I think this one is awesome and the modeler, Brian Fowler came up with idea, model & backstory, hit a home run.
Tanks-Encyclopedia: Soviet kv_vi_fake_tanks
“It doesn’t need to turn, it will drive straight to Berlin” Stalin
What are some of your favorites?
M60-2000. It was designed as an M1 Abrams alternative for countries that had large numbers of M60 Patton tanks, like Egypt and Turkey. In he end, Egypt decided to locally make their M1 Abrams and Turkey turned to Elbit Systems in Israel to convert their M60s to the “Sabra”.
MBT-70… if only the technology would have worked as good as the concept sounded…
Love the MBT-70. “Hmm - this thing still isn’t complicated enough. What if we put the driver in the turret?”
Panther F, Panther II.
Normally I’d jump right in here and show off again, my Commander Models MBT-70, but for once I won’t - but I am such a fan of the vehicle!
I’ve the Kpz version awaiting my attentions in the stash, but just haven’t gotten around to it; so many models, so little time!
That is a really tough question.
Doing a fake design right requires some basic understanding of how tanks really work. I am not a fan of most fake tanks because they very obviously violate reality–engineering, spatially, or tactically.
My favorite design study is the German E25. Real engineers worked on the project and the drawings represent a practical design. In other words, if built, it would very probably work.
For design nightmare, which I interpret as very impractical and/or wasteful of resources, the Tsar Tank comes to mind. Maybe the Ferdinand.
In my opinion, most of the tanks thus far selected by other forum members do not qualify because they were actually built and performed fairly well. I do not consider a technology test project a design nightmare because the whole point of a test project is to test and find the flaws.
I will give an honorable fake tank mention to Siege Tanks from Starcraft. Those things are fun.
The result of meeting a Gorgon perhaps?
E100 Super Heavy … Love the turret shape. A King Tiger on steroids…
I’ve always liked to imagine various combinations of existing cross turret/hulls in tank design, The AMX-13 with a Chaffee turret started it… then my mind went a bit crazy…
M60 Hull, with Chieftain turret, or vica versa …
Sherman Hull (take your pick) with Cromwell turret, or maybe a T-34/76 top …
The suggestions are endless.
Maybe I should just get my coat… !
IDF Super Stewart
One of my favorites. I don’t know who make up the IDF Super Stewart but his timing was perfect back in ~1997 at AMPS.
Nothing like British L7 105mm gun on 15 ton light tank.
Bergejagdpanther: Sd. Kfz. m-88
Theoretical closed top German armored recovery vehicle.
There is a full sized 1/35th Berge winch in there so the crew has tight quarters but really no tighter than the real Bergepanther.
I do hope this one passes muster. Anything I “imagineer” I always want it to be plausible and exhibit reasonable and proper engineering practice.
My starting plan:
Early progress:
Rear haulback and spade:
Front 3/4 view. Forward anchor spade is a modified recovery spade from the Tamiya Famo.
Engine deck and tool crib detail:
You and me both!
That is really well done and looks realistic, like it would actually work.
Many years ago, I started a similar project based on a Panzer IV chassis Same forward compartment. Same forward boom design. Same forward winch. Basically, a German M32, which was pretty obviously the same inspiration for your project. I like the jib crane on the back of yours.
Of the ones actually created, my favorites:
Tsart tank (already mentioned here)
Tank Grotte - created in one copy in the USSR.
Experienced tank Object 279
and its American brother Chrysler TV-8
And a mobile nuclear power plant.
And a dozen others.
Just for outrageousness, I’ve got to choose the P-1000 Ratte. Whether it was a sketch on a cocktail napkin, a blueprint, or sheer nightmare fantasy, it wins in all departments.
Yes Terry I agree especially with the AMX-13 / M24 Chaffee combinations. I built the one with the Chaffee hull and AMX-13 turret, I have the other one in my stash. Think it’s a Takom kit
