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Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: Fitz on April 04, 2021, 09:56:14 AM

Title: Char B1(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: Fitz on April 04, 2021, 09:56:14 AM

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Di_EhDr6i5I/YGf-XkGGjsI/AAAAAAAAYZI/1FKCWHOZyJYpxhrkgamy4LdHBWr68qyfACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/2021-04-03-LeFH-18aufGW-B2.jpg)

One of the many conversions of French vehicles, this one was (I think) designated LeFH-18 auf GW B2. It was basically a 105mm howitzer in a hexagonal steel box on top of a Char B1(bis) chassis, with a few other adjustments like the removal of the hull 75mm and improvements to the driver's sight.

I was going to add some crewmen to this 15mm 3d print, but there's just not room for them in the fighting compartment, so it can go without.

These conversions started out being painted overall panzergrau, then went to overall dunkelgelb. I don't know if there's any direct photographic evidence of them being painted in the three-colour scheme, but I think it likely, and besides, I like it better.

Title: Re: Char B2(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: has.been on April 04, 2021, 12:13:16 PM

Now you don't see one of them every day.
Very nice.

Title: Re: Char B2(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: fred on April 04, 2021, 07:14:23 PM

Not seen one of those before!

The ‘turret’ looks far too small for the gun

Title: Re: Char B2(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: modelwarrior on April 04, 2021, 07:21:38 PM

Excellent job and very rare indeed. Im sure the Germans had some of these in Italy but not 100% sure ?

Title: Re: Char B2(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: Elbows on April 05, 2021, 01:05:07 AM

Quote from: fred on April 04, 2021, 07:14:23 PM

Not seen one of those before!

The ‘turret’ looks far too small for the gun

I think that's mainly an issue of gaming piece vs. reality.  In the real one the gun would be 10% thinner and the turret walls would be 40% thinner, etc.  Probably just enough to squeeze in to load and shoot the thing. Also proportions could simply be a bit off.  A lot of those conversions were awfully tight.

Title: Re: Char B2(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: meyer on April 05, 2021, 07:11:31 AM

A very interesting version and a beautiful paintjob!

I just read that only 16 of these vehicles were in use. Yes, a very rare tank!

Title: Re: Char B2(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: Fitz on April 06, 2021, 04:43:34 AM

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3Ia0LRz-ms/YGvXOopU5KI/AAAAAAAAYao/tHdLeGI6_Mcx0ceQYlFfvgS2x5XgHFz6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s998/2021-04-06-CharB1Flammpanzer.jpg)

So, here's the Char B1(bis) Flammpanzer in all its panzer-grey glory.

This version of the flamethrower tank is perhaps a little less flexible on the wargaming table than the earlier version, because the big boxy flamethrower fuel tank on the back makes it very obvious what it is, so I can't as easily sneak one into a game pretending to be a gun tank.

Title: Re: Char B1(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: Ceeteegee on April 06, 2021, 10:25:06 PM

Two very nice models there. Great camo and very nice Panzer Grey. Not an easy colour to get right IMHO.

Title: Re: Char B1(bis) Beutepanzer
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on April 08, 2021, 10:25:49 PM

Very nice.

The three colour scheme looks good but the grey looks brutal. Not sure which looks best.