The four stages of an Egyptian T-62 tank's Short War - Yom Kippur 1973.

spanner570

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I've cut this finished build right down to the bones, as it was long winded and too many photos.

In October 1973, the Israelis knew an Arab attack was imminent, but didn't know exactly when. Their allies, the Americans, stated that if Israel fired the first shot they wouldn't receive "...so much as a nail in help"
So wait they had to.
Their enemies, the Egyptians to the west and Syrian in the north, launched their attacks on Oct. 6th. Along with their coalition allies, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Cuba, N.Korea, Kuwait and E. Germany. Egypt stormed across the Suez Canal. Their objective was to take the Sinai, which they lost after the Six Day War in 1967. To the north, the Syrians invaded the Golan Heights. They too wanted land taken from them during the same conflict.

Using an awful and inaccurate 1/35, only good for practicing on, Tamiya cheapo toy tank, I've tried to model an Egyptian T-62 tank during the campaign. Also present will be Israeli armour.

The T-62 stands on Egyptian soil waiting for the order to attack.

The young crew have no idea that in less than two weeks, their tank will be destroyed and they will be dead.

The tank is brush painted with Vallejo Model Air. I hand painted the Egyptian flag. I don't use 'sophisticated' tank track painting methods, just Vallejo Dirt and a pencil.

Yes, I know the holdalls are American, but accuracy is a low priority to me. I just use what's to hand. I made the netting and tarps. from old rags.


Stage one. The waiting game and still on Egyptian soil.....
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After an initial bombardment of forward Israeli positions along the Suez Canal, overwhelming Egyptian forces crossed into Israel.

Meeting limited opposition, the buoyant invaders looked forward to an easy victory...........

Next, the push inland.

Thanks for looking.

Ron
 

adt70hk

I know its a bit sad but I like quickbuild kits!!!
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Looking very nice Ron. A good start to the story.

In my youf I used to do a lot of board wargaming and have a copy of Arab-Israeli Wars by Avalon Hill, which covers the 1956-1973 period.

It was released in 1977 and even has a 'what if' scenario where Israel invades Lebanon!

There is also a short description of what it was like in one of the Israeli forts on the Suez Canal when the Egyptians attacked. I even seen to recall they used massive 'hosepipes' to wash the Israeli positions away where sand was a major constituent part.

Very much looking forward to the rest of the story!

ATB

Andrew
 
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spanner570

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Thanks boys, and thanks too to Andrew for the info.
 

spanner570

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I'll push on quickly with this....

Stage Two. Full of optimism after the initial easy successes.....

Here's the Egyptian T-62 passing an over-run Israeli Observation Post.
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Cheers.
Ron
 

yak face

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Brilliant stuff mate , loving the deserted lookout , I dread to think what they were using the bucket for though! The corrugated tin sheeting is great , excellent scene , cheers tony
 

spanner570

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Cheers Mucker.

Unfortunately for the tank crew, the Israelis have recovered from their initial 'snotting' and are rapidly re- grouping, and the over confident tank crew have but days left on this planet!

Thank you for your post. Believe me, it's much appreciated......

Ron
 

spanner570

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Thanks Paul and Paul!
I'm chuffed you both approve thus far..... :thumb2:
 

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You never disappoint Ron, perfection on the buildings. :nerd:
 

spanner570

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Likewise yourself 453.

Being thick old joiners (Ret.) has some advantages, eh?!

570
 

spanner570

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After the initial Egyptian success in gaining territory in The Sinai Desert, the Israeli's have re-grouped and are hitting back - Hard!

Their aim is to roll the Egyptians up and throw them back across the Suez Canal....
Likewise on The Golan Heights, the Israeli's are pushing back the Syrians.

This Egyptian T-62 has been destroyed by two penetration hits in quick succession to the turret, and one hit just above the tracks to the rear.( Which unfortunately can't be seen in this picture)
You will observe however that the S.M. badge (The bucket) is still intact and hanging proud!

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There you go, there is a use for these 1/35 Tamiya, inaccurate, cheapo 'Toys' after all!

I won't clog this thread up with more pictures of the wrecked tank. For anyone interested, I'll post the remainder in a separate thread.

Thanks for looking.
Ron
 

spanner570

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Thanks chaps.
I really do appreciate your feed back. Such nice comments give me the incentive to keep plodding on.

Yours.
Moshe Dayan.
 
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