In this release we are rounding our Italian armoured support with the introduction of three new Semovente variants as well as updated models for some existing Semovente options. The new introductions are the 47/32 with a light AT gun, the 75/32 armed with a howitzer, and the 75/46 equipped with a powerful 75mm AA gun used as a AT gun!
New models have also replaced the Semovente 75/18 and 75/34.
All of these variants can now be found together on one handy product page.
This release sees the the Italians getting a few extra vehicle choices, as well as a large addition to our terrain range.
As always, here’s a little background on the various new units…..
The Fiat 665NM scudato (“shielded”) was a dedicated wheeled APC developed by Italy during WWII and in use with the Italian and German armies from 1942-1945.
While only lightly armoured, it was proof against small arms fire and as it was based on the Fiat 666 heavy lorry, it could carry 20 passengers. In addition to firing ports for the passengers, it was also equipped with a Breda light machine gun.
110 were produced in total.
The Viberti AS43 was an armoured car used by the Italian RSI during WWII. A simple design, based on a TL 37 truck, it was basically an armoured body fitted to truck chassis and then with a L6 tank turret mounted on top.
There is no specific data regarding numbers produced – figures range from over 100 to 3, though given the short life of the RSI, it is likely fewer were made.
The M15/42 AA or “Semovente da 20/70 quadruplo” was a prototype vehicle created by the Italian Army in 1943. It consisted of a modified M15/42 chassis mounting a re-designed lightweight turret. The turret held four 20mm autocannon and would have functioned in a similar manner to the German Wirbelwind.
It is unknown exactly how many were produced, and whether or not any saw action. However, at least one was captured by the Germans and supposedly was used in combat against teh Red Army.
The Semovente 105/25 (“Bassotto”) was a self propelled gun developed in 1943 by the Italian Army. After the introduction of the Semovente 75/18 it was found that while it was suitable for general infantry support, the 75/18 cannon lacked any real punch against the more modern Allied armour. This led to the marrying of a heavy 105/25 cannon with the M42 chassis.
The resulting Bassotto was an effective SPG that could easily destroy any Allied tank it faced. It was also regarded as an excellent vehicle by the Germans, who continued production after the Italian surrender.
Over 120 were made in total.
In any warzone or bombed area during World War II, certain features always stand out. Whether fighting in the ruins of Stalingrad or pushing into Berlin, massive ruined factories often dominate the landscape.
This model is a massive 670mm long and offers plenty of cover for advancing (or retreating) forces.
It comprises 6 sections (2 ends and 4 mid pieces).
This release sees the French army entering into the fray, with the introduction of our first new nation since February. The initial platoon includes an officer team, medic team, two different rifle armed infantry squads, a sniper team and an mmg team. As well as the foot sloggers, heavier support is provided by the 75mm M1897 howitzer and teh Panhard 178 armoured car.
In addition, we also offer a French infantry platoon bundle of all of the above models. This is available at a very reasonable discounted price and free UK shipping. This is the ninth of our platoon bundles, in addition to the Japanese, Italian, British, 8th Army, German, Winter War Soviet, Finnish and Soviet platoons already released.
As always, here’s a little background on the various new units…..
The French high command of 1940 may have been ponderous at times and still fighting the static war of 20 years earlier, but at the sharp end, French officers were just as good as those of any army. When given the opportunity many stepped up and at least gave the invaders a good run if not a sound beating.
As with all armies, the French made good use of medics to ensure the survival of their men. As well as trained surgeons behind the lines, front line medics and stretcher bearers saved the livs of many French soldiers.
Armed with a variety of bolt action rifles, some dating to the 19th century, but also supported by the Chatellerault M24/29 light machine gun and often a dedicated rifle grenadier, a French infantry squad was a flexible unit in assault and defence. However, the sheer size of the French army, combined with its rapid expansion meant that the level of skill and experience between units could vary considerably, with some running almost at the first shot and others holding out to the last bullet.
Equipped with the Luentte Modele 1921 bolt action rifle, French snipers were excellent at thinning out the ranks of enemy officers and gun crews.
As with the British and the Vickers machine gun, the French Army was still using its WWI era Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun at the outbreak of WWII. In addition to the unusual 24 round strip magazine, it was also capable of using a belt feed and could reach 450 rounds a minute.
The “Canon de 75 modèle 1897” (variously also called the “French 75”, “Soixante-Quinze” or simply 275”) was a French field gun originally designed in the late 19th century. At the time of introduction, it was one of the most advanced pieces of artillery in the world, and is widely thought to be the first modern artillery piece. This is due to a hydro-pneumatic recoil system, which allowed for sustained and accurate fire of between 12-15 rounds a minute at a time when other artillery had to be realigned after each shot and could fire 1-2 rounds a minute accurately.
Conceived as an anti-personnel weapon, it saw action in WWI as one of the primary guns for use with gas shells, as well as being the main armament of the Saint-Chamond. The US also purchased and used it during WWI.
It was already venerable by WWII, yet was still in use and was deployed against advancing Panzers during the Battle of France. A number had been sold to Poland and it was the most numerous artillery piece in the Polish Army. After the fall of France a number were also used by Germany, and the British purchased some from the US after Dunkirk and the loss of so much equipment.
Developed during the mid 1930s, the Panhard 178 was a 4×4 armoured car used by the French during WWII. The 178 was comparable to its contemporaries, with around 20mm of armour and a 25mm light anti-tank gun in a turret. It had a good road speed of 45mph, but relatively poor cross country capability with a top speed of 26mph and limited obstacle crossing ability.
After the Fall of France, many Panhards were captured by Germany and used throughout the war, particularly on the Eastern Front.
Around 1150 were built in total and were still in use during the Vietnam War.
We hope that you found this little bit of background history and that soon our models will be reinforcing your French armies!
As MarDav grows, so does the list of excellent WWII printed models created by the designers that we work with.
In order to to keep everything as clear as possible, nothing is listed in the webstore until it is printed, painted and photographed so that you see the final product – not simply a rendered image. However, we do have a large catalogue of available models that ultimately will all be released via the website.
As a result, this does mean that it can take some time to work through all the exciting new files we get, but we do have a plan and so have put together an upcoming release schedule in the run up to the end of the year.
Depending on how quickly we work through any tweaks and test prints, releases may be made before their due date, but hopefully no later than listed here. As much as we would like to release everything at once, we think this approach is better!
Type 1 Ho-Ha (Japanese)
M3 Scout car (US/Allies)
Fiat truck (Polish)
CMP F-60 truck (British)
30 CWT truck (British)
Indian Pattern Armoured Car (British)
Otter Armoured Car (British)
Marmon Herrington Armoured Car (British)
LRDG truck/jeep crew (British)
47/32 AT gun (Italian)
Rifle squad
Forward observer team
Sniper team
Officer team
MMG team
Infantry platoon
T34/85 tank
T20 gun tow
OT 26 tank
SU 122 assault gun
ISU 152 assault gun
Rifle squad
PIAT team
Officer team
Infantry platoon
Bofors AA gun
Universal carrier
3” mortar carrier
Churchill Mk IV tank
Valentine tank
Rifle squad
SMG squad
Panzershreck team
Officer team
Forward observer team
Pak 97/38 medium AT gun
Motorcycle and sidecar w/MG
Sectional factory
Ruined sectional factory
Power plant
Workshop
Walls
Urban ruins
Trenches and gun pits
Italian defensive positions
As you can see, it’s quite a list and will massively expand both our list of available models, as well as the range of countries that we have platoon deals for (currently Italy and Japan), so don’t forget to add some of our WWII 3D printed models to your Christmas list!
Updates are also available via our Facebook page and all new releases will be showcased on our Instagram page.
Martin & Dave
