Correct, Kai- the germans had a plan for a big tank as early as 1938, I think (I'll check tonight). But many of the final details were worked out as a result of experience form combat. The 88 being the best example there- after the germans discovered the performance of the 88 as an annti-tank gun, Hitler insisted it be mounted on the Tiger. And I believe that did not happen until 1940-41.
But that is a good point, along the same lines as what dasreich mentioned- Speer being in charge of production could well have resulted in quicker, more efficient research.
I guess my main point would be that the gremans didn't see any need for more production or better weapons until really mid 1941.

You know, I don't want to divert the subject here, but the opposite would also make an interetsing "What If?"- what if Speer HAD NOT been around at all? How would that have effected the last couple years of the war?

Again, good topic...

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