This release sees the introduction of some new vehicles to expand our range of Italians. Firstly, there Semonvente 90/53 SPG with a monstrous 90mm anti tank gun, capable to knocking out virtually anything. Next up is the Pavesi P4 artillery tractor that can tow anything from a light howitzer right up to …… what will be released next month ;), then there is the Carro Commando, a command tank for SPG batteries, and finally the nippy little L3/38 tankette with its assortment of MG options.
As always, here’s a little background on the various new units…..
Semovente da 90/53
Despite the high demand for heavy AA for air defense, in 1942 a number of the Cannone da 90/53 AA guns were mounted on the chassis of M14/41 tanks to produce the Semonvente da 90/53.
Comparable in performance to the German Flak 88, it had an excellent AP round that could penetrate any Allied tank in the Western Desert. The 90/53 was even sufficient to deal with the KV tanks faced on the Eastern Front, though ultimately it never saw service there.
As with many WWII self propelled guns, its major downside was the open crew compartment. Additionally, the relative light armour of the M14/41 chassis meant that both the vehicle and crew were very vulnerable.
30 were made in total and they were in service from 1942-43.
Pavesi P4 Artillery tractor
The Pavesi P4 was an articulated tractor originally developed in Italy after the First World War. A truly innovative design, it featured 4×4 capabilities and a double articulated body that allowed it to actually keep all 4 wheels in contact with the ground. It could climb a 75 degree slope and had a top speed of 22kph on roads.
Although designed as an agricultural tractor, its relatively complexity (and therefore cost) generally priced it out of the civilian market. However, it was popular with various European armies between the wars, and the design had to be licensed to various manufacturers to keep up with demand.
During WWII it was the prime heavy artillery tractor for the Italian army and saw extensive use in artillery and AA batteries until its replacement in 1942 by the SPA TM40.
This model is fitted with the semi-pneumatic tires, and has a driver (NOTE: driver not supplied with 15mm/1:87 model).
Carro Comando
The Carro Comando was a variant of the M14/41 Italian tank, used in a command role for self propelled gun batteries. The turret was removed and a single Breda MG armament was left in the hull.
L3/38 tankette
The L3/38 was the last variant of the L3/35 tankette used by the Italian army during the 1930s and WWII.
Designed as a range of MG support vehicles, they were equipped with either twin MAdsen 7mm LMGs or a single 13.2mm Breda HMG.
Despite a few tweaks to suspension and such, the L3/38 retained pretty much all the pros and cons of its predecessor.
This model is supplied with both the twin MG and HMG options.
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Hopefully you found this bit of background history interesting and our models will be reinforcing your Italian armies.