Looks good with the kangaroos. I've had those decals since the early 1980s. All that time, lying quietly in an old cigarette box (with charming, Art Deco gypsy on it - not a blank box as the Aussies now have to suffer), just waiting for the day when they would adorn an M13/40.
This is a good bit of kit from Italeri - recommended.
If you are wondering about the grey-green finish, it's ok, the Italians did send kit finished in this 'Metropolitan' colour to North Africa:
The top illustration is from Nicola Pignato, Italian Armored Vehicles of World War Two (Squadron/Signal Publications, Carrollton, 2004), and shows an M13/40 destroyed by the Greeks on 19th March 1941. The photograph is from Pignato's Italian Medium Tanks in Action (Squadron/Signal Publications, Carrollton, 2001) and shows one of the Aussie prizes, but after it was abandoned and retaken by the Italians. Or perhaps the Aussies just didn't want it any more.
Well you don't get to Australia without stealing things!.
ReplyDeleteNow, now... I'd like to make it clear to readers that Monsieur Kinch is from Ireland, and his comments should not be taken to represent any view expressed by decent Englishmen (like me). I might also add that Kelly (as in Ned and body armour) is a Manx name, not an Irish name. (What the hell am I waffling about now?!)
DeleteI don't know about the ockers being the cutting edge comment Stephen, but the little M13/40 tank looks good!
ReplyDeleteOK, perhaps not the cutting edge, but a bloody sharp pointy bit - as the Italians and Germans found out.
DeleteThe M13/40 is remarkably small, especially when next to, say, a Pz III. Really a light tank, I suppose, more in the Stuart class (but without the automotive reliability.
It's a bit of a Greek gift, but I've nominated you for another Liebster Award...
ReplyDeleteWhere the decals from the old Italeri 1/72 M13/40? I seem to recall them being an option.
My dear fellow! That's decent of you! Thank you.
DeleteYes, they were indeed, and I think the number plates that went with the Kangaroos were correct for a captured M13/40. As yoou'll know, a good wargamer never throws anything away!