WWII German Chariots?

Derf

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Found this picture in the book - Ferdinand and Elefant tank destroyers. The author didn't know what the chariot type devices were. Does anyone here know?


Thanks

Will

IMG_2230r.JPG
 

von Marwitz

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Phew, good one...

Did not even find this in "Bespannte Fahrzeuge des deutschen Heeres" by Wolfgang Fleischer, which sports some improbable things such as a 'Teigknetwagen Vf. 2' (Dough-Kneading Wagon) and 'Festungskabellötkarren' (Fortress-Cable-Soldering-Carriage).

Let's see if Mr. Weir is up to the task, albeit the 'thing' is not exactly a tank...

von Marwitz
 

Philippe D.

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I believe it is a "portable" pillbox, the German armored crab or panzernest:
Since one of the pictures on your second link almost perfectly matches the one posted in the first message, your interpretation looks solid :)
 

von Marwitz

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Probably yes and no. Look at the first railroad car: Two of the 'things' are stacked together quite closely. Looking at the picture of the second link, I would have to look differently. However, the similarity of the backside of the picture in the first link to the original picture posted is striking.

But most likely it is a 'spare part' or simply a component for such a portable pillbox.

Interesting. I have never heard of these before.

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jrv

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Last edited:

von Marwitz

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What I find truly amazing is that there seem to be plastic kits for even the most obscure stuff. Which means in turn there has to be a market for it...

von Marwitz
 

Derf

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Thanks jrv.

It never amazes me the amount of info that collectively can be found here.

Will
 

jrv

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It never amazes me the amount of info that collectively can be found here.
You would probably be less amazed by the amount of info found here if you knew I found the information by using google image search. Knowing how to find things is usually more useful than knowing things.

JR
 

Derf

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I will still give you the credit. :D

Did not realize you can do image searches, will look that one up.

Thanks again.
 

mooreshawnm

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I can see my 20th century phalanx forming up right now!
 

Rock SgtDan

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Looking at photo 42, you will see a very nicely fashioned wooden frame on the right of the turret.. not just a flat surface, but with a real "picture frame" molding. I figured it was a place for drawing/tacking up the gunner's range card. But noooo... the German fetish for giving orders required this piece to be bolted on, instead of simply painting a stencil... see photo 54. What a waste of resources.
 
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