[skanchan95]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Wow! Thats a beautifully detailed Hawkeye!
Thats a rare model, haven't seen it online anywhere.

I think a Tomcat with the wings completely unswept would probably have a wingspan bigger than the E-2C.
Some pictures from your 1/72 fleet will prove my hypothesis!

Thank you.
Upon checking with wiki, the Unswept wingspan of the Tomcat is around 20m and the Hawkeye's wingspan is 28 m, which means I was wrong about my impression of the two based on the model pics.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Thats a very nice Hogan AI A320. I guess your A320 collection is up to 7-8 now?

Yes, the A320 collection grown to 12.
1 X 1/100 Air Asia India A320(neo)
2 X 1/150 Air Asia India A320s (Normal livery with sharklets & JRD tata Livery)
1 X 1/200 A320neo Airbus House colours
3 X 1/200 A320(Classic) Indian Airlines (EYH, EYL & EVP)
1 X 1/200 A320 Air india (SL) (EXE)
1 X 1/200 A319 (ACJ) Luftwaffe
1 X 1/200 A320 PIA(Classic) (AP-BLC)
1 X 1/400 A320Neo Air India (EXF)
1 X 1/400 A321Neo Airbus House

As per backside printing of the Hogan Air India A320 model box, they are coming out with two more Air India A320s - VT-CIE(Neo) & VT-EDD(Classic, equipped with wingtip fences).

Originally Posted by Foxbat

I need to get one of those to complete my current Air India fleet.

You might want to add an AI 787 to your fleet first, as it is the only other aircraft missing in your AI jet fleet.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Thats a very nice Hogan AI A320. I guess your A320 collection is up to 7-8 now?

I need to get one of those to complete my current Air India fleet.

Your Air India fleet doth grow nicely Sire. A320, Boeing 707, B737. Go for them as and when they can be found. Best of luck.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by skanchan95

1 X 1/200 A320neo Airbus House colours
3 X 1/200 A320(Classic) Indian Airlines (EYH, EYL & EVP)
1 X 1/200 A320 Air india (SL) (EXE)
1 X 1/200 A319 (ACJ) Luftwaffe
1 X 1/200 A320 PIA(Classic) (AP-BLC)
1 X 1/400 A320Neo Air India (EXF)
1 X 1/400 A321Neo Airbus House

You might want to add an AI 787 to your fleet first, as it is the only other aircraft missing in your AI jet fleet.

A photo of all your 1:200 A320s would be nice

Yes searching for the AI 787 in the current livery, already have it in the old livery.

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Your Air India fleet doth grow nicely Sire. A320, Boeing 707, B737. Go for them as and when they can be found. Best of luck.

Thanks Narayan. I am trying to get the current Air India fleet livery. I have the 737 in Air India express livery. I have seen the 707 in old colours on many sites but its very pricey, the same one you and Skanchan have.


1:400 Air Berlin Airbus A330-200 "D-ALPA"













Air Berlin, branded as airberlin or airberlin.com was a major German budget airline. At its peak, it was Germany's second-largest airline, as well as Europe's tenth-largest airline in terms of passengers carried It was headquartered in Berli and had hubs at Berlin Tegel Airport and Düsseldorf Airport. It was a member of the oneworld airline alliance.

The airline was founded in 1978 by Lelco, an American company. Following German reunification, Air Berlin was sold and became a German company in 1991. It joined the Oneworld alliance in 2012. After years of losses, Air Berlin filed for insolvency on 15 August 2017 and ceased operations on 27 October 2017.

I flew on Air Berlin in 2016, when I wasn't too interested in passenger aircraft.
Going thru old pictures I found this Air Berlin A330-200 captured by me from another Air Berlin A330 at Düsseldorf Airport.

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

A photo of all your 1:200 A320s would be nice

Yes searching for the AI 787 in the current livery, already have it in the old livery.

I have the 737 in Air India express livery.
Air Berlin

Your Air India Express livery is, in my opinion, the smartest livery of Air India's many avatars. The only one equally appealing was the 747 with the old Air India style. I loved Air Berlin. They were a customer for many many years and were one airline that changed its livery some five or six or God knows seven times. One of our services used to be painting aircraft - not hi-tech - all labour and love - but every few years they were back with a new design. I was caught unawares when they folded up.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Your Air India Express livery is, in my opinion, the smartest livery of Air India's many avatars. The only one equally appealing was the 747 with the old Air India style. I loved Air Berlin. They were a customer for many many years and were one airline that changed its livery some five or six or God knows seven times. One of our services used to be painting aircraft - not hi-tech - all labour and love - but every few years they were back with a new design. I was caught unawares when they folded up.

Thanks Narayan. I have seen on many international aircraft scale model forums the old Air India livery is admired by all especially on 747-400s.

Can you tell us more about the process of repainting a plane? Is it much different from repainting a car? I have seen a few videos on this on YouTube.

Speaking of Air Berlin, I have this 1:200 737-800 on my office desk for a couple of years now.

[skanchan95]

Originally Posted by Foxbat

A photo of all your 1:200 A320s would be nice

I will soon.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

1:400 Air Berlin Airbus A330-200 "D-ALPA"

Wow!!! Very nice.
For me, the every lasting memory of Air Berlin would be that Top Gun style Tower flyby by the crew of the last ever Air Berlin flight. Incidentally, it was done using an A330 as well.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Can you tell us more about the process of repainting a plane? Is it much different from repainting a car? I have seen a few videos on this on YouTube.

I second that request.

[skanchan95]

1:72 T-55A Soviet Medium Tank 125, Soviet Army, Winter Military Exercise, 1970s (Hobby Master)
As a replacement for the WWII era T-34, the T-55 was produced in the USSR from 1963 – 1981 and under license in Poland from 1964 – 1979 as well as in Czechoslovakia and in China as the Type 59.
During the “Cold War” period, it was felt that there was a need for a new anti-radiation system for the T-55. A new lining and full chemical filtration system were added to the tanks and these became known as the T-55A. A T-55A is distinguishable because these modifications made it necessary to enlarge the Driver’s hatch and enlarge the combing over the Commander’s and Loader’s hatch. The new improvements brought about the removal of the bow machine gun. The coaxial machine gun was updated and room for 6 more main gun rounds (100mm) was made possible with the removal of the hull machine gun. Starting in 1970 a new turret fitting was adding to the T-55A to accommodate the new 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun.

Indian Army T-55
The Indian Army started acquiring T-54/T-55s from 1965 onwards and went on to procure nearly 700 T-55s

The Indian Army has used their T-54s and T-55s extensively in the 1971 war. Pakistan also used some T-54As and Chinese Type 59 copies in the 1971 war( the pictures of wrecked Pakistani T-59s from the Battle of Longewala). To differentiate Indian T-55s from Pakistani T-59s(which were essentially the same as a T-55), The Indian army fitted a fake "fume evacuator" on the barrell, it was supposed to serve as an identifier and mimic Indian Army Centurion tank's 105 mm L7 gun.
Indian Army T-55 fitted with a fake fume extractor:

The first meeting of the Indian T-55s with Pakistani tanks occurred in the area of Garibpur on November 22, 1971. Indian T-55 tanks (63 cavalry) destroyed 3 Pakistani M24 Chaffee tanks (29 cavalry) in the area.

On December 10–11, during the Battle of Nainakot, Indian T-55s (14 Cavalry Scinde Horse) in two battles destroyed 9 Pakistani M47/48 tanks (33 Cavalry), without any loss.

Battle of Basantar or the Battle of Barapind (December 4–16, 1971) was one of the vital battles fought as part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 in the western sector of India. India had destroyed close to 46 M48 tanks and losing only 10 tanks in the process.

T-55A Specifications
Crew : 4

Weights
Weight: 36.6 tons (33203 kg)
Ground pressure: 12.66 lb/in sq. (0.89 kg/cm sq.)

Dimensions
Length: 29.5 ft (9.0 m) with gun – 21.1 ft (6.45 m) without gun
Width: 11.8 ft (3.60 m)
Height: 7.6 ft (2.32 m)

Powerplant
Model V-55 diesel, 520 hp (390 kW), 12cylinder, 38.88 liter water cooled
Power/weight ratio: 14 hp/tonne

Performance
Operational range: 248.5/310.7 mi (400/500 km) – with drop tanks 372.8 mi (600 km)
Maximum road speed: 31.06 mph (50 km/h)
Maximum off-road speed: 21.75 mph (35 km/h)
Average cross-country speed: 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
Fording depth:
Normal – 4.6 ft (1.4 m)
With snorkel – 18 ft (5.5 m)

Armament
Armour: 6.69/7.99 in (170/203 mm)
Gun: 3.94 in (100 mm) rifled gun, D-10T2S
Auxiliary armament: .3 in (7.62 mm) (7.62 X 54R) Machine Gun SGM-T/PKT
Mounted armament: .5 in (12.7 mm) (12.7 X 108R) AA MG DShKM















The detailing level is excellent just like HM's aircraft models. Even the tank tracks are made of metal and have the minutest of details

[skanchan95]

1:72 M4A3(105mm Howitzer) Sherman Medium Tank "Houston Kid II", 756th Tank Battallion, France 1945 (Altaya)
The M4 Sherman, officially Medium Tank, M4, was the most widely used medium tank by the United States and Western Allies in World War II. The M4 Sherman proved to be reliable, relatively cheap to produce, and available in great numbers. Thousands were distributed through the Lend-Lease program to the British Commonwealth and Soviet Union. The tank was named by the British for the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman.

The M4 Sherman defeated heavier German tanks with superior numbers, and by using outflanking tactics to strike thinner enemy flank armor. Shermans also achieved success with progressively upgunned models and by working with tank destroyers. The Sherman tank was fast, maneuverable, mechanically reliable, easy to manufacture, and effective in its infantry support role. It served with the US Army and Marines during World War II, and the US transferred large numbers to the United Kingdom and allied forces of many countries.

The M4 Sherman evolved from the M3 Medium Tank,which had its main armament in a side sponson mount. The M4 retained much of the previous mechanical design, by putting the main 75 mm gun in a fully traversing turret. One feature, a one-axis gyrostabilizer, was not precise enough to allow firing when moving but did help keep the reticle on target, so that when the tank did stop to fire, the gun would be aimed in roughly the right direction. The designers stressed mechanical reliability, ease of production and maintenance, durability, standardization of parts and ammunition in a limited number of variants, and moderate size and weight. These factors, combined with the Sherman's then-superior armor and armament, outclassed German light and medium tanks fielded in 1939–42. The M4 went on to be produced in large numbers, being the most produced tank in American history: The Soviets' T-34 medium tank (total of some 64,549 wartime-produced examples, split roughly 55%-45% between 76 mm and 85 mm gunned examples) was the only tank design produced in larger numbers during World War II. The Sherman spearheaded many offensives by the Western Allies after 1942.

When the M4 tank went into combat in North Africa with the British Army at El Alamein in late 1942, it increased the advantage of Allied armor over Axis armor and was superior to the lighter German and Italian tank designs. For this reason, the US Army believed that the M4 would be adequate to win the war, and relatively little pressure was initially exerted for further tank development. Logistical and transport restrictions, such as limitations imposed by roads, ports, and bridges, also complicated the introduction of a more capable but heavier tank. Tank destroyer battalions using vehicles built on the M4 hull and chassis, but with open-topped turrets and more potent high-velocity guns, also entered widespread use in the Allied armies. Even by 1944, most M4 Shermans kept their dual-purpose 75 mm gun. By then, the M4 was inferior in firepower and armor to increasing numbers of German heavy tanks, but was able to fight on with the help of considerable numerical superiority, greater mechanical reliability, better logistical support, and support from growing numbers of fighter-bombers and artillery pieces. Some Shermans were produced with a more capable gun, the 76 mm gun M1, or refitted with a 76.2mm calibre Ordnance QF 17-pounder gun by the British (the Sherman Firefly).

The relative ease of production allowed large numbers of the M4 to be manufactured, and significant investment in tank recovery and repair units allowed disabled vehicles to be repaired and returned to service quickly. These factors combined to give the Allies numerical superiority in most battles, and many infantry divisions were provided with M4s and tank destroyers.

After World War II, the Sherman, particularly the many improved and upgraded versions, continued to see combat service in many conflicts around the world, including the UN forces in the Korean War, with Israel in the Arab–Israeli wars, briefly with South Vietnam in the Vietnam War, and on both sides of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

The Indian & Pakistani Armies both operated M4 Sherman variants. Indian Army units during WWII were equipped with Sherman Vs(M4A4 with 75 mm ) from Lend Lease to fight in Burma. After WWII, these Sherman Vs were kept in service with the Indian Army after independence and were in use well into the 1960s. India also bought 200 M4A1E4(76)s and M4A3E4(76)s from the US in the 1950s. A number of M4s were modified with the French 75 mm CN 75-50 cannon and the Soviet 76 mm D-85 cannon. These modifications were likely done in India and acquired the guns from their own AMX-13 and PT-76 tanks.

Indian Shermans found their use in the 1965 War with Pakistan who also had M4s along with M48 Pattons. 332 Indian M4s were present in the conflict and helped provide support to the Centurions in the Battle of Assal Uttar which dozens of Pakistani vehicles were destroyed. During the battle of Assal Uttar, Indian Army Shermans and jeep mounted 106mm RCLs scored a number of successes against attacking Pakistani M-48s after the latter were decimated by Indian Army Centurion tanks. M4s remained in service with the Indian Army until 1971.

The model - M4A3(105) Sherman
The A3 variant of the M4 Sherman was powered by a Ford GAA V-8 engine; Cannon Armament options included 75mm, 76mm cannons and a 105mm Howitzer. Users: US, France (small numbers), Nicaragua (small numbers).

The M4A3(105) variant was an M4A3 with 105mm howitzer and was used for infantry support.

Specifications for M4 Sherman 105mm Howitzer
Dimensions
Overall length: 6.197m
Overall width: 2.67m
Overall height: 2.94m

Weight
Weight, Combat Loaded: 31.48t
Weight, Un-stowed: 28.486t

Armor
Actual Thickness, Angle w/Vertical
Hull Thickness:
Front: 63mm/47 degrees
Sides: 38mm/0 degrees
Rear: 38mm/10 degrees
Top: 19mm/83-90 degrees
Turret Thickness:
Front: 76mm/30 degrees
Sides: 51mm/0-5 degrees
Rear: 51mm/0 degrees
Top: 25.4mm/90 degrees
Gun Shield: 91mm/0 degrees

Armament
M4 105mm howitzer (X1), M1919A4 7.62mm machine gun (X2), M2 12.7mm heavy
machine gun (X1).
Ammunition: 66 rounds 105mm, 4,000 rounds 7.62mm, 600 rounds 12.7mm.

Powerplant
Engine: Ford GAA engine 32-valve DOHC 60-degree V8 engine
Maximum speed: 38.6km/h, Cruising Range: about 161km, Crew: 5

[V.Narayan]

Originally Posted by skanchan95

1:72 T-55A Soviet Medium Tank 125, Soviet Army, Winter Military Exercise, 1970s (Hobby Master)
The detailing level is excellent just like HM's aircraft models. Even the tank tracks are made of metal and have the minutest of details

Originally Posted by skanchan95

1:72 M4A3(105mm Howitzer) Sherman Medium Tank "Houston Kid II", 756th Tank Battallion, France 1945 (Altaya)

skanchan95 once again you have out done yourself. Thank you for opening a new chapter on this thread - that of Main Battle Tanks & Armoured vehicles!!! Bravo. Now I am tempted to follow in your footsteps.

The T-55 is simply outstanding. First time I am seeing the underside of a T-55. What fine detailing. The Altaya's quality on the Sherman is also surprisingly good. Nice diorama :-). That glass box is a good touch.

Love these superb photos and all that information you have put down. A Every day is a learning day.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by skanchan95

Wow!!! Very nice.
For me, the every lasting memory of Air Berlin would be that Top Gun style Tower flyby by the crew of the last ever Air Berlin flight. Incidentally, it was done using an A330 as well.

Thanks Skanchan, I was about to post a video of that incident but thought no one would be really interested in it

Originally Posted by skanchan95

1:72 T-55A Soviet Medium Tank 125, Soviet Army, Winter Military Exercise, 1970s (Hobby Master)

Originally Posted by skanchan95

1:72 M4A3(105mm Howitzer) Sherman Medium Tank "Houston Kid II", 756th Tank Battallion, France 1945 (Altaya)

Two great additions to your tank collection . Some pics of the two models together would be nice so we can see the size differences. Some German armour like a King Tiger or maybe a Maus would go nicely with your collection. The Germans referred to the Sherman tanks as "Tommy Cookers" due to its tendency to blow up and catch fire killing the its crew probably due to its gasoline engine.

You probably have seen this scene from the movie "Fury" of 5 Shermans vs one Tiger I tank. Very realistic until the Tiger tank gives up its advantage and comes out of its position so the Sherman's guns become effective at a closer range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LyWwhPiRiM

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Thank you for opening a new chapter on this thread - that of Main Battle Tanks & Armoured vehicles!!!

Some tanks models may have been posted earlier also

[skanchan95]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

skanchan95 once again you have out done yourself. Thank you for opening a new chapter on this thread - that of Main Battle Tanks & Armoured vehicles!!! Bravo. Now I am tempted to follow in your footsteps.

Thank you Sir.

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

The T-55 is simply outstanding. First time I am seeing the underside of a T-55. What fine detailing. The Altaya's quality on the Sherman is also surprisingly good. Nice diorama :-). That glass box is a good touch.

Love these superb photos and all that information you have put down. A Every day is a learning day.

Yes Sir. The HM T-55 is a class apart. Although it is difficult to make out from the pic, the turret of the Sherman and the tracks are actually plastic. Only the middle main body is metal.

Even the T-55 has a glass( plastic actually) casing. But it doesn't have the mud/slush base design of the Altaya Sherman.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Thanks Skanchan, I was about to post a video of that incident but thought no one would be really interested in it

Thank you. Yes, I have seen the movie many times. I think it is the best Tank movie after "The Beast"(co-incidentally a movie about a Soviet T-55 crew that gets separated from the rest of its unit and loses its away in Afghanistan). Must Watch movie.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Some pics of the two models together would be nice so we can see the size differences.

I would, but I cant figure out how to open these triangular screw heads that are holding the Sherman to it base. This was the first time I saw such screws, none of the screwdriver heads in my screwdriver set match with the triangular screw heads.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

A photo of all your 1:200 A320s would be nice

Here you go( The Luftwaffe Airbus is an A319). Clearly the Inflight200 Indian A320 is the best and the Lupa Indigo A320 is the poorest, in terms of quality. I wish I could gets my hands on a Hogan Indigo A320.













My attempt at setting up a runway diorama. The Indigo A320 is rotating, Indian A320 has lined up for takeoff. Indian Airlines A320 is holding short of the runway, followed by the other Airbuses.

[sajands]

Originally Posted by skanchan95

My attempt at setting up a runway diorama. The Indigo A320 is rotating, Indian A320 has lined up for takeoff. Indian Airlines A320 is holding short of the runway, followed by the other Airbuses.

Where did you get the Indigo with sharklet wings from? I am searching for one.

[Foxbat]

Originally Posted by skanchan95

Here you go( The Luftwaffe Airbus is an A319). Clearly the Inflight200 Indian A320 is the best and the Lupa Indigo A320 is the poorest, in terms of quality. I wish I could gets my hands on a Hogan Indigo A320.

Wow that looks like a shot from an airport almost

Great collection! I agree the Indigo A320 is pretty poor especially the landing gear almost appears like a toy.

Originally Posted by sajands

Where did you get the Indigo with sharklet wings from? I am searching for one.

It was available onboard the flight to buy but was removed about 8-12 months ago. I think a few years back they used to have a much better Hogan A320 model.

[Jeroen]

Originally Posted by skanchan95

I would, but I cant figure out how to open these triangular screw heads that are holding the Sherman to it base. This was the first time I saw such screws, none of the screwdriver heads in my screwdriver set match with the triangular screw heads.
]

Internet/Youtube to the rescue; you could try and find a set of these screwdrivers. Might not that readily available. But torque type bits tend to work as well

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGWdCF8M5tg

[skanchan95]

Originally Posted by sajands

Where did you get the Indigo with sharklet wings from? I am searching for one.

A college batchmate of mine, who is now an A320 Commander with Indigo, gifted me one. As Foxbat said, it is no longer available for sale onboard and has even been removed from the catalogue of their Inflight mag.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

Great collection! I agree the Indigo A320 is pretty poor especially the landing gear almost appears like a toy.

Yes, it is the gear that makes it look really, really bad.

Originally Posted by Foxbat

It was available onboard the flight to buy but was removed about 8-12 months ago. I think a few years back they used to have a much better Hogan A320 model.

The Hogan Indigo A320 was quite a looker!! VT-INB was Indigo's 2nd A320. It had decent amount of detailing. Its a pity that Hogan couldn't sell it in the open market.







I read Vistara will soon have Hogan 1/200 A320 models for sale onboard.

Originally Posted by Jeroen

Internet/Youtube to the rescue; you could try and find a set of these screwdrivers. Might not that readily available. But torque type bits tend to work as well

Thank you. I guess I will have to catch hold of my electrician.