Hobby Master Ground Power Series HG0103
Henschel Sd.Kfz.181 Tiger Diecast Model
German Army sPzReg 2, #S33, Russia, 1943 |
| 1:56 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Henschel Sd.Kfz.181 Tiger | | 4.5" | | 2.5" |
This tank belonged to SS-PzReg 2 "Das Reich", East Front Russia 1943. # S33, a large "S" (for schwere meaning "heavy") preceeded the two digit numbers on "Das Reich" Kursk Tigers. A couple of unique "Das Reich" Tiger I tank markings found on all of the regiments tanks that fought at Kursk. The first is the little dancing gnome like creature called "Dancing Devil" found on each side towards the front of the turret. The second tactical symbol used at Kursk to provide quick "friend or foe" identification were two white vertical bars sitting on one horizontal bar. These were painted, one on the left rear fender and one on the front right.
The first encounter with the Tiger I's came in August of 1942 around Leningrad where the first 4 Tigers didn't do so well. They went into battle in single file and the huge machines were driven over swampy land. All 4 were soon disabled but not because anything had penetrated the thick armor. 3 of the tanks were salvaged and tactical lessons were learned. With the addition of more Tiger I's, a much better understanding of when, where and how to use the new tanks, by the end of 1942 Tigers were causing fear and sheer panic whenever Allied forces engaged them. There even was a name given to this, "Tigerphobia". It was so bad that British General Montgomery forbid any battle reports from mentioning the Tiger I's accomplishments in the field. These tanks were the most powerful tanks in the world at that time.
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. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "Ground Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.
Hobby Master "Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-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.
