Italian M15-42 tank + AA version .stl pack, 1/56th

$5.00

 

** 2023-Sept-03 the hull .stls have been updated to enlarge the contact surfaces with the track in both FDM and resin **

The Italian M15-42 is, in the Bolt Action universe, one of the rare bright lights within the Italian Army list. In Bolt Action, this 8+ armour tank has two hull MMGs and two coaxial MMGs as well as a light ATG. This has made the M15-42 a favourite “dakka-dakka” tank for the Italian player, and it is also available to the German and Hungarian players.  The fact that there isn’t any documentary evidence supporting the twin coaxial MMGs is perhaps minimal compensation to the penalties imposed on the Italian player elsewhere in the game.

The M15-42 was the last version of the Italian “M” series tank, following the M13-40 and M14-41. The M15-42 had a more powerful L40 47mm ATG, and a new powerful petrol engine, which resulted in a new engine deck and extended rear deck and longer track length. The crew access door was moved from the left to the right side. In Bolt Action the M15-42 loses the “vulnerable” ranking of the M13 and M14, and has the four MMGs and light ATG, all for 145 points at regular.

One variant of the M15-42 that isn’t currently on the Italian list is the Semovente da 20/70 quadruplo, a prototype AA vehicle. This AFV mounted four Scotti 20mm auto cannons on an M15 chassis. At least one was made and is documented to have  served with Italian forces and then Germans in Italy. Accounts mention one having made it to Tunisia and having seen combat there (one of the photos certainly looks to be from North Africa). The hull MMGs were removed, and the opening plated over for this model. There are drawings of online of this AFV from online games, but they are contradictory  – the turret details conflict with the photos. I did the design as best I could from available info, and no model survived the war.

Perhaps this AA version will the represented in the upcoming “Tough Gut” campaign book; after all the Skink entered the fray in the D-Day British/Canadian book, and it too was a prototype in combat testing. For points the M14-42 would be an 8+ armour tracked vehicle, ( 70 pts ), open topped (-5 pts), with 4 x light autocannons) ( 4 x 30 pts), experimental (-10 points but requires order check); total cost 175 points at regular.

This .stls pack allows you to print both the basic M15-42, in either resin of FDM (separate files for each), as well as the .stls for the AA version, which has a hull with a recess allowing for the front plate or hull MMGs (separate files in the pack) to be switched out. I don’t recommend that the AA version turret be attempted in filament.

The turret represents the actual turret, so there is only one coaxial MG modelled.

Created by DeweycatProductions
Report Abuse
Categories: , , , , Tags: , , , , , , , ,
© Copyright 2022 - 2023 Playable Prints Limited, registered in England and Wales (Company No. 14307502), Initial Business Centre, Wilson Business Park, Manchester, M40 8WN.
Wargaming3D is a trading name of Playable Prints Limited.
Favorites 0 Remove all
Open favorites page Continue shopping