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| What If Crusader MkIV | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 24 2011, 01:15 PM (730 Views) | |
| fatfingers | Mar 24 2011, 01:15 PM Post #1 |
Advanced Member
  ![]](http://z1.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)
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How do chaps, You may recall that I mentioned in my Cromwell post that I was considering doing a 'what if' Well, this is what I'm going to be doing..... Starting with this....  and then adding the Turret from this....   This should then create what i'm calling the Crusader Mk IV Recce Tank. The basic premis is as follows. Prior to the invasion of Normandy, the Armoured Recce Regiments decided that the Stuarts that had served them well in the Desert and Italy were not quite upto the job in France. This was due in no main part to the lack of firepower of the 37mm gun. It was decided that due to a huge ammount of Crusader Tanks going spare, the upgraded turret from the Staghound MK III Armoured car that was still undergoing trials would be fitted to the Crusader Mk III chassis. The turret was fitted with the tried and tested 75mm gun, as used on the Cromwell & Churchill tanks. Very early versions however, still retained the 6pdr, but this was replaced in the field as more 75's became available Initial trials were successful and the vehicles were distributed to the Regiments in April 1944. Due to the increase in the main armament, the crew was reduced to 3, with the commander also serving as the gunner. The vehicle had the speed to get out of trouble, but also the gun to fight if required. On occasions it was also used to provide fire support and as a 'battle tank' when Sherman's, Churchill's or Cromwell's were not available. After the war, many were passed on to other nations, with the Irish Army taking large numbers and using them well into the 1970's. Even taking them on UN Peace Keeping Missions, where they provided a welcome presence of firepower. Thats the back story that i was thinking of. Comments and suggestions very welcome. Build will follow soon, Regards, Steve Edited by fatfingers, Mar 24 2011, 07:55 PM.
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| foxy | Mar 29 2011, 11:17 AM Post #2 |
Happy modeler
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Howdy Steve. I beleave you could use the original turret from the revel one and just change the gun for your project. That will save you a kit and can make two instead of one,'see I give you more work lol'. 
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| fatfingers | Mar 30 2011, 05:46 PM Post #3 |
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Advanced Member
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How do foxy, Yep, your right about the turret, but the Italeri Staghound turret has a different hatch layout so by using that, I reakon it will look a bit more 'what if' than if I just changed the gun. The Crusader turret wll then be fitted to the Staghound with a 6pdr to represent a trials vehicle.  Regards, Steve |
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| fatfingers | Apr 1 2011, 05:42 PM Post #4 |
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Advanced Member
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How do chaps, Been tinkering today and here's the progress thus far.  The aluminium barrel is rather nicely done. The brass is very easy to work with and shaped well without problems, even with my fat digits!  The BESA MG is one that I've nicked from the AFV Club Churchill Mk III, that is currently 'resting' in the shed   The turret shell went together without any problems.  A few brass bits on the turret.   Also made a start on the Revell chassis. The turret ring is from the Staghound as it had better detail with the boltheads. Just had to remove the raised line from the hull top where the original kit part sat.  I've made a few of these kits over the years, Mk I's II's and III's. The first 35th scale kit I ever made was the Mk III mannnnny moons ago!  Turret in place on the hull. One hell of of a shot trap around the turret bottom don't you think  And finally, can't decide whether to fit the Stowage box on the turret rear or not   More to follow soon, Regards, Steve |
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