1-144 WWII German Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 ‘Lufcik’UNPAINTED KIT - KG144 x CGD

1-144 WWII German Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 ‘Lufcik’UNPAINTED KIT -  KG144 x CGD

A new unpainted kit version of this items is available at auction :
 http://stores.ebay.com/Combat-Group-Dynamix/_i.html?_fsub=4294345

The History
The history of this vehicle begins on January 18 1945 when it was lost while trying cross the Pilica River in Poland, becoming embedded in the sandy river bed. This vehicle is probably one of several prototypes of this variant for which the production has never been fully accounted.

While the history of the Sd.FKz 8 series dates back to 1934, the evolution and history of this particular variant is undocumented. It clearly shares a heritage of the Sd.Kfz 8 which was designed as a standard tractor chassis for the purpose of towing the 88mm Flak Cannon (and other large guns), this one however having alternative configuration with an armoured body with 12mm steel plates.

This vehicle was of late war production and served on the Eastern Front with a Luftwaffe unit, probably tasked with providing AA Flak duties utilising the mighty 88mm.

Interestingly, the original license plate WL 323863 was still with the vehicle when recovered from the river and identifies it as Luftwaffe Vehicle. This plate also differs to the license plate seen in other SDKFZ8 DB10 variants of this type, thereby giving weight to the argument that there was more than one of this type.

The first attempt to extract this from the Pilica River in 1957 by Polish Military Engineers was unsuccessful. It’s not clear if the vehicle suffered further damage as a result of this action?

In 1999 a group of Military Enthusiast were able to extract the 18-ton Vehicle and reconstruction was completed in 2003. The engine was further renovated and the vehicle was able to move under its own power by 2005. It was during this restoration process that the vehicle acquired its nickname of "Lufcik".


Model Features::
This miniature unpainted kit has a range of interesting and unique features
1. Detailed Model
            a. Detailed Exteriors, including MG.42
            b. Detailed Chassis and Running gear
           c. Detailed interior with drivers and crew compartment
2. Compatible with KG144 & CGD towing hook systems  (will hook up PAK-43 etc...)
3. Digitally mastered and produced using ground breaking  3D printing technology.
4. Made with strong and flexible nylon material, extremely durable.(note)
5. Individually hand painted and weathered.


Fact or Fiction?
Although only one of these beasts have been found it is thought to have had a short production run of 20 – 30 units in this configuration. What we can see is that one unit has been recovered and restored in Poland and a small number of photographs exist of this configuration deployed in the field.

No official records have been discovered to reveal how many of these vehicles were completed, and it appears that this example is the only one to make it past the scrap merchant and into a museum.
This restored vehicle can be seen at the Pilica River Heritage Park in Tomaszow, Poland where you can actually ride as a passenger during the Summer Events!

Interestingly, the original Maybach engine was thought beyond economical repair, so it was to be replaced with a Russian Truck engine. However, on inspection it became evident that the later period Russian engine had very similar design to the Maybach engine (possibly a Soviet copy of the Maybach design) this allowed for an engine to be restored incorporating much of the original transmission and many other elements of the running gear...

References: http://skansenpilicy.pl/galeria.php?id=1

Previously released in prepainted two colour options:
http://kampfgruppe144.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/1144-sdkfz-8-db10-armoured-lufcik-kg144.html

http://kampfgruppe144.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/1144-sdkfz-8-db10-armoured-lufcik.html

1/144 Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 (Armoured) 'Lufcik' - Kampfgruppe144

1/144 Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 (Armoured) 'Lufcik' - Kampfgruppe144
Following on from the previous Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 release in Dunkel Gelb, it is now available in a late war Camouflage paint scheme!

Available: December 2012
Kampfgruppe144 Sd.Kfz @ CGDeBay
Kampfgruppe144 Sd.Kfz @ CGDStore

See also for the history of this item and the model details: 

http://kampfgruppe144.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/1144-sdkfz-8-db10-armoured-lufcik-kg144.html

1/144 Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 (Armoured) 'Lufcik' - KG144

1/144 Sd.Kfz 8 DB10 (Armoured) 'Lufcik' - Kampfgruppe144


The History
The history of this vehicle begins on January 18 1945 when it was lost while trying cross the Pilica River in Poland, becoming embedded in the sandy river bed. This vehicle is probably one of several prototypes of this variant for which the production has never been fully accounted.

While the history of the Sd.FKz 8 series dates back to 1934, the evolution and history of this particular variant is undocumented. It clearly shares a heritage of the Sd.Kfz 8 which was designed as a standard tractor chassis for the purpose of towing the 88mm Flak Cannon (and other large guns), this one however having alternative configuration with an armoured body with 12mm steel plates.

This vehicle was of late war production and served on the Eastern Front with a Luftwaffe unit, probably tasked with providing AA Flak duties utilising the mighty 88mm.

Interestingly, the original license plate WL 323863 was still with the vehicle when recovered from the river and identifies it as Luftwaffe Vehicle. This plate also differs to the license plate seen in other SDKFZ8 DB10 variants of this type, thereby giving weight to the argument that there was more than one of this type.

The first attempt to extract this from the Pilica River in 1957 by Polish Military Engineers was unsuccessful. It’s not clear if the vehicle suffered further damage as a result of this action?

In 1999 a group of Military Enthusiast were able to extract the 18-ton Vehicle and reconstruction was completed in 2003. The engine was further renovated and the vehicle was able to move under its own power by 2005. It was during this restoration process that the vehicle acquired its nickname of "Lufcik".


Model Features::
This miniature has a range of interesting and unique features
1. Detailed Model
            a. Detailed Exteriors, including MG.42
            b. Detailed Chassis and Running gear
           c. Detailed interior with drivers and crew compartment
2. Compatible with KG144 & CGD towing hook systems  (will hook up PAK-43 etc...)
3. Digitally mastered and produced using state of the art 3D printing technology.
4. Made with strong and flexible nylon material, extremely durable.(note)
5. Individually hand painted and weathered.

Fact or Fiction?

Although only one of these beasts have been found it is thought to have had a short production run of 20 – 30 units in this configuration. What we can see is that one unit has been recovered and restored in Poland and a small number of photographs exist of this configuration deployed in the field.

No official records have been discovered to reveal how many of these vehicles were completed, and it appears that this example is the only one to make it past the scrap merchant and into a museum.

This restored vehicle can be seen at the Pilica River Heritage Park in Tomaszow, Poland where you can actually ride as a passenger during the Summer Events!

Interestingly, the original Maybach engine was thought beyond economical repair, so it was to be replaced with a Russian Truck engine. However, on inspection it became evident that the later period Russian engine had very similar design to the Maybach engine (possibly a Soviet copy of the Maybach design) this allowed for an engine to be restored incorporating much of the original transmission and many other elements of the running gear...

References: http://skansenpilicy.pl/galeria.php?id=1

Available: November 2012

Kampfgruppe144 Sd.Kfz @ CGDeBay

Kampfgruppe144 Sd.Kfz @ CGDStore

Also compatible with;

KG144 PAK-43   @ CGDStore  or @CGD eBAY

KG144 PAK Crew @ CGDStore  or @CGD eBAY

1/144 Vomag 88 - "Late War" CAMO Version - Kampfgruppe144

1/144 Vomag 88 - "Late War" CAMO Version - Kampfgruppe144

Now available with Camouflage paint Scheme! (also in Dunkelgelb)

The Kampfgruppe144 Black Label Series will seek to bring fresh and innovative miniatures to the collector by utilising the latest design and production techniques available to 1/144

The VOMAG is one of the most interesting vehicles in the inventory of Wehrmacht in WWII. It was not as some think a ‘paper panzer’, but a real operational vehicle that saw action across Europe.

The development of the VOMAG is an interesting one, based upon the Vogtländische Maschinenfabrik AG (VOMAG) design for the Büssing NAG 900L. The chassis had three axles, two of which were driven, and was powered by a 6-cylinder diesel engine that was capable of reaching 90 km / h. (55 mph).

It was armed with the 88mm Flak 18, but with barrel from the Flak 36. “Arguably, making it the original and most fearsome ‘monster truck’.....!?”

The Vomag served exclusively with the original Wehrmacht unit of the Führerbegleitbrigade (FBB: Führer escort brigade). It was highly mobile and easy to deploy to ‘hot spots’ across Germany and Occupied Europe. Notable engagements where the defence of German cities against Allied bombing, protection duties at Hitlers HQ the Wolf's Lair (Wolfsschanze) near Rastenburg, before the destruction of the units in February 1945 during the siege of Budapest.

Late War Updates

The original doctrine had seen the VOMAG designed to operate as mobile Anti-Aircraft batteries to defend German Cities, Factories, Military formations etc...

As the nature of the war changed and the Wehrmacht (Heer) became more defensive in nature, it would be natural to assume that consideration was given to using the VOMAGs against ground forces in ground fighting (erdkampf).

This would be the natural point at which to add the gun shield as a factory or field modification to the crew with more protection. It is not clear how or when this change was implemented, but as it would seem with many German engineering solutions there was not a standard pattern 'splitterschutzen' provided, there seems to be two types of these 'splitterschutzen' in the photographic evidence available. This gives weight to the argument for a field based approach to the upgrades, or that the factory just used what was available for a numbers of VOMAGS concerned? 

Additionally, by this time crews had also made changes to the seating arrangements with some of the 'jump seats' removed, or stowed in the upright position to provide more room on the gun deck (or, simply that there were insufficient replacements).

The late war VOMAGS were involved in a number of campaigns on the eastern front, the following represent some last significant involvement of the VOMAGS and their units in the war, not least as following these actions most are recorded as official destroyed.

Battle for Romania, (Aug. 1944) 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Romania_%281944%29

Debrecen, Hungary (Sept. 1944)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Debrecen

Siege of Budapest, Hungary, (Nov. 1944 – Feb. 1945)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Budapest

Recent research shows that some battalion elements of the Flak Regiment also saw action as late as April 1945, but is not clear if this was as an armoured or infantry unit. 

No photographs are known to exist from this period.

Taufkirchen, Linz, Austria, (April 1945)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Offensive

Model update (Late Version)

This 88mm Vomag has been updated following ongoing research and the discovery of additional photographic evidence, resulting in the following changes.
1.	The addition of a standard 88mm Splinter Schürzen. Two designs have been observed in use and neither are original fittings to the Vomag. The design with the strongest photographic evidence has been selected. It is believed that these are either: a) factory modification to the second batch of Vomag produced, or more likely, b) field modification to protect the gun crew from close quarter combat as was being experienced in the war period, such as the Siege of Budapest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Budapest).
2.	Revisions to gun area seating, further evidence has reviled greater clarity regarding certain design elements, and operational use of the Vomag: These being: a) configuration of the rear bench seating and interior wheel arches, b) on a practical basis, to allow for the Schürzen, the front folding seats are now shown in the raised position

Now available with Camouflage paint Scheme! (also in Dunkelgelb)

Available from: 
CGD eBay Store / (#item)
CGD eStore (direct)

1/144 Vomag 88 - "Late War" Version - Kampfgruppe144

The Kampfgruppe144 Black Label Series will seek to bring fresh and innovative miniatures to the collector by utilising the latest design and production techniques available to 1/144

The VOMAG is one of the most interesting vehicles in the inventory of Wehrmacht in WWII. It was not as some think a ‘paper panzer’, but a real operational vehicle that saw action across Europe.

The development of the VOMAG is an interesting one, based upon the Vogtländische Maschinenfabrik AG (VOMAG) design for the Büssing NAG 900L. The chassis had three axles, two of which were driven, and was powered by a 6-cylinder diesel engine that was capable of reaching 90 km / h. (55 mph).

It was armed with the 88mm Flak 18, but with barrel from the Flak 36.

“Arguably, making it the original and most fearsome ‘monster truck’.....!?”

The Vomag served exclusively with the original Wehrmacht unit of the Führerbegleitbrigade (FBB: Führer escort brigade). It was highly mobile and easy to deploy to ‘hot spots’ across Germany and Occupied Europe. Notable engagements where the defence of German cities against Allied bombing, protection duties at Hitlers HQ the Wolf's Lair (Wolfsschanze) near Rastenburg, before the destruction of the units in February 1945 during the siege of Budapest.

Late War Updates

The original doctrine had seen the VOMAG designed to operate as mobile Anti-Aircraft batteries to defend German Cities, Factories, Military formations etc...

As the nature of the war changed and the Wehrmacht (Heer) became more defensive in nature, it would be natural to assume that consideration was given to using the VOMAGs against ground forces in ground fighting (erdkampf).

This would be the natural point at which to add the gun shield as a factory or field modification to the crew with more protection. It is not clear how or when this change was implemented, but as it would seem with many German engineering solutions there was not a standard pattern 'splitterschutzen' provided, there seems to be two types of these 'splitterschutzen' in the photographic evidence available. This gives weight to the argument for a field based approach to the upgrades, or that the factory just used what was available for a numbers of VOMAGS concerned? 

Additionally, by this time crews had also made changes to the seating arrangements with some of the 'jump seats' removed, or stowed in the upright position to provide more room on the gun deck (or, simply that there were insufficient replacements).

The late war VOMAGS were involved in a number of campaigns on the eastern front, the following represent some last significant involvement of the VOMAGS and their units in the war, not least as following these actions most are recorded as official destroyed.

Battle for Romania, (Aug. 1944) 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Romania_%281944%29

Debrecen, Hungary (Sept. 1944)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Debrecen

Siege of Budapest, Hungary, (Nov. 1944 – Feb. 1945)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Budapest

Recent research shows that some battalion elements of the Flak Regiment also saw action as late as April 1945, but is not clear if this was as an armoured or infantry unit. 

No photographs are known to exist from this period.

Taufkirchen, Linz, Austria, (April 1945)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna_Offensive

Model update (Late Version)

This 88mm Vomag has been updated following ongoing research and the discovery of additional photographic evidence, resulting in the following changes.
1.	The addition of a standard 88mm Splinter Schürzen. Two designs have been observed in use and neither are original fittings to the Vomag. The design with the strongest photographic evidence has been selected. It is believed that these are either: a) factory modification to the second batch of Vomag produced, or more likely, b) field modification to protect the gun crew from close quarter combat as was being experienced in the war period, such as the Siege of Budapest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Budapest).
2.	Revisions to gun area seating, further evidence has reviled greater clarity regarding certain design elements, and operational use of the Vomag: These being: a) configuration of the rear bench seating and interior wheel arches, b) on a practical basis, to allow for the Schürzen, the front folding seats are now shown in the raised position

Available from:
CGD eBay Store
CGD eStore

1/144 88mm Flak 18/36/37 Crew in Anti Tank Role (Heer) - CGD

1/144 88mm Flak 18/36/37 Crew in Anti Tank Role (Heer)  - CGD
This is a new 1:144 WWII German 88mm Flak 18/36/37 Crew in Anti Tank Role (Heer) from the new Authentic Soldiers series of CGD. This set contains 7 German 88mm Flak 18/36/37 Crews in various poses, fully painted in Heer uniforms. Accessories of 88mm shell crates, stand alone shells and spent casings included.

FINALLY, a decent crew to man your collections of "Acht-acht"!!

Modelled according to average Caucasian of height 5' 8" to 5' 10" (1.73m to 1.78m). Figure measures approximately 12mm when standing upright. Highly detailed, highly realistic and in real human proportion. NOT big headed cartoon-ish wargame figures! (Also available unpainted)

Figures are designed for operating any high profile 88mm Flak 18/36/37 guns form manufacturers like Takara (shown right), Strategist (shown left), WGS and even the VOMAG from Kampfgruppe144 when used in anti tank role.
(Spoiler: AA role figures coming soon).

Should work with any Flak 18/36/37 from other manufacturers, if they are true 1:144.

The soldiers can be assembled for use on wargame table by attaching to foot plates (Foot plates NOT provided, any plastic sheets will do), or can be used as is for dioramas.

Supplied painted as seen (some colour variation may occur)

Released: Now

Available: CGD eHome,  CGD eShop and CGD eBay

1/144 PAK-43 Gun Crew - Kampfgruppe144

Detail before painting

Shown in diorama (PAK 43 Not supplied)

1/144 PAK-43 Gun Crew - Kampfgruppe144

The first in a new range of KG144 figures, modelled according to average Caucasian of height 5' 8" to 5' 10" (1.73m to 1.78m). These figure measures approximately 12mm when standing upright. Highly detailed, highly realistic and in real human proportion. NOT big headed cartoon-ish wargame figures!

Digitally mastered, the soldiers are fabricated with state of the art "3D Printing" technology in ACRYLIC RESIN. The resin material is like regular resin and should be handled as such. Figures are designed for operating Kampfgruppe144 & CGD 88mm Pak 43 anti tank guns in all its versions, such as:

1/144 KG144 X CGD WWII German 88mm Pak 43 Crews (Heer, Painted) Set of 5 (available now!)

1/144 Kampfgruppe144 X CGD German PAK-43 (Panzerabwehrkanone 43)  (available now!)

other options:

1/144 CGD 1:144 Leichter Waffenträger 88mm Pak 43 L/71 (Ardelt I)

1/144 German 88mm Pak 43 L/71 auf sWS

1/144 CGD Waffentrager 38d with Pak Conversion Kit

The should also work along side PAK 43s from other manufacturers, if  scaled to true 1/144.

These soldiers can be assembled for use on wargame table by attaching to foot plates (Note: Foot plates NOT provided, although any plastic sheets will do), or can be used 'as is' for dioramas.

Supplied painted as seen (some colour variation may occur)

Released: Now

Available: CGD eHome,  CGD eShop and CGD eBay

1/144 PAK-43 (Panzerabwehrkanone 43)

The History

At the time Rheinmetall was developing the Flak 41, the Krupp's company  was also competing for production orders with their 8.8 cm Gerät 42 proposal. The Krupps design was not accepted for production as an anti-aircraft gun, however development continued and resulted in the dreaded 8.8 cm PaK 43 anti-tank gun and 8.8 cm KwK 43 tank guns.

Pak 43 (abbreviation of Panzerabwehrkanone 43) used a new single axle mount with the gun much closer to the ground, making it far easier to hide and also harder to hit. It was had a much stronger and more angled armour shield to provide better protection for gunners.

All versions this design were able to penetrate about 200 mm of armour at 1,000m,  allowing it to defeat the armour of any contemporary tank.

The standard armament of the Tiger II, the KwK 43 tank gun, was essentially the PaK 43 externally modified to fit into a turret.

Total production: 2,098 (from 1943 to 1945)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8.8_cm_Flak_18/36/37/41#Pak_43_and_KwK_43

FEATURES

This miniature has a range of interesting and unique features

1.    All new design
2.    Detailed PAK43
3.    Canon can traverse to the left and right
4.    Articulated support legs
5.    Compatible with KG144 & CGD towing hook systems
6.    Digitally mastered and produced using state of the art 3D printing
7.    Made with strong and flexible nylon material, extremely durable
8.    Individually hand painted and weathered

Figures and vehicles not included!.

Available: January 2012
Exclusively through:KG144@CGD

1/144 VK501 Series Munitionsschlepper & PaK 43 - KG144

1/144 VK501 Series Gepanzerter Munitionsschlepper & PaK 43

Gepanzerter Munitionsschlepper

The next KG144 release is an item  subject to many a debate and conflicting texts on the Internet, in part due to a number of companies being commissioned to produce designs, and also evolving those designs.

This configuration is based on various sources, and reflects closely the original brief issued to the Germand and Czech manufacturers for a pure munitions schlepper. It is presented here with a PaK 43 cannon.

In January 1943 the lesser known company “Weserhutte” was asked to design an armoured ammunition carrier (VK 501) for the Werhmacht. It was planned that mass production should start in 1944, however conflicting demand for resources on the German industrial war machine caused this to be delayed.

Designed to have a weigh 6 tons, it utilised the proven 6-Cylinder Maybach HL42 providing 100HP and a speed of 65 Kilometres per hour, transverse mounted. The armour thickness was specified at 20 millimetres, and was capable of stopping a 7.62 round.

The payload capacity was 1,000 kilograms providing a range of options:

- 10 Boxes (1500 rounds) of 7.62mm Ammunition

- 32 Boxes (96 rounds) of 8cm Mortar Rounds

- 15 boxes (45 Rounds) of 7.5cm s.IG Ammunitions

- 22 Rounds of 15cm s.IG Ammunition

Production was approved late 1943 for: 6000 vehicles for the infantry, and 2000 for the artillery.


PAK-43 (Panzerabwehrkanone 43)

At the time Rheinmetall was developing the Flak 41, the Krupp's company was also competing for production orders with their 8.8 cm Gerät 42 proposal. The Krupps design was not accepted for production as an anti-aircraft gun, however development continued and resulted in the dreaded 8.8 cm PaK 43 anti-tank gun and 8.8 cm KwK 43 tank guns.

Pak 43 (abbreviation of Panzerabwehrkanone 43) used a new single axle mount with the gun much closer to the ground, making it far easier to hide and also harder to hit. It was had a much stronger and more angled armour shield to provide better protection for gunners.

All versions this design were able to penetrate about 200 mm of armour at 1,000 m, allowing it to defeat the armour of any contemporary tank.

The standard armament of the Tiger II, the KwK 43 tank gun, was essentially the PaK 43 externally modified to fit into a turret.
Total production: 2,098 (from 1943 to 1945)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8.8_cm_Flak_18/36/37/41#Pak_43_and_KwK_43

Available: October 2011  from KG144@CGD eBay Store
Price: $19.90

1/144 VK501 Series “Katzchen” - KG144

1/144  VK501 Series “Katzchen”  - Kampfgruppe144

The next KG144 release is an item  subject to many a debate and conflicting texts on the Internet, in part due to a number of companies being commissioned to produce designs, and also evolving those designs.

The configuration presented is based on various sources, and critically a British Military Intelligence report that reflects some of the texts available and backs it up with measurements and photographs.

In January 1943 the lesser known company “Weserhutte” was asked to design an armoured ammunition carrier (VK 501) for the Wehrmacht. It was planned that mass production should start in 1944, however conflicting demand for resources on the German industrial war machine caused this to be delayed.

Designed to have a weigh 6 tons, it utilised the proven 6-Cylinder Maybach HL42 providing 100HP and a speed of 65 Kilometres per hour, transverse mounted. The armour thickness was specified at 20 millimetres, and was capable of stopping a 7.63 round.

Although derived from the requirement specification issued for the VK501 Munitionsschlepper, the final design was somewhat different:
 
 - The chassis was lengthened
 - The engine was repositioned to the side
-  Installation of a rear door:
     - Allowing for ease loading/unloading
     -  Allowing rear access  for Troops.
 - Removal of the side loading hatches
 - Max Speed reduced to 30 KPH
 - Payload was increased to 2,000 kg

This version of the vehicle could therefore carry increased loads and was also suited to acting as a light armoured personnel carrier for the transport of up to 6 soldiers, and is also able to retrieve stretcher based casualties.

Self-defence was provided by the MG-42 machine gun(s).

Fact or Fiction?

While this does verge on being a paper project at least one vehicle was found out “in the wild”, and became the subject of a British Army Intelligence Report submitted on 19th May 1945.
-- Click to download British Army Intelligence Report in PDF format. --

No further records have been discovered to reveal how many of these vehicles were completed, and as it does not appear that this example made it past the scrap merchant and into a museum...?

Available: October 2011  from KG144@CGD eBay Store
Price: $17.90

1/144 Rammtiger (RÄUMPANZER) TIGER (P)

1/144 Rammtiger (RÄUMPANZER) TIGER (P)
Special Limited Edition Paint Scheme

This vehicle is painted in two colour stripe camouflaged scheme inspired by the Tiger I no. 812 of 8. Kompanie, SSPzReg 2.SS Panzergrenadier-Division "Das Reich", Russia, summer 1943.

Available: June 2011
Price: $22.90
Source: KG144@CGD

Previous Release Details Here

Other Kampgruppe144 Models Here

1/144 Rammtiger (RÄUMPANZER) TIGER (P)

1/144 Rammtiger (RÄUMPANZER) TIGER (P)
Compatible with WTM Series 5

Kampfgruppe144 is please to announce the Launch of the next set of models in the Black Label Series.
The subject of this release is focus on the concept model of theRammtiger RÄUMPANZER) TIGER (P)!

This is being offered in two configurations,
1) Rammtiger (RÄUMPANZER) TIGER (P) "Full Set" - This is includes a Armoured Shell, A Street Clearance Dozer Blade and a Porshe Tiger (P) chassis.
and
2) Rammtiger (RÄUMPANZER) TIGER (P) "Shell Set" - This is includes a Armoured Shell and A Street Clearance Dozer Blade only

Note: The shell on both options os compatible with the Tiger(P) models from Takaras WTM Series 5!

Available Date: 08th April 2011
Available Shop: KG144@CGD

Prices:
$ 21.90 USD - Full Set
$ 15.90 USD - Shell Set

Colour Options:
DunkelGelb
PanzerGrey

Features
This miniature has a range of interesting and unique features
1. All new superstructure design
2. All new street clearance plough (option)
3. All new VK4501 Tiger (P) lower chassis (*** FULL SET ONLY ***)
4. Compatible with WTM Series 5 German Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger (P) VK4501
5. Digitally mastered and produced using state of the art 3D printing technology
6. Made with strong and flexible nylon material, extremely durable
7. Individually hand painted and weathered

The History
In early 1941 the German High Command requested designs for anew heavy tank, Porsche submitted a design designated the VK4501(P) and Henschel the VK4501(H) design.

The rest is history, the Henschel the VK4501(H) design was selected and went on to be the world renowned mighty Tiger 1.
The result of losing the completion meant that there were an estimated 100 chassis of the planned total produced VK4501(P) without a purpose....
In September of 1942 the order was given that the unsuccessful VK4501(P) chassis were to be converted and be used as to produce both a series of Bergepanzers (P) and a series of heavy assault tanks known as the Ferdinand or Elephant.

This was not to be an end to the story, as a final twist in the tale of this Tiger was the proposal to convert some of these VK4501(P) chassis to form the basis of a series of prototypes to demonstrate a capability for a new urban demolition panzer. This concept has arisen from the experiences of the Wehrmacht fighting on the streets of the Russian city of Stalingrad. It was thought that to prevent a repeat of the house to house fighting and close quarters urban conflict encountered within the streets of Stalingrad that a new way of clearing the streets and landscapes of obstacles devised.

The result being that in November of 1942 it was decided that three VK4501(P) chassis were to be modified and converted to Rammtiger (Raumpanzer) to prove the viability of the design.

There is conflicting information from various sources as to whether one of the three prototypes was actually delivered to an operational Wehrmacht unit for trails or deployment. The record however does show that three prototypes were completed by Porsche at the Niebleungwerk and signed over to the Wehrmacht for military acceptance and proving trials.

WWII German Design Concept Models

The Vehicle
The Rammtiger was based upon the standard VK4501(P)’s hull with the turret removed, over which an armoured and streamlined upper superstructure with a reinforced prow was mounted. The main purpose of which was to demolish, or punch holes through buildings or obstacles. The armour was 50mm on the upper surfaces and 30mm thick on the frontal glacis plate, the sides and rear. Access could be achieved by the primary rear hatch, supplemented with an auxiliary frontal access hatch.

It is also proposed that a supplemental front mounted plow (ploughshare) was to be added to assist in clearing a path though obstructed terrain and roadways.

The VK4501(P) retained its front mounted defensive MG.
It is thought that the vehicle was to be operated by a basic crew of a driver and an additional crew member.

see also KG144BBS