WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Your forum dedicated to 1/32nd and smaller plastic and metal figures and vehicles.
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krieglok
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WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by krieglok » Sun Nov 06, 2016 7:41 am

This is a WW1 British "Tadpole" tank made by Weston Toy Company back in 2007. The model came fully assembled in a basic green color. I cleaned up some flash, drilled out the mortar and did a paint and weathering job on the tank. It is 1/32 scale and originally intended to go with toy soldier playsets.

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The only moving parts on the tank are the two cannons and the three machine guns...

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The Tadpole was basically a lengthened version of the British MkIV Male tank. They added extra track length to cross trenches more easily, as the Germans were digging their trenches to a 12' width to defeat the MkIVs. The idea never took hold. Only a few prototypes were made and never saw action...

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The tank was equipped with a 6" mortar on a deck on the rear of the vehicle. I am not really sure what the idea with that was. Tube mortars were a relatively new weapon at the time...

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There are many 1/35 scale models of the MkIV on the market. This is the only 1/32 version I know of. There are cast models made by some of the toy soldier manufacturers that are in the 1/30's range. They are very expensive though.

Weston Toy Company also made a German A7V WW1 tank. I will do a thread on that one soon. They never made a common MkIV male or female tank...too bad. The Tadpole and A7Vcan still be found on EBay but I believe Weston Toy went out of business a few years ago....

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Tom
Last edited by krieglok on Mon Nov 07, 2016 6:52 am, edited 2 times in total.

ketelone
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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by ketelone » Sun Nov 06, 2016 3:53 pm

Wow! I have seen this tank. It's toy-like. Excellent work. You should send a pic to Steve Weston. I'm sure he'd love to see what you have done. I look forward to seeing the finished German tank.
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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by Rxrated » Sun Nov 06, 2016 6:03 pm

That looks outstanding!!!

krieglok
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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by krieglok » Sun Nov 06, 2016 6:22 pm

Thanks guys. Yes definitely a toy! It was a good model to try and upgrade with some simple painting. The A7V is a bit more intricate, especially in the road wheel and tracks area. I am still researching that paint job!

Oh and Weston Toys is still alive and kicking. They still produce both tanks! Here is a link to their site...

http://plasticsoldiers.co.uk/index.php/ ... on-toy-co/


Tom
Last edited by krieglok on Mon Nov 07, 2016 6:52 am, edited 1 time in total.

ketelone
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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by ketelone » Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:21 pm

I'm serious. You should show Steve what you've done with his product. I believe he'd really enjoy your finished product.
I saw Steve at the Toy Soldier Show in September. I'm glad to see he's still producing new products. So many manufacturers have fallen by the wayside.
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krieglok
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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by krieglok » Mon Nov 07, 2016 6:48 am

K, I looked up the Weston Toy company after I read your post and found his site with the email address. I did sent him the pics at your suggestion. Thanks for the idea.

His business seems to be thriving over there in Britain. Nice to see.

Tom

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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by ketelone » Mon Nov 07, 2016 6:47 pm

Tom,
I'm telling you Steve is a good guy. He'll love seeing your work.
Paul
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krieglok
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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by krieglok » Tue Nov 08, 2016 11:45 am

You are right! He wrote back the next day and let me know how he liked the photos. He also included the plans for turning a Tadpole into a regular MkIV, something I had been planning on doing. A really nice guy who loves discussing tanks and soldiers.

I finished painting my Weston German A7V yesterday. Just need to clear coat it . Photos soon.

Tom

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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by ketelone » Wed Nov 09, 2016 6:53 pm

Excellent
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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by krieglok » Fri Nov 11, 2016 11:04 am

A7V....German tank

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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by krieglok » Fri Nov 11, 2016 11:06 am

Image

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Re: WW1 British "Tadpole" tank...1/32

Post by ketelone » Fri Nov 11, 2016 4:32 pm

Wow! Very nicely done. Send pics to Steve.
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