Chinese built Type 69 tanks entered service with the Thai Army in 1987, and after a reasonably short career (in tank terms) were decommissioned in 2004, when spare parts became difficult to source. The tanks were stripped of any parts and major components such as engines and gearboxes; and were then stowed in a holding area at Nakhon Ratchasima, where they slowly deteriorated and rusted away. Thailand’s Queen Sirikit was made aware of the rusting hulks and initiated a project to use the tank carcases as artificial coral reefs, dumped at sea to create a mini ecosystem and improve fish stocks. Twenty-five tanks were dumped at sea in 2010, in the Gulf of Thailand near the Southern Narathiwat Province.
This diorama was bult using a mix of 1/35 Miniart and Takom kits, with bespoke resin engine bays (empty) and US M60 tracks and sprockets as per the real tanks. The figures have been scratchbuilt and fitted with hornet heads. The base 'barge' is made from wood and clad in thin lead foil. The water is 2-part clear resin tinted with acrylic paints.
The diorama featured in Dioramamag edition 11:
This diorama is very heavy and delicate and will be collection only. I am happy to travel for free, up to 1 hour from Darlington UK. I will not pack this diorama for courier or postal services, please do not ask.