Finnish T26 tank by Baker - Mirage - 1/72 Finished

[Baker]

Next build is a Russian T26 converted in Finland.

 

This kit has been in my possession for a long time. The idea was to merge this build with the T26 observation tank (top of the picture)..
But the build is too different, that's why they come in 2 build logs.

The kit and the plan.

The basic error with this model is that the turret is on the wrong side of the hull (Not Mirage's habit, usually their kits are flawless)

This is also why the build of this kit has always been delayed for so long.

 

And I once had the chance to see this tank during a visit to the Parola tank museum in Finland 

Where I also was the proud owner of a Stug III (for a short time 😉)

a Panzer IV

And even a T72

Ps,

I was 7 years younger then...

And If you have the opportunity to go to Finland. Definitely go to Parola (it's worth the effort)

 

Build is started, pictures in next post.

 

 

 

Edited February 27, 2022 by Baker
wrong title

[ccoyle]

Is it just me, or does the T-26 look like it would be very cramped to fight/drive in?

[Baker]

Most tanks are not made for tall people.
But on the T26 the 3 crew members each had their hatch for access. And quite a bit of space compared to some other tank designs.

This Finnish version had 4 crew members (an extra member for the flame trower) and this 4th member did not have its own hatch.
So in case of emergency ... not so good for him.

[Baker]

Started on the chassis

Closing the openings in the hull (inside)

Outside 

 

[popeye the sailor]

must have been cool to own your very own tank..........drive around........scare the neighbors    I've always run into kits that parts that I would thing should be separate,  are molded into the associated part { like oil filters to oil pan etc...}.  I have one at the moment with this problem.......if that wasn't bad,  the starter is molded on too  .....and this particular kit is 1:16 scale!   very sad state of affairs indeed.......wa....wa....waaaaaaaa

 

I'm currently doing this sort of mod with a pair of Tiger II's.........look'in forward in seeing what you do to this one  

[Baker]

17 hours ago, popeye the sailor said:

I'm currently doing this sort of mod with a pair of Tiger II's

I know. I follow you with interest. 😉.

 

Found (to late) that the driver hatches are not the same as in the kit. So a demolitian job.

The improved version, hatches and others still to be placed

Dry test with the turret

[Baker]

After some extra research I discovered that this is not a flame trower tank .

But a Russian OT133 flame trower tank served as the basis for this tank. 

Info found on this website  http://www.andreaslarka.net/ps164007/ps164007.html The photos on the website have copyright so I can't show them here.

 

Made new side pannels with vision slits

The kits biggest errors are fixed. Now the real assembly can begin.

[Baker]

The running gear.

 

The parts are first pre painted

Running gear in place and set to dry

The MG mount (not included in the kit). And the extra "head space" for the the MG gunner

[Baker]

Due to other activities there was no time for modeling last 2 weeks
But, we've started up again.
The tracks are now mounted and the turret is ready with some extra details (turret not yet glued on the chassis).

[Old Collingwood]

Loving your work Patrick    - so hope there is a part number  (T72)  in the kit   😉

 

OC.

[Baker]

On 2/13/2022 at 5:29 AM, Old Collingwood said:

Loving your work Patrick    - so hope there is a part number  (T72)  in the kit   😉

 

OC.

Thanks OC (but, no T72 in this kit 😉)

 

All part are on the model

Painting

It's been a while since I've done a winter camo. So a green base coat with a thin white wash.

 

Base coat

White wash

 

almost ready

[Egilman]

Nice job Patrick!

 

A well worn winter field applied whitewash... just the way it should look....

[Baker]

14 minutes ago, Egilman said:

Nice job Patrick!

 

A well worn winter field applied whitewash... just the way it should look....

Thanks,  

Indeed, Pretty okay. But I'm going to do some experimenting on this i think 

[king derelict]

Patrick

The winter white wash looks superb

Alan

[Canute]

Nicely done, Patrick.

[Baker]

Thanks everyone for the nice comments

So, did some experimenting. 

The result should represent a winter camouflage at the end of winter, with a somewhat rusty appearance. And the tank needs now an urgent spring clean up and repaind job.

Almost ready

[Baker]

The finnished and numbered model.

The contents of the box were not really what the drawing on the box promised 👎
It was a challenge to correct this 

Thanks for following this build

 

[Canute]

Nicely done camo.

[Egilman]

12 hours ago, Baker said:

It was a challenge to correct this

Very Very nice kitbash to correct the obvious shortcuts the mfgr took...

 

Well Done!!!

[Baker]

On 2/27/2022 at 2:00 PM, Canute said:

Nicely done camo.

Thanks

On 2/27/2022 at 11:08 PM, Egilman said:

Very Very nice kitbash to correct the obvious shortcuts the mfgr took...

 

Well Done!!!

Thanks 

[popeye the sailor]

sorry I missed this Patrick........you've turned out a very sweet little tank!  the winter camo looks great........something I've never tried.   very nice job indeed!  

[Baker]

Thank you 👍