Tanker's Tuesday: M53 Self-Propelled Assault Gun

An interesting side note here, you can find at least one
of these monsters on every live fire range on every
Army post I've ever been on.....)
http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=620

To Our Friends In The North

You have no doubt heard about the senseless murder of two Canadian
soldiers in the last few days. 

I would like to express my sincerest condolences and sympathy to the
soldiers and their families, as well my deepest felt support to not only
an exceptional ally for over a century but, more importantly a neighbor
and friend.

Tanker's Tuesday: M3A1 Stuart

The M3A1 was the follow on to the M3 light tank, incorporating
various improvements. Notably, in an attempt to speed up
production, the M3A1 hull dispensed with many of its rivets
and instead the plates were welded together (a necessary
correction on the Academy kit. The commander's cupola was
eliminated as were the fixed sponson machine guns.
Periscopes and sighting mechanisms were upgraded. The
introduction of a hydraulic traverse for the turret to improve
the speed and accuracy of aiming the 37mm gun necessitated
internal changes, including a basket with floor for the
commander and gunner.

http://www.usarmymodels.com/AFV%20PHOTOS/M3A1%20STUART/M3A1%20Stuart.html

Some WWII German Odds And Ends From Ebay

1941 mkI* Universal Carrier Driving AKA "Bren Gun Carrier

Universal Carrier - Bren Gun Carrier

Universal Bren carrier off road

Tanker's Tuesday: The Carden-Lloyd Mk.VI tankette

Origins: The Carden-Lloyd Mk.VI tankette

The early Carden-Lloyd tankettes from 1933 were the very basis for the Universal Carrier. Originally, these machines were invented by Major Giffard LeQuesne Martel, whom developed a prototype privately, for potential requests from the Royal Army Corp. He was a military engineer and a daring tank strategist. After his demonstration to the War Office, Carden Lloyd Tractors Ltd. company was requested to study practical production. They introduced a slightly enlarged vehicle for two men. Success with the prototype guaranteed a first order, with Vickers-Armstrong's business network as a backup for exports. The last production version was the Mk.VI, of which up to 450 were built in all, from 1927 to 1935. The Mk.VI was the blueprint for the Universal Carrier. A hundred or more were sold abroad

http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/gb/universal_carrier.php

Now a sad confession, after more than 35 years of modeling
and collecting I have NEVER owned one of these in any
scale. I'm happy to report that after two resent purchases
that situation has been remedied!

 

Tanker's Tuesday:Saladin (FV601)

http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=423


Here are a few shots of a ROCO and Matchbox Saladin:

Alvis Saracen + Saladin and Stalwart Bovington Tankfest 2008

Saladin Tank Mark 2 Cold War British Tank Armored Vehicle

Saladin armoured car.

Panzer Unit Buy From Ebay

German Tank Company made for the Flames of War rules, but can be used with others.

8 plastic Panzer IV made by Zveda

5 plastic Stug made by Zveda

1 metal panzer IV made by Minifigs from the 80's

1 metal panzer III made by Minifigs from the 80's

4 plastic german half tracks  by Point of Contact with Battle Front Machine gunners

1 mg platoon of Battle Front Germans with one three man command team and one two man command team with panzerfausts and well as one Panzerschreck team.
You'll note that this is all early to
mid-war kit in late war cammo,
must have been in a safe area...
my T34s are licking their lips.....