While the paint is drying on my 1/35 Trumpeter Rooikat, I thought that I would make in roads on “Ou Boet” (Old Brother), the Eland 90 reconnaissance armoured car that preceded the Rooikat, “Klein Boet” (Baby Brother).
My build is based on the 1/35 Takom AML 90 kit, which will require significant modification. My freind got hold of a Tiger kit of the AML 90, which in my opinion is a better kit with all the additional details, interior and some more inline with the SADF variant external details.
The turret and engine bay require the most work, I will need to change the tyres and head lights as well.
Compared to the Rooikat, the Eland is crazy small. No wonder it could not keep up with the Ratels during the bush war and even scarrier that they engaged with and destroyed Soviet supplied T34-85 & T55’s manned by Angolan’s, Cuban’s & possibly Soviet Russians as there were “advisors” in evidence. Though it did normally require multiple hits with an unstabilised low pressure 90mm gun firing HEAT rounds. Utilising, shoot and scoot tacticts.
The turret of a disabled Olifant Mk1a was sent to the then Soviet Union for analysis, pretty much like the T90 been shipped to the USA for analysis.
This is an impressive little vehicle that fought well outside it weight division that deserves to be honoured in a build.
Thanks for watching.
We came in peace, so shoot to kill🖖🏼
The new end is more square and protruding. It is effectively hinged at the bottom to swing open and after decoupling from the side shafts, the engine is supposed to slide out on rails.
Anyway, that’s pretty much what I want to replicate.
Thanks for watching.
We come in peace, so shoot to kill
I have been looking at the commander’s copula which is different to the standard AML90 variant.
Struggled trying to recreate the side walls from 0.35 thk plasticard strip, I may have to resort to 3D printing to replicate the Eland Mk7 copula extension + view slots.
The main gun, co-axial .303 fitted and commanders .303 temporarily positioned. Not quite there, but the finish line for the turret assembly is in sight.
Checked their website yesterday, everything out of stock, apart from some figures, so may be closed down now, just not sure as he has one of those square link things.
