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REVIEW:
TANKETTE VOL. 61/2.
The latest Tankette has arrived, and is by way of an emergency issue, as our Editor, Robin Buckland, has been unwell. In his place volunteers from the committee and membership stepped up to fill the void. Hopefully Robin will be recovered and back in the saddle soon.
The cover photo is of a T-55 model in a diorama setting, possibly from one of the African wars.
Page two carries the regular ‘member’s Models’ article with a spread of images sent in of recent models. Remember, whoever is manning the editorial chair, all photos sent in by members would be most welcome.
We then have page three with the contents list, contact information, and an editorial. Whilst on the admin. page, could I remind members to make sure they are contacting the correct officer when making enquiries. Whilst we do appreciate subscriptions being sent in, it costs postage to forward cheques to the Subscriptions Officer. MAFVA is run on a tight budget so as to avoid raising the subscription fees. If in doubt, enquire by e-mail first!
We then move on to the first article, which is The Cromwell file Part 9, The Royal Marines Centaur Close Support Tanks by Dick Harley. In this packed article is all the relevant information on the tanks of this short-lived unit, plus more. Multiple scale drawings are included, along with details of Porpoise ammunition sleds, tactical use and where the centaurs went. As with all Dick’s articles, they are the ‘Go To’ resource for all Cromwell family AFVs.
Another regular contributor, David Fletcher provides Part 2 of his ‘Armoured Cars and Yeomanry’ article, looking at some early models from WWI.
The Case for Books looks at three recent books from Osprey, who are still pumping out publications.
Dan Taylor has written an excellent obituary for Geoff Lacey who passed away last year. Geoff has been a major contributor to Tankette with his excellent drawings, as well as a leading figure at the London Branch.
Dan has also contributed an excellent article on the All Round Vision (A.R.V.) cupola, one of those subjects we all knew a little about, but now encapsulated into one article. I was unaware there were two marks! Photos, drawings and sketches included.
Using information gathered from the regimental archives, plus interviews with veterans, Steve Cox has collated information on an International Half-Track that was used post-war by the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry. The article includes photographs showing different versions of the fitter’s vehicle.
Out in the Marketplace lists some of the new kits that have been released recently; more can be seen on the website, under ‘New Kit News’.
We then have a review of the Bull Models Beaverette Armoured Car, a little beauty.
AFV’s of the Escadron Besnier at St Nazaire in 1944 is a short piece detailing the German vehicles captured and used by this Free French unit. Included are sketches of the markings painted on these vehicles.
The last two pages look at the work of the late Neil Craig, with comments in his words. Neil was a highly skilled Canadian who produced exquisite small scale models of Allied military vehicles.
Despite the circumstances, another excellent issue of Tankette.
Get well soon Robin! Paul Middleton MAFVA 1528