I am about to paint the Swedish Strv 103B tank kit by Trumpeter. Can someone tell me if B version was ever painted in the NATO 3-color scheme? I've seen photos of 103C versions painted in NATO scheme but NOT 103B versions. 103B version S tanks were only painted in green??

P.S.: It is a great kit by the way. Easy build and good details. My only beef is its lack of any interior detail whatsoever.

The Swedes use a 4 color splinter camo on their tanks.

From what I have found, you can paint the "B" model either the green or the 4 color splinter on it.

Stridvagn 103B:




Stridvagn 103C:

Sorry to say Jeff but all your images shows the C-version.
The B-version didn't have the Lyran illumination mortars and only had a 4-digit registration number.
Most B-version tanks was painted overall dark green but some was repainted in the 4-tone pattern.

/Thord

also the rear storage. -B have boxy storage.

I'd love to get hold of this kit, I just can't seem to find it anymore in the UK. It must be out there somewhere.

If just bought my fist Trumpeter model (British SPG in 1:72) and its a fantasic kit, I was over the moon with the moulding and decals.

Thats not a dead give away.
you can find the early metal boxes on a C-version also.
These "rucksacks" was often damaged and when replaced you sometimes got the old style box.
Therefor you can see a C-version with old style boxes, new style boxes or one each.

However, you seldome saw a B-version with the new style of stowage boxes.

/Thord

Thanks a lot Thord for your great info!
One more question however. Did B-versions ever have those newer rectangle shaped tracks on them or only those like the ones supplied by the Trumpeter?

Yes, the B-version can be built with the Diehl-tracks.
The Diehl-tracks was introduced before the vehicles was modified to C-standard.

/Thord

[quote]I'd love to get hold of this kit, I just can't seem to find it anymore in the UK. It must be out there somewhere

Try Hannants at www.hannants.co.uk they are still showing the b and c versions in thier catalogue
Mike