Kamidaiko (Kamikaze Kugelpanzer)

[RAFF-35]

This is my second entry into the Operation Downfall GB, and my first ever 1:35 scale kit ever!

I have taken the obligatory starting photos of the box and unassembled kit. Just over half an hour later, I took photos of the build more or less complete!    I absolutely love ball tank concepts for how absolutely off piste they are as armoured vehicle designs. Trying to imagine what possible use the Kugelpanzer could have fulfilled is entertaining for me (asides from being a Soviet made hoax/ joke museum piece). I have already done a WW1 version in 1:72. But the other possible use for this vehicle in my mind is as a suicide vehicle for either taking out enemy tanks or infantry.  I picture several of these tanks lying in wait, camouflaged and concealed in bushes or outbuildings. Then launching their attack, perhaps using a machine gun to take out as many enemy soldiers as possible before getting close enough to the front and rear vehicle in a convoy and detonating the explosives hidden in the domed wheel hubs.

I haven't decided what the name for this project should be yet. Either 頭突き Zudzuki (meaning headbutt) which relates to the nickname Soviet troops gave to Japanese soldiers who committedsuicide attacks on Soviet tanks, or 神槍 Kami yari, which supposedly means "divine spear" which to me seems more poetic?

[jcf]

Taiko would be the most likely, and obvious, name. 
😉
A big drum is an onedaiko, a kami is a spirit (to majorly oversimplify things), so
perhaps kamidaiko? Divine Drum?
🤔

Taiko

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/20%C2%AA_Festa_do_Imigrante_%2818629759049%29.jpg

[RAFF-35]

Taiko would be the most likely, and obvious, name.
😉
A big drum is an onedaiko, a kami is a spirit (to majorly oversimplify things), so
perhaps kamidaiko? Divine Drum?
🤔

Taiko

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/20%C2%AA_Festa_do_Imigrante_%2818629759049%29.jpg

What a fantastic suggestion! I can't believe how much the kugelpanzer looks like a Taiko 
I think I have a new name for this project 

[RAFF-35]

Life has provided many distractions from the world of whiffing,  I've finally had opportunity to paint the Kamidaiko.

Just decals and weathering to go now.... Maybe a little backstory? Possibly not 

[Rheged]

Just decals and weathering to go now.... Maybe a little backstory? Possibly not 

If you don't fancy writing the backstory, I'll offer my services as a jobbing backstory writer.  It's too good a model not to have some written material attached.

[frank2056]

Great paint job! The machine gun can act as a contact switch for the explosives

[buzzbomb]

For this theme.. this concept is spot on so great to see this 

[NARSES2]

I do like that scheme   

[RAFF-35]

Just decals and weathering to go now.... Maybe a little backstory? Possibly not 

If you don't fancy writing the backstory, I'll offer my services as a jobbing backstory writer.  It's too good a model not to have some written material attached.

That's very generous of you! I'd be interested to read what your spin on it would be! The fixed points that I had in mind for this design is that it used a 24hp Type 97 motorcycle engine and was supposed to be equipped with a Type 97 heavy tank machine gun, although in practice,  other infantry weapons were fitted on an ad-hoc basis..... Talking about you writing a backstory is kind of giving me motivation to write one too 

[NARSES2]

I'd be interested to read what your spin on it would be!

I'm debating as to whether to get the Book out or not ?   

[Gondor]

I'd be interested to read what your spin on it would be!

I'm debating as to whether to get the Book out or not ?   

I am sure you will get around to making a decision at some point.

[NARSES2]

I'd be interested to read what your spin on it would be!

I'm debating as to whether to get the Book out or not ?   

I am sure you will get around to making a decision at some point.

I'm awaiting the VAR review 

[Rheged]

Just decals and weathering to go now.... Maybe a little backstory? Possibly not 

If you don't fancy writing the backstory, I'll offer my services as a jobbing backstory writer.  It's too good a model not to have some written material attached.

That's very generous of you! I'd be interested to read what your spin on it would be! The fixed points that I had in mind for this design is that it used a 24hp Type 97 motorcycle engine and was supposed to be equipped with a Type 97 heavy tank machine gun, although in practice,  other infantry weapons were fitted on an ad-hoc basis..... Talking about you writing a backstory is kind of giving me motivation to write one too 

It's your model, so you get first crack at the backstory.  Your initial ideas suggest to me that you have something interesting lined up without  me butting in!

[kerick]

Just decals and weathering to go now.... Maybe a little backstory? Possibly not 

If you don't fancy writing the backstory, I'll offer my services as a jobbing backstory writer.  It's too good a model not to have some written material attached.

That's very generous of you! I'd be interested to read what your spin on it would be! The fixed points that I had in mind for this design is that it used a 24hp Type 97 motorcycle engine and was supposed to be equipped with a Type 97 heavy tank machine gun, although in practice,  other infantry weapons were fitted on an ad-hoc basis..... Talking about you writing a backstory is kind of giving me motivation to write one too 

It's your model, so you get first crack at the backstory.  Your initial ideas suggest to me that you have something interesting lined up without  me butting in!

I'm sure you'll write something great once you get a round to it........

[RAFF-35]

I'd be interested to read what your spin on it would be!

I'm debating as to whether to get the Book out or not ?   

The Book??? Which book is THE book?