Carro Armato M13/40 (Modelik)

[Jorzik]

Hello!
I start a new relationship with building Italian model tank M13 / 40.
Designer Modelik no.27/04, scale 1/25.

cover

A few words of tank history.

1

The Fiat-Ansaldo M13/40 was an Italian World War II tank designed to replace the Fiat L3, the Fiat L6/40 and the Fiat M11/39 in the Italian Army at the start of World War II. It was the primary tank used by the Italians throughout the war. The design was influenced by the British Vickers 6-Ton and was based on the modified chassis of the earlier Fiat M11/39. Production of the M11/39 was cut short in order to get the M13/40 into production. The name refers to "M" for Medio (medium) according to the Italian tank weight standards at the time, 13 tonnes was the scheduled weight and 1940 the initial year of production.
The M13/40 was used in the Greek campaign in 1940 and 1941 and in the North African Campaign. The M13/40 was not used on the Eastern Front; Italian forces there were equipped only with Fiat L6/40s and Semovente 47/32s. Beginning in 1942, the Italian Army recognized the firepower weakness of the M13/40 series and employed the Semovente 75/18 self-propelled gun alongside the tanks in their armoured units.
The M13/40 series was Italy's most-produced tank of the war with over 3,000 built, including later variants such as the Fiat M14/41. It was equipped with a more powerful engine as well as better air filters for operations in North Africa. The last version was the M15/42 tank produced in 1943, with a better petrol engine and a longer 47/40 gun. It also had thicker armour than the previous models. The Semovente 75/18 self-propelled gun was built by utilizing the M13/40 or M14/41 chassis.

The model has full interior.Browsing other relationships, and errors detected I decided not to do the interior.Model unfortunately has different shades of camouflage
I use laser cut parts.

2

At the beginning I made skeleton.

3

4

5

6

7

Elements of the frame fit well, I glued both side of the hull.

[admin]

[Jorzik]

Hey.
I continue wrapping the skeleton.

8

9

10

10a

The lower part of the hull was long, and I cut it closer to the front, it will be later better fit on the upper surface.
I made also sheathing the fighting compartment. Unfortunately it was necessary to cut and fit, because it was too big.

11

12

13

14

[Jorzik]

Hello, another update.

15

16

17

At this stage of construction already done the whole hull, also done side fenders.

18

18

[Jorzik]

Hello
I present another batch of photos from the construction.
I installed vents, and some other stuff.
It was created a tower with a gun.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of work because sidebar of tower is too high at the height of approx. 2 mm and length too. You have to shred this item.

19

20

21

22

23

24

[admin]

There is a sense that the lateral parts have a different hue. Or is it features of photographing?

[Jorzik]

You're right, some parts have several shades and you can see it. I will try to remove it by using dry pastels. Generally that model should be painted, because of lots mistakes and inaccuracies.

[Jorzik]

Hello. Another portion of upgrades. At this stage, they reached another detail on the hull, and created main components of the suspensions.
They are quite complicated and too poorly designed.

25

26

27

In the next place I made a wheel supportive and the main road wheels.

28

29

30

When all components of running gear were made I connected all together.

31

32

[Jorzik]

Hi
The works are gathering pace.
Tower completely done. Machine gun Breda modified.
For riveting use of special rivets resin. The whole was soiled with dust desert.
All support wheels were stuck on the proper place.
I made a lot of extras: boxes of canisters, buckets and tarpaulins and pasted to the hull.

33

34

35

36

36

I made tracks which consisted of single cells. I painted it in black and dirtying dry pastels.
My construction is coming to an end.

[admin]

Excellent work!