BT-42 tank (Finnish)

Description

During World War II, Finland faced a dire need for armored vehicles. In response, they developed the BT-42 assault gun. Initially, the Finnish army utilized captured Soviet BT-7 tanks. However, these tanks’ original turrets were ill-equipped for the anti-tank role, prompting an innovative solution.

The Finns designed a new turret to house a British 4.5-inch howitzer, a decision driven by necessity. The BT-42’s distinctive appearance stemmed from this large, hexagonal turret. Despite its imposing look, the BT-42 had limitations. Its main armament was not originally intended for tank warfare, leading to underwhelming performance against Soviet armor.

Moreover, the BT-42’s mechanical reliability was questionable. The chassis of the BT-7 was not designed to support the weight of the new turret. Consequently, breakdowns were common, hindering operational effectiveness.

Nevertheless, the BT-42 holds a unique place in military history. It symbolizes Finnish ingenuity and adaptability under challenging circumstances. The vehicle saw limited action but left an indelible mark on Finnish wartime efforts.

Despite its shortcomings, it remains a testament to Finnish resourcefulness during a critical period of their history.

• Model: BT-42 tank
• Country/Army: Finnish
• Dimension (mm) (WxLxH): 42 x 100 x 56
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Original Designer: NightSky Miniatures
• Painted by: FroggyPaints
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly. 
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown.
• Photos and dimensions are at 28mm unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request