This is a picture of a 1/72 model representing one of the (known) two examples of the signaling variant of the German A7V used in 1919-20 by the Freikorps during the civil unrests plaguing Germany after the end of WWI.
The German army were working on a signalling variant of the A7V, with a re-modeled upper 1/3 of the hull, featuring 2 MG barbettes and 2 signalling barbettes. The Armistice put an end to this project, but one Freikorps unit was able to use the two prototypes, armed with at least 4 MGs each, along with other armoure cars, armoured trucks and tanks to put down Spartacist (i.e. communist) uprisings. It is not certain that the two ‘A7V’ actually saw combat, but photographs show them in Berlin in early 1919 and Leipzig in 1920.
The one seen in Berlin shows extensive Freikorps-style markings and the number ‘54’, while the other wore the usual deathheads plus the name ‘Hedi’ at the rear and front. Those vehicles are usually reffered to as ‘Hedi’, rather than A7V.
This model represents ‘Hedi’ as it’s markings are being applied.
Neat subject Dj and definitely not something you see done very often. The Freikorps and their armor get their own chapter in Panzerwaffe Vol 1., you should check that out if you don’t have it already.
Yeah, Wbill76, I got that book not too long ago. Only bought it for one pic of ‘Hedi’ I had never seen before. Having said that, it’s a very good read, from cover to cover!
The Da Vinci tank is my own interpretation: it’s a bit different from the drawings of the Great Man; in particular, I placed the weapons higher on the hull and also gave the vehicle an access door…
The ‘markings’ are those of Flanders who were not on friendly terms with the French, so this is a captured tank they are testing…
