Mike's Modeling: 2016

Friday 19 August 2016

Curious Five #1 / Tk - 3 Tankette /

Tk-3 tankette was third Polish construction based upon British MK VI light tank, approved by Polish Army in 1931. In next couple years approximately 300 vehicles of this type were built. Later, some had been modified and improved. The tankette was used during Blitzkreig campaign in September 1939 by Polish Army. September 1939 is a theme of this diorama, depicting Panzer IV crew curiously examining intact Tk-3 tank captured during fights.

Tuesday 2 August 2016

TKS Light Reconnaissance Tank

TKS tank, also known as tankette, was major tracked vehicle of Polish Army in September 1939. In 1931, Military Institute of Research and Engineering (Wojskowy instytut Badan i Inzynierii) team lead by T. Trzeciak designed a vehicle based upon British MK VI tank. Throughout few years improvements were implemented, new engine, frontal shape was changed, new gun mantlet installed and new optical sights, Gundlach's Visor, allowing all round observation of battlefield from the inside. In August 1939 Tank Battalions equipped with TKS tanks were mobilized into Independent Companies and Squadrons, 13 tanks each, 1 commander tank with 2 platoons, 6 each. These units were attached to Brigades of Cavalry and Infantry Divisions, TKS tanks were also used in armored train units.

Thursday 30 June 2016

British Museum #1 / Sutton Hoo Burial /

The Sutton Hoo burial was discovered in 1939 after exploration of largest burial mound at Edith Pretty's estate at Suffolk. Inside the mound, the imprint of a 27-metre-long, decayed ship, studded with iron rivets containing burial chamber was found. The burial took place in early AD 600s, when Sutton Hoo belonged to East Anglia, one of competing Anglo - Saxon kingdoms. Sutton Hoo is the most significant find from early medieval Europe, also the richest, containing many artifacts of exquisite craftsmanship, probably commemorating a person of extreme wealth or high status, possibly an Anglo-Saxon King of East Anglia.

Monday 25 April 2016

Polish Army Museum #1 / Polish Hussars /

The most renown Polish cavalry formation, unconquered on the field of battle at 17th century. Comprised out of high born and rich recruits, wearing characteristic suits of armor that included single wing or pair of wings fixed to saddle rear or at the back of armor. There are several theories stating purpose of these wings, one of them states wings were used for psychological warfare which scared horses of an enemy during charges, or protected rider from attack from behind during close combat. Charges of Hussar units started slowly in loose formations, to reduce effectiveness of enemy artillery, what made quick turn round and retreat possible. When commander noticed an opportunity for a successful charge, order was given to proceed into trot, formation and ranks were tightened, accelerating into gallop and canter. Such sequence was used for effective breaking of enemy ranks. Hussar's armor consisted of helmet, called "szyszak" scale breastplate, vambraces and bevor. Hussar weapons were: saber; long (approx 63 inches), saber-like weapon called "koncerz" used mostly for stabbing which gave raider long reach from horseback; horseman's pick; lance (approx 19 feet long).