Modern tanks

[Meter rat]

Contemplating the Challenger last night, and reading back through old postings, it struck how few modern builds there are, compared to WW2 stuff. Even the manufacturers concentrate on mainly the same models. This got me wondering why? This is the same with model railways, a lot more steam engines and, prototypes that were only around for a few years, but comparatively less modern production engines.

[Kaczor]

World War II was very rich in new projects, prototypes, and dead ends in development. Massive use of tanks in the hundreds of thousands. In addition, everyone wants to have a Tiger.

Similarly in railways - everyone wants to have a Flying Scotsman

[HERMAN BIX]

Speculation here, but WW2 has provenance and significance.
If every tank was derived from Little Willie, the biggest change was during WW2.
Even modern versions have not had the need for such rapid evolution and instant results over the last 50 years as the WW2 ones.
The T55 and its derivatives are the most produced 'modern MBT'" but over time they have not had the panic-build to win situation that their forebears did.

I think that why.

[jarndice]

PROFIT,
it is as simple as that, Look at how long we were pleading begging for a 1/16 r/c Centurion and we were ignored, Finally not one but three manufacturers came up with the goods and it would appear that it was a wise decision but how many other post WW2 Tanks could be deemed to be as profitable ?
The Tiger 1 sells it is as simple and as profitable as that but just as a Conqueror is not likely to come from Tamiya, Taigen/Torro or Heng Long neither is a Matilda 1 likely to appear,
As to railways I was a devoted enthusiast of N Guage and I still have a modest layout, off the top of your head which Engine in N Guage is the biggest seller, I suggest the Datol A4 Pacific and if you can find one new for less than £100 please tell the wider world,
N Guage carriages that match the A4 Pacific are as rare as hens teeth and are very expensive compared to other rolling stock because the makers know their market and flash steam engines are where its at not compatible carriages.
Pre diesel/electric you needed track but after you needed catanary, colour light signalling and a kings ransom in other "Essentials",
The simplicity of giving your child a box that had everything needed for a model railway at a price a doting parent could afford is getting less likely with every passing Christmas.

[Kaczor]

I was a TT modeler (European TT, 1/120 scale) and not only was the selection small, but Polish locomotives and wagons were rare and expensive.

[Ad Lav]

T55 and Centurion are about as modern as I want.

WW2 vehicles are still the main interest for most people. That’s the same for films and tv series.

[jee]

For me it mostly the diversity of the (pre-)war tanks, so many different models. For me the modern mbts look so much alike.

[jee]

Ow, i do make an exception for the flakpanzer gepard, that is just a cool thing

[HERMAN BIX]

Ow, i do make an exception for the flakpanzer gepard, that is just a cool thing

Yep, thats a cool thing

[Kaczor]

Also- modern tanks looks the same

modern.png (752.27 KiB) Viewed 925 times

And WWII is a variety of vehicles:

ww22.png (1.61 MiB) Viewed 925 times