Here's a photo I found recently of one of the German 77mm Flak guns based on captured French 75mm M1897. Any idea what carriage they used for this conversion?
There exists only one 7,7cm L/35(Franz.) to my knowledge. The only one I've seen in the flesh is in a Legion park in Pennsylvania. Examining the piece you quickly conclude the carriage is purpose built. The trail is of light construction with a very small spade. Some 400 beute Mle1897 pieces were converted for AA use. I find it interesting that the conversion to 77mm was made on all of them.
Despite the renown given to the famous "75", it seems the Germans did not share the same view, and did not produce the 75mm ammunition for their use. However they were quick to recognize the excellent ballistics of the Ruski 7,62cm and Rheinmetall was soon manufacturing that round.
They also manufactured the DeBange 120mm round; apparently they liked the "reach" of that projectile.
I've done a 3D rendition of the 7,7cm L/35 (Franz.) in 1/32 scale if it might interest you.
..... Despite the renown given to the famous "75", it seems the Germans did not share the same view, and did not produce the 75mm ammunition for their use. However they were quick to recognize the excellent ballistics of the Ruski 7,62cm and Rheinmetall was soon manufacturing that round. They also manufactured the DeBange 120mm round; apparently they liked the "reach" of that projectile. .....
Herbert Jäger in his book on WW1 German Artillery [p.90] asserts that the steel the Russian barrels were made from was too brittle to be successfully machined out to fit a 77mm round so the Germans used up the captured ammunition and manufactured 76.2mm rounds when they ran out.
The Germans had no problems machining out the breech of the French Mle 1897 to fit a 77mm round.
Steve, I visited the piece in Chambersburg; just north west of Gettysburg. I understand it has since been moved, but the bar tender at the Legion Hall didn't know where or why.
You might call the post and get up to date information, just use layman terms; "what happened to the black cannon?" (Phone # 717 267 3585 )
I've attached the 3D rendition of the gun. You will note it's light construction and unique design. Some writers have said the gunwas mounted on the lFH 98/09, but you can quickly surmise that simply is not true.
-- Edited by 28juni14 on Wednesday 3rd of July 2019 12:50:36 AM
