Beyond The Sprues

Current and Finished Projects => Physical Models => Land => Topic started by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:12:27 AM

Title: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:12:27 AM
Something nasty happened a couple of weeks back and my AH AFV thread disappeared from the forum.  Apparently, I pressed something I shouldn't have and before you could say 'eh?', I had committed virtual hara-kiri - although I have no recollection of doing so.  Sadly, the end result is that 57-odd pages of posts, general discussion and banter, not to mention 97,000 views, has slipped into the shadowy realms of internet oblivion. 

I turned to a fresh page in my diary and made a new entry; it simply said, "Bugger..."

Whilst I have made offerings to the gods and called upon the mystical powers of the Admin gurus, it would seem that the devil has indeed farted in my face once again and there is nothing that can be done save start again...

So, with a word of caution against the inbuilt self destruct button, I present my collection of Alternative History AFVs: Take 2...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:16:49 AM
Panther III

This design started as a concept within an AH wargame that I designed way back in 2002 and which saw a Nazi Germany survive WW2 only to be embroiled in WW3 later in the early 1990s. I needed an AFV that filled the gap between the Panther I / Panther II and the Leopard I where IOTL the Germans used the US M-47 and M-48. (Note: I also posted this design as a suggestion for CalBear’s The Anglo-American - Nazi War Panther III)

 The logic for my design is as follows:

· The original Panther's excellent combination of firepower, mobility, and protection served as a benchmark for other nations' late war and immediate post-war tank designs, and it is frequently regarded as one of the best tank designs of World War II. However, some design flaws, such as its weak final drive units, were never corrected. The Panther's suspension was also complicated to manufacture and the interleaved system made replacing inner road wheels time consuming. The turret was also relatively small and did not easily allow for upgrading its main gun.

· The Panther II was never really a development of the origenal Panther, rather it was a parallel development which intended to share many of the components of the Tiger II. It continued to have many of the same design flaws of the Panther I but was heavier and underpowered. WW2 finishes before any major advantages of the Panther II design are realised and as a design it is quickly dropped in favour of the more numerous and reliable Panther I.

 · With the end of WW2, German defence plans call for an improvement in the quality of their AFVs over the need for mass production and so the design bureas look at improving the Panther I to meet and exceed Soviet and Western tanks.

 · The Germans are first to embrace the MBT concept of a universal tank which will combine the very best aspects of armoured protection, firepower and maneouveability. The Panther III is conceived.

 · The interleaved suspension is replaced with a more reliable single bogey and torsion bar system with return rollers for a better track ride.

 · The turret ring is enlarged to accept an entirely new turret mounting a 105mm rifled cannon whch out performs the US 90mm, British 20pdr and the Soviet 85mm of the day. The turret also accommodates a sterioscopic sighting system.

 · The bow gunner’s position has been removed to allow for more ammunition storage. Crew reduced to 4.
 ​
The end result is a tank that looks right. This particular Panther III is 2nd tank, 3rd platoon, 4th company of the 31st Panzer Regiment of 5th Panzer Division circa 1954. The Panther III was eventually replaced, in German service, by the Leopard 1 which, ITTL, starts life looking more like the OTL Leopard 1A3.

 The model itself contains parts from a Tamiya Panther Ausf D (what I had available), Academy M-60 Patton, Italeri Leopard 1 and various bits of scratch build.

(https://i.imgur.com/UlRl3rX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MAdgDrE.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:20:17 AM
StuG Sherman

 The StuG Sherman as a concept initially came to my attention from Life in Black as mentioned in Hairogs’s TL World War III in May 1946 although he also has his own thread, AHC: StuG Sherman which goes into greater detail and discussion. The idea immediately caught my imagination and rekindled my interest in AH AFVs.

 Although I initially built and painted the model in US Army colours, I could not really come up with a good enough reason as to why the US would have gone down this particular route given their OTL preference for turreted tank destroyers. I could be persuaded though if someone can up with a TL where the US instead decided to copy the German concept and produced fixed larger gunned tank destroyers on standard tank chassis.

 I eventually, repainted my model in IDF colours, postulating that the Israelis, with their ability to adapt just about anything to their needs, may have developed a StuG type Sherman as a relatively cheap way of utilising their existing stock of redundant Shermans to increase their AT defences. A similar use of old Shermans as the IDF Makmat 160mm mortar carrier and L-33 155mm SPG.

 Just suppose that in the early 60s as the Centurion is entering front line service a number of Sherman hulls are made available for conversion into dedicated tank destroyers. Knowing that they face potential enemies on many fronts and that their armoured force cannot concentrate on more than one at a time, a plan is developed to increase the AT firepower of the Infantry formations who will have to conduct holding actions until relieved by the hard pressed armoured divisions. Enter the 90mm armed "StuG" Sherman; although not many were ever produced, they were a firm favourite of the infantry in the early phase of the 6-Day War.

 Depicted is the 1st vehicle of the 2 platoon, 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion, Tank Destroyer Command attached to the Golani Brigade.

 The model itself contains parts from an Academy Sherman M4A3E8, Revell Kanone Jadgpanzer, and various bits of scratch build.

(https://i.imgur.com/TiLRToI.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/48CmL9r.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/q8grlt2.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: The Big Gimper on September 26, 2016, 01:30:53 AM
I'm not a zipper head but this is an amazing conversion.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:32:27 AM
T-50/M-47 Patton

 This idea comes thanks to Mad Missouri who introduced the design into Hairogs’s TL World War III in May 1946.

 The premise is that in a renewed war against the Soviet Union, the USA are not impressed with the poor performance of their M-26 Pershing (nicknamed the ‘Pushing’ after its numerous mechanical problems). In a radical move to improve their heavy armour, the US decide to adapt the new British designed Centurion to their own needs. With the already proven 90mm gun, the US blend a new turret design onto a modified Centurion hull.

 Essentially, a T-42 turret (as was fitted to the OTL M-47) is mounted on a Centurion hull which has been modified to house a Continental diesel engine with side mounted air filters.

 The model itself contains parts from a AFV Club Centurion Mk 5, Italeri M-47 Patton, Academy M-60 Patton and various bits of scratch build.

(https://i.imgur.com/E84tfzj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PEnUvtl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YGfsDz5.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:36:41 AM
I'm not a zipper head but this is an amazing conversion.  :)

Thanks mate. Sadly these are re-post of old conversions/models necessitated by the evaporation of my original thread...  :( 

I have about another 30 to go...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:38:18 AM
GAU-19 M1 Comabat Car

Jim Smitty's M1 Combat Car armed with a GAU-19 (6-barrelled, 50-cal gatling gun) for his American Airline Flight 817 TL. This vehicle 'Lightning' is the 6th vehicle of D Company of the 11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment and whilst a light AFV its primary function in the line of battle is the disruption of enemy infantry assaults. Its extremely high rate of fire and heavy 50-cal round also make it devastating in clearing dense jungle, light urban areas and soft/light armoured vehicles.

(https://i.imgur.com/xeBRFxO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fBacM4b.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:39:39 AM
Wheeled SPAAG

 Attached is RCTFI's wheeled SPAAG come APC to match the requirements of his AH TL. The vehicle depicts the 3rd vehicle of A Company, 27th Armoured Infantry of the 9th Armoured Division. A number of these specialist vehicles were spread throughout all armoured infantry regiments to provide localised close anti-air support whilst maintaining the ability to deploy a half infantry squad when required. Later these vehicles were augmented and mostly replaced in the armoured infantry role by the heavy SPAAGs (watch this space). The wheeled SPAAGs were then re-located to the regular infantry divisions.

(https://i.imgur.com/vgs9qq5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/vMGaj1h.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/x345HIG.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:45:24 AM
The Beast

 The beast features in Life in Blacks (I think still unpublished) AH TL as the command tank, 'Lili' (as in Lili Marleen) of Oberst Anton Weiss of the 1st Brigade of the 37th Panzer Division somewhere in the Middle East.

 The model is a pick and mix of an M1A2 Abrams hull married to a Leopard 2A6 turret with a Challenger 2's side plates and a GAU-19 remote weapons system on top. The camouflage is a take (simplified) on a Canadian desert digi-cam. Mostly painted in with a tooth pick... kill me now!

(https://i.imgur.com/q0gd0ou.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IJxasoR.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3WydD6u.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:47:26 AM
Armadillo

 This is the 'Armadillo' from KyleB's TL "A British StuG III". The vehicle is essentially a casemated British QF 3 inch 20 cwt, WW1 era, AA gun mounted on a Crusader MK III hull. OTL, a number of these guns were indeed converted to the AT role but not in SP mounts.

 In KyleB's TL the Armadillo (a development of the 'Walrus') is conceived as a counter to the heavy German AFVs beginning to appear in the Western desert which are virtually immune to even the 6 pdr armed British tanks.

 The model is based on a very old Italeri Crusader Mk III with a scratch built casemate. Although it looks quite similar to the Soviet SU 100 it is not based on it at all - indeed a made a point of purposely not looking it up until afterwards. The similarity comes from the basic box like casemate mounted on a Christie suspension hull and that's about it. The model itself depicts the 6th vehicle of B Squadron, 3 Royal Tank Regiment of the 8th Armoured Brigade of 10th Armoured Division.

(https://i.imgur.com/fu1qm6p.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AKt165Q.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AnOlbWt.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:48:52 AM
StuG Centurion (Romah)

 It has been argued that the Romah (Lance) was the natural evolution of the M52 ‘StuG Sherman’ concept but transposed onto the Centurion hull. The truth, however, is that the two AFVs, although both built around casemate designs, were intended for very different tactical roles. The M52 was conceived from the start to be a tank destroyer mounting an effective AT gun. The Romah, on the other hand, was born from the experiences of the 6-Day War and the Golan Heights in particular where the Syrian defensive bunkers had caused such considerable difficulties for the Israeli infantry. In response it was proposed to provide the infantry with direct heavy artillery support that could close with and destroy enemy fortifications at short range, in other words an assault gun.

 The same 155mm gun as equipped the M109 was selected for the proposed design although at the last moment the original short M126 was replaced with the new M126A1 gun. Although increasing the overall length of the vehicle, it was felt that the higher velocity achieved with the M126A1 would increase the Romah’s concrete penetration whilst also improving its secondary AT performance. This last minute change was to have a profound impact on the combat debut of the Romah.

 When the Yom Kippur War of Oct 1973 threatened to engulf Israel, the Romah found itself thrust into the heat of battle. Caught on the back foot and fighting a desperate defensive battle the IDF deployed the 1st Bn of the 215th Artillery Brigade with its brand new vehicles to the Northern Border attached to the battered Barak Armoured Brigade. The 2nd Battery of 1st Coy soon found itself facing the bulk of the Syrian 4th Armoured Division. Although designed specifically for this area of operation it was with some irony that the crews found themselves using their assault guns in the AT role.

 The performance of the Romah was spectacular if somewhat limited by overall numbers. Whilst the M225 155mm APFSDS round was developed for the Romah there is no record of them being used in any numbers during the 6-day war with the notable exception of 1st vehicle of 2nd Battery of A Coy which scored a catastrophic direct hit on a Syrian T-62 at the unprecedented range of 5.2 Km. The vast bulk of the ammunition fired by the Romahs were the standard M107 155mm HE round. Although these rounds were intended for the Romah’s primary Assault Gun mission there are many accounts of Syrian tanks being literally ripped apart by the sheer concussive force of a DH from a 155mm round. Of note was the other unique round produced for the Romah, the M550 canister round. Again there are no official accounts of its use during the 6-day War however, it was said that once seen its effects were never forgotten.

 The Romah saw action again during the IDF'S assault on PLO positions in Southern Lebanon during the 1980s being used this time in its intended Assault Gun role. A few remain in reserve service.

 This model represents the 1st vehicle ‘Gilboa’, 2nd Battery, 1st Coy, 1 Bn of 215th Artillery Brigade.

(https://i.imgur.com/r08xJhL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TTfIOcg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pSzJOFv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UCqutIF.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 26, 2016, 01:50:28 AM
The bonus, for me, is that I get to see all these builds again! ;D

Why is the TC tank-surfing "Lili"? Has he been tokin' the weed? ???
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:50:44 AM
Armoured Logistics Vehicle

 The model depicts an Armoured Logistics Vehicle (ALV) of the 301st Heavy Logistic Support Battalion, 90th Guards Tank Division in 20th Guards Army at Bernau in the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany some time in the mid-1980s.

 The ALV is a heavily modified T-62 hull with the new crew compartment and turret built over the rear engine deck so that the original T-62 is effectively back to front. This adaption allows for a large unrestricted cargo compartment free of engine and transmission. This arrangement does however, require large side mounted air intakes for the somewhat enclosed engine.

 The cargo area is large enough to carry numerous and varied loads and can be set up as an APC or a very effective field ambulance. The rear cargo compartment is accessed by a large hydraulically powered ramp.

 Defence is provided by a BMP-2 turret mounting a very effective 30mm automatic cannon, which has a selectable rate of fire, either slow at 200 to 300 rounds per minute or fast at 550 rounds per minute. The stabilisation provides reasonable accuracy up to a speed of about 35 kilometres per hour. The AP-T ammunition can penetrate 15 millimetres of armour at sixty degrees at 1,500 meters, while a new APDS-T tungsten round can penetrate 25 millimetres at the same distance. A typical ammunition load is 160 rounds of AP ammunition and 340 rounds of HE ammunition. The commander's 1PZ-3 sight is specifically designed for anti-aircraft operation and combined with the high maximum elevation of 74 degrees; it allows the 30 mm cannon to be used effectively against helicopters and slow flying aircraft.

 The ALV is fully NBC protected.

 The model is built on the base of a Tamiya T-62 with the turret from a (?) BMP-2 and a whole lot of scratch build.

(https://i.imgur.com/MXD1Kk2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7K15F33.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QDyrQ8R.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/B6sChr3.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:53:23 AM
Why is the TC tank-surfing "Lili"? Has he been tokin' the weed? ???

Quite possibly with a bit of Hawaii Five 0 in the background!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:54:44 AM
Tiger III

 Whilst Grey Antarctica came up with the initial idea for a modernised King (Royal) Tiger/Tiger II, he didn’t go into any detail regarding a TL that would feature such a beast. So for the lack of anything else, I have placed my Tiger III in the same post-WW2 universe as my Panther III (see page 1, post #2) where Nazi Germany survived…

At the end of the war, Germany found itself needing to rationalise and update its armoured formations. Early on the decision was made to go with a medium design supported by a heavy counterpart. For OKW this was a logical step as it effectively reinforced the current operational and tactical thinking of the day. It was also in keeping with the doctrinal developments of the other ‘big players’ such as Britain who were starting to field the Centurion and Conqueror; the USSR with the T-54 and the T-10 and, to a lesser extent, the US with the M4A3E8 and M-26/M-46.

 Whilst the new medium tank would be based around a development of the trusted Panther the proposed heavy panzer would be built upon the bones of the Tiger II, which would sport a larger gun and an uprated engine coupled to a completely redesigned locomotive and road wheel assembly. In common with its smaller cousin, the complex double torsion bar suspension with interlocking wheels was dropped in favour of a more efficient torsion bar system and single bogey wheels. From this point of view, both the Tiger III and Panther III looked very similar although the Tiger III had an extra road wheel to help spread its not inconsiderable weight. It is fair to say, however, that the same frustrations and conflicts that beset the British and USSR tank designs and doctrine also hindered the Germans efforts to produce a satisfactory armoured combination.

 To start with, the new Maybach HL230 engine with fuel injection and uprated drive train (1,000 PS (986 hp, 736 kW) selected by Henschel for the new Tiger III was also selected for the new MAN Panther III. In quick succession, the 10.5 cm KwK L/68 main gun, gun stabilization system and Zeiss stereoscopic range finder planned for the Tiger III also found their way into the Panther III programme. Perhaps inevitably, an increasing amount of time, effort and resources were prioritised towards MAN’s more practical design. This left Henschel with a relatively under-powered and under-gunned prototype mounting the same power pack and main armament as its smaller, lighter companion. In an effort to raise the stakes and taking advantage of the Tiger III’s larger turret (perhaps its only redeeming feature), Henschel replaced the 10.5 cm cannon with a new 11.5 cm gun under development by Krupp. Whilst, on paper, this gave the Tiger III an advantage in hitting power over the Panther III, the reality was that the 11.5 cm gun was more trouble than it was worth with no significant improvement in armour penetration over the 10.5 cm gun and a slower rate of fire.

 Nonetheless, the Tiger III eventually entered service albeit in very limited numbers. By the standards of the day, the Tiger III was a good tank; its problem however, was that performance-wise it was not significantly any better than the Panther III and yet cost significantly more. By the early 1950s, OKW finally grasped what many were already beginning to realise; the new medium Panther III had effectively evolved into the elusive universal panzer, the worlds first Main Battle Tank (MBT) and that the need for a dedicated heavy panzer no longer existed. With that realisation, the short life of the Tiger III came to an abrupt end. Not surprisingly, both Britain and the USSR were to come to the same realisation and quietly dropped their heavy tank designs in favour of their own MBT. Arguably, only the US persisted with the duel role concept (M-48 and M-103) until they too settled on the M60 MBT.

 Whilst the Tiger III earned its place in the annuls of AFV history, it was to be as the last gasp of a dying breed rather than the fighting leviathan it was intended to be.

 This particular Tiger III depicts the 1st tank, 3rd platoon, 1st company of the 501st Heavy Panzer Battalion circa 1951.

 The model itself contains parts from a Tamiya King Tiger, Tamiya Leopard 1, Academy M-60 Patton, Tamiya M-60A2, Tamiya T-62, Tamiya Jagdpanther and various bits of scratch build!

(https://i.imgur.com/U3LHIz3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IrXmVed.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TPbwlve.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:56:17 AM
Jackal MRAP

 This is a project for MacCaulay and his Invasion of Kenya TL. He is entirely at liberty to re-invent the background for the vehicle but this is sort of how I imagined it...

 The Jackal M3 MRAP was very much a product of its time. With the various insurgents unable, on the whole, to meet the heavily armed SouthRATS on equal terms, they increasingly turned to the use of landmines and IEDs to limit the RATS' freedom of movement. The ubiquitous M3 Halftrack with its flat bottom was particularly vulnerable and with a marked rise in losses to said mines/IEDs it fell to the Kenyan Defence Force REME (Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers) to come up with a solution.

 What started as a plan to simply add addition armour plate to the underside of the vehicle quickly turned into the world’s first purpose designed MRAP. The angled V-shaped plates gave a good compromise between weight and blast protection with the added heavy duty roll bars giving additional head protection should the vehicle be tipped over. Although far from perfect, the Jackal was a firm favourite with all who used them. This relatively simple home-grown modification also paved the way for future more successful MRAP designs.

 Unfortunately, I had to use a M21 Mortar Carrier as the base for the project as the M3 Personnel Carrier no longer seems to be available - a lot of retro-construction was therefore required just to get it to the stage where I could then rip it apart! The model depicts the 1st vehicle of the Regimental HQ.

(https://i.imgur.com/YMvrMv3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Q6Dq6t0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KLv9RLs.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 01:57:47 AM
Magach 5 Avenger

 Following the Yom Kippur War the IDF’s holdings of M48s and M60s were dramatically reduced (500 and something down to 200 and something). OTL the US resupplied with M48A5s and more M60s. In this TL, however, some of the M60s supplied were M60A2s. Whilst the IDF had no intention of fielding the M60A2's gun/missile system they were desperate for AFVs. The A2 turrets were removed and replaced with either salvaged M60 105mm gun turrets or the new twin 120mm breach loading mortar turret (another story/project). Having suffered such great losses of its MBT force to Egyptian AT missile teams, the IDF were keen to come up with/prove the concept of a tank escort support vehicle. A deal was struck with the US for the IDF to acquire a limited number of GAU-8s to be retrofitted into the discarded M60A2 narrow profile turrets. With the barrel group sticking out front, the length and width of the turret was about right - although some modification was required to accommodate the large ammunition drums. The turrets, which were entirely unmanned, were then fitted onto older M48 hulls (same sized turret ring) with the 3-man crew (Commander, Gunner and Driver) being positioned within the hull. The end result was not, and was never intended to be, a MBT. The Magach 5 Avenger proved to be highly capable in its escort/urban role and, although never produced in large numbers, proved to be extremely popular with both AFV crews and infantry alike.

 Factual detail:
 - The A-10 routinely carries 1150 rounds of 30mm ammunition for its GAU-8 Avenger cannon. The GAU-8 was designed to have 2 rates of fire - slow 2100rpm and fast 4200rpm. In operation the gun now has a fixed rate of fire of 3900rpm. However, I would suggest that in a ground vehicle mount the slower rate of fire would more than suffice. Thus at 2100rpm you fire 35 rounds every second. This gives you approximately 32 x 1-second bursts from 1150 rounds.
 - This compares favourably to a modern SPAAG such as the Gepard, which carries only 320 rounds per gun but also only fires each gun at a cyclic rate of 550rpm. In other words, 9 rounds per gun per second for a total of approximately 36 x 1-second bursts.
 - In order to prevent possible ingestion of spent cases into its engines, the A-10 keeps hold of its fired empty cases in the rear drum immediately behind the ammunition feed drum (All of this is part of the overall 5.93m length of the gun system).
 - There is no ingestion problem on a ground vehicle and so no need to retain the spent 30mm cases, thus the second drum could be used to hold more ammunition, effectively doubling its capacity to 2300 rounds. This would give approximately 64 x 1-second bursts from one complete ammunition load. The bonus, of course, is that each 1-second burst fires 35 rounds down range as opposed to the Gepard which fires 18 rounds per second from its 2 barrels.
 - The GAU-8 operates a linkless round system with the rounds effectively pushed along the feed rails by the ammunition drum, which is designed like a giant corkscrew. Whilst this storage and feed system could be replaced with something less linear there is, I believe, scope for some sort of gun elevation system, which would only move the front part of the gun without adversely affecting the flexible feeds. In the A-10 mount this mid section appears to be taken up with what I assume are hydraulic and/or electric motors to spin the barrel group and power the ammunition drums. Without the limitation of aircraft space and weight constraints, I am sure that the above mentioned elevation system could be worked out.
 - The empty cases are ejected from a armoured port on the right-hand side of the turret. The process of reloading the ammunition drums is facilitated through an access panel on the rear of the turret which allows a reload feed belt to be attached.

 The model, which represents the 2nd Vehicle, 2nd Platoon of the 2nd Magach 5 Avenger Company, is made from parts of a Tamiya M48 Sgt York, a Tamiya M60A2 and a fair bit of scratch build/bits from the spares box.

(https://i.imgur.com/HAAZIol.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gPdwAxb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fRXYnEH.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:01:53 AM
PzKpfw IV SII Ausf B

 This has been a fun project from start to finish with a lot of head scratching and geometric trickery at the design stage to stripping back the original model to almost nothing and then adding all the new bits - kit-bashing at its best!

 What we have essentially is a next generation Panzer IV. LeoXiao gives a full and detailed technical description and background at Post 424 so I will not reproduce it here again. But the salient points/differences between the OTL Panzer IV and the SII Ausf B are: sloped armour, bigger turret to accommodate a new 75mm L/56 gun, new running gear modelled on the prototype VK3001P, a more powerful engine and a redesigned rear hull to accommodate the new engine, air intakes and exhaust system.

 By keeping and incorporating the Panzer IV's inward sloping front hull we have ended up with a look that is definitely non-Panther-like and keeps the feel of the Panzer IV unlike some other sloped-armour PzIV designs I came across on the interweb. It also looks a damned site better than the PzIII/IV hybrid design!

 The following sets of photos show pretty well the construction process and I hope you like the end result. The model itself represents the 2nd vehicle of the 1st Bn HQ, 35th Pz Regt of 4th Pz Div and is made from bits from a Tamiya Panzer IV, Tamiya Jagdpanther, Tamiya M113, some copper pipe and lots of plastic card.

(https://i.imgur.com/QCA7tFB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3kHxwQX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2XybBDt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PGMVcD9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/eWJlPIL.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: ysi_maniac on September 26, 2016, 02:02:19 AM
Love this thread!
 :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:06:44 AM
IDF Panther Upgrade - Roetz

 From an initial idea by Life in Black...

 In the early 1950s, France sells 50 Panther tanks to the fledgling Israeli Defence Force. Whilst the Panther would not have been their first choice of AFV, the IDF are in no position to turn down France’s low price offer. With no small sense of irony the IDF rename the Panther the Roetz (Bane) and set about integrating it into their expanding armoured formations. Whilst providing sterling service, by the mid-1960s the Roetz is noticeably woefully under-gunned and underpowered. The IDF are faced with a stark choice - scrap or upgrade. With potential enemies on all sides, the mid 60s is no time to be reducing its armoured fleet and so the decision is taken to give the Roetz a limited upgrade.

 Although not ideal, the interleaved road wheel arrangement has proved to be less bothersome than was first expected and given the major structural surgery needed to change the suspension (and considerable expense) the decision is taken that if it ain’t broken - don’t fix it. The upgrade programme therefore concentrates on the gun system and the power pack.

 In an act of reconciliation the West German government offer up the Leopard 1’s MTU MB 838 CaM 500 (819 hp) multi-fuel engine to replace the old V-12 Maybach HL230 P30 (690 hp) petrol engine. This requires a significant rebuild of the rear deck and engine compartment but provides all of the Roetz’s power needs and more.

 The Royal Ordnance L7 105mm L/52 is selected as the preferred main gun and will give some degree of standardisation with the Centurion tanks also in IDF service. Unfortunately, there is no way the L7 will fit into the old Panther turret and so in a radical move the turrets from captured T-55s are re-gunned and grafted on to the Roetz hulls. The bower gunner’s position is also removed to make space for additional ammunition stowage.

 The end result is the Roetz Mk2; a capable, hard hitting and versatile MBT.

 This vehicle represents “מחץ - Crushed” - the 2nd vehicle, 1st Platoon, 2nd Company of the 1st Battalion of the Barak Armoured Brigade. The model is based on a Tamiya Panther G and contains parts from a Tamiya Leopard 1, spare parts, scratch build and a T-55 model that was so old I can’t remember who made it!

(https://i.imgur.com/oKlqMmi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pshVrml.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/T0D3wto.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:07:21 AM
Love this thread!
 :) :) :) :) :)

Thanks mate.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:11:02 AM
17 pdr SPAT

 From an initial discussion on a thread by Life in Black on StuG Shermans where I proposed a 17 pdr armed M7 Priest variant...

 The British were the first to field the US designed M7 Priest in North Africa in 1942 and found it extremely useful. However, the design was by no means perfect; the biggest drawback being the US 105mm Howitzer's ammunition which had no match in the UK inventory. Ammunition supply was therefore problematic and an unwelcome burden on the logistics supply system. This situation was never really resolved until the introduction of the 25-pdr armed Sexton which like the M7 was intended to be built on an M3/M4 platform. In the end most Sextons were built on Canadian Ram & Grizzly hulls - themselves copies-ish of the M3 and M4 respectively.

 Virtually all of the now redundant M7 Priests in UK/Commonwealth service were converted into Kangaroo troop-carrying APCs. Given the retasking of these vehicles, it is not inconceivable that some may have been converted into SP AT vehicles mounting the excellent 17-pdr gun.

 Unlike the US who preferred open-topped turreted tank destroyers, the UK did dabble in fixed gun AT armoured vehicles, such as the SP 17-pdr, Valentine, Mk I, Archer. This is probably as close to a StuG Sherman or StuG Lee/Grant as the Western Allies were ever likely to get.

 The model depicts "Caldera" the 5th vehicle of C battery, 57th (East Surrey) Anti-Tank Regt of 7th Armoured Division (1944) and contains parts from a Academy M7 Priest, a Bronco 17 pdr, some scratch build and various bits from the spares box.

(https://i.imgur.com/6nzLFHo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jJgp7Aj.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:13:22 AM
Heavy SPAAG/APC

 From an initial idea by RCTFI and a TL that sees an air heavy but armour light environment, circa late 1940s - early 50s...

 The Heavy SPAAGs were a natural development of a concept first introduced with the 8 wheeled, quad-50 APC (see post 218) and soon replaced those vehicles in all armoured infantry units. Armed with twin 40mm Bofors guns, the M401 was based on a heavily modified M40 155mm SPG hull and was capable of carrying a full infantry quad.

 The M401 proved to be highly successful and popular in its intended APC role and the twin 40s proved to be extremely effective against ground targets. However, by the 1950s the twin 40s were less effective against fast moving air targets and in the later stages of its life many M401s had their turrets removed and replaced with a radar assisted 30mm Vulcan rotary cannon mount.

 The model depicts "Scorpion", the 15th vehicle, B Company, 35 Armoured Infantry of 4 Armoured Division and is made up of bits from a AFV Club M40, Tamiya M42 Duster, Tamiya M113, scratch build and spare parts.

(https://i.imgur.com/4sXqKBY.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jUkdy5c.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/H5u8t23.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/t5CEMTH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/m0QBiQI.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:14:43 AM
кувалда (Sledgehammer)

 From an idea by Sharlin...

 Given the USSR’s history with Japan the fact that the later was waging a protracted war in China did not go un-noticed or without considerable concern. In particular, as the USSR’s only warm-water port in the Pacific, the security of Vladivostok was deemed essential. The lucrative trade and income from Vladivostok gave the ruling Soviet of the Primorye Krai administrative area a degree of favour and autonomy within Stalin’s otherwise tight grip.

 Whilst not wanting, or able, to disrupt the output of armoured vehicles for the ever-increasing demands of the German front, the Primorye Krai Soviet were able to utilise components of several outdated and/or rejected military projects to come up with an armoured vehicle that met their particular need. Given the long border with China, the rugged terrain and harsh winters, they needed a relatively fast, reliable, all-terrain vehicle capable of destroying Japanese tanks at range.

 The answer was the кувалда (Sledgehammer). Based on a cross between a highly modified T28 and the prototype KV-1 hull, the Sledgehammer was fitted with a Christie suspension system, 5 main road wheels and the same wide tracks as the KV-1. Relatively lightly armoured (10-50mm), it was fitted with a T-28 turret mounting the ZiS-4 57mm high velocity gun, which had recently been rejected for the German front - strangely because it was deemed to be too high velocity! (This very capable AT gun would again re-enter service in Jun 1943 as the ZiS-2 57mm AT gun model 1943.) The Sledgehammer was still providing excellent service when the USSR officially declared war on the Empire of Japan in 1945.

 The model is made from parts of a Tamiya KV-2, a Tamiya T-34 and an entirely scratch built turret.

(https://i.imgur.com/LyGaLoG.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lK7IKlt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/504jRDg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NkxpgPu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fOOPFS5.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:17:16 AM
PzKpfw III SII Ausf B

 I have also started on Nietzsche's sloped armour Pz III (I have called it the PzKpfw III SII Ausf B in homage to LeoXiao's sloped armour Pz IV). The Ausf B is because this will be the 75mm KwK 97/38 armed variant. I have started by rebuilding the rear deck to eliminate some of those unwanted slopes that would have played havoc with the sloped side armour. Interestingly, the side and frontal slope are going to be pretty awesome - about 30 degrees.

 My initial thought were that the Pz III was too small to mount a 75mm gun - hence the whole StuG III family with casemated guns. Then I came across the Pak 97/38 - a Germanised version of the French 75mm. This seemed the answer to Nietzche's problem. Small, compact, with reasonable AT capability and most importantly 75mm calibre. So as for the naming convention: PzKpfw III (obvious), SII (sloped armour variant), Ausf B (75mm armed - Ausf A had a 50mm gun).

 The model depicts the 4th vehicle, 1st platoon, 1st company of Pz Regt 9 of 25 Pz Div and is made up from parts from a Tamiya Pz III, a Tamiya Panther, an Italeri Pak 97/38 AT gun, plastic card and spare parts.

(https://i.imgur.com/y6NG6LQ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Vj1AYJT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/n6VvnUa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/g5Y4g3D.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:18:31 AM
Little-StuG

 There are very few times when you come across a tank, which makes you go -'Aaaawww'. But whilst rummaging through my old kits, I came across a very bashed up Polish TKS Tankette. Something to calm my rage at the Surma painting fiasco. Mini-StuG!

 1938 and Poland realised that they had done too little too late regarding the development of their own armoured forces when compared to their larger and more aggressive neighbours. In a desperate effort to increase their anti-tank capabilities and keep them as mobile as possible, a novel plan was hatched to mount the 37mm Bofors wz 37 cannon, as carried by the 7TP tank, into the numerous but somewhat obsolescent TKS Tankettes. The result was surprisingly successful. Although only having a very limited elevation and relying on the driver to aim and fire the gun, they were ideally suited to ambush tactics. Whilst unable to stem the inevitable tide of German and Soviet forces, the small, hard-hitting TKS-37 earned the grudging respect of the German Panzer Corps who called them the Kliene Sturmgeschütze (Little StuG)

 The model depicts a TKS-37 from the 10th Motorised Cavalry Brigade. Unfortunately, I can't remember who makes the original model but a few old spare parts and some plastic card do wonders!

 Edit. I hasten to add, just in case the setting above seems too believable - the TKS-37 is made up entirely from my own fevered imagination. AH AFVs rule OK!

(https://i.imgur.com/jgtJFTl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NCNrJ8s.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7aW0CbE.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:24:14 AM
Surma Tank Destroyer

 I put this model together from an initial idea by wiiguy and some additional suggestions from Life in Black and Sharing. The vehicle would be for a TL in which Finland was still fighting the USSR and allied to Germany but was in an altogether more powerful position.

 Not knowing exactly what wiiguy had in mind for this beastie, I built it more as a tank destroyer than a balanced MBT. Keeping the basic T-34 hull for speed and mobility, the turret is heavily armoured and mounts that big bad 75mm KwK 42 L/70. Tactically, I thought it would primarily fight from hull-down defensive positions where the turret could withstand a fair hammering whilst dealing out long-range justice.

 The idea went down well and wiiguy christened her the Surma (a monster from Finnish legend).

 The model depicts the 4th vehicle of the 1st Armoured Battalion, the Armoured Brigade of the Finnish Armoured Division. The model is made from parts from a Tamiya T34/85, a Tamiya KV-1, Tamiya Panther, an Italeri Panzer IV, various spare parts, the ubiquitous plastic card, filler and of course my own home made decals.

(https://i.imgur.com/lqLI97v.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KVIYc2N.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/qcjIgcb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3dcx47P.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:29:09 AM
StuG 35-S

 It's taken its time getting here but I present the Stug 35-S built for Jim Smitty's Flight 817 TL. The Somau S35 is a surprisingly small tank - reasonably long yes but ridiculously narrow. It was after all only a 3-man vehicle with a one-man turret. This placed a severe limit on what could be done with it and various gun combos were tried and rejected before I settled on the Italian 75 mm Obice da 75/18 modello 34. This compact little gun still gives the StuG 35-S a useful infantry support capability and a limited AT capability as well.

 Never very popular in German service (too cramped) it nevertheless did sterling service in support of the infantry formations. The model depicts the 2nd vehicle, 3 platoon, 2 coy of the 666th Independent Sturmgeschütz Abteilung (battalion) and is made from parts from a Heller Somau S35, an Italeri M40-75/18, plastic card and various bits from the spares box.

(https://i.imgur.com/rMfZy5K.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/X2wCKmN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7r1em5T.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:31:25 AM
PzKpfw IV IFV

 The PzKpfw IV IFV came from an initial idea by Nietzsche across on my AH.com thread. The in-thread discussion threw up a Nashorn based APC design by Life in Black which looked extremely practicable and seems to have taken the fancy of other modellers who have built along similar lines (photos appear on this and other threads). I, on the other hand, went for an IFV design which borrowed lines from familiar modern designs but also kept the square ruggedness of the Panzer IV.

 What we end up with is a front-engined, front-differential IFV with the crew compartment at the rear accessed by 2 x doors in the rear bulkhead. A late model Panzer II turret armed with a 20mm auto cannon is centrally mounded but offset to the right with the driver to the left. The vehicle has a crew of 10 (Commander, Gunner, Driver + 7) and has a roof mounted hatch to allow the infantry to fire on the move and/or to speed egress.

 Extra lengths of track have been added by the crew as makeshift armour to increase the frontal protection whilst mesh Schürzen (side skirts) have been added to disrupt hollow/shaped charges.

 The model depicts the 1st vehicle, 4th platoon, 1st Coy, 1st Bn, 3rd Pz Gren Regt of 3 Pz Div and is made from bits from an Italeri Pz IV, Accurate Armour Pz II Ausf L 'Luchs', Eduard mesh Schürzen, Quad 2cm Flak gun, plastic card, bits from the spares box and the better part of my sanity.

(https://i.imgur.com/34H6DJj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/eG3WGYS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bosz8Af.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uyuAk0u.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AuMgVWK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jC4lrRz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/91UEG4Y.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Cr6CMbh.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:37:22 AM
The Big Mac

The story behind how South Africa came to deploy a squadron of heavy tanks in the mid-60s is a strange and convoluted affair that, had it not actually happened, would have read like an entry in some bizarre alternative history journal.

 For South Africa, the tale essentially starts with its independence from colonial rule in 1910. The fledgling nation is keen to make its mark on the world. Its armed forces, although small, have a reputation for fighting hard and punching about their weight. Both world wars see South Africa fully committed to the Allied cause. In particular, South Africa’s military contribution during WW2, under the leadership of Jan Smutts, is critical to the North African and Italian campaigns. South Africa emerges from the Allied victory with its prestige and national honour enhanced. South Africa's standing in the international community is rising, at a time when the Third World's struggle against colonialism had still not taken centre stage. In May 1945, Prime Minister Smuts represents South Africa in San Francisco at the drafting of the United Nations Charter.

 During WW2, Britain’s tank designs are, at best, haphazard and it is not until the closing days of the war that a capable tank in the form of the A34 Comet is produced. However, plans for an even heavier and more capable tank have been progressing with two very different and distinct lines of development. The A41 Centurion will eventually be a very capable tank but in 1945 is plagued with problems and will not see service in WW2. The second line is based on an enlarged Churchill design – designated A43 Black Prince. A less advanced design than the Centurion, the Black Prince goes into limited production with 20 built before the war ends. The end of the war sees the immediate need for a heavy tank recede and the decision is made to progress with the greater potential of the Centurion and cancel the Black Prince. In recognition of South Africa’s contribution during WW2, Britain gifts them the 20 operational A43s under the high profile Project Lionheart.

 After the initial public interest dies down, the 20 Lionhearts are transferred to the South African Armoured Reserve and quietly forgotten about. Smutts is defeated at the polls in the 1948 elections at the hands of a resurgent National Party. South Africa descends into eventual isolation from a world that will no longer tolerate any form of political discrimination or differentiation based on race only.

 In 1956, the Suez Crisis sees a combined force from Britain, France and Israel launch a concerted effort against Egypt in order to seize the Suez Canal. For its part, Israel will push into, and secure, the Sinai Peninsula. This proves to be relatively straight forward with Egyptian forces in complete disarray. Much to their surprise, forward IDF armoured units ‘liberate’ a tank storage park on the East bank of the canal which amongst various T34 variants also holds 15 Tiger IIs. Subsequent interrogation of prisoners reveals that the Tiger IIs were a gift from the Soviet Union to the Egyptian Presidential Guard; the Tigers having presumably been captured at some time during WW2. Whilst tempted to destroy these last vestiges of Nazi power, the canny Israelis decide instead to store them away for a rainy day.

 In 1965, South Africa faces mounting pressure from its surrounding neighbours and Angolan insurgents in particular. The Soviet Union is only too happy to extend its sphere of influence into Africa and readily supplies arms and ammunition to stoke the fires of discontent. Cuba starts to deploy forces directly into Angola. South Africa rapidly need to expand its armed forces and starts to call up its Reserve formations. Major General Ben MacCaulay, head of the South African Armoured Corps realises that a show of force is needed on the border but is acutely aware that on-going British sanctions have deprived him of much needed armoured assets and the world class Centurion in particular. At what seems to be the darkest hour, MacCaulay is approached by representatives from the IDF who offer a potential solution. Israel offers to overhaul and enhance 15 of the old Lionhearts utilising the turrets from their stored Tiger IIs. The end result, whilst not a class act by Western standards, is certainly better than anything currently deployed in Africa. Although designated the Lionheart Mk II, media headlines pronounce them as MacCaulay’s Miracle; the name sticks and images are flashed world-wide. General MacCaulay gets his show of force. To the crews, however, the Lionheart Mk II/MacCaulay is simply the Big Mac. In 1966, the Big Macs hold the line when the border tension spilled into open war. Following the Israeli 6-Day war in 1967 and realising the Soviet danger in Africa, Britain finally relaxed most of its sanctions and started exporting Centurions to the hard pressed South Africans. With the arrival of the much superior Centurions, all of the Big Macs are stood down and returned to the Reserve. It is testament to this unique AFV that all 15 still exist in various museums around the world.

 Specifications:

 Weight 57 tons
 Length Hull: 7.91 m
 Overall: 10.4 m
 Width 3.4 m
 Height 3.12 m

 The model represents the 4th tank of A Squadron (Heavy), the Pretoria Regiment and is constructed from parts from a Tamiya Churchill Mk VII, a Tamiya King Tiger, AFV Club Centurion track links, a few bits from a Tamiya Leopard 1A4 and a whole lot of plastic card scratch build.

(https://i.imgur.com/3OjGhVP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8FCasIQ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xNRzUwf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KvgdAdu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yLwTo0U.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gF6D08C.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8OudyNy.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cdR2Csg.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:39:15 AM
The Rhino

 From an idea by La Rouge Beret...

 The South Vietnamese Model 68 Main Battle Tank is known by many names. The North Vietnamese Army referred to them as ‘Double Death,’ while their crews affectionately knew them as the Rhino due to their durability and effectiveness in battle.

 The Model 68 MBT was conceived as a replacement for the Model 62 MBT, a licensed version of the Japanese Type 61. The introduction of the T – 62 into the Laotian Civil War in early 1965 rendered the Model 62 obsolete immediately and a replacement program was commenced under the moniker of Project 44. Ultimately, the unique physical requirements imposed by the landscape of the Kingdom of Vietnam, eliminated several Western MBTs. The Japanese STB -1, the forerunner to the Type 74, was experiencing severe teething problems regarding the layout of the turret. However, as the Model 62 had shown, the hull of a Japanese MBT was ideal for jungle warfare and for a physically slight trooper. The Bundeswehr had recently introduced the Leopard 1 MBT, which was designed to destroy the latest generation of Soviet MBTs.

 Following a night of inspiration, allegedly from a bottle of Suntory whiskey, the lead engineer proposed merging the turret of the Leopard 1 with the STB – 1 hull. It was to prove to be an inspired decision. Hastily brought into production and rushed to the front, the Model 68 soon developed a reputation for combat effectiveness.

 The model below represents the 6th vehicle from the famed 3rd Armoured Cavalry Squadron during their relief of Hue where they encircled the 1st Guard Army of the North Vietnamese Army, which led to its surrender and the formal peace between the two states.

 The model is made from a Tamiya Type-74 and a Tamiya Leopard 1A4 and a few bits from the spares box.

(https://i.imgur.com/GcyhOkE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gNFlqrO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/a591TWS.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:40:53 AM
M10- Sherman MLRS

 From Jim Smitty’s excellent American Flight 817 TL…

The M10 MRLS was born out the Black Hole staffed by Owen Glyndwr and John Richmond at the Rock Island Arsenal. A downgraded version of the M270 MRLS, the M10 MRLS, or as the troops came to know it, the commander's personnel shotgun, was designed for counter battery work and could fire a deadly mix of High Explosive (HE), White Phosphorous (WP) and Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM) sub-munitions.

The M10 entered the war a bit later than some other uptime armour designs due to some initial teething troubles with the rockets and counter battery radar systems. However, once it entered service in late 1941, it became a terror to Axis artillery crews. Initial deployments saw a company of M10s assigned to each Division but as the war progressed this company was rapidly upgraded to a battalion.

As a direct result of their experiences and high loss rates to the M10, the Axis was compelled to try and adopt an all SP Artillery approach. However, with the effects of the USAAF fuel campaign biting, they were never able to achieve this goal and by the end of the war an average Axis artilleryman's life expectancy on the Soviet-American front was all of 28 hours before they were either wounded or dead. It is hardly surprising that the axis referred to the M10 as Steel Rain.

 MLRS Specifications:

 MX25 Rocket - Length - 2.5m
 Calibre - 155mm
 Range - 25-30Km
 War Head - HE, WP, DPICM

 20 rounds carried in two preloaded containers.

 The model depicts "Al Capone", the 11 vehicle of 937 Field Artillery Battalion assigned directly to 8th Army and comprises of parts from a very old Cyber Hobby (?) M50 Super Sherman and a fair bit of plastic card scratch build.

(https://i.imgur.com/ETcIMLu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Rbn7Bl6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/vwQED7A.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/llMbwiO.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:46:24 AM
Sentinel II project X-13 Wombat

From an idea by Angry scottsman 1989…

Data retrieved as at 30 Mar 2050…

In 2020, Claymore Industries were a relatively new defence company based out of the old Ardersier oil rig construction yards some 8 Km East of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. The site was ideal for the company with good rail links, its own port facility and the Fort George military ranges and training area complex alongside.

(http://i.imgur.com/0yr70rV.jpg)

In January of that year, the Australian government released the specifications for its Sentinel II High Strategic Mobility Armoured Fighting Vehicle Programme which called for a 120mm armed vehicle on a compact, light and air transportable hull capable of a full range of worldwide operations. Claymore Industries duly tendered their design proposals and after the Australian Ministry of Defence’s initial deliberations were asked to produce 3 prototype vehicles for further field evaluation with the design being allocated the trial’s code nomenclature X-13.

The X-13 was built around the Rhienmetal 120mm L44 gun which at 5.28m in length was no small piece of artillery. With a standard 120mm NATO round measuring in at just less than 1m in length the smallest possible combination dictated a minimum vehicle length of 6.23m. In an effort to try and meet this exacting limitation, some radical design philosophy was needed. The gun would be mounted in a turret at the rear of the vehicle; thus most of the hull would sit under but within the overall length of the large gun. In a more traditional AFV turret space is required for the gun to elevate, depress and recoil and space is also needed for the crew and ammunition storage. In a radical departure from tradition, however, the X-13’s gun would be solidly fixed within the turret which would be of an oscillating design. As the whole turret moved in elevation and recoil the size and weight of the turret was kept to a minimum whilst also reducing the overall profile of the vehicle. Furthermore, the turret was fully automated. With the gun fixed in place the auto-loader was permanently aligned and able to efficiently and accurately feed the ammunition from the storage magazines. The two 8-round carousel magazines were mounted either side of the breach and auto-loader to give 16 rounds of ready use ammunition. Whilst the magazines were designed to be removable for quick reloads, in practice this was rarely the case as each could be recharged automatically from a third magazine in the compartment under the turret which held an additional 32 rounds. Secondary armament was provided by a coaxial 7.62mm MG and provision was made for the mounting of an additional Remote Weapon System on the turret roof.

With the turret, its drive, electronics and magazines mounted at the rear of the vehicle, the 800 HP Rolls Royce gas turbine engine was mid-mounted. A gas turbine was selected to again minimise size and weight whilst maximising power output.

The two-man crew sat in front of the engine compartment and behind the forward transmission with the drive shaft running between the two crew stations. The driver and gunner had identical controls, meaning either crew-member could drive the tank or aim and fire the weapon systems. Each crew station had three day/night periscopes. A Primary Gun Sight (PGS) and Thermal Observation and Gun Sight (TOGS) system was mounted directly above the gun whilst Target Acquisition was achieved using a 360 degree day/night sensor mounted on the turret roof just behind the PGS/TOGS. This sensor was linked to the BAE Systems Tigercat target acquisition and threat prioritisation AI software which dramatically reduced the work load of the 2-man crew.

Although the X-13 met the specifications of the Australian Sentinel II programme, Claymore Industries were already looking towards future sales and in particular the Phase II (Light Armour) element of the UK’s Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle programme. With this in mind the whole X-13 was built on a modular concept; a crew compartment at the front, an engine compartment in the middle and a mission specific module at the rear. This mission specific module could easily be changed over by field workshops. The following mission specific modules were developed: a 120mm gun, an APC/reconnaissance variant with room for five dismounts, a low profile automated 120mm mortar, and a mount of an MSAI 60mm stacked projectile area denial weapon.

It was this very modular concept and the requirements of the Sentinel II programme that resulted in the Claymore Industries work force christening the vehicle the Wombat (Worldwide Operations, Modular Build, Air Transportable).

Although Claymore Industries were ultimately unsuccessful in their Sentinel II bid, the Australians settling instead on a home-grown and arguably less capable design, the Wombat system went on to be adopted by the British Army. In 2025 the Wombat fought with distinction with 22 Air Mobile Bde and 16 Air Assault Bde in the heroic defence of Irkutsk alongside the remnants of 8th Guards Tank Army and 4th Combined Arms Army on the Baikal Front.

Within the UK Armed Force the Wombat modular hull was officially designated the FV620 with the gun module FV621, the APC module FV622, the mortar module FV 623 and the mine projector module FV 624; but to the troops on the ground and the general public at home, the 120mm Wombat was always the X-13.

X-13 Wombat (FV621) Specifications:

Weight: 33 tonnes
Length: 6.58m
Width: 3.2m
Height: 2.25m

This model depicts the third prototype X-13 Wombat as it appeared at IDEX 2021 and comprises a few bits and pieces from a Revell Kanonenjagdpanzer, an Italeri Leopard II and a whole lot of plastic card scratch build.

(https://i.imgur.com/8hya2If.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VPZKvp8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mbvBKuA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xthdbCS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/eb5Gw9W.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/m5Tb54w.jpg)

Footnote:

The X-13 Wombat caused quite a stir in Australia not just because of its unique design but also because of a chance encounter between the Claymore Industries trials team and the comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham (of Achmed fame). On spying several members of the audience sporting “Team Wombat” T-shirts Mr Dunham was so amused at the idea of a military Wombat that he created the character of Combat Wombat which appeared in all his shows for the remainder of his Australian tour.

(http://i.imgur.com/zadoFmA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3RWsfUA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GtdQfrD.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:48:46 AM
Vickers Medium Mk II S "Welly"

 From an idea by Sharlin…

Specifications:

Length: 5.33 m
Width: 2.8 m
Height: 2.5 m
Weight: 14.5 tonnes

Main Armament: Ordinance QF 4-pdr (57 mm)
Secondary Armament: 1 x Vickers .303 machine gun.
Armour: 8-14 mm

Engine: 170 hp Sunbeam Amazon
Power to Weight: 11.7 hp/tonne
Speed: 20 mph

The 'Welly' or 'Boot' as it was rather affectionately known by its crew was heavily altered Vickers Medium Mk II and whilst called a Mk II S or 'Special' was basically a new machine. The rear mounted turret was moved forwards to a more central position and in a bold move the engine was moved to the rear along with the fuel tanks instead of being in the nose of the tank which became the standard for all following British tanks.

This improved the machines layout and allowed for the tank to be widened slightly and thus made 8 inches lower reducing the tanks formidable profile. The weak 90hp Armstrong-Siddeley engine was replaced with a much more powerful 170hp Sunbeam Amazon engine which raised its speed to an impressive 20mph. Other major changes were internal with the driver being seated now at the front centre of the tank which improved his field of view immeasurably.

Protecting the tank was 14mm of armour on the slab sided front of the tank and the front of the turret with 8mm elsewhere compared to the 8mm max and 6.25mm minimum of the standard Mk II. In the spacious turret a OQF 4-pdr (50mm) cannon was fitted that could fire both armour piercing rounds and a small high explosive round. A radio was also fitted in the distinctive turret bustle.

These changes of course resulted in the tank piling on the pounds, both in terms of weight and economic cost, with the weight going from 12 tonnes to 14.5 tonnes.

Although the Government railed at the cost the tank was loved by the army when trialled and demonstrated and the with the Armed forces riding high after the Great war of 1916 - 1919 the Generals could not be denied. Entering production in 1926 the Wellesley also became an export success being sold to Germany, the Scandinavian countries as well as the Dutch, Belgians and Poles.

With the success of the Experimental Mechanised Force in exercises in both Britain and Germany in 1928 the value of a tank capable of firing both HE and AP rounds was recognised and it was seen that the tanks could support the Infantry and be supported by the infantry without relying on a dedicated 'Infantry tank'.

The model depicts “Iceni” a tank of B Squadron, 9th Queen’s Royal Lancers, 2nd Armoured Brigade, 1st Armoured Division and has been made from parts of a Tamiya Matilda II and a whole lot of plastic/styrene card.

(https://i.imgur.com/rhhJAbr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Nini4gA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3UGgEHe.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xyDKndO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jr4H5h0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BYWZ5yR.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UGJqQWa.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:50:23 AM
T-34MLA 'Carlota'

 From an idea by NothingNow.

 In November 1975, on the eve of Angola's independence, Cuba launched a large-scale military intervention in support of the leftist liberation movement MPLA against United States-backed interventions by South Africa and Zaire in support of two other liberation movements competing for power in the country, FNLA and UNITA. By the end of 1975 the Cuban military in Angola numbered more than 25,000 troops. Following the retreat of Zaire and South Africa, Cuban forces remained in Angola to support the MPLA government against UNITA in the continuing Angolan Civil War.

Cuba operated independently through December and January bringing in their troops in slowly, but steadily. Two months after the start of Operation Carlota the Soviets agreed to ten charter flights on long-range IL-62 jet airliners, starting on 8 January. This was followed one week later by an agreement that "the Soviets would supply all future weaponry … transporting it directly to Angola so that the Cuban airlift could concentrate on personnel."

The USSR supplied the Cuban forces in Angola with a mix of AFVs; T-55, T-62 and T-34/85. Whilst the T-55s and T-62s were capable MBTs the T-34/85 was already outdated. Capable of operations against ground troops it was not well placed against any other MBTs and it was relegated to supporting operations only.

Given the very mobile nature of the conflict, Cuba soon realised the need for highly mobile and hard hitting artillery to support its on-going military operations. The BM-14 140mm rocket launcher was proving very capable and a firm favourite of the Cuban infantry but was limited to a towed launcher. In a piece of inspired brilliance, a T-34 battalion commander suggested fitting a set of BM-14 tubes to the turrets of his tanks thus improving artillery support, increasing the usefulness of his tanks and securing himself early promotion.

The Brigade workshops set to work with sheet steel, some old hydraulic rams and a battery of BM-14 launchers. Each launcher was cut down the middle to produce two 8 tube packs which were then mounted to a simple box-like structure welded to the turret sides. Inside the structure, two hydraulic rams provided the necessary power to elevate the rocket packs.

The modification, whilst relatively simple, was a great success. It is easier to think of the T-34MLA (modificación - lanzacohetes para Angola) Carlota as a Self-Propelled Rocket system with a 85mm gun rather than a MBT with rockets as its modus operandi would see it fire its rockets in support of an attack by T-55s/62s before it would then follow up in support. It was never intended that the Carlota would enter combat with other MBTs, or indeed ground troops, with its rocket tubes loaded. The normal firing position was to have the turret traversed 90 degrees left of right.

The model depicts the 2 vehicle of 2nd Platoon, A company of the 31st Tank Battalion and is made out of an old Zvesda T-34/85 kit, Tamiya T-34 tracks and styrene tubing and card.

(https://i.imgur.com/ZVp0Mi3.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/Y8UipNr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/88kHQo9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3Yn2k2m.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:54:49 AM
Thor 1946

 To a degree, the Thor project represented the desperation of a war weary Germany, outnumbered and retreating on all fronts. However, necessity is often the mother of invention and so it was that the Thor, or more precisely, the Mjolnir rocket that it fired would radically re-balance the tactical battlefield and allow Germany to weather the Soviet storm well into 1946. Indeed, it could be argued that the massive casualties inflicted on the Soviet Forces and the ultimate stalemate that descended over the Eastern Front was directly attributable to the massed use of thermobaric weapons. It is equally argued that it was Hitler’s last minute decision to cancel Operation Citadel and adopt a flexible defence that allowed Germany the time and strategic reserve to field its new weapons effectively.

As the Tiger I was slowly phase out of front line service by the introduction of the Tiger II, the older but still useful Tiger I’s were converted into numerous heavy support vehicles. The Thor was a 24 round box launcher mounted on just such a hull. The GWGr 21 ‘Mjolnir’ unguided thermobaric rocket was 21cm in diameter, 3.5m in length and had a range of approximately 7-8Km. The 24 rockets could either be fire in pairs or salvo fired over a period of 15 seconds. Although the whole launcher turret assembly could rotate 360 degrees, it was standard practice to fire in the fore and aft position as this gave the best stability for firing. A pair of stabilising hydraulic jacks were mounted at the rear of the vehicle. The launcher was elevated by a pair of hydraulic rams attached to the rear of the stub turret. A dedicated reload vehicle was used to recharge the launcher.

In 1946, the Tiger hull provided the crew of 4 (Commander, Gunner, Driver, Co-Driver/MG Gunner) with much needed armoured protection. For close in defence the Thor carried 2 x 7.92mm MGs – one in the original Tiger I hull position and a second in the stub turret under the launcher.

The model depicts the 2 HQ vehicle of the 3rd Battery, 1st Abteilung of the 10th Schwere Rakete Brigade and consists of a very old Tamiya Tiger I, some bits from the spares box, a lot of plastic card, some hard wood and some golf tees.

(https://i.imgur.com/EshQJ66.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/prxBhUX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0ZKwxkB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kJCP1WT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4Tn1xUW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CpOsCbF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mFnugYL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yM85rZ6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NPD3q0m.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/k2OFeJb.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 02:57:51 AM
Water Buffalo

From an idea by La Rouge Beret...

Xiangkhouan Province, Laos 1968

Second Lieutenant Truong To of the 1st Battalion, Vietnamese Army looked to his front at the remnants of his platoon. They were pinned down by two Chinese Army pillboxes and were being bracketed by their mortars. Although his platoon was in dead ground, if they moved out of cover his men would suffer grievous casualties.

He asked his radio operator if there had been any update on his request for fire support and was told that it was at least five minutes away… Five minutes, he thought, was an eternity in combat. If the support did not arrive soon he was going to withdraw his men to the start position.

He heard a dull thump and saw both Chinese positions explode in front of his eyes. Well, well, he thought as a smile cracked across his face, the Water Buffalo has broken down another door.

The Water Buffalo was borne from the second Laotian Crisis in 1964 and particularly the Pyrrhic victory at Muong Phine. Where the Chinese defensive bunkers had decimated the assault launched by the Vietnamese Parachute Regiment. After the battle the Vietnamese General Staff recognised the need for an assault gun to provide direct heavy artillery in support of attacking infantry.
Several vehicles were considered such as the M41 Bulldog MBT, but it was Colonel Duong Minh (later General), who suggested the Type 62, the Vietnamese version of the Japanese Type 61 MBT, be modified as an assault gun due to its availability following its replacement by the Type 68 in the MBT role. After liaising with the American military assistance team the M126 howitzer was fitted to the Type 62 hull and metamorphosed into the Type 62 (A).

Although, its official designation was Type 62 (A), it became universally known as the Water Buffalo due to its size, strength and symbiotic relationship with the infantry; similar to the relationship between the farmer and his buffalo. The Type 62 (A) saw service during the Vietnamese involvement in Laos, their invasion of Democratic Kampuchea and in repelling the Chinese invasion of northern Vietnam. Several vehicles were transferred to the Khmer National Army, and were again referred to as the Kouprey or Water Buffalo in Khmer. The Khmer attachment to the Type 62 A was so strong it became the moniker of the national Rugby team and in 2006 the last vehicles retired.

This vehicle is painted as the 1st vehicle ‘Hue’, 3rd Battery, 1 Bn of 11th Artillery Brigade, which participated in the battle of Xianghouan and which resulted in the destruction of the 3rd Volunteer Regiment of the People’s Liberation Army.

The model is made from components of a Tamiya Type 61 tank, a Tamiya M113, an Italeri M109, some bits and pieces from the spares box, plastic (styrene) card and a big blob of millliput modelling putty.

(https://i.imgur.com/THhZ1ty.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/03ErtV2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BvlAvPx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CvIXrE3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8RBb1id.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RSv5UHr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/DpOsHhH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Wj2Cd27.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OVgTjcd.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:02:18 AM
BMP-2S Vagyar

It could, and has been, argued that by out-surviving Nazi Germany in the short but destructive war of 1993, the Soviet Union emerged as co-victors alongside NATO. However, for the victors, and particularly the Soviet Union, that accolade was won at considerable cost. The destruction in men and material even before the final nuclear exchanges was shocking enough but the death toll in the annihilation of the majority of her European cities was too much even for the stoic peoples of the Soviet Union. In the years that followed the war, soviet communism would evaporate as the individual member states of the Union sought independence. Unable to afford the luxury of maintaining its military forces to pre-war scales, and unable or unwilling to contemplate further military adventurism, Russia rapidly demobilised. Whilst maintaining a relatively small core of professionals, the majority of her army was stood down and the bulk of her equipment mothballed. Little of worth was left west of the Urals and with the capital relocated to Novosibirsk, Siberia with its vast reserves of natural resources was Russia’s passport to economic recovery.

However, Russia’s plight had not gone unnoticed and envious eyes looked upon those same strategic reserves; the opportunity for easy pickings and the potential to boost the People’s Republic of China’s standing as the new global superpower was just too tempting.

As Chinese sabres started to rattle in the winter of 2007/2008, Russia, realising that war was once again inevitable, did all that it could to prepare for the impending storm. Realising that its fixed defences and Machinegun Divisions along the Amur River would, at best, only slow down the Chines advance, Russia needed to rapidly increase its mobile anti-tank defences. Whilst as many tanks as possible were brought out of storage and crews recalled to active service, the need was still pressing. The 125mm 2A45M Sprut-B towed anti-tank gun was a good gun but its lack of mobility would severely hamper its usefulness in the coming conflict. Kurganmashzavod JSC, the maker of the BMP series of AFVs and one of the few remaining military manufacturing facilities in Russia suggested taking some of their stored BMP-2 and adapting them to carry the 2A45M Sprut-B gun. Taking a leaf out of the Swedish Stridsvagn 103 (S-Tank) book, the design they came up with was elegant, effective and, most importantly, quick to produce.

The BMP-2S Vagyar (Viking) as it became known in homage to its Scandinavian roots was a standard BMP-2 with its turret and UTD-20/3 diesel engine removed. The 125mm 2A45M Sprut-B with modified recoil system and fume extractor was fitted centrally in a fixed mounting through the upper glacis plate. An autoloader system was strapped to the breach and a large magazine fitted in the now redundant crew compartment. The Commander and Gunner sat either side of the breach/autoloader and with dual day and thermal fire control systems were able to duplicate each other’s functions. The Driver’s position remained unchanged, although a rear mounted camera system allowed him to drive the Vagyar effectively in reverse without assistance from the Commander. The engine was replaced by a smaller but more powerful SG-1000 gas turbine and the 2 forward and 2 rear road wheels attached to a basic gas-hydraulic hydro-pneumatic suspension to allow for accurate laying of the main gun in elevation. For local defence, the Vagyar carried the X3 (7.62mm) RWS with its own integral day/thermal sights. The X3 was, in essence, a copy of the German Marder IFV RWS mount and was heavily based on the experiences and a grudging respect gained during the 1993 war. Two 9-barrelled directional smoke dischargers were also fitted. Given the size of the BMP-2 chassis, the Vagyar was still also able to carry 2 infantrymen in the rear compartment when additional local force protection was required . This extra space also proved extremely useful for the carriage of additional ammunition/fuel/stores, etc or for the extraction of injured personnel.

The end result of the Vagyar conversion was a highly mobile, light weight, all weather anti-tank system at a fraction of the cost and production time of an MBT. An excellent operational extract of the performance of the Vagyar in the field can be found at Chapter 7 of Alexander Kamarov’s book ‘Heroes of Irkutsk’.

The model depicts vehicle 234, 180th Anti-Tank Battery, 56th Mech Bde and comprises parts from an old Italeri BMP-2, an Italeri T-72, a Tamiya Marder IFV, some plastic card and a few bits and pieces from the spares box.

(https://i.imgur.com/pWJLCPc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7y25h2O.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bDEj4bl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/41CEdi7.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tZzDbn1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8l6nVlJ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4iz19yf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/zm2r4zK.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:06:43 AM
Mk VIE General Wolfe

 From an idea by Sharlin... The model itself is from a later stage in Sharlin's TL that has not yet been written and indeed may never feature at all as this was more my development from Sharlin's original idea for a medium tank looking somewhat like the OTL Valentine (Mk VI Picton).

 In Sharlin's TL the Mk VI Picton is the standard British medium tank of the early to mid period of a war -more or less in a parallel timescale to WW2 - where Britain and Germany are allied against a French/Russian coalition. The Picton looks, superficially, like the OTL Valentine but has a larger 3-man turret mounting a 57mm 6pdr gun and a more powerful engine to give it better performance and speed.

(https://i.imgur.com/FT34vEo.jpg)

 My development was to fast forward Sharlin's war a couple of years to the point where the Picton was becoming obsolete and was presumably replaced by a more capable beast. Given the alliance with Germany and the Germans penchant for converting obsolete panzers into StuGs, I proposed that Britain might take a leaf out of their book and do something similar with the Picton. Having had little experience in the StuG-field the British decide to copy and licence build the highly successful StuG III conversion kit. The result is the Mk VIE General Wolfe. In British service, the General Wolfe (or Wolfe for short) is a highly capable and successful tank destroyer and is allocated to the Anti-Tank Regiments of the Royal Artillery. Whilst somewhat cramped inside, it is nonetheless extremely popular with crews and infantry alike.

 The model depicts 'Briton' a vehicle of A Troop, 288 Battery, 102nd Anti-Tank Regiment (Armoured)(Northumberland Hussars) of 2nd Armoured Division and comprises of parts from a most excellent MiniArt Valentine Mk III, an old Tamiya Stug III, some plastic/styrene card and a few bits and pieces from the spares box. Great fun and I think she looks really cool... so there! :p

(https://i.imgur.com/o8NxcSW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sUuCEp5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/zA66VJ5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/x67F32U.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/05yV9Mi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PDy1jlC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gLAVzsJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:18:40 AM
Bloodhound TEL

 The system's initial development appeared to be shrouded in secrecy however; various staged leaks in the early 1960s led the Soviets to believe that the project would be fielded in early 1965. This resulted in the USSR sinking large quantities of time, effort and roubles into rushing the 2K11 Krug (NATO designation - SA-4 Ganef) in to production by 1964 ahead of its UK counter-part. Having achieved its primary aim of suckering the Soviets into fielding a very expensive and none too reliable missile system the UK government fully intended to shelve their own mobile SAM project which was nowhere near as fully developed as they had led the Soviets to believe and continue with the extant static Bloodhound 2 system. However, increased tensions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in late 1965 saw the mobile Bloodhound 4 missile system completed and fielded by the RAF Regt in 1966.

 The model depicts A2, the 2nd Transporter, Erector and Launcher (TEL) of A Flt, 54 Sqn RAF Regt. A2 is one of 4 TELs in A Flt which is one of three combat Flts of 54 Sqn. Each combat Flt also has an Engagement Control Vehicle (ECV) mounting a Type 81 Blue Scarab surveillance radar and Type 86 Firelight target illumination radar built on the same stretched M110 chassis as the TEL. The model is made from a couple of old Italeri M110A2 models some plastic card and a whole pile of knitting needles.

(https://i.imgur.com/aDmyWaL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0DzxyH0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jfUsSoD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SGASN2R.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6FMpzHZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/oX1xQQT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0huQGWa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/W270C6U.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cN7XGCk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NK3xFgc.jpg)

Note: Please see page 25 for model update.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:22:58 AM
Griffon Heavy IFV

 By mid-1946, although still heavily outnumbered, Germany had managed to stem the Soviet tide through a combination of massed use of thermobaric weapons (see Wilhelm Gustav’s epic account of the war in the East during 1945 ‘Thor’s Hammer’) and a flexible defensive strategy based on highly mobile and hard hitting mechanised forces. Key to these armoured formations was the introduction of the standardised E-series panzers and two new APCs to carry the panzer grenadiers.

The first of these APCs – or more accurately 'Schützenpanzer' Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) – was based on the venerable PzKpfw IV (see post #24 above). Although far superior to any other APC on the battlefield it was nevertheless relatively slow and under armoured. In the autumn of 1945, the PzKpfw V Heavy IFV ‘Griffon’ was issued to the panzer grenadier regiments of the panzer divisions and subsequently to the panzer grenadier divisions. Critically, this heavy infantry carrier was fully capable of keeping up with the fast moving panzers and carried enough armour to hold its own in battle. Its 5cm gun was also capable of providing significant direct fire support to its dismounted grenadiers. The Griffon carried a crew of 10 (Commander and Gunner in the turret, the Driver front left and 7 dismounts in the rear compartment. So successful was the Griffon that it remained in service with the Wehrmacht well into the early 1970s.

The model depicts the 5th vehicle, 1st Platoon, 4th Company of the 1st Battalion of Panzer Grenadier Regt ‘Großdeutschland’, Grossdeutschland Division and consists of parts from a Tamiya Panther Ausf G, an Italeri Sd.Kfz. 234/2 Puma, Tamiya M113 and some plastic card.

(https://i.imgur.com/529YD0t.gif)

(https://i.imgur.com/GpE3wwd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mKvwQjS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/T9PSSW0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/rkHrcJ6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yYXxOOa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BqT0SXL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NbWVUht.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/k3kVGuZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:27:12 AM
Sd.Kfz. 137 PzKpfw 38(t) LuLa (Otter)

 The Sd. Kfz. 137 Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) LuLa (LuftLande).
 The readily adopted nickname for the tank was Otter. The idea that this comes from 'LuTra' (Luft Transport), which is also Latin for Otter, is most likely apocryphal and coincidental.

 Designed in response to disastrous results during the Invasion of Crete, where many German paratroopers were unable to enter battle readiness fast enough and subsequently met their end in the open terrain of their landing zones, the Otter was designed for aiding the Fallschirmjäger during the initial stages of aerial assault.

 One of the main lessons learned from the Invasion of the Low Countries and the Battle of Crete was that paratroopers by themselves are too light to take and hold terrain. Paratroopers were best used in advance of a larger, heavier force, to put defenders in disarray in time for other units to move forward and press the attack. As such, the main strength of the airborne arm laid in the surprise, not the ability to hold terrain.

 This idea manifested itself in the Otter, which was designed to be air-dropped into battle alongside infantry and provide fire-support immediately during the initial stages, at the cost of armour and firepower. Indeed, one could say it was barely designed at all; due to perennial conflicts between Luftwaffe and Heer weapons procurement designing and manufacturing a brand new AFV was out of the question. However, the combination of a recently obsolete late model Panzer 38(t) and the newly developed Sd.Kfz. 234/2 turret proved fruitful at a reasonable cost, balancing a low enough weight with armour and fire-power (the same 50mm gun used in the Panzer III) acceptable for its purpose.

 Sadly, the Otter wasn't used for it's intended purpose. While the first Otters were ready in late 1942, the Luftlande Panzer Regiment (a rather boisterous name since it was barely battalion of strength, much like the FJR Sturmregiment in its early days) was not ready for combat until early 1943, by which time it was painfully obvious that the Führer was not going to allow airborne operations ever again. Service on the Eastern Front was also not a possibility, as the Otter was painfully inadequate in a defensive role.

 By mid 1943, already a few Otters were poached by the Waffenamt for reconfiguration. The remainder stayed with the Luftlande Panzer Regiment, which was integrated into the 1. Fallschirmjägerdivision, which was stationed in Sicily at the time.

 It was here that the Otter saw it first and last sight of battle, where during the Allied invasion of Sicily it was part of the first counter-attack against allied paratroopers at Primrose Bridge, which the light attacking forces were unable to capture until reinforcements moved in, by which time the Axis forces themselves had already established a defensive line. Doing this, the Otter both proved itself, as well as the use of armoured support for paratroopers, a lesson the allies would heed during the invasion of France.

 The Otters themselves were all lost during the battle for Sicily, the last few ditched during the evacuation of the Fallschirmjäger. Later in the war, the allies would make use of glider-borne tanks themselves, their gliders not being ready yet at the time. The allied equivalents, the Locust and the Tetrach, proved themselves to be inadequate as main-line AFVs, but did make themselves count when they were needed. In that regard, they were no different from the Otter.

 The model is made up from an old Italeri Pz 38(t), the turret from an Italeri Sd. Kfz. 234/2 Puma and some plastic card. Thanks to Cortz#9 for the initial design and Theodoric for the backstory.

(https://i.imgur.com/HhxAUSg.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZmCxVzN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MT3TWJo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/j2SuKOU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ImxDAjG.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WV0ec5E.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7oezKF4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/iUM1McY.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:30:03 AM
Dhole

 The Dhole comes from an excellent TL written by La Rouge Beret (12 Minutes to Midnight) and is set in 1965-75 Cambodia where the Monarchy remains in power and fiercely independent country fights off the North Vietnamese and Khmer Rouge. My thanks to LRB for his thoughts, ideas and encouragement.

 Following independence from France in 1954 the Forces Armées Royales Khmères inherited 24 M24 Chaffees from the tank stocks of the French Far East Expeditionary Corps. By 1963 the threats posed to Cambodia both domestic (Khmer Rouge and Serei) combined with ongoing territorial disputes involving Thailand, South Vietnam and North Vietnam meant that FARK and by extension the small armoured corps were modernised.

 As they had antagonised both political blocs, Cambodia was wary of purchasing any armaments that could be subject to an embargo. Accordingly, following a conversation with the French military attache a decision was made to replace the turrets on the M24 Chaffee with an AMX-13 (Insert turret designation). This improved the ergonomics of operations conducted within the Tank, but also provided further room for the design to grow over time. The first tank rolled off the production line in 1965 and was dubbed the chkai prey meaning Dhole in Khmer.

 The Dhole first engaged in large scale combat as part of 'Force Koh Ker' during Operation Javaryamann. However, the 75mm gun was considered to be inadequate following the introduction of the PT-76 and T-34 by the North Vietnamese Army and the Khmer Rouge forces. Accordingly, the Dhole's armament was upgraded to 90mm and the transmission was replaced producing the Dhole (II).

 The Dhole II fought with the 1st Armoured Regiment during the offensive launched by 2 Div and during the defence of Stung Treng. They also participated in the spoiling attack on Pak Nhai launched in 1975 until being superseded by the Dhole (III) in 1977.

 The model represents the lead tank (callsign Babar) of A Squadron, Cambodian 1st Armoured Regiment and is the gate guardian outside of the School of Armour at Das Kanchor. It is notable as being one of the original 24 M24 Chaffees operated by FARK and received both Dhole upgrades. This same vehicle fought at Kampong Cham, with 2 Div at Stung Treng and Lumphat and also at Pak Nhai. The vehicle was also reactivated during the 1978 invasion by the NVA.

 The model is made up from bits from an old Italeri M24 Chaffee, a Heller AMX-13, an Italeri M47, some white plastic card and some odds and sods from the spares box.

(https://i.imgur.com/qb0iyas.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jeFpJ5H.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/x3Vu74F.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5Pm81Xg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gT14MQ0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7qo0VoP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CT4LiI7.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:40:50 AM
M4A3E8 UCV

 Following the Yom Kippur War, the IDF had introduced a bespoke AFV Escort vehicle in the shape of the Magach 5 Avenger.

Armed with a 30mm GAU-8 rotary cannon, the Magach 5 had been well liked by its crews and the infantry alike but the cannon had proved to be a little on the brutal side when fighting in built up areas even for the IDF.
 However, by the mid-1990s and the height of the South Lebanon Conflict, the IDF and population of northern Israel were growing weary of Hezbollah’s continued rocket attacks. In Apr 1996, Operation Grapes of Wrath was launched to clear Hezbollah out of Southern Lebanon and the gloves were most definitely off.

 The need for a Magach 5-like urban escort vehicle was understood but nothing was readily available and there was no particular desire to detract from the planned AFV construction schedule. Fortunately, the IDF’s Technological and Logistics Directorate had some suitable trials vehicles to hand and without further ado they were unceremonially pressed in to service. The three vehicles carried a GAU-12 in a M2 Bradley turret (purchased for an earlier Heavy APC trial) mounted on a M4A3E8 Sherman hull. The turrets were the primary goal of the study and the Shermans had been selected for no other reason than they were already available in the research and development facility. As it turned out, the mating of these two unlikely partners produced a surprisingly simple and efficient offspring.

 As no-one had ever envisaged the elderly Shermans actually going into battle, it was decided to give them as much of a sporting chance as possible and therefore, a layer of Blazer Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) was added. For additional utility, and an extra degree of frontal protection, a dozer blade was added.

 As the fighting intensified, the three M4A3E8 Urban Combat Vehicles (UCV) - Raam (Thunder), Barak (Lightning) and Saar (Storm) - proved their worth on numerous occasions and became a firm favourite with the infantry and tankers alike in the resulting destruction of Hezbollah’s South-Lebanon command.

 The model depicts Saar (Storm) and is made from parts of an old Tamiya M4A3, a Tamiya M2 Bradly, a AFV Club M4A3E8 HVSS and track set, a Verlinden M113 dozer blade, the ubiquitous white plastic card and some bits and pieces from the spares box.

(https://i.imgur.com/p7r9WCp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XRQMhxx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/THGhveG.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fSrvF8e.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/d6ICO12.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aS7f47L.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Sl8Vjul.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AI8wiAD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ubxCZg3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Ev2UvOe.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:47:40 AM
Bradley FSV:

 It has taken a wee while but here you go...

 Please check out LRB's TL 'The rooftop of the World' for complete details of the Amdo and their struggle to set up an independent homeland whilst fighting against the Taliban (and others). Although not yet in the story, the Amdo plan to buy a number of Ex-US Army Bradleys in order to provide infantry mobility/support and a degree of long-range anti-tank capability. However, it has been anticipated that the standard Bradley will not be able to provide all of the support functions that the Amdo might require. To fill this capability gap, the US deal has included a number of Bradley Fire Support Vehicles mounting the 105mm gun system in the same turret as was produced for the Stryker M1128 MGS.

 The model depicts the first vehicle of the second platoon of the Fire Support Company of the King's Dragoon Guards and comprises of the hull of a Tamiya up armoured M2 Bradley and the turret fro a AFV Club Sryker M112 MG.

(https://i.imgur.com/Fb8FQBU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PQuGGVN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fZKa0vH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/f8Ruqrq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/DBayltc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/s6lq2B8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/HQvfVkr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gS4hRaO.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:58:34 AM
This project has taken me some considerable time to research and whilst I make no apologies for the delay in posting – I wanted to double and triple check my facts where I could – I do hope that you enjoy this little bit of AFV history. If you have any more details regarding the historic background or have any additional relevant photographs, then please feel free to PM me. So here is what I have…

Of Ontos and other things

(https://i.imgur.com/6I8JLea.jpg)
[Picture 1: Ontos]

 We are all generally familiar with the peculiar shape of the Ontos Air-Mobile Tank Destroyer and its limited, but relatively successful, service career with the US Marine Corps in Vietnam. However, I suspect that very few of us know of the full story behind the ugly duckling that never grew into the swan and which forever will be remembered by the translation of its Greek name ‘Ontos’ (Thing).

(https://i.imgur.com/I3bG9sa.jpg)
[Picture 2: Maj Gen W Miley and 17th Airborne Division Insignia]

 The existence of the Ontos programme, which was initiated in November 1950, owes much to the military career, experiences and vision of one Major General William (Bud) Miley (US Army). After returning from occupation duties in Japan commanding the 11th Airborne Division, Miley took up the post of Director of the Joint Airborne Troop Board of US Army Alaska, Alaskan Command with the responsibilities for formulating airborne parachute techniques, organisation, equipment and doctrine. It was from his desk that the requirement for an air-mobile tank destroyed came to fruition. Not known for his literal verbosity, it is rumoured that the specification sheet that Miley proposed was only one page long. Among the few things that it specified was that the vehicle’s running gear would be based on the M56 Light Anti-Tank Vehicle; that it would utilize the same six-cylinder, inline gas engine common to all the military’s 2½-ton GMC trucks; and that the project name should be Ontos.

 The rest is well documented history. The development contract went to Allis Chalmers’ Farm Machinery Division, with the work being carried out at the company’s Agricultural Assembly Plant in La Port, Indiana. The first vehicle was completed in 1952 and, although rejected by the US Army, the Ontos entered service with the Marines in 1955.

 Whilst there is little new to the story so far, what is really of interest is the rationale behind General Miley’s proposal for an air-mobile tank destroyer and his unspecified but clear desire to incorporate recoilless rifles into the design. To understand his thought processes we must look back at his wartime experiences when he was the General Officer commanding 17th Airborne Division.

 The 17th Airborne Division was officially activated as an airborne division in April 1943 but was not immediately sent to a combat theatre, remaining in the United States to complete its training. During this training process, the division took part in several training exercises, including the Knollwood Manoeuvre, in which it played a vital part in ensuring that the airborne division remained as a military formation in the U.S. Army after the poor performance of American airborne forces in the invasion of Sicily. As such it did not take part in the first two large-scale airborne operations conducted by the Allies, Operation Husky and Operation Neptune, only transferring to Britain after the end of Operation Overlord.

 When the division arrived in Britain, it came under the command of XVIII Airborne Corps, part of the First Allied Airborne Army, but was not chosen to participate in Operation Market Garden, the airborne landings in the Netherlands, as Allied planners believed it had arrived too late and could not be "trained up" in time for the operation. However, after the end of Operation Market Garden the division was shipped to France and then Belgium to fight in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. It is worthy of note, for future developments, that during this time the Division had both the 761st Tank Battalion and 811st Tank Destroyer Battalion attached from 15- 27 January 1945.

 On 27 January 1945, the 17th Airborne Division was then withdrawn to Luxembourg to be the Theatre Reserve and to prepare for the impending assault crossing of the River Rhine. As an airborne division the 17th was not particularly well endowed with motor transport and the acquisition and maintenance of its limited resources rested as much with the bartering skills of its Maintenance Company as it did with the US Army’s Logisticians. It was on one of the Maintenance Company’s foraging trips that they came across an abandoned French Hotchkiss H39 tank which had obviously been pressed into service by the German Army. Although the vehicle had clearly been looted, there didn’t seem to be any major structural damage; indeed with a little fuel and some TLC the tank’s engine was coaxed back into life. The decision was made then and there to recover the Hotchkiss so that it could be utilised as an ersatz recovery vehicle.

(https://i.imgur.com/pHqejgs.png)
[Picture 3: Hotchkiss H39 40555 abandoned in Luxembourg]

 It is at this stage in this peculiar tale that I have to take a step back in time as I have managed to track down a bit of detail regarding this particular vehicle. As you will appreciate, records form 1940 and the fall of France are limited as indeed are the specific accounts of the retreat of German forces in 1944 but, nevertheless, a bit of detective work has proved fruitful. Although the war diary of 17th Airborne Division makes no reference to the Maintenance Company’s acquisition of this diminutive AFV, an account by Tech Sergeant Clinton Hedrick notes that the vehicle’s external markings identified it as part of 233 Panzer Company and an internal plate had the number 40555 which was, more than likely, its original French registration number.

 This being the case, I then managed to trace the vehicle back to June 1940 when Hotchkiss H39 40555 was part of 27e Bataillon de Chars de Combat (BCC) which along with 14e BCC made up 4e Demi-Brigade de Chars Légers of 2e Division Cuirassée de Réserve (DCR).

(https://i.imgur.com/JqiLE1p.jpg)
[Picture 4: 27e BCC]

 27e BCC fought as part of the Division in the Battle of Abbeville 27 May-4 June 1940 where after some initial success against superior German forces, they were pushed back in total disarray with 2e DCR and 27e BCC effectively ceasing to exist as a cohesive unit. Amidst the confusion, Hotchkiss H39 40555 ran out of fuel on 6 June 1940 – such was the desperation of the crew that they did not stop long enough to disable the vehicle but simple abandoned it to the Germans who were close on their heels.

(https://i.imgur.com/EJ8t0TF.jpg)
[Picture 5: Hotchkiss H39 40555 abandoned]

 What exactly then happened to 40555 is lost to the mists of time but we do know that it was taken into service by the German Army and ended up as part of Panzer Kompanie 233 which was made up of 12 x Pz-H38(f) (Hotchkiss H38/39 tanks) and 5 x Pz-S35(f) (Somua S35 tanks) and was part of 100 Heeres Panzer Brigade. The Brigade’s primary role was that of internal security with Kompanie 233 operating in eastern France. The only noticeable changes made to 40555 were the removal of the tail skid and the standard replacement of the original commander’s cupola with a flatter two-hatch design.

 At some point in late 1944, and for the second time in its career, 40555 ran out of fuel and was abandoned by its crew. Unfortunately, I could find no specific details of 40555’s 4-year life with Panzer Kompanie 233 nor is there any explanation as to how it came to end up on the side of a small country road in the depths of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg but that is exactly where the ever-opportunistic troops of the 17th Airborne Division’s Maintenance Company found her in early February 1945.

 On 24 March 1945, 17th Airborne Division participated in its first, and only, airborne operation, dropping alongside the British 6th Airborne Division as a part of Operation Varsity. Landing with the 194th Glider Infantry Regiment was the US Army’s first delivery of the new M18 57mm Recoilless Rifles. Although limited in its intended anti-tank role, this man-portable artillery piece proved very effective as a bunker buster. Nevertheless, at 46.8lbs the M18 was awkward to fire off the shoulder and was not a popular load if needed to be carried any distance.

(https://i.imgur.com/gzQ3Fiu.jpg)
[Pictures 6: M18s with 17th Airborne Division]

 With the successful completion of Op Varsity on 27 March, 17th Airborne Division continued its advance into northern Germany as part of XVIII Airborne Corps. This now gave the opportunity for those Divisional Troops not committed to Op Varsity to catch up with the rest of the Division. So it was that on 28 March 1945 the 17th‘s Maintenance Company and Motor Transport joined the advance complete with Hotchkiss H39 40555.

 Whilst fighting as a regular Infantry Division was not new to the paratroopers of 17th Airborne, the lack of any attached armour was keenly felt and none more so than when facing stubborn fortified machine gun emplacements. The M18s were effective but it took a brave man to expose himself in order to engage the bunker when the back blast of the first shot fired instantly gave away his position. Exact who had the idea first is unknown but it was in the face of this thorny problem that the ever innovative men of the Maintenance Company outfitted their adopted recovery tank with 4 x M18s mounted on the outside of the turret and able to be aimed and fired from within. The combination was an immediate success with the paratroopers of the Rifle Regiments who were more than happy to call up their armoured pet rather than take unnecessary risks. With no official designation, role or name it didn’t take long before regular calls over the radio nets were requesting that ‘the Thing’ be brought forward to deal with one situation or another. These requests eventually came to the notice of the Divisional Commander, Major General Miley, who out of curiosity, if nothing else, came forward to see ‘the Thing’ in action. Again there is nothing recorded in the official Divisional War Diary regarding his encounter, but subsequent events would suggest that he was clearly impressed.

After completion of operations around Essen and Munster the Division remain in northern Germany until the end of World War II, when it briefly undertook occupation duties before shipping back to the United States. What then became of ‘the Thing’ is not recorded but it can be safely assumed that its M18 Recoilless Rifles were removed and returned to the United Sates along with the rest of the Division’s weapons. Given that Hotchkiss H39 40555 was still in running order, there is a good chance that it was handed over to the French military authorities who at the time were recovering any and all military equipment in order to rebuild their armed forces.

 In 1948 a consignment of 10 Hotchkiss H39s were clandestinely sent to Israel and whilst I could find no evidence to positively identify these vehicles, I still like to think that one of them may have been 40555.

(https://i.imgur.com/15ihWV2.jpg)
[Picture 7: Hotchkiss H39 with the IDF]

 The model itself is adapted from a Bronco Models Hotchkiss H39, the M18s are from Tamiya’s US Infantry Weapons set and the selection of field/workshop tools come from the depths of my various spare part boxes. For those with an interest, here are a few in-build pictures.

(https://i.imgur.com/dL1gfb3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7yviNOX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AmV2VhP.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 04:21:02 AM
...and for those that can remember...

The Landkreuzer P.1000 'Ratte'

Still a work in progress but at 1:35 scale it is a considerable drain on resources.  Nevertheless, here is where I am...  ;)

(https://i.imgur.com/LtUDY7N.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CHoYR6N.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Y5N2RQO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0hzQoM8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4BbgFCv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4lZPm3V.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Z1LE9Cl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CdFxTV3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Av4IYbP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8PeBSSu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5yXvIGM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8ORYvNw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NrpZxba.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uwKGpbE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CLknyd8.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 26, 2016, 09:00:41 AM
Bloody awesome, Claymore! 8)

I remember watching most of these coming together & seeing them all again, now, is brilliant! :D

Love your work, man! :-*




PS: For some bizarre reason, I'm loving the "Combat Wombat", too. ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 26, 2016, 09:55:02 AM
Yo... great to see it is still "creeping along"
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on September 26, 2016, 10:19:46 AM
The Lancruzer makes me smile, shake my head, drop my jaw...all at the same time! Wonderful!

Also, I seemed to have missed the Bloodhound TEL on the first go 'round. Saaweeeet!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2016, 03:06:04 PM
Thanks guys, much appreciated.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 27, 2016, 04:27:50 AM
Nice recovery mate.

Unfortunately it seemed that you yourself deleted your original thread.  Trying to recover a single tread once deleted is extremely difficult if not impossible.  so as to prevent anyone else from doing the same I have just modified the settings so that people can still delete individual posts but that they can't delete an entire topic.  Hopefully that will prevent a re-occurrence.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 27, 2016, 05:52:10 AM
Nice recovery mate.

Unfortunately it seemed that you yourself deleted your original thread.  Trying to recover a single tread once deleted is extremely difficult if not impossible.  so as to prevent anyone else from doing the same I have just modified the settings so that people can still delete individual posts but that they can't delete an entire topic.  Hopefully that will prevent a re-occurrence.

Thanks. 

I didn't realise I had it in me to destroy an entire Topic - ah the power!  Too bad I didn't even realise I had done it!  :o ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 27, 2016, 07:02:50 AM
the revisiting of all your great builds has been worth it my opinion

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 27, 2016, 02:27:53 PM
the revisiting of all your great builds has been worth it my opinion

Thanks... a bit of a posting frenzy but back in play...  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: 35th-scale on September 28, 2016, 07:21:29 PM
Madness.....sheer madness.....sheer awesome madness!

And I mean that in the best possible way.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 29, 2016, 02:46:40 AM
Madness.....sheer madness.....sheer awesome madness!

And I mean that in the best possible way.

Thanks my good man.

I promised never to get this carried away but then again life is just too short not to do something crazy every now and again!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on September 29, 2016, 04:15:28 AM
You are a braver (and much more talented) soul than I am!

Talk about an epic project! Nice start too!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 29, 2016, 06:13:55 AM
You are a braver (and much more talented) soul than I am!

Talk about an epic project! Nice start too!

Brian da Basher

When it comes to modelling, and whiffing in particular, there is fine line between bravery and lunacy - still not convinced in my own mind which side I sit on! Thanks nevertheless...  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 29, 2016, 08:08:35 AM
Oh, definitely "lunacy" but in a good way! ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: elmayerle on October 02, 2016, 09:54:10 AM

When it comes to modelling, and whiffing in particular, there is fine line between bravery and lunacy - still not convinced in my own mind which side I sit on! Thanks nevertheless...  :)
Most would say it's something they see in their rear-view mirror.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 02, 2016, 08:51:25 PM
M3 Jackson ('Stonewall') Fire Support Vehicle (Also entered in the Treadhead/Armour Group Build pages)

 This is a concept design I have been kicking around for a couple of years and now seems like a good time to give it a go.

 Fortunately, I had both an old M3 Lee and a Grant in my stash. Nothing is ever easy of course and trying to fabricate a mirror image casemate has been 'fun'. However, things are moving along nicely. Tis early days yet and most of the work is still very rough and ready but the basics are there (I wasn't entirely sure that a mirror image sponson was doable given the parts I had).

 The M3 Jackson ('Stonewall') FSV lives!!! [​IMG]

 Sorry for the poor pics but photography really isn't my thing...

(https://i.imgur.com/cn5J6tf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/DFlfhMj.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 02, 2016, 10:23:45 PM
Yup! Definitely a nutter! 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 03, 2016, 12:48:07 AM
Yup! Definitely a nutter! 8)

Humph... I resemble that remark!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 03, 2016, 03:49:54 AM
Love it!  I had the same idea a while ago - glad to see you are doing it in plastic!!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 03, 2016, 03:59:51 AM
So far so good.  Looks almost as I had imagined.  The one thing does stand out to me is the gunner's sight mount and the location to the outside of the left gun mount.  I suppose that position would be a challenge to fill unless you are of small stature.  Drafting Hobbits to perform this role might be an ideal solution.  :)

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: taiidantomcat on October 03, 2016, 04:01:01 AM
Fast work!! Looks so great
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 03, 2016, 06:52:36 AM
Thanks guys. This one has been a long time coming but should be fun.

You are absolutely right Jeff and due to shortage of reliable Hobbits, I will change the layout of the left hand sponsor periscope.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 03, 2016, 09:51:57 AM
Just so right, the layout is practical and the work so far, excellent as expected
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on October 04, 2016, 06:54:33 AM
That's an absolutely killer concept in every sense of the word!

Looks like you're off to a great start too! Bet the finish is sweet!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 04, 2016, 07:49:35 AM
@Claymore - check your forum message center for message sent that awaits your reply.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 04, 2016, 03:03:57 PM
Thanks guys and Roger, wait out Jeff...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Feldmarschall Zod on October 06, 2016, 07:04:41 AM
Thank you for reposting your builds. Brilliant work on all of them.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on October 06, 2016, 11:14:41 AM
Just a thought, if it were a British conversion you could have 75mm in one sponson and 6pdr in the other providing instant selection of more effective HE or AP/APC as required.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 06, 2016, 12:54:24 PM
Just a thought, if it were a British conversion you could have 75mm in one sponson and 6pdr in the other providing instant selection of more effective HE or AP/APC as required.
Or go with a pair of 6pdrs.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 06, 2016, 02:14:29 PM
Thank you for reposting your builds. Brilliant work on all of them.

Thank you, most kind.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 06, 2016, 02:19:50 PM
Just a thought, if it were a British conversion you could have 75mm in one sponson and 6pdr in the other providing instant selection of more effective HE or AP/APC as required.

Or go with a pair of 6pdrs.  :)

Ah, now there's food for thought. I'm going to stick with the US Army version but a British counterpart would be fun for the future. Thanks for the idea.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on October 06, 2016, 05:29:11 PM
Actually would the M3 hull have enough space for a Molins Gun in a sponson?  That would be cool, single aimed shots from the 75mm and rapid semi auto, or even auto from a 6pdr.......enough to scare, if not kill a Tiger maybe.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 07, 2016, 05:23:11 AM
M3 Stonewall FSV Update

One or two more pics before the undercoat goes on to pull things together...

(https://i.imgur.com/KqFFBMl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/z0b1g9X.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 07, 2016, 05:27:30 AM
Looking good.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 07, 2016, 10:12:53 AM
Well done, mate! Looking excellent! 8)



(I really must pull the digit out! ::) )
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on October 07, 2016, 10:21:35 AM
Wow - mirror image sights. :)
Is one slick build, that's from an aircraft and ship builder.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 07, 2016, 12:00:30 PM
I am just so jealous as my 64k brain cannot come up with stuff as good as this

Great work on the sight mods, under paint, not a soul will know
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 07, 2016, 02:20:46 PM
Thanks chaps for all the kind words.

The biggest problem with the conversion was that the hull is such a complex shape that I was cutting and hacking more or less blind. Hence the weird shaped patches and the odd place where bits had to be re-attached - not my normal way of doing business.  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on October 07, 2016, 08:15:48 PM
Not sure which is more impressive: the speed at which you build or the quality of your builds?  I'll just go with both.  Looking forward to seeing some paint on this one.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 07, 2016, 09:26:02 PM
Most kind.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on October 07, 2016, 11:46:32 PM
Don't forget the originality of the concepts either....
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on October 07, 2016, 11:47:53 PM
Don't forget the originality of the concepts either....

Quoted for truth! Well said.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 09, 2016, 02:13:28 AM
M3 Stonewall FSV Update

Here are the latest pics of the Stonewall FSV in its undercoat.  It never ceases to amaze me how a simple spray of paint helps pull everything together.  There's still a little bit of filling to do and a few rivets to add, as highlighted by the undercoat, but getting there...

(https://i.imgur.com/lbmbhYj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JmgLw2I.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: ChernayaAkula on October 09, 2016, 02:23:33 AM
You sure that's a primered kitbash and not something built from the box?  ???
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on October 09, 2016, 02:25:07 AM
You sure that's a primered kitbash and not something built from the box?  ???

What he said!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 09, 2016, 02:28:09 AM
You sure that's a primered kitbash and not something built from the box?  ???

What he said!

Well that's kind of you to say.  I must admit that I'm pretty happy with the way it has turned out so far.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 09, 2016, 07:52:23 PM
Coming along beautifully, mate! 8)

Love it how a coat of primer ties everything together. :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 16, 2016, 06:15:50 AM
Sd.Kfz. 234/5 Mammoth

So here we go with another build.

The Sd.Kfz. 234/5 Mammoth is a design I have had kicking around in my head for a while and when I managed to pick up a model of a Sd.Kfz. 251/1 for next to nothing it seemed like a good idea to start building.

Initial design and early construction...

(https://i.imgur.com/JUXam8Y.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on October 16, 2016, 06:27:44 AM
This is very interesting! Carry on, please!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on October 16, 2016, 10:15:06 AM
Great concept  :)  Looking forward to seeing your  Sd.Kfz. 234/5 Mammut evolve  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 17, 2016, 02:08:45 AM
Sd.Kfz. 234/5 Mammut (Mammoth) Update

I've been doing a little bit more and things are definitely taking shape...

(https://i.imgur.com/gCJ11iK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Wuj1Xks.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 17, 2016, 03:54:52 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on October 17, 2016, 07:38:39 PM
It just looks right!  Amazing.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 17, 2016, 11:25:57 PM
It just looks right!  Amazing.

Actually it's all done with smoke and mirrors!  :))
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: M.A.D on October 18, 2016, 12:01:33 PM
Jackal MRAP

 This is a project for MacCaulay and his Invasion of Kenya TL. He is entirely at liberty to re-invent the background for the vehicle but this is sort of how I imagined it...

 The Jackal M3 MRAP was very much a product of its time. With the various insurgents unable, on the whole, to meet the heavily armed SouthRATS on equal terms, they increasingly turned to the use of landmines and IEDs to limit the RATS' freedom of movement. The ubiquitous M3 Halftrack with its flat bottom was particularly vulnerable and with a marked rise in losses to said mines/IEDs it fell to the Kenyan Defence Force REME (Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers) to come up with a solution.

 What started as a plan to simply add addition armour plate to the underside of the vehicle quickly turned into the world’s first purpose designed MRAP. The angled V-shaped plates gave a good compromise between weight and blast protection with the added heavy duty roll bars giving additional head protection should the vehicle be tipped over. Although far from perfect, the Jackal was a firm favourite with all who used them. This relatively simple home-grown modification also paved the way for future more successful MRAP designs.

 Unfortunately, I had to use a M21 Mortar Carrier as the base for the project as the M3 Personnel Carrier no longer seems to be available - a lot of retro-construction was therefore required just to get it to the stage where I could then rip it apart! The model depicts the 1st vehicle of the Regimental HQ.

([url]http://i.imgur.com/eZuaa.jpg[/url])

([url]http://i.imgur.com/CwLnl.jpg[/url])


Very clever!!

M.A.D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 18, 2016, 02:20:25 PM
Thank you.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 23, 2016, 08:24:47 PM
Sd.Kfz. 234/5 Mammut (Mammoth) Update

A minor advance on the build front but a major rethink on where it is going and a good example of where sometimes a great idea in 2D doesn't match expectations in 3D.

My original idea was to have the sides of the crew compartment of the Mammoth boxed in for extra vehicular storage.  However, when it came to doing the business it just didn't feel right and made the vehicle look too much like an 8-wheeled shoe box and had entirely lost the feel of either the Sd.Kfz. 234 or the Sd.Kfz 251. 

So, in homage to both contributory vehicles, I am going to go with my original design layout which emphasises both the characteristic angular fenders of the Sd.Kfz. 234 and the angled sides of the Sd.Kfz. 251.  The end result will also give me a good surface for mounting the various pioneer tools, jacks and ubiquitous jerrycans.

(https://i.imgur.com/bopClOi.jpg)

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Wyrmalla on October 25, 2016, 12:47:21 AM
Ooh, was that Mammoth based on anything in particular? It reminds me quiet a bit of the wheeled APCs seen in the game Turning Point: Fall of Liberty (sadly that game's so obscure you can only find videos, no pictures, and its been pulled from Steam), but I suppose strap some wheels onto a Sdk.fz 251 and they all look similar.

Loving your ideas anyhow. I've been stealing a few and converting them to 1/56th to go along with my own alt-history Germans. I already have a Puma waiting. :D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 25, 2016, 03:53:42 AM
Glad you like the collection.  The Mammoth is entirely from my own deranged mind and any resemblance to anything from any game is entirely co-incidental.

Feel free to help yourself to the designs if they help... Just remember to give me a nod when you make your millions!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Wyrmalla on October 30, 2016, 02:48:38 AM
I'm making my own mammoth right now (bar giving it a roof and a Sd.Kfz 222 turret). Though whilst doing that I'm wondering. Did you swap the 234's engine to the opposite side of the chassis?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 30, 2016, 04:23:04 AM
I'm making my own mammoth right now (bar giving it a roof and a Sd.Kfz 222 turret). Though whilst doing that I'm wondering. Did you swap the 234's engine to the opposite side of the chassis?

Good for you, I look forward to the end product.  I did indeed swap the engine round to make it front mounted; thus helping to keep the Mammoth's Sd.Kfz. 234's heritage.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 04, 2016, 09:50:40 PM
Sd.Kfz. 234/5 Mammut (Mammoth) Update

All spruced up in her undercoat. 

(https://i.imgur.com/50NBOHU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/f3K6wez.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 05, 2016, 01:52:55 AM
M3 Stonewall FSV Update

The M3 Jackson Multiple Gun Motor Carriage was introduced alongside the M3 Lee in order to provide close support to the Armoured Infantry Regiments of the US Army’s Armoured Divisions heading for North Africa.  Like the Lee and Grant before it, the Jackson was named after a great fighting General but, unlike its stable mates, the name didn’t stick much beyond its initial deployment.  In US Army service, the Jackson was universally better known as the ‘Stonewall’.  Whilst never supplied in great numbers to Great Britain, the British Army was also quick to adopt the name ‘Stonewall’ and at the same time dropped the mouthful that was ‘Multiple Gun Motor Carriage’ in preference for the more functional descriptor of ‘Fire Support Vehicle.’  It wasn’t long before the name M3 Stonewall Fire Support Vehicle became generally accepted across the Allied forces.

Whilst the commonality of the M3 hull would greatly ease maintenance and serviceability, the unusual gun arrangement brought with it its own unique problems.  With its crew of six (Commander, driver, 2 x gunners and 2 x loaders), the fighting compartment was a busy and cramped place.  With 2x 75mm guns to service and a potentially impressive rate of fire, ammunition storage was always going to be a problem and even with every spare corner packed there was never enough space.

It was also quickly realised that in the dry conditions found in North Africa the not inconsiderable dust cloud kicked up when both guns fired not only prevented effective sight of the fall of shot but also instantly gave away the firing position.  In practice, alternating firing of the guns proved to be more accurate and delivered a steadier rate of fire.  Although not intended as such, the Stonewall also proved to be a surprisingly good impromptu tank destroyer.

However, the Stonewall, like the Lee and Grant, was only ever meant to be a stopgap until a better vehicle was made available.  Indeed it was rather cruelly pointed out that the Stonewall had two of everything, two 75s, two gunners, two loaders and was too much trouble.  The 75mm HE round was just too small to provide the desired fire support and when the 105mm armed M7 Priest became available; it quickly replaced the Stonewall in the armoured formations.

Nevertheless, the Stonewall did not entirely disappear and provided useful service to the US Marine Corps and US Army fighting in the Pacific Theatre of Operations.  Although preferring the heavier 25pdr gun for its standard artillery fire support, the British Army saw potential in US Army’s anti-tank experiences and replaced the 75mm guns in most of their existing Stonewalls with 6pdrs in order to provide a more capable SPAT weapon system.  The resulting vehicle showed promise and had a degree of success in North Africa convincing the British Army to consider refining the Stonewall SPAT further by combining the gunners’ positions and sighting systems reducing the crew size to 5 and thus increasing the ammunition stowage.  However, in the end, the concept was never developed beyond the drawing board.

The model depicts the 3rd vehicle of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 13th Armoured Regiment of 1st Armoured Division in North Africa circa November 1942 and is made up from parts of a Tamiya M3 Lee Mk I, a Tamiya M3 Grant Mk I and the ubiquitous plastic card.

(https://i.imgur.com/WrwOqVN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jwjGcVO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nRe05L6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/q3VPMvB.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 05, 2016, 04:33:37 AM
Outstanding!! :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 05, 2016, 05:38:39 AM
Outstanding!! :)

Thanks it was fun but a weathering nightmare...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: arkon on November 05, 2016, 07:55:10 AM
👍 that is super cool!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 05, 2016, 08:10:13 AM
👍 that is super cool!

 :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 05, 2016, 06:46:24 PM
Brilliantly finished & the back story is great! :) :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 05, 2016, 10:32:48 PM
Brilliantly finished & the back story is great! :) :)

Many thanks.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on November 05, 2016, 11:59:31 PM
Wow is that sharp and the weathering is superb!

Love Old Glory on the front like that too.

Well done!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 06, 2016, 03:03:15 AM
Thanks mate.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 06, 2016, 03:37:57 AM
Snowing outside! Definitely a day for staying warm inside and doing a bit of modelling... plastic and glue that is, not the catwalk stuff!!!!  :o ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 19, 2016, 12:58:26 AM
Sd.Kfz. 234/5 Mammut (Mammoth) Update

Although belonging to the Luftwaffe, the Fallschirmjäger had always been regarded amongst the elite of Germany’s fighting soldiers.  None more so than the 1st Parachute Division who’s impressive and extensive combat history records it as the unit that was responsible for all of the early German airborne victories.

Given their elite status, the Fallschirmjäger benefitted from the very best of training and had access to the very best of equipment. That said, paratroopers, by definition and employment are, at best, little more than light infantry and whilst courage, endurance and fighting spirit are without doubt combat multipliers, a lack of heavy equipment has always been a tactical limitation. 

Whilst by the summer of 1944 the Fallschirmjäger had, for all intense and purposes, lost their airborne role, they still maintained their fighting spirit and elite status.  Wherever the fighting was hardest or at its most desperate, the ‘Green Devils’ could be found.  In recognition of their new earth-bound role, the Orbat of the Parachute Divisions was changed to closer reflect that of their line infantry cousins.

However, given the tendency for commanders to use the Fallschirmjäger to bolster the line wherever it was at its weakest, their lack of tactical mobility was a problem. Virtually all of the Army’s Sd. Kfz. 251/1 Hanomag halftracks went to the hard pressed Panzergrenadiers and whilst lorries were available, they were not tactically suited to the needs of the paratroopers. In the end, Hermann Göring himself intervened and so it was that Sd. Kfz. 234/5 Mammut (Mammoth) was born.

 Built on the 8-wheeled hull of the Sd. Kfz. 234/1 Armoured Car, the Mammoth was, nevertheless, a somewhat more radical change in design over the other vehicles of the 234 family.  With the large 14,825cc, air-cooled Tatra 103 diesel engine mounted in the front, the rear troop compartment could comfortably accommodate a crew of 2 + 10.  Although the Mammoth’s off-road capability was slightly less than the Hanomag, its top speed of 80km/h more than made up when compared to the leisurely pace of the halftrack (52km/h).

Even with their bespoke carriers, there were never enough Mammoths in circulation for the Fallschirmjäger to be considered true armoured infantry. Indeed, it was the norm that the Division’s combat Regiments remained as light infantry but were supported by a mobility Regiment of Mammoth APCs. 

The model depicts the 3rd vehicle, 3rd platoon, 2nd company of the 1st Parachute Division’s mobility Regiment and is made out of an Italeri Sd. Kfz. 234/2 Puma, a Tamiya Sd. Kfz 251/1, some bits and pieces from the spares box and, of course, our good ol’ friend Mr Plastic Card.

(https://i.imgur.com/LJjH7jB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yd6bTNT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VVHOKy1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7w7YC7q.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on November 19, 2016, 07:55:21 AM
Looks well ahead of its time!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 19, 2016, 04:51:23 PM
Looks well ahead of its time!

Perhaps so but all of the components were readily available at the time. In fact, it is a little odd that given the German's considerable experience in 8-wheeled armoured cars that they didn't go down the wheeled APC route.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 19, 2016, 10:49:57 PM
Top job, mate! :) :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 20, 2016, 12:18:30 AM
Thank you kindly good Sir.  :))
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 20, 2016, 07:27:05 PM
Really like this. Top job
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: AXOR on November 20, 2016, 07:46:35 PM
You built an interesting machine there,I really like it...a lot  :-* !!!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 20, 2016, 09:22:57 PM
Really like this. Top job

You built an interesting machine there,I really like it...a lot  :-* !!!

Thank you, it's very much appreciated.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on December 25, 2016, 01:48:50 AM
Here's wishing you all a very merry Christmas...  :)

(http://i.imgur.com/GQHe0Nd.png)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on December 25, 2016, 10:04:30 AM
And to you too!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on December 26, 2016, 12:54:26 PM
Here's wishing you all a very merry Christmas...  :)

([url]http://i.imgur.com/GQHe0Nd.png[/url])


May you have the happiest of holiday seasons and best wishes for the New Year!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 01, 2017, 12:52:46 AM
May I wish you all the very best for a safe, prosperous and happy New Year.

Slangevar! - or to be more precise in Scottish Gaelic, "Slainte Mhath!"  :icon_beer:  :)

(http://i.imgur.com/z3MfFYR.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on January 01, 2017, 05:48:15 PM
Mmmmm.. nice.

Looking forward to a great new year and more or your most excellent builds
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on January 02, 2017, 10:32:49 AM
Mmmmm.. nice.

Looking forward to a great new year and more or your most excellent builds

Hear hear!

Happy New Year all. I hope the hangovers aren't too brutal.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 12, 2017, 10:06:41 PM
M60A4 Avenger

The M60A2 with its narrow profile turret and M48 152-mm gun/launcher entered service with the US Army in 1972. The large calibre gun capable of firing high explosive for infantry support and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missile for long-range anti-tank engagements mounted on the standard M60 hull seemed like a winning combination. However, the Shillelagh missile never lived up to expectation and to make matters worse, when the 152mm gun was fired, the excessive blast and recoil tended to throw the sensitive missile tracking optics and electronics out of alignment. No solution could be found to the conundrum and by 1981 the M60A2 had been withdrawn from frontline service.

In the late 1970s, when it was becoming obvious that the writing was on the wall for the M60A2, plans were drawn up to have the majority of the redundant vehicles stripped of their turrets and converted into the US Army’s now standard M60A3 Main Battle Tank (MBT).  However, at the same time a number of unique projects were considered to take advantage of the impending surplus of vehicles. One such project was the M60A4 Avenger.

Having witnessed the Israeli Defence Force’s (IDF) Magach 5 Avenger, itself a combination of M48 hull, M60A2 turret and the 7-barrelled, 30mm, GAU-8 rotary-cannon, in the escort role, there was interest in certain quarters for the US Army to have a similar capability.  The M60A2’s narrow profile ‘Starship’ turret was duly converted to accept the impressive bulk of the GAU-8 and its ammunition feed system.  It is worthy of note that the US Army decided to follow the IDF’s lead in mounting the GAU-8 in the same linear configuration as was intended for its installation into the A-10 Thunderbolt II; fortuitously, the M60A2 turret lent itself to this design.

The end result was an elegant, yet brutal looking vehicle that promised much. 

Whilst the initial trials conducted at Fort Knox confirmed the hopes of many and inspired all who saw it in action, particularly the infantry, they also highlighted some noticeable shortcomings and doctrinal failings.  With each 1 second burst capable of firing 35 x 30mm rounds down range, the M60A4 Avenger was extremely adept at chewing up soft-skin and light armoured vehicles, not to mention buildings and infantry defensive positions.  Not entirely surprisingly, its ability against any heavily armoured vehicle was less assured and whilst capable of inflicting mobility or sensor kills, just did not have the punch in its 30mm rounds to defeat the frontal armour of most modern MBTs.  With no long-range anti-tank capability the Avenger was at a disadvantage.  It also became apparent that in its escort role, and the urban escort role in particular, the GAU-8 was just too big for the job.  Smaller weapon systems, such as the 20mm M61 Vulcan rotary-cannon, were just as capable, were more easily mounted and could carry more ammunition.  It was further argued that a vehicle mounting the small cannon would allow for a complimentary long-range missile system to be added. 

There have been very few armoured vehicles produced that have been quite so impressive when firing on the range as the M60A4 Avenger and yet so perplexing as to how it might be employed.  Of the 20 vehicles produced, all remained with the school of armour at Fort Knox waiting for a doctrinal or tactical evolution that never came to pass before eventually being retired form service in 1988.  The last 2 surviving vehicles can be found at Fort Benning and the Aberdeen Proving Ground Museum.

The model depicts M60A4 Avenger, callsign 41, as it appeared at the end of the initial trials at Fort Knox in the summer of 1979 and is constructed from an Academy M60A2 and various scratch built parts.

(https://i.imgur.com/X8gdp0k.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MQ4Exst.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BantP1E.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6WNVRJk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/e0F4mvJ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xklJCQ5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uqPGkHb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0ORYhdd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cu9XLJm.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on February 13, 2017, 10:02:36 AM
Now that's what I call a Big Frickin' Bunch of Guns!

The black scheme is perfect as if that gat isn't menacing enough!

Great stuff!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on February 13, 2017, 10:39:08 AM
Oh, that is seriously cool  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2017, 03:15:31 PM
Thanks chaps, much appreciated.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on February 13, 2017, 08:23:54 PM
In the words of George Takei: "Oh, My!"

That is, simply put, awesome.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LRB on February 14, 2017, 03:47:52 AM
Great work Claymore, and a very plausible backstory.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 14, 2017, 04:37:10 AM
Thanks muchly good Sirs!  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on February 14, 2017, 05:36:51 PM
Yep, a bloody good job, old son! :) :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 15, 2017, 06:53:02 AM
I thank you!  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on February 15, 2017, 10:49:49 AM
Great Skills ... Tick
terrific Concept .... Tick

Over all awesomeness... Tick, Tick

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: elmayerle on February 15, 2017, 11:44:32 AM
Great Skills ... Tick
terrific Concept .... Tick

Over all awesomeness... Tick, Tick
+1  Gorgeous piece of work there and quite plausible.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 15, 2017, 03:12:09 PM
Thank you both.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LRB on February 17, 2017, 05:21:02 PM
What's next on the build list Claymore?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 18, 2017, 08:05:32 AM
Funny you should mention that my good fellow but I think it might be a certain brace of Cambodian heavy armour. Centurions and Chieftains ahoy!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 19, 2017, 12:58:57 AM
M60A4 Avenger Update:

All spruced up and ready for shipping.

(https://i.imgur.com/gKIwyil.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LRB on February 19, 2017, 04:34:58 AM
Comes up quite nicely, in its walking out kit.

How did you mount the tank to the base?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 19, 2017, 06:25:26 AM
That she does.   ;)

There is a bolt that runs through the base and into the hull. So although firmly attached, if necessary, the model can still be removed from the base.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 13, 2017, 03:26:04 AM
Cambodian Centurion (Tiger) Update:

Here are the first WIP pics of phase 1 of the current project being undertaken for LRB. No spoilers as yet folks...

I still need to make and add a mantlet cover, add the smoke dischargers, add an IR searchlight, add the commander's MG, finish off the rear end and add some detailing before starting on the paint job. Lovely, jubbly...

(https://i.imgur.com/wYtoh2h.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jjpuhM2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xlzZEGr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3aCtlyH.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LRB on March 13, 2017, 04:25:36 AM
Fine looking tank Claymore,  always good to see a Centurion tank come to life, if only, in plastic form.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 13, 2017, 04:36:04 AM
Quite so, quite so.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Camthalion on March 13, 2017, 10:03:24 AM
wow excellent work.  The Avenger looks great
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 13, 2017, 03:11:35 PM
wow excellent work.  The Avenger looks great

Many thanks.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on March 13, 2017, 08:53:54 PM
 8) :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 28, 2017, 12:56:12 AM
Cambodian Centurion (Tiger) Update:

Sorry the pics are a bit dark but the north of Scotland is currently afflicted with something called sunshine and it's playing havoc with my limited photographic skills.  The sooner we get back to rain, the better!

Anyhoo, the build phase of the Cambodian Tiger is complete and the beastie is ready for her undercoat.  Although I say it myself, I like the way this one has turned out and she will make a fine stable-mate to the Cambodian King Tiger which will be next off the slips.

(https://i.imgur.com/p60AsXi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XucjhzR.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LRB on March 29, 2017, 04:22:39 AM
Great build Claymore, how was the kit itself?

Looking forward to seeing the fully painted result.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 29, 2017, 06:38:54 AM
Thanks mate.

The AFV Club kit was really good with only very minor bits of flash that needed to be trimmed off. Actually, the only complaint I had was that they didn't provide enough twine to replicate the double tow ropes - you need 4 lengths and there was only enough for 3. I know some folks don't like the overly complex realistic suspension but I have to say it went together a treat. They have also produced some nicely detailed new parts, the 30 Cal MG being a good case in point which, for a piece of cast plastic, it is quite exceptional and a huge improvement over the original.

Overall, a big thumbs up.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on March 29, 2017, 06:14:40 PM
No doubt about it, mate, you have the knack! :) :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 30, 2017, 06:14:14 AM
No doubt about it, mate, you have the knack! :) :)

Thanks.  Not sure whether I have the knack or just knackered!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 05, 2017, 04:34:13 AM
Cambodian Chieftain (King Tiger) Update:

Part deux of LRB's combo is taking shape, although the major surgery is still to take place... I must say that I have a new respect for the Chieftain - it must have been a real jaw-dropper when it entered service.

(https://i.imgur.com/T4b7o3T.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CxEYvpN.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 05, 2017, 03:29:20 PM
Interesting,  are you going to leave the side skirts on or off?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 05, 2017, 04:08:47 PM
Interesting,  are you going to leave the side skirts on or off?

We want the end product to have a distinctive 'Cambodian' feel to it and so the side skirts are going to be left off as per the Cambodian Centurion (Tiger).  The King Tiger will be a late development of the Chieftain (hense why based on the Mk 11) and will include a couple of other significant upgrades such as XXXXXXXXXXXX (SPOILER ALERT information denied!)  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 05, 2017, 05:36:06 PM
Looking forward to see this one.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on April 05, 2017, 06:24:04 PM
Tease... bring it on then !
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LRB on April 05, 2017, 06:33:24 PM

Despite knowing your plans for the two tanks, I am looking forward to seeing you bring them to life.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 05, 2017, 06:42:18 PM
Tease... bring it on then !

By your command!  :))


Despite knowing your plans for the two tanks, I am looking forward to seeing you bring them to life.

Hopefully, I will get a riggle on over the next couple of days and have some more updates to post.  Thanks again for the great ideas, both have been/are a joy to work with.  Well, so far anyway.  I will see if I am still full of the joys of spring after the next step!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on April 05, 2017, 07:21:45 PM
 :) :) 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 07, 2017, 06:16:28 AM
Cambodian Chieftain (King Tiger) Update:

On a deeply spiritual level, there is just something intrinsically wrong about taking two perfectly good models and chopping them up to make one new one... ... ... Well, I'm over that particular transcendental issue and am now surrounded by bits of disembowelled AFV - Nice!  :icon_meditation: ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on April 07, 2017, 10:18:13 AM
Cambodian Chieftain (King Tiger) Update:

On a deeply spiritual level, there is just something intrinsically wrong about taking two perfectly good models and chopping them up to make one new one... ... ... Well, I'm over that particular transcendental issue and am now surrounded by bits of disembowelled AFV - Nice!  :icon_meditation: ;)

Know exactly where you're coming from! :o :icon_meditation: 8) >:D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 16, 2017, 06:22:34 AM
Cambodian Chieftain (King Tiger) Update:

Two very fine kits mercilessly hacked to pieces to produce the Cambodian King Tiger.  What we have is a major upgrade of the Chieftain Mk 11 to dramatically improve its power output along the lines of the Jordanian Khalid.  Full backstory to follow in due course. Although I am naturally somewhat bias, I have completely fallen for this conversion. Sad or what?!!!

(https://i.imgur.com/vdgc61U.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Votzjhy.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cmqWGJF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1PzJ89H.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 16, 2017, 06:24:14 AM
Liking your work
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on April 16, 2017, 06:01:32 PM
wow.. just wow
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on April 17, 2017, 12:19:59 AM
The Chally butt looks really, really good! 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 17, 2017, 01:15:25 AM
Thanks chaps.  As always, a spray of undercoat will help pull it all together - so it is off to the spray booth next for both the Cambodian Tiger and King Tiger.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 17, 2017, 01:54:41 AM
Those are some really smooth mods! Sure looks like they belong!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on April 17, 2017, 10:43:04 PM
Just been looking online - my wallet hurts & I haven't even touched it :o ......... Yet! ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: 35th-scale on April 18, 2017, 03:51:00 AM
That does look impressive!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 18, 2017, 05:43:09 AM
Just been looking online - my wallet hurts & I haven't even touched it :o ......... Yet! ;)

Whilst the Chieftain is indeed a new kit, the Challenger rear deck comes from my stash of old built/almost built models. Even then, the whole thing is being done as a commission (along with the Centurion Tiger) so my wallet is safe-ish.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 18, 2017, 05:44:44 AM
That does look impressive!

Thanks mate. It looks more natural now that it has its undercoat applied. More pics to come soon.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on April 18, 2017, 02:41:09 PM
The melding of this really is working.
As they were alleged to have said once or twice.

The Chieftain was a great battlefield tank, providing it broke down in exactly the right spot.

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 20, 2017, 04:56:50 AM
Cambodian Centurion (Tiger) & Chieftain (King Tiger) Update:

The two Cambodian Big Cats looking resplendent in their undercoats...

In a way, I always think this is the best part of the building process as it is the first time that the finished model starts to shine through.

(https://i.imgur.com/ZIhNySL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0HIMKlI.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mwqCrEX.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on April 20, 2017, 09:16:59 AM
a whole mountain of wow right there.
Great builds
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on April 20, 2017, 12:43:47 PM
With undercoat the details show well.  Find it interesting to browse pictures, taking in details and differences between tanks.  Great builds.  :)
Nice as final paint and weathering is, some details is lost.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 20, 2017, 02:19:22 PM
Thanks chaps. I will have my work cut out for me as I intend to go with a MERDC type scheme for the Chieftain (King Tiger).  :icon_beer:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: ChernayaAkula on April 20, 2017, 05:32:25 PM
Gorgeous!  :-*

MERDC-style camo is going to look great!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LRB on April 20, 2017, 07:42:49 PM
Such wonderful builds Claymore and the undercoat really brings out the kit details. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on April 20, 2017, 07:49:08 PM
Wow those are some real armored marvels!

I really like that primer look. I'd be tempted just to add blotches of some earth tone for camo, but I'm sure what you've got in mind for these beasts will be a treat!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on April 20, 2017, 10:34:47 PM
And "shine" they certainly do, Brother Claymore! 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on April 20, 2017, 11:08:47 PM
Those are some sexy beasts! Amazing work.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 22, 2017, 06:50:32 AM
Thank you all. I just hope they live up to expectation... :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 19, 2017, 03:50:33 AM
Cambodian Centurion (Tiger) Update:

Blimey but this has been a long time coming...

I have spent the last 3 days, more or less, solidly on painting LRB's Cambodian Centurion (Tiger) and varnishing the display stand (7 coats).  Although I say it myself, she is looking mighty fine although there are still oil stains to be added and some more weathering before I will be happy that she is finished and ready for shipping.

In the meantime, I hope these pics will give you a feel for the end product...

(https://i.imgur.com/texHCCj.jpg)

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 19, 2017, 02:00:02 PM
Ni-ice! 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 21, 2017, 05:17:42 AM
Ni-ice! 8)

Thanks mate.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on June 21, 2017, 08:31:48 AM
Well done!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jacques Deguerre on June 21, 2017, 09:33:45 AM
That is one awesome Centurion! It looks so plausible that you could probably put it on a table at a model show and all but the most devoted treadheads would just assume it was based on a real world prototype.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 21, 2017, 02:17:30 PM
Thanks chaps, much appreciated.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 02, 2017, 05:55:00 AM
Well, this is where I am going with this idea (from the current Group Build)... F1 tank racing!  Full back-story in due course, of course...  ;)

(https://i.imgur.com/iS7b1zZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VkyPF4a.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CQIzEUJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on July 02, 2017, 06:12:37 AM
YES! YES! YES!!

Recce CR 1?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 02, 2017, 03:38:28 PM
Loving this chopped Chally! :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on July 02, 2017, 07:02:58 PM
 :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on July 03, 2017, 03:12:38 AM
The idea of a racing tank gave me the biggest smile I've had all day.

This one will be a lot of fun to watch.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on July 03, 2017, 10:44:32 PM
If I end up getting the 90acre block I'm looking at a racing tank would be prefect for it
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 04, 2017, 06:25:05 AM
The idea of a racing tank gave me the biggest smile I've had all day.

This one will be a lot of fun to watch.

Brian da Basher

I'm here to please...   ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 04, 2017, 06:26:13 AM
If I end up getting the 90acre block I'm looking at a racing tank would be prefect for it

I look forward to hearing all about it!  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Camthalion on July 04, 2017, 07:04:47 PM
Looks good
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 16, 2017, 05:16:07 AM
Cambodian Centurion (Tiger) Update:

“The tiger depends upon the forest, the forest depends upon the tiger.” Cambodian Proverb

 During Operation Suryarvarman II in 1972, the indigenous Dhole tank had fared indifferently against the Vietnamese T-54 Main Battle Tank. Then again, fighting a Soviet Main Battle Tank in an up gunned light tank, was a thoroughly unappealing option for most Armoured Corps crewman. Further, within the close confines of jungle warfare, it was the tank that fired first that usually survived, which promised to wear down the fewer Cambodian armoured reserves. Major Rouy shares his thoughts below:

“A Dhole provided you with protection against most enemy fire, but against a T-54 it could easily become your coffin. I remember a near miss, where a ten-cm shell from a T-54 tank went within a smidgen of our turret and, we decided not to stay around too long after that. In open combat… we never had a chance. So, we always had to be one step ahead. It was only because we could call up air strikes and had more tanks in theatre than the Vietnamese, that we eventually won.”

However, the poor state of the Cambodian treasury meant that the Army could only equip a single Tank Regiment. Several MBTs were considered including the Leopard One, M48 Patton and, the Centurion. The superb Leopard was ruled out on a cost and complexity basis, leaving the two warhorses of the Vietnamese era, the M48 Patton Tank and the Centurion to fight it out.

 The Medium Tank Trials Unit (MTTU) was a temporary Cambodian Army unit formed to test the M 48 Patton and Centurion tanks to determine the most suitable tank to be used by the reconstituted 1st Royal Tank Regiment. The MTTU was formed in early 1973 by converted A Squadron, 1st Tank Regiment. The MTTU personnel were trained in the United States and Australia in early 1972 receiving two M48 Pattons, two Centurion Mk Vs and a M48 recovery vehicle in the middle of the year. The tank trails commenced in late 1972 at the School of Armour located at Das Kanchor, and the jungle warfare training school at Bamnak in Pursat Province. The trails were completed in March 1973, as the MTTU reverted to Bravo Squadron 1st Royal Tank Regiment. The Centurion was selected based on the results of the trials and entered service in the Cambodian Army in late 1973. Ultimately, the Centurion was declared the winner of the competition, not only due to the superiority of the Centurion relative to the Patton, but also due to American domestic opinion, which now openly shunned any further intervention in South East Asia.

 Fortuitously, the Australian Army retired the Centurion Mk III tanks from their reserve regiments in 1972 to reduce their operational costs. Subsequently, the Cambodian diplomatic mission made an offer to purchase the mothballed reserve tanks for scrap value to the Whitlam government, which they expected would be rejected out of hand. Beset with a budgetary crisis, it was an offer the dysfunctional Whitlam government readily accepted. The newly purchased tanks were sent to Bandiana in Victoria by rail, where they were modified prior to being shipped to Cambodia.

 Swarthy men wearing plain olive green uniforms speaking with a middle eastern accent, arrived in Bandiana, and started the upgrade program. Rumours swirled around the Australian Army that the tanks were in fact not going to Cambodia, but to Israel to replace the horrific losses sustained by the IDF Armoured Corps during the recent Yom Kippur war. Ultimately, it was a misconception that worked in the Cambodian’s favour.

 The Israelis installed a 105mm gun into the Centurion, along with a Continental AVDS 17901-2A diesel engine mated to the Allison CD850-6 transmission. The armour was upgraded to Mk 13 standard and, an AN/VSS-3A IR searchlight was installed to allow night operations. Once the process was completed, the tanks were then secretly shipped to Cambodia.

 Although not part of the Israeli upgrade, noting the Australian operational experience in Vietnam, it was standard practice for the Cambodians to fit an additional, external, fuel drum to the Tiger. This increased fuel stowage mitigated the increased fuel consumption experienced during jungle operations. Additionally, most crews opted to cut away their front track fenders, to stop them getting fouled by the thick foliage.

 The secrecy of their service, prompted the peers of the 1st Royal Tank Regiment to refer to the tankers, as the Ghost soldiers. The moniker stuck, and the unit adopted the Phantom skull ring as their unofficial unit emblem, channelling the famous comic strip featuring the Ghost who Walks.

 The Tiger first tasted blood during the 1976 invasion by the People’s Army of Vietnam, and was critically important in blunting the Vietnamese attack at Srae Seam. Indeed, the PAVN armoured forces were mauled on several occasions by the superb Cambodian Tiger tank crews, and the Tiger reigned supreme in Indochina until the T-72 was introduced by the Communists in 1988. The obsolescence of the Tiger ushered in a far more capable replacement, the legendary King Tiger.

 The model below represents the Regimental Commander's tank of the 1st Royal Tank Regiment and is adapted from a AFV Club IDF Shot Kal 1973.

My thanks go to LRB for providing the backstory and inspiration.

(https://i.imgur.com/texHCCj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SCFFOJC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XXJ7ATV.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/a7qovsb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2MmJiu0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XX4DJfi.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 16, 2017, 05:59:45 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 16, 2017, 09:34:40 AM
That's just perfect, build & story! Well done, both of you! :) :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 16, 2017, 03:21:06 PM
That's just perfect, build & story! Well done, both of you! :) :)

Many thanks. I now just need to finish off the King Tiger companion.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on July 20, 2017, 06:14:30 AM
Now that's one Mighty Mean Green Machine!

Great stuff, love the subtle weathering!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: tankmodeler on July 21, 2017, 12:08:27 AM
Many thanks. I now just need to finish off the King Tiger companion.
And what's _that_ going to be based on, he asked innocently??

Paul
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 21, 2017, 07:06:32 AM
And what's _that_ going to be based on, he asked innocently??

Paul

There are some mid-production pics on page 13 of this thread. The Cambodian King Tiger is a Chieftain Mk 11/Challenger 1 hybrid not unlike the realtime Jordanian Khalid.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Feldmarschall Zod on July 21, 2017, 07:57:26 AM
That is a real nice, subtle WHIF Centurion.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 24, 2017, 05:19:35 AM
Tracked Land Speed Record:

In 2010, the Russian Army introduced the ‘Tank Biathlon’ series of Military Games in which, similar to the winter sport of biathlon, tank crews compete to demonstrate their rough terrain driving skills combined with the ability to provide accurate and rapid fire while performing manoeuvres.  These games proved to be a great success and increasingly took on an international flavour as more countries sent their crews and MBTs to participate.

(http://i.imgur.com/xC0dclk.jpg)

Of course ownership of armoured vehicles is not the sole domain of the world’s militaries and it didn’t take long for the private sector to show an interest in what the Russians were doing.  Having said that, for very good reasons there are laws in most civilised counties preventing civilians from owning large calibre artillery pieces and/or the ammunition for said artillery pieces and, consequently, any civilian take on the tank biathlons would have to have a somewhat different flavour.

So it was that the sport of tank racing was born.  The early days, saw a series of meets where gentlemen with more money than was probably good for them came together with their ex-military service vehicles to compete in a variety of cross-country time trials where they could show off their prowess in command of their respective armoured toys.

(http://i.imgur.com/r1Go5Vv.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/DIJ7R1f.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/W0maVzy.png)

It didn’t take long for the media to take an interest and for sponsors to realise that there was money to be made from this new and novel sport.  As the public interest and financial rewards of the new sport spiralled, the imperative to tie down an effective set of rules and regulations quickly resulted in two very distinct avenues of development:  Tank Rallying and Tank Drag Racing.  In order to maintain an element of competition, a number of sub categories were introduced to both racing styles specifying, amongst a myriad of technical minutia, all up weight and engine type.

With the desire to increase the performance of their armoured steeds, it wasn’t long before teams started making alterations to their vehicles in order to improve performance/handling/speed whilst staying inside the constraints of the sport’s regulations.  Generally, the first thing to go was the redundant main gun which, if not welded or clamped in place, only served to put unwanted sheer-pressures onto the turret.  Not entirely surprisingly, the entire turret was next to go as teams endeavoured to reduce the weight category of their vehicle whilst keeping the original power train.

(http://i.imgur.com/tnar0Yo.jpg)

These and a number of more subtle developments led to some very sleek and surprisingly fast armoured vehicles.  However, it was the appearance of Team Claymore’s cut down Challenger 1 in 2017 that entirely revolutionised the sport.  What they had done was to take a standard Challenger 1, remove its turret and then remove the portion of the hull that the turret sat on.  This process also reduced its number of road wheels per side from 6 to 4.  The end result was a reduction in the vehicle’s original 62 tonne to 30 tonnes.  At the same time, the vehicle’s 26 litre, 1,200hp, Perkins CV-12 Condor engine was upgraded and race tuned to output 1,500hp.  In other words, the vehicle’s power to weight ratio was boosted from 19.4 hp/tonne to 50 hp/tonne.

When entered into the 30-tonne class of both the Rally and Drag Races, Team Claymore’s vehicles (01 and 02) were the run-away winners and set a new tank land-speed record of 80.2 mph (128.3 Km/h).

The model depicts Team Claymore’s vehicle ‘02’ which won the European Tank Rally Championship in record time and then which went on to set a new World Tracked Speed Record in its class.  It is made from parts from two different Tamiya Challenger 1 models, some pieces from a Takom Chieftain Mk 11, plastic card and a selection of home grown decals.

(https://i.imgur.com/VKtYzQn.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WAeE4tH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/iKrjNCa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pQykEbW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WdWom4J.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jacques Deguerre on July 24, 2017, 09:06:05 AM
Wow Claymore, that is just too darn cool!  :D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 24, 2017, 10:42:49 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 24, 2017, 12:29:56 PM
That's just brilliant, mate! Absolutely brilliant! Love it! 8) 8) 8) :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 24, 2017, 02:26:47 PM
Thanks for the kind words.  :)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on July 24, 2017, 03:57:42 PM
That's just brilliant, mate! Absolutely brilliant! Love it! 8) 8) 8) :-* :-* :-*

I couldn't agree more! Just fantastic!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: tankmodeler on July 27, 2017, 01:30:50 AM
Really cool. The shape really reminds me of the German E-10 or E-25 designs of 1945.
(http://www.achtungpanzer.com/images/jage25.jpg)

Paul
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 27, 2017, 08:40:21 PM
I couldn't agree more! Just fantastic!

Brian da Basher

Thanks mate, much appreciated.

Really cool. The shape really reminds me of the German E-10 or E-25 designs of 1945.

Paul

I see what you mean.  It's that squat squared off look!  :))
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 15, 2017, 03:37:37 AM
Cambodian King Tiger Update:

My thanks to La Rouge Beret for providing the excellent backstory...

A mountain never has two tigers” Cambodian Proverb

 The Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica), or ‘Shir’ (Persian: شیر‎‎), ranged from eastern Turkey, across Mesopotamia and into eastern India. It was here that the mighty Persian Lion met the Bengal Tiger, and historical records indicated that on occasion the two fought, but often comfortably coexisted. Reflecting the success of the Persian traders throughout South East Asia, stylised stone Persian lions adorned temple and palace gates as guardians. Indeed, stone lions still guard the buildings of Angkor Wat, a role that another Persian Lion also performed for the contemporary Kingdom of Cambodia.

 The unveiling of the T – 72 Main Battle Tank, by the People’s Army of Vietnam, during the annual May Day parade in Hanoi in 1987, rendered the venerable Tiger tank obsolete overnight. Although, the Defence Ministry originally considered a further upgrade to the Tiger, it was ruled out due to cost, and the age of the fleet.

 A search for a replacement to the tank stipulated two requirements, firstly the prospective MBT could defeat a T – 72, and effectively operate at the tail end of an arduous logistical network. The contenders to replace the Tiger included; the Leopard 2, the M – 60 Patton, the AMX 30 and a Chieftain derivative. However, despite the other vehicles’ advantages, cost and politics played a decisive role in this search.

 The competition’s winner was the Shir 1, a variant of the Chieftain used by the Javidan Guard, heir to the battle honours and traditions of King Darius’ elite bodyguard, better known in the West as the Immortals. Supplanted by the equally impressive Shir 2, the interim Shir 1 was decommissioned from Iranian service without having fired a shot in anger. As opportunistic as ever, the Cambodian government offered to purchase the mothballed Shir 1 fleet at cost prices, which the Iranians accepted in exchange for concessionary trade deals. As the Shir 1 replaced the beloved Centurion, it’s moniker changed to fit its new hunting grounds in the jungle, so the desert Lion morphed into the King Tiger.

 The Shir 1 was developed as an interim design that would precede the all-new "Shir 2" MBT combat system, which became in time the Challenger 1 MBT. Development began in 1974 and was based on the Chieftain MBT, the standard main battle tank of the British Army at the time. The Iranians were already the largest foreign operator of the Chieftain with over 700 of the type in service. Three prototypes of the Shir 1 were made ready in 1977 and, production began at Royal Ordnance Factory, Leeds thereafter. 125 Shir 1 models were ordered by the government of Iran, with a further 1,225 Shir 2 tanks delivered during the 1980s.

 The Shir 1 MBT was finished with a Perkins Condor V12 12-cylinder; water-cooled diesel-fueled engine developing 1,200 horsepower and was mated to an automatic transmission. Beyond these changes, the Shir 1 remained faithful to the original Chieftain design, excluding a raised engine compartment to house the new power plant. Essentially, the Shir 1 was a hybrid of the Chieftain and Challenger 1.

 Outwardly, there was very little to distinguish the Cambodian King Tiger breed formed the Iranian model. Except that the forward hull and turret were upgraded to the Chieftain Mk 11 standard, including the addition of the Thermal Observation and Gun Sight (TOGS) system mounted on the turret.

 As in the Chieftain, primary armament of the King Tiger was the powerful and accurate 120mm L11A5 rifled main gun and this was augmented by the fitting of a 7.62mm L8A2 coaxial machine gun for anti-infantry defence. A second 7.62mm L37A2 machine gun was fitted at the commander's cupola for point defence against low-flying aircraft as well as oncoming infantry. A third L7A2 GPMG was commonly fitted on a flexible mount by the loader’s hatch for added point defence. There were 12 total electrically-actuated smoke grenade dischargers set in two banks of six each along the front turret sides and these could be used to cover the tank's movements from enemy gunners. The King Tiger can also create smoke by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust manifolds. A laser range finder and gun stabilization assisted in providing for accurate fire at range as well as firing on-the-move. The main gun was stabilized along both axes.

 The King Tiger’s inauguration on the battlefield, occurred during the Cambodian relief of the Third Royal Thai Army just outside of Luang Prabang, during the 1988 Laotian emergency. The Cambodian Strategic Reserve along with the Royal Thai Army’s 2nd Cavalry Division smashed into the Vietnamese ‘Steel and Iron’ Corps flanks, creating an opening for the encircled Royal Thai Third Army to retreat. The battle was also noteworthy for its use of chemical weapons by both sides, prompting the Cambodians to retaliate with thermobaric weapons deployed via their 203mm T-55 MBRL. During the battle, the King Tiger encountered the Vietnamese T – 72, comprehensively mauling their Vietnamese peers from the 202nd tank regiment. This was due to two reasons, the superiority of the Cambodian King Tiger relative to the export variant of the T – 72. However, the decisive edge was provided by the superior training provided to the tankers of the 1st Royal Tank Regiment. To this day, the venerable Persian Lion still stands watch on Cambodia’s borders, ready to rend any of her foes apart.

It is an interesting historic footnote to know that the Cambodian's AFV tactical marking system was purposely confusing in order to disguise the relatively few vehicles in their fleet. Thus the model appears to depict a King Tiger Call-sign 215, of the 43rd Squadron, of the 5th Heavy Battalion, of the 1st Royal Tank Regiment.  In reality, the vehicle depicted is Call-sign 215 of B Squadron, 1st Royal Tank Regiment.  The King Tiger is made from parts of a Takom Chieftain Mk 11, A Tamiya Challenger 1 and, of course, the ubiquitous plastic card. (Note: The paint scheme is loosely based on the US MERDC camouflage system.  It was hand painted and took for ever to get into all the nooks and crannies!  Having made the Cambodian Tiger look fairly beaten up and battle worn, I wanted to keep the King Tiger relatively pristine.)

(https://i.imgur.com/ie1hanh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AZtUHaD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KLwQCNT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/L4AJotZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JZJZWN8.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Camthalion on August 15, 2017, 05:57:23 AM
very cool
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 15, 2017, 06:21:34 AM
What a stunner! Love the camo!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 15, 2017, 06:28:25 AM
Thanks chaps.  Other than the base light green colour which was sprayed on, the paint job was entirely done with a selection of hairy sticks.  It seemed to take for ever as each time I thought I had it, I would see a bit I had missed or a line I wasn't happy with.  The engine deck, in particular, almost had me in tears!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 15, 2017, 06:30:57 AM
I'm of the opinion that the old hairy stick of yore is still quite under-appreciated.

You certainly have enviable skill with such an ancient instrument.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 15, 2017, 06:36:34 AM
You are most kind although you might have questioned my skills had you heard some of the language I used every time I spotted another bit I had missed first, second and third time around!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on August 15, 2017, 11:58:17 AM
Man, that's one sweet ride, Claymore! Another one I love! :-* :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 15, 2017, 03:14:59 PM
Thanks, much appreciated.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LRB on August 15, 2017, 06:33:44 PM
Without a doubt the King Tiger is a true looker, what is the symbol on the Tiger's right front sponson?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 16, 2017, 02:29:47 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 16, 2017, 03:30:24 PM
Without a doubt the King Tiger is a true looker, what is the symbol on the Tiger's right front sponson?

Thanks mate.  The crest is a decal I had in my spares stash that is intended to be part of the Cambodian 1st Royal Tank Regt's deception plans- representing a fictitious tank battalion.  The colours, crossed swords and crown look similar to the Royal Tank Regt emblem.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jacques Deguerre on August 17, 2017, 07:11:29 PM
Wow, the King Tiger is one heck of a cool looking tank! I love these sort of Whifs that sneak up on you a bit. At first glance, you think "Oh, that's a nice Chieftain". Then the camouflage scheme catches your eye; then you notice the engine deck and rear hull and you realize you've seen something unique. I find those "Hey, wait a minute..." moments enjoyable, while I'm sure it causes acute consternation amongst the Numpties (which I also enjoy).
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 18, 2017, 06:14:35 AM
Thanks, most kind.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on August 18, 2017, 10:46:45 AM
whole bucket load of goodness in the one package.
Terrific design and paint

Awesome
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 29, 2017, 04:53:54 AM
Tracked Land Speed Record:

As promised, the German (Team Warsteiner) counterpart to Team Claymore's cut down Challenger 1.  These high performance machines were to set the standard for all future Formula Tank Class 30 racers...

(http://i.imgur.com/3s7FCTB.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/dNRp2M7.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/49pX1rL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jiBcwK7.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2bGVTXH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ghb1U4V.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jacques Deguerre on August 29, 2017, 10:28:08 AM
Whoa! Holy crap, that Leo is just awesome!  :o

As with the Challenger, the racing version looks great and I could also imagine it in a recce or fire support role with a small, unmanned turret or weapons station added.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 29, 2017, 02:08:45 PM
 Many thanks.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on August 30, 2017, 06:41:21 AM
You know, there really should be more racing tanks.

And your incredibly sharp models prove it, Claymore!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 31, 2017, 02:16:21 AM
You know, there really should be more racing tanks.

And your incredibly sharp models prove it, Claymore!

Brian da Basher

When I win the lottery, tank racing is going to happen!!!!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: tankmodeler on September 01, 2017, 12:48:46 AM
I admit to being inspired to look at making a racing tank from the early days, right after WW II, when the bootleggers got ahold of old Shermans and Hellcats and then souped up to get "shine" across the Appalachians to market without risking the Po-lice on the roads...

The early days of Stock Tank racing.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 01, 2017, 05:07:25 AM
I like your thinking!!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: elmayerle on September 01, 2017, 08:19:54 AM
I can just see the Swedes entering a de-mil'd and hot-rodded, at least a more powerful engine, S-tank in this series.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 01, 2017, 05:44:20 PM
I can just see the Swedes entering a de-mil'd and hot-rodded, at least a more powerful engine, S-tank in this series.

Ah yes, with no turret to remove and already having quite a compact hull, the S-Tank would sit comfortably in the C30 (30 ton) class.  I think you are right in that the engine would need to be tweaked or replaced but a very cool looking option nevertheless.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on December 30, 2017, 09:35:06 PM
IS-2 / Tiger II Hybrid.

Well it has been a very long time coming - a combination of lethargy on my part, the gods sabotaging my airbrush, and one of the most time consuming paint jobs I have ever done.  I thought rivets were bad... but how many bloody triangles?

Anyhoo, here is the finished article.  No backstory as such as this is for a mate's TL and I'm not sure that he has written the detail yet.

Nonetheless, the model depicts the second vehicle of 2nd Company HQ, 31st Panzer Regiment, 5th Panzer Division of the Imperial German Army and is made from parts of a Trumpeter IS-3, a Meng Tiger II and a Bronco Night Vision set. 

(https://i.imgur.com/F9UotLo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mkQkOoh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KNqiaYg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OMdNw4a.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/olIAcdl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/9Q4o84o.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on December 30, 2017, 10:43:42 PM
Woh! Nice one! It works, visually, & the tech is compatible. :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on December 31, 2017, 12:02:35 AM
The time invested in that amazing paint scheme was certainly time well spent!

A veritable feast for the eyes!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on December 31, 2017, 12:29:20 AM
Thanks chaps... every time I close my eyes all I see are triangles!  :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on December 31, 2017, 04:28:32 PM
Not surprised one iota! ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on January 02, 2018, 06:11:00 PM
Just great. Again.

Love the concept and the scheme is a winner as well
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 03, 2018, 02:34:54 AM
Thanks one and all.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on January 04, 2018, 07:23:29 AM
The time invested in that amazing paint scheme was certainly time well spent!...

Agreed! Great build  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 05, 2018, 02:23:10 AM
Many thanks.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 03, 2018, 09:08:04 PM
Egyptian Thutmose III:

The latest project that I have been working on has been inspired by an idea from a friend over on a thread I run on AH.Com.  To cut a very long story short his story postulates that the Soviet IS-2 tank stayed in production much longer than it did and in favour of the IS-3.  Some of these IS-2s find their way into service with the Egyptian Army (renamed Thutmose III) and over time go through a series of upgrades eventually leading to AFV in question.  In his mind's eye, he saw this final conversion being something similar to the real-life Ramses upgrade of the T-55 but with extras. 

Basically, what he was after was an IS-2 with M48/60 Patton running gear, a Continental diesel engine, British L11 120mm gun and various other bells and whistles.
 
Parking the why and wherefores of the concept aside, the basic idea struck a chord.  With that I laid down the challenge and after only the briefest of arguments accepted!

(https://i.imgur.com/W5usdTg.jpg)

I had this old IS-2 in my stash but soon realised that it was too far gone (running gear solidly glues in place) to make a suitable donor - so on went the computer and after a quick email to Mr Hannants a cheap Svezda IS-2 was winging its way to Chateau Claymore.  I settled on the Svesda model for no other reason than its relatively low price and the knowledge that a good deal of it was going to get chopped up and thrown away.

So, first things first... new running gear and tracks donated from an old Italeri M60 and removal of the old engine deck.  Note some addition plastic card required to fill in the enormous gaps where the upper and lower hulls meet...

(https://i.imgur.com/w06IA8X.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AkYdTZk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/DAu2P6J.jpg)

New engine deck in place and boxed in and fenders widened to cover new tracks.  Starting to look interesting...

(https://i.imgur.com/gfxg8cW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LwbcLRa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6RzTvKc.jpg)

In tackling the turret, I soon realised that there was just no way the big 120mm L11 gun would fit into the basic turret, but I really wanted to keep the feel of the original IS-2.  This required some major surgery to lengthen the turret whilst also swapping the crew positions around to match the Western gun.  After several failed attempts to do something with the M60 turret I had, I gave it ups as a lost cause and delved deeper into the pit-of-despair that is/are my spares box/es.  What I ended up with was an old Centurion turret (so old I have no idea who made it).  I used the rear end, heavily hacked and modified but, in the end, a perfect fit and giving me the exact look I was after. All hail Milliput putty for blending the whole thing together. 

Gun in place, fenders extended and all the usual extra goodies added, the Thutmose is looking like a believable MBT.  My mate wanted a late US IR searchlight mounted over the gun - this is the only major attachment still to be fitted.  Unfortunately, I didn't have one in stock and therefore one is on order from South Korea (it may arrive by next Christmas). 

(https://i.imgur.com/YYIdDZg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FDUfZvB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wd9BBRf.jpg)

This is perhaps the most heavily modified whiff I have undertaken without going into the realms of scratch building - great fun.  The next stage will be the undercoat which should help pull it all together and then the paint job...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on March 03, 2018, 10:00:14 PM
Very nice!  Like the way it all seems to fit together.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 03, 2018, 10:03:31 PM
Thanks mate.  Hopefully, the undercoat should help blend it all together and hide the patchwork of parts.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on March 03, 2018, 10:07:28 PM
A shame your 'client' wants an American style light over the barrel.  I would expect the original M48/M60 light would have been more available for an upgrade program of that time period. 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 03, 2018, 10:17:29 PM
My original intention was to fit the larger original AN/VSS-1 M48/60 searchlight (and I have a couple spare) but unfortunately it is just too big and would interfere with the gunner's sights - hence why I need to go with the smaller AN/VSS-3 which of course was also fitted to the M60
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on March 04, 2018, 12:42:18 AM
This is inspirational! Very cool conversion and I'm looking forward to seeing it with the primer and final paint.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Logan Hartke on March 04, 2018, 11:12:32 AM
That looks great! It's a very natural combination, and the finished product is going to end up looking brilliant!

Cheers,

Logan
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on March 04, 2018, 04:48:33 PM
Logan said it best! Bloody brilliant, Brother Claymore, abso-bloody-lutely brilliant! 8) 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 04, 2018, 10:25:11 PM
Thanks guys for your kind words.

Egyptian Thutmose Update:

As promised the latest pics of the big beastie in her undercoat and looking altogether more resplendent and purposeful...

(https://i.imgur.com/3LZzAfE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1Tv8lSz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7onaCEK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Dug1HL3.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jacques Deguerre on March 04, 2018, 11:34:04 PM
Man, that is one awesome IS-2 rebuild! The turret is especially inspired work and maybe this is just me but the M60 running gear seems to look great on almost any tank*.

*Okay, M60 running gear would probably look silly on a Panzer II or M3 Stuart. But it works well on a number of larger tanks.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 05, 2018, 12:13:21 AM
Thanks mate and you are absolutely right, the M60’s running gear is multi-talented. 

Now a Pz II/M60 hybrid?  Mmmmhhhhhh.....  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on March 05, 2018, 01:00:13 AM
You know you nailed a whif when it's not immediately apparent that its a whif at all! 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 05, 2018, 01:29:27 AM
You know you nailed a whif when it's not immediately apparent that its a whif at all!

Praise indeed, thanks mate.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Logan Hartke on March 05, 2018, 09:42:58 AM
Those latest pictures make it look a little like the Type 61's long lost big brother.

Cheers,

Logan
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on March 05, 2018, 12:02:49 PM
You know you nailed a whif when it's not immediately apparent that its a whif at all!

What he said.

There is going to be somebody somewhere opening a book on prototypes trying to find the history on this one

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on March 05, 2018, 01:08:06 PM
Read description and studied pictures carefully.  Then went looking at tank pictures.  In form and workmanship (cutting,card stock, putty) is super melding of tanks.
Milliput putty: have to try it.  Am seeing some M-47 in turret.  Cool tank  8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 05, 2018, 03:19:17 PM
Thanks one and all for the comments.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 27, 2019, 03:53:51 AM
Oh but it has been a while since I last posted anything. Mojo issues... Need I say more?

Sadly, the Thutmose tank, previously posted, still sits on the bench waiting tp have its paint job completed. 

Anywho, I now have a couple of new projects on the slips and thought that I would share...

Firstly, the M41 Scout:

(https://i.imgur.com/XtBgfws.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hxBRBwe.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cNonzHu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/I1jJPqk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tcwmGqq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JMOcb0L.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 27, 2019, 04:02:00 AM
Secondly, the Dachs (Badger) which will be a StuG companion to my other AH Luftwaffe AFVs (Otter and Mammoth)…

(https://i.imgur.com/ZigWoC9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8jyCiVk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xNIKSdY.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wOUmEUo.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aVvRj6t.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/HBjZ9sn.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Yj5yWhs.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on May 27, 2019, 04:05:09 AM
Nice job, I really like it! Any backstory?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 27, 2019, 04:17:11 AM
Full backstories for both will be forthcoming when they are complete.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on May 27, 2019, 04:30:26 AM
The M41 with Bradley turret is outstanding!  Definitely like your solution to the problem of modifying the engine deck.  Side loading or top loading air cleaner units from the M48/M60 are a great fit and it definitely puts the scout functionality back in to the M41.  So where are the additional missiles stored?  Not that it matters, as a scouting tank it really should be scooting after it starts shooting. 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 27, 2019, 04:47:35 AM
Many thanks.  I am working on the premise that the side paniers are capable of storing a couple of TOW missiles each - so 4 x reload missiles available.  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on May 27, 2019, 06:33:01 AM
Great idea!  Side stowage above the tracks makes the reload process a bit easier for the guy tasked with that job. 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on May 27, 2019, 09:09:16 AM
The M41 Scout is brilliant, mate, &, although I don't really do WW2 German, the Dachs is a really neat idea. Very cool, the both of them! 8) 8) :smiley:



PS: VERY good to have you back! Maybe my armour mojo will get a decent kick-start now! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 27, 2019, 11:12:34 PM
Dachs (Badger) Update:

I little bit of primer help pull everything together...

(https://i.imgur.com/P8bOGWC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7mwc7QC.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/igTDbX9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/k7DhLt5.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on May 27, 2019, 11:31:54 PM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jacques Deguerre on May 28, 2019, 07:40:12 AM
Claymore, it’s good to see you back at it again! Both of these new vehicles are very cool, although I’m slightly more fond of the M41. It kind of reminds me of some of the recon vehicle proposals that predate the Bradley “all in one” approach.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 28, 2019, 02:57:17 PM
Thanks mate  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Logan Hartke on May 28, 2019, 09:40:39 PM
I agree, that M41 with Bradley turret is a real looker! I can't wait to see it with paint. What scheme are you thinking for it? One of the MERDCs?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 29, 2019, 01:35:59 AM
 I was initially thinking of going with the M41 Scout being in Danish service but perhaps keeping with US service might be the way ahead. In which case, yes it is likely to sport a MERDC scheme.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on May 29, 2019, 09:55:21 AM
Danish or Norwegian seem suitable, the Danes got a lot of service out of their M41's & the Norwegians did the same with their M24's.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on May 29, 2019, 10:27:26 AM
Both look great, but my favorite is teh M41. Is that the Tamiya kit?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on May 29, 2019, 12:05:35 PM
The M 41 scout vehicle reminds me of a certain UCV (Urban Combat Vehicle).........
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 30, 2019, 03:38:38 AM
Danish or Norwegian seem suitable, the Danes got a lot of service out of their M41's & the Norwegians did the same with their M24's.

Very true.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 30, 2019, 03:39:56 AM
Both look great, but my favorite is teh M41. Is that the Tamiya kit?

Indeed it is... in fact so is the turret.  :))
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 30, 2019, 03:40:50 AM
The M 41 scout vehicle reminds me of a certain UCV (Urban Combat Vehicle).........

 ;) so I have a thing for Bradley turrets!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Logan Hartke on May 30, 2019, 03:47:57 AM
I was thinking something along those lines, but also as a possible upgrade to the New Zealand M41s in their lovely 4 color MERDC-inspired scheme. Danish and Norwegian would both be lovely, as well as sort of a Team Yankee sort of M114/M551 replacement instead of the M3 Bradley.

Looking forward to it, whatever you do!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on May 30, 2019, 05:33:51 AM
I was thinking something along those lines, but also as a possible upgrade to the New Zealand M41s in their lovely 4 color MERDC-inspired scheme. Danish and Norwegian would both be lovely, as well as sort of a Team Yankee sort of M114/M551 replacement instead of the M3 Bradley.

Looking forward to it, whatever you do!

Thanks mate and thanks for the inspiration... so many options!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on May 30, 2019, 06:17:14 AM
Ooo, a plug for the Danish scheme on your dead-clever M41 Scout!  Looking forward to your finished Dachs too. So glad your Mojo has made a come-back  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 02, 2019, 07:10:54 AM
Your back !!

With two great builds as well. Luv 'em both
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on June 02, 2019, 11:44:11 AM
The M41 Scout... I just bought the Tamiya Sheridan and Meng Bradley to do the same thing, after giving up on making an XM800. I like the look of the M41 lower hull better.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on June 02, 2019, 02:09:59 PM
The M41 Scout... I just bought the Tamiya Sheridan and Meng Bradley to do the same thing, after giving up on making an XM800. I like the look of the M41 lower hull better.

Always liked M-41, M-47, M-48.  Something about them 1950s tanks.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on June 02, 2019, 11:22:40 PM
The M41 Scout... I just bought the Tamiya Sheridan and Meng Bradley to do the same thing, after giving up on making an XM800. I like the look of the M41 lower hull better.

I really want to make an XM800 - but you''re right; the M41 hull looks better than the boxy mini-M113 looking hull.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 18, 2019, 04:31:38 AM
Mojo back in place but unfortunately a recent promotion at work and an impending overseas move has put the dampeners on my whiffing output.  Hopefully, have something to post in the next few days.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 18, 2019, 05:14:50 PM
Mojo back in place but unfortunately a recent promotion at work and an impending overseas move has put the dampeners on my whiffing output.  Hopefully, have something to post in the next few days.  :smiley:

I'd say a promotion is fortunate &, depending on where, an overseas move can re-invigorate the ol' grey cells! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on July 18, 2019, 06:04:58 PM
I was thinking something along those lines, but also as a possible upgrade to the New Zealand M41s in their lovely 4 color MERDC-inspired scheme. Danish and Norwegian would both be lovely, as well as sort of a Team Yankee sort of M114/M551 replacement instead of the M3 Bradley.

Looking forward to it, whatever you do!

Great idea, but how about Scorpion and / or Scimitar turrets for an NZ M-41 upgrade to serve along side the Scorpions
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 19, 2019, 05:20:21 AM
I'd say a promotion is fortunate &, depending on where, an overseas move can re-invigorate the ol' grey cells! :smiley:

Very true and the extra cash is not too shabby either.   ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 19, 2019, 05:24:00 AM
Great idea, but how about Scorpion and / or Scimitar turrets for an NZ M-41 upgrade to serve along side the Scorpions

Looked at Scorpion, Scimitar and even Warrior turrets but all lacked the additional bulk of the Bradley turret and looked a bit lost on the M41 hull - although to be fair the 30mm Rarden did look the part compared to the diminutive Bushmaster!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 19, 2019, 09:12:26 AM
Great idea, but how about Scorpion and / or Scimitar turrets for an NZ M-41 upgrade to serve along side the Scorpions

Looked at Scorpion, Scimitar and even Warrior turrets but all lacked the additional bulk of the Bradley turret and looked a bit lost on the M41 hull - although to be fair the 30mm Rarden did look the part compared to the diminutive Bushmaster!  :smiley:

Well, you know what to do, then! ;) ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 21, 2019, 05:56:38 PM
Well, you know what to do, then! ;) ;D

Oh now why did you have to go and say that!  ;D. Someone bring me my scalpel...  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on July 21, 2019, 10:57:44 PM
Metal barrels for the 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II and RARDEN are available to allow a quick and reasonably easy conversion I would think. 

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 23, 2019, 05:06:20 AM
Thanks Jeff - order placed! 

After consideration, I have decided to go with the 30mm Bushmaster II,  it gives the greater lethality and commonality of ammunition with other European allies without all the hassle of adopting the Rarden.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on July 23, 2019, 05:21:16 AM
No problem, glad to help.  I was under the impression that the L2A1 RARDEN and 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II both use the same ammunition but I may be wrong.  One source states the L2A1 RARDEN uses 30X170mm and another source states that the Mk44 Bushmaster II uses 30X173mm.  Which is odd since the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger uses the same 30X173mm ammunition as the Mk44 Bushmaster II. 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Rickshaw on July 24, 2019, 05:38:08 AM
One factor thus far not mentioned is that the RARDEN is magazine fed - six rounds a magazine, whereas the Bushmaster is belt fed.

Another matter is that of "RARDEN thumb".  It seems that the RARDEN needs to be cleared by placing your thumb into the chamber.  Unfortunately, the bolt often comes forward with shattering force and smashes the thumb badly, so badly that it needs to be removed.   Not a good thing for a soldier!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 25, 2019, 02:24:25 AM
Another matter is that of "RARDEN thumb".  It seems that the RARDEN needs to be cleared by placing your thumb into the chamber.  Unfortunately, the bolt often comes forward with shattering force and smashes the thumb badly, so badly that it needs to be removed.   Not a good thing for a soldier!

 :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 27, 2019, 01:52:34 AM
No problem, glad to help.  I was under the impression that the L2A1 RARDEN and 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster II both use the same ammunition but I may be wrong.  One source states the L2A1 RARDEN uses 30X170mm and another source states that the Mk44 Bushmaster II uses 30X173mm.  Which is odd since the 30mm GAU-8 Avenger uses the same 30X173mm ammunition as the Mk44 Bushmaster II.

Yup the Rarden does indeed use a subtly different 30mm round (30x170) that is not interchangeable with the more common US/NATO 30x173 round.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 27, 2019, 02:01:07 AM
One factor thus far not mentioned is that the RARDEN is magazine fed - six rounds a magazine, whereas the Bushmaster is belt fed.

Another matter is that of "RARDEN thumb".  It seems that the RARDEN needs to be cleared by placing your thumb into the chamber.  Unfortunately, the bolt often comes forward with shattering force and smashes the thumb badly, so badly that it needs to be removed.   Not a good thing for a soldier!

Yes, the ammunition feed is a major concern although I wasn’t aware of the thumb issue!  :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 27, 2019, 02:01:44 AM
30mm barrel is now in the house!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on July 27, 2019, 07:25:00 AM
Yup the Rarden does indeed use a subtly different 30mm round (30x170) that is not interchangeable with the more common US/NATO 30x173 round.

Yes, the RARDEN 30 mm was derived from the 30 x 170 Hispano-Suiza HS 831L/Oerlikon KCB round.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 27, 2019, 11:56:32 PM
M41 Scout Update:

New 30mm M44 Bushmaster II installed.  No excuse for not finishing it off...

(https://i.imgur.com/TE9uSAE.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 28, 2019, 03:40:14 AM
Looking good
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on July 28, 2019, 06:50:12 AM
That barrel looks great! I'd be so tempted to keep it like that, seems more menacing that way.

It's probably a good thing I don't build much armor and never use after-market when I do.

Nice progress and thanks for the play-by-play!

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 28, 2019, 02:33:14 PM
Looking good, mate! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on July 28, 2019, 09:00:49 PM
Looking very good
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 23, 2019, 08:42:17 AM
Ok, so part of the reason I have been so tardy in getting anything done in the last month is that I have just moved house from the Highlands of Scotland to darkest Missouri of all places.  Just move in a couple of days ago and going to be here for the next 3 years, MoD and US DoD allowing.   :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on September 23, 2019, 09:04:39 AM
Sounds like Fort Lost in the Woods! Some nice recreation opportunities on Lake of the Ozarks if you like fishing. Welcome to the US!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on September 23, 2019, 09:05:16 AM
I hope your location puts you near to SprueBrothers so you can visit their store in person.  I am told they have a lot of interesting items at reduced prices.  Other than that, be prepared for cold winters and hot summers. 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 23, 2019, 10:07:05 AM
Ok, so part of the reason I have been so tardy in getting anything done in the last month is that I have just moved house from the Highlands of Scotland to darkest Missouri of all places.  Just move in a couple of days ago and going to be here for the next 3 years, MoD and US DoD allowing.   :smiley:

Playing soldier with the Yanks, eh? :smiley:

Have fun, mate! 8)

And hope to see some models appearing soon! ;)


Maybe you can call in on Nicholas Moran (a.k.a. The Chieftain, from World of Tanks), I believe he lives in California, somewhere? ???
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: elmayerle on September 23, 2019, 10:54:17 AM
That's only some 1500 miles away, an easy trip (NOT!).

Anyway, welcome to the USA and I hope you enjoy your stay here.   If you manage to get down Fort Worth way, I'd love to meet up; alternatively, perhaps something splitting the distance, like Oklahoma City, would work better.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 23, 2019, 01:12:32 PM
Sounds like Fort Lost in the Woods! Some nice recreation opportunities on Lake of the Ozarks if you like fishing. Welcome to the US!

Indeed it is and thanks mate!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 23, 2019, 01:14:23 PM
I hope your location puts you near to SprueBrothers so you can visit their store in person.  I am told they have a lot of interesting items at reduced prices.  Other than that, be prepared for cold winters and hot summers.

Will have to look them up.  :smiley:  Extra thick underpants already prepared!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 23, 2019, 01:18:04 PM
Ok, so part of the reason I have been so tardy in getting anything done in the last month is that I have just moved house from the Highlands of Scotland to darkest Missouri of all places.  Just move in a couple of days ago and going to be here for the next 3 years, MoD and US DoD allowing.   :smiley:

Playing soldier with the Yanks, eh? :smiley:

Have fun, mate! 8)

And hope to see some models appearing soon! ;)


Maybe you can call in on Nicholas Moran (a.k.a. The Chieftain, from World of Tanks), I believe he lives in California, somewhere? ???

That’s me.  Not quite what I was expecting to be doing at this stage of my life but sometimes you just have to take what life serves up and roll with it.  Looking forward to the opportunities this posting will throw up.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 23, 2019, 01:19:04 PM
That's only some 1500 miles away, an easy trip (NOT!).

Anyway, welcome to the USA and I hope you enjoy your stay here.   If you manage to get down Fort Worth way, I'd love to meet up; alternatively, perhaps something splitting the distance, like Oklahoma City, would work better.

Thanks mate, something we might work out.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Brian da Basher on September 24, 2019, 05:17:25 AM
I think they've got some pretty good BBQ out near you, Clay. Would be worth asking your new work-mates about.

Welcome to the U.S.A. and please pardon our various provincialisms such as "color", "flavor", and country music.

Brian da Basher
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 24, 2019, 08:39:20 AM
I think they've got some pretty good BBQ out near you, Clay. Would be worth asking your new work-mates about.

Welcome to the U.S.A. and please pardon our various provincialisms such as "color", "flavor", and country music.

Brian da Basher

Lol, will check it out.  So much to do, see and experience.  Looking forward to it all!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: elmayerle on September 24, 2019, 09:14:50 AM
That close, you really ought to visit Branson, MO.  I'd recommend Ray Stevens show and, if he's still there, Yakow Smirnoff's show for the humor.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 24, 2019, 11:22:51 AM
That close, you really ought to visit Branson, MO.  I'd recommend Ray Stevens show and, if he's still there, Yakow Smirnoff's show for the humor.

Thanks, I will keep it in mind.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 10:49:37 AM
I can't quite believe that it has been so long since I last posted anything on the thread.  I have no particular excuse other than being an idle old git as I have still been working on various AH AFV projects.  My only limitation whilst serving my time in the colonies is that I haven't invested in a second set of painting irons and, therefore, my creations have been parked until I get back home to Scotland (Aug 22).

Anyhoo, here is my first offering...

Phar Lap:

When Japan entered the war on 7 December 1941, Australia found itself with a powerful aggressor much closer to home than had been the case for the first two years of warfare. The Australian Army was renowned for its fighting spirit but was primarily an infantry-based force with next to nothing in the way of armoured assets and little in the way of home-based heavy industry to take up the slack. So it was that when the British started to withdraw the A12 Matilda from front-line service in late 1941 and replace them with the lighter and less costly Valentine tank, the Australian government was only too happy to take what it could get.

With no comparable opposition to the panzers they had faced in North Africa, the Matildas served the Australian Army well with their heavy armour being able to withstand just about anything the Japanese could throw at them. However, the Matilda was far from perfect. The heavily armoured side skirts made the vehicle heavier than it needed to be and any sort of track maintenance in the close terrain the Australians found themselves in was all but impossible. Indeed, breakdowns and unserviceability accounted for the vast majority of Matilda losses. To make matters worse, the long-standing problem with the 2pdr main gun and its lack of HE ammunition severely limited the Matilda’s effectiveness in prosecuting its primary infantry support role.

Meanwhile back in Britain, the Vulcan Foundry – primary makers of the A12 Matilda – found themselves with dwindling orders but with the capacity and eagerness to do more for the war effort. Fortuitously, it was about then that a delegation from Vickers (designers of the Valentine) and the Royal Arsenal (designers of the Matilda) met over a particularly strong cup of tea. Both teams had been mulling over the reports coming back from the Australians and their experiences with the venerable Matilda. While Vickers would have preferred the Australians to adopt their Valentine tank (as New Zealand had done), they accepted some of the advantages highlighted of the more heavily armoured Matilda design. In turn, the Royal Armoury team praised its own creation but acknowledged the limitations, and cost, of its complex design and poor maintenance record. In a rare case of compromise through necessity, common sense prevailed and a new design, designated A23, Tank, Infantry, Mk V was proposed for Commonwealth use in SE Asia that would effectively meld the running gear of the Valentine to the upper hull of the Matilda. Noting the Australian Army’s preference for the few 3” howitzer armed Close Support Matildas they had in service the decision was also taken to produce the bulk of the A23s with the 3” gun.

By early 1943, the Vulcan Foundry was back in full production. In recognition that the new vehicle was to be used primarily in the SE Asian theatre (a few A23s were supplied to the USSR under the lease-lend programme), the Australian Army were given the honour of selecting a name. Called after the race horse of the same name, the ‘Phar Lap’, proved a great success and was well liked by both the tankers who operated them and the infantry they supported. A23, Phar Laps remained in service with the Australian Citizens Military Force until finally retired in 1960.

The model is made from parts of a Tamiya Matilda Mk III/IV, a Bronco Valentine Mk XI and the ubiquitous plastic card. Unfortunately, I won't be able to give the model its final paint scheme and weathering until I return to the Highlands from my tour in darkest Missouri in mid 2022. In the meantime, please enjoy the WIP pics.

(https://i.imgur.com/2K4H9LB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wpNWN3P.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yzNHg3b.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8W3UnVb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gKwL1MU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BzT7TtI.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 10:59:56 AM
Offering #2

Buzdygan:

Thanks to @horrorny for the initial design and inspiration. Sadly, there is no specific backstory other than the Buzdygan (Mace) being a medium tank in the service of an AH Poland sandwiched between a left-wing Germany and a right-wing Russia. Previous arms deals made to favour both sides has resulted in a line of AFVs influenced by each side but with a Polish twist.

The model is comprised of parts from a Tamiya KV-1B, an Academy Pz Kpfw IV, parts from the spares box and the ubiquitous plastic card. Given the lack of a detailed backstory, several changes were made mid-build before I settled on the final design - not ideal but such is life! Again, final painting will have to wait until I get home.

(https://i.imgur.com/dMHZnRB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8Phjy9q.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SHLq4R3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AoOxVIT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dr3GxV4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Jg0oh8p.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ADwn8lJ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/he1NFDO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6Ec2iS8.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 11:05:17 AM
Offering #3

Zhukov's Babies:

History records that the T-34 was the most heavily produced tank of WW2 with some 84,070 coming off the Soviet production lines between 1941 and 1945. However, with 44,900 lost during the war, the T-34 also suffered the most tank losses ever. With the transition in production from the T-34/76 to the T-34/85 in Jan 44 all possible efforts were made to churn out the new design as quickly as possible in order to replace all the earlier models in the Soviet's combat formations. The fate of the earlier T-34/76 models was, ultimately, destruction on the battlefield or recovery, disassembly and recycling in the foundries. However, a few survivors, still in working order, were converted to other roles such as artillery tractors, recovery vehicles, etc; although most of these conversions were done in field workshops and, consequently, individual variations were common place.

One of the stranger variants to come out of the 1st Ukrainian Front was an attempt to produce a more effective reconnaissance/scout tank that could successfully operate on the mobile battlefield – both the T-60 and T-70 had their limitations. Based on a cut-down T-34 hull (0.945m removed forward of the engine compartment firewall), with the turret removed and only 4 roadwheels per side, the T-34 Бес (Imp) – as it was known to its crews – was fast, extremely manoeuvrable and, for a scout, was very well armoured. Indeed, such was the success of the few Imps produced that eventually their existence came to the attention of no less than Georgy Zhukov. Zhukov fully appreciate the importance of good battlefield intelligence and approved mightily of 1st Ukrainian Front’s initiative and he wanted more of these novel little T-34s. Unfortunately, there was just no way that the field workshops, even at Front-level, could produce more than a handful of Imps let alone match Zhukov’s demands. Their availability was further frustrated by the inherent structural fragility of a tank that had basically been chopped in two and welded back together again – the sad fact was that the T-34 Imps were falling apart just as fast as new ones were being cobbled together.

Realising that greater availability and quality control would inevitably mean factory-level production, Zhukov applied what influence he could. On a visit to the Krasnoye Sormovo Factory No 112 in Nizhny Novgorod in May 1944, he managed to secure a limited production run of what was now termed the T-34-Скоростная разведывательная машина (High Speed Reconnaissance Vehicle) or T-34-CPM for short. In all, only about 100 T-34-CPMs were produced before STAVKA shut down the operation and Zhukov had to acquiesce to their demands for the unabated priority production of T34/85s.

Although not a major T-34 sub-group, the T-34-CPM equipped Special Reconnaissance Units nevertheless served Zhukov well - following him from command to command as his own personal scouting formation. Given the diminutive size of the vehicle and Zhukov’s personal patronage, it was not long before the T-34-CPMs became known as Zhukov’s Babies.

The model is made from a Tamiya T-34/76 “ChTZ” version, a MiniArt DShK weapon mount, some odds and sods and the inevitable plastic card. As with my other creations built here in the Good Ol’ US of A, it will have to wait until I get home to Scotland before I can give it a proper paint job.

(https://i.imgur.com/ssHiECy.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4iQGKoR.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wq22lZs.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/B6IMusH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uEzGu2Z.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8oiCFRb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/qmfG7Hq.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 11:12:15 AM
Offering #4

M9 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) “Sheridan”

Nazi Germany’s opening offensives of the Second World War and their successful employment of concentrated armoured forces in fast moving offensives had shocked US military observers. Even to armies which had previously experimented with large-scale mechanized warfare, the effects were remarkable; the collapse of Poland in 1939, followed by the defeat of the French Army and the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940, gave rise to an impression that massed tank forces were effectively invincible when used against unprepared defenders.

Mobile armour was, however, an expensive investment. Towed anti-tank guns were cheaper and dominated most armies as a default solution for enemy tanks and became organic parts of large units like corps, divisions and regiments. Standard practice was to place these anti-tank guns at the front line, spread out to ensure full coverage. Nevertheless, experience showed that neither infantry, anti-tank guns, or tanks, when used statically could withstand the deep envelopment manoeuvres of armoured "spearheads". While some anti-tank guns or tanks could help defend the area the enemy chose to attack en masse, they could never be enough to prevent the inevitable breakthrough. Moreover, anti-tank guns were vulnerable to infantry and artillery attacks, and even attacks from the tanks they were targeting.

To counter this threat, Germany built on the already existing Sturmgeschütz ("assault gun") range of armoured vehicles. These relatively inexpensive assault guns had no turrets and were under the control of the artillery branch, and were essentially armoured artillery cannons mounted on or in a tank chassis. Originally short barrelled, these vehicles were upgraded with longer, higher velocity cannons, which made them more effective against armour without taking much away from their direct fire infantry support mission. As a result, they were used effectively against Soviet armoured thrusts on the Eastern front. Additionally, Germany also developed the Jagdpanzer ("hunting tank") range of armoured vehicles, very similar in design to assault guns but with the main purpose being the destruction of enemy armour. They could also function as mobile assault guns when required, blurring the line between the two designs.

But by the time the US entered World War II, it had neither the quality nor the quantity of armoured vehicles capable of fighting a modern war, including the ability to deal with massed armoured attacks by an enemy on a narrow front.

In April 1941, a conference focused on the future of antitank operations. The immediate effect was to create an anti-tank battalion in infantry divisions, but this organic anti-tank capacity was not deemed sufficient. The conference gave broad support to the idea of creating mobile anti-tank defensive units which could be deployed to meet an armoured attack.

The first such units were deployed during the Louisiana Manoeuvres of 1941, equipped with towed 37 mm anti-tank guns (the largest gun that could be towed by a jeep) and surplus 75 mm M1897 guns mounted on half-tracks (the M3 GMC), and again in the Carolinas manoeuvres that September. Their employment was judged a success and on 27 September, General George C. Marshall ordered the establishment of a tank destroyer Tactical and Firing Centre at Fort Hood, Texas and the activation of 53 new anti-tank battalions under the command of General Headquarters. The term "tank destroyer" was used from this point on, as it was seen as a more psychologically powerful term. On 3 December, all existing anti-tank battalions were reassigned to General Headquarters and converted to tank destroyer battalions.

In the second half of 1941, the Medium Tank M3 was the US Army’s only effective medium tank and, therefore, it was this hull that was selected for the development of a new mechanised tank destroyer. The initial design, designated 3-inch GMC T24 used the M3 hull with the turret, sponson and hull roof removed and a redundant 3” M1918 anti-aircraft gun installed. Whilst trials proved the concept, the availability of the M1918 guns was an issue as was the open-topped fighting compartment which, given the vehicle’s intended forward fighting position was deemed to be too high a risk to crew survivability. Design adjustments led to the T25 which incorporated the new 3” M7 gun (intended for the cancelled Heavy Tank M6 programme) in a fully enclosed casemate not unlike Germany’s assault guns. In early-1942, the T25 was redesignated M9 GMC and rushed into production at the Baldwin Locomotive Works.

The M9 first saw action with the British Royal Artillery in North Africa during May 1942 with mixed results. There was no questioning the 3” M7 gun’s ability to destroy German panzers from all aspects but, as a non-standard ammunition type for the British Army, logistical issues often led to M9 units running short of ammunition and, consequently, the vehicle’s tactical availability was not always all that it could be – much the same issues were experienced with the 105mm M9 Priest in UK service. As was the convention, US lend-lease armoured vehicles in British service were named after US Generals and so the M9 GMC was called after Union general Philip Sheridan. The name also transferred, unofficially, into US Army usage.

A number of US Army Sheridans were deployed to the North African theatre but by late-1942/early-1943, the M9’s design and tactical limitations were becoming increasingly at odds with the rapidly evolving Tank Destroyer Command’s doctrine. In terms of vehicle design, mobile tank destroyers were to be heavily armed, but with speed given priority over armour protection – something the M9 could just not achieve.

In the end, in much the same way that the Medium M3 was only ever intended as a compromise until the more effective Medium M4 could be produced, it was always anticipated that the M9 would also be replaced by an M4-based tank destroyer. And so, the initial combat debut of the 3” GMC M10 on 23 March 1943 at the Battle of El Guettar in North Africa effectively spelled the end of the Sheridan’s short and none too glorious career as a tank destroyer. From that point on, all remaining Sheridans in US service were relegated to the ignominy of artillery towing tractor duties.

However, that was not the end of the M9 GMC. It is of interest that a number of Sheridans in British service, having initially been the cause of such logistical headaches, remained in active duty until the end of the war in the SE Asian theatre of operations alongside their M3 sisters. These vehicles had their US 3” M7 guns replaced by the QF 17pdr and were redesignated as the 17pdr SP Ajax.

The model is made from the hull of a Tamiya M3 Grant, the tracks from a Takom M3 Grant CDL, the Barrel from a Tamiya M10 and, of course, lots of plastic/styrene card. As per my other US-based projects, final painting will have to wait until I get back home to Scotland.

(https://i.imgur.com/RNpChQS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pcoKc4f.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/9pOOaqA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/roRoiEL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/DdwHc2H.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SiSmO9f.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2dIW2Rc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jFzO2RL.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 11:18:49 AM
Offering #5

Gavin Armoured Reconnaissance/Airborne Fire Support Vehicle:

The M551 Sheridan entered service with the United States Army in 1967. At the urging of General Creighton Abrams, the U.S. Commander, Military Assistance Command Vietnam, at the time, the M551 was rushed into combat service in South Vietnam in January 1969.

The Sheridan’s operational performance in Vietnam was problematic at best. It was armed with the technically advanced but troublesome M81/M81 Modified/M81E1 152mm gun/launcher, which fired both conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided anti-tank missile. In combat operations, firing the gun often adversely affected the delicate electronics, which were at the early stages of the transition to solid state devices, so the missile and its guidance system was omitted from vehicles deployed to South Vietnam.

The Sheridan had several advantages: it did not get stuck in the mud as often as the 52-ton M48 did, nor did it throw its track off as often. The light weight and high mobility proved their worth, and it was much appreciated by the infantry who were desperate for direct-fire support. The gun proved an effective anti-personnel weapon when used with either the M657 HE shell or the M625 canister round, which used thousands of flechettes as projectiles.

However, the M81E1 was not ideal in medium- and long-range tank engagements as its low velocity produced extended flight times, and made it difficult to lead moving targets. The gun also was criticized for having too much recoil for the vehicle weight, the second and even third road wheels coming clear off the ground when the main gun fired. Worse still was its paltry rate of fire. An average M48 crew could fire as many as seventeen 90mm shells during a "mad minute" (60 seconds with all guns firing-on command), the Sheridan was known to put out only two 152mm shells during the same time frame. To add insult to injury, only 20-25 rounds of 152mm ammunition could be carried.

In order to address these shortcomings, and to give its cavalry/reconnaissance units and their supported infantry more reach, a number of British FV433 105mm Abbot SPG turrets were procured in 1970 and rushed into theatre. Named after James M Gavin the Commanding General (CG) of the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II, this simple and expeditious conversion soon proved its worth. With a maximum range of 17.4 km the gun was able to elevate to 70 degrees and depress to -5 degrees, sufficient to engage enemy AFVs if necessary. Traverse and shell ramming were powered by electrical servo mechanisms, while elevation and cartridge ramming were by hand. Maximum rate of fire was 8-10 rounds per minute with 40 rounds carried in the vehicle.

The model comprises the hull of the excellent Tamiya M551 Sheridan kit and a scratch-built turret built mostly out of plastic (styrene) sheet, a knitting needle and some plastic tubing. Unfortunately, final painting and tactical markings will have to wait until I get back to Scotland next year.

(https://i.imgur.com/zlxZVIn.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cPdWB9v.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/quEognh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZK3SYr7.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YngQCFe.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dSgVCHJ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hbPvpD5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QsKHQQv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nGSuiEz.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 11:22:46 AM
Offering #6

ARVN M41 Tiger’s Claw (Vuốt Hổ) Tank Destroyer:

The existence of the ARVN’s M41 Tank Destroyer (TD) programme is inextricably linked to the US Army’s less than successful deployment of the M551 Sheridan to Vietnam and the introduction of the Gavin Armoured Reconnaissance/Airborne Fire Support Vehicle (AR/AFSV). A somewhat rash and misguided decision in the late 60s saw the US Army deploy several hundred M551 Sheridan reconnaissance vehicles into South Vietnam where they generally replaced M48s in the infantry support role. With its complex gun/missile armament and lightweight aluminium hull, it was a role for which the M551 was manifestly unsuitable. Nevertheless, the operational deployment continued while the replaced M48s were passed on to the ARVN to bolster their armoured corps which up until that point was still entirely reliant on the 76mm armed M41. The M48s were a welcomed addition to the ARVN inventory as encounters with NVA T-55s were become more frequent and, against such an opponent, the M41 was severely outmatched.

Realising the Sheridan’s short comings, the US Army eventually introduced a limited number of 105mm armed Gavin AR/AFSV which, in turn, freed up an equal number of M551 turrets. It was then that an aspiring member of the ARVN General Staff put forward a proposal to utilise the spare M551 turrets. Although the US Army was transferring M48s, the ARVN was still heavily dependent on its numerous but inferior M41 formations. What was needed was a long-range punch that could reach out and interdict the NVA’s heavy armour before they could engage the M41s. The proposal would see the M551 turrets mounted on spare M41 hulls (it is ironic that this very configuration had been used as a test bed for the early M551 turret development) and the reactivation of the MGM-51 Shillelagh missile as its primary long-range armament. It is a further irony that it would be the ARVN and not the US Army that ended up utilising the M81E1 152mm gun/launcher in its intended AT role. As a TD, the M41 Tiger’s Claw proved itself most capable although it was never available in the numbers needed to make any significant difference to the eventual outcome of the war.

It should be noted that the gun/missile launcher’s slow breach cyclic rate (2 rpm) was less of an issue in the TD role as missile time of flight and a general shoot and scoot employment tactic made a rapid rate of fire less critical. Furthermore, the heavier steel hull of the M41 gave a steadier platform when firing the M657 HE or M625 canister round and thus there was less of an issue in throwing off the missile guidance optronics. Given its heavier reliance on missiles, the M41 TD’s standard load was 15 x Shillelagh missiles and a mix of 6 x M657/M625 rounds.

The model is made up from the hull of a Tamiya M41, the turret of a Tamiya M551 and, as always, some bits of plastic/styrene card.

(https://i.imgur.com/9YNK7oZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8qKyEv9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/rqBEcRa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JQy9yfW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/vlCKQHq.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 13, 2021, 11:34:46 AM
You have certainly been very busy.  :smiley:

Excellent work and very inspiring!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on October 13, 2021, 12:05:05 PM
Whot he said!!

You will have lots of painting to do!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 13, 2021, 12:14:01 PM
MA-A-A-ATE! You're back! 8)


Where to start? How to start? :-\

Certainly a busy, lad! Left me in your dust, even working away from home! ;D

The Aussie Phar Lap was, obviously, an attention grabber but not for the name alone. That is one awesome combo that looks "right"!

The Polish Buzdygan looks nothing quite like anything else, ever, but equally as good.

While the Imp just looks Soviet-functional & practical. Again, really good!

Whilst imperfect for its role, the Sheridan is the perfect intermediate TD! The more central casemate is brilliant!

The Gavin ... ;D ... That turret's killer, man!

The Tiger's Claw is an elegant compromise that looks better than the original (M551), whilst having an unfortunate Soviet vibe (which may have seen it suffer an excessive number of Blue-on-Blue incidents, methinks).


Seriously, good to see you back, mate! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 13, 2021, 12:31:01 PM
As Womby said...your back  :D

Most excellent. For my take the Phar Lap is the star. That will be a total head scratcher and dare I say it, have a couple of observers, scouring Wikipedia for this obscure tank they have never seen before.

The Gavin rocks as well.

Great to see you back again.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 12:41:48 PM
You have certainly been very busy.  :smiley:

Excellent work and very inspiring!

Whot he said!!

You will have lots of painting to do!

Thank you!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 12:47:07 PM
MA-A-A-ATE! You're back! 8)


Where to start? How to start? :-\

Certainly a busy, lad! Left me in your dust, even working away from home! ;D

The Aussie Phar Lap was, obviously, an attention grabber but not for the name alone. That is one awesome combo that looks "right"!

The Polish Buzdygan looks nothing quite like anything else, ever, but equally as good.

While the Imp just looks Soviet-functional & practical. Again, really good!

Whilst imperfect for its role, the Sheridan is the perfect intermediate TD! The more central casemate is brilliant!

The Gavin ... ;D ... That turret's killer, man!

The Tiger's Claw is an elegant compromise that looks better than the original (M551), whilst having an unfortunate Soviet vibe (which may have seen it suffer an excessive number of Blue-on-Blue incidents, methinks).


Seriously, good to see you back, mate! :smiley:

Good to be back, I don’t know what came over me… I’m glad you like what I’ve been up to - the Gavin (Abbot) turret was a head scratcher but fun.  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 12:50:04 PM
As Womby said...your back  :D

Most excellent. For my take the Phar Lap is the star. That will be a total head scratcher and dare I say it, have a couple of observers, scouring Wikipedia for this obscure tank they have never seen before.

The Gavin rocks as well.

Great to see you back again.

Thanks.  The Phar Lap’s lower half almost drove me to despair - you only need to look at the Valentine tracks and they fly apart!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on October 13, 2021, 09:12:50 PM
I'd say "inspiring" is the right word to describe your return to BtS! Welcome back!

The primer coat makes them all look like OOtB kits, but the real inspiration is looking at the raw plastic as you put it all together. 

Awesome display of skills and creativity.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2021, 09:16:50 PM
I'd say "inspiring" is the right word to describe your return to BtS! Welcome back!

The primer coat makes them all look like OOtB kits, but the real inspiration is looking at the raw plastic as you put it all together. 

Awesome display of skills and creativity.

Thanks mate, good to be back.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 14, 2021, 01:29:42 AM
Love the all.  :smiley: :smiley: :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 03, 2022, 12:52:06 PM
Norwegian Truge:

This is about as far as I can take the Truge while living in the US without access to my painting sticks and airbrush. Here is the backstory and the latest WIP pics:

In 1938, the Norwegian government realized it was woefully unprepared if any real conflict erupted in Europe. Being a very poor nation at the time, a public appeal went out for donations in materials, time, and money to strengthen the countries defences. Word of this soon reached the Norwegian Diaspora worldwide, and various fraternal organizations began to contribute to the effort.

The Norwegian Army processed only a few armoured cars, and a single tank. Even though more tanks were desired, they were very expensive and funds were deemed better suited spent elsewhere. However, in late 1938, a group of Norwegian American discovered that large numbers of tanks had been mothballed by the US Army since the beginning of the Great Depression. They contacted the War Department with the hopes of having some of them declared surplus and available for purchase. Long story short, the War Department agreed to sell twenty M1917 6-Ton tanks to the Norwegian government as "Scrapped Machinery," at a price of $200 each. As such, the weapons were removed, as were the engines. The hulls were delivered to the Diamond Iron Works in Minneapolis, where they were refitted as much as possible an made ready for sale. The work was done on a short budget, and a lot of ingenuity was shown in the work. Originally equipped with a 4 cylinder, 40HP Buda engine, the tanks were repowered with 85hp V-8 Ford engines pulled from scrapyards and wreckers across the Midwest. Gun mounts were modified to accept the standard M29 Colt machine gun, which were in Norwegian service at the time.

Six machines were given a much more radical set of modifications. New girder sections were created that moved the track frame assemblies out from the hull by approximately 14 inches on each side. Then, in a practice that was by that time somewhat common in the northern US and Canada, 36" long cleats of white oak were bolted to the track links to create an extra-wide track. The cleats, 2" thick by 6" wide, featured sharpened pointed bolt heads to give grip on icy surfaces. With these extra wide tracks, the ground pressure of the machines was reduced to 2.5psi - barely a third of the machines original pressure. This, along with the increased power of the Ford engine, meant that the already nimble M1917 was able to cross over deep snow and soft, marshy terrain with near impunity. It was christened the M1939, but was quickly given the moniker of Truge (snowshoe).

The model is adapted from the excellent Meng FT-17 kit and some plastic card and tubing.

(https://i.imgur.com/vCjh8hk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/HRNI9qx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZajIpMf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xui8TSB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aT44qdP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ziLF0Me.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lgCTun3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/eHpsywX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/03T0Ifn.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on February 03, 2022, 06:57:22 PM
It was christened the M1939, but was quickly given the moniker of Truge (snowshoe). The model is adapted from the excellent Meng FT-17 kit and some plastic card and tubing.

That's a tight backstory and a really nice build.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on February 03, 2022, 08:49:34 PM
Nice work! Great idea! Good to see you back, mate! 8) :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 03, 2022, 10:22:58 PM
Thanks mate.  I am due to finish my time here in the US and return home to Scotland at the beginning of July.  From then on, I retire and am looking forward to building as many AH models as Mrs Claymore will allow!   :smiley: ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on February 03, 2022, 10:44:59 PM
Enjoy your wind-down & retirement! :smiley:

Hopefully Mrs Claymore is more  ... accommodating ... than Mrs Wombat is to model building. ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on February 04, 2022, 12:29:12 AM
The Truge came out great! The FT-17 is a very whiffable tank.

Retirement is great, especially if you plan ahead!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 04, 2022, 01:20:32 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on February 04, 2022, 05:27:53 AM
Subtle tweak that looks awesome.

Great work. And enjoy retirement. I can tell you though, that since I retired in late 2019, my first two years have been less fulfilling than expected. Damn you COVID. ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on February 04, 2022, 07:42:58 AM
How to pick a favourite amongst all that brilliant awesomeness? Well, okay ... your T-34-CMP gets an awesomeness+ mark  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on February 04, 2022, 07:57:35 AM
It was christened the M1939, but was quickly given the moniker of Truge (snowshoe). The model is adapted from the excellent Meng FT-17 kit and some plastic card and tubing.

That's a tight backstory and a really nice build.

I forgot to ask and maybe I missed the explanation but why do you stop at the primer stage?   
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on February 04, 2022, 10:29:09 PM
Story: First line of the text. ;)

Norwegian Truge:

This is about as far as I can take the Truge while living in the US without access to my painting sticks and airbrush. Here is the backstory and the latest WIP pics:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on February 04, 2022, 11:29:12 PM
Story: First line of the text. ;)

Norwegian Truge:

This is about as far as I can take the Truge while living in the US without access to my painting sticks and airbrush. Here is the backstory and the latest WIP pics:

I was engrossed in the photos.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 11, 2022, 07:56:27 AM
Thanks one and all for the great feedback, I am, as always, humbled by your comments and encouragement.  :smiley:

My tour out in the US has been great (COVID aside) but I must admit that I am really looking forward to getting home and putting the uniform away for good.  There be models needin’ a paint job and a Ratte that needs to be completed!      ;)

I can only imagine what a dampener the whole COVID thing has been across the world but hopefully we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Unless of course that light is an express train coming the opposite way!  :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 12, 2022, 03:54:33 AM
Canadian Wolverine Mk IIIa:

An extract of a TL on Alternatehistory.com by a chap with the handle 'Garrison' - Munich Shuffle: 1938-42

In the Autumn of 1940 once making peace was rejected Britain had little choice but to fight on alone. This was true in the technical sense that the British had been stripped of foreign allies, though some would question even that given the actions of the USA, but this was a very narrow definition of fighting alone and of what constituted an ally. There is a famous cartoon from 1940 by Kenneth Bird that has the caption, "So our poor little empire is alone in the world?" "Aye, we are - the whole five hundred million of us." The British Empire was not a foreign power but it was a massive source of strength in Britain’s war effort and without it Britain’s ability to take the fight to the Axis before the entry of the USA into the war would have been reduced or even eliminate altogether in some theatres of combat.​

When Neville Chamberlain launched his efforts to strengthen the British military at the end of 1938 his plans were not simply aimed at the British Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. The armed forces of the Imperial Dominions and India would also be subject to political persuasion and financial incentives to build up their military capacity. This was every bit as important as any of the new weapons or increased production of existing ones that flowed from British factories and dockyards under what in later decades was referred to as the ‘Chamberlain Mandate’. Some of these nations were more willing and able to follow Britain’s lead than others, but the contributions made by the ‘colonials’ was immense.​

Canada passed its own version of the Military Training Act in March 1939, with the major difference being that it encompassed men between 18 and 22 from the outset. This slightly broader range reflected both Canada’s smaller population and a desire to target young men who were without any gainful employment and there was a greater emphasis than in Britain on training men as mechanics and other supporting trades the army would need in wartime. This also had the bonus that it meant there would be less need to tap into skilled men already working in vital industries should it be necessary to mobilize for war. The Canadians took things even further than London had originally envisioned by seeking to build up their own production of armoured fighting vehicles. Several plans were discussed before the Canadians settled on producing their own version of the Valentine tank, chosen because it was intended to be simpler and cheaper to build than the Matilda II from the outset and the Canadian Army wanted an infantry support vehicle. This meant that in additions to modifications to the design to take account of the different engines and gear train available in Canada they also chose to produce a version fitted with a large calibre, short barrelled, howitzer style weapon, not dissimilar in purpose to the 75mm fitted to the early Panzer IV. The bureaucracy in London simply wanted to name this model as the Valentine Infantry Tank Mk III(Special). The Canadians were unhappy with this rather uninspiring name and successfully lobbied for their own alternative, the tank would enter service as the Wolverine Mk IIIa Infantry Tank.​


The model is complete as far as I can take it at this time. Final painting will be done when I get home later in the summer. Thanks to Garrison and cortz#9 for the ideas, initial diagrams and inspiration, the build has been great fun.  It is based on the excellent Tamiya Valentine Mk II/IV kit and the old Tamiya M8 HMC.

(https://i.imgur.com/ytfkFMd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nxXRve7.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yj4NxYu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nwC8354.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JpySyiq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FB1vJaE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/qNdB8Qx.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on February 12, 2022, 04:07:32 AM
That is a very nice and practical lash-up of the 75mm howitzer with the Valentine turret.  Well done sir!  Well done! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on February 12, 2022, 05:23:06 AM
Nice work. Using older hulls in support roles is a life extension program.
Been doing a few myself in that space, very similar to your thoughts. I put the Petard from a Churchill AVRE on a Matilda for bunker busting work in the Pacific campaign in Australian Service.


Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on February 12, 2022, 06:42:13 AM
Crisp.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 12, 2022, 07:55:10 AM
That is a very nice and practical lash-up of the 75mm howitzer with the Valentine turret.  Well done sir!  Well done! :smiley:

Thanks.  This was a relatively simple and straight forward conversion but great fun - the Tamiya Valentine kit is beautiful and fits together like a dream. 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 12, 2022, 10:06:43 AM
Nice work. Using older hulls in support roles is a life extension program.
Been doing a few myself in that space, very similar to your thoughts. I put the Petard from a Churchill AVRE on a Matilda for bunker busting work in the Pacific campaign in Australian Service.

Thank you. Sometimes the simple conversions are the most satisfying and reflect the most probably outcomes in reality. I look forward to seeing the results of your work.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 12, 2022, 10:07:28 AM
Crisp.
:smiley:

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on February 12, 2022, 10:27:19 PM
Agree with all the above! A definite "could-a-been"! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2022, 02:03:15 AM
Agree with all the above! A definite "could-a-been"! :smiley:

Thank you good Sir!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: robunos on February 13, 2022, 05:08:32 AM
I want to call it 'Thumper' . . .   ;D


cheers,
Robin.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 05:23:11 AM
OMG!  :o

I can't believe it has been over a year since I posted anything here and it is just coming up for a year since we returned to the Highlands of Scotland from our 3-year stint in deepest, darkest Missouri.

Well, it's time to make amends as I haven't entirely been shirking on my AH whiffing duties - I have been working though the backlog of models built while I was away finishing off their paint jobs.  Retirement is great but the never-ending list of 'very important' jobs dished out by C-in-C Home Command, has prevented me gutting the garage and setting up my new spray bay.  Consequently, all painting is currently restricted to the time-honoured hairy stick!

Anyhoo, standby for incoming data dump!!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 05:26:58 AM
Buzdygan Completion:

Thanks to horrorny over on alternativehistory.com for the initial design and inspiration. Sadly, there is no specific backstory other than the Buzdygan (Mace) being a medium tank in the service of an AH Poland sandwiched between a left-wing Germany and a right-wing Russia. The Buzdygan’s development reflects the carefully balanced approach Poland has to play in keeping both potential aggressors/allies at bay/on side and, consequently, and quite intentionally, displays elements of both Russian and German tank development but with a Polish twist. Fortuitously for Poland, the Buzdygan seems to have inherited the best of both and has turned out to be an effective and reliable mongrel...

The model is comprised of parts from a Tamiya KV-1B, an Academy Pz Kpfw IV, parts from the spares box and the ubiquitous plastic card. Given the lack of a detailed backstory, several changes were made mid-build before I settled on the final design - not ideal but such is life!

(https://i.imgur.com/YK2dAvW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IZPeW5t.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pvzgxCd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2atFDRZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kHLxjb8.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 05:31:38 AM
M41 DK-2 Completion:

In the late 1950s, Denmark took delivery of 53 M41 light tanks from the US representing some of Cadillac’s final production run of M41s. The Danes used them quite successfully in the armoured reconnaissance role, however, by the early-1980s it was obvious that the standard M41A3s were showing their age. Consequently, in 1984, Denmark decided to upgrade its M41 fleet in order to extend their lives and usefulness well into the 1990s and, possibly, until the end of the century. Two developmental avenues were considered, although both would see a fundamental overhaul of the base vehicles.

The M41 DK-1 would keep the 76mm main gun, albeit firing a new APFSDS-T round which would have a significant increase in armour penetration characteristics over the existing ammunition. The overall layout would not change but some 70 improvements would be carried out including the replacement of the original petrol engine with a more fuel-efficient US Cummins VTA-903T diesel developing 465 hp.

The M41 DK-2 represented a more comprehensive - and expensive - proposition, the most noticeable change being the removal of the existing 76mm turret in its entirety and replacing it with the turret from the US M2/3 Bradley. Given the Dane’s continued intent to use their M41s in the reconnaissance role, the Bradley turret would deliver a tried and tested weapon combination ideally suited to its scouting function. (Note: While very satisfied with the TOW missile, the Danes were less impressed by the 25mm Bushmaster, selecting the 30mm variant in its place.) The same Cumming VTA-903T diesel engine proposed for the DK-1 would be installed but its power output would be increased to 600hp requiring a slight change in the rear hull to accommodate the new air filtration, turbo chargers and exhaust systems.

Of note, both the DK-1 and DK-2 were to have side skirts similar to those fitted on the Leopard 1 MBT installed giving them a very unique and characteristic look.

Although more expensive, the Danes quickly selected the M41 DK-2 as the preferred upgrade candidate as it significantly outperformed the DK-1 in all aspects whilst also representing a future-proofed capability. All 53 vehicles were duly converted to the M41 DK-2 standard with final deliveries being made in 1988. The M41 DK-2 were allocated to the 5th Bn Jutland Dragoons (Divisional Recon to the Jutland Division) with 18 x M41 DK-2, 12 M113 and 9 x M125; 3rd Bn Guards Hussar Regiment (Zealand Command Recon) with 18 x M41 DK-2, 12 M113 and 9 x M125; and the Bornholm Dragoons (Bornholm Force) with 10 x M41 DK-2.

The model represents a vehicle from the 5th Bn Jutland Dragoons and is made from parts of an old Tamiya M41, A Tamiya M2 Bradley, an after-market 30mm Bushmaster, a Tamiya Leopard 1A5, plastic card and some home-make decals.

(https://i.imgur.com/0KIJcyP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/qNy9o0q.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JqvbF8h.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Jpi3zVK.jpg)

Interestingly, the M41 DK-2 was not to be the Dane’s final iteration of this venerable vehicle. On 25 November 1993 the formal decision was made to form the Danish International Brigade (DIB) - also sometimes known as the Danish Reaction Brigade. The brigade was formed with the staff and all subunits from the disbanded 2nd Zealand Brigade on 1 July 1994. The M41 DK-2 was selected as the preferred AFV for the armoured elements of the new brigade as this would complement both the rapid deployability of the new brigade and the recent decision to replace the M41 with the Leopard 1A5 in the Divisional/Command Recon role. In all, 50 M41 DK-2 would be assigned to the DIB, 30 in the Armoured Bn and 10 each in the 1st and 2nd Mech Infantry Bns. Whilst the M41 DK-2 proved effective within the Armoured Bn - providing effective AT and recon functions - its usefulness to the Mech Bns was less impressive where its inability to provide direct HE-support was more telling. At much the same time, both the US and Canadian Armies were pondering much the same issues in providing direct fire support to their own light mechanised forces following the cancelation of the M8 Armoured Gun System. What was being proposed was a lightweight, 105mm automated turret capable of being fitted to a wide series of wheeled and tracked IFVs. The Danes were immediately interested and bought into the development program. Unfortunately, the march of time waits for no man and so it was that by the time the 105mm Mobile Gun System (MGS) was ready for evaluation in 2004, the M41 DK-2s were already nearing the end of their usefulness. Indeed, the delay in providing effective fire support to the DIB had already seen Leopard 1A5s allocated to its Mech Bns. Nevertheless, the initial trial went ahead and 3 MGS turrets were shipped to Denmark and installed onto M41 DK-2 hulls. The trial was not particularly conclusive and highlighted continuing problems with the autoloader - something that would plague the MGS throughout its career. For the Danes, the writing was on the wall. They quietly pulled out of the MGS program, retired all their remaining M41s and replaced them with leopard 1A5s and eventually the Leopard 2A5.

The model (really just the turret) represents the 3rd vehicle from the Dane’s inconclusive 2004 MGS trial.

(https://i.imgur.com/Ro3oKfq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wk7Qmno.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lvNiQ17.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4L5MUcD.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 05:36:39 AM
Gavin Armoured Reconnaissance/Airborne Fire Support Vehicle Completion:

The M551 Sheridan entered service with the United States Army in 1967. At the urging of General Creighton Abrams, the U.S. Commander, Military Assistance Command Vietnam, at the time, the M551 was rushed into combat service in South Vietnam in January 1969.

The Sheridan’s operational performance in Vietnam was problematic at best. It was armed with the technically advanced but troublesome M81/M81 Modified/M81E1 152mm gun/launcher, which fired both conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided anti-tank missile. In combat operations, firing the gun often adversely affected the delicate electronics, which were at the early stages of the transition to solid state devices, so the missile and its guidance system was omitted from vehicles deployed to South Vietnam.

The Sheridan had several advantages: it did not get stuck in the mud as often as the 52-ton M48 did, nor did it throw its tracks off as often. The light weight and high mobility proved their worth, and it was much appreciated by the infantry who were desperate for direct-fire support. The gun proved an effective anti-personnel weapon when used with either the M657 HE shell or the M625 canister round, which used thousands of fleshettes as projectiles.

However, the M81E1 was not ideal in medium- and long-range tank engagements as its low velocity produced extended flight times and made it difficult to lead moving targets. The gun also was criticized for having too much recoil for the vehicle weight, the second and even third road wheels coming clear off the ground when the main gun fired. Worse still was its paltry rate of fire. An average M48 crew could fire as many as seventeen 90mm shells during a "mad minute" (60 seconds with all guns firing-on command), the Sheridan was known to put out only two 152mm shells during the same time frame. To add insult to injury, only 20-25 rounds of 152mm ammunition could be carried.

In order to address these shortcomings, and to give its cavalry/reconnaissance units and their supported infantry more reach, a number of British FV433 105mm Abbot SPG turrets were procured in 1970 and rushed into theatre. Named after James M Gavin the Commanding General (CG) of the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II, this simple and expeditious conversion soon proved its worth. With a maximum range of 17.4 km the gun was able to elevate to 70 degrees and depress to -5 degrees, sufficient to engage enemy AFVs if necessary. Traverse and shell ramming were powered by electrical servo mechanisms, while elevation and cartridge ramming were by hand. Maximum rate of fire was 8-10 rounds per minute with 40 rounds carried in the vehicle.

The model depicts a vehicle attached to 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam circa 1971 and comprises the hull of the excellent Tamiya M551 Sheridan kit and a scratch-built turret built mostly out of plastic (styrene) sheet, a knitting needle and some plastic tubing.

(https://i.imgur.com/PAJMgt8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/r04Lmla.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/t8gduZW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CeTl4w9.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 05:38:32 AM
ARVN M41 Tiger’s Claw (Vuốt Hổ) Tank Destroyer Completion:

The existence of the ARVN’s M41 Tank Destroyer (TD) programme is inextricably linked to the US Army’s less than successful deployment of the M551 Sheridan to Vietnam and the introduction of the Gavin Armoured Reconnaissance/Airborne Fire Support Vehicle (AR/AFSV). A somewhat rash and misguided decision in the late 60s saw the US Army deploy several hundred M551 Sheridan reconnaissance vehicles into South Vietnam where they generally replaced M48s in the infantry support role. With its complex gun/missile armament and lightweight aluminium hull, it was a role for which the M551 was manifestly unsuitable. Nevertheless, the operational deployment continued while the replaced M48s were passed on to the ARVN to bolster their armoured corps which up until that point was still entirely reliant on the 76mm armed M41. The M48s were a welcomed addition to the ARVN inventory as encounters with NVA T-55s were become more frequent and, against such an opponent, the M41 was severely outmatched.

Realising the Sheridan’s short comings, the US Army eventually introduced a limited number of 105mm armed Gavin AR/AFSV which, in turn, freed up an equal number of M551 turrets. It was then that an aspiring member of the ARVN General Staff put forward a proposal to utilise the spare M551 turrets. Although the US Army was transferring M48s, the ARVN was still heavily dependent on its numerous but inferior M41 formations. What was needed was a long-range punch that could reach out and interdict the NVA’s heavy armour before they could engage the M41s. The proposal would see the M551 turrets mounted on spare M41 hulls (it is ironic that this very configuration had been used as a test bed for the early M551 turret development) and the reactivation of the MGM-51 Shillelagh missile as its primary long-range armament. It is a further irony that it would be the ARVN and not the US Army that ended up utilising the M81E1 152mm gun/launcher in its intended AT role. As a TD, the M41 Tiger’s Claw proved itself most capable although it was never available in the numbers needed to make any significant difference to the eventual outcome of the war.

It should be noted that the gun/missile launcher’s slow breach cyclic rate (2 rpm) was less of an issue in the TD role as missile time of flight and a general shoot and scoot employment tactic made a rapid rate of fire less critical. Furthermore, the heavier steel hull of the M41 gave a steadier platform when firing the M657 HE or M625 canister round and thus there was less of an issue in throwing off the missile guidance optronics. Given its heavier reliance on missiles, the M41 TD’s standard load was 15 x Shillelagh missiles and a mix of 6 x M657/M625 rounds.

The model depicts a vehicle of the 2nd Squadron, ARVN 11th Armoured Cavalry Regiment circa 1972 and is made up from the hull of a Tamiya M41, the turret of a Tamiya M551 and, as always, some bits of plastic/styrene card.

(https://i.imgur.com/bvysTK2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/iy5BCKe.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dHgq4Qz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4y3nLXm.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 05:42:38 AM
Phar Lap Completion:

When Japan entered the war on 7 December 1941, Australia found itself with a powerful aggressor much closer to home that had been the case for the first two years of warfare. The Australian Army was renowned for its fighting spirit but was primarily an infantry-based force with next to nothing in the way of armoured assets and little in the way of home-based heavy industry to take up the slack. So it was that when the British started to withdraw the A12 Matilda from front-line service in late 1941 and replace them with the lighter and less costly Valentine tank, the Australian government was only too happy to take what it could get.

With no comparable opposition to the panzers they had faced in North Africa, the Matildas served the Australian Army well with their heavy armour being able to withstand just about anything the Japanese could throw at them. However, the Matilda was far from perfect. The heavily armoured side skirts made the vehicle heavier than it needed to be and any sort of track maintenance in the close terrain the Australians found themselves in was all but impossible. Indeed, breakdowns and unserviceability accounted for the vast majority of Matilda losses. To make matters worse, the long-standing problem with the 2pdr main gun and its lack of HE ammunition severely limited the Matilda’s effectiveness in prosecuting its primary infantry support role.

Meanwhile back in Britain, the Vulcan Foundry – primary makers of the A12 Matilda – found themselves with dwindling orders but with the capacity and eagerness to do more for the war effort. Fortuitously, it was about then that a delegation from Vickers (designers of the Valentine) and the Royal Arsenal (designers of the Matilda) met over a particularly strong cup of tea. Both teams had been mulling over the reports coming back from the Australians and their experiences with the venerable Matilda. While Vickers would have preferred the Australians to adopt their Valentine tank (as New Zealand had done), they accepted some of the advantages highlighted of the more heavily armoured Matilda design. In turn, the Royal Armoury team praised its own creation but acknowledged the limitations, and cost, of its complex design and poor maintenance record. In a rare case of compromise through necessity, common sense prevailed and a new design, designated A23, Tank, Infantry, Mk V was proposed for Commonwealth use in SE Asia that would effectively meld the running gear of the Valentine to the upper hull of the Matilda. Noting the Australian Army’s preference for the few 3” howitzer armed Close Support Matildas they had in service the decision was also taken to produce the bulk of the A23s with the 3” gun.

By early 1943, the Vulcan Foundry was back in full production. In recognition that the new vehicle was to be used primarily in the SE Asian theatre (a few A23s were supplied to the USSR under the lease-lend programme), the Australian Army were given the honour of selecting a name. Called after the race horse of the same name, the ‘Phar Lap’, proved a great success and was well liked by both the tankers who operated them and the infantry they supported. Although no mention was made at the time, it is now generally accepted that the selection of the name Phar Lap was more than just a little tongue in cheek as the A23 was still no racing snake! Nevertheless, A23, Phar Laps remained in service with the Australian Citizens Military Force until finally retired in 1960.

The model is made from parts of a Tamiya Matilda Mk III/IV, a Bronco Valentine Mk XI and the ubiquitous plastic card and depicts vehicle 19021 (Brassiere), a Phar Lap of 9 Troop, B Squadron, 2/4 Armoured Regiment as she appeared early in the fighting for Bougainville in 1945.

(https://i.imgur.com/2LGGvzh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LoGzaK4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IHzyPwl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sXWUNkm.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 05:49:13 AM
Canadian Wolverine Mk IIIa Completed:

From a great idea and inspiration by Garrison and cortz#9 over at alternativehistopry.com - my thanks to both of them:

An extract of @Garrison 's TL - Munich Shuffle: 1938-42​

In the Autumn of 1940 once making peace was rejected Britain had little choice but to fight on alone. This was true in the technical sense that the British had been stripped of foreign allies, though some would question even that given the actions of the USA, but this was a very narrow definition of fighting alone and of what constituted an ally. There is a famous cartoon from 1940 by Kenneth Bird that has the caption, "So our poor little empire is alone in the world?" "Aye, we are - the whole five hundred million of us." The British Empire was not a foreign power but it was a massive source of strength in Britain’s war effort and without it Britain’s ability to take the fight to the Axis before the entry of the USA into the war would have been reduced or even eliminate altogether in some theatres of combat.​
When Neville Chamberlain launched his efforts to strengthen the British military at the end of 1938 his plans were not simply aimed at the British Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. The armed forces of the Imperial Dominions and India would also be subject to political persuasion and financial incentives to build up their military capacity. This was every bit as important as any of the new weapons or increased production of existing ones that flowed from British factories and dockyards under what in later decades was referred to as the ‘Chamberlain Mandate’. Some of these nations were more willing and able to follow Britain’s lead than others, but the contributions made by the ‘colonials’ was immense.​

Canada passed its own version of the Military Training Act in March 1939, with the major difference being that it encompassed men between 18 and 22 from the outset. This slightly broader range reflected both Canada’s smaller population and a desire to target young men who were without any gainful employment and there was a greater emphasis than in Britain on training men as mechanics and other supporting trades the army would need in wartime. This also had the bonus that it meant there would be less need to tap into skilled men already working in vital industries should it be necessary to mobilize for war. The Canadians took things even further than London had originally envisioned by seeking to build up their own production of armoured fighting vehicles. Several plans were discussed before the Canadians settled on producing their own version of the Valentine tank, chosen because it was intended to be simpler and cheaper to build than the Matilda II from the outset and the Canadian Army wanted an infantry support vehicle. This meant that in additions to modifications to the design to take account of the different engines and gear train available in Canada they also chose to produce a version fitted with a large calibre, short barrelled, howitzer style weapon, not dissimilar in purpose to the 75mm fitted to the early Panzer IV. The bureaucracy in London simply wanted to name this model as the Valentine Infantry Tank Mk III(Special). The Canadians were unhappy with this rather uninspiring name and successfully lobbied for their own alternative, the tank would enter service as the Wolverine Mk IIIa Infantry Tank.​

I have followed Canadian/Commonwealth armoured doctrine as faithfully as possible for the time period (early 1940s) and what may appear to be an odd choice of colour is in fact 100% accurate. The colour is Standard Camouflage Colour (SCC) No 2 - Service Colour/Dark Brown. The basic colour for all British/Commonwealth armoured vehicles was changed in 1941 from dark green to a dark brown (SCC No 2) due to the shortages of chromic oxide, used in the production of green paint. Existing stocks of green were reserved for use on combat aircraft. Doctrinally, each armoured squadron would have 2 x Close Support (CS) tanks within the Squadron HQ, giving each armoured regiment a total of 6 x CS vehicles.

The model depicts vehicle T22152 (Gorilla) of A Squadron, 22 Armoured Regiment (The Canadian Grenadier Guards), 4th Canadian Armoured Division and is made from the hull and turret of a Tamiya Valentine Mk II/IV and the gun from a Tamiya M8 HMC. Note: For the detail ninjas, the red and white markings are not some sort of take on Canadian flags (the red/white/red with red maple leaf was not adopted by Canada until 1965) but is rather the recognition markings of the Royal Armoured Corps/Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. These markings were, generally, removed later in the war but even during the Normandy campaign (by which time Commonwealth AFVs were universally olive drab in colour) it was not unusual to see them - although usually somewhat more discrete.

(https://i.imgur.com/vrhFAXd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/99gfqA4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1XGw6ea.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QxEekWG.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 27, 2023, 06:08:24 AM
Well welcome back.. and what a homecoming  :smiley:

Love 'em all, with particular nod to the Gavin. Another of those "Why not" rather than "what if"

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 06:19:09 AM
Well welcome back.. and what a homecoming  :smiley:

Love 'em all, with particular nod to the Gavin. Another of those "Why not" rather than "what if"

Thanks mate, much appreciated!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 27, 2023, 06:10:52 PM
A-and he's back! 8)

Not content to slide in quietly, he dumps a load of excellent heavy metal on us! :D

Fantastic stuff, mate! Love 'em all! :-*




[Note: The Gavin may, also, be construed as a bit of a swipe at a certain gentleman who insisted that this is/should be the name attached to the M113. ;) ]
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2023, 07:38:33 PM
A-and he's back! 8)

Not content to slide in quietly, he dumps a load of excellent heavy metal on us!  :D

Fantastic stuff, mate! Love 'em all! :-*


Many thanks and good to be back!  :smiley:

[Note: The Gavin may, also, be construed as a bit of a swipe at a certain gentleman who insisted that this is/should be the name attached to the M113. ;) ]

…could be!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 28, 2023, 02:25:05 AM
Some great work there.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on June 28, 2023, 04:58:16 AM
Indeed! Along with the Claymore build-quality we'd become accustomed to, fantastic backstories to all three of these. Great, great stuff!

Your ARVN M41/M551 hybrid is brilliant!

Phar Lap: Amazing what a truely strong cup of tea can accomplish  :smiley:

Wolverine: My personal fav! And know I finally understand the switch to SCC 2 Dark Brown! (Obvious, now that you've explained it.) Personal fav on backstories too.  :D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 28, 2023, 05:57:18 AM
Indeed! Along with the Claymore build-quality we'd become accustomed to, fantastic backstories to all three of these. Great, great stuff!

Your ARVN M41/M551 hybrid is brilliant!

Phar Lap: Amazing what a truely strong cup of tea can accomplish  :smiley:

Wolverine: My personal fav! And know I finally understand the switch to SCC 2 Dark Brown! (Obvious, now that you've explained it.) Personal fav on backstories too.  :D

Many thanks!

There are 3 more on the tail end of page 15 too - the Buzdygan, Norwegian M41 DK-2 and Gavin Fire Support Vehicle…
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on June 28, 2023, 09:00:06 AM
The Buzdygan is confusing (in a good way) it's German! No, Russian! Looks a bit British...

The M41 variations (Danish and ARVN) are fantastic! The other tanks are great, too.

Good to see you posting again.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 29, 2023, 12:31:24 AM
The Buzdygan is confusing (in a good way) it's German! No, Russian! Looks a bit British...

The M41 variations (Danish and ARVN) are fantastic! The other tanks are great, too.

Good to see you posting again.

Cheers mate!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on June 29, 2023, 08:37:28 PM
Good to see you back and building!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: ChernayaAkula on July 01, 2023, 10:45:07 PM
So much good stuff!  :icon_beer:
If I had to pick favourites, they'd be the Danish M41s and the Buzdygan KV-1/Pz IV hybrid.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 02, 2023, 09:52:04 PM
 Thanks mate, much appreciated!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 07, 2023, 11:31:19 PM
Norwegian Truge (from a great idea by deLanglade ):

Inspiration for the model:

(https://i.imgur.com/RBPxMsR.jpg)

Backstory:

In 1938, the Norwegian government realized it was woefully unprepared if any real conflict erupted in Europe. Being a very poor nation at the time, a public appeal went out for donations in materials, time, and money to strengthen the countries defences. Word of this soon reached the Norwegian Diaspora worldwide, and various fraternal organizations began to contribute to the effort.

The Norwegian Army processed only a few armoured cars, and a single tank. Even though more tanks were desired, they were very expensive and funds were deemed better suited spent elsewhere. However, in late 1938, a group of Norwegian American discovered that large numbers of tanks had been mothballed by the US Army since the beginning of the Great Depression. They contacted the War Department with the hopes of having some of them declared surplus and available for purchase. Long story short, the War Department agreed to sell twenty M1917 6-Ton tanks to the Norwegian government as "Scrapped Machinery," at a price of $200 each. As such, the weapons were removed, as were the engines. Additionally, three redundant M2A3 (Mae West) turrets were purchased in order to facilitate three ‘command’ vehicles. The hulls and turrets were delivered to the Diamond Iron Works in Minneapolis, where they were refitted as much as possible and made ready for sale. The work was done on a short budget, and a lot of ingenuity was shown in the work. Originally equipped with a 4 cylinder, 40HP Buda engine, the tanks were repowered with 85hp V-8 Ford engines pulled from scrapyards and wreckers across the Midwest. Gun mounts were modified to accept the standard M29 Browning machine gun, which were in Norwegian service at the time. Funds accumulated from donations were enough to purchase three commercial Browning .50 HB machine guns from Colt, which were installed in the M2A3 turrets and attached to the "best-of-the-best" machines.

Six machines were given a much more radical set of modifications. New girder sections were created that moved the track frame assemblies out from the hull by approximately 14 inches on each side. Then, in a practice that was by that time somewhat common in the northern US and Canada, 36" long cleats of white oak were bolted to the track links to create an extra-wide track. The cleats, 2" thick by 6" wide, featured sharpened pointed bolt heads to give grip on icy surfaces. With these extra wide tracks, the ground pressure of the machines was reduced to 2.5psi - barely a third of the machines original pressure. This, along with the increased power of the Ford engine, meant that the already nimble M1917 was able to cross over deep snow and soft, marshy terrain with near impunity. It was christened the M1939, but was quickly given the moniker of Truge (snowshoe).

The twenty M1917's were delivered to Norway in February of 1939. Once unloaded, the entire contingent formed an impromptu parade and drove from the dockyards through downtown Oslo to the Royal Palace, where they were inspected by King Haakon VII personally. They remained at the palace in Oslo for three days, where they became an instant attraction for the local residents. It is generally accepted that it was the King himself who said that the three command variants should be named ‘Odin’, ‘Thor’, and ‘Loki’ respectively. While well received by the public, the army was less certain of the usefulness of the machines. One main problem is they just didn't know what to do with the things in the presumably defensive battles that war would bring. The parade through Oslo assured that they were not in any way a military secret, which in some ways worked out for the best. The German Ambassador was unimpressed, stating that a "pack of slow, worn-out tractors is no concern of ours," while the Military Attaché said that the M1917's were "quite impressive, as scrap iron goes."

Soon, the Norwegian Army transferred the machines to various bases throughout the country and began to develop their tank doctrine. Immediately, it was found that the regular M1917 tanks - rechristened the M39 in Norwegian service - were fairly capable machines on snow covered roads, but rapidly became stuck if the snow became more than 1m deep. The six tanks equipped with the wide track extensions - the Truge - were something else, altogether. While slow, they were able to traverse any depth of snow encountered. The wide tracks gave them exceptional stability on slopes, and the combination of traction and flotation allowed them to climb ski slopes and pack trails for skiers. Indeed, though the winter and spring of 1939, a tactic was developed of using the Truge as armoured snow tractors. One Truge could tow a field cannon and limber (the wheels replaced on the artillery replaced with skis), up to three sledges for supplies, or an entire squad of rifleman on skis as they clung to ropes behind the machine. By spring thaw, some interesting notions of rapid deployment of ski troops supported by the Truge were in the works. Indeed, during the summer an additional six machines were converted to the Truge configuration.

Operationally the new Panserbatalijonen (Armoured Battalion) was deployed in three Stridsvogneskadronen (Armoured Squadrons), each of two troops of three tanks with the lead tank of the first troop being one of the 0.5"-armed command tanks - two 0.3"-armed M1939s were held by the training school. The 2nd and 3rd Squadrons were fully converted to the Truge variant.

When Germany inevitably invaded, Norway's new armoured force was still in its infancy but met the challenge head on.  Tank for tank, the M1939s were never going to be a match for the German's panzers and with little in the way of tactical doctrine and/or operational experience it was only a matter of time until they were overwhelmed. Nevertheless, the M1939s, and the Truge variants in particular, performed well in their intended infantry support and artillery tractor roles. The only documented tank on tank success occurred when 1st Troop of the 2nd Squadron ambushed a German supply column heading out of Lillehammer.  Thor engaged a Panzer II from close-range and penetrated its side armour causing an internal fire and explosion that destroyed the vehicle.  This photograph was taken two months later after the snows had melted.

(https://i.imgur.com/v5kXlOD.jpg)

The model depicts ‘Loki’ the command vehicle of the 3rd Stridsvogneskadronen (Armoured Squadron) of the Panserbatalijonen (Armoured Battalion) as she was when discovered in a farmer’s barn in the high meadows of the hinterlands of Narvik in 1951. She now resides in the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum in Oslo.

The model is adapted from the excellent Meng FT-17 kit, some plastic card and tubing.

(https://i.imgur.com/dxGCAge.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WdMlDl9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hyEZqdd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/zNv3AJb.jpg)

Alternative ending: The model depicts the 2nd vehicle of the 3rd Stridsvogneskadronen (Armoured Squadron) of the Panserbatalijonen (Armoured Battalion) as she was when discovered in a farmer’s barn in the high meadows of the hinterlands of Narvik in 1951. She now resides in the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum in Oslo.

(https://i.imgur.com/5IbVspx.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xnzSUOD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bgnICes.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 08, 2023, 12:37:31 AM
Neat story but I really love the Truge (both versions)! 8) :-*

However, you failed to say how they fared during the German invasion of Norway ... Or did their mere presence prevent that? ???
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 08, 2023, 12:48:05 AM
Neat story but I really love the Truge (both versions)! 8) :-*

However, you failed to say how they fared during the German invasion of Norway ... Or did their mere presence prevent that? ???

Thanks mate and a very fair comment.  I will add an extra paragraph soonest!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Dr. YoKai on July 08, 2023, 12:51:37 AM
Wide tracks for the win! The look and the backstory are both excellent.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 08, 2023, 01:28:55 AM
However, you failed to say how they fared during the German invasion of Norway ... Or did their mere presence prevent that? ???

Sorted and backstory amended.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 08, 2023, 01:29:29 AM
Wide tracks for the win! The look and the backstory are both excellent.

Many thanks!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on July 08, 2023, 02:29:07 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on July 08, 2023, 06:52:55 AM
Like it, again a masterwork from Claymore Fabrications.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 08, 2023, 06:59:20 AM
Thanks, very much appreciated!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 08, 2023, 10:57:46 PM
However, you failed to say how they fared during the German invasion of Norway ... Or did their mere presence prevent that? ???

Sorted and backstory amended.  :smiley:

 :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 31, 2023, 11:52:53 PM
Zhukov's Babies - completed:

Another one of my projects started while I was in the US (2019-2022) and finally completed.  Although it does appear elsewhere, it has been some time and so I will re-post the full details.  This has been fun!

Backstory:

History records that the T-34 was the most heavily produced tank of WW2 with some 84,070 coming off the Soviet production lines between 1941 and 1945. However, with 44,900 lost during the war, the T-34 also suffered the most tank losses ever. With the transition in production from the T-34/76 to the T-34/85 in Jan 44 all possible efforts were made to churn out the new design as quickly as possible in order to replace all the earlier models in the Soviet's combat formations. The fate of the earlier T-34/76 models was, ultimately, destruction on the battlefield or recovery, disassembly and recycling in the foundries. However, a few survivors, still in working order, were converted to other roles such as artillery tractors, recovery vehicles, etc; although most of these conversions were done in field workshops and, consequently, individual variations were commonplace.

One of the stranger variants to come out of the 1st Ukrainian Front was an attempt to produce a more effective reconnaissance/scout tank that could successfully operate on the mobile battlefield – both the T-60 and T-70 had their limitations. Based on a cut-down T-34 hull (0.945m removed forward of the engine compartment firewall), with the turret removed and only 4 roadwheels per side, the T-34 Бес (Imp) – as it was known to its crews – was fast, extremely manoeuvrable and, for a scout, was very well armoured. Indeed, such was the success of the few Imps produced that eventually their existence came to the attention of no less than Georgy Zhukov. Zhukov fully appreciate the importance of good battlefield intelligence and approved mightily of 1st Ukrainian Front’s initiative, and he wanted more of these novel little T-34s. Unfortunately, there was just no way that the field workshops, even at Front-level, could produce more than a handful of Imps let alone match Zhukov’s demands. Their availability was further frustrated by the inherent structural fragility of a tank that had basically been chopped in two and welded back together again – the sad fact was that the T-34 Imps were falling apart just as fast as new ones were being cobbled together.

Realising that greater availability and quality control would inevitably mean factory-level production, Zhukov applied what influence he could. On a visit to the Krasnoye Sormovo Factory No 112 in Nizhny Novgorod in May 1944, he managed to secure a limited production run of what was now termed the T-34-Скоростная разведывательная машина (High Speed Reconnaissance Vehicle) or T-34-CPM for short. In all, only about 100 T-34-CPMs were produced before STAVKA shut down the operation and Zhukov had to acquiesce to their demands for the unabated priority production of T34/85s.

Although not a major T-34 sub-group, the T-34-CPM equipped Special Reconnaissance Units nevertheless served Zhukov well - following him from command to command as his own personal scouting formation. Given the diminutive size of the vehicle and Zhukov’s personal patronage, it was not long before the T-34-CPMs became known as Zhukov’s Babies.

The model depicts a vehicle of the 67th Battalion of the 103rd Separate Guards Reconnaissance Regiment of the Soviet 1st Belorussian Front circa March 1945. The vehicle carries the motto 'ХАБАРОВСКИ' (Khaborovski) after the Khabarovski Krai on the Pacific coast of the Eastern USSR - perhaps in acknowledgement of those who donated towards the vehicle's production. The model is made from a Tamiya T-34/76 “ChTZ” version, a MiniArt DShK weapon mount, some odds and sods and the inevitable plastic card.

(https://i.imgur.com/oKQRsFz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pMLNp1R.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/r9zkknV.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/q0GhJt4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/R2yL9xF.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on August 01, 2023, 12:04:53 AM
Hmmm, a rare deviation from the typical forward-opening hatches found on most Soviet vehicles. ???

With that length-to-beam ratio she would have been really manoeuvrable! :smiley:

Yet another fantastic build! :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 01, 2023, 12:12:55 AM
Many thanks mate!

The voices in my head are telling me the cupola has just been turned 180 degrees…  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on August 01, 2023, 01:54:40 AM
Without turret looks hotroddy in tank terms.   Tackle ruff terrain well.   Weathering is spot on.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 01, 2023, 02:22:20 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 01, 2023, 02:56:07 AM
Without turret looks hotroddy in tank terms.   Tackle ruff terrain well.   Weathering is spot on.  :smiley:

Thanks muchly!

Yup, a bit like my Formula Tank Class 30 Racers on pages 9 & 10 of this thread.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on August 01, 2023, 03:17:56 AM
The Landkreuzer P.1000 'Ratte'

Still a work in progress but at 1:35 scale it is a considerable drain on resources.  Nevertheless, here is where I am...  ;)

Did you ever finish this, I imagine it would be quite the imposing sight!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on August 01, 2023, 03:31:48 AM
The recon T-34 is a fantastic design and looks great! I can see it in the various Middle East battles (and changing hands more than once)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 01, 2023, 03:57:29 AM
The Landkreuzer P.1000 'Ratte'

Still a work in progress but at 1:35 scale it is a considerable drain on resources.  Nevertheless, here is where I am...  ;)

Did you ever finish this, I imagine it would be quite the imposing sight!

Oh it is still there on the slips, looking very grumpy and forlorn.  Every one of the backlog projects that gets finished brings the Ratte closer to the front of the queue…  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 01, 2023, 04:23:41 AM
The recon T-34 is a fantastic design and looks great! I can see it in the various Middle East battles (and changing hands more than once)

Many thanks.  Yup, it was a fun project that started out as a bit of a laugh but became more and more plausible as time went on…  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on August 01, 2023, 06:21:12 AM
Really nice work.
Would be a total double take model, being a simple modification that is really a major modification once you realise that a whole roadwheel set is gone.

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 01, 2023, 07:13:47 AM
Thanks my friend, much appreciated.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 01, 2023, 10:47:47 PM
M9 Gun Motor Carriage (GMC) “Sheridan” - another from the backlog, completed and posted in full.


Backstory:

Nazi Germany’s opening offensives of the Second World War and their successful employment of concentrated armoured forces in fast moving offensives had shocked US military observers. Even to armies which had previously experimented with large-scale mechanized warfare, the effects were remarkable; the collapse of Poland in 1939, followed by the defeat of the French Army and the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940, gave rise to an impression that massed tank forces were effectively invincible when used against unprepared defenders.

Mobile armour was, however, an expensive investment. Towed anti-tank guns were cheaper and dominated most armies as a default solution for enemy tanks and became organic parts of large units like corps, divisions and regiments. Standard practice was to place these anti-tank guns at the front line, spread out to ensure full coverage. Nevertheless, experience showed that neither infantry, anti-tank guns, or tanks, when used statically could withstand the deep envelopment manoeuvres of armoured "spearheads". While some anti-tank guns or tanks could help defend the area the enemy chose to attack en masse, they could never be enough to prevent the inevitable breakthrough. Moreover, anti-tank guns were vulnerable to infantry and artillery attacks, and even attacks from the tanks they were targeting.

To counter this threat, Germany built on the already existing Sturmgeschütz ("assault gun") range of armoured vehicles. These relatively inexpensive assault guns had no turrets and were under the control of the artillery branch, and were essentially armoured artillery cannons mounted on or in a tank chassis. Originally short barrelled, these vehicles were upgraded with longer, higher velocity cannons, which made them more effective against armour without taking much away from their direct fire infantry support mission. As a result, they were used effectively against Soviet armoured thrusts on the Eastern front. Additionally, Germany also developed the Jagdpanzer ("hunting tank") range of armoured vehicles, very similar in design to assault guns but with the main purpose being the destruction of enemy armour. They could also function as mobile assault guns when required, blurring the line between the two designs.

But by the time the US entered World War II, it had neither the quality nor the quantity of armoured vehicles capable of fighting a modern war, including the ability to deal with massed armoured attacks by an enemy on a narrow front.

In April 1941, a conference focused on the future of antitank operations. The immediate effect was to create an anti-tank battalion in infantry divisions, but this organic anti-tank capacity was not deemed sufficient. The conference gave broad support to the idea of creating mobile anti-tank defensive units which could be deployed to meet an armoured attack.

The first such units were deployed during the Louisiana Manoeuvres of 1941, equipped with towed 37 mm anti-tank guns (the largest gun that could be towed by a jeep) and surplus 75 mm M1897 guns mounted on half-tracks (the M3 GMC), and again in the Carolinas manoeuvres that September. Their employment was judged a success and on 27 September, General George C. Marshall ordered the establishment of a tank destroyer Tactical and Firing Centre at Fort Hood, Texas and the activation of 53 new anti-tank battalions under the command of General Headquarters. The term "tank destroyer" was used from this point on, as it was seen as a more psychologically powerful term. On 3 December, all existing anti-tank battalions were reassigned to General Headquarters and converted to tank destroyer battalions.

In the second half of 1941, the Medium Tank M3 was the US Army’s only effective medium tank and, therefore, it was this hull that was selected for the development of a new mechanised tank destroyer. The initial design, designated 3-inch GMC T24 used the M3 hull with the turret, sponson and hull roof removed and a redundant 3” M1918 anti-aircraft gun installed. Whilst trials proved the concept, the availability of the M1918 guns was an issue as was the open-topped fighting compartment which, given the vehicle’s intended forward fighting position was deemed to be too high a risk to crew survivability. Design adjustments led to the T25 which incorporated the new 3” M7 gun (intended for the cancelled Heavy Tank M6 programme) in a fully enclosed casemate not unlike Germany’s assault guns. In early-1942, the T25 was redesignated M9 GMC and rushed into production at the Baldwin Locomotive Works.

The M9 first saw action with the British Royal Artillery in North Africa during May 1942 with mixed results. There was no questioning the 3” M7 gun’s ability to destroy German panzers from all aspects but, as a non-standard ammunition type for the British Army, logistical issues often led to M9 units running short of ammunition and, consequently, the vehicle’s tactical availability was not always all that it could be – much the same issues were experienced with the 105mm M9 Priest in UK service. As was the convention, US lend-lease armoured vehicles in British service were named after US Generals and so the M9 GMC was called after Union general Philip Sheridan. The name also transferred, unofficially, into US Army usage.

A number of US Army Sheridans were deployed to the North African theatre but by late-1942/early-1943, the M9’s design and tactical limitations were becoming increasingly at odds with the rapidly evolving Tank Destroyer Command’s doctrine. In terms of vehicle design, mobile tank destroyers were to be heavily armed, but with speed given priority over armour protection – something the M9 could just not achieve.

In the end, in much the same way that the Medium M3 was only ever intended as a compromise until the more effective Medium M4 could be produced, it was always anticipated that the M9 would also be replaced by an M4-based tank destroyer. And so, the initial combat debut of the 3” GMC M10 on 23 March 1943 at the Battle of El Guettar in North Africa effectively spelled the end of the Sheridan’s short and none too glorious career as a tank destroyer. From that point on, all remaining Sheridans in US service were relegated to the ignominy of artillery towing tractor duties.

However, that was not the end of the M9 GMC. It is of interest that a number of Sheridans in British service, having initially been the cause of such logistical headaches, remained in active duty until the end of the war in the SE Asian theatre of operations alongside their M3 sisters. These vehicles had their US 3” M7 guns replaced by the QF 17pdr and were redesignated as the 17pdr SP Ajax.

The model depicts 'Lexington', a vehicle of A company, 701st Tank Destroyer Battalion, 1st Armored Division (United States) and is made from the hull of a Tamiya M3 Grant, the tracks from a Takom M3 Grant CDL, the Barrel from a Tamiya M10 and, of course, lots of plastic/styrene card.

(https://i.imgur.com/yWZ0TOg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RI8xj44.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/of0n2xu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VKEuQVZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on August 01, 2023, 11:51:20 PM
An M3 based tank destroyer seems like a natural evolution of the design and one I've always wanted to build. Looks great!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 02, 2023, 12:06:37 AM
Many thanks and it compliments my twin-barrelled M3 Stonewall (see page 5).  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on August 02, 2023, 12:29:23 AM
Bit of a shot trap around the gun mantlet, & it suffers from the same high profile as the M3 Medium, but, then, it is a stop-gap TD. ;)

I like it a lot; it totally fits the burgeoning Tank Destroyer Branch ethos & doctrine of the era! :smiley: :smiley: 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on August 02, 2023, 12:30:07 AM
Another great build & a very plausible evolution of the T40/M9 design :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 02, 2023, 01:01:15 AM
Thanks gents, much appreciated!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 02, 2023, 02:45:12 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on August 02, 2023, 03:07:00 AM
Love your M9 Sheridan! It looks exactly the way you'd expect an interim TD based on the M3 to appear (thanks to your tidy plastic-card surgery). Nice!

And your T-34-CPM is too cute! Also a clever bit of armour recycling  :smiley:

Great backstories on both too, BTW  8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 02, 2023, 05:28:13 AM
Thanks muchly!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on August 02, 2023, 06:32:48 AM
Eaking more life out of the M3 Platform... love it  :smiley: :smiley:

It fits in the same sort of mindspace as the Churchill 3" gun carrier, get more Whoomph on the existing wheels.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 02, 2023, 07:10:34 AM
 Quite so!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on August 03, 2023, 01:34:17 AM
From the reference file of a parallel build, some bias confirmation

(https://i.imgur.com/WKKEHm1.jpg)

There's so many different worlds
So many different suns
And we have just one world
But we live in different ones


- Dire Straits
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on August 03, 2023, 02:45:33 AM
Ah the mythical M3 Grant prototype fitted with a 17pdr, which turned out to be a badly restored museum piece with the wrong gun ;D

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on August 03, 2023, 03:10:50 AM
M4A3E8 76mm be nice kitbash mod for M3.
Optionally could go with M46/47/48 90mm.

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 03, 2023, 04:11:03 AM
Ah the mythical M3 Grant prototype fitted with a 17pdr, which turned out to be a badly restored museum piece with the wrong gun ;D

Strangely enough, that particular vehicle which resides in the Lahore National Army Museum in Pakistan, is odder than you might think.  Having acquired several pics of it from different angles, it turns our to be the hull of an ex British Canal Defence Light vehicle - itself rarer than hens teeth.  The gun is not a 17pdr (photographic perspective does strange things) but is more likely a 76mm - readily available from ex Pakistani use (albeit the mussel brake is clearly a poorly made replica).  Quite why the vehicle sports this gun when with its original CDL turret fitted/replicated, the museum would have a unique and valuable exhibit is intriguing. 

My son in law is from Pakistan and I intent to ask one of his family to visit the Lahore museum (which incidentally is a quality national institution not some second rate chop-shop) to get some more details - hopefully including interior shots that will, hopefully, clarify the gun’s ID and whether or not it is a bodge up or an actual modification.

Either way, I have a model on the slips so adapted (waiting for the extra detail) which I will complete and post in due course with a suitable backstory! 🙂
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on August 03, 2023, 04:11:27 AM
Ah the mythical M3 Grant prototype fitted with a 17pdr, which turned out to be a badly restored museum piece with the wrong gun ;D

No way, man! Those were real.  (https://i.imgur.com/qyMLrUi.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on August 03, 2023, 04:14:40 AM
  Having acquired several pics of it from different angles, it turns our to be the hull of an ex British Canal Defence Light vehicle - itself rarer than hens teeth.  The gun is not a 17pdr (photographic perspective does strange things) but is more likely a 76mm - readily available from ex Pakistani use (albeit the mussel brake is clearly a poorly made replica).  Quite why the vehicle sports this gun when with its original CDL turret fitted/replicated, the museum would have a unique and valuable exhibit is intriguing. 

My son in law is from Pakistan and I intent to ask one of his family to visit the Lahore museum (which incidentally is a quality national institution not some second rate chop-shop) to get some more details - hopefully including interior shots that will, hopefully, clarify the gun’s ID and whether or not it is a bodge up or an actual modification.

Either way, I have a model on the slips so adapted (waiting for the extra detail) which I will complete and post in due course with a suitable backstory! 🙂

You seen this?

(https://i.imgur.com/d1zKidC.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 03, 2023, 04:15:29 AM
No way, man! Those were real.

Riiigghhhttt… 🙄
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 03, 2023, 04:17:36 AM
You seen this?

Yup, and that truly is just chopped up rubbish! 🙄
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on August 03, 2023, 04:19:26 AM
No way, man! Those were real.

Riiigghhhttt… 🙄

You don't like my artistic creation? My delicate feelings!!!


I paused construction when I melted my donor barrel.
(https://i.imgur.com/KmPpehI.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/nsgDXPB.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 03, 2023, 04:33:09 AM
You don't like my artistic creation? My delicate feelings!!!

Sorry mate, please accept my profuse apologies!  ;D ;D ;)

I paused construction when I melted my donor barrel.

Never let a droopy barrel get in the way of creativity!   :o  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 23, 2023, 06:02:30 AM
Cambodian Wildcat - Another great idea from La Rouge Beret's (a mate from the AlternativeHistory.comsite) excellent 12 Minutes to Midnight TL.

Background:

Following the brutal but ultimately failed North Vietnamese Army (NVA) excursions into Cambodia as described in La Rouge Beret’s excellent 12 Minutes to Midnight storyline, the Cambodian Army found itself worryingly deficient in armoured assets. Whilst the procurement of the 120mm armed King Tigers (see my Completed AH AFV Models thread, page 3, post #54 for details) went some way to redressing the situation there simply wasn’t going to be enough of them to go around and, in particular, to equip the Strategic Reserve ‘Naga’ Division. Ironically, however, the Cambodians also found themselves the proud owners of several ‘liberated’ NVA T-72 which were looking for a new home.

The Cambodian Army were only too well aware of the T-72’s credentials – both positive and negative – and whilst relatively simple to maintain and operate it would not be a logistical or tactically simple matter to press them into service without a few fundamental alterations. Essentially, the Cambodians wanted increased turret protection and armament, ammunition, sighting and fire control systems compatible with their existing King Tigers.

As it turned out, the West German defence companies of Krauss-Maffei and Wegmann had already been working together (the first time they had officially joined as Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG (KMW)) on a customisable T-72 turret augmentation package as part of their thriving export department and the ever-increasing demands of the various chapters of the International Pimp-my-T-72 owner’s club. The upgrade was exactly what the Cambodians were after and the Wildcat (Satvaprei) was born.

Armament: The Wildcat is armed with the fully-stabilized Royal Ordinance L11A5 120 mm rifled gun. The L11A5 is a significantly improved version of the Chieftain's gun and is extremely accurate. Like earlier British 120 mm guns, it is insulated by a thermal sleeve. It is fitted with a muzzle reference system and fume extractor, and is controlled by an all-electric control and stabilization system. The Wildcat is equipped with an automatic loading system, eliminating the need for a dedicated crewmember, decreasing the size and weight of the tank. In addition to the 22 auto-loaded rounds, the Wildcat carries 17 rounds conventionally in the hull, which can be loaded into the emptied autoloader trays or directly into the gun. There is also a L94A1 EX-34 7.62 mm chain gun mounted coaxially with the main gun, and a 12.7mm M2 heavy machine gun mounted on the turret roof.

Sights & Fire Control: The Wildcat’s digital fire control computer is from Computing Devices Co of Canada and has capacity for additional systems, such as a Battlefield Information Control System. The Thermal Observation and Gunnery Sight, from Thales, provides night vision and is displayed on both the gunner's and commander's sights and monitors. The gunner has a stabilised primary sight using a laser rangefinder with a range of 200 m to 10 km while the commander also has a panoramic gyro-stabilised sight with laser rangefinder. The driver's position is equipped with a Thales Optronics image-intensifying Passive Driving Periscope (PDP) for night driving.

Protection: The turret is enhanced with Chobham composite armour - a combination of steel and ceramics which provides a much higher level of protection, comparing to any monolithic steel armour. Additional explosive reactive armour (ERA) can be fitted to the hull and turret as required. The tank is fitted with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems and on each side of the turret are five L8 smoke grenade dischargers. The Wildcat can also create smoke by injecting diesel fuel into the exhaust manifold.

The model depicts the Cambodian Wildcat as it was first released to the Media at KMW’s headquarters in Munich in 1988 and is made from bits from a fairly dreadful ESCI T-72 kit, an equally dreadful Trumpeter Type 85-II AP kit, a Tamiya Challenger I, some odds and sods and, of course, the ubiquitous plastic card.

(Note: It is interesting to note that in 1989, the Norinco Group of the People’s Republic of China stated that they had developed a new MBT - the Type 85-II. Given that the turret of the Type 85-II was almost an exact copy of the KMW offering (albeit mounting a 105mm gun) it can only be assumed that, true to form, the Chinese had been participating in some gratuitous industrial espionage.)

(https://i.imgur.com/98xCZo2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/J2OdSnP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/I2LzYqu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/phQOMSz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/T7Vyii4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yYjRbWt.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on August 23, 2023, 06:34:36 AM
Nice one. :smiley:

These kind of builds are a perfect solution for a less than average kit base. At least they end up possibly on a shelf and not the never ending unboxing and reboxing around swap and Sells.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 23, 2023, 03:32:32 PM
Yup, a very simple conversion of two kits that would otherwise have ended up in the bin.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on August 23, 2023, 04:26:05 PM
Very different but very cool! :smiley: 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on August 24, 2023, 02:18:28 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 31, 2023, 08:28:00 PM
Going to base my next build project on this obscure (and not very good quality) photo that purports to show an IS-3 turret mounted on an M48 hull. Can't remember where I picked it up but the article it was attached to said that the vehicle was Egyptian.

(https://i.imgur.com/jBUgtfJ.png)

This project will also involve repurposing one of my earlier whiffs - I have already done an improved version (M60A4 Avenger) as a commission build (see page#6 of this thread) and have been slowly robbing bits and pieced from this one - so time to be reincarnated. The turret is a left over from another build I did (see paget#10).

(https://i.imgur.com/DoKExC1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QZZj707.jpg)

Details and pics of the build to follow in due course...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on August 31, 2023, 09:00:48 PM
(https://www.animaatjes.nl/eten-en-drinken/eten-en-drinken-plaatjes/nootjes-en-popcorn/animaatjes-nootjes-en-popcorn-8911375.gif)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on August 31, 2023, 09:06:27 PM
The Is-3/M48 looks very sus, the colour difference between the hull & turret, the inconstant shadows, it looks like a Photoshoped job IMO. The idea is cool & worthy of a kitbash tho :P
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 31, 2023, 09:37:33 PM
The Is-3/M48 looks very sus, the colour difference between the hull & turret, the inconstant shadows, it looks like a Photoshoped job IMO. The idea is cool & worthy of a kitbash tho :P

 ;D ;D ;D I should have known that I wouldn't be able to pull the wool over your eyes!!  ;D ;D ;D

The original pic is indeed entirely made up by none other than yours truly - although I actually used nothing more than MS Paint and a couple of filters from Microsoft photo editor!  Reducing it in size was the key to hiding many of the more obvious mis-matches - my first attempt at anything like this.  Anyhoo, the idea of the composite pic was for a bit of a laugh and to help build up the backstory in due course but - busted!  ;)

Original donor pics:

(https://i.imgur.com/WDmIwUQ.jpg)

 (https://i.imgur.com/WCAn98r.jpg)

The project build itself will, nevertheless, continue...  ;)

 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 31, 2023, 09:41:28 PM
M48/IS-3 Hybrid Update:

I have been doing a little preliminary work on my IS-3 turret to get it back into shape after a few years festering in one of my many 'spares' boxes. The complete DShK mount (ring and cradle) had long since departed this mortal realm as had about half of the grab handles and those that were left were looking distinctly sorry for themselves.

So, I have built a new DShK mount from scratch - the actual DShK itself will not be fitted to the final model as all I want is the cradle.  ???

(https://i.imgur.com/A7pYanp.jpg)

I have also fabricated new grab handles from some paper clips I had lying around - lots of holes drilled then the fun and games of bending the wire to fit the required length and, of course, no two were the same!

(https://i.imgur.com/q4rQoQR.jpg)

 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 02, 2023, 06:34:12 AM
Interesting combo.

Something your might find in  Angola, Chad or something like that.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 03, 2023, 01:52:14 AM
I could believe the idea of it being an Egyptian development.  Look at the Ramses II tank after all - basically a T-54 with a lot of M-60 tech
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on September 03, 2023, 06:35:00 PM
AFAIK the only M48 tanks that Egypt had were captured from Israel? 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 03, 2023, 07:04:02 PM
AFAIK the only M48 tanks that Egypt had were captured from Israel?

Absolutely got it in one! 👍👍👏👏👏
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on September 03, 2023, 07:21:43 PM
Israel used captured Egyptian T-55 tanks to make the Tiran. So this is Egypt doing the same thing but with Israeli M48 tanks :P
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 03, 2023, 09:47:51 PM
Israel used captured Egyptian T-55 tanks to make the Tiran. So this is Egypt doing the same thing but with Israeli M48 tanks :P

Something along those lines.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 03, 2023, 09:50:01 PM
M48/IS-3 Hybrid Update:

A little bit more activity with the acetylene torch...

(https://i.imgur.com/VgnDIzS.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 03, 2023, 10:25:29 PM
Tow cables, a couple of equipment/tool bins, a couple of spare track links & a section on the front left track guard.

The old oxy's been busy! ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 03, 2023, 11:31:11 PM
Tow cables, a couple of equipment/tool bins, a couple of spare track links & a section on the front left track guard.

The old oxy's been busy! ;)

Oh yes!  Might yet also remove the bins either side of the turret ring - haven’t quite made up my mind yet… 🤔
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 11, 2023, 02:30:26 AM
M48/IS-3 Hybrid Update:

A little further having had to wait for a photo etched after-market set from Eduard to be delivered. All side stowage boxes have been removed and replaced as the originals were just not up to how I want the final model to look. I am generally not a great fan of photo etched brass as it can be a complete bugger to fold and glue all the components without the parts either buckling, fingers being sliced or various parts of the body being super-glued to random brass do-dahs! Anyhoo, these seemed to have worked out quite well - the joys of retirement and having the time to do things properly, I guess!!

(https://i.imgur.com/Eef0C9G.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 11, 2023, 02:37:45 AM
Romfell Armoured Car Update:

I have accepted the challenge of building a friend from alternativehistory.com's post-WW1 Romfell Armoured Car - specifically the Hačur ("Stallion") anti-tank armoured car / Kobula ("Mare") light APC / assault armoured car. The two variants are very similar with the only external difference being the armament (AT Rifle in the Stallion and an Mg in the Mare). I should be able to represent both with a single model but with a choice of turrets. I think I have all the necessary bits, but the build should be 'fun' as I haven't done such an early AH armoured car before... 🤞

(https://i.imgur.com/Nfj067G.jpg)

This is the kit I will be using to construct said post-war Romfell AC - might as well start with the OTL vehicle!

(https://i.imgur.com/ej8xPTk.jpg)

The engine is built but not yet actually glued in place and the chassis sub-frame has not yet been extended.  The CSM kit is proving to be excellent with an instruction booklet that is a work of art in itself.

(https://i.imgur.com/DtvKSjh.jpg)

A bit further on the Romfell armoured car. The extended side plates have been fabricated and a few adjustments made but they have not yet been glued in place. Every measurement and every cut is super complex as absolutely no two edges are square and most of the surfaces are curved!! Lordy, lordy!

(https://i.imgur.com/65FSGR4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/98TPKF6.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 11, 2023, 04:42:50 PM
(https://www.animaatjes.nl/eten-en-drinken/eten-en-drinken-plaatjes/nootjes-en-popcorn/animaatjes-nootjes-en-popcorn-8911375.gif)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Dr. YoKai on September 12, 2023, 09:44:00 PM
(https://www.animaatjes.nl/eten-en-drinken/eten-en-drinken-plaatjes/nootjes-en-popcorn/animaatjes-nootjes-en-popcorn-8911375.gif)

Pass that bucket o' popcorn...that is a mighty long barreled AT rifle...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 12, 2023, 11:43:05 PM
Yup, the author got a little carried away me thinks!  In the end, however, I will build and he will get a vehicle with an AT rifle of realistic proportions.  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 12, 2023, 11:45:36 PM
Romfell V2.0 Armoured Car Update:

She is, at last, starting to look a little more like Mr Petike's original drawings - although there is still a long way to go. The rear extension and extended roof are in place as is the initial construction of the first turret. There is still lots of filling and sanding required, particularly round the rear end, before I move on to tackling the undercarriage - I can see that being 'fun'...  :o ;)

Here are some further WIP pics...

(https://i.imgur.com/0Y05Fyj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JgXtDZj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7NgyeWN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Rg9Z954.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on September 13, 2023, 03:47:44 AM
Coming together well  :smiley:
Do keep posting !
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 13, 2023, 06:45:09 AM
The WW1 Armoured car is a bit out of my zone as well, but enjoying what you do
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on September 13, 2023, 11:37:23 AM
How did you make the extended side plates? This armored car looks like it came out of some steam punk comic book. Just needs some random gears stuck on.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 13, 2023, 04:43:51 PM
How did you make the extended side plates? This armored car looks like it came out of some steam punk comic book. Just needs some random gears stuck on.

I was just thinking that in the front quarter views it looks a lot like a steam engine! ;D

Yup, the author got a little carried away me thinks!  In the end, however, I will build and he will get a vehicle with an AT rifle of realistic proportions.  ;)

I dunno, some of those old anti-tank rifles were pretty bloody long! :o

(https://i.redd.it/exlywd0w7bz01.jpg) (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/20/a8/19/20a819da65b6acf67dd894c9c2474b6a.png) (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51415475769_9aaebdf575_b.jpg)

Lengths & Weights (in metric): (https://i.pinimg.com/736x/a4/ee/b7/a4eeb7e811206a78968680b7ece43083.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 14, 2023, 05:48:22 AM
How did you make the extended side plates? This armored car looks like it came out of some steam punk comic book. Just needs some random gears stuck on.


Fortunately, I had a couple of Romfell AC models to play with - so one became the base and the other the sacrificial offering! Helps some but still a lot of hacking required.

I was just thinking that in the front quarter views it looks a lot like a steam engine! ;D

I dunno, some of those old anti-tank rifles were pretty bloody long! :o

Funnily enough, Mrs Claymore said exactly the same thing - she’s clearly a closet steam train spotter!  :o

I have a PTRD41 available which although a bit too modern for the timeframe, will nevertheless look the part.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on September 14, 2023, 10:34:57 AM
I presume there will be infantry doors at the back ?  The original Romfel had a curved pointy rear > which to me looks sexier.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 15, 2023, 12:27:30 AM
There will indeed.  The designer’s premise is that this is a post-war development of the original Romfell armoured car - lengthened to carry a half section; in some cases, heavier AT armament; better armour; and easier construction.  The odd (and strangely convoluted) rear end which housed the fuel tank in the original vehicle has been transformed into a lengthened troop compartment with hinged access doors - twin fuel tanks now under the troop compartment seats.

Other than a few practicalities, I will be leaving the build exactly as per the author’s instructions/intent in order to fit with his AH storyboard.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 22, 2023, 11:42:04 PM
Romfell V2.0 Armoured Car Update:

Having been away for over a week at the wedding of a family friend's daughter (down in deepest, darkest Englandshire) and then the funeral of an aged cousin in Glasgow, I have been catching up a bit with the Romfell V2.0.

The desired build calls for the OTL wheels, which are a bit on the thin side, to be fattened up a little - or quite a lot. This is proving to be no straight forward task as the general look of the OTL wheels to be maintained - I tried various combinations of later pneumatic tyres but either didn't have a set of 6 and/or concluded that they just weren't in keeping with the overall look. So back to the drawing board and first principles - if in doubt, attack it with a razor saw!

This may sound a little on the harsh side and positively dangerous given my track record of slicing into the end of my fingers but, as they say, needs must when the devil drives! The kit wheels (front and back) come in two pieces but, importantly, the tyre itself is moulded as a single component of one of the wheel halves. Looking at the design diagram, I need to widen said tyre by 1.5mm - this necessitates having to cut the kit part in half and insert a plastic card filler (see pics below) - joy!!!

Five down and one to go - all digits still attached and blood still pumping continuously round the old bod...  :o

(https://i.imgur.com/3kk32c6.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on September 23, 2023, 12:29:26 AM
The new tires look good, despite the lack of blood sacrifice!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 23, 2023, 12:37:10 AM
The new tires look good, despite the lack of blood sacrifice!

  ;D :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 23, 2023, 05:48:38 PM
I would ask how you managed that but don't wish to have you question the will & whim of the Goddess Styrene, so I won't.

Congratulations on your achievement! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 23, 2023, 06:14:04 PM
The difficult bit, and that which would have had the Health and Safety ninjas in a fit of apoplexy, was holding the wheel/tyre casting between the thumb and forefinger of my left hand while carefully sawing through it with a razor saw held in my right hand - Note on Razor Saws: the definitive instrument Rutherford used to split the atom!

Clearly, the gods were smiling down on me as I managed to complete the task without recourse to the Accident & Emergency department of our local hospital!!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 24, 2023, 06:28:54 AM
The difficult bit, and that which would have had the Health and Safety ninjas in a fit of apoplexy, was holding the wheel/tyre casting between the thumb and forefinger of my left hand while carefully sawing through it with a razor saw held in my right hand - Note on Razor Saws: the definitive instrument Rutherford used to split the atom!

And you got it all straight  :o
Great work.. probably worth a couple of Ooohmms   :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 24, 2023, 07:18:14 AM
More or less, but nothing that I little bit of filler couldn’t sort out.  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 25, 2023, 10:13:10 PM
Romfell V2.0 Armoured Car Update:

Here are the latest WIP pics of the Romfell V2.0 with the build more or less complete and sporting the AT Rifle turret. The AT rifle is actually a Russian PTRD-41, so a bit out of time but representative of the bolt action weapons of the period. I have added a few figures for scale (please ignore WW2 uniform - if I decide to keep them, they will be equipped and painted to reflect the TL that inspired the model).

The only things still to be put in place are the headlamp glasses and a few rivets on the rear panel. The next stage is sending her off to the paint shop for a consolidating undercoat - I won't be completing the headlamps until much closer to final paint job for fear of damaging them.

(https://i.imgur.com/kVzqCUl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/evK1pOa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TDcP8u2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/T9H7ZYi.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on September 26, 2023, 12:01:21 AM
Getting WWI/Interwar period MRAP vibes from this. It looks awesome!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 26, 2023, 05:16:57 PM
Coming along nicely! :smiley:

Just don't take it off-road until they invent muddies for it! ;D ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on September 26, 2023, 10:40:25 PM
It's looking good! The tires look a lot better. The originals look razor thin.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2023, 11:41:23 PM
Getting WWI/Interwar period MRAP vibes from this. It looks awesome!

 :smiley:

Coming along nicely! :smiley:

Just don't take it off-road until they invent muddies for it! ;D ;)

 :smiley: ;D

It's looking good! The tires look a lot better. The originals look razor thin.

 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 28, 2023, 04:29:47 AM
Romfell V2.0 Armoured Car Update:

Back from having her undercoat applied. All the various components and additions blend together into a, hopefully, believable whole - and this time sporting the standard 8mm M.07/12 Schwarzlose machine gun turret. Next, it is back to the paint shop for the topcoat and detailing...

(https://i.imgur.com/iQ5Mipb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NFjJvzL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/inwdIZC.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on September 28, 2023, 04:53:50 AM
Looking good with the primer applied, you'd never know it's a cut & shunt job :P
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on September 28, 2023, 05:18:16 AM
Looking good with the primer applied, you'd never know it's a cut & shunt job :P

Seconded !
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 28, 2023, 06:02:46 AM
Seamless modifications... awesome
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 28, 2023, 03:20:40 PM
Thanks chaps, much appreciated.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 28, 2023, 05:45:14 PM
Honestly? I can see a couple of places that could do with a quick swipe of PPP & a quick buff.

Otherwise, I have to agree with the esteemed gentlemen above!

Great work, mate! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 28, 2023, 09:15:54 PM
Honestly? I can see a couple of places that could do with a quick swipe of PPP & a quick buff.

Otherwise, I have to agree with the esteemed gentlemen above!

Great work, mate! :smiley:

Yup, I noticed them too - sloppy! I will get on to it forthwith.  :-[
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 28, 2023, 09:19:30 PM
Something from days gone by...

Rummaging through one of my many spares boxes, I came across this fellow. In the days before my AH AFV obsession, long, long ago in a pre-kids existence (35 years ago to be exact), I dabbled in all things to do with 1/35 scale armoured vehicles; jumping from one model kit to another like a leaping gazelle with no particular focus or vision as to a theme to build towards or any particular end state. However, I had decided where I was going to start - an armoured knight on horseback.

Brave Sir Boris started life on a simple, open field diorama but, I guess, at some point during one of my many moves, courtesy of the RAF, he parted company with his base and hence spent 25 years or so being battered from pillar to post in my spares/must-get-round-to-fixing-it box. Whilst looking for figures for the Romfell Armoured Car V2.0 who should fall into my lap - well actually it was his trusty steed, Buttercup, followed eventually by all the other component bits of Boris himself. This got me to thinking that perhaps Sir Boris's exile was up for review and that payroll was probably due.

Given the dynamic duo's troubled past, I thought it fitting to keep his slightly battered patina (so no new paint) but did give them a fresh coat of varnish and looked out a suitable wooden base to show them off. So, here they are back on display as an early AH AFV. ‘How so‘, I hear you say - well, Sir Boris is now wearing Kevlar underpants! 

(https://i.imgur.com/wtefyzz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2B2uaiH.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 28, 2023, 09:54:33 PM
Boris & Buttercup look a bit like an early Don Quixote & Rocinante. 8)

And the constant riding all day & tilting at windmills would certainly require a good pair of Kevlar underpants. ;D

Good reconstruction! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 30, 2023, 06:55:45 AM
Good recovery and a plain base works for this.
For rattling around in a box the figure is in surprisingly good condition. I have a box of old Airfix 54mm Historicals and Historex figures which are in a terrible state.

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 30, 2023, 07:09:29 AM
Sir Boris and Buttercup are made of white metal and are of some considerable weight - which might go some way to explaining their curious resistance to damage and the not inconsiderable carnage they have inflicted on everything else in that particular spares box!!  :o  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 14, 2023, 09:30:43 PM
Romfell V2.0 Armoured Car Update:

It has been a little while since my last update, but I have not been sitting idle. There have been a couple of troublesome problems that have taken time to resolve but I think we are well on the way now. 'What problems?' I hear you say. Well...

First off, I needed to select and make the decals I would be using - and thanks to Petike for providing the necessary ground forces insignia for the vehicles in his TL and instructions for the relative size. So far so good. Petike also liked the idea of Romanic numerals to identify the specific vehicle - OK.  Unfortunately, I had not used enough acrylic varnish when making the decals and when I tried to apply them the colour washed out and, as the final insult, they fell apart! Time to make some more but, of course, I had run out of inkjet decal paper... Needed to order more from Amazon!

Second issue. The model tyres are completely smooth/slick which seems more than a little odd for a vehicle that was supposed to have some off-road capability - although several photos of the original Romfell AC seem to show distinctly smooth treads. Nevertheless, given that the Romfell V2.0 has wider tyres, the lack of treads seemed even more of an issue - what could be done? Trying to etch on something was, IMHO, fraught with possibilities of total disaster and so was not an option. What I settled on was to make a tread decal - oh much easier said than done, I can assure you!! And, as mentioned above, I had run out of decal paper... Several designs and attemps later, I think I have something workable.

Third problemette. What paint to use? I settled on Revel Bronze Green silk acrylic as the closest match to Petike's drawing. The silk finish was good for applying the decals and the oil paint pin washes and looked very reminisant of the Deep Bronze Green finish in use by Britain at the time. It was also at this stage that I realised the positioning of the decals would need to change slightly as the Romanic numbers looked lost sitting in a panel by themselves. The end result (see below) was OK but perhaps a little too dark for Petike's drawing.

(https://i.imgur.com/l3Rqg8S.jpg)

In the end I have decided to go back to a matt finish which lightens up everything a bit and will allow me to better add a little light weathering. Still have some touching up to do and said weathering. I have also sent off for a couple of realistic Austro-Hungarian crew members as I just wasn't happy with what I could cobble together from my spares boxes.

(https://i.imgur.com/w2UpMKd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FJ5mQVN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/btflZxW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7iWiBUs.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 14, 2023, 10:38:44 PM
Man, that's nice! 8) :smiley:

There's almost a steampunk aura emanating from it! :))
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 14, 2023, 10:42:18 PM
Thanks mate, much appreciated.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 15, 2023, 03:06:48 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on October 15, 2023, 03:25:14 AM
Totally worthy of being in a Wes Anderson movie

(https://cdn.theplaylist.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/15111353/grand-budapest-hotel-4.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 15, 2023, 03:43:13 AM
Totally worthy of being in a Wes Anderson movie
 

;D :smiley:



Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 15, 2023, 06:30:07 AM
Very neat, subtle modification, this came out really well. Almost a bit too Real World for what we have come to expect from the Claymore Stable  ;)

Great Work
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 15, 2023, 08:06:37 AM
Very neat, subtle modification, this came out really well. Almost a bit too Real World for what we have come to expect from the Claymore Stable  ;)

Great Work

Many thanks. Hopefully, will have the finished end product (with supporting actors) up soon.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on October 16, 2023, 12:55:12 AM


Many thanks. Hopefully, will have the finished end product (with supporting actors) up soon.  :smiley:

On that note, the GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL shot made me think of where to source supporting actors in winter/wet weather gear.

Zubrowka is depicted as an alpine country located somewhere between Central and Eastern Europe. According to newspapers shown in the film, Zubrowka was a constitutional monarchy (the Empire of Zubrowka) at least until late 1932, when a neighboring fascist state annexed it during a period of war. In 1936, the country was liberated, and by 1950, it had become a socialist republic.[6][7] The opening titles introduce the region in 2014 as "The former Republic of Zubrowka, Once the seat of an Empire."

Give these two marching guys GEW98 or Steyr M95 long rifles and goofy headgear, you have generic Federal Police.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/99/1e/d8/991ed898d958eb5827772b99dfdf1267.jpg)(https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.FUgK0SSfyxxtmECU_s4YGwHaFg?pid=ImgDet&rs=1)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 16, 2023, 03:55:10 PM
 ;D :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Dr. YoKai on October 17, 2023, 01:14:35 AM
Man, that's nice! 8) :smiley:

There's almost a steampunk aura emanating from it! :))

 A look common to a lot of early armored cars-the preposterous, but apparently effective Putilov-Garford is a personnel favorite.

 The Romfell came out splendidly! The smooth tread of the tires you mention does seem a common feature of early armored cars, and autos of the period generally, if I recall correctly.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 17, 2023, 06:29:16 AM
Thank you although there is still a little bit to be done before I call it complete!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 17, 2023, 03:28:45 PM
Hmmm, researching the Putilov-Garford came up with this image;

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Garford-Putilov_Gromoboj.jpg)

With this bit in the accompanying text;

Quote
Note the chains on the rear wheels to try and improve off-road ability.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 17, 2023, 04:02:33 PM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on October 18, 2023, 03:45:07 AM
Hmmm, researching the Putilov-Garford came up with this image;

With this bit in the accompanying text;

Quote
Note the chains on the rear wheels to try and improve off-road ability.

Another Putilov-Garford just crying out for a half-track conversion  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 04, 2023, 10:34:17 PM
Romfell V2.0 Armoured Car:

The finished product with an extract from Petike's TL:

The Zemplín Federation's military (1918 - mid-to-late 1940s):

Armoured cars: Since the ATL version of the Austro-Hungarian Romfell armoured car had been produced in plentiful numbers (approaching 120 units), the governments of the Šariš Free State, Zemplín Federation and Kingdom of Galizia commandeered as many leftover units as possible after the collapse of the eastern front late in WWI.​

Modifications and add-ons​:  The governments soon realized that the vanilla version of the vehicle wouldn't be all that suitable for the needs of their interwar militaries. Furthermore, while a good basic design, the model had several inherent flaws that were in dire need of being addressed by technical tweaking and updating. Maintaining and reproducing some of the more intricate parts and portions of the vehicles would prove too pricy, especially for the strapped-for-cash Šariš and Zemplín militaries. Hence why all of the three countries decided to resort to extensive modifications of all surviving Romfell hulls.​

Upgrades of the Romfell common in all three states included:​
  - Replacement of the original engines for more powerful ones.​
  - The hull plating was, where possible, slightly thickened.​
  - The once overly narrow wheels were replaced with far broader, thicker, buffer ones.​
  - The roof of the turret, originally equipped with a simple and rather unergonomic hatch, was replaced by a static roof that could be raised and lowered by a handcrank-operated mechanism from inside the turret.​
  - Several variants of the car were created in each country. Every variant was distinctive either by its extended number of wheels, modified hull or by new armaments.​

Resulting variants​:  The three Romfell that were in use among the armoured units of the ZF's armed forces since the 1920s, up until the 1940s were the following:​
  1. Hače ("Foal") armoured scout car - This variant is the closest to the original Romfell. It is a simple armoured scout car   with a single machine gun and a crew consisting of only a driver and gunner. The hind parts of the vehicle were slightly enlarged to allow for a smaller, inexpensive on-board radio. (Claymore's note: Not reproduced as a model)​
  2. Hačur ("Stallion") anti-tank armoured car - The most ambitious and creative of the variants, but also the one that was  produced the least. It was derived from an experimental prototype, a six-wheeled expansion of the original Romfell. Since the Romfell - vanilla as well as modified - is overall a fairly light armoured car and has a rather small turret, the ZF armed forces made a decision to equip it with heavy anti-tank rifles instead of actual light cannons. While the caliber of these improvised "rifle-cannons" is rather low and they can't pack as much of a punch as a real cannon, they are still adequate for supporting infantry and armoured cars with machine guns against more lightly armoured vehicles (e.g. tankettes, light tanks). The space offered by the expanded hind quarters of the variant are used primarily for housing the on-board radio, a small storage of additional ammo for the AT rifle and the bench of the ammo loader (who also doubles as a radio operator when he's not handing AT bullets to the gunner). The ammo can be loaded into the car through a small single door in the back. This door is also used as an emergency escape hatch for the gunner, in case he doesn't make it to the front doors of the car.​
  3. Kobula ("Mare") light APC / assault armoured car - This variant came into being as a simpler offshoot of the Stallion six-wheeler. There are only two real differences between the duo: The turret sports a machine gun instead of an anti-tank rifle.   Instead of a small storage for AT rifle ammo, the reinforced hind quarters of the car have small benches, able to accommodate up to 4 infantrymen. Said infantrymen can enter through two doors at the back of the car. The relative spaciousness of the hind quarters also permits the car to carry a bigger and more powerful on-board radio. This means that the car can also be used as an improvised command vehicle, with one or two of the soldiers replaced by a platoon commander and his aide, both sitting near the radio.​

Reasons behind the turret hatch modification:​  There is no longer a top hatch on the turret. The entire roof is a solid single piece but can be lifted a bit on small rack rails inside the turret, powered by a hand crank. The main reason why they redesigned the original roof was to avoid someone sneaking up on the car, climbing on the turret, opening the hatch and chucking in a hand grenade. The crew of the modified car is in about the same amount of potential danger as the tankette and light tank crews, so having a top hatch wouldn't add much to the survivability. Of course, losing a top hatch makes an escape a bit more involved, but the modified car was never meant to fight tanks head on.​

Tactical use of the modified Romfell​: The Romfell is not intended to directly battle armour larger than light tanks, and certainly not against whole groups of enemy armour. With the improved wheels and more powerful engine, the car is intended  for hit-and-run tactics, rather than direct confrontations with a larger armoured force or infantry force. Most of the preferred tactics focus on ambushes, especially in rural areas with dirt roads among fields, meadows and the edges of forests. Hiding behind foliage or hedgerows is part of commencing ambushes. The cars coordinate with jaegers and with other light armoured vehicles (sometimes even with mounted troops) to harass the enemy in ambush-advantageous locations. The AT variant (and AT rifle infantry) attempt to harass enemy light armoured vehicles and motor vehicles, while the MG variants (and machine gunners and riflemen) try to attack enemy infantry and mounted troops. The goal isn't an orderly thinning-down of the ranks, but an effort to cause as much confusion, chaos and panic in the invaders as possible, possibly even induce a rout
.​

The Stallion model depicts vehicle number III of the Heavy AT Company of the Zemplín Federation's Armoured Car Battalion whilst the Mare represents vehicle number III of the battalion's Headquarters Company. The model is adapted from a couple of excellent CSM Romfell Panzerwagen models and the ubiquitous plastic card. The figure’s (Officer and JNCO) are also from CSM.

Stallion
(https://i.imgur.com/UDBlZle.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/N6iSyPX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/94oGQbs.jpg)

Mare
(https://i.imgur.com/eT1OdKz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AAqbudc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GRNgzsX.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on November 04, 2023, 10:35:46 PM
Those figures, I am approving of most heartily.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 04, 2023, 11:04:36 PM
That's brilliant, mate! :smiley:

Backstory is cool, vehicle(s) are cooler & those figures are excellent! 8) 8) 8) :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 05, 2023, 01:43:18 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 05, 2023, 02:50:33 AM
Thank you very much gents, much appreciated. 👍
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on November 05, 2023, 09:18:09 AM
Great backstory and fantastic mod of the vehicle. It actually looks more realistic and effective than the original. The figures look great as well.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 05, 2023, 05:10:30 PM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 13, 2023, 12:38:11 AM
Sometimes things just happen... promises are made but then things happen... projects get started; work gets done but then things happen... And eventually so much time has passed that it becomes really awkward, and I end up feeling like a complete arse!

Anyhoo, I present the completed model - started back in 2018...

Egyptian Thutmose III:

To cut a very long story short, the guy who came up with the concept, postulated that the Soviet IS-2 tank stayed in production much longer than it did and in favour of the IS-3. Some of these IS-2s find their way into service with the Egyptian Army (renamed Thutmose) and over time go through a series of upgrades eventually leading to AFV in question. In his mind's eye, he saw this final conversion being something similar to the real-life Ramses upgrade of the T-55 but with extras.

Basically, what he was after was an IS-2 with M48/60 Patton running gear, a Continental diesel engine, British L11 120mm gun and various other bells and whistles.

(https://i.imgur.com/W5usdTg.jpg)

I had this old IS-2 in my stash but soon realised that it was too far gone (running gear solidly glues in place) to make a suitable donor - so on went the computer and after a quick email to Mr Hannants a cheap Svezda IS-2 was winging its way to Chateau Claymore. I settled on the Svesda model for no other reason than its relatively low price and the knowledge that a good deal of it was going to get chopped up and thrown away.

So, first things first... new running gear and tracks donated from an old Italeri M60 and removal of the old engine deck. Note some addition plastic card required to fill in the enormous gaps where the upper and lower hulls meet...

(https://i.imgur.com/w06IA8X.jpg)

New engine deck in place and boxed in and fenders widened to cover new tracks.

(https://i.imgur.com/6RzTvKc.jpg)

In tackling the turret, I soon realised that there was just no way the big 120mm L11 gun would fit into the basic turret, but I really wanted to keep the feel of the original IS-2. This required some major surgery to lengthen the turret whilst also swapping the crew positions around to match the Western gun. After several failed attempts to do something with the M60 turret I had, I gave it ups as a lost cause and delved deeper into the pit-of-despair that is/are my spares box/es. What I ended up with was an old Centurion turret (so old I have no idea who made it). I used the rear end, heavily hacked and modified but, in the end, a perfect fit and giving me the exact look I was after. All hail Milliput putty for blending the whole thing together.

Gun in place, fenders extended and all the usual extra goodies added, the Thutmose is looking like a believable MBT.

(https://i.imgur.com/FDUfZvB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wd9BBRf.jpg)

This is perhaps the most heavily modified whiff I have undertaken without going into the realms of scratch building - great fun. The next stage was the undercoat which helped pull everything together.

(https://i.imgur.com/3LZzAfE.jpg)

And that's where everything ground to a halt... Five years later (three of which were spent working in the US - not that I'm claiming any credible excuses) and the final paint job... The model depicts a vehicle of 2nd Armoured Brigade, 4th Armoured Division.

(https://i.imgur.com/dwaWLkQ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Ww1STlT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2ebulOV.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RctPmnv.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on November 13, 2023, 01:27:00 AM
Wow that looks great  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 13, 2023, 01:40:56 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 13, 2023, 04:47:51 PM
Man, that is exquisite! 8) 8) :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 13, 2023, 05:12:19 PM
Many thanks gents, you are most kind.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on November 13, 2023, 05:28:18 PM
What a transition  :icon_surprised:    Flawless integration of M60 parts  :smiley:   With turret and finishing it is OOB convincing  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 13, 2023, 08:30:03 PM
Thanks mate, much appreciated.  The project was great fun to do but I can't believe that it took over 5 years to finally get it completed - where the hell did that go!!  :o ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 16, 2024, 12:04:25 AM
Did this one for the British Commonwealth GB - link to full build:  https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=10913.0

FV431 Excalibur:

By the early 1960s, in the face of evolving aircraft design and capabilities, it was becoming all too evident that western ground-based air defence, and Britain’s in particular, was not all that it could be. Whilst the British Army’s wide-area air defence (AD) coverage and the RAF’s long-range AD cover were effectively provided by the Thunderbird surface-to-air missile (SAM) system and the Bloodhound SAM system respectively, the provision of short-range air defence (SHORAD) was limited to the aging Bofors 40/L70 gun system. A development of the WW2 era 40/L60 anti-aircraft gun, the 40/L70, although issued with an effective proximity fused round, was still operated optically using the Mk 1 eyeball.

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD), realising that a modern missile system would be required to augment and eventually replace their less than efficient gun systems, started to work on a potential solution. The end result of these deliberations would eventually manifest itself in the modular, compact and highly effective towed Rapier missile system which started to enter service in 1971 and which would completely replace the 40/L70 by 1977. However, this did not answer the immediate SHORAD capability shortfall and so it was that two interim designs were also considered for development and fielding.

Short Brothers of Belfast proposed Tigercat, a land-based development of their Seacat system - itself a surface-to-air development of the Malkara anti-tank missile. As a subsonic system, Tigercat was far from ideal, and the Army were not impressed but the RAF persevered and eventually equipped a single RAF Regt squadron in 1967.

On the other hand, Hawker Siddeley Dynamics, with the backing of the British Army, proposed something altogether more suited to manoeuvre operations and in keeping with what their US counterparts were developing under the Chaparral programme. Like its US cousin, Excalibur, as the system was to be called, would be a based on an infra-red (IR) heat seeking missile. However, rather than adopting the US Sidewinder, Excalibur would use a variant of the company’s own Red Top missile. The Mach 3.2 Red Top was already in service with the RAF and carried a considerable punch in its 31 Kg (68.3 lbs) warhead. However, as an air-launched missile, the standard air-to-air Red Top was not optimised for static ground launch operations and, consequently, some significant internal redesign would be required. Specifically, the opportunity was taken to overhaul and update the missile’s electronics pack and the warhead was slightly reduced in size to 22.7 Kg (50 lbs). The space saved by both these initiatives allowed the Linnet rocket motor to be enlarged to include an integral boost motor to overcome the initial launch inertia. The cumulative effect of all these alterations was a missile that could be successfully ground launched but with a reduction in max speed to Mach 2.8 and a reduction in max range from 12 Km to 7.8 Km – still a very impressive SHORAD capability.

Excalibur was mounted on the fully tracked FV431 carrier – an extended, flatbed variant of the FV430 series of vehicles. The FV431 carried a two-man crew (driver/radio operator and commander/engagement controller (EC)), an auxiliary generator provided the necessary power to run the system and a cryonic air cooler provided the missile seekers with the necessary cooling. The launcher was capable of a full 360 degrees traverse and carried 4 ready to fire missiles on its launch rails. A 12 Km range, F-band, pulse-doppler surveillance radar (with integral D-band IFF) mounted between the launch rails detected and prioritise targets. The launcher would then slew in azimuth and the beams elevate to cue the missile’s IR seeker onto the target. Target lock was indicated by a distinctive tone in the EC’s headset. The 2-man crew could fight the system from inside the vehicle or, if in location for extended periods of time, could dismount and operate the system remotely.

At 154 Kg (350 lbs), the Red Top was not a small missile and there was no room on the launch vehicle for reloads to be carried. This necessitated a dedicated FV431 Missile Support Vehicle (MSV) which carried an additional 8 missiles and an Atlas 63.M7 hydraulic crane to carry out the reloading function. The two additional MSV crew members allowed for full 24-hour operations of the Excalibur system.

The FV431 Excalibur system entered service in 1968 and remained as the British Army’s primary manoeuvre SHORAD capability until replaced by Tracked Rapier in 1980. Excalibur was exported to Saudi Arabia (also a Red Top user) where it remained in service until 1988.

The model depicts ‘Anaconda’, a fire unit of 11 Battery, 22 Air Defence Regiment Royal Artillery, 1st Artillery Brigade, I Br Corps and is made from parts of a Takom FV432, AFV Club M730A1 Chaparral, Cults 3D print Red Top missiles, several parts cast in plastic padding and, of course, a whole lot of plastic card!

(https://i.imgur.com/7KGeCMi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kS15Lx3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/udQlLfy.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sLNZVZ3.jpg)

Travelling configuration...

(https://i.imgur.com/UzPPiaX.jpg)

Closed down firing configuration...

(https://i.imgur.com/CIyxbRv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6sUBcP5.jpg)

Dismounted firing configuration (the crew would be remoted 20-25m from the vehicle)...

The selector engagement zone (SEZ) of which there were two (one inside the vehicle and one which could be remoted) housed the master safe/arm key, provided basic radar azimuth and missile lock indications, allowed the EC to set blind arcs, counter ECM and initiate engagements.

The strange looking piece of kit on the tripod is a very simple but elegant bit of kit called – not very imaginatively – the pointing stick. This allowed the EC during periods of emission control (EMCOM) when the surveillance radar was switched off to cue the system by visually sighting on a target – when the pointing stick trigger was pulled the launcher would be slaved in elevation and azimuth allowing the missile’s IR seeker to search for the target.

(https://i.imgur.com/bSen7E6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8H5dBYh.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on January 16, 2024, 01:07:19 AM
Very cool! Great job!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 16, 2024, 02:00:33 AM
Very cool! Great job!

Thank you!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on January 16, 2024, 04:36:23 AM
yeah baby yeah!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 16, 2024, 04:48:38 AM
yeah baby yeah!

Cheers!  :smiley:

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on January 16, 2024, 09:42:33 AM
That looks great! The launch operator may be a bit close - I'm not sure covering his ears will help much.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on January 16, 2024, 11:15:48 AM
Bloody awesome work.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 16, 2024, 05:07:27 PM
That looks great! The launch operator may be a bit close - I'm not sure covering his ears will help much.

Thanks.  As the backstory says, the crew would actually be remoted 20-25m from the launcher. The model display is only for reference as actual scale would be impracticable.  :smiley:

Bloody awesome work.


Many thanks and much appreciated!  :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on January 16, 2024, 10:25:20 PM
 :D 8) :smiley: ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2024, 12:07:53 AM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks:

In October 1928, Christie’s M1928 was demonstrated at Fort Myer, Virginia. There the Army's Chief of Staff, General Charles P. Summerall, and other high-ranking officers were impressed, however, the Tank Board was less enthusiastic. They noted that the vehicle's armour was very thin and could not survive penetration by the smallest armour-piercing antitank rifle or artillery piece. The Board also differed with Christie on its guidelines for tank capabilities, which were based on a radically different theory of armoured warfare than that used by Christie. For the Infantry Tank Board, armour and firepower were more important design criteria than mobility, and the M1928 prototype was passed to the Cavalry for further evaluation. The Cavalry's thinking at that time was based on armoured cars, and it wanted to develop the M1928 as an armoured car chassis. Once again, Christie's concept of how his vehicles should be used, together with his difficult nature, resulted in disputes with Army officials. Ultimately, the Secretary of War rejected mass production of the M1928, citing excessive acquisition costs.

Christie then, somewhat foolishly, felt he was justified in selling his inventions to the highest bidder. A long and complex series of exchanges between Christie and foreign governments followed. These were technically illegal since Christie never obtained approval of the US Department of State, Army Ordnance, or the Department of War to transfer his designs to potentially hostile governments.

Initially, in early 1930, Christie promised to sell his M1928 tank design to the Polish government, but the deal fell through and, to avoid potential litigation, he eventually returned the payment made by the Polish government, which never obtained the tank they had ordered.

Although the USSR did not have diplomatic relations with the USA at the time, and was prohibited from obtaining military equipment or weapons, Soviet OGPU agents at the trade front organization AMTORG managed to secure plans and specifications for the Christie M1928 tank chassis in March 1930 using a series of deceptions. On 28 April 1930, Christie's company agreed to sell AMTORG two Christie-designed tanks, documented falsely as agricultural farm tractors, and without prior approval of the U.S. Army or Department of State. They were successfully shipped to the USSR where the Soviets used them to develop the BT series of tanks, forerunners of the massively produced T-34 tank of World War II.

Needless to say, the US Government, and the Department of State in particular, were not amused and Mr Christie was promptly arrested by the FBI and imprisoned on dubious charges of failing to gain export licences and tax fraud rather than aiding and abetting potentially hostile governments.

After favourable reports on observation of Soviet tank activities in 1936, the British War Office tentatively approached the US Government regarding the possible purchase of a license of the Christie design. Not unsurprisingly, the request was politely but firmly turned down.

Meanwhile, across the Pond in Britain, Sidney Horstmann had been developing suspension designs from the 1920s and through his Slow Motion Suspension Company had by 1930 produced a new design using two road wheels on a single bogie, each connected to a bell crank with a horizontal coil spring between the crank arms, and double-acting shock absorbers to control recoil. In 1934, John Carden of Vickers-Armstrongs had a "bright idea" for a new type of tank suspension and partnered with Horstmann's Slow Motion to turn it into a working design. Unfortunately, Carden was killed in an air crash in December 1935, but by this time he had designed a lighter tank platform that had been taken up as the A9, although later known as the Cruiser Mk I. In this version, one large wheel was fitted on one bell crank, and two smaller wheels to a shared arm on the second crank. This went into production in 1937 as an interim type until the Army could develop something better. The same suspension was then used on the larger A10 Cruiser Mk II which came to its ultimate form as the Valentine tank.

At much the same time in the US, Harry Knox an engineer for Rock Island Arsenal, was developing a similar two-wheeled bogey suspension unit but with an innovative double vertical volute spring in place of Horstmann’s coil spring. The suspension was developed in 1933 and was first tested on a T2E1 light tank prototype in 1934. The Rock Island Arsenal would go on to produce the M1 Combat Car, which entered service with the US Army in 1937.

Horstmann and Knox were fully aware of each other’s work, and it didn’t take long for Horstmann to convince the UK Government to approach the US Government for licencing rights to the more efficient volute spring suspension design. Easier to produce and easier to maintain and replace in the field than Christie’s design, the VVSS seemed like an idea solution to the UK’s future cruiser tank designs. Fortunately, the US Government were more favourable in their response to this request and the rest, as they say, is history…

Mk I Cruiser (A9) and Mk II Cruiser (A10) as OTL for completeness...

(https://i.imgur.com/OU6js80.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/LCez41E.png)

Mk III Cruiser (A13 Mk I) and Mk IVA Cruiser (A13 Mk II) with M1 Combat Car VVSS...

(https://i.imgur.com/i6S512c.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZOgHI6c.png)

Mk V Cruiser A13 Mk III) Covenanter and Mk VI Cruiser (A15) Crusader I with M2 Medium VVSS...

(https://i.imgur.com/ci2WTsH.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/hKbdQK2.png)

Mk VI Cruiser (A15) Crusader III with M3 Lee/Grant VVSS...

(https://i.imgur.com/DLJsA0p.png)

Mk VIII Cruiser (A27M) Cromwell with M4 Sherman VVSS...

(https://i.imgur.com/whrADjq.png)

Cruiser (A34) Comet with M4A3E8 HVSS...

(https://i.imgur.com/NKh1LqG.png)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2024, 12:10:44 AM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks:

Four of the above designs will eventually be built (Mk IVA Cruiser, Crusader III, Cromwell and Comet) - with the Crusader III and Cromwell (Christmas presents) already well underway!

(https://i.imgur.com/PLErNzi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tjhR8lO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3IqsriJ.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2024, 12:12:23 AM
An Alternative Take on British Cruiser Tanks:

Why is it always the model you want now that suddenly becomes as rare as rocking horse poop! This seemed to be the case for my next donor kit for my Alt British Cruisers series - namely the Bronco Models A13 Mk II Cruiser Tank IVA. Out of stock everywhere or only available from overseas with shipping costs that would require me to remortgage my house! That is until I managed to track down a single kit in Halifax - Halifax, West Yorkshire that is, not Canada - Halifax Modellers World. Let’s hear it for the small retailers everywhere - what a gem!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2024, 12:16:17 AM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks Update:

With the good news of more cruiser-kit-goodness on the way (see above), I thought it only polite to post an update on the progress of my alt British cruiser tank project. So here we are with the build phase of both complete and the joys of painting about to start...

Alt Mk VIII Cruiser Tank (A27M) Cromwell:

(https://i.imgur.com/FQfDQmD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sH0ss2y.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8xOEOYf.jpg)

Alt Mk VI Cruiser Tank (A15) Crusader III:

(https://i.imgur.com/nBlvZav.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nYZSWQB.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/qdTWMvK.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2024, 12:19:58 AM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks Update:

The production line is in full swing - paint, glue and plastic flying in all directions!!

Alt Mk VI Cruiser Tank (A15) Crusader III:

(https://i.imgur.com/1VOpZ6H.jpg)

Alt Mk VIII Cruiser Tank (A27M) Cromwell:

(https://i.imgur.com/5evrvL3.jpg)

Whoop, whoop! New kit arrived - standard parcel post and it only took 2 and a half days - remarkable!  :smiley:

The kit itself looks like a typical Bronco offering - crisp, detailed and extremely complex. Why cast a component in one piece when you can cast it in twenty or more? That each tiny piece is measured on the subatomic scale is neither here nor there! Should be fun!  :o

Alt Mk IVA Cruiser Tank (A13 Mk II):

(https://i.imgur.com/V6Kfy6O.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/glZAsfA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/adrCraj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0H36dSi.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on February 13, 2024, 12:29:21 AM
I see you haven't fixed one of the major failings of the Crusader III; the placement of the air intakes & filters directly over the rear of the tracks, the dustiest places on a tank. :-\
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2024, 04:10:33 AM
I see you haven't fixed one of the major failings of the Crusader III; the placement of the air intakes & filters directly over the rear of the tracks, the dustiest places on a tank. :-\

You’re absolutely right.  These builds are not a Captain Hindsight exercise in redesigning/correcting all the faults with the OTL cruiser tanks rather it is a single POD whiff - specifically, what if Christie suspension was not available and VVSS/HVSS had been adopted instead.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on February 13, 2024, 06:27:05 AM
Wow! Fantastic concept! And I love that you've gone all the way back to the A13  :smiley:

Might there also be a Canadian variant? If so, this could be akin to the RW Valentines built by the CPR's Angus shops in Montreal. I'm imagining a late-war alt-Cromwell on Canadian Dry Pin tracks. Possibilities for those CDP tracks and drive sprockets in 1/35 would be:

Panda Plastics [ex-RHPS] Canadian Dry Pin Tracks = 27.95 USD
-- https://shermantracks.com/catalog/canadian_dry_pin.html (https://shermantracks.com/catalog/canadian_dry_pin.html)

PanzerWerkDesign - Sherman CDP tracks = 135.00 PLN
-- https://panzerwerkdesign.com.pl/pl/p/Sherman-CDP-tracks/112 (https://panzerwerkdesign.com.pl/pl/p/Sherman-CDP-tracks/112)

Friul Model - ATL-127 Grizzly (Sherman M4A1), Sexton (Canadian tracks) = € 27,00
-- https://friulmodel.hu/termek/atl-127-grizzly-sherman-m4a1-sexton-canadian-tracks/ (https://friulmodel.hu/termek/atl-127-grizzly-sherman-m4a1-sexton-canadian-tracks/)
-- https://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/friulmodel/atl-127.html (https://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/friulmodel/atl-127.html)

Or maybe search out a swap/trade alternative like the track sprues from Dragon's 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6793? The CDP track-relevant sprues are:
D 19 M4 - “lifted” bogies, spoke wheels, CDP drivers
V 98x2 M4 – all-in-one VVSS basic suspension components (plus 24 bolt heads)
Z 4 DS Plastic Canadian Dry Pin tracks

Anyway, watching this series with interest  :D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on February 13, 2024, 06:36:24 AM
The Crusader did away with the front sub-turret & Canada revived it later on.  Why not keep it through out the series ?  (yes, I know, more work)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2024, 07:34:46 AM
Wow! Fantastic concept! And I love that you've gone all the way back to the A13  :smiley:

Might there also be a Canadian variant? If so, this could be akin to the RW Valentines built by the CPR's Angus shops in Montreal. I'm imagining a late-war alt-Cromwell on Canadian Dry Pin tracks. Possibilities for those CDP tracks and drive sprockets in 1/35 would be:

Panda Plastics [ex-RHPS] Canadian Dry Pin Tracks = 27.95 USD
-- https://shermantracks.com/catalog/canadian_dry_pin.html (https://shermantracks.com/catalog/canadian_dry_pin.html)

PanzerWerkDesign - Sherman CDP tracks = 135.00 PLN
-- https://panzerwerkdesign.com.pl/pl/p/Sherman-CDP-tracks/112 (https://panzerwerkdesign.com.pl/pl/p/Sherman-CDP-tracks/112)

Friul Model - ATL-127 Grizzly (Sherman M4A1), Sexton (Canadian tracks) = € 27,00
-- https://friulmodel.hu/termek/atl-127-grizzly-sherman-m4a1-sexton-canadian-tracks/ (https://friulmodel.hu/termek/atl-127-grizzly-sherman-m4a1-sexton-canadian-tracks/)
-- https://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/friulmodel/atl-127.html (https://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/reviews/vehicles/friulmodel/atl-127.html)

Or maybe search out a swap/trade alternative like the track sprues from Dragon's 1/35 scale '39-'45 Series Kit No. 6793? The CDP track-relevant sprues are:
D 19 M4 - “lifted” bogies, spoke wheels, CDP drivers
V 98x2 M4 – all-in-one VVSS basic suspension components (plus 24 bolt heads)
Z 4 DS Plastic Canadian Dry Pin tracks

Anyway, watching this series with interest  :D

Thanks mate and Canadian variants would be fun but with each model requiring two sets of tracks to accommodate the extra length over the A13 Mk II, Crusader and Cromwell over the M2/5 Stuart, M3 Lee/Grant and Sherman respectively, things would rapidly start getting expensive.  As it is, I know the M5 Stuart tracks I am using are crap, but they are available and accurate replacements would cost me much more than the base A13 model did!  :(
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 13, 2024, 07:47:51 AM
The Crusader did away with the front sub-turret & Canada revived it later on.  Why not keep it through out the series ?  (yes, I know, more work)

Had I decided to model the A15 Crusader I, it would indeed have had the sub-turret but the model which was available and given to me for Chrimbo was the Crusader III (sans sub-turret).  As the project is only looking at the impact of the change from Christie suspension to VVSS/HVSS, the sub-turret was never going to return.  I did, however, ponder giving the Crusader a larger turret to accommodate a 3-man crew for its 6 pdr but decided against it as this was not produced RW.  The limitation of a 2-man turret clearly trumped the time and cost of designing and building a new turret when an entirely new tank (the A27) was already on the drawing board.   :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on February 15, 2024, 06:25:51 AM
I always liked the Valentine's suspension - something similar was used on Trams (called the Maximum Traction bogie).

Now here is a different idea ...
(https://preview.redd.it/whats-the-story-behind-this-sherman-why-does-it-have-such-v0-put4lli7v5n81.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=627104820061738cfbf0ecb6e8592c9539d3dc79)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 15, 2024, 11:42:50 PM
I always liked the Valentine's suspension - something similar was used on Trams (called the Maximum Traction bogie).

Now here is a different idea ...
(https://preview.redd.it/whats-the-story-behind-this-sherman-why-does-it-have-such-v0-put4lli7v5n81.jpg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=627104820061738cfbf0ecb6e8592c9539d3dc79)

Good Lord!  :o  :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on February 16, 2024, 05:10:14 AM
Interesting concepts all through
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 16, 2024, 08:39:46 PM
An Alternative Take on British Cruiser Tanks:

I must admit that I had forgotten just how bloody fiddly Bronco kits are! Photo Etched parts are not an optional extra but rather primary components and, with all the fun of superglue, are a joy to work with... not! Needless to say, the singularity carpet under my desk has been on full universal destruction mode - I watched a part fall between my feet, saw it hit the carpet, bounce and wink out of existence! Fortunately, the gods were smiling, and it re-appeared an hour later on the opposite side of the room...

Anyhoo, that is the build of the Alt Mk IVA Cruiser Tank (A13 Mk II) complete and it's on to the painting stages along with the others - more undercoat and paints for the Caunter Scheme camo on order. Just the Alt HVSS Comet to go and the set is complete (painting aside). Hinting heavily to Mrs Claymore that it would make a good early Birthday present - you can always dream!

(https://i.imgur.com/xJmEinw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dz3fiqH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Xk7ok38.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on February 16, 2024, 09:29:12 PM
Nice work! :smiley:


Hinting heavily to Mrs Claymore that it would make a good early Birthday present - you can always dream!

I've tried that with Mrs Wombat - "deaf" & "crickets" doesn't come near to describing the response .... Although "deaf crickets" might. :-\
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 17, 2024, 12:42:27 AM
 C:-)
Nice work! :smiley:

Thanks mate!  :smiley:

 C:-)
I've tried that with Mrs Wombat - "deaf" & "crickets" doesn't come near to describing the response .... Although "deaf crickets" might. :-\

Yup, I guess somethings are universal constants!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on February 17, 2024, 01:16:01 AM


(https://i.imgur.com/xJmEinw.jpg)


That actually looks like a legit prototype.  Very crisp. Award yourself ten (10) retirement points.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 17, 2024, 01:50:42 AM
 :smiley:   ;D  ;D

Should look even more convincing once it gets its undercoat.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on February 17, 2024, 07:11:20 AM
Like the concept on this.

Built the Bronco A10 Cruiser (and A9 to complete the torture) , which is a very similar kit and totally agree on your take on this kit.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 17, 2024, 08:01:36 PM
Like the concept on this.

Built the Bronco A10 Cruiser (and A9 to complete the torture) , which is a very similar kit and totally agree on your take on this kit.

Thanks mate!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 03, 2024, 11:34:48 PM
An Alternative Take on British Cruiser Tanks: Update...

What a drama trying to get my hands on some spray undercoat. Just like trying to get hold of models that have mysteriously disappeared off the shelves, there now seems to be a universal shortage of Tamiya fine spray primer. Anyhoo, eventually tracked some down only for the Royal Mail to promptly misplace it - fairly unusual granted, but why do these things always happen when you are completely out of stock? Ten days later...  :icon_crap:

The Alt Mk IVA Cruiser Tank (A13 Mk II) is now sporting a nice grey petticoat...

(https://i.imgur.com/yUWPvk4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uKCWtB5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Z2qqIDK.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on March 04, 2024, 05:18:49 AM
... Ten days later...  :icon_crap: ...

Well worth the wait ... pretty in petticoats  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on March 04, 2024, 05:53:37 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 04, 2024, 07:23:30 PM
My apologies for the lack of posts. A combination of having work done on the house, sailing around the Greek Islands, and a lack of motivation to paint 3 models at the same time! Anyhoo... A bit of a re-post to get people back up to speed...

An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks:

In October 1928, Christie’s M1928 was demonstrated at Fort Myer, Virginia. There the Army's Chief of Staff, General Charles P. Summerall, and other high-ranking officers were impressed, however, the Tank Board was less enthusiastic. They noted that the vehicle's armour was very thin and could not survive penetration by the smallest armour-piercing antitank rifle or artillery piece. The Board also differed with Christie on its guidelines for tank capabilities, which were based on a radically different theory of armoured warfare than that used by Christie. For the Infantry Tank Board, armour and firepower were more important design criteria than mobility, and the M1928 prototype was passed to the Cavalry for further evaluation. The Cavalry's thinking at that time was based on armoured cars, and it wanted to develop the M1928 as an armoured car chassis. Once again, Christie's concept of how his vehicles should be used, together with his difficult nature, resulted in disputes with Army officials. Ultimately, the Secretary of War rejected mass production of the M1928, citing excessive acquisition costs.

Christie then, somewhat foolishly, felt he was justified in selling his inventions to the highest bidder. A long and complex series of exchanges between Christie and foreign governments followed. These were technically illegal since Christie never obtained approval of the US Department of State, Army Ordnance, or the Department of War to transfer his designs to potentially hostile governments.

Initially, in early 1930, Christie promised to sell his M1928 tank design to the Polish government, but the deal fell through and, to avoid potential litigation, he eventually returned the payment made by the Polish government, which never obtained the tank they had ordered.

Although the USSR did not have diplomatic relations with the USA at the time, and was prohibited from obtaining military equipment or weapons, Soviet OGPU agents at the trade front organization AMTORG managed to secure plans and specifications for the Christie M1928 tank chassis in March 1930 using a series of deceptions. On 28 April 1930, Christie's company agreed to sell AMTORG two Christie-designed tanks, documented falsely as agricultural farm tractors, and without prior approval of the U.S. Army or Department of State. They were successfully shipped to the USSR where the Soviets used them to develop the BT series of tanks, forerunners of the massively produced T-34 tank of World War II.

Needless to say, the US Government, and the Department of State in particular, were not amused and Mr Christie was promptly arrested by the FBI and imprisoned on dubious charges of failing to gain export licences and tax fraud rather than aiding and abetting potentially hostile governments.

After favourable reports on observation of Soviet tank activities in 1936, the British War Office tentatively approached the US Government regarding the possible purchase of a license of the Christie design. Not unsurprisingly, the request was politely but firmly turned down.

Meanwhile, across the Pond in Britain, Sidney Horstmann had been developing suspension designs from the 1920s and through his Slow Motion Suspension Company had by 1930 produced a new design using two road wheels on a single bogie, each connected to a bell crank with a horizontal coil spring between the crank arms, and double-acting shock absorbers to control recoil. In 1934, John Carden of Vickers-Armstrongs had a "bright idea" for a new type of tank suspension and partnered with Horstmann's Slow Motion to turn it into a working design. Unfortunately, Carden was killed in an air crash in December 1935, but by this time he had designed a lighter tank platform that had been taken up as the A9, although later known as the Cruiser Mk I. In this version, one large wheel was fitted on one bell crank, and two smaller wheels to a shared arm on the second crank. This went into production in 1937 as an interim type until the Army could develop something better. The same suspension was then used on the larger A10 Cruiser Mk II which came to its ultimate form as the Valentine tank.

At much the same time in the US, Harry Knox an engineer for Rock Island Arsenal, was developing a similar two-wheeled bogey suspension unit but with an innovative double vertical volute spring in place of Horstmann’s coil spring. The suspension was developed in 1933 and was first tested on a T2E1 light tank prototype in 1934. The Rock Island Arsenal would go on to produce the M1 Combat Car, which entered service with the US Army in 1937.

Horstmann and Knox were fully aware of each other’s work, and it didn’t take long for Horstmann to convince the UK Government to approach the US Government for licencing rights to the more efficient volute spring suspension design. Easier to produce and easier to maintain and replace in the field than Christie’s design, the VVSS seemed like an idea solution to the UK’s future cruiser tank designs. Fortunately, the US Government were more favourable in their response to this request and the rest, as they say, is history…

(https://i.imgur.com/ZOgHI6c.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/t62oUFO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hqdW4xW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8Frx9Yt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZrzioZB.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 04, 2024, 07:25:43 PM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks:

(https://i.imgur.com/DLJsA0p.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/gDIoHge.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Pl6SaH2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/31kBTfV.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/iwYfdE5.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 04, 2024, 07:27:45 PM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks:

(https://i.imgur.com/whrADjq.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/Y9wq9Ki.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ibp5F7h.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tVlg8IQ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/EpbHFII.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 04, 2024, 07:28:50 PM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks:

(https://i.imgur.com/NKh1LqG.png)

Watch this space!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 04, 2024, 11:10:38 PM
Nice work! :smiley:

Waiting ...

(https://www.animaatjes.nl/eten-en-drinken/eten-en-drinken-plaatjes/nootjes-en-popcorn/animaatjes-nootjes-en-popcorn-8911375.gif)




PS: how terrible for you having to sailing around the Greek Islands! :o ::)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 05, 2024, 12:29:46 AM
Nice work! :smiley:

Waiting ...

PS: how terrible for you having to sailing around the Greek Islands! :o ::)

Thanks mate!

Oh I know, sometimes life is just a beach!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 06, 2024, 10:13:09 PM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks:

Early days on the Alt Comet Cruiser Tank (A34). The Tamiya base model I am using is, as always with Tamiya, very well molded and fits together like a dream but just for once Takom's / Bronco's irritating habit of lhaving every bit of detail as a separate piece might have served me better. I am having to cut away all of the beautiful pre-molded Christie suspension detail in order to clear the sides for the new HVSS units. Ah well, no rest for the wicked, as they say!

WIP pic show (on the left) the original detailed starboard side plate and (on the right) the cleaned port side - a thin sheet of plastic card will cover the various unwanted holes.  :smiley:

(https://i.imgur.com/booZk3h.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: taiidantomcat on June 06, 2024, 11:08:27 PM
You could write the book on what-if Armor. And I would buy it!!

Thank you for the pictures on the suspension upgrades. I am trying to do a few suspension switcheroos myself and they are a bear! Any help or tips or tricks is appreciated. I'm struggling with setting the height, keeping wheels aligned, and making sure everything is level. I'm looking into creating some jigs at this point, but any advice would be great to hear

love this thread
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 07, 2024, 12:13:52 AM
You could write the book on what-if Armor. And I would buy it!!

Thank you for the pictures on the suspension upgrades. I am trying to do a few suspension switcheroos myself and they are a bear! Any help or tips or tricks is appreciated. I'm struggling with setting the height, keeping wheels aligned, and making sure everything is level. I'm looking into creating some jigs at this point, but any advice would be great to hear

love this thread

You’re most kind!

The secret is ensuring you have the ground clearance under the hull set correct/at the desired height with some suitable block (wood, plastic card, whatever works) and make sure the hull is level and on a flat surface.  That way, when hanging the new suspension, all road wheels can be set to sit on the flat surface in the knowledge that the ride height is correct and uniform.  Remember to take any track thickness into account when calculating the scale ground clearance under the hull. 

Alternatively, some sort of jig to hold everything in place while the glue sets.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on June 07, 2024, 07:05:46 AM

Alternatively, some sort of jig to hold everything in place while the glue sets.

Or you could wing it and try four or five times to get each suspension right like I did  :-\ :(
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 07, 2024, 05:09:05 PM

Or you could wing it and try four or five times to get each suspension right like I did  :-\ :(

Mate, I hear your pain!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 09, 2024, 02:46:15 AM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks Update:

Work continues apace on the Alt (A34) Comet although there will be a short interlude for a few days as I visit one of my brothers on Islay (an island off the west coast of Scotland - well known for its Whisky).
Here are the latest WIP pics...

(https://i.imgur.com/a3jJu2k.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on June 09, 2024, 04:39:25 AM
 Lagavulin and Laphroaig are my two favorites from Islay.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 09, 2024, 05:17:56 AM
Lagavulin and Laphroaig are my two favorites from Islay.

👍 Nom, nom, nom… 🥃🥃👍
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on June 10, 2024, 02:29:03 PM
Most interesting suspension mods.   :smiley:  Do keep posting !
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 12, 2024, 06:30:49 AM
Each one of those is a double take.
It goes something like this.. "Yeah nice Caunter Scheme.. wait.. what ?"
 :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 12, 2024, 03:45:33 PM
 Many thanks - all a bit of fun!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 14, 2024, 11:19:46 PM
Lagavulin and Laphroaig are my two favorites from Islay.

A very successful trip to one of my ancestral homes (on my mother's side of the family). Also popped into a few of the many distilleries on the island too - including your favourites (just for the pics)! 

If you didn't already know, they only sit about a mile apart.

(https://i.imgur.com/5cskaEZ.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on June 15, 2024, 12:03:36 AM
Similar but still different peaty taste!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 15, 2024, 02:04:31 AM
Similar but still different peaty taste!

 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Volkodav on June 16, 2024, 08:53:51 PM
How about an Infantry tank, i.e. Matilda with VVSS?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 17, 2024, 12:55:57 AM
How about an Infantry tank, i.e. Matilda with VVSS?

My latest project was to look at what might have been had Christie’s suspension not been available for Britain’s cruiser tanks. Britain’s infantry tanks didn’t use Christie suspension and so were entirely home grown - why change?  Having said that, I have done a Matilda / Valentine cross before and so I guess an alternative with VVSS could be a thing.  :smiley:

(https://i.imgur.com/2LGGvzh.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 21, 2024, 02:31:26 AM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks Update:

Between going off on a short break and laying a new floor, I have been driving myself crazy building the new HVSS and tracks (both courtesy of AFV Club) for the Alt (A34) Comet. With 86 track links per side (total 172 links) and 4 pieces to each link (688 parts), it has been no small task with each little bit needing to be cut off the sprue and cleaned up first before construction! Madness aside, I had a good sesh today and managed to get the infernal task completed. Now onto the rest of the beast!

WIP pics...

(https://i.imgur.com/HRsSnn5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xrc4Tvf.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on June 21, 2024, 03:32:43 AM
Really like the Shermanized suspension modification.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 21, 2024, 06:44:46 AM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks Update:

With 86 track links per side (total 172 links) and 4 pieces to each link (688 parts).......

Damn you tracks with end connectors  ;D

As always, they are worth the effort
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 21, 2024, 12:53:14 PM
Sweet! 8)

You don't have to be crazy to hang here, but it helps! ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 21, 2024, 03:52:41 PM
Thanks guys.

Fortunately, and somewhat miraculously for a cobbled together placement of the suspension, the track links fitted exactly - the devil must have been having a day off!

Or perhaps having my underpants on my head, pencils up my nose and shouting ‘wibble’ distracted him…  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Story on June 21, 2024, 11:16:24 PM

Or perhaps having my underpants on my head, pencils up my nose and shouting ‘wibble’ distracted him…  ;)

Considering precedence, I see nothing wrong with your state of being... except for that 'wibble' thing.

(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/82/52/e6/8252e69a1acb197db141fa0f4dea85e4.jpg)

 (https://comicvine.gamespot.com/a/uploads/scale_small/1/15776/8704055-underpants.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 22, 2024, 12:43:42 AM
…and, of course, dear old Captain Blackadder…

(https://i.imgur.com/pss6QCa.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 27, 2024, 11:35:33 PM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks Update:

Most, if not entirely all, of the Alt (A34) Comet build is now complete - couple of figures and some bling should do the trick! Next stage will be the undercoat which, as per usual, should help pull all the alterations into a cohesive whole. I've been wanting to do this conversion for some time, and I have not been disappointed - bias perhaps, but I think it looks right...

Statutory WIP pics...

(https://i.imgur.com/mqBhfka.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IqsCpby.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2biqSmd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/V3i8IqP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MXdlzbf.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 27, 2024, 11:45:27 PM
She's looking a right stunner from here! 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on June 28, 2024, 05:52:24 AM
Indeed! Amazing how 'right' that suspension looks on the A34  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 28, 2024, 05:59:10 AM
She's looking a right stunner from here! 8)

Indeed! Amazing how 'right' that suspension looks on the A34  :smiley:

Thanks guys. Hopefully, the paint job will blend everything into a believable whole.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 28, 2024, 07:04:58 AM
That infill plastic card work is phenomenal... awesome work
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 29, 2024, 03:13:53 PM
Most kind!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 30, 2024, 12:10:17 AM
An Alternative Take on Bristish Cruiser Tanks Update:

It always makes me smile when the undercoat goes on and the various cut and slash alterations blend together into something that might actually have been. I think the addition of the Chuckle Brothers in the turret sets off the Alt (A34) Comet perfectly - they came with the kit and were just too well moulded not to include!

Full paint job next...

(https://i.imgur.com/gnpuNjb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Qul8R9X.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 30, 2024, 01:14:46 AM
Ties it all together & makes her look even better! :smiley:

Can't wait to see her all dressed up & ready to party! 8) ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 30, 2024, 01:18:43 AM
Ties it all together & makes her look even better! :smiley:

Can't wait to see her all dressed up & ready to party! 8) ;)

Best fighting frock being pressed as we speak!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 30, 2024, 02:23:27 AM


(https://i.imgur.com/gnpuNjb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Qul8R9X.jpg)

Looks like one of those graphical renders shown of new kits
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on June 30, 2024, 02:33:09 AM
Great job on the suspension.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 30, 2024, 03:17:39 AM
Thanks guys, much appreciated.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on June 30, 2024, 05:38:12 AM
Those primer shots look beautiful! Nice job!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 30, 2024, 08:04:17 AM
Really nice... like you, love a primer shot. Those figures are just terrific, what great poses for a tank crew. Hope they come out as an extra set.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on June 30, 2024, 10:59:59 AM
That looks so right with the HVSS fitted. 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 30, 2024, 03:39:32 PM
 Thanks! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 24, 2024, 11:44:53 PM
An Alternative Take on British Cruiser Tanks:

The final installment…

The development of the Comet A34 Cruiser Tank’s horizontal volute spring suspension (HVSS) was to be the final fling of the successful collaboration between Sidney Horstmann and Harry Knox.

The HVSS was undoubtedly a significant improvement over the earlier vertical volute spring system, however, it did still have certain limitations and had, clearly, come to the logical end of its evolutionary tree. Furthermore, the development of the next generation of armoured vehicles on either side of The Pond would see a different set of requirements, necessitating different potential solutions. Britain was already heavily committed to the Centurion Universal Tank concept and favoured Horstmann’s big-wheel suspension units whilst the US would in its development of the M26 Pershing adopt a torsion bar suspension system.

Nevertheless, the HVSS Comet proved to be highly versatile and was, undoubtedly, Britain’s best tank of the war.

The model depicts a vehicle of the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment, 29th Armoured Brigade of 11th Armored Division and is made from a Tamiya Comet kit, with AFV Club HVSS and tracks.

(https://i.imgur.com/8TVCCLz.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xbkIA5L.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/I8wCBVQ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/f52hD6h.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on July 25, 2024, 12:37:19 AM
I really like that! 8)

It looks too "right" not to have been real! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on July 25, 2024, 05:32:54 AM
It looks too "right" not to have been real! :smiley:

Absolutely! Beautifully done and completely believable  :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on July 25, 2024, 07:02:09 AM
I too am fully engaged with this build and still do a double take every time.
Super seamless and subtle changes.
Even the slightly wider tracks make a whole lot of sense.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on July 25, 2024, 07:15:38 AM
I really like that! 8)

It looks too "right" not to have been real! :smiley:

Yep, thatz it.   Goes for me too....
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on July 25, 2024, 09:07:55 AM
Great build! Had I not been following along, you could have fooled me that this was a RW tank.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 25, 2024, 05:26:51 PM
Many thanks one and all for the great comments, they are very much appreciated!  :smiley:

Next projects are already on the slips!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 26, 2024, 01:26:40 AM
In a moment of very un-Highlander-like exuberance, I have taken the plunge and bought myself a 3D Printer (picture attached). With the dramatic increase in the availability (and low cost) of high-quality 3D designs, it would seem that the world is now my oyster. Typically, my beginners-recommended, super-fast printer was sold as an out-of-the-box ready marvel of the modern industrial complex and as intuitive as a hungry fox in a hen house...

Unfortunately, what they hadn't taken into account was that a 62-year-old Scotsman with the attention span of a goldfish might get his hands on one! My first couple of prints proved that intuition is a bit like beauty - it is very much in the eye of the beholder. I loaded the accompanying Slicer App (that was the first thing I was not prepared for) and marvelled at how many advanced options there are - none of which seem to be explained properly nor indeed were they intuitive in any way, shape or form. The first couple of prints also proved that a bit like the early Star Trek transporter accidents, I too can turn my test subjects inside out - not pretty!

However, as an old-goat, I am also inordinately stubborn and so eventually found the settings that let me produce some of the smoothest, coolest 3D prints I have ever seen. With my new-found mastery of the universe, and like any good bloke, I immediately launched into printing perhaps the most complex set of shapes I will ever need. SUCCESS!!!

More about that in the future... 😉

(https://i.imgur.com/wur3fVH.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on July 26, 2024, 03:53:59 AM
March forward. You will find it very useful. I am in the elegoo camp, but same difference as far as it all goes. FDM does have its limitations and the output is not as finessed as resin printers, but nonetheless you can use it to make some very useful gadgets for modelling and bits and pieces for builds... take the Arctic BTR I did for the Plowshares GB, that used a 3D printed component

Even coming from an IT background and of the same vintage as you,  the software can be a bit confusing, I am still working things out at tweak level.
The 3D Printing thread on here has some great tips from Frank and others https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=9883.0 (https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=9883.0)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 26, 2024, 04:51:02 AM
Thanks mate!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on July 26, 2024, 09:21:00 AM
I personally am pledged to the time-honoured Old Goat motto: "Nothing from this Century!".  But, by gum, that was impressive!

An inspiring tale full of wallet-emptying daring, persistence, and an almost Gen Y-like tech-savvy perspicacity. Breathtaking! And now I'll be needing a bit of a sit-down ...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: ChalkLine on July 26, 2024, 11:44:08 AM
I'm still setting up what started as a 'I'll just bung that in the garage' and has now turned into a 'this industrial estate where formerly was a large area'.

These things are like immensely expensive macadamia nuts; there's no stopping once you start. You now need a washing/curing station because that sort of thing is for peons after all, not elegant and refined 3D printing persons such as ourselves. Of course there's the ducting to think of, and the fans, and why not duct in the spray booth? That's right, the open window where you held your breath to spray is no longer good enough!

It's at this point I realised that my delusions of grandeur far exceeded both my wallet's and garage's capacity
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on July 27, 2024, 05:53:30 AM
I personally am pledged to the time-honoured Old Goat motto: "Nothing from this Century!".  But, by gum, that was impressive!

An inspiring tale full of wallet-emptying daring, persistence, and an almost Gen Y-like tech-savvy perspicacity. Breathtaking! And now I'll be needing a bit of a sit-down ...

 ;D  ;D  ;D

I'm still setting up what started as a 'I'll just bung that in the garage' and has now turned into a 'this industrial estate where formerly was a large area'.

These things are like immensely expensive macadamia nuts; there's no stopping once you start. You now need a washing/curing station because that sort of thing is for peons after all, not elegant and refined 3D printing persons such as ourselves. Of course there's the ducting to think of, and the fans, and why not duct in the spray booth? That's right, the open window where you held your breath to spray is no longer good enough!

It's at this point I realised that my delusions of grandeur far exceeded both my wallet's and garage's capacity

Yup, yup and yup!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 10, 2024, 10:19:01 PM
Although I haven't posted any models for a little while, I have not been idle and have been playing with my new 3D printer - much more about these trials and tribulations later but, suffice to say, there should be a couple of interesting projects coming off the slips in the next few weeks... months... years... 😋

In the meantime, I have been doing a little bit of very long overdue refurbishment. Way back in 2014, I built a model of an AH Bloodhound missile Transporter, Erector and Launcher (TEL) - for those that can remember, yes that was the one with all the knitting needles! The fact is that although I had great fun crafting the Bloodhound missiles, the project, as a whole, was rushed as I was deep in prep for an impending deployment to Talibanistan. Consequently, the effort needed to finish off the project to my satisfaction never really materialised. Following that particular deployment, said model sat on the shelf of my display cabinet and gathered dust while other projects piqued my interest and took up my free time. Before I knew it, 10 years had passed and still my trusty knitting needle creation languished...

So, taking some inspiration from my more recent Excalibur AD model, I have finally given the Bloodhound TEL the love and attention it has been missing. I have purposely kept the weathering to a subtle minimum - it has been my experience that when not in extended periods of combat and especially in peace-time, military equipment is generally kept in pristine condition with the crews taking great pride in the appearance and serviceability of their kit. After all, clean and well-maintained kit is what is going to keep you alive come the day...

So here we are - Bloodhound TEL Update:

A quick reminder of what came before:

(https://i.imgur.com/aDmyWaL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jfUsSoD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6FMpzHZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0huQGWa.jpg)

Double hydraulic ram replacing original single, new omni-directional reference transmitter mast on the front, new paint job and new decals...

Transport configuration:

(https://i.imgur.com/Cgc9l9x.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/gdqtzkp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3PhtdXY.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/whjBDjJ.jpg)

Firing configuration:

(https://i.imgur.com/tFnKeHl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fVZc6Tf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3u8FSVH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uJsGAuj.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on August 11, 2024, 01:31:40 AM
I remember your Bloodhound! I got my wife to give me a couple of her large plastic knitting needles after seeing this.

I'm assuming you started printing with PLA. Here's a great site (and associated videos) on how to calibrate your 3D printer. (https://teachingtechyt.github.io/index.html) You don't have to go through all the steps, but some are critical.

Once you dial in your printer and are comfortable with it, try moving to ABS. You'll probably need to re-calibrate it (mainly nozzle height) but your printer has a heated bed AND and enclosure so it should be good to go for ABS.

With ABS you can use Acetone to smooth out the printing artifacts and to glue the part to styrene or ABS models.

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 11, 2024, 01:54:57 AM
Thanks mate.  I am indeed working with the PLA which came with the printer and, contrary to my initial moaning, the results of my first forays into 3D printing have been much better than I could have hoped for.  Having said that, I am always open to suggestions for improvement and will certainly look into the ABS option.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on August 11, 2024, 02:22:40 AM
The main issue with PLA is that the print lines and artifacts can only be removed with primer and sanding. There's no solvent (at least none that doesn't require a full hazmat suit and a fume hood) for smoothing PLA.

You still have to do both with ABS, but the Acentone makes it a lot easier.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 11, 2024, 02:31:13 AM
 :smiley:  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on August 24, 2024, 05:23:33 AM

So here we are - Bloodhound TEL Update:


I think I'm in love...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on August 24, 2024, 06:55:10 AM
Thanks for bouncing this back up.. it really is a treat to see that again.

It must have been a thing back in the day.. I used a similar method of huge knitting needle for the Panzer IV Rheintochter TEL build from around 2009. waaaaay before any kits were available.

(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fq51otsubadd95c6njy6t/pz4aa4.jpg?rlkey=mwa20iy0q5vo5ub91q9xmxw0f&st=fdlnq8nn&raw=1)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on August 25, 2024, 04:05:59 PM
I think I'm in love...

 ;)

Thanks for bouncing this back up.. it really is a treat to see that again.

It must have been a thing back in the day.. I used a similar method of huge knitting needle for the Panzer IV Rheintochter TEL build from around 2009. waaaaay before any kits were available.


Yup, never diss the knitting needles!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 14, 2024, 09:39:41 PM
Komeetta, mikä Komeetta:  Just for completeness, I will post this here too but full details of the build can be found at - https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11223.msg223526#new

Real World
As detailed by the Finnish Anti-Aircraft Museum’s website {1}, Finland’s adoption of any surface-to-air missile system was a slow and tortuous process beset by indecision, political infighting, a chronic shortage of funds and a need to keep the Soviet bear happy.

In 1966, the UK was rationalizing its Thunderbird 1 missile batteries and was looking for a potential customer for the surplus systems. Initially, Finland appeared keen and several training systems were supplied along with a number of drill missiles, however, the Finnish government dragged its heals and dithered about its commit. This led to the deal falling through and the available Thunderbird systems were eagerly snapped up by Saudi Arabia.

Although the Finnish military continued to voice its concerns, there followed a decade of political disinterest before the crippling lack of anti-aircraft missile defence was again seriously considered in the mid-1970s. Even so, short of funds, the Finn’s initial venture into the missile era was limited to a few hundred Strella (SA-7) shoulder-launched missiles and three S-125 Pechora (SA-3) missile batteries which were delivered in 1978 and 1980 respectively. The relatively static, SA-3 missiles were used, primarily, in the air defence of the Helsinki region and remained operational until 2000.

What-If
The premise of this whiff is that, in 1966, Finland goes ahead with its purchase of the UK’s 36 redundant Thunderbird 1 missiles which are employed, much like the RL SA-3s, to provide the medium-range, high-altitude area defence of the Helsinki region. Realising the need for a more mobile solution to meet Finland’s air-defence requirements but constrained by what they have to hand, the Finns start to conduct their own research and development.

In the early 1970s, the Finnish Defence Research Agency (FDRA) is tasked with looking into the possibility of making the Thunderbird system truly mobile rather than just transportable. This is a big ask and whilst it is generally expected that the missile’s significant bulk will constrain it as a practicable option, the trials go ahead anyway, even if only to gain valuable experience for the future. At much the same time, the FDRA is tasked with also conducting a set of very similar trials with their MTO-66 Permit (Styx) anti-shipping missiles. Two disarmed comet tanks are release from reserve storage to the FDRA to facilitate the trials and these vehicles, after a number of modifications, are allocated: Number 1 to the MTO-66 Permit trial, and Number 2 to the Thunderbird trial.

A number of mobility trials are conducted, firstly with drill missiles and latterly with live missiles in order to study the impact on both the transporter and the missile. As resources are limited only two missiles can be spared for the firing trials – these being recorded as numbered 01 and 02 respectively. The firing trial is to measure the impact on the launch vehicle and any degradation to the missile’s performance after the mobility trial.

Much to everyone’s surprise, the firing trials proves to be entirely successful with little or no degradation of the missile’s performance. However, as expected, the somewhat jury-rigged system is quite limited in its cross-country performance and the reload process, already rather a complex and time-consuming evolution with the relatively static basic launcher, proves to be a complete nightmare requiring the missile, in its cradle, to dangle from the jib of an unsuitably large crane. Nevertheless, the Thunderbird1 and, subsequently, the Thunderbird 2 will remain in service in the semi-static system area defence role with the Finnish army until 1990.

The Finnish military’s, next purchase in 1975 will be the 2K12 Kub (SA-6) dedicated mobile air-defence system but, with the lessons learned from the Thunderbird trials, the canny Finns will acquire more 1S91 radar vehicles and missiles than the purchased number of launchers would suggest and, subsequently, will adapt their own T-55 and T-62 hulls to ersatz TELS (please see Buzzbomb’s excellent model. https://beyondthesprues.com/Forum/index.php?topic=11204.0 ).

The model depicts the Thunderbird trials vehicle with missile No 01 in both the transportation and firing configurations as it appeared on the FDRA firing range. It was constructed form a Tamiya A34 Comet, a 3D printed Thunderbird 1 missile from cults3d.com, quite a lot of styrene tubing and card, some telephone wiring, some knitting needle off-cuts, and a few home-made decals.

(https://i.imgur.com/vnUFCVI.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BfkbNLw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KpNsaKS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AxWlYFT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SGhPZU1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/rBIH4hl.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AUTItnF.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/3iwc0dK.jpg)

Epilogue:
I have discovered that FDRA trials vehicle No1 still exist as an exhibit at the Finnish Museum of Coastal Artillery in Kuivasaari {2}, unfortunately, at this time, the final disposal of trials vehicle No2 remains a mystery.

(https://i.imgur.com/RMIIZNx.jpg)

Footnotes:
1. ilmatorjuntamuseo.fi
2. albumit.lasipalatsi.fi
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 15, 2024, 01:28:00 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 15, 2024, 11:44:42 AM
Double tick and a few ooh aahh's. Love it
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 16, 2024, 09:01:25 PM
Blue Scarab / Firelight Update:

Well, the next project is underway and if you are somewhat confused by the WIP pics, don't worry - so am I! I sort of know in my head what I want to achieve but how exactly I am going to get there, I haven't quite figured out yet. This will be a companion model to one of my earlier builds and, therefore, some of you may already have worked out where I am going with the extended hull - although the door at the back might raise an eyebrow or two!!

(Sorry for the crappy images but they are just down and dirty shots as I go...)

(https://i.imgur.com/7vEbzBy.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GcoK7Ry.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on September 17, 2024, 07:42:11 AM
Hmm, the question is what are you going to do with the guns off these hulls ? ???
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 17, 2024, 02:35:38 PM
Hmm, the question is what are you going to do with the guns off these hulls ? ???

The guns are surplus to requirements and will be going into the spares box, I guess…
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 19, 2024, 04:35:29 AM
Blue Scarab / Firelight Update:

Things are progressing well - but then again, well is a very subjective term!  I've had a bit of a build, strip, rebuild issue with the construction of the new rear deck structure but think I am about there (detail not in the current WIP pic.)  And this is the easy bit!!  I'll post some pics of the rear deck soon but then things might slow down a tad as the scratch-building required is going to be a bit of a nightmare.

Hey ho, upwards and onwards...

(https://i.imgur.com/tRr8RvV.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on September 19, 2024, 05:45:43 AM
Fine looking plastic surgery.  :smiley:   Do like what you are doing.  Interested to see how build takes form.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on September 19, 2024, 07:00:55 AM
This is very interesting. What kit are you starting with?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 19, 2024, 03:15:10 PM
Fine looking plastic surgery.  :smiley:   Do like what you are doing.  Interested to see how build takes form.

  :smiley:

This is very interesting. What kit are you starting with?

A couple of cheep-ish Italeri M110s.  Just easier to work with two kits rather than have to reproduce all the necessary extra bits and pieces - there’s going to be enough scratch building as it is!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 24, 2024, 12:09:26 AM
Blue Scarab / Firelight Update:

Well, this project is turning into the build of the year/decade/century, and this is still the easy bit!!   ;)

The hull (front and rear) is done - minus the tracks of course. Now the fun begins...

(https://i.imgur.com/yBk4veP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4J45gDV.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/0CfY6bE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xEdr363.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on September 24, 2024, 08:05:44 AM
 :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 24, 2024, 01:13:35 PM
Always admire your dedication to getting these builds looking right. Truly excellent work, as usual! 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 25, 2024, 03:22:56 AM
:smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

Always admire your dedication to getting these builds looking right. Truly excellent work, as usual! 8)

Thank you - most kind!  Dedication is a close run call with mania!  :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on September 25, 2024, 07:12:59 AM
I’m not sure what this is turning into but the ride along is fun! Really great work here!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on September 25, 2024, 08:57:47 AM
I’m not sure what this is turning into but the ride along is fun! Really great work here!

Indeed. Great fun to watch ... and I kind of like not knowing exactly where it is going  :D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on September 26, 2024, 02:45:05 PM
Oh I think I have a fair idea where this is going.

Let’s just say that once I had a hankering to build a vehicle with a gadget named Cymbeline on it. Different usage but similar at a basic level of what it does.
That was a fairly large scratch build.

Of course I could could be totally off the track. It is the size of the “turret ring” that gives me the hunch.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 26, 2024, 03:36:52 PM
Oh I think I have a fair idea where this is going.

Let’s just say that once I had a hankering to build a vehicle with a gadget named Cymbeline on it. Different usage but similar at a basic level of what it does.
That was a fairly large scratch build.

Of course I could could be totally off the track. It is the size of the “turret ring” that gives me the hunch.

 :smiley: Could well be - give that man a gold star!   ;D

The natural partner to my earlier Bloodhound TEL, what I am attempting to build is the weapon system’s target acquisition and illumination radar(s) / engagement control vehicle (not quite sure of the exact descriptor yet!  ;))

(https://i.imgur.com/Cgc9l9x.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yBk4veP.jpg)


Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on September 26, 2024, 09:17:31 PM
Terrific job scratchbuilding! That Bloodhound looks great!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 27, 2024, 03:50:00 AM
Terrific job scratchbuilding! That Bloodhound looks great!

Thanks mate - amazing what can be done with a pile of knitting needles!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on September 27, 2024, 04:11:20 AM
Thanks mate - amazing what can be done with a pile of knitting needles!  ;D

That's even more impressive. Great skills!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 04, 2024, 08:10:29 PM
Blue Scarab / Firelight (Bloodhound Engagement Control Vehicle) Update:

As Buzzbomb correctly surmised, what I am currently building is the Engagement Control Vehicle (ECV) to accompany my Bloodhound TEL - hence the very similar extended M110 hull. The Blue Scarab (fictional) and the Firelight (RW) were clues regarding the radars that the vehicle will carry. The Type 87 Firelight suite of radars was the actual system used to illuminate and track targets for the RW Bloodhound missile whilst the Type 81 Blue Scarab (rainbow code name) is to be a fictional, but realistic, target acquisition radar - the RW Bloodhound system relied on other remote UK Air Defence Ground Environment (UKADGE) radars to provide this service.

So as for WIP pics, what I have so far is the Type 81 - one radar down, four more to go!!

(https://i.imgur.com/ZrDYEWb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/haLm3OU.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on October 04, 2024, 10:44:03 PM
That radar looks amazing! How did you make the dish?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 04, 2024, 11:17:39 PM
Dish & framework looks styrene (so glue it together & tape/rubber-band it around a curved surface while it dries), the transceiver & the main body of the radar unit look 3D printed, & the electronics boxes look like re-purposed AFV parts.

Nice work! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 05, 2024, 12:29:27 AM
That radar looks amazing! How did you make the dish?

Dish & framework looks styrene (so glue it together & tape/rubber-band it around a curved surface while it dries), the transceiver & the main body of the radar unit look 3D printed, & the electronics boxes look like re-purposed AFV parts.

Nice work! :smiley:

Thanks.

Much trial and error involved but the tubular body is indeed 3D printed (from my own simple design), as is the radar frame and feed horns (both from very different scaled files).  The front face is styrene and was very carefully CA glued and taped in place with the whole thing taped around a whisky bottle packaging carton to hopefully set in the desired shape.  Feed horns and wave guide attached and styrene supporting frame manufactured. Bits and bobs from the spares box attached to look suitably wiggly amp-ish!

With it being my own design, I had a degree of latitude that, unfortunately, I won’t have with the Type 87 Firelight radar group.  Quite a bit of time has been taken up drawing up scale plans from various (dubious quality) photos which I will then build from.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on October 05, 2024, 02:16:25 AM
Looking good
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 05, 2024, 05:38:38 AM
Very nicely done, it is a great piece of work and fully appreciate how much work is in it. Been down this path during my Straight Flush Radar vehicle build. The Mortar locating Cymbeline Radar that I did  was a smaller scale level of complexity compared to this work and the Straight Flush radar array.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 07, 2024, 12:42:25 AM
Bloodhound Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

A good weekend’s work (well, really just Sunday) after much procrastination. Having scratch built most of the Type 86 Firelight’s components, I have fannied around for ages trying to figure out how the hell they all fit together.  I’d drawn up some scale illustrations but really only front and rear views as plan views are, as far as I can see, non-existant.  The major issue with the Type 86 is that the main continuous wave radar dish sits at an oblique angle to the beam axis (with the feed off centre to compensate) - this odd arrangement ensures that there is no unwanted interference between the transmitter and receiver dishes. Unfortunately, I could find no info on the size of the offending oblique angle.

Anyhoo, the only solution was to start building and to deal with each problemette as I got to it.  Fortunately as the individual parts started to coalesce into a solid whole everything started to make sense - more or less.  Still a long way to go, so no pics at the mo but very pleased with the way things are going.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 07, 2024, 01:05:06 AM
I need photo's but otherwise ...  :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 07, 2024, 01:39:09 AM
 ;D Soon, I promise!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 07, 2024, 05:27:50 AM
Sound like your getting through it though. Problemette is now added to my lexicon  ;D

A bit of a rah rah, its worth it so keep going encouragement. A pic of the Straight Flush I build years back at the almost finished stage
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ex3ry6d292n38yhpcrj58/flushnearfinished.jpg?rlkey=vavzg8stjie7hb7ptvoo8r4xh&st=fn806ilt&raw=1)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 07, 2024, 05:34:12 AM
  Gosh, a mighty fine looking build!  :icon_alabanza:  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 11, 2024, 09:25:56 PM
Bloodhound Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

Well, bar a little bit of cleaning up/filling here and there, the build phase is complete, and the painting (and adding the tracks) can commence.  The Type 86 Firelight radar build has been something else and, on several occasions, almost broke me - no two components are level or square to each other and the framework is tenuous at best!  Thankfully, a particularly large glass of Bunnahabhain whisky and a tube of Gorilla Super Glue saw me through the worst of it!!

Latest WIP pics...

(https://i.imgur.com/ECuloKd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tLDU3x4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dggwmz4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2MRdbj1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4f91zKM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YqdsydG.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 11, 2024, 10:08:04 PM
Whiskey & glue usually do get one through most things. ;)

For what it's worth, I think the build looks brilliant. :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 11, 2024, 11:06:11 PM
 Thanks mate, much appreciated!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on October 12, 2024, 03:33:16 AM
... For what it's worth, I think the build looks brilliant. :smiley:

Yep. FWIW, no other way to describe your antennae!  :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on October 12, 2024, 03:48:15 AM
At first glance it could pass for the Straight Flush Fire Control radar for the SA-6 Gainful SAM system.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 12, 2024, 04:38:22 AM
Yep. FWIW, no other way to describe your antennae!  :smiley: :smiley:

 :smiley:

At first glance it could pass for the Straight Flush Fire Control radar for the SA-6 Gainful SAM system.

Indeed, a similar solution to the same semi-active, radar-homing missile guidance system.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 12, 2024, 05:28:51 AM
I am standing up in my study, applauding this  :D

Just a masterwork
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 12, 2024, 06:01:21 AM
I am standing up in my study, applauding this  :D

Just a masterwork

Most kind, thank you!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on October 12, 2024, 06:10:02 AM
Terrific scratch building skills!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 12, 2024, 07:24:29 AM
Terrific scratch building skills!

Many thanks!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on October 12, 2024, 11:12:47 AM
Might be a radar wave flying saucer disabler weapon.  Maybe  ???
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on October 13, 2024, 12:52:39 AM
Simply amazing scratchbuilding work on that radar antenna array!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2024, 02:27:28 AM
Might be a radar wave flying saucer disabler weapon.  Maybe  ???

 ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 13, 2024, 02:27:51 AM
Simply amazing scratchbuilding work on that radar antenna array!

Most kind!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 15, 2024, 07:37:13 PM
Bloodhound Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

Just a quick, raunchy WIP update to show the Bloodhound ECV in her underwear!!  :o  ;)

(https://i.imgur.com/Wv9MvmV.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sOvAFc6.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 15, 2024, 07:42:58 PM
I love it when the primer goes on & brings it all together! :-*

Looking really good, mate! 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 15, 2024, 08:07:16 PM
I love it when the primer goes on & brings it all together! :-*

Looking really good, mate! 8)

Thanks. Aye, she’s looking quite trim - good old primer hides a multitude of sins!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 01, 2024, 12:16:22 AM
Bloodhound Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

The convoluted history of the Bloodhound Mk 4 is given elsewhere in this thread (see my Bloodhound Mk 4 TEL build) but, for reference, a reminder is given below:

The system's initial development appeared to be shrouded in secrecy; however, various staged leaks in the early 1960s led the Soviets to believe that the project would be fielded in early 1965. This resulted in the USSR sinking large quantities of time, effort and roubles into rushing the 2K11 Krug (NATO designation - SA-4 Ganef) into production by 1964 ahead of its UK counter-part. Having achieved its primary aim of suckering the Soviets into fielding a very expensive and none too reliable missile system the UK government fully intended to shelve their own mobile SAM project which was nowhere near as fully developed as they had led the Soviets to believe and continue with the extant static Bloodhound 2 system. However, increased tensions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in late 1965 saw the mobile Bloodhound 4 missile system completed and fielded by the RAF Regt in 1966.

The Engagement Control Vehicle (ECV) was the heart of the mobile Bloodhound Mk 4 semi-active, radar-homing missile system with each ECV supporting 4 x Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) vehicles. Each ECV consisted of an I-Band, Type 86 'Firelight' target illumination radar; a G-Band, Type 81 'Blue Scarab' surveillance radar; and an engagement control post mounted on the same stretched M110 chassis as the TEL. The top-mounted Firelight was actually a cluster of radars - the main parabolic dish being the continuous-wave, target illumination transmitter; the narrower parabolic dish to the side being the target tracking receiver; the small circular antenna between the two was essentially a Bloodhound missile receiver and was used to counter possible enemy ECM; and the rectangular antenna next to the main parabolic dish was used for missile tracking. The lower-mounted Blue Scarab radar provided a revisionary/secondary surveillance capability out to approximately 100Km should communications to the longer-range cuing radars of the UK Air Defence Ground Environment (UKADGE) be lost. Both the Type 86 and the Type 81 radars were capable of independent 360-degree movement. The ECV had a crew of 4. The Bloodhound Mk 4 system was operational with the RAF Regt from 1966 until 1989 when it was eventually replaced by the Guardian air defence system.

The model depicts A5, Engagement Control Vehicle (ECV) of A Flt, 54 Sqn RAF Regt. The Sqn had 4 x ECVs - one on each combat flight and one spare held on HQ Flt. The model is made from a couple of old Italeri M110 models, various 3D printed radar components, a fair amount of plastic/styrene card and some home-made decals.

(https://i.imgur.com/y222CFv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BRnpTdr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mOKrQYy.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hGbOaa9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AeBkaXb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KUCmNlE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TROwRQj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Ou7mILR.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: ChalkLine on November 01, 2024, 12:27:11 AM
 :icon_surprised: Wow

My usual question: will you base this?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 01, 2024, 12:53:21 AM
:icon_surprised: Wow

My usual question: will you base this?

Thanks mate!

I used to do dioramas for my builds but gave up many years ago as they were taking up too much time, space and effort.  If I am honest, painting is just about as far as my non-constructing mojo goes these days and, even then, it’s a struggle!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on November 01, 2024, 12:57:49 AM
Two terrific builds. I really like that Bloodhound setup.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 01, 2024, 01:11:56 AM
Two terrific builds. I really like that Bloodhound setup.

Thanks muchly!  Yup, the Bloodhound TEL is the build that just keeps giving!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on November 01, 2024, 03:58:36 AM
Terrific concepts, beautifully executed, what's not to love?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on November 01, 2024, 04:39:00 AM
:icon_surprised: Wow

My usual question: will you base this?

Thanks mate!

I used to do dioramas for my builds but gave up many years ago as they were taking up too much time, space and effort.  If I am honest, painting is just about as far as my non-constructing mojo goes these days and, even then, it’s a struggle!  ;)

Considering in a real deployment situation these vehicles would be hundreds of feet apart a diorama would take up a lot of space. Unless you make it two bases and place them on opposite ends of the house!  :o ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 01, 2024, 04:53:51 AM
Plonk that on a display cabinet at BAE/Marconi/Other Corporate office and nobody would be none the wiser.

Just awesome displays of skill.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 01, 2024, 07:00:33 AM
Considering in a real deployment situation these vehicles would be hundreds of feet apart a diorama would take up a lot of space. Unless you make it two bases and place them on opposite ends of the house!  :o ;D

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 01, 2024, 07:01:52 AM
Plonk that on a display cabinet at BAE/Marconi/Other Corporate office and nobody would be none the wiser.

Just awesome displays of skill.

Thanks mate, very much appreciated!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Mig Eater on November 01, 2024, 04:38:38 PM
They look great and as Buzz said really believable :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 01, 2024, 05:19:51 PM
Terrific concepts, beautifully executed, what's not to love?

They look great and as Buzz said really believable :smiley:

Thanks guys!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 01, 2024, 05:27:21 PM
Plonk that on a display cabinet at BAE/Marconi/Other Corporate office and nobody would be none the wiser.

Just awesome displays of skill.

What BT said.

Fantastic work, mate! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 02, 2024, 01:48:24 AM
What BT said.

Fantastic work, mate! :smiley:

You are most kind!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 07, 2024, 03:14:00 AM
Guardian (Tracked) Air Defence System

…and so the next project is underway and surprise, surprise, it is a continuation of my AH British air defence development!

In 1989 the Bloodhound Mk4 system was retired and replaced by the Guardian (Tracked) Air Defence System and by 1991 the entire Bloodhound Mk2 force had also been replaced by the semi-fixed Guardian system.  More details to follow but this will be the basis for the build…

(https://i.imgur.com/wbEhM7j.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 07, 2024, 07:57:17 PM
(https://c.tenor.com/AFqTVUKq4WMAAAAC/popcorn-entertaining.gif)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 08, 2024, 03:40:40 AM
Yep me too.
Slippers kicked off and feet on the desk.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 08, 2024, 04:12:41 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 15, 2024, 06:57:06 PM
Guardian (Tracked) Air Defence System Update:

Slow but steady progress but I think I now have a firm mind's-eye-view of how this project is going to turn out! So, some early WIP pics of the hull (relatively straight forward) and missile(s) which has(have) required quite a bit of remedial work...

(https://i.imgur.com/P56TD2z.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YSaIvKq.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 15, 2024, 10:11:16 PM
Getting old is getting ridiculous! I know those missiles but will the name come out of hiding? No-o-o! [I need a head-banging emoji here!]
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on November 16, 2024, 12:18:02 AM
I like where this is going. Can't wait to see it together.


Getting old is getting ridiculous! I know those missiles but will the name come out of hiding? No-o-o! [I need a head-banging emoji here!]

They are the British Sea Dart missiles.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 16, 2024, 12:23:55 AM
I like where this is going. Can't wait to see it together.


Getting old is getting ridiculous! I know those missiles but will the name come out of hiding? No-o-o! [I need a head-banging emoji here!]

They are the British Sea Dart missiles.

Thanks, mate! :smiley:

I had the "Sea" part but knew that Sea Cat & Sea Wolf (which were the only two that came to mind) were wrong.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 16, 2024, 12:34:48 AM
Getting old is getting ridiculous! I know those missiles but will the name come out of hiding? No-o-o! [I need a head-banging emoji here!]

I like where this is going. Can't wait to see it together.

They are the British Sea Dart missiles.

They are indeed - the extended-range Sea Dart Mod 2 to be exact. 

Mate, also being a gentleman of older years, I have found that when I can’t remember something, I sit down and have a stiff whisky - minutes later, I can’t remember what the question was in the first place - situation sorted!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 16, 2024, 01:29:02 AM
What's your source for the missiles?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 16, 2024, 01:32:54 AM
What's your source for the missiles?

Cults3D.com - a wealth of downloadable stl files at a reasonable price/free.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 16, 2024, 01:54:57 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 16, 2024, 05:19:36 AM
Oh goody, I can shelf my barely started plan to use the Takom SeaDart on some sort of Chassis.

Sizing trial run on the Centurion hull that I used for the Rapiers
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ogolq8d6l0s1ezmdsco4f/CentDarter.JPG?rlkey=g7veaite709eab641tiqow06t&st=f7w4jmiu&raw=1)

That is where the whole thing stopped, saw something else shiny and went there instead.

Pretty sure that Claymore's build will be much better anyway
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 16, 2024, 08:21:33 AM
Mate, also being a gentleman of older years, I have found that when I can’t remember something, I sit down and have a stiff whisky - minutes later, I can’t remember what the question was in the first place - situation sorted!  ;D

That sounds like the perfect solution to ALL of Life's little problems! :D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 16, 2024, 05:36:39 PM
Oh goody, I can shelf my barely started plan to use the Takom SeaDart on some sort of Chassis.

Sizing trial run on the Centurion hull that I used for the Rapiers
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ogolq8d6l0s1ezmdsco4f/CentDarter.JPG?rlkey=g7veaite709eab641tiqow06t&st=f7w4jmiu&raw=1)

That is where the whole thing stopped, saw something else shiny and went there instead.

Pretty sure that Claymore's build will be much better anyway

I had a look at the Takom kit but a combination of cost and the decision to use a different 4-round launcher put me off.  However, seeing it in the flesh, it certainly looks like a nice rendition of the naval Sea Dart weapon system.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 16, 2024, 05:37:35 PM
Mate, also being a gentleman of older years, I have found that when I can’t remember something, I sit down and have a stiff whisky - minutes later, I can’t remember what the question was in the first place - situation sorted!  ;D

That sounds like the perfect solution to ALL of Life's little problems! :D

 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 17, 2024, 02:05:15 AM
What's your source for the missiles?

Cults3D.com - a wealth of downloadable stl files at a reasonable price/free.  :smiley:

Hmmm...thinking of some 1/48 ones to use as air to air missiles
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 17, 2024, 08:34:10 AM
Hmmm...thinking of some 1/48 ones to use as air to air missiles

Blimey! :o

If you use the same file, you may lose definition in the fins when you down scale to 1/48.  Even at 1/35, I had to replace the rear fins and all the control surfaces - but then again your printer may be more accurate…

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 26, 2024, 04:42:45 AM
Guardian (Tracked) Air Defence System Update:

I thought I had better post an update incase folks think I have shuffled off this mortal coil! Thankfully, all is good, and work has been progressing although no thanks to me breaking my own planning/build principles and randomly printing stuff on the 3D printer in the vain hope that it would, somehow, magically produce what I needed. I wanted a quad-launcher and thought that I could somehow bodge up a Franken-Hawk affair - I present you with exhibit #1...

(https://i.imgur.com/oIiEDY7.jpg)

Days later and too much time spent trying to get something to fit that simply was never going to work before I finally admitted that sometimes the old ways are best - scratch-build and be damned! So here is where I currently am...

(https://i.imgur.com/lD0T5yq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Exy9QJg.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4G1dKPT.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pZ4lnD9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bKMxFDu.jpg)

The missiles are just plonked on top of the launch rails and so are slightly squiffy but you get the idea. For the final presentation the launcher will be elevated into its firing position, hydraulic rams will be added and everything sanded down but, again, you get the idea...

(https://i.imgur.com/07S9tkj.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 26, 2024, 04:52:04 AM
Oh yeah.. stack 'em and Rack 'em. That looks great.

I am currently also trying the 3D to build parts business and almost to the same conclusion. My 3D design skills are not up to where I want them.
Scratch building for the win   :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on November 26, 2024, 08:22:08 AM
Looks like a perfect match, like it was originally designed that way.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 26, 2024, 09:25:14 AM
Whether intentional or not, in this case the "Skyfall" reference is absolutely correct, sometimes "the auld ways are the best". ;) :smiley: 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 26, 2024, 04:58:39 PM
Thanks one and all.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 27, 2024, 12:48:46 AM
Looking good
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 27, 2024, 11:44:57 PM
Guardian (Tracked) Air Defence System Update:

Once again, the application of the undercoat plays its magic in pulling everything together. A full paint job and writing up the backstory will be next...

(https://i.imgur.com/DEiCweS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Z5qHUH2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JydNdvi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GrXIs15.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on November 28, 2024, 01:43:57 AM
Loving this
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 28, 2024, 12:45:52 PM
 :-*
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Marderman on November 28, 2024, 06:53:14 PM
A pretty monster
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 28, 2024, 11:42:37 PM
Thanks guys!   :smiley:

Number one daughter is going to get me another M109 kit for Chrimbo so that I can build the accompanying Fire Control Vehicle.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 29, 2024, 09:03:53 AM
What a nice daughter! 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on November 29, 2024, 09:13:45 AM
It looks beautiful in primer!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 29, 2024, 04:58:52 PM
Just terrific, as always a masterwork
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 30, 2024, 01:19:39 AM
  :smiley::smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on December 21, 2024, 07:22:52 PM
Guardian (Tracked) Air Defence System Update:

Real World
In 1992 the Bloodhound Mk 2 missile system was retired from Royal Air Force (RAF) service and, with its demise, the UK lost its land-based medium/long-range surface-to-air missile capability.  Although there was talk of a possible replacement for Bloodhound, the end of the Cold War and the perceived lack of any realistic threat meant that successive strategic defence reviews failed to include, or even consider the need for, a medium or long-range air defence system beyond that which was required for the Royal Navy (RN).  As time passed, a ‘we have managed this long without’ mentality settled in and consecutive governments nibbled and slashed defence budgets with abandon such that, by 2024, a resurgent drone and missile heavy threat now sees the UK mainland effectively naked.

What-if
The premise of this whiff is that in the 1980s, the UK Government implemented a policy that would see the UK’s land-based medium/long-range surface-to-air missile capability secured beyond the Bloodhound era.  As I have already stated above, the UK did develop a medium-range air defence missile for the RN in the shape of Sea Dart and although the UK was keen to reduce military spending as part of a post-Cold War peace dividend, it would not have taken much for a land-based version of Sea Dart to have been developed.  (Note: Just such a concept was indeed proposed RW using the Sea Dart Mod 2 missile and was to be called Guardian)

In my Alternative History timeline, I would initially see the static Bloodhound Mk 2 sites being replaced by static Guardian systems which would essentially be the ship-borne Sea Dart system (including its ‘below deck’ rotary magazines and associated radars) - much like this diagram.

(https://i.imgur.com/d8DsnPi.jpg)

My mobile Bloodhound Mk 4 would also be replaced with a Tracked version of Guardian mounting 4 ready-use missiles on a tracked Transporter, Erector and Launcher (TEL) based on the, then in service, M109 chassis.  A similar hull variant would carry the Type 909 Target Illumination radar and engagement control system.  Whilst a Bloodhound Mk 4 Flight consisted of 4 x 2-missile TELs and one ECV (each supported by a detachment FV432), the new Tracked Guardian Flight would have 4 x 4-missile TELs and 2 x ECV (each supported by a detachment FV103 Spartan {1}) split into 2 x Fire Teams.  The increased number of ready-use missiles, additional ECV together with the increased capability of the Mod 2 missile {2} would provide a dramatic increase in firepower over the older Bloodhound system.   

54 Squadron RAF Regiment, previously a Bloodhound (SP) unit, was equipped with the new tracked Guardian system in 1989 and, as part of the UK’s response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, was deployed on Op GRANBY (Gulf War 1).  During this time, 54 Squadron managed to shoot down 2 x Iraqi MiG 25R recon aircraft.

Although Tracked Guardian proved quite successful in its air defence role, the sustainability and flexibility of a heavy, fully tacked system sat less comfortably with the RAF and MoD as a whole.  With the development of a lightweight, canistered version of the Mod 3 missile, a trailer mounted 6-round, trainable launcher was procured as Guardian 2 and had replaced all of the Tracked Guardians by 1998 and a significant number of the fixed Guardian sites by 2000.  This final variant of the system would remain in service until 2012 when Sea Dart/Guardian was replaced by Sea Viper (Astor 15 and Astor 30) for the RN and Viper (Astor 30) for the RAF.

The model depicts TEL B1 of B Flight, 54 Squadron RAF Regiment as it appeared on the day it shot down the first MiG 25R with missile JB603.  The vehicle is shown in both its transportation mode and its firing position.  Of note is the fact that TEL B1 is loaded with standard white missiles as opposed to the green coloured missile the Squadron would normally operate within the European theatre.  As the RAF’s fixed Guardian sites used the same magazine fed system as the RN, missiles were not routinely kept on the launch rails, and hence toning down the missiles was not an issue.  Consequently, these sites used the same white coloured missiles as the RN.  When 54 Squadron deployed to the Gulf, resplendent in their desert paint scheme, it was decided that the white missiles would better suite the tactical situation.  The model was built from an AFV Club M109G, 3D printed Sea Dart missiles courtesy of Cults3D.com, a pile of plastic card and some homemade decals.

(https://i.imgur.com/4n22OIO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FpbZy8G.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wulWpAL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/T4ziNjK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/oFNDjn5.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nEOhNav.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/yNM1eQr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CxW5Bwt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/T11grR0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8XsDbTn.jpg)

Notes:
{1}  The FV 103 Spartan was already in service with RAF Regt and RAF EOD units.

{2} From Wiki: Mod 2 upgrade included ADIMP (Air Defence IMProvement) which saw the replacement of six old circuit cards in the guidance system with one, allowing the spare volume to be used for an autopilot. Used alongside a command datalink (sited on the Type 909 pedestal) it allows several missiles to be 'in the air' at once, re-targeted during flight etc. and allows an initial ballistic trajectory, doubling range to 80 nmi (92 mi; 150 km) with the upgraded 909(I) radar for terminal illumination only.  The missile was a two-stage, 4.4-metre (14 ft) long missile weighing 550 kilograms (1,210 lb). It was launched using a drop-off Chow solid-fuel booster that accelerated it to the supersonic speed necessary for the operation of the cruise motor, a Rolls-Royce /Bristol Siddeley kerosene-fuelled Odin ramjet. This gave a cruise speed of over Mach 2.5, and unlike many rocket-powered designs, the cruise engine burned for the entire flight, giving excellent terminal manoeuvrability at extreme range.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on December 21, 2024, 07:25:28 PM
Couple of OMG's and a few more WOW's!!!

Totally nailed the vision as far as I am concerned. More masterwork

 :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on December 21, 2024, 07:53:09 PM
Thanks mate but this one very nearly went into the bin after a complete nightmare with the Matt flat coat.

My utter contempt for the manufacturers of this dreadful product knows no bounds. Sometimes a little bit of blooming occurs with Matt flat coats and it is, usually, relatively easy to recover - but this time the whole damned model was covered in a blotchy pox of chalky horror! No matter what I did seemed to remedy my dispair… Eventually the only recourse as to paint over what I could and hide/camouflage the rest, as best I could, behind layers of pastel weathering. Not perfect by any means, but… 🤬
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on December 21, 2024, 09:05:18 PM
Was expecting the green/black camo scheme and what a surprise! The sand looks just as good! Great job overall!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on December 21, 2024, 09:16:06 PM
Was expecting the green/black camo scheme and what a surprise! The sand looks just as good! Great job overall!

Yup, I was initially going to go with the European theatre green and black and had even painted the missiles but then thought the time scale would neatly fit in with Gulf War 1 and…
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on December 22, 2024, 01:10:52 AM
This would arguably have been a very capable system.  Indeed, one could imagine even the US Army wanting a variant.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on December 22, 2024, 06:25:51 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on December 22, 2024, 06:40:54 AM
A shame that this concept was not a real world air defense solution.  Really nice work on the TEL and hope to see the companion fire control radar sometime soon. 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on December 22, 2024, 07:35:22 AM
Great job  :smiley:

Those old M-108 / M-109 chassis are good for other conversions like my M-108b Gepard.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on December 22, 2024, 02:41:04 PM
Another explosion of awesomeness in the world of SAMs! :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on December 22, 2024, 05:43:57 PM
A shame that this concept was not a real world air defense solution.  Really nice work on the TEL and hope to see the companion fire control radar sometime soon.

Thanks and the associated Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle will be the next post-Chrimbo project!  :smiley:

Great job  :smiley:

Those old M-108 / M-109 chassis are good for other conversions like my M-108b Gepard.

Indeed!  :smiley:

Another explosion of awesomeness in the world of SAMs! :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: 8)

You are too kind!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 01, 2025, 08:41:45 PM
Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

No rest for the wicked!  Chrimbo prezzies gratefully received and so work has commenced on the Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle (ECV) (and its associated Type 909 Target Tracking and Illumination radar) project to accompany my Tracked Guardian TEL.  Very early days, so no pics yet…  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on January 02, 2025, 05:06:51 AM
You must have been very good to get nice presents or very wicked to have no rest from building!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on January 02, 2025, 06:18:40 AM
Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

No rest for the wicked!  Chrimbo prezzies gratefully received and so work has commenced on the Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle (ECV) (and its associated Type 909 Target Tracking and Illumination radar) project to accompany my Tracked Guardian TEL.  Very early days, so no pics yet…  :smiley:

As always with anything you do.. really looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 02, 2025, 06:58:25 AM

As always with anything you do.. really looking forward to it.

Most kind - hopefully I won’t disappoint!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on January 02, 2025, 04:39:15 PM

As always with anything you do.. really looking forward to it.

Most kind - hopefully I won’t disappoint!  ;)

BT ain't the only one - & that's highly unlikely! :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 03, 2025, 01:55:04 AM
Thanks mate, much appreciated!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 07, 2025, 08:18:04 PM
Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

Have been quite busy over the past week and now have most of the Guardian ECV pulled together - still some detail on the radar to be added and those pesky wing mirrors! I have purposely kept the layout similar to that of the earlier Bloodhound Mk 4 ECV as the conversion of the respective hulls would have been done by the same company (GKN Sankey) and, therefore, would share a similar developmental lineage. The rear crew compartment of the Bloodhound Mk 4 ECV was based on GKN Sankey's FV432 APC whilst the rear crew compartment of the Guardian ECV is based on their FV510 Warrior.

(https://i.imgur.com/1ACsbjI.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7VEOlcM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VxRMgBq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IIrGYD4.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5JNmr58.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NZfSUUh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CKxmmnF.jpg)

The developmental similarities between the two ECVs are all the more striking when it is remembered that, later in its life, the Bloodhound ECV lost its secondary surveillance radar capability (the Type 81 Blue Scarab radar was only ever intended as a reversionary fallback capability whose detection range fell well short of the Bloodhound missile's reach - as such the radar was little used and eventually was removed as a cost saving measure.)

(https://i.imgur.com/gkuh4wL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8ZI1vuJ.jpg)

More detail on the Guardian backstory to follow...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on January 07, 2025, 09:11:33 PM
Another great job on the radar unit.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 07, 2025, 09:36:23 PM
Another great job on the radar unit.

Thanks.  The naval version of the Type 909 was usually cover by a large protective dome (way too big for the tracked ECV) but some versions had a more open mount with a cone-like shroud in front of the main dish - a better option altogether. 👍

(https://i.imgur.com/E5cc2ik.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kYX29ei.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on January 07, 2025, 09:40:48 PM
Your scratch skills always amaze me and you make great use of those M109 hulls. They are very modular design to fit various systems.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: ChalkLine on January 07, 2025, 09:54:54 PM
That's amazing
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 07, 2025, 10:07:52 PM
Your scratch skills always amaze me and you make great use of those M109 hulls. They are very modular design to fit various systems.

That's amazing

Many thanks!  A few bits to add and then on to painting… :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on January 07, 2025, 11:55:10 PM
Fantastic job! That radar would be interesting as a standalone (in a trailer) or on a truck as well.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 08, 2025, 01:09:06 AM
Fantastic job! That radar would be interesting as a standalone (in a trailer) or on a truck as well.

Agreed
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on January 08, 2025, 05:06:20 AM
As expected.. another first rate build
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 08, 2025, 06:53:58 AM
Fantastic job! That radar would be interesting as a standalone (in a trailer) or on a truck as well.

Agreed

As expected.. another first rate build

Most kind!  :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on January 08, 2025, 05:37:08 PM
Alright! That works! 8)

Really like the familial development process, too! :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 11, 2025, 08:08:15 PM
Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

Undercoat painting on hold as -20C is just not conducive to spraying in my garage! 🥶🥶❄️❄️🥶🥶

For those wondering, Mrs Claymore has declared spray painting indoors as verboten on pain of death - or worse! ☠️
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on January 12, 2025, 12:38:00 AM
Undercoat painting on hold as -20C is just not conducive to spraying in my garage! 🥶🥶❄️❄️🥶🥶

I can understand that, I don't paint in my garage at less than -1oC (which doesn't happen too often in these parts).

For those wondering, Mrs Claymore has declared spray painting indoors as verboten on pain of death - or worse! ☠️

I never bothered thinking about it ... Some things you just know won't end well if you try them. ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 12, 2025, 02:37:11 AM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 12, 2025, 03:14:05 AM
So, while waiting for global warming to arrive in the Highlands of Scotland, I have started on the build of my next project base on Dragon’s M270A1 MLRS.

I had always imagined Dragon kits as being quite good but the moulding is (on some sprues) dreadful and the build instructions are, at best, wanting! Also, the kit, which I had to order direct from China, wasn’t exactly inspiring when it arrived - the box, which had been opened by U.K. Customs, was sporting a note from them stating that they were not responsible for the obvious water damage and that they hoped the additional cardboard and tape they had added had protected it on its onward travels. Many thanks to the U.K. Customs team and just a shame that the Chinese vendor hadn’t thought to do the same in the first place…

(https://i.imgur.com/jcQYkQW.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on January 12, 2025, 07:15:37 AM
I have that kit too .... trying to think of what to do with it now that the rocket section has gone to another modeller --- & now that the command version is available as a separate kit.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 12, 2025, 07:52:23 AM
Hopefully, mine is going to end up as the final instalment of my AH British air defence series…   :icon_ninja:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on January 12, 2025, 08:39:21 AM
Hopefully, mine is going to end up as the final instalment of my AH British air defence series…   :icon_ninja:

Super excited to see what you do.

I based my thoughts on current British Defence medium/High level Anti Aircraft on the AS-90
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6uxnoqrk8yuv3iv300x9r/AS90_8.JPG?rlkey=wzpewejfe7k1nz6gm4zng37np&st=oupxwp6q&raw=1)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 12, 2025, 07:50:26 PM

Super excited to see what you do.

I based my thoughts on current British Defence medium/High level Anti Aircraft on the AS-90
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6uxnoqrk8yuv3iv300x9r/AS90_8.JPG?rlkey=wzpewejfe7k1nz6gm4zng37np&st=oupxwp6q&raw=1)

Oh, very nice!  :-* :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on January 12, 2025, 10:10:44 PM

Super excited to see what you do.

I based my thoughts on current British Defence medium/High level Anti Aircraft on the AS-90
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6uxnoqrk8yuv3iv300x9r/AS90_8.JPG?rlkey=wzpewejfe7k1nz6gm4zng37np&st=oupxwp6q&raw=1)

Oh, very nice!  :-* :smiley:

That is good! 8)

And I don't remember seeing it before ... ??? ... Not saying I haven't seen it before, just that my memory isn't what it used to be ... :-\
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 17, 2025, 11:39:38 PM
Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

Temperatures are back within rattle-can tolerances and so the Guardian ECV is now resplendent in her undercoat and looking a little less cobbled together. I still have a bit of detailing to add to the radar - waiting for some bits and pieces to arrive, or should I say re-arrive as I ordered the wrong bits first time round!

Anyhoo, here are the latest WIP pics...

(https://i.imgur.com/53CXXsV.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4pmcrZA.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1cGqjTy.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VSLyOMT.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on January 18, 2025, 01:19:49 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on January 18, 2025, 06:23:35 AM
Looks very nice in underwear  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on January 18, 2025, 11:10:24 AM
 :D 8) 8)

Hope you kept the mis-ordered parts, they'll be exactly what you need, one day! ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 18, 2025, 05:34:34 PM
Looks very nice in underwear  ;)

 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 18, 2025, 05:35:22 PM
:D 8) 8)

Hope you kept the mis-ordered parts, they'll be exactly what you need, one day! ;)

Absolutely, nothing ever goes to waste!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 26, 2025, 12:15:14 AM
Sky Sabre (Tracked) Update:

The seemingly never-ending saga that is the painting of the Guardian ECV continues and, in the background, work on my tracked version of Britin's new Sky Sabre air defence system is picking up pace.

A lot of time has been taking up studying what pictures are currently available of the new truck-mounted Sky Sabre system and trying to figure out what is what (production or pre-production) and how long, wide and high each component is - bearing in mind that the photos have, generally, been taken for cool media release rather than technical enquiries... And on top of all of that photographic camera perspectives play havoc with trying to extract realistic measurements!

The end result of my deliberations is a certain loss of hair and a set of working scale drawings that seem to match most of the photos and the known missile dimensions.

There is, of course, going to be a lot of scratch building ahead - the base which will sit on the rear of the M270, the primary elevation hydraulic system and secondary loading and unloading system, the DROPS-like pallet and, finally, the containerised missiles (one missile will be shown being cold ejected from its container in the firing position). FUN! 🤯

(https://i.imgur.com/oDvMHPU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XZbRcVY.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on January 26, 2025, 02:11:31 AM
Sizing trial run on the Centurion hull that I used for the Rapiers
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ogolq8d6l0s1ezmdsco4f/CentDarter.JPG?rlkey=g7veaite709eab641tiqow06t&st=f7w4jmiu&raw=1)

That's exactly the Centurion SPAAM I was going to do. Hmm...maybe I'll slap a pair of 20mm gatlings under the launcher arms instead now. Buzzbomb you should carry on with this - it looks terrific.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on January 26, 2025, 02:17:31 AM
Claymore, you're inside my head brother! Fantastic concepts come to life. I hope its OK to share these on my Canadian What-If page?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 26, 2025, 02:42:52 AM
Claymore, you're inside my head brother! Fantastic concepts come to life. I hope its OK to share these on my Canadian What-If page?

Thanks mate and please feel free!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on January 26, 2025, 04:31:36 AM
Sky Sabre concept is bloody terrific and to my eye right on tech trends.

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 26, 2025, 06:46:50 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on January 26, 2025, 08:56:50 AM
And another blow is going to strike those infernal aviators & their massive egos*! :icon_twisted:

[*: Now who's the target, flyboy! >:D ]



 ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on January 26, 2025, 05:20:51 PM
And another blow is going to strike those infernal aviators & their massive egos*! :icon_twisted:

[*: Now who's the target, flyboy! >:D ]

 ;)

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 14, 2025, 11:02:35 PM
Guardian Engagement Control Vehicle Update:

As the name would suggest, the Engagement Control Vehicle (ECV) was the heart and brain of the Guardian air defence system (see previous posts).

(https://i.imgur.com/HRw6Tpe.jpg)

 Its Type 909(I) I/J band radar, the same as fitted to the Royal Nay’s Type 42 guided missile destroyers, provided: 360-degree, target tracking and illumination functions via the large main dish; missile reference and command datalink [1] via the secondary domed antenna; and an ECM jamming assessment capability via the smaller tertiary dish.  The central mounting pedestal could also be elevated to improve range in undulating terrain but would normally be operated in as low a configuration as possible to improve stability and tactical concealment. The crew space at the rear of the vehicle provided stations for the radar operator and the engagement controller, while the crew of 4 was completed with a driver and vehicle commander.

Operationally, each Guardian Flight (of which there were three within a Squadron) consisted of a headquarters element and two fire sections, each comprising one ECV detachment and 2 x Transporter, Erector, Launcher (TEL) detachments.  Initial target acquisition information could be passed from any suitable Sector/Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) radars or from the Guardian Squadron’s own long-range, 3-D, Giraffe Surveillance radars.  During the Gulf War, it was not unusual for Guardian flights of 54 Squadron RAF Regiment to be widely dispersed and, consequently, flights often had Giraffe radars and enhanced first-line engineering assets attached from the Squadron headquarters on a semi-permanent basis.

The model depicts the ECV of B3 Detachment, Charlie Fire Section, B Flight of 54 Squadron RAF Regiment as it was during the Gulf War of 1991 on the day it shot down its first MiG 25R.  The model is based on an AFV Club M109G and includes parts from an Academy Warrior MCV, Tamiya Challenger 1, a bit of 3D printing courtesy of cults3d.com, plastic card and the usual odds and sods from the spares box.

(https://i.imgur.com/PsK8d2g.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/F7qJ8CN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ggtRayu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pbZ8IKt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2uGZhm6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lZAdw9Z.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JRyZ4An.jpg)

[1] From Wiki: The Mod 2 Sea Dart missile as used by the Guardian system, included ADIMP (Air Defence IMProvement) which saw the replacement of six old circuit cards in the guidance system with one, allowing the spare volume to be used for an autopilot. Used alongside a command datalink (sited on the Type 909(I) pedestal) it allowed several missiles to be 'in the air' at once and, if necessary, re-targeted during flight. It also allowed for an initial ballistic trajectory, effectively doubling the engagement range to 80 nmi (92 mi; 150 km) with the upgraded Type 909(I) radar using its illumination function for the terminal phase of the engagement only.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on February 15, 2025, 12:25:59 AM
Now, that is one very cool & very formidable weapons system, right there! 8) :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 15, 2025, 12:43:42 AM
Now, that is one very cool & very formidable weapons system, right there! 8) :smiley:

Thanks mate, much appreciated. Weather and temperature restriction have meant that it has taken much longer than I would have liked to complete but at last I can now get on with my tracked Sky Sabre with a clear conscience.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on February 15, 2025, 01:26:20 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on February 15, 2025, 02:00:58 PM
More super niceness with your awesome builds.

Really looking forward to the next installment
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Jeffry Fontaine on February 15, 2025, 02:32:58 PM
Once again you have raised the bar for levels of imagination and detail.  Excellent work sir, most excellent! 
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 15, 2025, 04:59:53 PM
Thank you, one and all!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Marderman on February 15, 2025, 10:28:25 PM
Nice twins. They don't look like "what if" at all.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on February 16, 2025, 10:21:16 PM
Two terrific builds.
(https://i.imgur.com/kyRqGDG.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 23, 2025, 12:02:46 AM
Sky Sabre (Tracked) Update:

This one is turning into an enormously complicated but fun challenge. As an AH take on a relatively new bit of kit, there isn't much useful technical information available yet and so much of my time has/is being taken up interpreting various 'sales-pitchy' pics to try and work out reasonable dimensions and to figure out just how it all works as a mechanical entity. From this head scratching exercise, I have (and still am) drawing up some working plans in 1/35 scale.

Things are progressing slowly, and I still have a long way to go (haven't even started on the plans for the various masts and ancillary equipment) but it has been fun - so far!

...and here are the statutory WIP pics...

(https://i.imgur.com/OAfBfGO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/szjnxgM.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on February 23, 2025, 06:14:51 AM
Most excellent  :D

Not the Dragon M270, details look too sharp. Trumpeter ?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 23, 2025, 07:51:15 AM
Most excellent  :D

Not the Dragon M270, details look too sharp. Trumpeter ?

Strangely, Dragon it is.  The external detail is not too bad but some of the fit leaves a little to be desired…
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on February 23, 2025, 12:14:51 PM
Most excellent  :D

Not the Dragon M270, details look too sharp. Trumpeter ?

Strangely, Dragon it is.  The external detail is not too bad but some of the fit leaves a little to be desired…

Well there you go. The version I had did not look this good. Must be the builder  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on February 23, 2025, 06:35:53 PM
Well there you go. The version I had did not look this good. Must be the builder  ;)

That, I very much doubt!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 14, 2025, 12:47:28 AM
Sky Sabre (Tracked) Update:

Well, it has been a while, but this project has turned into an absolute monster of a build, and I have been taking my time to get it right - or as near to right as my sanity will allow! The Sky Sabre weapon system with its associated CAMM/Land Ceptor missiles, DROPS palletised loading, 10 x moving hydraulic rams, mast-mounted data link, and reversionary mast-mounted thermal scanner is as close as I can figure it without breaking into one of His Majesty's Army Barracks and having a good look at the real truck-mounted thing.

Anyhoo, I am declaring the build phase complete, and so the painting can commence - oh joy! Because the build is so complex and to stand any chance of getting paint where it needs to go, I gave not yet glued the missile boxes into their racks nor have said racks been attached to the DROPS pallet - so the following WIP pics don't quite show how the finished model will look as all the un-glued bits would fall off when in the firing configuration!

So. here we are so far...

Transport Configuration:
(https://i.imgur.com/R7hnQId.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZQCnGu6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jTi1yie.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RcP7PLc.jpg)

Without the missile racks:
(https://i.imgur.com/DYdtd9Y.jpg)

Reload configuration:
(https://i.imgur.com/IUt3ShR.jpg)

Firing configuration:
(https://i.imgur.com/mRt0Gwn.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Vrqwhl2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OG1GdSJ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kswZc23.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on March 14, 2025, 03:00:58 AM
 :smiley: :smiley: Another great build !

My started build of a M270 is a much simpler dedicated Air-Defence radar array - must get back to it.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on March 14, 2025, 04:41:46 AM
Yup. That is a truly awesome build  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: ChalkLine on March 14, 2025, 05:17:47 AM
 :o
The build ability of you guys is kinda intimidating
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 14, 2025, 06:16:28 AM
Most kind guys!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on March 14, 2025, 10:18:15 AM
That is just amazing engineering and scratchbuilding!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: finsrin on March 14, 2025, 11:07:21 AM
That is just amazing engineering and scratchbuilding!

Yes - exactly as stated.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on March 14, 2025, 11:47:26 AM
Eye popping  :o :o

Next level on this build.  :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on March 14, 2025, 12:13:39 PM
That’s insane! Beautiful job! :-*
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 14, 2025, 04:42:36 PM
Thanks one and all, next will be a model of RMS Titanic in 1:1 scale!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on March 14, 2025, 06:07:16 PM
Your dedication to this build is exceptional, my good sir, & the build is superlative! :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on March 14, 2025, 06:08:33 PM
... next will be a model of RMS Titanic in 1:1 scale!  ;D

As she was, or as she is? ??? ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 14, 2025, 10:31:28 PM
Your dedication to this build is exceptional, my good sir, & the build is superlative! :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:

Thanks mate, much appreciated!  :smiley:

... next will be a model of RMS Titanic in 1:1 scale!  ;D

As she was, or as she is? ??? ;)

Ah, the secret will be to cover both possibilities!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 16, 2025, 06:42:03 AM
Wow!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 18, 2025, 08:46:23 PM
Sky Sabre (Tracked) Update:

The first stage of painting - the undercoat/primer. Not my usual Tamiya primer but some other Japanese offering which seems a bit rougher and didn't cover quite so well but, hey-ho, it's only a primer and it has started to pull things together...

(https://i.imgur.com/IIUEqkp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PeqCtSw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/V5JO8gQ.jpg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on March 18, 2025, 09:42:12 PM
 :smiley: 8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on March 18, 2025, 10:55:16 PM
That’s a big rig! Awesome!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on March 19, 2025, 05:57:52 AM
Overwhelmed with this build, this is so good. :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 20, 2025, 01:08:43 AM
I keep expecting to see some of these at the next trade show I go to.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 20, 2025, 03:55:09 AM
Most kind!

Unfortunately, I think that the task of painting the beast may kill me.  :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on March 20, 2025, 02:27:57 PM
Well, I have complete confidence in your abilities! :smiley:

Although a vapour mask may be required to effect temporal longevity. ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 20, 2025, 04:01:54 PM
Well, I have complete confidence in your abilities! :smiley:

Although a vapour mask may be required to effect temporal longevity. ;)


;D ;D

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on March 20, 2025, 11:39:42 PM
That’s just outstanding!!! So complex and yet it appears you’ve built every part of it! Museum quality.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 22, 2025, 09:36:10 PM
That’s just outstanding!!! So complex and yet it appears you’ve built every part of it! Museum quality.

Many thanks - it is indeed the most complex scratch build I have taken on so far.  Had I realised what I was getting myself into, I probably would not have bother but you know how it is - once you start there’s no going back!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on March 23, 2025, 06:48:31 AM
I see some commonality/inspiration from the ground launched IRIS-T:

(https://mil.in.ua/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/800px-MAN_10_t_mil_gl_IRIS-T_SL_ILA2018-1.jpeg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k_LsS4SF4Q
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 23, 2025, 11:22:20 PM
Indeed a very similar concept to the current truck-mounted Sky Sabre system as use by the UK and Poland.  Although IRIS-T  has an IR seeker rather than active terminal guidance system and uses a traditional a hot-launch system rather than the Sky Sabre/CAMM cold-launch technique. 

(https://i.imgur.com/Bi3zUV5.jpg)

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Dr. YoKai on March 26, 2025, 10:23:50 PM
I think of myself as a tolerably good scratch builder, but this is two orders of magnitude above. Frank's right-the engineering alone is amazing.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 27, 2025, 09:21:10 PM
I think of myself as a tolerably good scratch builder, but this is two orders of magnitude above. Frank's right-the engineering alone is amazing.

Thank you kind Sir.  :smiley:

I must admit that I really enjoy the challenge of researching and building something that might actually have stood a chance of being a real vehicle/weapon system.  A good part of that enjoyment comes from trying to understand how it all works (or might have worked) in order to get the engineering aspect close to the mark, or at the very least, believable.

Unfortunately, I am now at the stage of the build I enjoy the least - painting… It always takes forever and detracts from/delays the next project that is bubbling up!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on March 28, 2025, 12:19:24 AM
I hear ya about the painting! One thing that drives me nuts about it is some of the details I’ve tried to include can get buried under coats of paint. Then if something goes wrong with the paint itself I want to just walk away from the whole thing. I’m getting better with the airbrush and that helps a lot.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 28, 2025, 01:55:45 AM
I hear ya about the painting! One thing that drives me nuts about it is some of the details I’ve tried to include can get buried under coats of paint. Then if something goes wrong with the paint itself I want to just walk away from the whole thing. I’m getting better with the airbrush and that helps a lot.

Yup.  :(

It’s matt clear coat, in particular, that does my head in.  You spend forever getting the paint right and then the whole thing is potentially ruined by the clear coat blooming. For all the models I have built, I am still to find a reliable matt varnish.  :-X
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on March 28, 2025, 07:22:27 AM
I still have the best results from Testors or Model Master enamels. Testors gloss or dullcoat and off you go.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on March 28, 2025, 07:44:24 AM
Indeed a very similar concept to the current truck-mounted Sky Sabre system as use by the UK and Poland...

The image of that Sky Sabre launcher is nice ... but that model is nowhere near as good as yours!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 28, 2025, 06:53:09 PM
You are most kind!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on March 28, 2025, 06:57:14 PM
I still have the best results from Testors or Model Master enamels. Testors gloss or dullcoat and off you go.

Hmmm, I take that is using an airbrush?  Unfortunately, I am currently sans airbrush until I sort my garage (and new spray booth) out - Mrs Claymore has banned using said airbrush in the house…  :(
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 02, 2025, 09:10:13 PM
I still have the best results from Testors or Model Master enamels. Testors gloss or dullcoat and off you go.

Well, not really wanting to tempt fate but… I think I may just have found my ideal rattle can matte varnish/clear coat.  Covers well, goes on like a dream, gives an excellent finish and… and… absolutely no blooming!  :smiley:

What is it? Canvas Varnish from mtm of Spain.  I’ve used some of their other products before but never thought of trying canvas varnish.  It cost me £10 from my local Hobbycraft but at four times the quantity of a 100ml Revell can at £8 it’s great value too!  :))
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on April 03, 2025, 03:16:18 AM
Oh yeah! The small rattle cans from the hobby store are priced like they contain unicorn piss. I’m going to check out that canvas varnish.
One problem today is I’m never sure what type of material I’m buying. Is it enamel, acrylic or lacquer? They all have the typical petroleum ingredients and some cans don’t say what they are on the label. I’ve always been told never spray lacquer over enamel or acrylics but it’s not that simple anymore.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 13, 2025, 11:41:44 PM
Sky Sabre (Tracked):

This model represents the fourth and final installment of my proposal which sought to provide an AH remedy to the real-life tragedy that is the history of modern British land-based air defence. The previous models - Bloodhound Mk 4 (TEL and ECV), Guardian (TEL and ECV) and Excalibur - are described in full earlier in this thread and so I won't rehash them here.

The AH Sky Sabre (Tracked) is a fully tracked version of the truck-mounted Sky Sabre system currently operated by the British Army and is envisaged to fulfil the SHORAD role for the British Army's forward deployed armoured formations in Poland - a distinctly possible scenario given the current political and military instability on NATO's eastern flank.

Sky Sabre is built around MBDA's Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) which is derived from and shares some common components with the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) but with updated electronics, a vertical cold-launch system and an active radar homing seeker. (1) The launcher carries 12 ready use missiles all of which are capable of being independently targeted via a data link to multiple land and air-based cuing sensors. As a reversionary back up the launcher also has its own passive thermo-optical tracker.

Both the actual truck-mounted system and my proposed tracked version share a palletised missile rack system based on the tried and tested Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System (DROPS) which allows the launcher to self-load and unload its missile pallet using an integral hook and its primary hydraulic system.

The model is built on the hull of Dragon's M270 with a whole lot of home-grown scratch build and 3D print on the back. The whole thing has been a marathon task of design research and mechanical/build challenges which have stretched the little grey cells - great fun!

Notes:
1: CAMM (missile family) - Wikipedia

Travel Configuration:
(https://i.imgur.com/mqCeY9h.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/R5S28CH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MHiDOqI.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NuQJ9Dy.jpg)

Firing Configuration:
(https://i.imgur.com/2CD89nr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WPctrq9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/R4CkUfE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2CkrXri.jpg)

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on April 14, 2025, 12:56:59 AM
That is an amazing build! Just beautiful.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on April 14, 2025, 04:46:51 AM
Outstanding.  I know many a real world defence contractor who would appreciate your builds.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 14, 2025, 06:11:28 AM
That is an amazing build! Just beautiful.

Thanks Frank!  :smiley:

Outstanding.  I know many a real world defence contractor who would appreciate your builds.

Much appreciated Greg.  I wonder how much they would pay…  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on April 14, 2025, 06:42:56 AM
As Greg said.. this is corporate glass stuff, with a higher quality build standard.

This last year, your builds have been inspiring stuff
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 14, 2025, 03:34:35 PM
As Greg said.. this is corporate glass stuff, with a higher quality build standard.

This last year, your builds have been inspiring stuff

Thanks mate, praise indeed.  I think it’s retirement that has now given me the opportunity to, once again, really enjoy my hobby and to take my time and think things through properly.   ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on April 14, 2025, 05:42:17 PM
Damn! 8) :-* 8)

Words fail me! Magnificent! :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 14, 2025, 06:02:12 PM
Damn! 8) :-* 8)

Words fail me! Magnificent! :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:


Thank you good Sir, much appreciated.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on April 14, 2025, 07:13:58 PM
Amazing work! Master class scratch building.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 14, 2025, 07:51:45 PM
Amazing work! Master class scratch building.

Thanks mate!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Kerick on April 14, 2025, 10:29:44 PM
I’m going back to knitting!
Just outstanding!
Take it to parliament, maybe some politicians will get inspired.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 15, 2025, 12:12:54 AM
I’m going back to knitting!
Just outstanding!
Take it to parliament, maybe some politicians will get inspired.

Thanks mate!  :smiley:
Yup, and pigs might fly!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Marderman on April 16, 2025, 07:17:58 PM
Great work. It looks like a real vehicle.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on April 16, 2025, 08:55:57 PM
Great work. It looks like a real vehicle.

Thanks mate, much appreciated!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Gingie on April 29, 2025, 11:58:33 PM
Thanks mate, praise indeed.  I think it’s retirement that has now given me the opportunity to, once again, really enjoy my hobby and to take my time and think things through properly.   ;)

Happy retirement brother! I see that in my future too and look forward to gaining back another 8 waking hours of the day.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 09, 2025, 12:08:16 AM
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Ulan (Lancer) 🇺🇦:

Given Ukraine's recent spectacular deep inside Russia, I thought it fitting that my next project (which I actually started before my little sojourn into the land of AH aircraft) will be a depiction of another display of Ukrainian innovation. Much more to follow but here's a little taster...

(https://i.imgur.com/u8wMthN.jpeg)

Work continues on my Ukrainian special project, and I have provisionally given it the name Ulan (Lancer) - a more detailed designation will be given later once the cat is let out of the bag, so to speak.

Unfortunately, the Dragon Scud B kit I am working with is quite old and the quality of the moulding and fit is not great. However, it will have to do and as I am chopping quite a bit of it up, I am really not that fussed.

Essentially, the model builds as 6 major components: the lower chassis, cab, services module, targeting module, elevation model, and Scud missile. In my version the chassis and cab will remain as is but the service module will be beefed up, the targeting module will be removed and replaced with the forward stabilisers and something (not given it too much thought yet), the elevation module will be adapted to accommodate the new weapon system, and, of course, the Scud will be replaced with...

WIP pics.

(https://i.imgur.com/e8uasgN.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Zlbrmjp.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on June 09, 2025, 01:28:48 AM
...drones? I think even isolated outhouses in Russia are full of Ukrainian drones, ready to strike.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 09, 2025, 01:57:45 AM
...drones? I think even isolated outhouses in Russia are full of Ukrainian drones, ready to strike.

 ;D ;D ;D No, not drones but I like the idea of a heavy, self-propelled outhouse!  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on June 09, 2025, 08:09:31 AM
Oh yeah! This is going to be good (and highly topical)  :smiley: :smiley:

... and, of course, the Scud will be replaced with...

You tease!

If you're looking for a Ukrainian missile name, I love the slavic god name Diy (Дий) - deity of the sky, fear, and death. Etymologically, the name relates to Deus and Zeus ... but I enjoy the groaner DIY pun  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 10, 2025, 01:20:13 AM
Speaking of which:  https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-tests-new-ballistic-missile/
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on June 10, 2025, 08:59:08 AM
 :smiley: :smiley: Looking forward to this one as I have a Scud Launcher in the concept stage.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 10, 2025, 09:54:52 AM
Onboard as well.

Agree the old MAZ is a Dragon dinosaur.. but soooooo  good to work with for whiffers. Who knows I might get inspired. There is a pre-loved MAZ I converted waaaay back into the Bereg Coastal Gun version (way before the kit became available. Of Course ::) )
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 11, 2025, 12:11:24 AM
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Ulan (Lancer) 🇺🇦 Update:

Have just tried pulling a few of the other sub-components together and dang, but this thing is growing bigger than big, bad Bob McBogal, winner of last year's Big Bellied Bloater competition!  :o ;)

WIP pic of the bits that are actually glued in place...

(https://i.imgur.com/3BztVeT.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 11, 2025, 02:09:34 AM
Well, so far, it's a truck. Admittedly a bloody big truck, but still a truck. Waiting. Watching.

(https://c.tenor.com/AFqTVUKq4WMAAAAC/popcorn-entertaining.gif)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 11, 2025, 02:31:09 PM
Well, so far, it's a truck. Admittedly a bloody big truck, but still a truck. Waiting. Watching.

Well, there’s just no pleasing some folks…. Guess I’ll have to add something exotic and soon!  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 12, 2025, 12:56:39 AM
Well, so far, it's a truck. Admittedly a bloody big truck, but still a truck. Waiting. Watching.

Well, there’s just no pleasing some folks…. Guess I’ll have to add something exotic and soon!  ;)

You've set extremely high benchmarks. Expectations have grown exponentially. ;) ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 14, 2025, 07:45:52 PM
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Ulan (Lancer) 🇺🇦 Update:

Some people have been asking what the Ulan is going to be other than just a bloody big truck. Well... there is a clue in the last WIP pic posted above and for the ninja nerds out there that may have been enough. However, for those that actually have a life, here are some more WIP pics - the second batch should let you know where I am going... Gold star for the first to guess!! 😋

The first WIP pics show the rebuilt 3rd chassis module which took a lot longer to put together than I might have hoped for. Unfortunately, the fit of the base Dragon kit is not great and, consequently, very little is square even with my best efforts and parts that should be symmetrical on both sides aren't. Hey ho...

(https://i.imgur.com/VCMRbpP.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/GoNBS1l.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TFm31Xz.jpeg)

The second batch of WIP pics show the intended weapon system's launch rail - as I said, it’s going to be big!

(https://i.imgur.com/1udxPod.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/opudDoQ.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/J3kIORm.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wHzSwrO.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on June 14, 2025, 07:54:42 PM
Another great creation in the making. I am guessing it is going to be a mobile S-200/SA-5 launcher.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 14, 2025, 08:30:31 PM
Another great creation in the making. I am guessing it is going to be a mobile S-200/SA-5 launcher.

…and a gold star to you, young man,  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 14, 2025, 08:43:23 PM
I was going to suggest the MGM-52 Lance, which was, after all, the "NATO" equivalent of the Scud.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on June 14, 2025, 08:59:15 PM
Another great creation in the making. I am guessing it is going to be a mobile S-200/SA-5 launcher.

…and a gold star to you, young man,  :smiley:

The missile erector launcher looked familiar. I don't have the Trumpeter S-200/SA-5 kit but did browse it and that is how I remembered the erector launcher.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 14, 2025, 09:03:24 PM
Yup, it's going to be based around this wee beastie...

(https://i.imgur.com/iLiRDIi.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 14, 2025, 09:05:55 PM
I was going to suggest the MGM-52 Lance, which was, after all, the "NATO" equivalent of the Scud.

Good thinking.  I was once told by a Lance operator that what the Lance missile lacked in accuracy, it made up for in megatons!!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: andys on June 15, 2025, 02:22:53 AM
Yup, it's going to be based around this wee beastie...

(https://i.imgur.com/iLiRDIi.jpeg)
So not a ZEL based on a Mig-21 repurposed as a OWAUAV then? Pity  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 15, 2025, 03:15:39 AM
So not a ZEL based on a Mig-21 repurposed as a OWAUAV then? Pity  ;)
[/quote]

Good Lord!!  :o :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 15, 2025, 07:50:44 AM
Using the word "wee" around a honking big missile  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on June 15, 2025, 10:57:35 PM

A Blackbird (SR-71) hunter/killer?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 16, 2025, 12:53:22 AM

A Blackbird (SR-71) hunter/killer?

The S-200 might well have been in days gone by, but in today’s Ukrainian military, the Ulan’s target set is very much more in the direction of Mordor.  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on June 16, 2025, 01:36:30 AM
Ukraine supposedly used the S-200 to shoot down one of the Russian A-50's and a Tu-22 as well. They are also using it in the surface to surface role according to this article.
https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-at-ukraines-reactivated-s-200-air-defense-system-in-action (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-at-ukraines-reactivated-s-200-air-defense-system-in-action)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 16, 2025, 01:51:54 AM
Ukraine supposedly used the S-200 to shoot down one of the Russian A-50's and a Tu-22 as well. They are also using it in the surface to surface role according to this article.
https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-at-ukraines-reactivated-s-200-air-defense-system-in-action (https://www.twz.com/air/our-best-look-at-ukraines-reactivated-s-200-air-defense-system-in-action)

…and there you have it, a double gold star to you!   :icon_alabanza:

The Ulan (Lancer) is indeed (or will be) a mobile launcher for the S-200 in the ground-to-ground role.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on June 16, 2025, 02:03:56 AM
Great build - but as usual, I'm in awe at your precise styrene scratchbuilding skills.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 16, 2025, 02:25:28 AM
Great build - but as usual, I'm in awe at your precise styrene scratchbuilding skills.

Thanks Frank, of course, what you don’t hear is the amount of cussing that goes on in the background!  ;)

I usually try and plan and draw everything out first but, in this case, in I’m sort of winging it which leaves me more than a little uncomfortable.

Now, if I had your 3D printing skills, then I wouldn’t need to do so much scratch building!!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 16, 2025, 06:55:41 AM
.... in this case, in I’m sort of winging it .....

That's how I build, I have a vague idea, then it sort of just develops.
With these MAZ Transporters, there is not much the Russians and others have not already put on the back of it from Bereg through to Smerch, so bring this one on  :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 16, 2025, 06:09:52 PM
.... in this case, in I’m sort of winging it .....

That's how I build, I have a vague idea, then it sort of just develops.
With these MAZ Transporters, there is not much the Russians and others have not already put on the back of it from Bereg through to Smerch, so bring this one on  :smiley: :smiley:

Thanks mate!  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 22, 2025, 08:05:51 PM
🇺🇦 Ukrainian S-200C Ulan (Lancer) 🇺🇦 Update:

Things are at last moving on a pace with this project - I got myself stuck in coming up with a suitable support cradle for the missile before settling on something inspired by the similar cradle on the 2K11 Krug (SA-4 Ganef). However, said cradle also needed to be fully functional (opening arms and retractable) so that I will be able to pose the model in both the transport and firing configurations. Three days of head scratching, design and several construction variations later, I think I am there. So, it's time for some more WIP pics!

Transport Configuration:

(https://i.imgur.com/iuhpSOg.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TRdI0bU.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/op6cFy1.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/K9hqxos.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ZmbxEkX.jpeg)

Firing Configuration:

(https://i.imgur.com/O7SQitD.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WIZD2tB.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ancH0HO.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lLwswH2.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IBdswPi.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 22, 2025, 08:07:01 PM
🇺🇦 Ukrainian S-200C Ulan (Lancer) 🇺🇦 Update:

...and for those interested, a close up of the pesky support cradle in all its glory!

(https://i.imgur.com/MSVrnAq.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 22, 2025, 08:33:42 PM
That s a big yes  :smiley: :smiley:

Great result so far
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Ramba on June 22, 2025, 08:51:21 PM
WOW! That looks awesome! Your scratch building skills still leave me with my jaw on the floor 😲
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 22, 2025, 10:18:23 PM
That s a big yes  :smiley: :smiley:

Great result so far

WOW! That looks awesome! Your scratch building skills still leave me with my jaw on the floor 😲

Thanks muchly good Sirs!  :smiley:

Unfortunately, I suspect that I am developing modeller’s OCD.  Once upon a time, I might have built something, cut a few corners here and there, glued things in place and thought, meh, it’s good enough.  Now I find myself needing to understand just how everything could/would work and, if it’s to move, making damned sure that it can/does.  Still very much whiffs, but they just have to be practicable whiffs.  Perhaps it is OCD or just my old Gunnery Staff past reasserting itself! 🤔😉😂
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 22, 2025, 10:31:34 PM
I find your building skills, especially your ability to make something in-scale & functional, awe inspiring & just a little bit intimidating. :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: 8) :icon_alabanza:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 23, 2025, 12:59:36 AM
I find your building skills, especially your ability to make something in-scale & functional, awe inspiring & just a little bit intimidating. :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza: 8) :icon_alabanza:

Thanks mate - hopefully not too intimidating…  :icon_vader: ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: LemonJello on June 23, 2025, 01:36:42 AM
I'll second the intimidating, with a large helping of inspiring!

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 23, 2025, 01:46:39 AM
I'll second the intimidating, with a large helping of inspiring!

(https://i.imgur.com/KUmmFG7.jpeg)

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on June 23, 2025, 05:28:10 PM
Looking impressive
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 23, 2025, 06:04:13 PM
Looking impressive

Thanks!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 28, 2025, 10:21:58 PM
🇺🇦 Ukrainian S-200C Ulan (Lancer) 🇺🇦 Update:

...and, as always, a coat of primer does wonders for pulling everything together. Now just the nightmare of painting the whole damned thing!  :o

(https://i.imgur.com/wFOQQIj.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QqPid1L.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/XtY8qy2.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uI8MJM8.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 28, 2025, 10:34:26 PM
Ukrainian digi-cam? ??? ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 28, 2025, 11:42:31 PM
Ukrainian digi-cam? ??? ;)

Right!   :o

I was duly horrified when I looked up Ukrainian vehicle camouflage thinking it would be fairly simple to be readily applied but, oh no, digi-cam in all its multifarious guises! As I really don’t get much enjoyment from the whole painting process and for my own sanity, I think I will go down a different route - perhaps paint the whole thing pink…  ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on June 29, 2025, 12:31:11 AM
Not all Ukrainian vehicles have one of the digi-cam variations. Many have partial or limited digi-cam or none at all (just "Russian green" in its various shades). You could paint it in NATO colors, just as a middle finger to some.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 29, 2025, 01:13:00 AM
Not all Ukrainian vehicles have one of the digi-cam variations. Many have partial or limited digi-cam or none at all (just "Russian green" in its various shades). You could paint it in NATO colors, just as a middle finger to some.


I like your thinking! :smiley:  ;)

My backstory will see the Ulan (and a ready supply of S-200 missiles) coming to Ukraine via their Polish cousins, so, either old style Soviet Green or Standard NATO Woodland would be OK.

Or perhaps the ‘Modification 2014’ pattern is even better and kind of matches what I had in mind…



Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on June 29, 2025, 07:43:15 AM
Whatever path you take.. pretty sure it will work. The model under primer really works.

Expected high level of build and finish on display again  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 29, 2025, 09:51:06 AM
This is my take on Ukrainian digi-cam;

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ukrainian-Merkava-IV-135-Academy/i-wLqDsKB/0/ff8b3544/X3/DSCN8443-X3.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ukrainian-Merkava-IV-135-Academy/i-TZKdBpG/0/3cda9cc1/X3/DSCN8434-X3.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ukrainian-Merkava-IV-135-Academy/i-S6W9KqD/0/410a0643/X3/DSCN8436-X3.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ukrainian-Merkava-IV-135-Academy/i-J5L3bHB/0/197e0f02/X3/DSCN8437-X3.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ukrainian-Merkava-IV-135-Academy/i-7jf2Tmz/0/025e1282/X3/DSCN8438-X3.jpg)

This was done using paper masks cut out of 5mmx5mm graph paper.

A really dedicated person would have transferred those masks onto tape, I just damped it down, let it dry & sprayed (hence the less-than-perfect edges) & claim it's "field applied". ;)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 29, 2025, 03:39:43 PM
Whatever path you take.. pretty sure it will work. The model under primer really works.

Expected high level of build and finish on display again  :smiley:

No pressure then!   :o
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on June 29, 2025, 03:55:07 PM
This is my take on Ukrainian digi-cam;

<snip>

This was done using paper masks cut out of 5mmx5mm graph paper.

A really dedicated person would have transferred those masks onto tape, I just damped it down, let it dry & sprayed (hence the less-than-perfect edges) & claim it's "field applied". ;)

I remember that build and being mightily impressed by the digi-cam effect.  While not impossible to apply something similar to the complex shape of the Ulan, I think I will stick to the Polish 2014 modification of the standard NATO scheme.

(https://i.imgur.com/EQ4YoGS.png)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on June 29, 2025, 04:25:06 PM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 07, 2025, 05:43:39 PM
🇺🇦 Ukrainian S-200C Ulan (Lancer) 🇺🇦 Update:

Well, it has been a very long time coming but here we are at last...

Fact:
When the Soviet Union broke apart in 1991, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence inherited 13, and perhaps as many as 16, S-200, long-range, air defence batteries along with a multitude of other conventional and nuclear weapon systems. Indeed, overnight, Ukraine found itself as the world’s third largest nuclear power.

In 1994, under the terms of the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine transferred its inherited Soviet nuclear weapons to Russia in exchange for security assurances and economic aid from Russia, the US and UK.

In response to its military and economic situation, and the difficulty in maintaining an aging, 1960s piece of technology, the number of active S-200 batteries had dropped to 4 by 2010 and eventually, in 2013, the system was phased out entirely.

At much the same time, and for much the same reason, Ukraine also phased out its Scud missile arsenal between 2010-11, with the dismantling of approximately 200 9K72 Scud missiles being a joint project with the US.

Consequently, when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and then launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine found itself with no Operational or Strategic level weapon systems, no tactical ballistic missiles and no long-range air defence.

However, unlike their Scud missiles which had been physically dismantled, the canny Ukrainians had kept their remaining S-200 batteries in storage along with an undisclosed number of missiles. When war broke out, every effort was made to bring the 4 batteries back into active service – a process that was aided by their friends and neighbours – Poland supplied a full battery with at least 20 upgraded missiles and Bulgaria supplied an undisclosed number of missiles. In January 2024, the audacious Ukrainians used their S-200 systems to engage and destroy a Russian A-50U long-range radar aircraft and to seriously damage an Il-22 command and control aircraft. The following month, a second A-50 was engaged and also destroyed and, in April of that year, a Tu-22M long-range bomber was shot down at the very impressive range of 300Km.

Ever resourceful, the Ukrainian MoD also looked towards its aging S-200 arsenal to make up for the lack of a tactical-range, ground-to-ground missile system. After all, if the S-200 missile could engage and destroy a moving target at 300Km, then the same missile if fired ballistically might reasonably achieve a range of 600-800Km.

A fortunate side effect of the S-200’s age was that it was built big (at 7,018Kg [15,472lb] it is not small) to accommodate the necessary 1960s radar and guidance technology and a sizeable warhead. With the ground attack role not requiring much of the missile’s specialised AD capability, all of the redundant gubbins could be stripped out and a smaller GPS guidance system and larger HE blast warhead installed. Furthermore, with no need to track and illuminate the target with the large Square Pair radar, ground attack missions could be undertaken with a welcomed degree of surprise. Whilst much still remains classified, it would seem that the S-200 has been used in the ground-to-ground role to attack targets in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, Crimea and even the Kerch bridge. Although the Kerch bridge attack proved unsuccessful, so concerned were the Russians that they closed it to all traffic for over a week.

Fiction:
In conceiving this build project, I had initially wanted to make a mobile version of the S-200 in its air defence role in order to free up the Ukrainians from the limitations of the fixed nature of the large system. However, that very size became my undoing – the missile is big (10.764m [35.315ft]) and, as previously mentioned, a tad over 7 tons in weight – consequently, its launcher turntable is also big and the whole thing proved impossible to realistically mount on a MAZ-543 prime mover – what I had to hand. Of course, whilst a mobile version of the S-200 would be huge, it would pale into insignificance when compared to vehicle needed to carry the 30-ton Square Pair target tracking and illumination radar!

Plan B then evolved into the far more realistic S-200C Ulan (Lancer). The S-200 in its GPS-guided, ground attack role has proved to be extremely accurate and, with a range (classified) but likely in the 600-800km ballpark, extremely capable. Indeed, its only significant limitation is that it currently fires from the same fixed sites that the air defence variant operates from or at best an improvised launch site that likely takes days, if not weeks, to build and collapse. A mobile Transporter, Erector and Launcher (TEL) would dramatically increase the tactical usage of the missile’s impressive ground-to-ground capabilities allowing the launch to take place closer to the front lines in order to maximise the missile’s range whilst also allowing the TEL to shoot and scoot with minimal change of counter battery reprisals.

With the demise of Ukraine’s Scud systems in their entirety, I envisaged Poland being intimately involved in the Ulan project – essentially, building the TEL from their own stocks of MAZ-543 trucks and retired S-200 launchers. With no need for the Ulan to track potential targets, that element of the S-200 launcher was removed leaving only the launch rail elevation system. Four hydraulic stabilisers were added as even in its reduced ground-attack mode the S-200 is still big. With its GPS target information pre-loaded into the missile, the Ulan can infiltrate into its intended launch location, park up pointing in the general direction of the target, lower its stabilisers, lower the missile transport cradle, conduct its pre-launch checks, raise the launch rail, lower the umbilical, fire, lower the launch rail, raise the stabilisers and be exfiltrating the area before the hapless Russians know what the hell is happening. Hoorah!

The model depicts Ulan TEL ‘63’ of the Ukrainian Army’s 1st Battalion, 5th Surface to Surface Missile Brigade and comprises adapted parts from a Dragon Scud B model, a Trumpeter S-200 (SAM SA-5 ‘Gammon’) model, some self-designed 3D prints, a bucket load of plastic/styrene card, Hataka Modern Polish Army paints and some Star decals. Great fun but painting the whole thing with a hairy stick (at least3 coats) and attaching the almost 150 decals on the missile almost did for me!

References: Wikipedia, Defense Express, Forbes and Army Recognition

Transport configuration:

(https://i.imgur.com/koef6ju.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WZcYmLV.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/EEYxQWx.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JpSe6hD.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/2crsPWe.jpeg)

Pre-firing configuration:
(https://i.imgur.com/qJa8A70.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Mi82wOi.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/71IhCDu.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5tgBnsb.jpeg)

Firing configuration:
(https://i.imgur.com/gZgbr3m.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on September 07, 2025, 06:00:15 PM
What an awesome beast! And the back story is excellent, too!  :smiley: :smiley: 8)

(I know I wrote something sort of similar a few days ago but, hey, I can usually barely remember what I did yesterday! :-\ )
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 07, 2025, 10:45:05 PM
Thanks mate and, believe me, I know where you are coming from!! 😉
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: GTX_Admin on September 08, 2025, 12:49:18 AM
 :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on September 08, 2025, 01:17:11 AM
Awesome build and great backstory!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 08, 2025, 03:19:01 AM
Thanks chaps, much appreciated.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: apophenia on September 08, 2025, 06:12:10 AM
Excellent build and brilliant 'imagineering'. I particularly like how you brought in the Poles and others.

As for your Ulan itself ... love it  :-*  Слава Україні !
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on September 08, 2025, 04:48:49 PM
Thanks muchly!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 27, 2025, 03:58:11 AM
WW1 Sturmgeschütz:

When at a loss as to what project to move onto next I have, traditionally, defaulted to a bit of StuGgy goodness as a solid and trustworthy fallback - and so it seems that history is probably going to repeat itself once again. But just to give myself a bit of a challenge, I am going to go with a WW1 theme. I think I have a the necessary bits and pieces to hand but only time will tell.

Igor, pass the razor saw… 🧟
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: raafif on October 27, 2025, 06:25:17 AM
Interesting ! something like this on the A7V chassis ?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on October 27, 2025, 12:47:46 PM
WW1 Sturmgeschütz:

When at a loss as to what project to move onto next I have, traditionally, defaulted to a bit of StuGgy goodness as a solid and trustworthy fallback - and so it seems that history is probably going to repeat itself once again. But just to give myself a bit of a challenge, I am going to go with a WW1 theme. I think I have a the necessary bits and pieces to hand but only time will tell.

Igor, pass the razor saw… 🧟

Be interested in the path taken. I have the Hobby Boss French Saint Chamond that I bought on a whim with "surely this is whiffing goodness in this" going through my head. Although for intents and purposes.. it is already a Stug type layout
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 27, 2025, 07:58:07 PM
Interesting ! something like this on the A7V chassis ?

Nice but that’s really more of an SPG than a traditional StuG - although I appreciate that as a direct infantry support vehicle, an assault gun’s definition is fairly broad.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on October 27, 2025, 08:09:39 PM

Be interested in the path taken. I have the Hobby Boss French Saint Chamond that I bought on a whim with "surely this is whiffing goodness in this" going through my head. Although for intents and purposes.. it is already a Stug type layout

Yes, the St Chamond is already very StuG-like and, like you, I feel it has great whiffing potential.  However, this time round, I am going to stay traditionally German and will be playing with a design sort of based on an enlarged and heavily modified LK II hull mated to a standard 7.7cm FK96 n/A field gun.

The first problem I have already encountered is that the model of the field gun I was sure I had in my stash, turns out to be a figment of my imagination.  Damn, I hate it when that happens! No doubt it will turn up the very next day after I have scratch built a replacement - however, in the meantime, the devil has my old kit securely tucked away in his butt cheeks… 👹🙄
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on October 27, 2025, 08:47:22 PM
however, in the meantime, the devil has my old kit securely tucked away in his butt cheeks… 👹🙄

Not a pleasant mental image!  :o  :-X

Still, I'll be watching!  :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 06, 2025, 05:00:24 AM
Sturmkanone Update:

Well, this is going to be a bit of a complex tale as, much with reality, my first effort didn't turn out quite the way I wanted even though I tried to convince myself otherwise.  In keeping with German designations, I will call my first effort the Sturmkanone Ausf. A - here is the story so far as it played out on my thread on the althistory.com site...

Sturmkanone Ausf. A Update:

Well, here we are with the first WIP pics of, what I am calling, the Sturmkanone Ausf A. I settled on Sturmkanone (StuK) rather than Sturmgeschutz (StuG) as German field artillery pieces of the day were known as feldkanone (FK) so it seemed more logical to go with Sturmkanone. Anyhoo, as you can see the bulk of this wee beastie has been 3D printed from an upscaled and heavily modified LK II hull. The end result is a vehicle which is pretty much the same size as the British Whippet tank of the same era - same length, slightly narrower (central hull the same width) and overall lower. The central hull's width is predicated by the width of the 7.7cm FK96 n/A which it mounts - thus it is capable of fitting a crew member (driver and gunner) either side of the breach - the loader and commander are located towards the rear of the fighting compartment.

As an Assault gun, the StuK's primary mission is conducted at relatively short ranges and over open sights so there is not much need for a huge degree of lateral and vertical movement of the primary weapon. Having said that, the 7.7cm FK96 n/A has a 10 degree movement left and right and +/- 15 degree vertical movement.

More to follow...


(https://i.imgur.com/j3lDzfZ.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pPm9fGk.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QhB1oSS.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/446rjGM.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/qBTc820.jpeg)

Sturmkanone Ausf. A Update:

...and with the undercoat applied...


(https://i.imgur.com/2LepbuF.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/oggfPu5.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NBEXmR8.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Cv34bh5.jpeg)

Long story short but one of my fellow Alt-historians had reservations about the width of my Sturmkanone Aus. A and even had the audacity to point out that impressively tiny Yugo car was wider - oh bollocks! Although I tried to manfully defend my corner, the obvious truth was that, unless the German army employed Oompa-Loompas, he was right - double bollocks!

Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 06, 2025, 05:12:12 AM
Sturmkanone Ausf. B Update:

When I looked into my first take on the Sturmkanone again, I found I was right in thinking the gun was out of whack scale-wise - I was foolish enough to assume the scale of the original 3D image was correct - not a huge difference but larger than it should have been.  I was also not every impressed with the quality of the 3D print and realised that I could have been more efficient in the overall build.

So I spent the most part of a day altering and scratch building things in my very basic CAD program (I am a self-confessed biff when it comes to these things) and set the 3D printer a printing!

The Ausf. B variant of the Sturmkanone is well on its way with the opportunity having been taken to re-model and update quite a few of the build components. The 7.7cm FK96 n/A gun has been correctly scaled, the gun mount (to fit the model and not representative of the actual pedestal mount) has been strengthened, the tracks widened and mud shoots added in the 3D design rather than after printing, and the main hull has been overhauled with lots of small adjustments and the crew compartment widened.

(https://i.imgur.com/so47jkf.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/HYu0cLV.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/01Lsy19.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jqaK9vO.jpeg)

...and a little bit more. Next will be combining all of the sub-components and adding the various details - oh, and sorting the blemishes on the tracks!

(https://i.imgur.com/3etOIdN.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 06, 2025, 05:13:46 AM
Sturmkanone Ausf. B Update:

So, the build (or should I say, rebuild) is pretty much there and I am much happier with the print quality. With a coat of primer next on the agenda, I will be heading towards the dubious fun of painting ...

(https://i.imgur.com/DytCZxt.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ISSavni.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/9s6xWAL.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ETAz1sH.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 06, 2025, 05:16:22 AM
I have decided that as the Sturnkanone Ausf. B was started after the start date of the Tankhunter GB, I am good to enter it as a contender.  However, as it is still part of my overall AH AFV collection, I will also continue to post updates here...
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Buzzbomb on November 06, 2025, 09:04:32 AM
Oh, I like that ! :smiley: :smiley:

Good work on the CAD side as well, that nails it.

Although I am somewhat deflated that we do not get to see your normal exceptional Scratchbuild processes, nonetheless.. .this works very, very well for me with what I thought you might have been after.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 06, 2025, 04:31:46 PM
Oh, I like that ! :smiley: :smiley:

Good work on the CAD side as well, that nails it.

Although I am somewhat deflated that we do not get to see your normal exceptional Scratchbuild processes, nonetheless.. .this works very, very well for me with what I thought you might have been after.

Thanks mate.   :smiley:

I always like to do a bit of experimentation and was keen to see what possible routes I might be able to go down with my 3D printer and a very, very limited knowledge of CAD.  The 3D printer is definitely a different approach and can be hugely frustrating when things don’t go as planned but is great for complex shapes and multiple copies.  However, I don’t see it replacing good ol’ scratch building - well not in my hands anyway!
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 06, 2025, 05:02:51 PM
However, I don’t see it replacing good ol’ scratch building - well not in my hands anyway!

Thank the Gods!  :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:

OK, so I'm a die-hard fan of old fashioned scratch building (or scratch-bashing, in my case) & I need someone to give me something to aspire to!  :D ;) :smiley:
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 06, 2025, 06:36:18 PM

Thank the Gods!  :icon_alabanza: :icon_alabanza:


 ; :smiley:  ;D
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 08, 2025, 07:54:50 AM
Sturmkanone Update:

The reject has been repurposed and we now have two Sturmkanones for the price of one - not really... it's still two for the price of two!

What I now have is a realistic initial Sturmkanone Ausf. A that represents the initial pre-production build which then allowed the amended and improved Ausf. B model to enter serial production. Full details will follow in the backstory once I have completed the project but I am now much happier with the way things are going - even though I am now left with two complete models when originally I was only looking at one. Suffice to say that the Ausf A model had a somewhat cumbersome 3-man crew of driver/gunner, loader and commander and a limited gun traverse whilst the more spacious Ausf B model split the driver and gunner functions with a more logical layout for the loader and commander and a more capable gun mount.

So, WIP pics of both the Ausf. A and Ausf B in their primer undercoat...

Sturmkanone Ausf. A

(https://i.imgur.com/Q4vyyWF.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KtpZen6.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Vp91RRt.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6zH3Xvu.jpeg)

Sturmkanone Ausf. B

(https://i.imgur.com/GOkJOAz.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RiWqMlz.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/rus8VwT.jpeg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ClbgPNX.jpeg)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Frank3k on November 08, 2025, 09:25:39 AM
Great work on both - even if one is smaller than the other. What printer did you use?
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 08, 2025, 04:36:38 PM
Great work on both - even if one is smaller than the other. What printer did you use?

Thanks, but I’m not sure what you mean by ‘even if one is smaller than the other.’  The Ausf. B is supposed to be the production version of the Ausf. A prototype and, consequently, they are indeed meant to be slightly different in shape and design - the most noticeable being the enlarged fighting compartment, the positioning of the gun, added mud shoots, and a slight increase in track width - all of which will be covered in the final backstory.  Beyond these intentional differences, the models are exactly (to the mm) the same length and height.

Printer used, a very basic Creality K1.
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Old Wombat on November 08, 2025, 04:48:13 PM
WIN!  :D  ;)

They're both looking really good, by the way!  :smiley:  8)
Title: Re: Claymore's AH AFVs: Take 2
Post by: Claymore on November 08, 2025, 04:59:31 PM
Thanks mate!  :smiley: