After retreating to Taiwan with the Kuomintang, the Renault ZB light tanks inspected in Yilan in November 1951 was, according to some sources, equipped with a customized 7.92mm MAC-31 machine gun or possibly a 13.2mm heavy machine gun.

Here is the result after hours of modeling, printing, and painting. I’m in love with the Object 490A.

Don't you find these machines fascinating? I got so excited while researching them that I’ve designed at least 10 "Objects" from this secret program. The Object 490A is one of those cutting-edge Soviet designs; its unmanned turret incorporates an autoloader and offers maximum crew protection—though, sadly, it never made it past the drawing board.

Some of these models are already available in my Cults catalog, but with this Kickstarter campaign, I aim to create and offer collector's pieces that are otherwise hard to find—like the Object 477. It’s practically a legend, given the scarcity of documentation and high-quality printable models available for it.

The printable collection of secret Soviet tank prototypes is ready to go. During the pre-campaign phase, I’ll be showcasing print results and magnificent paint jobs by collaborating friends—such as the majestic Object 490A and its modernized, ERA-equipped version, which I designed myself and is unique on the market.

If this project interests you, your support would mean the world to me—and you’ll be getting a piece of Cold War military history. You can bring these models to life by printing and finishing them however you like.

History didn't let these machines endure, but now we’re fighting to change that!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/vbertz/secret-soviet-armored-program

was developed by the Kyiv Design and Technology Center (482nd KTC) under the leadership of scientist Vladimir Zakhmatov. Built on a modified T-62 tank chassis, the machine features a massive 50-barrel multiple-launch system installed in place of the original combat turret.
The entire 50-capsule salvo is fired almost instantaneously, in less than one second, creating a powerful shockwave. This pulse technology allows the vehicle to smother flames and cut off oxygen immediately using specialized powder or fire-retardant mixtures.
Thanks to the heavy tank armor, the machine was specifically engineered to operate safely in high-risk zones, such as burning ammunition depots, chemical plants, and oil wells, protecting the crew from explosions and debris. The system proved to be highly effective during major industrial accidents and disasters, solidifying its reputation as one of the most powerful heavy firefighting systems ever built.

From what I can remember, this was a testbed vehicle to test the RCWS-30 remote controlled turret.

The first and third photos show the German Sd.Kfz. 234. I know that technically this is a wheeled armored car and not a tank, but in reality it was a powerful wheeled tank of its time that was very hard to hit. It featured a unique 8 wheel chassis, an air cooled diesel engine, incredible maneuverability, and two drivers so it could retreat instantly in case of an ambush.
On the other hand, the Italian L3/33 is a true tankette. It was weak and vulnerable in battle, but it was cheap, easy to transport, and very effective for mountain warfare. It is a really cool piece of military history.

The Arandu Exercise 2026 is taking place from October 10 to 17 in the cities of Rosário do Sul and Santa Maria (RS). This joint training brings together the armored forces of Brazil and Argentina, highlighting the deployment of Argentine TAM 2C-A2 tanks and Stryker 8x8 armored vehicles operating alongside Brazilian Guarani 6x6 APCs, the Astros artillery system, and Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks.