Hi all,

I have the Tauro models FIAT 3000 mod 21 (FT-17).

Now I know that the FIAT 3000 was a licence built FT-17 that were built from 1921 and improved over the years with some being fitted with a 37mm gun or twin 8mm MG's, but my question is that the last ones were destroyed in 1943 on Sicily. Does anyone know the configuration of them plus markings and which units they belonged to?

I've tried searching on the internet but I'm not finding much, any help would be appreciated.

Ciao
Luciano

I don't know about accuracy or anything like that, but I do know that the tracks themselves are too short and require either moving the sprocket or idler wheel inboard to shorten the length required.

Thanks Sabot I will keep that in mind, was thinking about a set of Fruil's though if their suitable for a 1943 FIAT 3000. Hence the question as so far all I find is

"fitted with extra armour" - where?
"different engine layout" - engine covers, exhuste layout?

But thanks for your input.

Ciao
Luciano

This Polish site has a picture of a Fiat 3000 allegedly taken in Sicily, though you'll have to take it on trust that it is

http://www.czolgiem.com/wlochy/fiat000.htm

Hi Luciano,
I have the book "Carri Armati, In Servizio fra le due Guerre"
printed in Rome in 1972 (a rare book I'm lead to understand).

On page 53 there is a single photo of a GI MP speaking with two Italian officers in front of a Fiat 3000/21. The caption says that the photo was taken at an airport in Sicily the tank being part of the airport's "defensive systems".
The particular tank is fitted with twin 6.5.mm machineguns with the smooth shrouds that look like twin cannon mounted high on the turret.
The camouflage appears to be light brown with green mottling (there my also be a second color for the mottling but it's tough to tell for sure).
Markings that can be seen consist of a colored rectangle with a white (?) vertical stripe through its center and the number "1" above..

I realize this may not be a great deal of help but hopefully it will get you a little closer to where you want to be.

Good luck !

Mark

The photo is given the date July 1943. Sorry I forgot to mention that in the previous post.

Mark

Mark thank you for that, thats the sort of thing I required should be able to sort out the unit from that discription.

Is it possible to scan that picture for me? that would be even better but if not dont worry.

Ciao
Luciano