I thought @Claymore might have worked on something like this before, so I had a look at the completed models thread.
Updated Stug design
Now that we know it's possible to design a 1980s style StuG, the next challenge is to see what else would fit on a similar type of mounting. Would an assault...
It was definitely real! I remember reading it at the time, but unfortunately I've moved house a few too many times to still have my copy.
I think the author suggested arming his design with a 155mm howitzer and a 25mm Bushmaster in an external mounting. I've no idea how practical this would be...
The link below is mainly about post D-Day manpower shortages but it covers a lot of what's already been mentioned such as the RAF, industry and the effect of Special Forces.
What surprised me most was Anti-Aircraft Command, which was kept more or less at full strength until the end of the V-1...
My copy has these dates - Provisional / Actual. Preston says the provisional dates were drawn up in February 1936.
Order for the gun mountings - Apr 36 / Apr 36
Order for two ships - Sep 36 / Jul 36
Laying down of two ships - Feb 37 / Jan 37
Launch - Jan 39 / Feb & May 39
1st turret...
War production basis in March 1939?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernle_Chatfield,_1st_Baron_Chatfield
"In March 1939 Chatfield urged an increase in munition production: "Would it not be possible to put industry on a war production basis immediately, not necessarily at the expense of our...