In the works:

We’re always working on new vehicles for your collections. Today we’re heading to the frozen north, where the majestik møøses frolic and occasionally give nasti bites.

We’ve finished up two versions of the famous S-tank, the 103B and C models. The B model is the iconic production version that started entering Swedish service in 1967. The C model entered service in 1986 and featured an improved fire control system, laser rangefinder, a more powerful diesel engine and slat armor for the front and appliqué armor for the sides.

Strv 103B

Strv 103C

In keeping with the Swedish tradition of building a small, modern army, realizing to their horror that they’re actually hopelessly behind the times and then taking decades to do something about it, we have the Strv-74. While the m/42 medium tank had seemed like a competitive design in 1943, with decent armor and a 31 calibre 75mm gun, reports from the fighting soon showed that a short 75 and 55mm armor was a bit subpar. As the Soviets started showing off IS-3s and the Americans and British started exporting M-46 Pershings and Centurions, the Swedes decided that they had better improve their tank fleet lest they start looking like lunch. The Strv 74 took the hull of the m/42, improved the engine, transmission and tracks, then popped on a new turret with a high velocity 75mm 52 calibre gun and started calling it a light tank. The new design entered service in 1958 and stayed in service until the early 80s. It would probably have done well in 1944, but a nearly 11 foot tall light tank might not have had the best life expectancy in the Cold War.

An early draft Strv 74

In the late 40s, the Swedes decided that the German Sturmgeschutz was an interesting idea that had some promise as an infantry support vehicle. This led to a series of infanterikanonvagn: the Ikv 72, 102 and 103. At 8 tons and armed with the m/42’s short 75mm, the Ikv 72 was an interim design intended to do what the StuG A did until the a suitable 105mm gun could be developed. This was the Ikv 102, which also added a roof. Finally the 103 updated the engine. The Ikv series served from 1953, eventually being converted to ATGM and SAM vehicles in the 1980s.

An early draft Ikv 103

Watch this space, because there’s plenty more to come, with more Swedes, early Cold War American artillery and our first bridgelayer.