I have had this 1/35 Dragon/Revell Borgward IV in the stash for some time, initially to do the Wanze version with the 6 Panzerschrek mounts
Of course, there are now kits of this so where is the fun in a full modification
I dug it out on the weekend, looked at the individual track links and put it back. Then got it out again and wondered.. what else could you do with this.
It was designed as a demo charge transport vehicle. Pack the front container with 500KG of explosive, trundle up to the target, drop the charge and drive back. What could possibly go wrong with that approach ?
There was also a remote control version
Then back to the Wanze idea, but the Panzerschrek had an operational range of around 150-200 metres.. which appears a bit close. Alright in urban area, but what about elsewhere.
So the Germans already had experience with recoilless weapons for their Paratroops so what if they stepped it up a bit. Bigger than the 57mm jobs the US Army had started to use, which could be shoulder fired.. more in line with the 120mm MOBAT/WOMBAT/COBAT weapons the Brits developed postwar.
120mm would have sufficient range and punch to take on most late war tanks. Being recoilless, a light chassis would suffice, so I am going to try and wedge one of these onto the Borgward.
Tactics would still be shoot and scoot like the doctrine was for the Actual RCL weapon.
Initial build of the bog standard Borgward, I figure the charge container could still be carried, but not packed with explosives so used for stowage perhaps.
Built the Recoilless Rifle from aluminium tube and some other bits and bobs. More detailing to go. Working out some tech issues like how to reload, how many reloads, where the RCL will actually go and if all that fails.. turn into an Ambulance or something.
OK, Ok.. I know there are lots of reasons why this may not work, but a small nippy tracked vehicle might be better than a larger vehicle like a 251 Halftrack or Panzer II Chassis