Ostwind

[littletankman]

I started this a while ago , but with Steiner posting his excellent Wirblewind I decided to pop the post up . These pictures show how it stands now . This is all scratch built on a HL Pz.IV base.
I will add some build photos later




Second pict of a combat Ostwind (same tank I think ?). I believe these are the only two pictures in existence. I have seen the pictures of the proto type version
This is what I'm aiming for (the combat version)

[STEINER]

Outstanding build Andy, that detail of the cannon is fantastic, thanks for posting the pics. Really looking forward to seeing the camo scheme applied. Hurry up and get that work shop set up mate.

[littletankman]

Hi Steiner , thanks mate . I aim to finish this first then get the Hetzer sprayed to . Do your guns move in the Wirblewind ? . On the 3.7cm flak there's a optical sight that rises in line with the gun that was fidley.

[Reaper332]

Cant wait too see it finished

[STEINER]

No Andy, unfortunatley they dont. I see that your Ostwinds canon can, ( Brilliant ). On reflection I should have given more thought to that feature. A micro servo, to hide inside the canon housing is the thing, as there is no room below the turret. Then you probably would have to use another TX/RX.. I intended to make the build as simple as possible. There was a German modeller, and he built a Mobelwagon with servo movable cannons. Im sure it was on that main German Tank forum. Might be worth checking it out. Cant remember the Forum name.

[littletankman]

Thanks Reaper332 , and Steiner I intended to make my build simple and cheep

Andy

[littletankman]

Theres a lot of debate on the Ostwind specifically the positioning of the turret. Some say it was moved forward along with the radio operators hatch , as the engine hatches wouldnt open because of the turret. This is how I have made my one. Although as these were a very late war tank it is probable that any Ostwind turret placed on a returning older Pz.IV could well of been put on regardless just to get them out ? Im making my one like the picture. This is a rare combat picture of an Ostwind and the only one I could find in combat , there is two pictures of this one . The other more common pictures are of the proto type . This was rumoured to have fought in the Ardennes campaign under Pipers command and returned to be evaluated ! this I personaly find hard to beleive . This one in the picture could be a moved turret or just a turret placed on a standard Pz.ausf.G base . Another allteration to the basic Pz.IV was horizontal bars in the rear enginer air intakes and two vertical bars in the transmission cove air intakes . I have no idea why or if it was done on all flakpanzers . I will post some more pictures later.

Andy

[caddyshack]

Looks like your off to a great start. Keep up the good work

[littletankman]

Here is the build , briefly. First of I altered the rear end to give it its correct angle (not my idea) You will notice some parts added but later removed its all a learning curve . I removed side mounted spare wheel holder and changed the zimerited areas




Altered and improved front tow hitches and added front spare track holder , improved top spare tracks with working holding points

[littletankman]

Here is the work I did to move the turret hole and radio operators hatch forward.