Mobile steel pilbox

Discussions on the fortifications, artillery, & rockets used by the Axis forces.
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Robert Hurst
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Mobile steel pilbox

#1

Post by Robert Hurst » 26 Mar 2004, 12:27

Hi

Whilst flicking through a copy of Purnells History of the Second World War, I across this picture of a German mobile steel pillbox being examined by British troops in Italy. Therefore I would be most grateful if anyone can give me any information with regards to this type of pillbox.

Regards

Bob
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mobile pillbox.jpg
British troops examine one of the mobile steel pillboxes which the Germans used a focus of their defences.
mobile pillbox.jpg (110.98 KiB) Viewed 6664 times

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Xavier
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#2

Post by Xavier » 26 Mar 2004, 16:49

I have seen them before, but this is the first one with a big artillery piece.

others I have seen, were just for observation, round cupola, with observation slits, mounted on wheeled carriage..

If you are interested, will search my books and post a link to a pic on monday.

regards

Xavier
Instandsetzungtruppfuhrer


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Navy
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#3

Post by Navy » 26 Mar 2004, 19:50

This is not an artillery. This is the axel which is used as a lever.
Armed with an MG 34. Crew: 2, Weight: ~ 1400kg
It was called "MG-Panzernest"


Navy
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Christian Ankerstjerne
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#4

Post by Christian Ankerstjerne » 26 Mar 2004, 20:51

I have seen several kinds of tehse mobile pillboxes, some of which date quite far back. The idea is good as such, but with more powerful and accurate infantry-carried weapons, I don't think there was any point after WWI...

CHristian

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Robert Hurst
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#5

Post by Robert Hurst » 27 Mar 2004, 12:57

Hi

Thanks guys for the info.

Regards

Bob

herring
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#6

Post by herring » 21 Apr 2004, 13:41

They worked very well in specific conditions, e.g. in in mountain area. Considered very dangerous and effective in battle of Monte Cassino (Gustav Line).

jopaerya
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#7

Post by jopaerya » 11 Oct 2007, 17:21

Hello All

Here a photo from a Panzernest in use and some drawing
from a Russian manual about German fortifications and as
last from Lone Sentry com .

Regards Jos

P.S. Please see also picture 7 and 33
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... panzernest
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panzernest german 1.JPG
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herring
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#8

Post by herring » 11 Oct 2007, 20:29

Very nice pictures. The first one and number 33 - I've never seen them before. On the first one - isn't that a manufacturer's sign left of the entrance? Does anybody know this maker?

regards
herring

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AvB
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#9

Post by AvB » 12 Oct 2007, 13:24

Yes it's Hörder Verein.

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Manuferey
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#10

Post by Manuferey » 12 Oct 2007, 23:05

There is an extensive description of the mobile steel pillbox from “Handbook on German Military Forces – US War Department – 15 March 1945”. New edition of 1990 by “Louisiana State University Press”. 8-)

Technical excerpts:
- Armor thickness: 2 inches (51 mm) at the sides and top to 5 inches (127 mm) at the aperture
- Armor thickness of the bottom half (normally installed below ground): ¾ inch (19 mm)
- Empty weight: 6955 lbs (3161 kg)
- MG’s arc of fire: 45 degrees approx.

Emmanuel

jopaerya
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Re: Mobile steel pilbox

#11

Post by jopaerya » 29 Feb 2008, 23:13

Hello All

Here a other Panzernest this one is Russia .

Photo = Ebay.de

Regards Jos
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panzer turret 1.jpg
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panzer turret 2.jpg
panzer turret 2.jpg (43.7 KiB) Viewed 5183 times

herring
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Re: Mobile steel pilbox

#12

Post by herring » 03 Mar 2008, 11:21

Who can read the place? Isj.... bei Donez???

regards
herring

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TH
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Re: Mobile steel pilbox

#13

Post by TH » 03 Mar 2008, 11:56

I'd say Isjum.
According to Wikipedia, Isjum is a city in the Ukraine and it's also close to the Donez.

herring
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Re: Mobile steel pilbox

#14

Post by herring » 27 Aug 2008, 23:56

And don't we have over here a prototype of Panzernest? Picture dated july 1942, FHQ Vinnitsa, Ukraine.
I'd say a prototype, because of exhaust air cover - made from a kind of steel sheet, instead of a casted one in the production.

In the back of a top picture you can see a blueprints of the panzernest exposed to the public !!

In my opinion - very interesting picture.

source: http://bpkgate.picturemaxx.com/
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50043546[1]winnica 07 1942.jpg
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50043545[1]winnica 07 1942.jpg
50043545[1]winnica 07 1942.jpg (48.17 KiB) Viewed 4717 times

jopaerya
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Re: Mobile steel pilbox

#15

Post by jopaerya » 29 Aug 2008, 07:43

Hello Herring

Nice to see that site that nearly every new weapon was proved and controlled by Hitler himself .

Regards Jos

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