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Tank Gallery 19

The following Photographs and information have been donated by Battlefrontmodels Customers over the years they range from basic to customised RC tanks and vehicles to heavily modified models.

All images and data are copyright to the Members and BFM

' IR Prototype Panther Ausf, F '

Sent in by

Peter Symonds of Nottingham UK

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The Panther being the father of the Battle tank never quite met expectations and the design was constantly adjusted as war went on. The 'IR' Infra Red night version was scheduled for phased introduction throughout 1945, this Panther with its newley re designed 'Schmalturm' or Narrow Turret would have formed the backbone of the German Panzer divisions had the war in Europe continued longer.

The Schmalturm turret featured a narrower mantlet and overall front profile which reduced the exposed frontal area eliminating a shot trap as seen in the earlier Panther turrets.

The narrower design also weighted slightly less, had thicker frontal armour and was easier to produce than the Ausf.G turret and provided greater protection.

This new turret was designed by Daimler Benz and was mounted on a modified Panther G.with two prototypes made late 43 -44.

Text by Peter Symonds

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The 'IR' System was also designed for use with special night attack troops this was a smaller version (below) and included a telescopic sight and a battery pack, these were not widley produced as there production was late in the war.

These were fitted to a StG 44 Assult Rifle.

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' Sturmtiger '

Sent in by

Bob Abson of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. UK

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A Classic beast of a tank this 'Torro' 1/16 th model Sturmtiger is showing slight combat damage to the mudguards and painted in aTri Colour camo finish.

This model has been Zimmerite coated to the lower reachable areas as this was applied to thwart magnetic mine attachment by the enemy.

These tanks could only be thought up by the Germanic mind and was designed to serve as a Bunker or Block destruction device.

This tank s you can see has a very short barrel, this because it fired a very large 380 mm rocket propelled shell which afforded no recoil having to be loaded by a crane, and was apparently fired remotely.

The destructive power was enormous and was used in seige situations to break the will of the Town or City.

Designed in 1943 - 44 and weighing in at 68 tons it could travel at 25 mph and was built upon a Tiger 1 chassis.

Four Sturmtiger Photograph's by

kind permission of Precision Panzer

Nicely finished model there Bob.

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WW2 German Sturmtigers

DID YOU KNOW

Hitler kept a framed and signed photo of Henry Ford, the founder of the Foed Motor Co. USA on his desk. Henry Ford also kept a framed photo of the Nazi leader on his desk at Dearborn Michigan.

In 'Mein Kampf' Hitler included some anti semitic views attributed to Ford.

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' Sd.Kfz. 222 German Armoured Car. '

Sent in by

Peter Symonds of Nottingham UK.

This very unusual model made as a kit from Andrew Design-Xion, the kit is made in Resin with steel parts and is equiped with 4 x 4 wheel drive and also 4 wheel steering it has been fitted with upgraded gear and parts and is also RC.

The commander was one of the latest Alpine figuresconverted to SS and modified to fit the turret and fitted with magnetic catches.

Currently this model is for sale from Precision Panzer, this I think is a unique build by Peter.

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"Come Let Me Show You Where The Iron Crosses Grow"

DID YOU KNOW

The Battle of the Bulge is the largest and deadliest battle for US troops to date, with more than 80,000 American deaths.

The American soldiers were known as -

''The Battered Bastards of Bastogne''

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