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A look inside the belly of the beast. The Tiger
(T001)
systems have been re-designed and
re-built a number of times, but more change is on the way after this battle.
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The Hetzer's gun looks pretty imposing close up and personal.
The Hetzer
(T010)
likes to
drive straight towards the enemy and shoot at close range whenever possible.
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The newly reborn 88mm artillery piece
(FA004)
is ready for battle. Marty bought the
Pak40
(FA002)
from John, added a rotate and elevate and made it ready for battle.
On this day, it would be declared "invincible" to offset the all-powerful
Navarone Gun (FA003).
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The Hetzer
(T010)
sits atop its "recovery vehicle" which will not be used today because
the Hetzer will not suffer any failures.
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The Tiger
(T001)
sans barrel is almost ready for battle.
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The recently refurbished Panther (T017)
fires some test rounds down range to ensure that everything is working
properly.
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The commander's view down the barrel of the Hetzer shows the enemy on the
other side of the battlefield as the battle begins.
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The M520 Goer (SV005) just keeps going and
going. After this day of battling, the Goer will claim the record for the most battles,
most supply runs and most operators for any supply vehicle.
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The KV-1 (T018) is ready for battle.
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Team Marauders looks overhead just before the start of the first battle as
two fullsize A-10 Warthogs fly over the battlefield ... tank killers ... not
a good sign.
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The SU-100 (T026) is a tough foe because of it's wide
frontal area and deadly accurate gun. The cupola, however, would prove to catch
quite a few shots today.
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The KV-1 takes a defensive position on the right side of the field behind a
barricade as the battle begins.
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The Hetzer starts moving towards the enemy supply vehicle guarded by the Tiger.
Unfortunately, the Tiger's elevate and rotate are working erratically, so it can
provide little if any defense.
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The Hetzer chases the Tiger into the woods, which is normally a good spot
for the King of the Jungle. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the Tiger
backed into a tree and turned off its main power. Dead meat.
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After destroying the Tiger, the Hetzer drives towards the Panzer IV, which is
currently the sole member of the Bluebirds remaining on the field.
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The Hetzer shows a little paint, all of which is in the "no-hit" frontal area.
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The Panzer IV (T012) returns to home base after
being surrounded by the other team. It doesn't take long to get destroyed in
a 3-on-1 engagement.
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At long range, the Hetzer doesn't provide much of a target, but that doesn't
keep the Panzer IV from trying. This long-range duel has been a consistent
aspect of most battles.
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At a range of roughly 20 feet it is pretty certain that one of these tanks will
be going back to home base soon for a reincarnation.
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The 88mm artillery piece is used as a stationary gun and proves to be a reliable
weapon system.
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The Panzer IV digs into a bunker as the Hetzer and KV-1 move in for the kill.
The Panzer IV will escape being destroyed by driving over the barricade (and the KV-1)
in a fast retreat.
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The KV-1 shows a couple of paintball hits on the backside of the turret. Clearly it
needs a little more practice in backing away from the opposition.
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The Hetzer dispatches the T34 (T005) back to home base
for reincarnation.
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The Panzer IV continues to hound the Hetzer from long-range.
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The Panzer IV gets a new set of batteries in between battles.
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Open access to everything inside of the turret allows Chris to easily check everything
before or during the battle.
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The internal systems of the SU-100 are just as robust as its steel tracks.
The red V-belts and pulleys provide a place for the drive train to slip
if the tracks lock up for some reason.
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As a "loaner" tank, the Panther continues to provide new operators with a chance
to participate in a battle even before their own tanks are fully operational.
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Sometimes it's a little lonely for the long-range gunners ... but that's just the
way they like it.
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According to Joe Sommer:
This photo shows the four Pittelli brothers - Franko, Johno,
Paulo and the seldom seen Zeppo - attempting emergency repairs
on the elevate and rotate mechanisms of the antiquated Tiger #T001.
May she rest in peace.
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