Questions about the Russian MTSA

[Atticus]

what exactly is that piece that's mounted on the back of the MTSA self propelled howitzer? And how is it mounted. I've looked at several pictures and can't figure it out. Also - what do the "infantry company" packs consist of? Are they just troops in different poses, such as artillery crews....etc?

thanx

[Mk 1]

Atticus asked:what exactly is that piece that's mounted on the back of the MTSA self propelled howitzer? And how is it mounted. I've looked at several pictures and can't figure it out.

Not sure I can give a definitive answer, but I believe that the structure you are describing is the ammunition conveyor, carried in folded road-travel position.

Here it is deployed:

It folds in half, and then folds up against the turret rear, for travel.

Is that what you were asking about?

Also - what do the "infantry company" packs consist of? Are they just troops in different poses, such as artillery crews....etc?

Most of the times where GHQ describes and infantry offering as a "company", that is an indicator that the infantry is the older "en-bloc" style. Full squads are casted together, and and blisters come with a company's worth. This was GHQ's approach to infantry before they went to their most current (and I think very well done) "individual" infantry figures.

Here is a picture of the modern US infantry from the "company" blister:

Not all catalog entries carry pictures, but all occasions I can find of a listing as an infantry "company" are in fact the "en-bloc" style infantry.

Hope that helps.

[jb]

Atticus asked:what exactly is that piece that's mounted on the back of the MTSA self propelled howitzer? And how is it mounted. I've looked at several pictures and can't figure it out.

Not sure I can give a definitive answer, but I believe that the structure you are describing is the ammunition conveyor, carried in folded road-travel position.

Is that what you were asking about?

I concur on the ammo conveyor. When I bought some of those arty peices,I too didn't know what it was ,until I researched it. I found some nice pictures of the conveyor picking up rounds off the ground which were prviously been put there by AT-T artillery tractors (GHQ # W52). You know you now need to get some also to give ammo to the guns!
I thought this system of ammo deliverance was rather crude in light of what artillery is today.
Also when the conveyor is stowed it is attached to the rear turret, but the "rail" drapes across the top of the turret , at an angle,towards the front, skinny end forward.

[Atticus]

thanks for the replies guys. i've seen a picture of it mounted center on the rear of the turret. i think that's how i'll mount it. any suggestions?

[Fulcrum]

[jb]

Nice picture ,Rick, but GHQ's version of the "conveyor" is folded in the stowed position. If you look at the picture imagine taking the bottom of the conveyor and fold it over towards the front,and on top. The pivot would be on the back of the turret.

[Mk 1]

jb said:
Nice picture ,Rick, but ....

Y'know what I like about that picture?

That 2S19 is laying down some direct-fire! Look at him! That barrel is as flat as US Steel's revenue curve!

Just imagine looking up and seeing that bad boy pointing your way. Better get ready, 'cause we're sending 107lbs of hot love your way (at 2,800fps)!

[Atticus]

thanks for the replies guys. i was wondering about some camo jobs too. i have seen the tan with dark green. but my russian force has a green camo. maybe a lighter green and a dark green?