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herrmill -> BK1125 Bronkater "Tank Ship" Armored Gunboat (4/26/2008 4:24:55 AM)
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Howdy folks! Its been sometime since I last visited, but Bill (Pattoncommander) recommended I post this to gauge the interest of the RC tanker community since a number of you guys tend to think outside the box when it comes to hobbies. Its not exactly a tank, but more of a hybrid weapon instrumental in the Soviet's success in the Great Patriotic War.
Steve Neill is currently developing an interesting kit for those of us who enjoy building something unique: a 1/25 BK1125 Bronkater armored gunboat or "tank ship".
This armored gunboat, developed by the Soviets in the '30s, was used extensively throughout WWII. They were several variants using whatever weapons could be obtained, but most were equipped using T-35 & T34/76 turrets some even with larger T34/85 turrets & Stalin Organ rocket launchers. Just like tanks, these gunboats were built with a narrow beam for rail transport & were used throughout the Eastern front from the initial days of the German invasion to the final siege of Berlin, & were instrumental in winning at Stalingrad. Used primarily in the narrow rivers & lakes of eastern Europe, many engaged in close encounters with German armor. You can find a brief history on the vessel including a photo of one sunk by a Ferdinand here Soviet Armored Gunboats
Steve's BK1125 is designed for RC at just under 37" long with FRP hull/deck, resin superstructure/turrets & brass/metal barrels/fitting kit. He plans to offer the kit with T34/76 turrets & is considering several optional weapons based on demand. I lobbied hard for 1/16, but it would have been a beast at over 5'. Even so, think of the possibilities this would offer in conjunction with a combat system against 1/16 tanks or VS' 1/24 IR line of Tigers & new Soviet tanks due this year. I know of a few guys already thinking of adding a waterway to their battlefield... [:D]
More details can be found on Steve's build thread BK1125 Build.
Chuck
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