чугун утки завод "красный рассвет" (cast iron bedpan factory "Red Dawn

[loupgarou]

The title was too long for the Subjct line. Complete is: чугун утки завод  "красный рассвет" (cast iron bedpan factory  "Red Dawn") tank
With my excuses to russian-speaking members of the forum, here is my contribution to the build:
an Emhar WW1 tank I had around, and some Airfix parts from 40 years ago. I hope the date on the newspaper is readable as proof that the kit is "still a virgin".



I have an idea for the backstory, that will be perfected/concocted in due time. 

[loupgarou]

As everybody knows, when Germany attacked Russia in 1941, the Red Army suffered enormous losses.
As tank production wasn't enough to balance the destroyed ones, every measure was attempted in order to feed the battlefield.
The   чугун утки завод  "красный рассвет" (cast iron bedpan factory  "Red Dawn") of Białystok recovered a WW1 tank, used as monument in the town square.  As the original engine was seized solid, 2 tractor engines were substituted, allowing  at the same time, with their smaller size, to re-utilize a T-34 turret, salvaged from a destroyed tank.
The heroic attempt ended in disaster after 5 minutes of fight. It lasted so long because the german tankers lost some time before firing, asking each other "Was zum Teufel ist das?" "What the hell is that contraption?"

The Emhar kit didn't overwhelm me with the part fit, nor with the instructions. As I have a lot of Airfix tank parts from about 40 years ago, when I did a lot of conversions from Airfix Magazine, I used a Mk I sponson to create an hermaphrodite, the size corresponded perfectly.
The tracks must be sandwiched between inner and outer sides, so I am already ready for primer, before I can continue.

[jalles]

It's looking great so far.  I really like the T-34 turret on there, it's an interesting blend of eras.  Like the background story too 

[NARSES2]

  I like this. Actually with modern tractor engines it might be quite practical ?

I well remember those old Airfix Magazine conversions by Chris Ellis. Built a few of them myself 

[TimJ]

Great idea and looking good so far. 

[Rheged]

Highly esteemed comrade, the Peoples' Praesidium  is much impressed with the Starkhanovite  labours of the Heroic Red Dawn Cast Iron Bedpan Factory.   You are therefore awarded a RED BANNER parchment bearing a signature somewhat similar to that of Comrade Stalin and an extra issue of crimson Y fronts in the next-but-one five year plan.


The family Rheged reckon it bids fair to be a quite fascinating machine when completed, well done.

[Weaver]

Splendid idea! 

Also, one more from this manufacturer and we'll have to rename it the Emhar GB...

[Gondor]

I like this. Actually with modern tractor engines it might be quite practical ?

I well remember those old Airfix Magazine conversions by Chris Ellis. Built a few of them myself 

I think I remember those from the days when the Airfix Magazine was a small squarish magazine. Loved the series on building the Mulberry Harbour in them too.

Great looking build here too 

Gondor

[ChernayaAkula]

Neat concept! 

[loupgarou]

Highly esteemed comrade, the Peoples' Praesidium  is much impressed with the Starkhanovite  labours of the Heroic Red Dawn Cast Iron Bedpan Factory.   You are therefore awarded a RED BANNER parchment bearing a signature somewhat similar to that of Comrade Stalin and an extra issue of crimson Y fronts in the next-but-one five year plan.


The family Rheged reckon it bids fair to be a quite fascinating machine when completed, well done.

Comrade Rheged!
Inspired by the Peoples' Praesidium  words, our workers have doubled their commitment, the tank has been primed and the tracks painted an appropriate old-rust colour!
Even an exhaust system for the tractor engines has been added, after the unfortunate asphyxiation of our first glorious crew!
Our technicians are studying imperialist Osprey books on the civil war in order to identify colours to use on a capitalist tank captured by our victorious Red Army!
Our Workers' Assembly, after a deep political discussion, have only a question: they are unsure of what " crimson Y fronts" are.

[loupgarou]

The Emhar kit is fighting back! Must still be imbued with capitalistic spirit. 
Primed, painted, second camouflage colour, decaled... thought it was near complete, only the tracks to be sandwiched between the sides.
BUT, tracks won't stay flat against the body, and one broke while trying to fit it. 
Now I am slowly glueing the track along the body contour.

[Gondor]

If it won't conform, send it to a re-education facility

Gondor

[zenrat]

I just had a flashback to my youth - building an Airfix Mk iv tank and having a similar problem.

[loupgarou]

In spite of the capitalistic swine tracks sabotaging our efforts, the untiring socialist work force of the glorious Cast Iron Bedpan Factory  "Red Dawn" has managed to (somewhat) complete our tank!
Now, adorned with an appropriate slogan "Смерть фашистам",  it's ready to fight the invaders of Mother Russia.





Note the perfected exhaust system, added after the unlucky demise of our first test crew, owing to exhaust gases venting in the fighting compartment. 

[zenrat]

Up the workers!

Love it.  It looks like its come straight out of a 1920's Boy's Own adventure comic.  Good job.