I plan on modelling the Hobby Boss EBR (modified to a 75mm gun version) and wish to depict it with an Infantry Anti Tank section doubling past, all on exercise in Germany.

I will adapt the ancient Heller figures from their Mission d'Assault set to show a soldier carrying the LRAC; that way I can also use the weapon from a Heller accessories kit.

However, information seems to be scant. Google merely offers (or the bit that I located) that the weapons system was developed in the 50s and taken into service presumably for that decade; however, the same source reports that it was replaced in the French Army by the 3'5" Rocket Launcher, but not when.

If I set my model in say, around 1960, does anyone know what Anti Tank weapon was used within the Infantry at that time? or, if I insist on using the LRAC what timescale must I adapt to?

Lastly, is there a 3.5" rocket Launcher available in 1:35? (admittedly it shouldn't be that hard a project to scratch).

Brian

Needs special access rights to move a thread so the only way for you to do it is to ask an admin.
I chose Armor/AFV as the forum most likely to get you an answer. Figures and Dioramas are more about those aspects, not so much the technology and usage of weapons.
Cheers / Robin

The weapons TM can be helpful....
https://www.amazon.de/Lance-roquette-antichar-73-mod%C3%A8le-1950/dp/B0088H07XW

Didnt heller do a kit with the LRAC in, two men team, about 1970s.

Well it helps with the timeline - at least it proves it was in service in 1955.

Some reading :

https://www.monsieur-legionnaire.org/pdf/LRAC-73-mm-Mle-50.pdf

http://archive.vn/6vdwd

According to the texts here and here the LRAC de 73mm Mle 1950 appeared in the mid-50's and it was replaced by the LRAC de 89 mm F1 in the mid-70's...


H.P.

The LRAC 73 was still in use for training purpose in the late 80s. The stock of rockets was so huge that the AT gunners fired some 73mm rockets before shifting to the new LRAC 89.

Olivier

Glad to help. The most useful parts in the Azimut kit were the muzzle brake which is hard to scratch build and the Reibel MG ring mount even if it was far from perfect.
Enjoy your conversion.

Olivier

I know I should let Olivier answer, but AFAIK the 90mm version appeared in 1964 (just like me ).

H.P.

Brian,

I found a graphic at Battle Order that shows the LRAC 50 is Cold War service.

https://www.battleorder.org/french-graphics

Hope it helps. Have you checked out the Hornet heads with the M51 helmets?
The Academy Foreign Legion figures come with some useful weapons: MAT 49 & MAS49/56 rifle

I too have a soft spot for Heller kits. Currently working on the Heller F3 155mm SP gun.

Tom

The EBR was in use in the reconnaissance regiments at Corps level one of which was permanently stationed in Germany (Baden-Baden).
I can't remember the unit number though.
The EBR was only replaced by the AMX 10 RC later than the timeframe you want todepict your model. So I think you can correctly make a EBR 90 with some conscripts with a LRAC 73 in Germany.

Take not that the HB kit is not correct even out of the box. From memory you'll have to correct the position of the large light cluster (move from front right fender to rear left one), remove the right side engine stop handle and modify the temperature exchanger over the fenders (the kind of waffle like metal sheets over the fenders behind the turret well).

The exchangers do not extend to the rear of the vehicle unlike on the HB part. You must cut some mm so the whole thing has a single edge and add a rubber seal.

Olivier

This one belonged to the 1er Régiment de Spahis in Speyer (1978) :


Full size

H.P.