Hi! As some of you knows, I try from years to built a model of those strange Hedis and the project sounds like Penelope work... I change one the night wat I've built during the day!
In the way to finish the model, I've Looked one more time at the 6 pics I can see, in Landships and in the old Waffen Arsenal 112. I eventually have some proposal I submit to your comments :
2) Both seems to have been built very carefully in a well disposed factory considering the use of one homogeneous large metal plate for the sides, just like most of the A7V. Doesn't matter it was done using hardened steel or not.
3) Pic 3 on the Waffen Arsenal 112 shows details very close to the classical A7V just like the tow hooks covers, mobile panels protecting the sprockets, even maybe the side visit ports.
My idea is : there were built maybe on the tractor base BUT using components very close to regular A7V, spare parts or unfinished tanks. If not I just cannot understand why the workers loose time to add rather unuseful accessories like the hook covers!
4) All doors open in the same direction. Front direction seems to be logical regarding point 5.
5) I cannot believe the idea the driving emplacement was moved from their original location, because it seems to be a very difficult work to achieve without considerable mechanical troubles. From this point, the vision cupola should be just an head protection for the driver and co-driver. As far as we can see, their emplacement is just correct for somebody seated at the A7V driving place. It could be logical to suppose the vision cupola open to the rear direction not to cut vision!
it could make sens to suppose the louvres on the roof WAS NOT THE SAME on the front and rear (less exposed) of the vehicle.
Well, all of this is somewhat "esoteric". I know it's quite impossible to built a really accurate Hedi, but I would have an "as close as possible" model!
I hope you will be patient enough with my english Regards Gilles
Your argument sounds convincing. Unfortunately the forum gremlins are at work again so that I can open some of your links but othere get the remote linking not allowed message even though they are on the same page!
It also appears that the side skirts may have been retained on at least one of these vehicles. The amount of people crowded around makes it hard to see in most photos but in the photograph of the two "Hedi's", the rear sprocket cover has the same lower edge as seen on "Wotan" and others. When the side of the tank is visible again the lower edge of the side is at the same height as the cover. I probably muddled things up with that explanation so I've attached a montage to show what I mean.