Russian S-51 Self Propelled Gun (Trumpeter)

This is the Trumpeter 05583 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘Russian S-51 Self Propelled Gun’.

Russian S-51 Self Propelled Gun

History

1943, the face of the Germans more and more thick fortifications in defensive operations, the Soviet early small-caliber light howitzers powerful.

After November 1943, authorized by the Revolutionary Committee of the Soviet Union the Ge Labin Central Artillery Design Bureau started to design the next generation of self-propelled guns, the KV-1S chassis and B-4 howitzer combination of design, named S-51 self-propelled artillery, optimizeartillery combat combat readiness to complete the 20 minutes.

In addition, due to the strong chassis of the KV-1S tank, the S-51 artillery can be folded to the rear to reduce the bodywork length to facilitate the march. S-51 in early 1944 by nearly 300 design test and a series of wild march test, basically reached the requirements, Soviet firepower summarized as, machine power in artillery belonging to excellent.

Source: Trumpeter website

Manufacturer

Where I got it

German Versuchsflakwagen für 8.8cm FlaK 41 (Bronco)

This is the Bronco 35062 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German Versuchsflakwagen für 8.8cm FlaK 41’.

German Versuchsflakwagen für 8.8cm FlaK 41

History

As the war progressed it was German policy to adapt old tank hulls to carry artillery pieces. One of the most utilized chassis was that of the Panzerkampfwagen IV, adapted to mount a whole series of anti-tank and assault guns.

The Grille 10 was a heavily modified Pz.Kpfw.IV, with track work from the Sd.Kfz.9 artillery tractor. It was originally designed to carry an 8.8cm anti-tank gun. However the design was changed in 1942 and three prototype vehicles were built mounting the 8.8cm FlaK 37 anti-aircraft gun. These were designated Versuchsflakwagen (Vfw) für 8.8cm FlaK 37, and were ready for testing in late 1943.

The idea was to provide a highly mobile anti-aircraft gun to the Panzer Divisions, protecting the tanks from air attack. In 1944 these vehicles were fitted with the 8.8cm FlaK 41, though a single vehicle was refitted with a FlaK 37 and sent for battle testing in Italy. The two remaining Vfw fur 8.8cm FlaK 41 vehicles were successful in their trials, but the war ended before mass production could begin in 1945.

Source: Bronco Website

Manufacturer

Where I got it

German 12.8 cm PAK 44 Waffenträger, Krupp 1 (Trumpeter)

This is the Trumpeter 05523 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German 12.8 cm PAK 44 Waffenträger, Krupp 1’.

German 12.8 cm PAK 44 Waffenträger, Krupp 1

History

Towards the laset months of WWII the Ardelt/Krupp design team concepted the Einheits-Waffenträger 12,8cm IFH, which based on chassis components already used in the Hetzer and 38 D vehicle series, as only a minimum of protection was intended with the aircooled V12 Tatra Diesel engine.

Till end of the war only few prototypes were built.

Source: Trumpeter website

Manufacturer

Where I got it

Russian Heavy Tank, KV-1S (Trumpeter)

This is the Trumpeter 01566 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘Russian Heavy Tank, KV-1S’.

Russian Heavy Tank, KV-1S

History

KV-1S – A lighter variant of late 1942 with higher speed, but thinner armour. A new, smaller, cast turret and redesigned rear hull were used. 1370 were built.

In response to criticisms, the lighter KV-1S (Russian language: КВ-1С) was released, with thinner armour and a smaller, lower turret in order to reclaim some speed. Importantly, the KV-1S also had a commander’s cupola with all-around vision blocks, a first for a Soviet heavy tank.

However, the thinning-out of the armor called into question why the tank was being produced at all, when the T-34 could seemingly do everything the KV could do and much more cheaply. The Soviet heavy tank program was close to cancellation in mid-1943.

Source: Trumpeter website

Manufacturer

Where I got it

German Panzerkampfwagen VI (P) (Dragon)

This is the Dragon 6352 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German Panzerkampfwagen VI (P)’.

German Panzerkampfwagen VI (P)

History

The VK4501 (P), also known as the Tiger (P), was an unsuccessful heavy tank prototype produced by Porsche in Germany in 1942.

On the 21st May 1942, Henschel and Porsche at a meeting in Germany were asked to submit designs for a 45 ton heavy tank capable of mounting the high velocity 88mm KwK L/56 gun which was derived from the German 88mm FlaK gun. Both the Henschel and Porsche tanks were to be fitted with the same turret supplied by Krupp.

The Porsche company worked on updating the VK3001P medium tank, Porsche’s medium tank prototype, and adapted parts used on it for the new tank.

Source: Wikipedia

Manufacturer

Where I got it

Russian JS-4 Heavy Tank (Trumpeter)

This is the Trumpeter 05573 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘Russian JS-4 Heavy Tank’.

Russian JS-4 Heavy Tank

History

Originally developed in competition with the IS-3, the IS-4 (Object 245) was similarly an extensive redesign of the IS-2. The hull was lengthened, with an extra set of road wheels added and an improved engine. Both the hull and turret were uparmoured.

Several alternative armaments were explored in paper studies, although ultimately the IS-2’s original 122mm gun was retained. An effort was also made to make use of technical data derived from study of the German wartime Panzer V Panther tank, which influenced the layout of the IS-4’s engine cooling system.

The tank was approved for mass production in 1948 but due to disappointing speed and mobility only 200 were build. Most of these were transferred to the Russian Far East in 1950 in preparation for the planned Soviet intervention in the Korean War. When this operation was aborted the tanks nevertheless remained stationed in the region until their decommissioning in the 1960s.

Source: Trumpeter website

Manufacturer

Where I got it