"Your own versions of vehicles?" Topic

While considering how to update some older model 15mm T-55s for modern Alcovia, I found myself stressing about whether or not I could duplicate the updated versions of the T-55.

It then occurred to me that, if I am using them for an imagi-nation, do they need to be accurate to real world vehicles?

Is it not possible that Alcovia might have had their own domestic program for updating their out of date T-55s. Composite, spaced, and even reactive armor is hardly cutting edge and hush hush anymore. Having been in the world for decades now, I'm pretty sure a made-up country like Alcovia might have come up with their own designs, or maybe copied another (easier to model) configuration.

Does anyone else work their own variants into the pseudo-historical nations?

-Eli

Well, if it was me, I'd mount a Katyusha rocket launcher rack on it, like they did in WWII with the Sherman Calliope.

That'll give it a bit more firepower.

I saw a photo of a T-34 with boxes full of HMG's on either side of the turret. See if one could work something like that out for a T-55.

For my T-55s I'll be doing my own versions of add-on armor and laser ranger finders, etc..

-Eli

I've done three fictional modified vehicles for my African imagi-nation, Mugabia, thus far, all on T34 hulls. The first is simply an uparmored T34 for the company commander with plates added to the turret front, front turret sides, and upper hull.

The second and third mods are two T34s with turrets removed and with a ZU-23 mounted on a rotating open turret. A much cheaper option for Mugabia than buying more ZSU23/4. I also build a munition carrier that can keep up with the guns, also on a T34 hull. Basically a large armored box in place of the turret to carry lots of 23mm ammo.

I hadn't considered modifying any T55s yet, but now that you mention it, not a bad idea.

What Eli said. Also, an AT missile launcher. And mesh skirts…

T-55 models with broken barrels can be IT-55 Sagger carriers.
You could try a T-55 with a over and under 30mm/100mm mortar combo-it just might fit. Or go with a 60mm HVMS.
Make it look mean with reactive armor.
A Stinger pedestal at the rear of the turret and some kickarse mg's for the commander(twin lmg's or huge KVPT or gatling).

And don't forget the Tank Girls!!!!

All good ideas and perfect for the more irregular parts of the Alcovian conflict. Alcovia does have a regular army too.

I think that an AT missile rail or box might not be a bad idea.

-Eli

In WWII Canadian units apparently modified their M8 Staghound Armored Cars with exterior rocket launchers – 4 x 60lb rockets for heavy anti-armor/fast attack use. Of course, this was late war, but this illustrates field revisions being common enough. Considering the relative unsophistication of a T55, I don't see an issue coming up with new stuff.

Track covering skirts, you can never go wrong with Pz III or Pz IV style skirts!!

Of course Alcovia could have their own local mods/manufactured versions of vehicles. It's done all the time and with some unique results. Check out some of the Egyptian Army's custom jobs like the T-34 mods, or even the modern T-55 upgrade known as the Ramses II.

Thanks for all the input.

I am planning to start converting my Old Glory T-55s ASAP. Was going to do it this weekend but afraid it won't be in the cards.

Depending on how well it goes. I may even do some resin casting of the conversion bits for easy replication.

-Eli

I have a bunch of old M113s, they also carry all sorts of weapons now. :)

IMO T-55 is a very good base hull for all sorts of things too, just look at what Centurions, AMX 13s and 30s get used for, never mind t55s – also some people sell separate turrets of other thi gs so you can mix n match (quite a lot of my sci fi gear is "real" hull with a few mods plus sci fi turret, a d a lot of sci fi stuff could easily pass as modern gear