So I have painted more of the stuff I bought from Bernhard.
There
were only 9 Dianas built during the war, so I actually have 44% of the total
amount built. The "Diana" was a conversion of the Sd Kfz 6 5-ton half-track
tractor mounting the captured Russian 7.62cm gun (FK 36(r)). All nine
were assigned to 90th Light Division on March 8, 1942. The British nicknamed
these self-propelled guns "Diana". They proved quite effective during
the heavy fighting against the new British Grants, and during the assault on
Bir Hacheim. By June 22, 1942 when Panzerarmee Afrika captured Tobruk, only two
were listed as still operational.
Really too bad I did not paint these prior to our Desert Campaign.
The B IVs first major
combat roll was during Operation Zitadelle. It was used mainly as a
mine-clearing device as part of the 312., 313. and 314. Funklenkkompanien
(tank radio-controlled companies). During the opening phases of the battle B
IVs were used to clear mines in groups. A B IV would be driven up to the
minefield, the driver climb out, and the vehicle would continue into the
minefield by remote control.
Records
indicate that a total of 140 units were built. The new designation by Germany
was Sd Kfz 254. The vehicle featured a wheel-cum-track layout and a diesel
motor. The wheels were lowered when it was used on roads and retracted for
track movement cross-country. The Saurer can be found as an observation
vehicle option for your artillery batteries.
Painted: 7
Total for 2017: 52