iambrb
Well-known member
Started a buddy build project with Eric/erains) ...The Egyptian T-34/100. For this build we will only work on it when we can get together therefore it will be a bit slower than normal. We'll both use the same base kits. The Accurate Armor conversion, Academy T-34/85 and the Trumpeter BS-3 100mm gun.
Ok so Eric actually approached me regarding doing a buddy build, and suggested this particular vehicle, which he knew I had. So why this particular armored vehicle? Well for the last few years I have been steadily reading Modern Middle Eastern Military History, particularly that concerning the foundation and wars involving Israel. When I saw this thing on Accurate Armour’s site, I thought “how weird…I must build it!” A few weeks after my FIL passed away, I found a card containing birthday cash he had intended for me, so it was used to procure these kits. This build will be slow, but I want it to be. I want this one to be a real showcase, one I’ll think of Bobby Ray Smith each time I view it
After the 1956 war, Egypt found that it’s many T-34/85’s were becoming obsolete. They also owned a large number of towed 100mm anti-tang guns, which by their employment method were becoming obsolete. Hence the T-34/100 was borne. Basically, the Egyptians turned the turret backwards, and cut away the top, back, and front. In what had been the rear turret they installed the 100mm BS-3, and then welded steel plate in place to create a new turret. I have not been able to find any data as to the number converted, and only seen vague references that the guns were used in the 1967 and 1973 wars. I can find no references to it’s use in the battles for Al Arish or Abu Agelia, or Umm Qatef. In the 1967 war, Egypt abandoned very large numbers of equipment in the field, & I strongly suspect that these were in the southern Sinai, as these units essentially abandoned their gear without actually fighting, so that may be a partial answer
Unlike Eric I had owned my kit for some months, so I had it on hand to look over. The Verlinden interior is actually better molded than the kit’s interior, so I’ll tuck that back for another day
Eric is DA MAN, whereas I am just a lowly junior builder. Also having never completed anything with an interior, I deferred to his lead, watching and learning. Work began with the fitting of the Verlinden interior kit and assembly of the lower hull. Here are a few pics of the inspiration vehicle and my progress thus far. Here is a great showcase of Eric's skill. In one of the pics, you can see some white styrene card. The interior will be affixed to that, so that it can be removed and replaced easily as it is painted, then glued in place once done! Easy-Peezy!
So yeah, nothing exciting as yet, but stay tuned!
Ok so Eric actually approached me regarding doing a buddy build, and suggested this particular vehicle, which he knew I had. So why this particular armored vehicle? Well for the last few years I have been steadily reading Modern Middle Eastern Military History, particularly that concerning the foundation and wars involving Israel. When I saw this thing on Accurate Armour’s site, I thought “how weird…I must build it!” A few weeks after my FIL passed away, I found a card containing birthday cash he had intended for me, so it was used to procure these kits. This build will be slow, but I want it to be. I want this one to be a real showcase, one I’ll think of Bobby Ray Smith each time I view it
After the 1956 war, Egypt found that it’s many T-34/85’s were becoming obsolete. They also owned a large number of towed 100mm anti-tang guns, which by their employment method were becoming obsolete. Hence the T-34/100 was borne. Basically, the Egyptians turned the turret backwards, and cut away the top, back, and front. In what had been the rear turret they installed the 100mm BS-3, and then welded steel plate in place to create a new turret. I have not been able to find any data as to the number converted, and only seen vague references that the guns were used in the 1967 and 1973 wars. I can find no references to it’s use in the battles for Al Arish or Abu Agelia, or Umm Qatef. In the 1967 war, Egypt abandoned very large numbers of equipment in the field, & I strongly suspect that these were in the southern Sinai, as these units essentially abandoned their gear without actually fighting, so that may be a partial answer
Unlike Eric I had owned my kit for some months, so I had it on hand to look over. The Verlinden interior is actually better molded than the kit’s interior, so I’ll tuck that back for another day
Eric is DA MAN, whereas I am just a lowly junior builder. Also having never completed anything with an interior, I deferred to his lead, watching and learning. Work began with the fitting of the Verlinden interior kit and assembly of the lower hull. Here are a few pics of the inspiration vehicle and my progress thus far. Here is a great showcase of Eric's skill. In one of the pics, you can see some white styrene card. The interior will be affixed to that, so that it can be removed and replaced easily as it is painted, then glued in place once done! Easy-Peezy!
So yeah, nothing exciting as yet, but stay tuned!
