All the Interesting Things

War World II Military Die-cast Model: Tanks and Warbirds

I reviewed the Hobby Master's Tiger I Tank in other posts: Hobby Master Diecast Model Review: Tank and War Plane.

I'd like to introduce another model as well. It is also from the Hobby Master's Ground Power Series, the German Tiger I Tank Early Production, one of the most powerful tanks in the WWII. About 200 early production Tiger were produced from November 1942 to June 1943. Distinctive features of early production Tiger I tanks included large cylinder shaped cupola with smoke discharger and pistol ports on turret.

Although not large in size (scale: 1/56), this diecast model tank is rich in features. It has a rubber tracks, individual moving wheels, and most importantly to collectors, a very well authentically detailed body. The body is painted in camouflage colors with proper highlights, weathering, cables, tools and insignia. The turret can turn and and the main gun can elevate. This elaborated model reflects every detail of the Tiger tank in the history, hence it is the target of collectors worldwide.

Other Details:

• Authentic Detailing
• Pre-Painted and Markings Pre-Applied
• Fully Assembled
• Die-Cast Model
• True to Scale (1:56)
• Size: 150 x 70 x 55 mm ( 5.9 x 2.7 x 2.1 inch )

Historical Background:

The tank depicted by this model was numbered as S33, belonging to SS-PzReg 2, East Front Russia 1943. In the summer of 1943, the 8th Company of the 2nd Elite Panzer Division was deployed to the Battle of Kursk where they fought fiercely against Soviet T-34 tanks.

The most distinctive marking of the Tiger S33 is the upside down Chinese character 'Fu'. There were three Chinese characters 'Fu' on two sides and the hood. All of them were upside down, standing for 'Luckiness' in Chinese. However, the Chinese symbols didn't bring much good luck to the commander, it was destroyed in 1944.

Some other models I like:

Ju 87 G-1 Tank Buster No. B2

Posted at 06:09AM May 06, 2006 by morningstar in General  |