TRANSNISTRIAN GAZ71/GT-MU SBT

[sassgrunt]

When these first came out, a very talented 3d printer in UK made conversion parts to turn them into a Borgward IV demolition vehicle (and variants). He made the basic demolition vehicle with the jettison able explosive container; the later ammunition/supplies carrier; and a prototype for a 5cm gun carrier (sort of like a mini-Nashorn). He included spoke wheels that replaced the outed solid dished ones of the E1. I don't see that he's currently producing them, but maybe would be willing to make more if there is a desire for them.

The metal tracks option does not mesh with the standard toothed plastic drive sprocket, but come with a replacement round sprocket that sandwiches metal pins between the inner and outer sides, (sort of like a small T34 drive sprocket). They don't match the toothed look of the Borgward IV, so I ordered toothed plastic sprockets from WPL that WOULD fit the metal tracks. They only made them for a very short time, as I don't think people really felt the need for them.....just geeks like me who were trying to make them into something else.

[HERMAN BIX]

A Borgward !
Now you mentioned it I can see the concept.
I ordered tracks for it twice but the supplier had some problems,twice, and I was refunded both times.
The replacement drive hubs don’t have toothed sprockets which is odd but for now mine will sport the rubber bands .

Any chance you might have any info for that printed Borgward ?

[Tiger6]

They were by this guy:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?item= ... taylor7130

[sassgrunt]

Thank you for the link, Tiger6. That's absolutely him. Shipping from UK to the US was pretty costly, so I would imagine that it would be a lot worse to Oz. Nice guy, though, and great conversion sets.

[HERMAN BIX]

Well stone the crows!!

More investigation on that methinks
Ive sent a question to him via Ebay. Its only showing dolls house windows is all he has, lets see if he responds.

Just found a bit of a " Soviet era vehicles - 101 identification"...............

https://www.recomonkey.com/Newsfeed/Tec ... -Nt7fS3s/A

[HERMAN BIX]

Got a bit more done on the Transnistrian Weisell !!
Rear doors & pioneer tools, the tow cable is ready to go on last thing and now I’m working on the SPG-9 weapon.

Checking dimensions against the specs of the real machines confirms it 1/18th scale.
But that’s ok,near enough for this kid

[HERMAN BIX]

Now the work on the SPG-9 begins.
Brass tube( that’s said toob for you left hand drivers!) and bits!

[HERMAN BIX]

And a few odds & sods turns into gold !!
Still to add a sight and aiming post but the basic SPG-9 is there.
Looks near enough.

[HERMAN BIX]

A couple of extra bits & I can almost call the SPG-9 done.
I will fill in the ends of the square tube that the launcer sits on, but other than that, near enough.
I cannibalised a sight and foresight from one of Mr Rams gorgeous RPG-7's that he printed for me ages ago & it looks about right now.
Got to make a run to some hobby shop & get enough brass pipe to do the twin exhausts..............

[HERMAN BIX]

Of all the bits on this thing that have been done, one of the most finicky is the infills on the sponsons.
Had a lot of fitting, trimming and handling to get them in place but now they are in, happy-daze!!
Now I can mount the "lake Pipes" onto it once I get the suitable material.
Only major bits to sort now are the roof engine vents.