US Interwar Christie 1919 Tank
Comments
NeulingAnother weird looking vehicle from your bench. Top build of this (by me) never seen prototype. Your models should be presented in a Panzermuseum. Hoping for more ......
Robert PodkońskiFantastic! I wish some mainstream company would produce a kit of this revolutionary tank...
Rick TaylorThanks Neuling! You don't have too long to wait for more weird Christie prototypes. I'm weathering the next one and waiting for Vargas to print and mail another after that.
Ben MLove it. I ordered this one a few weeks ago, and can't wait to get started on it.
Rick TaylorRobert, I doubt that the mainstream companies will undertake these unusual subjects. There just wouldn't be enough sales to cover the costs of development, cutting steel tooling, developing instructions, etc, etc. But, with the magic of CAD and moderately cost 3D printers, companies like Vargas can be successful and bring us these obscure subjects. Don't be afraid to tackle one of these kits, the parts count is really low and the fit is good. You do have to use CA glue and maybe some 5-minute epoxy; but, those are easy. After several of these 3D printed resin kits, I've learned that the best way to handle the fine 3D print striations is with a coat (or two) of cheap rattle-can sandable automotive primer. It fills in the striations with surprisingly little impact on the details.
Robert PodkońskiThanks for your explanations Rick, very appreciated. I am not (very...) concerned about assembling and finishing such a model, I am rather concerned about the price, customs, taxes, etc... 🙁 Nevertheless, would you be so kind to send me a private message with the address of the site where I could order one (or two... 😉) of these models - I was not able to find it, frankly speaking.
Rick TaylorRobert, Vargas keeps these gems well hidden. He only sells on eBay. His kits are all at https://ebay.com/sch/vargass..armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
Rick TaylorBen, Mark, Thanks for the kind words. These Christie prototypes are really interesting. Vargas has the Christie T3E2 ready to ship. I'll move it onto the bench as soon as it arrives. I hope that Vargas produces a kit of the 1928 prototype to complete the set..
Album info
This failed tank prototype from the American engineer and race car driver Walter Christie, started him on a decades long quest to design a tank suspension system. The tanks of WW1 and the early interwar period operated at the speed of a walking infantryman and therefore didn't need a suspension system. Christie's prototype could run on either tracks for cross county mobility or on wheels for moving up to the battlefield. On the wheels, it could hit speeds of 13mph (21km/h). At this speed it needed a suspension system. For his next prototype, he would have to invent a suspension system...
This is another of Vargas Scale Models' 3D printed resin kits. The 3D print technology results in a very low parts count while maintaining a good level of detail. This model was built straight from the box. After sanding to remove the 3D print striations, I primed it with Mr Surface 1500. It was painted with Vallejo US Olive Drab and give a Winsor & Newton oil color dot filter. A pin wash was applied with AK Interactive Streaking Grime. Light and dark streaks are made with AK Rainmarks and AK Streaking Grime. A dust coat of Tamiya XF-72 JGSDF Brown.
Vargas's CAD designed and 3D printed kit is the only one of this subject in any scale or medium. It builds up and finishes into a very nice model. It is an excellent addition to my newly started collection of early armor and the innovation that occurred as everyone tried to figure what a tank should do and be.
