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Author Topic: Simplex 'Tin Turtle' in N Russia  (Read 9783 times)

Offline sukhe_bator

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Simplex 'Tin Turtle' in N Russia
« on: September 20, 2010, 02:47:16 PM »
I'm currently taking a short break from wargaming and am modelling narrow gauge 009...but I stumbled upon a few threads devoted to the Simplex petrol driven armoured tractor that was in use extensively behind the lines on the Western Front and was reminded of this image from At War with the Bolsheviks, by P Jackson
It suddenly occurred to me they'd used the shell of a Simplex 'tin turtle' as an impromptu turret. White metal kits of the Simplex are available for 4mm modellers which could well be adapted
Warriors dreams, summer grasses, all that remains

Offline Ramirez Noname

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Re: Simplex 'Tin Turtle' in N Russia
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2010, 12:00:25 PM »
That’s a great pic, S_B

The one shown in the picture is a “protected” type as opposed to the fully enclosed “armoured” type. It also looks like a late version with a straight frame.

If you want a 5.5mm scale Simplex, Malcolm Savage does one; check his details here –

http://www.blackhamtransfers.com/55/MalSavKits/MalSavLocos.html

Malcolm’s is the “armoured” type, but could be hacked into the “protected" version; or in 009, you could try this one from Meridian Models via Parkside Dundas here –

http://www.parksidedundas.co.uk/acatalog/Loco_Body_Kits__White_Metal_.html

but Parkside don’t have a picture of the model, unfortunately. Meridian do both types but they don’t have a website  >:(

Hope this helps

Ramirez

Offline Bungle

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Re: Simplex 'Tin Turtle' in N Russia
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2010, 08:27:48 PM »
Hmm....

It looks like it is mounted on a circle of track.

Disconnect drive from one side, and you have a self powered, petrol driven turret.

Very ingenious

Offline sukhe_bator

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Re: Simplex 'Tin Turtle' in N Russia
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2010, 02:03:16 PM »
I should say pic 'courtesy of the IWM' and shared for specialist interest and research purposes only 

Offline Ramirez Noname

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Re: Simplex 'Tin Turtle' in N Russia
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2010, 08:51:01 AM »
I agree with Bezzo, I would also like to see photos of your 009 railway if poss.

I’ve been involved with modelling narrow gauge railways for quite a few years and even did a 3 year stint as Membership Secretary for the “Slim Gauge Circle” – modelling the American railroading scene allowed me to develop a layout based on the Wild West using HLBS cowboys – a couple of photos of which I have posted on this forum. I have a HOn30 loco and freight car set sat on my shelf ATM waiting for a future project (possibly in 28mm).

The photo really intrigues me. If it is in use in Russia it begs the question where did the loco (body?) come from. I know they were used in France, Belgium, parts of Palestine and Salonika but this one looks in good condition (apart from the deliberate aperture for the gun). I was wondering if it had been bought from the war surplus stocks held at Purfleet, Kent after WWI ? Is there any more information about it in the publication ?

And I agree with Bungle – definitely a rail showing under the body shell. The wheelbase of these units was only about 4’/1200mm so it is possible that it was adapted in some way.

Thanks

RMZ

Offline sukhe_bator

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Re: Simplex 'Tin Turtle' in N Russia
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2010, 10:51:50 AM »
Good spot guys - I hadn't appreciated they'd gone beyond merely using the armoured shell as an impromptu gun shield. Now it looks like the thing may have actually turned like a real turret...how cool is that?!

As for showing my 009 - its still very much in the experimental stages - no baseboard as yet and I'm struggling to build up the rolling stock and scenic items. It feels a lot harder to do than wargames scenery ever did! Still I'm pleased with the rustic look of the two scratchbuilt engine sheds...

 

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