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Modeller Build Logs
Scratch-building the PP 2 Armoured Train |
| By Pawel Kowalski | | Started: | Oct 31, 2006 | | Updated: | Nov 10, 2006 |
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This is a blog describing my attempt to scratch-build the Polish PP 2 "Smialy" armored train. I had for a long time wanted to build an armoured train. There is simply something about the sheer size, the fortress / battleship like appearance that appeals to me.
I choose the Smialy train, because, being one of the first dedicated armoured trains in Polish service, and having a notable history, it has received quite a bit of exposure in the eyes of the contemporary media and the historians of today. Meaning, there are plenty of resources regarding the train.
I hope that this blog may help other modelers by showing how not to do a specific task, and the same time the modelers reading the blog may help me with encouragement and technique. |
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| The train, resources, and materials | Nov 4, 2006 |
The Smialy train that I want to build is the train in its initial configuration of winter 1918 when it defended Lwow. Here the train consisted of three permanent units:
1. A three axle tank locomotive
2. An assault wagon, two axles, four 7.92mm machine gun positions.
3. An artillery wagon, with a 80mm field gun in a turret, and three machine gun positions, one each side, and one forward. The forward machine gun position was in the large superstructure, originally made for a 37mm gun, but in polish service it was used for a machine gun.
The armor of the train was identical throughout, 12mm of steel, a layer of oak wood, and then a layer of 8mm steel.
The locomotive and artillery wagon can be seen in the pictures in the first chapter.
The assault wagon appeared as a standard boxcar with a curved roof, but with steel plating and with cutouts for the machine guns. (The cutouts are similar to the ones on the sides of the artillery wagon, see the picture)
If this project works our for me, then I will proceed to building the Smialy in the last Polish configuration.
My resources for this project consists of the book:
Janusz Magnuski - Pociag Pancerny "Smialy" w trzech wojnach, Pelta 1996. although it is my sole resource, it has however many pictures of the train, and profile drawings, as well as many technical descriptions.
My materials for this project will be a lot of styrene sheets, and Ironscale German rail carriages, that I will scavenge the hooks, wheels, and buffers off. This leaves me with "just" the superstructure to build.
I have also found a paper model of the train, should I be able to get my hands on it, my task be will a lot easier, as I will be able to "copy" the paper drawings onto styrene, and cut portions out. But that almost defeats the idea of scratch building :) But if the project becomes overwhelming, then that is a safe help. |
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