AMX-13s

The AMX-13 is one of the more interesting post-war designs. The French attempt to add a large calibre gun to the lightest possible vehicle, utilising German WW2 developments (the 75mm gun was apparently derived from that on the Panther).

The Israelis acquired several hundred and used them in the 1956 and 1967 wars, before selling them off to Singapore and elsewhere once it was realised they were no match for Arab T-54s. Exact numbers vary, but by 1967 there were around 184 in 6 units of varying size, 2-3 of which were territorial reserve (as oppose to general reserve) units (Ga'Shap).

I was initially hampered by the lack of availability in 1:87. Existing models were expensive and this pre-dated the availability offered by 3D printing in recent years. 

I stumbled across a "made in Italy" toy from an Italian eBay seller as well as a crude French toy (the real joy and usefulness of eBay) which were in the right scale. This allowed for a couple of scratch-bodge models using parts from Roco and Eko /Rospak.

My Italian seller then offered me several more. On the principle of "buy it when you see it, not when you need it" I took the plunge and bought his stock as I was not guaranteed to ever see any again (and never have).

They are toys and require wheels removing from under the model (to allow it to roll) which provide some useful parts. The tracks are solid, the turret hatch needs replacing and various details added, but they capture the essence of this quirky tank.

Progress so far on the latest batch.