In the late 20's Soviet representatives examined foreign tank designs. One of the first tanks purchased was the Vickers Carden Boyd Of VI tankette.

Soviet designation

Improved modifications were made to make the production model T-27, In 1931 the Soviets made 348 and ordered 5000 for 1932. The production for 1932 was only 1693 T-27a's, and only 500 in 1933. A total of 4000 T-27's of the various types were produced by 1941. The tankette holds the record as the first air-mobile mechanized platoon. The cavalry reconnaissance tanks skirmished with Basmachi rebels on the Afghan border in the 1930's.

The tankette had a long period of service. When classified obsolete in 1941, the T-27's were converted into artillery tractors or self-propelled mountings for artillery and rocket launchers.

Those of you who have built folded house models should find this a nice challenge. I suggest you look at a picture of the T-27a before starting, this will help you with folding. Using different sized paper punches on thick paper will produce good wheels. Try it.

Large Version of Folding Pattern (slow: 95K)
Jumbo Version of Folding Pattern (monster file size: 502K)

For more information read:

Russian Tanks 19DG-1570; John Wilson; 1970
Soviet Combat Tanks 1939-1945; Peter Chamberlain
1970 Soviet Tanks and Combat Vehicles of WW II; Steve Zaloga; 1984