Posts: 381
Joined: 8/27/2006 From: Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, CHINA Status: offline
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...
More details can be found on Steve's build thread BK1125 Build.
Posts: 381
Joined: 8/27/2006 From: Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, CHINA Status: offline
Here are a few more photos of the boat & along with several of MIG's excellent 1/35 resin kit to give a better idea of what this beast will look like. MIG's kit will set you back €350 & its only a display model!! I don't believe Steve's will be anything close to that.
The Russians still use a modern version that looks very similar to the BK1125 save for the modern arms & electronics.
< Message edited by herrmill -- 4/27/2008 12:26:06 AM >
Posts: 381
Joined: 8/27/2006 From: Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, CHINA Status: offline
Steve's been busy with several builds, but he's got the hull plug almost finished with plating & welds completed this week. You've gotta love that armor belt on the hull's side & bottom to protect the engine compartment. I told him it looks as rough as any T34/76 that rolled out of a Soviet tank factory!
He's added a poll to gauge interest in the kit so feel free to visit & post your comments on his build thread posted above.
Posts: 1534
Joined: 2/28/2007 From: Amboy,
WA, USA Status: offline
fantastic pictures,almost looks real-BIGMIG
Had to go back and look at this againA hell of a lot of work and detail went into this project-A guy could write a small book pointing out all the detail work that is shown-FANTASTIC WORK
BIGMIG
< Message edited by BIGMIG -- 5/13/2008 6:04:27 PM >
Posts: 1885
Joined: 4/20/2006 From: Launceston, AUSTRALIA Status: online
Beautiful! I love making and collecting other peoples dioramas, and I've always loved dioramas featuring water (the gloss of the water)... absolute brilliant placement of all the bits and you can see the story without having to read ("we need that turret!"
Might have to do a sinking diorama myself, but all I have here are Tirpitz and Bismarck, both 1/350 and RC... dont think I'll be sinking those anytime soon lol
Posts: 381
Joined: 8/27/2006 From: Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, CHINA Status: offline
Here's the latest photo of the hull master. Based on what I see & know of his plans, his kit will be as detailed as MIG's 1/35 resin model.
With a few of the new VS tanks, you can have your own "working" diorama, & if equipped with a WTC & ballast tank, you can even sink it. Maybe that's why he came up with the name Sub Pirates.
Printable Version
All Forums >> RC Cars, Buggies, Trucks, Tanks and more >> RC Tanks >> BK1125 Bronkater "Tank Ship" Armored Gunboat 
BK1125 Bronkater "Tank Ship" Armored Gunboat - 
& its only a display model!! I don't believe Steve's will be anything close to that. 
RE: BK1125 Bronkater "Tank Ship" Armored Gun... - 
