Grille 38(t) Ausf. H - poster W.I.P.

"The first variant of the Grille was based on the Panzer 38(t) Ausf. H, which had its engine in the rear. The turret of the tank was removed and replaced by a low-slung superstructure and fighting compartment. The 15 cm schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33 (heavy infantry gun) was mounted in the front of this armored compartment.

A total of 91 (including the one prototype) were produced in the BMM (erstwhile CKD Praga) factory in Prague from February to April 1943. The official designation was 15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. H (Sd.Kfz. 138/1).

As the Ausf H was built on a tank chassis, its hull armour was 50 mm (front) and its superstructure armour was 25 mm (front)" - Wikipedia

image copyright Forbes Robertson 2013


image source: www.achtungpanzer.com

15 cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33/1 auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) (Sf) Ausf. M (Sd.Kfz. 138/1)

Flakpanzer 38(t) 20mm - poster W.I.P.

"The Flakpanzer 38(t) - officially named Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausf M (SdKfz 140) - was a German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun used in World War II.

The Flakpanzer 38(t) was designed around the chassis of the Czech-built LT-38 tank and was built from November 1943 to February 1944, entering service in 1944. As the vehicle used the 38(t) Ausf M chassis, the engine was near the middle of the vehicle, and the armament was placed at the rear in a specially designed armoured section. The upper part folding down to allow 360-degree traverse at low elevation. During World War II, a total of 141 Flakpanzer 38(t)s were built, including the single prototype vehicle.

The Flakpanzer 38(t) was intended to be issued to the anti-aircraft platoon of each tank battalion (Panzer Abteilung) in a Panzer division. Most of the Flakpanzer 38(t)s were issued to Panzer Divisions on the Western Front, the remainder served on the Eastern Front. An example user being the 12th SS Panzer Division.

As its folding superstructure allowed a very low (-5°) elevation the Flakpanzer 38(t) was often used against enemy infantry and unarmoured or lightly armoured vehicles." - Wikipedia

image copyright Forbes Robertson 2013


image source: www.achtungpanzer.com

Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausf M (SdKfz 140)

Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) 20mm - poster W.I.P.

"The Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) - Sd.Kfz.141/1 was a reconnaissance conversion fitted with a "Hangelafette" turret (20 mm KwK 38 L/55 gun and MG42 - used in armored cars) or armed with 75 mm KwK 37 L/24 (and MG42) gun mounted in the modified superstructure. Only 50 to 70 Aufklarungspanzer 38(t) with 20 mm gun were built from late 1943 to early 1944 and only 2 Aufklarungspanzer 38(t) with 75 mm gun were built in 1944." - Wikipedia

If there are any inaccuracies in my illustrations, or if anybody has any suggestions, please let me know. Feedback is appreciated.

image copyright Forbes Robertson 2013


image source: www.achtungpanzer.com

Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) 75mm - poster W.I.P.

"The Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) - Sd.Kfz.141/1 was a reconnaissance conversion fitted with a "Hangelafette" turret (20 mm KwK 38 L/55 gun and MG42 - used in armored cars) or armed with 75 mm KwK 37 L/24 (and MG42) gun mounted in the modified superstructure. Only 50 to 70 Aufklarungspanzer 38(t) with 20 mm gun were built from late 1943 to early 1944 and only 2 Aufklarungspanzer 38(t) with 75 mm gun were built in 1944." - Wikipedia

If there are any inaccuracies in my illustrations, or if anybody has any suggestions, please let me know. Feedback is appreciated.

image copyright Forbes Robertson 2013


image source: Jentz, T. "Panzer Tracts No.20-2 Paper Panzers (Aufkaerungs-Beobachtuns-and Flak-panzers" 2002


image source: Jentz, T. "Panzer Tracts No.20-2 Paper Panzers (Aufkaerungs-Beobachtuns-and Flak-panzers" 2002

Panzerkampfwagen 38t - poster W.I.P.

"The 1938/39, German take-over of the Czechoslovak state resulted that in March of 1939, 150 of LT-38s in production were confiscated and CKD/Praga was ordered to complete them all. All of them were incorporated into the German Army as PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf A - Sd.Kfz.140. After the German take-over of the Czechoslovakia, the LT-38 became one of the most important tanks used by the Panzertruppe and was retained in production as a tank until June of 1942. The addition of "free" tanks provided the Panzertruppe with badly needed additional equipment in the period shortly before and in the early stages of World War II. Eventually, the proven LT-38, became base for various conversions including the Hetzer tank destroyer. As the war progressed, the Czech industry proved to be a vital part of the German war economy." - Achtung Panzer

If there are any inaccuracies in my illustrations, or if anybody has any suggestions, please let me know. Feedback is appreciated.

image copyright Forbes Robertson 2013