Italian M13/40

[Pinky]

220 were built, apparently.  It looks as though some were sent to Tunisia, but I'm not sure.

[ripley]

I've seen the number of 90 by the Italians and another 30 finished on the production line by the Germans after the Italians switched sides ., on at least 3 web  sites . I wonder if the 220 number includes the Semovente types built  on this  vehicle  model ? . It seems the Germans took over the tanks when  Italy surrendered , as they had 80 odd in Yugoslavia , mostly in SS anti partizan units . Pictures of 15/42s labelled as in  in North Africa  are really hard to decide about, as usually the side door on either side  is not in view.  The pictures that do show the right side door all seem to be tanks in use by the Germans . 

[ultravanillasmurf]

If (when) Rubicon do produce a kit, I hope they do the giant kangaroo recognition markers the Australian's painted on their ones. Nice close up in the Perret book (page 60).

[Pinky]

I've seen the number of 90 by the Italians and another 30 finished on the production line by the Germans after the Italians switched sides ., on at least 3 web  sites . I wonder if the 220 number includes the Semovente types built  on this  vehicle  model ? . It seems the Germans took over the tanks when  Italy surrendered , as they had 80 odd in Yugoslavia , mostly in SS anti partizan units . Pictures of 15/42s labelled as in  in North Africa  are really hard to decide about, as usually the side door on either side  is not in view.  The pictures that do show the right side door all seem to be tanks in use by the Germans .

Zaloga's Osprey book on Italian medium tanks says 220 - maybe that does include Semoventi.  He specifically says that there was 1 M15/42 in North Africa in 1942 as a test vehicle.  However, the details on which types were in service in North Africa from Alamein onwards gets less specific.  There is a photo of an M15/42 in what seems to be Tunisia, but it may not be. 

[ripley]

From what I read , it was special designed with extra air  filters to keep out sand , as well as the  1st med Italian tank with power traverse . As usual by the time it was ready for the troops  , the Italians were just about kicked out of North Africa , so no need for sand filters . There are a couple of neat 4 gun AA versions of this tank , might have to try to kit bash one in 1/35

[Drkangell]

Can we open this beyond the M13/40? I would like to see that tank but I would also love to see other Italian vehicles as well. The autoprotetto armored transport, the L6/40, Autoblinda 41, Lancia Ansaldo IZ(M), more tanks? I really need these vehicles in plastic lol!

[ultravanillasmurf]

There is a thread for the L6/40
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=510.0

And a previous thread for the L13
http://forum.rubiconmodels.com/index.php?topic=509.0

There should be one on the North African campaign somewhere.

You could start an Italian vehicle thread (and put links to the other threads in the first post). A number of contributors to this forum have expressed interest.