Here is a hypothetical question for you all:

What if you where a 3rd world dictator and you had enough money to buy 100 2nd or 3rd hand tanks. What would you buy and why?

Would you buy M60A3's, Challenger 1's, Leo 1's, T-62/64/72's, or others. You cannot purchase brand new equipment. The threats you would encounter would be local and regional conflicts with other 3rd world countries.

If I was a dictator (i'm not really) I wouldn't buy any tanks. I'd steal them.

I'd buy WWII vintage stuff (Shermans, PzIVs, whatever...) just because they'd make good reference for my model building. They'd be fine for putting down the odd riot or two as well I should think. I guess if my next door neighbour had something way better and in significant numbers, I'd have to change my plans a bit, though

Nic

Hmmmmm, any closeout deals in Iraq?
"T-72, destroyed 2 times, 12 years apart. Handyman's dream. Free belt buckle with purchase."

I'd buy them French tanks, they prolly throw in something extra as good faith as they always do, and also some belt buckles (extra large). And then maybe even build me a school, so all my kids can go there, and obtain 5th grade education.

I would definitely buy french tanks, as they have never been used and the very high speeds they can achieve in reverse. Or maybe Iraqi stuff, only used once.

Rob

i thought the guns on french tanks didnt work!

If I was a 3th world dictator...

You want a real scenario of Doom???

I would first start to say that I`m going to fight against a communistic threat or at least a threat that is dangerous for the US. (sort of thing happened in the past) Of course the US supports me in that as they like the idea of having Allies. What do they support me with??? Weapons and money of course.. (same thing happened in the past) next thing I can do if the weapons and money have arrived I can buy my tanks and not 2nd or 3rd hand tanks no of course not. Within two months I have two complete battalions with the newest Chinese tanks,(the Chinese love money too) wich are a threat to everybody. I`m starting to invade other countries and there is no opponent against my tanks and an army that is equipped with the newest material in the world. I would invade countries with big oil wells, Coffeefields, Bananas, and all the mines for the metals like gold, silver, of course diamondmines will be in my possesion too. I`m getting richer and richer and the World Economy is more and more in my hands I can buy more and more of China`s powerfull tanks... No even better I can produce everything myself I can buy all the experts needed for my plans. World domination comes in sigth I`m going to be the allmigthy ruler of the world everybody needs to be at my feet begging for mercy. And when I succeeded at dominating the world I would start a big offensive against the bees

If you don`t do the above right then you will be invaded by a enemy force that will bomb your cities out, Your statues will be pulled down by the enemies big recovery vehicles, After your land is liberated your own people loot an plunder your whole country and the worst thing of all they hit your statue with their bedroomslippers (damned that`s nasty) and you will be at the top of the most wanted list.

Ah well a second option is invading the modeling world because for the amount of money needed for 100 2nd hand 1:1 scale tanks you could easily start a branch of modeling shops through the whole world with enormous franchising opportunities and make money
That`s the most peacefull solution I think

Just a couple of guesses

I would definitely go with Challenger 1 tanks. Not only are they decent kit but the British government seem willing to sell to anybody to keep our flagging defence industry going. I definitely would not buy French as they are untested in battle, same for the German tanks. Next time we pick sides for a world war we should get the French and Germans on our side so we can see how their well equipment works. We could let the Americans be on the other side as they seem to bomb our troops no matter what side they are on.