> C90105 TML
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They have done that though? The Cv90105 was initially released with the TML turret, despite the TML turret not having stabs or thermals.
Gaijin removed it from sale for a while then re added it with the correct turret replacing the one people bought, And only 2 patches ago they re-added the cv90105 TML as a TT tank?
You are confusing Gaijins stance with WeeGee who have explicitly stated that they wouldnt change premium vehicles because legal stuff and refunds.
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This is true, but this is the opposite of what’s proposed here.
The TML was implemented as a stabilized, thermal equipped vehicle, when it was revealed that IRL it had neither of those features. They then swapped the model to the XC-8 turret which had those features, which effectively played the same as the previous TML version.
Here, the proposal is to take a current premium vehicle that has seen no changes or modifications made to it, and swapping it out with one with slightly different characteristics.
The TML and XC-8 are also very obviously different in capabilities, to the point that reintroducing a historically accurate TML isn’t going to meaningfully impact the sales of the XC-8 version.
Here, if Gaijin gives everyone a free Black Prince, then tries to sell a slightly improved version at a higher BR, I don’t see many people buying it.
Can you share the evidence that this conversion was actually started? I have primary documentation only giving hypothetical performance, nothing saying the work was carried out.
I’ll find them and post them here.
From what i understand Prototype #3 was only in the VERY early stages of the conversion with the Black Prince was canceled.
Likely not even to the point of the original engine being removed.
What’s the sources of that though? I’d love to see it.
Ed Francis shared these two primary sources, there’s likely more to the file but someone will have to ask him nicely. Text on first page says:
“access to the gear box, which could be used as an inspection hole and covered by a detachable plate.”
“A suitable opening in the hull roof plate must be made for engine access and the floor plate made suitable for receiving the new engine (something). Repositioning of inspection holes in the floor plate will also be necessary.”
“The rear bulkhead will have to be designed to suit the new installation.”
So it does sound like David Fletchers whole “it was incredibly simple, the engine just needed to be tilted X degrees” is wrong and far more work was required.
Id still say that fits with the Tiger II SLA-16.
As it needed a full redesign of the engine bay and engine deck for the SLA-16 to work in the Tiger II hull.
Creating new Engine mountings, and redoing a few hull openings wouldn’t be that time consuming, especially since the Centurion could be used a template (Minus the mountings, due to the Black Prince’s shorter hull Height, and the whole engine tilt thing)
that proposal was also made in June 1944, the Black Prince program wasn’t discontinued until mid 45, POST WAR. Even as the Centurion started rolling off the production lines, they were still looking into the Black Prince as a Option for a Infantry tank before that whole idea died off.
They even wanted to put the Stabilized Centurion MK2 Turret on the Black Prince before the FV201 became a thing.
So i think, and not just think KNOW, the Meteor Black Prince program got farther than just a few papers on the feasbility. Like i said, ive seen atleast basic engineering drawings for the Meteor engine bay in a book at SOME point. Sadly no idea when or where.
Also, random fun fact while im here.
The Surviving Black Prince is actually a Fully Functional Vehicle, it just has transmission issues that need attention, and its last Run was in 2012, when the issues finally got bad enough for the Tank Museum to put it away until they can get the engine bay cleaned of all its Asbestos, and get it back running.
The Image bellow is of it in 2012, at its last tank fest appearance, being towed back to storage after transmission issues.
(it also is reportedly a utter pain in the ass to drive, due to the Gear reduction they had to do with the final drives, to get the 350hp engine to even be able to move the thing, which makes it exceptionally hard to change gears without stalling, even before the Transmission issues.)