiHm-q48p92vUZ4PrVWtqHztCpDzXZfJs1x8DEVlhYJLRWjggW8Kk8bMIO5jiS3HePLKyfOUDGyF_CyP0SKDRvqQ/w640-h408/Churchill%20SBG%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring the sprues: the flat portions were specially<br />chosen, as they are more reinforced...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9YH4dm73wmXEjBmbDYFaG0cMglzGPpmg9wLxkwjgLLypJFBQLnu128Vgp6XDrUvuaYW-_nzLaNKTtAx-rfwVm8zGOAMqce8753jSRtn7fmKG7V6pbm253GI5XhLNaIPI-t4aTy7ANfJyKStLZQKos-3GkKX71cjEnrVbvALrhcUj7KDh4EV8T41yzw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20079.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9YH4dm73wmXEjBmbDYFaG0cMglzGPpmg9wLxkwjgLLypJFBQLnu128Vgp6XDrUvuaYW-_nzLaNKTtAx-rfwVm8zGOAMqce8753jSRtn7fmKG7V6pbm253GI5XhLNaIPI-t4aTy7ANfJyKStLZQKos-3GkKX71cjEnrVbvALrhcUj7KDh4EV8T41yzw/w640-h364/Churchill%20SBG%20079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sprues glued in position, not affecting the bonding of future air filters...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHCO6gyev1XqN79eAB-AHkJ5za9PNtU2RhZofUGrdDlKFjZfpfm7H0NRO3OCliTj98IT7Jz_7MTeGJwogdkYqxA_Or-ImDOWTUz_V-94285gER8dKnaf0CCGYpQG0pxdO-vSuodbaD06jWX_cRS3ZZjrB-T4_w4xIpeMcav1v_zmCZUAEY38qEq4HLQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHCO6gyev1XqN79eAB-AHkJ5za9PNtU2RhZofUGrdDlKFjZfpfm7H0NRO3OCliTj98IT7Jz_7MTeGJwogdkYqxA_Or-ImDOWTUz_V-94285gER8dKnaf0CCGYpQG0pxdO-vSuodbaD06jWX_cRS3ZZjrB-T4_w4xIpeMcav1v_zmCZUAEY38qEq4HLQ/w640-h364/Churchill%20SBG%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of reinforcements. With this, the ballast does not move<br />even in an earthquake with magnitude 8, in the Richter scale!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWoIIQLXmwey1cNH9S4yto2iUl05jVQAJNZPmwxTZsm39gHJVZgXP1eyiA-oAwmNuHUgGv9depp6PZblna5dK1IaBDC33fqNHW_7yw5Dg3Kr0HKNLvyVGGP1E7jr7IWlIrtF6T850-dBJvyNz3sTD-WMYPIbIaVPFuv6qNqjBqL49CzetucfuXZLWZA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWoIIQLXmwey1cNH9S4yto2iUl05jVQAJNZPmwxTZsm39gHJVZgXP1eyiA-oAwmNuHUgGv9depp6PZblna5dK1IaBDC33fqNHW_7yw5Dg3Kr0HKNLvyVGGP1E7jr7IWlIrtF6T850-dBJvyNz3sTD-WMYPIbIaVPFuv6qNqjBqL49CzetucfuXZLWZA/w640-h366/Churchill%20SBG%20082.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While the acrylic dries, let's take care of AVRE racks. <br />A work of a Tibetan monk!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXHDGfbmIGPXE3BRA6aj-AQl53CMYD1DRuHx_0N5LiU0b3krkdBUJJGl4DDnDjb3AKdYIH4nXTfLi0PAcdr08OWmhg-h3yKgeCicz6zTq51WOo4gXN_wla4zd4eKJFKoPINBkiG1CZjq3rpugGT3OWPQnsAK8rd0C2yVJFjY_eRiqMrRiWo67vCzORg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXHDGfbmIGPXE3BRA6aj-AQl53CMYD1DRuHx_0N5LiU0b3krkdBUJJGl4DDnDjb3AKdYIH4nXTfLi0PAcdr08OWmhg-h3yKgeCicz6zTq51WOo4gXN_wla4zd4eKJFKoPINBkiG1CZjq3rpugGT3OWPQnsAK8rd0C2yVJFjY_eRiqMrRiWo67vCzORg/w640-h400/Churchill%20SBG%20087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mk.III AVRE hull almost ready...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8XTNN_mLiGVXhzfNm4wnHEqVxGJgFgn5_HFGnm_EV4tnt8EvoVcaoWRScuvPfLpPc48ZMCgz5XeRptonIX0etKo9xNCZd4Qv3R69enqhZvlMR9gXrEbWjqmL82tSVNxph1GydZiMQFE_27eaCPT1lOTcSiJXNvrQxhG_XbZrZTb5zYZG1jO3ZyWd8Q/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8XTNN_mLiGVXhzfNm4wnHEqVxGJgFgn5_HFGnm_EV4tnt8EvoVcaoWRScuvPfLpPc48ZMCgz5XeRptonIX0etKo9xNCZd4Qv3R69enqhZvlMR9gXrEbWjqmL82tSVNxph1GydZiMQFE_27eaCPT1lOTcSiJXNvrQxhG_XbZrZTb5zYZG1jO3ZyWd8Q/w640-h338/Churchill%20SBG%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrRsDRiW7KmClx9pzU973q2OWWHkrc2cckfVftPo5T-zR-s9VPSq_NXUwdjqJGPCclgy1-cxKLKgxf2_T8fZr0yz2uBDxd1TFHwvn4_wVoKcxNHVlF2f8buK0SH4XAEg4yGO0fkffYkjyfaBQlPen7yw2cpf3SCHufAf69SEuBaBB7FDcqQ7L96bBzA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrRsDRiW7KmClx9pzU973q2OWWHkrc2cckfVftPo5T-zR-s9VPSq_NXUwdjqJGPCclgy1-cxKLKgxf2_T8fZr0yz2uBDxd1TFHwvn4_wVoKcxNHVlF2f8buK0SH4XAEg4yGO0fkffYkjyfaBQlPen7yw2cpf3SCHufAf69SEuBaBB7FDcqQ7L96bBzA/w640-h358/Churchill%20SBG%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are almost in the final stages...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The engine door locks are made of plastic, very thin and fragile. There are 3 burrs to remove on each of the 4 parts... You know what: it's easier (and much better) to simply replace the plastic parts with parts made of copper wire, in the correct thickness and shape. .. See the photos below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KKI6Ef52I2LeBEOwcn37ARc_eWn6JYggxH0TL0WA8XpboRJyAdhdNQWwrNzzNQDrUjQJDkr91x5r7z2DzGYVFE9Il5ZfoPp4sWE9NOLEElDLhJNLIJ9rrD8mukT99B0DwucEnx-r7m8UQDeupuQsyZAe-Ii1cxxqaw2fuNTjwnDw80kaxBVQUsqv8g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KKI6Ef52I2LeBEOwcn37ARc_eWn6JYggxH0TL0WA8XpboRJyAdhdNQWwrNzzNQDrUjQJDkr91x5r7z2DzGYVFE9Il5ZfoPp4sWE9NOLEElDLhJNLIJ9rrD8mukT99B0DwucEnx-r7m8UQDeupuQsyZAe-Ii1cxxqaw2fuNTjwnDw80kaxBVQUsqv8g/w640-h342/Churchill%20SBG%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plastic and the metal locks...<br />The lads are satisfied and happy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BPpffzcxQ2A_kQFSw24Ajsa2zmGUV8IXxYiATvuFjDxHt-NAtUllib711XfAJcuXWqeayaGCUDC3k-KP7Nc4StKYeVbYDL0eFsqFXi8Kpk2awyvaHE9izL-zk4hqQ29TrmFKmE8tZyNaHuHTDkJPJP5_1EYyCHdTM_hy5-AjedDz4IXnSOuL0MuEYQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BPpffzcxQ2A_kQFSw24Ajsa2zmGUV8IXxYiATvuFjDxHt-NAtUllib711XfAJcuXWqeayaGCUDC3k-KP7Nc4StKYeVbYDL0eFsqFXi8Kpk2awyvaHE9izL-zk4hqQ29TrmFKmE8tZyNaHuHTDkJPJP5_1EYyCHdTM_hy5-AjedDz4IXnSOuL0MuEYQ/w640-h364/Churchill%20SBG%20096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much, much better!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2Pi96wnfbFE4fucp6NGQydjtZYz12yU_FfM-NEsPzIE-JtCUBFxrElCbbmcy7dtz6VOQOE71fajjowJl3NnCWRHmegPUcLiCvA2HP9NjfFBIvHcQEOblI9dR7qwE610ernVd9I4I7tg4f7YCFuyR3o2WKiRxplfHssi6or4LltDEATlbwYDwnnxJfA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2Pi96wnfbFE4fucp6NGQydjtZYz12yU_FfM-NEsPzIE-JtCUBFxrElCbbmcy7dtz6VOQOE71fajjowJl3NnCWRHmegPUcLiCvA2HP9NjfFBIvHcQEOblI9dR7qwE610ernVd9I4I7tg4f7YCFuyR3o2WKiRxplfHssi6or4LltDEATlbwYDwnnxJfA/w640-h438/Churchill%20SBG%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quadrangular angled turret, typical of the Mk. III<br />left front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHqRS1dKfG2gtoufquZCgemEjzQHl0gGnzourJJ9CVJzE9efRIvuyH0e_3C-Xumtd2rWJJ9D6sga8gawZkjYwlRJp7V2Vh1iQC-_hNb_PFGpliwVfkAr942d7R9UywhA7_HMG73rEB1OrZCfaUcJeDp65GfxK8p-T48U3A9J_7coBLDrFZX4eyANdRw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHqRS1dKfG2gtoufquZCgemEjzQHl0gGnzourJJ9CVJzE9efRIvuyH0e_3C-Xumtd2rWJJ9D6sga8gawZkjYwlRJp7V2Vh1iQC-_hNb_PFGpliwVfkAr942d7R9UywhA7_HMG73rEB1OrZCfaUcJeDp65GfxK8p-T48U3A9J_7coBLDrFZX4eyANdRw/w640-h414/Churchill%20SBG%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quadrangular angled turret, typical of the Mk. III<br />right front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3n9p32iyRFR01vsoTZikE523ZRQpkafGmm4SpYBU5VcgBy88VYcLF0kbs8wMZ0a3uqzyPO6PmYzlH-HcfnpW9peTnRGuzEWHKKWYfxGYYhrzqhbf2WxKVyyzsK3oAYfMrBRf6gQ-6nza93TFmuoEyru_bTltNbzlhk-Q2srOFECd-U6uxIokpX1wcA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf3n9p32iyRFR01vsoTZikE523ZRQpkafGmm4SpYBU5VcgBy88VYcLF0kbs8wMZ0a3uqzyPO6PmYzlH-HcfnpW9peTnRGuzEWHKKWYfxGYYhrzqhbf2WxKVyyzsK3oAYfMrBRf6gQ-6nza93TFmuoEyru_bTltNbzlhk-Q2srOFECd-U6uxIokpX1wcA/w640-h398/Churchill%20SBG%20107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing (but not fitting) the turret on the chassis...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPSPCoEHlYCsVF6mhhjB6456le8_tTHMTf_h3KxIUfM7CpTdeLZ5uVYWJqG2F-SCeSfaDWOnk45qqVks_MWP9uZ-itRD8z-sUuVmC8CIjIR4XYFjhplFsvRvvC6BNpLDnzyicA2LWBi0aZib_FkixyUq9F5jd4GAhe6H1heeuPGRRprEXzOHdLpe9HA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20108.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPSPCoEHlYCsVF6mhhjB6456le8_tTHMTf_h3KxIUfM7CpTdeLZ5uVYWJqG2F-SCeSfaDWOnk45qqVks_MWP9uZ-itRD8z-sUuVmC8CIjIR4XYFjhplFsvRvvC6BNpLDnzyicA2LWBi0aZib_FkixyUq9F5jd4GAhe6H1heeuPGRRprEXzOHdLpe9HA/w640-h416/Churchill%20SBG%20108.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, a part that must be done very well: the installation of the two arms that support the bridge. This piece must be perfectly aligned, otherwise, the bridge would be crooked and the kit, totally horrible!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhm6LNPhB799uperidXue1sKrMKgcc_HREI1AwgvKHzGTCjxi7TI5RcpyHdYiurCruogQpa5I4XDVRRz7NsTCsK64zb52yisi3ssNe6P_bRzre2oh7SPIiJHAVB6eulIv-sn2yG_EN2ff3_uAbxEFxBtdTuvMQaNfmPdR1qnk4JSuehXJyxAi7FLHJA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhm6LNPhB799uperidXue1sKrMKgcc_HREI1AwgvKHzGTCjxi7TI5RcpyHdYiurCruogQpa5I4XDVRRz7NsTCsK64zb52yisi3ssNe6P_bRzre2oh7SPIiJHAVB6eulIv-sn2yG_EN2ff3_uAbxEFxBtdTuvMQaNfmPdR1qnk4JSuehXJyxAi7FLHJA/w640-h426/Churchill%20SBG%20110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two arms that support the bridge.<br />The bridge pivots on the two axes indicated by arrows.<br />left front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8LaUysuB-kc3X5_Xlob6aURmSS5atd1RmOKGI3w4Blw3f3Ko_xUuS6cNXcvsiNxK3Z_3-h6nT9MZgOgsqsOsdGNeY0WQFBCB_WmfPkZ2FF4oSbww1BlbTiT1oA7Y0SNEb541LGxAlzcwoZZZmzG9STvdLv1Q2HWWfxNlgyDZ-SqvbCgtXF-laphSfQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20111.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8LaUysuB-kc3X5_Xlob6aURmSS5atd1RmOKGI3w4Blw3f3Ko_xUuS6cNXcvsiNxK3Z_3-h6nT9MZgOgsqsOsdGNeY0WQFBCB_WmfPkZ2FF4oSbww1BlbTiT1oA7Y0SNEb541LGxAlzcwoZZZmzG9STvdLv1Q2HWWfxNlgyDZ-SqvbCgtXF-laphSfQ/w640-h428/Churchill%20SBG%20111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two arms that support the bridge.<br />The bridge pivots on the two axes indicated by arrows.<br />right front view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SFa-DHd3zv6CIRzSR4jX4WrkKHa-vwFdlUyW-S-_dxPESZ_snXa76cRIG2YpTcto2oePdbgGqdhG5BtCrjszLb7exrOFL-TM_84bJpCvcGgGSImeug8iNpU_Bs4-e7bEkU3N8DHwcS1zbTXqdOmxm__rlF5hBTEAy6888Kc13KF4Xx9c2VfEFPb-dQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20112.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SFa-DHd3zv6CIRzSR4jX4WrkKHa-vwFdlUyW-S-_dxPESZ_snXa76cRIG2YpTcto2oePdbgGqdhG5BtCrjszLb7exrOFL-TM_84bJpCvcGgGSImeug8iNpU_Bs4-e7bEkU3N8DHwcS1zbTXqdOmxm__rlF5hBTEAy6888Kc13KF4Xx9c2VfEFPb-dQ/w640-h344/Churchill%20SBG%20112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alignment of parts and shafts looks perfect...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwdWuqUmyLa7N4up-skNIsHZVRjSIxazZ-_DKRO3pLjLQGNlbHJEQxSI5KAhly_wih1-h2pByBVImjVwgzY6THJNv3mVCDocbEtvrepbWi9BkhrBBI5cDtRjeC-eMgaXLeD8Uv1sOKxsOXoWyfe8wZTUkXkTxnQU-hNJn-zcHOptY9pdoZFlUxHFDEA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20112a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwdWuqUmyLa7N4up-skNIsHZVRjSIxazZ-_DKRO3pLjLQGNlbHJEQxSI5KAhly_wih1-h2pByBVImjVwgzY6THJNv3mVCDocbEtvrepbWi9BkhrBBI5cDtRjeC-eMgaXLeD8Uv1sOKxsOXoWyfe8wZTUkXkTxnQU-hNJn-zcHOptY9pdoZFlUxHFDEA/w640-h390/Churchill%20SBG%20112a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitting the bridge in the front arms...<br />Notice the axles that support the bridge...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhtpnGQ7jChn2BrZVdL1p-CYvXDevwSXHF_7-e9RY60WRc10RYAtF6LwBmrIULQa8GWwsSaAHyJ7oRMapscKyePPhWSphfMdFshsDjpyz_O14Exb_YnOmUeKxbQdawnUohKUMVnO3-c3q631XXCBrSJ9jbu8JwZqpo9wftbYr9VtgQXY4u1qoNz2pLg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20112b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhtpnGQ7jChn2BrZVdL1p-CYvXDevwSXHF_7-e9RY60WRc10RYAtF6LwBmrIULQa8GWwsSaAHyJ7oRMapscKyePPhWSphfMdFshsDjpyz_O14Exb_YnOmUeKxbQdawnUohKUMVnO3-c3q631XXCBrSJ9jbu8JwZqpo9wftbYr9VtgQXY4u1qoNz2pLg/w640-h476/Churchill%20SBG%20112b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitting the bridge in the front arms...<br />Notice the axles that support the bridge...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDgVkhQu9DZaZJMF5rI9xIuEXOxj50OaF3K-C2fcxq92zsAP85yR1HiOzTxTBGBLOPTlX2yhy1htflffXBW4GBDClHgiWywqDdc2JHfcUfhTsP8NdpNqhlwO5KtUgyVgs1Kox7tH_FZ49FlwVmQo6o6Kfg16nbxpQQhelKZ9a_cNXMLlNhmH5HOoslQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20113.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDgVkhQu9DZaZJMF5rI9xIuEXOxj50OaF3K-C2fcxq92zsAP85yR1HiOzTxTBGBLOPTlX2yhy1htflffXBW4GBDClHgiWywqDdc2JHfcUfhTsP8NdpNqhlwO5KtUgyVgs1Kox7tH_FZ49FlwVmQo6o6Kfg16nbxpQQhelKZ9a_cNXMLlNhmH5HOoslQ/w640-h412/Churchill%20SBG%20113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overview of the bridge installed on the tank...<br /> Perfect!!! It was great to have the ballast installed in the rear of the tank...<br />the tipping effect of the bridge is considerable...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9inB3fYsTjPEe1TnY0myyb9_hdg4PzELZPxH4N_Tmlfm48tB_z4B9OB6Gj5YTouH8F7gBgXFzXyEqz094CpQC0UgUyIf8KIJJl2X2aUSLu25aXaxt50GrpStZ6RXOUZL0dLs8SWWD9HX6GVWfd9jNxC_o4UMSFWAuMhzB35kQQ6gbbtOT9ZzuMFhEEQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20115.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9inB3fYsTjPEe1TnY0myyb9_hdg4PzELZPxH4N_Tmlfm48tB_z4B9OB6Gj5YTouH8F7gBgXFzXyEqz094CpQC0UgUyIf8KIJJl2X2aUSLu25aXaxt50GrpStZ6RXOUZL0dLs8SWWD9HX6GVWfd9jNxC_o4UMSFWAuMhzB35kQQ6gbbtOT9ZzuMFhEEQ/w640-h458/Churchill%20SBG%20115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overview of the bridge installed on the tank...<br />Rear view. The cables are only temporary...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjUrtponzf-UwWbVY7UlfiGW-n7QMqyK0Tz66d0Cd40SjgvhrwF3iZtnRic846rdbdVO70YDMtguCv5OTmrv8-6oWUfnM67K1xJ14TPhG3CY0VNj3qN98P67d0SEV7LocWtU8Wh4iGHdEsaOPM6WHPEbNOaPqQV-clRX5zbY8SdT6-TZofU2PlqAPUQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1280" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjUrtponzf-UwWbVY7UlfiGW-n7QMqyK0Tz66d0Cd40SjgvhrwF3iZtnRic846rdbdVO70YDMtguCv5OTmrv8-6oWUfnM67K1xJ14TPhG3CY0VNj3qN98P67d0SEV7LocWtU8Wh4iGHdEsaOPM6WHPEbNOaPqQV-clRX5zbY8SdT6-TZofU2PlqAPUQ/w640-h312/Churchill%20SBG%20117.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weight effect on the suspension...I liked it!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now it's time to build the bridge winch, which is installed in the Churchill's rear upper deck. The resin parts are very fragile and with some warping... Hmmmm... I think I'll go for something radical... These resin parts are really not convincing me... I think I'll replace everything by Plastruct ...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2p7pRUxqUxFHZPyl5NkXGmY31Fbvy62oSe_6VnHLiV6S-UTraGfzisUFzAsGWc-Lkqgsq55KOQd6FbQ8URvao7C4HjZe6TOXKBgsBmH7WcwM3qeITfjOaOU3Dju4GhN77un8OcntfZaeaY4AXAOuDLBRzH1MBtVvaF40__xCXdoRSWzFzARYl0gTQg/s1024/Churchill%20SBG%20118.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1024" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2p7pRUxqUxFHZPyl5NkXGmY31Fbvy62oSe_6VnHLiV6S-UTraGfzisUFzAsGWc-Lkqgsq55KOQd6FbQ8URvao7C4HjZe6TOXKBgsBmH7WcwM3qeITfjOaOU3Dju4GhN77un8OcntfZaeaY4AXAOuDLBRzH1MBtVvaF40__xCXdoRSWzFzARYl0gTQg/w640-h370/Churchill%20SBG%20118.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resin parts (red arrows) and<br />Plastruct rods (green)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCSKL48k4E1XqpJ-WlTKQ7nkl39uU5F0Ac1_kTcm2Efj7wIF3KrdQfCosBhkFHlh6wLcRhE98ul4aoR5vZiOvhV-OcV2ikK1DBxHGhY5-feiPaxNgIApB3XLsw4KiXilb6S67uI2YDgrESyExJd_zJgvtOQxb9C_dbGgsonsUI4r_Xu13ykoee9HZcw/s1024/Churchill%20SBG%20119.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1024" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCSKL48k4E1XqpJ-WlTKQ7nkl39uU5F0Ac1_kTcm2Efj7wIF3KrdQfCosBhkFHlh6wLcRhE98ul4aoR5vZiOvhV-OcV2ikK1DBxHGhY5-feiPaxNgIApB3XLsw4KiXilb6S67uI2YDgrESyExJd_zJgvtOQxb9C_dbGgsonsUI4r_Xu13ykoee9HZcw/w640-h490/Churchill%20SBG%20119.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resin parts (red arrows) and<br />Plastruct rods (green), cut to the correct measurements...<br />now, it's time to glue everything!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki15tj0QAxEwbhSNj5ruagNkEDlwwW-Fq0J9zQR4DfyZo7ayy0h02jzj87TmOij3b-ekhE_kGHp9y9EHWk8gNuwz5a_D1XR24RGTELR6fLEu3oG68sM1GPopga6fzPt-feJHHb6K6gqQJRupoFiIwXIIz1noUlj9KNqSReRHajBuzNV1y6td7FCdASw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20120.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki15tj0QAxEwbhSNj5ruagNkEDlwwW-Fq0J9zQR4DfyZo7ayy0h02jzj87TmOij3b-ekhE_kGHp9y9EHWk8gNuwz5a_D1XR24RGTELR6fLEu3oG68sM1GPopga6fzPt-feJHHb6K6gqQJRupoFiIwXIIz1noUlj9KNqSReRHajBuzNV1y6td7FCdASw/w640-h378/Churchill%20SBG%20120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the details in the parts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSC5RGn5_kiCRGtLdT1RGkbbp87_HB4AxhgQUhIVJw29zrfu1mSzcTcwiZSfw8G5X3WwCcgaX06I9wiqfNeed-It-fHbG3_xcq4-oddw70xP_Fp7uMBfOU9ljCUfAes4eY9oOKFuOxv-ekGKG_GA7ja4K2MGSy7wFYJdR97_drnvvpXpQXABaeJucWYw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20121.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSC5RGn5_kiCRGtLdT1RGkbbp87_HB4AxhgQUhIVJw29zrfu1mSzcTcwiZSfw8G5X3WwCcgaX06I9wiqfNeed-It-fHbG3_xcq4-oddw70xP_Fp7uMBfOU9ljCUfAes4eY9oOKFuOxv-ekGKG_GA7ja4K2MGSy7wFYJdR97_drnvvpXpQXABaeJucWYw/w640-h344/Churchill%20SBG%20121.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And building the manual winch. The two vertical pieces seem<br />a little thin to me, too weak for the winch...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn4Pxvl-y82gAcbDsbuOeMZfOF5QKYXxxxmmUW_hGKv1cYGLg66xqxtQHs62x2XGVlo7Z2ZGpWbu3Ixc6KhqCBsqaZfpgfBhPRpYXpZj04aB6DsZ6fpbPH-_7bfUZyXQhtuSQdWLJDGZaddOYs4XFF23TOjDPrzI36LulPmtbG-qEAmJSZKUCCwgu8Q/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20122.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn4Pxvl-y82gAcbDsbuOeMZfOF5QKYXxxxmmUW_hGKv1cYGLg66xqxtQHs62x2XGVlo7Z2ZGpWbu3Ixc6KhqCBsqaZfpgfBhPRpYXpZj04aB6DsZ6fpbPH-_7bfUZyXQhtuSQdWLJDGZaddOYs4XFF23TOjDPrzI36LulPmtbG-qEAmJSZKUCCwgu8Q/w640-h376/Churchill%20SBG%20122.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to exchange for pieces a little more robust,<br />more compatible with the set....<br />Much better!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YcR9fQR6mybkFfsqr1fxrYAzr4XrnOrABW33TEb-dHtIdwo_2RtFtzG5TY-Hrxq3QL40utUJeQnpUF0YBCWmxUjNBCFIeAi4Khgv5aI9CJSIW3xUUtF0C-Yiu9RvZYIzuoyPFV7etAiV7od-62k1rCDzpt0xwzkxk_ksIQtbqh-csYDPjAe_J43ePw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20123.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YcR9fQR6mybkFfsqr1fxrYAzr4XrnOrABW33TEb-dHtIdwo_2RtFtzG5TY-Hrxq3QL40utUJeQnpUF0YBCWmxUjNBCFIeAi4Khgv5aI9CJSIW3xUUtF0C-Yiu9RvZYIzuoyPFV7etAiV7od-62k1rCDzpt0xwzkxk_ksIQtbqh-csYDPjAe_J43ePw/w640-h354/Churchill%20SBG%20123.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything perfectly squared!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QC7zqQt36xYtlVyuwTK3niV-0nbAX4_XPNTVcj6paayNXG6pInbPzlvQxSB4-oRX9t6RYwsuJM24gdj4vm8PRQdOHy_St8RUwG0oYLgD4CuhLGWgS4MyqdB61aKEdrbcgD2WGtOW1rSBOQW3iY3mmt_owaqG5MEsREDOqLX_EjX2QWOdRaXKiePAIw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20124.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1280" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QC7zqQt36xYtlVyuwTK3niV-0nbAX4_XPNTVcj6paayNXG6pInbPzlvQxSB4-oRX9t6RYwsuJM24gdj4vm8PRQdOHy_St8RUwG0oYLgD4CuhLGWgS4MyqdB61aKEdrbcgD2WGtOW1rSBOQW3iY3mmt_owaqG5MEsREDOqLX_EjX2QWOdRaXKiePAIw/w640-h518/Churchill%20SBG%20124.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final details on the winch... The crankshaft axle<br />was made with strong steel wire!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-swSm0bp-RoduW5us2EVmz_sRJP5QjXIozKbby-bwY9sqTQVG4eIF8oiMjFE90-DEeDjYon5DQilagr4U4V2pqY5yaaBG0aqkF--LDpynpMv-gF2Zx7JdN1Jp08T5IBM41jmcKkzaitipkQihBjimngIVgoNxVzXHGWdtvxd9oB6npRZVupxiRrfeSw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20125.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-swSm0bp-RoduW5us2EVmz_sRJP5QjXIozKbby-bwY9sqTQVG4eIF8oiMjFE90-DEeDjYon5DQilagr4U4V2pqY5yaaBG0aqkF--LDpynpMv-gF2Zx7JdN1Jp08T5IBM41jmcKkzaitipkQihBjimngIVgoNxVzXHGWdtvxd9oB6npRZVupxiRrfeSw/w640-h390/Churchill%20SBG%20125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the winch installed on top of the Churchill's rear deck.<br />I removed the additional bogies from the rear fenders,<br />as the thing was a little tight for handling the cranks...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbT9hr7c_7HJXdZJdX2FgFA3nRVraCq3-t3ROCihuuUhS9BwvRBUPZNGtVvaUAmTkNVZ5tN1Fpf7dqo77rUcDSPn7amAV-u1HXGymfuz0BCNb7uf6COQdD4h5RXrLk82sbj1y2P5UWCDTwhP-6jx4RbGmWXirmZvruVgkf5wD_WhAe-4l_e2TKp4U8Q/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20126.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbT9hr7c_7HJXdZJdX2FgFA3nRVraCq3-t3ROCihuuUhS9BwvRBUPZNGtVvaUAmTkNVZ5tN1Fpf7dqo77rUcDSPn7amAV-u1HXGymfuz0BCNb7uf6COQdD4h5RXrLk82sbj1y2P5UWCDTwhP-6jx4RbGmWXirmZvruVgkf5wD_WhAe-4l_e2TKp4U8Q/w640-h406/Churchill%20SBG%20126.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3j86muzTpbg-OjkOngnGmjjLk131jByJ3kPQxbqG8hPS4hvehu9j3ahyzszJJJHRZHvlz8JgXMVOPrWaD6jMqcv-1PlR--a0ELtNM-wPEJWssgng-1e9tFY3Or0aeG2YhSEGvAHefnoPcGbenkgJX69eu8rGYU-wgGtGwQPMPrhdac1O7VmOlmlAUg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20127.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3j86muzTpbg-OjkOngnGmjjLk131jByJ3kPQxbqG8hPS4hvehu9j3ahyzszJJJHRZHvlz8JgXMVOPrWaD6jMqcv-1PlR--a0ELtNM-wPEJWssgng-1e9tFY3Or0aeG2YhSEGvAHefnoPcGbenkgJX69eu8rGYU-wgGtGwQPMPrhdac1O7VmOlmlAUg/w640-h380/Churchill%20SBG%20127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view... The end is near!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, let's start the most interesting phase, which is the historical research, with its markings and painting. My girl will be Normandy, so we go with green for the tank and bridge in light gray, as we saw in the historical text above...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaCRo0MMKTrNhe0IuvK7o12-bdXqoD0wHw1nL4wKTRwNrahyWZfKcK_vzvHFmUfB3fGzUCh8vnda6QWQ8ybQGx_9ByMzYvnOyxqSx9dl-QgZoToa9pv3CvAXKBB43baukzzrZhLBwy4crm1H5AyhYCe_lk1LVMPr9HKYmzJ3A1F6okKRL21PUWKbVTw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20132.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaCRo0MMKTrNhe0IuvK7o12-bdXqoD0wHw1nL4wKTRwNrahyWZfKcK_vzvHFmUfB3fGzUCh8vnda6QWQ8ybQGx_9ByMzYvnOyxqSx9dl-QgZoToa9pv3CvAXKBB43baukzzrZhLBwy4crm1H5AyhYCe_lk1LVMPr9HKYmzJ3A1F6okKRL21PUWKbVTw/w640-h416/Churchill%20SBG%20132.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primer in green... left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkIh3pH34eaGjvkkc5Juk_alvKakN2JI0S7JVZddHrGYrS3HJWgvtBbHD8lKfsDjaUS6A0XGOrFjn7UhGbDXc9QSuX-W5pzUWTxtwTnxGcSqJn1W-PER35WThRhqv9_oYNZYe6Fz10MISzbVti29M63FUjEaf5BHhBCx79oF7IQBQboFad7uZmJPwpQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20133.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkIh3pH34eaGjvkkc5Juk_alvKakN2JI0S7JVZddHrGYrS3HJWgvtBbHD8lKfsDjaUS6A0XGOrFjn7UhGbDXc9QSuX-W5pzUWTxtwTnxGcSqJn1W-PER35WThRhqv9_oYNZYe6Fz10MISzbVti29M63FUjEaf5BHhBCx79oF7IQBQboFad7uZmJPwpQ/w640-h404/Churchill%20SBG%20133.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbW688bKoKfvnQTvUNCOWq-YKGcvqQa1plSL8kdGDCWPI_7nOFe9IkRibLXekdCEoRk6_2jrVq5LL652wwn_eSrQU2fUsSR7MBeRjObKkBZbG4uUXdI0gXHkSQeI284FKl6_cWErX3fcx8UZHViwXPtJHpVeic4Fe1JrSGqs6y09VxfiSbHgbVNgzQg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20134.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbW688bKoKfvnQTvUNCOWq-YKGcvqQa1plSL8kdGDCWPI_7nOFe9IkRibLXekdCEoRk6_2jrVq5LL652wwn_eSrQU2fUsSR7MBeRjObKkBZbG4uUXdI0gXHkSQeI284FKl6_cWErX3fcx8UZHViwXPtJHpVeic4Fe1JrSGqs6y09VxfiSbHgbVNgzQg/w640-h400/Churchill%20SBG%20134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light gray in the bridge... first layers...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaF8cykIZ5DY-Ybc0I81SLjeT502a_2moV23crUhEfb7RiGzc4aikyGabYoZ8MCRhq-SpC_-DHk135KnwKUBSLvYbM9nHacYc3zKuIVeos8wVLSwqDLwyi4G2d0ejh-oNfNAYSN3Kq31tlM9wRa3_TEJBtRD0DlqTXWwGtgekfTXAtKXZ_8A2b_famA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20135.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbaF8cykIZ5DY-Ybc0I81SLjeT502a_2moV23crUhEfb7RiGzc4aikyGabYoZ8MCRhq-SpC_-DHk135KnwKUBSLvYbM9nHacYc3zKuIVeos8wVLSwqDLwyi4G2d0ejh-oNfNAYSN3Kq31tlM9wRa3_TEJBtRD0DlqTXWwGtgekfTXAtKXZ_8A2b_famA/w640-h376/Churchill%20SBG%20135.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">left view.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, the most interesting part: as I chose to build an AVRE SBG in the Mk.III version, the options were scarce, but thanks to Peggy, the hot librarian from Kojak Research Team...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pIK9OhjIPHdJDo5FV0Vc7HI8JGLZKc5Qp3BXIzngVW3g1nOYe4zlE8VSolBzpvs7zYu_YctFmQTsQZtiBT6MP6tziYZimuTK-Ac0ceWg-cJGNg7PlK-JFzyxWJg__Q-vqmEl5zJLngsYoiRmWMS20dom-MjHxPUBF_7mBzWXR0tAMRo_lctektk8JQ/s738/Churchill%20SBG%20135b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pIK9OhjIPHdJDo5FV0Vc7HI8JGLZKc5Qp3BXIzngVW3g1nOYe4zlE8VSolBzpvs7zYu_YctFmQTsQZtiBT6MP6tziYZimuTK-Ac0ceWg-cJGNg7PlK-JFzyxWJg__Q-vqmEl5zJLngsYoiRmWMS20dom-MjHxPUBF_7mBzWXR0tAMRo_lctektk8JQ/w494-h640/Churchill%20SBG%20135b.jpg" width="494" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peggy, the librarian of Kojak's team...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">...we found this true historical reference: Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY" (T 68932), from 82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armoured Division, commanded by Lnc Sgt. Pinks, who landed from LCT 2025 on D-Day, Normandy, June 6, 1944.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8cib__XzqiHp_Og1DSLvLQtBj2ISR0TH9Rfq0wm6AVfiP1yNVKO9cnIjjxtXOSFBlr0aRIxj6tly4o5_NTavOfXcCPqKj1IGtR67VDrztEGZyg5Lmpn8HxRsBMqVfBVexlFdGjzsxAx4tUcA3-q8FcTVQ_ob1mBqEj46XUp7kRRSLsz9HqQ0pSs6ow/s1460/Churchill%20markings%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="1460" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8cib__XzqiHp_Og1DSLvLQtBj2ISR0TH9Rfq0wm6AVfiP1yNVKO9cnIjjxtXOSFBlr0aRIxj6tly4o5_NTavOfXcCPqKj1IGtR67VDrztEGZyg5Lmpn8HxRsBMqVfBVexlFdGjzsxAx4tUcA3-q8FcTVQ_ob1mBqEj46XUp7kRRSLsz9HqQ0pSs6ow/w640-h480/Churchill%20markings%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color profile of Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG<br />The SBG devices have been omitted for ease of viewing.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Well, after this fantastic work by Peggy, the problem is now the markings. The solution for this is to print the decals, after making the art of the drawings. As always, the big problem is white, which laser printers don't (yet) print. And if I print the colors only on the transparent decal, the colors are "faint", with no contrast. The solution is to provide solid white decals and print the colors on these decals. Of course, small white letters and numbers are impossible to solve by this method, but luckily the tanks of the 6th Assault Regiment had their names (all beginning with an L) and census numbers inscribed in white rectangles. Bingo!! Fortune smiles on those who are bold!!!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> First of all, look in the decals' junk box: I have the 79th Armored Division's Bullhead and the Allied Star, but no AoS from the 6th Assault Regiment, names or numbers... Well, not bad.. Let's draw in Corel Draw the missing marks... See below the print-screen image from the Corel Draw software screen, where I drew the drawings that will be printed on transparent decals and the drawings that will be printed on a solid white decal, to serve as a background. These "backgrounds" are micro-millimeters a little smaller than the colored ones, so as not to interfere with the aesthetics of the decals, after the colored ones are applied over the white ones.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcH6VpzcjPC3ek7DBi20koGMfGiKq5WjQptG2YFy0FVgBwPQTMQlmR_fkq-HfDdHntyESiHB6GjYX6vV-3kAm5yHuXqkXNusCmgCbG8iFmU7JcK3rl_mZIkneUncLgQ3QIl62nR-dE0bdip9DcRRFWzKjOZJLKAoM6LRV3Kv8Lqhk6FMJIb_dkIYg0w/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20135a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcH6VpzcjPC3ek7DBi20koGMfGiKq5WjQptG2YFy0FVgBwPQTMQlmR_fkq-HfDdHntyESiHB6GjYX6vV-3kAm5yHuXqkXNusCmgCbG8iFmU7JcK3rl_mZIkneUncLgQ3QIl62nR-dE0bdip9DcRRFWzKjOZJLKAoM6LRV3Kv8Lqhk6FMJIb_dkIYg0w/w640-h360/Churchill%20SBG%20135a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Print screen of the Corel Draw software<br />This program allows you to obtain the actual sizes of drawings<br />in millimeters when printed.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the artwork has been executed and the sizes confirmed, we will print the complete artwork on a simple A4 sheet of paper, to serve as a "bed" for the future printing of the decal sheets...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5AlXfiK7OsFH4n05JZa-r7DBRv5vqeNPy3cU0idirJYGVReqoa1DWcKAtP8TNIF53vcAaqN-6ITk7aaWjpEwO3Yqr39vql6P4m1tzZT1_RAQON8JhJIjOQelzTFH7Iew1-FqqHYBaTKyc1ZTY5s6J6NSVRS8Do-6utp93VefF4mCTKRlEmfdD_AmCw/s1217/Churchill%20SBG%20138.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1217" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5AlXfiK7OsFH4n05JZa-r7DBRv5vqeNPy3cU0idirJYGVReqoa1DWcKAtP8TNIF53vcAaqN-6ITk7aaWjpEwO3Yqr39vql6P4m1tzZT1_RAQON8JhJIjOQelzTFH7Iew1-FqqHYBaTKyc1ZTY5s6J6NSVRS8Do-6utp93VefF4mCTKRlEmfdD_AmCw/w640-h566/Churchill%20SBG%20138.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">A4 sheet of paper.<br />Notice the two "families" of drawings:<br />color (transparent - above) and white (below)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Once the A4 sheet is printed, I cut out small portions of transparent and solid white decals to position over the already printed designs, securing them at the ends (which will not receive printing) using good quality transparent adhesive tape. With this, we save decal sheets, because the laser printer heats up and if a sheet is too exposed to this heat, it ends up being lost. Don't worry about the sticky tapes: they won't stick or come off, damaging your printer. Re-insert the sheet with the decals into your printer's tray and print again: the print will be EXACTLY where you placed the decal pieces. Simple and efficient!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDzOKCgekI4E-Jcney5IffAYJod9T_t3GAcjl_EjuMC9tzIHV4uuv6KM1sNRh040NyNpWU7cV5fyI_RiLddNunQOMtg80bIixayZfTiaTsNwlpKBGv1RlKHFhLm21B0UPz0NSnQQsUhmLm1E2qSb0sxKtRi54DRxEEl4gv_7Lt3LQ07VTqRRXOv0_3A/s1217/Churchill%20SBG%20139.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1217" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDzOKCgekI4E-Jcney5IffAYJod9T_t3GAcjl_EjuMC9tzIHV4uuv6KM1sNRh040NyNpWU7cV5fyI_RiLddNunQOMtg80bIixayZfTiaTsNwlpKBGv1RlKHFhLm21B0UPz0NSnQQsUhmLm1E2qSb0sxKtRi54DRxEEl4gv_7Lt3LQ07VTqRRXOv0_3A/w640-h566/Churchill%20SBG%20139.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The A4 sheet whit parts of decals<br />secured in position by adhesive tapes</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And, after printing everything, it's time to cut the decal as close to the art as possible (that's the biggest problem...) and apply it in the kit, after a treatment with gloss varnish or Future (Pledge), to avoid the infamous silvering... Sorry ladies and gentlemen, I didn't photograph the green tones on the vehicle, but I swear I did!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNMzeq-LHrcTe557QdWgrpS1VZ1Qu-WNtjoWTGJDxsxeQ-lDcGGbtbrHqFpthShKE7iFiRJ9ekEuJ48Jelc5QXXc2lYNlZIdufKJP59T6CDjR0NkTwzclegbBvd_XzTGiPF74oAuSYowXAGJi-1Jg_YuFyikMMpXH7OzxcaNAEHOFR9UqMc8SWUPzqQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20142.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkNMzeq-LHrcTe557QdWgrpS1VZ1Qu-WNtjoWTGJDxsxeQ-lDcGGbtbrHqFpthShKE7iFiRJ9ekEuJ48Jelc5QXXc2lYNlZIdufKJP59T6CDjR0NkTwzclegbBvd_XzTGiPF74oAuSYowXAGJi-1Jg_YuFyikMMpXH7OzxcaNAEHOFR9UqMc8SWUPzqQ/w640-h478/Churchill%20SBG%20142.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I follow a method: first I apply all the background decals<br />and then the transparent-colored ones. <br />notice the size correlation between them...<br />Front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zcNSjngplUSc8OVuRX5sVTTKJs0OtMnrlPYvMCWXzN89QU_8g2kGMBu5WWXl05UNr64guxOmslT_blctIqtO_B2C_elbt8EM2LN0uMBsdtnGMMISnZwy3qIWQlGbhs4Ul6jK1w-KTnNB7BrbOiuW2I0cahkqv3UbOLmO-nSoj7-l8EwlFBvpHNgJBw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20143.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zcNSjngplUSc8OVuRX5sVTTKJs0OtMnrlPYvMCWXzN89QU_8g2kGMBu5WWXl05UNr64guxOmslT_blctIqtO_B2C_elbt8EM2LN0uMBsdtnGMMISnZwy3qIWQlGbhs4Ul6jK1w-KTnNB7BrbOiuW2I0cahkqv3UbOLmO-nSoj7-l8EwlFBvpHNgJBw/w640-h384/Churchill%20SBG%20143.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the white background decals. The Bull's Head is AFV Club.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4a6PhKY8MA6r3ubG_qo_a97m-En9k2ZcKazW45JIvsCDkvvY9-GbuVpnRenB5oWsA37upDtQf1weBWvJUeHctrXfMDqhG5sw6f7A3jpju3x_iTvIYk9zC1z87LkSRZPlldh9A_73rOhcN-Ms8OkDaLop99GddpL0XT-cuDayTqVDFJv3YXYQiKmVSA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20144.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4a6PhKY8MA6r3ubG_qo_a97m-En9k2ZcKazW45JIvsCDkvvY9-GbuVpnRenB5oWsA37upDtQf1weBWvJUeHctrXfMDqhG5sw6f7A3jpju3x_iTvIYk9zC1z87LkSRZPlldh9A_73rOhcN-Ms8OkDaLop99GddpL0XT-cuDayTqVDFJv3YXYQiKmVSA/w640-h350/Churchill%20SBG%20144.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backgrounds to vehicle's name and census number<br />right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-y7WhSRDqhOmkKtkbUiID11yT2JVsKR1L8Ar98-Vqvi8KmmLdFdGRQ-93KrCSPXa71XpWZDRVDtk-3y12IXcRvplBIIt4Hu_j_r9bZGzz5PZ_EENeoA8kaHPR6Sx6ghFr1Im3ukMDTPMKr8akgTMHrs8NtHvWymrpaE7YVnrmTltSm9Ccl8y9n9SGg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-y7WhSRDqhOmkKtkbUiID11yT2JVsKR1L8Ar98-Vqvi8KmmLdFdGRQ-93KrCSPXa71XpWZDRVDtk-3y12IXcRvplBIIt4Hu_j_r9bZGzz5PZ_EENeoA8kaHPR6Sx6ghFr1Im3ukMDTPMKr8akgTMHrs8NtHvWymrpaE7YVnrmTltSm9Ccl8y9n9SGg/w640-h366/Churchill%20SBG%20145.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backgrounds to vehicle's name and census number<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, you ask me: why all this layering complication? Why don't you print straight in white and that's it??? It's just that, when cutting the white decal, INVARIABLY a white border stands out, leaving the markings simply horrible!! Just for that!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCbtyAkYQa3eO4D8kk9HsCuY0-5mueMmDLAmFM1V_FkHrj-ReMtwkC0JkNEl4H6bHtKwiaWJjqayIKuVnHiJxqJnd0TBZoxTM3nRIYlYbQcuJ3lmHs2TtU2O6u882tnIqdb7V4CVju2Jn6bH9iuXT0rLSPM8ZBTT7j94_b84p27FRwTKMYTqNH4KXhQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20146.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOCbtyAkYQa3eO4D8kk9HsCuY0-5mueMmDLAmFM1V_FkHrj-ReMtwkC0JkNEl4H6bHtKwiaWJjqayIKuVnHiJxqJnd0TBZoxTM3nRIYlYbQcuJ3lmHs2TtU2O6u882tnIqdb7V4CVju2Jn6bH9iuXT0rLSPM8ZBTT7j94_b84p27FRwTKMYTqNH4KXhQ/w640-h348/Churchill%20SBG%20146.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girl now has a name and a social security number!!! <br />I salute you, Miss <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lough_Swilly" target="_blank">Lough Swilly</a> - what a beautiful name!!!<br />Perfect finish!! left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzK39IRJp30CGVL9isggNF8oRsvSzIgWUPmpcy65NfcFmkl2_14n47Xcjg-H7kVBocr87N4fCBgb_BsuJWYYyuwNjTCj1nLdLsEzayrRfRotD1LZUWgIsnYJtT2Z4l8lf_z2GaQM5MnqO0Tle5Ydq0ML4ZRGdkDmntkZT7TWvN44-EIxy_e0hC1XIbQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20147.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzK39IRJp30CGVL9isggNF8oRsvSzIgWUPmpcy65NfcFmkl2_14n47Xcjg-H7kVBocr87N4fCBgb_BsuJWYYyuwNjTCj1nLdLsEzayrRfRotD1LZUWgIsnYJtT2Z4l8lf_z2GaQM5MnqO0Tle5Ydq0ML4ZRGdkDmntkZT7TWvN44-EIxy_e0hC1XIbQ/w640-h310/Churchill%20SBG%20147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lough_Swilly" target="_blank">Lough Swilly</a> - Churchill Mk III AVRE SBG<br />Perfect finish!! right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U1DG4ip2z0zo8uMCivPXMGqZTF-F7iEsg2sEdilAYk3imiRWMGwqUqG4dg1_wmPqhYCLsBaFYQ0Kh_XM8q9e8jahe95SmzYF9oDkqH1L98rKQn3GODwQwDbhBIj8BaE6zE0ucMBLOkDBwjxC_B7E4vj05KeACHjte2Ysa8oT1qcJbL8yznEUPRmnow/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20148.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1U1DG4ip2z0zo8uMCivPXMGqZTF-F7iEsg2sEdilAYk3imiRWMGwqUqG4dg1_wmPqhYCLsBaFYQ0Kh_XM8q9e8jahe95SmzYF9oDkqH1L98rKQn3GODwQwDbhBIj8BaE6zE0ucMBLOkDBwjxC_B7E4vj05KeACHjte2Ysa8oT1qcJbL8yznEUPRmnow/w640-h402/Churchill%20SBG%20148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front markings...<br />Don't worry: the wrinkled disappears when the Pledge dries...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLojB_caGeth-IoQt1FS-FkojgwilSsWWIYzLyFebbAuonG8hZMGyH0T7mZLpqs8E9wXg3ZchZamnh-v_QQpyvQM81XVDmZ4sSs79gJgkPTJdPUweXTsJ-LgPeCSMJ0dm0HYu5GQhpH1cMXMrjt7MLggz0_5g-dnLnymLYmPciBnvn0Mk_qwSIdZ5jw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20149.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLojB_caGeth-IoQt1FS-FkojgwilSsWWIYzLyFebbAuonG8hZMGyH0T7mZLpqs8E9wXg3ZchZamnh-v_QQpyvQM81XVDmZ4sSs79gJgkPTJdPUweXTsJ-LgPeCSMJ0dm0HYu5GQhpH1cMXMrjt7MLggz0_5g-dnLnymLYmPciBnvn0Mk_qwSIdZ5jw/w640-h394/Churchill%20SBG%20149.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lough Swilly almost ready!!!<br />3/4 left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoxFgkxQZ1aY1k6K8m_e-_8sWhIDsBty-c1t2efFnTo5Ubf3dh99MNF8YtrUbuIUEGxlarR_3NTaHlQNSS1JQGOHxoHpjiS4vkMlbZAkSm6vKxUs9kfe8uCIG3ndQYj2ekcCWR1Fa3p_IvF_OoXmBSuBK08LnZJ1tw-etH509DO6Ul95ACnXg59eWOQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20151.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoxFgkxQZ1aY1k6K8m_e-_8sWhIDsBty-c1t2efFnTo5Ubf3dh99MNF8YtrUbuIUEGxlarR_3NTaHlQNSS1JQGOHxoHpjiS4vkMlbZAkSm6vKxUs9kfe8uCIG3ndQYj2ekcCWR1Fa3p_IvF_OoXmBSuBK08LnZJ1tw-etH509DO6Ul95ACnXg59eWOQ/w640-h342/Churchill%20SBG%20151.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lough Swilly almost ready!!!<br />Notice the LCT number written with chalk on the front fender<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTjLxVhFMyDbjVTw8Uq31Xx499qcIk4Mn7RZzbAl_VdfI8nQvzP3wgj5UC4qPyr7oB9CKfd9-eRTe_IlsgCDWJkKm36n817U2b4Vxvw5mXAodiCZCPIhxxZ6M5mJ63yo37ThBCEji2MO_il2YeTIrDHpzSE-jYZ6bvH-TUBhIOi3r2_iVAJtROUXRlQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20152.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTjLxVhFMyDbjVTw8Uq31Xx499qcIk4Mn7RZzbAl_VdfI8nQvzP3wgj5UC4qPyr7oB9CKfd9-eRTe_IlsgCDWJkKm36n817U2b4Vxvw5mXAodiCZCPIhxxZ6M5mJ63yo37ThBCEji2MO_il2YeTIrDHpzSE-jYZ6bvH-TUBhIOi3r2_iVAJtROUXRlQ/w640-h348/Churchill%20SBG%20152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lough Swilly - right view<br />Notice the LCT number written with chalk on the front fender<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNau8YfweptVUXrdQnsEoP7knvIc7tRDCJJOGFcn14UX7nStEMfUhgKlcVOsC9Bvrx2D0faDlFGQXVD056BMxgnAbpyK3V2SpgLq3x1LD-0GXLXliUwmFjV9Q_PCtyBYcyTrSuaFpGQ_rsEREdCHfmjC03AbtYSGMbuhKkkIFJKhaBxbTTwfEpdO3iw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20154.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1280" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNau8YfweptVUXrdQnsEoP7knvIc7tRDCJJOGFcn14UX7nStEMfUhgKlcVOsC9Bvrx2D0faDlFGQXVD056BMxgnAbpyK3V2SpgLq3x1LD-0GXLXliUwmFjV9Q_PCtyBYcyTrSuaFpGQ_rsEREdCHfmjC03AbtYSGMbuhKkkIFJKhaBxbTTwfEpdO3iw/w640-h506/Churchill%20SBG%20154.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lough Swilly - rear view<br />Notice the shades of green painting...<br />Now, it's Bridge time!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMIgRbO8subccN3GPzWk7lBDRzmKPnzFoiOesrciPlgNaoFCbd4JbEcWp4gyWqpeU8p5V6Qa2okRy8Lg2cKstJb4K3AAoFRWReHm00uD87dkJvaRN8osfoqcSGB3Zi-Dx-ef-h-6ghovk8WQRYPhLYIclIOB36FL8al2reZ2MGdApmxBVI4wtw512fA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20155.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMIgRbO8subccN3GPzWk7lBDRzmKPnzFoiOesrciPlgNaoFCbd4JbEcWp4gyWqpeU8p5V6Qa2okRy8Lg2cKstJb4K3AAoFRWReHm00uD87dkJvaRN8osfoqcSGB3Zi-Dx-ef-h-6ghovk8WQRYPhLYIclIOB36FL8al2reZ2MGdApmxBVI4wtw512fA/w640-h372/Churchill%20SBG%20155.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the "A" type posts and mooring cables.<br />I used a cable without "hairs" for this job. Notice the metal block on<br />the bridge stabilizing the set while the moorings are made.<br />See also the "A" frame being tensioned by the rubber band,<br />tied to ballast blocks, on the bench....</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQZmw5gHTiq-ghi7sQ4zM1XtGhPvmU8cUbm5etxSjkIM5k8Lhsbhadl4VIxECj8TXq85LFIWG0dGgEap-roSxuMUoxTFl1W7EnsKWXNNspSZryzgILnBMSwm_WG2Mue4YL_fg7jyMQnA_5VSQ8Atkb-7PAi3JBl4UNu4XSc6_pndkb1plExByUTxp9g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20156.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQZmw5gHTiq-ghi7sQ4zM1XtGhPvmU8cUbm5etxSjkIM5k8Lhsbhadl4VIxECj8TXq85LFIWG0dGgEap-roSxuMUoxTFl1W7EnsKWXNNspSZryzgILnBMSwm_WG2Mue4YL_fg7jyMQnA_5VSQ8Atkb-7PAi3JBl4UNu4XSc6_pndkb1plExByUTxp9g/w640-h442/Churchill%20SBG%20156.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspension cables of the bridge, in closer approximation....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO4xHBWHtETxpFgy4WchrYWuq0mwrabuacWUAlZ2og6xW02WFFRoQWwptXfcu2ykZ0MCEfvqCYjeCh4ZwjdMocnDm_ysh7BdA4Z5ReL3KiYYP3qHb3Suy3O0UDrh23Yt09oC3a4A6BgQUyAxbd9Sk1LAYQeklUxHndhgiBP8cGbO8HKVI9YQ6O7OfsA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20159.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1280" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO4xHBWHtETxpFgy4WchrYWuq0mwrabuacWUAlZ2og6xW02WFFRoQWwptXfcu2ykZ0MCEfvqCYjeCh4ZwjdMocnDm_ysh7BdA4Z5ReL3KiYYP3qHb3Suy3O0UDrh23Yt09oC3a4A6BgQUyAxbd9Sk1LAYQeklUxHndhgiBP8cGbO8HKVI9YQ6O7OfsA/w640-h302/Churchill%20SBG%20159.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angle of the bridge was fixed at 40°,<br />to facilitate the exposure of the model...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5PV09bGo8WGHgQY3-H5G3jTzKJPTd-aZ1R7G0Gv82tC_Qjd8KJa3CjKNj1CDdI_UHEGjybRMwIvjMBh_kUqXl64aRUd9knkITTAEz5PEFdIVpucBiRkdJslsvLHGSyTIu6-ZDnrc8qh0QfXZJ6ceSAW8ZQHCd0GiR1S29K4OESxaxveaytUPm7IFQg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20157.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1280" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5PV09bGo8WGHgQY3-H5G3jTzKJPTd-aZ1R7G0Gv82tC_Qjd8KJa3CjKNj1CDdI_UHEGjybRMwIvjMBh_kUqXl64aRUd9knkITTAEz5PEFdIVpucBiRkdJslsvLHGSyTIu6-ZDnrc8qh0QfXZJ6ceSAW8ZQHCd0GiR1S29K4OESxaxveaytUPm7IFQg/w640-h504/Churchill%20SBG%20157.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> As the bridge is relatively heavy (100 grams), I replaced the<br />kit's resin terminals (extremely fragile) by the cable itself bent and tied.<br />We have to avoid accidents....</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qG3Ji10ZgJA3M9D1VC6LlWKFSSSF17sRij3oqiNb-PIR0_yt2CXRk9CCiVs7JJf9-SnR1yIQYcULMw4awYOSY0Rj_Ql6PxetmFqoybghfYPS6ef7_jHgVYS7s4GKCOhr9c9tfAJM3sXdHw4kg9QB0O5sXnfqjS094f_7X3L8f53rpuoVUeF4oEjFoA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20158.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qG3Ji10ZgJA3M9D1VC6LlWKFSSSF17sRij3oqiNb-PIR0_yt2CXRk9CCiVs7JJf9-SnR1yIQYcULMw4awYOSY0Rj_Ql6PxetmFqoybghfYPS6ef7_jHgVYS7s4GKCOhr9c9tfAJM3sXdHw4kg9QB0O5sXnfqjS094f_7X3L8f53rpuoVUeF4oEjFoA/w640-h406/Churchill%20SBG%20158.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same type of procedure in the A frame lashings... <br />Much stronger!!!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTGPwvv3UqIQgCCfZ2jwGpEv-vpF71VhEuk_C6flBrLg8SxdsVXlBuuMHHGQit9n8govPoxG3pKdttOEj9C13X_PD4IpZXZCodsh4dcwscdQiIUTDefrhJ8-CiXtAGN8kVb8D8z4lY5doYnE5WCuZpw1bRg0uSvebfHT7u0Rm4r4TdsplsfwIANMrAw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20164.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTGPwvv3UqIQgCCfZ2jwGpEv-vpF71VhEuk_C6flBrLg8SxdsVXlBuuMHHGQit9n8govPoxG3pKdttOEj9C13X_PD4IpZXZCodsh4dcwscdQiIUTDefrhJ8-CiXtAGN8kVb8D8z4lY5doYnE5WCuZpw1bRg0uSvebfHT7u0Rm4r4TdsplsfwIANMrAw/w640-h354/Churchill%20SBG%20164.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and while we're talking about strength, how about<br />steel pins on the A frame bases???</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz3sT4wuaCelinUt6Ln9ZYukwTQPS1iv8kPTmB6AFCoiJsLGXBN0YUo_IAl8QAk-KE6qFAuYPfSLF33r6pVL_ystpUja4kavY2Ux0WTpYsBWvsFpQ0NaJyA4xORV7VoSnQswvjt6bCtZLsLYvQBSw4fT5ULdSLzsJXvpCzt7W_XrTVrRksBKkB45_EA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20160.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz3sT4wuaCelinUt6Ln9ZYukwTQPS1iv8kPTmB6AFCoiJsLGXBN0YUo_IAl8QAk-KE6qFAuYPfSLF33r6pVL_ystpUja4kavY2Ux0WTpYsBWvsFpQ0NaJyA4xORV7VoSnQswvjt6bCtZLsLYvQBSw4fT5ULdSLzsJXvpCzt7W_XrTVrRksBKkB45_EA/w640-h344/Churchill%20SBG%20160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another strengthening surgery: replacement of the eyelets (in fragile resin, in blue)<br />of the pulleys by metallic ones (red)... Again, resistance is everything!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpvxmDR-QZB0TrTF1NTwAsopoMOJMf1l3obRwfLp2dGLkB7oINBd8hsLHHsClPK8IRaHAYjMtquA4UfDz7emuyYE2QTQkwt1zBQINQvKaZNaKoNf9ypJEQIu--U9LzMLfw5ocvgx7-yEJABFz-s7vq2aIkBraR5atcr7YQ_OIP--dt5a4yVYowKxIaQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20161.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpvxmDR-QZB0TrTF1NTwAsopoMOJMf1l3obRwfLp2dGLkB7oINBd8hsLHHsClPK8IRaHAYjMtquA4UfDz7emuyYE2QTQkwt1zBQINQvKaZNaKoNf9ypJEQIu--U9LzMLfw5ocvgx7-yEJABFz-s7vq2aIkBraR5atcr7YQ_OIP--dt5a4yVYowKxIaQ/w640-h368/Churchill%20SBG%20161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A substantial difference!!! Much better!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs08Ah5dfFkiCtFS9DLsxABDU5O2rmv57VJJ78yqgg7_bK4xnh6U-KgIWmTqe0panmmxAam87t07farGr-4m5qgZn7OUTDJXKza77FdcEZAUVZ5QTUfCHV7Mob4IeN0eV0cGCNnFPG1yATRnIIdQ4nVVC9lLROYGvKt8pW23Id95f9a5OXt4apzdqg5A/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20162.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs08Ah5dfFkiCtFS9DLsxABDU5O2rmv57VJJ78yqgg7_bK4xnh6U-KgIWmTqe0panmmxAam87t07farGr-4m5qgZn7OUTDJXKza77FdcEZAUVZ5QTUfCHV7Mob4IeN0eV0cGCNnFPG1yATRnIIdQ4nVVC9lLROYGvKt8pW23Id95f9a5OXt4apzdqg5A/w640-h406/Churchill%20SBG%20162.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tension cables between winch and reverse pulley.<br />Notice the metal details, made with jewelry chain links (green)<br />and copper wire (red).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLip44p6CrSebhUUas3qgp8MbYT8WEQmf9EwrAqsKkpiCucxMC9MbDQrcKkuKYis3bgIqZ_ahJCJWH1QheftnlS1bqa6Z7PxzrTFlcQZayUlzU2h0sOkGjPda8bVi_mf7xRtF0avkfEG8-fNpEDbXd0ytKH0Ee-bv8QieevHEEXVxFaZFPL9f_PI_YFA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20163.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLip44p6CrSebhUUas3qgp8MbYT8WEQmf9EwrAqsKkpiCucxMC9MbDQrcKkuKYis3bgIqZ_ahJCJWH1QheftnlS1bqa6Z7PxzrTFlcQZayUlzU2h0sOkGjPda8bVi_mf7xRtF0avkfEG8-fNpEDbXd0ytKH0Ee-bv8QieevHEEXVxFaZFPL9f_PI_YFA/w640-h350/Churchill%20SBG%20163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The purpose of replacing some resin parts by metallic ones<br />is to ensure that the bridge does not fall and break!!!<br />The steel hook is to allow the disassembly<br />of the bridge to transport the kit.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBAlMe889Nnlb9o3aHkmS3SPNRpeGz-WkVEmjNX9u7CHxmVLteHUVvYM6Xl7EIwe5lvMHtMvcF84SSdiX0A2Kz0fi1oquC8M_YJ2sw_-1tRDZy1eI3X4QCyoKsPzUoEtkRWY-uLDAqRy9bHPNVhZmTeAyc89NaKZcHIMQibAAI4t9T34uiXtLB5gqqQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20165.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBAlMe889Nnlb9o3aHkmS3SPNRpeGz-WkVEmjNX9u7CHxmVLteHUVvYM6Xl7EIwe5lvMHtMvcF84SSdiX0A2Kz0fi1oquC8M_YJ2sw_-1tRDZy1eI3X4QCyoKsPzUoEtkRWY-uLDAqRy9bHPNVhZmTeAyc89NaKZcHIMQibAAI4t9T34uiXtLB5gqqQ/w640-h318/Churchill%20SBG%20165.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the bridge suspension system... Things are going very well...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaPy6grQM31vDoCbSiBYY7IWUwWp109ZFMUHfomS8bcURNfwUDAJxIpcenCNGd0jEdPWprucNgc0TubUxqSn8Uq-IRFZdhhZUYX7qquu1p_yYeqJ9_IIgQPAX-s2curOZqdxh-2XwXd4Vwug4UzQzslXWGv4r8nKIsNAvL_mLMpfrWTAu7qd_n2F5Mw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20166.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGaPy6grQM31vDoCbSiBYY7IWUwWp109ZFMUHfomS8bcURNfwUDAJxIpcenCNGd0jEdPWprucNgc0TubUxqSn8Uq-IRFZdhhZUYX7qquu1p_yYeqJ9_IIgQPAX-s2curOZqdxh-2XwXd4Vwug4UzQzslXWGv4r8nKIsNAvL_mLMpfrWTAu7qd_n2F5Mw/w640-h412/Churchill%20SBG%20166.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very annoying part was the passage of the<br />cable of manual winch through the pulleys.<br />The thread provided by Resicast was kind of hairy....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0P4Z-DHDkDdmuSTf_5WI0QTp_mV_4peOe2i_pLvOm9qTd9js4h-hy_QP5NyawYbul9Ml8bS8ZyAIMfBrosi4hHwGUn-aGTW6KR7EhWwDkTMYjgiPL2-tPgsDzLIyQXa0MBtWISIGta2nOnRf3-GITuO87KkagFn5WbyFoP2AXDxDfbJk3syOqi0nuw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20167.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0P4Z-DHDkDdmuSTf_5WI0QTp_mV_4peOe2i_pLvOm9qTd9js4h-hy_QP5NyawYbul9Ml8bS8ZyAIMfBrosi4hHwGUn-aGTW6KR7EhWwDkTMYjgiPL2-tPgsDzLIyQXa0MBtWISIGta2nOnRf3-GITuO87KkagFn5WbyFoP2AXDxDfbJk3syOqi0nuw/w640-h370/Churchill%20SBG%20167.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most difficult and complicated thing was to pass<br />the thread through the winch drum (red arrow). <br />It took the patience of a Tibetan monk to do this, with tweezers!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5324W4okUu9TsrfgNvx6J7hFjMRsdqEFYfj-BL1rLC5ovnjfUIX_ea003A_-htPVyGFgWqXLjVqfFpVD8x4xX39UDCATutYKtKZcQQifCuXwNSue5BNQ_23suCNsqDu-zL60QQMk2drAL8xgcxA2FkmD1_MQBdqd95N3hqiB-iBgXlexb9hERENiBLA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20168.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5324W4okUu9TsrfgNvx6J7hFjMRsdqEFYfj-BL1rLC5ovnjfUIX_ea003A_-htPVyGFgWqXLjVqfFpVD8x4xX39UDCATutYKtKZcQQifCuXwNSue5BNQ_23suCNsqDu-zL60QQMk2drAL8xgcxA2FkmD1_MQBdqd95N3hqiB-iBgXlexb9hERENiBLA/w640-h480/Churchill%20SBG%20168.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But this patience work resulted in a stronger pulley system!<br />These "hairs" will be eliminated with a thin layer of PVA glue diluted in water,<br />applied with a brush on the threads...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8e4ZsiQp3olropEPe6JMGX-afGfGwxFT1E85LKoOO5HLUsBZ1Za4T9fnt7YFsAaSsMCfJxoDTCwzXma1TSdD770DgY9EMjUjHOI5bCzKslsQDdWPNBtmnkZ8QnCXxZkJSMfLqHa2zqih6xyeEl5K5cLtvAKdFnFot8gMTHPNpy0Yu30DZOirEG3bWA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20169.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8e4ZsiQp3olropEPe6JMGX-afGfGwxFT1E85LKoOO5HLUsBZ1Za4T9fnt7YFsAaSsMCfJxoDTCwzXma1TSdD770DgY9EMjUjHOI5bCzKslsQDdWPNBtmnkZ8QnCXxZkJSMfLqHa2zqih6xyeEl5K5cLtvAKdFnFot8gMTHPNpy0Yu30DZOirEG3bWA/w640-h346/Churchill%20SBG%20169.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another thing it replaces were the winch cranks: the ones provided<br />by Resicast were very fragile: with leftover PE and copper wires,<br />I got these more robust cranks, without corrupting the scale of the model.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And after painting all these details and giving the model a "bath" of weathering, I consider the project ready: With you, the Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY" (T 68932), from 82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armoured Division, commanded by Lnc Sgt. Pinks, who landed from LCT 2025 on D-Day, Normandy, June 6, 1944.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VOakWl0sWbKShKuQ8ypqNek5KkZQClJqmLDxawWszkgMn82ujrjV7GugIscEYSQzHOaNQaY4JG8vZXSEyXO1ZiGYEOiNzkQMPa_6ynwQQ00p5o-3dt-BINhhqey0BYsyzL-LFe8Ld4GCqy6KVkvdnzyJxeSpO1JJ3fQwTH2GpibLol_aHRqrEyyQ2g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20135d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VOakWl0sWbKShKuQ8ypqNek5KkZQClJqmLDxawWszkgMn82ujrjV7GugIscEYSQzHOaNQaY4JG8vZXSEyXO1ZiGYEOiNzkQMPa_6ynwQQ00p5o-3dt-BINhhqey0BYsyzL-LFe8Ld4GCqy6KVkvdnzyJxeSpO1JJ3fQwTH2GpibLol_aHRqrEyyQ2g/w640-h452/Churchill%20SBG%20135d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJcg1kxzFHd76jjuchfG2lxbXyemUXccro0tjL_x3Lfn9ZiMt5it3rBr2pBVEGhGbAKE1bhH2GShBEWG3piOHRwku8-EFmAXNclDGUS1zHpJz6FLYvDJNBHlanVktHhe4VgosZRAXY2lBrlCW38cnRritpS-Ldz8OA1MZhThjBaqH1SzKzcKg2HRYxA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20170.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJcg1kxzFHd76jjuchfG2lxbXyemUXccro0tjL_x3Lfn9ZiMt5it3rBr2pBVEGhGbAKE1bhH2GShBEWG3piOHRwku8-EFmAXNclDGUS1zHpJz6FLYvDJNBHlanVktHhe4VgosZRAXY2lBrlCW38cnRritpS-Ldz8OA1MZhThjBaqH1SzKzcKg2HRYxA/w640-h378/Churchill%20SBG%20170.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"<br />82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armoured Division<br /> D-Day, Normandy, France - June 6, 1944.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4z7Murtog581sw5MSxRCRZeOMKDWGyrdg-l3tlMAC_eDopheYPROuMkkPKx7_zKHQJHspiNl4BYNvKg1fcMx_ALzGfym9iAaDddjpON_5Yn7AyuU9AZrE436vzzAYbfYoFWI4ZN2jT76VJDErC_DVQFbTE1w_X9gpdDpEcaj3XZbLQcCyMYS6tS5tA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20174.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4z7Murtog581sw5MSxRCRZeOMKDWGyrdg-l3tlMAC_eDopheYPROuMkkPKx7_zKHQJHspiNl4BYNvKg1fcMx_ALzGfym9iAaDddjpON_5Yn7AyuU9AZrE436vzzAYbfYoFWI4ZN2jT76VJDErC_DVQFbTE1w_X9gpdDpEcaj3XZbLQcCyMYS6tS5tA/w640-h310/Churchill%20SBG%20174.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0cKJN28VmtiQKhXmlOOUm7xmS6Z98mll6i_R9SEsa-K4IJM3ltZKqSNCwA6Ogajf3UgiaHp58KTGpl_COxwGdZtMS1eiKkoPmYNhhldXUSg8xdoUeZMfeohva0RMbmrscqTfiz7sz6zGpwFgqLOzceIl30ZP0N0SpA-7KcCDgPmBo4jvRuKOY5OMaQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20172.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0cKJN28VmtiQKhXmlOOUm7xmS6Z98mll6i_R9SEsa-K4IJM3ltZKqSNCwA6Ogajf3UgiaHp58KTGpl_COxwGdZtMS1eiKkoPmYNhhldXUSg8xdoUeZMfeohva0RMbmrscqTfiz7sz6zGpwFgqLOzceIl30ZP0N0SpA-7KcCDgPmBo4jvRuKOY5OMaQ/w640-h388/Churchill%20SBG%20172.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"<br />right front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEv2FdB9xN-UpFuEMjcsCXP367Ire1Nzxoo7ULrR8-Xq6wP1NQ1_ayai3pMXUWHYOw79X0Wz45oZvju6KycdMwTLnkJfkr1naWtGzyLlNTLVY4UUyk3akgpdrgDt8LWGk9_paSQPJhYVGy3-0IKwhY-idOVLVpZhdD8jl4R158LUFNI4w4-4Iv7cIsA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20173.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEv2FdB9xN-UpFuEMjcsCXP367Ire1Nzxoo7ULrR8-Xq6wP1NQ1_ayai3pMXUWHYOw79X0Wz45oZvju6KycdMwTLnkJfkr1naWtGzyLlNTLVY4UUyk3akgpdrgDt8LWGk9_paSQPJhYVGy3-0IKwhY-idOVLVpZhdD8jl4R158LUFNI4w4-4Iv7cIsA/w640-h466/Churchill%20SBG%20173.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right front closer view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgue1QIhRa1Az5WUlo1KcbOGgP6gPGJNPM6QW0rCNSQd-Km48xjV7PNtwrK--NkHDW2YxhUyIbE4xSSrDieLyYC7NPMHsIBuZzrOhx-hJBg1eHZGOszffSLeTivSUqpguHytDO1rGjj0OAFRndVSoN1MRZNXkaEbyc0M0IhNSGSLtivKGJOBI0xC3cDg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20176.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgue1QIhRa1Az5WUlo1KcbOGgP6gPGJNPM6QW0rCNSQd-Km48xjV7PNtwrK--NkHDW2YxhUyIbE4xSSrDieLyYC7NPMHsIBuZzrOhx-hJBg1eHZGOszffSLeTivSUqpguHytDO1rGjj0OAFRndVSoN1MRZNXkaEbyc0M0IhNSGSLtivKGJOBI0xC3cDg/w640-h402/Churchill%20SBG%20176.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDVlro7UYWbNBwH2hmUlM2SzJ7gjg-QBCjf71F5lZ5wF0RjUeEtFq7idPyLSbzqJyb8RQdBYUwX7I9_ENcjSNiKr_bUen15o0qmQnwhC24T-qjC90LzcJKPC5kauch2kXXymUZJzvaiuWJ6EKL-ZqJmoxcN98ov56cSk9oFgXx-RLk8v27LjbIFSdmA/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20178.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDVlro7UYWbNBwH2hmUlM2SzJ7gjg-QBCjf71F5lZ5wF0RjUeEtFq7idPyLSbzqJyb8RQdBYUwX7I9_ENcjSNiKr_bUen15o0qmQnwhC24T-qjC90LzcJKPC5kauch2kXXymUZJzvaiuWJ6EKL-ZqJmoxcN98ov56cSk9oFgXx-RLk8v27LjbIFSdmA/w640-h376/Churchill%20SBG%20178.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdJVIyynPLmIuBEwof603LclziLqTvO3r9vTC3D5NMSVPlwpCxFOTpAVomSBZSx5xObMv5gbv9b5peGy8WqFk4-PvBwfXPsdC-d_wjVZSFRvNct-hRy9uvOgg4xliWgRPFB2P__XlZV-8cW4SvQ28dx5wEf6IFszH01V3Hx7c3EavANlbjgjQDyf7Rg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20177.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdJVIyynPLmIuBEwof603LclziLqTvO3r9vTC3D5NMSVPlwpCxFOTpAVomSBZSx5xObMv5gbv9b5peGy8WqFk4-PvBwfXPsdC-d_wjVZSFRvNct-hRy9uvOgg4xliWgRPFB2P__XlZV-8cW4SvQ28dx5wEf6IFszH01V3Hx7c3EavANlbjgjQDyf7Rg/w640-h456/Churchill%20SBG%20177.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">right rear closer view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7x8ha-XPghFZ2VpIs3ZiQbWfh3UToS4AGiYsXqTVzRWlz-VtasL017d-nlinRXoawhhh_UeRrFUKJg8Yd38Hg4cVbQ8vYZceAWrMTIkMhrd5S_EhfXgqpBROXcT7pixNBt9MyltffqtUJ3VCMWbMNTX7oyxxSgpWa64ycu5Jt2lQeCg-G09UdwJUrg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20179.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7x8ha-XPghFZ2VpIs3ZiQbWfh3UToS4AGiYsXqTVzRWlz-VtasL017d-nlinRXoawhhh_UeRrFUKJg8Yd38Hg4cVbQ8vYZceAWrMTIkMhrd5S_EhfXgqpBROXcT7pixNBt9MyltffqtUJ3VCMWbMNTX7oyxxSgpWa64ycu5Jt2lQeCg-G09UdwJUrg/w640-h446/Churchill%20SBG%20179.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assault bridge - right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MmKMyVjuh_5T6tY3CB_sn55s4BHGuXbhcn9SRbdrWb5TcMPMBDQ5duPWW7c48EAMbKrDS6zIkovfAabff-FldQoI7lVnl945f9JYjtwlUwnEkjz0t8WhyYjJkxqscmicUyrxFdNGacsB0zn8F062dxNBIn9MM9Cw450gVJ09Y8YsAVxIMz9BHh5Y7g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20180.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2MmKMyVjuh_5T6tY3CB_sn55s4BHGuXbhcn9SRbdrWb5TcMPMBDQ5duPWW7c48EAMbKrDS6zIkovfAabff-FldQoI7lVnl945f9JYjtwlUwnEkjz0t8WhyYjJkxqscmicUyrxFdNGacsB0zn8F062dxNBIn9MM9Cw450gVJ09Y8YsAVxIMz9BHh5Y7g/w640-h438/Churchill%20SBG%20180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89NoJVF5Oxog6oG24qo5Kjm73zMlqOj0GkuX8XpupppvwdC1jEYGYUcKchCSRgd6kU_H3ymfdr6taY4-J2GKcfO9czbFC9P3LEcIJ7IMnhJWwxLdAXLe8-I0NYBqXXBQoFTZHZ9awVFcD27nfRfVDmLIb-9akingjikAph2jP9rXnSbEbI0FNhfkl_g/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20181.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89NoJVF5Oxog6oG24qo5Kjm73zMlqOj0GkuX8XpupppvwdC1jEYGYUcKchCSRgd6kU_H3ymfdr6taY4-J2GKcfO9czbFC9P3LEcIJ7IMnhJWwxLdAXLe8-I0NYBqXXBQoFTZHZ9awVFcD27nfRfVDmLIb-9akingjikAph2jP9rXnSbEbI0FNhfkl_g/w640-h460/Churchill%20SBG%20181.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left front closer view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mS9AknoxKNw6MEYMY31cvQR5eicqXaglBJJ7o4T6aMfToqBSJvrYgHMUVjJj7-1SXhyDgbU_vMKmulqmvewUEzeI3g8cuKpudPNCYM3SQ18zXdJoohkR181jupQcoF7OijGhBDHNjtzcRJHWwqmsiZZYCss2rvP3Gif8YapPEhQtpUJU8oVAhliVdw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20182.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mS9AknoxKNw6MEYMY31cvQR5eicqXaglBJJ7o4T6aMfToqBSJvrYgHMUVjJj7-1SXhyDgbU_vMKmulqmvewUEzeI3g8cuKpudPNCYM3SQ18zXdJoohkR181jupQcoF7OijGhBDHNjtzcRJHWwqmsiZZYCss2rvP3Gif8YapPEhQtpUJU8oVAhliVdw/w640-h394/Churchill%20SBG%20182.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizB-0pRgr43g5mvJzqSlcR4Q2vkTsMhZyXeYU7MMDYpa51U_DL88aTLufWerEkdpdlkfI0TeuSjhbsudK8r9zgmHZHOf1DtwRwJ8J9Oki40CoSwmF3X2PAcaL8BZiBXYppbB3n7eOWJwYkTtF-TOZVVcfevPHiDMpOxkOkLKto9ONaGY1WSpv8WYarNw/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20185.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizB-0pRgr43g5mvJzqSlcR4Q2vkTsMhZyXeYU7MMDYpa51U_DL88aTLufWerEkdpdlkfI0TeuSjhbsudK8r9zgmHZHOf1DtwRwJ8J9Oki40CoSwmF3X2PAcaL8BZiBXYppbB3n7eOWJwYkTtF-TOZVVcfevPHiDMpOxkOkLKto9ONaGY1WSpv8WYarNw/w640-h464/Churchill%20SBG%20185.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assault bridge - left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_51vwuJsMhADgVFI5m40592e7-wnsjE7ax3YYRNWJg1lA0U0KwFeOM5KlhsrrxXEC9ul4fR018DjnpNVMPWgyEpkdbqw2LdL3RyjHUr2Krvp7fa4ODxOjom0ouhGMgJbIyMuQXDCJOtqPibK7ojQLBsb1O850kM5CufcVOnBh1HX7VbpNeCndIEAEQ/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20186.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_51vwuJsMhADgVFI5m40592e7-wnsjE7ax3YYRNWJg1lA0U0KwFeOM5KlhsrrxXEC9ul4fR018DjnpNVMPWgyEpkdbqw2LdL3RyjHUr2Krvp7fa4ODxOjom0ouhGMgJbIyMuQXDCJOtqPibK7ojQLBsb1O850kM5CufcVOnBh1HX7VbpNeCndIEAEQ/w640-h428/Churchill%20SBG%20186.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">with Kojak.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0dSbsDpJJtphi_ZZa1YM74sRRSsIy5QmW0R8VxuBh5ESREQlQRkLlPT1aT0o7LA20CUcXIP9HiJqFs6Kbm_ICoaLCGkbXU4UkJWdnDokgIgd0eW-jRQyOEbkabMZ25Afe626vMsxc4HIQYaNc9HzB00-odx_hloDig9wHFNGVza3RV--_Xt4nmJXMg/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20187.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0dSbsDpJJtphi_ZZa1YM74sRRSsIy5QmW0R8VxuBh5ESREQlQRkLlPT1aT0o7LA20CUcXIP9HiJqFs6Kbm_ICoaLCGkbXU4UkJWdnDokgIgd0eW-jRQyOEbkabMZ25Afe626vMsxc4HIQYaNc9HzB00-odx_hloDig9wHFNGVza3RV--_Xt4nmJXMg/w640-h414/Churchill%20SBG%20187.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">left view - without assault bridge...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2o_qw8nGBkYF7ZKUXKVRE9SQlz2Ov8Wi1tVdnpAKvrMFHxYpONz5wfttNSW54AFsDfTiYEXYqPTR91lRkHVfl7npHgsFgd1h2LYbhWg9S6pxvOc_uPTB5Si11m7jc_c3TpG7zgRSUA4hngS6mba80PP3hYAS91e1uJHx50ZJqCcf-skXy9y-nrb90A/s1280/Churchill%20SBG%20171.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2o_qw8nGBkYF7ZKUXKVRE9SQlz2Ov8Wi1tVdnpAKvrMFHxYpONz5wfttNSW54AFsDfTiYEXYqPTR91lRkHVfl7npHgsFgd1h2LYbhWg9S6pxvOc_uPTB5Si11m7jc_c3TpG7zgRSUA4hngS6mba80PP3hYAS91e1uJHx50ZJqCcf-skXy9y-nrb90A/w640-h404/Churchill%20SBG%20171.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Mk.III AVRE SBG Assault bridge "LOUGH SWILLY"<br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">82nd Assault Squadron, 6th Assault Regiment, 79th Armoured Division</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> D-Day, Normandy, France - June 6, 1944.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ladies and gentlemen, this project</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">was a real challenge...and a delight!!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisFBF9Jqq2LSa0LOFIXdana4Z0frRNPleusYEmTW7ySCa-E2hWMZvcLKJl-jzoQ-mN4J4fxstEG8oFexwty0MchKNjyqAnYOQ5jhEmEf2FbHhPWXlJZUAlBdwtdccxAcgPuL0qXqoaq-swOcEfyyaRfjKueVL8j3luCC2obIF2x-uZe8gkTwhJ6sr0A/s1024/Let's%20go!!!.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1024" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisFBF9Jqq2LSa0LOFIXdana4Z0frRNPleusYEmTW7ySCa-E2hWMZvcLKJl-jzoQ-mN4J4fxstEG8oFexwty0MchKNjyqAnYOQ5jhEmEf2FbHhPWXlJZUAlBdwtdccxAcgPuL0qXqoaq-swOcEfyyaRfjKueVL8j3luCC2obIF2x-uZe8gkTwhJ6sr0A/w640-h636/Let's%20go!!!.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you, soon!!!</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-85597274862681707472022-08-28T08:27:00.027-03:002022-09-18T10:33:41.914-03:00Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19 - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Hallo...Hallo...Hört jemand zu???</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Let's get to know a little about a brave 6x4 vehicle manufactured by Krupp in the mid-30s, which can almost be considered a symbol of German mechanized forces in WWII. The subject of the article is the L2 H143 Krupp Protze, a vehicle that was designed as an artillery tractor and, thanks to its versatility and robustness, was adapted for numerous tasks. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Today we are going to talk about one of its versions, the radio communication version: with you, the <b>Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i>Funkkraftwagen</i> (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuEiZ-q_78l1n3eSQHtwlwnXtg60j32aRfEqFibPMsYXVbkSV2sHbYAkBmNJTStAdPTaPvCBgteOEZh2rcbL10P4H5fFm3n0ysykdmBSja7kbhhkHLhlIftR5KtvaQCd7jrf3IS8Rpr2-nazrcjbwARRI1UaF2WrwjHTFJSe5dnOhx4fcrhUArVL5kw/s1400/Protze%20pinup%20final.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1400" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuEiZ-q_78l1n3eSQHtwlwnXtg60j32aRfEqFibPMsYXVbkSV2sHbYAkBmNJTStAdPTaPvCBgteOEZh2rcbL10P4H5fFm3n0ysykdmBSja7kbhhkHLhlIftR5KtvaQCd7jrf3IS8Rpr2-nazrcjbwARRI1UaF2WrwjHTFJSe5dnOhx4fcrhUArVL5kw/w640-h408/Protze%20pinup%20final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTaN0yaCSeY3uY-6b8dEmmdibA2nmGvlLOyLkAB24DuYffawD8VZ6GAwFek9-WQZRyWPGk1Um6XRey9UQX3bEqsPIVSIbwyo_7HjK2IohpjXccqQC-uujH9oPfvJufnRNYVbBl5DnT9660JnEYA40Wi2kmFgVzNG3fRnLFnVetkFl9RiusskwYgf4Vw/s1024/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20woods.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTaN0yaCSeY3uY-6b8dEmmdibA2nmGvlLOyLkAB24DuYffawD8VZ6GAwFek9-WQZRyWPGk1Um6XRey9UQX3bEqsPIVSIbwyo_7HjK2IohpjXccqQC-uujH9oPfvJufnRNYVbBl5DnT9660JnEYA40Wi2kmFgVzNG3fRnLFnVetkFl9RiusskwYgf4Vw/w640-h426/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20woods.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i>Funkkraftwagen</i> (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19<br />resting near woods. Notice oil can and<br />jerry-can, attached to the cage antenna, in the roof.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><b>History:</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> We can trace the name <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krupp">Krupp</a> back to the year 1587 in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essen">Essen</a>, Germany. Krupp's steelmaking tradition began in 1799, with the acquisition of a mill called <i><b>Gute Hoffnung</b></i> (Good Hope) mill, and later, the construction of a steel foundry factory, founded in 1811.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Krupp's most important invention in those early days was in 1853: a seamless, highly resistant railroad-wheel. This wheel became the emblem of the company, three joined rings, in 1875.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPOl8n8jI9YUMAoNDrkcnFZNdWrzYMHPrvynkyt2NT-Emv0BYpw0BpC2LnY7mMOHCNtCq6kOujmYilC4yCKdbINRFPlODRxBGbmlAP0AA1XbCoG_w-O3sQ7hqnY4DbTcC1krCbjeDzoDh_WNYnUFu6yN3OmoP9CHXaTzDbeljiASWEXOZRBaP6kgj9A/s600/Krupp%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPOl8n8jI9YUMAoNDrkcnFZNdWrzYMHPrvynkyt2NT-Emv0BYpw0BpC2LnY7mMOHCNtCq6kOujmYilC4yCKdbINRFPlODRxBGbmlAP0AA1XbCoG_w-O3sQ7hqnY4DbTcC1krCbjeDzoDh_WNYnUFu6yN3OmoP9CHXaTzDbeljiASWEXOZRBaP6kgj9A/w400-h348/Krupp%20logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"On good cars <br />this brand"<br />30's Krupp radiator cap emblem</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Despite frequent financial crises in Europe, in the turbulent years of the late 19th century, the company steadily expanded and strengthened. With the advent of World War I, Krupp production was almost exclusively converted to the war effort, especially in the manufacture of weapons and ammunition.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoaj4MMmy3UrD58Ibahd9DodZssn4X3F9EOcTuUoEWwJWpM7EkCpDQfa-7EC8jbQmiPVnwn8XW2qNNQYej5wYc00wSo711kIO78mhjmvon9wHpw75zWIS08sSQI6aEndoqHJlAw0DQCBGt6BzP-DGvK-YWvFzizwPrhxaKbzlsHPzbTPXf4HI5HCW-Q/s1280/Krupp%20heavy%20howitzer%20Big%20Bertha.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1280" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoaj4MMmy3UrD58Ibahd9DodZssn4X3F9EOcTuUoEWwJWpM7EkCpDQfa-7EC8jbQmiPVnwn8XW2qNNQYej5wYc00wSo711kIO78mhjmvon9wHpw75zWIS08sSQI6aEndoqHJlAw0DQCBGt6BzP-DGvK-YWvFzizwPrhxaKbzlsHPzbTPXf4HI5HCW-Q/w640-h526/Krupp%20heavy%20howitzer%20Big%20Bertha.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bertha_(howitzer)" target="_blank"><b><i>Minenwerfer-Gerät (M-Gerät)</i></b><i> 240mm</i> <b><i>Big Bertha</i></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">made by Krupp - Germany - WW I</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Versailles" target="_blank">Treaty of Versailles</a>, Krupp was forced to change to the production of other products (special steels, locomotives, farm machinery, public works vehicles, engines (for trucks), etc. The "Truck Factory Department" went into business in 1919. The first model made in large numbers was the "Five-ton with 75 HP 4-cylinder Otto Engine" of 1920.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the end of the WWI and the signing of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Versailles" target="_blank">Treaty of Versailles</a>, Krupp had to shift its production to other products, such as special steels, locomotives, agricultural machinery, public works vehicles, truck engines, etc. The first truck model produced in large numbers was the "Otto 4-cylinder, 5-ton engine with 75 HP" of 1920. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__vP8_b_jkuwDjJ3GlF1-WrZP5k5TzSggnpNq9g-esNeJoSXDKyVYJbTdzaREi9jAfMpR1zQ-Xg357T_xonDm-citx-8QtW0_BkJApbtedTnd9kC8kHAO9fISev_88W2VB5Sn8RyUpXE6CWeuxvcMvw_m4lrk9rhFp2XuT5WIt7yKZd1PXaDxDMsY3w/s800/Krupp%20semi-tractor%201920%20truck.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="800" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__vP8_b_jkuwDjJ3GlF1-WrZP5k5TzSggnpNq9g-esNeJoSXDKyVYJbTdzaREi9jAfMpR1zQ-Xg357T_xonDm-citx-8QtW0_BkJApbtedTnd9kC8kHAO9fISev_88W2VB5Sn8RyUpXE6CWeuxvcMvw_m4lrk9rhFp2XuT5WIt7yKZd1PXaDxDMsY3w/w640-h402/Krupp%20semi-tractor%201920%20truck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp semi-tractor truck - 1920.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1924, 1.5, 2.5 and 3-ton high-speed trucks appeared. In 1925 a modified 5-ton truck was launched. The first low chassis buses appeared in 1928. Until the Second World War, Krupp offered a wide variety of trucks with different chassis heights (H, M, N), engines (petrol, diesel, wood gas) and load capacities ( 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 5.5, 6.5 tons).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Krupp carried out pioneering work in the construction of truck engines, through the development of high-performance carburetors for gasoline engines and air-cooled diesel engines. In 1937 the number of vehicles produced totaled 4.300, made by a workforce of 2.685 employees. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1939, official Nazi Party requirements limited the production of civilian vehicles to 3-tonne and 6.5-ton trucks. In 1940, Krupp was obliged to build 12-ton heavy half-track tractors, the <i><b>Sonderkraftfahrzeug 8</b></i> ("special motorized vehicle 8"), usually abbreviated to <b><i>Sd.Kfz. 8</i></b>, under license.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLZIHpkXy6XYsV9OpehAesqB7LuwF2OLLz62CL57XHDpPLMReAFgOmXrWWZRAlwW2ytS26w-ndOjBYu_1ecmr8LWzMS9-PdXIl9UAIcsckWkpq7Lb1DmHeaX5wIRkaQA6eq6GTVnM3t-8Cgy1X9fBf__YQ8z_bIWRsLnD__puIk-Wbu9yuyK0BHFVSA/s1280/Sd.Kfz.8%20(DB9)%20Half-Track%20Artillery%20Tractor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLZIHpkXy6XYsV9OpehAesqB7LuwF2OLLz62CL57XHDpPLMReAFgOmXrWWZRAlwW2ytS26w-ndOjBYu_1ecmr8LWzMS9-PdXIl9UAIcsckWkpq7Lb1DmHeaX5wIRkaQA6eq6GTVnM3t-8Cgy1X9fBf__YQ8z_bIWRsLnD__puIk-Wbu9yuyK0BHFVSA/w640-h322/Sd.Kfz.8%20(DB9)%20Half-Track%20Artillery%20Tractor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sd.Kfz.8 (DB9) Half-Track Artillery Tractor<br />Trumpeter kit (#09538) box art</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1941 only truck engines, the Krupp Protze L2 H143 and Sd.Kfz.8 vehicles were in production. In 1942, the production of Krupp Protz, almost 200 a month, was stopped. That year, 3.403 employees were on the payroll. The first heavy air raids on Essen and the factory took place from March 1943. By the end of the war, 70% of the company's facilities had been destroyed or damaged. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU-eaHvgU395VXdkzlma_QVy7A_TTDrzYNQ65tiP8O2J3DvhVrcyk66g2T5oaie7MgMcqdkWG2-w3q7vG2laui9TidEM5VCeSt8PA-ZF0GmxDeJ0qnAqRJ5Hz5MD4kAM2iBsMiw26HEdwh7nk9RIDGLTKnpx3nneV541Zmnq9wCo3iikjRZbHjEXG0Q/s1280/Krupps%20AG%20works%20at%20Essen,%20Germany,%20seriously%20damaged%20by%20Bomber%20Command%20in%201943,%20and%20further%20wrecked%20in%20the%20daylight%20raid%20of%2011%20March%201945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1280" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmU-eaHvgU395VXdkzlma_QVy7A_TTDrzYNQ65tiP8O2J3DvhVrcyk66g2T5oaie7MgMcqdkWG2-w3q7vG2laui9TidEM5VCeSt8PA-ZF0GmxDeJ0qnAqRJ5Hz5MD4kAM2iBsMiw26HEdwh7nk9RIDGLTKnpx3nneV541Zmnq9wCo3iikjRZbHjEXG0Q/w640-h600/Krupps%20AG%20works%20at%20Essen,%20Germany,%20seriously%20damaged%20by%20Bomber%20Command%20in%201943,%20and%20further%20wrecked%20in%20the%20daylight%20raid%20of%2011%20March%201945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-size: 13.3px; text-align: start;"> </span>Krupp AG works at Essen, Germany, seriously damaged by Bomber Command<br />in 1943 and further wrecked in the daylight raid of 11 March 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qfILOkZWdCQ9NtW9twg1dpVTKgJPoiAd-KweaeNktAS5-V-XjXqnmOVXGCiGFQPB1-mx5OLFm_Ukj-NgYnMj5DgsvzSroAVyJV8bx0k5S50ubGnxqYYSkp9I7RiduE1Xfm7VgQ5B434FggC0OyGgD7gz0Y8oe47sSl4CQYuPKOI1pK4fyiPi21s2aQ/s1280/RAF%20officers%20inspect%20an%20unfinished%20siege%20gun%20in%20a%20wrecked%20building%20of%20the%20Krupps%20armaments%20works%20at%20Essen,%20Germany,%20a%20principal%20target%20for%20Bomber%20Command%20throughout%20the%20war.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qfILOkZWdCQ9NtW9twg1dpVTKgJPoiAd-KweaeNktAS5-V-XjXqnmOVXGCiGFQPB1-mx5OLFm_Ukj-NgYnMj5DgsvzSroAVyJV8bx0k5S50ubGnxqYYSkp9I7RiduE1Xfm7VgQ5B434FggC0OyGgD7gz0Y8oe47sSl4CQYuPKOI1pK4fyiPi21s2aQ/w640-h438/RAF%20officers%20inspect%20an%20unfinished%20siege%20gun%20in%20a%20wrecked%20building%20of%20the%20Krupps%20armaments%20works%20at%20Essen,%20Germany,%20a%20principal%20target%20for%20Bomber%20Command%20throughout%20the%20war.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RAF officers inspect an unfinished siege gun in a wrecked<br />building of the Krupp AG plant at Essen, Germany - 1945<br />Essen was principal target for Bomber Command throughout the war.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Krupp </b><b>Protze</b><b>L2 H43 and L2 H143:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b><i>Geländewagen</i></b> (all-terrain vehicle) <i><b>Krupp Protze</b></i> (officially L2 H43 and L2 H143) was a six-wheeled 6x4 German truck and artillery tractor produced between 1934 and 1936 (L2 H43) and 1937 to 1941 in L2 H143 version. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3Y5v3tvLuldkX-DFJ2sIcfCxymKGhe3aCGfGCjWIXOt1gCPlDxgMXxxhfo_G-ZNNd0uPItW-PAuo4QG2nsh3quYXaUmwRoNiKYBY0zZpmQEY5cDhTy0ZatehOBWHhfoXF1W5zgVBlGclEDCCDR_7a3Z520gKVG24G9yDmvaLh-2zWog2L5bomNYSZA/s1280/Protze%20chassis.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3Y5v3tvLuldkX-DFJ2sIcfCxymKGhe3aCGfGCjWIXOt1gCPlDxgMXxxhfo_G-ZNNd0uPItW-PAuo4QG2nsh3quYXaUmwRoNiKYBY0zZpmQEY5cDhTy0ZatehOBWHhfoXF1W5zgVBlGclEDCCDR_7a3Z520gKVG24G9yDmvaLh-2zWog2L5bomNYSZA/w640-h348/Protze%20chassis.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Geländewagen</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>Krupp Protze</b></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> <i style="font-weight: bold;"> L2 H143 chassis</i><br />left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZFZ7VEpgGKHO-6cyr0fdRu-uDlXf4yx2jfIWbnYBImnV_2UlfenmbT2Tb4yJ94g75ijzYKMC6dKcFtOCPR8Dt-zSBD1ZkJVabWUM1a4PQgQt4u4gvWN4d3aPEaVV4NUJW9aNkU_Z0nJA9rob1lWfZnJkutQvLib3F4L6ej1cUW0FI3bZ0IRcjXRhTw/s768/Protze%20chassis%20rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="661" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZFZ7VEpgGKHO-6cyr0fdRu-uDlXf4yx2jfIWbnYBImnV_2UlfenmbT2Tb4yJ94g75ijzYKMC6dKcFtOCPR8Dt-zSBD1ZkJVabWUM1a4PQgQt4u4gvWN4d3aPEaVV4NUJW9aNkU_Z0nJA9rob1lWfZnJkutQvLib3F4L6ej1cUW0FI3bZ0IRcjXRhTw/w550-h640/Protze%20chassis%20rear.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Geländewagen</i></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>Krupp Protze</b></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> <i style="font-weight: bold;"> L2 H143 chassis</i><br />rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The truck weighed 2.5 tons and was powered by a 55 hp (L2 H43) or 60 hp (L2 H143) Krupp Boxer 3.3 litre engine. The road range was 450 kilometers and had a payload capacity of 1 ton. The Krupp Protze was admired for its good performance both on and off road. The L2.H143 model (1937) was slightly longer (150 mm), was powered by a 60 hp engine and presented a longer front bumper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n45fFsP43o_kvZHdQLX2QpjYpphZVzGPrxJHewnZD9AnEKHqk5gDuTYvJ2dwe_pttpcARJpx91NSf5kMdMvb-gCOD4dVTSUxKcIz-QNkK48oP3zZCksQNkJSMhAod0i_d0B642mBpE_TtrpTiLKyn9o0TPwNioNRsNLCi7XRsefc_TYKDFjsLvkQ9Q/s1280/Protze%20specs%20short.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n45fFsP43o_kvZHdQLX2QpjYpphZVzGPrxJHewnZD9AnEKHqk5gDuTYvJ2dwe_pttpcARJpx91NSf5kMdMvb-gCOD4dVTSUxKcIz-QNkK48oP3zZCksQNkJSMhAod0i_d0B642mBpE_TtrpTiLKyn9o0TPwNioNRsNLCi7XRsefc_TYKDFjsLvkQ9Q/w640-h404/Protze%20specs%20short.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3aS8R7tQyLKwD8ZAC4u-eFLs7EeSgSo4POctIT0cJD0p1ic0SitMfpbNJpHJrJxQkERQPVfvlWj0-myiGSweSfMvUTFS3gWPjlDXDIlhVP0RKEJy0HIg7USK6V4oAS1mRkCYu7hNnP5S_QLpxsEQZOGnm-NrKeZEusPjLtadiXcQigkohQ5DKaqdQg/s1280/Protze%20specs%20long.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3aS8R7tQyLKwD8ZAC4u-eFLs7EeSgSo4POctIT0cJD0p1ic0SitMfpbNJpHJrJxQkERQPVfvlWj0-myiGSweSfMvUTFS3gWPjlDXDIlhVP0RKEJy0HIg7USK6V4oAS1mRkCYu7hNnP5S_QLpxsEQZOGnm-NrKeZEusPjLtadiXcQigkohQ5DKaqdQg/w640-h404/Protze%20specs%20long.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Krupp truck type designations are confusing at first, but they contain a lot of information. For example, "L2 H143" means: </div><div style="text-align: justify;">L = <i>Lastwagen</i> (truck) </div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 = load capacity in tonnes </div><div style="text-align: justify;">H = light frame </div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 = first modification </div><div style="text-align: justify;">4 = 4 cylinders </div><div style="text-align: justify;">3 = three axles</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5ul9dxyakYA1zZltD5yvCeAEigtfUWXliDqiVrOiH8HMUqzSGnucfUQ5jFpzt30tV1Ux150PHXG8dxcG3_s8JMCutbq_n-aXsa3PN136Mcls3QzFSySRc1deK4y-3E4JwMeswHt_d0pLK6XCPag693XeM-GyjsesyR3KyBEgAvOXyevt2NJNOgynVA/s1024/Protze%20early.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1024" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5ul9dxyakYA1zZltD5yvCeAEigtfUWXliDqiVrOiH8HMUqzSGnucfUQ5jFpzt30tV1Ux150PHXG8dxcG3_s8JMCutbq_n-aXsa3PN136Mcls3QzFSySRc1deK4y-3E4JwMeswHt_d0pLK6XCPag693XeM-GyjsesyR3KyBEgAvOXyevt2NJNOgynVA/w640-h418/Protze%20early.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>L2 H43 Krupp Protze 6x4</b></i> <b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Geländewagen (early)</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLgoHVoD_pWeuiY5P_eZNfAGzPomWxNVFl4YqQSUg5BkR2G2RZQiE4z1cpDkkUcBMH2nEwBagzQUKQ8YFSDA1IesqlUU9tOHw78i3krHqi6OsfREvCxUpvOstoU3d8B13L2Ne5EykviNOE3N_YW4PuN-1k9R4-nQl7OrcMehtoV7aynhPY2Mds24OyA/s1280/Protz%20in%20the%20field%20-%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLgoHVoD_pWeuiY5P_eZNfAGzPomWxNVFl4YqQSUg5BkR2G2RZQiE4z1cpDkkUcBMH2nEwBagzQUKQ8YFSDA1IesqlUU9tOHw78i3krHqi6OsfREvCxUpvOstoU3d8B13L2Ne5EykviNOE3N_YW4PuN-1k9R4-nQl7OrcMehtoV7aynhPY2Mds24OyA/w640-h378/Protz%20in%20the%20field%20-%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>L2 H143 Krupp Protze 6x4</b></i> <b style="text-align: justify;"><i>Geländewagen (late)</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> It was powered by a 4-cylinder, 55 hp or, from 1936, 60 hp Krupp M 304 petrol engine. Its main purpose was to tow artillery, especially the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.7_cm_Pak_36">3.7 cm Pak 36</a> anti-tank gun (designated Kfz 69), and transport motorized infantry (designated Kfz 70), in the early years of WWII.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeLJJb36OwyLuvBAO0CS2b-rm3bBaz_njt2cmkO-QaNfCSiWHsT4SthukwmDcG62R07OW3ZcmEzA3JSPLp8d77WTcDz58-zcomX_JkiHV6zDITgKqmdaAKtF5VRApb4kd5xK3waJQaxpH_6ZBHMaMkIJ2msrHCRvqu5VkA3HdOnaJ-QmCiKBo6aVJpw/s1400/engine.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1400" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeLJJb36OwyLuvBAO0CS2b-rm3bBaz_njt2cmkO-QaNfCSiWHsT4SthukwmDcG62R07OW3ZcmEzA3JSPLp8d77WTcDz58-zcomX_JkiHV6zDITgKqmdaAKtF5VRApb4kd5xK3waJQaxpH_6ZBHMaMkIJ2msrHCRvqu5VkA3HdOnaJ-QmCiKBo6aVJpw/w640-h262/engine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This vehicle was extensively used on the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Front_(World_War_II)">Eastern Front</a>, during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_African_campaign">North African campaign</a> and in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Front_(World_War_II)">France</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Sicily">Sicily</a>. The "Krupp-Protze" was of relatively advanced design. Its fuel consumption was relatively high (24 Litres / 100 km on road) in comparison to the comparable <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Blitz">Opel Blitz</a> 1.5 t truck (16.5 liters / 100 km, produced 1938 - 1942).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTb4Y5ZGqAeqzfD8pVErznSrA3rv-GHCT0u9fee69l7E2h1DRd9IvjEKN1ItAJfxxPyxuM2yBrWyBNBHCEs_6H0g7cEwHObzPLquXy1DYIuQ4DmSZ5Cup1qsQ5m3xRiytdrBbKsV80iNq5hfE7T2yq3HB5qKpFF-DEwFoEiDVJ4BamWGmbBTYFMxJ8A/s1024/Krupp%20Kfz.69%20under%20maintenance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1024" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTb4Y5ZGqAeqzfD8pVErznSrA3rv-GHCT0u9fee69l7E2h1DRd9IvjEKN1ItAJfxxPyxuM2yBrWyBNBHCEs_6H0g7cEwHObzPLquXy1DYIuQ4DmSZ5Cup1qsQ5m3xRiytdrBbKsV80iNq5hfE7T2yq3HB5qKpFF-DEwFoEiDVJ4BamWGmbBTYFMxJ8A/w640-h392/Krupp%20Kfz.69%20under%20maintenance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> - Kfz.69 under engine maintenance</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Variants:</span></b><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b><i>Kfz.19</i> - </b><i><b>Fernsprechbetriebskraftwagen</b></i></li><li><i><b>Kfz.19 - Funkkraftwagen</b></i></li><ul><li>telephone operating car</li><li>radio car</li></ul></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTUIKoVLZav0AjlQdoQ7ovefp7Z6YrIaq76uetYfB7vTXcRCueVckCPqYKyQJqXUbtD_ut8shLco4cnXXFKcp7NM1IgRAlDC2COEpsTdWFstWI7ork8D8WGmoTnZRFYQOLECoy7B3oJFGkLOd7atVpK5hQQF5ZwcfY0QHGHXJz1czvM5s1kZBJ4_Oig/s1024/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20railcar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1024" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTUIKoVLZav0AjlQdoQ7ovefp7Z6YrIaq76uetYfB7vTXcRCueVckCPqYKyQJqXUbtD_ut8shLco4cnXXFKcp7NM1IgRAlDC2COEpsTdWFstWI7ork8D8WGmoTnZRFYQOLECoy7B3oJFGkLOd7atVpK5hQQF5ZwcfY0QHGHXJz1czvM5s1kZBJ4_Oig/w640-h410/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20railcar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i style="text-align: justify;">Fernsprechbetriebskraftwagen<br /></i>(telephone-car) - Kfz. 19 being transported in a rail-car</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFphBMeuec_MI-YzhsUwYaNukg1WubaMx16Og29Go_Vu7IDwAATwFKVVz0QheHztH-zl9xUhDRSxqHSruYqFpC9JDELDe2BRFj7-jeFLoLuN05ztwYEwq5Kwp2Dnry2YLCDVlgCts1AkhQSaexJZrEHJbLAXnvi0soNyqA3DTxlbd3I-bM03XLg5CeA/s1024/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20eastern%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFphBMeuec_MI-YzhsUwYaNukg1WubaMx16Og29Go_Vu7IDwAATwFKVVz0QheHztH-zl9xUhDRSxqHSruYqFpC9JDELDe2BRFj7-jeFLoLuN05ztwYEwq5Kwp2Dnry2YLCDVlgCts1AkhQSaexJZrEHJbLAXnvi0soNyqA3DTxlbd3I-bM03XLg5CeA/w640-h480/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20eastern%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze Funkkraftwagen (radio car) - Kfz.19<br />passing by a <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horch_901" target="_blank">Horch Kfz.15</a></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b><i>Kfz.21 - s</i></b><i><b>chwerer geländegängiger Personenkraftwagen (6-sitzig)</b></i></li><ul><li>staff car (proposed, not adopted)</li><li>heavy cross-country passenger car (6-seated)</li></ul></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAkhC5Au0InJF4xnA6miM7_pd-T-XE1fABCliE6B4qJAlAHULMO9WLUPg5RvSKIpbMChkgcqKmJzF5x6JXLNI6-wWPNAmiYal8uDp7qQ96OsokKQVQKqKtqh80jpix8uVsXXsjY8sjrRlMj4NL_7ByOHcw_H5gIYigVmxfiEIXb_hdwU7oj1rQ3W8pA/s1280/Kfz.21%20-%20schwerer%20gel%C3%A4ndeg%C3%A4ngiger%20Personenkraftwagen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAkhC5Au0InJF4xnA6miM7_pd-T-XE1fABCliE6B4qJAlAHULMO9WLUPg5RvSKIpbMChkgcqKmJzF5x6JXLNI6-wWPNAmiYal8uDp7qQ96OsokKQVQKqKtqh80jpix8uVsXXsjY8sjrRlMj4NL_7ByOHcw_H5gIYigVmxfiEIXb_hdwU7oj1rQ3W8pA/w640-h356/Kfz.21%20-%20schwerer%20gel%C3%A4ndeg%C3%A4ngiger%20Personenkraftwagen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>s</i></span><i style="text-align: justify;">chwerer geländegängiger Personenkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (staff-car) - Kfz.21</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b><i>Kfz.68</i> </b><i><b>- Funkmastkraftwagen </b></i></li><ul><li>radio mast carrier</li></ul></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpCsQgItZPRzHpru4MRAo6Apg6eCAmRemsEANI0mFUd7fvuUNBEkaCJnO78UJVkr7xedTQhiIkdaEdYh_-mDPlY6uopyEB2o-0i-VHBy7W_yET9fo_Go7wifx8LIN41iyQPEGPWXZMb_IbQ3FArTHqMBr4FnfvOh-TcX7h3Dq8gxDXbcqfnA9gMSwBg/s1024/Protze%20Kfz.68%20-%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtpCsQgItZPRzHpru4MRAo6Apg6eCAmRemsEANI0mFUd7fvuUNBEkaCJnO78UJVkr7xedTQhiIkdaEdYh_-mDPlY6uopyEB2o-0i-VHBy7W_yET9fo_Go7wifx8LIN41iyQPEGPWXZMb_IbQ3FArTHqMBr4FnfvOh-TcX7h3Dq8gxDXbcqfnA9gMSwBg/w640-h422/Protze%20Kfz.68%20-%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">The Krupp Protze </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Funkmastkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (radio mast car) - Kfz.68<br />with his mast </span>lying on the roof of the vehicle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk2C65GHR9TTrZwpD-VHFqaRBVy9GUUBzViTrX6wxDpy_Y-XNZk8ocHb_ZNproIk089qXVlyMQwW5daI_FztYI-CM0L_Or2h0D_UpjwuwvMNprwiaz8DxU7IMagW1vTuASdxtmjBEcHsHYJd7S_X1ekpW7hbeF0PDvlnAOLc3OgjXMMVsgBYPSvqhig/s1024/Protze%20Kfz.68.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk2C65GHR9TTrZwpD-VHFqaRBVy9GUUBzViTrX6wxDpy_Y-XNZk8ocHb_ZNproIk089qXVlyMQwW5daI_FztYI-CM0L_Or2h0D_UpjwuwvMNprwiaz8DxU7IMagW1vTuASdxtmjBEcHsHYJd7S_X1ekpW7hbeF0PDvlnAOLc3OgjXMMVsgBYPSvqhig/w426-h640/Protze%20Kfz.68.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Funkmastkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (radio mast car) - Kfz.68<br />Notice the soldiers preparing the radio mast</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxc2a0UjgEzsygJ0w-AniIbvCB6Obfi2G5gU7ORh_QD9zamvPyJ4VO9QWc-qXEE4z1J0AKa0PNx59rCgXbpJUndZYNAl__keDgJkumrHFMDtwSaMACrhxc6QjKdCR0GKxrbxmT3s6l3HKBqnW2IC16yCqhHawFV5HzenYTnQg6yTnXM7OGStF4QK6Ng/s1280/Protze%20Kfz.68%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxc2a0UjgEzsygJ0w-AniIbvCB6Obfi2G5gU7ORh_QD9zamvPyJ4VO9QWc-qXEE4z1J0AKa0PNx59rCgXbpJUndZYNAl__keDgJkumrHFMDtwSaMACrhxc6QjKdCR0GKxrbxmT3s6l3HKBqnW2IC16yCqhHawFV5HzenYTnQg6yTnXM7OGStF4QK6Ng/w640-h318/Protze%20Kfz.68%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Funkmastkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (radio mast car) - Kfz.68<br />Now, the soldiers are erecting the radio mast with his cables.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b><i>Kfz.69 - </i></b><i><b>Protzkraftwagen</b></i></li><ul><li>standard configuration for towing the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.7_cm_Pak_36">3.7 cm Pak 36</a> anti-tank gun.</li><li>limber motor vehicle (other guns)</li><li>portée with 3,7 cm PaK 36 AT gun</li><li>armoured portée 3,7 cm PaK 36 AT gun (field adaptation)</li></ul></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHZ2LWftRlI7wcedAMcEazHsbW4t7mZvAmd1aVM3mVdq3QwjLC-mAudhbJXOmLqZYB_lNImylIAd4OTrxL6oPAyQLJxQt2s-zUsG9BWdbGjCkTqOsZscvjLTnHPgWXAXEgot6gSLLpaRCCWY6lteVEDQdr1PiOT-2pzp6I7bWgvijNDyDjfbTYMH1_w/s1024/Krupp%20protze%20limber%2037mm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1024" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHZ2LWftRlI7wcedAMcEazHsbW4t7mZvAmd1aVM3mVdq3QwjLC-mAudhbJXOmLqZYB_lNImylIAd4OTrxL6oPAyQLJxQt2s-zUsG9BWdbGjCkTqOsZscvjLTnHPgWXAXEgot6gSLLpaRCCWY6lteVEDQdr1PiOT-2pzp6I7bWgvijNDyDjfbTYMH1_w/w640-h398/Krupp%20protze%20limber%2037mm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (artillery tractor) - Kfz.69 <br /></span>towing a <span style="text-align: justify;">3.7 cm Pak 36</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-tank gun </span>over a railroad</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8jfpBZOb9_6Tu-ef3HL5BuRN8gGk02YO1wi6qmszeyOMq9mN6phSTP7ikI2lCYIhkM4aVMkBk4zOkW5dOaairzH0_rIh40K4M0qxMFIHj4ytYZXp1k9Spzg8VxVMlW-67hR8CC6oqSXnehW15jQwKl5StAVKzHzkA5fQdZbsMHpD8m0TfQq9alj38A/s1024/Protze%2037mm%20PAK.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8jfpBZOb9_6Tu-ef3HL5BuRN8gGk02YO1wi6qmszeyOMq9mN6phSTP7ikI2lCYIhkM4aVMkBk4zOkW5dOaairzH0_rIh40K4M0qxMFIHj4ytYZXp1k9Spzg8VxVMlW-67hR8CC6oqSXnehW15jQwKl5StAVKzHzkA5fQdZbsMHpD8m0TfQq9alj38A/w640-h426/Protze%2037mm%20PAK.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (artillery tractor) - Kfz.69 <br /></span>carrying a <span style="text-align: justify;">3.7 cm Pak 36</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-tank gun (portée) </span>in his deck.<br />Notice the wheels of the gun in the Protze's rear<br />Panzerjäger Unit 44 - 1st Mountain Division<br />Marne at Chateau-Thierry - France - 12 june, 1940.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQfJI0A-62FPtq-qIfk1WnqRMHzOzJteKUDPiD5isArPPYL-ZpG1NWuE9wWC5ibWFtJzfjaGKDx8a8CJiRABKEMTLNvtTBha9h6-4SVz5BH5MiKIx5ygcLAWxVaulEvTwZrY99zegi2WqrZ1c-Rg_emvNnT_awbiHjcIMpt3oOrnkt1RXCRt2XhQtxg/s1024/Protze%2037mm%20PAK%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="1024" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQfJI0A-62FPtq-qIfk1WnqRMHzOzJteKUDPiD5isArPPYL-ZpG1NWuE9wWC5ibWFtJzfjaGKDx8a8CJiRABKEMTLNvtTBha9h6-4SVz5BH5MiKIx5ygcLAWxVaulEvTwZrY99zegi2WqrZ1c-Rg_emvNnT_awbiHjcIMpt3oOrnkt1RXCRt2XhQtxg/w640-h448/Protze%2037mm%20PAK%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Another Krupp Protze </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> Portée - Kfz.69 <br /></span>carrying a <span style="text-align: justify;">3.7 cm Pak 36</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-tank gun with shield lowered</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3tvyTmeVOYaX0E5_8NuZfJYHYei7m9HOo3QwKU7AMu4tt-kPEOO71fkCkETG3Smlw1ZykJ15CA5S_jNSJinw689hZJHkRbI6jd_ldZRrcw3eCPIz5hWJhwMbG0hleDzvaxNXvURykvp1qKONSaO7sjkUhLz_DymjQKfOUutd9VEnxsw9WwoNJyIOTA/s1280/Krupp-Protze%20Kfz69%20truck%20towing%20leIG%2018%20gun%20on%20street.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3tvyTmeVOYaX0E5_8NuZfJYHYei7m9HOo3QwKU7AMu4tt-kPEOO71fkCkETG3Smlw1ZykJ15CA5S_jNSJinw689hZJHkRbI6jd_ldZRrcw3eCPIz5hWJhwMbG0hleDzvaxNXvURykvp1qKONSaO7sjkUhLz_DymjQKfOUutd9VEnxsw9WwoNJyIOTA/w640-h418/Krupp-Protze%20Kfz69%20truck%20towing%20leIG%2018%20gun%20on%20street.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze <i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> (artillery tractor) - Kfz.69 </span><br />towing a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.5_cm_leichtes_Infanteriegesch%C3%BCtz_18" target="_blank">7,5 cm leichtes Infanteriegeschütz 18 (7,5 cm le.IG 18)</a> howitzer</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZs6cciJKYrj2i7N-zOKjFTrrUINHL8Ma6nVdCf9xwdw8xM4F2EmbnQ23d4-yaKGFltLxG5orFWfxBtQRDlptPJcZFY2UyE5Unks4ib9izwytcnALZ8L317lVkgxuuA2Q4exDRUtLCIDeFEOIjPKScPJAMHAnhGvTeiz9jKfUVUWeGOMoxUlR9TuIaQ/s1024/Krupp-Protzecrosing%20ponton%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1024" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZs6cciJKYrj2i7N-zOKjFTrrUINHL8Ma6nVdCf9xwdw8xM4F2EmbnQ23d4-yaKGFltLxG5orFWfxBtQRDlptPJcZFY2UyE5Unks4ib9izwytcnALZ8L317lVkgxuuA2Q4exDRUtLCIDeFEOIjPKScPJAMHAnhGvTeiz9jKfUVUWeGOMoxUlR9TuIaQ/w640-h446/Krupp-Protzecrosing%20ponton%20bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze Protzkraftwagen (artillery tractor) - Kfz.69 towing a <br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.5_cm_leichtes_Infanteriegesch%C3%BCtz_18" target="_blank">7,5 cm leichtes Infanteriegeschütz 18 (7,5 cm le.IG 18) howitzer</a><br />over a pontoon bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6k5_4hnS-TeEy6J0ufrLfHY8gXtPtxBIY5dGKwwqFPaosj7xuHIuchIcXaaCVrcv95A3euyy0tqLV_Hd7uvEcYC0ZVyzKICSmPvzUN6Wz-QDLb7uxT5Ro7Ya9x_imUxoRlNxJfaI1KvKg6XMlV9TF78yXNRK9aV7PTTp5Tcp-fH769mnf9-hld8wMA/s1024/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6k5_4hnS-TeEy6J0ufrLfHY8gXtPtxBIY5dGKwwqFPaosj7xuHIuchIcXaaCVrcv95A3euyy0tqLV_Hd7uvEcYC0ZVyzKICSmPvzUN6Wz-QDLb7uxT5Ro7Ya9x_imUxoRlNxJfaI1KvKg6XMlV9TF78yXNRK9aV7PTTp5Tcp-fH769mnf9-hld8wMA/w640-h400/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gepanzerten</i> Krupp Protze <i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> Portée - Kfz.69<br />armoured </span>3.7 cm Pak 36<span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-tank gun (field adaptation)</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> <br />side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJbXKhdT_VQm29kkgUxooDQcKB7PVe-S5a-OBEfAf3-ZbQ8HyaPU5MeYdv3pYU345J0hDKJCo9GuREePwfyAr1aFr_UOsWLPyYn12f1W-p9dnIlzUbEU7EQ9mHQjJZ4znjsSLguAbWcYsiKwBEZpnbizufl2zGbsRfZRyX5Vo07q5MMIavPEVCZ5xYw/s1024/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1024" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJbXKhdT_VQm29kkgUxooDQcKB7PVe-S5a-OBEfAf3-ZbQ8HyaPU5MeYdv3pYU345J0hDKJCo9GuREePwfyAr1aFr_UOsWLPyYn12f1W-p9dnIlzUbEU7EQ9mHQjJZ4znjsSLguAbWcYsiKwBEZpnbizufl2zGbsRfZRyX5Vo07q5MMIavPEVCZ5xYw/w640-h500/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gepanzerten</i> Krupp Protze <i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> Portée - Kfz.69<br />armoured </span>3.7 cm Pak 36<span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-tank gun (field adaptation)<br />notice the absence of the spare tyre</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nSt56U0hGQdcRwv6cSXhEb1u4G4-15syxv7NuDNiS7Q9hAKH19UMAIcY8cHdpd0ZdgJzoFZWHU7mqlAC5hQLflJ3oGpr6j5ei4aVrxul6fwyOCxG9ePLx8xGqVk2yOde_Y6pe7TR516rQjAvALi5U_52yiubzKePbP6sVpzSLGpXQhzRBgSBa6Zp2w/s1024/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1024" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nSt56U0hGQdcRwv6cSXhEb1u4G4-15syxv7NuDNiS7Q9hAKH19UMAIcY8cHdpd0ZdgJzoFZWHU7mqlAC5hQLflJ3oGpr6j5ei4aVrxul6fwyOCxG9ePLx8xGqVk2yOde_Y6pe7TR516rQjAvALi5U_52yiubzKePbP6sVpzSLGpXQhzRBgSBa6Zp2w/w640-h494/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gepanzerten</i> Krupp Protze <i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> Portée - Kfz.69<br />armoured </span>3.7 cm Pak 36<span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-tank gun (field adaptation)<br />right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJdVAol5wZpwaY_WGBPP6WeL_pvvbcp9fohMbnOV57PnW_qThhZrJZ2QAz2spmAoomlRFChFkArgmHBEpWDIs1pbd1qDVroN5SQvsRVZ9BQa0e7R4Nhu9HXA0voo4s39MtjUr9HHxeMg4thEqkyjNEzYHNEPMGid57IQxoxn9sN9NAeusEH6t_xcIhw/s1039/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJdVAol5wZpwaY_WGBPP6WeL_pvvbcp9fohMbnOV57PnW_qThhZrJZ2QAz2spmAoomlRFChFkArgmHBEpWDIs1pbd1qDVroN5SQvsRVZ9BQa0e7R4Nhu9HXA0voo4s39MtjUr9HHxeMg4thEqkyjNEzYHNEPMGid57IQxoxn9sN9NAeusEH6t_xcIhw/w630-h640/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-05.jpg" width="630" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gepanzerten</i> Krupp Protze <i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> Portée - Kfz.69<br />armoured </span>3.7 cm Pak 36<span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-tank gun (field adaptation)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsrRDnOX0F4-La5HTPEqdVaP-cgfENomaX9iHEv1CAGQ0dg4VP0UnMw8-cy5XORKDyKyodPIQ-yukiZK2y5U-zFBoibDKYmkGFxFL4fYvFwCvfi-7ZGPOaAvSq50VIm7pJAOH0N7qYb3aVgmQBSmvsAH05pZyY5vrTu2pyRuO4-EKocG8okaSC6lHtA/s1024/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1024" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLsrRDnOX0F4-La5HTPEqdVaP-cgfENomaX9iHEv1CAGQ0dg4VP0UnMw8-cy5XORKDyKyodPIQ-yukiZK2y5U-zFBoibDKYmkGFxFL4fYvFwCvfi-7ZGPOaAvSq50VIm7pJAOH0N7qYb3aVgmQBSmvsAH05pZyY5vrTu2pyRuO4-EKocG8okaSC6lHtA/w640-h418/Krupp%20L2H143%20Kfz.69%20Armored%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.69%20with%203.7cm%20Pak%2036%20-04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gepanzerten</i> Krupp Protze <i style="text-align: justify;">Protzkraftwagen</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> Portée - Kfz.69<br />armoured </span>3.7 cm Pak 36<span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-tank gun (field adaptation)<br />in action - 1941, Ukraine. - Russian Front</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b><i>Kfz.70 - </i></b><i><b>Mannschaftskraftwagen</b></i></li><ul><li>Standard personnel carrier.</li></ul></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJC2x3DKqBg1b_yrROna5RXYQK27xITpNL-M2zVHp6HZGNrmGKac361UGOwi3NM7U6CR1bOx3WGlvulz59AdAbMdw8t1xQQe5TekVmYp9Eg5rxtII8fT2FA3UGn0tlwTQKJZOrWTOBHc1VqIfPUN4mhisVZvOP_NomoTQsMGi-InREgmjNp0hWynnBOg/s1280/Krupp%20Kfz.70%203%20tons%20cammo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJC2x3DKqBg1b_yrROna5RXYQK27xITpNL-M2zVHp6HZGNrmGKac361UGOwi3NM7U6CR1bOx3WGlvulz59AdAbMdw8t1xQQe5TekVmYp9Eg5rxtII8fT2FA3UGn0tlwTQKJZOrWTOBHc1VqIfPUN4mhisVZvOP_NomoTQsMGi-InREgmjNp0hWynnBOg/w640-h384/Krupp%20Kfz.70%203%20tons%20cammo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze</span> <i style="text-align: justify;">Mannschaftskraftwagen<b> </b></i>Kfz.70 with soldiers <br /> during a parade, Germany 1937-1938. <br />trucks in two-color cammo used during this period.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBrkLinwu67-MsqDwgk4CJLtW8HxlistYnLl8vuudr3REzXA6KvoRY0lbClsVOkgWLhxGakg8joJF1yzDldg_DLxv9JSThw-ghs8yB-_lcq0VLFl-fnaaHZL5FjktBi5eF_-OnWqKTLy8R1reR3f7cWX_yI_zhkV_piSdg1QNad2J2botAPo2AEUDhw/s1280/Krupp%20Kfz.70%20mwar%20games.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBrkLinwu67-MsqDwgk4CJLtW8HxlistYnLl8vuudr3REzXA6KvoRY0lbClsVOkgWLhxGakg8joJF1yzDldg_DLxv9JSThw-ghs8yB-_lcq0VLFl-fnaaHZL5FjktBi5eF_-OnWqKTLy8R1reR3f7cWX_yI_zhkV_piSdg1QNad2J2botAPo2AEUDhw/w640-h400/Krupp%20Kfz.70%20mwar%20games.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze</span> <i style="text-align: justify;">Mannschaftskraftwagen<b> </b></i>Kfz.70 with soldiers<br /> during exercises, Germany 1938-1939. <br />Visible tactical markers are visible only during maneuvers.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b><i>Kfz.81 - l</i></b><i><b>eichter Flakkraftwagen</b></i></li><ul><li>light anti aircraft motor vehicle for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_cm_FlaK_30">2 cm FlaK</a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_cm_FlaK_30" target="_blank"> 30</a> anti-aircraft gun, towed or portée</li></ul></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_QOJA6lgJha8iApJdUrvSaBvjDmnmSIomJXs_0WGq9c6_AuO1KZoq17QMzZmacbXAN-jShJuXjBJ3St7Ktk4lPE2TS_jBTHWwr3hZGNrb-PW8y18vb0jx-pG-NJXruSweUMnKcoG_ZT8z5xOLXS9Yp7ROwHiuU3pIJCZpEcP_Rts8GOaqtuCzVdNPw/s1280/Protze%20Kfz.81%20luftwaffe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_QOJA6lgJha8iApJdUrvSaBvjDmnmSIomJXs_0WGq9c6_AuO1KZoq17QMzZmacbXAN-jShJuXjBJ3St7Ktk4lPE2TS_jBTHWwr3hZGNrb-PW8y18vb0jx-pG-NJXruSweUMnKcoG_ZT8z5xOLXS9Yp7ROwHiuU3pIJCZpEcP_Rts8GOaqtuCzVdNPw/w640-h388/Protze%20Kfz.81%20luftwaffe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <span style="text-align: justify;"><i>l</i></span><i style="text-align: justify;">eichter Flakkraftwagen</i> - Kfz. 81<br />towing a 2 cm FlaK 30<span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-aircraft gun</span> </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupQpc77M3fEYnxWURXAr5bz-7z-r0tDiP_3Ny6v3dEzkV9F9BPSJYhdeB4ocF5o6t6TZj63OlnUfViY0Z9MIsDB3g-Qf90Ik4x8R5iKGHpQjccskPPRK-OQUXjoDmo6j7gjgY3Rs_eYSK5_zsOir0USHU1BvEI7AL8GpUP_IO8iV5z1wmM8gW_NydWw/s1277/Leichter%20Flakkraftwagen%20(Kfz.%2081)%20mit%20Fahrgestell%20des%20l.%20gl.%20Lkw.%20(o).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1277" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupQpc77M3fEYnxWURXAr5bz-7z-r0tDiP_3Ny6v3dEzkV9F9BPSJYhdeB4ocF5o6t6TZj63OlnUfViY0Z9MIsDB3g-Qf90Ik4x8R5iKGHpQjccskPPRK-OQUXjoDmo6j7gjgY3Rs_eYSK5_zsOir0USHU1BvEI7AL8GpUP_IO8iV5z1wmM8gW_NydWw/w640-h394/Leichter%20Flakkraftwagen%20(Kfz.%2081)%20mit%20Fahrgestell%20des%20l.%20gl.%20Lkw.%20(o).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <span style="text-align: justify;"><i>l</i></span><i style="text-align: justify;">eichter Flakkraftwagen</i> - Kfz. 81<br />towing a 2 cm FlaK 38<span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-aircraft gun in the fields</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVjuY_f0A5frRVVve6a5e95UX0EaBZg3efTKwv_MuISSxQrrWGBe8O7xR_mFZ4YhJA3FgCJcAdFf5AFBuCMq22z8H-9n6Is6sCa0uy3LMbmDy5ItgxCAHC8bQdAMTwDJ5XhuuxiKa1OsANeK0sT6rBPHm-CpRLay1edBW7rZ0aPeWaAkMyO2MeMBESA/s1023/Protz%20Flak%2020mm%20flak%203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1023" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVjuY_f0A5frRVVve6a5e95UX0EaBZg3efTKwv_MuISSxQrrWGBe8O7xR_mFZ4YhJA3FgCJcAdFf5AFBuCMq22z8H-9n6Is6sCa0uy3LMbmDy5ItgxCAHC8bQdAMTwDJ5XhuuxiKa1OsANeK0sT6rBPHm-CpRLay1edBW7rZ0aPeWaAkMyO2MeMBESA/w640-h412/Protz%20Flak%2020mm%20flak%203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <span style="text-align: justify;"><i>l</i></span><i style="text-align: justify;">eichter Flakkraftwagen</i> - Kfz. 81<br />carrying (portée) a 2 cm FlaK 30<span style="text-align: justify;"> anti-aircraft gun</span> </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJAMn7gPFznp6eeJvOY3nuEmuEEftxQRmdXQP3vHROAYa4fhRLhf2jmL6VMlo_TRIutqZlIgiU0DwFA930vIm7Sfbr_eji3VwOuNvSw0MEbUTpmz-5UCqXW3mR7JL0yE2rg5TN1cdUPS5xgTVxsfV9sdvOShGhep2JgW5aOVO1JWi-kx56oluazZS4w/s1024/Protze%2020mm%20AA%20triple.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1024" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJAMn7gPFznp6eeJvOY3nuEmuEEftxQRmdXQP3vHROAYa4fhRLhf2jmL6VMlo_TRIutqZlIgiU0DwFA930vIm7Sfbr_eji3VwOuNvSw0MEbUTpmz-5UCqXW3mR7JL0yE2rg5TN1cdUPS5xgTVxsfV9sdvOShGhep2JgW5aOVO1JWi-kx56oluazZS4w/w640-h580/Protze%2020mm%20AA%20triple.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <span style="text-align: justify;"><i>l</i></span><i style="text-align: justify;">eichter Flakkraftwagen</i> - Kfz. 81<br />carrying (portée) a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_151_cannon" target="_blank">MG 151/20</a> "Drilling" AA gun</td></tr></tbody></table><ul><li><b><i>Kfz.83 - </i></b><i><b>leichter Scheinwerferkraftwagen I und II</b></i></li><ul><li>light searchlight motor vehicle</li><li>Generator carrier for anti-aircraft <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Searchlight">searchlight</a>, usually towed </li></ul></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23Zf2tRowN_PvGg3Orgh3_DSnUg-a4ZKL-OtCYur7kuw4ncyJvlF287VOOhzSPGh2PEm9BBZB9dscvK5GjRLY9soZFL8NLXEi0hvqwuOAz1v36SYBWbYNcIxznpBX4_LuXhwBpCOzt9qOs3TNcHt_IJseYVCBhBEAzEtdvVEKuBKvpVpBfvxWI0vj0Q/s1280/Light%20spotlight%20truck%20I%20Kfz.83.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23Zf2tRowN_PvGg3Orgh3_DSnUg-a4ZKL-OtCYur7kuw4ncyJvlF287VOOhzSPGh2PEm9BBZB9dscvK5GjRLY9soZFL8NLXEi0hvqwuOAz1v36SYBWbYNcIxznpBX4_LuXhwBpCOzt9qOs3TNcHt_IJseYVCBhBEAzEtdvVEKuBKvpVpBfvxWI0vj0Q/w640-h422/Light%20spotlight%20truck%20I%20Kfz.83.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <span style="text-align: justify;"><i>l</i></span><i style="text-align: justify;">eichter </i><i style="text-align: justify;">Scheinwerferkraftwagen I </i> - Kfz. 83<br />carrying a generator for AA searchlight<br />Luftwaffe - Herman Göring Regiment -<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flanders" target="_blank"> Flanders</a>, Belgium - 1940. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kcGrprH3Z8hOKQrdDiOaL2wutzI3BloB4HeyHOo2m0sUgIPzfjDrnK_VhsDPlkFmJMk79TOZ1npqkGEO1NsrkPhGzhA7t1MXg8kGA8-WcLDWh3gi66vpo8SsRJsW5LmDR6YPr1O7oyeKHrbizYyhvmebMxIuVeUw1oDI_yIwDk72cXjnoiV32Y_wZw/s600/60%20cm%20searchlight.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="600" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kcGrprH3Z8hOKQrdDiOaL2wutzI3BloB4HeyHOo2m0sUgIPzfjDrnK_VhsDPlkFmJMk79TOZ1npqkGEO1NsrkPhGzhA7t1MXg8kGA8-WcLDWh3gi66vpo8SsRJsW5LmDR6YPr1O7oyeKHrbizYyhvmebMxIuVeUw1oDI_yIwDk72cXjnoiV32Y_wZw/w400-h375/60%20cm%20searchlight.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">60cm Flakscheinwerfer Gerät (Flak-Sw 36) mit Sd.Ah.51</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraDBupr05yGoBeqp2-FRLulseBxel8k9nikn6rAz9rXZ8mjhQRqJpEXTNU3U8BznxxeS7CcQTxnPxWUge3x2IpTxUny5_zLNupobWICTx3VYfO1o24gpppXImPPdGuHQdhOzp71Nr6M0cgsP7aNp3Ydst_StVNFtlvEq9GfQJmDhv6E9voxnFssTJHQ/s800/Protze%20searchlight.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraDBupr05yGoBeqp2-FRLulseBxel8k9nikn6rAz9rXZ8mjhQRqJpEXTNU3U8BznxxeS7CcQTxnPxWUge3x2IpTxUny5_zLNupobWICTx3VYfO1o24gpppXImPPdGuHQdhOzp71Nr6M0cgsP7aNp3Ydst_StVNFtlvEq9GfQJmDhv6E9voxnFssTJHQ/w640-h426/Protze%20searchlight.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <span style="text-align: justify;"><i>l</i></span><i style="text-align: justify;">eichter </i><i style="text-align: justify;">Scheinwerferkraftwagen I </i> - Kfz. 83<br />carrying a generator for AA searchlight<br />and towing a 60cm Flakscheinwerfer Gerät (Flak-Sw 36)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV21k8tRTMf3aURALvH1bPE5R0IIqeMoK6vRjkYyHQhCIO61X1PoeBRQJWtRPVzKmWwgGSMAqeTaWFSrpYmFaJ79soVbZFJ49WUrMNHvZT_18VIB-Jh4hj48uEqZ2vAjL117DsUzJg9FwWOKKqv8RCbPAlsjaP1mqS4VgfbV5_hydO0xpdGFw9rDnBg/s1024/Krupp%20Protze%20L2%20H143%20leichter%20Scheinwerferkraftwagen%20II%20%20-%20Kfz.%2083.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="1024" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvV21k8tRTMf3aURALvH1bPE5R0IIqeMoK6vRjkYyHQhCIO61X1PoeBRQJWtRPVzKmWwgGSMAqeTaWFSrpYmFaJ79soVbZFJ49WUrMNHvZT_18VIB-Jh4hj48uEqZ2vAjL117DsUzJg9FwWOKKqv8RCbPAlsjaP1mqS4VgfbV5_hydO0xpdGFw9rDnBg/w640-h338/Krupp%20Protze%20L2%20H143%20leichter%20Scheinwerferkraftwagen%20II%20%20-%20Kfz.%2083.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>l</i></span><i style="text-align: justify;">eichter </i><i style="text-align: justify;">Scheinwerferkraftwagen II </i><span style="text-align: justify;"> - Kfz. 83</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">These trucks carried the spotlight echelon's equipment and fuel.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">It was used as towing vehicle for the 60 cm Flak-Scheinwerfer 36 - AA searchlight</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> of a leichte Flakbatterie – light AA battery - (2 cm).</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sd.Kfz._247"><i>Sd.Kfz. 247</i></a> <i>Ausf. A</i> -</b> <i><b>schwerer geländegängiger gepanzerter Personenkraftwagen (6 Rad) (Sd. Kfz. 247) mit Fahrgestell des l. gl. Lkw. (o)</b></i></li><ul><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armoured_personnel_carrier">armoured personnel carrier</a>, six-wheeled version, only 20 built in 1937; production went to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daimler-Benz">Daimler-Benz</a>, who built the Ausf. B four-wheeled version in 1941 and 1942.</li></ul></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03GQclnaNjD1IRY_jrxcxZYk8kRltcaep1OFafhvM4usLgo7VsE7-jK1-eFbQlhB48bGMoBYWNjaXmBtZAonG5doxtLqkAa-tCXpHef8MnXMO7xKbD5ZHgd5WjVrEZkvxZeoT8Inta6quRAoHlQvTy5F3o8mUQ98O_pzNkdSnmceBTfoSV0ecnLldAw/s1280/Sd.Kfz.%20247%20Ausf.%20A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03GQclnaNjD1IRY_jrxcxZYk8kRltcaep1OFafhvM4usLgo7VsE7-jK1-eFbQlhB48bGMoBYWNjaXmBtZAonG5doxtLqkAa-tCXpHef8MnXMO7xKbD5ZHgd5WjVrEZkvxZeoT8Inta6quRAoHlQvTy5F3o8mUQ98O_pzNkdSnmceBTfoSV0ecnLldAw/w640-h356/Sd.Kfz.%20247%20Ausf.%20A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf. A -</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> the similarity and origin with Protz is evident ...</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrndwpTHBhlE9nqZPTMyHCLWR00c-0vdhG2JoF72Vyvzj0TMmmgDOYaauimxnmaXw26GeiANPxPqi3J7fcZvnnT3F_vdImGOFS4U9UdaEBcy8AtEhQsnAAoULBQ83FAP8RIqLjtRM6cJrmXfAGXVxIcwktGTEA8WC1IriXt3Kp862-lR3ToiRnJDZKw/s1400/Sdkfz%20247%20ausf%20A%20profile.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1400" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrndwpTHBhlE9nqZPTMyHCLWR00c-0vdhG2JoF72Vyvzj0TMmmgDOYaauimxnmaXw26GeiANPxPqi3J7fcZvnnT3F_vdImGOFS4U9UdaEBcy8AtEhQsnAAoULBQ83FAP8RIqLjtRM6cJrmXfAGXVxIcwktGTEA8WC1IriXt3Kp862-lR3ToiRnJDZKw/w640-h328/Sdkfz%20247%20ausf%20A%20profile.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Krupp Protze Funkkraftwagen (Radio Car) - Kfz 19</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Krupp Protze radio-car truck was designed as a front line communicalions vehicle. Good communications were key to the success of the Blilzkrieg War and these and other vehicles were distributed to Division and Corps commanders in the field. The Krupp Protze radio-car had a large closed "office" type body, with provision for mast or cage antennas, depending on the radio sets installed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9zyqs02Z6E-Jn3tGxLNLtWAlzhJIHVPXMdgIoFVHd3Qj9T1Cg9wUO80kDrsGdO3ketTt4aWYQScdzgRYRxfqDQpWuOBldWbRJfGMi1CDU5UKBd7qobDWJ6QxyYJN9ARtoP_BhL6NDmDBJHpt8zzWlmGNxDtdhFE7CusPbgspY_ELbeO40qfxD6zhTA/s1280/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20mud%20eastern%20front.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9zyqs02Z6E-Jn3tGxLNLtWAlzhJIHVPXMdgIoFVHd3Qj9T1Cg9wUO80kDrsGdO3ketTt4aWYQScdzgRYRxfqDQpWuOBldWbRJfGMi1CDU5UKBd7qobDWJ6QxyYJN9ARtoP_BhL6NDmDBJHpt8zzWlmGNxDtdhFE7CusPbgspY_ELbeO40qfxD6zhTA/w640-h354/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20mud%20eastern%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i>Funkkraftwagen</i> (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19<br />being towed in the mud... Notice the third extra wheel at the rear<br />and the big cage antenna in the top of the vehicle.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPnQAHD_2NAJKGXruWdfo83eR7oWhj_8vmvA4ulotsFaqPlDSAk0xObM5MVbjyevc3YyUOhXS6IzsO2uGJs57sO2NfaEhbx0JOEWLIwzrO-UHpWQewoliH2rV0hQnbyHUhvlhQ3hDQH9ZpHvE6Q4qYMUkLbLz0U_HRElyWDAeDRS4eHp4DSIV0sLhOw/s800/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20destroyed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="800" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPnQAHD_2NAJKGXruWdfo83eR7oWhj_8vmvA4ulotsFaqPlDSAk0xObM5MVbjyevc3YyUOhXS6IzsO2uGJs57sO2NfaEhbx0JOEWLIwzrO-UHpWQewoliH2rV0hQnbyHUhvlhQ3hDQH9ZpHvE6Q4qYMUkLbLz0U_HRElyWDAeDRS4eHp4DSIV0sLhOw/w640-h540/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20destroyed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One unfortunate Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i>Funkkraftwagen</i> (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19<br />hit by a direct hit. Notice the carpet of logs being carried on the roof,<br />very useful in the mud of the Russian Front.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXHp0IVHo9jIo8ByYNGPO4KR06Z_9STkhA9OMdR-OoZ4qH208mBftyMK1W4Oes6ZnzcgCh2D0C_s8QXvCzNLie8KCBldCArn_3Dih-Frtl82T_51HzSP4K1P90PDM68kKqEFFCysYUc4GUdf7cXo9CMfna2KAcnnvDoJX3NRoiPkMXTFTu9IEnDLWZg/s768/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20interior.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="542" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXHp0IVHo9jIo8ByYNGPO4KR06Z_9STkhA9OMdR-OoZ4qH208mBftyMK1W4Oes6ZnzcgCh2D0C_s8QXvCzNLie8KCBldCArn_3Dih-Frtl82T_51HzSP4K1P90PDM68kKqEFFCysYUc4GUdf7cXo9CMfna2KAcnnvDoJX3NRoiPkMXTFTu9IEnDLWZg/w452-h640/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20interior.jpg" width="452" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of a radio operator's workstation, in the interior of a<br />Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i>Funkkraftwagen</i> (Radio-car)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUoUISXqQdcb0SDUa_czjc7QkXDTIqY96QU6AU9H1x4IH4DrDo80IYlQ3i9v-p9h6AMIogql-9oKZurTx6Z-WmJ31_wmzIImxV_zq02A2KZTvadmXLi90Nv09HkRpIO2Utqwa_h8VwqIqqOkIG61ZnNWT4yfPyaqKAW8zo2dbw6yjK7Ay5ctWiebtvw/s1024/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20winter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1024" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUoUISXqQdcb0SDUa_czjc7QkXDTIqY96QU6AU9H1x4IH4DrDo80IYlQ3i9v-p9h6AMIogql-9oKZurTx6Z-WmJ31_wmzIImxV_zq02A2KZTvadmXLi90Nv09HkRpIO2Utqwa_h8VwqIqqOkIG61ZnNWT4yfPyaqKAW8zo2dbw6yjK7Ay5ctWiebtvw/w640-h440/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20winter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i>Funkkraftwagen</i> (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19<br />with a motor bike, in the winter.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> These specialized vehicles allowed communication with other army units as well as with Luftwaffe control centers. The Telephone-car version - <i><b>Fernsprech-Betriebskraftwagen</b></i> - telephone operating motor vehicle – <i><b>(Kfz. 19) mit Fahrgestell des l. gl. Lkw. (o). - </b></i>was very similar, the main difference being the absence of large antennas, in relation to the radio version. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR76HXz4KUssqF77IWJEJRXPamJ9hbm_M7w-UUskd1UQNs3uvc4Pss_wu2xoChkgEaco8D_tLneMkNxAfUCuAPhHausbr3n7vNFj5MMNPZJv9cx4umI1cJEUuHIpnLuL__Y4hPjFHRN7ZfDOcW6wHbhFvdr5Yq1BC5rdiftFpNRHOqiubeKA7KFTAIIw/s1280/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20railcar2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR76HXz4KUssqF77IWJEJRXPamJ9hbm_M7w-UUskd1UQNs3uvc4Pss_wu2xoChkgEaco8D_tLneMkNxAfUCuAPhHausbr3n7vNFj5MMNPZJv9cx4umI1cJEUuHIpnLuL__Y4hPjFHRN7ZfDOcW6wHbhFvdr5Yq1BC5rdiftFpNRHOqiubeKA7KFTAIIw/w640-h288/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20railcar2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i style="text-align: justify;">Fernsprech-Betriebskraftwagen Kfz.19<br /></i><span style="text-align: justify;">being transported by railcar. Notice the racks for ladders in the roof </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XcH_RnNkdO2jAoRbSPUUjpLOH35_9fZhi9Di2gwAYoEAmjkwGdcq0PPaEiScZG83tt6gWXzh6Jy_2DQTzOtrDprWZOGWFt__Kdf6B7Ww4iMfEZMaqqaqfXTfo85WgmSurvp0ZjtTb-fxJ223Des6LdWjTeQTXZ6Q8pehi6HHVL_fM6yHOHO2qnOZ0w/s1024/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-XcH_RnNkdO2jAoRbSPUUjpLOH35_9fZhi9Di2gwAYoEAmjkwGdcq0PPaEiScZG83tt6gWXzh6Jy_2DQTzOtrDprWZOGWFt__Kdf6B7Ww4iMfEZMaqqaqfXTfo85WgmSurvp0ZjtTb-fxJ223Des6LdWjTeQTXZ6Q8pehi6HHVL_fM6yHOHO2qnOZ0w/w640-h424/Protze%20Funkkampfwagen%20Kfz%2019%20rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view of Krupp Protze L2 H143 <span style="text-align: justify;"><i>Fernsprech-Betriebskraftwagen Kfz.19</i><br />It seems that the use of an extra third wheel fitted to the rear<br />of these vehicles was popular...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> They were used on all fronts until the end of the war in 1945. The Protze began to be replaced by more fuel-efficient and cheaper-to-make trucks from early 1942 onwards, with total production of all versions was 7,000 vehicles.</div><p><b>Specs:</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KBqiOsNCPhWs_b32we8yf0BmQiOER88z7yu0Nc8MxRNtgblzz7DzygcVgQqlWqffg7uAJTUpyYv7T_KFY4nYK6_x8FCArT-rA4XcgbpLBotbXkv8lPM8Qy1c87nFQHl0EVx3nTJcamwH9mOwbvmKqaVBVXAP1U0_kiT9bbltMSKqh0pmJEUWS3TF2w/s1400/specs%20b&w.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1400" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KBqiOsNCPhWs_b32we8yf0BmQiOER88z7yu0Nc8MxRNtgblzz7DzygcVgQqlWqffg7uAJTUpyYv7T_KFY4nYK6_x8FCArT-rA4XcgbpLBotbXkv8lPM8Qy1c87nFQHl0EVx3nTJcamwH9mOwbvmKqaVBVXAP1U0_kiT9bbltMSKqh0pmJEUWS3TF2w/w640-h506/specs%20b&w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Krupp Protze Funkkraftwagen - Kfz.19</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Radio-car</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span class="datasortkey" data-sort-value="Germany"><span class="flagicon">Nazi </span>Germany</span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><span class="datasortkey" data-sort-value="Germany">Germany</span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">World War II</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krupp" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Krupp">Krupp</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Krupp</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Produced</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1934–1941 (all versions)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7.000 (all versions)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Variants</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Several, see text</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications - Kfz.19</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.750 kg</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5.100 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1.960 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height<br />Ground clearance<br />Wading depht</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.275 mm<br />225 mm<br />600 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1 + 3 </td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">None</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine<br /><br />Transmission<br />Suspensions<br /><br />Tyres<br />Electric sys.</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Krupp Boxer M305 3.308 cc<br />60 hp @ 2.500 rpm<br />2 speed transfer box - 6x4<br />front - rigid axle - leaf springs<br />rear - independent - horiz. coil<br />7.50 x 17<br />12 volts 75 Ah</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Payload capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1.150 kg </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">110 L </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">450 km on road</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">70 km/h</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>The kit:</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> For this project, I choose this kit: <b>Bronco</b> kit (#CB35220): <b>German Krupp Protze Kfz.19 Radio command car</b>:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxf3ydPlY_edclWyZ01Kk0fKDnqD7yk0Rn2rO96Mpr6TSDwzM1v0zQIUcOTbx00NAD2FenWbRo3zEuhBEmxgIL_vf5IObO20KuZncHJ_1ED7OfXNvUnylW5O6Mm6bdjSb7tFduuPmDdtZuBHd3Um6Ce1RfhNosgBZdmOs6AV8vw2M1o2G40lvi58_Ag/s1600/CB35220%20German%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.19%20Radio%20command%20Car%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxf3ydPlY_edclWyZ01Kk0fKDnqD7yk0Rn2rO96Mpr6TSDwzM1v0zQIUcOTbx00NAD2FenWbRo3zEuhBEmxgIL_vf5IObO20KuZncHJ_1ED7OfXNvUnylW5O6Mm6bdjSb7tFduuPmDdtZuBHd3Um6Ce1RfhNosgBZdmOs6AV8vw2M1o2G40lvi58_Ag/w640-h404/CB35220%20German%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.19%20Radio%20command%20Car%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Bronco</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> kit (#CB35220) box art</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhds5VbblrfEUlDphTCGW9qcLBPJYhPOJiwx_qi5GhdUYY1yeTraLel3xtlC3erXALbQZ6beacn1Ew9yMh7edghDyUDiIZB-0oqhumRsdTAhbgA8mdfozzsVYizS7BZgj4VcEK7X_mL21p1w77-smfMRRLGGi0lT3lg5xbTUKE6Mx4gk9ftt3axMdnw/s1270/CB35220%20German%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.19%20Radio%20command%20Car%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1270" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhds5VbblrfEUlDphTCGW9qcLBPJYhPOJiwx_qi5GhdUYY1yeTraLel3xtlC3erXALbQZ6beacn1Ew9yMh7edghDyUDiIZB-0oqhumRsdTAhbgA8mdfozzsVYizS7BZgj4VcEK7X_mL21p1w77-smfMRRLGGi0lT3lg5xbTUKE6Mx4gk9ftt3axMdnw/w640-h408/CB35220%20German%20Krupp%20Protze%20Kfz.19%20Radio%20command%20Car%20(3).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The box art "clean"...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> And the bald one inspecting his new task... really, Kojak loves things that are different and rare... Let's start!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtNSCWFIzUQE17pEaQVAea7si-X2BEcTw3CPD06361VEJyIpbM1oc8Neqmk15nWS55_zgxc8W2_PM5MK-BVzZoYHkGlvGwa8D318BM5KXp24PgsgKDJ3xkMPKCHT-RHty1BePQJJDUNiLtPcuKfx6LfGt_FEzdtvwIToz6LGBBNODm3dhJOnSc6AE7g/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtNSCWFIzUQE17pEaQVAea7si-X2BEcTw3CPD06361VEJyIpbM1oc8Neqmk15nWS55_zgxc8W2_PM5MK-BVzZoYHkGlvGwa8D318BM5KXp24PgsgKDJ3xkMPKCHT-RHty1BePQJJDUNiLtPcuKfx6LfGt_FEzdtvwIToz6LGBBNODm3dhJOnSc6AE7g/w640-h416/Protze%20Radio%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak and the new challenge....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The kit is very complete, with a great booklet and a good decal sheet, with some PE details. The tires are vinyl, but with good detailing... But something really caught our attention, when we opened the box:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUJv8rLPypK2qc5tMwYA6zOTWRMAv0kxaChsGI0VTvnxczQnmFmDxhAGm30jeVa8JUD4gtqMp3-jUnqSRDeBcWvkEllYCmCrxtZVByFshF2GLbCpc5PPCJcrZ3_tXWoev4y7yswDCQehlPdYTFfA-wX_-V0zoh4I3mXPQGnyY4t0kQF5ikfALjFWjEQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1280" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUJv8rLPypK2qc5tMwYA6zOTWRMAv0kxaChsGI0VTvnxczQnmFmDxhAGm30jeVa8JUD4gtqMp3-jUnqSRDeBcWvkEllYCmCrxtZVByFshF2GLbCpc5PPCJcrZ3_tXWoev4y7yswDCQehlPdYTFfA-wX_-V0zoh4I3mXPQGnyY4t0kQF5ikfALjFWjEQ/w640-h322/Protze%20Radio%20003.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The antenna-cage came severely bent... Ouch...<br />thankfully it's not fractured!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEgjo3cSHPvVw-QV0-XicM7dRgaE0yn-9WRqUzwgbLvuWbEOUJYbivriHOAwqTItouII0uiLCTV_RE8VCz_ZGJhEp8dlDCvtsaDzCWGDMkCKVNlxMYYz-xc3k-mIwJIkKmJiu_Z9nvXFuLZwq4fehxjBBNCVJ8rhvgX_hbQblbKtpijnaLte2GaBRpg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEgjo3cSHPvVw-QV0-XicM7dRgaE0yn-9WRqUzwgbLvuWbEOUJYbivriHOAwqTItouII0uiLCTV_RE8VCz_ZGJhEp8dlDCvtsaDzCWGDMkCKVNlxMYYz-xc3k-mIwJIkKmJiu_Z9nvXFuLZwq4fehxjBBNCVJ8rhvgX_hbQblbKtpijnaLte2GaBRpg/w640-h444/Protze%20Radio%20002.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, quite warped and twisted...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But the remedy is simple: place the piece inside a plate, on a flat surface, place some "weights" to flatten the piece, pour boiling water over the whole set, wait a few seconds and pour ice water to promote a thermal shock in the plastic, so that it stays in the rectified position... All this done on a damp area (a kitchen sink counter, for example), because the thing gets very messy...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHP3aJkBgdHmdfG0GBMBTBYZYxwmjTRAivAZeZria6P4Zz6tMvxI8q-yVt6p1JfIypKeMqwRZBTIK8PsjfBu2IHd6zHPupJ0XkTmHGJ4jUe7amlVbHwWhPshoDgPH2CFts5PPmQOD7M4-5gGrEBlT0yAh_apNLyt3keDFMqEoysW5RNv8Od_DiqAQpQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHP3aJkBgdHmdfG0GBMBTBYZYxwmjTRAivAZeZria6P4Zz6tMvxI8q-yVt6p1JfIypKeMqwRZBTIK8PsjfBu2IHd6zHPupJ0XkTmHGJ4jUe7amlVbHwWhPshoDgPH2CFts5PPmQOD7M4-5gGrEBlT0yAh_apNLyt3keDFMqEoysW5RNv8Od_DiqAQpQ/w640-h414/Protze%20Radio%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weights on the piece, flattening it and the mug with<br />boiling water from the microwave...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBT6Kdcj0TXMxIA5EswB6NboptSDcR5yNT6UlpcS_KxHutt_beyGVI_NqB9girp64wXhDUDei0IWyHHQcYfK23xXkYZwmLyE2Qi7sipwWX1AvN9JipaLUHEKFlQH3pGL58C6HwPVyrsjD6jOet_2Cn2lJ5InWfaOnXDhquIcykcTzD94WW-Y3zwWHpA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20004a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBT6Kdcj0TXMxIA5EswB6NboptSDcR5yNT6UlpcS_KxHutt_beyGVI_NqB9girp64wXhDUDei0IWyHHQcYfK23xXkYZwmLyE2Qi7sipwWX1AvN9JipaLUHEKFlQH3pGL58C6HwPVyrsjD6jOet_2Cn2lJ5InWfaOnXDhquIcykcTzD94WW-Y3zwWHpA/w640-h362/Protze%20Radio%20004a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the "fixed" part, after the thermal shock.<br />Sergeant Schultz is very happy!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloQYFPpL74fVUZ3RyziyWtJ8hJij0qFgFgq-6Hu5zx8KrSexo0DFiSutg5_CkY3vo7Sk4YcsYX5bgdVJvwlZoeQPxz6IWrXpRbGRaWxCmVXdaaNJwiWbCLDyWEPfQURGJF-uqfbcQkDdlfjmGrD_upNcLl2eTw_MT4q3ymaAsjfihuoYj0Dtmxt_c-g/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloQYFPpL74fVUZ3RyziyWtJ8hJij0qFgFgq-6Hu5zx8KrSexo0DFiSutg5_CkY3vo7Sk4YcsYX5bgdVJvwlZoeQPxz6IWrXpRbGRaWxCmVXdaaNJwiWbCLDyWEPfQURGJF-uqfbcQkDdlfjmGrD_upNcLl2eTw_MT4q3ymaAsjfihuoYj0Dtmxt_c-g/w640-h284/Protze%20Radio%20005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After this little scare, let's continue the journey:<br />chassis and engine, under construction...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO9SOzjADNvlVFcXmEqu_xpV8wpOBlrWRWhSEsAjtedyrPAnD5EkWHHiVoo6101W51i-Lw6kwfCS3J0IvEQi09K_1p9t0CYxnAGn2G_BiGGMzmzI87htjFzc1JnURIX2patjNyWmgcUqplmFoGTsz_eY7ZBDIK715BBs1i0bs2YOcctu40CTiJNkF3g/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1280" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO9SOzjADNvlVFcXmEqu_xpV8wpOBlrWRWhSEsAjtedyrPAnD5EkWHHiVoo6101W51i-Lw6kwfCS3J0IvEQi09K_1p9t0CYxnAGn2G_BiGGMzmzI87htjFzc1JnURIX2patjNyWmgcUqplmFoGTsz_eY7ZBDIK715BBs1i0bs2YOcctu40CTiJNkF3g/w640-h560/Protze%20Radio%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire wall, with the windshield frame and details on the chassis... <br />The kit is very well injected and the parts fit together wonderfully...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkw0GIod90NmAxPH5p4FQAIsm8wNUoqeON9YZvNzU_VPgysKcBSNVqLsLBzrWKL5g4dU9TJwrq0vLE35YdxIy1gjlHpq9EoXPDn11mAoGYnfOnEsdtJGpM8bGJm06DZhIHeSJB9kXEgmLgEY-Kdo-oWKCrR_y72zjTT_Fxh8mJZpxLq6COK62iXgZxA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkw0GIod90NmAxPH5p4FQAIsm8wNUoqeON9YZvNzU_VPgysKcBSNVqLsLBzrWKL5g4dU9TJwrq0vLE35YdxIy1gjlHpq9EoXPDn11mAoGYnfOnEsdtJGpM8bGJm06DZhIHeSJB9kXEgmLgEY-Kdo-oWKCrR_y72zjTT_Fxh8mJZpxLq6COK62iXgZxA/w640-h442/Protze%20Radio%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Krupp boxer engine...belly view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGsbjGTqr6jG5EemneG3vI5UuyvVvT-YdseDI0-GPQW-eTiht9wScLARWL-ACjstMhgP4a-f-cAH1PmYUpeMEFcLHTeNUI61a8anELJx0ueEYfkLQQDY2ssNaV7mXaszp1XBLUCL8Yd0kEWhTXYG1ntWNXO0FlrDLFqQrBCabnNMKTHKWZwPHsbFxDg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGsbjGTqr6jG5EemneG3vI5UuyvVvT-YdseDI0-GPQW-eTiht9wScLARWL-ACjstMhgP4a-f-cAH1PmYUpeMEFcLHTeNUI61a8anELJx0ueEYfkLQQDY2ssNaV7mXaszp1XBLUCL8Yd0kEWhTXYG1ntWNXO0FlrDLFqQrBCabnNMKTHKWZwPHsbFxDg/w640-h418/Protze%20Radio%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the rear suspensions<br />and transmission axles...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPc2qH1tYD0j_7tIyAdZdVGpCuH-PIM1-jcmJjj6GNihAZCm_zdviIglYuXX-IPNQbdaGijP7GbGE9BiEoQPPK8w84bp7-PiuMIOguEWVx9QuYIl6zKXk6OM0uMqPQGZvX1lDuEA4B_IHW7BJsLzaJMBZ7KBDnKuR-Wg70DTDohIWlq7rGjq39yWfFFA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPc2qH1tYD0j_7tIyAdZdVGpCuH-PIM1-jcmJjj6GNihAZCm_zdviIglYuXX-IPNQbdaGijP7GbGE9BiEoQPPK8w84bp7-PiuMIOguEWVx9QuYIl6zKXk6OM0uMqPQGZvX1lDuEA4B_IHW7BJsLzaJMBZ7KBDnKuR-Wg70DTDohIWlq7rGjq39yWfFFA/w640-h380/Protze%20Radio%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspension trapezoids can be built mobile...be very careful at this stage.<br />After the kit is lined up, I'll glue these pieces together...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmZVMz_0Ptp2FjZSfnh47cZ_k8hhsnOLLBoP0_jy3uI1ym1WsZDAcEiJspp5QQ18HuDIuYj5tLCH4zv_EvJQMVja6S0zqzVhSUXKPOwMZxSHWtahDnacVvG9HjV76A_iKGYwWNByNLIxH_KsG8_EwSKnQ_WyYaxYzr4PbJUyLcNhST-6D4Q5ShRh4rA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmZVMz_0Ptp2FjZSfnh47cZ_k8hhsnOLLBoP0_jy3uI1ym1WsZDAcEiJspp5QQ18HuDIuYj5tLCH4zv_EvJQMVja6S0zqzVhSUXKPOwMZxSHWtahDnacVvG9HjV76A_iKGYwWNByNLIxH_KsG8_EwSKnQ_WyYaxYzr4PbJUyLcNhST-6D4Q5ShRh4rA/w640-h370/Protze%20Radio%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More details being glued to the chassis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinBg5Xx3lrQuJVgm8sQreHjmQDAHEqkkpg-asKrdTaoCP2VCvAyQvztS1Lwf94qqJZT-Gp-TL2Q5Lfkjt0pyChCaxPpvUsNDO3G8BH9jyahpNGee5SMJxGOjpYZy6cvRr4uVY3dIllxMfGuU9UaaYVSdLLvs4VDyXYXceYJXgAAlx8S6xkkAX2QRK9Q/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinBg5Xx3lrQuJVgm8sQreHjmQDAHEqkkpg-asKrdTaoCP2VCvAyQvztS1Lwf94qqJZT-Gp-TL2Q5Lfkjt0pyChCaxPpvUsNDO3G8BH9jyahpNGee5SMJxGOjpYZy6cvRr4uVY3dIllxMfGuU9UaaYVSdLLvs4VDyXYXceYJXgAAlx8S6xkkAX2QRK9Q/w640-h424/Protze%20Radio%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installation of the front suspension and wheels. <br />The alignment of the entire set is now fundamental... <br />With this alignment carried out, I glued the rear suspension arms... <br />Everything was perfect...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O7NbLteV5lbu-sAruN_qp70pRps1Dl9UUxHV6wu7fWfO-Isnvp6ekCg_eQBSvYLicAi88FBaE0V520Vq9F2Ed2MtqdIFpRBCHNsvQ3q5U7DUeHuIDdruDCQ_PZlbOElvLAhLWAKZscKe-CRHIyiKHlq-tV7xtHrtraL7eGedFrcs08ngIkiidW9iYA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O7NbLteV5lbu-sAruN_qp70pRps1Dl9UUxHV6wu7fWfO-Isnvp6ekCg_eQBSvYLicAi88FBaE0V520Vq9F2Ed2MtqdIFpRBCHNsvQ3q5U7DUeHuIDdruDCQ_PZlbOElvLAhLWAKZscKe-CRHIyiKHlq-tV7xtHrtraL7eGedFrcs08ngIkiidW9iYA/w640-h450/Protze%20Radio%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything in the correct frame... Putting the wheels now interferes<br />with the subsequent painting, but it's essential in the alignment!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b8lPMnfW992zkIjQhQusYhZDoNcHQSZzQkzvyRAtqYOjtzRyoUm7tu0z-1N4nHzFlXz6nYmx7rPuG_P2CZn5PCG7Y78YuGLyTF3wyMxn3j-GKyzRI9c0jWp6pVqhQ2xwjdvLW6D2L9c-Noj9mYqOvQAcgVF5G1ugzBXkhAvXXXGKe1mm_L9dW7NpNQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-b8lPMnfW992zkIjQhQusYhZDoNcHQSZzQkzvyRAtqYOjtzRyoUm7tu0z-1N4nHzFlXz6nYmx7rPuG_P2CZn5PCG7Y78YuGLyTF3wyMxn3j-GKyzRI9c0jWp6pVqhQ2xwjdvLW6D2L9c-Noj9mYqOvQAcgVF5G1ugzBXkhAvXXXGKe1mm_L9dW7NpNQ/w640-h398/Protze%20Radio%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect alignment!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG80pheEfFoy6HPokB0HxTFdMK25b5eoT8UHEEVVyNSh1hfQZmFnZ10SpgyUMDhMShv9BXim7_0kEyOY82xC3Pu3Zm4ynaXbKdKr6ac7cy6_Vrfli4-i_FPvVLJI1mgGgANcvUWXmDHCyX0ih8B3BSVGaBvsiHnKsqCEX9J9CDBknhXIGYm8IoyB8hA/s498/perfect-fifth-element.gif" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="498" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeG80pheEfFoy6HPokB0HxTFdMK25b5eoT8UHEEVVyNSh1hfQZmFnZ10SpgyUMDhMShv9BXim7_0kEyOY82xC3Pu3Zm4ynaXbKdKr6ac7cy6_Vrfli4-i_FPvVLJI1mgGgANcvUWXmDHCyX0ih8B3BSVGaBvsiHnKsqCEX9J9CDBknhXIGYm8IoyB8hA/w640-h266/perfect-fifth-element.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD9L1J2WJWc-qRy7AWQcP3m1BFLL_vZNbsCPkOEv_iE6IGzCENUy22IuALAC97YKGnoiZ5y2O69UNa87ehrWwrm4Yr8oUZut-d4lrnGKONHlxaxGK8_asOAVLCCDoZ4aaaVDGXHs7z2GxzyV8J-YbJptnHayrCX2weGwZf8ow8ISfXPfp8wpp-J4cUg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD9L1J2WJWc-qRy7AWQcP3m1BFLL_vZNbsCPkOEv_iE6IGzCENUy22IuALAC97YKGnoiZ5y2O69UNa87ehrWwrm4Yr8oUZut-d4lrnGKONHlxaxGK8_asOAVLCCDoZ4aaaVDGXHs7z2GxzyV8J-YbJptnHayrCX2weGwZf8ow8ISfXPfp8wpp-J4cUg/w640-h416/Protze%20Radio%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooo cute!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeVI-EEj_efeyykTQGWwHQ-AgeUKWs33d2vFDChQUH_ByhE4eWvP6rifL1_q08ySGahFZqNiuJCHogskrVsy6NSC_QA-T5-2YDvE5jIVjyqaU4Z2pa77oJg_eL6L3CddY4V20wsw1D_e0jobbhK77zig4_D5Lrm96CTsZoalWbcyfifnWLV0ihidFkw/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeVI-EEj_efeyykTQGWwHQ-AgeUKWs33d2vFDChQUH_ByhE4eWvP6rifL1_q08ySGahFZqNiuJCHogskrVsy6NSC_QA-T5-2YDvE5jIVjyqaU4Z2pa77oJg_eL6L3CddY4V20wsw1D_e0jobbhK77zig4_D5Lrm96CTsZoalWbcyfifnWLV0ihidFkw/w640-h372/Protze%20Radio%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit is very, very good !!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDeKXEO8b9oLcjTCH5cpsA8WeEkjn1Xme0nYZtH5s-VIDzKhs28YKyjAWpNAxtvePo4ynN_rAm8_hjnu67u9_HhIsFu4QoPg0Flzjp2wK6Ibh6DgNX-5Jx6RJ1kND57YJpM_-rFBYUo2W6qhAqkkeqxVm6aA4wSvK5hkPBP5fyQ7VbPK_v5KhQF_6iA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDeKXEO8b9oLcjTCH5cpsA8WeEkjn1Xme0nYZtH5s-VIDzKhs28YKyjAWpNAxtvePo4ynN_rAm8_hjnu67u9_HhIsFu4QoPg0Flzjp2wK6Ibh6DgNX-5Jx6RJ1kND57YJpM_-rFBYUo2W6qhAqkkeqxVm6aA4wSvK5hkPBP5fyQ7VbPK_v5KhQF_6iA/w640-h390/Protze%20Radio%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl continues to grow healthy and beautiful!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNuOGbHEBtdfgiHqH4IXy3Pj3pDkwvshM6nxmWSHsJ2hJVRFfhqheaH9NKqXv0w0hsIGUibos9Fzf_c_4VeWBipBslAb4G9XrbfO2RlaKZIYxfn2eSSDY6uIyn2zLwEa-OGFTUjSnkGvo2_gnY9EjVuNev74DMiTBJ5tvVlKmJyDLOo0sKmp4ocXI3Q/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNuOGbHEBtdfgiHqH4IXy3Pj3pDkwvshM6nxmWSHsJ2hJVRFfhqheaH9NKqXv0w0hsIGUibos9Fzf_c_4VeWBipBslAb4G9XrbfO2RlaKZIYxfn2eSSDY6uIyn2zLwEa-OGFTUjSnkGvo2_gnY9EjVuNev74DMiTBJ5tvVlKmJyDLOo0sKmp4ocXI3Q/w640-h376/Protze%20Radio%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLCT5PRE9MHCM8ZxB-nua0L_3G_S4eljU7V3A_aTJ93oNgQkBU9IlbJSh6Hn_-pfYP2HMxE7gy1VwQhyEOLKqz6LD7TDKHJoN7wZ1p5C7wyrmZdo46MHWQuFFwMYQqcNKQOSTxPyDfj20dNVXYNYAzAn5Rw38wXSKXRkcyOp7SUg9AGnCI4P7asPZMA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLCT5PRE9MHCM8ZxB-nua0L_3G_S4eljU7V3A_aTJ93oNgQkBU9IlbJSh6Hn_-pfYP2HMxE7gy1VwQhyEOLKqz6LD7TDKHJoN7wZ1p5C7wyrmZdo46MHWQuFFwMYQqcNKQOSTxPyDfj20dNVXYNYAzAn5Rw38wXSKXRkcyOp7SUg9AGnCI4P7asPZMA/w640-h356/Protze%20Radio%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The radio table in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfADp2-72PodhVohShbK1UuQypuZXGIZ4pjLnQLRx4T_kadWhjFgUafet5wV3ZpNWFGHx_WKeOwhRcbX1rnaXjE7dJ8nsM1ZX6WBfgKUGyEHMESYRpSjRg_HQbk3VdC5appo502V79TncmmiBVzTU7zzpIUEwDSLxu_g-_YktgqgEsbRdTBPn_NUa76Q/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfADp2-72PodhVohShbK1UuQypuZXGIZ4pjLnQLRx4T_kadWhjFgUafet5wV3ZpNWFGHx_WKeOwhRcbX1rnaXjE7dJ8nsM1ZX6WBfgKUGyEHMESYRpSjRg_HQbk3VdC5appo502V79TncmmiBVzTU7zzpIUEwDSLxu_g-_YktgqgEsbRdTBPn_NUa76Q/w640-h310/Protze%20Radio%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking about the radio... starting the painting of the interior...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_6twfiA4O_AJkRpt5IQFPz0NtSD1B8oyTzoD5SxbLXschI1g4cBegI4At5jNclcdsmI6tjYYUQAbkpPmUOyjxoqpcBMvpP_yJLpqubzc3kl3Z5lyxzdgxmfneKg2KuzbogT4A8HyMiIBnCBjPL1AjJbxbi-0_17ka4NxU3sGm4oVeaNQM-ozoFieQA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_6twfiA4O_AJkRpt5IQFPz0NtSD1B8oyTzoD5SxbLXschI1g4cBegI4At5jNclcdsmI6tjYYUQAbkpPmUOyjxoqpcBMvpP_yJLpqubzc3kl3Z5lyxzdgxmfneKg2KuzbogT4A8HyMiIBnCBjPL1AjJbxbi-0_17ka4NxU3sGm4oVeaNQM-ozoFieQA/w640-h434/Protze%20Radio%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear tools rack in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhCOm-KHnQUOaVUpsTs7xsFRITTfMpsn_SZoT8b018QTaxMT1J5FWumTrn6o-1lN21P3vG4K4A_1GccP_layV8A_z557JpSL6nUg119UvFm4ThCaHyfvvp6YsDVlQ4OeFMeCVsLhOzIemK4nFUwJzlZmI_iCSKD80r0jahhYa6SPrDGKWG50Hz_IdOg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhCOm-KHnQUOaVUpsTs7xsFRITTfMpsn_SZoT8b018QTaxMT1J5FWumTrn6o-1lN21P3vG4K4A_1GccP_layV8A_z557JpSL6nUg119UvFm4ThCaHyfvvp6YsDVlQ4OeFMeCVsLhOzIemK4nFUwJzlZmI_iCSKD80r0jahhYa6SPrDGKWG50Hz_IdOg/w640-h454/Protze%20Radio%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j7sEj9LUx7jH1VdBCFTlUewG3Pu42JA5g-5ngiVBpAc_PvhkXMN5ly2-ajq1ovRQ0UH3gHddLi_OA3d_wrTLFkAec7xRrcNwK8V8wKkcvYHysfGNGz_BEEZAUr-NzVFzNk_1XHNihX0WJh4_SAft5TWng60REEqqtl24PQWxOKPriIdj7Utvko4H2g/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j7sEj9LUx7jH1VdBCFTlUewG3Pu42JA5g-5ngiVBpAc_PvhkXMN5ly2-ajq1ovRQ0UH3gHddLi_OA3d_wrTLFkAec7xRrcNwK8V8wKkcvYHysfGNGz_BEEZAUr-NzVFzNk_1XHNihX0WJh4_SAft5TWng60REEqqtl24PQWxOKPriIdj7Utvko4H2g/w640-h410/Protze%20Radio%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to make the interior of the vehicle as light as possible. <br />Using the cream color, like inside the Panzers...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwr6iPjIO9VXSX1I_GaTOlgNThJb2lMisF21-ClGI-YqJ6i5l1MICrtCxMFpOIyVzC1NKbgO7LGMshBuBT-M_ZWtpmdSgQx8qT1lIzXEVk_tTVU2S3RGu-6ZVKsU5ssN9COvIJ7FlPDZoCpfnP9XQxOHrdIKQMVt7xt4kLcPxZ_bmBNjpdJx9vNgjIw/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1280" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwr6iPjIO9VXSX1I_GaTOlgNThJb2lMisF21-ClGI-YqJ6i5l1MICrtCxMFpOIyVzC1NKbgO7LGMshBuBT-M_ZWtpmdSgQx8qT1lIzXEVk_tTVU2S3RGu-6ZVKsU5ssN9COvIJ7FlPDZoCpfnP9XQxOHrdIKQMVt7xt4kLcPxZ_bmBNjpdJx9vNgjIw/w640-h494/Protze%20Radio%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzer-grey on the structural parts and cream on the bodywork...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAgZaggT5I8WNFE3jSD9vQfj3iOtI2irv7csF0pdv-I4080twEvf7Y76dlSFKqlzYBwurwQ627kUFkZai9NZ6qh_QQRtvkPkPYwigiWgs7r4OnRiq_rw4tDWI3TJU8qz9E86XuzHBfzn2a1FuYBLC75lk7TDueFQdTFKqQDWFPiE8JmcGKvbpwia-WQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1280" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPAgZaggT5I8WNFE3jSD9vQfj3iOtI2irv7csF0pdv-I4080twEvf7Y76dlSFKqlzYBwurwQ627kUFkZai9NZ6qh_QQRtvkPkPYwigiWgs7r4OnRiq_rw4tDWI3TJU8qz9E86XuzHBfzn2a1FuYBLC75lk7TDueFQdTFKqQDWFPiE8JmcGKvbpwia-WQ/w640-h422/Protze%20Radio%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmbJTscyKESNKh7413LmIlPCY3kVvJuhmFwjKMnZn5BjbsisFOp0JgFlzCstaQdVXPfX2zi9Pn2_TTc68WfV6_Ojz8gtJ8zdBDg5TGjPv4bjyKu1GHwToo9Xfo4Ic7WTGhGhT82VN5PHgQLbhiwst9CYqmYvznUA8q_06yz9YDTT7H-aQH_cGXUJcJw/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmbJTscyKESNKh7413LmIlPCY3kVvJuhmFwjKMnZn5BjbsisFOp0JgFlzCstaQdVXPfX2zi9Pn2_TTc68WfV6_Ojz8gtJ8zdBDg5TGjPv4bjyKu1GHwToo9Xfo4Ic7WTGhGhT82VN5PHgQLbhiwst9CYqmYvznUA8q_06yz9YDTT7H-aQH_cGXUJcJw/w640-h468/Protze%20Radio%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The radio room in close-up...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHIunU2_jXj7ZR-Iksbx-Pz1NjiEW8wl5hu17Y9R8szFLgIxJvA6tA5KPYrr7nQ9kQ5pLncphI_DvI95DiijkYE6qsMkP_-nkp0QdzJTM-dDwyFUXm4UDp5T1RLdzGavMqwipwyNRoSnCs-WMVVOhzcX3BW07dQ6UXL42VgNhH7NBnTcJJhPllissGQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHIunU2_jXj7ZR-Iksbx-Pz1NjiEW8wl5hu17Y9R8szFLgIxJvA6tA5KPYrr7nQ9kQ5pLncphI_DvI95DiijkYE6qsMkP_-nkp0QdzJTM-dDwyFUXm4UDp5T1RLdzGavMqwipwyNRoSnCs-WMVVOhzcX3BW07dQ6UXL42VgNhH7NBnTcJJhPllissGQ/w640-h400/Protze%20Radio%20026.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The radio room in close-up...<br />left view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The kit provides a vinyl tube, so the electrical cables can be built... But the devil is, super glue can't adhere to this infamous material. The solution was to replace the kit's vinyl tube with an electric cable (electric scrap) with the same diameter. With that, the folding and gluing of this stage of the project was solved... I love my scrap box!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYxa2zxRgROwMelWLclQB7VYSKbGESqhu0c4B93lKQ-FQfJNsY29X889JFk0K_mG6uNdqVn7aMIhYQfVuoB4wV2T3mI-Hv_EKARgs6Y6k1nzX-6iLo9HzBJLGPrfHq2oFUO1n7OeYofXajutBPv7z2-4-U4bFl-_b-gcfNUGvZej0C13gVQ7y_vAOTA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYxa2zxRgROwMelWLclQB7VYSKbGESqhu0c4B93lKQ-FQfJNsY29X889JFk0K_mG6uNdqVn7aMIhYQfVuoB4wV2T3mI-Hv_EKARgs6Y6k1nzX-6iLo9HzBJLGPrfHq2oFUO1n7OeYofXajutBPv7z2-4-U4bFl-_b-gcfNUGvZej0C13gVQ7y_vAOTA/w640-h404/Protze%20Radio%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vinyl tube and the electric wire...<br />I used the handle of my stiletto as a "shape" for the wire bending...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfQFikK-CiRAoY0Aij5PqvoSkFeN_n-g9pgNh44OzbOEZHX6jtkgFx0k74nZ84FF6xaBbnU9-JjS6kxT86PGYB-YnndHMRITbRImrBwnU48_dZjGEapzSesBG8Gjr63GOT08so0GnG_16xOiP4HgHkDcvctNSzpaEQr9I-zpX-vqPpN_G9n_-7GvthQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfQFikK-CiRAoY0Aij5PqvoSkFeN_n-g9pgNh44OzbOEZHX6jtkgFx0k74nZ84FF6xaBbnU9-JjS6kxT86PGYB-YnndHMRITbRImrBwnU48_dZjGEapzSesBG8Gjr63GOT08so0GnG_16xOiP4HgHkDcvctNSzpaEQr9I-zpX-vqPpN_G9n_-7GvthQ/w640-h350/Protze%20Radio%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the electric cable in his place...<br />Greta is celebrating!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> After this little scratch-job, let's continue with the construction of the interior of the vehicle...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw2KrsHGsKk6HxaaGnAo0yRhDc8FGz3LeWfWRyXlMINPmo4WzTfrhCXN9BlUNukg7acXmV6nZ-CYdBSTfUz0XRlIQxSFM-v805JJHuhGMjH4ZpBAvPknMkzy-S4UGz9iaqW5rvYpFl-CnAGG1PP6kAjNSIcU8yywruSACb-N4MYO3iOH35HdV4eU0dA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw2KrsHGsKk6HxaaGnAo0yRhDc8FGz3LeWfWRyXlMINPmo4WzTfrhCXN9BlUNukg7acXmV6nZ-CYdBSTfUz0XRlIQxSFM-v805JJHuhGMjH4ZpBAvPknMkzy-S4UGz9iaqW5rvYpFl-CnAGG1PP6kAjNSIcU8yywruSACb-N4MYO3iOH35HdV4eU0dA/w640-h352/Protze%20Radio%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The radio set, after painting and details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtB5sM45ANAhGOGKOv9U5rF5Hqv42eSwv1XC3fr0-m2loLwbiulZ_0mVU_Sfx6qFOiseLKZh3Sc7aaJ6tqWCYpwUemhNyvinBi7geQkJ3MoNE5oBQUH_RR-6QpWNvKlOvYMk1kX5PvXAxCU12sYRJiU4ftrd60lzwQr4fG_hkeUOkUdazX8mnuFN06g/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtB5sM45ANAhGOGKOv9U5rF5Hqv42eSwv1XC3fr0-m2loLwbiulZ_0mVU_Sfx6qFOiseLKZh3Sc7aaJ6tqWCYpwUemhNyvinBi7geQkJ3MoNE5oBQUH_RR-6QpWNvKlOvYMk1kX5PvXAxCU12sYRJiU4ftrd60lzwQr4fG_hkeUOkUdazX8mnuFN06g/w640-h384/Protze%20Radio%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radio set: rear view...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQx5n17RQqlLAKSmpIWeRtA0W4JjZQZGuB_6sk1taE98cb_SOz3MTMWlN7Rt4l4ypLwDFK11mONoKSIBChiEZPMPEayuI55TnJj6dTQu8O2aZ1snFFirI4BwDPaScTDEtObvoOCFCW8drIEFE9oc741SMB8oiq1H5i7CdXixz-F2N5QvGBuUoH0lDAw/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQx5n17RQqlLAKSmpIWeRtA0W4JjZQZGuB_6sk1taE98cb_SOz3MTMWlN7Rt4l4ypLwDFK11mONoKSIBChiEZPMPEayuI55TnJj6dTQu8O2aZ1snFFirI4BwDPaScTDEtObvoOCFCW8drIEFE9oc741SMB8oiq1H5i7CdXixz-F2N5QvGBuUoH0lDAw/w640-h376/Protze%20Radio%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the sides of the bodywork, previously painted in cream, inside...<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XJa341WgO-Crs73OfGHESN3ZTVhZig5v74jOTezSi_xvUEx3_dSJw-pGntgz-WSRdJRPXBfgRtj96JRODO6SiKlB41KskyXqIV06vJIbWfzNTERyGFCbPJacfgu4XDqd93zXGXbC9EPL-XHeiBYQ8ZZoprNrCUaQv87KRQS47YISj5F-cHB2NdNLrQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XJa341WgO-Crs73OfGHESN3ZTVhZig5v74jOTezSi_xvUEx3_dSJw-pGntgz-WSRdJRPXBfgRtj96JRODO6SiKlB41KskyXqIV06vJIbWfzNTERyGFCbPJacfgu4XDqd93zXGXbC9EPL-XHeiBYQ8ZZoprNrCUaQv87KRQS47YISj5F-cHB2NdNLrQ/w640-h402/Protze%20Radio%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing the body...left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-izlczNw1c0H2ZWqR5d7wblD-wYcTSUUeoVpMKRkM_N-PoWcoggq1qH5YD1FVUzcxXTPLWBa76Rx9uGOCOmQblwXFKI-dsLsLQN-BtSo_OIDmpbeEyEJfKNHZ25kLAtEohDmiVgAzwJUHApKwXSVNv7fNd6iqPJBfIy6YUyMfeCd-4i_6oHLf6Gz4g/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-izlczNw1c0H2ZWqR5d7wblD-wYcTSUUeoVpMKRkM_N-PoWcoggq1qH5YD1FVUzcxXTPLWBa76Rx9uGOCOmQblwXFKI-dsLsLQN-BtSo_OIDmpbeEyEJfKNHZ25kLAtEohDmiVgAzwJUHApKwXSVNv7fNd6iqPJBfIy6YUyMfeCd-4i_6oHLf6Gz4g/w640-h370/Protze%20Radio%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBf8FNwc2k6kTTXRPhECpxceuJCHYC5b1TMoe0uQDei-sSp09S7HMx0MyXBQu460zgCgZ-aSuaXy3ng9NWgCP_mYmtanunoCIzlepUuP1M7vhQz2rfxg40Sy_Gp-4jJvajq-B1Z7HTEPr52VldnJEocrnA2bmLu2qL23VnqkEBiZEMmjQEpA9x0LLxZg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBf8FNwc2k6kTTXRPhECpxceuJCHYC5b1TMoe0uQDei-sSp09S7HMx0MyXBQu460zgCgZ-aSuaXy3ng9NWgCP_mYmtanunoCIzlepUuP1M7vhQz2rfxg40Sy_Gp-4jJvajq-B1Z7HTEPr52VldnJEocrnA2bmLu2qL23VnqkEBiZEMmjQEpA9x0LLxZg/w640-h488/Protze%20Radio%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear view...<br />The girl presents a butt, shall we say... prominent...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOjYg0KLq2rKyRavwiqSjPOtD6aekvmuxDh2G4dD1h0QdgrY6tWZ8SdBLSToPAwtQmVRirHGtj8NYP09Yd-5XxkmXo1mZ9vYtsanw8GVOw6N2vF_5VQFM3ohytnxYfzXCLyiebh9UomScU1hJ4u2TbZbv7so--QFcdLENtQJO7cn66egrRVqGXdenIQ/s498/butt.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOjYg0KLq2rKyRavwiqSjPOtD6aekvmuxDh2G4dD1h0QdgrY6tWZ8SdBLSToPAwtQmVRirHGtj8NYP09Yd-5XxkmXo1mZ9vYtsanw8GVOw6N2vF_5VQFM3ohytnxYfzXCLyiebh9UomScU1hJ4u2TbZbv7so--QFcdLENtQJO7cn66egrRVqGXdenIQ/w400-h400/butt.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But going back to the Protze's interior, here are some added details that make all the difference...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgLK1p7sLpTmbdHnP_f73m8Ui_xlC2vQvQP9cFO7wPrwsAdn_teEUeITWyhkSjEICnKJDk8l-_czo-V4jUjYmhom7ksY-uL3-dsUyOvjjiI0ZgK3CpDnjTUJoUaDSk35pFd9vDaHI1j5kVTFoVvhbD47lWaQ3KaHB8ZqQY0z1ySDVSs4bKG_NkcDTBg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1280" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgLK1p7sLpTmbdHnP_f73m8Ui_xlC2vQvQP9cFO7wPrwsAdn_teEUeITWyhkSjEICnKJDk8l-_czo-V4jUjYmhom7ksY-uL3-dsUyOvjjiI0ZgK3CpDnjTUJoUaDSk35pFd9vDaHI1j5kVTFoVvhbD47lWaQ3KaHB8ZqQY0z1ySDVSs4bKG_NkcDTBg/w640-h510/Protze%20Radio%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise: spools of wires, propaganda poster, Morse code stick and <br />headphone with its cables, plus a map of the theater of operations...<br />Very well done, Greta!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBBh-LsiYdsIGcs2wStjM5yGCLL4z-8lzJuAa1_APbXgTSrk37GP6nufj7MV6XlWnh06ulfRm_-gAv-F7BnoJGhkbW7urXwJ2_3n26b8ebIb9JlI6x1FLrjfpoju07qM0YonDRnBc_W37I5R9MkiGmVWCaQGpFDszySr7uxyxizoJcRKQ4JvzOid39Q/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1280" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBBh-LsiYdsIGcs2wStjM5yGCLL4z-8lzJuAa1_APbXgTSrk37GP6nufj7MV6XlWnh06ulfRm_-gAv-F7BnoJGhkbW7urXwJ2_3n26b8ebIb9JlI6x1FLrjfpoju07qM0YonDRnBc_W37I5R9MkiGmVWCaQGpFDszySr7uxyxizoJcRKQ4JvzOid39Q/w640-h512/Protze%20Radio%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view...Chin-Chin!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYa6TQgnyaOkPaO0ErclI16JNyz8p_7VtihKVUgq2qRZQP7pwvgmFIeS5l7yWzm0yP_O4jOxSRcCDDlzbjNzImhpTGVhwkgYymVIK9FZyLREBlBRK11R92OOAMLSXLS6rCD2qAkNGPJOGSmKtp6V9YjyWW2_nANQIl15FIU4ncdHZglFEZtVruyVWZA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYa6TQgnyaOkPaO0ErclI16JNyz8p_7VtihKVUgq2qRZQP7pwvgmFIeS5l7yWzm0yP_O4jOxSRcCDDlzbjNzImhpTGVhwkgYymVIK9FZyLREBlBRK11R92OOAMLSXLS6rCD2qAkNGPJOGSmKtp6V9YjyWW2_nANQIl15FIU4ncdHZglFEZtVruyVWZA/w640-h394/Protze%20Radio%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The interior of the doors, in cream and with details with a little weathering...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NJxeocDIwpeiaYUNWhaagQwcEd01IQmnfF9WgHvAjCggtH-6qz_v_MYnCpoYNpBa-3ogjOG51Vni4HRh92RV1MaF2bofrNLgETO0t_zGYGF4fWvFg2gl6df8i1MZW1d6h3L0BNu4wP08VviIgarjJJ_Sdw5amvA-3HRaoMOtfXH_Uyn-lp0asvScKQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NJxeocDIwpeiaYUNWhaagQwcEd01IQmnfF9WgHvAjCggtH-6qz_v_MYnCpoYNpBa-3ogjOG51Vni4HRh92RV1MaF2bofrNLgETO0t_zGYGF4fWvFg2gl6df8i1MZW1d6h3L0BNu4wP08VviIgarjJJ_Sdw5amvA-3HRaoMOtfXH_Uyn-lp0asvScKQ/w640-h432/Protze%20Radio%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing the body...<br />I hate doors and lids open... only the left rear tool cabinet will<br />have the door open, with its interior visible...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CT4EqS0UrctjgqudFfWvaGj1uLLVQhqfQwjtnZAegbJVHm_LEtn_2i3_GtclzIu_VUv-kkNO2v6WxCPXEOXZbCx2LsZ8n6Cx3cL0C1KUBVT79BHamP7i4DJUZZh38nuTPOAUHRUKJ6DLTwdafBo7g8_lSSvKXLgGPq4I2d2RYuZF9qHtUuh5vMKzAg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-CT4EqS0UrctjgqudFfWvaGj1uLLVQhqfQwjtnZAegbJVHm_LEtn_2i3_GtclzIu_VUv-kkNO2v6WxCPXEOXZbCx2LsZ8n6Cx3cL0C1KUBVT79BHamP7i4DJUZZh38nuTPOAUHRUKJ6DLTwdafBo7g8_lSSvKXLgGPq4I2d2RYuZF9qHtUuh5vMKzAg/w640-h432/Protze%20Radio%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hI3FweHmHF7GW3vW8PbDsou5WTF3WYqxDqpXWFXoDbbWGWXoYZlXRvmoj2bKzKr7kuUCp1bXWxCWc9G88F0Kkb8oOFj1J6dsIGVwf3SEIY7GMlXhYOjqgUbU-69_binC450bcmzYyJFobXsdM2fTu3YKOQLKgKUv5HV9pM5eRFw496zq74yOInjQLg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hI3FweHmHF7GW3vW8PbDsou5WTF3WYqxDqpXWFXoDbbWGWXoYZlXRvmoj2bKzKr7kuUCp1bXWxCWc9G88F0Kkb8oOFj1J6dsIGVwf3SEIY7GMlXhYOjqgUbU-69_binC450bcmzYyJFobXsdM2fTu3YKOQLKgKUv5HV9pM5eRFw496zq74yOInjQLg/w640-h478/Protze%20Radio%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Body details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCUMtjzPDuxSz7H3I9wJsi_qqZXE7pw1-7A3FDf80M0wCLRzZ0P7kLj5GvgG1LzA9w42lgn5k1eWhD_mdJxskD_8Ta4c5I6N7f-j1mULTBRz3MV7TQTAdDdoMr1hX8E9pT7pUXRHI3-gAdGHirUUM1cDHm06YeX2E0EJ6TtNoJYfnw2txDjV8JgZQzg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCUMtjzPDuxSz7H3I9wJsi_qqZXE7pw1-7A3FDf80M0wCLRzZ0P7kLj5GvgG1LzA9w42lgn5k1eWhD_mdJxskD_8Ta4c5I6N7f-j1mULTBRz3MV7TQTAdDdoMr1hX8E9pT7pUXRHI3-gAdGHirUUM1cDHm06YeX2E0EJ6TtNoJYfnw2txDjV8JgZQzg/w640-h388/Protze%20Radio%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyivZn1_Akgzz64eY17GFJpaAD1Q0y1AMpxiPvSi4zJc1vojuAEEWPrxMB2-Y62COHIFIM29VW78UKm7FN-Jg-BrBDOO3FE_kzRs3SkB2BNUCfQBO2OiDUNOR6m7IH9fru5jQLcjoETfr4vGnDsC7m1Wrxs_322aG9ss90YSau7zTIoET_nCxC-YFjg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyivZn1_Akgzz64eY17GFJpaAD1Q0y1AMpxiPvSi4zJc1vojuAEEWPrxMB2-Y62COHIFIM29VW78UKm7FN-Jg-BrBDOO3FE_kzRs3SkB2BNUCfQBO2OiDUNOR6m7IH9fru5jQLcjoETfr4vGnDsC7m1Wrxs_322aG9ss90YSau7zTIoET_nCxC-YFjg/w640-h438/Protze%20Radio%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJolBU3xP03GqnEPYpTBlfhdz5HkJ7tdMb4ISAZcGmCvcpWkdd-tzFg0dmoh4nNOT4IPzVn52oj5s_438OqbCIPnz2907J4Eabex6q0WMagg2qPTApzO-6RSEmtopuEiChShSILotEKu2vcXA1cEdUSjKuKJ36Mf0WMYMvgIxHgbEq_piXbOfmCgiTw/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJolBU3xP03GqnEPYpTBlfhdz5HkJ7tdMb4ISAZcGmCvcpWkdd-tzFg0dmoh4nNOT4IPzVn52oj5s_438OqbCIPnz2907J4Eabex6q0WMagg2qPTApzO-6RSEmtopuEiChShSILotEKu2vcXA1cEdUSjKuKJ36Mf0WMYMvgIxHgbEq_piXbOfmCgiTw/w640-h434/Protze%20Radio%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installing the large cage antenna...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiTieAR1U-JSQ54q0C8leMDhCu7kfhdEIh14gUFI_65f1eRCRvEpj7sLD0XijQWO3Sq4IJaB670tGa_3TTOCA95fgOCt0SMc90y6mBPsiugTl0J_V4vyBLNKfPOL1Bj5UjK3SkdEbfpaRsJlCKOoDZnE-D0-wuIkUjHwglhzWYWb5nweGWNOARsu2TA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEiTieAR1U-JSQ54q0C8leMDhCu7kfhdEIh14gUFI_65f1eRCRvEpj7sLD0XijQWO3Sq4IJaB670tGa_3TTOCA95fgOCt0SMc90y6mBPsiugTl0J_V4vyBLNKfPOL1Bj5UjK3SkdEbfpaRsJlCKOoDZnE-D0-wuIkUjHwglhzWYWb5nweGWNOARsu2TA/w640-h448/Protze%20Radio%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the right view. <br />Notice the canvas in the top of the girl's butt...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPLyyAyoqOo-VCtO6hgf8UB5_rySpPdOqCMQbMRytrnYxsVGX2u4o7yxpapvQEKnGFc7xqITax1G3HBU9zv1RexnyFK3enWxtEQiSHUQWivtSO2xKpxJEtyzrlEdzqAuF3ejyppNOgW0OHkOc7-1OLsFMHeMvlWYqsql3iMKy9pLDmqeh4n23EofOjQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPLyyAyoqOo-VCtO6hgf8UB5_rySpPdOqCMQbMRytrnYxsVGX2u4o7yxpapvQEKnGFc7xqITax1G3HBU9zv1RexnyFK3enWxtEQiSHUQWivtSO2xKpxJEtyzrlEdzqAuF3ejyppNOgW0OHkOc7-1OLsFMHeMvlWYqsql3iMKy9pLDmqeh4n23EofOjQ/w640-h450/Protze%20Radio%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumDKEP57b3OVbcQ9PJZ4scJm1sbBpgRhXcXsyimF5kTBSNygccON-wPJUF_xOsPYdOA2r2wQ0bUPX1JcAwPw8Y0lpbufN7y9nVOItIiRMbiUYtyM9KaeCOb8f93YVmGUUSALYAgE_VJLUB-_KtdFoZIi0yab3WxElRUpORxTwzI0aqbFlnZEbA_8GfA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumDKEP57b3OVbcQ9PJZ4scJm1sbBpgRhXcXsyimF5kTBSNygccON-wPJUF_xOsPYdOA2r2wQ0bUPX1JcAwPw8Y0lpbufN7y9nVOItIiRMbiUYtyM9KaeCOb8f93YVmGUUSALYAgE_VJLUB-_KtdFoZIi0yab3WxElRUpORxTwzI0aqbFlnZEbA_8GfA/w640-h384/Protze%20Radio%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA3S0ZqF8slfeAZgrv01bue7s-Y9ARnGIfWkZCPJqHwmDqNbnlchdb-jIE5hYloP_D495y87irsqcMJlYDTtQej2qJIPVaDqDwSLVkTc_sCK520xk2cczSMqpRvJtV6tx3FFUJhwYL_Cgd-ytEzErLxbPmjTDVPqGjsyqCNeOe6uvdtuvcDq6mQFzHg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA3S0ZqF8slfeAZgrv01bue7s-Y9ARnGIfWkZCPJqHwmDqNbnlchdb-jIE5hYloP_D495y87irsqcMJlYDTtQej2qJIPVaDqDwSLVkTc_sCK520xk2cczSMqpRvJtV6tx3FFUJhwYL_Cgd-ytEzErLxbPmjTDVPqGjsyqCNeOe6uvdtuvcDq6mQFzHg/w640-h488/Protze%20Radio%20052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl, almost ready for the painting ...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> But as the elders said "An empty mind is the Devil's workshop!!!" Me (and Kojak...) were casually looking at the pictures on the Blog and... BINGO!! Here comes stuff!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkM5mo7OsPXpqLCm97BHZzzxt0EdyJIkjK5T1uT2f1-_7JEHetzJmOXFdwBn-IJLnxn0R4pWOXuwtSY_cHdKzNqnIKGP0QQOQM3NvJlJoE5CwNjyM9Cf3XkzyaRngKtfog1hWhAmypeOhLsoV8Fa8cR-tM6Zj7gGjU4pI1nLhscBSRS8TyjfXnJfeXA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20052b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkM5mo7OsPXpqLCm97BHZzzxt0EdyJIkjK5T1uT2f1-_7JEHetzJmOXFdwBn-IJLnxn0R4pWOXuwtSY_cHdKzNqnIKGP0QQOQM3NvJlJoE5CwNjyM9Cf3XkzyaRngKtfog1hWhAmypeOhLsoV8Fa8cR-tM6Zj7gGjU4pI1nLhscBSRS8TyjfXnJfeXA/w640-h382/Protze%20Radio%20052b.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the third spare wheels in the Protze's rear....hmmmm...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> This is the deal: I'll try to cast extra wheels, as the kit only comes with two spare wheels. The idea is to use dental alginate (irreversible hydrocolloid) to mold the wheels and reproduce them with dental acrylic. It is a quick and cheap method of reproducing parts in small quantities. As the wheels are "glued", fully facing in the trunk of the Protze, I am thinking of placing the reproduced wheels (acrylic ones) that will not present details on one of the sides, against the luggage compartment and using one of the kit wheels (fully detailed on both sides) as third wheel, on the clone wheels. But let's get to the technique. The material to be used is: </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2gQf0dTTc1Bp8k6EPIf8DEXuA7KKPqkaI-biZMOso04CGgHw08mHgpN9ls-FTAbftO5ytGWgDvcwO1ugba6gRXgPXx6LK4fKrNPehnpbms9UVBnwAHVKOyxMs4FS1bfbwFKAwCSs2ahDpqqudWjKfR6GVlHSZD9TH3FrkvShObRUgwcm82r9YvToBA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2gQf0dTTc1Bp8k6EPIf8DEXuA7KKPqkaI-biZMOso04CGgHw08mHgpN9ls-FTAbftO5ytGWgDvcwO1ugba6gRXgPXx6LK4fKrNPehnpbms9UVBnwAHVKOyxMs4FS1bfbwFKAwCSs2ahDpqqudWjKfR6GVlHSZD9TH3FrkvShObRUgwcm82r9YvToBA/w640-h468/Protze%20Radio%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake recipe...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> We place the powdered alginate in the plastic vat and add water and manipulate until a homogeneous paste is formed. This mixture must be done very quickly...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVicnF7RkMX9sK-u_yNbJoEb4Vf-DDIhCn1KqnxNVVpIpoFNxXSbbkOGgxuA0rGOyy0W0GFCh5i0TOWsRkXTywIHLk3fsFGxlyMzfdBDDp5GL0ptsY4iFDoDPNtLu_GqQWvBuXCwTTCzyATCAs6ubir-BoChFfKzsX7lYZIvlpn_1uQKBTbQhfdC2GA/s833/Protze%20Radio%20054.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="833" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVicnF7RkMX9sK-u_yNbJoEb4Vf-DDIhCn1KqnxNVVpIpoFNxXSbbkOGgxuA0rGOyy0W0GFCh5i0TOWsRkXTywIHLk3fsFGxlyMzfdBDDp5GL0ptsY4iFDoDPNtLu_GqQWvBuXCwTTCzyATCAs6ubir-BoChFfKzsX7lYZIvlpn_1uQKBTbQhfdC2GA/w640-h510/Protze%20Radio%20054.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dental alginate ready for use, after mixture</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The manipulated alginate is poured into a shape and then we apply the wheel faces to be reproduced. Note that the top face will not be molded. It is this face that will be in contact with the luggage compartment...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Y7GgPdh2Nh8GQjBQr8aGEqk4I0Ek8fvo9O0ByIIwMFUZw0d_I8GO257pkPEdMIl6eJJZXAx1X8yQcQPSO8HZvorCzoZh2kuEt9RL7Mme0LsiosGRpeo-Qij1ND8yh9NFPbpEv9ofxJQWGeL5jBaKyzgPzRCKaSFCoStvogGJQA8-AJqIfLoCNT5gog/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20055.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Y7GgPdh2Nh8GQjBQr8aGEqk4I0Ek8fvo9O0ByIIwMFUZw0d_I8GO257pkPEdMIl6eJJZXAx1X8yQcQPSO8HZvorCzoZh2kuEt9RL7Mme0LsiosGRpeo-Qij1ND8yh9NFPbpEv9ofxJQWGeL5jBaKyzgPzRCKaSFCoStvogGJQA8-AJqIfLoCNT5gog/w640-h352/Protze%20Radio%20055.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spare wheels in his place, in the alginate...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I turned the mold and gently pressed the mixture against a flat surface. We waited 15 minutes for the material to completely gel.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WXOfOiSi9HNnokwtWlQrt5wXLmbqWTEjd2w6d3GS59TmGpk0FAk5w20IfRTTrunFCY_9cdX4mgdIFuhXzDg1pzaNBJ3XXMXXeyd1nIWGZ5KB3TAIMybHw_P5G16PWeFJKMxmsR2Pt1xKfUcK_ASObooiLh-jcHbxN-tVFc0dLFzErCIAeiTxhBsxow/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WXOfOiSi9HNnokwtWlQrt5wXLmbqWTEjd2w6d3GS59TmGpk0FAk5w20IfRTTrunFCY_9cdX4mgdIFuhXzDg1pzaNBJ3XXMXXeyd1nIWGZ5KB3TAIMybHw_P5G16PWeFJKMxmsR2Pt1xKfUcK_ASObooiLh-jcHbxN-tVFc0dLFzErCIAeiTxhBsxow/w640-h348/Protze%20Radio%20056.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting the alginate enter into chemical gelation reaction...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After gelling, we can remove the original parts very carefully, as alginate is much more fragile than a silicone mold, for example...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh125rHvZKSa3pvqPGQ5FkLRtVdok2id_uwhlK6TSymDoGLLzqu9jU8eVp5Fuv-OK3IGpGYicqCJWCHngvyEILMfWX9naKLstRRquoZzqE6bMPPkC8a7X7N-UC8rMqNf_gHi3xo2TDelex0H_L_MjdRJwKXJmLvFRvU5D3HGjDCJuydjsFywb5A2eWIOQ/s1270/Protze%20Radio%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1270" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh125rHvZKSa3pvqPGQ5FkLRtVdok2id_uwhlK6TSymDoGLLzqu9jU8eVp5Fuv-OK3IGpGYicqCJWCHngvyEILMfWX9naKLstRRquoZzqE6bMPPkC8a7X7N-UC8rMqNf_gHi3xo2TDelex0H_L_MjdRJwKXJmLvFRvU5D3HGjDCJuydjsFywb5A2eWIOQ/w640-h388/Protze%20Radio%20057.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wheels removed and the negative impressions of the wheels. <br />Notice the little bubbles on the model (blue arrows) ...<br />Don't worry...this will be removed later...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, let's cast the new wheels. Detail: do this step immediately after removing the original wheels: the alginate mold dehydrates (and contracts...) very quickly at room temperature. If you are going to take a while to cast the new wheels, wrap the alginate mold in toilet paper moistened with water and keep it in the fridge... but never take more than 24 hours...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpTqQATmr_cAuTreve6wcW4Q_LD5X1fn8yj_kagamPRm-K5bbdNBFg-cSpJjR1QlU-9do4gMl9hImbmamyQLZOeTsMAxjwTIRtf0YN5uSRu392OPHTqPyfRy5ZTzwu2sZ9dT6Zs9cMRyRSZU5cVSJ7dLrm1-94dG23gxm4eb9d6AwVk9UC3LB6kQazA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpTqQATmr_cAuTreve6wcW4Q_LD5X1fn8yj_kagamPRm-K5bbdNBFg-cSpJjR1QlU-9do4gMl9hImbmamyQLZOeTsMAxjwTIRtf0YN5uSRu392OPHTqPyfRy5ZTzwu2sZ9dT6Zs9cMRyRSZU5cVSJ7dLrm1-94dG23gxm4eb9d6AwVk9UC3LB6kQazA/w640-h488/Protze%20Radio%20058.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to cast the new wheels...<br />Here are the ingredients and materials.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> First, mix with a spatula, in a Dappen pot (or any other glass container...) the amount of 70% acrylic powder and 30% powdered graphite of what would be the total needed for the two wheels. ... The presence of graphite is to darken the substance, facilitating the identification of casting defects...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVX6BsSeVTIK21nUyPRa_zwmjtgsZY841cMu75--we_MBBpJiSKjR05JQGXrBlbPErg1k5qES2nsqzY9wVOktlSGj5bgIF96SMIFQzRWqfzrTmLCyoKRyx0A61XNHJ7vrtwrm0Ez7iNBwSp80ALA__7DQfHkNuQH-kg-w-jxJ7MH-XiJXuyRqtAjNRQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="859" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVX6BsSeVTIK21nUyPRa_zwmjtgsZY841cMu75--we_MBBpJiSKjR05JQGXrBlbPErg1k5qES2nsqzY9wVOktlSGj5bgIF96SMIFQzRWqfzrTmLCyoKRyx0A61XNHJ7vrtwrm0Ez7iNBwSp80ALA__7DQfHkNuQH-kg-w-jxJ7MH-XiJXuyRqtAjNRQ/w640-h430/Protze%20Radio%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The powders separately and after mixing...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysV4---3HYp1FTs58qH6j6wEpA8jxPhJTwXGEhscmUdSjV-_Pwd2ceFQG-tnpfkNJThlZ-KWQn_tZgVKFtjeMXIY4ZKxW9_-obTf0RBjvjrxTTHSSdpn-L58nW3vcXytskl7TFnbBuUdd8WpbZXRdluvnarnvLEDU58q36gM--wi1-D_6k8v78RpdBQ/s1024/Protze%20Radio%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgysV4---3HYp1FTs58qH6j6wEpA8jxPhJTwXGEhscmUdSjV-_Pwd2ceFQG-tnpfkNJThlZ-KWQn_tZgVKFtjeMXIY4ZKxW9_-obTf0RBjvjrxTTHSSdpn-L58nW3vcXytskl7TFnbBuUdd8WpbZXRdluvnarnvLEDU58q36gM--wi1-D_6k8v78RpdBQ/w640-h480/Protze%20Radio%20060.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this powder mixture, add liquid acrylic and mix quickly<br />until it forms a homogeneous gel, neither too liquid nor too floury...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Then pour this gel into the negative shapes of the wheels. Be careful not to exaggerate the amount, as acrylic is extremely hard to sand or roughen, then... Work in a ventilated place, because the smell is very strong!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmEgQ9tdHClroT7-Y0FkHybM0S-ZvDtFfV7X-TZxUBtDBArsXfxcBDhiGbYJ-5E_iJC6_kAKruLbUZepXFZbkxY89eLp-X7cdRFQQrrLDfjTbe4qZsXDWvpv_lMk5Wrbq695l1yENvDNYD2pFzDmE3bq9ao6tHJ8yT2tHIv2Y9UzCelbT5Q0BN5STTQ/s1268/Protze%20Radio%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1268" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmEgQ9tdHClroT7-Y0FkHybM0S-ZvDtFfV7X-TZxUBtDBArsXfxcBDhiGbYJ-5E_iJC6_kAKruLbUZepXFZbkxY89eLp-X7cdRFQQrrLDfjTbe4qZsXDWvpv_lMk5Wrbq695l1yENvDNYD2pFzDmE3bq9ao6tHJ8yT2tHIv2Y9UzCelbT5Q0BN5STTQ/w640-h392/Protze%20Radio%20061.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casting the new wheels!! The total cure of the material is 15 minutes...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After 15 minutes (and an exothermic reaction...), you can remove the new wheels from the molds. if you were careful, these molds can be used one more time...then it's throw away!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2OF3psPimbTv0_ZB4IeBZ5LgIMKpiZy2NTRI-Hum2k0dmJV6rhztx7JdmE0B-ckjUsIOhZ9FxUy0Hkx14qZ4KtRIzQSymPd3XmFQpm_zuBdEm7T70E3SA-NrlqShmym3Z9t-kVaQJcqZs5aQFLZY1MF_rYFcKAaRfQPklIKWnxwJsEw64oUW3PuUmg/s1254/Protze%20Radio%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1254" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2OF3psPimbTv0_ZB4IeBZ5LgIMKpiZy2NTRI-Hum2k0dmJV6rhztx7JdmE0B-ckjUsIOhZ9FxUy0Hkx14qZ4KtRIzQSymPd3XmFQpm_zuBdEm7T70E3SA-NrlqShmym3Z9t-kVaQJcqZs5aQFLZY1MF_rYFcKAaRfQPklIKWnxwJsEw64oUW3PuUmg/w640-h480/Protze%20Radio%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new wheels. Notice the bubbles (red arrows) which<br />will be removed with the Dremel and a drill...<br />Greta is very, very happy!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcj03b72oJvpZIxjwxJqMTJ1P-5-pRlIt-6XicKWjNUM_VRj7dBZC3yyOTJacKTgpE6hVT5Ynh_k1n-bUZVwYU_L9_pkp-BNcAE202r1i07letPlepwGfJvURjeisjizqDEufms_ruc9KIuydNSoopwZ91qFmy_AppP7SSiejEHL9eE7q0O9rLfnFyvg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcj03b72oJvpZIxjwxJqMTJ1P-5-pRlIt-6XicKWjNUM_VRj7dBZC3yyOTJacKTgpE6hVT5Ynh_k1n-bUZVwYU_L9_pkp-BNcAE202r1i07letPlepwGfJvURjeisjizqDEufms_ruc9KIuydNSoopwZ91qFmy_AppP7SSiejEHL9eE7q0O9rLfnFyvg/w640-h346/Protze%20Radio%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After grinding with Dremel, the wheels are perfect... <br />Hold my beer, Greta!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_nQyJwIO7aROu9QD3-PQ9NrTX8EXfjoRv0vNxnwuCJLAR_vL3QwidJgpwWDFXlloVJOI3BtFaZB9R6ZK_wubBUms-RWkMcmAC8picrQKISAgBo3G9WwWgaTNtPhoaKjoATlB0v_FM9GJqeKYOiPS0JpTEH7uwpJi2irxWVAWB1M8T-U4s44TVuCicA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_nQyJwIO7aROu9QD3-PQ9NrTX8EXfjoRv0vNxnwuCJLAR_vL3QwidJgpwWDFXlloVJOI3BtFaZB9R6ZK_wubBUms-RWkMcmAC8picrQKISAgBo3G9WwWgaTNtPhoaKjoATlB0v_FM9GJqeKYOiPS0JpTEH7uwpJi2irxWVAWB1M8T-U4s44TVuCicA/w640-h458/Protze%20Radio%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a dry-fit of the wheels in position: the unmolded faces will be<br />against the trunk. And the original kit wheel will be superimposed<br />on the two clone wheels, even hiding the imperfections of the bubbles!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ-ROndgbKN7eIir5in2XmU6srb3OxzDHfUw0YcUAm-ps9PwmgO0u0g3K0nRlt1rGlLDM1IHz-fAPKILyByRRh4wZqIkwYNaUbvpX1yuoKwwZCMd62tpyMWl7qjuWxCh56QT7Ya8YxTl4u4s6BKTr5QFxpCPRqN35CgocvebP-O2tx33LJrF1HIrd3Q/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1280" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ-ROndgbKN7eIir5in2XmU6srb3OxzDHfUw0YcUAm-ps9PwmgO0u0g3K0nRlt1rGlLDM1IHz-fAPKILyByRRh4wZqIkwYNaUbvpX1yuoKwwZCMd62tpyMWl7qjuWxCh56QT7Ya8YxTl4u4s6BKTr5QFxpCPRqN35CgocvebP-O2tx33LJrF1HIrd3Q/w640-h340/Protze%20Radio%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers, Greta!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But continuing the construction of our radio-girl, it's painting time: a bath of primer!!!</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhMO20LWtoV7ro2gjyuAEC3Gn5kFshwmraOPKBTY2TAAp5J9igguZaRQPeaO66CpqJscgwxEEwfSUHi7-5tPIVfu2w_WETp26C6qFL3NuRk6p14c01EREtf8gDA8BURHr5vTxAqCXtWX3_LcmrtAyUNuwsFkhKJNvhZ-9LXhiOU4WTXSw7iKnuQuh_A/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhMO20LWtoV7ro2gjyuAEC3Gn5kFshwmraOPKBTY2TAAp5J9igguZaRQPeaO66CpqJscgwxEEwfSUHi7-5tPIVfu2w_WETp26C6qFL3NuRk6p14c01EREtf8gDA8BURHr5vTxAqCXtWX3_LcmrtAyUNuwsFkhKJNvhZ-9LXhiOU4WTXSw7iKnuQuh_A/w640-h424/Protze%20Radio%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Light grey primer...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWFPyjnuiIg736e5QxSJRdh3C2Q5QFeUQRXVBUWwGA16wafuETz16MqDyRRvSc-BJNQPArh3yCBIUG0fFb4Yv5RaJI1ycTESXgUvO2qNX8aqHURtPEqAl2Xtn5fse6THJMkNlAPLK5FI42PzaDylpcTrAzZNl5bQ2ZXrpxbBiJp_3-QYZOw3L8zTezA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWFPyjnuiIg736e5QxSJRdh3C2Q5QFeUQRXVBUWwGA16wafuETz16MqDyRRvSc-BJNQPArh3yCBIUG0fFb4Yv5RaJI1ycTESXgUvO2qNX8aqHURtPEqAl2Xtn5fse6THJMkNlAPLK5FI42PzaDylpcTrAzZNl5bQ2ZXrpxbBiJp_3-QYZOw3L8zTezA/w640-h374/Protze%20Radio%20068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">... and shades of panzer-grey. Left side<br />look at the sophisticated internal masks made with toilet paper...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNY49sI5-eENdFHNhDZfHDS5MrVmtVP1WpuoooD5D9u_l-KFlRsqzsQ-kCpl4Asfw2savUBgsAmkWqbQlj1MQl2tssYiTcDz3Snl8ezjFYkjVC7G7WaNN6UrBfuXoJnQwq43aAFUwtsH-tnEOFTkn0iYPJlEs_Q58pJ4grnkAIu7VMCQwbqNFwVBtaA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNY49sI5-eENdFHNhDZfHDS5MrVmtVP1WpuoooD5D9u_l-KFlRsqzsQ-kCpl4Asfw2savUBgsAmkWqbQlj1MQl2tssYiTcDz3Snl8ezjFYkjVC7G7WaNN6UrBfuXoJnQwq43aAFUwtsH-tnEOFTkn0iYPJlEs_Q58pJ4grnkAIu7VMCQwbqNFwVBtaA/w640-h418/Protze%20Radio%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Panzer-gray in tones.<br />right side</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWl_y75OFkYQjYRgl2SG0WJXDgtEtwR-a0GjruguGbEgIovW4KCRogns_dwZXSK5CRQ9QGsniLVwChZpHQxzEqK3laskQKjmzvtrhe19hjc5qbjvVL893SmoK-mg1EKF6J7loZWHVHiFWTGzP7dlvOrr81D8Q_NvEVIymA-F6cww2oPgaaCFarJgvqQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWl_y75OFkYQjYRgl2SG0WJXDgtEtwR-a0GjruguGbEgIovW4KCRogns_dwZXSK5CRQ9QGsniLVwChZpHQxzEqK3laskQKjmzvtrhe19hjc5qbjvVL893SmoK-mg1EKF6J7loZWHVHiFWTGzP7dlvOrr81D8Q_NvEVIymA-F6cww2oPgaaCFarJgvqQ/w640-h330/Protze%20Radio%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Painting the girl's wheels and rear rack...<br />left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqromuGx4QhbaVt8uvz4LFzeaqmwLuMrzCYo08z8CPaFUXdfi6QAUEZanCZdRGjyfE1MjDqBJZpUSVn8XFtpjOFUrjq7dzlehgxmK6jGKxipa5OroXGnykJpCid0utGx-0hVKJTl_GlA0uBvRzf98OIVbm-VL8xbbPmK6jFb7tqLEvAX-jc7Z0A11iQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqromuGx4QhbaVt8uvz4LFzeaqmwLuMrzCYo08z8CPaFUXdfi6QAUEZanCZdRGjyfE1MjDqBJZpUSVn8XFtpjOFUrjq7dzlehgxmK6jGKxipa5OroXGnykJpCid0utGx-0hVKJTl_GlA0uBvRzf98OIVbm-VL8xbbPmK6jFb7tqLEvAX-jc7Z0A11iQ/w640-h386/Protze%20Radio%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDldN97dSTgRkcORsqCWdp0awLoHaijihV7b3TZLe70ZhveTC6Nd2mlmmx6p5BxveI3OpVIEA1Zikmzfx6moLna6IBqfW1hsMSxKSsrCDpYJEIGvlYLNIeB95gHUtDURs_BN9Lp8tMQbg54eg1APg5e8TKNlJJeVt-131w-jNFHQ0mY6QENFZdeY-_cQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDldN97dSTgRkcORsqCWdp0awLoHaijihV7b3TZLe70ZhveTC6Nd2mlmmx6p5BxveI3OpVIEA1Zikmzfx6moLna6IBqfW1hsMSxKSsrCDpYJEIGvlYLNIeB95gHUtDURs_BN9Lp8tMQbg54eg1APg5e8TKNlJJeVt-131w-jNFHQ0mY6QENFZdeY-_cQ/w640-h352/Protze%20Radio%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Rear view...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span> Starting the detailing of the painting, with wash and dry-brush: all old (and good...) school!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3itLKdhAt7RnGleDDEfQurfw7I_3_TjLyZP1SlYCw5Kji2fRLNAcmKfX4IxpE3VJd-Nw7J6zyIXkuzBo5WSBA0vUyxZ33faxwFigLNn1mfsk23oewwv1q4DPqkvSYlG9DWDFQ7e23PJYGlQjIAvrqiP7KRVDaQTEvaJlOcIHhAF5KNTl1VBneKlLZBw/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3itLKdhAt7RnGleDDEfQurfw7I_3_TjLyZP1SlYCw5Kji2fRLNAcmKfX4IxpE3VJd-Nw7J6zyIXkuzBo5WSBA0vUyxZ33faxwFigLNn1mfsk23oewwv1q4DPqkvSYlG9DWDFQ7e23PJYGlQjIAvrqiP7KRVDaQTEvaJlOcIHhAF5KNTl1VBneKlLZBw/w640-h390/Protze%20Radio%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Notice the stuck-plank, on the left footboard...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyGX0FPFVAnTtKVq6N9bbFbarsUnD16BQZ4wa-r2GRC_O9UP8WIrSTSIDWA0T5C_x7VbiuthqHKvJXJVbeVNhXJmbU9XWEQgBoC_ewvtPsC3JRiwDYAoP7lIKMs61_CrUPgvsruIvNNMFIYE-RuhgQHLgX5IYnFtQ5lNjko8DHiAQpm5NZeAmTcJcBA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20076.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyGX0FPFVAnTtKVq6N9bbFbarsUnD16BQZ4wa-r2GRC_O9UP8WIrSTSIDWA0T5C_x7VbiuthqHKvJXJVbeVNhXJmbU9XWEQgBoC_ewvtPsC3JRiwDYAoP7lIKMs61_CrUPgvsruIvNNMFIYE-RuhgQHLgX5IYnFtQ5lNjko8DHiAQpm5NZeAmTcJcBA/w640-h434/Protze%20Radio%20076.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The third spare wheel, in position...<br />left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SMlv0hTl4CyV59f6ASw_MeCOgCzr4gDmMgErXrtQcDtKyXIM_m4hrqHFfuXm7VbkGNJkrQYMibJOcgTpR6CVtPn5ZuJ-GfMHcvjgW9JQTMSij2a-pEFMUMDx94IzchyxYsNJ1E_yBlCRnc0QZVktdF9kL0T3a-fyDJtXVqQf8JuEVAmX-gQND-fKTg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_SMlv0hTl4CyV59f6ASw_MeCOgCzr4gDmMgErXrtQcDtKyXIM_m4hrqHFfuXm7VbkGNJkrQYMibJOcgTpR6CVtPn5ZuJ-GfMHcvjgW9JQTMSij2a-pEFMUMDx94IzchyxYsNJ1E_yBlCRnc0QZVktdF9kL0T3a-fyDJtXVqQf8JuEVAmX-gQND-fKTg/w640-h392/Protze%20Radio%20077.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The third spare wheel, in position...<br />right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdbAgmqf4CVPjnXe6v3jKqZWMWbSrgzrLgUUMlwJ-Q14MT5iS4dq7Kd2U8Fft_mLEZU4A4jDn4akrfK0_dC9OApkOpUp3uOIbGJ1ObZmh3M1jy0PCIvhEjMWFE2NnzRo9YiTJN-Dq-UnP6v3wPWey9zgelcOe5kiaIPp9_UwCsTFJMpzt7-n5p_6_sg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20080.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdbAgmqf4CVPjnXe6v3jKqZWMWbSrgzrLgUUMlwJ-Q14MT5iS4dq7Kd2U8Fft_mLEZU4A4jDn4akrfK0_dC9OApkOpUp3uOIbGJ1ObZmh3M1jy0PCIvhEjMWFE2NnzRo9YiTJN-Dq-UnP6v3wPWey9zgelcOe5kiaIPp9_UwCsTFJMpzt7-n5p_6_sg/w640-h404/Protze%20Radio%20080.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The girl is almost ready!!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And now, the best part: the markings! The Bronco kit features a good decal sheet with application instructions. But the Factory folks are pretty lazy as they cite ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about historical research of the options. In the booklet, there are only OPTION 1, 2 and 3!!! Not even the infamous phrase "Unknown Unit" they bothered to put!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwOHbwzzGugN7YOFXspL20vA-D7oFL2Me-LvqXdDZUg2GHdAeGPtlyFJxfD89w6xdsoLnB1grABAzhKmHIZWum9w1NN2Oi_Cypn9P2F0kyRY0mqQfH1VZTSdutgvo-RDbsT1UDni-1T7G6b4SGwSZ5Q64veXebYkBPrQEn3cRfHNkCDpU2lX579kqlQ/s498/Shame.gif"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="498" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwOHbwzzGugN7YOFXspL20vA-D7oFL2Me-LvqXdDZUg2GHdAeGPtlyFJxfD89w6xdsoLnB1grABAzhKmHIZWum9w1NN2Oi_Cypn9P2F0kyRY0mqQfH1VZTSdutgvo-RDbsT1UDni-1T7G6b4SGwSZ5Q64veXebYkBPrQEn3cRfHNkCDpU2lX579kqlQ/w400-h224/Shame.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But what most aroused my curiosity were the two 4-leaf clovers (item 10) on the decal sheet... See below!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WKpBTyoxVBJ-I9Ag0j5-qyE4nkqtQKnoq7G1NXUQIEPrBXrlxTpLkLSKRHIMvTVx2Wh10Rwa1XYhJ__-O-c_pt1g6jBenhTQpe0xGbKiGMQI5n0ZtEv8PKFoI7btk0paVfkrbqGyL5BEzMGxSsw7BU8hOuo3js4gPe1CK6-7WxcjidoPgMAoNqNa1w/s1024/Protze%20Radio%20080a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1024" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WKpBTyoxVBJ-I9Ag0j5-qyE4nkqtQKnoq7G1NXUQIEPrBXrlxTpLkLSKRHIMvTVx2Wh10Rwa1XYhJ__-O-c_pt1g6jBenhTQpe0xGbKiGMQI5n0ZtEv8PKFoI7btk0paVfkrbqGyL5BEzMGxSsw7BU8hOuo3js4gPe1CK6-7WxcjidoPgMAoNqNa1w/w640-h454/Protze%20Radio%20080a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronco's decal sheet ...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> What would the Unit be? The<b><span style="font-size: medium;"> two yellow XX</span></b>'s are easy: <b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_Panzer_Division_(Wehrmacht)" target="_blank">Sixth Panzer Division</a></span></i></b>, between 1941-1945!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW0NofWZyndaV1c4HWHQuyBxQ5ZjZsOnLwfbQqzAJjH2bFHBEqNAjnh-FMcr2gA8emvQZ4pjx78B4Hf9848yB5Toitp68yHKp6BKbQMUSaVvbeKn3ErSROQI7MFpEMmjWRwgxCEdNbc0Wh7HVIk8Ip2foWxY1gJfScHzGRLpqM5bVCvh44a-uhEgMVw/s805/Protze%20Radio%20065d.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="805" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW0NofWZyndaV1c4HWHQuyBxQ5ZjZsOnLwfbQqzAJjH2bFHBEqNAjnh-FMcr2gA8emvQZ4pjx78B4Hf9848yB5Toitp68yHKp6BKbQMUSaVvbeKn3ErSROQI7MFpEMmjWRwgxCEdNbc0Wh7HVIk8Ip2foWxY1gJfScHzGRLpqM5bVCvh44a-uhEgMVw/w640-h234/Protze%20Radio%20065d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But what about the 4-leaf clovers??? Well... This one took a little longer, but as the great detective <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercule_Poirot" target="_blank">Hercule Poirot</a> said: <i><b>"Nothing like using the little gray cells"...</b></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwgATf7dre58GDDeAuKks5AtLYt7c5wgCyLzPrI-1NCp_rhIo6DdIak_Hvab9bAa1Ppj6KGD-qPfof__AcpiWqbFbQ_rlxf-xczRbwKu_8V8Gr2q_VDfi8qMuFa8OacLWN2pcRINY6gvKQ33650Kukq6y6_LSMVv0YxAhHBOUCB-F5rkq_2E-uZluSg/s540/Poirot%20grey%20cels.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="540" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwgATf7dre58GDDeAuKks5AtLYt7c5wgCyLzPrI-1NCp_rhIo6DdIak_Hvab9bAa1Ppj6KGD-qPfof__AcpiWqbFbQ_rlxf-xczRbwKu_8V8Gr2q_VDfi8qMuFa8OacLWN2pcRINY6gvKQ33650Kukq6y6_LSMVv0YxAhHBOUCB-F5rkq_2E-uZluSg/w400-h264/Poirot%20grey%20cels.gif" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just want to do it!!!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The 4-leaf clovers are the symbol of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/71st_Infantry_Division_(Wehrmacht)" target="_blank">71st Infantry Division</a>, just as the Tactical Symbol is that of the Motorized Radio Companies<i> (Funkkompanie mot.). </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb0hwkABzY7KCs4SgTVrXU8t6cGuF891fsWYSpk35_ZniZjk7IQe_J1AUq_q1t8qePj5l29e2V9BIO8ielUW7EWuzKWF-wAwKncZ8I-IluWJ5APirCN1vdz6MjPZwZmkyGqs7doLB01_8BI_ZUbxe-nDlIr-vJV0yck0yBYrrhErY-OpZErqevXwfgA/s805/Protze%20Radio%20065B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="805" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb0hwkABzY7KCs4SgTVrXU8t6cGuF891fsWYSpk35_ZniZjk7IQe_J1AUq_q1t8qePj5l29e2V9BIO8ielUW7EWuzKWF-wAwKncZ8I-IluWJ5APirCN1vdz6MjPZwZmkyGqs7doLB01_8BI_ZUbxe-nDlIr-vJV0yck0yBYrrhErY-OpZErqevXwfgA/w640-h234/Protze%20Radio%20065B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNojannDKFAR3GPHDQafsWhTWZY4LyaWyWYMecaWQxxNUIjhha1bxHrPVkUz8PC8JjkfjhFG99ZELhgqVYFdTgIAsBPSNhFDQPpTDv2UED98K_h6m3AjYzBx3y0gE9FnEdxHUTQ1wEw-F5R_CgTtydud1UQPKimYGPnTfu9g2s9WWrzN8j59ET3oiEAA/s793/Protze%20Radio%20065a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="793" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNojannDKFAR3GPHDQafsWhTWZY4LyaWyWYMecaWQxxNUIjhha1bxHrPVkUz8PC8JjkfjhFG99ZELhgqVYFdTgIAsBPSNhFDQPpTDv2UED98K_h6m3AjYzBx3y0gE9FnEdxHUTQ1wEw-F5R_CgTtydud1UQPKimYGPnTfu9g2s9WWrzN8j59ET3oiEAA/w640-h168/Protze%20Radio%20065a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Well... solved the problem of Historical identification, here are my appointments for our little girl: Krupp Protze L2 H143 <i>Funkkraftwagen</i> (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19, vehicle number 3, belonging to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/71st_Infantry_Division_(Wehrmacht)" target="_blank">71st Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)</a> <i>(71. Infanterie-Division)</i>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_Army_(Wehrmacht)" target="_blank">6th Army</a> <i>(Armee-Oberkommando 6)</i>, of the Army Group South<i> (Heeresgruppe Süd)</i>, during the preparations of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kiev_(1941)" target="_blank">1st Battle of Kiev,</a> Ukraine, on the Russian Front, July 1941.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpuLCIiULkeKHVfnZaU8fjeSGw-0ZAVmaUK3jBRMu0n0TlXgSjMSQtOT7zkXlW3CfCqBOFaQWwE8IaagIANT5YIEdVhQcwK8Gc7FZ4ErGtRW1nryikcDoitZNu4QngBqLWIHOnwuJhT9jn69QpFQ0hSw-JxobmtPFxyfbUeijNG7pqj93dQ3txmMSYg/s1400/Protze%20Radio%20065c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1400" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpuLCIiULkeKHVfnZaU8fjeSGw-0ZAVmaUK3jBRMu0n0TlXgSjMSQtOT7zkXlW3CfCqBOFaQWwE8IaagIANT5YIEdVhQcwK8Gc7FZ4ErGtRW1nryikcDoitZNu4QngBqLWIHOnwuJhT9jn69QpFQ0hSw-JxobmtPFxyfbUeijNG7pqj93dQ3txmMSYg/w640-h506/Protze%20Radio%20065c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2cVtElvtGa_V6PADBztgtLP9e1V8VbDATJz3Jj6P3tdM_6vfxx5jQ2xC-TO3d_kA8LUOeOMGurlJM0nuRqhWS0_0GWcPj1J9cCM_5xmkWj79H1aP4VgMLIgfxVLT4BdzAPp3OviB7KtqwCglYUgZ7tgsanF19_Vo30kmh1g9y-QCEyDKSKv_akVUHQ/s1278/Protze%20Radio%20081.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2cVtElvtGa_V6PADBztgtLP9e1V8VbDATJz3Jj6P3tdM_6vfxx5jQ2xC-TO3d_kA8LUOeOMGurlJM0nuRqhWS0_0GWcPj1J9cCM_5xmkWj79H1aP4VgMLIgfxVLT4BdzAPp3OviB7KtqwCglYUgZ7tgsanF19_Vo30kmh1g9y-QCEyDKSKv_akVUHQ/w640-h474/Protze%20Radio%20081.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markings in position - front view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBd2Ir2vlXuHz8xuCcZRnEU3ANZw8gVytcWXtZpWWya_2YYfLRZTGWFtXgR60O66eX1HFIJn9Rb15rJNB11FUK88WiIEwcsKbhMebvMz8f69xrTkxTd9ozY2oQsI1ugmu3s2g3FbNshaZrXtJ_xOE2I98DjD06pno9_CPZFv134fVUXVyynq9Wqh1uiQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20082.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBd2Ir2vlXuHz8xuCcZRnEU3ANZw8gVytcWXtZpWWya_2YYfLRZTGWFtXgR60O66eX1HFIJn9Rb15rJNB11FUK88WiIEwcsKbhMebvMz8f69xrTkxTd9ozY2oQsI1ugmu3s2g3FbNshaZrXtJ_xOE2I98DjD06pno9_CPZFv134fVUXVyynq9Wqh1uiQ/w640-h360/Protze%20Radio%20082.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vehicle number 3 - left side</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8-uc1ON8ciEPG0RQLlobYLTOflruuUyz1YSsXYVTWoeUD8jMcg_2DRbRUYdhKWN7hd06VvA8iNdj50On10bNohYRvjer8Vu-UlrYplci2YQsUSFyIpA169L__FkLN21t4bLdUh6RAT9lRuEhLFXTc25fgjPkerngO1H7FTY6Jc0LwB9jOqm19PMvng/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8-uc1ON8ciEPG0RQLlobYLTOflruuUyz1YSsXYVTWoeUD8jMcg_2DRbRUYdhKWN7hd06VvA8iNdj50On10bNohYRvjer8Vu-UlrYplci2YQsUSFyIpA169L__FkLN21t4bLdUh6RAT9lRuEhLFXTc25fgjPkerngO1H7FTY6Jc0LwB9jOqm19PMvng/w640-h506/Protze%20Radio%20083.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Vehicle number 3 - rear view</span><br style="text-align: start;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sHiTA8ftu28TDIeHIullcnBwzoR3woIaHDyr9W2zITsQVY8zxLmkdTDQVJ2-Wu3bZjMMeVhJSg1Ugsq2rlI-Rpo7Q-yyHI_4vJsofenJ-klsGz4eMyiOHHhzygNSnyEkRnnI4Y7NGqm500LNqCu46MZoSlg6DsPk4nHfP3DqFJ1_pPzF9XO1VI6P6g/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sHiTA8ftu28TDIeHIullcnBwzoR3woIaHDyr9W2zITsQVY8zxLmkdTDQVJ2-Wu3bZjMMeVhJSg1Ugsq2rlI-Rpo7Q-yyHI_4vJsofenJ-klsGz4eMyiOHHhzygNSnyEkRnnI4Y7NGqm500LNqCu46MZoSlg6DsPk4nHfP3DqFJ1_pPzF9XO1VI6P6g/w640-h380/Protze%20Radio%20084.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vehicle number 3 - right side</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksh02JA0CUInje4bVL0s3ia7D9ppuQZ-Sri66drpD7xXJOqZ5s28eh_i8UEOB0wf91eC26gpsbAMtEcV4xIqydB1NaUnQCP4s4pDo76JYx1aypGOq_Hh55Ft8A27Aaj5-8ewGq4392cz4q-7eoXH80znA17xeuYBvwyqHxUlO0u8sHmgeVAe_YPPvYw/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20084b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksh02JA0CUInje4bVL0s3ia7D9ppuQZ-Sri66drpD7xXJOqZ5s28eh_i8UEOB0wf91eC26gpsbAMtEcV4xIqydB1NaUnQCP4s4pDo76JYx1aypGOq_Hh55Ft8A27Aaj5-8ewGq4392cz4q-7eoXH80znA17xeuYBvwyqHxUlO0u8sHmgeVAe_YPPvYw/w640-h388/Protze%20Radio%20084b.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A historical reference;<br />A Horch Kfz.15 Funkwagen from 71st Infantry Division<br />France - 1940<br />Notice the 4-leaf clover in the front left mudguard...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> ...and with the project approaching the end, I returned to that photo of the unfortunate destroyed Protze Kfz.19, somewhere in Russia:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7vURciTu-ACVX5ylhualxsh-pUASB_7eCfgIMVSmDsbc_SvUi7jW4Z1xaFjeI2QuIzOSPelcnLCnUipiIwCYmpI6SVhedfU9HLnMdTdepc9rwif_rzZzBVKFppVn2ihSWlyY3c950RiqN3goWrXPcck9sjGqiz5xYEYTVoijo5DzSHBdIqRVG-QL0A/s800/Protze%20Radio%20084g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="800" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7vURciTu-ACVX5ylhualxsh-pUASB_7eCfgIMVSmDsbc_SvUi7jW4Z1xaFjeI2QuIzOSPelcnLCnUipiIwCYmpI6SVhedfU9HLnMdTdepc9rwif_rzZzBVKFppVn2ihSWlyY3c950RiqN3goWrXPcck9sjGqiz5xYEYTVoijo5DzSHBdIqRVG-QL0A/w640-h540/Protze%20Radio%20084g.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm...I'll try do something based in this....</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> This "<span style="text-align: center;">carpet of logs</span>" gave me an idea...Let's cut some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate" target="_blank">Pomegranate tree <i><b>(Punica granatum)</b></i></a> branches. First, a thicker branch, to make an anti-bog log on the back of the Krupp Protze... This log was tied in place with a polyamide sewing thread (which isn't furry...), fitting the model's scale well...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCPD9ZOzSj-FeLh8_6EZLSCyxpvAmaR_KhXS57wvqL43bpHOD4fpa4ImI32Dcx1Z3Eq1mTVgI414sZVSr1eyrakBu7xN8ou2MFKcXxZZa1juo5BhIZa93RrNYzVmvyUjqyjA6G77rZqFrciB4CYs5Dorg6y2sqDMAJ_8fFTND9IvM6Syh2kDv96ah7w/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20084f.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCPD9ZOzSj-FeLh8_6EZLSCyxpvAmaR_KhXS57wvqL43bpHOD4fpa4ImI32Dcx1Z3Eq1mTVgI414sZVSr1eyrakBu7xN8ou2MFKcXxZZa1juo5BhIZa93RrNYzVmvyUjqyjA6G77rZqFrciB4CYs5Dorg6y2sqDMAJ_8fFTND9IvM6Syh2kDv96ah7w/w640-h330/Protze%20Radio%20084f.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aanti-blog log in position...<br />Notice the shovels tied together with the spare wheels...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Now, it's time to do the carpet-log: thinner <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Pomegranate tree</a> branches, cut to the same size... I'll do it differently from the photo: put the woods crosswise... I think they look nicer and help to "lift" the cage antenna, which was a little collapsed.. But first, a test-fit, to test the concept...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7tWKjOrlmwH6ZO5LzViPCb_KYMReYJ-t7aUva49EIS1fleO51aG7yxsB2k9YBALB6IeiQyWu2VjX1yAUAzsvvPt5PRoOtJlanrIYI3gsSFet1o0Z0wdZDK1oLH9VS1xOGbU3hEA4WcfwjexOOw-6GfhfWzdRZRxtuAG5sgl_lSaTB7aIrdyoYVXJuA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7tWKjOrlmwH6ZO5LzViPCb_KYMReYJ-t7aUva49EIS1fleO51aG7yxsB2k9YBALB6IeiQyWu2VjX1yAUAzsvvPt5PRoOtJlanrIYI3gsSFet1o0Z0wdZDK1oLH9VS1xOGbU3hEA4WcfwjexOOw-6GfhfWzdRZRxtuAG5sgl_lSaTB7aIrdyoYVXJuA/w640-h390/Protze%20Radio%20085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the size of branches...indeed, the antenna got much better!!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaf4n_WC4Zk3Tngtt4eOT40OfUdriuOgBXaijtWjZCQPwSZwxhEQ9NsxvXkRMmMKwO-6NnRJLlFc1Uxr2-XyP2h26atpoaqlp5wkbJcbRS_mkNoHlHWECsEtJo0vKpG5TYSMu68ESP51eQCxJELgdbGwOFjgfUaVYm6mYZIAnZXPxgnCDVASuHNOwb9Q/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaf4n_WC4Zk3Tngtt4eOT40OfUdriuOgBXaijtWjZCQPwSZwxhEQ9NsxvXkRMmMKwO-6NnRJLlFc1Uxr2-XyP2h26atpoaqlp5wkbJcbRS_mkNoHlHWECsEtJo0vKpG5TYSMu68ESP51eQCxJELgdbGwOFjgfUaVYm6mYZIAnZXPxgnCDVASuHNOwb9Q/w640-h414/Protze%20Radio%20087.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpet of logs...testing branches..<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Satisfied with the concept and the size of the small branches, we will tie the "trunks" together, to form a rug: polyamide thread lacing the first trunk and with a tight and firm knot, before tying the next trunk. keep repeating this until the end, with micro-drops of superglue on the knots to prevent everything from coming undone... I stabilized the "trunk mat" with an adhesive tape, supporting the set so that the ends were free to be tied without problems...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH148jkKWhuH4pVrGitHiSGWeamEARCAGGnu__y7EYj8fnc19cjkJK4X4UdmjRZHzY6mOp0f_VipMU1s_iiw8o_JSC6FdtBhv-NGZVUkLs7BJmkJcTLaIDW2cRs53h3ZCL6AePglzWDFgs6VjmQhkja0JI8LWl1h2q0PQtUxFisJVTXIl44mVXM0DbFA/s1024/Protze%20Radio%20088.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH148jkKWhuH4pVrGitHiSGWeamEARCAGGnu__y7EYj8fnc19cjkJK4X4UdmjRZHzY6mOp0f_VipMU1s_iiw8o_JSC6FdtBhv-NGZVUkLs7BJmkJcTLaIDW2cRs53h3ZCL6AePglzWDFgs6VjmQhkja0JI8LWl1h2q0PQtUxFisJVTXIl44mVXM0DbFA/w640-h408/Protze%20Radio%20088.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tying the logs with polyamide thread to make the rug...<br />Doing a full side first...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hUw_BucdfCFOyYy0uFaVlq1IdB7ai7f-ilMS8nBwsRi8IVJwnqjlS-aiFpAo92dtTorIAil5UKDKW5QjsFSZ5tPwUHYubxSmVCZgOH4weN8ok5PR_Moq2TzMixcYOhq420OPfvmhJiD03GAW282yd8p4ktjS3g7UX1g1Ngx4ElREyNa9I5_zb5sidg/s1024/Protze%20Radio%20089.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1024" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hUw_BucdfCFOyYy0uFaVlq1IdB7ai7f-ilMS8nBwsRi8IVJwnqjlS-aiFpAo92dtTorIAil5UKDKW5QjsFSZ5tPwUHYubxSmVCZgOH4weN8ok5PR_Moq2TzMixcYOhq420OPfvmhJiD03GAW282yd8p4ktjS3g7UX1g1Ngx4ElREyNa9I5_zb5sidg/w640-h414/Protze%20Radio%20089.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And repeating the process on the other side...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUsim8ZV_at_7-q5vrDMmqOxspuAAZykqdhFRge9q6sIzvmtw5sFP8U15xW1ZiXzi_8xO0Cr1qrFU30DZSG2LiS7xWhVowVmJVFMctPLmSMRbKGX7eF2TwFulUCpHstZWMNscNkDQK4cYukY5exeRnlo1DIme5fjyuQRjUbzfkmgfsD_0X6aFGV8_0Q/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUsim8ZV_at_7-q5vrDMmqOxspuAAZykqdhFRge9q6sIzvmtw5sFP8U15xW1ZiXzi_8xO0Cr1qrFU30DZSG2LiS7xWhVowVmJVFMctPLmSMRbKGX7eF2TwFulUCpHstZWMNscNkDQK4cYukY5exeRnlo1DIme5fjyuQRjUbzfkmgfsD_0X6aFGV8_0Q/w640-h392/Protze%20Radio%20090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the log mat fitted in its place!!! Perfect!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7L7YCkRyAC5jcreaPmmFDanG9EJTQdJeRRKvk9Fc6vRAXfkUarErlYL87jOFF7glAxM6zXI-jbGLbEtU-Cn-sV-CCy85hQQCcMl4jynLkqazWvKBK--iblgScP-FwBAvqC3YcxCF0Ni27MkZgS64QKMpOR8ybMelNYG_ZKiSi42KITMo7Gd7-YjnkQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20091.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7L7YCkRyAC5jcreaPmmFDanG9EJTQdJeRRKvk9Fc6vRAXfkUarErlYL87jOFF7glAxM6zXI-jbGLbEtU-Cn-sV-CCy85hQQCcMl4jynLkqazWvKBK--iblgScP-FwBAvqC3YcxCF0Ni27MkZgS64QKMpOR8ybMelNYG_ZKiSi42KITMo7Gd7-YjnkQ/w640-h386/Protze%20Radio%20091.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view!!!<br />I was very pleased with the result...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And after a "shower" of dust and dirt (Ukraine is very dusty in summer...but its swamps are treacherous...) our girl was ready: meet <i><b>Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</b></i>, vehicle number 3, belonging to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/71st_Infantry_Division_(Wehrmacht)" target="_blank">71st Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)</a> <i>(71. Infanterie-Division)</i>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6th_Army_(Wehrmacht)" target="_blank">6th Army</a> <i>(Armee-Oberkommando 6)</i>, of the Army Group South<i> (Heeresgruppe Süd)</i>, during the preparations of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kiev_(1941)" target="_blank">1st Battle of Kiev,</a> Ukraine, on the Russian Front, July 1941.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfNTb5DE2Ehvx4POGtC10brNoqokPYfBTmIWSWHrQIn0gQUlxbDCEpwbvFLzGu9nVIgk9Xv5Op1-IxOqh4Vyp0Kpu4gWg8ieboDDDPdoWjpjCaeXMmnHpYaLremYmtMpNKFzmxQgaZTvkQQTMyIhOQkp9G9Ce6L6dG-QEaxIQXNwWV5arIeP6qDKKDg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20109.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfNTb5DE2Ehvx4POGtC10brNoqokPYfBTmIWSWHrQIn0gQUlxbDCEpwbvFLzGu9nVIgk9Xv5Op1-IxOqh4Vyp0Kpu4gWg8ieboDDDPdoWjpjCaeXMmnHpYaLremYmtMpNKFzmxQgaZTvkQQTMyIhOQkp9G9Ce6L6dG-QEaxIQXNwWV5arIeP6qDKKDg/w640-h376/Protze%20Radio%20109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19<br /></b></i><span style="text-align: justify;">vehicle number 3 - </span><i style="text-align: justify;">71. Infanterie-Division - </i><i style="text-align: justify;">Armee-Oberkommando 6<br /></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Heeresgruppe Süd - </i><span style="text-align: justify;">Ukraine - Russian Front - July 1941.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSW6khHua7Nvt5jYqhgdrRZfF7c37WkLwbvSJhVx6hlu179E3k9F_g-WxMpnGBh9ff9WbGPZsdfbWbSQrmbyO0ktathGyj44Gu2qrtNbI2YyTk04-V5qsL1bKgshyj6s0BBIXpg6Ckfr3d274adIco2H9dxfgBwWIknkxF8TQOFfSKCkix_JsZ6TeWg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSW6khHua7Nvt5jYqhgdrRZfF7c37WkLwbvSJhVx6hlu179E3k9F_g-WxMpnGBh9ff9WbGPZsdfbWbSQrmbyO0ktathGyj44Gu2qrtNbI2YyTk04-V5qsL1bKgshyj6s0BBIXpg6Ckfr3d274adIco2H9dxfgBwWIknkxF8TQOFfSKCkix_JsZ6TeWg/w640-h378/Protze%20Radio%20092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</i><br />front left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H8A7C7oHweOvI0j69gHWSlTjfQm2zdi65O8-0xFkjtQbMKGyakG6kjwE2bwe-90DTPAFscJ9EKrBrwc_jdERSxu2mnq02v7n6RS1yUkTeu_batUQxkNKGZFODZbyEU_37FbE4DIJCoLumoIQvVgN-LcR1rLFVNXZnAcSf5nILlz_yyb-Y7B3qBE_OQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H8A7C7oHweOvI0j69gHWSlTjfQm2zdi65O8-0xFkjtQbMKGyakG6kjwE2bwe-90DTPAFscJ9EKrBrwc_jdERSxu2mnq02v7n6RS1yUkTeu_batUQxkNKGZFODZbyEU_37FbE4DIJCoLumoIQvVgN-LcR1rLFVNXZnAcSf5nILlz_yyb-Y7B3qBE_OQ/w640-h438/Protze%20Radio%20094.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">top front left view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLImbcPAtxO-Re9WTgib_2pGmoDCDPme3mA6tQn8aWp-bvlVIpNWo0mzYkx2X-TBf3NoIXA4_YPGWPUYbnwwm5iyfdiDZqS2m1Hmi8h9UcWPUdyPITgWI-1-m6cPb5ID4x0vUYn9gNJCLyUK6CTQw8wLzB4fm8ttgLbhyhksQ5ofBPgQzKrPtdD4pPA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20096.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLImbcPAtxO-Re9WTgib_2pGmoDCDPme3mA6tQn8aWp-bvlVIpNWo0mzYkx2X-TBf3NoIXA4_YPGWPUYbnwwm5iyfdiDZqS2m1Hmi8h9UcWPUdyPITgWI-1-m6cPb5ID4x0vUYn9gNJCLyUK6CTQw8wLzB4fm8ttgLbhyhksQ5ofBPgQzKrPtdD4pPA/w640-h336/Protze%20Radio%20096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> left view<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Hbu9dUn51I1oncF6VUSfcBkgSO4wwL3aswjpHvx4KYxS9ahrIotmxOs9fBsxGfQ6KjYhArdbvwW3TAQR1Lb3ntVljJKUaNjii6uzP7d2YjryAyVfPgkjg1b60e3efKxb9OPhaTGFg6N1MUaH_Efy8azAk_wjS26Mk0w6vt_OhDs-cYOi4_9u4sBvQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20097.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4Hbu9dUn51I1oncF6VUSfcBkgSO4wwL3aswjpHvx4KYxS9ahrIotmxOs9fBsxGfQ6KjYhArdbvwW3TAQR1Lb3ntVljJKUaNjii6uzP7d2YjryAyVfPgkjg1b60e3efKxb9OPhaTGFg6N1MUaH_Efy8azAk_wjS26Mk0w6vt_OhDs-cYOi4_9u4sBvQ/w640-h364/Protze%20Radio%20097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> top left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8xkDL-kliwKdN8_m9BPTtopBTpKEEYb0F-04uVagIOyq0T_ctf7MVoABK2Beq6emLcXRy3jR3cCBbU27DeevMFoFtvejAel1pLykvECQ7djF-WkmKswdH-x3GPhme1uX4USJKXaLwKhHwOTox3IFdTmVhyUS13L2ZMEvN7bxk0Ny8CQUqdFbeoa-aA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20098.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8xkDL-kliwKdN8_m9BPTtopBTpKEEYb0F-04uVagIOyq0T_ctf7MVoABK2Beq6emLcXRy3jR3cCBbU27DeevMFoFtvejAel1pLykvECQ7djF-WkmKswdH-x3GPhme1uX4USJKXaLwKhHwOTox3IFdTmVhyUS13L2ZMEvN7bxk0Ny8CQUqdFbeoa-aA/w640-h380/Protze%20Radio%20098.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> rear left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcff9zrlCqLEodEcv7e5VRO6UU93OPuCMEwAFqF6sViTVYd9_SdAY0W-q5hv3rrcuy_znp6qjocLC7Rq5qnVaT356YFHzojnPowlPP-O7THV34Yer2BNoRRX7gHWjGY4ohMUFucqZGTsjebMezp2r-20ZERyrdTY8IDfyEaKNB7o2sevAJtFtNxGM7nQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20099.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcff9zrlCqLEodEcv7e5VRO6UU93OPuCMEwAFqF6sViTVYd9_SdAY0W-q5hv3rrcuy_znp6qjocLC7Rq5qnVaT356YFHzojnPowlPP-O7THV34Yer2BNoRRX7gHWjGY4ohMUFucqZGTsjebMezp2r-20ZERyrdTY8IDfyEaKNB7o2sevAJtFtNxGM7nQ/w640-h386/Protze%20Radio%20099.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> left tool </span>cabinet details</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58FpLC899BCNvTdGuVgoVkBPQTaTcieRfB84AgcY4KJmXMO0sBkz4G1dk6MIsrWJojnMztPfgSz4NaDBw053J4cfFGWYCkgn12UnqDgjxMv82UcEgpnSyvBv0Z-BSOWVWr3g-xcmKO0NgHCSWslYLll-WcrQm1iK3s9GBQBp4ck9J4MUQ4vW6d-3W-w/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58FpLC899BCNvTdGuVgoVkBPQTaTcieRfB84AgcY4KJmXMO0sBkz4G1dk6MIsrWJojnMztPfgSz4NaDBw053J4cfFGWYCkgn12UnqDgjxMv82UcEgpnSyvBv0Z-BSOWVWr3g-xcmKO0NgHCSWslYLll-WcrQm1iK3s9GBQBp4ck9J4MUQ4vW6d-3W-w/w640-h384/Protze%20Radio%20100.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19</i><br style="text-align: justify;" /><div style="text-align: center;">internal details</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ev9a5zxJ6U9HhqGlruUox0vhYmP9fJHRpYRp6VF3bJk93mgVm1zF-rn2qFBKWEju733xKsqaFclVTk_Ts2gm1fEQHJHokEKWqzTYFGCAwkbI3DRHmF7Jao48uqSNw4aidkeBDf49qHE0DlodE2CKfhuwR8fm5C2LDLhpuWjpAdxMVNdDIP9x9TsaZA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ev9a5zxJ6U9HhqGlruUox0vhYmP9fJHRpYRp6VF3bJk93mgVm1zF-rn2qFBKWEju733xKsqaFclVTk_Ts2gm1fEQHJHokEKWqzTYFGCAwkbI3DRHmF7Jao48uqSNw4aidkeBDf49qHE0DlodE2CKfhuwR8fm5C2LDLhpuWjpAdxMVNdDIP9x9TsaZA/w640-h370/Protze%20Radio%20101.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19 <br /></i>rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH2Epf5TF5n4iYSGJcdUdAdNH9jPXj-9F9PWMwt0ByZUaMOcb0OMjc6Fy7DqFD4QoeujAE9MyGPoMAO0NXuSc8M74YLFhIb_PSVDTwY596m3jvXrn3r5lmzQGBpESanlXWzcFde0xcEax5ysnfqxmotd4y1-R5Y1Lbwq0HUHLCg0sh9H5bOVXcixsLQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20103.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH2Epf5TF5n4iYSGJcdUdAdNH9jPXj-9F9PWMwt0ByZUaMOcb0OMjc6Fy7DqFD4QoeujAE9MyGPoMAO0NXuSc8M74YLFhIb_PSVDTwY596m3jvXrn3r5lmzQGBpESanlXWzcFde0xcEax5ysnfqxmotd4y1-R5Y1Lbwq0HUHLCg0sh9H5bOVXcixsLQ/w640-h334/Protze%20Radio%20103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19 <br /></i>right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLveueh89GKj2LDSGiwmfprxzdA1cO8q3Oro3HPovxf84OIPPovdUVxP6ea4ZcVbRnCNjCUBskokZOB8rl4jfduKo6_9HILQ18wscw1QltNmztnQp79z61PU539_ahPcENc8p2_Tb7IXAxnY-RceNY8X2dFhrr79SOIZ4HamhojC_mSHT4ht2T2AfuA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20104.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLveueh89GKj2LDSGiwmfprxzdA1cO8q3Oro3HPovxf84OIPPovdUVxP6ea4ZcVbRnCNjCUBskokZOB8rl4jfduKo6_9HILQ18wscw1QltNmztnQp79z61PU539_ahPcENc8p2_Tb7IXAxnY-RceNY8X2dFhrr79SOIZ4HamhojC_mSHT4ht2T2AfuA/w640-h374/Protze%20Radio%20104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19 <br /></i>top right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KZ8sFgK2tCXxWMT37sOLkgFdwGxemdyz30cTDhptMu0tBP26unKuFDvtaBcjanV5rNOuTF-amYbK-lqUbNKboccJiPwvMAKY5E84BG7NeWpp_mQZBj9-CoWzveHK7ZDvuCVLnaXes4bFDGOvWFPanKtrQSCOdWsVWZUQtw_dZHtwvhGsFce4Cd_blA/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20105.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KZ8sFgK2tCXxWMT37sOLkgFdwGxemdyz30cTDhptMu0tBP26unKuFDvtaBcjanV5rNOuTF-amYbK-lqUbNKboccJiPwvMAKY5E84BG7NeWpp_mQZBj9-CoWzveHK7ZDvuCVLnaXes4bFDGOvWFPanKtrQSCOdWsVWZUQtw_dZHtwvhGsFce4Cd_blA/w640-h400/Protze%20Radio%20105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19 <br /></i>front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrexc5FXdPjpDLcQIGeO-dcL7rx73Mxp2_7Cfk5BEwAoipFck0cXXzFCC-WPR8ArkIPKDnv5b9ktxsuuvI8XkI8jinKDIsntO-9omSDREPKVGLHHksFV7vumXpr34xKHs2darti86h0df1Pcq4uqIOTKE8zlHi9mZJ6hWxFwhkSuI4uEGC3lYC1KANg/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrexc5FXdPjpDLcQIGeO-dcL7rx73Mxp2_7Cfk5BEwAoipFck0cXXzFCC-WPR8ArkIPKDnv5b9ktxsuuvI8XkI8jinKDIsntO-9omSDREPKVGLHHksFV7vumXpr34xKHs2darti86h0df1Pcq4uqIOTKE8zlHi9mZJ6hWxFwhkSuI4uEGC3lYC1KANg/w640-h370/Protze%20Radio%20106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19 <br /></i>with Kojak and Rover, the dog.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2MeDIZX_OUVzDyfD7lNII7YKFaTyKdxZU9IHGpc25vJorC-nMGOCpcq3PwIVcuKQsW4D-YrVnPSZE81f2HFVbwgxzcUy6cwyC9lfMZcBmlaeqHHaJYSs5LCg-69ODsjQp5AL_wfkKyi2xYsuSpAZeFGwD9tOod0WFAZLGOAkteUD01oA76SZj-pSpQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20108.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2MeDIZX_OUVzDyfD7lNII7YKFaTyKdxZU9IHGpc25vJorC-nMGOCpcq3PwIVcuKQsW4D-YrVnPSZE81f2HFVbwgxzcUy6cwyC9lfMZcBmlaeqHHaJYSs5LCg-69ODsjQp5AL_wfkKyi2xYsuSpAZeFGwD9tOod0WFAZLGOAkteUD01oA76SZj-pSpQ/w640-h366/Protze%20Radio%20108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19 <br /></i>with Panzer I Ausf.B Command car</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAoE1GvVXe7L04zWi2cslt4kkb2uYugKv2WhkIJgBN-Vm9ze6ecUgWp9k-3k458g-iIgqZ1LjjtwLsZfy-BXnrTZD7Dyrg2N91nTp2w-7cxUlpWAcTAuEdh4t_VbRJP24i_Hx63s9bKUEkktPCcU7HhIv99MBbAPTarCjAYM7umOkvgYdkgS2eGphsQ/s1280/Protze%20Radio%20095.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAoE1GvVXe7L04zWi2cslt4kkb2uYugKv2WhkIJgBN-Vm9ze6ecUgWp9k-3k458g-iIgqZ1LjjtwLsZfy-BXnrTZD7Dyrg2N91nTp2w-7cxUlpWAcTAuEdh4t_VbRJP24i_Hx63s9bKUEkktPCcU7HhIv99MBbAPTarCjAYM7umOkvgYdkgS2eGphsQ/w640-h396/Protze%20Radio%20095.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>Krupp Protze L2 H143 Funkkraftwagen (Radio-car) - Kfz. 19<br /></b></i><span style="text-align: justify;">vehicle number 3 - </span><i style="text-align: justify;">71. Infanterie-Division - </i><i style="text-align: justify;">Armee-Oberkommando 6<br /></i><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Heeresgruppe Süd - </i><span style="text-align: justify;">Ukraine - Russian Front - July 1941.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Thanks for following along, <i>Kameraden!</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Radio-car is ready!!</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9YGG_VTUxbxpAwQkHxpDvW2e2aFeusIN1bQmu3F4aXWN66WUjHPYEEFPsA5whmdsM8msCIYxqGnY9ewLzmpZ3wRNTVqhc_LAOUo7sfxbu2CevXQgqntGtCqPx4-l8CZZ3Ey0i_wFB2sluBrweWET6Jm8aRX1E0Jg9xf4xCktqvUuDu1guPUhJDJR9Q/s1024/Protze%20Radio%20084e.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9YGG_VTUxbxpAwQkHxpDvW2e2aFeusIN1bQmu3F4aXWN66WUjHPYEEFPsA5whmdsM8msCIYxqGnY9ewLzmpZ3wRNTVqhc_LAOUo7sfxbu2CevXQgqntGtCqPx4-l8CZZ3Ey0i_wFB2sluBrweWET6Jm8aRX1E0Jg9xf4xCktqvUuDu1guPUhJDJR9Q/w640-h408/Protze%20Radio%20084e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></b></span></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-85237420502707016462022-07-26T03:24:00.301-03:002022-08-19T12:46:33.424-03:00Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1 - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Sturmart'lerie bricht vor... </i></b></span><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><i>Panzer voran!</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span><span style="white-space: nowrap;">Assault artillery breaks out... </span></span><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">Tanks ahead! - </span></span><span style="text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><span><i>Lied der Sturmartillerie</i>)</span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Today we are going to talk about one of the most important armored vehicles used by the Germans in WWII. It was the attack vehicle with the highest number of units produced by Nazi Germany, with unprecedented effectiveness and reliability. Our theme this time is the <b><i>Sturmgeschütz III</i></b>, in its <b><i>G</i></b> version. Let's find out more about the <i><b>Stug III Ausf G</b></i>...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5ta09XzxA-ijOw-qzWd6Yr7ixgmNAAwrRfs90myuxGnvWabOgxYTqKmlJOafap3NU5j22mZxhIMMlJ_esEsWtuuhyvs1IVc-4ABuUQnYzt6xjfGmOnFU5_uzVTntW6G3PYkqGZpEqWX2yoo_-7PoC3uaGZJ9IudP2wdwvL-zTCIWxGmzHMMOERMW5w/s1280/box%20art3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5ta09XzxA-ijOw-qzWd6Yr7ixgmNAAwrRfs90myuxGnvWabOgxYTqKmlJOafap3NU5j22mZxhIMMlJ_esEsWtuuhyvs1IVc-4ABuUQnYzt6xjfGmOnFU5_uzVTntW6G3PYkqGZpEqWX2yoo_-7PoC3uaGZJ9IudP2wdwvL-zTCIWxGmzHMMOERMW5w/w640-h414/box%20art3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvyD4UuOkeFN6-UFzJJgcaFkJXvHhVnhU38P4W60TBX3nvDUZgMoB7r_PVQQbWKLtC67TAuk_PW1GUc5iWWEPrd6KUDsHTUcbyjbuOAQbM84GWbrLf9SAqvoS1vO7ifqsAtxOyt0MsNYdiaoIEbHw2LmYd8ie6qyuDDakqOZflj070rH9T1YcWQ57aw/s1280/Stug%20III%20Ausf%20G%20Russ.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvyD4UuOkeFN6-UFzJJgcaFkJXvHhVnhU38P4W60TBX3nvDUZgMoB7r_PVQQbWKLtC67TAuk_PW1GUc5iWWEPrd6KUDsHTUcbyjbuOAQbM84GWbrLf9SAqvoS1vO7ifqsAtxOyt0MsNYdiaoIEbHw2LmYd8ie6qyuDDakqOZflj070rH9T1YcWQ57aw/w640-h346/Stug%20III%20Ausf%20G%20Russ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf G assault gun</span> with Wehrmacht infantry</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Eastern Front - ca.1943</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>History:</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <b><i>Sturmgeschütz III</i></b> (StuG III)<i><b> Sd.Kfz. 142/1</b></i> assault gun was Germany's most-produced fully tracked armoured fighting vehicle during World War II, and second-most produced German armored combat vehicle of any type after the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sd.Kfz._251" target="_blank">Sd.Kfz. 251</a> half-track. It was built on a slightly modified <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_III" target="_blank">Panzer III</a> chassis, replacing the turret with an armored, fixed superstructure mounting a more powerful gun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOKbHIwF81_FddjJ84ouOBRaxwHgFSPLtyIgROlT-cNhuu8too2aMwFy9gMBnNn78TrbP4QfaXGFMXHslpivASZMzXwQQKlPq-CJbi0Xn1C-f9Bg5IDum-IHDKt_qbiDDyTU6N19Vee_cHjbltjnD1vukx-KPheaNmzEWIKwPaB3ED43xcI3W4uS4jQ/s1280/Panzer%20III%20Ausf.%20E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOKbHIwF81_FddjJ84ouOBRaxwHgFSPLtyIgROlT-cNhuu8too2aMwFy9gMBnNn78TrbP4QfaXGFMXHslpivASZMzXwQQKlPq-CJbi0Xn1C-f9Bg5IDum-IHDKt_qbiDDyTU6N19Vee_cHjbltjnD1vukx-KPheaNmzEWIKwPaB3ED43xcI3W4uS4jQ/w640-h386/Panzer%20III%20Ausf.%20E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Initially intended as a mobile <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_gun" target="_blank">assault gun</a> for direct-fire support for infantry, the StuG III was continually modified, and much like the later <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdpanzer" target="_blank">Jagdpanzer</a> vehicles, was employed as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tank_destroyer" target="_blank">tank destroyer</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Development:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz" target="_blank">Sturmgeschütz</a> originated from German experiences in World War I, when it was discovered that, during the offensives on the Western Front, the infantry lacked the means to engage fortifications effectively. The artillery of the time was heavy and not mobile enough to keep up with the advancing infantry to destroy bunkers, pillboxes, and other minor fortifications with direct fire. Although the problem was well known in the German army, it was General <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_von_Manstein" target="_blank">Erich von Manstein</a> who is considered the father of the<i><b> Sturmartillerie</b></i> (assault artillery). </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfyaUkWs-1pDfDkt_HspYD05bkIXiFr7wAFh_jCTRBaZVBJPHKgNbLZiyg21XuRzpL6nkOQfOL7Be_SSrfB-5q_VPWJ12JPOmygSCu0agWZhUgI8gSIe_WFKpWKyh-qYFG8SrBgRjdZqsa1ZzhhWgTMLHJJtMv3mNoUDPj98TGQPQ3Euak7IFAk4jpw/s1200/on%20anstein%20-%20Time.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="912" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfyaUkWs-1pDfDkt_HspYD05bkIXiFr7wAFh_jCTRBaZVBJPHKgNbLZiyg21XuRzpL6nkOQfOL7Be_SSrfB-5q_VPWJ12JPOmygSCu0agWZhUgI8gSIe_WFKpWKyh-qYFG8SrBgRjdZqsa1ZzhhWgTMLHJJtMv3mNoUDPj98TGQPQ3Euak7IFAk4jpw/w486-h640/on%20anstein%20-%20Time.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Erich von Manstein in the front cover of <a href="http://content.time.com/time/magazine/0,9263,7601440110,00.html" target="_blank">Time Magazine</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">January 10, 1944 - Vol. XLIII No. 2</div><div style="text-align: center;">born: 24 November 1887 - died: 9 June 1973</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The initial proposal was from von Manstein and submitted to General <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Beck" target="_blank">Ludwig Beck</a> in 1935, suggesting that Sturmartillerie units should be used in a direct-fire support role for infantry divisions. On 15 June 1936, Daimler-Benz AG received an order to develop an armoured infantry support vehicle capable of mounting a 7.5 cm calibre artillery piece. The gun mount's fixed, fully integrated casemate superstructure was to allow a limited traverse of a minimum of 25° and provide overhead protection for the crew. The height of the vehicle was not to exceed that of the average soldier.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daimler-Benz" target="_blank"> Daimler-Benz AG</a> used the chassis and running gear of its recent Panzer III medium tank as a basis for the new vehicle. Prototype manufacture was passed over to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkett" target="_blank">Alkett</a>, which produced five prototypes in 1937 on Panzer III Ausf. B chassis. These prototypes featured a mild steel superstructure and a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krupp" target="_blank">Krupp</a> short-barrelled, howitzer-like in appearance, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.5_cm_KwK_37_L/24" target="_blank">7.5 cm StuK 37 L/24</a> cannon. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vE65x2gHhNr3xF-AOmTWOACVZilIXoejzS0L6r4RgUD6gIV91Dm6k3XKovjRN85CRgdQnK_NhZAQd2amB9Kx456NqMPD4bBhB3nFfbpe-3qau-XHJUqAULD0Mx0Q694jybOByYMvraj9O7fh0tHmY8rK4htAWplwgtEgZ2V5qmpc_0OtKRaHwNaLsA/s1280/7.5%20cm%20StuK%2037%20L-24%20gun.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1280" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vE65x2gHhNr3xF-AOmTWOACVZilIXoejzS0L6r4RgUD6gIV91Dm6k3XKovjRN85CRgdQnK_NhZAQd2amB9Kx456NqMPD4bBhB3nFfbpe-3qau-XHJUqAULD0Mx0Q694jybOByYMvraj9O7fh0tHmY8rK4htAWplwgtEgZ2V5qmpc_0OtKRaHwNaLsA/w640-h230/7.5%20cm%20StuK%2037%20L-24%20gun.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7.5 cm StuK 37 L/24 cannon</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Production vehicles with this gun were known as <b><i>Gepanzerte Selbstfahrlafette für Sturmgeschütz 7.5 cm Kanone Ausführung A (</i></b><b><i>Sturmgeschütz III</i></b> <i><b>Ausf. A -</b></i><b><i> Sd.Kfz.142)</i></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwh-DSR6_wou60RxgIFfHdgFvDd6tuacICA3IiS2ymuD9yQhY3JRm6qkW9H-XoZjs0zlUrBgTdcTcfWmnEtYgz58lgSkWp8MNso57Fhfwp1P4JKsHN6LEhaKR-uIlYauQP1HRiTlXseYI4yxwetd-5cpfHC57pagv6PJ55SbRc81vtlvUgrpptKMzFsg/s1280/Stug%20III%20A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwh-DSR6_wou60RxgIFfHdgFvDd6tuacICA3IiS2ymuD9yQhY3JRm6qkW9H-XoZjs0zlUrBgTdcTcfWmnEtYgz58lgSkWp8MNso57Fhfwp1P4JKsHN6LEhaKR-uIlYauQP1HRiTlXseYI4yxwetd-5cpfHC57pagv6PJ55SbRc81vtlvUgrpptKMzFsg/w640-h300/Stug%20III%20A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. A - Sd.Kfz.142</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> While the StuG was considered self-propelled artillery, it was not clear which land combat arm of the German Army would handle the new weapon. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzerwaffe" target="_blank">Panzerwaffe</a> (armoured corps), the natural user of tracked fighting vehicles, had no resources to spare for the formation of StuG units and neither did the infantry. It was agreed that it would best be employed as part of the artillery arm. The StuGs were organized into battalions (later renamed "brigades" for disinformation purposes) and followed their own doctrine. Infantry support using direct fire was its intended role. Later, there was also a strong emphasis on its use as an anti-tank gun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> As the StuG was designed to fill an infantry close support combat role, early models were fitted with the aforementioned howitzer-pattern, low-velocity 7.5 cm StuK 37 L/24 gun, much as the earliest versions of the fully turreted <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzer_IV" target="_blank">Panzer IV</a> were.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOTbZAInVrO2gKMFMVV_ymxpSCVD2jspSNQepN5T3hvKFJxn5DIbsPA7UMuI8KMI_Sqrcy5Ka2ytd_nC9sXQFNYMBM-AuSy6LUMRPKll9Lx8aUCEIHzimXuhmZuJ31OE8IBzS-4UxIQW4_D7WVFew-GUYzca_H9lMNQPhYHXldo2HJ9L2I5wi_oJwAg/s1280/Panzer%20VI%20Ausf.%20E.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOTbZAInVrO2gKMFMVV_ymxpSCVD2jspSNQepN5T3hvKFJxn5DIbsPA7UMuI8KMI_Sqrcy5Ka2ytd_nC9sXQFNYMBM-AuSy6LUMRPKll9Lx8aUCEIHzimXuhmZuJ31OE8IBzS-4UxIQW4_D7WVFew-GUYzca_H9lMNQPhYHXldo2HJ9L2I5wi_oJwAg/w640-h310/Panzer%20VI%20Ausf.%20E.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzer IV Ausf. E with 7.5 cm StuK 37 L/24<span style="text-align: justify;"> gun</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Low-velocity shells are lightly built of thin steel and carry a large charge of explosive, to destroy soft-skin targets and blast fortifications. Such shells do not penetrate armour well. After the Germans encountered the Soviet <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kliment_Voroshilov_tank" target="_blank">KV-1</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-34" target="_blank">T-34</a> tanks, the Germans quickly increased the firepower of their StuGs.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGDgEMgVF_dQYzegRTg8rITuskgQ3vVf2U0MYybCxEGeLIxa1yIuuBMneuEHK0RYMGaW4kpDSZ91lxxlNC83Z1K7uM048jtsWtz49hNLuUJDTcN689nA1N20_FXXBqxFxyS3ThJj6OOa6otpkg1d1dE1Sie0Ug1ULEqEZYALkSgEXGtWdPTLEpH4oMA/s1280/KV-1%201939.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGDgEMgVF_dQYzegRTg8rITuskgQ3vVf2U0MYybCxEGeLIxa1yIuuBMneuEHK0RYMGaW4kpDSZ91lxxlNC83Z1K7uM048jtsWtz49hNLuUJDTcN689nA1N20_FXXBqxFxyS3ThJj6OOa6otpkg1d1dE1Sie0Ug1ULEqEZYALkSgEXGtWdPTLEpH4oMA/w640-h382/KV-1%201939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KV-1 heavy tank - 1939</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HNqTSybpnsH8OtQPdq1wgkuONVYDc-S34vkyX_CYQdggtkFDAaMFmTUrmeaC4fiqJTIbDO07M_jFFAFDxsfBxF_jAHGTNbxpvZAknDguoFlPpAKj69JoUWOXVCF6p3vo4oIjloBOwDlpAtfTZ0k7lazntoVdr4EkBSLHp_3fwzh8vV_eTyHV4prWew/s1332/T-34-76%201940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1332" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HNqTSybpnsH8OtQPdq1wgkuONVYDc-S34vkyX_CYQdggtkFDAaMFmTUrmeaC4fiqJTIbDO07M_jFFAFDxsfBxF_jAHGTNbxpvZAknDguoFlPpAKj69JoUWOXVCF6p3vo4oIjloBOwDlpAtfTZ0k7lazntoVdr4EkBSLHp_3fwzh8vV_eTyHV4prWew/w640-h408/T-34-76%201940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-34/76 - 1940</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The vehicles was first equipped with a high-velocity <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/200512429329886031/8523742050270701646#">7.5 cm StuK 40 L/43</a> main gun (spring 1942) and in the autumn of 1942 with the slightly longer <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/200512429329886031/8523742050270701646#">7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48</a> gun.<div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx7Dm63G4JkjL81bCdt-Yww5HEDyWMn8IFjs4G9TS_hB0qWpNUEL_ClIC2Y9HryA6D19gQ-_8akXicQVYpdFNja_kv2QjaNVvoH1l0cAD1KKaTIT9guE_RaA9a0UyWnPXH8_Uf6_sW8eDtLydqFv_nV2hk4qcTfnTBu-QntuwMje6QSZgwujJ0_Ex8Q/s1280/7,5cm%20StuK%2040%20L-43.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1280" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx7Dm63G4JkjL81bCdt-Yww5HEDyWMn8IFjs4G9TS_hB0qWpNUEL_ClIC2Y9HryA6D19gQ-_8akXicQVYpdFNja_kv2QjaNVvoH1l0cAD1KKaTIT9guE_RaA9a0UyWnPXH8_Uf6_sW8eDtLydqFv_nV2hk4qcTfnTBu-QntuwMje6QSZgwujJ0_Ex8Q/w640-h246/7,5cm%20StuK%2040%20L-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxFWkWJWdOMy1p_le9SdkPnc356KognvUXn_DDY9jm8indfIDVoeC5b_SedvQRyS7BkNjUqFMsYepIvuVEj0p5XFgHAmyBfyKyEH7J_C7G7cDHPAvybs1HxJ4Pza6nY3hiIesZFsLONgidL-a1BNVp8lPbYiKyiLn1co0pnpN1bkYQ3ezqvzSvhkWVA/s1424/7,5cm%20StuK%2040%20L-43%20pic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1424" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxFWkWJWdOMy1p_le9SdkPnc356KognvUXn_DDY9jm8indfIDVoeC5b_SedvQRyS7BkNjUqFMsYepIvuVEj0p5XFgHAmyBfyKyEH7J_C7G7cDHPAvybs1HxJ4Pza6nY3hiIesZFsLONgidL-a1BNVp8lPbYiKyiLn1co0pnpN1bkYQ3ezqvzSvhkWVA/w640-h278/7,5cm%20StuK%2040%20L-43%20pic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7,5 cm StuK 40 L/43 gun, in left side view</td></tr></tbody></table><div> The StuGs followed the same evolution of the main armament of the Panzer IV, starting with the 7.5 cm low velocity cannon with 24 calibers to the powerful 7.5 cm high velocity and 48 calibers.</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfjfpPpFw1vgXBn8vWf3YeAc8pMjR1oMnZfUazCA-gHmchA8WFee3endsK0hcemlwmHdFT5ZGpzmZZVygRAsswsvW3gWnRnKcuPqcSL9dDUk5Mx_6fraU5Y-HSvZ-CD1HUIjw-ySG0uM7E5JPjrWX0NTkZ4cyq8Qydv1QhqHhEIFcDKTe1n73mVvF3A/s1280/Pz%204%20guns.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfjfpPpFw1vgXBn8vWf3YeAc8pMjR1oMnZfUazCA-gHmchA8WFee3endsK0hcemlwmHdFT5ZGpzmZZVygRAsswsvW3gWnRnKcuPqcSL9dDUk5Mx_6fraU5Y-HSvZ-CD1HUIjw-ySG0uM7E5JPjrWX0NTkZ4cyq8Qydv1QhqHhEIFcDKTe1n73mVvF3A/w640-h382/Pz%204%20guns.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main weapons of Panzer IV turrets. <br />StuGs never used the round muzzle brake version of<br />the L/43 for the Pz. IV Ausf. F2</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-4GySClEWOe9GfEERvIqNjjaoNpBsuzMG_FcQx_zfEV1LI01E01myv5J83Rn9cieVgdHzFEQKWa2sMKxvjw74rQHH8Q85TvLrT-bWkxts3-oZ2gRBhmwMPzn444n9VYNAd0dLPQv7y9aF2tIofLGuhlPvziUU2lNkr8t1DOei2PpfwLE11xsgzk0Iw/s1280/Pzjger%20Ib%20L-48.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-4GySClEWOe9GfEERvIqNjjaoNpBsuzMG_FcQx_zfEV1LI01E01myv5J83Rn9cieVgdHzFEQKWa2sMKxvjw74rQHH8Q85TvLrT-bWkxts3-oZ2gRBhmwMPzn444n9VYNAd0dLPQv7y9aF2tIofLGuhlPvziUU2lNkr8t1DOei2PpfwLE11xsgzk0Iw/w640-h390/Pzjger%20Ib%20L-48.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Example of an installation of 7,5 cm StuK 40 L/48 gun mounted<br />on a Panzer IB chassis at the end of the war. <br />Desperate times call for desperate measures...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> These high-velocity guns were the same as those mounted on the Panzer IV for anti-tank use but the heavy steel wall high-velocity shells carried much less explosive and had a lower blast effect for use against infantry or field fortifications. These versions were known as the 7.5 cm Sturmgeschütz 40 Ausf.F, Ausf. F/8 and Ausf. G (Sd.Kfz.142/1).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Beginning with the StuG III Ausf. G from December 1942, a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_34" target="_blank">7.92 mm MG34</a> machine gun could be mounted on a shield on top of the superstructure for added anti-infantry protection. Some of the F/8 models were retrofitted with a shield. An additional coaxial 7.92 mm MG34 started to appear in 1944 and became standard on all production during the same year.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uCxJaAua2XofrRPwSmHaLZwgYKGttIcXUlIuHIvothvLnGxLLDRtU9O7LWOSYtSNrkXGBIiCm1m4QnAyf5yO0c2jtvz2pDwq734u1RTGnVI9UqKjukDwyy2CeaLrf8iQ9Z72x_5CjuPs_4_z3q7dtqhcQ80TuPu-UD8ZU7puuzGZcKUct8reMSl4kg/s879/MG%2034%20roof.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="792" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uCxJaAua2XofrRPwSmHaLZwgYKGttIcXUlIuHIvothvLnGxLLDRtU9O7LWOSYtSNrkXGBIiCm1m4QnAyf5yO0c2jtvz2pDwq734u1RTGnVI9UqKjukDwyy2CeaLrf8iQ9Z72x_5CjuPs_4_z3q7dtqhcQ80TuPu-UD8ZU7puuzGZcKUct8reMSl4kg/w576-h640/MG%2034%20roof.jpg" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7,92mm MG 34 installed in a shield, in front of<br />loader's hatch, in the StuG III roof</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The vehicles of the Sturmgeschütz series were cheaper and faster to build than contemporary German tanks. This was due to the omission of the turret, which greatly simplified manufacture and allowed the chassis to carry a larger gun. By the end of the war, ~11,300 StuG IIIs and StuH 42s had been built.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Operational use:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Sturmgeschütz III-series of vehicles proved very successful and served on all fronts, from Russia to North Africa and Western Europe to Italy, as assault guns and tank destroyers. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQfq3lHeEbm3ni0xQ9xiDFdtRaJtVT9o1W0gjqd_2uVB_APmgAF1alqL8mltxf1bv4wK25X_82dCf2oRlqPmLYLr7PCUAijoWVjJeDVxdflo2I9jPpXYWvhdqeWq7ii-6Pb76VDuC6yrpP8QoBM2lsloMDkmISCXtRZcK6cRpGWwHU5Uun_6i1cUmTA/s1280/StuG%20III%20Ausf%20B%20in%20Gorkie%20Eastern%20Front%201941.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1280" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQfq3lHeEbm3ni0xQ9xiDFdtRaJtVT9o1W0gjqd_2uVB_APmgAF1alqL8mltxf1bv4wK25X_82dCf2oRlqPmLYLr7PCUAijoWVjJeDVxdflo2I9jPpXYWvhdqeWq7ii-6Pb76VDuC6yrpP8QoBM2lsloMDkmISCXtRZcK6cRpGWwHU5Uun_6i1cUmTA/w640-h334/StuG%20III%20Ausf%20B%20in%20Gorkie%20Eastern%20Front%201941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf B in Gorky<br />Eastern Front - Russia - 1941</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrjDL4tlmU5v14Pz6aDUA5CX5y5r7kq0HZaabZfx-TY8W5SsEMvsPmMNKILfwFmWZjDCj4L2DhYVPZ14gD2tj-RaJDjQ0pAnjyfrfmlhKSRDGvMEk3uv9E3_GzHSQoY3trwZXDi1tkzZ4aSGiugnXKLMTm44swailkfQW32Yj_ZjoJUb3_UFNDpPyMA/s1280/stug%20III%20desert.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1280" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrjDL4tlmU5v14Pz6aDUA5CX5y5r7kq0HZaabZfx-TY8W5SsEMvsPmMNKILfwFmWZjDCj4L2DhYVPZ14gD2tj-RaJDjQ0pAnjyfrfmlhKSRDGvMEk3uv9E3_GzHSQoY3trwZXDi1tkzZ4aSGiugnXKLMTm44swailkfQW32Yj_ZjoJUb3_UFNDpPyMA/w640-h314/stug%20III%20desert.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Column of British M3 light tanks passing by abandoned <br />Stug III Ausf. D from <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonderverband_288" target="_blank"><i>Sonderverband</i> 288</a><br />Kompanie n. 5 and a burned Panzer III Ausf. J<br />North Africa - 1942</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENBXtIut5V7iDM-XiLhypxSjPWJagsM3ORzlls8wghyappjdZB7o0X4f_yJpdJutT8vcnEHadNJwFGD0RqVGYBeqHJzaHAqxj9SK81S2reWinaIlVCqLuWSWdmDLfYAN15qZB3mDEekMP7gkbeCBF_m-pSVSkJS4AmJbf9fEjVXjj6RIG3MPNYQxvSA/s1280/StuGs%20III%20Ausf.B%20%20from%20Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20Abteilung%20192%20Russian%20front%201942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENBXtIut5V7iDM-XiLhypxSjPWJagsM3ORzlls8wghyappjdZB7o0X4f_yJpdJutT8vcnEHadNJwFGD0RqVGYBeqHJzaHAqxj9SK81S2reWinaIlVCqLuWSWdmDLfYAN15qZB3mDEekMP7gkbeCBF_m-pSVSkJS4AmJbf9fEjVXjj6RIG3MPNYQxvSA/w640-h432/StuGs%20III%20Ausf.B%20%20from%20Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20Abteilung%20192%20Russian%20front%201942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">StuGs III Ausf.B from</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sturmgeschütz Abteilung 192</div><div style="text-align: center;">The vehicle 34<span style="text-align: left;"> is an Ausf. C or D</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Russian front - 1942</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uxpiWVgMD0hiMnzXnOBrU4M9f-wK20s-J8YKQ53MtG3iRjcv9QATI59eLBBWogk5iZdfqMb_YM8SA0ooVD88zypUfsFhIXMsDQ8FTsuf6cGWvo_Guz2Uwti4teddwjKsDN5miBGfnpiLCuDSgYICUrpJ6cr5NYWpu1bcBbQGwcvrlywRCpVOnEVz5g/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf%20G%20Berlin%20-1945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uxpiWVgMD0hiMnzXnOBrU4M9f-wK20s-J8YKQ53MtG3iRjcv9QATI59eLBBWogk5iZdfqMb_YM8SA0ooVD88zypUfsFhIXMsDQ8FTsuf6cGWvo_Guz2Uwti4teddwjKsDN5miBGfnpiLCuDSgYICUrpJ6cr5NYWpu1bcBbQGwcvrlywRCpVOnEVz5g/w640-h408/StuG%20III%20Ausf%20G%20Berlin%20-1945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf.G in the streets of Berlin<br />Germany - 1945</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Because of their low silhouette, StuG IIIs were easy to camouflage and be hidden and were difficult targets to destroy. As of 10 April 1945, there were 1,053 StuG IIIs and 277 StuH 42s in German service. The StuG assault guns were cost-effective compared with the heavier German tanks such as the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_I" target="_blank">Tiger I</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panther_tank" target="_blank">Panther</a>, although as anti-tank guns they were best used defensively as the lack of a traversable turret and its generally-thin armour was a severe disadvantage in the attack role. As the situation for the German military deteriorated further later in the war, more StuGs were built than tanks, particularly due to ease of production.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In Italy, the Sturmgeschütz was highly-valued by crews fighting Allied armour, but was dogged by mechanical unreliability; particularly the delicate final drive units. The small box on the track cover, which was normally fixed on the engine deck, contained the track tools.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCGaPypR6XdtC9gEovTqJGEL0g1Zc3PiJ9K79UApOQkmV4KczEheSznQpc09SUFggjHKXyyayI6CmcAiA5jtzGP_hqw4Nf1ucHsrJ79xUtPNQTuV-95iV6qfHv8iIysvmxGSfkKTT-3OXCbAyle0NfDK7X4es0PoRTXvNfhAZzH5tlAKGOkiDw52A7Q/s1280/German%20StuG%20III%20assault%20gun%20near%20Cassino,%2018%20May%201944.%20Two%2075mm%20AP%20rounds%20Sherman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1280" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHCGaPypR6XdtC9gEovTqJGEL0g1Zc3PiJ9K79UApOQkmV4KczEheSznQpc09SUFggjHKXyyayI6CmcAiA5jtzGP_hqw4Nf1ucHsrJ79xUtPNQTuV-95iV6qfHv8iIysvmxGSfkKTT-3OXCbAyle0NfDK7X4es0PoRTXvNfhAZzH5tlAKGOkiDw52A7Q/w640-h490/German%20StuG%20III%20assault%20gun%20near%20Cassino,%2018%20May%201944.%20Two%2075mm%20AP%20rounds%20Sherman.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Destroyed StuG III Ausf. G near Cassino - Italy. <br />Notice two 75mm AP rounds fired by Sherman<br />that have penetrated the vehicle's frontal armor.<br />18 May - 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1943 and 1944, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Army" target="_blank">Finnish Army</a> received 59 StuG III Ausf. Gs from Germany and used them against the Soviet Union. Thirty of the vehicles were received in 1943 and a further twenty-nine obtained in 1944. The first batch from 1943 destroyed at least eighty-seven enemy tanks for a loss of only eight StuGs (some of which were destroyed by their crews to prevent enemy capture). The later batch from 1944 saw no real action. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_avoF9m2BZyNmO_sJ_OpNmD4u7_NMBLnUfKGHqJ3ZMwwJvpZy65hfeLajFjcJK6nvipGnVDllOFmccHHbAgfLNx3K8g29z6Y6elNASWyrXFk_993ls7D9eMKpSlPd_5Z_W33xTCxxcY80zECOxu8V6b0qUdEJL7OMqaOFk_sGOr7w9XJvb4FSFb1uw/s1280/Finnish%20StuG%20III%20from%20Tienhaara%20tank%20division%20-%20Hanhijoki%20area,%20June%2023,%201944.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM_avoF9m2BZyNmO_sJ_OpNmD4u7_NMBLnUfKGHqJ3ZMwwJvpZy65hfeLajFjcJK6nvipGnVDllOFmccHHbAgfLNx3K8g29z6Y6elNASWyrXFk_993ls7D9eMKpSlPd_5Z_W33xTCxxcY80zECOxu8V6b0qUdEJL7OMqaOFk_sGOr7w9XJvb4FSFb1uw/w640-h420/Finnish%20StuG%20III%20from%20Tienhaara%20tank%20division%20-%20Hanhijoki%20area,%20June%2023,%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finnish StuG III from Tienhaara Tank Division<br /> Hanhijoki area - Finland - 23 June - 1944</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the war, the StuGs were the main combat vehicles of the Finnish Army up until the early 1960s when they were phased out. These StuGs gained the nickname "Sturmi" in the Finnish military, which can be found in some plastic scale-model kits.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5KIZJ-0mTEL6F3Gdj771uM-wlNyAOFHPgen2Vc7Ph-sB8JZ8h04BWQslXA5Kb8tK0_kp0XpAej02fXWUbsgVgYgd9Usi9ObHlUprkWm-R4WEkE7kR66iIEBAfmyV-ejzBfOObMGKaK3N8OL3sylLRZR-vLmBCkdgFiPGy3bqviA7s4agOgsjB-YzeQ/s1280/StuG%20III%20Tamiya.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5KIZJ-0mTEL6F3Gdj771uM-wlNyAOFHPgen2Vc7Ph-sB8JZ8h04BWQslXA5Kb8tK0_kp0XpAej02fXWUbsgVgYgd9Usi9ObHlUprkWm-R4WEkE7kR66iIEBAfmyV-ejzBfOObMGKaK3N8OL3sylLRZR-vLmBCkdgFiPGy3bqviA7s4agOgsjB-YzeQ/w640-h360/StuG%20III%20Tamiya.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamiya box art for Finnish StuG III Ausf. G<br />1735 scale</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> 100 StuG III Ausf. Gs were delivered to Romania in the autumn of 1943. They were officially known as TAs (or TAs T3 to avoid confusion with TAs T4 (Jagdpanzer IVs)) in their army's inventory. By February 1945, 13 were still in use with the 2nd Armoured Regiment. None of this initial batch survived the war. Thirty-one TAs were on the Romanian military's inventory in November 1947. Most of them were probably StuG III Ausf. Gs and a small number of Panzer IV/70 (V) (same as TAs T4). These TAs were supplied by the Red Army or were damaged units repaired by the Romanian Army. All German equipment was removed from service in 1950 and finally scrapped four years later due to the army's decision to use only Soviet armour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLWPTyl9AXZAl5msddWKnAI6hsgPDAC7n7GwT0LclJQbQ-VSnuAJ8H4hS5e00gL8ULZniNstNkk0PzCPK7cHMT92ojSKS17-jWmImfOz4_wBt7ifIzPKSixJpGIWzyOmgp6Yv-NLIdlDY1vBaifblW1dGm710qEP5dDhQXmU4cuRfemVPLvCBlYeEnw/s1538/StuG%20III%20TAs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="1538" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLWPTyl9AXZAl5msddWKnAI6hsgPDAC7n7GwT0LclJQbQ-VSnuAJ8H4hS5e00gL8ULZniNstNkk0PzCPK7cHMT92ojSKS17-jWmImfOz4_wBt7ifIzPKSixJpGIWzyOmgp6Yv-NLIdlDY1vBaifblW1dGm710qEP5dDhQXmU4cuRfemVPLvCBlYeEnw/w640-h210/StuG%20III%20TAs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GNRcWbCnygGPplbQqTqmxrLud41eTwu-SrC0IfYdH9R9OgciGACjip7emFBUeDucRveJ2MS5nYojYIKVQdfXCuc1v2pwZgNXeROcpcyEVTqqAiP5FKw7FAq0iysG9AOKgwj44u0R90HaUr8eqFAwDegX2kPJkSzir86S9sEBwbOvN35rc8Sthhwvfg/s1024/StuG%20III%20TAs%20T3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1024" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GNRcWbCnygGPplbQqTqmxrLud41eTwu-SrC0IfYdH9R9OgciGACjip7emFBUeDucRveJ2MS5nYojYIKVQdfXCuc1v2pwZgNXeROcpcyEVTqqAiP5FKw7FAq0iysG9AOKgwj44u0R90HaUr8eqFAwDegX2kPJkSzir86S9sEBwbOvN35rc8Sthhwvfg/w640-h540/StuG%20III%20TAs%20T3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romanian TAs T3 (StuG III Ausf. G)<br />1st Romanian Armoured Division<br />2nd Battle Tank Regiment <br />Moravia, April - 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> StuG IIIs were also exported to other nations friendly to Germany, including Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, and Spain. Hungary fielded its StuG IIIs against Soviet forces as they invaded their country in end-1944 up until early 1945. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RKOMrVBv0xertmZ8nUmP1tcY_2yHEKVEGmBO8NMI2kkKI77ypf27iWbUjX1Jnq-TnSOgcLhhKfyEz8xOdS0yWdjilCWxZHcerlnBZzTmaLu5DDaxEEDinx4sjKA-0Y5NUM78s70WxJXrL3LDw_57J6VQstjb-UXaQZRhKGdJqTS8EWFwIbClj_RPgA/s1280/StuG%20III%20Hungary.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RKOMrVBv0xertmZ8nUmP1tcY_2yHEKVEGmBO8NMI2kkKI77ypf27iWbUjX1Jnq-TnSOgcLhhKfyEz8xOdS0yWdjilCWxZHcerlnBZzTmaLu5DDaxEEDinx4sjKA-0Y5NUM78s70WxJXrL3LDw_57J6VQstjb-UXaQZRhKGdJqTS8EWFwIbClj_RPgA/w640-h296/StuG%20III%20Hungary.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRLAP6KzsfLuOAUAlrjQndti5w1Eqxgk969fLlzUZn0KFf0sEI46h421iwL6THF61PvMi_fLyz_ZMIepGnVn0G8_FdPhK5SrmJErS1GjxZLK0qXVIA50mHwxZ2WoR305dVDe5VCzd2Bap5atxxf_vJ_q_TBhbhLgBgAgCQ1VUeOUBNWFGQHQI150ZAg/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf.G%20Eastern%20Hungary,%20March%201945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1024" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRLAP6KzsfLuOAUAlrjQndti5w1Eqxgk969fLlzUZn0KFf0sEI46h421iwL6THF61PvMi_fLyz_ZMIepGnVn0G8_FdPhK5SrmJErS1GjxZLK0qXVIA50mHwxZ2WoR305dVDe5VCzd2Bap5atxxf_vJ_q_TBhbhLgBgAgCQ1VUeOUBNWFGQHQI150ZAg/w640-h410/StuG%20III%20Ausf.G%20Eastern%20Hungary,%20March%201945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G in Hungarian Army<br />March, 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As with Hungary, Bulgaria received several StuGs from Germany too but almost none saw service against the Soviets, the country having ended the alliance with Germany by switching sides to the Allies before the Soviets invaded. Post-WWII, these were used for a short time before being turned into fixed gun emplacements on the Krali Marko Line on the border with neighbouring Turkey. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxuQTqBHP6kreKukiaMPNSgqLEq6H_8F93SGQCVuSGD3EW7JtVMRmyxBvtlbZVyeUwgqvM7MVATlidnK0dPuaInUBD8gNhcLXasE4n8qFX9IKLg7TsPFCoJMtaILBJzHqCyXUNO1oPc5y6UIbRGMMALTuFBrkFNL4VwiEo1kEl2LH3RXvZ9MEpaZseA/s1024/StuG%20III%20Bulgarian.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxuQTqBHP6kreKukiaMPNSgqLEq6H_8F93SGQCVuSGD3EW7JtVMRmyxBvtlbZVyeUwgqvM7MVATlidnK0dPuaInUBD8gNhcLXasE4n8qFX9IKLg7TsPFCoJMtaILBJzHqCyXUNO1oPc5y6UIbRGMMALTuFBrkFNL4VwiEo1kEl2LH3RXvZ9MEpaZseA/w640-h266/StuG%20III%20Bulgarian.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> StuG IIIs were also given to the pro-German Ustashe Militia in Yugoslavia, most of which were captured in Yugoslavia by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josip_Broz_Tito" target="_blank">Tito's</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_partisans" target="_blank">Yugoslav partisans</a> during and after the war, as did German-operated vehicles. These were used by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_People%27s_Army" target="_blank">Yugoslav People's Army</a> until the 1950s when they were replaced by more modern combat vehicles. Spain received a small number (around 10) of StuG IIIs from Germany during WWII, later sold to Syria between 1950 and 1960. Italy received the smallest number of StuG IIIs Germany distributed in the war, with only 3.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlMDXxwFFRWhnO8HfM3RO0oqZqAUzGFKy3_kJyWUAy1S1GFO4S98hsarCXENZmYlFdBMYYt3Jx5GxgMFyLxPtCCH5A_eRu8sd37SfN7IYkbmweS-2fC8dILTpnTK1T7X8A_eTivu_syxG1n0mBkwJDNgYpQcR0VO_4gI84_cvEhxtwoBJS9XQOO0VLw/s1017/Spanish%20StuG%20III.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1017" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlMDXxwFFRWhnO8HfM3RO0oqZqAUzGFKy3_kJyWUAy1S1GFO4S98hsarCXENZmYlFdBMYYt3Jx5GxgMFyLxPtCCH5A_eRu8sd37SfN7IYkbmweS-2fC8dILTpnTK1T7X8A_eTivu_syxG1n0mBkwJDNgYpQcR0VO_4gI84_cvEhxtwoBJS9XQOO0VLw/w640-h338/Spanish%20StuG%20III.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Spanish StuG III Ausf.G from <span style="text-align: left;"></span><i>Escuela de Aplicación de Tiro de Artillería</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Artillery Shooting Application School)</div><div style="text-align: center;"> in Carabanchel - Madrid, Spain - 1944.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After the Second World War, abandoned German StuG IIIs remained behind in many European nations Germany occupied during the war years, such as in Czechoslovakia, France, Norway and Yugoslavia. The Soviet Union also captured hundreds of ex-German StuGs, most ending up being donated to Syria. An Italian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breda-SAFAT_machine_gun" target="_blank">12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun</a> taken from Syrian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_G.55" target="_blank">Fiat G.55</a> was mounted on commander cupola with retrofitted anti-aircraft mount. Syria continued to use StuG IIIs along with other war surplus armoured fighting vehicles received from the USSR or Czechoslovakia (varying from long-barrelled Panzer IVs (late models) and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-34-85">T-34-85s</a>) during the 1950s and up until <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_over_Water_(Jordan_river)" target="_blank">the War over Water</a> against Israel in the mid-1960s. By the time of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-Day_War" target="_blank">Six-Day War</a> in 1967, many of them had been either destroyed, stripped for spare parts, scrapped or emplaced on the Golan Heights as pillboxes. Some remained in service up to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur_War" target="_blank">Yom Kippur War</a> in 1973. None remain in service today. A few Syrian StuG IIIs ended up in Israeli hands and have become war memorials or simply left rusting away on former battlefields.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-zykgFDP6yvRBc5DbppIKZEEdFEOdr4HJB7afsrNOJSKxtNG551oSnD06HlKFAJdtABPDr8NyTOSTGwl1dIwoVJpJxhBw5GxZl80WrHnGJcaBdSWCQiaF7avq4KmC5pyzhohxvMW0Dw56gj-OUl-yJ9vPvcsH43pHlhXmG16lbewhBs5MKEC_qr9ww/s1280/StuG%20III%20Ausf%20G,%20captured%20from%20the%20Syrian%20Army,%20in%20Yad%20la-Shiryon%20Museum,%20Israel..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-zykgFDP6yvRBc5DbppIKZEEdFEOdr4HJB7afsrNOJSKxtNG551oSnD06HlKFAJdtABPDr8NyTOSTGwl1dIwoVJpJxhBw5GxZl80WrHnGJcaBdSWCQiaF7avq4KmC5pyzhohxvMW0Dw56gj-OUl-yJ9vPvcsH43pHlhXmG16lbewhBs5MKEC_qr9ww/w640-h380/StuG%20III%20Ausf%20G,%20captured%20from%20the%20Syrian%20Army,%20in%20Yad%20la-Shiryon%20Museum,%20Israel..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G, captured from the Syrian Army<br /> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yad_La-Shiryon" target="_blank">Yad la-Shiryon Museum - Israel</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Variants</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Production numbers were:</div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III prototypes:</b> (1937, 5 produced on Panzer III Ausf. B chassis): by December 1937, two vehicles were in service with Panzer Regiment 1 in Erfurt. Vehicles had eight road wheels per side with 360 mm wide tracks, 14.5 mm thick soft steel superstructure and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.5_cm_KwK_37" target="_blank">7.5 cm StuK 37 L/24</a> gun. Although not suitable for combat, they were used for training purposes as late as 1941.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5S_QFPmSGkb9-kralvNEVCliHERWEbA-ZO5vt9M6XsQmhfriM7qX0XQqaN0iDGtm-s1SFWSmZe1wDNfJO0AsHsy-cV0chuJRW9xIQz07aGf79mekhsVZpiO03emlxPgNgNgf8ihl7nt4t7oKYmGXFmE6r4PADcdF-_fDRqYpl5jNco6_L3yB7MDniTA/s1024/Pz%203%20ausf%20b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1024" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5S_QFPmSGkb9-kralvNEVCliHERWEbA-ZO5vt9M6XsQmhfriM7qX0XQqaN0iDGtm-s1SFWSmZe1wDNfJO0AsHsy-cV0chuJRW9xIQz07aGf79mekhsVZpiO03emlxPgNgNgf8ihl7nt4t7oKYmGXFmE6r4PADcdF-_fDRqYpl5jNco6_L3yB7MDniTA/w640-h330/Pz%203%20ausf%20b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalrSHROsUfWfRVxoYsb-g8cpXZEKxqZdw7he8aprZeBJwRG69RLbJXhPe5ztYpAOr-K6IEXnrAuGNpTIpElReGpykDpbIIhxDHDVZTmLSrbASPEX3HhxEURwYSrRIdIug4JLAnKZZUmxdhBYprEZdSCxxSCDbi19xD9cBoEMhQtZ7UhgYpYzmxoYR9w/s1280/StuG%20III%20prototype.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1280" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalrSHROsUfWfRVxoYsb-g8cpXZEKxqZdw7he8aprZeBJwRG69RLbJXhPe5ztYpAOr-K6IEXnrAuGNpTIpElReGpykDpbIIhxDHDVZTmLSrbASPEX3HhxEURwYSrRIdIug4JLAnKZZUmxdhBYprEZdSCxxSCDbi19xD9cBoEMhQtZ7UhgYpYzmxoYR9w/w640-h288/StuG%20III%20prototype.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III Ausf. A: </b>(Sd.Kfz. 142; January–May 1940, 30+6 produced by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daimler-Benz" target="_blank">Daimler-Benz</a>): first used in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_France" target="_blank">Battle of France</a>, the StuG III Ausf. A used a modified 5./ZW chassis (Panzer III Ausf. F) with front armour strengthened to 50 mm. The last six vehicles were built on chassis diverted from Panzer III Ausf. G production.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3vdMDQ__ZE4m4X26JPy7EJKg7FU4XbcbQj7jZANOBdjYzVudEP9HzhJorLc82CRMInMRrwHoXy-iucW15G4akZisatb-Ll9qbYPFYCggUg2oItGkg5bhiUj_TmsEgfIDFS1wTAlEqBMNIzSHVmCC9Mimd16mYejQTVAZLjK3G8-vCrFuyZRljhkBRA/s1024/Pz%203%20ausf%20f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1024" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3vdMDQ__ZE4m4X26JPy7EJKg7FU4XbcbQj7jZANOBdjYzVudEP9HzhJorLc82CRMInMRrwHoXy-iucW15G4akZisatb-Ll9qbYPFYCggUg2oItGkg5bhiUj_TmsEgfIDFS1wTAlEqBMNIzSHVmCC9Mimd16mYejQTVAZLjK3G8-vCrFuyZRljhkBRA/w640-h354/Pz%203%20ausf%20f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhwuv9Dnx7pAORajCj7XY8_vFOj9D3GaAFs5MS6a-3zBZwgE3tgLM5I2El3I-N3DmpbSdfdEMwnErleUDy8AImyoSmH-ky3cUR6cAzBDukUGXmtrsfl-iAk3l_j5lfsegNCffdWoipNjD4tYV6Flk8E10ATEe9v6WC8EY8PlbVVXFa_a-hUpw6xDXAQ/s1283/StuG%20III%20Ausf.A.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1283" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhwuv9Dnx7pAORajCj7XY8_vFOj9D3GaAFs5MS6a-3zBZwgE3tgLM5I2El3I-N3DmpbSdfdEMwnErleUDy8AImyoSmH-ky3cUR6cAzBDukUGXmtrsfl-iAk3l_j5lfsegNCffdWoipNjD4tYV6Flk8E10ATEe9v6WC8EY8PlbVVXFa_a-hUpw6xDXAQ/w640-h280/StuG%20III%20Ausf.A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III Ausf. B: </b>(Sd.Kfz 142; June 1940–May 1941, 300 produced by Alkett) Modified 7./ZW chassis (Panzer III Ausf. H), widened tracks (380 mm). Two rubber tires on each roadwheel were accordingly widened from 520 × 79 mm to 520 × 95 mm each. Both types of roadwheel were interchangeable. The troublesome 10-speed transmission was changed to a 6-speed one. The forwardmost return rollers were re-positioned further forward, reducing the vertical movements of the tracks before they were fed to the forward drive sprocket, and so reduced the chance of tracks being thrown. In the middle of production of the Ausf. B model, the original drive sprocket with eight round holes was changed to a new cast drive sprocket with six pie slice-shaped slots. This new drive wheel could take either 380 mm tracks or 360 mm wide tracks. 380 mm tracks were not exclusive to new drive wheels, as spacer rings could be added to the older sprockets. Vehicle number 90111 shows the older drive wheel with wider 380 mm tracks.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj1j5Tu8iqPf0n7TCqI3hYJ28OLwbOA-szipBg5PswD_MpSvsZRpS0_m7gHqyp3VtRk_A7JplI9ywQdcFA30PynrCq22lMlBlys10IdGlYsOp0noKbnQ4olF4gLBt9mkkJodyRLEuOHdNkvXILhwtTS07MdebpeNcLMoW93FmFrvknxkiIKa8Fno6Jg/s1024/Panzer%20III%20ausf%20H.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="577" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj1j5Tu8iqPf0n7TCqI3hYJ28OLwbOA-szipBg5PswD_MpSvsZRpS0_m7gHqyp3VtRk_A7JplI9ywQdcFA30PynrCq22lMlBlys10IdGlYsOp0noKbnQ4olF4gLBt9mkkJodyRLEuOHdNkvXILhwtTS07MdebpeNcLMoW93FmFrvknxkiIKa8Fno6Jg/w640-h360/Panzer%20III%20ausf%20H.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPgjKGmdFjQSgiWeL6nA2boGy54J2aU2GUkT1F2R9JwZPK_w-JPLngRxJNze07pqO2IKHDduY1-ZqNal6gpUUSUhcdfXnvFT1Ys1ID2COn6hZ9XWFwy4a26Vs7x9TfK4kqjuruVgp6VQuzuGMXt6rruqpzPVOg8bjDjDsdlSzGPnGAyhk6qcraJicsw/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf.B%20early%20drive%20sprocket.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="1024" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPgjKGmdFjQSgiWeL6nA2boGy54J2aU2GUkT1F2R9JwZPK_w-JPLngRxJNze07pqO2IKHDduY1-ZqNal6gpUUSUhcdfXnvFT1Ys1ID2COn6hZ9XWFwy4a26Vs7x9TfK4kqjuruVgp6VQuzuGMXt6rruqpzPVOg8bjDjDsdlSzGPnGAyhk6qcraJicsw/w640-h274/StuG%20III%20Ausf.B%20early%20drive%20sprocket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy_dnoe_7QP1Xb1HJqroJhcdvRLl0P55pWCxuYzwnOJR_g5CHgy-Kukz9MkMdoxWGIzYBxsrTMRlzcq3o5lUwoQI8ukZIPjIKbx3Lb-gSo_B0V5r14_JvqkPmPAZiZ0B3yA2CzHpt33dzdA1CV4rjpvD2-emVqwkca3-NhLM-gcIXK8Dm7b2ac989yw/s1027/StuG%20III%20Ausf.B%20late%20drive%20sprocket.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="1027" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGy_dnoe_7QP1Xb1HJqroJhcdvRLl0P55pWCxuYzwnOJR_g5CHgy-Kukz9MkMdoxWGIzYBxsrTMRlzcq3o5lUwoQI8ukZIPjIKbx3Lb-gSo_B0V5r14_JvqkPmPAZiZ0B3yA2CzHpt33dzdA1CV4rjpvD2-emVqwkca3-NhLM-gcIXK8Dm7b2ac989yw/w640-h278/StuG%20III%20Ausf.B%20late%20drive%20sprocket.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III Ausf. C:</b> (Sd.Kfz 142; April 1941, 50 produced) Gunner's forward view port above driver's visor was a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_trap" target="_blank">shot trap</a> and thus eliminated; instead, superstructure top was given an opening for gunner's periscope. Idler wheel was redesigned.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexNEGp8iEMv09D4h68fKKlKCFAEk7Nw4dBj76PYiAhHCWslEDbd7svDnpKAVjWgJ4sLP-SsXVs_lQwRvG_JlFQKUgJ_Bn0OSIG9s24eCTC-1bVWn71yPU-oQBbVBjPPMJFqp4a4GL-SDOn-Asq0rOLVs8oR-aiDn9D0C-oTHvj2-rkB8_pKruX12ddA/s1024/Ausf%20B%20and%20C%20details.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="1024" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexNEGp8iEMv09D4h68fKKlKCFAEk7Nw4dBj76PYiAhHCWslEDbd7svDnpKAVjWgJ4sLP-SsXVs_lQwRvG_JlFQKUgJ_Bn0OSIG9s24eCTC-1bVWn71yPU-oQBbVBjPPMJFqp4a4GL-SDOn-Asq0rOLVs8oR-aiDn9D0C-oTHvj2-rkB8_pKruX12ddA/w640-h258/Ausf%20B%20and%20C%20details.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip81mj3g78AvNaCO6wkzpqf41l8t26tj8nPZYpGxP3Ks1aMVweoGO1niVk9EsukmixReaYBZS4ggOht6tLDjrpuhEIL2_lGwAEWUMyIKQF8vDmcfQDo0VYd9VGpUVn-yzuHlZNMgv-djbsikfVxnHHOX5WKvgqq_fkaXYlVmBSGHDvTLZKqnKFGp2Oaw/s1024/Stug%20III%20ausf%20C.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="1024" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip81mj3g78AvNaCO6wkzpqf41l8t26tj8nPZYpGxP3Ks1aMVweoGO1niVk9EsukmixReaYBZS4ggOht6tLDjrpuhEIL2_lGwAEWUMyIKQF8vDmcfQDo0VYd9VGpUVn-yzuHlZNMgv-djbsikfVxnHHOX5WKvgqq_fkaXYlVmBSGHDvTLZKqnKFGp2Oaw/w640-h270/Stug%20III%20ausf%20C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III Ausf. D: </b>(Sd.Kfz 142; May–September 1941, 150 produced) Simply a contract extension on Ausf. C. On-board intercom installed, transmission hatch locks added, otherwise identical to Ausf. C.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66Cpjy9eorIRTiV4FsZytE1NLnBdtBELKXWJpTHFaSIwcUmpfp6XvZ271o_THlWKT8s0Fy6xY5VKOUkmd9kiw22TgKrrUYmwCvHihRe4dLZQbcQEEJTtCSM2xQdKuvve6c77WX6DkvhFqGsNU_JGPiCpKu3XxFANAkEN2UczJ8MM_JgaQvN1BDMBYLw/s1024/Stug%20III%20ausf%20d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="1024" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66Cpjy9eorIRTiV4FsZytE1NLnBdtBELKXWJpTHFaSIwcUmpfp6XvZ271o_THlWKT8s0Fy6xY5VKOUkmd9kiw22TgKrrUYmwCvHihRe4dLZQbcQEEJTtCSM2xQdKuvve6c77WX6DkvhFqGsNU_JGPiCpKu3XxFANAkEN2UczJ8MM_JgaQvN1BDMBYLw/w640-h270/Stug%20III%20ausf%20d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III Ausf. E: </b>(Sd.Kfz 142; September 1941 – February 1942, 284 produced) Superstructure sides added extended rectangular armoured boxes for radio equipment. Increased space allowed room for six additional rounds of ammunition for the main gun (giving a maximum of 50) plus a machine gun. One <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG_34" target="_blank">MG 34</a> and seven drum-type magazines were carried in the right rear side of the fighting compartment to protect the vehicle from enemy infantry. Vehicle commanders were officially provided with SF14Z stereoscopic scissor periscopes. Stereoscopic scissor type periscopes for artillery spotters may have been used by vehicle commanders from the start.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB97wvHVTaqmm0fTy7eQNnQ8CaOP1aSBzJdBUP394uHVGjCvOSLM6utXRjF_oiqSYdlL8fjeouv5Mg71ZNgwfkHECBgP-wAVJqLwUzeHYQD97AsyTdPHOcjZuF1OMGHTiWRA1bqZrcwA0sZNMUzwJmoJ5pOnbaWwLToD3Uw8WQc6dKFJnSdQkpoBCbg/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20E.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="1024" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB97wvHVTaqmm0fTy7eQNnQ8CaOP1aSBzJdBUP394uHVGjCvOSLM6utXRjF_oiqSYdlL8fjeouv5Mg71ZNgwfkHECBgP-wAVJqLwUzeHYQD97AsyTdPHOcjZuF1OMGHTiWRA1bqZrcwA0sZNMUzwJmoJ5pOnbaWwLToD3Uw8WQc6dKFJnSdQkpoBCbg/w640-h274/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20E.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III Ausf. F: </b>(Sd.Kfz 142/1; March - September 1942, 366 produced) The first real up-gunning of the StuG, this version uses the longer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.5_cm_KwK_40" target="_blank">7.5 cm StuK 40 L/43</a> gun. Firing armour-piercing Panzergranat-Patrone 39, the StuK 40 L/43 could penetrate 91 mm of armour inclined 30 degrees from vertical at 500 m, 82 mm at 1,000 m, 72 mm at 1,500 m, 63 mm at 2,000 m, allowing the Ausf. F to engage most Soviet armoured vehicles at normal combat ranges. This change marked the StuG as being more of a tank destroyer than an infantry support vehicle. An exhaust fan was added to the rooftop to evacuate fumes from spent shells, to enable the firing of continuous shots. Additional 30 mm armour plates were welded to the 50 mm frontal armour from June 1942, making the frontal armour 80 mm thick. From June 1942, Ausf. F were mounted with approximately 13 inch (334 mm to be exact) longer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.5_cm_KwK_40" target="_blank">7,5 cm StuK 40 L/48</a> gun. Firing above mentioned ammunition, longer L/48 could penetrate 96 mm, 85 mm, 74 mm, 64 mm respectively (30 degrees from vertical).</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYum0iW5K3Y4Xlp-1IvZQwYMtP11pueIz9yscA1H_FtHIHEWgqvw-xJcdKNxcqYTO1h2zADaeizrfknNZ6iA7IITTFQtpan3_qyWTgIbkgDTAy6HoWYVk4SoTZoJcx65m615IYxS1nkS2YUpJ3OrxVEF4PRCT-b8V38sfATGjmeWFnTT_n_BiUbLkkXw/s1280/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20F%20L-43.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="1280" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYum0iW5K3Y4Xlp-1IvZQwYMtP11pueIz9yscA1H_FtHIHEWgqvw-xJcdKNxcqYTO1h2zADaeizrfknNZ6iA7IITTFQtpan3_qyWTgIbkgDTAy6HoWYVk4SoTZoJcx65m615IYxS1nkS2YUpJ3OrxVEF4PRCT-b8V38sfATGjmeWFnTT_n_BiUbLkkXw/w640-h262/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20F%20L-43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsTK19Rlte2fbCz9J21jdp61gGqRb9eiSFEIkW8CaoItV1Uky95Uro9BltHQrkq0-ZIgBK-pXJzluvq_sQnffhgbbCprueZgdsmdeNpM0ziym7sfXZcGSLBdFJfNszO76RZC3-VBc-BojVujVp4dvOCHEyi317Pln0BOQuqqiBNMuitxqoAhogkPRdg/s1215/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20F%20L-48.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1215" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsTK19Rlte2fbCz9J21jdp61gGqRb9eiSFEIkW8CaoItV1Uky95Uro9BltHQrkq0-ZIgBK-pXJzluvq_sQnffhgbbCprueZgdsmdeNpM0ziym7sfXZcGSLBdFJfNszO76RZC3-VBc-BojVujVp4dvOCHEyi317Pln0BOQuqqiBNMuitxqoAhogkPRdg/w640-h262/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20F%20L-48.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III Ausf. F/8:</b> (Sd.Kfz 142/1; September–December 1942, 250 produced) Introduction of an improved hull design similar to that used for the Panzer III Ausf. J / L with increased rear armour. This was 8th version of the Panzer III hull, thus the designation "F/8". This hull has towing hook holes extending from side walls. From October 1942, 30 mm thick plates of additional armour were bolted (previously welded) on to speed up the production line. From F/8, the 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48 gun was standard until the last of the Ausf. G. Due to the lack of double baffle muzzle brakes, a few L/48 guns mounted on F/8s were fitted with the single baffle ball type muzzle brake used on the Panzer IV Ausf. F2/G.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TMncEV1g1tzGJ0RWvCqX-R_jolujugpUu4AriM4PfNAw4P2lNsJYlTnWw5lLD_eL2OYBYKaBbrXSuK9yux_EptvVJUBySRYHXzhKir1DtLymBgKZ5Kiu24YKHprdUfPCIrM5Uj9PYD9sio8NfmQkmYeJmVMUfrYYcnoeFVNq_Qdh_zucoCiDescbKA/s1280/Panzer%20III%20Ausf.%20J.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="1280" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TMncEV1g1tzGJ0RWvCqX-R_jolujugpUu4AriM4PfNAw4P2lNsJYlTnWw5lLD_eL2OYBYKaBbrXSuK9yux_EptvVJUBySRYHXzhKir1DtLymBgKZ5Kiu24YKHprdUfPCIrM5Uj9PYD9sio8NfmQkmYeJmVMUfrYYcnoeFVNq_Qdh_zucoCiDescbKA/w640-h296/Panzer%20III%20Ausf.%20J.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRrPvCT3S8MV4JlWNyTwafMYJ59E1IhWFTx54zd45Y3PmxXMdD6qi3iLuDvXnyJfqVhNGTERlWuhjhBe7RLASoLazL02m51ZPyTSKh3ja0l54Pli0jMuss65fKeq9wkbl-VMbrqWrLbfAIdBkS8YiSCPK19aswFKnGlSvS63dBADvyw-Kdy5On7vEwA/s1280/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20F-8%20single%20baffle%20ball%20type%20muzzle%20brake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1280" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRrPvCT3S8MV4JlWNyTwafMYJ59E1IhWFTx54zd45Y3PmxXMdD6qi3iLuDvXnyJfqVhNGTERlWuhjhBe7RLASoLazL02m51ZPyTSKh3ja0l54Pli0jMuss65fKeq9wkbl-VMbrqWrLbfAIdBkS8YiSCPK19aswFKnGlSvS63dBADvyw-Kdy5On7vEwA/w640-h264/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20F-8%20single%20baffle%20ball%20type%20muzzle%20brake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0IOwY69pSpe7jQ9_fbcq-cfQ5-955_0DC1SHt9MzCT4fxSKW_KuFMawTIcoPTJmlNrVg5aeE4HN8ChhzJih2NpTZXC_JxLWO0H-bep2wlt5g2u4GRNmUexSRSweb_wGymmCfQUenIuBIYaFmd9_fRn1vxojOnCsvBTKcUUhmlAGKQSGMMHoP9HMNeA/s1280/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20F-8%20double%20baffle%20muzzle%20brake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1280" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0IOwY69pSpe7jQ9_fbcq-cfQ5-955_0DC1SHt9MzCT4fxSKW_KuFMawTIcoPTJmlNrVg5aeE4HN8ChhzJih2NpTZXC_JxLWO0H-bep2wlt5g2u4GRNmUexSRSweb_wGymmCfQUenIuBIYaFmd9_fRn1vxojOnCsvBTKcUUhmlAGKQSGMMHoP9HMNeA/w640-h264/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20F-8%20double%20baffle%20muzzle%20brake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em; text-align: justify;"><b>StuG III Ausf. G: </b>(Sd.Kfz. 142/1; December 1942 – April 1945, ~8,423 produced, 142 built on Panzer III Ausf. M chassis, 173 converted from Panzer III): The final and by far the most common of the StuG series. Upper superstructure was widened: welded boxes on either sides were abandoned. This new superstructure design increased its height to 2160 mm. The back wall of the fighting compartment got straightened, and the ventilation fan on top of the superstructure was relocated to the back of the fighting compartment. From March 1943, the driver's periscope was abandoned. In February 1943, Alkett was joined by MIAG as a second manufacturer. From May 1943, side hull spaced armour plates (Schürzen) were fitted to G models; these were primarily intended for protection against Russian anti-tank rifles, but were also useful against hollow-charge ammunition. Side plates were retro-fitted to some Ausf. F/8 models, as they were to be fitted to all front line StuGs and other tanks by June 1943 in preparation for the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kursk" target="_blank">battle of Kursk</a>. Mountings for the Schürzen proved to be inadequate, as many were lost in the field. From March 1944, an improved mounting was introduced; as a result, side skirts are seen more often with late model Ausf G. From May 1943, 80 mm thick plates were used for frontal armour instead of two plates of 50 mm + 30 mm. However, a backlog of StuGs with completed 50 mm armour existed. For those, a 30 mm additional armour plate still had to be welded or bolted on until October 1943.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjy8MMbe_3r2gFPQMclB484WSzX9coBNWoDEIzanEbrysYIt46IkyBfs7HN_SI0jnd7npn37IierTvIsb97NF5NCZeN8K07jmXsGYcibCqkCg5Gk-0V4OUH66Iyi-vbAAaafvS4r9Wd9lWvxG0w0GvQQrQC3tDzZlnyL_G3-3lr2WatdiSqc4IfESxQ/s1280/Panzer%20III%20Ausf.%20M.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1280" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjy8MMbe_3r2gFPQMclB484WSzX9coBNWoDEIzanEbrysYIt46IkyBfs7HN_SI0jnd7npn37IierTvIsb97NF5NCZeN8K07jmXsGYcibCqkCg5Gk-0V4OUH66Iyi-vbAAaafvS4r9Wd9lWvxG0w0GvQQrQC3tDzZlnyL_G3-3lr2WatdiSqc4IfESxQ/w640-h306/Panzer%20III%20Ausf.%20M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprFJXPU0nvlVY-eu0J7V4n4M7KPYROhU4uHF4UJmZpPb0xD2VOg5pyz5pHvngZf8XDCOlMbfUG0IHbYMpghwZ5ihkiS1qaOj2UDEkM3FzpuNrc3nAfZiDX403jS1OqzC0xq9YhpWnkgmjuoOz6O4gd-a3WTxJIoWb9XWAQ2OTZcDO94QzOa-bF9YwhA/s1280/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1280" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprFJXPU0nvlVY-eu0J7V4n4M7KPYROhU4uHF4UJmZpPb0xD2VOg5pyz5pHvngZf8XDCOlMbfUG0IHbYMpghwZ5ihkiS1qaOj2UDEkM3FzpuNrc3nAfZiDX403jS1OqzC0xq9YhpWnkgmjuoOz6O4gd-a3WTxJIoWb9XWAQ2OTZcDO94QzOa-bF9YwhA/w640-h246/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> A rotating cupola with periscopes was added for the Ausf G.'s commander. However, from September 1943, the lack of ball bearings (resulting from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schweinfurt%E2%80%93Regensburg_mission" target="_blank">USAAF bombing of Schweinfurt</a>) forced cupolas to be welded on. Ball bearings were once again installed from August 1944. Shot deflectors for the cupolas were first installed from October 1943 from one factory, to be installed on all StuGs from February 1944. Some vehicles without shot deflectors carried several track pieces wired around the cupola for added protection.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Lh9s5tcmTJ5eoNDWbpESspr7Bep9B0XSPpoc4Jm6bxb6ZNskqfzyYL4nNP0c1JyhK9_-F57W5yRDyraG3ex_Dq9xHxaw9n3n8PLYBEynejDkQg4EszKZVp45rGciU_EBAEAOqkFAr6taVxeB1GrUzgklxLB342xKl_rARtV6e-eAI3Yj6rjFdnEZlw/s1280/shot%20deflector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Lh9s5tcmTJ5eoNDWbpESspr7Bep9B0XSPpoc4Jm6bxb6ZNskqfzyYL4nNP0c1JyhK9_-F57W5yRDyraG3ex_Dq9xHxaw9n3n8PLYBEynejDkQg4EszKZVp45rGciU_EBAEAOqkFAr6taVxeB1GrUzgklxLB342xKl_rARtV6e-eAI3Yj6rjFdnEZlw/w640-h310/shot%20deflector.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal shot deflector welded in front of Commander's cupola</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpN1NKHVMJ0njIwl9gcd3G6iyLsSzm8Dnt0gkNMMr4pzr08aGA1HxZM8oPYDaozT3zs8BFBoj-gRmUTY5L3mCgQDes3IZkrSAmJ8mAEhmYjfbxtm7Avb7C1EBZgwz7_GuXMNh2ckzUzowRWoNykHRX9oKZIWzDguXNwt1GU5igdLzYOWunZhxhZkbrQ/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G%20up2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1024" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpN1NKHVMJ0njIwl9gcd3G6iyLsSzm8Dnt0gkNMMr4pzr08aGA1HxZM8oPYDaozT3zs8BFBoj-gRmUTY5L3mCgQDes3IZkrSAmJ8mAEhmYjfbxtm7Avb7C1EBZgwz7_GuXMNh2ckzUzowRWoNykHRX9oKZIWzDguXNwt1GU5igdLzYOWunZhxhZkbrQ/w640-h338/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G%20up2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> From December 1942, a square machine gun shield for the loader was installed, allowing an MG34 to be factory installed on a StuG for the first time. When stowed this shield folded back, partially overlapping the front half of the loader's hatch cover.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-InyT8DZsMnitBucq-3dhLVdcQa98AksCbfgAC5DD6dSbm0f0TCw-Rv02MIP7zS_ph6BL0ciw2_FFEehhJMlQlsd-eSXdItyqQ-J3c7RwkDymXk1ARlWDLn8Vxo8U29S-nf9djy_JOsKZSkx59IjIHLtNzs3zbiWdbm_naXWPfVRcAftzzjg9cWveog/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G%20up.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1024" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-InyT8DZsMnitBucq-3dhLVdcQa98AksCbfgAC5DD6dSbm0f0TCw-Rv02MIP7zS_ph6BL0ciw2_FFEehhJMlQlsd-eSXdItyqQ-J3c7RwkDymXk1ARlWDLn8Vxo8U29S-nf9djy_JOsKZSkx59IjIHLtNzs3zbiWdbm_naXWPfVRcAftzzjg9cWveog/w640-h412/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G%20up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> A curved protrusion welded to the backside of the shield pushed the shield forward as the front half of the loader's hatch cover was opened and guided the hatch cover to naturally engage a latch point on the shield thus, supporting the shield in its deployed position without exposing the loader to hostile forward fire. F/8 models had machine gun shields retro-fitted from early 1943. The loader's machine gun shield was later replaced by rotating remote control machine gun mount that could be operated by the loader inside the vehicle sighting through a periscope. In April 1944, 27 of them were being field tested on the Eastern front. Favourable reports led to installation of these "remote" machine gun mounts from the summer of 1944.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9E1vaDLBnYkXnxE_UYJU-0bxkXGm8oeyrTFgFf5ivOdLREoZaTOsZayHgfbKc0Yua7zP9KJZcflpJYF8wfXEbImjqeA75YEV6w7krOQ7ujTBEJf3whEWfWDB2MP6beIjEYfwEmJW6jpZaue4f_OznQT0W6lywfOrbPrYPkUFOMgVjO-Qz2BagonyVQ/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G%20up3.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="1024" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9E1vaDLBnYkXnxE_UYJU-0bxkXGm8oeyrTFgFf5ivOdLREoZaTOsZayHgfbKc0Yua7zP9KJZcflpJYF8wfXEbImjqeA75YEV6w7krOQ7ujTBEJf3whEWfWDB2MP6beIjEYfwEmJW6jpZaue4f_OznQT0W6lywfOrbPrYPkUFOMgVjO-Qz2BagonyVQ/w640-h246/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G%20up3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNG3c0P-XM1_o6TVSGh_R86Nu4_HHrU_C5Uh88unsfkY5TKjMLiUZmsjlIBHsN67Ymln1UEInb5lZUaKnNCeyoqavOco2HsQUynCYUfesYW05rrJCqca9X6rJwaFMBPz68ChJlx267PckeehJUhYcwk7R3-LvpBOhWXzBn7iDuZ9DRUDPPWAxBVobq8A/s800/MG%20remote.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNG3c0P-XM1_o6TVSGh_R86Nu4_HHrU_C5Uh88unsfkY5TKjMLiUZmsjlIBHsN67Ymln1UEInb5lZUaKnNCeyoqavOco2HsQUynCYUfesYW05rrJCqca9X6rJwaFMBPz68ChJlx267PckeehJUhYcwk7R3-LvpBOhWXzBn7iDuZ9DRUDPPWAxBVobq8A/w640-h478/MG%20remote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCZhHmCg6o3IUBKnobpYJay7JdezzLUyctXWsBPcDrfXrN28TlfPbhgQplswt0NiJy9ATLk_7aCqRu40jEzpb715ad5jt1fr0g88PXl3d6-gzpDHYEC8VK1EQdpR8Ys8FkZ9P9o6twK9_xcSNV_1AUZ1uqjenzxjpGVxPesPRbgzuurvS3aaRcx0qpw/s766/Remote%20control.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="766" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCZhHmCg6o3IUBKnobpYJay7JdezzLUyctXWsBPcDrfXrN28TlfPbhgQplswt0NiJy9ATLk_7aCqRu40jEzpb715ad5jt1fr0g88PXl3d6-gzpDHYEC8VK1EQdpR8Ys8FkZ9P9o6twK9_xcSNV_1AUZ1uqjenzxjpGVxPesPRbgzuurvS3aaRcx0qpw/w640-h586/Remote%20control.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> From October 1943, G versions were fitted with the <i>Topfblende</i> pot mantlet (often called <i>Saukopf -</i> Pig's head) gun mantlet without a coaxial mount. This cast mantlet, which had a sloped and rounded shape, was more effective at deflecting shots than the original boxy Kastenblende mantlet that had armour varying in thickness from 45 mm to 50 mm. The lack of large castings meant that the trapezoid-shape boxy mantlet was also produced until the very end. A coaxial machine gun was first added to boxy mantlets, from June 1944, and then to cast <i>Topfblende</i>, from October 1944, in the middle of <i>Topfblende </i>mantlet production. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-hiRTfjVaPZtdSlQjaSd2yq_RqcbUiaN1jdMVExcg8taJ-x5Sy3gdVZgBA8yMTRZz8EiOZWJ5Roez9GYslvs2bbSqXELpYGQXA7AZimpWdqZshydeakwf5ZKfxQjzk4JP_WrRlrXP_GhcT-3se2acGRa_uIRFvi7eZIGbyIISmA_2Eich2oI9wQeYw/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G%20front.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1024" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-hiRTfjVaPZtdSlQjaSd2yq_RqcbUiaN1jdMVExcg8taJ-x5Sy3gdVZgBA8yMTRZz8EiOZWJ5Roez9GYslvs2bbSqXELpYGQXA7AZimpWdqZshydeakwf5ZKfxQjzk4JP_WrRlrXP_GhcT-3se2acGRa_uIRFvi7eZIGbyIISmA_2Eich2oI9wQeYw/w640-h596/StuG%20III%20Ausf.%20G%20front.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the addition of this coaxial machine gun, all StuGs carried two MG 34 machine guns from autumn of 1944. Some previously completed StuGs with a boxy mantlet had a coaxial machine gun hole drilled to retrofit a coaxial machine gun; however, Topfblende produced from November 1943 to October 1944 without a machine gun opening could not be tampered with.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Also from November 1943 onwards, all-metal return rollers of a few different types were used due to lack of rubber supply. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQE50EPD4NmUHSt2c7KuII6W81sWLpsUN9YT0LiFcoPyW3bjnh5an2TOmY1YuerCkMZLhCRbK5ga1rONtVL9Q3JSeZ3-t7pZlez2NYrJ5Bngl_AFARJFuW3VgO5SZ1OcaXcLJH7CRGvO3_jFRs7fcD9fxzsCxOPLx9iAnw9Y5sXIjFaP47zSXzaFf8Q/s1280/StuG%203%20late.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1280" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQE50EPD4NmUHSt2c7KuII6W81sWLpsUN9YT0LiFcoPyW3bjnh5an2TOmY1YuerCkMZLhCRbK5ga1rONtVL9Q3JSeZ3-t7pZlez2NYrJ5Bngl_AFARJFuW3VgO5SZ1OcaXcLJH7CRGvO3_jFRs7fcD9fxzsCxOPLx9iAnw9Y5sXIjFaP47zSXzaFf8Q/w640-h518/StuG%203%20late.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zimmerit" target="_blank">Zimmerit</a> anti-magnetic coating to protect vehicles from magnetic mines was applied starting in September (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIAG" target="_blank">MIAG</a> facility) or November (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkett" target="_blank">Alkett</a> facility) 1943 and ending in September 1944.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGPA_W9BzEr0asuXS-xAvfanhhCOVesXiGxHVP-LENKMLKG1DA23l2-1qTcJsZ0lzy0C8qA34DrGeRLPXJjudzDtc5II4b7IE5mord2wi1pnMUIvAoBgM8erNKbtn_DkEu1yuyEFo02N-DNHMhtrGXE1cr6JnBaEU5KPwgy5N-vftj7x_LhFzrpMESQ/s1280/AtuG%203%20G%20zimm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGPA_W9BzEr0asuXS-xAvfanhhCOVesXiGxHVP-LENKMLKG1DA23l2-1qTcJsZ0lzy0C8qA34DrGeRLPXJjudzDtc5II4b7IE5mord2wi1pnMUIvAoBgM8erNKbtn_DkEu1yuyEFo02N-DNHMhtrGXE1cr6JnBaEU5KPwgy5N-vftj7x_LhFzrpMESQ/w640-h440/AtuG%203%20G%20zimm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G abandoned in the Russian front.<br />Notice the Zimmerit coat, the add-armour in <br />the front corners of the hull, the Saukopf mantlet<br /> and the remote MG in the roof of vehicle</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></ul><b style="text-align: justify;">Further variants</b><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"> In 1942, a variant of the StuG Ausf. F was designed with a 10.5 cm (4.1 in) true howitzer instead of the 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/43 cannon. These new vehicles, designated </span><b style="text-align: justify;">StuH 42 (Sturmhaubitze 42, Sd.Kfz 142/2)</b><span style="text-align: justify;">, were designed to provide infantry support with the increased number of StuG III Ausf. F/8 and Ausf. Gs being used in the anti-tank role. </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumcL9M_FZ5KNWPdVbAQ5q02MiW-qWsPPtTX5Gekm9tuBHCALEU5E1AKec8qvOsvCxrUoJ_gflFoGpFa9m88ba8RwFNV2jlUObTWXSE0Mlas4Po9R57awW2RLB2zotBaafgoZRJZhL3tTwjfbG5dxls8SSMaD5TEAH68INj3GPHcFT0nxHoJc2fh2UUQ/s1400/StuH%2042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1400" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumcL9M_FZ5KNWPdVbAQ5q02MiW-qWsPPtTX5Gekm9tuBHCALEU5E1AKec8qvOsvCxrUoJ_gflFoGpFa9m88ba8RwFNV2jlUObTWXSE0Mlas4Po9R57awW2RLB2zotBaafgoZRJZhL3tTwjfbG5dxls8SSMaD5TEAH68INj3GPHcFT0nxHoJc2fh2UUQ/w640-h342/StuH%2042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmhaubitze 42 (StuH 42) - Sd.Kfz 142/2 - early version<br />Takom's kit (TK 8009) box art</span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><br /></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UwBMjw9AzM4HdO0lguQHtOmph5qr2UWnFXrsFkkggpXRoKwBLoTGT5FP-5IcBwkkg6wpiDQFhdeh_PmEAtp8OR4PkdKUMKDkh7uzhIf_8cwdx6cYHud3EWZim3appd0y32oOuf012xPnLteAuo9SF-Q3jL9jYiYqeTDhR90OlDyBLmq4Lof1QjO0rg/s1280/StuH%2042%20September%201943,%20Eastern%20Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UwBMjw9AzM4HdO0lguQHtOmph5qr2UWnFXrsFkkggpXRoKwBLoTGT5FP-5IcBwkkg6wpiDQFhdeh_PmEAtp8OR4PkdKUMKDkh7uzhIf_8cwdx6cYHud3EWZim3appd0y32oOuf012xPnLteAuo9SF-Q3jL9jYiYqeTDhR90OlDyBLmq4Lof1QjO0rg/w640-h384/StuH%2042%20September%201943,%20Eastern%20Front.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmhaubitze 42 (StuH 42) - Sd.Kfz 142/2 - early version<br />Notice the boxy mantlet and side skirts<br />Eastern Front - September, 1943.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaidCUvK6jG8-qRODFyPsI718sAlNWne9xmVIZzrTOAKx8Cj6ub1J9q0mzX5nPZCsM2vTKhXw-mRtCdBwnZmugb9tF_2mFp0whGErylz8-VofrRJYghLQBxrocnKltHZaikkpUnVKV5QilKsTlbRl0F0tz26DmvCw7i1cAdPD-OVRd8nBpfiAEIXeTw/s1280/StuH%2042%20Saukopf%20Finland%201944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaidCUvK6jG8-qRODFyPsI718sAlNWne9xmVIZzrTOAKx8Cj6ub1J9q0mzX5nPZCsM2vTKhXw-mRtCdBwnZmugb9tF_2mFp0whGErylz8-VofrRJYghLQBxrocnKltHZaikkpUnVKV5QilKsTlbRl0F0tz26DmvCw7i1cAdPD-OVRd8nBpfiAEIXeTw/w640-h380/StuH%2042%20Saukopf%20Finland%201944.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmhaubitze 42 (StuH 42) - Sd.Kfz 142/2 - late version<br />Notice the Saukopf mantlet, </span>zimmerit coating and schürzen side skirtd<br />Finland, July -1944</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"> The S</span><span style="text-align: justify;">tuH 42 mounted a variant of the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10.5_cm_leFH_18" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">10.5 cm leFH 18</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> howitzer, modified to be electrically fired and fitted with a muzzle brake.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyGXSjiITh-PwayVxDUzVbeKs6PVslsGei6t6ao-uRK-wvVqriUOBLTIi0dmrINL_jUVLqxlYZNhKTxjI76OFuIqMSaKPNcoRN94jo3tjvT0L_SQ63e91UGj0Vc2M4QYcV_RoVPLC6gsCha93TloE8JJN_OkR7ZD0kthRXjV8GqO-Kd-6Ge6EicxOxQ/s1280/10.5-cm%20LeFH%2018-40%20Memorial%20Park%20South%20of%20the%20Officers%20Mess%20CFB%20Edmonton,%20Alberta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyGXSjiITh-PwayVxDUzVbeKs6PVslsGei6t6ao-uRK-wvVqriUOBLTIi0dmrINL_jUVLqxlYZNhKTxjI76OFuIqMSaKPNcoRN94jo3tjvT0L_SQ63e91UGj0Vc2M4QYcV_RoVPLC6gsCha93TloE8JJN_OkR7ZD0kthRXjV8GqO-Kd-6Ge6EicxOxQ/w640-h344/10.5-cm%20LeFH%2018-40%20Memorial%20Park%20South%20of%20the%20Officers%20Mess%20CFB%20Edmonton,%20Alberta.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German 10.5-cm LeFH 18/40 howitzer<br />Memorial Park South of the Officers Mess <br />CFB Edmonton, Alberta - Canada</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"> Production models were built on StuG III Ausf. G chassis. The muzzle brake was often omitted due to the scarcity of resources lat</span><span style="text-align: justify;">g</span><span style="text-align: justify;">r in the war. Alkett produced 1,299 StuH 42 from March 1943 to 1945, the initial 12 vehicles were built on repaired StuG III Ausf. F and F/8 from the autumn of 1942 to January 1943.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHMHAJTF7WQ65wM_OdTMnlOt0sn1g8-O9h5fuOKafHBOFBwSZ52IXIGqqTvlOuWrYd8p6gIJoVk-4UVZps-vuz6J1YPYNpKZmRR2NFVp57ADV-2S6i0jaaAtRTcqsncDIld7y1XZ2AaCbNGGGpvakq88wk6SBvbOQ3zzxqFgTw1f6rn6U0m9lzwRe4Q/s1280/StuH%2042%20September%201944,%20Eastern%20Front%20-%20Ukraine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHMHAJTF7WQ65wM_OdTMnlOt0sn1g8-O9h5fuOKafHBOFBwSZ52IXIGqqTvlOuWrYd8p6gIJoVk-4UVZps-vuz6J1YPYNpKZmRR2NFVp57ADV-2S6i0jaaAtRTcqsncDIld7y1XZ2AaCbNGGGpvakq88wk6SBvbOQ3zzxqFgTw1f6rn6U0m9lzwRe4Q/w640-h452/StuH%2042%20September%201944,%20Eastern%20Front%20-%20Ukraine.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmhaubitze 42 (StuH 42) - Sd.Kfz 142/2 - early version</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">Notice the boxy mantlet, Schürzen side skirts<br /></span>and the howitzer without muzzle brake<br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">Eastern Front - Ukraine, 1944.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> In 1943, 10 StuG IIIs were converted to the <i><b>Sturmgeschütz III Flammenwerfer</b></i> (Flamethrower) configuration by replacing the main gun with a <i>Schwade</i> flamethrower. These chassis were all refurbished at the depot level and were a variety of pre-Ausf. F models. There are no reports to indicate that any of these were used in combat and all were returned to Ausf. G standard at depot level by 1944.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiES1-OOluQcnzNx-4Z_h3FsbBboibhmklHBcJjS_6YjTdRR1yvb82zUOrBm23WftPkr1t69wvQXEyOUrZgSdd5gZ8v003DwT-F5s4F3qW77nubQ_2yNIo4OYlqzbBMeS5dJKambdjxnuAyopN7VUpYAjPyUc0IBKPP99GUKrUoqDZyxyyGpUBZfhYQ/s1280/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20III%20Flammenwerfer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="1280" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiES1-OOluQcnzNx-4Z_h3FsbBboibhmklHBcJjS_6YjTdRR1yvb82zUOrBm23WftPkr1t69wvQXEyOUrZgSdd5gZ8v003DwT-F5s4F3qW77nubQ_2yNIo4OYlqzbBMeS5dJKambdjxnuAyopN7VUpYAjPyUc0IBKPP99GUKrUoqDZyxyyGpUBZfhYQ/w640-h262/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20III%20Flammenwerfer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCregqSQPJnVTxDq5DPJSDdscDuWftn3xFG4-btMhaVSIMnnLvNftvnGsAK_8LmAtwJo-YRe0huWKTZqdrvvuMX6mZ1T3rgu76-0Z8NX1EAbaHsxfktWD01nxzUNhOJSFNbAZaisJn_MoAiV7e_zIUICkSyGn7JamUJphu1n693GI-2kmmYJoTUDszqQ/s1280/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20III%20Flammenwerfer%20real.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCregqSQPJnVTxDq5DPJSDdscDuWftn3xFG4-btMhaVSIMnnLvNftvnGsAK_8LmAtwJo-YRe0huWKTZqdrvvuMX6mZ1T3rgu76-0Z8NX1EAbaHsxfktWD01nxzUNhOJSFNbAZaisJn_MoAiV7e_zIUICkSyGn7JamUJphu1n693GI-2kmmYJoTUDszqQ/w640-h330/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20III%20Flammenwerfer%20real.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Flammenwerfer</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">(converted from StuG III F/8)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_i9StrzGt85-dMAckqWQewQL3SyaMEtsYsOVGwkcNeKMXqxpRi02eHntKLy9iSAP4EiYMA97Lo6QYtrnVJwRXSGcHPXZ5fRhEthCiDHwDjwv5qr8daFVhZxysw1ObK0cFZnEwQgD-Q1f54MRImPy2s25AOwbLy-58EmzIsG4WD0xtjjKtKS2Nb9G2FQ/w640-h416/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz%20III%20Flammenwerfer%20color.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcA1tycu49IcsA2mdwllfsGMrIzsClTKxj3k7rqVmHVMwDs3uOTfFcQoEtfSGQJztFuwMCqFNz_SJ8v0lZkUa-XeGoqFFYneowBEtNtsBTNrhd3itxCr523KqceNi86pkIMxarIdM-sxcyD-ca2H85PK0_E9cXOJ-pZO7wh4CiwXFzRpbSPZxRcJzlQ/s1024/UM%20kit%20289%20Stug%20III%20Flamm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcA1tycu49IcsA2mdwllfsGMrIzsClTKxj3k7rqVmHVMwDs3uOTfFcQoEtfSGQJztFuwMCqFNz_SJ8v0lZkUa-XeGoqFFYneowBEtNtsBTNrhd3itxCr523KqceNi86pkIMxarIdM-sxcyD-ca2H85PK0_E9cXOJ-pZO7wh4CiwXFzRpbSPZxRcJzlQ/w640-h428/UM%20kit%20289%20Stug%20III%20Flamm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III Flammenwerfer</span><br />UM Models kit (#289) in 1/72 box art</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> In late 1941, the StuG chassis was selected to carry the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/15_cm_sIG_33" target="_blank">15 cm sIG 33</a> heavy infantry howitzer. These vehicles were known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturm-Infanteriegesch%C3%BCtz_33B" target="_blank">Sturm-Infanteriegeschütz 33B</a> (sIG 33B). Twenty-four were rebuilt on older StuG III chassis of which twelve vehiclgs saw combat in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Stalingrad" target="_blank">Battle of Stalingrad</a>, where they were destroyed or captured. The remaining 12 vehicles were assigned to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/23rd_Panzer_Division" target="_blank">23rd Panzer Division</a>.</div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Pm9MtwCT-qFi2a1Mmr6zOQw5CYdLixJ5HKJ9Qv1CpHiDJ9obuimfCqvw2F2faYAeCXp74oSHfr1Eye-Bm_EQP-I7xjUTBGhkcYxPoV2RKSVrIFe9GFzaWF_NvJmQzLMFy3AvRhbSyIbkC-kupJ4r-p_dqGVHfOIYdfYmSTNtpppYxlZeOtjXkRtfVA/s1280/15cm%20sIG.33%20FTF%20model%20kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Pm9MtwCT-qFi2a1Mmr6zOQw5CYdLixJ5HKJ9Qv1CpHiDJ9obuimfCqvw2F2faYAeCXp74oSHfr1Eye-Bm_EQP-I7xjUTBGhkcYxPoV2RKSVrIFe9GFzaWF_NvJmQzLMFy3AvRhbSyIbkC-kupJ4r-p_dqGVHfOIYdfYmSTNtpppYxlZeOtjXkRtfVA/w640-h396/15cm%20sIG.33%20FTF%20model%20kit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 cm sIG 33<span style="text-align: justify;"> heavy infantry howitzer<br />FTF 1/72 scale kit box art</span></td></tr></tbody></table><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><br /></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eobLqzGnEQNzA1b6McG6-ID9pGeg6o_rPc0RHmGp5dc25VcU6lLtut0z0iu0zynOIa_KHDTIMqslPvXCs-iBRTm4ePRJF2a-j-louYgXmwCGVjbCGPV5z5vPzVqaCAvdKYxwKSiruqSV_AgFx76rnKTvt3r_MQVlOTPX8iFS456jnFzqgzxbC2gL_g/s1280/sIG%2033B%20G7%20of%20the%20Sturm-Infanterie-Gesch%C3%BCtz-Batterie%20-%20Panzer-Regiment%20201%20-%201943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1280" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eobLqzGnEQNzA1b6McG6-ID9pGeg6o_rPc0RHmGp5dc25VcU6lLtut0z0iu0zynOIa_KHDTIMqslPvXCs-iBRTm4ePRJF2a-j-louYgXmwCGVjbCGPV5z5vPzVqaCAvdKYxwKSiruqSV_AgFx76rnKTvt3r_MQVlOTPX8iFS456jnFzqgzxbC2gL_g/w640-h506/sIG%2033B%20G7%20of%20the%20Sturm-Infanterie-Gesch%C3%BCtz-Batterie%20-%20Panzer-Regiment%20201%20-%201943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Sturm-Infanteriegeschütz 33B<span style="text-align: justify;"> (sIG 33B)</span> “G7” </div><div style="text-align: center;">passing by a destroyed Katyusha rocket launcher.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sturm-Infanterie-Geschütz-Batterie - Panzer-Regiment 201</div><div style="text-align: center;">Russian Front - Summer - 1943</div></td></tr></tbody></table><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><br /></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-Ets-W9eRvZ0ZCqOrQHhLjItodENQp6sMazaxfHPelyDnAFWQR2sNry7-Q1SwjzS0H1b1BPCh8_zuGfsULOtnxd_Sux-zAbxCzMhGxHxOt2CsdfCetuCka-KFCmZUimRj-bMuudZ6eopfFRjXNJZnxehnfCTGnDUKG2Oo8i9IvzxQKgd9D5uHJz7Mg/s1290/sIG%2033B%20G7%20of%20the%20Sturm-Infanterie-Gesch%C3%BCtz-Batterie%20-%20Panzer-Regiment%20201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1290" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-Ets-W9eRvZ0ZCqOrQHhLjItodENQp6sMazaxfHPelyDnAFWQR2sNry7-Q1SwjzS0H1b1BPCh8_zuGfsULOtnxd_Sux-zAbxCzMhGxHxOt2CsdfCetuCka-KFCmZUimRj-bMuudZ6eopfFRjXNJZnxehnfCTGnDUKG2Oo8i9IvzxQKgd9D5uHJz7Mg/w640-h412/sIG%2033B%20G7%20of%20the%20Sturm-Infanterie-Gesch%C3%BCtz-Batterie%20-%20Panzer-Regiment%20201.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>The same “G7” Sturm-Infanteriegeschütz 33B<span style="text-align: justify;"> (sIG 33B)</span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;">viewed above, </span>parked at rest, between trees.</div><div>Sturm-Infanterie-Geschütz-Batterie - Panzer-Regiment 201</div><div>Russian Front - Summer - 1943</div></td></tr></tbody></table><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><br /></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQKOH7X5V37QR29ihqXkJUCoFNvIUzxlMTngj_dcu209Hbx6oCyhTXeMe-37XMd_CWAiLpvIon5hbjtqIm7oFrGm2cCxZQSB62lijjMwTJx4eabtYYWH2ExnmIgEZy52V_cA8BuGsy_7zwnqOm2022bWvGeeFTTw-prFS4O4D_2HGV4cA9D15brI1Rw/s1023/sIG%2033B%20with%20Winterketten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1023" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQKOH7X5V37QR29ihqXkJUCoFNvIUzxlMTngj_dcu209Hbx6oCyhTXeMe-37XMd_CWAiLpvIon5hbjtqIm7oFrGm2cCxZQSB62lijjMwTJx4eabtYYWH2ExnmIgEZy52V_cA8BuGsy_7zwnqOm2022bWvGeeFTTw-prFS4O4D_2HGV4cA9D15brI1Rw/w640-h374/sIG%2033B%20with%20Winterketten.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sturm-Infanteriegeschütz 33B<span style="text-align: justify;"> (sIG 33B)<br />with </span><i>winterketten</i> tracks<br />Russian Front - Winter - 1943</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"> Due to the dwindling supply of rubber, rubber-saving road wheels were tested during 8–14 November 1942, but did </span><span style="text-align: justify;">g</span><span style="text-align: justify;">ot see production.</span><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Bombing raids on the Alkett factory resulted in significant drops in StuG III production in November 1943. To make up for this loss of production, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krupp" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Krupp</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> displayed a substitution StuG on a Panzer IV chassis to Hitler on 16–17 Decemb</span><span style="text-align: justify;">er 1943. From January 1944 onwards, the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StuG_IV" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">StuG IV</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, based on the Panzer IV chassis and with a slightly modified StuG III superstructure, entered production.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a3ha6ezc9uGHZjVDqYLn2ykgpg7KJGY0xo_5PEHEJ1jyDkDQTcvrmdn2BNPxdNBKksCKlEWcGKvT0o6N-xR5I1wpGttCN9qHqTCYzGzEuzZ4bBW48wbXc1xLXyQiI5MpYWoz1K851Q9mPq6L4hjicEgPj6niMEeRtKH7y19tlepVrO1nC6DZdzlvOg/s1198/StuG%20IV%20-%20Sd.Kfz.%20163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="1198" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a3ha6ezc9uGHZjVDqYLn2ykgpg7KJGY0xo_5PEHEJ1jyDkDQTcvrmdn2BNPxdNBKksCKlEWcGKvT0o6N-xR5I1wpGttCN9qHqTCYzGzEuzZ4bBW48wbXc1xLXyQiI5MpYWoz1K851Q9mPq6L4hjicEgPj6niMEeRtKH7y19tlepVrO1nC6DZdzlvOg/w640-h362/StuG%20IV%20-%20Sd.Kfz.%20163.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sturmgeschütz IV (StuG IV) - Sd.Kfz. 163<br />Tamiya kit (#35087) box art</td></tr></tbody></table><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></ul><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">Field modifications were made to increase the vehicle's survivability, resulting in diversity to already numerous variants; cement plastered on front superstructure, older Ausf.C/D retrofitted with a KwK 40 L/48 gun, Ausf.G mounting Panzer IV cupola, a coaxial MG34 through a hole drilled on a boxy mantlet, et cetera.</span></div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVZzSc92bevOxPlDhYpFGb2nE_PMFAPcIvf-Kp09d4Waz7Qr3auDVfC9PBwENn79FRFBkWJm9vcrzbNLKu0VLwzkTTlHVBKXO7Di72oxLnVX6sGIIEDbQnE2ssfNl3FcEcmx-pOslCTXkIvtiiV29nj71lD22Se3uMgtsNATQDcGFVPUe5H7AdWKr2w/s1280/Dragon%20German%20Concrete%20Armored%20StuG.III%20Ausf.G%20w.Zimmerit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVZzSc92bevOxPlDhYpFGb2nE_PMFAPcIvf-Kp09d4Waz7Qr3auDVfC9PBwENn79FRFBkWJm9vcrzbNLKu0VLwzkTTlHVBKXO7Di72oxLnVX6sGIIEDbQnE2ssfNl3FcEcmx-pOslCTXkIvtiiV29nj71lD22Se3uMgtsNATQDcGFVPUe5H7AdWKr2w/w640-h396/Dragon%20German%20Concrete%20Armored%20StuG.III%20Ausf.G%20w.Zimmerit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Concrete Armored StuG.III Ausf.G w/Zimmerit</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Dragon kit (#6891) box art </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2H7H5gHCqeqCTqoF_EwQEN04GQtlmlo1abpSbjMbWoATW65bXAyXGmgLfe8G9FhLylHKO7rqbo2v0310NMD_YGR4pIFf2FvsUWiOp8j1ZR7JLvnakCV-lPLrpgnmLDiCmgShRPPbVSXrcihM5X5IN5TG175uIAjpTIqbxO_uFNX15ZO0tX7nSkZybKQ/s1024/StuG%20III%20Ausf.G%20with%20concrete%20armour%20berlin,%201945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1024" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2H7H5gHCqeqCTqoF_EwQEN04GQtlmlo1abpSbjMbWoATW65bXAyXGmgLfe8G9FhLylHKO7rqbo2v0310NMD_YGR4pIFf2FvsUWiOp8j1ZR7JLvnakCV-lPLrpgnmLDiCmgShRPPbVSXrcihM5X5IN5TG175uIAjpTIqbxO_uFNX15ZO0tX7nSkZybKQ/w640-h432/StuG%20III%20Ausf.G%20with%20concrete%20armour%20berlin,%201945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G<br />with concrete armour and schüezen<br />Germany - Berlin, 1945.</td></tr></tbody></table><ul style="margin: 0.3em 0px 0px 1.6em; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhY5ykam06Y1T9DAtvEGONQ5Vo4z2q-CXcuM2WvsgjgsmFuEWE4fJA-QWfBmtfga6Ky2qCdqfEr4vjXgTQ2C5u2L4U4lIZU8kAmN7nk6qgBGOg8yU4fzBMBUjkrOwfz1yPPEPuDbLFsS32C2kqPERMij8zu8W07B3fHy-FAlU2sD4rCn9gGd-cv-3ag/s1280/StuG%20III%20Ausf%20G%20captured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhY5ykam06Y1T9DAtvEGONQ5Vo4z2q-CXcuM2WvsgjgsmFuEWE4fJA-QWfBmtfga6Ky2qCdqfEr4vjXgTQ2C5u2L4U4lIZU8kAmN7nk6qgBGOg8yU4fzBMBUjkrOwfz1yPPEPuDbLFsS32C2kqPERMij8zu8W07B3fHy-FAlU2sD4rCn9gGd-cv-3ag/w640-h430/StuG%20III%20Ausf%20G%20captured.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous picture of captured StuG III Ausf. G (late), used by troops<br />of the U.S. 104th Infantry Division. Notice the layer of concrete add armour, <br />the schürzen brackets on the mudguards, the gun travel lock <br />and an interesting variation is the use of an MP 44 assault rifle<br />in the remote control MG mount in place of the usual MG 34.<br />January-February 1945 - Battle of the Bulge</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"> The Soviet </span><b style="text-align: justify;">SU-76i</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> (</span><i style="text-align: justify;">Inostrannaya</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> = foreign) self-propelled gun was based on captured StuG III and Panzer III vehicles. In total, Fact</span><span style="text-align: justify;">g</span><span style="text-align: justify;">ry #37 in Sverdlovsk manufactured 181 SU-76i plus 20 commander SU-76i for Red Army service by adding an enclosed superstructure and the 76.2 mm S-1 tank gun.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQpVqNF73rF2eugQrVi_7wkDGRDatURQLX4g6tRatnTUkfmwh4QC8d8qmE8Dh3wTOITJ-EPD4HExCAu0iFPqEv8zhqe-xC9bULT02-_tnRoSQddrz7YeiOslF1jX3RzyoktMHyMQC1uvp4bScNAL4hiGjX1SPwtlITZ18pHVFCYXapZpPyTlDK4equQ/s1024/Su-76i%20big2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1024" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQpVqNF73rF2eugQrVi_7wkDGRDatURQLX4g6tRatnTUkfmwh4QC8d8qmE8Dh3wTOITJ-EPD4HExCAu0iFPqEv8zhqe-xC9bULT02-_tnRoSQddrz7YeiOslF1jX3RzyoktMHyMQC1uvp4bScNAL4hiGjX1SPwtlITZ18pHVFCYXapZpPyTlDK4equQ/w640-h338/Su-76i%20big2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Soviet </span><b style="text-align: justify;">SU-76i</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> (</span><i style="text-align: justify;">Inostrannaya</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> = foreign) self-propelled gun <br />This vehicle </span>must have been converted from a Panzer III, as it features<br />the commander's cupola of this tank</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sgc9KcePf6DPMulZd5kyuJkvEqBO_IfedJhsOdqZqqxkT-dauOnHikyf8jK_0Fyk7VPvKsrtNOE6_q1VDgnVrb4C1M2kXdpvf57f7-PJXzI_2qq-t2-9zAtUloMl8OkYng2GW3gtHX7iGG-GSPLJjYPJPmM4xImskvQXP2Ks2KoCHepWEfxGu7O47w/s1024/Su-76i%20big4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="1024" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-sgc9KcePf6DPMulZd5kyuJkvEqBO_IfedJhsOdqZqqxkT-dauOnHikyf8jK_0Fyk7VPvKsrtNOE6_q1VDgnVrb4C1M2kXdpvf57f7-PJXzI_2qq-t2-9zAtUloMl8OkYng2GW3gtHX7iGG-GSPLJjYPJPmM4xImskvQXP2Ks2KoCHepWEfxGu7O47w/w640-h420/Su-76i%20big4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Soviet </span><b style="text-align: justify;">SU-76i</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> (</span><i style="text-align: justify;">Inostrannaya</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> = foreign) self-propelled gun <br />This vehicle </span>must have been converted from a StuG III, as it features<br />simples hatches for the crew</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVR4EHegvTuqpY52EfRSahOLIyGN_x_lzmtrYcRpqLUKkM4tmlb6dbIMZ8H3Gq52iEW3D2db3uVoNKXIMActorWpZ_ke8zHgGo8NLcZB1yW--tpwPY2Y8xGOFOtREFWnNx3Qmh14YWBbL-lRqOw9n6rEAFmL6HyJwvJHXtElpoVS2iJcv75FjXha4tA/s1024/Su-76i%20big3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1024" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVR4EHegvTuqpY52EfRSahOLIyGN_x_lzmtrYcRpqLUKkM4tmlb6dbIMZ8H3Gq52iEW3D2db3uVoNKXIMActorWpZ_ke8zHgGo8NLcZB1yW--tpwPY2Y8xGOFOtREFWnNx3Qmh14YWBbL-lRqOw9n6rEAFmL6HyJwvJHXtElpoVS2iJcv75FjXha4tA/w640-h372/Su-76i%20big3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Soviet </span><b style="text-align: justify;">SU-76i</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> (</span><i style="text-align: justify;">Inostrannaya</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> = foreign) self-propelled gun <br />rear view of the vehicle above</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Approximately 10,000 StuG IIIs of various types were produced from 1940 to 1945 by Alket (~7,500) and from 1943 to 1945 by MIAG (2,586). From April to July 1944, some 173 Panzer III were converted into StuG III Ausf. G. The 1,299 StuH 42 and the 12 conversions from StuG III were solely built by Alkett.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: right;">Specs:</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjys8GobAXVxY0kAzHGtm6nJLFMLjFC6q6yfH0VR9pB0vNR0yiDxrKeUZc6jFBErQJ4tJ9YT7vxUxUFhI1yxfi_FP80M8eneKtONq57Fy_538GpxcVh7i9DYz3GiN2Y3lueZQTPyqJZS6ynZJSM6bowh1V36UzKEzT25pPPFrcmHIRhdWf77xuhxMJyaQ/s1400/Stug%20III%20Ausf%20G.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjys8GobAXVxY0kAzHGtm6nJLFMLjFC6q6yfH0VR9pB0vNR0yiDxrKeUZc6jFBErQJ4tJ9YT7vxUxUFhI1yxfi_FP80M8eneKtONq57Fy_538GpxcVh7i9DYz3GiN2Y3lueZQTPyqJZS6ynZJSM6bowh1V36UzKEzT25pPPFrcmHIRhdWf77xuhxMJyaQ/w640-h336/Stug%20III%20Ausf%20G.jpg" /></a></div><span face="sans-serif" style="color: #202122;"><br /></span></div><div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Sturmgeschütz III Ausführung G</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assault_gun" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Assault gun">Assault gun</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Nazi Germany</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1940 - 45 (German use)<br />1949 - 73 (Syrian use)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">See <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturmgesch%C3%BCtz_III#Operators" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Sturmgeschütz III">Operators</a></i></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">World War II<br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_over_Water_(Jordan_river)" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="War over Water (Jordan river)">War over Water</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-Day_War" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Six-Day War">Six-Day War</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yom_Kippur_War" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Yom Kippur War">Yom Kippur War</a></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Alkett</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Alkett, MIAG</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="Number">No.</abbr> built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="circa">c.</abbr><span style="white-space: nowrap;"> 10,086</span> StuG III</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;"><abbr style="border-bottom: 0px; cursor: help;" title="circa">c.</abbr><span style="white-space: nowrap;"> 1,299</span> StuH 42</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications (StuG III Ausf. G, 1942)</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">23.9 tonnes </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6.85 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.95 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.16 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 (driver, commander, <br />gunner, loader)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armour</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">16–80 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main<br />armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">1 × <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.5_cm_KwK_40" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="7.5 cm KwK 40">7.5cm StuK 40 L/48</a></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">54 rounds</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Secondary<br />armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">1 × <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.92%C3%9757_mm_Mauser" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="7.92×57 mm Mauser">7.92mm</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG34" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="MG34">MG34</a> </li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">or <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG42" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="MG42">MG42</a> - 600 rounds +</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">1 × coaxial <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.92%C3%9757_mm_Mauser" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="7.92×57 mm Mauser">7.92mm</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG34" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="MG34">MG34</a></li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">firing from gun mantle</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">(from 1944) 600 rounds</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WWII_Maybach_engines" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="List of WWII Maybach engines">Maybach HL120 TRM</a><br /><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-12_engine" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="V-12 engine">V-12</a> <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasoline_engine" style="background: none; color: #0645ad; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Gasoline engine">gasoline engine</a><br />six-speed transmission<br />300 PS (296 hp, 221 kW)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">12 PS (9.2 kW) / tonne</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">torsion bar</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">155 km </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Maximum speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">40 km/h </td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><b>The kit:</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> This project was executed with the good kit Dragon (# 6320), from 2007: StuG. III Ausf. G early production:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd5wf59t7zxo-OT_QQNC0-_Cp1wl10gNHwPRBAx4PEe-UWs428kHBUspoqTn5BlkeJVQryKQt2kirWR6hl2D1lCfW7HrBZ_UTqVyT8fcwhgVPBIdntI4CVTDdgYLgSJCnb1lfKVYhh0X_Wikg_T4sOz-UxrcQlfmkjt-XUIZkRyEeGpqQwXrla53K2A/s1280/cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAd5wf59t7zxo-OT_QQNC0-_Cp1wl10gNHwPRBAx4PEe-UWs428kHBUspoqTn5BlkeJVQryKQt2kirWR6hl2D1lCfW7HrBZ_UTqVyT8fcwhgVPBIdntI4CVTDdgYLgSJCnb1lfKVYhh0X_Wikg_T4sOz-UxrcQlfmkjt-XUIZkRyEeGpqQwXrla53K2A/w640-h410/cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dragon StuG III Ausf.G kit (#6320) box art</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> The kit comes with many very well injected and detailed parts, with many extra parts, typical of Dragon, with a PE sheet, metallic steel cable and plastic injected LBL tracks. The good decal sheet comes with a choice of 5 different vehicles. Let's start by the booklet: wheels and suspensions...</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nG-IG5iBazRhJuLh0cqzC8LB9oULW9kffLEG3tXazDJMLZkqpPjAuwbo2fnPJA0v7bzZ85BUMzMqE6BX3oNyWFDuisE2x18f7JLt_6edHtSYY6554m5m11-m0cqU8IFN2TBKn3GAKZnylzP2Qzy7eZl1jrUORRSIvsmvZXD2w42NW4yQYp8nvOtXPA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nG-IG5iBazRhJuLh0cqzC8LB9oULW9kffLEG3tXazDJMLZkqpPjAuwbo2fnPJA0v7bzZ85BUMzMqE6BX3oNyWFDuisE2x18f7JLt_6edHtSYY6554m5m11-m0cqU8IFN2TBKn3GAKZnylzP2Qzy7eZl1jrUORRSIvsmvZXD2w42NW4yQYp8nvOtXPA/w640-h390/Stug%20III%20G%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheels...Notice the PE detail in the idler ones...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTpmpoxxUTcFEgvzd7Zi3X6Fil8P-EFBiX6kpt8ZLRmW40gfzC0tUWPHAwyIpGRXTeP1RFNHpQaQPVxweJ0AU6hIALRvyUkTn7ChRYX8t_CyXhiUI77Lds8J2swRRNOJLDuc5WybzvBhIobFIPtw2BDjmLm7pLNJBU8kOI6Ay9b3xcG6rOWsIWd6JaA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTpmpoxxUTcFEgvzd7Zi3X6Fil8P-EFBiX6kpt8ZLRmW40gfzC0tUWPHAwyIpGRXTeP1RFNHpQaQPVxweJ0AU6hIALRvyUkTn7ChRYX8t_CyXhiUI77Lds8J2swRRNOJLDuc5WybzvBhIobFIPtw2BDjmLm7pLNJBU8kOI6Ay9b3xcG6rOWsIWd6JaA/w640-h442/Stug%20III%20G%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torsion bars, in the chassis. The plastic allows for discreet movement,<br />if you glue the pieces to their inserts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp4bEq2u416JmTtjYqfYWqrSSUVgQZm79QCuhO6tJWdXw4IRyTCR0HDJRSXoy1kGROTQ_84_BVTcdIE9LEpk-TDrrhFSk6GXmjbRHm1kGDO1r6Ab0PniJJE8TAf98TBIlx19RmjABNXN44g2JWsmjh8fpjzu9904lfhA57YfigzEPutbS0rmtVQwitQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp4bEq2u416JmTtjYqfYWqrSSUVgQZm79QCuhO6tJWdXw4IRyTCR0HDJRSXoy1kGROTQ_84_BVTcdIE9LEpk-TDrrhFSk6GXmjbRHm1kGDO1r6Ab0PniJJE8TAf98TBIlx19RmjABNXN44g2JWsmjh8fpjzu9904lfhA57YfigzEPutbS0rmtVQwitQ/w640-h326/Stug%20III%20G%20004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torsion bar arms in position...<br />Notice the installation of shock absorbers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LOEZB-i-1JJnznxzcjSab5Oa0E3Wbj7M-8kSJ3JLVEI7fsUGLnaUf9uLED5ezb0Kh-O-1RbvKC1XZgsurek6_ias7VP6jrlG5cfyY9hOq0RMCHgFl6-oJ60zB0IrsJgZ_WGd2_JFuStvTIZOIgc59RMuuNEL2nYK7sVBZYrzsZs6oGihTxUCeT--PQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LOEZB-i-1JJnznxzcjSab5Oa0E3Wbj7M-8kSJ3JLVEI7fsUGLnaUf9uLED5ezb0Kh-O-1RbvKC1XZgsurek6_ias7VP6jrlG5cfyY9hOq0RMCHgFl6-oJ60zB0IrsJgZ_WGd2_JFuStvTIZOIgc59RMuuNEL2nYK7sVBZYrzsZs6oGihTxUCeT--PQ/w640-h360/Stug%20III%20G%20014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All suspension and wheels in position... <br />left front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMqBfKUUBQHGKZ-qx4EQIqIuJEz6zIF1UFhB-SBNAfIeOrJNYDwIq5b6f-dcXQl1-k-HHtGopLzvESz4UcE6Pxm0PSJ2lYnY9W9tf3cyRGYmcMXGXX4uqIVqETJSHHF3mVWIRy4vbCWFA67e8QlJTaf3jR_QZFI4VddiSs1xWgoNDx0noYk-Pwyu1YQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20015.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMqBfKUUBQHGKZ-qx4EQIqIuJEz6zIF1UFhB-SBNAfIeOrJNYDwIq5b6f-dcXQl1-k-HHtGopLzvESz4UcE6Pxm0PSJ2lYnY9W9tf3cyRGYmcMXGXX4uqIVqETJSHHF3mVWIRy4vbCWFA67e8QlJTaf3jR_QZFI4VddiSs1xWgoNDx0noYk-Pwyu1YQ/w640-h378/Stug%20III%20G%20015.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suspension and wheels in position... <br />left rear view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1r5z_xSbd59Ar37-_2ECIgGf_cIeGVwZhRozRonJdoXM_EfYv3rqo3af7pm3VZMHNZNuE5uv_uFMJ0KNIrHkigc_CR2y8W5fiCGDqcNYxpugZdPBlkDfTpAhpGvKf5uDDbCzyJJzJUDFHIFM6D768W9yMo0MEMw3n31tL6TQ8sDiPSanlK4Z3pANvjA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1280" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1r5z_xSbd59Ar37-_2ECIgGf_cIeGVwZhRozRonJdoXM_EfYv3rqo3af7pm3VZMHNZNuE5uv_uFMJ0KNIrHkigc_CR2y8W5fiCGDqcNYxpugZdPBlkDfTpAhpGvKf5uDDbCzyJJzJUDFHIFM6D768W9yMo0MEMw3n31tL6TQ8sDiPSanlK4Z3pANvjA/w640-h308/Stug%20III%20G%20016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning the fenders, floor and radio parts...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcnkzDNAgd3GC3WFkv6iFc16H-mhl6gqhFX3o2UR7a0-RZyOSiwRsGMLOJ2xQP_XldMwQV4W8edCPoM2K3KKaATzMPVK3KJgm5BX4SEqIz93ZnGguCR573YEoaHuqMyuK8RIczCRApbZcBrAESYFP5PRmxWH1WiT9TCaV5rifLWprqDkuwzmS9fsbqw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcnkzDNAgd3GC3WFkv6iFc16H-mhl6gqhFX3o2UR7a0-RZyOSiwRsGMLOJ2xQP_XldMwQV4W8edCPoM2K3KKaATzMPVK3KJgm5BX4SEqIz93ZnGguCR573YEoaHuqMyuK8RIczCRApbZcBrAESYFP5PRmxWH1WiT9TCaV5rifLWprqDkuwzmS9fsbqw/w640-h440/Stug%20III%20G%20017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vehicle's superstructure built, with the commander's hatch open.<br />The roof in in dry-fit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTh7xgkxa_YkHaWIsMT4VKUcHy7V5RX0JLnGU0LbQkvfcA-WmWIJZa696If2jNjGqESWPWiSTFejv4wlpdQI3oii1lyNsYb6N2TJimYRjZvUooSURoNfwIkrQoddHeBLgVQITgwD51uxytwSgiK6QSM5AaCobacITjgbxnJhpt9X9LDiwzYK292kxKKQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20018.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1280" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTh7xgkxa_YkHaWIsMT4VKUcHy7V5RX0JLnGU0LbQkvfcA-WmWIJZa696If2jNjGqESWPWiSTFejv4wlpdQI3oii1lyNsYb6N2TJimYRjZvUooSURoNfwIkrQoddHeBLgVQITgwD51uxytwSgiK6QSM5AaCobacITjgbxnJhpt9X9LDiwzYK292kxKKQ/w640-h504/Stug%20III%20G%20018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The superstructure with the mudguards glued in place...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8plZVXznqQgydrdp32xOb93PF8E1l9EHcECvGesy0lVqrxovuIKxapfStfWCsV3cOfxEePjR2M9_yT8_l7tjymfemjPXxEn0tb4Zh382Yp0QgTj9c8PcGBFOvdQWe5BU3SysSN9bM2mBIRvxrt9nuxEgeeizVI610mWRoKXTxTbI8nwH6AN2Xy5GMA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1280" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8plZVXznqQgydrdp32xOb93PF8E1l9EHcECvGesy0lVqrxovuIKxapfStfWCsV3cOfxEePjR2M9_yT8_l7tjymfemjPXxEn0tb4Zh382Yp0QgTj9c8PcGBFOvdQWe5BU3SysSN9bM2mBIRvxrt9nuxEgeeizVI610mWRoKXTxTbI8nwH6AN2Xy5GMA/w640-h506/Stug%20III%20G%20019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the interior of the StuG´s chassis...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD11jwDR7G8g1kfNpCUJiAK6mRQhZ6Q3jFZKSXH3zkOaNJvw9-CzTxSS1vySfXNgu9tCL7cPGoyfaWhpFj8J2qnuyH8qrEuGATFuMpU4v_hQGqH4ooZQGJ2j0CsByEhPRzneBAYqYDCph4Ls_fd5OjA9oheGvr0vFM0hPsr6z3Y2U4vOsKKIxCUqKXg/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMD11jwDR7G8g1kfNpCUJiAK6mRQhZ6Q3jFZKSXH3zkOaNJvw9-CzTxSS1vySfXNgu9tCL7cPGoyfaWhpFj8J2qnuyH8qrEuGATFuMpU4v_hQGqH4ooZQGJ2j0CsByEhPRzneBAYqYDCph4Ls_fd5OjA9oheGvr0vFM0hPsr6z3Y2U4vOsKKIxCUqKXg/w640-h374/Stug%20III%20G%20020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Dry-run with the 7.5cm StuK 40 L/48 in position...</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXvZjuukWzRUHpvXir3B5FG4Ee6VOEjS1fSsA98UN8R7nk0pocvXtJVNcJMZ6uFo5-fuP1hF4d3SJAuu45NttVbvM9Qq2bj7-V1WSs9IbMTcy0bqvDsKJNNTyyHAQ7hrqx_pQDRJbqtZbF70AXWZFr28dlWRnq7TOQ2MPxY0364o6fTob9iNuuMrytg/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXvZjuukWzRUHpvXir3B5FG4Ee6VOEjS1fSsA98UN8R7nk0pocvXtJVNcJMZ6uFo5-fuP1hF4d3SJAuu45NttVbvM9Qq2bj7-V1WSs9IbMTcy0bqvDsKJNNTyyHAQ7hrqx_pQDRJbqtZbF70AXWZFr28dlWRnq7TOQ2MPxY0364o6fTob9iNuuMrytg/w640-h440/Stug%20III%20G%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radio installed in position. Notice the interior of the vehicle painted<br />in light cream, typical of the Germans...<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vcI1zTtDtjWt90fUTir551XgOECb_bkK85l4COyvRovjwBsVF6RAwK5OmaYBh333QGuGeJC67wO49ZqFPLw9BXi2haU6ll9gFPnqiIUlKiXw33kGyYg5HS6G8KcxczHXIrPwJ25UQz58agyno5ufv26M80PvlidD2-iSYU97T71Hvc7s6Lv_08tWAA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vcI1zTtDtjWt90fUTir551XgOECb_bkK85l4COyvRovjwBsVF6RAwK5OmaYBh333QGuGeJC67wO49ZqFPLw9BXi2haU6ll9gFPnqiIUlKiXw33kGyYg5HS6G8KcxczHXIrPwJ25UQz58agyno5ufv26M80PvlidD2-iSYU97T71Hvc7s6Lv_08tWAA/w640-h360/Stug%20III%20G%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radio installed in position.<br />right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCK2ndhO9PY5-H5zPboIpdMwPaasLfcgTHTSg2uAddVwPXEsqCIvcmX_XGdIMHbS1ErLiKYmo4CyYISNQvw6n3xIF32FEp3Sj-75_0gVtMEUG2SusMwAV_SEa2vT5r9vSXfB-fD_i1mgMvMlfLW0XgVAgqIws1kc785McdL7-uhwKaqUHYxxYbyqN8fw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCK2ndhO9PY5-H5zPboIpdMwPaasLfcgTHTSg2uAddVwPXEsqCIvcmX_XGdIMHbS1ErLiKYmo4CyYISNQvw6n3xIF32FEp3Sj-75_0gVtMEUG2SusMwAV_SEa2vT5r9vSXfB-fD_i1mgMvMlfLW0XgVAgqIws1kc785McdL7-uhwKaqUHYxxYbyqN8fw/w640-h430/Stug%20III%20G%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gun in position...<br />Starting the weathering in the interior...<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YZl7YNxYsJSoYwKVv_E9JBKgU1WOivnhBc6UM5xDwRFmlaRszOSKr4jME-lc8JsrcVsne_HxxEkxRYDjljM332JkwioEuZ-a-wEss27RWydFH1vs-jQEZyS4ngTQfHUQ2vCe88_qntQWLKPiGChmB7Zm4a9D-M7n89n62m8x8yKT6DlBlkPgnJofLw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YZl7YNxYsJSoYwKVv_E9JBKgU1WOivnhBc6UM5xDwRFmlaRszOSKr4jME-lc8JsrcVsne_HxxEkxRYDjljM332JkwioEuZ-a-wEss27RWydFH1vs-jQEZyS4ngTQfHUQ2vCe88_qntQWLKPiGChmB7Zm4a9D-M7n89n62m8x8yKT6DlBlkPgnJofLw/w640-h464/Stug%20III%20G%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gun in position...<br />Starting the weathering in the interior...<br />right view<br />Notice the rear deck under construction...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUUVbRwJo8wRGv8g_FDSqCwvTf8a6Q--czlgp-s-60qMwFPOb6uVRo2UxguZoHO1N3aXiI-bXv9PZ7DHpYhzJNbSKYr-uOrWvOEOaLLLltQnzzpnjkHM72qO1NHYJ3uqdVq7qWqFKTbLvRoZZJhCh8XV_trWhpfIBrvMXh1RGMgzfHYlTXQZ_hoATsw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUUVbRwJo8wRGv8g_FDSqCwvTf8a6Q--czlgp-s-60qMwFPOb6uVRo2UxguZoHO1N3aXiI-bXv9PZ7DHpYhzJNbSKYr-uOrWvOEOaLLLltQnzzpnjkHM72qO1NHYJ3uqdVq7qWqFKTbLvRoZZJhCh8XV_trWhpfIBrvMXh1RGMgzfHYlTXQZ_hoATsw/w640-h440/Stug%20III%20G%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The StuG is growing....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXolNsbwJiVTze9JCBs4Pjij7fFpxkYfsgU40mgEdyzB2XPcVCyXf-saM3e5DCED3EqJykrFC7F8EKEjqIHjKW52s-ZCXhRboKia4g-q8jw1AOYf-EkISk4OyQVb-oqUOlvhAgzs2OaZFe-x3LAxaSebuxLTYKpqVDLBNxZUkMEKpemmhrWxbBNqaUQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXolNsbwJiVTze9JCBs4Pjij7fFpxkYfsgU40mgEdyzB2XPcVCyXf-saM3e5DCED3EqJykrFC7F8EKEjqIHjKW52s-ZCXhRboKia4g-q8jw1AOYf-EkISk4OyQVb-oqUOlvhAgzs2OaZFe-x3LAxaSebuxLTYKpqVDLBNxZUkMEKpemmhrWxbBNqaUQ/w640-h480/Stug%20III%20G%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding internal details...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7VxOtQJuCXn8rZr6kZt3vomJnw7x9ACo7SATS3BZGztht-pNvpP21pIc_78cNI7_vZT3pnRVX0pUSUAU6_Ku38CAlOwrTCa1-IXVqIB6JslJDCfhtUGTCXJ-bCCI741b-O511UK6JqfjvJqlZOn1ipDHBruY4Ahb1qc4yaYLUuNar9hIspD--oUUjw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7VxOtQJuCXn8rZr6kZt3vomJnw7x9ACo7SATS3BZGztht-pNvpP21pIc_78cNI7_vZT3pnRVX0pUSUAU6_Ku38CAlOwrTCa1-IXVqIB6JslJDCfhtUGTCXJ-bCCI741b-O511UK6JqfjvJqlZOn1ipDHBruY4Ahb1qc4yaYLUuNar9hIspD--oUUjw/w640-h404/Stug%20III%20G%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing the roof...<br />The gun allows horizontal and vertical movements, as in the real vehicle...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAq1SOFj51bdYKOm-7KzS-MXUDodYGEDAyDBG02VXgrmbJOKLylx-g1zn8-cTG8xNgA7Xv6RYw_66BctPkfkiT3yjWh7DpQwoCCs6CCW6DXPVFTf9RY21XeyK9fGkBofpgq18GR8JMH0cvXNwe0qmv3540Dd6acraEgN5Sa1R7qnKPHJl1lH0OG7NvQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20030.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAq1SOFj51bdYKOm-7KzS-MXUDodYGEDAyDBG02VXgrmbJOKLylx-g1zn8-cTG8xNgA7Xv6RYw_66BctPkfkiT3yjWh7DpQwoCCs6CCW6DXPVFTf9RY21XeyK9fGkBofpgq18GR8JMH0cvXNwe0qmv3540Dd6acraEgN5Sa1R7qnKPHJl1lH0OG7NvQ/w640-h424/Stug%20III%20G%20030.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the rear rack made with plasticard (scratch) in the rear deck...<br />The Germans usually built these racks, to transporting more<br />crew stuff on the rear deck</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtSrOhENmArO4qw4wei7tD2Smi4TUlX6bUzh7O2trjux0bCaIgTasZrJAy5O7jBMpNZyYA-hBr8ybjJNDCVzV8pKCoM9SO6GmEQ46CmcRR2FFy9emxgmN1JgDZ1cQDSUsKL31yWkL4b8xLcYbyUbSp-jbuyanvgy1_dePbGU7B26XjizmZ6CuujFI4A/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20031.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtSrOhENmArO4qw4wei7tD2Smi4TUlX6bUzh7O2trjux0bCaIgTasZrJAy5O7jBMpNZyYA-hBr8ybjJNDCVzV8pKCoM9SO6GmEQ46CmcRR2FFy9emxgmN1JgDZ1cQDSUsKL31yWkL4b8xLcYbyUbSp-jbuyanvgy1_dePbGU7B26XjizmZ6CuujFI4A/w640-h478/Stug%20III%20G%20031.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear rack in scratch and aerials,<br />made with acupuncture needles...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> My client requested a winter camouflage. We're going to make a worn cammo in white over a dark yellow one, post Feb-42, brindle in green and red-brown. First, the cammo-base:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzWoUYgR0ly-kchNqMd2IAsAdh96azKc6LqK9sakHTGGdCZMvG1timoSgrQTC1HV_Ogyr2vbq_vaqCA49I2T_kdVTCNAvpNFrq7GwjwNe3d59Su3EIVmBO3QH_nXyvwA9s4o3JasORatt3RUO5dDXKYtHCLi8dSUMleXg4i8N8XDGN8jIFH7Kqnjqag/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzWoUYgR0ly-kchNqMd2IAsAdh96azKc6LqK9sakHTGGdCZMvG1timoSgrQTC1HV_Ogyr2vbq_vaqCA49I2T_kdVTCNAvpNFrq7GwjwNe3d59Su3EIVmBO3QH_nXyvwA9s4o3JasORatt3RUO5dDXKYtHCLi8dSUMleXg4i8N8XDGN8jIFH7Kqnjqag/w640-h394/Stug%20III%20G%20032.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark-yellow with green and red-brow.<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq4khVYGw10E5t1P-1J05GdSYXBYNizr5guCIZTUAmvrFSKE79xm8O-NzkO1VjzI8ae1ujv0vMC4V7WQmcbA2UpxWS80oO2WbRP-ItiCeTuYNyCPGwfI3HqWvUARMflqIhUu-9F_8Yvug2expQ-h1nMxeSprMjCV5agTYVbNNhdvguSwNcWZ6p3Cc9Q/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20033.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKq4khVYGw10E5t1P-1J05GdSYXBYNizr5guCIZTUAmvrFSKE79xm8O-NzkO1VjzI8ae1ujv0vMC4V7WQmcbA2UpxWS80oO2WbRP-ItiCeTuYNyCPGwfI3HqWvUARMflqIhUu-9F_8Yvug2expQ-h1nMxeSprMjCV5agTYVbNNhdvguSwNcWZ6p3Cc9Q/w640-h368/Stug%20III%20G%20033.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-oHVWwSmmbZOKvyGGeULGQmcuabGzWtJdgXFqv878Bk8Wj7-OAQ5ZqJizipIqXWQjP4PzssY2GuSCdee6HVhER-SHy_0Js5vCdgqKDt60IxgG7pF0waUr0aUtrrB3JBKA9cTc6-3-BcTr7ca-3uzhd6OTZbqk_qgZzz6DIn-IbzQpXa0IhswA_XcbQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20034.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-oHVWwSmmbZOKvyGGeULGQmcuabGzWtJdgXFqv878Bk8Wj7-OAQ5ZqJizipIqXWQjP4PzssY2GuSCdee6HVhER-SHy_0Js5vCdgqKDt60IxgG7pF0waUr0aUtrrB3JBKA9cTc6-3-BcTr7ca-3uzhd6OTZbqk_qgZzz6DIn-IbzQpXa0IhswA_XcbQ/w640-h418/Stug%20III%20G%20034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view. The wider plates on the deck rack<br />are to support the spare wheels...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q2KLAXAVo9SoOjcawZZt7KdW37KGWixXGXfCcNodTfNcl9abHJFzfN78aDTBOiw5pnoX_JMVFVIysSHTpW3-eWAx5ACQ-cFqwhr235b6l0eXbUr2wMZ2SNYry_ECtUNdQRtbdSuEDYhjlrE3l2jTgcQBiP9yma2hU1_OfHZ2V2f82lDuQJwmHwYBZA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Q2KLAXAVo9SoOjcawZZt7KdW37KGWixXGXfCcNodTfNcl9abHJFzfN78aDTBOiw5pnoX_JMVFVIysSHTpW3-eWAx5ACQ-cFqwhr235b6l0eXbUr2wMZ2SNYry_ECtUNdQRtbdSuEDYhjlrE3l2jTgcQBiP9yma2hU1_OfHZ2V2f82lDuQJwmHwYBZA/w640-h352/Stug%20III%20G%20035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These StuGs are simply aggressive in their looks....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D1GtTfPrW3hSVmXtPzmkYwlubd-RjyIGmCgvn7kYaAvxiM1cTz-4vDxGvvm92JDiVufRwWKw6ff-OAqMtowdVg-YqJwod0XRS9hYEMCjcPedsNCcTp3AoPh8WkqLOMi1DIxCvvNqEgUB4iu3FsMA-M4-yGZwbn2JKPHAcAIjyFSG3KZcOEzizbOhYQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20036.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1280" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0D1GtTfPrW3hSVmXtPzmkYwlubd-RjyIGmCgvn7kYaAvxiM1cTz-4vDxGvvm92JDiVufRwWKw6ff-OAqMtowdVg-YqJwod0XRS9hYEMCjcPedsNCcTp3AoPh8WkqLOMi1DIxCvvNqEgUB4iu3FsMA-M4-yGZwbn2JKPHAcAIjyFSG3KZcOEzizbOhYQ/w640-h500/Stug%20III%20G%20036.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view. Notice the MG 34 shield<br />raised in front of loader´s hatch...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The idea was to make a spray-painted winter camouflage over the standard summer camouflage. The camouflage work was done carefully, with the soldiers being careful not to fully mask the markings. The vehicle's unit is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzergrenadier_Division_Gro%C3%9Fdeutschland" target="_blank">Panzer Grenadier Division Großdeutschland</a>, XLVIII Panzer Corps, operating on the Russian (Ukraine) front, a survivor of the Battle of Kursk, in the early winter of 1943.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KtEON-V3H4t194sDc7TZONvc6EgRLfKYj-j2lC3kyGu2vg7tL-WtswUmvKYdW6loiFbXFjhrdXnXIZQTx3nP_jKYTR_qkH8jhaVwQ3ardiCEmAzQG4weXEqT8_rCZ9JCNGf08YLqr_rWWClRJC5zkm6d0RlNsUt7HMASnxPA-w2cUSSC0g6niBvOxQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20037.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KtEON-V3H4t194sDc7TZONvc6EgRLfKYj-j2lC3kyGu2vg7tL-WtswUmvKYdW6loiFbXFjhrdXnXIZQTx3nP_jKYTR_qkH8jhaVwQ3ardiCEmAzQG4weXEqT8_rCZ9JCNGf08YLqr_rWWClRJC5zkm6d0RlNsUt7HMASnxPA-w2cUSSC0g6niBvOxQ/w640-h320/Stug%20III%20G%20037.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The markings and the winter cammo. Notice<br />the spare wheels in position</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSRNRBC2jv2rlfpda-rKNO789wlLW4_SFHG0dp_xh7_XQgyRDHrSXFCiK6cenrZTOPMEDc7Ls25gCcrXHuaxoWtxt6ohY8-6bKxNxNCr8F_1gevzI2WUI52jQw3OcZKR5slbVwo6GuPBaRZFgwr71XEqcE9O3JBmx94hzt67MHVWrFyyBamzfwlSvoQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20038.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSRNRBC2jv2rlfpda-rKNO789wlLW4_SFHG0dp_xh7_XQgyRDHrSXFCiK6cenrZTOPMEDc7Ls25gCcrXHuaxoWtxt6ohY8-6bKxNxNCr8F_1gevzI2WUI52jQw3OcZKR5slbVwo6GuPBaRZFgwr71XEqcE9O3JBmx94hzt67MHVWrFyyBamzfwlSvoQ/w640-h332/Stug%20III%20G%20038.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III from Panzer Grenadier Division Großdeutschland</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj23ZCyB9OGlCCgBn04-y8bIAG12z2OMzVWx3hXmsgZZu75uGP5BiMys-6Iwvvhuehwuh9WUEeKjutW6RW2za4Tq5k28UqtKbkhlhdjw8lGm0yYm6oz-ombrNfEEkEjr8FWK0igNm69h4EUOHiNcfYv6f6TxGcJxWSYHAWXbZ6VIYI2W-cHJkN2LhVw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20039.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigj23ZCyB9OGlCCgBn04-y8bIAG12z2OMzVWx3hXmsgZZu75uGP5BiMys-6Iwvvhuehwuh9WUEeKjutW6RW2za4Tq5k28UqtKbkhlhdjw8lGm0yYm6oz-ombrNfEEkEjr8FWK0igNm69h4EUOHiNcfYv6f6TxGcJxWSYHAWXbZ6VIYI2W-cHJkN2LhVw/w640-h390/Stug%20III%20G%20039.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhK_AyGqx5vs5s4r3cucsDEq1zb6pGILSqAuiLEzNe8lR9rNWHMotq886IsQ7w9HxV6hjS876lzt0aW_l99exdPnE29pY8X_zvrv2SwVIZVKIijsBWurBYWSihzX0Injp7WzwuVREy_a2jcpUeHMksOr7jO6mjk9fbYlbkppp85YbedeTdVLjQvUT2A/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20040.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYhK_AyGqx5vs5s4r3cucsDEq1zb6pGILSqAuiLEzNe8lR9rNWHMotq886IsQ7w9HxV6hjS876lzt0aW_l99exdPnE29pY8X_zvrv2SwVIZVKIijsBWurBYWSihzX0Injp7WzwuVREy_a2jcpUeHMksOr7jO6mjk9fbYlbkppp85YbedeTdVLjQvUT2A/w640-h408/Stug%20III%20G%20040.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details and weathering...<br />Notice the spare tracks in the front hull</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULjAXMJCPn1T8laPygz5EamSp5cDNXTe_lAGZQzFB6M0yyV455rWXJkWmkE7mSTOtr1NYeaUX3OXddbkhyyc8EsJI0pMo8m4VvZjq_hFQTvy83jvQZtsXT786j-w9H9OWFGXegduia6roamKcTYFhPGQtTFuYV957fpBQJf_Bj9lUPALSu5Gm-zpAcQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20041.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULjAXMJCPn1T8laPygz5EamSp5cDNXTe_lAGZQzFB6M0yyV455rWXJkWmkE7mSTOtr1NYeaUX3OXddbkhyyc8EsJI0pMo8m4VvZjq_hFQTvy83jvQZtsXT786j-w9H9OWFGXegduia6roamKcTYFhPGQtTFuYV957fpBQJf_Bj9lUPALSu5Gm-zpAcQ/w640-h458/Stug%20III%20G%20041.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Details and weathering...<br />Notice the canvas made with tracing-paper in the rear deck.<br />The american jerry-can is a trophy captured from the russians...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoL_T1cA-wgNXHoMHEbQFOFvD2CszKJ3SfjBA3HWXt4vhtsEmjAilJ8KP0EUvKM-3RtQvhjYDtHWAYtM5Xj1VAREryFWWEAUrwDBkWx9G2XKTG9iyKHlnC9Wjk4-8MsVa3aBlIVyMlN3chHyTOAOP6lLYspcm1Uby2WFtZzmWBrWJTkt1HV0HxN58ZA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20042.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoL_T1cA-wgNXHoMHEbQFOFvD2CszKJ3SfjBA3HWXt4vhtsEmjAilJ8KP0EUvKM-3RtQvhjYDtHWAYtM5Xj1VAREryFWWEAUrwDBkWx9G2XKTG9iyKHlnC9Wjk4-8MsVa3aBlIVyMlN3chHyTOAOP6lLYspcm1Uby2WFtZzmWBrWJTkt1HV0HxN58ZA/w640-h432/Stug%20III%20G%20042.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StuG III Ausf. G - right view<br />Notice the MG 34 in position<br />and the telescope emerging from commander's cupola</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8NY5UJaEvzgsNpB7X2rA8eSOue19osVbm9pazCVWyaGAUvUeo_rsh-YWudCoTGizKqM62qerWb_sTMXRr1EbGcIfZ4dj6tuAwNB0zkw8HamzgntiW-QAMmdeVU3IA13fKtPaZj8rk_Y7fq44kgRioj1Jv8fpeU16LuQNMCtWkUpJqotWaV8J5cB5Xw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20043.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="923" data-original-width="1280" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8NY5UJaEvzgsNpB7X2rA8eSOue19osVbm9pazCVWyaGAUvUeo_rsh-YWudCoTGizKqM62qerWb_sTMXRr1EbGcIfZ4dj6tuAwNB0zkw8HamzgntiW-QAMmdeVU3IA13fKtPaZj8rk_Y7fq44kgRioj1Jv8fpeU16LuQNMCtWkUpJqotWaV8J5cB5Xw/w640-h462/Stug%20III%20G%20043.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final details in weathering...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> And the girl is totally ready!!! With you, a Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1 from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzergrenadier_Division_Gro%C3%9Fdeutschland" target="_blank">Panzer Grenadier Division Großdeutschland</a>, XLVIII Panzer Corps, in the retreat by Ukraine front, in the early winter of 1943.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInoyVATlRZH4GL0bgVoxjTMN6Ao3C61GykoT6IgsF3Xs2fvN5LZP6vwpC27B7n1vE5CpXaZudas7_9Sx8G4JzmB_4H1mu6EidtjsXeWTLBicHrxH3B3S5t2xfnjeiDAbUB4mvDy4tc4tTT3QAcRAZP5EKOaEO_oV-g557NiVpsSYJZIaqHm366NJPsw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20044.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInoyVATlRZH4GL0bgVoxjTMN6Ao3C61GykoT6IgsF3Xs2fvN5LZP6vwpC27B7n1vE5CpXaZudas7_9Sx8G4JzmB_4H1mu6EidtjsXeWTLBicHrxH3B3S5t2xfnjeiDAbUB4mvDy4tc4tTT3QAcRAZP5EKOaEO_oV-g557NiVpsSYJZIaqHm366NJPsw/w640-h378/Stug%20III%20G%20044.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1<br /></span>Panzer Grenadier Division Großdeutschland<br /><span style="text-align: justify;">XLVIII Panzer Corps - </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Ukraine front<br /> Winter - 1943.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5WNm7PrkjI5sELdBNUV3M6Ia3DSo2p_6RweYxRP94kQMyx_u2rB416N2AMXDufBKFiHuIZXDpNuNah6_vL8WBOXdHhaImLRWAw2w9TFYuhyP2kkS_wT8Zc0fVu9QwfwuiXBTK2hjs6HubuzEkS82A0EV0xSygihCGljnnHwrxabjnSk5hqpDPEowyA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20045.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5WNm7PrkjI5sELdBNUV3M6Ia3DSo2p_6RweYxRP94kQMyx_u2rB416N2AMXDufBKFiHuIZXDpNuNah6_vL8WBOXdHhaImLRWAw2w9TFYuhyP2kkS_wT8Zc0fVu9QwfwuiXBTK2hjs6HubuzEkS82A0EV0xSygihCGljnnHwrxabjnSk5hqpDPEowyA/w640-h440/Stug%20III%20G%20045.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgVfoXF6RRkVJQt0hNt8ab0gI8lVsX7U4Bvt1Efl98UuOWBxdTuD7iHRMQaykPcW1YuYCVkBx7KPuj2ujZOBSMdSZl84KqdXutCicwjSMxSx0oI2OtnFCoACd9OCabUFMjFbBcZ9blWq05-8IuGTkMuGm89FFR7KDO4rsBFiNMU17BFrcRQTf54t8Eg/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20046.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgVfoXF6RRkVJQt0hNt8ab0gI8lVsX7U4Bvt1Efl98UuOWBxdTuD7iHRMQaykPcW1YuYCVkBx7KPuj2ujZOBSMdSZl84KqdXutCicwjSMxSx0oI2OtnFCoACd9OCabUFMjFbBcZ9blWq05-8IuGTkMuGm89FFR7KDO4rsBFiNMU17BFrcRQTf54t8Eg/w640-h458/Stug%20III%20G%20046.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1<br />front view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGiRcAxB_h88q0n84TWhcPUUpZt2G7PfrquKOWAEScr4fKu6Oy1gH1V-hKvYp5D_vUgsJmJB1QCYwzAKi02et4bE9gSD_vRJo8meF-PbxS6op1wrLJYcbj5MkapTaOQkqQxGfigeK5Q2agUGRZEqh_UzbyhbRPM19WTtqlWITR64zflC5VyxlnOTDsg/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGiRcAxB_h88q0n84TWhcPUUpZt2G7PfrquKOWAEScr4fKu6Oy1gH1V-hKvYp5D_vUgsJmJB1QCYwzAKi02et4bE9gSD_vRJo8meF-PbxS6op1wrLJYcbj5MkapTaOQkqQxGfigeK5Q2agUGRZEqh_UzbyhbRPM19WTtqlWITR64zflC5VyxlnOTDsg/w640-h394/Stug%20III%20G%20047.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGga10iHYKrA_6YUnmJrjxX3qWmIRHjzKddPzU43rNxsJcbJrtK8yLYLkOGhRQNTqrTBp4NbGlRKyWCEcjaCB3fut0kJ5Hf6VfgEqzXBxgm1odS-A_f2GYyjZgzgkhlx2aRDauT6Mi1YIAZ5OnfGhsDFZPmLQNS1NeGO3t43XbJfZCvNuQUHFwG10hfg/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20048.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGga10iHYKrA_6YUnmJrjxX3qWmIRHjzKddPzU43rNxsJcbJrtK8yLYLkOGhRQNTqrTBp4NbGlRKyWCEcjaCB3fut0kJ5Hf6VfgEqzXBxgm1odS-A_f2GYyjZgzgkhlx2aRDauT6Mi1YIAZ5OnfGhsDFZPmLQNS1NeGO3t43XbJfZCvNuQUHFwG10hfg/w640-h356/Stug%20III%20G%20048.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1<br />right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm72076FN10DZIqgi5TCFx1rfzMnFaOAQhJRDszyL_37wRTRAEwcWsJ8M89J0yKNNBds_Qopi52Qw08dQpQhcdWlrC1k2IgQjNOo5wLijebQ85yXTR2cEUcS44EDVKFYFp87ibYshqbNNCy_ARbDxukekOtn5XhZWYhDUIuM4MeavBzr0amFWy8W2Ww/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20049.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm72076FN10DZIqgi5TCFx1rfzMnFaOAQhJRDszyL_37wRTRAEwcWsJ8M89J0yKNNBds_Qopi52Qw08dQpQhcdWlrC1k2IgQjNOo5wLijebQ85yXTR2cEUcS44EDVKFYFp87ibYshqbNNCy_ARbDxukekOtn5XhZWYhDUIuM4MeavBzr0amFWy8W2Ww/w640-h440/Stug%20III%20G%20049.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1<br />rear right view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGaEij8yBgYTWGw7zgW__mKvu9E2jEuC5l2uYpXcp4HlruneyOn4Aa-RjbAKtUoUUuMfi3T2vJP2GNKJNHY1NXxmPn9ChD7Iw_HyUALwJTvXNQ_aqVyxexAxJ9mQbdvcT0t823ybRoPTbNe_X5m0h8lWN8LIIUsCi_kS0mSPGx5cmfB2EtCrs5KsL8g/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1280" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGaEij8yBgYTWGw7zgW__mKvu9E2jEuC5l2uYpXcp4HlruneyOn4Aa-RjbAKtUoUUuMfi3T2vJP2GNKJNHY1NXxmPn9ChD7Iw_HyUALwJTvXNQ_aqVyxexAxJ9mQbdvcT0t823ybRoPTbNe_X5m0h8lWN8LIIUsCi_kS0mSPGx5cmfB2EtCrs5KsL8g/w640-h478/Stug%20III%20G%20050.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1<br />rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbd7uJq9pfdLpkZZ5WvjV5etC-D0rufAGGsoKeIOTgoBsfpbjenuIjbgrV2mrC3FZHHIABbSQkuad5zy_dCZ9knT5ku2CAR1HronPHB4JF4eJLJaICngoaqROZ52w51Y1p4IwKpi3mdtU1B85rKaGZKhAbL-SqugN47cifJzT6eBvMcX2UIHxNbNUeA/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20051.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbd7uJq9pfdLpkZZ5WvjV5etC-D0rufAGGsoKeIOTgoBsfpbjenuIjbgrV2mrC3FZHHIABbSQkuad5zy_dCZ9knT5ku2CAR1HronPHB4JF4eJLJaICngoaqROZ52w51Y1p4IwKpi3mdtU1B85rKaGZKhAbL-SqugN47cifJzT6eBvMcX2UIHxNbNUeA/w640-h406/Stug%20III%20G%20051.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1<br />left rear view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLPzEXS-EVnM9sgSozczIhOyU6e24kWgfB8hf6JNfRHj49xQ9oQvBdaCL6j3o4p_5UH8LvJgIK7LTTCzcGW-SwC5qq3qy9QTV7jRxMTc718OZAZAXujrU7JAtEH2ccBRhFkUAfZMts6l6RJhk9PxTZVnO8Qu7s8X8fJx_K8A-7B2bshtPYHQCtjQlyg/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20052.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLPzEXS-EVnM9sgSozczIhOyU6e24kWgfB8hf6JNfRHj49xQ9oQvBdaCL6j3o4p_5UH8LvJgIK7LTTCzcGW-SwC5qq3qy9QTV7jRxMTc718OZAZAXujrU7JAtEH2ccBRhFkUAfZMts6l6RJhk9PxTZVnO8Qu7s8X8fJx_K8A-7B2bshtPYHQCtjQlyg/w640-h350/Stug%20III%20G%20052.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1<br />left view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ5xvyiuSnO2QInpXfqf9oxy3XN-NhMmA80shV_Yy8FpyMsIxm6fx0ko7E5zJ0TzwwNUKzrKEKLTqA0M7GjljgmcbXP0aG6PdPQ5-BTB1tle-01YdSLYWNcQ8307PZwSk2fgo_j-vhYJLHzgqji7iktfQ_oJd03Mk5v5ZTDUjSZ2vutJ3yo-PsNt8FQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ5xvyiuSnO2QInpXfqf9oxy3XN-NhMmA80shV_Yy8FpyMsIxm6fx0ko7E5zJ0TzwwNUKzrKEKLTqA0M7GjljgmcbXP0aG6PdPQ5-BTB1tle-01YdSLYWNcQ8307PZwSk2fgo_j-vhYJLHzgqji7iktfQ_oJd03Mk5v5ZTDUjSZ2vutJ3yo-PsNt8FQ/w640-h418/Stug%20III%20G%20053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlDk0cc0N1j3MjWgwWRLwdFKF18P38QcsetubegY9ZmWksTnllIPhSKyFbGqktCptEqtaqRTHg2p8wgSiTVpoZRzIKLOyPcplq1YFYnjaInaGhyN10Q1F2pdY8zOu2nSb6Rq8-DVhfhrEJyPZMUYTSv6nkYx2GCURc10B0QsYBJONgKinFhIUSjXlZw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20054.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1280" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlDk0cc0N1j3MjWgwWRLwdFKF18P38QcsetubegY9ZmWksTnllIPhSKyFbGqktCptEqtaqRTHg2p8wgSiTVpoZRzIKLOyPcplq1YFYnjaInaGhyN10Q1F2pdY8zOu2nSb6Rq8-DVhfhrEJyPZMUYTSv6nkYx2GCURc10B0QsYBJONgKinFhIUSjXlZw/w640-h492/Stug%20III%20G%20054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmhKupQvaMDxY4zekY-59RCSaYjteCxmDOEkWzfFxPCD4HJaJPxH9G16m1yd-Fvt-2kppIFlsYVlAR54EwMPDd6mjyRsFxxW8eTBiG45SL3c9MlL5ouIShk_MOjxD1-BXVe71OWWk8dTynE-4GZgRSYaolTsuF6bA8PNoEcaSaEQCRvdqdb-Tv5vYNw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20055.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmhKupQvaMDxY4zekY-59RCSaYjteCxmDOEkWzfFxPCD4HJaJPxH9G16m1yd-Fvt-2kppIFlsYVlAR54EwMPDd6mjyRsFxxW8eTBiG45SL3c9MlL5ouIShk_MOjxD1-BXVe71OWWk8dTynE-4GZgRSYaolTsuF6bA8PNoEcaSaEQCRvdqdb-Tv5vYNw/w640-h476/Stug%20III%20G%20055.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOEJoWA4zxZ36ujlu-qZ9HihCuy5HGGDMbcealO8Nx6awaME1Bt2_n-nzDjtiPhlfIIQXJEP6TjJ0KmkXzPtTOdatCrQdC7udt9iNYuAYJOtD5stbSkdHz0RKexfJFT9fwI0Plf2HmMHDsZBJF8yojX3xF-JGxS3B6SJdd9-euYBkj_v-0Bw9FX80pw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOEJoWA4zxZ36ujlu-qZ9HihCuy5HGGDMbcealO8Nx6awaME1Bt2_n-nzDjtiPhlfIIQXJEP6TjJ0KmkXzPtTOdatCrQdC7udt9iNYuAYJOtD5stbSkdHz0RKexfJFT9fwI0Plf2HmMHDsZBJF8yojX3xF-JGxS3B6SJdd9-euYBkj_v-0Bw9FX80pw/w640-h388/Stug%20III%20G%20057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D4zaA3sTSuPD8iviGcrPBI1kHwOiz_YobeRMCS4g7MM0wlj2ZnK4KuhbiZVa2uMFdAZ4sM5ZD8rcdYed7jZM-k_PpYyo0f7DvtLpxgHeU-eBt9H0oYxvf4llxurE57LOtPQ0AUODmbJPiSezVFZict4N5GT9QHnNs9JBJujABJ1_w9xZxoF78sSehw/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D4zaA3sTSuPD8iviGcrPBI1kHwOiz_YobeRMCS4g7MM0wlj2ZnK4KuhbiZVa2uMFdAZ4sM5ZD8rcdYed7jZM-k_PpYyo0f7DvtLpxgHeU-eBt9H0oYxvf4llxurE57LOtPQ0AUODmbJPiSezVFZict4N5GT9QHnNs9JBJujABJ1_w9xZxoF78sSehw/w640-h366/Stug%20III%20G%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vLyGBy7ZYxnpPP3Fpy_Bb8HQ5S-hLWD__sfLU2imaBvTwjEshwkNX1v1wPP6jxYgnRfpW5X-PXQiB088ktYVp_F7Oh4knD5OgJcdbFnEoOC7YyP7e3v9GJdoqjCKwOGXXMvEpUecjkT-CNe1wdQPJb-WJl2pO8WTY6EEZLjUvU4wQ2yvUwZhk3sxRQ/s1280/Stug%20III%20G%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vLyGBy7ZYxnpPP3Fpy_Bb8HQ5S-hLWD__sfLU2imaBvTwjEshwkNX1v1wPP6jxYgnRfpW5X-PXQiB088ktYVp_F7Oh4knD5OgJcdbFnEoOC7YyP7e3v9GJdoqjCKwOGXXMvEpUecjkT-CNe1wdQPJb-WJl2pO8WTY6EEZLjUvU4wQ2yvUwZhk3sxRQ/w640-h452/Stug%20III%20G%20066.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) Ausf. G - Sd.Kfz. 142/1<br /></span>Panzer Grenadier Division Großdeutschland<br /><span style="text-align: justify;">XLVIII Panzer Corps - </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Ukraine front<br /> Winter - 1943.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> And don't worry...Kojak was on vacation, but in the next article, the bald one will be back!!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks for following!!!</span></b></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-5703364216446746702022-06-01T08:59:00.003-03:002022-07-04T03:04:13.282-03:00Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions - prototype - case report<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Louez le Seigneur et passez les munitions!!!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>(Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!!)</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Today we are going to meet another French vehicle from WWI. This small carrier was designed, conceived and built to feed the hunger of the guns of the newly born French self-propelled artillery. Let's meet this mysterious girl, the prototype <b><i>Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions</i> </b>(Renault FT tracked ammo carrier). </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Iqg72y8QJDFJNZwbR7y0vUdNMkBR3urAkZgY3nnfypoMQyorzSi12-lZFlySuRqCcB-RYI5rPDK-ORR4wm6z10Slizl9GSp30mxvSjlLJV3ZDhLLNu-yaTA1_KeCir5UbUF08ny9hzJM0RilvNogJ1NR4ICxOvaON0I0KhqGvMstxsI3CB-nyI87w/s1400/Ft%2017%20ammo%20004%20pin%20up.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="1400" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4Iqg72y8QJDFJNZwbR7y0vUdNMkBR3urAkZgY3nnfypoMQyorzSi12-lZFlySuRqCcB-RYI5rPDK-ORR4wm6z10Slizl9GSp30mxvSjlLJV3ZDhLLNu-yaTA1_KeCir5UbUF08ny9hzJM0RilvNogJ1NR4ICxOvaON0I0KhqGvMstxsI3CB-nyI87w/w640-h350/Ft%2017%20ammo%20004%20pin%20up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9zcIpyaM3mSFxrHemS4HgCUkLCFJ0kyMAM7vBZUahh4mc1Fmxlpyzkl3fLw1qjMC09JXNIDyFliMAe1ak1O_8GWZlZxW9Hh4_RkAHeH92xdYa3vzH3amQTF1Nz2ZujzVCspf9d5JpKjTFn3mnaETxg1ItzSB_iI4Y9PNmXlCRYMpX8O2r-pRMANEqQ/s1024/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20color.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="1024" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9zcIpyaM3mSFxrHemS4HgCUkLCFJ0kyMAM7vBZUahh4mc1Fmxlpyzkl3fLw1qjMC09JXNIDyFliMAe1ak1O_8GWZlZxW9Hh4_RkAHeH92xdYa3vzH3amQTF1Nz2ZujzVCspf9d5JpKjTFn3mnaETxg1ItzSB_iI4Y9PNmXlCRYMpX8O2r-pRMANEqQ/w640-h382/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20color.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions - prototype<br />colorized photo of the test vehicle</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Logistics has always been (and is...) one of the most important pillars of the War, since time immemorial. The need for supplies for soldiers, whether it be food or weapons, and maintenance of their equipment is simply vital. And when we talk about artillery, whether conventional or self-propelled, logistics can be summed up in one word: ammunition. The cannon is useless without the projectile it fires. And in the First World War, where artillery reigned supreme, this truth was once again confirmed. </p><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykawqfVwFa8MZ6lhhoyagRSL1CwzQ2Y2Ca5hpLSetR_Sh_HA6EpLeqsZ2w17NUlapNdhy5tiekyUY8pnSwEj8PSbzlpRm69_0qDQ0PRixrJIUS4_ZqifTVCmn0SLkUAyjuy2x2G9VLzQFwAwo16aXv7EqHJlJ37eocfXQgVHWI_blhWNYeaSnu_yGQg/s1280/Somme%20empty%20shells%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykawqfVwFa8MZ6lhhoyagRSL1CwzQ2Y2Ca5hpLSetR_Sh_HA6EpLeqsZ2w17NUlapNdhy5tiekyUY8pnSwEj8PSbzlpRm69_0qDQ0PRixrJIUS4_ZqifTVCmn0SLkUAyjuy2x2G9VLzQFwAwo16aXv7EqHJlJ37eocfXQgVHWI_blhWNYeaSnu_yGQg/w640-h464/Somme%20empty%20shells%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image showing artillery hunger for supplies...<br />Stacks of empty capsules after artillery barrage at the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Somme" target="_blank">Battle of the Somme</a><br />France - 1916<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align: justify;"> With the advent of self-propelled artillery and the mobility that this weapon acquired, its supplies needed to be agile enough to keep up with it. Since the cannon was mounted on a vehicle equipped with tracks for all-terrain mobility, nothing more logical than the vehicles that supplied this same artillery had the same characteristic. With this in mind, many projects were planned to build tractors and ammunition carriers that could accompany the now extremely mobile self-propelled artillery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">And a logical option would be the use of the same chassis used by the self-propelled artillery, to facilitate the maintenance logistics itself and for the similarity of performance on the Battlefield. </span><span> Renault produced a prototype in 1918 of a tracked munitions vehicle with a central drivers position and an open cargo compartment with a hinged gate at the front. The volume of the cargo compartment was 1.5m x 1.05m x 0.9m. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP0EQJnpayBJcGu2exLN_XAD3Ta7Lk2yQKfCTUcOrRr08uhdy29zdhZtbbbItIIGtzxBUByhWVUT10bjY4_4LyahSRbwABjoeLBbLP_iSAbzYKovGXsEFdSZhKSV1goW8QQVuSsmQtlhZI0M3HcPaVWJSGsTRzGk7X4tSFsme2QRrZ9skZjTlnvcW8A/s1280/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20real.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP0EQJnpayBJcGu2exLN_XAD3Ta7Lk2yQKfCTUcOrRr08uhdy29zdhZtbbbItIIGtzxBUByhWVUT10bjY4_4LyahSRbwABjoeLBbLP_iSAbzYKovGXsEFdSZhKSV1goW8QQVuSsmQtlhZI0M3HcPaVWJSGsTRzGk7X4tSFsme2QRrZ9skZjTlnvcW8A/w640-h440/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20real.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only known photo of prototype Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span> Another problem was related to the design of the adaptation of the cargo area in the front portion of the tank, with the straight front cargo gate greatly decreasing the angle of attack, making it difficult to maneuver on the battlefield</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nDm-tnyXFG4HS6xAmtsYSMtNlu70afhCDgIMxGmcDBHSLoZLHFS0X3faGM-mM9uU1FcS-KISacsOEnleD0jGNO_Cq3U3oH-NKIL74IdW2W--Q4tgz2vU9z1u1QyGOnb9N73QQZ1al9zaB3RMMRZ1-wJch8ZP_bhHVjQrQGXyV98aMkhje5w7607dhQ/s1024/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20wardrawings.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nDm-tnyXFG4HS6xAmtsYSMtNlu70afhCDgIMxGmcDBHSLoZLHFS0X3faGM-mM9uU1FcS-KISacsOEnleD0jGNO_Cq3U3oH-NKIL74IdW2W--Q4tgz2vU9z1u1QyGOnb9N73QQZ1al9zaB3RMMRZ1-wJch8ZP_bhHVjQrQGXyV98aMkhje5w7607dhQ/w640-h422/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20wardrawings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing of the vehicle in profile, from the excellent website <a href="http://www.wardrawings.be/WW1/Files/site.htm" target="_blank">Wardrawings</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Comparing the WarDrawings art with the existing photo, I think that the shape of the driver's casemate was a bit flatter in the drawing. I modified the Wardrawings design, lengthening the driver's station to a (in my opinion) straighter, taller profile, adding ammo craters and restoring the length of the tail, which in the drawing is too short.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another interesting detail is the presence of the pig-tail hook in the rear, which I only noticed in the original photo after writing this article and building (and delivering...) the kit. A very small but important detail... Too bad I didn't get to see this before the kit was delivered, but the profile drawings below and 3 views have been fixed....</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSrC8-Ex_G5GDAAaeNJ02WFsVODZNqBhQAwW-j8uHeIevDbmKkg3DJBl-gAAOIhadj6M2xLsc7XpJ5-EQWbZ9MC7BxHWAb_F8lVlhYxlNTDJn_I9m1c0mdJMFfupFyPEjA_ETklS3ops9umFATHFef_62TQacdDNCA19cSV6AwnAagE1empw4uJm2SQ/s1024/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20wardrawings%20mod2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1024" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSrC8-Ex_G5GDAAaeNJ02WFsVODZNqBhQAwW-j8uHeIevDbmKkg3DJBl-gAAOIhadj6M2xLsc7XpJ5-EQWbZ9MC7BxHWAb_F8lVlhYxlNTDJn_I9m1c0mdJMFfupFyPEjA_ETklS3ops9umFATHFef_62TQacdDNCA19cSV6AwnAagE1empw4uJm2SQ/w640-h422/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20wardrawings%20mod2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The modified profile.<br />Notice the driver's station, a little higher and<br />the tail, a little longer and with the pig-tail hook</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmW4V6MUwrrCOcB-_JSdY3ZLHW_eHyn4wxZlB9lthFE4l__h29fi1akV06R7Wzymw3sczk-7fKbb8M01l5Cz7AsPCelsKteVcWHFLY8_sXmmVBwSdJd9T47p5V1AJ5CbFI3Z2UieEEN5cIAyEJVHtKFqSxfCS0oTxfc57pbTz6MHSRmFDnJMLVa6kpYw/s1280/tail%20pig%20hook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmW4V6MUwrrCOcB-_JSdY3ZLHW_eHyn4wxZlB9lthFE4l__h29fi1akV06R7Wzymw3sczk-7fKbb8M01l5Cz7AsPCelsKteVcWHFLY8_sXmmVBwSdJd9T47p5V1AJ5CbFI3Z2UieEEN5cIAyEJVHtKFqSxfCS0oTxfc57pbTz6MHSRmFDnJMLVa6kpYw/w640-h440/tail%20pig%20hook.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the detail of pig-tail hook, in the rear of vehicle,<br />the same type of hook the French used later on the<br /> Char B1 and Char B1 Bis (see below)</td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUJfSrknCMMKTQRRPQmaZMRNGp31vIeizzhiUoQZpcvQX-GlCQ45P13HOy_MEglLpcUpqzcLdrAmERBIosI8A_mJnJL9pI2DYMp9r40KfmJdrZcj4A8BZksZof2KiBE_APjcm_oTluq-sCvmtJ1N0UVp5CiLx-xow8Jg9uL1Iausk_IB-CWQCVjtmnQ/s715/tail%20pig%20hook2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="635" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUJfSrknCMMKTQRRPQmaZMRNGp31vIeizzhiUoQZpcvQX-GlCQ45P13HOy_MEglLpcUpqzcLdrAmERBIosI8A_mJnJL9pI2DYMp9r40KfmJdrZcj4A8BZksZof2KiBE_APjcm_oTluq-sCvmtJ1N0UVp5CiLx-xow8Jg9uL1Iausk_IB-CWQCVjtmnQ/w568-h640/tail%20pig%20hook2.jpg" width="568" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the pig-tail hook, in the top of<br />the Char B1 bis 75mm gun mantlet</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span> Only one prototype was produced, but it's hard to see a role for this little vehicle when the existing</span> <a href="http://www.landships.info/landships/softskin_articles/Renault_FB.html" target="_blank">Renault FB Artillery Portee</a> <span>and <a href="http://www.landships.info/landships/softskin_articles/Schneider_CD.html" target="_blank">Schneider CD tractor</a> could carry much more ammunition.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGGBb55VVxN3HGb11a2WRQs4-pFlWMlj9RpSBwvY9ka6xx-3CjVicakVQdDZxe2nEyMBP8HgXHkM6OUNTZCC3-xHpXqDQVsN193OVK7ZBgm9OpiNXOwmP8paZf24EXm8J4eBtMlMv-Mh8XcuFtxbLyN9Hf-4eVil4nxaUqgEvxNz0lBz2ciHNRxn9ag/s1024/Renault%20FB%20Artillery%20Portee.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="1024" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGGBb55VVxN3HGb11a2WRQs4-pFlWMlj9RpSBwvY9ka6xx-3CjVicakVQdDZxe2nEyMBP8HgXHkM6OUNTZCC3-xHpXqDQVsN193OVK7ZBgm9OpiNXOwmP8paZf24EXm8J4eBtMlMv-Mh8XcuFtxbLyN9Hf-4eVil4nxaUqgEvxNz0lBz2ciHNRxn9ag/w640-h342/Renault%20FB%20Artillery%20Portee.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Soldier inspecting the suspension of Renault FB Artillery Portee</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkO6p5shwWCEPEXTcnKIE_HyiiOpZg6dYwpKRBvuK2A1ktdlxbNxzRTllG8lz3Ra5yN0OLXE3JLp2F0-mhRWaIay1VCrO39g4BNtdZckDG0FMhb4TsJ3k3B85a2bjDq3liR_wCBap2CIKbiznIfxeYP6Mqr0knigstkY2-0Cem-hC2qae8YF-h4lPsw/s1024/Schneider%20CD%20Artillery%20Tractor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1024" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkO6p5shwWCEPEXTcnKIE_HyiiOpZg6dYwpKRBvuK2A1ktdlxbNxzRTllG8lz3Ra5yN0OLXE3JLp2F0-mhRWaIay1VCrO39g4BNtdZckDG0FMhb4TsJ3k3B85a2bjDq3liR_wCBap2CIKbiznIfxeYP6Mqr0knigstkY2-0Cem-hC2qae8YF-h4lPsw/w640-h564/Schneider%20CD%20Artillery%20Tractor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Schneider CD artillery tractor snorting through rough terrain,<br />pulling an artillery piece</td></tr></tbody></table></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span> Due to its poor maneuverability and low payload capacity, the project was discontinued. The fate of the single prototype built is unknown, with the most likely dismantling.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbixztadd-SF04l5xMzwayHsIqRQ1GMDc2tPuUaANeCW18CWYxDV9Sr8MhQFi15rILJGS0-g4URz3gOLI7R2vXW_QgFrZhSfpFZYLN1STHYuG0lVBe4Q9iyGw4o2L8wnxq3rEG0OnmNk6EB2K3n4UcUMExg4UeHkqvRntC_spzj_4wSvJmiBuhseKWg/s1600/FT%20portee%20specs%20002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbixztadd-SF04l5xMzwayHsIqRQ1GMDc2tPuUaANeCW18CWYxDV9Sr8MhQFi15rILJGS0-g4URz3gOLI7R2vXW_QgFrZhSfpFZYLN1STHYuG0lVBe4Q9iyGw4o2L8wnxq3rEG0OnmNk6EB2K3n4UcUMExg4UeHkqvRntC_spzj_4wSvJmiBuhseKWg/w640-h476/FT%20portee%20specs%20002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Renault FT Chenilles Porte Munitions</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">ammo / cargo carrier</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">France</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">trials only</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">France</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">World War I</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1918</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">N° built<br />Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">one prototype<br />Renault</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5,5 tonnes</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4,27 m (no skid plate)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1.74 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.10 m </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1 (driver)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">8mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Armament</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">none</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Renault 4-cyl, 4.5 litre<br />gas - 39 hp @ 1500rpm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7 hp/t </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">sliding gear; <br />4 fwd x 1 rev.</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">vertical springs</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">95 litres (about 8 hours)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Op. range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">60 km</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Max speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7 km/h</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>The kit:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This is another commission work by a good friend of mine in France. Another <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models </a>3D printed kit. The history of this kit, in particular, was quite troubled: my french friend sent the kit for my construction and that same kit, along with <b><i>Renault FT Chenilles 75mm Mle 1897</i></b> walked through the mazes of Transportation Companies and Customs, never being delivered, being considered as "Missing In Action" until, 6 months later, as if by miracle, they returned to my friend home, in France. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> My colleague wrote, surprised by the Prodigal Son's return and, once again, sent the kit to me, and this time, it arrived without any problem... At least that's what I thought...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFRZ6JkO-nAcya7Zb6LEQtE7YO5mc1uYF6gzjNdYyRrm3hAADgkeD8YzdntJUO75poo4CM3o0PO5pexvwzY-HzE5zRS8Ej5fPzgI90qWtEg26TpdWQLrg_pZY2Kx-vXVbAZCmHBDnMtrutWhS-Wpb2hwGQMe2dzdi3zSr7RIWAPs-MluS3fdO2jq_zA/s1024/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1024" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFRZ6JkO-nAcya7Zb6LEQtE7YO5mc1uYF6gzjNdYyRrm3hAADgkeD8YzdntJUO75poo4CM3o0PO5pexvwzY-HzE5zRS8Ej5fPzgI90qWtEg26TpdWQLrg_pZY2Kx-vXVbAZCmHBDnMtrutWhS-Wpb2hwGQMe2dzdi3zSr7RIWAPs-MluS3fdO2jq_zA/w640-h450/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak with new challenge: another French obscure girl!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> I opened the kit box and found a colored sheet with instructions and printed parts, in blue-gray plastic...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjammcN5VCmGbpWDlDd33DUItwcV9LTVfmuHpqB65DHjXQKsytscAKJA1Mp32FdwEMlx_28wz9Kv4wNKiLx0IdesXoO5pf1C0v5PtC6Xfx4G0FU4XO5Xy6lXeUi7KuPaMWc22qQhF8aEr_3pD8d2a4Eb2SFcN6uRSd6lrW4rV8efe1-BsAbXTUXL1bVXg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20001.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1280" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjammcN5VCmGbpWDlDd33DUItwcV9LTVfmuHpqB65DHjXQKsytscAKJA1Mp32FdwEMlx_28wz9Kv4wNKiLx0IdesXoO5pf1C0v5PtC6Xfx4G0FU4XO5Xy6lXeUi7KuPaMWc22qQhF8aEr_3pD8d2a4Eb2SFcN6uRSd6lrW4rV8efe1-BsAbXTUXL1bVXg/w640-h492/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20001.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varga's instruction sheet (front)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALGCF_PkMOZBv8l3zlrOHi-Xk9cZC463-GEeXZKE6HwuOfMl4l_MrqIsPCoqjJjf8C_H-K5JRrCnBwzlMsWQMAyaDZJykiQTUPhYm7G_E_CiXguw5vVITOr6tba2hFreFlxjsVkkCfUd-u2N8tvRo-M0uhWLi8LkXkP9JrQG7232y5AVORhHU67w3Gg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20002.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1280" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALGCF_PkMOZBv8l3zlrOHi-Xk9cZC463-GEeXZKE6HwuOfMl4l_MrqIsPCoqjJjf8C_H-K5JRrCnBwzlMsWQMAyaDZJykiQTUPhYm7G_E_CiXguw5vVITOr6tba2hFreFlxjsVkkCfUd-u2N8tvRo-M0uhWLi8LkXkP9JrQG7232y5AVORhHU67w3Gg/w640-h464/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20002.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and back.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> But when looking at the pieces, my stomach froze: many pieces were missing, according to the instructions sheet. Immortal Gods!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo-qCSgNvb6YpfMSqpYD7to4ycw75Vw4AOYn0_mXmxzvRxpEs22-vetSWB5SZteHAdwcm2rayeY84Zx3sXlHILhPs_OQ1NVWJHZAwb8BK0sguzZGNXKyse0U4-IDF3U1aZ8yF1PrqA4pvg9uENo7eJ1p2oW1HwxLQMTci9S4NXYHS2-CryJy1f8ApdA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1280" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNo-qCSgNvb6YpfMSqpYD7to4ycw75Vw4AOYn0_mXmxzvRxpEs22-vetSWB5SZteHAdwcm2rayeY84Zx3sXlHILhPs_OQ1NVWJHZAwb8BK0sguzZGNXKyse0U4-IDF3U1aZ8yF1PrqA4pvg9uENo7eJ1p2oW1HwxLQMTci9S4NXYHS2-CryJy1f8ApdA/w640-h410/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hull and suspensions..only this in my box...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> It would be very easy to put this blame on the manufacturer's back, but honestly I think the lost parts were due to the lack of care of Customs when opening the box and that somehow the zip-lock bag with the missing parts got lost... The box was open and its contents all messed up...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Whatever it is, I searched in the manufacturer's website and this kit is discontinued: I was looking for a photograph of the missing parts... I wrote to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vargas.lg" target="_blank">Luis Vargas</a> (owner of <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models</a>) on Facebook and he IMMEDIATELY answered me and offered to send the missing parts, free of charge. His service was immediate and very courteous. Luis sent me a photo of the complete set of kit parts, which I couldn't find anywhere. The photo is this:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9WNpiUHd8KRBx_YH3p0VsixJSPSu8LSag6njvKcqzugX-YPByeMan2Hrj4XNRmfmAEaKd-mXBaTsf9emANj_yRIewFDfVJd2dRwxDooz4BW1Vg54l2W0Mun1GxO80TOB761tEuyTC7dHi18p6fA0neSuy0GqJIeUE7lghoy2PdSV2yB0xJcrfeg77Q/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR9WNpiUHd8KRBx_YH3p0VsixJSPSu8LSag6njvKcqzugX-YPByeMan2Hrj4XNRmfmAEaKd-mXBaTsf9emANj_yRIewFDfVJd2dRwxDooz4BW1Vg54l2W0Mun1GxO80TOB761tEuyTC7dHi18p6fA0neSuy0GqJIeUE7lghoy2PdSV2yB0xJcrfeg77Q/w640-h488/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of the Vargas Scale Models flyer...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The missing parts are: engine exhaust, towing hooks at the rear of the chassis, cargo compartment gate, upper driver's hatch, engine cover bolt and the cargo itself (ammo crates and some projectiles...)</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO5N1ZTPAItgFL847b3TCr3OhGO8qzP4jYi6C67LJAx75cPy8zi1w3DI4YOlxV0euvvIkg6NPUBt3B13rRX7lAtYX9poF27g1Vi9y03Lwzg68SgTbh-ez8MsN1Cm3Ov5zsZe3iEO8du6Rh5CmhMSOPbaZoN9c8AjpsYIpsELXmaDkdJIIjPWfqlEBog/s1000/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20005.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1000" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO5N1ZTPAItgFL847b3TCr3OhGO8qzP4jYi6C67LJAx75cPy8zi1w3DI4YOlxV0euvvIkg6NPUBt3B13rRX7lAtYX9poF27g1Vi9y03Lwzg68SgTbh-ez8MsN1Cm3Ov5zsZe3iEO8du6Rh5CmhMSOPbaZoN9c8AjpsYIpsELXmaDkdJIIjPWfqlEBog/w640-h536/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the missing parts, in red.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The problem with the postal sending these parts from the United States to Brazil is the time factor: at least 3 to 4 weeks, which would coincide with a long trip I'm going to take. When looking at the photos, I realized that I could make the missing pieces in scratch, as they are mostly straight. The only problem is the 75mm bullets, which unfortunately, I don't have them... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Good news: some extra (spare) parts from the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT%2017%2075BS%20tank%20prototype" target="_blank">Renault FT17 75 BS tank</a> kit will be able to be used, such as the towing hooks and the engine cover bolt. This already helps a lot!!! But let's see what we can do... </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE4WjIkWiBhjqKiyWmQ9v83nr7qCk4pZRVvbV7nR5EKTgKOuAWs-c1U1w03jz55dccIZKUOFDDsZiG3m8ILmAABlljWCei6p9nS6wzYLDGHzJ8WgfAV6ehfAhMLy2SRW1DqhHFZ3TdziA-7cCaDi392Yfb8dyBfZhWjbwZSd7Z7sC4HIXtdUWXEshSQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE4WjIkWiBhjqKiyWmQ9v83nr7qCk4pZRVvbV7nR5EKTgKOuAWs-c1U1w03jz55dccIZKUOFDDsZiG3m8ILmAABlljWCei6p9nS6wzYLDGHzJ8WgfAV6ehfAhMLy2SRW1DqhHFZ3TdziA-7cCaDi392Yfb8dyBfZhWjbwZSd7Z7sC4HIXtdUWXEshSQ/w640-h380/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20006.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spare parts from Vargas's <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT%2017%2075BS%20tank%20prototype" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Renault FT17 75 BS tank</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> kit:<br />engine cover bolt and towing hooks.<br />ATTENTION: I still hadn't noticed the presence of the pig-tail hooks, described above...<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After that little thrill, let's move on... Starting by the body of vehicle !! Thank Gods, no bent or damaged parts here... A real relief, after the scare with the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT%2017%2075BS%20tank%20prototype" target="_blank">Renault FT17 75 BS tank</a>. The print lines are also much less sharp and evident... A better model, without a doubt!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10eA6mLaUeokrXP-jaPfXpbTBtoeLMekvvN5Q4py15ZCnLd2q4NOO9aiOMN05hT88Yq_QjG-u6o8H8JuRyDEYdN1Sehcmzc15eQ-ypgOumtUz0ZzUTL_itVvUqYI1u4b8Da6I0o8k8-qL2350X2auW6vhhopueeaZAKBc2siMmqI7uePTwEwIm8kkJg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1280" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10eA6mLaUeokrXP-jaPfXpbTBtoeLMekvvN5Q4py15ZCnLd2q4NOO9aiOMN05hT88Yq_QjG-u6o8H8JuRyDEYdN1Sehcmzc15eQ-ypgOumtUz0ZzUTL_itVvUqYI1u4b8Da6I0o8k8-qL2350X2auW6vhhopueeaZAKBc2siMmqI7uePTwEwIm8kkJg/w640-h408/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank superstructure: no warpage or distortion...thank Gods!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs0WgqY1f4Mo4Te1vPbTB1KMMbpwWYrI2YY9O-QmZ-7ptjv82upWxn8RFvBioawx4tkNvfTsHDtgE25pZCgdy1gMBOmQhDwmXOIycutsK0EYU1kxTJh-HuRreaTyYlcUeNQseXz-bO7IlhKYTxccXRdZ_OJR6zFIRQ8Uzrt17mwUNjncHAssH_W0WwA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs0WgqY1f4Mo4Te1vPbTB1KMMbpwWYrI2YY9O-QmZ-7ptjv82upWxn8RFvBioawx4tkNvfTsHDtgE25pZCgdy1gMBOmQhDwmXOIycutsK0EYU1kxTJh-HuRreaTyYlcUeNQseXz-bO7IlhKYTxccXRdZ_OJR6zFIRQ8Uzrt17mwUNjncHAssH_W0WwA/w640-h472/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20008.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank superstructure: notice internal details!!<br />front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgWSc_WmYeI8xXZGf3sSgB0cUf1b4HtyxxvAMEs41yNIIGF5FUDMj3s-_gPE4Oq33owz0wP0uj7_UBVlinUWjU8nGm39WdT6TKRuX8cWYH0WUe-Yb_-dqFQVUlB_UJuymgMVzBVg1PrWVSMJ9nWZCYA4N6f1a-3wG3G_4CNaweROOI2Hr1bGey40S3w/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgWSc_WmYeI8xXZGf3sSgB0cUf1b4HtyxxvAMEs41yNIIGF5FUDMj3s-_gPE4Oq33owz0wP0uj7_UBVlinUWjU8nGm39WdT6TKRuX8cWYH0WUe-Yb_-dqFQVUlB_UJuymgMVzBVg1PrWVSMJ9nWZCYA4N6f1a-3wG3G_4CNaweROOI2Hr1bGey40S3w/w640-h448/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank superstructure: a little fracture here, easy to fix...<br />rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincPUBTairsPtLntCG9ey6gljpW_0zmr1mTfcQtxvDsSccEEQnCW01BAZ6I0Dm_46Y7lNy1jDRcr5lzORGaCapfVKUorNQxcnrkJkV0OyT1ZlAQuMMI2uaLz_SVtUvFCOfQ6lfhp6V3aZuQi1pazu_Sibihdj88ypjZtZcPvXUZ1rI__N3QaHtTzpeSg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincPUBTairsPtLntCG9ey6gljpW_0zmr1mTfcQtxvDsSccEEQnCW01BAZ6I0Dm_46Y7lNy1jDRcr5lzORGaCapfVKUorNQxcnrkJkV0OyT1ZlAQuMMI2uaLz_SVtUvFCOfQ6lfhp6V3aZuQi1pazu_Sibihdj88ypjZtZcPvXUZ1rI__N3QaHtTzpeSg/w640-h310/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best parts: the two sets of suspensions...very well detailed...<br />Before cleaning...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7R8KdW95YvoRbgqhih05LI4mhBLBoiTbFPW9z961Up2DCKAbRV0kCVhCu_sb1DiE_NAeQLSbGGKjAZxeee1UPq1mUxDylDCI-Ecow8Ndooul472E5CmKO8lOskGo_ucZ0Xh30jbASpehsAA0PeRZ-lPN-06XAiHxe8LugNA1zT8aDNZdobyXkSE3PQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7R8KdW95YvoRbgqhih05LI4mhBLBoiTbFPW9z961Up2DCKAbRV0kCVhCu_sb1DiE_NAeQLSbGGKjAZxeee1UPq1mUxDylDCI-Ecow8Ndooul472E5CmKO8lOskGo_ucZ0Xh30jbASpehsAA0PeRZ-lPN-06XAiHxe8LugNA1zT8aDNZdobyXkSE3PQ/w640-h350/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and the two sets of suspensions and<br />tank chassis after cleaning...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjQXWIpAtR0lqXq0h9TXSEds3V5n7txJGamnO1dt0oPp5yaUk9Wg-S1toaPW9djuo6GL-l7gxV6N08fBqfq7rI8metouCdzIHzetnq8fM43cMHQoLwveKPfs-yM1u9lu0bCDATou7UxYeNxZcCgl1Gb09DS7ORxjJZ8VaWIHWT1VeiwFlJkgy7eNXMA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1280" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjQXWIpAtR0lqXq0h9TXSEds3V5n7txJGamnO1dt0oPp5yaUk9Wg-S1toaPW9djuo6GL-l7gxV6N08fBqfq7rI8metouCdzIHzetnq8fM43cMHQoLwveKPfs-yM1u9lu0bCDATou7UxYeNxZcCgl1Gb09DS7ORxjJZ8VaWIHWT1VeiwFlJkgy7eNXMA/w640-h446/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20012.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two sets of suspensions glued in the tank chassis: like a glove!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh9icnCcWO1wOyjnPbySLZUh1zEDfeOCGPeJUBMqoVLogZUIzae78zQU6UMnmFQmu53ntd-ph5n1lhiEd7Evg-ghbQq4g22A_QsGfOMSbR-O2k2P458RI69pnG4h6xhK9rFkPx-y_stHr1A8zvF9moTpgLy6Nf8S52-Hb0gf30FhJCa5pa5A-TbwJUg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh9icnCcWO1wOyjnPbySLZUh1zEDfeOCGPeJUBMqoVLogZUIzae78zQU6UMnmFQmu53ntd-ph5n1lhiEd7Evg-ghbQq4g22A_QsGfOMSbR-O2k2P458RI69pnG4h6xhK9rFkPx-y_stHr1A8zvF9moTpgLy6Nf8S52-Hb0gf30FhJCa5pa5A-TbwJUg/w640-h424/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ammo carrier standing on your own feet<br />right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUALzXsRfPAm6k_OXNxYL8e4S9lJnfV-qy60fp5DuguWMVfEzbFoz7awvs_9l0keTkrGpb_hHtszBVo5IFXaGxmBMV8ONzazqfPW7HTXXM9u-_Ya5OHIAaWfi5pRc1SFe5k6Fd-jyCvZTq-rKfDyH-1rnIvzvvUP0ty9jTpQ-6NvtvW-qbyOhgq_exxw/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUALzXsRfPAm6k_OXNxYL8e4S9lJnfV-qy60fp5DuguWMVfEzbFoz7awvs_9l0keTkrGpb_hHtszBVo5IFXaGxmBMV8ONzazqfPW7HTXXM9u-_Ya5OHIAaWfi5pRc1SFe5k6Fd-jyCvZTq-rKfDyH-1rnIvzvvUP0ty9jTpQ-6NvtvW-qbyOhgq_exxw/w640-h412/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault ammo carrier: rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> With the suspension in place, let's build the front gate, based on the original photo and the photo of the kit parts: plasticard and Plastruct 1,2mm Tee</div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yEb8Ubn_CnBuPnqnZISePa2T_eCfdf_83QZWrtgSlXQzfzQ5oCUJUzpbxU0-5TyUNoBUn9xB3o30vus6Bn8gx-ZI3omVCYO-jFMkgMWD32AbdwzhLsIvHaxJcwAbFPr34LydoOQLunCO0BSnRwKojHgEcKn_dD3WR2QGK6_9zFkvyG8iQx5y5OQ1Ug/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yEb8Ubn_CnBuPnqnZISePa2T_eCfdf_83QZWrtgSlXQzfzQ5oCUJUzpbxU0-5TyUNoBUn9xB3o30vus6Bn8gx-ZI3omVCYO-jFMkgMWD32AbdwzhLsIvHaxJcwAbFPr34LydoOQLunCO0BSnRwKojHgEcKn_dD3WR2QGK6_9zFkvyG8iQx5y5OQ1Ug/w640-h350/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building the front gate: plasticard <br />and Plastruct 1,2mm Tee</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZglmI2PqdAAgHVR3O-y2I4wYa5jmBl0_ncqpyWByycQDJPoa3We0R5HN1pV5Y-NwSVqYpSm3MCfUQuGBYn8HtW1aEULljhcLiHXeH2YB7lv2Lsx0tDsHqdUQMHlBXTHg1cY6YtvZHw-UiBOUDoiYhk4QSwC2ay26yCjF0Iu2XZKsWLctRmLMRkuL_Hg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZglmI2PqdAAgHVR3O-y2I4wYa5jmBl0_ncqpyWByycQDJPoa3We0R5HN1pV5Y-NwSVqYpSm3MCfUQuGBYn8HtW1aEULljhcLiHXeH2YB7lv2Lsx0tDsHqdUQMHlBXTHg1cY6YtvZHw-UiBOUDoiYhk4QSwC2ay26yCjF0Iu2XZKsWLctRmLMRkuL_Hg/w640-h480/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">To make the gate rivets, we're going to use Archer's great</div><div style="text-align: center;">embossed (<a href="https://www.archertransfers.com/AR88009.html" target="_blank">Large fastener heads</a>) decals.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Notice the hinges made with thin plasticard</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Pw20oLJM9XedEMXZIaZp95nvTcjlFIh2gE_L1c0yLCk3bENAE_rm1WzkjhghfZW1-RQqD6jDschSLC9CuSIl-Yyh54xhZupyR2r5CKjqGOGI1SB968V6NpMEXLhVuZaQ4DP02puz_L6HdPu1IE469mCfoQ-Aj4vJALmpWufhHUjvKR6T59GkGYOoHQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Pw20oLJM9XedEMXZIaZp95nvTcjlFIh2gE_L1c0yLCk3bENAE_rm1WzkjhghfZW1-RQqD6jDschSLC9CuSIl-Yyh54xhZupyR2r5CKjqGOGI1SB968V6NpMEXLhVuZaQ4DP02puz_L6HdPu1IE469mCfoQ-Aj4vJALmpWufhHUjvKR6T59GkGYOoHQ/w640-h402/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fixed/scratched parts of this kit. See arrows:<br />red: the fractured part of the engine cover (scratch)<br />yellow: front cargo gate (scratch)<br />light blue: exhaust sistem (scratch)<br />green: towing hooks (spare parts)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfnGkJxqDScsHVRo9u66KdKdlNBF4yY9MisnX9DDzQlUXWUsU3D7PWmj48RdGdFlDfMNbf2bzPZ_2ycucQtV1lon9ALWYk0PVoC8bDH-aq75L2OmMteH8oa9wmmj3xXu6GChzqvryZvId2B5g4KJmUe65IllfelfUNjrcMifXpX8FE3g7GSAMjL26iA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1280" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfnGkJxqDScsHVRo9u66KdKdlNBF4yY9MisnX9DDzQlUXWUsU3D7PWmj48RdGdFlDfMNbf2bzPZ_2ycucQtV1lon9ALWYk0PVoC8bDH-aq75L2OmMteH8oa9wmmj3xXu6GChzqvryZvId2B5g4KJmUe65IllfelfUNjrcMifXpX8FE3g7GSAMjL26iA/w640-h392/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cargo gate in position...<br />internal view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bOQQlgdfoTti9gyXMP1rhNMVCOMgsTKt4Nf8LXoc3BsrCZ3Uvcv0sRiim9n7jAiogY9QdYz0ZuV3y9cW005FZWS_KRygAGkOZki6__4sDqQxuiHSWmUMnCKJbcS3Qx4riL2pYaFdzMe03p0gag3G5PQ-cVpTzp7EyDG5QAg6GBleokbyMAMkx28BqQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bOQQlgdfoTti9gyXMP1rhNMVCOMgsTKt4Nf8LXoc3BsrCZ3Uvcv0sRiim9n7jAiogY9QdYz0ZuV3y9cW005FZWS_KRygAGkOZki6__4sDqQxuiHSWmUMnCKJbcS3Qx4riL2pYaFdzMe03p0gag3G5PQ-cVpTzp7EyDG5QAg6GBleokbyMAMkx28BqQ/w640-h414/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cargo gate in position...<br />external view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NQa3w5q9AgdtlOJeaNQynYKRtUZy_Zo5X8GE1XNF3AuLsKF-i_Nt_ORZMYy1qQgvRhxyOKt7TZiDGCwX0JCr48XIcSQ9ij8EAbZFmyeILvDhSru97yqNJUiORlp8a4ydxTxMhre5AFxXSRMRmZ48kCxNG9jZgsursHEUr0uxhFl2gI-PaILuTppVBA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1280" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NQa3w5q9AgdtlOJeaNQynYKRtUZy_Zo5X8GE1XNF3AuLsKF-i_Nt_ORZMYy1qQgvRhxyOKt7TZiDGCwX0JCr48XIcSQ9ij8EAbZFmyeILvDhSru97yqNJUiORlp8a4ydxTxMhre5AFxXSRMRmZ48kCxNG9jZgsursHEUr0uxhFl2gI-PaILuTppVBA/w640-h460/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driver's upper hatch:<br />hatch and hinges</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpc5LtHDDr2hDmH7XKM7zaB6_Ooq9WMAXNb8NrBtkSg9Ml3shb1Ya0hJSDBZUiqPp1rY23i0bWXcy8s1QnbgfjHo6V8LHsgQj42vz2-WBQMmd2y7lB7N-3aSE7P2vmWDcsMdgOqlefnjFTn9oZugufuanMcRlZV0qwwWo5NeNfTct1FOgn83LrMtFWQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="793" data-original-width="1280" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpc5LtHDDr2hDmH7XKM7zaB6_Ooq9WMAXNb8NrBtkSg9Ml3shb1Ya0hJSDBZUiqPp1rY23i0bWXcy8s1QnbgfjHo6V8LHsgQj42vz2-WBQMmd2y7lB7N-3aSE7P2vmWDcsMdgOqlefnjFTn9oZugufuanMcRlZV0qwwWo5NeNfTct1FOgn83LrMtFWQ/w640-h396/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little big details. See arrows:<br />yellow: hatches metal handles (scratch with copper wire)<br />light blue: <span style="text-align: justify;">engine cover bolt</span> (spare part)<br />red: cargo area gate pins and chains: a "poetic-license" detail<br />made in scratch with twisted and crumpled copper wire.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAZlZZahbEK6CvpCMslk8ITzVbVkrqqKsg4tqU2yPDwusPummJO0Bzxeq2YV8UNkTcj0FTiPUyM80TW2dszPzijn22k_grMbBNBhVL8J9pWcY8fyeaoh4RwhJiJwn7wUBopnD143mkl_Dd_GnxRfKPfIIozIeHnJCVzKZTxuMrCy8Jikvgbjry6wQWA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAZlZZahbEK6CvpCMslk8ITzVbVkrqqKsg4tqU2yPDwusPummJO0Bzxeq2YV8UNkTcj0FTiPUyM80TW2dszPzijn22k_grMbBNBhVL8J9pWcY8fyeaoh4RwhJiJwn7wUBopnD143mkl_Dd_GnxRfKPfIIozIeHnJCVzKZTxuMrCy8Jikvgbjry6wQWA/w640-h428/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the new exhaust, in the rear right side of the tank.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoOdupIIDsl7bjlgMWXU8lhjbpDGfqg-mxyj07KsDnWYesBc2rNye7GkOa7i2I1_ad2Ah1JCMHgFnQn4pHkaZlgWzhs3rxhVoZ85KaAkmk8SM4lU_-JY6Z0puquVZkjEpbI3eHe74J1rea3UbNFod9x51mWdNszgrfqr9UKp14_qC503LeOES2xKH1w/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoOdupIIDsl7bjlgMWXU8lhjbpDGfqg-mxyj07KsDnWYesBc2rNye7GkOa7i2I1_ad2Ah1JCMHgFnQn4pHkaZlgWzhs3rxhVoZ85KaAkmk8SM4lU_-JY6Z0puquVZkjEpbI3eHe74J1rea3UbNFod9x51mWdNszgrfqr9UKp14_qC503LeOES2xKH1w/w640-h382/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scratch and spare parts "married" with the kit, in a very harmonic way...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ewt-EAo1fKw1ftzjHe4mCzU75LGc282Xqy7I9up5GuHSeqOBs5CEqT35gPDpmTL62QEGBAQX6SxMK12mufDwPBDUs4X9pnBLIWoDmieOxmmF1Q3ObeHMafdQurcvEdt-G4WdBX8rea8m0Knfj2q5wdMmeOyFKQr4IJ2-3ZKE2it3jSxVKkuF9pAhYQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ewt-EAo1fKw1ftzjHe4mCzU75LGc282Xqy7I9up5GuHSeqOBs5CEqT35gPDpmTL62QEGBAQX6SxMK12mufDwPBDUs4X9pnBLIWoDmieOxmmF1Q3ObeHMafdQurcvEdt-G4WdBX8rea8m0Knfj2q5wdMmeOyFKQr4IJ2-3ZKE2it3jSxVKkuF9pAhYQ/w640-h386/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improving the crank starting system: hypodermic needle cut<br /> and inserted into the plastic part.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0raYolcqtNoJZl2t1oyPogjeAFZSXABYFv_YA4rBYPcBHw3XmuJfpInV2gAABVxSYOQurWzypmFlyqpnghbwXjpCxSfNj71WF6_zfBU_dc5ZvAAmAX7RdqDX_aNAy1cj6kcfsajUSU8EC1GoR2ENc0GVpk8qobzCF2HgqKHJPPWCv6qegeGP9iLmYA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20025.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0raYolcqtNoJZl2t1oyPogjeAFZSXABYFv_YA4rBYPcBHw3XmuJfpInV2gAABVxSYOQurWzypmFlyqpnghbwXjpCxSfNj71WF6_zfBU_dc5ZvAAmAX7RdqDX_aNAy1cj6kcfsajUSU8EC1GoR2ENc0GVpk8qobzCF2HgqKHJPPWCv6qegeGP9iLmYA/w640-h426/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our girl from the beginning of the last century<br />almost completely restored...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2Iop87zD5rrfq2USwqkjjUeJix8F4zWupIgezGNja70MUxGDP2-tWv1E4r_BDquQ_bft4d9e6umahJ5NctB11BJL3m0MQmpbsFbSL2c32JUICtYEE59bMhCuPadHEsyVzRI8UC1Af605IZjOpfWE3gtNT26jYZ7dDfKxcH4ZX8qBYbn42-3BS_pSrQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1280" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2Iop87zD5rrfq2USwqkjjUeJix8F4zWupIgezGNja70MUxGDP2-tWv1E4r_BDquQ_bft4d9e6umahJ5NctB11BJL3m0MQmpbsFbSL2c32JUICtYEE59bMhCuPadHEsyVzRI8UC1Af605IZjOpfWE3gtNT26jYZ7dDfKxcH4ZX8qBYbn42-3BS_pSrQ/w640-h374/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, let's use some ammo boxes from <a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear Details</a>.<br />With this, our <i>flapper</i> girl will be perfect !!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0uQ6qIKPAuWWLDPzGlt0EZQAd4mqO95Zf4xtmZa-1wn3bBvT5QpkrwhxJ4VKTyjRUT4HkPP-StaeJoq6BlYKCiAqNG95tNaaVfXKgsIedyAYuk_0x-tC2_JC-31ed197h0ENJ0Z8JgCPkyvBLkdzhUO4u9jD30V3Ij6cWHUsNopeXyw2CLlz0Po5_Q/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0uQ6qIKPAuWWLDPzGlt0EZQAd4mqO95Zf4xtmZa-1wn3bBvT5QpkrwhxJ4VKTyjRUT4HkPP-StaeJoq6BlYKCiAqNG95tNaaVfXKgsIedyAYuk_0x-tC2_JC-31ed197h0ENJ0Z8JgCPkyvBLkdzhUO4u9jD30V3Ij6cWHUsNopeXyw2CLlz0Po5_Q/w640-h498/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20027.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After all, the cargo area is quite large...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> After everything is in place, let's get to painting. This small carrier was a prototype, with no markings or camouflage. At that time, the use of green color was very common in the French Army. therefore, we are going to use Vallejo's olive green as a primer</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST3Hset5ReaN1gTshkkRX36KBX4IstsjdjC_2Y-6_IIwbHl-nrk_Ta-8B8FNQrmlRpuFBGi1JjibXKHWhta0MpxVgkVHMkHd-xWD2fELLr_B6omsqOx-6iagLrJbt2_lW0_D8ccTnOg1kUIlsJ9DZBR-7NCxsShTfdtYRgFHXOmP_Nq4zNQ2L4OKFZw/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST3Hset5ReaN1gTshkkRX36KBX4IstsjdjC_2Y-6_IIwbHl-nrk_Ta-8B8FNQrmlRpuFBGi1JjibXKHWhta0MpxVgkVHMkHd-xWD2fELLr_B6omsqOx-6iagLrJbt2_lW0_D8ccTnOg1kUIlsJ9DZBR-7NCxsShTfdtYRgFHXOmP_Nq4zNQ2L4OKFZw/w640-h350/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vallejo olive green primer<br />right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph0tRNc5cyfm8AEYbFx7qQOaGMwt8HvjKHUZFBjUgQzAsmfgfvvU9N85ru5d7BH2kvQtwgH7htkaD2OOHbKWcVJ6-ij-weTwpkKVQDuUR6O7qEwTLsb3_NKlGfh-npchb-jNmbdIG7abuXddoeiGyWDKLG_vxRf16PspBAWlBdKlpGt7s0SCQAp12FA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20031.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph0tRNc5cyfm8AEYbFx7qQOaGMwt8HvjKHUZFBjUgQzAsmfgfvvU9N85ru5d7BH2kvQtwgH7htkaD2OOHbKWcVJ6-ij-weTwpkKVQDuUR6O7qEwTLsb3_NKlGfh-npchb-jNmbdIG7abuXddoeiGyWDKLG_vxRf16PspBAWlBdKlpGt7s0SCQAp12FA/w640-h370/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> olive green primer<br />front right side view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ5WQlb0089qViEfe7fheSC968DtSywyl7iBS7APJfT3L2LyMmRBjZechYrJQfzgwWeRjZ6Pp9R2ry991kZYfM_5PgR8srs_PIoMDdizC1Kc_VLXC1NJn3WZZG_oPWnOPWSKARBarnGC67C_2B3omT7oAruNWbhF4Cpfe7FQw11G6wiZaG2fTFn2O8w/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ5WQlb0089qViEfe7fheSC968DtSywyl7iBS7APJfT3L2LyMmRBjZechYrJQfzgwWeRjZ6Pp9R2ry991kZYfM_5PgR8srs_PIoMDdizC1Kc_VLXC1NJn3WZZG_oPWnOPWSKARBarnGC67C_2B3omT7oAruNWbhF4Cpfe7FQw11G6wiZaG2fTFn2O8w/w640-h352/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-kyQu0yT7dR0HAw8d8dwJ9GxiEEnFk4Z1YncpBv1dqeq5RCyg-pOx36xBCPDqITxJNdlkq6j234J__FY-2YX8C03r0RWQOcuf3n5HRcAZ_6bQeIJvtv7_MTX-G1U930H8WD2GIsWcqh8iF-zTZBARXOJZN6TOqCBZDZmDznqr-Xl_kOOtbXRzT0IOQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-kyQu0yT7dR0HAw8d8dwJ9GxiEEnFk4Z1YncpBv1dqeq5RCyg-pOx36xBCPDqITxJNdlkq6j234J__FY-2YX8C03r0RWQOcuf3n5HRcAZ_6bQeIJvtv7_MTX-G1U930H8WD2GIsWcqh8iF-zTZBARXOJZN6TOqCBZDZmDznqr-Xl_kOOtbXRzT0IOQ/w640-h358/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear Details</a> stuff under painting...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B5DVreg9EpJY_5XgrBDg7867ABBc8IE0g8s0hGKYYLUJOaqlXgiiMO0PAOvCnsaQ-es-w4pipurMyAa5Ryd2ZxSAog1etrlcn8CttlFvvJi-04KYCA-TTfj_qf7wm9mGPuK2shIpIk419UqfwUWshs46EAFagIq7dyEBfwUlskdJ-bH_itoS-CANyA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6B5DVreg9EpJY_5XgrBDg7867ABBc8IE0g8s0hGKYYLUJOaqlXgiiMO0PAOvCnsaQ-es-w4pipurMyAa5Ryd2ZxSAog1etrlcn8CttlFvvJi-04KYCA-TTfj_qf7wm9mGPuK2shIpIk419UqfwUWshs46EAFagIq7dyEBfwUlskdJ-bH_itoS-CANyA/w640-h378/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20035.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tones of green - right side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0XCVTCUmVOmndyrHTuZc0YwK7hC247ZeZfIxvWDW7AIn-WVD50HQpHLKyMpKE-84zgrUlXlYmA9FJRw7zUUfoUHAUPKtihCvXBOziNHmOhUDL-J4tqG0hczjEDSqQAfKvZsxStXFniczlNzJfi4MgFMQrVLOFHZMTq8WzEIOZtYH5VhSB1RNxNb7AA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20036.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0XCVTCUmVOmndyrHTuZc0YwK7hC247ZeZfIxvWDW7AIn-WVD50HQpHLKyMpKE-84zgrUlXlYmA9FJRw7zUUfoUHAUPKtihCvXBOziNHmOhUDL-J4tqG0hczjEDSqQAfKvZsxStXFniczlNzJfi4MgFMQrVLOFHZMTq8WzEIOZtYH5VhSB1RNxNb7AA/w640-h400/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20036.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tones of green - leftt side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHVT7O6xMlWTw7va1JxJ26vY8u1jTKTWe70K8xwWsRR3UfHPE7IwQk1YgMLlJ5lgsxf5FOuXnxWdTXimS9tBuUj7E30tes53bmHfnc_auATH4c6kcEAJxAGVcFYcPpsOK2H2zFk2jeCo09v4pK1KDCNTqIE94DfY7ypYBZW5fsjxoIZaJLlXaN7NUyA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="1280" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHVT7O6xMlWTw7va1JxJ26vY8u1jTKTWe70K8xwWsRR3UfHPE7IwQk1YgMLlJ5lgsxf5FOuXnxWdTXimS9tBuUj7E30tes53bmHfnc_auATH4c6kcEAJxAGVcFYcPpsOK2H2zFk2jeCo09v4pK1KDCNTqIE94DfY7ypYBZW5fsjxoIZaJLlXaN7NUyA/w640-h444/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20037.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tones of green - front view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsvYOmJwswu5JCgQzH_28Qao1-2klrSkS4iys10Mfkc53H8W2DJOqYYdzF7G1nrngEaHHrlPklIp2SwmrFW25dIB3TZnOQLNRarQqTnta9_S77gD9fU6TtT1KeHXZJMUomp-JxX6ofhcye24fjZR0KkViviKBCq32RniVCSmoqTfedjXfqlco4hWfnA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1280" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsvYOmJwswu5JCgQzH_28Qao1-2klrSkS4iys10Mfkc53H8W2DJOqYYdzF7G1nrngEaHHrlPklIp2SwmrFW25dIB3TZnOQLNRarQqTnta9_S77gD9fU6TtT1KeHXZJMUomp-JxX6ofhcye24fjZR0KkViviKBCq32RniVCSmoqTfedjXfqlco4hWfnA/w640-h406/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tones of green - rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MjJToav8qw_XI2SQp2gOC20FzJiV6C0lWUlj9pl1KUaqbyS6yBpcvuQt9PTir6rCaME03vLm5G4CgeLjtE9iCciEVRc3Msd3kxdfri9griBwNfJXLDb-DAdnYnV3zTHXruH5olUPGrlIdu4Hlm8dG6nCztgN_mOTI0pUl72q0w1Il_QVuUPYDLrhXg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MjJToav8qw_XI2SQp2gOC20FzJiV6C0lWUlj9pl1KUaqbyS6yBpcvuQt9PTir6rCaME03vLm5G4CgeLjtE9iCciEVRc3Msd3kxdfri9griBwNfJXLDb-DAdnYnV3zTHXruH5olUPGrlIdu4Hlm8dG6nCztgN_mOTI0pUl72q0w1Il_QVuUPYDLrhXg/w640-h376/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20039.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracks in steel gray</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqV6D4OkdBScnsvlGrSYa3uXUxdc7oErGfgHCbixWb7TmQ6NxMuX4LARYko4F4RXd_6KrSov0u16WETTg_fBLopla8rWXgWA8M-qC87GMA7v3Vp85rEHqBLwKGuR97BRR6FxD_iLlOQpIIFwu9ckxtc1hrtvdQTnRraGrahzrg3Mh0Wxgbk1TyPvcbQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1280" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqV6D4OkdBScnsvlGrSYa3uXUxdc7oErGfgHCbixWb7TmQ6NxMuX4LARYko4F4RXd_6KrSov0u16WETTg_fBLopla8rWXgWA8M-qC87GMA7v3Vp85rEHqBLwKGuR97BRR6FxD_iLlOQpIIFwu9ckxtc1hrtvdQTnRraGrahzrg3Mh0Wxgbk1TyPvcbQ/w640-h398/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhaust in red oxide</td></tr></tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilelTFFerRQzm1B_k2cvD39e5AKBNZ0uykgN-jjcWed2xeGEesVE8XqrhuP8dY-QGJJOdRszfyqQbBSmFGhOk9VVPq0GS97I5elkgFwMA1iCgHGm8qi97IMXDZqeWTthFXSghMjrK0eLmQoLw6vmvT8LinwG2Dywok46pCyVs-8n1WsQnkf51Vk9yk7Q/s1280/Ft%2017%20ammo%20carrier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1280" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilelTFFerRQzm1B_k2cvD39e5AKBNZ0uykgN-jjcWed2xeGEesVE8XqrhuP8dY-QGJJOdRszfyqQbBSmFGhOk9VVPq0GS97I5elkgFwMA1iCgHGm8qi97IMXDZqeWTthFXSghMjrK0eLmQoLw6vmvT8LinwG2Dywok46pCyVs-8n1WsQnkf51Vk9yk7Q/w640-h438/Ft%2017%20ammo%20carrier.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ammo crates and roll bag from<a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear Details</a>,<br />ready for the little carrier...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Instead of filling the cargo area with crates that will "disappear" from view when they are stacked in the cargo area (and also generating weight for the kit...), how about we fill this dead area with styrofoam, to alleviate the weight on the suspension?? We save weight and resin details...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZvWSsavWGprVwsCdKqXSGm7tG9XPhYwtzz5Kt1gOBW5tkDKfe2TyL5iXL6iYQs4zUJn3AJs_AjRCdLoOZvX8OVtWvzVwqFLecYdpBPOvYLaB9xdzaGm-eJCPtwT6agxisttiOM1PNbcmmMINh_Es2qeiJod5Wh6PRLl26Whzfdcy7epRU8SrrAT_5Q/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZvWSsavWGprVwsCdKqXSGm7tG9XPhYwtzz5Kt1gOBW5tkDKfe2TyL5iXL6iYQs4zUJn3AJs_AjRCdLoOZvX8OVtWvzVwqFLecYdpBPOvYLaB9xdzaGm-eJCPtwT6agxisttiOM1PNbcmmMINh_Es2qeiJod5Wh6PRLl26Whzfdcy7epRU8SrrAT_5Q/w640-h448/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First step: making a template with cardboard...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9pC-WyhR97DWPq639znSDDAnon9V4gEx_OdbyVyOO6d4m0onLeBGsu17IqpfxKlB1lSNSPhsi0-UimNe4WqPduQavwTiNLVPDjiY9VRdQTpdwvqfu62EkyE7YOGn85dLba2gN16VsOq8PlXdsUWZTqVxmEjQYfWplIhcG4RYH0SF10mSupaaZQUMtQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9pC-WyhR97DWPq639znSDDAnon9V4gEx_OdbyVyOO6d4m0onLeBGsu17IqpfxKlB1lSNSPhsi0-UimNe4WqPduQavwTiNLVPDjiY9VRdQTpdwvqfu62EkyE7YOGn85dLba2gN16VsOq8PlXdsUWZTqVxmEjQYfWplIhcG4RYH0SF10mSupaaZQUMtQ/w640-h480/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing the position of the styrofoam block cut according to the template: perfect!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl57bgSFAU6CoyCmncaD8h5Pe7OxBtKdlnXw_NzGl7niv3wF5S4fBk99HW4u9HwFuX4Qs6j7_PTQhIDu3FlTBfEBu42vKvDF55WMLshEu6NwrPZXebEsQYiaeG8fXJOTSC5o7wDHwgC2zH0CnS9_MULbsL7_6Gbf6Vy5d7vCxzbwdDpn2JO9JfJXF3A/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl57bgSFAU6CoyCmncaD8h5Pe7OxBtKdlnXw_NzGl7niv3wF5S4fBk99HW4u9HwFuX4Qs6j7_PTQhIDu3FlTBfEBu42vKvDF55WMLshEu6NwrPZXebEsQYiaeG8fXJOTSC5o7wDHwgC2zH0CnS9_MULbsL7_6Gbf6Vy5d7vCxzbwdDpn2JO9JfJXF3A/w640-h486/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the load of crates on the styrofoam block, to visualize the effect: <br />Perfect!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwIyTDRk5Bv1V7kfJOhV-cC0lGto_qd8nJsciPIwmPEHUgh30pESqH0noj90gVHhwnCmgu-4nZbMCY0_q-UI5alh3ofKZpYYI7Xzp9xwam7_RKeaJtH6oxbqbFY1_3syoTcPdZjbe_GlbW-vFWA7MqeUliM6yTQIrPJ3_Spe3LuonxsB6a49xATpqpw/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwIyTDRk5Bv1V7kfJOhV-cC0lGto_qd8nJsciPIwmPEHUgh30pESqH0noj90gVHhwnCmgu-4nZbMCY0_q-UI5alh3ofKZpYYI7Xzp9xwam7_RKeaJtH6oxbqbFY1_3syoTcPdZjbe_GlbW-vFWA7MqeUliM6yTQIrPJ3_Spe3LuonxsB6a49xATpqpw/w640-h480/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20045.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crates fit so tightly in the cargo area that the styrofoam block disappears!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And, as the Spaniards say:<b> <i>"...por si acaso!"</i></b>, I still painted the corners of the styrofoam in the base color of the vehicle. The styrofoam will be glued with specific glue for styrofoam, as well as the crates of the first layer will be glued on the styrofoam with the same glue</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuLh5ThuLwanSFnTERofCZU4tQtJhh60FwGSrTe-uYYd_ZS9EzaMUd03hs3bOx4YVY1MUNQPoNG4rSzQ-N7Vu5YL4uDGABPKFGkpbTYj41gPgWvton5NIE7ihNY8mvsKheYbc1vBOz9KZbQ6VHOwIpb4-AHj4UOj-nqGKnnCDk9cv35qwyVKEeKU1Qg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1280" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuLh5ThuLwanSFnTERofCZU4tQtJhh60FwGSrTe-uYYd_ZS9EzaMUd03hs3bOx4YVY1MUNQPoNG4rSzQ-N7Vu5YL4uDGABPKFGkpbTYj41gPgWvton5NIE7ihNY8mvsKheYbc1vBOz9KZbQ6VHOwIpb4-AHj4UOj-nqGKnnCDk9cv35qwyVKEeKU1Qg/w640-h424/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The styrofoam block with the corners painted in the base color<br />of the vehicle and the specific glue for styrofoam.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGPV-PTyOQXvJ8TXQMUCKsMrbD1m9lQPlspydSxX53GTvPN2naMZ_Ar-wDckijRXJqYhyvvoYKPOMFjAqFGNkO9ywdI3H7R34PQ09RcpmtZa29ZZ4h9Gjqj8ReGPPeeuH9jE8rW00UZV1SWwk9G9YpE0TmO0zPmbSz_2NkURO8rP464ZhCWJouueSOA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20047.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="1280" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGPV-PTyOQXvJ8TXQMUCKsMrbD1m9lQPlspydSxX53GTvPN2naMZ_Ar-wDckijRXJqYhyvvoYKPOMFjAqFGNkO9ywdI3H7R34PQ09RcpmtZa29ZZ4h9Gjqj8ReGPPeeuH9jE8rW00UZV1SWwk9G9YpE0TmO0zPmbSz_2NkURO8rP464ZhCWJouueSOA/w640-h486/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20047.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Styrofoam block and first layer of boxes glued with styrofoam glue, in position.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise3CmZVWyzCqWJIHhOjUpcQRRk5KmReS5y6VU4LAjFGpznzZYLycAwoujRtjxmJS4WcltR4IAconGBf_Nzy8W_JzAJ05zYGpXY2X-5lIUNeqoKw6Rm1QEl1ouH8qyGvwBvFfKUSFmZfpO-sOfb5TUPp5Xl-VjYcRfNqJL0J8SvJkYSwM4SNscTQX_pg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20048.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEise3CmZVWyzCqWJIHhOjUpcQRRk5KmReS5y6VU4LAjFGpznzZYLycAwoujRtjxmJS4WcltR4IAconGBf_Nzy8W_JzAJ05zYGpXY2X-5lIUNeqoKw6Rm1QEl1ouH8qyGvwBvFfKUSFmZfpO-sOfb5TUPp5Xl-VjYcRfNqJL0J8SvJkYSwM4SNscTQX_pg/w640-h426/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second layer of boxes and details, glued together with superglue!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_7smzVQWwM5EZQGqLIV7oF77P5rhyDtuevKQDrOd-WrHs7XpsCm8wGNy7hA3i-PZanYr8wBsQ_VwNVhdjZ8sReqNtV1YAc-GEzawcXpHkPk_bA2KwBg5579Z2bFk77uMIvohvGfxVAvU4FX7POZWiKo7lzg7PPl_GjvkdCrTIOahqktkNWoJzgWKWg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_7smzVQWwM5EZQGqLIV7oF77P5rhyDtuevKQDrOd-WrHs7XpsCm8wGNy7hA3i-PZanYr8wBsQ_VwNVhdjZ8sReqNtV1YAc-GEzawcXpHkPk_bA2KwBg5579Z2bFk77uMIvohvGfxVAvU4FX7POZWiKo7lzg7PPl_GjvkdCrTIOahqktkNWoJzgWKWg/w640-h480/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Has anyone seen the styrofoam block around????</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mcGpIEUHPfeRMCHCRj0-kdFxUSukZRkBYpyJLPf1RwsIQF74XYDl1Hk9ZwZWuTFa5ddPGdgQ_8FQaGYuAKZji9FnUuYXLQ5lUOgD79y7yW_dlwWAqbVvYvQDYS2mQLXASlmGKnd7XW5BIj58C0Jia_OK5UNCidqDtnjPSw--h1GCE1218JMYL36Sgg/s1280/IMG_0820.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mcGpIEUHPfeRMCHCRj0-kdFxUSukZRkBYpyJLPf1RwsIQF74XYDl1Hk9ZwZWuTFa5ddPGdgQ_8FQaGYuAKZji9FnUuYXLQ5lUOgD79y7yW_dlwWAqbVvYvQDYS2mQLXASlmGKnd7XW5BIj58C0Jia_OK5UNCidqDtnjPSw--h1GCE1218JMYL36Sgg/w640-h458/IMG_0820.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the washes...left side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUWWEO3RFAfMq_spiFgz9bkr3sEWK_30ol38SbJ_fTdLMCRjoHxWyOuk1gCfsls4Q-r7Pr2ZgPpTAQBpHUJQlTGm-hMzJL5sUvbOjkaW0hYj5PjySwxtBq9SGmKcW9VAm8JKV9w8G3S4Tc6hdbPj1_hwrGzXT7P7Hx894Y-jpLgLV-ffgG67GQZvnXA/s1280/IMG_0821.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUWWEO3RFAfMq_spiFgz9bkr3sEWK_30ol38SbJ_fTdLMCRjoHxWyOuk1gCfsls4Q-r7Pr2ZgPpTAQBpHUJQlTGm-hMzJL5sUvbOjkaW0hYj5PjySwxtBq9SGmKcW9VAm8JKV9w8G3S4Tc6hdbPj1_hwrGzXT7P7Hx894Y-jpLgLV-ffgG67GQZvnXA/w640-h404/IMG_0821.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl with washes...right side</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And finally our little cargo girl was ready. I can tell you that it was one of the most fun projects of recent times, without a doubt... I'm starting to get addicted to these <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models</a> kits: They really are a lot of fun to build!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> With you, the only and exclusive <span style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions</i></b></span>, with her cargo being transported, in the testing fields of France, in 1918.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQjdS9cSkEl5JMqhqmjRfiQD4bBzUbKfwXvJfPPbNH_o3C7YpGzQK0jLQkL049hKrdQX-6buIey8CYD9_Jgnl4h6YpJEfsWEU8lVaJsZA4q9ffCdsEctEpysy9WtEJ92TPnvx8B6TFFG6fN2i3ac9i9ojsNVGLbo-y01xsnPxT8FkZWwH9EWFyqqR_w/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20056.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQjdS9cSkEl5JMqhqmjRfiQD4bBzUbKfwXvJfPPbNH_o3C7YpGzQK0jLQkL049hKrdQX-6buIey8CYD9_Jgnl4h6YpJEfsWEU8lVaJsZA4q9ffCdsEctEpysy9WtEJ92TPnvx8B6TFFG6fN2i3ac9i9ojsNVGLbo-y01xsnPxT8FkZWwH9EWFyqqR_w/w640-h344/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20056.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />France - 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpdyY7eYBqzItcy6hZJDX1n9ZI0SMF_RbTfwhIP6W2YEc3QoxdQ2nBVF14zp34Y90iFt8pbH6-mR5jh27ZS3PIIOmfyPtCs0AnEKcNG8cYJa1kRfor-0dcwGbfeTLkGFSfxg39GrWmivJPnqWlRCDOxsoq5iaShmLmjnFw795O3cfwOxWUmgtTDZM3Q/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20058.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpdyY7eYBqzItcy6hZJDX1n9ZI0SMF_RbTfwhIP6W2YEc3QoxdQ2nBVF14zp34Y90iFt8pbH6-mR5jh27ZS3PIIOmfyPtCs0AnEKcNG8cYJa1kRfor-0dcwGbfeTLkGFSfxg39GrWmivJPnqWlRCDOxsoq5iaShmLmjnFw795O3cfwOxWUmgtTDZM3Q/w640-h344/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />3/4 front left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkMW6DWJlq7V-rz7VMmYcUFsC76Af005psr_VIFc3JzbnZsAYzRbUCV2uApSOnGMWTuJ0ULSWMuWEqMHYbHx5qUU69fwsh1r2JDEzNIUmbM_Oxqh8_8i-dRMZeVASMKepts1uOaJGZ9e68zkPukoxflxeBeNiCKLVVZP8ii5Z58rbk8m099VmZWMQnA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20059.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1280" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkMW6DWJlq7V-rz7VMmYcUFsC76Af005psr_VIFc3JzbnZsAYzRbUCV2uApSOnGMWTuJ0ULSWMuWEqMHYbHx5qUU69fwsh1r2JDEzNIUmbM_Oxqh8_8i-dRMZeVASMKepts1uOaJGZ9e68zkPukoxflxeBeNiCKLVVZP8ii5Z58rbk8m099VmZWMQnA/w640-h394/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />3/4 front left top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYx1byy92-8oUEHJKklFVx5zPpsZO008aR3VSzdN3lrjETymjJ9eKzcayfbvFHXgKRFRrmCcwJe9JTytjmIWhx8bTHe9Gb3mp-ov_twyKK4e44EDbqS4kNsTMjKIz_ZYuGAoi7tnVe1_78Kk9uAII97sV24_CzjjIKXmi8pdytE877HRkuVL5bPwR7w/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1280" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYx1byy92-8oUEHJKklFVx5zPpsZO008aR3VSzdN3lrjETymjJ9eKzcayfbvFHXgKRFRrmCcwJe9JTytjmIWhx8bTHe9Gb3mp-ov_twyKK4e44EDbqS4kNsTMjKIz_ZYuGAoi7tnVe1_78Kk9uAII97sV24_CzjjIKXmi8pdytE877HRkuVL5bPwR7w/w640-h352/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubtCub0v9j08W7Rqig5iCxbPYy5ZWblE3NQOW2M1tQ-GvPV_cJmLf1QT3s5V5X79f7sqF0wO8QS-9qKzDnMnUISflXzxhSRrmP-6UQbmVQ0HYasmxocTUuNMDrWkvZQGFYZmPtPCShlPn8azcLnFga3KngMs5_jgl8-CEr78EczwCJGkuOCmm3EKPoA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubtCub0v9j08W7Rqig5iCxbPYy5ZWblE3NQOW2M1tQ-GvPV_cJmLf1QT3s5V5X79f7sqF0wO8QS-9qKzDnMnUISflXzxhSRrmP-6UQbmVQ0HYasmxocTUuNMDrWkvZQGFYZmPtPCShlPn8azcLnFga3KngMs5_jgl8-CEr78EczwCJGkuOCmm3EKPoA/w640-h354/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20061.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />3/4 rear left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5E9-8Wwg9-hmP3P9VYg0HTEXSL5Aa1opUTJk9ZV6GYWPbI_vpWIfFV8aj1qhUy-ztAdkSUn-jQe_DsNqu-WKg0LiIfQFrtibVfW2DGkfFwTRP9erHAUBP-7OrygU5QdhVIx-WvI_4ILtJ-_T4mHeYxEih7n5JzwruCX1Z521_Pwl8LeXEXEQ6m3_SA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1280" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5E9-8Wwg9-hmP3P9VYg0HTEXSL5Aa1opUTJk9ZV6GYWPbI_vpWIfFV8aj1qhUy-ztAdkSUn-jQe_DsNqu-WKg0LiIfQFrtibVfW2DGkfFwTRP9erHAUBP-7OrygU5QdhVIx-WvI_4ILtJ-_T4mHeYxEih7n5JzwruCX1Z521_Pwl8LeXEXEQ6m3_SA/w640-h388/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20062.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />3/4 rear left top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqCrS6nJch7EC18j0GgFePljIoM0pIfi16YlwCCxeB0syTvEAEDfvc4TEdSsu8Kp1Ie3-TmL2Fh2kmWpku9AcINdkdvvFQIPqy4kmUaBaXcTxbfCpdyd2EEszayOEGYDuDZiTC5uoX8gFaqUC4j2E9W7A10ML8E6OQcOgcTmZJ-2RQyvVAn916bItNA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqCrS6nJch7EC18j0GgFePljIoM0pIfi16YlwCCxeB0syTvEAEDfvc4TEdSsu8Kp1Ie3-TmL2Fh2kmWpku9AcINdkdvvFQIPqy4kmUaBaXcTxbfCpdyd2EEszayOEGYDuDZiTC5uoX8gFaqUC4j2E9W7A10ML8E6OQcOgcTmZJ-2RQyvVAn916bItNA/w640-h346/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />3/4 rear right top view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpYvV9veLIBpYG7TVq79SH2x7bBvw0Wg3aOKSu0eSl5i4zYdENzWKKEg5RsjPafklDjTgJ5t-0w30CXipedGFXdzyrTdkOdSsnBtHIXaZfZdNyHJE6LX0fazZASF_h3DPsX8NkjnMddT9PzzTn3MhHxdRRo_kVfausla9xYMdfJJJ-T2lmeob2xFQgw/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpYvV9veLIBpYG7TVq79SH2x7bBvw0Wg3aOKSu0eSl5i4zYdENzWKKEg5RsjPafklDjTgJ5t-0w30CXipedGFXdzyrTdkOdSsnBtHIXaZfZdNyHJE6LX0fazZASF_h3DPsX8NkjnMddT9PzzTn3MhHxdRRo_kVfausla9xYMdfJJJ-T2lmeob2xFQgw/w640-h320/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />3/4 rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLfdZ27g-9poQktuOKNEQfwGynbi8EzpAhPH8eBIEquBvC7up4kKjpJOmvVwNlSS6l5OhEN0PsyKCSvWPqF0B6qdd7dlTqFGOtWC-pvNFhBOr01H7hMbxXdMmViKpiD4v8uRWvElJskwmY1q-i7ONYaZdMfCMY8nBT4mOQ-Ds8iGJiolBAHuqfrGPPg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1280" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLfdZ27g-9poQktuOKNEQfwGynbi8EzpAhPH8eBIEquBvC7up4kKjpJOmvVwNlSS6l5OhEN0PsyKCSvWPqF0B6qdd7dlTqFGOtWC-pvNFhBOr01H7hMbxXdMmViKpiD4v8uRWvElJskwmY1q-i7ONYaZdMfCMY8nBT4mOQ-Ds8iGJiolBAHuqfrGPPg/w640-h332/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br /> right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t2ByQZzwKO2-ZCPuywAHojk7AOBHG8wr-A_n0ZFeloSMZqpkQ4FO9iMmOEszwmaHFy6Ooh1GNAhu5s5sbVIRvvhKXdXP_M7AI_lQRKdZNFc8jvBmOje9TynHDoMqWJQ3IQsAMNJf7EpykIpDXuF5IjI2DwTcr9_4WfwauGyMMZBY0Gl6bT4iPAPQcQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t2ByQZzwKO2-ZCPuywAHojk7AOBHG8wr-A_n0ZFeloSMZqpkQ4FO9iMmOEszwmaHFy6Ooh1GNAhu5s5sbVIRvvhKXdXP_M7AI_lQRKdZNFc8jvBmOje9TynHDoMqWJQ3IQsAMNJf7EpykIpDXuF5IjI2DwTcr9_4WfwauGyMMZBY0Gl6bT4iPAPQcQ/w640-h354/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />3/4 front right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6txqduY6MWREp5LDfXR7wNwqLua5RuaqURS1UR9saLFqm2QGgutdyKMGdzU8TkvZFH50_GLNSW5j1kLIjk2VdeNFycOLNd96rAAkVZLpiD5FIUfLCKfDt9Ijr9PEOXz7HUt2ibyVq93Fi19DvdmI1M-3irk40Wl4Zbx6DPNPHQH7M70DTHbQeN1ihUw/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1280" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6txqduY6MWREp5LDfXR7wNwqLua5RuaqURS1UR9saLFqm2QGgutdyKMGdzU8TkvZFH50_GLNSW5j1kLIjk2VdeNFycOLNd96rAAkVZLpiD5FIUfLCKfDt9Ijr9PEOXz7HUt2ibyVq93Fi19DvdmI1M-3irk40Wl4Zbx6DPNPHQH7M70DTHbQeN1ihUw/w640-h364/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />with Kojak and Rover, the dog.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGWQxL-wC20TWG6B8TmKvznyKzLWyozkYzSfVYxyIhHKDIfa67WhDB6PXlvpvuAH-ZOnfUE2NcyjUTQ9eHwts5GvJJB_w4naXngqUplp6R2__uPZ0ojL-_UyzKBNQ_xAjFa4W7c6F6zHtZNf6djw2OKW-8QX1mCl9-8j5iSE2AmIseAHzwZzHKcMLxw/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1280" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGWQxL-wC20TWG6B8TmKvznyKzLWyozkYzSfVYxyIhHKDIfa67WhDB6PXlvpvuAH-ZOnfUE2NcyjUTQ9eHwts5GvJJB_w4naXngqUplp6R2__uPZ0ojL-_UyzKBNQ_xAjFa4W7c6F6zHtZNf6djw2OKW-8QX1mCl9-8j5iSE2AmIseAHzwZzHKcMLxw/w640-h324/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">with <b><i><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20Frot-Turnel-Laffly%20armoured%20steamroller%20prototype%20-%201915" target="_blank">Char Frot-Turnel-Laffly</a></i></b> armoured steamroller in background.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Acswsbp8KW5q6z6zzb3ZXpfthYcVpKJyhAub05EfI42b2nSYnHEgkduxeI37lRR0aQOOyp-p5gCld6X3RG7PdmY4hGBSu6npJf5wcoeRyTcqnSOfDAaS0QpC6WTehn49X8MIwRRzP-iYGTOGfVoNtK280INMe76uwKaZppkR_99Mz_H58KeCCxEchg/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Acswsbp8KW5q6z6zzb3ZXpfthYcVpKJyhAub05EfI42b2nSYnHEgkduxeI37lRR0aQOOyp-p5gCld6X3RG7PdmY4hGBSu6npJf5wcoeRyTcqnSOfDAaS0QpC6WTehn49X8MIwRRzP-iYGTOGfVoNtK280INMe76uwKaZppkR_99Mz_H58KeCCxEchg/w640-h390/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b></div><div>with <b><i><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%20%2075mm%20Mle%20mod%201897%20-%20prototype" target="_blank">Renault FT Chenilles 75mm Mle</a></i></b> in background...</div><div>The Feeder and the Killer...</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheowSulAadTpGtTQ6SdRTo9sYlILTpCJFmEvbp7fKajIVzXRDAWd9hYGvZyuJbw8lazi7flYR9RqvXWdsRbLdWC9uo-cAmP8c_VRpKFtQxkbMbgvYpKsAarbz9R6J5Gv73O6IM72UWX845PqF8dHVcfOJJXM-EtJYulVwA8u1Kl87zmQCSThbAFTjbKQ/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheowSulAadTpGtTQ6SdRTo9sYlILTpCJFmEvbp7fKajIVzXRDAWd9hYGvZyuJbw8lazi7flYR9RqvXWdsRbLdWC9uo-cAmP8c_VRpKFtQxkbMbgvYpKsAarbz9R6J5Gv73O6IM72UWX845PqF8dHVcfOJJXM-EtJYulVwA8u1Kl87zmQCSThbAFTjbKQ/w640-h378/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions </i><b>- prototype</b><br />France - 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> This was a very fun construction, and the lack of parts did not affect the development of the project at all. Once again, I would like to thank Luis Vargas for his prompt customer service, even though I am not the primary purchaser of the kit. I hope that the suggestions presented in the report can be of use to the manufacturer to further improve the already very good final product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Et n'oubliez pas:</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(And don't forget)</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wfE10RHHAwAbMIb9ZANvp59rzkv5mcUn-j3ck2t_97nD_NykSs_q80Fo7tgZWsaURx01gdzQfq0tJ7Upv6SlF8g0t2OCDs0FpQ2eWNf5Y7mhohAWP2_b7j181g7_1cNt1b2ci2-0Jf73OzxZGVLRL5y0GVVDG7Asb4mk54C0UxDteeCDdLHC4krFKw/s1726/WWI%20poster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="1244" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wfE10RHHAwAbMIb9ZANvp59rzkv5mcUn-j3ck2t_97nD_NykSs_q80Fo7tgZWsaURx01gdzQfq0tJ7Upv6SlF8g0t2OCDs0FpQ2eWNf5Y7mhohAWP2_b7j181g7_1cNt1b2ci2-0Jf73OzxZGVLRL5y0GVVDG7Asb4mk54C0UxDteeCDdLHC4krFKw/w462-h640/WWI%20poster.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey...Where's the damn ammo??</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>See you, soon!!!</b></div></span>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-200512429329886031.post-59922485975484354752022-06-01T07:41:00.001-03:002022-06-01T08:27:32.270-03:00Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75mm Mle 1897 - prototype - case report<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Mesdames et Messieurs...</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Today we will meet another pioneer of modern warfare: one of the forerunners of the concept of self-propelled artillery: with you, one of the first attempts to develop an effective self-propelled artillery, the prototype <b><i>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle -1897</i> </b>(Renault FT-17 Tracked 75Mle (1897).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_q3zCGApyndmI6wAvw7DgGRAeYCN0HbQQU2H3dujDkhCl1Gily8F4y2vDc42RDOs_BqyqqamCPCwZHSF27KbqSSpNRy-0WmURXs_smvbyq5NIF6Kg5aH7GYK9qRzM7Se587HAanL0ZoZ-B1NFMWz1xtWJ1lvMKWczfrzVoaheIKxwhhzkk7wPu2tAw/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20pin%20up%20flapper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1280" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_q3zCGApyndmI6wAvw7DgGRAeYCN0HbQQU2H3dujDkhCl1Gily8F4y2vDc42RDOs_BqyqqamCPCwZHSF27KbqSSpNRy-0WmURXs_smvbyq5NIF6Kg5aH7GYK9qRzM7Se587HAanL0ZoZ-B1NFMWz1xtWJ1lvMKWczfrzVoaheIKxwhhzkk7wPu2tAw/w640-h468/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20pin%20up%20flapper.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfAuAqE8Y6d_vGtLFv_j2Toj0wQQ568dnptdNpm-supxzl5VpZwe4TRp06DdDwOpJWzNnWH0mbXd2KeoW7qxYF66aq84XRu-HjAGd0J0DDt6lNgTpqWDt6AbEQCGVSmfocdim2Qg3QZd7PMxJvc1IR5lnHSjpTSVPmziuuubLkEXJZA8AQEfDXGpM-w/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20front%20right.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1280" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfAuAqE8Y6d_vGtLFv_j2Toj0wQQ568dnptdNpm-supxzl5VpZwe4TRp06DdDwOpJWzNnWH0mbXd2KeoW7qxYF66aq84XRu-HjAGd0J0DDt6lNgTpqWDt6AbEQCGVSmfocdim2Qg3QZd7PMxJvc1IR5lnHSjpTSVPmziuuubLkEXJZA8AQEfDXGpM-w/w640-h476/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20front%20right.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final version of <b><i>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75mm Mle 1897</i></b><br />prototype - France - 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>History:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> We can consider the First World War almost as a laboratory for testing new weapons and new tactical doctrines in the military field. The ubiquitous infantry and artillery were present, but now they faced the new challenges generated by the widespread use of automatic weapons, planes and the massive use of artillery barrages... And all these new factors demanded mobility from the previously static front lines. At the beginning of the conflict, around 1915, the French High Command identified increasing the mobility of artillery as a key point, as animal traction and the primitive wheeled trucks of the beginning of the conflict were ineffective to move and supply artillery across the convulsive terrain of the Western Front. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71dMz74QDrt1A_0jU7SnsIuqIWRK0s_I6EtZcOW4c1NU-hOqSJmHf0CBL0oBdXaQBPard1yLo4WKVbUf_XYzuJVpNbnNcmoI0LgEup2SeTMGNnvJCV44VqJbqGdfrdwSrWQ9u4RuNKgcVOX_4WnNpGoEKNY1eZM5MrBxqnHBMwCxGkhRZY9TIqN3IqQ/s1280/Horses%20pulling%20heavy%20howitzers,%20c1916%20British%20Royal%20Artillery.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71dMz74QDrt1A_0jU7SnsIuqIWRK0s_I6EtZcOW4c1NU-hOqSJmHf0CBL0oBdXaQBPard1yLo4WKVbUf_XYzuJVpNbnNcmoI0LgEup2SeTMGNnvJCV44VqJbqGdfrdwSrWQ9u4RuNKgcVOX_4WnNpGoEKNY1eZM5MrBxqnHBMwCxGkhRZY9TIqN3IqQ/w640-h434/Horses%20pulling%20heavy%20howitzers,%20c1916%20British%20Royal%20Artillery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horses pulling heavy howitzers<br />British Royal Artillery - Western front - 1916</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D_4GXjlTxsVaL8XsYmxD64sl4X1bbRuPZpjVvSdz73w8A2IYmn_1pDtfKPzwjmZEKBZJ6VO1lyODVsLEiwXtYEFI0RSa6hcZAEEimBX4BqG2zijPPVkei0LJ1iGf1yoQsJD5nU3W-qpuhuAJGGXi1YEPfGnOgUgfb00G-VoXH33KVlwJGsYqPPhxhQ/s1024/french%20artillery%20horse%20drawn%2075Mle%201897.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1024" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D_4GXjlTxsVaL8XsYmxD64sl4X1bbRuPZpjVvSdz73w8A2IYmn_1pDtfKPzwjmZEKBZJ6VO1lyODVsLEiwXtYEFI0RSa6hcZAEEimBX4BqG2zijPPVkei0LJ1iGf1yoQsJD5nU3W-qpuhuAJGGXi1YEPfGnOgUgfb00G-VoXH33KVlwJGsYqPPhxhQ/w640-h406/french%20artillery%20horse%20drawn%2075Mle%201897.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French artillery horse drawn - 1914<br />The gun is a 75mm Mle 1897. Note the number of soldiers<br />and horses for an artillery piece</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JHmnCK2O29euT9iC52jUzJbSWrh7fTOpqjAm_pIPpAxIRTBkej7GnbWfpDMat9rPTBoCReFQntlSKbxGY5xzB4yJk7-Sg2b0tAuLJ6bDjZms2zgTXt_J8HBkJH5X9gqEwu4dGwKDGqeeb9zufPBVP1gUcZld8EHXHJlUXiGxlqZaY5j_G1SbiUBhEg/s1280/Obusier%20de%20155%20mm%20C%20on%20the%20road%20along%20the%20Somme%20Canal%2010%20July%201917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JHmnCK2O29euT9iC52jUzJbSWrh7fTOpqjAm_pIPpAxIRTBkej7GnbWfpDMat9rPTBoCReFQntlSKbxGY5xzB4yJk7-Sg2b0tAuLJ6bDjZms2zgTXt_J8HBkJH5X9gqEwu4dGwKDGqeeb9zufPBVP1gUcZld8EHXHJlUXiGxlqZaY5j_G1SbiUBhEg/w640-h420/Obusier%20de%20155%20mm%20C%20on%20the%20road%20along%20the%20Somme%20Canal%2010%20July%201917.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A horse drawn an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obusier_de_155_mm_C_mod%C3%A8le_1881" target="_blank"><i>Obusier de 155 mm C</i> </a>on the road along the<br />Somme Canal - 10 July 1917.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5KFlCWdY-9qTgM_VHIQRKzqzxTFQI5aFW8KcBiQOzgU1vxO13wNYM6YoSTecv_lEb78XJoffYUQvxvJm4aC0k9STOt75caiIkFmwVT0za2ItGSp7-MXjWNlWzd4IMGf7cQcQYXUF7Rekso9Kb8Sx9LqxI60u0PJGIkY91ZYyK0UMc50SsUwaqwmK_A/s1024/A%20Latil%20TAR%20and%20a%20155mm%20Long%20Model%201877%20gun%20(foreground)%20during%20the%20Battle%20of%20Verdun%20..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1024" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5KFlCWdY-9qTgM_VHIQRKzqzxTFQI5aFW8KcBiQOzgU1vxO13wNYM6YoSTecv_lEb78XJoffYUQvxvJm4aC0k9STOt75caiIkFmwVT0za2ItGSp7-MXjWNlWzd4IMGf7cQcQYXUF7Rekso9Kb8Sx9LqxI60u0PJGIkY91ZYyK0UMc50SsUwaqwmK_A/w640-h458/A%20Latil%20TAR%20and%20a%20155mm%20Long%20Model%201877%20gun%20(foreground)%20during%20the%20Battle%20of%20Verdun%20..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A heavy artillery tractor truck <b><i><a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latil_TAR" target="_blank">Latil TAR</a></i></b> and his <i><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Bange_155_mm_cannon">de Bange 155 mm long cannon mle. 1877</a></b></i> <br />resting on your way to Battle of Verdun - 1916.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> The logical option was to use tracked vehicles. The need was such that requests made by the Ministry of Munitions and the High Command of the French Army were answered by french manufacturers and dealers, which resulted in several track vehicles that were tested and used for the purpose of transporting artillery. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQmG4LoaxYfxEKvMgXawh_OW87ZDZr1IzSLr9ppIMQPaLKEtdhfSsde7Bg0qMxlu49ZTtDM1ZZZcSQu-zOQFSyUp5psnT73uRtpo5e_pXn0FzmUNvSOiko7YFpz91CwxY_PAi1XC8ogPB27nKIl0AKWgHroVM6EpWcLP4IWqWaoj1O_joTp8PfjEZ3w/s1280/Holt%20tractor%20used%20by%20the%20French%20Army%20in%20the%20Vosges,%20Spring%201915..jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQmG4LoaxYfxEKvMgXawh_OW87ZDZr1IzSLr9ppIMQPaLKEtdhfSsde7Bg0qMxlu49ZTtDM1ZZZcSQu-zOQFSyUp5psnT73uRtpo5e_pXn0FzmUNvSOiko7YFpz91CwxY_PAi1XC8ogPB27nKIl0AKWgHroVM6EpWcLP4IWqWaoj1O_joTp8PfjEZ3w/w640-h454/Holt%20tractor%20used%20by%20the%20French%20Army%20in%20the%20Vosges,%20Spring%201915..jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holt_tractor" target="_blank">Holt tractor</a> used as artillery tractor<br />by the French Army in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hartmannswillerkopf" target="_blank">Vosges</a> - Spring 1915.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Among these vehicles, some were successful enough to be produced, such as the <a href="http://www.landships.info/landships/softskin_articles/Renault_FB.html" target="_blank">Renault FB artillery tractor</a> and the <a href="http://www.landships.info/landships/softskin_articles/Schneider_CD.html" target="_blank">Schneider CD artillery tractor</a>. But the focus of these vehicles was that they transported or pulled the artillery, but the artillery had to be unloaded or equipped beforehand to be able to fire, which also meant a waste of time.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR2H73kcj5XZf-GMKdzN6fekvx8FMmHofFQUpiQNeETHkKKkiUm7w9KEyucYV8ORT5PU7QjKmqf5IxKBvIqcprfbnjpGAE8S9h56MibY5TTJl6hh4X8Xdh7XhsCexc5Me8H7IxJlrp3DkC4pWeCGBtyT6tm9TqBKJ3m0l-I8aDU0EuGewTaHcfMcTaMA=s800" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="800" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR2H73kcj5XZf-GMKdzN6fekvx8FMmHofFQUpiQNeETHkKKkiUm7w9KEyucYV8ORT5PU7QjKmqf5IxKBvIqcprfbnjpGAE8S9h56MibY5TTJl6hh4X8Xdh7XhsCexc5Me8H7IxJlrp3DkC4pWeCGBtyT6tm9TqBKJ3m0l-I8aDU0EuGewTaHcfMcTaMA=w640-h340" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">A French Renault FB Artillery Portee</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">carrying a heavy cannon on the Western front.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6P4BB8vJbUdStCLuwHqDkEkNUvd-Pg79aaqCpjAR8QaOKpC79LrbhWuHWCQeqpgR5gjiIPqwd2W3Q5dxmls0_wln0Tm48cfsjlPCUfdrjNWhWJfNYD5P737ERicBic9mxb3tBFOUwW9m5IzMryWDdTdGL4Pi8wTRXjJWna5qYnE2ZQVyJfKmrsV-9A/s1280/Schneider%20CD%20Artillery%20Tractor.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6P4BB8vJbUdStCLuwHqDkEkNUvd-Pg79aaqCpjAR8QaOKpC79LrbhWuHWCQeqpgR5gjiIPqwd2W3Q5dxmls0_wln0Tm48cfsjlPCUfdrjNWhWJfNYD5P737ERicBic9mxb3tBFOUwW9m5IzMryWDdTdGL4Pi8wTRXjJWna5qYnE2ZQVyJfKmrsV-9A/w640-h416/Schneider%20CD%20Artillery%20Tractor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schneider CD artillery tractors loaded onto trucks<br />for transport to the front. Clermont, September - 1918.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> What today seems like a simple and easy idea, but at the time, it was a revolution, is that the weapon could be fired from the vehicle, allowing quick installation of the battery and subsequent mobility to avoid counter-battery fire. In this article, we will see some SPG prototypes developed by Renault, using the FT-17 light tank chassis, in response to requests from the French High Command.</div></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Renault </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Self-Propelled Guns prototypes:</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The most logical way to do this would be to use the chassis of the tank in use. As the Renault FT-17 light tank had been in operation since 1917, we can say that the attempt to install light field guns on these chassis would be a great option, as it would allow for a standardization of the material used and ease of logistics.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zsZC9uwljsTYYEBzWiLabUP0SsijNFhjFkbJC-ei3oBfXzxyCW14wRFpaP5o4I3nBKc7SvOLhG3RQW4NtL9DKw1A4gbu3NieOkx8kO-VEad1h4iEaSxZWhMXBxlHetjXtJPoge_ZGaMKQWCXTSPvYf0wEOJUpBG1LU7hmuIfj8FO29qP6hUjQ3v9jg/s1280/Ft-17%20Takom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zsZC9uwljsTYYEBzWiLabUP0SsijNFhjFkbJC-ei3oBfXzxyCW14wRFpaP5o4I3nBKc7SvOLhG3RQW4NtL9DKw1A4gbu3NieOkx8kO-VEad1h4iEaSxZWhMXBxlHetjXtJPoge_ZGaMKQWCXTSPvYf0wEOJUpBG1LU7hmuIfj8FO29qP6hUjQ3v9jg/w640-h390/Ft-17%20Takom.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.scalemates.com/kits/takom-1003-renault-ft--673730#" target="_blank">Renault FT 17 light tank</a><br />Takom kit #1003 box art</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> In May 1918, technical studies began for the installation of these cannons in FT-17 chassis without turrets, with the <i><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_75_mod%C3%A8le_1897" target="_blank">Canon de 75 mm modèle 1897</a></b> </i>(75mm Mle 1897 field gun) and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_105_mle_1913_Schneider" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Canon de 105 mle 1913 Schneider</a><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><span face="sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">(</span></span>105 mm Mle 1913 field gun) being considered. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g2R0Bx6Hqb7JHowLwtH6eNI8VImcrbEonHnbwKgo0_H3co6Bk_AJ7-GmkBDUL0qWnfM3bD4HXe_dpcQk1GvKhIbTD8FoD2Q372GQzJgrtqrIGCajivT_IgHyVitCIVIg3OhkQTDuMUgxwN01Q75IkNLNK1_7mbV90A-kXwaXGD6usZ8Fej64CSx_pA/s1280/75mm%20gun%20antique%20left.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1280" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7g2R0Bx6Hqb7JHowLwtH6eNI8VImcrbEonHnbwKgo0_H3co6Bk_AJ7-GmkBDUL0qWnfM3bD4HXe_dpcQk1GvKhIbTD8FoD2Q372GQzJgrtqrIGCajivT_IgHyVitCIVIg3OhkQTDuMUgxwN01Q75IkNLNK1_7mbV90A-kXwaXGD6usZ8Fej64CSx_pA/w640-h294/75mm%20gun%20antique%20left.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_75_mod%C3%A8le_1897" target="_blank">Canon de 75 mm modèle 1897</a><br /></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryo9wDJanWxLuEu0tGutgFSHNb5Olb3YexUj5gdt414CBo7W0D0UpgC3BHoV_mKqgO9oUrk9315nmPWoFfQYAtJpXd1BAPZKoDgq67KBIll-mWjBD5vzVz0NfsHC08ieqzcoG78pqZO89BDGVXvwsuk71fuVAj9LFMvTdJJ4Zrl86iKKw1IHMLG-Fsg/s1280/75mm%20Mle%201897%20field%20gun%20british%20picture.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryo9wDJanWxLuEu0tGutgFSHNb5Olb3YexUj5gdt414CBo7W0D0UpgC3BHoV_mKqgO9oUrk9315nmPWoFfQYAtJpXd1BAPZKoDgq67KBIll-mWjBD5vzVz0NfsHC08ieqzcoG78pqZO89BDGVXvwsuk71fuVAj9LFMvTdJJ4Zrl86iKKw1IHMLG-Fsg/w640-h346/75mm%20Mle%201897%20field%20gun%20british%20picture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">75mm Mle 1897 field gun<br />(Imperial War Museum)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzi66JXiW-8cTTq_9MPlfFn_vIJEpxTCwhja-o-bDhKyB8OHHcrjn7Fz9Cz3ebO2NqoRAWU_L-JoUKediK8015_LXB9q5A8NXB2gRsH91J--zA9QE4w5Q3WNM5ylxer0lhhvfKMCAePGdyt-KyT5I53kRT6JWkjdePAEDTRD3twz3lRz1HUhmyrv9GQ/s1280/French%20Schneider%20Canon%20de%20105%20L,%20Modele%201913%20TR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1280" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzi66JXiW-8cTTq_9MPlfFn_vIJEpxTCwhja-o-bDhKyB8OHHcrjn7Fz9Cz3ebO2NqoRAWU_L-JoUKediK8015_LXB9q5A8NXB2gRsH91J--zA9QE4w5Q3WNM5ylxer0lhhvfKMCAePGdyt-KyT5I53kRT6JWkjdePAEDTRD3twz3lRz1HUhmyrv9GQ/w640-h246/French%20Schneider%20Canon%20de%20105%20L,%20Modele%201913%20TR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_105_mle_1913_Schneider" target="_blank">Canon de 105 mle 1913 Schneider</a></b></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3nb7dGxUlues8W6itsfypkGFihYXSa7168lviI4Xf-4_e3K1kZWisJqXbVT97zF81_ykdoHzIgVI9HplmBjv0WZY0_3BkTNmeF_7U4mhnsdtVjCPM17TmPGDAZa22cEz6V8zmQUghDjc2U-kCU7DvbR_Tvc5h9kog-Qtbmlz8eDWzCjIOJwV_pko8Q/s1280/Camp%20de%20Co%C3%ABtquidan%20-%20Canon%20de%20105%20mm%20long%20mod%C3%A8le%201913%20Schneider%20-%201914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3nb7dGxUlues8W6itsfypkGFihYXSa7168lviI4Xf-4_e3K1kZWisJqXbVT97zF81_ykdoHzIgVI9HplmBjv0WZY0_3BkTNmeF_7U4mhnsdtVjCPM17TmPGDAZa22cEz6V8zmQUghDjc2U-kCU7DvbR_Tvc5h9kog-Qtbmlz8eDWzCjIOJwV_pko8Q/w640-h338/Camp%20de%20Co%C3%ABtquidan%20-%20Canon%20de%20105%20mm%20long%20mod%C3%A8le%201913%20Schneider%20-%201914.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canon de 105 mm long modèle 1913 Schneider<br /><a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acad%C3%A9mie_militaire_de_Saint-Cyr_Co%C3%ABtquidan" target="_blank">Camp de Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan</a> - France - 1914</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> From 1918, the GHQ of the French Army received and approved these studies. On May, 1918, a specification was issued for the construction of prototypes based on the Renault FT light tank equipped with the 75 mm Mle 1897 field gun and with a crew of 4 (driver/Commander + three gunners), carrying 100 rounds of ammunition and a total weight of 5 - 6 tons. The intention was to build an SPG that could be used for counter-battery fire and in a possible anti-tank artillery role. Lets see:</p><div class="item_subheader" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle 1897 protoype:</span></b></div><div class="item_subheader" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The first prototype of the SPG produced and designed by Renault, had its field trials carried out at the factory field test in August 1918 and the vehicle was delivered for official testing by the French Army in the <a href="https://www.encyclopedie-bourges.com/lahitolle1.htm" target="_blank">Bourges Military Establishment</a></span><a href="https://www.encyclopedie-bourges.com/lahitolle1.htm" target="_blank"> (<i>Pyrotechnie, l’Atelier de construction (ancienne fonderie de canons) et l’Entrepôt</i>)</a><span style="text-align: left;">, on 18 September from the same year.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3qALFieSdSaoknWSJbGes_aYoS5xmP3pV1X6IV3q3n-W4FJTNrJyfCIMjHjdFuf8Ulzmx5kTmjFlh_f5fXyrtvz4dpL5oec71K5QFMJywhd1Mf8KIMQiMQ3hJm5iK0Ik0z1mdE3qbKkkEIylAXKruzr2n4ARWZqwizsU1YW4CE24UUlApK3Ph0SwCA/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20early%20version%20Renault%20trials.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1280" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3qALFieSdSaoknWSJbGes_aYoS5xmP3pV1X6IV3q3n-W4FJTNrJyfCIMjHjdFuf8Ulzmx5kTmjFlh_f5fXyrtvz4dpL5oec71K5QFMJywhd1Mf8KIMQiMQ3hJm5iK0Ik0z1mdE3qbKkkEIylAXKruzr2n4ARWZqwizsU1YW4CE24UUlApK3Ph0SwCA/w640-h456/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20early%20version%20Renault%20trials.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First version of <span style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle -1897</i><br />in tests at Renault factory </span>testing ground.<br />August - 1918</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The first version of the vehicle it was extremely minimal, with the removal of the turret and front superstructure of the light tank, with the driver being practically "slotted" between the two tracks of the tank.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_uQCH9LlDjI8i2WqwDFbYXYXA1XUY_xe90fnPfUY9ycX7DBWVT6JgswPZuGyf9Ykscpo0zxRZwFDsI7UrBj7Kr938brnbS5HKuhoBhelJGvcU2fmOa20Jmy095oieM2ywWjKS2uhqgBGdGwSr8etrgvECZbJJoQbXL65GITis1cgU6odrD3P5sEFGw/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20early%20version%20004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_uQCH9LlDjI8i2WqwDFbYXYXA1XUY_xe90fnPfUY9ycX7DBWVT6JgswPZuGyf9Ykscpo0zxRZwFDsI7UrBj7Kr938brnbS5HKuhoBhelJGvcU2fmOa20Jmy095oieM2ywWjKS2uhqgBGdGwSr8etrgvECZbJJoQbXL65GITis1cgU6odrD3P5sEFGw/w640-h328/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20early%20version%20004.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle -1897 (early)</i><br />Notice the driver's station: totally unprotected, including suspensions and tracks,<br />dangerously exposed right on the driver's side. One wrong arm movement and....</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE5OCvBUBmg_DccKJGxvH0Dy8NLc4kNuVzb-RXtL-nlnoJ6ZlBWkZCaJA29wc5W-I2-5z1pxq9SKby29RWdqSA5pdjOkRGxILAQAABZICzu02cJcSGgIKc_YVHHnAXqS0iUx-E6eY7jmZQZdUKhSMAPzkZJhVKsfDlyX4YMRP2Z-Y1ixp4xjo4P5TTw/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20early%20version%20003.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE5OCvBUBmg_DccKJGxvH0Dy8NLc4kNuVzb-RXtL-nlnoJ6ZlBWkZCaJA29wc5W-I2-5z1pxq9SKby29RWdqSA5pdjOkRGxILAQAABZICzu02cJcSGgIKc_YVHHnAXqS0iUx-E6eY7jmZQZdUKhSMAPzkZJhVKsfDlyX4YMRP2Z-Y1ixp4xjo4P5TTw/w640-h434/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20early%20version%20003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle -1897 (early)</i><br />From this angle of view we can see how<br />dangerous the driver's position really is...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The 75mm Mle (1897) gun was installed just behind and above the driver, firing into the rear of the vehicle, over its tail. The gun elevation was +24° and depression -4°, increasing the maximum range of the weapon (the original gun angulations were −11° to +18°). This range could be extended slightly with the vehicle positioning itself over an obstacle or an elevation.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a39eXVHvgDBJzRE5PMVNvm5xHRXbJikBIq6wCbUt9tQHCCobe0DSuFb9vCSZHHhmduHFrFadz4qJ5g_2tYmqQCD2mu6mvugxPjyBj2UoQs4wwPmrOlwdOykTiPjcsMFMtQq1LLT2YO-VUc27xD9-TiS2RzmOuK3xHcCD0f90J8gW5j-MyYgag6pJIw/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20rear%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1280" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4a39eXVHvgDBJzRE5PMVNvm5xHRXbJikBIq6wCbUt9tQHCCobe0DSuFb9vCSZHHhmduHFrFadz4qJ5g_2tYmqQCD2mu6mvugxPjyBj2UoQs4wwPmrOlwdOykTiPjcsMFMtQq1LLT2YO-VUc27xD9-TiS2RzmOuK3xHcCD0f90J8gW5j-MyYgag6pJIw/w640-h432/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20rear%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 75mm Mle 1897 aiming in reverse, in maximum depression.<br />Note the absence of the engine cover.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The horizontal transverse of the weapon was performed with the movement of the vehicle, in a rough way, and there was the possibility of a fine adjustment in the horizontal transverse in 3° left and 3° right. </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZNDoK7MTRNSKFT67M4sniygcC2kYRCJG-nHo7Zvp0D1xreYEo6qi2CvtgCVNvUUFma6YQpM6lYb8EkXs6Pm9j5xT96JhnOb8vwocG63gbwqjDaSpVlh4pESRCoIWDNByPSA6ponamNNEy8JDlbl7rQjg_olRdY6dov5v5qmUD59k4cgJhftxLS_KXQ/s1024/horizontal%20derivation.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="1024" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZNDoK7MTRNSKFT67M4sniygcC2kYRCJG-nHo7Zvp0D1xreYEo6qi2CvtgCVNvUUFma6YQpM6lYb8EkXs6Pm9j5xT96JhnOb8vwocG63gbwqjDaSpVlh4pESRCoIWDNByPSA6ponamNNEy8JDlbl7rQjg_olRdY6dov5v5qmUD59k4cgJhftxLS_KXQ/w640-h280/horizontal%20derivation.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horizontal transverse of 75mm Mle 1897</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><div><p style="text-align: justify;"> The vehicle's ergonomics were quite awkward, with the driver having to leave his station for the weapon to fire (...before we criticize our French friends, we can't forget that this was repeated years later, with the British <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Archer%20Self%20Propelled%2017%20pdr%20%20Valentine%20Mk%20I" target="_blank">Archer Self Propelled Gun 17 pdr Valentine Mk I</a> ). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A70dYYKH1ZrGCT_pp3D-lLKcgq-tAbzoBCHevBAnHYpDtNF4l5xM9LsFdyaZhtpezXlvP_mthatQ95ZVZknRR_iHn4QhEeq0SkvylXesziloPAZfnmfo2VvoMXPO6oN4iyhGJNCYlosnFVIWJOIufkG0Is6CGgKmtZWatTNm2ptcNAu9Z3wDKsIZcw/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20left%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A70dYYKH1ZrGCT_pp3D-lLKcgq-tAbzoBCHevBAnHYpDtNF4l5xM9LsFdyaZhtpezXlvP_mthatQ95ZVZknRR_iHn4QhEeq0SkvylXesziloPAZfnmfo2VvoMXPO6oN4iyhGJNCYlosnFVIWJOIufkG0Is6CGgKmtZWatTNm2ptcNAu9Z3wDKsIZcw/w640-h412/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20left%20view.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle -1897 </b>ready to open fire,<br />with the weapon at minimum elevation. Notice the gunner (from the back)<br />with his left hand on the trigger, in the breech of the gun.<br />See the next pic, below...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8BKrIYgmZBE5fOEEVnxyTZABxrxx99l_FpFxufuNJX9yFkE9qQmXTqUPfuyuHWxCVAKMwUgUP6xK4LYS2u5f1gdPuTfjEuCm9rfsa6HGCwdRmA8yq3nud1xySMrwerbcwMUn3TLto9N2Nno76qtW2JEv2vC-8XM78WBIIQYY7sGeMq-BvvKRe704AA/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20left%20view%20firing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8BKrIYgmZBE5fOEEVnxyTZABxrxx99l_FpFxufuNJX9yFkE9qQmXTqUPfuyuHWxCVAKMwUgUP6xK4LYS2u5f1gdPuTfjEuCm9rfsa6HGCwdRmA8yq3nud1xySMrwerbcwMUn3TLto9N2Nno76qtW2JEv2vC-8XM78WBIIQYY7sGeMq-BvvKRe704AA/w640-h436/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20left%20view%20firing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle -1897 </b><span style="text-align: justify;">firing.<br />Notice the total </span>recoil of the weapon, with the breech<br />invading the space of the driver.</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> During the tests, the prototype underwent an update, with armored side protections up to the top of the tracks, in the driver's station and the installation of two (totally unprotected) seats on top of the superstructure, for the gunners.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGSyue_mM0V4SVtxB9g4O7ZAeurYuF9S1uXJ3H1IbbP0dby7nXIRsFBTgimM6rNZt5IT4iP68qfFk55esSTO5-dMYJaFevvNsTtbuMg9D0MafyH8rm-ecrZRNEdnFXXxn9uJSMCujyM4QV4VugaH-ojQnXiJnUpVSY4Ymsmc1TZQrSjmtrWbM7y63jA/s828/Sem%20t%C3%ADtulo%201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGSyue_mM0V4SVtxB9g4O7ZAeurYuF9S1uXJ3H1IbbP0dby7nXIRsFBTgimM6rNZt5IT4iP68qfFk55esSTO5-dMYJaFevvNsTtbuMg9D0MafyH8rm-ecrZRNEdnFXXxn9uJSMCujyM4QV4VugaH-ojQnXiJnUpVSY4Ymsmc1TZQrSjmtrWbM7y63jA/w618-h640/Sem%20t%C3%ADtulo%201.jpg" width="618" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle -1897 "late"</b><br />Notice the side walls in the driver station and<br />the two seats for the gunners, with the cannon between them,<br />in the top of superestructure.<br />Also note the ammo rack, with a capacity of 40 projectiles, just below the gun.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn09EvtQwdUdgOgvw4AaDfhpZN3wdYVufCB21jQkoTkqgl4-DaElR7AwG47-hnlPYoLfSGvZlPWpbMK98zlx-K2MmiqiTtMdUsOBxMGkGPvnLXGedSHsVyi_fOHviZYwQtWZqoKD5-E_-FJuyWtS7z81N4yGH_k_IdLz7yfMKzxFMt93fC7Sp2RGMffw/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20late%20front2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn09EvtQwdUdgOgvw4AaDfhpZN3wdYVufCB21jQkoTkqgl4-DaElR7AwG47-hnlPYoLfSGvZlPWpbMK98zlx-K2MmiqiTtMdUsOBxMGkGPvnLXGedSHsVyi_fOHviZYwQtWZqoKD5-E_-FJuyWtS7z81N4yGH_k_IdLz7yfMKzxFMt93fC7Sp2RGMffw/w640-h428/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20late%20front2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new driver station... still exposed,<br />but much better protected from tracks and suspensions...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Renault FT 17 Chenilles 75mm Mle 1897 carried 40 rounds of ammunition in a rack positioned just below the gun, between the driver and the engine's firewall. The manufacturer was unable to meet the amount of 100 projectiles contained in the Army Requisition.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BtTZcnO143eL26ommsYwgc6TUf1tEEY4on5HsnGMq3GtJkezN0IBxULit4IXqYq9wuSTBXr-rzvPR_J_wR4UEUyUHSbp4_pamg_DyWKnPZ-S9xAHrULisiEzPcIdQ7OOJxOU8-fUJelfaBmfBg2odkTbQnF2CjB_AHTyohq6EnQkEcCu44NfwbuNrg/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20crew%20of%206b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BtTZcnO143eL26ommsYwgc6TUf1tEEY4on5HsnGMq3GtJkezN0IBxULit4IXqYq9wuSTBXr-rzvPR_J_wR4UEUyUHSbp4_pamg_DyWKnPZ-S9xAHrULisiEzPcIdQ7OOJxOU8-fUJelfaBmfBg2odkTbQnF2CjB_AHTyohq6EnQkEcCu44NfwbuNrg/w640-h376/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20crew%20of%206b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle -1897 "late"</b><br />roaring in the test field, with full capacity.<br />Driver (red), two gunners (green)<br />two reserve-gunners (deep blue) and a true<br />"tail-end-Charlie" (or Charles...) in the rear skid (light blue).</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> The final conclusion of the tests was that although the <b>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle 1897</b> presented a stable firing platform and behaved reasonably well in the cross country field, the smaller ammunition carrying capacity and the strange ergonomic arrangement of the handling and driving of the vehicle were very negative factors.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> An attempt to remedy this deficiency in the transport of ammunition by the <b>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle 1897</b> was the construction of the <b>Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions</b>, but the results of this binomial were not considered satisfactory.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbrjX6zEh_7EhBwubyxUvsp4N2oa3jHuX0wcj9qhEE-nGGuHkkNRSv6Ut1eLUfsCghoUfaJhmciz8Bn1spNmQ6H8zVt1Z3v07JOIJlNqFgJpZ84246b8gOprvb31sAx0tsYxuPFNZGdxKGXiGSaD6jfRCy_WJR1C814FFcBKJYewUC3fy5OGibLm4-w/s1280/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20real.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1280" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbrjX6zEh_7EhBwubyxUvsp4N2oa3jHuX0wcj9qhEE-nGGuHkkNRSv6Ut1eLUfsCghoUfaJhmciz8Bn1spNmQ6H8zVt1Z3v07JOIJlNqFgJpZ84246b8gOprvb31sAx0tsYxuPFNZGdxKGXiGSaD6jfRCy_WJR1C814FFcBKJYewUC3fy5OGibLm4-w/w640-h440/Renault%20FT%2017%20munition%20porte%20real.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT Chenilles porte munitions - prototype</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> In the end, the <b>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75Mle 1897</b> was not approved for entry into production by the French Army. The ultimate fate of this prototype is uncertain, perhaps being dismantled and reverted to tank-gun standard.</p></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Renault FT Chenilles 105 Mle 1913 Schneider prototype:</span></b><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Renault also built a vehicle armed with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_105_mle_1913_Schneider" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Canon de 105 mle 1913 Schneider</a><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><span face="sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">(</span></span><span>105 mm Mle 1913 field gun)</span>, which necessitated a reconstruction of the FT-17 chassis. Very little is known about this version, but the photo of the prototype indicates a weapon placement similar of the <b>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b>, with the weapon pointing and firing backwards, over the engine compartment. Another important detail is that the 105mm Mle 1913 gun was installed in a considerably lower position than in the 75mm Mle 1897 prototype, perhaps in search of greater stability when firing the larger caliber weapon of this prototype. In the photo, we can also see that the entire mechanical part of the chassis is exposed, at the rear of the vehicle, in clear evidence that the vehicle was not fully finished for the tests.</div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvriK95UH8iB06IVNBC2tQWfd2aL5gPp-ls86ZZZrxWNYr14HKZGE62crS7q352Pc4FZuRfMWO6R-RAONE0jQb8T1e8Oy-Da3iUXx7n8IJCEk6m6UqI1HeJKfG6QcbTnF2UjSrrSYh6syaHDWOntqC2QNAP8hQtmVc-ZvrdQ4R02V7HIW5jR7g4mgfA/s1024/renault%20Ft%20105mm%20spg.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1024" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvriK95UH8iB06IVNBC2tQWfd2aL5gPp-ls86ZZZrxWNYr14HKZGE62crS7q352Pc4FZuRfMWO6R-RAONE0jQb8T1e8Oy-Da3iUXx7n8IJCEk6m6UqI1HeJKfG6QcbTnF2UjSrrSYh6syaHDWOntqC2QNAP8hQtmVc-ZvrdQ4R02V7HIW5jR7g4mgfA/w640-h446/renault%20Ft%20105mm%20spg.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prototype<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Renault FT Chenilles 105 Mle 1913 Schneider</span><br />Notice the radical modification in the light tank profile...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Renault FT Chenilles 75 Mle 1897 STAV prototype:</span></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"> The French Army Headquarters sent a request for the <i><b>"Section Technique Automobile de Vincennes" (STAV)</b></i> (Technical Section of Vincennes) to develop an SPG on a Renault chassis FT-17, capable of carrying 150 rounds of ammunition (half-day firing) and using the Gramme naval mount, for the 75mm Mle 1897 cannon. The front part of the chassis of a Renault FT-17 light tank was cut out and the floor of the vehicle was reinforced to accommodate the naval support of the weapon. The driver was relocated to the middle portion of the vehicle, similar to the <b><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT%2017%2075BS%20tank%20prototype" target="_blank">Renault FT 75 BS tank prototype</a></b>. The weapon's crew sat on an unprotected bench at the rear of the chassis while the vehicle was moving. The prototype was built by Renault and had a full turning traverse (360°) and elevation from -8° to +40°, with elevations above +10° requiring the firing to be carried out in line with the rear of the vehicle. Ammo capacity was 120 rounds. The only prototype was completed on October 9, 1918.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyewPp4hO1x160Lqg6wYBtQps7F4w8yLlnjdCfomHcqXIn2Q8RQXj6nXQEdGUGv2c6cCc3zE28xan24pID5od1IxQVUPzF2IzOfBalaHDbamzAZai48zo28_-JU79_r8xzaZe4BnV9K9s_1-ZdA0XvDRwtzMrhA9-oL5xdWEvuMhz9V_BNqMt-b6orA/s1024/renault%20Ft%2075%20navy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyewPp4hO1x160Lqg6wYBtQps7F4w8yLlnjdCfomHcqXIn2Q8RQXj6nXQEdGUGv2c6cCc3zE28xan24pID5od1IxQVUPzF2IzOfBalaHDbamzAZai48zo28_-JU79_r8xzaZe4BnV9K9s_1-ZdA0XvDRwtzMrhA9-oL5xdWEvuMhz9V_BNqMt-b6orA/w640-h426/renault%20Ft%2075%20navy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Renault FT Chenilles 75 Mle 1897 STAV prototype</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Renault FT Chenilles 75 Mle 1897 STA prototype:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The prototype <i style="font-weight: bold;">"Section Technique de l'Artillerie"- STA </i>(A<span style="text-align: left;">rtillery Technical Section)</span> it looked very interesting project, with a total relocation of the mechanical components of the "host" vehicle. The 75mm Mle 1897 gun was accommodated in the middle-rear portion of the vehicle, with the engine repositioned in the front and the driver in the center of the chassis. The entire rear portion of the FT-17 chassis was rebuilt to create a platform for the crew and the gun. The weapon could be raised from -5° to +41° with 11° traverse. The vehicle had the capacity to carry 90 rounds of ammunition. The SPG appears to have been built by Renault and shipped to Bourges in late October 1918. Later modifications to the <b style="text-align: center;">Renault FT Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b> <b>STA</b> included an extension in the rear deck, with the addition of a folding earth spade, to absorb the gun recoil during firing. Another interesting detail was the installation of an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotchkiss_Mle_1914_machine_gun" target="_blank">8mm Hotchkiss MG</a>, for local defense.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUebDm5MHAUI5ZQPR0y2xSpdRrmMalxubV5mmPgnBaA4K8BTAjJlCYv0ST3s3SyfE22xMiWSRZxcaARuveVszl3tkW9-QnqlapO6nVldSwrsFvg4JGtwo4EBqxCVmy9Y2ODteTDZVNrU1h6vrUR54MJ9e6yx3lseR47spyamWjD39fBKOD574gVDwLqw/s1024/Renault%20STA%20b%20w.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUebDm5MHAUI5ZQPR0y2xSpdRrmMalxubV5mmPgnBaA4K8BTAjJlCYv0ST3s3SyfE22xMiWSRZxcaARuveVszl3tkW9-QnqlapO6nVldSwrsFvg4JGtwo4EBqxCVmy9Y2ODteTDZVNrU1h6vrUR54MJ9e6yx3lseR47spyamWjD39fBKOD574gVDwLqw/w640-h480/Renault%20STA%20b%20w.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Renault FT Chenilles 75 Mle 1897 STA prototype </b>- front view<br />Notice the the most functional aspect of the vehicle,<br />with 8mm MG Hotchkiss, for close defense.<br />Also note the engine starter crank in the front of the hull.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkIJe_2qIixfRtPOTlIdpIlMcxCEwc8oBUZujxWjlPHMNQx-ahxYy9cxcY__xClOsceH12a-3-RQBAOib3xOcIog8S-frxUDDAqNE8hbMQLz6Q8Shmj3xdPI53uZW-kvV4HXXJ4uP4DEGKhSS_O7Z-B00BD9YH78oufP2BoQBwHiKLQbvWI8gOFzzmw/s1024/Renault%20STA%20b%20w3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1024" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkIJe_2qIixfRtPOTlIdpIlMcxCEwc8oBUZujxWjlPHMNQx-ahxYy9cxcY__xClOsceH12a-3-RQBAOib3xOcIog8S-frxUDDAqNE8hbMQLz6Q8Shmj3xdPI53uZW-kvV4HXXJ4uP4DEGKhSS_O7Z-B00BD9YH78oufP2BoQBwHiKLQbvWI8gOFzzmw/w640-h530/Renault%20STA%20b%20w3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Renault FT Chenilles 75 Mle 1897 STA prototype </b>- rear view<br />Notice how the crew traveled crammed into the back of the vehicle. <br />The earth spade is raised and 8mm Hotchkiss MG covered with a tarp.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_z-NbS6ktZLEvZ51t-ONTcNSVLWy_dxqfooEefY_R7VlTTDtai2CRTQdlNSidC-kn_ZJvJV5uekgLJkVmsCTdgvhW09jY7aL-QJVTEEdeBGC_fS-TD8_PBCssrFtMFfoW5LOxc-_CdS3NmYUdbJf8KECFwhfkZ0rpaY6pnV_IcafP-I3KlrWAIPjIw/s1024/Renault%20STA%20b%20w2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1024" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_z-NbS6ktZLEvZ51t-ONTcNSVLWy_dxqfooEefY_R7VlTTDtai2CRTQdlNSidC-kn_ZJvJV5uekgLJkVmsCTdgvhW09jY7aL-QJVTEEdeBGC_fS-TD8_PBCssrFtMFfoW5LOxc-_CdS3NmYUdbJf8KECFwhfkZ0rpaY6pnV_IcafP-I3KlrWAIPjIw/w640-h500/Renault%20STA%20b%20w2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Renault FT Chenilles 75 Mle 1897 STA prototype </b>- rear view<br />Notice the crew in firing position<br />The earth spade is lowered and the<br />8mm Hotchkiss MG ready for action</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="item_subheader" style="text-align: justify;"> But with the end of hostilities, none of these prototypes was converted into a production vehicle, but all of them were important test benches for uncovering problems and finding solutions for the development of modern self-propelled artillery, which would later be used. on the battlefields of WWII.</div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Specs:</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3z16LQFPAN6QBGjgDVgqDd_8O8W8-PaI0GJMLq2d6K4YFCKPLf2YGfFAdhtbVAqVpPXdpHpia8K8CIjZFPJb1uJD-nlM8iKBQ6jLrRSUyQPWrejyyDuQmCX6q9MMthtMIV_NJgCcuTz9X9xkXsRj-i72zh4aaKj6D4Y2mgd3Q6eV1WY8vIAsL7DUqw/s1400/renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20specs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1400" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3z16LQFPAN6QBGjgDVgqDd_8O8W8-PaI0GJMLq2d6K4YFCKPLf2YGfFAdhtbVAqVpPXdpHpia8K8CIjZFPJb1uJD-nlM8iKBQ6jLrRSUyQPWrejyyDuQmCX6q9MMthtMIV_NJgCcuTz9X9xkXsRj-i72zh4aaKj6D4Y2mgd3Q6eV1WY8vIAsL7DUqw/w640-h466/renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20specs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><table class="infobox vcard" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); clear: right; color: black; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0.5em 1em; padding: 0.2em; width: 25.5em;"><tbody><tr><th class="infobox-above hproduct" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"><span class="fn org">Renault Ft-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle</span></th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Type</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Self Propelled Gun</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Place of origin </th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">France</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Service history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">In service</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">trials only - prototype</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Used by</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">France</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Wars</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><div class="plainlist"><ul style="line-height: inherit; list-style: none none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px;">World War I</li></ul></div></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Production history</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Designed<br />N° built</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1918<br />one or two prototypes</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Manufacturer</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Renault</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-header" colspan="2" style="background-color: #c3d6ef; font-size: 13.552px; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;">Specifications</th></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mass</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">6.5 tonnes</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Length</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5.00 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Width</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">1.74 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Height</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">2.14 m</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Crew</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">4 = 1 comm/driver<br />+ 3 gunners)</td></tr><tr><td class="infobox-full-data" colspan="2" style="text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><hr style="background-color: #a2a9b1; border: 0px; box-sizing: content-box; height: 1px; margin: 0.2em 0px; overflow: visible;" /></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Armor</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">8 mm</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Main<br />armament</div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Rate of fire</div><div style="line-height: 1.25em;"><br /></div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_de_75_mod%C3%A8le_1897" target="_blank">75mm Mle 1897 field gun</a> <br />elevation: +24°; -4º<br />drift: 3° left ; 3° right<br />max. range: 11.000 m<br />28 rounds/min max.<br />6 rounds/min practical</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Engine</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">Renault 4-cyl, 4.5 litre<br style="font-size: 12.32px;" /><span style="font-size: 12.32px;">gas - 39 hp @ 1500rpm</span></td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Power/weight</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">5 hp/t (3.7 kW/t)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Transmission</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">sliding gear;<br />4 fwd x 1 rev. </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Suspension</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">vertical springs</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fuel capacity</th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">95 litres (about 8 hs)</td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="line-height: 1.25em;">Operational range</div></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">60 km </td></tr><tr><th class="infobox-label" scope="row" style="padding-right: 1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><span class="rt-commentedText" title="Maximum speed of vehicle or missile">Max speed</span></th><td class="infobox-data" style="vertical-align: top;">7 km/h</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>The kit:</b><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another commission work, which was built in parallel with the <b><i>Renault FT 17 ammo carrier </i></b><span style="text-align: left;">(which you will see in the next article...) from</span> <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models </a>3D printed kit. The box art is a profile in colors, of the vehicle... All of these Vargas 3d printed kits were purchased by my client, who is expanding his collection of pioneering WWI vehicles. I'm building them in sequence, a real assembly line!!!</div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9KMkpb4P-Zwb8ngCRpJltCq_mupE7yUDrIlxw3QihS8wV_gqXXaBzvdkD6bCpXEEb4ZvMUxh0_FDzXXgRAbfIAHFdjHD7jfHjtpY-SxbEBqm29CH3Ar7Ol9D19kV4w37V3uJ5U8nHg4CB3dbTahDK6shfYkuj5bMgtzKA9-LiaEmyNL3jyVd9SAOJA/s1024/FT-17%2075Mle%20000a%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9KMkpb4P-Zwb8ngCRpJltCq_mupE7yUDrIlxw3QihS8wV_gqXXaBzvdkD6bCpXEEb4ZvMUxh0_FDzXXgRAbfIAHFdjHD7jfHjtpY-SxbEBqm29CH3Ar7Ol9D19kV4w37V3uJ5U8nHg4CB3dbTahDK6shfYkuj5bMgtzKA9-LiaEmyNL3jyVd9SAOJA/w640-h486/FT-17%2075Mle%20000a%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75mm Mle mod 1897 <br /><a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models</a> box art</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span>The kit components are the hull-chassis in one piece, the (very good) sets with the suspensions / tracks, 75mm gun, tail skid plate, individual parts and the details according to each variant.</div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY8ob_OK2DdxVWo9O7MdFvxMxj0rRvAYUrnHKhsq5tXU-9x5VeVVgSsgGHE0KCIfrkHokA_6rIhFson4Xkxc7KMdcwESU1VaUT1UbQCGJhI5mzsj02IuJqNrFl2fRmermQExuA1K-9qS6342WDZbaWh1qOkxUzsA92gMGmGdNwmW2ew9yUbdotaNNLg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20000.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY8ob_OK2DdxVWo9O7MdFvxMxj0rRvAYUrnHKhsq5tXU-9x5VeVVgSsgGHE0KCIfrkHokA_6rIhFson4Xkxc7KMdcwESU1VaUT1UbQCGJhI5mzsj02IuJqNrFl2fRmermQExuA1K-9qS6342WDZbaWh1qOkxUzsA92gMGmGdNwmW2ew9yUbdotaNNLg/w640-h414/FT-17%2075Mle%20000.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kojak with another 3D printed by <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models</a>...<br />We are getting specialized in this type of kits...</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The instructions are two sheets, printed in colors:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzNrEUZ94NXvfn0probPV7oMinV1gkplcwyW5qUNBI4qEb1OpxGk9PVhsXXMggYQdo8h9Do5UIZKslu81doAWeryZHjE82BiybXXFMDpe9Mz4M74LY4W_uS71le2ldgB6MgITtkGllgEj7QOKV3YBy96KIcMx5W-grZpCrTL4ryxcfI1VUwC-q_hWDQ/s1280/scan003.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1280" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzNrEUZ94NXvfn0probPV7oMinV1gkplcwyW5qUNBI4qEb1OpxGk9PVhsXXMggYQdo8h9Do5UIZKslu81doAWeryZHjE82BiybXXFMDpe9Mz4M74LY4W_uS71le2ldgB6MgITtkGllgEj7QOKV3YBy96KIcMx5W-grZpCrTL4ryxcfI1VUwC-q_hWDQ/w640-h498/scan003.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page one of the instructions.<br />The 75mm projectiles, although shown, are not included in this kit.<br />A suggestion to you, Luis Vargas!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5Xd7-2uimNQvk0Mw7GS3duP9xPO9grK9PEdTPIAwj8kFhIIV-EU7P16A0-P-7FFvo9OTzkkT1pCr8FHufLo2BQjmdhUCRdj0xLrA3EwrJ2n7PB1Lg6zbd_TCzwvOgdb1MOvga-11GbBsjG6fVQIgfl4LyHmAX0Oo3rtQthUpfmpa4FTVoq0Hh2cTWA/s1280/scan003b.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="1280" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5Xd7-2uimNQvk0Mw7GS3duP9xPO9grK9PEdTPIAwj8kFhIIV-EU7P16A0-P-7FFvo9OTzkkT1pCr8FHufLo2BQjmdhUCRdj0xLrA3EwrJ2n7PB1Lg6zbd_TCzwvOgdb1MOvga-11GbBsjG6fVQIgfl4LyHmAX0Oo3rtQthUpfmpa4FTVoq0Hh2cTWA/w640-h472/scan003b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Page two of the instructions.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiw8FWTmThDb53zxiPdMcDfRT-HhvGw6Rr-GPi26TsJ3Fjy260-6uUm0XP0kCwy_q_FviAsiXPdlsKkbhlSSW6Z9eYa_jOxK3By_QRQ7ReKiRniurcwcK7VpfmPWRh51nUSRf4GPNJ603MijUZos8KedWmMbaaYY6LPjzgYogLiC3Ec2LG2idSJNZNg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20000b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiw8FWTmThDb53zxiPdMcDfRT-HhvGw6Rr-GPi26TsJ3Fjy260-6uUm0XP0kCwy_q_FviAsiXPdlsKkbhlSSW6Z9eYa_jOxK3By_QRQ7ReKiRniurcwcK7VpfmPWRh51nUSRf4GPNJ603MijUZos8KedWmMbaaYY6LPjzgYogLiC3Ec2LG2idSJNZNg/w640-h384/FT-17%2075Mle%20000b.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tw o FT-17 girls, side by side: the feeder<br />and the killer... The ammo carrier you will see in the next article!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> I have the habit of inspecting the weapons of the kits, mainly in resin or printed kits, because the warping of these parts is almost a characteristic of these materials. And unfortunately, once again, I found a severe warpage on the 75mm gun: the distal portion of the cannon (tube) bent to the right. A mishap, no doubt... but generally with a dip of this part in boiling water, we manage to make the material more flexible to allow for the correction of warping. But first, lets recall some technical terms of the nomenclature of a cannon. We'll use these terms later on...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCs0ksWpqiEWjTFVBcpKWiXLdi8tUuZ8g3VkDOiy9_PuJ_olFs91jPH748ygpbyq2F9geZD3GhAHLj1j-AnNF3-xeZ-M_V8868pKIzjI7PjMWSTPV2kT6F2BHflVfU2S4rOHa1RfKMXPePI5X-Ht4_ryCOJ1LiPF3tuSGjkokh48Lwn7qdV2qLtlTUA/s1024/gun%20nomenclature.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1024" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCs0ksWpqiEWjTFVBcpKWiXLdi8tUuZ8g3VkDOiy9_PuJ_olFs91jPH748ygpbyq2F9geZD3GhAHLj1j-AnNF3-xeZ-M_V8868pKIzjI7PjMWSTPV2kT6F2BHflVfU2S4rOHa1RfKMXPePI5X-Ht4_ryCOJ1LiPF3tuSGjkokh48Lwn7qdV2qLtlTUA/w640-h496/gun%20nomenclature.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> But back to our kit...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZNXAeO1F0wBYIqLXx1oxDHK3mCOQ9VKXDSc4JMDMyXPjQzXXuolvud7KVB7LZsAMA5NVgH7VtY8-u_rtCW9Na5A6MwIWJ8O3AmbhWA9__fmmZHQMeH3WL-VZrt3bB5JXrhItr8uBj3LqEdiv94SFT6Ca85lZUfqBfH-MBcppIfI2fgs11l875bb7vg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1280" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZNXAeO1F0wBYIqLXx1oxDHK3mCOQ9VKXDSc4JMDMyXPjQzXXuolvud7KVB7LZsAMA5NVgH7VtY8-u_rtCW9Na5A6MwIWJ8O3AmbhWA9__fmmZHQMeH3WL-VZrt3bB5JXrhItr8uBj3LqEdiv94SFT6Ca85lZUfqBfH-MBcppIfI2fgs11l875bb7vg/w640-h304/FT-17%2075Mle%20001.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tube features drift to the right,<i> mon Commandant!</i>!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But when we look more closely, we notice printing irregularities on the surface of this tube. I didn't even try to heat the water and try to straighten the tube...the surface irregularities are simply irreversible...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_U7hEkZi_IDBIAlyIsrq_asFm7_BMSNz9zoIXPV765rkWHCGc040bYGo7mla7jojEgpfNxyuEtDOqtwCvcRFj0WIFFlGScmdT_SJfwyQeHt5sxDu-psIuBq0csSiojrUvzOnnKAaUAfG8xx_CX_HKoSuEnLHv8UDY-riZ9f2bRiL93jrzrLQDtey0A/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20001a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_U7hEkZi_IDBIAlyIsrq_asFm7_BMSNz9zoIXPV765rkWHCGc040bYGo7mla7jojEgpfNxyuEtDOqtwCvcRFj0WIFFlGScmdT_SJfwyQeHt5sxDu-psIuBq0csSiojrUvzOnnKAaUAfG8xx_CX_HKoSuEnLHv8UDY-riZ9f2bRiL93jrzrLQDtey0A/w640-h316/FT-17%2075Mle%20001a.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Printing irregularities (bulbs and depressions) on the surface<br />of the tube of barrel, all around its perimeter...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Good thing that the jacket of barrel and the muzzle brake of the gun are perfect. This problem needs radical surgery, with the extirpation of the damaged portion. The correction will be carried out by a styrene plastic tube that, thanks to the Immortal Gods, I have in stock... Blessed Plastruct!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5KW26dEXIMKkMcwHkHusIO5lijh9IM305ENazyETvce9RAt9l_j4DXPv6V080OKCV_kZJYcc5U-xqHpTlffP_KuTTGYPAE3y7pF718AivIPoMFNiRKQLedPczUoU956T6bNdnayjjEOFSLIeegSFsy3Sik5hVlWBURKksjUaKg3KmmDDa5Ef9UbNSg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1280" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5KW26dEXIMKkMcwHkHusIO5lijh9IM305ENazyETvce9RAt9l_j4DXPv6V080OKCV_kZJYcc5U-xqHpTlffP_KuTTGYPAE3y7pF718AivIPoMFNiRKQLedPczUoU956T6bNdnayjjEOFSLIeegSFsy3Sik5hVlWBURKksjUaKg3KmmDDa5Ef9UbNSg/w640-h560/FT-17%2075Mle%20004.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tube of the cannon warped and full of irregularities in his surface, visible in this photo.<br />I will excise the portion between the red arrows...<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The surgical cut was performed with a serrated mono-steel dental disc, installed in my adorable and irreplaceable Dremel!! This step must be performed by people with great motor coordination and very, very carefully...or you lose your fingers or part of them!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxtZbzGw3L4JHMAOnpHGrUquBVvkZ1ns-ktMTRB7w7I3HiLDDuwiS3qXUf1SqZ4nacaMHdtXd8puozNfwWVpjUPbmgVNOi6fVc4s7P9bkKkcGTAVdoETh_BneG0MeK0QLr33je2hzPb2vzCnJqKLNjnuwgEP_iSOctyQ1Afj2mL4vgdErhkQNSvv2Vw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxtZbzGw3L4JHMAOnpHGrUquBVvkZ1ns-ktMTRB7w7I3HiLDDuwiS3qXUf1SqZ4nacaMHdtXd8puozNfwWVpjUPbmgVNOi6fVc4s7P9bkKkcGTAVdoETh_BneG0MeK0QLr33je2hzPb2vzCnJqKLNjnuwgEP_iSOctyQ1Afj2mL4vgdErhkQNSvv2Vw/w640-h320/FT-17%2075Mle%20005.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "contaminated" tube (red X) and the future "tissue" to be grafted...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Gluing a plastic cylinder perpendicular to a resinous piece, end to end, perfectly aligned in every way with superglue is practically impossible. That's why, before, I drilled a hole in the center of each end and glued a pin made with thick copper wire, to allow a certain mobility, for a perfect alignment of the pieces with each other, before the final gluing with cyanoacrylate. See the pic below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kBBBkzsqc-yAjwQ2qPjIrieW8r7FaGIkcI8RVYMVCJtBtGwrDv1fDOUTw4tZ1rbQ7Ic4YnbT1Yp9rnKCVNmlJurJHU0bv66CdVTfRPKyu9tUM-C31xQyYzrgi88S3rduw9nih3O31O-aocdzz_WXV8sZWIzEE9P7xgscED8ASlvrFF-GoVgvoUm40g/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="1280" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kBBBkzsqc-yAjwQ2qPjIrieW8r7FaGIkcI8RVYMVCJtBtGwrDv1fDOUTw4tZ1rbQ7Ic4YnbT1Yp9rnKCVNmlJurJHU0bv66CdVTfRPKyu9tUM-C31xQyYzrgi88S3rduw9nih3O31O-aocdzz_WXV8sZWIzEE9P7xgscED8ASlvrFF-GoVgvoUm40g/w640-h308/FT-17%2075Mle%20006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the cannon tube glue...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL-Q85Xyxk5kQA8xF3m6lXZYoWCJvRtxWj1gimY-_hEdQjOd77gX5rzCSbMQo5rVJl-quv78gOSZKZDMKGy3gl1gVEQL4ekAMJekvuQBTZDmpbWVvAIoLUZk6vA_SrYAYim1rJb-BgchT8ppPeTVg8PfijQBszFfsHomLKYn7CrnucBA9dqGZJu6WKQ/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1280" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLL-Q85Xyxk5kQA8xF3m6lXZYoWCJvRtxWj1gimY-_hEdQjOd77gX5rzCSbMQo5rVJl-quv78gOSZKZDMKGy3gl1gVEQL4ekAMJekvuQBTZDmpbWVvAIoLUZk6vA_SrYAYim1rJb-BgchT8ppPeTVg8PfijQBszFfsHomLKYn7CrnucBA9dqGZJu6WKQ/w640-h378/FT-17%2075Mle%20007.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gluing of the muzzle brake to the cannon tube was smoother,<br />without needing the metal pin. Chuck was pleased.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> While the 75mm gun surgery glue was drying, I glued the two suspension assemblies in the chassi and the driver station levers and pedals, as per the instructions...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFNrpCuu9w2OBKt4Ocb_MOkMyMAzuw72jW-2EkWyx9vHwPdhg02YqyGfu-ZOZiLQaHGVxdbrJaQr4z_fZf3Qchb8m_W50kdzJXChM3bQjYo6YDKVLyUi0Who3dYNW-l1UnmK8-TCRLoCRHvybaPrPMWWnGhlxNGp3vV-F0EvFNAa4byRaSnPPg5Bd6w/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20009.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1280" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFNrpCuu9w2OBKt4Ocb_MOkMyMAzuw72jW-2EkWyx9vHwPdhg02YqyGfu-ZOZiLQaHGVxdbrJaQr4z_fZf3Qchb8m_W50kdzJXChM3bQjYo6YDKVLyUi0Who3dYNW-l1UnmK8-TCRLoCRHvybaPrPMWWnGhlxNGp3vV-F0EvFNAa4byRaSnPPg5Bd6w/w640-h434/FT-17%2075Mle%20009.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little girl with the shoes on...<br />The gun is waiting...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> As I said, I followed the manufacturer's instructions for gluing the steering levers, by the book!! But after I had performed this step, I found <a href="http://www.landships.info/landships/tank_articles/Renault_SPGs.html" target="_blank">a film of this vehicle</a> in tests on the excellent <a href="http://www.landships.info/landships/index.html" target="_blank">Landships II site</a> and the movie is a true gold mine of images and source of many details... And this image of the real vehicle shows much shorter levers than the ones on the kit.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCOg85Nwr2ZYahcSt3DfjtTaNh4jjQR7h0-cdXOJY7PIDOTNDSTTdkM8Cwe1kQhH_zt8fFFba_rGkb6_RZZpKPUTG3nY1PzSuwAuTsa-6Oz7PNTgq4DwQ1Top7oOnHWYAagkAHEnNi8pWrvvjlUn2tP1mgufH68adTLHfc1-nrrDV54y7L_Y9L58_Cw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20010a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1280" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCOg85Nwr2ZYahcSt3DfjtTaNh4jjQR7h0-cdXOJY7PIDOTNDSTTdkM8Cwe1kQhH_zt8fFFba_rGkb6_RZZpKPUTG3nY1PzSuwAuTsa-6Oz7PNTgq4DwQ1Top7oOnHWYAagkAHEnNi8pWrvvjlUn2tP1mgufH68adTLHfc1-nrrDV54y7L_Y9L58_Cw/w640-h502/FT-17%2075Mle%20010a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photogram of the old <a href="http://www.landships.info/landships/tank_articles/Renault_SPGs.html" target="_blank">French Army film</a>, showing the height<br />of the steering levers: much shorter!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl3ADA9nVrL60thzhglffelqXg9SOVOOyTHPyO_bsuWU8ozxgYnQqoO8KVAiN7ewPg8i2FUrt2wSU1Q5G4TFcve24L_sJzmOoHGN9QT2u3Uq0Wq_oUzonPPeIuOCUAOtLo7Su13dUWGkA84AapkxeL_oY4P5bg0aDSwG6RbMzgj2cQvsy-aAdWWTL0A/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1280" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl3ADA9nVrL60thzhglffelqXg9SOVOOyTHPyO_bsuWU8ozxgYnQqoO8KVAiN7ewPg8i2FUrt2wSU1Q5G4TFcve24L_sJzmOoHGN9QT2u3Uq0Wq_oUzonPPeIuOCUAOtLo7Su13dUWGkA84AapkxeL_oY4P5bg0aDSwG6RbMzgj2cQvsy-aAdWWTL0A/w640-h514/FT-17%2075Mle%20010.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> Result: I removed the levers from their<br />positions and redid the insertion holes. I'll shorten the levers!!!<br />Smaller levers, please!!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj6USEHmpNmsstnpLkhZrW3MrYpvCJakeq9ytsrzA93WK1-JmwAbIOaw7R249amqYyVCYUbuuADS0kziQIjWUq6eFvtVTfE_qPAqeIaRwO2Tmc3CueHC7XTVlVOgEXA1nXSetu_74kqnjwW8uCUncvYFpVdYk6BHLF2dxMVCuPOY4Rrxisg61sKeYJw/s1024/FT-17%2075Mle%20011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1024" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnj6USEHmpNmsstnpLkhZrW3MrYpvCJakeq9ytsrzA93WK1-JmwAbIOaw7R249amqYyVCYUbuuADS0kziQIjWUq6eFvtVTfE_qPAqeIaRwO2Tmc3CueHC7XTVlVOgEXA1nXSetu_74kqnjwW8uCUncvYFpVdYk6BHLF2dxMVCuPOY4Rrxisg61sKeYJw/w640-h370/FT-17%2075Mle%20011.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our characters, tall and short, side by side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2SDLc8T0HzGFTHBFvafXocqGmBqYna_Fx4nOJWAkb_qG4JzSiqCZ2ylmSeiQ-_tAjKRf3aJIhFG-A7awmz2Q_Wub08XQA5anvipWq9-YqTej7jHmtPmz31-y3jlcWMgJ_pz6Iydfy5EM8cNF01dWdSXEjuqoEDerhWuV0Gdtcp09FfziEnx0ffHn6w/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20011a.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2SDLc8T0HzGFTHBFvafXocqGmBqYna_Fx4nOJWAkb_qG4JzSiqCZ2ylmSeiQ-_tAjKRf3aJIhFG-A7awmz2Q_Wub08XQA5anvipWq9-YqTej7jHmtPmz31-y3jlcWMgJ_pz6Iydfy5EM8cNF01dWdSXEjuqoEDerhWuV0Gdtcp09FfziEnx0ffHn6w/w640-h480/FT-17%2075Mle%20011a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kit, with the shorts levers, like the real tank...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The <a href="http://www.landships.info/landships/tank_articles/Renault_SPGs.html" target="_blank">discovery of the film</a> from the vehicle tests allowed us to obtain many images, with great details, which allow us to improve our kit. One of these details is that the 75mm cannon of the kit seems to be very "low", "buried" in the Renault's superstructure. See, in the pic below, the height of the top of the gun barrel (red line) in relation to the top of the two superstructures of the chassis of the vehicle (yellow arrow): they seem to be almost in line with each other...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx_sA84peHtz70ZfiPweJbMODFny8C3Ojha4ytlp1mlJXX2axS77VVZNnwV1Hp4Ic7QzEpVyMzDd0m4vqpubCVnhdy52Dy075uF1CWg8I8UVeHv3MhEP_4SISGvjA8Ma4ycDYPtCCONzREyVPm98ghLYWzhbFjMDy_YAxa2jIobziqhgh8M6g_E_xkA/s1024/FT-17%2075Mle%20014a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx_sA84peHtz70ZfiPweJbMODFny8C3Ojha4ytlp1mlJXX2axS77VVZNnwV1Hp4Ic7QzEpVyMzDd0m4vqpubCVnhdy52Dy075uF1CWg8I8UVeHv3MhEP_4SISGvjA8Ma4ycDYPtCCONzREyVPm98ghLYWzhbFjMDy_YAxa2jIobziqhgh8M6g_E_xkA/w640-h428/FT-17%2075Mle%20014a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the "depth" of the gun relative to the top of the vehicle's superstructure<br />left side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQqEbvVVLw4cn3yelAo8tp4G5-xYkyZqcwauCksb2siqSICRhFg9WT0aUu5kjw_ye-RdxK5pbH51yNe8DZTA_Jms_QDvY1NIOBvI6lx5Z5sPhEEb2DZTJWgqpKuinvZqwr5HPUSSpzE_REJOVs3umIkan6Brc8e0qUD8hsAwiDvgTNqSCdE5ZlIOyRA/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20early%20right%20side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQqEbvVVLw4cn3yelAo8tp4G5-xYkyZqcwauCksb2siqSICRhFg9WT0aUu5kjw_ye-RdxK5pbH51yNe8DZTA_Jms_QDvY1NIOBvI6lx5Z5sPhEEb2DZTJWgqpKuinvZqwr5HPUSSpzE_REJOVs3umIkan6Brc8e0qUD8hsAwiDvgTNqSCdE5ZlIOyRA/w640-h366/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20early%20right%20side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view (right side)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlMrCWE_MZzCrTXRXYxHDbg70wxkQrX3yYyDcL3m4y3Hfz--TETe8EpFgwzRWZ8XTaTTHK0bhdU3SWswq8c92loHt8ybLin3FVTzibLvwixHhPP7U1_1X5wO7P9paSOItULBogI9_1yoESmLHGYRO44QqiwrRnUUS2r_Bbo4LL_PF8LOW3sM5WuuAlQ/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20014.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1280" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlMrCWE_MZzCrTXRXYxHDbg70wxkQrX3yYyDcL3m4y3Hfz--TETe8EpFgwzRWZ8XTaTTHK0bhdU3SWswq8c92loHt8ybLin3FVTzibLvwixHhPP7U1_1X5wO7P9paSOItULBogI9_1yoESmLHGYRO44QqiwrRnUUS2r_Bbo4LL_PF8LOW3sM5WuuAlQ/w640-h318/FT-17%2075Mle%20014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But when we look at the kit in profile, we can see that the gun<br />is more "buried" (red line) in the superstructure...<br />Maybe the cannon trunnions are positioned too low (red arrow)...<br />This is causing a problem with the gun elevating wheels (blue arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> A possible solution would be the elevation of the trunnions (blue arrow, from red to green, in the pic below), associated with the recoil of the elevating wheels (blue arrows), because in the position that they are in, they are touching the inner edge of the vehicle's superstructure (yellow arrow).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2v9Q8OaNotk8-tZQPoDJBSWzccbf5m_yUk-ZsQdP2t4FE4_FRbZPDGpHyIP3xpTZ9FTo6pe00Gp8dI7B9p2p65sXYm_9E81_kibqjl-lezPBLFuCiQjnfRKiBx6FTv4GlfcLxztOI9hl2Q6z1hU6_j95dFMtOUsmhK6ijmnZhxeh_7LmgXxHy7IaIA/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20014b.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2v9Q8OaNotk8-tZQPoDJBSWzccbf5m_yUk-ZsQdP2t4FE4_FRbZPDGpHyIP3xpTZ9FTo6pe00Gp8dI7B9p2p65sXYm_9E81_kibqjl-lezPBLFuCiQjnfRKiBx6FTv4GlfcLxztOI9hl2Q6z1hU6_j95dFMtOUsmhK6ijmnZhxeh_7LmgXxHy7IaIA/w640-h404/FT-17%2075Mle%20014b.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's try to correct the height of the gun...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> This is the proposal: to make a new base for the trunnions (green arrows and drawing in white), in plasticard, gluing them over the current ones, elevating the weapon as a whole (from red arrow to green one), allowing a correct angle of fire. The contact of the elevating wheels with the superstructure is unacceptable (yellow arrow)...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFqKDFhlr5b3tws_tskoFNFJ0ukLpfx0EdMpw-2DhX36NVVTNzr6hUfl-N6DHkISbrqpItxrucg4SzVeOvQbs1MuYYU-Qe_Z5RN42RKhOnqjvecgmplYrd8Xz8bX4_f7UKQAp9tOACy7mBRI3l1oq8GHrbCiPKIo0UxNIj8zPpqSHMps740_9PgZEyg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20014c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFqKDFhlr5b3tws_tskoFNFJ0ukLpfx0EdMpw-2DhX36NVVTNzr6hUfl-N6DHkISbrqpItxrucg4SzVeOvQbs1MuYYU-Qe_Z5RN42RKhOnqjvecgmplYrd8Xz8bX4_f7UKQAp9tOACy7mBRI3l1oq8GHrbCiPKIo0UxNIj8zPpqSHMps740_9PgZEyg/w640-h404/FT-17%2075Mle%20014c.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solution to the weapon placement problem...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">And since Kojak decided to see details, an important detail that was noticed in this kit is the height of the crew seats: in the 3D printed kit and in the illustration of the Vargas box, the seats protrude above the upper portion of the superstructure, forming a step (red arrow). See the Vargas box art below:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1kw7iT2nsbbM7KCc1CId-wBXPsUQJtcWwl2W21uIqkXGcVP4Q0rBW7eVaEj9-Cs0WpQd73tvwvGZ2nimUrXN3CRRx-3q_-qCbuRvuCwnAtxnRBe7SDwC25zTQKanfsFne7McZIr7oBytpI4i0JnVhtZfKCx1PDe7z9ugSjOAjnEc_iaeC0G0QwBNhA/s1024/FT-17%2075Mle%20000a%20box%20art.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1kw7iT2nsbbM7KCc1CId-wBXPsUQJtcWwl2W21uIqkXGcVP4Q0rBW7eVaEj9-Cs0WpQd73tvwvGZ2nimUrXN3CRRx-3q_-qCbuRvuCwnAtxnRBe7SDwC25zTQKanfsFne7McZIr7oBytpI4i0JnVhtZfKCx1PDe7z9ugSjOAjnEc_iaeC0G0QwBNhA/w640-h486/FT-17%2075Mle%20000a%20box%20art.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The art and the same step in the kit...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> But in the original vehicle, this step does not exist. The seat and the top of the superstructure are in one plane. See the green arrow, below.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyzmcXPQ5kcELY4fZ7Y4mediMye19_0DpXon_dDq9718jsFWtUIThzbM0uvMESug9xxcQYBS6pUvLnpWO7lDScZzt3pJ1ZNLVCRyN97-bT2TVue8vleUds1JdY-SRyyDdEtB-fegabjb1VWkyiWP1qWli9_rUFac1SQt196YDKd_QgUe2L9mxUlJFnA/s1024/FT-17%2075Mle%20014e.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1024" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyzmcXPQ5kcELY4fZ7Y4mediMye19_0DpXon_dDq9718jsFWtUIThzbM0uvMESug9xxcQYBS6pUvLnpWO7lDScZzt3pJ1ZNLVCRyN97-bT2TVue8vleUds1JdY-SRyyDdEtB-fegabjb1VWkyiWP1qWli9_rUFac1SQt196YDKd_QgUe2L9mxUlJFnA/w640-h408/FT-17%2075Mle%20014e.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The true Renault FT-17 SPG. Notice the absence of step (green arrow)<br />and the base of the seat very close to the metal circle, with rivets (yellow arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> To correct this in the kit, I sanding out a small portion of the top of the seat backrest, sanding out the lower part of the base of the seat and cut the superstructure of the kit by 1mm (see detail in the pic below), so the seat touches the metal circle, as in the photo. As a result, the seats were on the same plane as the top of the Renault superstructure (red arrows).</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp9hxEoya1sNYpdBOQzpJTvUCGaBurXXxAL1yqHDPM6qMAitPorAcMMaju_bU9lUBbxLKrgnDDHTjhAqq25hkaKeui1xMpK4WCvtjroddlEAOnR7g7AhBxS0Vk4g7NAsB4kp0dI-KRcpuJCih_zeeppb4c6TODNDuy_dSayogaeECbFJgsEBYIkk8BA/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20015.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1280" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp9hxEoya1sNYpdBOQzpJTvUCGaBurXXxAL1yqHDPM6qMAitPorAcMMaju_bU9lUBbxLKrgnDDHTjhAqq25hkaKeui1xMpK4WCvtjroddlEAOnR7g7AhBxS0Vk4g7NAsB4kp0dI-KRcpuJCih_zeeppb4c6TODNDuy_dSayogaeECbFJgsEBYIkk8BA/w640-h454/FT-17%2075Mle%20015.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Correction in the positioning of crew seats...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> A suggestion for Luis Vargas (Vargas Models owner) to upgrade the kit and the new box art!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi0gygbEllD8--qY5-bgMAiJA9oyiLR2nOhkh68jsnDOa6tm0Zv6k4WPjZ4vDvPUNspk0MjR1C-rTm0Y1JLXK17VmoijEZP1D9V_mkqNem4Y4rEiRBeousFI6EyzKJjpKykTgaUT8kbQkvo0CRPD89JnR_2kVK2t4fLUr6HQ45mYIYmWRxjnPazzr3Q/w640-h486/FT-17%2075Mle%20000a%20box%20art2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improved box art, as a suggestion for <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models</a></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Well, after improve the positioning of the gunners' seats, let's return to the cannon. In the last chapter, we noticed that the two wheels of the weapon's elevating mechanism were a little misplaced... Let's move their position back...</div></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNDW6Yw7hyc2LUhWCs4xyMQXyjf_8LTwoX7tF404qDDBy3fYUIdHK2_cw4ifHnHofn4wYtEYNwm7LMo3-jv5ll3Tz76VkJod8LVmuA3-le6CPkRxrv6A96s1YEL8zJRofet1-5S-xWmXdECflKxeJ-Jtsd9arhXQxbVIlcsvJU3Uyd7dtY3XaYX9XNg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1280" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNDW6Yw7hyc2LUhWCs4xyMQXyjf_8LTwoX7tF404qDDBy3fYUIdHK2_cw4ifHnHofn4wYtEYNwm7LMo3-jv5ll3Tz76VkJod8LVmuA3-le6CPkRxrv6A96s1YEL8zJRofet1-5S-xWmXdECflKxeJ-Jtsd9arhXQxbVIlcsvJU3Uyd7dtY3XaYX9XNg/w640-h368/FT-17%2075Mle%20016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The idea is retreat those two wheels...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2oxNmCN_-M63wTNFnK3FMzxzoku_kxsNlRb92mTFS6O0pDQILUdeb-EUhYBYsL6-W1khvwDCsc7pgsfaWiF2K6tQWmvtHUB8hXUOcrb3zT7DHEbA2lFLV7XgzU0dK_S-paKnTCXRvidAz7nBdZnhHViG0m5ChU-aDFuger-56TQNxhO5Ou7vd-qvwQ/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20017.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1280" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2oxNmCN_-M63wTNFnK3FMzxzoku_kxsNlRb92mTFS6O0pDQILUdeb-EUhYBYsL6-W1khvwDCsc7pgsfaWiF2K6tQWmvtHUB8hXUOcrb3zT7DHEbA2lFLV7XgzU0dK_S-paKnTCXRvidAz7nBdZnhHViG0m5ChU-aDFuger-56TQNxhO5Ou7vd-qvwQ/w640-h358/FT-17%2075Mle%20017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building two new wheels with my punch-and-die tool and plasticard</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzrzYG4NoNY79kJ0tBdYHPuDB2v7aBP8WKpIUEeX2aUSXXD0z8kKfWLq0mB-fWq-JCgjjIuiT_AXKZS1KI1A7HyuV-yad_aYD0n8M_lzBAbjewZrkYw3ulXPlzfGEUHhc3TOD2g1WrbW3sCK_l9F3JU2JIFP6XRolFD5rx97yUNFmOO8w2dBuifRweQ/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20018.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzrzYG4NoNY79kJ0tBdYHPuDB2v7aBP8WKpIUEeX2aUSXXD0z8kKfWLq0mB-fWq-JCgjjIuiT_AXKZS1KI1A7HyuV-yad_aYD0n8M_lzBAbjewZrkYw3ulXPlzfGEUHhc3TOD2g1WrbW3sCK_l9F3JU2JIFP6XRolFD5rx97yUNFmOO8w2dBuifRweQ/w640-h416/FT-17%2075Mle%20018.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Correction complete: new trunnion base (green arrow)<br />new elevating wheels in a new retruded position (yellow arrows)<br />and the 75mm cannon flush with the vehicle's superstructure.(red arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_WQobdzinuI2NhsQk4_9K4xCrx0kDFHmh7Yr9IBXc4apwAoZCRdZ2H-WTDvTyOVAU95j6ZUgSY8d58FBna7JzxWsw7IMc-IFD8Ra4fOortVePGsEVZec7IibSjbDQgEteMKRA9kLnekYFiASWp8oa4txz8FbO555xTaSjmnDH2gzX0xLyuShsjnpkQ/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20019.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_WQobdzinuI2NhsQk4_9K4xCrx0kDFHmh7Yr9IBXc4apwAoZCRdZ2H-WTDvTyOVAU95j6ZUgSY8d58FBna7JzxWsw7IMc-IFD8Ra4fOortVePGsEVZec7IibSjbDQgEteMKRA9kLnekYFiASWp8oa4txz8FbO555xTaSjmnDH2gzX0xLyuShsjnpkQ/w640-h480/FT-17%2075Mle%20019.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 75mm cannon at maximum elevation. Note that the elevation adjustment <br />wheels no longer touch the edge of the superstructure (green arrow)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNQOr8NP1zBXPgmDeTt-o_Z_hO9zh630_35ukLzb32PvlOa8yH3hKM6tuh5iQjD-uySaiMRDV5BpMLPMO_PxBleMFrHToNTlQixVKj9NbkY1VAVgfyo8mVTw3VGvwabfo-Rrij6K8sevVdeKPzrQqmFuUynW3KNoAErWnGsy3nUD4kHPbHeHAu9NYJw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20020.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1280" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNQOr8NP1zBXPgmDeTt-o_Z_hO9zh630_35ukLzb32PvlOa8yH3hKM6tuh5iQjD-uySaiMRDV5BpMLPMO_PxBleMFrHToNTlQixVKj9NbkY1VAVgfyo8mVTw3VGvwabfo-Rrij6K8sevVdeKPzrQqmFuUynW3KNoAErWnGsy3nUD4kHPbHeHAu9NYJw/w640-h496/FT-17%2075Mle%20020.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All corrections of this step:<br />yellow: seats in the right level<br />green: new elevated trunnions<br />light blue: new elevation wheels</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium9vG1PIE-Ao0ST_9QIR6GyxX9NyJC43nwuIz8744galMhR3pzxCYz-Va9Mh8-RFdPZ8uvAp5M4YIuJUv0WCXv7UqsxYlg-d-6q7Xxd84o1IEB2FRXmLu6gCWntJZjaWa2ORloxv2gpIKF4taeW7A15WEPu9ADzQfktmWNskdjvWi-z0gmJtDqKW5lA/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium9vG1PIE-Ao0ST_9QIR6GyxX9NyJC43nwuIz8744galMhR3pzxCYz-Va9Mh8-RFdPZ8uvAp5M4YIuJUv0WCXv7UqsxYlg-d-6q7Xxd84o1IEB2FRXmLu6gCWntJZjaWa2ORloxv2gpIKF4taeW7A15WEPu9ADzQfktmWNskdjvWi-z0gmJtDqKW5lA/w640-h328/FT-17%2075Mle%20021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And one more tiny but important thing:<br />an engine starting system made with cut hypodermic needles...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdROiOLGUKicv2DY8MU6ZVTfg3V3PVj9ORP4JzJPAdUkpBvJf5S8Ui0xk-7qxTZ43SFX61DgV4m-mXJZol_wg8CJSytGNHSQkOxFJABznzwiluGbu763ed64su-_91j00UPcjVgQhGuLX1GtHkhG4DYqqyhyhj40ZHFhDDAx6eyIXMm22Zc_TPISbvw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20022.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1280" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdROiOLGUKicv2DY8MU6ZVTfg3V3PVj9ORP4JzJPAdUkpBvJf5S8Ui0xk-7qxTZ43SFX61DgV4m-mXJZol_wg8CJSytGNHSQkOxFJABznzwiluGbu763ed64su-_91j00UPcjVgQhGuLX1GtHkhG4DYqqyhyhj40ZHFhDDAx6eyIXMm22Zc_TPISbvw/w640-h412/FT-17%2075Mle%20022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The driver's station, seen from another angle, showing some interesting details:<br />red: new trunnions, reinforced with dental acrylic<br />light blue and yellow: the wheels of cannon drift adjustment: very delicate and perfect<br />green: the ammo compartment: an incredible delicacy. Well done, Vargas!!!<br />Kojak is very pleased!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Now, let's install the rear tow hooks...very well printed, but with one flaw: both are on the same side. And since I'm planning to put a chain in the rear's vehicle, as in the photo detail below, we're going to have to do a little surgery...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBl4vUyvH5VOHVn2KORir52aVkgDIw9ho2xGy1QQfaoY2bXT2eZaW23H7D9NrKPr2kB3BCCqrpFZY392ybZGMn7bRkD2XqNdUHgPd6YU_ZTzcYTFc-b7XdhTL2-sNKYHTJBgyzrxEEjFHs0DavOvwz89R98RBHiuweYb-Bm3GUf-tpcnsHILQpCRXbg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20023.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBl4vUyvH5VOHVn2KORir52aVkgDIw9ho2xGy1QQfaoY2bXT2eZaW23H7D9NrKPr2kB3BCCqrpFZY392ybZGMn7bRkD2XqNdUHgPd6YU_ZTzcYTFc-b7XdhTL2-sNKYHTJBgyzrxEEjFHs0DavOvwz89R98RBHiuweYb-Bm3GUf-tpcnsHILQpCRXbg/w640-h320/FT-17%2075Mle%20023.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planing the micro-surgery...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYcFL2GnRMaDEEVADicTja8dJKxXNle4RR1KpAiuFXXDqhxEk3gSx-73QevAKOb6NJBTBlQ2_mWNoehyWqkGezEqzX7rXiznXx9fQ_xbXdJOvB2d67slpB-_sfZDVi5bc5WjTZvmWWhXIAp9zlavLArP2FmNYf87crxeFRcytQ9GIzBqwT_WUJZ0lvA/s1191/FT-17%2075Mle%20024.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="1191" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYcFL2GnRMaDEEVADicTja8dJKxXNle4RR1KpAiuFXXDqhxEk3gSx-73QevAKOb6NJBTBlQ2_mWNoehyWqkGezEqzX7rXiznXx9fQ_xbXdJOvB2d67slpB-_sfZDVi5bc5WjTZvmWWhXIAp9zlavLArP2FmNYf87crxeFRcytQ9GIzBqwT_WUJZ0lvA/w640-h278/FT-17%2075Mle%20024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting the rim (yellow) of the retaining clip, so that we can invert one of the hooks...<br />Be very careful to not feed the Carpet Monster!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAjXlhNw11AYkWfDq3uOAhxhns3piVHDSgDA9AO6WwDEA1HuB16VoqR6vEfjRT9Bb2GszPZrWgbKVb6XUs70HJXp9vfA5V2e6JIVUdY7P2h_i2uDmpAYkCtAMAFji-sd36Gu-T55wkx4H8l0vG77KojAqqgNq3cFqz7M6t6c9KEYrNke8IgKKyoQiHg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20026.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="1280" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAjXlhNw11AYkWfDq3uOAhxhns3piVHDSgDA9AO6WwDEA1HuB16VoqR6vEfjRT9Bb2GszPZrWgbKVb6XUs70HJXp9vfA5V2e6JIVUdY7P2h_i2uDmpAYkCtAMAFji-sd36Gu-T55wkx4H8l0vG77KojAqqgNq3cFqz7M6t6c9KEYrNke8IgKKyoQiHg/w640-h284/FT-17%2075Mle%20026.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new left flipped tow hook, with the rim glued in place <br />thanks to a minimal amount of cyanoacrylate....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVpMLKco_Hk-vo0Pexa1t04vuT5whtKTXixGprAXmQ213EzCQpYRUfhgD4yrUbeBngOQYNCBdUFIkRJeMCOl1XGwm96Bem7SaHDxpbFngr1Y26HxddQbvLWBj2s2r0cFMW8vTMpLM9ADao5hFgei__5EtLTAC4soI1Is98UKfVhJVeyo4wMN308fzgA/s1279/FT-17%2075Mle%20027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1279" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWVpMLKco_Hk-vo0Pexa1t04vuT5whtKTXixGprAXmQ213EzCQpYRUfhgD4yrUbeBngOQYNCBdUFIkRJeMCOl1XGwm96Bem7SaHDxpbFngr1Y26HxddQbvLWBj2s2r0cFMW8vTMpLM9ADao5hFgei__5EtLTAC4soI1Is98UKfVhJVeyo4wMN308fzgA/w640-h340/FT-17%2075Mle%20027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new left hook, like the pic...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDA4bKgOhmu1zX820nwdXxopmZGs3tYYoyk77d2UiWBJ7oc1vH6rL6O-cQ3PnXZHOUpD72i04R8_-Kq6fTag4pmj7HLfM23VWcRd61N9Eoz7G82PtcPqnOnEBpmnt73G_aIMhYPJ2FvEEN5gXUysYZn9nQwtOtdmEluqowOP6VQY1nj2vrXMr1sjz3g/s1229/FT-17%2075Mle%20028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1229" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDA4bKgOhmu1zX820nwdXxopmZGs3tYYoyk77d2UiWBJ7oc1vH6rL6O-cQ3PnXZHOUpD72i04R8_-Kq6fTag4pmj7HLfM23VWcRd61N9Eoz7G82PtcPqnOnEBpmnt73G_aIMhYPJ2FvEEN5gXUysYZn9nQwtOtdmEluqowOP6VQY1nj2vrXMr1sjz3g/w640-h336/FT-17%2075Mle%20028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and the old right hook, in position...<br />Now, Jean-Pierre is very pleased!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p7xbep24aFEElRqowfIlZ4n-XugXGIrUHhMDjjKiat3RIuz9ejfwc4F2ttwra0fdNZ6uumZmiqgWh2Pdk_JA69R1sN5pxy1vyULbpOUc-Xv7O76-ZXji02wHPwC3XaWUs5LvEUaWYqkVrw7P7sohIQ4td-ioGbIcs6tv-GR_YTdWR8GVujJFXbrELA/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20029.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3p7xbep24aFEElRqowfIlZ4n-XugXGIrUHhMDjjKiat3RIuz9ejfwc4F2ttwra0fdNZ6uumZmiqgWh2Pdk_JA69R1sN5pxy1vyULbpOUc-Xv7O76-ZXji02wHPwC3XaWUs5LvEUaWYqkVrw7P7sohIQ4td-ioGbIcs6tv-GR_YTdWR8GVujJFXbrELA/w640-h338/FT-17%2075Mle%20029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a fox-girl like that deserves a nice tail!!!<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7gBb55CBciDD3lak-d0T6-HFQqJEvcUDQoSMUgRFyTnURNATXE6JrQ5IM7r3jANUqDdyrOZEikNvgAnw9DNWt2dFvfx5VbRy0PdW6AWBqVQ331rOmEPn--LFPRHicJ3k3KGwlKe_lFf0d-JATMq6dx3LRdXqH_xzApl2SgfGAP5_5Emry_aSD4mpdg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1280" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7gBb55CBciDD3lak-d0T6-HFQqJEvcUDQoSMUgRFyTnURNATXE6JrQ5IM7r3jANUqDdyrOZEikNvgAnw9DNWt2dFvfx5VbRy0PdW6AWBqVQ331rOmEPn--LFPRHicJ3k3KGwlKe_lFf0d-JATMq6dx3LRdXqH_xzApl2SgfGAP5_5Emry_aSD4mpdg/w640-h338/FT-17%2075Mle%20030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right view of the skid plate in position...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Another detail that was forgotten were the toolbox racks, which are clearly present in the photos of the vehicles being tested and which are not part of this kit. See the pics below: the first one shows the "early" version of Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75mm Mle 1897, without the driver's station side guards and without the crew seats, but with the toolbox racks in place (green arrows)...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrplI1Ci99gAcIurgvVzpX70mj28QdvGGc2X9A8n0ijgHuuP35cfq9ZeHWiv3kSD6yUmKFbRMB4TzvRnew70mC_RJzmUyqoR49PtVV4q4R3mOZqZffu8ozKReS8OPkeogtsL5pAusMNdAcGfVnbTPMwUVAovDFDo93wJ_a-8tDh3Tw-ZTIUv4evBvCHQ/s1280/FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20toolbox%20racks3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1280" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrplI1Ci99gAcIurgvVzpX70mj28QdvGGc2X9A8n0ijgHuuP35cfq9ZeHWiv3kSD6yUmKFbRMB4TzvRnew70mC_RJzmUyqoR49PtVV4q4R3mOZqZffu8ozKReS8OPkeogtsL5pAusMNdAcGfVnbTPMwUVAovDFDo93wJ_a-8tDh3Tw-ZTIUv4evBvCHQ/w640-h390/FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20toolbox%20racks3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle "early" version<br />without </span>driver's station side guards and without crew seats.<br />Notice the toolbox rack</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> The other two photos are of the same vehicle, but in the "late" version, with the armor on the driver's station installed, as well as the two crew seats, next to the cannon. The racks are also perfectly visible...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRxXj5e6WRXrQIn8RhpCuvxC_3amdgSu0yybStDyFTim9xyxKzqsO0FfDvbgk68zlqf3zKs_rpwRmOFIjyflX4SvemzgE9tCU4Gi8b2elA80zfaZDE1gRhQHK7klYci485viyct5TCdd43s-6JJbqFDQzB8JMFPGoWBA613texIAjK9mA5_MHzTOC3w/s1280/FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20toolbox%20racks2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRxXj5e6WRXrQIn8RhpCuvxC_3amdgSu0yybStDyFTim9xyxKzqsO0FfDvbgk68zlqf3zKs_rpwRmOFIjyflX4SvemzgE9tCU4Gi8b2elA80zfaZDE1gRhQHK7klYci485viyct5TCdd43s-6JJbqFDQzB8JMFPGoWBA613texIAjK9mA5_MHzTOC3w/w640-h442/FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20toolbox%20racks2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle "late" version.<br />Notice the</span> driver's station with side guards and two crew seats.<br />Notice the toolbox rack, also.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> The strangest thing is that Vargas Models has these parts in its arsenal (they are part of the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT%2017%2075BS%20tank%20prototype" target="_blank">Renault FT17 75BS tank</a> parts...), and it would be the case to print one or better, two pairs of these parts for this model. And it was precisely because these parts are supplied in greater numbers in the Renault FT17 75BS kit, that I will be able to use one of the surviving parts (the other one fractured during the assembly of the 75BS) for this model. Let's go!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aoZ8dC1Q6gM03Xy-aU9al7hbyk6mP83kVMS6PIfgZ7XwWPf1IRH7qfbcFfCgSIvEZXTOYHGh_6cSGd8udC5WBuK9TxzDI1kfDT7ZIrXUkGFuZXGHfXkrxnkiQH089gS9Kl0UeA3NzlWv6PRd_TiYYPrMxx2TKQhHdHWjio65OCxBxQkFRdwHObUexA/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20032.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1280" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aoZ8dC1Q6gM03Xy-aU9al7hbyk6mP83kVMS6PIfgZ7XwWPf1IRH7qfbcFfCgSIvEZXTOYHGh_6cSGd8udC5WBuK9TxzDI1kfDT7ZIrXUkGFuZXGHfXkrxnkiQH089gS9Kl0UeA3NzlWv6PRd_TiYYPrMxx2TKQhHdHWjio65OCxBxQkFRdwHObUexA/w640-h452/FT-17%2075Mle%20032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The model 75BS surviving rack. <br />Nothing like a good spare parts box to save the day! <br />As the <i><b>Law of Conservation of Matter in Modeling</b></i> says: <br />"In scale models, nothing is lost, everything is transformed"!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ckNLIdAlpNXL1We1TAdld_kVz4St9ojROdKWheqRxVNu2puwMe6DYk3sVrFadBa5asiswLKhgoJoMIhnZFhMa4SLcnFZ9TAEXOykzvtNSqF9Rsu8c-Dy1GYqOm9XNdWG4ZC--w5K63NpO_EtGC9ZjquIKj4dJ7BktPn1KaJEvYY1fVEWQB43jrdLlA/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20033.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1280" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ckNLIdAlpNXL1We1TAdld_kVz4St9ojROdKWheqRxVNu2puwMe6DYk3sVrFadBa5asiswLKhgoJoMIhnZFhMa4SLcnFZ9TAEXOykzvtNSqF9Rsu8c-Dy1GYqOm9XNdWG4ZC--w5K63NpO_EtGC9ZjquIKj4dJ7BktPn1KaJEvYY1fVEWQB43jrdLlA/w640-h310/FT-17%2075Mle%20033.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The problem is that I only have one rack and I need two: <br />Nothing that extra thin Plasticard and Tibetan monk patience can't solve... <br />Scratch time!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And now, just modify a <a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear Details</a> ammo crate, adding two hinges and a padlock clasp, to get a beautiful toolbox!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLJ8aihmfWaTi2dh3ryCA6scUGYFJDOrrSlo4rUYb0XyfS31jRxnGkIkpriaABjM0l9g4ijONGfpS37d9R6pQF3FboN7TZWnvwikxsXVkbqUemLTuGMCw9w0RTq9dtAAHx_EBcY_QcGVldeYu72Jcg5gNm683xRLY2-qAFUdRF-PfdY0_mSxU8PNyPQ/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20034.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLJ8aihmfWaTi2dh3ryCA6scUGYFJDOrrSlo4rUYb0XyfS31jRxnGkIkpriaABjM0l9g4ijONGfpS37d9R6pQF3FboN7TZWnvwikxsXVkbqUemLTuGMCw9w0RTq9dtAAHx_EBcY_QcGVldeYu72Jcg5gNm683xRLY2-qAFUdRF-PfdY0_mSxU8PNyPQ/w640-h346/FT-17%2075Mle%20034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new toolbox: <a href="http://valuegeardetails.com/index.html" target="_blank">Value Gear</a> stuff...<br />Another suggestion to you, Luis!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rPNyKQqmuFP3HNlmCliLsH_OBIKVxX5qfej_r7mA-LuInfoaJb3R5bljOJ3wuuJ3ud_xr_Vs5WF9_S8J1NoGfteICEy_DW9P-PCkt9eWa0lo3oovrWQMcGnlfeciJE_vQH5C9LcJLqSduVimx9bCF-I5uuw6Dqz68ZwPBUgq9MPfdz2rPxlTvdVhpg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20035.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rPNyKQqmuFP3HNlmCliLsH_OBIKVxX5qfej_r7mA-LuInfoaJb3R5bljOJ3wuuJ3ud_xr_Vs5WF9_S8J1NoGfteICEy_DW9P-PCkt9eWa0lo3oovrWQMcGnlfeciJE_vQH5C9LcJLqSduVimx9bCF-I5uuw6Dqz68ZwPBUgq9MPfdz2rPxlTvdVhpg/w640-h400/FT-17%2075Mle%20035.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The racks in position... waiting the Value Gear box...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJBqrnSjZnJU3MGN5N6-6_0Iktr5ton8H7jReCmCVda-j53qt3gjYTWwi5taxqJ7sG4A0tKy6V1L-1oS-ijKhGhiu1Ko0FCn7xul6e7uJXiAR28juDc3bwh5TCg9X47Gr84oZajH6aVR1nAN7W2BudBboLjOP2HAl2sMFW_P5F5PPi5LgROFovCwRKg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20036.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJBqrnSjZnJU3MGN5N6-6_0Iktr5ton8H7jReCmCVda-j53qt3gjYTWwi5taxqJ7sG4A0tKy6V1L-1oS-ijKhGhiu1Ko0FCn7xul6e7uJXiAR28juDc3bwh5TCg9X47Gr84oZajH6aVR1nAN7W2BudBboLjOP2HAl2sMFW_P5F5PPi5LgROFovCwRKg/w640-h380/FT-17%2075Mle%20036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The racks with Value Gear box. (green arrow)<br />Notice the metal adds in the rear of tool racks...spare parts, too... (red arrows)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> And with that, our sweet flapper girl is almost ready...and getting prettier and prettier!!! Let's get to the painting, now!!!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgo5O551r6ZPMxyfycvGJNJ33fTRf1XHPnc66A5gTZAYzahQdmjA_RJ_6e6V8xQiyevCCrWl7oD94uzKOyW7VQMZZAcyywoezkMa7jx8yYW1IWjl1fjhAK_v8jPLaWTkCnwKlWwt59yVllLXVr7QGigGMhXjKizuhaq7shaeCJnNtOuLWZ9mYWp3Euw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20037.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgo5O551r6ZPMxyfycvGJNJ33fTRf1XHPnc66A5gTZAYzahQdmjA_RJ_6e6V8xQiyevCCrWl7oD94uzKOyW7VQMZZAcyywoezkMa7jx8yYW1IWjl1fjhAK_v8jPLaWTkCnwKlWwt59yVllLXVr7QGigGMhXjKizuhaq7shaeCJnNtOuLWZ9mYWp3Euw/w640-h342/FT-17%2075Mle%20037.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle<br />almost ready!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Once again, these vehicles didn't have markings, as they were prototypes... It's kind of boring to be like that, but let's stick to the reality of History. Military green primer, as it was used in those days...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fU984NpRz3yHyh4Njy1zsGM8ypl6-khuu7MdAVImAHAQmk_hLdCK01Y9OgOuxJgv9Okmw9ugZuBucyVlOIwPj_fc54pHOB6V3ft-YGZG3vrto670Q_TkU5lG0I92xETkgBMxpiMXIFfxL7G7jdkxaouK1vLlwtar2_tXgTUM7SULDw3zLSMjJ6U3YQ/s1280/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20colors.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="802" data-original-width="1280" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fU984NpRz3yHyh4Njy1zsGM8ypl6-khuu7MdAVImAHAQmk_hLdCK01Y9OgOuxJgv9Okmw9ugZuBucyVlOIwPj_fc54pHOB6V3ft-YGZG3vrto670Q_TkU5lG0I92xETkgBMxpiMXIFfxL7G7jdkxaouK1vLlwtar2_tXgTUM7SULDw3zLSMjJ6U3YQ/w640-h402/Renault%20FT-17%20Chenilles%2075%20Mle%20colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...something like this. Colorized photo of the <br /><b><i>Renault Ft Chenilles 75mm Mle 1897</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTYFs0NR-6KYUD2piNq3ak-VbnDt6LVMqBBlrOpl_dkOj6VCZtTageVl6yFGo_MKZUvnI9y5MOgPKfGqxCx95FoJLNhrBYWI7bd96v2qX1gZ-r88b5DuVlhPvw7TJiNaOyY73T_1qO0BrO3q2m1UIgoH2SMhEZph0tT-_K5ItXcCP5ZF9t6T31pWMAA/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20040.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1280" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTYFs0NR-6KYUD2piNq3ak-VbnDt6LVMqBBlrOpl_dkOj6VCZtTageVl6yFGo_MKZUvnI9y5MOgPKfGqxCx95FoJLNhrBYWI7bd96v2qX1gZ-r88b5DuVlhPvw7TJiNaOyY73T_1qO0BrO3q2m1UIgoH2SMhEZph0tT-_K5ItXcCP5ZF9t6T31pWMAA/w640-h362/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle in<br />green primer, with the gun in maximum elevation<br />left view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xN1326USqjJUTYgvFHO-NPyuauO28UyMiD2kNhAxs_aObyM9ZFG5gQfKDh7OmlZ6MQflfVi1yj5NlQxidO6FbnU6ikTW9KX3jfcSwp62zzNzQcTucWcEDwayiq6SEyCVp3OSIC9cAqpc1ugI_N0DI5DSWVLpLzJMLNDLgAI45AlbkW0SWQVdAWInKA/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20041.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xN1326USqjJUTYgvFHO-NPyuauO28UyMiD2kNhAxs_aObyM9ZFG5gQfKDh7OmlZ6MQflfVi1yj5NlQxidO6FbnU6ikTW9KX3jfcSwp62zzNzQcTucWcEDwayiq6SEyCVp3OSIC9cAqpc1ugI_N0DI5DSWVLpLzJMLNDLgAI45AlbkW0SWQVdAWInKA/w640-h342/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20041.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle in<br />green primer, with the gun in minimum elevation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoTgOFiqJ0MM-FPzzRADeFaJc1kBinV2yKeEO-QDIYuP5HmespSkq9o2VzgN1xd7VjTJApaQH_keusSJ8YgBTc4XsP2vLYSsN-oTl3Zw_FH2kd3CUsyU2nS-MPWUK38JohkL4r5FhT-eVA0R2Pfllzf6BuEe4QPK7tajUmlHpp3zZroU0IS6oUZ_BZQ/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20042.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoTgOFiqJ0MM-FPzzRADeFaJc1kBinV2yKeEO-QDIYuP5HmespSkq9o2VzgN1xd7VjTJApaQH_keusSJ8YgBTc4XsP2vLYSsN-oTl3Zw_FH2kd3CUsyU2nS-MPWUK38JohkL4r5FhT-eVA0R2Pfllzf6BuEe4QPK7tajUmlHpp3zZroU0IS6oUZ_BZQ/w640-h372/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle<br />rear view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Cx2467gsJkg3uaTqoCjSpP6Ic91F-evgLtPTXxfgdZj-3YoCgP7ZDLJ--YcVmzwIcQgKB-L8VezzFOkdK3PAlwMIUX9XgS4pJVyg1D4rQljZp6pzuchlieVeGODADfcwB-8X9TPSm628zuRnAl9fHdEKpmBzmoPgXn4UxicUEvP4V_-3Q4cVPG79KQ/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20043.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Cx2467gsJkg3uaTqoCjSpP6Ic91F-evgLtPTXxfgdZj-3YoCgP7ZDLJ--YcVmzwIcQgKB-L8VezzFOkdK3PAlwMIUX9XgS4pJVyg1D4rQljZp6pzuchlieVeGODADfcwB-8X9TPSm628zuRnAl9fHdEKpmBzmoPgXn4UxicUEvP4V_-3Q4cVPG79KQ/w640-h328/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20043.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle in<br />green primer, with the gun in minimum elevation<br />right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IBoAdLIV9NzX1yX2y8pHp7fdFSWDLEbWweca5ZOppe_B-vFshesr8OOeY2d64MAlpxpPIe0e4QJ19aCzcBEZrhaBpkGkMlmruwBMzF9fpFNnM8U6Gprkn8DXujzKDEUkn9lkWz_aJVF9TeH-VbqBHM0QuNPN56GZDZTj0YHtR3Tx1gzijB-i9yLNuA/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IBoAdLIV9NzX1yX2y8pHp7fdFSWDLEbWweca5ZOppe_B-vFshesr8OOeY2d64MAlpxpPIe0e4QJ19aCzcBEZrhaBpkGkMlmruwBMzF9fpFNnM8U6Gprkn8DXujzKDEUkn9lkWz_aJVF9TeH-VbqBHM0QuNPN56GZDZTj0YHtR3Tx1gzijB-i9yLNuA/w640-h430/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tones of green...left front side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyM8E-WiCwSmN5EHkI-xzJ3ezHGq98gxvMIYcs8DgWQM16Dm82jO5qJpCB0BD_EYWufjYoW3Qh5oQ46nVSHDHYLjDlKkmSIugpm6WZhO9V6mlFK_64eyV4pWTiZuh3rIlvUJC-oZ5Gyq8D2VoFj2ENXfZHwzXFK7LPpet_urgeZNY4BrMXBpceT0R-A/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20045.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1280" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyM8E-WiCwSmN5EHkI-xzJ3ezHGq98gxvMIYcs8DgWQM16Dm82jO5qJpCB0BD_EYWufjYoW3Qh5oQ46nVSHDHYLjDlKkmSIugpm6WZhO9V6mlFK_64eyV4pWTiZuh3rIlvUJC-oZ5Gyq8D2VoFj2ENXfZHwzXFK7LPpet_urgeZNY4BrMXBpceT0R-A/w640-h386/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tones of green...left rear side</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJA1tZRUGwQZ04iupBSlwMeNQF8j_Js-XGIjxwk0lnzhS2jaqsKfjxmkU2yjFrD8CbNyiygYQ20HTGRufeTlqhW2XdAJeu8XkZAt-OJI8xMBnhraFWjUXLQ7SmK6pHC9KJW3tTu5T_NbqcfDokwxV74zGb1Te2eEFBIWsP1XGRAbEMjWi9fgE-UrUGQ/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJA1tZRUGwQZ04iupBSlwMeNQF8j_Js-XGIjxwk0lnzhS2jaqsKfjxmkU2yjFrD8CbNyiygYQ20HTGRufeTlqhW2XdAJeu8XkZAt-OJI8xMBnhraFWjUXLQ7SmK6pHC9KJW3tTu5T_NbqcfDokwxV74zGb1Te2eEFBIWsP1XGRAbEMjWi9fgE-UrUGQ/w640-h360/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle<br />in tones of green - rear right view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeRYEye4NVNPMfHK0OCatakA3UhVNs_QjoBwlWk-f4LoSVmRPHsdcVVvsAzdJGXzVFtByvjFTVBwTHp-d8B8IgfSHlwJz0nBH9S8UqQyJDLLepsFXe-jVgCgOooQetvs31pX3vGBLd5FeQAv4-mv30vYRKdQjq3Ao5237BbYbcm59YkpdEIeNL8mxQw/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20049.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1280" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeRYEye4NVNPMfHK0OCatakA3UhVNs_QjoBwlWk-f4LoSVmRPHsdcVVvsAzdJGXzVFtByvjFTVBwTHp-d8B8IgfSHlwJz0nBH9S8UqQyJDLLepsFXe-jVgCgOooQetvs31pX3vGBLd5FeQAv4-mv30vYRKdQjq3Ao5237BbYbcm59YkpdEIeNL8mxQw/w640-h418/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles - 75mm Mle<br />with shoes and seats painted.<br />Notice the toolbox and rollbags from Value Gear...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgXX56UUYzxMP3jEFbbFDqICZchiQbSK6OWfEsgeGxJhuSlSN9G0dKpNDhBzBFa8t9aW29kq3rEU5PQZsKMd5K1M1JoeVs2frETj9n0I_ht9qwqwwbT2j7I_fVg86axw4JRO7ODjlP0wZg0auvjV_XtG533rZLLwUk6myH0OD94JLaj3eD-CQz7kcHA/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1280" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgXX56UUYzxMP3jEFbbFDqICZchiQbSK6OWfEsgeGxJhuSlSN9G0dKpNDhBzBFa8t9aW29kq3rEU5PQZsKMd5K1M1JoeVs2frETj9n0I_ht9qwqwwbT2j7I_fVg86axw4JRO7ODjlP0wZg0auvjV_XtG533rZLLwUk6myH0OD94JLaj3eD-CQz7kcHA/w640-h448/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small details under painting...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26My1TiRCvVEtO1RjAhMWwpqLYO36wyRNCi1QwzitURIEb1yOcQv3PZPp9v1z8pfOtUPHjffv4Uq4jl5wpWszlB-reNJlS5QgHc1oYz4IRsmvcIrgCipNARnwz9qmJ7j-YFc72RS80WMyXUtc6TS4DLFs1UTv67D7tXfdnjP3w_PgAOqniJXBoHLHVQ/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20051.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26My1TiRCvVEtO1RjAhMWwpqLYO36wyRNCi1QwzitURIEb1yOcQv3PZPp9v1z8pfOtUPHjffv4Uq4jl5wpWszlB-reNJlS5QgHc1oYz4IRsmvcIrgCipNARnwz9qmJ7j-YFc72RS80WMyXUtc6TS4DLFs1UTv67D7tXfdnjP3w_PgAOqniJXBoHLHVQ/w640-h330/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small paint details...<br />right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7Laet_fZPl0R7MXJK02BiPL7TCVZlhE8Kggt6mZQydmzo1xT5N-85R7JIrClN5JEXTUfrMjeqQJfgMm0AQuV3Ynb6Vjz-z4mNOXJS1o-6FQlfXccf0EWkVa9dDYOtC1-3NSMwxrEIGyonARSOiNZ9IULsqnjWLffsCeb_URUyctuXXL6jSXYnShhRA/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7Laet_fZPl0R7MXJK02BiPL7TCVZlhE8Kggt6mZQydmzo1xT5N-85R7JIrClN5JEXTUfrMjeqQJfgMm0AQuV3Ynb6Vjz-z4mNOXJS1o-6FQlfXccf0EWkVa9dDYOtC1-3NSMwxrEIGyonARSOiNZ9IULsqnjWLffsCeb_URUyctuXXL6jSXYnShhRA/w640-h376/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toolbox and rollbags waiting...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgiORWLL1iddgJ-sCjNFM7nHz4BWwhQLhK2XO-IyvmY8afS0G8ZEP2Sw_Dtww4KYd6lMTD5GAlS8r4fzuLeJiC3WsBypKTh6vyfwmcAFLUgSdY-P5nL0me51t2BPP7o5weCx_1poK7Daw72Vr-ompHUTCOyNW0D2qX40lSxyVCOyhvSFyDOqNzJSJaQ/s1280/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1280" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgiORWLL1iddgJ-sCjNFM7nHz4BWwhQLhK2XO-IyvmY8afS0G8ZEP2Sw_Dtww4KYd6lMTD5GAlS8r4fzuLeJiC3WsBypKTh6vyfwmcAFLUgSdY-P5nL0me51t2BPP7o5weCx_1poK7Daw72Vr-ompHUTCOyNW0D2qX40lSxyVCOyhvSFyDOqNzJSJaQ/w640-h380/%20FT-17%2075Mle%20054.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the toolbox and rollbags, glued in position<br />Soooo coool!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> It's amazing how I sometimes get annoyed with kits with millions of details and little pieces (like the fantastic kit <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Caterpillar%20D7%20Bulldozer%20with%20LeTourneau%20R7%20power%20control%20unit" target="_blank">Caterpillar D7</a> from MiniArt...) and how I have fun with its spartan ones like this, looking to ADD details... For me (and for the Kojak...), this is all so much fun!! And following that philosophy, let's make a padlock for the toolbox... See the diagram below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> With punch-and-die, Cut a small circle out of 0.8mm thick plasticard. Then, with a very fine drill, make two holes on the side of this circle: a through hole and a blind hole. Then, bent a very thin copper wire and cut one of the "legs" of this wire, to touch the bottom of the blind hole and delimit the height of the handle of the padlock. The other longer leg, which passes through the full hole, facilitates manipulation of the small part to allow you to slip the padlock handle through the toolbox handle, before plunging the "short leg" into the blind hole of the padlock. When you get that, just glue with a micro-drop of cyanoacrylate the padlock handle and cut the "long leg" close to the padlock, with your cutting pliers... Simple.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c1F7f4ehTNMYtNX5_c5QI6l9sBz9QL_hw9W2H_fKmu4infJFT4bDNQfwPxpCps0_5mGKnTZJSnzg6bc4EqSbRjZzYmA03zsswY04qeMvcS1MOI1YujGheeK_2Ji2LsdRPvAY5HPtSnDaNxJeD2k2znHROInloLGfJB01S-L0ogKmgfWfyr1YQ96Osg/s884/scratch%20padlock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="884" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c1F7f4ehTNMYtNX5_c5QI6l9sBz9QL_hw9W2H_fKmu4infJFT4bDNQfwPxpCps0_5mGKnTZJSnzg6bc4EqSbRjZzYmA03zsswY04qeMvcS1MOI1YujGheeK_2Ji2LsdRPvAY5HPtSnDaNxJeD2k2znHROInloLGfJB01S-L0ogKmgfWfyr1YQ96Osg/w640-h464/scratch%20padlock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">And the padlock in position:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ9o0gKrww8zv_4iVUfl0qsvtxojrsk3cTUXuB_FgN8kA1IKSq17-IoObske2UIu-N_ddIEyssXbUKRMY-cDgRNCc3PZRh8GAed8wQRg60t_iqEW0mxTFeLaqd16iTLn8oIreaqQkzOWWp_1seZK7EZGY0WSjOYlhMaMaICasJVkPpJftgqMRPvmsZA/s1280/toolbox%20padlock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ9o0gKrww8zv_4iVUfl0qsvtxojrsk3cTUXuB_FgN8kA1IKSq17-IoObske2UIu-N_ddIEyssXbUKRMY-cDgRNCc3PZRh8GAed8wQRg60t_iqEW0mxTFeLaqd16iTLn8oIreaqQkzOWWp_1seZK7EZGY0WSjOYlhMaMaICasJVkPpJftgqMRPvmsZA/w640-h480/toolbox%20padlock.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Padlock in the toolbox!!<br />Close up view</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehZt9yKvihuhw_vyoy5hsgLNNpnZwsigNFOGkSuKpfMO8x429MmaRbaRGHB_FM4SAKZCkDPa0DW8Rhh7Ji9-Xe77Fnzw5ppGKKH_y2MSuXHTIev4VLo4bVjIHL_iaojRC6JrBQQy4Gvm7jiJ0BY42ZwIZn0zaoXTRLDhpENQKtpSbDF4p8GqkjChGjw/s1280/IMG_0817.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehZt9yKvihuhw_vyoy5hsgLNNpnZwsigNFOGkSuKpfMO8x429MmaRbaRGHB_FM4SAKZCkDPa0DW8Rhh7Ji9-Xe77Fnzw5ppGKKH_y2MSuXHTIev4VLo4bVjIHL_iaojRC6JrBQQy4Gvm7jiJ0BY42ZwIZn0zaoXTRLDhpENQKtpSbDF4p8GqkjChGjw/w640-h480/IMG_0817.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little big detail...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQOXlnKVyZd7bArvlRtp4ldYBsSfjqMnGm_dRGBP8FtGPgL4d_MhkB_KiOjOJaW8whVhcxzuJM_jtPXseDzxXmQG0bi9n9iis4ogMoMXTzNHkxNb3kjZ-7djABv046lLdl7DsA7EmV9BuKyxWAB-gQuuXAgE2QQfs9MsOqz2t3TidRHm9Zp3lliFTgA/s1280/IMG_0818.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1280" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQOXlnKVyZd7bArvlRtp4ldYBsSfjqMnGm_dRGBP8FtGPgL4d_MhkB_KiOjOJaW8whVhcxzuJM_jtPXseDzxXmQG0bi9n9iis4ogMoMXTzNHkxNb3kjZ-7djABv046lLdl7DsA7EmV9BuKyxWAB-gQuuXAgE2QQfs9MsOqz2t3TidRHm9Zp3lliFTgA/w640-h430/IMG_0818.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The keyhole of padlock will be made with a drop of black paint...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuo1lEolEvMjzT6tHY8YfT5-v7sRFTCNw0XktIaGUV7QDJjq6owxkP5jvvI3VMRptF8NxIxKSo9Ng0LpFhdHjVK0nB5YfJ9nIwOP5-mC-9JngJV8KLJ9nBqsOSQoC0jvZ4cbV9NXHRGwrb8701Qsv14JAojFT5EUcenTEt7ri27rVGpFqaB2CLb06jg/s1280/IMG_0819.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1280" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuo1lEolEvMjzT6tHY8YfT5-v7sRFTCNw0XktIaGUV7QDJjq6owxkP5jvvI3VMRptF8NxIxKSo9Ng0LpFhdHjVK0nB5YfJ9nIwOP5-mC-9JngJV8KLJ9nBqsOSQoC0jvZ4cbV9NXHRGwrb8701Qsv14JAojFT5EUcenTEt7ri27rVGpFqaB2CLb06jg/w640-h382/IMG_0819.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl is almost ready...</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The big "problem" with these simpler kits is that you get the taste of detailing... It's almost the opposite of over-engineering kits, with tons of annoying little pieces that end up boring you during the construction. These are simpler ones, no: they are almost an irresistible invitation for you to apply an extra detail, which enriches and characterizes the model. Let's see, for example, the possibility of building a set of safety belts for the crew's seats and making from scratch the optical sighting device that, unfortunately, Vargas did not provide us. Scratch time!!! First, the inspiration:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-uUb8jEsrjRc5eNwioBXWtSSSRUO5kJxCthgpsAkq54AEyBCZs6sHpTR6sRMzIsc3xfadMhUbtGafINlWXWytlf4SFUGcN25ep25Q4n7z9hdShxCAxbNcDs-edttaw3MWrsk2NPhhO4WGiQtLWXVw0QApFzSQ1bb0tBuhvGrjoNF2vMbuwephiQDCA/s1024/seat%20belts%20real.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="1024" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-uUb8jEsrjRc5eNwioBXWtSSSRUO5kJxCthgpsAkq54AEyBCZs6sHpTR6sRMzIsc3xfadMhUbtGafINlWXWytlf4SFUGcN25ep25Q4n7z9hdShxCAxbNcDs-edttaw3MWrsk2NPhhO4WGiQtLWXVw0QApFzSQ1bb0tBuhvGrjoNF2vMbuwephiQDCA/w640-h304/seat%20belts%20real.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crew seats, with seat belts clearly visible (red arrows)<br />Notice the aiming device, too (blue arrow).</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6VESZZfLk5HcQhRE7T5pmEIeYkchrvuxeh4VoNkBR2HHdsoSBbGCYRQKWWHTIWmfuOiqaMECJZ3y4EcvC0dgYWdZMUgR7_VODwToKsXooIjVOGHByew4DjYM-Hf4ExarqDUStg30dI-3Vm7f_8lofL0mVJq2xfrZ7RvGO6cvMZY9fiWuri1raCKiFg/s1024/aiming%20device.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="846" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6VESZZfLk5HcQhRE7T5pmEIeYkchrvuxeh4VoNkBR2HHdsoSBbGCYRQKWWHTIWmfuOiqaMECJZ3y4EcvC0dgYWdZMUgR7_VODwToKsXooIjVOGHByew4DjYM-Hf4ExarqDUStg30dI-3Vm7f_8lofL0mVJq2xfrZ7RvGO6cvMZY9fiWuri1raCKiFg/w528-h640/aiming%20device.jpg" width="528" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A schematic (from that time...) drawing of the<br />optical aiming apparatus.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And the added details: the optical aiming device made with Plastruct, punch-and-die circles and steel wires and the seat belts made with thin lead (wine bottle sealant) foil and thin copper wires...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgXM458rgJeWBnNznDjYGEvHL1JwvuwEvn_09wBIbqHG1PxNpqa5mDM-YwaeQIExtdfDhxxi1TMjDCmVWotMXuTXdCUTEi0zUHLomJUy6f_T0MQ8_lH646PxmSlojO537kMTp3v9WaEO2ZytHHTVuWAKMQCEX_9V1MzgkWT4pekqNd2JrZ0eeKr8KZA/s1272/FT-17%2075Mle%20060.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1272" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgXM458rgJeWBnNznDjYGEvHL1JwvuwEvn_09wBIbqHG1PxNpqa5mDM-YwaeQIExtdfDhxxi1TMjDCmVWotMXuTXdCUTEi0zUHLomJUy6f_T0MQ8_lH646PxmSlojO537kMTp3v9WaEO2ZytHHTVuWAKMQCEX_9V1MzgkWT4pekqNd2JrZ0eeKr8KZA/w640-h364/FT-17%2075Mle%20060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't lose sight of security!!!<br />right side view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWm6xHUELgFtVQ6jbJDAImayv3mozsHqeHYPuMdOU2GSvYejBgGgDNQUhsG3sszAfq_ue_RVajQFwv2CRAlCMMk032B7abSR5AtUTQb-mE2MO6bI3NHJIRF7shIrF31hJOunXH53Voqj7hY0mrlz_LJvZ81nSV95o5a8RCaHKPBRCqKAW8INNR90A1w/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20061.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWm6xHUELgFtVQ6jbJDAImayv3mozsHqeHYPuMdOU2GSvYejBgGgDNQUhsG3sszAfq_ue_RVajQFwv2CRAlCMMk032B7abSR5AtUTQb-mE2MO6bI3NHJIRF7shIrF31hJOunXH53Voqj7hY0mrlz_LJvZ81nSV95o5a8RCaHKPBRCqKAW8INNR90A1w/w640-h442/FT-17%2075Mle%20061.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aiming device and seat belts...<br />left side</td></tr></tbody></table>And at last, the final touch: the scratch of the hook (copper wire) on the inner top of the vehicle's anti-trench skid-plate... and, on that hook, a beautiful tow chain...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZYTXcjJ5LBJaKQ_IUTUSSSv1QgeMD1j3Y5kV0S1p-Xz4MqpTNn3zcahWoDARdWH4v4NO0MhwvIgwBkRxeiOPUOw4vV6rQnFHvGvz9g8ZaA0A_tqZ7_-6FRP7bAdngjzt5Z2PHShQhT3I-EGoXi-ItuozCokxnDBnxKx9ZpAH62Z5fooI5RONCseI-g/s1154/FT-17%2075Mle%20062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1154" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZYTXcjJ5LBJaKQ_IUTUSSSv1QgeMD1j3Y5kV0S1p-Xz4MqpTNn3zcahWoDARdWH4v4NO0MhwvIgwBkRxeiOPUOw4vV6rQnFHvGvz9g8ZaA0A_tqZ7_-6FRP7bAdngjzt5Z2PHShQhT3I-EGoXi-ItuozCokxnDBnxKx9ZpAH62Z5fooI5RONCseI-g/w640-h434/FT-17%2075Mle%20062.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooks and chains...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> And finally I can call that this model is ready: With you, the prototype <b>Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b> (late version), as seen in the field tests in <a href="https://www.encyclopedie-bourges.com/lahitolle1.htm" target="_blank">Bourges Military Establishment</a>, France. September, 1918.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aRHZWYGnAdGHXaDYI1s5CPpdXgtPGdnoBHNWTh6tbWA6AyzXTdLOA2gtjbn5Ods1bUIzFoGgPp5lSTCGTSJwy_OQ5dOsUbaIzCYWAR9jU28I1WkIXprG1ovKAsMknHmJUcG1zDF8zpBB0ZOIiT2sn97fcY6bNbCbSdZG5q-ssDMZmFJTLGxvLDfx_A/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20065.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aRHZWYGnAdGHXaDYI1s5CPpdXgtPGdnoBHNWTh6tbWA6AyzXTdLOA2gtjbn5Ods1bUIzFoGgPp5lSTCGTSJwy_OQ5dOsUbaIzCYWAR9jU28I1WkIXprG1ovKAsMknHmJUcG1zDF8zpBB0ZOIiT2sn97fcY6bNbCbSdZG5q-ssDMZmFJTLGxvLDfx_A/w640-h372/FT-17%2075Mle%20065.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> (late version)<br /></span><a href="https://www.encyclopedie-bourges.com/lahitolle1.htm" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Bourges Military Establishment</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, </span><span style="text-align: justify;">France - September, 1918.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEwUa8JQMYH0aE-cT1Up920s7swWxCWyMVBsSK3CL_0l6AqbgqBx4KnHIBsuQM2EZCSIlqJgrBX7d3MqNKjfZd3NKYLO3NmETilWyiIU2xyyvM4vMdZ0tZ5RZ37u7_p6NOrX7QKvS0gvKfV7fFDlDq1hcSSDdd7EYMk0Oi4scJueuJDQ6yiaRxnNKiA/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20066.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1280" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEwUa8JQMYH0aE-cT1Up920s7swWxCWyMVBsSK3CL_0l6AqbgqBx4KnHIBsuQM2EZCSIlqJgrBX7d3MqNKjfZd3NKYLO3NmETilWyiIU2xyyvM4vMdZ0tZ5RZ37u7_p6NOrX7QKvS0gvKfV7fFDlDq1hcSSDdd7EYMk0Oi4scJueuJDQ6yiaRxnNKiA/w640-h466/FT-17%2075Mle%20066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br />front left side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nrmlSx9z7cEe_rBL-5EyLixVw8dc4GO6tC_Z5a3VtVE0j4wmracNXmN_TbIVMPksrVdzQss3QyP6rpSDlJGV9inz8jtSMvTl30W9hakQwT2Gj_8y-hOJmyKh7Cte6Y84IhGEJjH9iTLZybXN1xRwiOGrYtlgfMIIOxAvphj-5rDLWzADS2UgidTpRw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20067.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1280" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nrmlSx9z7cEe_rBL-5EyLixVw8dc4GO6tC_Z5a3VtVE0j4wmracNXmN_TbIVMPksrVdzQss3QyP6rpSDlJGV9inz8jtSMvTl30W9hakQwT2Gj_8y-hOJmyKh7Cte6Y84IhGEJjH9iTLZybXN1xRwiOGrYtlgfMIIOxAvphj-5rDLWzADS2UgidTpRw/w640-h442/FT-17%2075Mle%20067.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br />front right side view</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3GhIXAR6bFI__b2U1enSaFm1_hUoP2JfCJ3WJG7AwBjGNoGC0O9aVP_X9Q76Tb4p83CiQnAppaTrXF2n9kwVr-eZM7wlk3MoSvpO0ONJhhx3yfkT9OnNz8ktWIIKB-mCwwL-XIjswTjqAz9jN5nEIDx7TESfgP-1CLiGp2ahBpaDCAfaWmVvTqurCg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20069.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1280" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3GhIXAR6bFI__b2U1enSaFm1_hUoP2JfCJ3WJG7AwBjGNoGC0O9aVP_X9Q76Tb4p83CiQnAppaTrXF2n9kwVr-eZM7wlk3MoSvpO0ONJhhx3yfkT9OnNz8ktWIIKB-mCwwL-XIjswTjqAz9jN5nEIDx7TESfgP-1CLiGp2ahBpaDCAfaWmVvTqurCg/w640-h316/FT-17%2075Mle%20069.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br />left side view - gun in maximum elevation</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPUktg1H4K6JhTOIgRbIoU6b5a90yuC6r3w0JC7Cy3cVFyNHQXBlLzfbHvoJ4w_Adt-8S6V4ki0APz2A73qzVAp_Da-6D6dSsuOJCOocUZxjIjdNPzfzDA_lLfRXeeaJe8JpOxP8aLR7Jh3BVeyyjlVHn3NKk4rLGpeSAl8A2kejAMUvde1JibEwMxg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPUktg1H4K6JhTOIgRbIoU6b5a90yuC6r3w0JC7Cy3cVFyNHQXBlLzfbHvoJ4w_Adt-8S6V4ki0APz2A73qzVAp_Da-6D6dSsuOJCOocUZxjIjdNPzfzDA_lLfRXeeaJe8JpOxP8aLR7Jh3BVeyyjlVHn3NKk4rLGpeSAl8A2kejAMUvde1JibEwMxg/w640-h300/FT-17%2075Mle%20070.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br /></span>left side view - gun in neutral elevation</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc70CfPyjBRbVm6oeg7LKk_hDZFdGybdN3w5ZrCn7gqUPjgIMCGghuEme9fXN1AMbNiin8YNmuEgKaWoOjckEq2GT2pDM-sp85F91XRdEZD1T2nLdFzu3qZHVy_hH09ceNtIfcjl9ITOr6c6qmE7uZqxYHy8_-lwuSlS1aHsHEqd7y92XgWJUPz6STw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1280" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc70CfPyjBRbVm6oeg7LKk_hDZFdGybdN3w5ZrCn7gqUPjgIMCGghuEme9fXN1AMbNiin8YNmuEgKaWoOjckEq2GT2pDM-sp85F91XRdEZD1T2nLdFzu3qZHVy_hH09ceNtIfcjl9ITOr6c6qmE7uZqxYHy8_-lwuSlS1aHsHEqd7y92XgWJUPz6STw/w640-h298/FT-17%2075Mle%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br />rear left side view </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEKEh-IV2GsxICtyitrpeQIqzuHK9TFcoLuc_Wr6bo6qoNr3ydwPFXjKh-K4kyvfVttch_D0tOAbRfMKcH7IbupPrnPvEN5sKaH2peZOtm3tr2uvR7n6D-dYClCkQqQrirLzFKt6GX3q3wYVJ53f2Ptp22UGVHPU4ZUzvQy5V7hQI_C5KhgWeWjtrEw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20072.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1280" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEKEh-IV2GsxICtyitrpeQIqzuHK9TFcoLuc_Wr6bo6qoNr3ydwPFXjKh-K4kyvfVttch_D0tOAbRfMKcH7IbupPrnPvEN5sKaH2peZOtm3tr2uvR7n6D-dYClCkQqQrirLzFKt6GX3q3wYVJ53f2Ptp22UGVHPU4ZUzvQy5V7hQI_C5KhgWeWjtrEw/w640-h326/FT-17%2075Mle%20072.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br />rear right side view </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZijQZVTMT3ebDNRuZkWw7NdHuKY8G0JkQNhspwEvN4-2irpzST7g1YfU35woTErScWQzb_dDir0cip_tBwn2TUjTnjIS0xDAznqrcgU1BeP6JLzR1uwYCa_dDPf5DoC7pAXwdzAevYug7T98T5z6xGpBJvwZwiPBX3BwB1FbqqyzdtdIFpT80OR5RQ/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20073.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZijQZVTMT3ebDNRuZkWw7NdHuKY8G0JkQNhspwEvN4-2irpzST7g1YfU35woTErScWQzb_dDir0cip_tBwn2TUjTnjIS0xDAznqrcgU1BeP6JLzR1uwYCa_dDPf5DoC7pAXwdzAevYug7T98T5z6xGpBJvwZwiPBX3BwB1FbqqyzdtdIFpT80OR5RQ/w640-h344/FT-17%2075Mle%20073.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br />right side view </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIG3ZS3IV6zdyqWdZcXFZSqM3WgjhjwRI7ACUy9QAtNg6fi6IG2n-HWSUMpjNU4LJGaGVHCgUtnM8LZ3Gp5JKOiYST_74wryzxtvLDULMbMWSSgvreZYIVJtyvcZ41puuv_9BogtKfl7Om2I4cAbFtdCGxwnau3qmQ265FSd-Eces0sAoMQRYfiOP3g/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20074.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1280" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIG3ZS3IV6zdyqWdZcXFZSqM3WgjhjwRI7ACUy9QAtNg6fi6IG2n-HWSUMpjNU4LJGaGVHCgUtnM8LZ3Gp5JKOiYST_74wryzxtvLDULMbMWSSgvreZYIVJtyvcZ41puuv_9BogtKfl7Om2I4cAbFtdCGxwnau3qmQ265FSd-Eces0sAoMQRYfiOP3g/w640-h372/FT-17%2075Mle%20074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4GUVYyp8Vp4BRfUUONYzv9HvGzxWxhb9EFFFnShHFVnl-9RFXCNk_tn_Muh73wyWN1YPuXT5tq371-436JTE3b1fjpHvdcSeVsI7yUWZOcNRbeR2btcLVd_zV9XdX10CrE1PdxUUPxT5nMvqJ-XW05y2aLxjJ9xxV6ZUfyDCs7NP8KlJPpfN6Y-Ljg/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1280" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4GUVYyp8Vp4BRfUUONYzv9HvGzxWxhb9EFFFnShHFVnl-9RFXCNk_tn_Muh73wyWN1YPuXT5tq371-436JTE3b1fjpHvdcSeVsI7yUWZOcNRbeR2btcLVd_zV9XdX10CrE1PdxUUPxT5nMvqJ-XW05y2aLxjJ9xxV6ZUfyDCs7NP8KlJPpfN6Y-Ljg/w640-h370/FT-17%2075Mle%20075.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version<br />with Kojak and Rover, the dog. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQd6QQiQtBODxcg0KzAMnQ6kuIe1GnFNHCkhBvm7JykyckTriMEEAPYT3QbyBzbwXukduIVQigNgEPWAjinB7nw7FS5uzbblIOZFqlG4lSoi_zOl6xPqBV8s749uwfGd5gZHjH73CsbX5MEkEqo3Ze1gBj7Ha8jOhIM5o-6loeyARH9u6b9FB5593TA/s1280/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20071.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1280" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQd6QQiQtBODxcg0KzAMnQ6kuIe1GnFNHCkhBvm7JykyckTriMEEAPYT3QbyBzbwXukduIVQigNgEPWAjinB7nw7FS5uzbblIOZFqlG4lSoi_zOl6xPqBV8s749uwfGd5gZHjH73CsbX5MEkEqo3Ze1gBj7Ha8jOhIM5o-6loeyARH9u6b9FB5593TA/w640-h346/FT17%20ammo%20carrier%20071.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Two pioneers girls from Vargas Scale Models: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> - late version</span></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;">with <span style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20Frot-Turnel-Laffly%20armoured%20steamroller%20prototype%20-%201915" target="_blank">Char Frot-Turnel-Laffly (armoured steamroller)</a> </b>in background</span></div></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvnN-0kLsw6vCe2v2qt5XkxnKi7idlFmMebGE5buhXwhhfKWDWOo04Qk-qWuYfKQE-Lh37jqMj-9YtQcoS-gT-lfj_TRz7SxTxpnsv4FIFZGrBCmq27xZjnTo4XFgEy3hJXQti2dDYSw7HrPdB_AsOBZB9efkzLIvjorDXSYZUK2QKst0r51DEl9Xaw/s1280/FT-17%2075Mle%20064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1280" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvnN-0kLsw6vCe2v2qt5XkxnKi7idlFmMebGE5buhXwhhfKWDWOo04Qk-qWuYfKQE-Lh37jqMj-9YtQcoS-gT-lfj_TRz7SxTxpnsv4FIFZGrBCmq27xZjnTo4XFgEy3hJXQti2dDYSw7HrPdB_AsOBZB9efkzLIvjorDXSYZUK2QKst0r51DEl9Xaw/w640-h350/FT-17%2075Mle%20064.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Renault FT-17 Chenilles 75 Mle 1897</b><span style="text-align: justify;"> (late version)<br /></span><a href="https://www.encyclopedie-bourges.com/lahitolle1.htm" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Bourges Military Establishment</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, </span><span style="text-align: justify;">France - September, 1918.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Well, another commission model, printed in 3D by <a href="https://vargas-lg.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">Vargas Scale Models</a>, built. This kit, as well as the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Char%20Frot-Turnel-Laffly%20armoured%20steamroller%20prototype%20-%201915" target="_blank">Char Frot-Turnel-Laffly armored steamroller</a> and the <a href="http://panzerserra.blogspot.com/search/label/Renault%20FT%2017%2075BS%20tank%20prototype" target="_blank">Renault FT 17 75BS tank prototype</a>, were the first contacts I had with this manufacturer and manufacturing technology.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> It is very pleasant to see new manufacturers on the market, even more offering to us rare and unique models, that are part of the history of the World Conflicts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> And in this small sequence of kits built (including the model that will appear in the next article...) by Vargas Scale Models I was able to perceive the evolution of these models, which made me very satisfied.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> When my client introduced me to these kits for my construction for his collection, I confess that I was quite curious, but I tried to keep an open mind, because you guys have known me for a long time: I love build scale models of rare (and real...) vehicles and above all, <b>I like to have fun</b>... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> For me, that's what modeling is: History in scale and with fun! And I had that with these 3D printed kits from Vargas Scale Models. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Congratulations to the manufacturer: it allows us to have, in our hands, these rare and strange vehicles, with surprisingly good detail and with reasonable prices, that without it, we would only imagine what they would be like!! I agree totally with the company's slogan: <b><i>"Bringing HISTORY to life!"</i></b></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">À bientôt !!!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQOxbxB9pIa50FMhtd3mBpMzTms75e0ptUgA-P21KFTqQFkl_ws7cztkYCM0Cg9-VPEbXm83MR0HqswQ_DCxpJ8Nz8-QVPka8tBygSNs4YDLtNPn488tENDBGRlFRCtDAoKXdFYBijCU_WsQv0SsvVHSX2usQwl5fB5i5cfjax-rgBTT6m7Lwphs3Pw/s1280/propaganda%20poster%20001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="833" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQOxbxB9pIa50FMhtd3mBpMzTms75e0ptUgA-P21KFTqQFkl_ws7cztkYCM0Cg9-VPEbXm83MR0HqswQ_DCxpJ8Nz8-QVPka8tBygSNs4YDLtNPn488tENDBGRlFRCtDAoKXdFYBijCU_WsQv0SsvVHSX2usQwl5fB5i5cfjax-rgBTT6m7Lwphs3Pw/w416-h640/propaganda%20poster%20001.jpg" width="416" /></a></div></i></b></div>Panzerserrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12144228632342836364noreply@blogger.com2