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Customer Spotlight + COBI News
Welcome to this week's blog.
Our last COBI order of 2024 finally arrived on Tuesday, making for a very busy day getting all the pre-orders out the door, including the much-anticipated Britannic and Titanic kits. Thank you for your patience if you've been eagarly waiting for yours. And please do leave a review on the product page and/or email us some photos of your finished model to admin@bricktanks.co.uk.
We placed our first COBI order of the year today, so see below for the latest new releases arriving soon plus some of the sold out models being restocked.
Our last COBI order of 2024 finally arrived on Tuesday, making for a very busy day getting all the pre-orders out the door, including the much-anticipated Britannic and Titanic kits. Thank you for your patience if you've been eagarly waiting for yours. And please do leave a review on the product page and/or email us some photos of your finished model to admin@bricktanks.co.uk.
We placed our first COBI order of the year today, so see below for the latest new releases arriving soon plus some of the sold out models being restocked.
Pre-order kits on our next order!
Due in stock 20th - 22nd January.
Sold out models coming back
Here are just a few of the models due back in stock 20th - 22nd January. For the full list, click on the 'Backorder collection' button below and make sure you check individual product pages as not all backorder models will be on this order.
Customer spotlight
Now for something a bit different. Earlier this week, James had a fascinating email exchange with our customer, Denis Chick. He was pre-ordering the new Mark V COBI tank for his collection. Denis kindly shared his grandfather's inspiring WWI story and photos and we thought it would make a nice blog feature - let us know if you agree in the comments!
Have a good weekend.
Warmest wishes,
Zoë
The Story of Private Albert Chick: Courage, Craftsmanship, and a Remarkable WWI Tank Model
The First World War was a time of unimaginable hardship and resilience, and among the many incredible stories that have emerged from this period is that of Private Albert Chick. Serving in what was then known as the Tank Corps, Albert was stationed in Fécamp, Northern France, between 1916 and 1918. Amidst the turmoil of war, he demonstrated not only courage but also remarkable ingenuity and creative talent.
While working in the workshops of the Tank Corps, Albert turned to model making as a reprieve from the harsh conditions. Using scraps of copper and brass that were lying around, he meticulously crafted a replica of the iconic Mk1 tank. Measuring an impressive 14 inches long, this model stands as an extraordinary example of WWI trench art. Despite the dreadful conditions these young men endured, Albert’s handiwork showcases what could be achieved with determination and a skilled touch.
Years later, the model gained recognition when it appeared on Antiques Roadshow. The expert hailed it as a superb representation of trench art, its sentimental value far outweighing its monetary worth. However, it was advised to be insured for £1,000 – a testament to its craftsmanship and historical significance. As Denis, Albert's grandson, remarked, “I’m amazed that it survived and came home.”
The model holds not only historical value but also deep family significance. One cherished photograph (pictured above) shows it posed alongside Albert’s son (Denis's father), Roy Chick, at the age of twelve in 1931. For Denis, now 77 years old, the legacy of his grandfather’s connection to tanks remains vivid. “My grandfather was in the tanks in WW1, so I’m into those models big time,” he shared, explaining his enthusiasm for collecting Mk1 replicas.
This story goes beyond a single family; it reflects the enduring impact of those who served in the Great War. Through the above photographs of tank deliveries in Northern France (Albert Chick features in both) and the incredible survival of Albert’s model, we are reminded of the ingenuity, perseverance, and humanity that endured amidst the horrors of war. It’s no wonder Denis finds joy in recreating the Mk1 (and soon MkV) with COBI models, honouring his grandfather’s legacy in a way that bridges the past and present.
Private Albert Chick’s story is a poignant tribute to those who served and a powerful reminder of how even in the darkest times, creativity and resilience shine through.
If you have an interesting story, family history or connection to your COBI collection you would like to share, please email us at admin@bricktanks.co.uk.
COBI's WWI Tank Collection
Click the button below for the full collection including WWI planes, figures, Compiegne wagon and Rolls Royce armoured car.