Saturday, December 21, 2019

Introducing the PAK 36

The PAK 36 was a 3.7 cm caliber weapon. It was the main anti-tank gun in the German Army until mid 1941, when given its inability to deal with the soviet medium tanks like the T34, it was replaced by the PAK 38 which fired a 5cm shell. The PAK 36 was initially issued in 1928 and first saw combat in 1936 during the Spanish civil war. It was also used by the Chinese against the Japanese where it was a lot more effective neutralizing the lightly armored Chi-Ha tanks.

Forces of Valor PAK 36 (with CTS crew)
Forces of Valor PAK 36 (with CTS crew) - Part 1
This PAK came with the kfz 70 truck which was used to tow it.

Forces of Valor PAK 36 (with Italeri crew) 
Forces of Valor PAK 36 (with Italeri crew) - Part 2
Here's a better picture of the gun. The CTS gunners were holding ammo that was too big for it. These Italeri crew guys are better fitted for this smaller gun, and the picture does show a bit more detail.

Forces of Valor Sd Kfz 70 as Artillery Tractor
Forces of Valor Sd Kfz 70 as Artillery Tractor - Part I
The same chassis as a regular kfz 70, but this time a different configuration on the back, adapted to carry a bunch of ammo boxes for the PAK 36 which it is towing behind. I did not show it in this picture, but it is also possible to load the PAK on to the back of the truck, with the wheels resting on the middle seat and the tip of the gun pointing back. In such case, you can't have the men sitting there. 

Forces of Valor Sd Kfz 70 as Artillery Tractor
Forces of Valor Sd Kfz 70 as Artillery Tractor - Part II
Here is a shot with the PAK deployed. This is BTW, the only PAK 36 that I have come across, so it was a nice extra that came with the truck. Unfortunately it does not come with an artillery crew.



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