Australian Matilda Bunker Buster - Done !

[Dizzyfugu]

Melikes. 

[NARSES2]

Melikes. 

As do I 

[Old Wombat]

I notice the Matildas in the photo don't (yet) have the cast-iron brush guards in front of the idler wheel.

[Rick Lowe]

Coming along well - and quickly! 

[buzzbomb]

I notice the Matildas in the photo don't (yet) have the cast-iron brush guards in front of the idler wheel.

True enough for that shot, a later mod, once they experienced that the Japanese AT guns, while ineffective against the tank, started targeting the Front Idlers and turret ring.
But the do look chunky and cool, which is why I am fitting them

And we're back. A few tweaks and fit the aussiefication gear.

added most of the Firestorm conversion, plus left over tracks as fitted applique armour


This how I figure the Dustbin Bombs can be loaded.
The Turret traversed to a set point at about 2 o'clock. The loader puts a bomb into a vertical loading tube, once the barrel is moved to its open position, the top lid rotates around and the
round is lifted up using some sort of clever mechanism. The round locks in, hatch shuts and the barrel is then returned to the locked position and back in business.


Marsden Mat/PSP that was fitted commonly on Aussie Matilda's as an Anti Grenade/mine measure. Also changed the wireless Antenna to a more appropriate version.

Another General more above shot


A couple of small tweaks to go and then ready to paint.

[PR19_Kit]

This how I figure the Dustbin Bombs can be loaded.
The Turret traversed to a set point at about 2 o'clock. The loader puts a bomb into a vertical loading tube, once the barrel is moved to its open position, the top lid rotates around and the
round is lifted up using some sort of clever mechanism. The round locks in, hatch shuts and the barrel is then returned to the locked position and back in business.

You really can't beat a 'clever mechanism', can you? 

[NARSES2]

This how I figure the Dustbin Bombs can be loaded.
The Turret traversed to a set point at about 2 o'clock. The loader puts a bomb into a vertical loading tube, once the barrel is moved to its open position, the top lid rotates around and the
round is lifted up using some sort of clever mechanism. The round locks in, hatch shuts and the barrel is then returned to the locked position and back in business.

You really can't beat a 'clever mechanism', can you? 

Perhaps it was simply based on that other classic standby "Brute Strength" ? 

[Steel Penguin]

looking very good there,  the Matilda always looked more brutish than its size should have, and you made it even more imposing 

[NARSES2]

looking very good there,  the Matilda always looked more brutish than its size should have, and you made it even more imposing 

I've always found the Matilda Mk II a quite attractive tank in a brutish way.

[zenrat]

Do you know if anyone does the Aussification parts in 1/48?  I can find nothing.

[buzzbomb]

Do you know if anyone does the Aussification parts in 1/48?  I can find nothing.

Fred, not really sure, I have seen a 1/72 set mentioned. A bit strange really because the 1/48 Tamiya Matilda would be very nice I would think

Soooo..

Can nail this one shut now.
Fairly generic Australian Matilda markings from an Echelon set. Firestorm Australian Crew






Have to bust out something else now

[zenrat]

Good job BB.

[Dizzyfugu]

That came out nicely, and I like the specific Australian details, markings an conversions on it. Well done!   

BTW, I am interested in the 1:72 Aussification set, because I am considering a late-war whiffy Matilda II from the PTO. Any link to share for details? 

[PR19_Kit]

That looks really real, if you know what I mean. 

What are the big perforated plates on the rear of the tank for?

[NARSES2]

That's come out really nicely 

What are the big perforated plates on the rear of the tank for?

Anti, anti-tank grenade/mine measures