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Code: CG-CC60514    Add to wishlist
Status: Sold out - Discontinued
We regret this item is no longer available for sale. Please see the product description for links to similar items we still have available.

Corgi Military Vehicles CC60514
Henschel Sd.Kfz.181 Tiger Diecast Model
German Army sPzAbt 505, #300, Eastern Front, Summer 1944

Limited Edition
1100
Pieces Worldwide

1:50 Scale   Length   Width
Henschel Sd.Kfz.181 Tiger   6.75"   3"

For many with an interest in military history, the German Tiger I is still widely regarded as the epitome of tank design, beautifully conceived and manufactured, whilst at the same time proving deadly on the battlefield. Unrivalled by any opposing tank when it saw its combat introduction on the Eastern Front during September 1942, the Tiger I soon began to show its potential, using its highly effective sighting optics and accurate 88mm KwK 36 tank gun to take a heavy toll of Soviet armour. Capable of destroying enemy tanks at ranges which made it almost impervious to return fire, it was not uncommon to hear reports of small units of German Tigers destroying more than ten times their number in Soviet armour during engagements, as their opposition rushed headlong towards the German tanks in a deadly hail of armour piercing shells, with only the amount of ammunition held limiting the effectiveness of the Tigers killing spree. Indeed, if a Soviet tank did manage to get close enough to fire on its capable adversary, their shells would invariably ricochet off the thick frontal armour of these German beasts and attract the attention of the enemy tank commander in the process. During the spring of 1944, the Tigers of the 505th Heavy Tank Battalion adopted the distinctive "charging heavy knight" as their unit insignia, an emblem which they would retain until the end of the war in Europe and one which drew inspiration from the fact that these armoured behemoths were now performing the historic role of battlefield shock cavalry from years past.

Despite the fact that the mighty German Tiger Tank still retains its position as arguably the world's most famous armoured fighting vehicle, its undeniable aesthetic appeal helps to mask a number of fatal flaws with a design which never stood a chance against the industrialisation of modern warfare. Not content with producing the most fearsome tank on the battlefield, the German's adopted something of a "no expense spared" philosophy when producing the Tiger, at a time when their tanks were needed on the battlefield and the Allies were placing ever increasing strains on their ability to wage war. Every example may have been beautifully manufactured to exacting standards, but at production costs which were simply staggering, to a point where every individual Tiger loss would become something of a minor military disaster. Indeed, the simple process of transporting these monstrous 57 ton beasts from the factory to somewhere close to the battle zone would pose significant challenges. Due to the width of the Tiger's hull and standard railway rolling stock wagons, each new Tiger needed two full sets of tracks, a narrow set for transportation and a wider, operational set for use during combat - these tracks would have to be interchanged every time the Tiger had to be moved other than under its own power. Although the Tiger went on to produce a WWII enigma which endures to this day, its design excellence and uncompromising manufacture would ultimately prove to be its armoured Achilles heel.

Henschel Sd.Kfz.181 Tiger

Production of the Tiger began in August 1942, and by August 1944 1,355 of these tanks had been built. The 88mm main gun was the most powerful anti-tank gun in use by any army. The superior mobility of Allied tanks allowed them to attack from behind or from the side in the hope of taking a Tiger down. The influence of Tiger tanks on allied morale grew to almost mythical proportions, and was known as "Tigerphobia." Tigers destroyed tremendous amounts of enemy equipment and often just the sight of a Tiger would induce the Russian tankers to withdraw.

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Corgi Military Vehicles

The Corgi "Military Vehicles" range presents higly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles. Corgi diecast tanks require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Made from diecast metal, die cast tanks from Corgi are 100% true to scale... these don't look like model tanks, they look like tanks!. Color, camouflage and unit markings are carefully researched for Maximum authenticity, marking the difference between and authentic scale model tank and a "toy" tank.

Corgi "Military Vehicles" diecast vehicles feature:

  • Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
  • Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull in diecast metal.
  • Accurate moving tracks on detailed rotating wheels.
  • Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
  • Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.

© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.    

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