Tank, Cruiser, Mk VI (A15 Crusader) - Project CLOSED!

[Rubicon Models]

Looking good . Any chance of an open / closed hatch option for the driver's compartment ?  Sorry , never satisfied  .

Unfortunately no... considering we have to make SEVEN variants using 3 sprues!

While the driver hatch is fuse-closed, the commander hatch can be assembled in close or open position.
The commander hatch is not a flip open & close assembly, they slide forward and backward; so need 3 parts to model it!

[kenshin620]

Looking good! Excellent to see Early and Mid war stuff get plastic treatment.

I must admit despite the distrust of CAD and other computer model makers when it comes to miniatures (especially for organic things like fantasy monsters), I think it makes so much sense to use CAD for Vehicles with detailed blueprints.

[Laffe]

This one is looking very good. Will need one (or three) for my Desert Rats, and and AA variant for my Normandy brits.

[sandsmodels]

great, I see a crusader aa mk1 turret coming along soon

[Rubicon Models]

Just before taking a break to Salute 2015 in London, here are some 3D prototypes from our A15 Crusader project:






















Check back for more photos... including a new project announcement during Salute!

Enjoy!

[Pinky]

Lovely work.  Everything looks like it's where it should be.  The rivet detail is especially nice.  They were graceful looking tanks; it's a shame they were so shit...

Only one minor point - I think the muzzle on the 6pdr was less pronounced and a bit longer.  The armoured housing on the co-axial Besa MG should also curve upwards as it meets the glacis.

[Rubicon Models]

Only one minor point - I think the muzzle on the 6pdr was less pronounced and a bit longer.  The armoured housing on the co-axial Besa MG should also curve upwards as it meets the glacis.

Will look into the muzzle, but the barrel length is definitely correct.  We had match its length with existing 1/72 and 1/35 models for double confirmation.

As for the armoured housing, any more info on the subject?  Had checked with available  blueprints and photos, seems correct to us!  Thanks, Pinky!

[Pinky]

Have a look at this photo - you'll see the curve in the Besa housing and the proportions of the muzzle (the barrel length looks fine!). 

[Rubicon Models]

Have a look at this photo - you'll see the curve in the Besa housing and the proportions of the muzzle (the barrel length looks fine!).

Seems like there are two versions of the 6-pdr gun being used on the Crusader III.  We have another version done but not shown previously...

[ripley]

The Crusader III was issued with either a Mark 3 or Mk 5 6pdr gun . The Mk 3 had a thicker , shorter barrel ( 100.95 inches ) usually with a sleeve over the threads for the un used muzzle break ( like some versions of the  US 76mm Sherman ) . The Mk 5 was a skinner , longer barrel ( 116.95 inches ) with a short stubby counterweight on the muzzle .

[Rubicon Models]

The Crusader III was issued with either a Mark 3 or Mk 5 6pdr gun . The Mk 3 had a thicker , shorter barrel ( 100.95 inches ) usually with a sleeve over the threads for the un used muzzle break ( like some versions of the  US 76mm Sherman ) . The Mk 5 was a skinner , longer barrel ( 116.95 inches ) with a short stubby counterweight on the muzzle .

Thanks for the clarification.  Appreciated!

[Yaquir]

Looks great - good work, good variants 

[Pinky]

The muzzle was my only concern (especially given the issues with muzzle brakes on some of the earlier kits).  All my photo references show the longer sleeve (thanks for clarifying its purpose, Ripley - obviously they decided the Crusader's 6pdr didn't need a muzzle brake).  Presumably both types saw service - does anyone know?  It's worth getting this small detail right, given the effort that's obviously gone into achieving such a high level of detail and accuracy.

 

   

[ripley]

I don't have the numbers , but both types used on Crusader III , as well as Cromwell I & II , Churchill III / IV . 

[Rubicon Models]

We have researched this very carefully.  The QF6 is basically a 57mm L/50 and L/43 gun.  The muzzle brake size is definitely correct in terms of scale.