DOC Models makes this diminutive 1/72 plastic injection kit of the Italian CV33 light tank (aka Carro Veloce L3/33), which was in service from 1933 to 1943, with over 750 being produced. It saw action during the campaigns in Africa. Armament was two 8mm FIAT mgs., and top speed was 27 mph with a range of 90 miles.
Assembly of this kit with 30 parts was a real pleasure, as the pieces fit well and the instructions were clear. One must however pay attention to a few parts that exist in pairs with the same number, but are mirror images of one another, so keep the left side parts separate from the right side parts!
The only disappointment is the lack of detail on the drive sprocket: no teeth or bolts! I suspect another part for the sprocket was initially planned but never completed. Too bad.
There are plenty of decals included and painting guidelines for three different vehicles. The tracks are single vinyl pieces whose ends can be joined with super glue. The MGs can be inserted into the hull without gluing so their elevation can be adjusted.
The Semovente M40 da 75/18 assault gun was a development of the M13/40 Italian medium tank. It was produced from 1941 to 1943, and saw action in Africa and on the Italian front, and even in southern France where, following the Italian armistice, captured vehicles were used by German crews.
This 1/72 model was made by ESCI. Unassembled kits are rather rare and therefore highly sought after, especially because it does not appear that Italeri will be re-releasing this model any time soon.
Based on the L6/40 light tank, the Semovente L/40 DA47/32 light assault gun served with both the Italian and German Armies. About 300 were built between 1941 and 1943. A crew of three operated the vehicle, which carried 70 rounds for the 47mm gun.
This OSTMODELS kit was painted in a greenish-grey color, which was typical of vehicles serving with the Italians in Europe. After the capitulation of Italy, some of these vehicles were also sent to the Croation Army.
Here's a 1/72 scale model by AKHETON in metal. It depicts the only Italian heavy tank design of WWII, the P40. Only 100 chasses were completed by the time production ended in 1943, and not all were completed with engines. Thus, the German Army used most of the vehicles operationally in a static defense role. It did not see combat service with the Italian Army.
The model was a quick, uncomplicated assembly. Some detail, especially the track pattern, was inaccurate. However, the unique subject matter makes this an interesting item. The camouflage pattern is not uncommon for Italian vehicles in the latter half of the war, being a rather gawdy application of red-brown and green over sand yellow. It does serve to disrupt the vehicle's silhouette quite well. The applied decals are an educated guess as far as placement and type. The antenna was added.
An alternate kit is a resin model made by US CASTS.
OSTMODELS made this 1/76 resin kit of the Carro Armato M11/39 meduim tank. I scratchbuilt the access steps that are attached to the hull sides, and added the antenna and stowage. As with many of the wargaming resin kits, there is some detail loss, here you can see how the tracks (part of the one-piece suspension unit) have no individual link detail on the sides. Decals came from my spares box.
The M11/39 carried a hull-mounted 37mm gun, while the turret contained twin MGs. It was soon withdrawn from service as its weak armor proved fatal in the 1940 tank battles against British tanks in Libya.
This 1.76 resin tank is made by CROMWELL MODELS. It depicts the Fiat 3000 light tank that has obvious similarities to the French Renault FT17, upon which it was based. The tank entered service in 1923, ans saw action in Abyssinia, Libya, and Italy (even as late as 1943). A remnant of the WWI trench warfare mentality is the trench-crossing apparatus on the rear of the vehicle.
The camo scheme seen here is a reddish-brown base color with green blotches, used mostly in the European Theatre.
You can e-mail me at Contact the Curator.
Back to the AFV museum opening page.