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Post by Paul B on Apr 4, 2023 8:39:39 GMT
Hi chaps, a few of the builds I intended to go for have already been snapped up  , so I had a rethink and decided on the Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf.H, 5cm VK903, prototype. It was also known as Panzerselbstfahrlafette Ic (Pz.Sfl.Ic)  Even though this is classed as a Prototype, only two being built, they were made from armoured plate and not as usually done with soft steel. The two vehicles even made it to front line service. Although photographed, it is only known that they were used on the eastern front, but not the exact locations. The unit that used them first was the Panzer-Jäger Company 601, and later Panzer-Jäger battalion (Sfl.) 559. These units were both part of Army Group South. |
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Post by tommygunn on Apr 4, 2023 13:13:57 GMT
Great choice Paul
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Post by nito74 on Apr 4, 2023 14:38:54 GMT
But is that a Panzerjager or a Recon tank ?
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Post by Paul B on Apr 4, 2023 14:55:27 GMT
Tommy, John, cheers chaps  . John that is a question that can't be answered. It was planned as a Jäger. But from 1942 the 50mm gun was obsolete, specially on the eastern front, with the arrival of the T-34 and KV-1. However, these two vehicles were still operation at the end of 1942, so my guess is they were used in the recon role. |
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Post by Snipersmudge on Apr 4, 2023 17:15:52 GMT
Like that, something very different.
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Post by SteveM on Apr 4, 2023 21:15:24 GMT
That's another interesting subject for the GB Paul.
I've not heard of the kit maker, I hope it goes together well.
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Post by PorcoRosso on Apr 5, 2023 10:10:56 GMT
Good subject, Paul.
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Post by nito74 on Apr 5, 2023 12:22:43 GMT
Thanks Paul !! I never saw a kit with that version, I didn't knew that version and that kit maker. So this will be a totally new build to follow  |
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Post by Paul B on Apr 5, 2023 18:35:16 GMT
Cheers chaps, nice to see the usual gang hanging around  . John, 5M kits are very rare in this part of the world, but they are classed as high end kits. The company makes more 1/72 stuff than anything else, in 1/35 we have this and the Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf.G. The G is the doner kit in this case also, which means the complete upper hull and turret are in the box, along with resin upper hull plate and turret for this version. So we have a start, the lower and upper hull, and the turret for the G version are all flat pack parts which certainly makes the detail better. The suspension arms and shocks are all separate parts, these are a tad tricky to fit, they have basically no leeway at all. But saying that, you certainly can't do anything wrong with the alignment. Upper hull, rear deck, and turret are all dry fit at the moment. Tomorrow I'll tackle the running gear and link and length tracks. Oh yes, the tracks have no ejection marks at all, and the knock out pin marks for the hull parts are all hidden and very indiscreet indeed.   |
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Post by tommygunn on Apr 6, 2023 4:57:44 GMT
I do like the tarpaulin roof.
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Post by Armorguy on Apr 6, 2023 7:39:48 GMT
I've never seen this one built my neighbour, so a better choice is impossible for this gb. The cover looks great, what a start!
Dark yellow or artistic freedom ?
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Post by Paul B on Apr 6, 2023 8:38:20 GMT
Tommy, Guy, cheers chaps . Guy, haven't decided yet. It'll will however be a single colour, either Dunkelgrau or Dunkelgelb. The pictures appear all to be Dunkelgrau, so that will more than likely be my choice . Here's a few snippings I found on the internet, naturally for discussion onlySomewhere in Brandenburg before being shipped east. Eastward shippment? Captured Russian airfield |
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Post by Armorguy on Apr 6, 2023 9:42:20 GMT
These must be very rare photos of the type H.
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Post by Paul B on Apr 6, 2023 9:46:31 GMT
These must be very rare photos of the type H. You're right there Guy, there isn't much to be found at all  |
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Post by Paul B on Apr 6, 2023 9:53:53 GMT
Let's have a discussion . Here's a cutout from the first picture, is that possibly the Ghost Division insignia on the front vehicle? The 7th Panzer were certainly involved in the invasion of Russia.  |
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Post by PorcoRosso on Apr 6, 2023 10:19:05 GMT
The cover on the turret looks good, Paul.
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Post by Armorguy on Apr 6, 2023 12:12:08 GMT
Pretty possible Paul.  |
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Post by Armorguy on Apr 6, 2023 13:47:27 GMT
Pretty possible Paul. It's not in the right place me thinks. I might be totally wrong. |
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Post by Paul B on Apr 6, 2023 15:46:01 GMT
Guy I was acrtually looking at the white mark in the middle of the frontal armour, to me it looks a tad like this. Sometimes the sword was held with the ghosts right hand, which could be the case on the Ausf.H  |
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Post by Armorguy on Apr 6, 2023 16:17:03 GMT
I'd just add it to the VK Paul. Does it come with decals anyway?
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, so I had a rethink 
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