German Ferdinand, Kurst 1943 (Dragon)

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This is the Dragon 6495 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German Ferdinand, Kursk 1943’.

German Ferdinand, Kursk 1943

History

Elefant (German for “elephant”) was a Schwerer Panzerjäger (“heavy tank destroyer”) of the German Wehrmacht used in small numbers in World War II. It was built in 1943 under the name Ferdinand, after its designer Ferdinand Porsche.

In 1944, after modification of the existing vehicles, they were renamed Elefant. The official German designation was Panzerjäger Tiger (P) and the ordnance inventory designation was Sd.Kfz.184.

Source: Wikipedia

Manufacturer

Where I got it

German RSO/03 w/5 cm PaK 38 (Dragon)

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This is the Dragon 6684 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German RSO/03 w/5cm PaK 38’.

German RSO/03 w/5cm PaK 38

History

The Eastern Front presented many difficulties during WWII, one of which was the harsh weather. With few well-paved roads available, rain and snow could render the terrain almost impassable, as Germany found out during their first winter in 1941-42.

For such difficult conditions, Germany realized it needed special tracked vehicles to traverse Russia’s roads and countryside. One solution offered up was the Raupenschlepper Ost (literally “Caterpillar Tractor East”, or “RSO” for short). The RSO, based on the Steyr 1500A light truck, was initially conceived as a prime mover and tractor for towing artillery pieces, although it was eventually put to many uses.

The fully tracked vehicle performed very well in the muddy conditions, and various manufacturers eventually produced 23,000 vehicles before the war ended. The RSO/03 was a later-production variant that had a simple metal cab with a soft-top roof. It was powered to a top speed of 30km/h by a Deutz diesel engine. A pintle was fitted at the rear for towing artillery pieces.

Source: Dragon Models website

Manufacturer

Where I got it

German Panzerkampfwagen VI, Tiger I (Early version) (Academy)

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This is the Academy 13239 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German Panzerkampfwagen VI, Tiger I – Early version’.

German Panzerkampfwagen VI, Tiger I – Early version

History

Tiger I is the common name of a German heavy tank developed in 1942 and used in World War II. The final official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf.E, often shortened to Tiger. It was an answer to the unexpectedly formidable Soviet armour encountered in the initial months of the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union, particularly the T-34 and the KV-1.

The Tiger I design gave the Wehrmacht its first tank mounting the 88mm gun, in its initial armored fighting vehicle-dedicated version, which in its FlaK version had previously demonstrated its effectiveness against both air and ground targets.

During the course of the war, the Tiger I saw combat on all German battlefronts. It was usually deployed in independent tank battalions, which proved to be quite formidable.

Source: Wikipedia

Manufacturer

Where I got it

Track, British (Friulmodel)

Aside

Friulmodel

Aftermarket working metal track links for my British vehicles, in 1/35 scale.

Please verify the vendor’s website, before using the information below

Cruiser
Cromwell, Mk.IV ATL-43
Crusader ATL-69
Comet ATL-90

Infantry
Valentine ATL-32
Matilda, Mk.II ATL-71
Matilda, Mk.III/IV ATL-72

Main
Centurion ATL-65 ATL-135
Challenger 1 ATL-81
Chieftain ATL-101

Heavy
Churchill ATL-60

Artillery
Archer ATL-113
Bishop ATL-32

Source: Friulmodel

Russian Medium Tank, T-55A (Tamiya)

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This is the Tamiya 35 257-3000 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘Russian Medium Tank, T-55A’.

Russian Medium Tank, T-55A

History

T-55 production began in 1958, as opposition between western countries and the Soviet Union grew. It was easy to produce and featured an oblique front hull wall, a compact hull and a semi-spherical turret to limit vulnerability. The T-55 was also well armed with a 100mm main gun.

In the early 60’s, the T-55A with anti-radiation internal liner and anti-radiation cover on the tank commander cupola was developed. T-55 and T-55A were also license built by Czechoslovakia and Poland and some received various improved equipment resulting in many sub-types.

T-55 production continued until the late 70’s and equipped the armies of over 40 countries. It was used in various wars such as the Middle-East Wars and the Gulf War and is still in service today in some countries.

Source: Tamiya website

Manufacturer

Where I got it

  • Hobbymesse 2012

Russian Medium Tank, T-62 A (Tamiya)

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This is the Tamiya 35 108-1800 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘Russian Medium Tank, T-62 A’.

Russian Medium Tank, T-62 A

History

The T-62 tank has many similarities to the T54/55, both in external shape and mechanism. It made its first official appearance in the victory parade to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the victory over Germany on May 9th 1965.
Source: Tamiya website

Manufacturer

Where I got it

  • Hobbymesse 2012

German JagdPanzer IV, Ausf. F (Italeri)

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This is the Italeri 6488 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German JagdPanzer IV, Ausf. F’.

German JagdPanzer IV, Ausf. F

History

The JagdPanzer Mark IV self-propelled tank-killer was built on the chassis of the Pz.Kpw.IV, one of the most efficient and widely used German tanks of the Second World War.

Characterised by a low profile, the Mark IVs were produced in their hundreds, steadily being improved and fitted with better weaponry such as the long-barrelled 7.5 cm gun that made it a match for any Allied tank.

Source: Italeri website

Manufacturer