Tamiya M10 IIC Achilles 1/48
The 17pdr Achilles was a British adaptation of the American M10 TD armed with a very effective 17 pounder anti-tank gun, similar to the Sherman Firefly.
As with all other Tamiya 1:48 kits I've tried, this was nearly flawless which left plenty of time to focus on painting and weathering. The only modification I did was to add plastic stock to the main body to divide the tracks from the crew compartment. Otherwise the tracks would have been visible when looking down through the turret.
I assembled and applied the initial painting and weathering by working on the three main components separately. The final exterior finishes were applied after joining the upper and lower hull halves.
Now that right there's really nice work...I like it very much - excellent job!
I really like the way you arranged this as a little building report.
Great result and photography!
Excellent! In a space friendly scale, nice weathering. that's one skill I got to practice.
Great build and quite realistic weathering there - hats off!
The weathering is very realistic. A very impressive model.
As someone not a creepie-crawlie guy, can someone explain to me why the tank destroyers had open turrets? That one doesn't make a lot of sense and from the photos I have seen of the field modifications made by crews to close them up, it must not have made that much sense to the ones on the scene, either. Inquiring minds want to know!
Hello Tom.
The open top turret was partially to reduce the overall weight, make it easier to service the hydraulics, sights, and main gun weapon. Plus it made them quicker and easier to produce, as well as easier to replenish ammo in the field. These vehicles also had very thin armor. I know this next sentence doesn't make sense, but they were not designed to get in a "gun" fight with another tank. That was "supposed" to be a job for the Sherman's. Instead the were supposed to "Shoot and scoot" as we used say, more of a distance or ambush style engagement. They relied on their high speed as part of their protection. The M-18 Hellcat was a very similar vehicle that some say could reach speeds in excess of 60 plus MPH, making it one of the fastest vehicles on the battle field during WW2.
The crews tried to cover the tops up for several reasons. One was to help protect them from the elements cold, rain, snow, sun. As an old tanker I can tell you that being in a cold steel box without a heater (no they don't work all of the time) is like living inside your refrigerator. I have seen frost accumulate on the inside of our turret on occasion. It's not a fun way to live...
Then there were other potential harms that could be caused by the open top. Artillery air bursts would cause shrapnel that could injure or kill the crews. Plus the enemy could toss a grenade inside ruining your day.
These are just some of the reasons the crew tried to close the top.
Hope this helps to explain.
Looks great ! The weathering is fantastic too. Very realistic.
Louis, I could never understand why the designers left the top open. One well placed airburst, and you're done. There was some talk about going to heated and air conditioned suits for armored crew, as a fix to the issues of keeping the troops cool and warm.
You're absolutely correct about the air burst. That was one of the main reasons why the crews attempted to cover the tops like I mentioned in the reply to Tom.
In addition to this, there was a possibility of someone tossing in a grenade or even a sniper taking a shot at the crew. This was especially true as the fighting became more urban and snipers would take up a position in an elevated location like a second or third story room. This would allow the sniper to see inside the fighting compartment.
Not a good place to be...
I figured it was just designed by a Californian who thought it would be cool to have a convertible.
Really nice work Dennis. Also appreciate the information.. I like it !
Another great job my friend. The weathering looks about as perfect as can be.