Poll: Anne’s next armor build

[RdK]

MM is always quirky...

-Radek

[Don Boose]

I voted for a Polish AFV, but will be happy to watch you build anything. As of now, it looks like it will be "Other," which leaves a pretty wide range.

Best wishes, whatever you decide.

Don

[Amccombs3]

Romanian? Um, I’ll have to check again but I don’t think so. Since most of the models are from Polish publishers, I’ll have to ask Google Translate for a little help. Ah, here we are: I’m looking for “rumuński.” More to follow.

[modelperry]

I voted "Russian" but could easily be swayed towards "other" if it were Japanese.....
Just saying....

Greg

[Amccombs3]

Thanks to everyone for the votes so far. “Other” is in the lead, but the Russians are making a strong late showing. I’ve made my selections for each of the four choices, and will reveal all of them including the winning Next Armor Project once the poll closes. All legal votes will be counted!

I’ve made a couple of odd discoveries in reviewing my stash. Sorry, Southwestforests, but I don’t have anything Romanian. Darn, that would have been cool. I would have sworn that I had two Japanese tanks from MM, but I can’t find them anywhere. Either my memory is faulty or I’ve hidden them from myself. I do have an excellent alternate candidate for the “Other” category, though. Two more days and I’ll reveal all and get started.

[Amccombs3]

The people have spoken! Thanks to everyone who voted, and also thanks for your comments. I would certainly have selected a Japanese tank if I could have laid hands on the ones in my stash that I cannot find. If southwestforests can recommend a Romanian kit to me, I’ll try to get one for next time. But for now, I’ve made my selection and will start a new build thread soon. First, the runners-up:

Polish: not only is it an early original MM (1981), but it’s amphibious, with a tiny propeller in the back.

German: nothing unusual about a Marder, you say? The photo does not do justice to how garish the colors are in this early hand-drawn GPM kit It rivals the autumn pumpkin in the next photo.

Russian: this was a struggle. The Russians appear to have produced good, solid, conventional armor for the most part. And then I found this Putilov-Garford and knew I had a winner in the “quirky” category. Plus, it’s an MM with two violently clashing shades of green.

And the winner:
The Italian L6/40 light tank. This is from a publisher that I’ve never heard of, Super Model, or Omix. Print quality is actually quite good, with an attractive sand and olive color scheme. The model comprises only 3 pages, and I’ll have to scan everything because the instructions are printed on the back of the formers. The odd suspension was what sold me the most, though the off-center turret is also an endearing feature. From what little I’ve read, it was actually a decent light tank when used for the service it was designed for.

Thanks again, and Merry Christmas, everyone!

[Don Boose]

Great choice! I look forward to the build.

Don

[PacificWind]

Good choice! It will be interesting to see a L6/40 being built. I don't think I've seen many Italian tanks here.

As for the Romanian AFVs, here's a good link: https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/r...-tanks-ww2.php
The only Romanian, indigenous tank, I've found available in paper is M5 Maresal, which is quite similar to Hetzer. However, they never entered the service and there were only 6 prototypes.

[db-sa]

Nice choice Anne and with an interesting suspension that I've never quite been able to figure out how it works.
Styrian - ok - ok - I should really call him - Kurt - has led the way with the Fiat L6/40.
Light Tank FIAT L6 / 40 Carro Armato - Z - Art - 1:25

[Damraska]

Originally Posted by db-sa

Nice choice Anne and with an interesting suspension that I've never quite been able to figure out how it works.

I did a quick search and the L6/40 uses a torsion bar system. While I am not an expert on this vehicle, it appears the tank has two torsion bars per side, each supporting a very robust swing arm and bogie truck. The designer may have made the swing arms so robust to resist damage. On a more modern design, each swing arm would connect to a single, large diameter road wheel from behind. Of course, such a design would necessitate a longer vehicle. Therefore, it seems logical that the designer went with bogie trucks to reduce the length (and weight!) of the tank while also increasing points of contact with the ground. The design also pushes the torsion bars to the very front and very rear of the vehicle, allowing the crew compartment to sit right on the belly pan, thus reducing the height of the vehicle.

Of course, that is all conjecture on my part.

Anyway, it is an interesting vehicle and I look forward to seeing the finished product!