Rubicon Models

Rubicon Models => Wish Lists => Topic started by: Rubicon Models on September 09, 2014, 08:57:32 pm

Title: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on September 09, 2014, 08:57:32 pm
GREAT BRITAIN you say? Well, many people had asked us why we don’t have any British vehicles yet! The fact is we don’t know where to start... we had considered a few, especially the Churchill, but the tank is just too big and had too many variants to research. We had also looked into others too - desert war, early war, mid and late war? What are your thoughts?

PS: Mind you all... this is not going to happen overnight! We still have a few more vehicles on the queue and in the works! So you still have to wait!!


The following is an edited transcript of the discussion we had on Facebook before the forum is active!  You can continue with the discussion here...


Dominic Payne:  Also an Archer would be awesome as no one produces one yet (as far as I know).

Dominic Payne:  I think a Mk2 Valentine would be great you could do the 2pdr, 6pdr and the 75mm variants.  Although I would have to buy 2, one for my Russian army and one for my planned 8th army.

Thierry Joly:  Churchill MKVII and Grant too

Thierry Joly:   Matilda, Cromwell and Crusader will be a good choice.

Melvin Brookman:  Cromwell please!

Rubicon Models:  Cromwell is easy to do, but someone else is already doing a plastic...

Michael Bliss:  True Rubicon, but so companies are going to go in to the plastic type more and more, just keep doing what you’re doing and regardless of other companies you will get your ‘own’ customer following and they will buy, I know I will and I was doing 15mm!!

Thomas Hoellering:  I really-really think that you ought to have started with Pre-War tanks first. Then produce tanks on the order that they appeared on the battlefields.  As the war progressed, so did tank design.  And as you design larger and larger tanks, you too gain design experience.  And new and old players can follow your design path from the 1930’s to the 1950’s.

Michael Bliss:  still would like a Churchill sometime so do hope you reconsider, I think it would sell well, Id have a slack handful or what J. R. Tranter said.

Rubicon Models:  The Churchill is definitely on our to-do list.  We just need to sort out the various variants and decided on a production plan.  For each vehicle, we had to go through a lot of research and photo references, plus need to fit everything into three sprues... not an easy task, particularly for a large tank like a Churchill!

Michael Bliss:  Completely understood, many thanks for the clarification, looking forward to October.

Steve Blease:  Not sure if you have plans already for an M3 Lee/Grant but please, please, please do an option for the British Lee used in Burma (they replaced the little mg cupola with a hatch).  No one does this version and it bugs me!  http://www.military-art.com/mall/more.php?ProdID=18015

Chris Long:  Sherman V and Firefly.

Tim Young:  What about the Mitilda MKI

Arven Rauth:  Challenger.  No one makes a Challenger

Rubicon Models:  The Challenger was very late war 44-45, and only about 200 was actually produced. Not sure a plastic kit is worth the efforts (commercial viewpoint-wise).

Arven Rauth:  Thing is I don’t think your sales are based on numbers of tanks that actually saw service but rather desirability.  I know pretty much any gamer who does British Guards Armoured or Polish will want one and there are a few of those about.

Steve Blease:  Sherman Firefly.  I love the early stuff but the Firefly would make more commercial sense.

Rubicon Models:  Good point taken! Thanks Steve!

Jamie Rafiki Tranter:  Sherman V with optional Firefly parts.

Rubicon Models:  May be... could be an add-on sprue to our existing range at a later stage!

Richard Thomson:  Comet.  Not a common model from what I can see.

Rubicon Models:  Not a lot of Comet tanks reached the front line before the war ended in 1945...

Lim Jyue:  Cromwell is probably good, though there’s only a couple of variation (Centaur and Normandy cowl really). You can stretch that (literally) into a Challenger I suppose...  Crusaders are good, especially if you can work the various guns and the AA versions.  17 pdr guns and mine flails might be good as a starting point since you do have a Sherman version coming out. M4A4 was it? That’d be a Sherman V, which did have the Sherman Vc conversion.

Rubicon Models:  Lim, good points! Notes taken!

Barnaby Jones:  The Comet would be a nice start

Richard Clark:  Cruiser tanks would be nice. I really like the Grant too (not strictly British I know but it would be a good kit with an option for the Lee turret).

David Maltman:  I am for the early cruiser tanks A9, 10 and 13, may even be able to put them on a single sprue.

Moritz Schinke:  Matilda.

Tomas Gaisare:  Churchill would be my vote, if not then the crusader or lee.  Would you at any point consider doing 1/48 scale?

Blair Oakley:  Matilda or Crusader.

Peter Duellist Martindale:  My vote would be for the Churchill.

Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: PORTA on October 03, 2014, 05:45:09 pm
Crusader or centurion please ;D
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on October 03, 2014, 08:42:02 pm
PORTA: Only six prototypes of the Centurion entered the war in Feb 1945, and the war end in May...  We might do one for the Korean War if we decided to do that era.  As for the Crusader, the tank was produced between 1940 and 1943, but continued to be in service until 1945.  Will be under our radar...  Thanks!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Garga on October 09, 2014, 02:07:09 pm
Firefly conversion!
And also other conversion based on Sherman like dd
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Magpie on October 10, 2014, 03:19:15 pm
A multikit that can do Sherman V and Sherman VC would be amazing
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on October 10, 2014, 03:32:15 pm
A multikit that can do Sherman V and Sherman VC would be amazing
The Firefly is on our LIST, just need to wait for her turn...

The initial release of our first 6 kits and then the Tiger I is really taking its toll... doing 7 plastic kit projects in less than a year with minimal staff make us look like pandas, lol!  We are taking a brief break while the factory is preparing the kits for commercial shipping.  Meanwhile, we are following up on several open-ended projects, and hope to get them completed before our next two projects started.

Stay tuned!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Ballardian on October 11, 2014, 02:40:03 am
I agree on the desirability aspect trumping whether or not the vehicle saw much service - I'd certainly be in for a Comet or two.
 Perhaps a late model Valentine (X or XI) - I guess it would partly depend on whether you could base a number of variants on the same kit. I also agree on the Challenger, but see how this would be trickier - with no other vehicles using the stretched Cromwell chassis it'd be a rather one purpose kit (a bit like a Churchill Black Prince).
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ripley on October 12, 2014, 12:51:32 pm
The combo kit of the Churchill III / IV might be an good idea . True you would need 2 turrets , a square welded turret for the III and a cast turret for the IV version . But the body styles were the same . Gun options of 6 pounder , 95mm howitzer or the so called NA 75 ( the Sherman 75 mm gun in the welded IV turret ) , would give variety with few parts to exchange . Also if the IV turret and extra guns were on one sprue it could be replaced by an AVRE detail sprue for a D Day Churchill III  "  funny . " Another idea for a   Churchill kit would be  the mark VII ( round side escape hatches } which could include the Crocodile flame thrower gun and trailer .
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: MDPolo on October 13, 2014, 08:33:13 pm
They aren't tanks, but I'd love to see a 4 barrel Polsten AA Truck or a Bofors AA Truck in 1/56. 

M7 Priest
6-pdr Portee
Bishop SP 25-PDR
Sexton
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: robbie039 on October 16, 2014, 04:00:49 am
Could you also have a look at the duplex drive and Crab versions.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: RedRowan on October 20, 2014, 04:16:43 pm
My interest is in the desert so I would really like to see things like the M3 Grant and M3 Stuart.

Steve
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Keith on October 22, 2014, 09:07:08 pm
Vote for the Comet and a Churchill set that covers the MkIV and MkVI in the same box (MkIII turret too for a stretch-goal  :) ). Please include LOTS of spare track (and wheels for the Shermans) in any of your British armour kits though. They'll look under-dressed otherwise.

I'd love to see the armoured cars get some love too. A proper Dingo MkII, Humber Scout (required for the armoured units anyway), AEC MkIII, Humber LRC. That lot would begin to cover NWE for starters.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: robbie039 on October 23, 2014, 03:38:13 am
as I am mostly intrested in north africa and in overlord , I'm inclined to the cruisers and churchil,crocodile.

also in Hobarts Funnies and the crab and the duplex drive .
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Laffe on November 07, 2014, 08:47:57 pm
Various scout cars suitable for desert and/or normandy -- I'm not knowledgeable enough to know the difference, but I know there's a difference.

Stuart/Honeys? Both for Desert and Hell's Highway.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on November 11, 2014, 02:39:41 pm
I agree that one or two British vehicles should be part of the range soon.  I'm assuming that you'll want to stick to the more common vehicles to start with, and you're probably going to focus on mid to late war.  That means a Sherman, Cromwell or Churchill.  It's a bit obvious, but my vote would be for an M4A4 with options parts to build a Firefly.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on November 11, 2014, 03:14:36 pm
I agree that one or two British vehicles should be part of the range soon.  I'm assuming that you'll want to stick to the more common vehicles to start with, and you're probably going to focus on mid to late war.  That means a Sherman, Cromwell or Churchill.  It's a bit obvious, but my vote would be for an M4A4 with options parts to build a Firefly.

The M4A4 design would require us to start it as a completely new project, may be somewhere along the line, we will do one!

For British tanks, we would love to do the Churchill, but need a lot of planning ahead... this is due to the fact about it's size and features on the hull.  To make it multi-option and/or multi-variant, we will not be able to fit the tank onto 3 sprues.  Some British tanks are actually used throughout the war, mostly as close combat support; we might look into that direction when we pick our first British tank!
;)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on November 11, 2014, 05:44:16 pm
The M4A4 design would require us to start it as a completely new project, may be somewhere along the line, we will do one!

Fair enough.  How about the M4 (either the initial version or the cast/rolled hybrid)?  Then you could use your existing Sherman chassis, tracks and running gear.  All you'd need to do is an M4 hull and the Firefly turret etc.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on November 11, 2014, 06:35:39 pm
The M4A4 design would require us to start it as a completely new project, may be somewhere along the line, we will do one!

Fair enough.  How about the M4 (either the initial version or the cast/rolled hybrid)?  Then you could use your existing Sherman chassis, tracks and running gear.  All you'd need to do is an M4 hull and the Firefly turret etc.

We have plans for two more M4 variants on the line, should expect to see some drawings later!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Laffe on November 11, 2014, 06:39:37 pm
Seconded the M4A4 -- with bits for a Firefly it would be stupendous value for money, but even without it just doing an M4A4 that was common with the British forces would be splendid. The Firefly can be added later or as a separate kit, I think people would buy both anyway. (I would.)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sam034 on November 12, 2014, 06:02:07 am
On my personal wish list is the Comet and the Cromwell since I want to do a late war tank unit which looks British.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: trick34 on December 09, 2014, 01:43:23 am
churchill tanks with open tracks......
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Dominic_payne on December 09, 2014, 06:46:34 am
Look ma I'm famous! 

As I stated in my facebook post, I would love a Valentine, however I do also agree on the Mk5 Sherman with the firefly option.

But regardless I think any British tank will be awesome.

Keep up the great work. 
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Hessian on December 14, 2014, 12:46:55 pm
I would prefer a matilda. One of the greater tanks in the North-African Campaign.

greetings
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Patrick R on December 22, 2014, 01:56:52 am
For British tanks I think that both the Valentine (Bishop/Archer ?) and the Churchill series have the most potential.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on January 14, 2015, 02:57:28 am
I think a Churchill would be the best option as italeri/warlord already make a Cromwell so making it a different vehicle would help all gb ww2 gamers and less duplication as well.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: bull-nut on January 28, 2015, 08:58:59 am
Comet was essentially a revised Cromwell, so it should be possible to dual purpose a Cromwell kit to make Comet as well. Some Cromwells did have the revised type D hull with the Comet style hatches and 15inch tracks, so that's not a problem. So you need an extra turret, extra gun, and separate upper track runs to include the comet return rollers. Given that Cromwell/Comet is quite a bit smaller than Sherman, I would imagine there would be room on the sprue.

From a commercial PoV, dual kitting would cut down on tooling, and widen the appeal of the kit.

Cromwell single kit = Uk 7th armoured, 1st polish, and armoured recce units of UK Armoured divisions
Comet = Guards armoured post Battle of the Bulge
Dual kit = All of the above

Edit: Actually, include the parts for the 95mm Howitzer as well, and you'll also get some of the Royal Marine players.

So that's two turrets, three guns, 1 mantlet and a pair of track runs. should fit fine I would think.
Of course ideally I'd like to see that most widely exported of british tanks, Centurion, but seeing as we are focusing on WW2 vehicles, I'll accept that I won't see one in any scale other than 1/35 for a long, long time.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on January 29, 2015, 08:07:02 pm
comet would be a good model but it is quite different than the cromwell in many respects so would be a new model I reckon given the room on the mould frames and price ect.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: bull-nut on January 30, 2015, 04:31:12 am
How different do you mean. It was a little wider than Cromwell, had a different turret, gun and front hull, and the tracks had return rollers. As far as I can tell from reading David Fletchers book on the two tanks, most of the other changes were internal to do with ammo stowage, transmission and so on. The suspension units, wheels, engines, etc were mostly interchangable between centaur, cromwell and comet.
Rubicon have already shown that they can fit two turrets and two track units into one model with the T34/76
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Laffe on January 30, 2015, 06:29:20 am
If the hull is bigger you need more than a spare turret though.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ripley on January 30, 2015, 09:22:36 am
The Comet body is a foot longer than the Cromwell , and it has 18 inch wide track versus 14 on the Cromwell . The actual body width is the same , but more internal room in Comet due to torsion bar suspension . So not really a great 2 in 1 kit option .
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: bull-nut on January 30, 2015, 05:11:01 pm
Ripley: I concede your point re: track width, I misread my references, though cromwell also used the 15.5in track. The track width I dont see as a problem for a dual kit though, at this scale, the 2.5inch difference (assuming cromwell mark with 15.5 inch track) amounts to just 1.1mm each side, the 8inch length difference (according to my sources) is less than 4mm difference, representable with a new overlayed rear hull plate.

Regarding the suspension however, British tanks have never, to my knowledge, used torsion bars owing to maintenence problems (though some light armoured vehicles, such as APC's do). Comet I believe was the last of the British tanks to use Cristie suspension as on all cruiser tanks from the A13 onwards, I would be interested to know what source you have that states that Comet used Torsion bars.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ripley on January 30, 2015, 09:46:19 pm
Your right , my bad . Got to get my glasses checked ( again )  ::)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: bull-nut on January 30, 2015, 11:40:37 pm
Back on topic though, I think its a shame that Comet seems to have been almost forgotten when it comes to late WW2 tanks. It's short service life means I think a dual kit is the best chance we have of getting one in anything other than resin :(
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Klank on February 03, 2015, 12:20:46 pm
Early war: Matilda and Crusader tanks maybe the M3 Grant

Mid war: M4 Sherman,  Comet/Cromwell

Brit heavies: Churchills or different kinds 
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: bull-nut on February 03, 2015, 05:17:02 pm
I guess the little Vickers MK VI could be interesting, but maybe a little limited in appeal.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: H0ffmn on February 03, 2015, 11:11:44 pm
The  M-3 Grant would be a good choice. Then with a different turret you could have the M-3 Lee.You could then use the same suspension and track for an early M-4 or M-4A1 or even a M-7 Priest
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Laffe on February 04, 2015, 05:37:50 pm
Yeah, I agree.

Useful from Early 1942 through all battles of El Alamein and Tunisia. An excellent opponent for your Panzer III I think :-)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Cat on February 26, 2015, 01:21:57 pm
Is a Cromwell/Challenger kit possible?
 
I'd be in for a troop of 4 (3 Cromwell + 1 Challenger) for a late-war 1st Polish Armoured Division troop.
 
While not many Challengers were made, the Cromwell/Challenger combo may prove popular as an alternative image to the Sheman/Firefly combo troop.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Swamprat33 on February 26, 2015, 08:54:19 pm
Challenger & Comet please.
No one makes an A30 Challenger in 1/56.

Tim
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: kenshin620 on April 07, 2015, 11:56:32 am
Well suffice to say, this topic now is slightly obsolete with the crusaders!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on April 07, 2015, 12:52:13 pm
Well suffice to say, this topic now is slightly obsolete with the crusaders!

Not necessarily, Crusader will not be the only British tank we will do.  Still need brainstorming to come up with more... ;)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on April 07, 2015, 01:30:15 pm
Much as I'd love to see some early war British armour (like a MkVI Light Tank), it's never going to sell enough.  So I'm going to continue to push for a Sherman I (with parts to make an early version suitable for North Africa, and a Firefly), and a Churchill (preferably one of the mid-production variants).
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Cat on April 07, 2015, 10:10:26 pm
Yay, there's still hope for a Challenger.
 
If you consider the M4A1, I hope that could include the M4A5 Canadian Ram variants.  I'ld snap up a handful of Ram Kangaroos!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Ballardian on April 08, 2015, 09:05:46 pm
I'd also love a Challenger, unfortunately I don't think a combo kit with the Cromwell would be easy,  (or maybe even possible) as while Challengers were based on Cromwell chassis, they had to stretch them, adding another road wheel, (plus, I think widen it) in order to fit a turret big enough to fit a 17 pdr  in it.
This would probably require a separate kit as the stretched chassis wasn't utilised for anything else - a similar problem would present itself for the Churchill Black Prince.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on April 08, 2015, 09:15:19 pm
British tanks are particularly difficult to make them multi-variant because of their subtle little differences and obvious modifications.  Extra time and efforts to do research unless you try to ignore those differences.

The Crusader is pretty straight forward (in some way), but we still have to bent some corners to put everything into a single kit.
;)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Durham_red on May 31, 2015, 06:27:59 pm
I'd really like to see the Valentine and Matilda variants but my first choice would be the M7 Priest Which could possibly include the defrocked priest and the Kangaroo variants. This would also be useful for the US army.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on June 03, 2015, 03:45:43 am
Sherman m4a4 and Churchill mk3 or 4 would be my choices
can do lots with those
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: bull-nut on June 08, 2015, 06:20:54 am
On the subject of early war tanks. How about the A9 and A10 cruisers? It might be possible to get both tanks and the CS versions into one box, in a simliar manner to what PSC are planning with their 15mm version, as I dont think there were very many detail differences between the two. Might have to check that when I go down to Bovington for Tankfest in a few weeks. Would there be any interest in some walkaround photo's?
As an added bonus, the lower hull and running gear might be usable for other vehicles such as Infantry tank mk111 Valentine, SP 25lbr Bishop and SP 17lbr Archer. Though there may be a lack of interest in that last one, I don't think all that many were built.

Also, now that the Crusader is apparently getting close to release, how about the Staghound armoured  car? The Mk111 version used the turret from the Crusader Mk111. It would be great if you could add in some Tulip rocket rail as well

Sorry, I know it seems like I want everything ( maybe I do?). I'm rather passionate when it comes to British armoured vehicles, and I may get carried away with what I'd like to see made in plastic.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on June 08, 2015, 09:54:56 am
bull-nut, thanks for the wish list.  Choosing the right British tank is a difficult task.  While most have very small production quantity or rarely seen war action, some are too complicated to produce without careful planning.  The A15 Crusader took us a long time to come up with a good design.  We will continue to explore the various possibilities as we improve our design skills.

Being that said, armoured cars offered a lot of viable options.  We are studying them now and don't be surprise to see a project or two in 2016!

;)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Yaquir on June 08, 2015, 05:26:32 pm
I'd like a Valentine and/or a Matilda II.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on June 08, 2015, 10:02:16 pm
Being that said, armoured cars offered a lot of viable options.  We are studying them now and don't be surprise to see a project or two in 2016!

I would love to see some British armoured cars - especially the Humber and Daimler.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on June 09, 2015, 02:18:33 am
there is a lot of difference between the a9 and a10, the a9 is longer for a start and the hulls are only similar from the rear of the turret backwards.
good suggestion but will need 2 different kits.
Churchill mk3 & 4 would be best imho
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on October 26, 2015, 06:14:54 pm
I would be interested in Normandy Era Churchills and British usable Shermans (though as I own a number of Sherman I kits from Nottingham, Sherman V would be my preference). An AVRE would require more sprues than the Tiger - I suspect the Churchill would be minimum four sprues anyway.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on October 26, 2015, 09:29:09 pm
I'm also hoping Rubicon turn their attention to those subjects.  I don't mind which Sherman it is, provided it has the option of being built as a Firefly.  Which means a Sherman I, Sherman II or Sherman V...
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on October 26, 2015, 10:18:46 pm
Rubicon do one tank (not including other AFVs) suitable for British use in Northern Europe, but the Coldstream Guards's Cuckoo had Zimmerit. ^____^

My preference would be a Sherman V, second a II, which would appear to be rarer as a Firefly. A Sherman I hybrid would be an alternative. Is the front of a I hybrid the same as a II (I have read of conversions that use the front off of the cast II hull to make a hybrid? Would that make a suitable multi kit?




Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on November 02, 2015, 03:26:45 am
there was never a Sherman 2 firefly, as far as I can tell.
the sherman 1 hybrid would be ok, but a Sherman 1 would be ok as a firefly.
a Sherman 5 would be best imho!
of course italeri/warlord do a Sherman 1 so doing the same type would be daft, so go for a mk5 lots of conversion potential
or a Sherman 2, but less conversions done.
Churchill mk3 or 4 and avre
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on November 02, 2015, 12:55:22 pm
there was never a Sherman 2 firefly, as far as I can tell.
the sherman 1 hybrid would be ok, but a Sherman 1 would be ok as a firefly.
a Sherman 5 would be best imho!
of course italeri/warlord do a Sherman 1 so doing the same type would be daft, so go for a mk5 lots of conversion potential

No, you're right - there was no Sherman IIc (it seems uncertain whether 'Firefly was an official name). 

I like the look of the Sherman Ic hybrid, and I thought if Rubicon could squeeze in both the original Sherman I hull and the hybrid hull, plus the Firefly upgrade, it would be a versatile kit. 
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on November 02, 2015, 02:11:23 pm
From field intelligence, some one else is working on a plastic M4A4 / Firefly Vc combo... we have hence put on hold the development until further notice!

 ::)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on November 02, 2015, 06:01:13 pm
From field intelligence, some one else is working on a plastic M4A4 / Firefly Vc combo... we have hence put on hold the development until further notice!

 ::)

That makes sense, so how is the Churchill research going ^__^?
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Yaquir on November 02, 2015, 06:05:52 pm
Or valentine?  ;)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on November 03, 2015, 01:35:33 am
Or valentine?  ;)
They are not really a tank that has interested me, though they might be popular with Soviet players.

For early/mid war I would prefer a Matilda II, again possibly popular with Soviet players.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on November 03, 2015, 10:10:02 am
The Matilda and Valentine both have a relatively narrow appeal.  Of the two, the Matilda II would probably be more popular, because it featured prominently in the early part of the North African campaign and also played a role in the Fall of France (with the BEF), the Eastern Front (with the Soviets, although not very successfully) and the Pacific (the Australians used them up to the end of the war).  It would probably be possible for Rubicon to provide all the parts to build the various versions (there were a number of modifications over its service life, and there was a close support version and a flamethrower version).

I think a Churchill would be far more popular, especially if there was an AVRE version included.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on November 03, 2015, 05:27:26 pm
I agree with Pinky about the potential popularity of a Churchill and an AVRE would be the icing on the cake.

It would be quite a squeeze to get all the bits on four sprues, but it might be possible to arrange it so an AVRE could be built from three and have a later kit with an additional sprue for some of the bolt on toys (dozer, fascine, bobbin etc.).

I think Pinky is right that a Matilda II kit could could cover the whole life of the design, though providing both high heels and flats would require ingenuity.

They were still in Australian service in the fifties, I think in Civil Defence. An interesting decal option.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on November 03, 2015, 10:04:01 pm
It would be quite a squeeze to get all the bits on four sprues, but it might be possible to arrange it so an AVRE could be built from three and have a later kit with an additional sprue for some of the bolt on toys (dozer, fascine, bobbin etc.).

Agreed.  I think it's doable - look at Rubicon's Tiger I, which is a large vehicle but includes a lot of options.  And Rubicon have had a lot of experience in kit design since then.

Quote
I think Pinky is right that a Matilda II kit could could cover the whole life of the design, though providing both high heels and flats would require ingenuity.

Do you mean the raised suspension that featured on some BEF A12s?  This wasn't standard, and could be ignored.

Quote
They were still in Australian service in the fifties, I think in Civil Defence. An interesting decal option.

Until about 1955.  Not bad for a tank designed in 1938.  That actually makes it one of the few tanks to see service throughout WW2.  I dunno how important the Australian market is, but Rubicon saw fit to include Aussie markings for their Crusader. 
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on November 07, 2015, 05:49:12 pm
Yup, the BEF version, it is distinctive for that theatre, together with the Vickers' coax, exhaust arrangement and the trench crossing skid.

http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/matilda-in-high-heels.html (http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/matilda-in-high-heels.html)

Oh, and if anyone reads the above, the Tamiya kit is still in its box...

Another survivor were the Syrian Panzer IVs.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on November 08, 2015, 10:50:47 am
Hey, I read it.  Your BEF Matilda looks very convincing.  I had a poke around your site - very entertaining.  You have the same grasshopper-like tendencies as me when it comes to finishing projects...
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on November 09, 2015, 05:10:04 pm
Thanks
You have the same grasshopper-like tendencies as me when it comes to be projects...
And they are the projects that have got somewhere ^___^.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Laffe on November 11, 2015, 08:46:03 pm
Yup, the BEF version, it is distinctive for that theatre, together with the Vickers' coax, exhaust arrangement and the trench crossing skid.

http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/matilda-in-high-heels.html (http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/matilda-in-high-heels.html)

Oh, and if anyone reads the above, the Tamiya kit is still in its box...

Another survivor were the Syrian Panzer IVs.

For what it's worth, I have a Tamiya Matilda and a Stug IIID also still in their boxes...
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: stevepalffy on November 19, 2015, 05:37:39 pm
Stuart honey M3 would be great....you already have the tracks and wheels done in the M8 and M5A1....
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on November 21, 2015, 02:34:29 am
The Honey is a bit meh for me.

Osprey have a New Vanguard next year for the Valentine,  you would think their partner company might have a matching kit out at the same time. Also BA has a desert war supplement next year.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on November 21, 2015, 10:53:07 am
I wouldn't mind a Honey - especially with all the desert modifications (sand shields, stowage boxes, smoke dischargers etc).  But there are a lot of other vehicles I'd rather see first!

I'm pretty down on the Valentine - it just wasn't that important as a combat vehicle.  Let Warlord do one in resin.  On that score, I've noticed that Warlord's flow of plastic vehicles has really slowed down.  Rubicon are going beat them out of the gate with several kits that both companies announced, including the M8 and M10/M36.  They seem to have diverted a lot of their plastic production into their new BtGoA range (which I think looks pretty dire).
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Patrick R on November 21, 2015, 06:58:34 pm
M3 Stuart is nice for Africa and later Lend-Lease to the French and Soviets as well as some action in Italy and Western Europe.

For the Valentine there's the Archer and oddball versions such as the command/OP versions and the bridge layer.

Matilda II is one of the iconic tanks for North Africa and soldiered on in the Pacific.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on December 18, 2015, 12:51:38 am
I see from Warlord's site that they are planning to release a Churchill in plastic, which will include an AVRE version.  Just thought those of you pushing for more British armour should know.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on December 18, 2015, 01:15:15 am
I see from Warlord's site that they are planning to release a Churchill in plastic, which will include an AVRE version.  Just thought those of you pushing for more British armour should know.

We are not in a hurry to release a Churchill at this point.  Brought several reference books on the vehicle, including background history and blueprints.  Need to read through all the material before we can decide on which variants to focus on.

We are not worried about other manufacturers planning or releasing a Churchill.  From our understanding, Warlord "buy" and "up-scale" existing 3rd party digital drawings to create their own brand name products (other than those partnered with Italeri), which greatly limited their choice and creativity for each design.

We have our own production plans for 2016, mainly focused on customer demands and on various 28mm WW2 game systems.  The military modelling market is also important to us as well.  We had never considered other 28mm kit manufacturers (plastic and otherwise) as competitors, we are just one of the players... of course, we always wanted to be the best among all of them!

;)

Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Yaquir on December 18, 2015, 03:24:42 am
Word!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on December 18, 2015, 09:52:39 am
We have our own production plans for 2016, mainly focused on customer demands and on various 28mm WW2 game systems.  The military modelling market is also important to us as well.  We had never considered other 28mm kit manufacturers (plastic and otherwise) as competitors, we are just one of the players... of course, we always wanted to be the best among all of them!

I just thought people would be interested.  Like it or not, thought, Rubicon are competing with Warlord/Italeri for sales in a fairly specialised market.  It's quite possible that Warlord are intending to upscale the PSC Churchill, like they did with their Panzer IV and Universal Carrier - in which case it's going to be greatly inferior to anything Rubicon could do.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on December 18, 2015, 06:00:36 pm
If it is an upscaled PSC Churchill, then it will be a III or IV, leaving the later larger version without a model.

I had to fabricate the AVRE  fittings for my 15mm model, it only came with the demolition gun.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on January 28, 2016, 06:02:11 am
just had an email from my italeri supplier, the warlord Churchill picture is a mk3 welded turret version, in gun tank, avre and na75 variants, not many mk3's were converted to na75's most were mk4's.
maybe rubicon should do a mk4 or 7.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ripley on January 28, 2016, 09:19:56 am
IRC only one Mk III welded turret was converted to a NA 75 , and it was lost when the transport sank in the Med .
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on January 28, 2016, 05:19:52 pm
yes I thought there were very few made.
thanks ripley
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 28, 2016, 05:20:12 pm
Warlord's artist evidently did not read the brief:
http://www.warlordgames.com/preview-plastic-churchillavre-artwork/
That definitely does not look like a mk3 turret.

I concur on the Mk vii, it has the option of a crocodile as well.

Edit: I have just had another look at the Italeri pdf, yes the picture is a low resolution photograph of a welded turret Churchill, but the text does say mk3/4.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on January 28, 2016, 10:59:31 pm
I'm guessing that the Italeri kit will actually include both the Mk III and Mk IV turret.  By moulding the bogies as part of the side skirts, they should have enough space on the sprues for two turrets.  Warlord's box art is weirdly inconsistent - sometimes it's very slick, and other times it's like a throwback to the old Airfix/Matchbox box art (e.g. their Tiger I).  Italeri have often used historical photos for their early promotional stuff, so the photo in the brochure is just a placeholder.

According to "Mr Churchill's Tank", 210 Mk IVs were converted into the 'NA75' version; there's no mention of any Mk IIIs being converted (in fact there's a lot of discussion of the problems of adapting the Sherman mantlet to the curved face of the Mk IV turret).  The conversion was done in Tunisia, and the tanks were shipped over to Italy.

If I were Rubicon, I'd pass on the Churchill for now...


Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Rubicon Models on January 29, 2016, 12:06:29 am
If I were Rubicon, I'd pass on the Churchill for now...

We are in no hurry to rush a Churchill... have all the reference material on hand, but have not yet studied them in-depth.

We will probably wait until Italeri released theirs before doing anything.  If they are doing a Mk III/IV, we will do a Mk VI/VII instead.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on January 29, 2016, 12:11:29 am
We will probably wait until Italeri released theirs before doing anything.  If they are doing a Mk III/IV, we will do a Mk VI/VII instead.

I hope to have some photographs of the Southsea Crocodile shortly, including the connector.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on January 29, 2016, 11:05:32 pm
the Churchill artwork in the italeri catalogue is a mk3, the warlord artwork is a mk4 so maybe you get both turrets?
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Seret on April 03, 2016, 08:16:30 pm
My vote is for the Cromwell. Yes, there's already a plastic kit available from Warlord but this only does the basic 75mm tank. Nobody does the CS variant with the 95mm howitzer (even in resin as far as I can tell) and then there's the Challenger if you can figure a way of stretching the hull. So you've got three variants right there, two of which are unique on the market.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on April 03, 2016, 09:15:29 pm
Ok, but the Warlord Cromwell is a perfectly good kit.  The CS version is just a weapon swap - you can use the 3-inch howitzer from the Rubicon Crusader (it's a bit smaller than the 95mm, but would look ok).  The Challenger would require an entirely different hull as well as the tracks and running gear.

Interesting fact - although it looked high and ungainly, the Challenger actually had a lower profile than the Firefly.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 03, 2016, 09:39:38 pm
Well, there is always the matching Centaur, which I would guess has a different engine deck where the bus engine replaces the Meteor engine.

But as Pinky said, the Cromwell is a good kit, for North West Europe a Churchill variant is a better target.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ripley on April 04, 2016, 12:17:59 am
IRC S & S Models have a couple of resin / white metal detail sets to change the Cromwell gun tank to a CS as well as a ARV kit . In fact , they sell the plastic kit with the detail sets as well .  I'm hoping for a Churchill VII / Crocodile kit . Make sure you save that useless Cullin Hedgerow Cutter from the Italeri Cromwell kit . I've got pictures of Crocodiles with cutters pushing through the hedge rows in France . It seems that the gun tank could push through , ok , but the Croc's trailer would get hung up and sometimes tip , hence adding the cutters to Crocs . And of course , being Canadian , I still would like a Ram OP tank / Sexton SPG kit . Would a Ram generate many sales , I don't know ,  but I still live in hope someone will make one in plastic
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 04, 2016, 01:11:47 am
@Ripley - I would be interested in the Sexton SPG and the Ram Kangaroo, but I have no idea how well it would sell.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on April 05, 2016, 12:25:29 am
thanks for the mention riply,
we do indeed make the 95mm how conversion and the arv for the warlord/italeri Cromwell.
you could stick the cullin hedgerow device on your gb shermans instead.
looking forward to doing some Churchill conversions whoever does one.
got the avre sbg bridge already made, just need a model to test fir it on!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: CFRNelson on April 18, 2016, 04:14:42 am
I would  like  to  see  the  Comet tank, It  saw  some  action  toward  the  end  of  WW2  and  continued  to  soldier on  until  about  1962. If  there  had  been  fighting in Europe in the  late 40s and  1950s it  would  have   served  with  the British Army along  with  the   better Known Centurion.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 18, 2016, 03:33:07 pm
The "Other Place"* had an assembled test shot of the Churchill and a (presumably resin) Comet in their cabinet at Salute. They did not have the Sherman 5.

No sign of the AVRE fittings on the hull.

I too would like a Comet or two, I have a De Waffenkammer resin (and a very odd resin) model. It looks good, just need to finish it.

The problem is how popular would it be?

* for arcane reasons members of the two " houses" of the UK parliament are not allowed to mention the other house.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on April 18, 2016, 05:00:34 pm
knowing gamers a comet would be a good one, better gun than the comwell and you know what gamers like, bigger guns!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on April 18, 2016, 05:09:34 pm
I wouldn't mind a kit of a Comet, although to be honest it's a bit of an uninspiring looking tank.  Wargamers do focus on vehicles which were historically marginal if they are good in game terms.  Maybe Rubicon could look at a range of very late war tanks which also saw service post-war, like the Comet, M26 and IS-3?
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 18, 2016, 09:25:52 pm
If I remember correctly the comet in Bolt Action has the same stats as a Panther, that could make them popular.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: stevepalffy on April 21, 2016, 01:24:03 pm
Warlord have a new Resin Comet already mastered up.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: stevepalffy on April 21, 2016, 01:38:49 pm
The Comet proved to be a flop in plastic as well...I had wanted one for years in 1:35 scale...Bronco did it about 10 years back...the kit was good...I got mine....but it didnt sell very well....

I would much rather see a Matilda  !
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Yaquir on April 21, 2016, 03:47:33 pm
Yes, Matilda or a Valentine would be nice  :)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ripley on April 21, 2016, 08:30:44 pm
A Valentine multi kit , just like  the Crusader . 2 pdr turret , 6 pdr turret  and late war 75mm turret . IRC the hull pretty much stayed the same , except for some variations in the road wheels . Decals for tanks in the desert , Russian Vals and Command / OP Vals in Normandy  :D
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: H0ffmn on April 21, 2016, 09:53:08 pm
 I second that suggestion
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on April 21, 2016, 10:28:16 pm
Again, I don't think the Valentine is terribly exciting.  It's very much an "also ran" as a tank - it was never very important in any theatre. I also doubt that it would sell particularly well.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 21, 2016, 10:58:01 pm
Again, I don't think the Valentine is terribly exciting.  It's very much an "also ran" as a tank - it was never very important in any theatre. I also doubt that it would sell particularly well.
I bought the Osprey book at Salute, having read it, I think I agree with Pinky.

I wonder how many Armourfast sell in 1/72.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on April 21, 2016, 11:43:09 pm
I think it's illustrative that Tamiya haven't bothered with the Valentine in 1/48 scale.  It just wouldn't sell.  I'd like to get the Osprey book on it though.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 22, 2016, 01:31:09 am
I think it's illustrative that Tamiya haven't bothered with the Valentine in 1/48 scale.  It just wouldn't sell.  I'd like to get the Osprey book on it though.

I think it is on general release today.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: H0ffmn on April 22, 2016, 04:13:28 am
I think it's illustrative that Tamiya haven't bothered with the Valentine in 1/48 scale.  It just wouldn't sell.  I'd like to get the Osprey book on it though.

I don't know ....Bandai put one out in 1/48th scale in the 70's, and it was re-issued again in the 90's by Frog/Fuman. Esci put one out in the 70's in 1/72nd scale. It was one of the kits that they re-did to replace the stiff one piece length tracks with link and length tracks. Italeri re-issued it recently in the past few years as well.
 So there must be some interest in the Valentine.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ripley on April 22, 2016, 08:37:24 am
Tamiya hasn't a Val in 1 /35 scale  but Mini Art has about half a dozen and IRC , Bronco ( or maybe it's  AFV ) has a couple plus a Bishop and Archer . Not all gamers / modelers are Tiger / Easy 8  / JS III crazy . Some of us love the obscure , thin armored , useless , stop gap tank or SPG .   ;D
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on April 22, 2016, 11:44:25 am
I don't know ....Bandai put one out in 1/48th scale in the 70's, and it was re-issued again in the 90's by Frog/Fuman. Esci put one out in the 70's in 1/72nd scale. It was one of the kits that they re-did to replace the stiff one piece length tracks with link and length tracks. Italeri re-issued it recently in the past few years as well.
 So there must be some interest in the Valentine.

There was also a Fujimi 1/76 scale Valentine. 

I don't disagree; there is always interest in the less obvious subjects.  I'm just saying that I think it's one of the less interesting tanks, and probably not one that would be very popular.  I'm also thinking of the wargaming perspective (which is still the focus of this scale).  There are plenty of other second-rate tanks that (IMO) would be more useful and would likely sell better.  Such as the M13/40 (which ESCI also did in 1/72 scale - it's a shame the tracks were so tight they ripped the suspension off).     
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: stevepalffy on April 22, 2016, 03:05:41 pm
I think we would all like to see everything...eventually...the thing is to get Rubicon to do the stuff that sells well now so that ...the capital returns and more obscure vehicles can be done latter ?
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 22, 2016, 04:06:55 pm
I think Steve and Pinky are correct, that Rubicon in general need models that are popular. Now hopefully they will add some more exotic and esoteric items whose sales might not be so stellar.

On the Italian side, maybe a package deal might work: a couple of vehicles and supporting infantry might stimulate sales. The only question on the infantry would be do they scale them to the BA standard or the Perry standard? This seems to be Minairons path for SCW.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on April 23, 2016, 12:20:46 am
I'd say we're still quite a way from seeing sets of infantry from Rubicon.  And Italians won't be top of their list.  But an Italian AFV kit with some options and perhaps a few figures could be attractive.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: johan on April 23, 2016, 05:16:20 pm
An M3 Grant / M3 Lee/M31 ARV would be so nice.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on April 23, 2016, 11:38:21 pm
Again, I don't think the Valentine is terribly exciting.  It's very much an "also ran" as a tank - it was never very important in any theatre. I also doubt that it would sell particularly well.
I bought the Osprey book at Salute, having read it, I think I agree with Pinky.

I wonder how many Armourfast sell in 1/72.
we sell loads of armourfast valentines with our 1/72 scale conversions
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on April 25, 2016, 05:15:36 pm
we sell loads of armourfast valentines with our 1/72 scale conversions
Are they tank variants or support variant (or a mixture of both)?

By the way, how similar is the Valentine to its Cruiser cousin?
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on April 27, 2016, 02:09:24 am
we sell ap conversions, different turrets, bridgelayers ect for the valentines
the only thing the same for a valentine to a cruiser tank is the gun and the basic suspension on the a9 and a10
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Chimaera on May 27, 2017, 08:30:47 pm
Well I would like all of the below and probably in this order.

01. Sherman V/Firefly kit.
02. Sexton.
03. Universal Carrier.
04. Humber/Daimler.
05. Churchill.
06. Cromwell.
07. Another truck variant to CMP.
08. Archer.
09. Valentine.
10. Matilda.

Sexton would be great as would be good proxy tank for Priest in Bolt Action. The Valentine could also double as a Soviet tank.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 27, 2017, 11:23:50 pm
I can understand your list, many of them are on my list.

However the Sherman V is right at the back of the list due to there being an existing plastic kit and requiring a lot of redesign (there is a post on that somewhere).

The Warlord M4A4 kit is no where near as good as their M4:
http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/compare-sherman-gun-mantlet.html (http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/compare-sherman-gun-mantlet.html)

The Sexton is less likely than the Priest.

The Cromwell and the Universal Carrier again have an existing model, the latter being a rescale of a PSC kit.

There was a discussion on the Churchill (when the Warlord model was announced), a late version would be great.

I suspect that our Gracious Hosts will be looking at the sales of the CMP, if you want more British trucks you will need to buy lots of CMPs.

I am surprised you did not have the Dingo on your list (I assume you mean the big Armoured Cars from Daimler and Number).

I would hope for an Archer after a 17 pounder and a Valentine similar to the 250/251 kits

I am surprised at the Matilda 2 being last on your list.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Chimaera on May 31, 2017, 04:58:43 am

I am surprised you did not have the Dingo on your list (I assume you mean the big Armoured Cars from Daimler and Number).

I am surprised at the Matilda 2 being last on your list.

Yeah chuck the Dingo in there as well forgot that one.

The Matilda is just from playing too much World of Tanks LOL. Pea shooter for a gun but so much fun, especially if you have the odd splurge on premium rounds for it. Also remember it from Commando comics when I was a lot younger.

All the rest on that list I would love to see but understand they may not be at the top of Rubicon's priorities at the moment. Speaking of World of Tanks theirs another partnership Italeari have.

Saw your Sherman post, hence why would love to see a Sherman V. The Sexton I think would be a good little model, has anyone else done it in plastic?

Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on May 31, 2017, 06:24:38 am
The Matilda was the Tiger of its day, it was invulnerable to all German anti tank guns and it's "puny" gun could gut any tank that got in its way. Not to say it did not have its faults (too many to list).

It remained in service past the point where other designs superseded it and was unable to be updated like the Panzer IV.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on May 31, 2017, 06:06:01 pm
The Matilda's reign was actually quite short.  It was the 'queen of the desert' principally because of its invulnerability to Italian guns during Wavell's initial blitzkrieg.  But it was too slow, unreliable and poorly armed to cope well with the highly mobile tactics adopted by the Germans, and they quickly turned their 88mm guns on them and took them out at long range.  By 1941 its reign was largely over.

In the Pacific, however, the Australians made good use of Matildas up till the end of the war.  Their slow speed wasn't an issue in thick jungle, the small gun was more than sufficient, and the thick armour was very welcome.  They even liked the CS version. 
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 01, 2017, 01:36:48 am
@Pinky: I agree completely.

Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on June 29, 2017, 06:23:09 am
Having just seen one up close, here's a vote for a plastic Comet:

(https://s22.postimg.org/tdh18pgm5/IMG_2562.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/tdh18pgm5/)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on June 29, 2017, 01:48:35 pm
Having just seen one up close, here's a vote for a plastic Comet:

(https://s4.postimg.org/kc0kl94y1/IMG_2562.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/kc0kl94y1/)

Me too.

And unlike Warlord, one suitable for WW2 (no vacuum hose attachments on the exhausts like the two at Duxford).

Duxford does have the above in the Post War section (and gate guards do not count).

I thought I had photographs of them on my blog, but that is not the case. That will be rectified.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Swamprat33 on June 29, 2017, 05:58:26 pm
Good shout UVSmurf.

I have a 1/6 Armortek Comet and would love to get a decent one in Plastic from Rubicon.

Tim
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on June 29, 2017, 11:53:56 pm
This is the Comet from Duxford's indoor collection.  It seems to be in excellent condition.  It's very inspiring.  But the hatch for the driver is scarily narrow.  I would not want to be trying to exit from that in a hurry...

(https://s7.postimg.org/rr7mdq62v/IMG_2561.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/rr7mdq62v/)
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: sandsmodels on July 01, 2017, 12:23:26 am
it looks narrow but the top piece opens with the side so it is a bit bigger than it looks, still not wanting to get trapped though!
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on July 01, 2017, 02:34:21 am
I'm 6'3" and that hatch looks very tight!  One of the unacknowledged benefits of high profile tanks like the Sherman was the relative spaciousness of the interior, and (at least in later versions) the big access hatches.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Ballardian on July 01, 2017, 11:24:35 pm
 Another vote for a plastic Comet from me.
 Pinky - you're right, the hull hatches are very small - they are L-shaped in cross section but getting in or out required a similar technique to getting into a car that's had the doors welded shut, you don't go straight down but angle yourself in, (TheChieftanWoT - on YouTube) demonstates this quite well on his excellent walkaround of Bovingtons Comet (he's also 6'+ so is a good comparison). This is par for the course on British tanks, seeing (essentially correctly) that any hole in the hull as weakening it's integrity.
 Both US & German AFVs had more generously proportioned interiors, with notable exceptions such as the Jagdpanzer 38t which would surely win hands down in the uncomfortable stakes.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: ultravanillasmurf on July 02, 2017, 12:02:37 am
What is scary is that the Soviets thought British Tanks were roomy.
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on July 02, 2017, 02:54:37 am
I also looked over Duxford's Valentine, and it's another claustrophobic vehicle.  It looks solid, but very low and cramped.  Imagine how it must have felt, crouched over in hot, noisy darkness, listening to the clang of small arms fire hitting the armour only inches from your body and waiting for an 88 round to smash through.  The bravery of those men is astonishing. 
Title: Re: British Tanks? What British Tanks?
Post by: Pinky on July 03, 2017, 05:56:55 am
Another Comet, this time the one at Bovington:

(https://s17.postimg.org/y8hkltju3/IMG_2624.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/y8hkltju3/)