The S-Tanks from Squadron showed up today. So the're here in CONUS. I'll post more later got to go vote.

Ok, just opened up the Strv 103B and I must say I'm impressed. Kit looks like a late 90's Tamiya. The parts are well molded with no flash. Parts come on three trees with the lower hull lose. The tracks are nice and flexible with four melt the pin connection. Small decal sheet with just a couple of stencils, red reflectors and license plates, very basic. The road wheels have detail on both side and use the trapped poly cap method of mounting. Interesting is the poly caps are a clear/translucent color in my kit. The kit has the option of the dozer blade in either the deployed or stowed position.

You would think the instructions are Tamiya if it weren't for the Chinese characters. The only problem is the translation to English is a little lacking sometimes.

I give a look at the Strv 103 C later.

Ok, got the upper and lower hull out and test fitted. Fit is pretty good but a little scraping on the rear corners to remove a small ridge.

The Strv 103C kit is the same as the B with the addition of another tree for the new parts. Also the tracks are changed to the latter type.

This is going to be a pretty cool piece of armor for a collection.

I just got my Strv 103B in the mail - and I agree with you - mighty fine looking model kit. It doesn't appear that it would take a long time to build and finish - might jump into it right away!

Gunnie

YOU GUYS SUCK!!!!

Now (of course) I have to go out and get an S-Tank darn it! :-)

We should do a S-Tank group build.

Could someone give me a link to this kit? I have no idea what an Strv 103B is
If it's as good as Tamiya, I want to know about it.

Nic

Here are some links for you Nic:

The kits:
http://trumpeter.cool.ne.jp/box/Rev-strv103b.html
http://trumpeter.cool.ne.jp/box/Rev-strv103c.html

The kits built up:
http://trumpeter.cool.ne.jp/gallary/N-strv103.html
http://trumpeter.cool.ne.jp/gallary/R-strv103c.html

And here are some reference links:
http://armor.kiev.ua/Tanks/Modern/STRV/index.html
http://medlem.spray.se/The_Swede/STRV103_main.htm

HTH

We could use a good review of this new kit by someone who knows the Strv 103B well.

Thanks,
Jim

Cool, thanks Adam. It's kind of like a Hetzer.

Nic

One of the features of the S Tank that always intrigued me is its ability to do this:



I don't know if it has hydraulics or if this is just a function of the suspension but I always thought that it was cool the way the front end and rear end could be lifted way up.

Well you guys have gone and done it. I ordered my S Tank today. I decided that I only wanted to do one and settled on the Strv 103B. I'm certainly looking forward to getting my hands on this puppy.

The suspension on the Strv 103 was hydropneumatic.
The 103 used the suspention to elevate the gun since it was fixed in the hull.
Often the driver dumped the tank when parking making for an easy exit of the tank.


Thord

Gunnie, how big is the kit? Larger than a HMMWV? M113? Smaller than a deuce?
Thanks.

Length is somewhere between a Bradley and an M113. Width is about the same as a Bradley. Height is less than a Hummer.

Some specs on the Bofors Stridsvagn 103 MBT from Jane's Tank Recognition guide.

Armament 105mm with auto loader, machine guns and smoke dischargers
Hull Length 7.04 meters
Width 3.63 meters
Overall Height 2.43 meters
Combat Weight 39,700 kg
Maximum road speed 50km/hr

S tank is unique in that the 105mm gun is fixed in the glacis plate and is aimed in traverse by pivoting the vehicle on its tracks, and in elevation by adjusting the hydropneumatic suspension from -10 degrees to 12 degrees.

Kinda like a morden version assult gun, I like the look of it, Adam, the tilting thing, way too cool....

Sorry for the delay Sabot - as usual, I was modeling and having fun all weekend and didn't return to the Forum. Thank God - I just read all the posts on the size of the Strv 103B / C - what a fun killer

The Strv 103B is about the size of a M551 Sheridan - they look pretty interesting sitting next to each other.

Gunnie