Bergepanther Ausf.A

The Bergepanther was an armoured recovery vehicle based on the Panther tank and used by the German Army during the Second World War.

The need for such a vehicle arose with the introduction of the Tiger and Panther, as the 18-tonne FAMO half-tracks previously used for recovery work struggled to handle these much heavier armoured vehicles. The first Bergepanthers were converted from Panther Ausf.D tanks, with the turret opening simply covered by a circular sheet-metal hatch.

The Bergepanther Ausf.A, however, was purpose-built as an armoured recovery vehicle using the Panther Ausf.A chassis. Its specially designed hull featured a large rectangular opening in the roof and mounting points for a 40-tonne winch and a spade. A box-shaped housing covered the winch compartment, while mounting points were provided for a detachable crane.

Orders for the Bergepanther Ausf.A were placed with Henschel, Daimler-Benz and Demag. Henschel and Daimler-Benz each built approximately 40 vehicles, while Demag assembled 123 Bergepanthers between April and October 1944. Provision was made for fitting all of them with a winch and spade, but difficulties in supplying the 40-tonne winches meant that only around 20 of the Bergepanther Ausf.As assembled by Demag left the factory fully equipped.

The Bergepanther had a five-man crew and offered performance broadly comparable to that of the Panther tank. An MG34 machine gun could be carried for self-defence.

The model depicts a Bergepanther built by Demag in September 1944, as it appeared in the southern European theatre in the spring of 1945.

More about the model and its construction can be found at this link

Model: 1:35 Takom 2101, Bergepanther Ausf.A Assembled by Demag

+ Voyager Model PE35980 Bergepanther Ausf.A (Late Type) Basic Set

+ Tetra Model Works ME-35066 Bergepanther Ausf.A Detail-up Set

+ Eduard 36390 Panther A interior for Takom

+ MasterClub MTL35001 Tracks for Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Ausf.A/G

+ T-Rex Studio TR35074-1 Panther Idler 600mm Type

+ Orange Hobby G35-057-38 Fire Extinguisher for WWII German Vehicles
+ RMG Resin Models RM 188 Tow Cables for German Bergepanther Ausf.A/D

+ Rye Field Model RM-2070 MAYBACH-Motor HL 230 P 30 Engine

+ PlusModel DP3026 German WWII welding kit

+ MiniArt 35603 Tool Set
+ Matho Models 35066 Tools Set

BL 7.2 inch Howitzer

The BL 7.2-inch howitzer was a British heavy artillery piece used during the Second World War, with origins dating back to the First World War.

In 1940, the British Army found that its only available heavy howitzer was the First World War-era 8-inch howitzer, whose range was inadequate for modern warfare. As a replacement was urgently needed, it was decided to reline the existing 8-inch barrels to a smaller calibre and develop a new range of ammunition to improve their performance. As armies had become considerably more mobile during the intervening decades, the original steel wheels were also replaced with modern wheels fitted with pneumatic tyres. Some barrels and carriages were also supplied from US First World War stocks.

The converted weapon was effective but rather crude, and its tremendous recoil when fired at maximum charge could endanger its own crew. To help control the recoil movement, ramps were placed behind the wheels, allowing the howitzer to roll backwards up them before returning to its firing position. The guns were towed primarily by British Scammell Pioneer R100 artillery tractors.

The first converted howitzers entered active service in 1942 and were used extensively in North Africa and later in the campaign following the Normandy landings. The model depicts one of these howitzers in France in 1944.

More about the model and its construction can be found at this link

Model: 1:35 Thunder Model 35211, British 7,2 inch Howitzer

Panzer III Ausf.G

The Panzer III was a German medium tank produced between 1937 and 1943. Over the course of the war, it became one of the Wehrmacht’s main workhorses. Developed alongside the Panzer IV in the second half of the 1930s, it was initially armed with a 37 mm gun and later with a 50 mm gun.

The Ausf.G was a transitional version of the Panzer III. During its production run, it received a new 50 mm KwK 38 L/42 main gun, wider tracks, a redesigned commander’s cupola, additional armour and numerous other modifications. Consequently, individual Ausf.G tanks could vary considerably in appearance and features. A total of 594 vehicles were built between April 1940 and February 1941.

The tank weighed 20.3 tonnes and was powered by a 300 hp Maybach HL 120 TRM V12 petrol engine, giving it a top speed of 40 km/h on roads and 18 km/h cross-country. It had a five-man crew.

The model depicts a tank of the 3rd Company of the 4th Panzer Division, operating on the Eastern Front in 1941.

More about the model and its construction can be found at this link

Model: 1:35 Dragon 6792, Panzerbeobachtungswagen III Ausf.F

+ Voyager Model PE35363 Panzer IIIAusf. E/F Basic Set

+ Voyager Model PE35364 Pz.Kpw.III Ausf. E-H Fenders

+ Aber 35L64 50mm KwK L/42 Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf.G,H,J barrel

+ Aber 35L-70 MG 34 Set of 2 Barrels
+ T-Rex Studio TR35028 EEII Gemany Lifting Hook Set C

+ MasterClub MTL35009 Tracks for Pz.Kpfw.III, Pz.Kpfw.IV 1940-41 400mm early

+ Orange Hobby G35-003-35 Universal Antenna for German Combat Vehicle Early version WWII

+ Orange Hobby G35-023-48 Fire Extinguisher for WWII German Combat vehicle Early Version

+ Elefant Corporation E35148 Turret Rain Gutters for Pz.III

+ Eduard 635023 WWII German Notek Headlights

+ E.T. Model WWII German Vehicle Notek Light

+ Echelon Fine Details AXT351040 4. Pz.Div. Panzer III Ausf. E, F, G & J

+ Miniart 35191 Tank Crew (France 1940)

+ Hornet & Wolf HGH18 German Heads w/ Army Side Caps WWII

+ Legend Productions LF0108 Dear Mom - WW2 German Soldiers