Autoblinda AB 41
Polish Carpathian Lancers

Autoblinda AB41 was an Italian armored car introduced in 1941 as an upgrade of the earlier AB40 model. It was designed for reconnaissance and light combat duties, equipped with a 20 mm Breda M35 autocannon and two 8 mm Breda 38 machine guns—one coaxial and one rear-facing. The AB41 featured all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and dual driver positions (front and rear), making it highly maneuverable in tight spaces or during rapid retreats. With a top speed of around 78 km/h and an operational range of about 400 km, it was considered fast and well-armed for its class, though its armor protection was relatively thin.

The subject of this build represents a captured AB41 used by the Polish Carpathian Lancers (officially: Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade) in North Africa during 1942. The vehicle was most likely seized from Italian forces, possibly from the III Gruppo Autoblindo "Nizza", during fighting in Egypt. It was put to use by Commonwealth-aligned units, including Polish forces operating under British command.

Following its field use, this particular AB41 was shipped to the UK and examined at the British School of Tank Technology in Chobham. British reports described the vehicle as fast and adequately armed, although they noted issues with limited armor protection and complex engine accessibility. Several photos of this captured AB41 exist, showing it in Polish use with improvised markings.

The Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade was a Polish unit formed from exiled soldiers in the Middle East. It fought alongside British and Commonwealth forces in the Western Desert Campaign. By 1942, the brigade had gained a reputation for discipline and combat effectiveness. The Carpathian Lancers later became part of the 2nd Polish Corps and continued to fight in the Italian Campaign, including the Battle of Monte Cassino.

The kit I used is Italeri AB40, not AB41. AB41 turret is a Royal Model resin set, while the wheels are made by Pimp My Miniatures. There is one inaccuracy I'll have to live with. Looking at the reference photos, this vehicle was equipped with 3 Pirelli Tipo ‘Libia’ tires and 3 Pirelli Tipo ‘Sigillo Verde’ tires, usually used on Sahariana. However, it turned out that Sigillo Verde tyres by PMM are much larger in diameter than Libia tyres, and can't even fit the fenders, so I had to go with all 'Libia' tyres. Oh well...

In addition, there are a few modifications. Two horns are replaced with one bigger horn (scratchbuilt). The antenna was moved to the right side, and a counterweight was added (also scratchbuilt). Pickaxe is replaced with axe, and a few other minor modifications.

It was painted with a base color of Grigio Verde Scuro, Hataka lacquers, and finished with Life Color Giallo Sabia Chiaro. I used the hairspray technique for chipping. I tried to reproduce paint crazing (visible on some photos) on fenders using white glue, without success. Details were painted with Vallejo and Gunze paints. Markings are Echelon Fine Details.

In the end, everything was sprayed with AK's North Africa Nature Effect (deluted pigments) to blend everything, left to dry overnight, and then dry pigments were added in places where dust and sand would usually accumulate.