Slice of History Creations: July 2014

Thursday 17 July 2014

SADF Ratel 20 1:35 Resin

BAX 35003/ AG 35-1 - Ratel 20

Scale: 1:35 Resin Kit.

This excellent example of the kit in this photograph is not a Slice of History Creations model.

The Ratel wheeled IFV is named after the honey badger, noted for its toughness when fighting. Many would consider the Ratel IFV to be well named. It first appeared in 1974, when sanctions were at their height, having been totally developed within South Africa. This armored vehicle was manufactured by Sandock-Austral. Production commenced in 1978 and final deliveries were made during 1987. A number of Ratels were exported. It is estimated that a total of 1 500 of these wheeled IFVs were produced.

This excellent example of the kit in this photograph is not a Slice of History Creations model.

All models of the Ratel have a 6x6 drive configuration with the long armored steel hull being specially contoured underneath to minimize land mine damage, if necessary the Ratel can travel with two wheels missing. In the SANDF the use of wheeled armored vehicles has always been an advantage. For decades South Africa was involved in conflicts where their forces had to travel great distances with a little logistical support. The Ratel's wheeled configuration was perfect for prolonged journeys.

The main variant is the Ratel 20, armed with a French GIAT 20-mm cannon in a two-man turret, plus three 7.62-mm MGs, one coaxial one over the turret and one on a pintle mounting over a hatch in the rear hull roof. The 20-mm cannon has an effective range of 1 500 m and can engage light armored vehicles.

This baseline version is used as a troop transport. Firing ports and vision devices are provided for most occupants of the crew compartment which is entered through side doors or another at the rear.

Front armor of the Ratel provides protection against 12.7-mm rounds. All-round protection is against 7.62-mm ammunition.

Vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 282 hp. Engine is located at the rear. Vehicle has a cross-country performance similar to that of the tracked vehicles. This infantry fighting vehicle is not amphibious. Almost any Ratel can be rapidly converted into a light ARV by adding a small jib crane to the hull rear.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS!!

OPTION 1:

No markings “decals” included in kit. Optional extra! Photo required of markings.

Build the model with open hatches

BAXMod

R 900 (Kit) +R150 Postage.

R 1350 (Kit built) +R150 Postage.

R 1650 (Kit built+ base) +R150 Postage.

R 2450 (Kit built+ base & Perspex case) +R150 Postage.

OPTION 2:

No option of open hatches

No markings “decals” included in kits. Optional extra! Photo required of markings

Aerografix Creative models

R 950 (Kit) +R150 Postage.

R 1350(Kit built + markings) +R150 Postage. Photo required

R 1650 (Kit built +markings & base) +R150 Postage. Photo required

R 2450 (Kit built +markings, base & Perspex case) +R150 Postage. Photo required

ORDER HERE

PS: Please use

BAX35003 - Ratel 20

AG35-1 - Ratel 20

when placing order.

Wednesday 16 July 2014

SADF Buffel 1:35 Resin Model

SADF BUFFEL

The "chessy" had to be scratchbuilt.

Some repair work done on seats and the back plate totally replaced

Dryfitting: Chessy & back

Dry fitting stage II. Some engine parts added extra. Almost ready for primer

End result. Some extra details added

The base will be done on preference from the client

Kit options: Item Reference code: BAX35001 - Buffel

The Buffel was introduced in 1978 after it was found that the South African Army had the need for a basic mine protected vehicle. The Buffel was an improvement of the Bosvark which offered little protection to the driver.^[1] More than 1,400 were delivered before production stopped. A few of these vehicles found their way into other armies.

The Buffel (Afrikaans for Buffalo) was not a wholly South African built vehicle, but made use of the chassis, engine and some other components of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog, which were married to the armoured driver's cab and separate armoured troop compartment. The driver's cab was situated on the left with the engine compartment on the right. Later models replaced the original Mercedes engine with copies built under license by Atlantis Diesel Engines factory near Cape Town.

Land mine protection was provided by the V-shaped hull underneath these compartments, which quite effectively deflected the blast. The troop compartment contained two plastic tanks in the vee beneath the floor, a 200 litre diesel tank and a 100 litre water tank. The water tank provided drinking water to the occupants by means of a tap at the rear of the vehicle. It was a commonly held misconception amongst the troops that the weight of the water added to the blast protection.

In order to help dissipate the energy from hitting a mine, the large tires were usually filled with water, adding, as was told, about 500 kg per wheel to the vehicle weight.