Message from @Springbok
Discord ID: 561411861610889216
FYI: The metal grid around the light at the top was for the preproduction Ratel. A couple, 20 I think, was delivered like that to the army for testing and evaluation. First production batch had it removed and moved lower down.
Some nice info here.
http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/South_Africa/ratel/
Great catch man! Ja I noticed the difference in headlight positions and guards for them.
The one in the museum is a Mk I preproduction I think
Took these photos of it back in 2015.
This one has both lights at the top and bottom from what it looks like.
Triangular guard on the top
This one with no lights on the top only at the bottom.
ZT3 with lights on the top and bottom?
Ja. Seems to be a standard thing in the SA army. Mk-1 = preproduction and Mk-2 = production onwards. That is a deduction not a fact.
Looks like a MK I here with the preproduction guard as you mentioned.
This one has an oddly shaped top light guard.
Another Mk I?
Another triangular guard one.
I'd like to match the different versions as best as I can so depending on the map and the Op it is set in the vehicles would match that year and thus model
That hump thing on top I think is close formation lights? Driving at night without lights?
Cool. The Mk-1 were evaluated in the actual war, so...
True well the idea is to include both the Mk I and the other variants albeit how accurate I'll get them is something I've yet to determine due to lack of information on the differences between all the Mks but I'll give it my best shot.
Cheers for the information @PetraCephas always great to learn more from you 😉
Oof
looking very nice
Anyone know what those "lids" are for at the top rear of the Ratel?
The rectangular shaped ones. That are on the top rear left side of the vehicle.
Little bit more progress today.
* Cut hole for the rear escape door.
* Added driver's window shields.
* Cut hole in bottom storage compartment below the side doors.
* Added base head lights.
* Added bulletproof glass to side viewports.
* Added bolts or knobs or whatever they are to the driver's front window frame, still lacking on the two side windows though.
* Cut hole for engine compartment ventilation and engine access area on the rear of the Ratel.