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Medjoe — Autoblinde AMX 40bis
#afv #alternatehistory #alternativehistory #amx #france #frencharmy #whatif #ww2 #amx40 #wheeledtank #armoredfightingvehicle #wehr46 #autoblinde
Published: 2017-05-11 21:32:02 +0000 UTC; Views: 2187; Favourites: 43; Downloads: 0
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Description
Parallel to the SOMUA S35bis project, AMX worked on adapting the Büssing-NAG suspension for the Sdkfz 231/232/234 to the AMX 40 light tank prototype, in a bid for a reconnaissance vehicle to support the cavalry tanks equipping the French Army. The hull and turret were reduced in armour thickness and mated with the robust 8-wheeled suspension. Unfortunately, the program was closed as testing revealed significant strain on the transmission due to the weight of a vehicle, and further reduction in protection was deemed unacceptable. Several prototypes were built and remained in service under the French Army, then relegated to reserves dispersed throughout the country, not seeing any action.This particular vehicle bears the 1st Company, 1st Platoon blue spade, on a road somewhere near the village of Niedermorschwihr, Alsace, sporting early war camouflage. Experience gained on this program would prove useful on the AMX 10 series of vehicles.
Second half the mini-project exploring WW2 French wheeled AFVs, and also gave me a chance to draw the very curvy AMX 40 light tank.
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Comments: 7
This vehicle really existed? I must say, it actually looks acceptable with the 234 hull under it.
Good drawing, I like how you gave the vehicle more bright and strong colors and the background is a bit paler, more pastel-colored.
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Of course not, it's based on several major anachronisms and hypotheses!
The AMX-40 was never pushed into production, and since this was just before the Battle of France, it would've perhaps been more appropriate to have the 232 hull instead. Assuming they'd be interested in designing and producing such a niche vehicle under German occupation.
Unfortunately there are only a few rare resin releases of the AMX-40, so a kitbashed physical model on my shelf will have to wait a long time, but I hope that's not stopping anyone else from having a go at the idea!
Thanks for the art comment, I find it to this kind of background be an acceptable blend of detail/time to set the scene while still featuring the subject in the foreground, so I've been somewhat consistent in its execution.
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Oh, well then you did a good job at fooling me! 
Hmm, I see. There are also a few vehicles I would like to have in my collection, that are only available in expensive resin kits from somewhere in eastern europe.
Though with the advent of 3D printing and more and more shops offering to print user made files, I'm thinking of going that way to get myself some models, hopefully faster and more affordable. Maybe that could be a solution for you too?
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It's a possibility, but browsing things on Shapeways, for instance, shows that for the moment these types of models tend to be very pricy, and knowing a bit about 3D printing, some types of printers definitely require substantial cleanup. I'm still going to wait a bit before jumping in, but it's certainly a very interesting possibility. 
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I believe you meant freefall.
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