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Your COBI and BrickTanks weekly update
Breaking news!
COBI announced a new 1:28 scale tank yesterday (Thursday) so we have the lowdown - click on the product page link below for details. We've also added the 1:48 three tank museum collection of the Renault R35, Valentine IX and Panzer I.
More COBI kits on the way!
Speaking of 1:28 scale tanks, I'm excited to announce that the much-anticipated new version of the COBI "Sturmtiger" kit was released in Poland today (Friday, March 15th) and we already have some on the way to our UK warehouse. They are due in stock in approx. 7 days time - so not long to wait until you can get your hands on one! Not only that but another beast of a tank is coming on the same shipment - yes the COBI Maus is back after a long production break.
What's the story behind the Sturmtiger?
Being a brand new COBI model, I was curious to find out more about this unique vehicle. Why did it stand out among the other heavy howitzer designs of the time, and how, despite its limited combat deployment, did the Sturmtiger leave a lasting legacy as one of the most powerful and intimidating armoured vehicles of WWII?
A Sturmtiger captured by American forces, April 1945. Image by Unknown member of US Army - From de-wiki.
Sturmtiger in the Deutsches Panzermuseum. Image by Werner Willmann - Own work, CC BY 2.5.
Here are my top seven "Sturmtiger" facts
1. The Sturmtiger was put together based on the chassis of a PzKpfw VI Tiger tank with an "armour superstructure" combined with a weapon never before seen on an armoured fighting vehicle: a 38cm rocket mortar.
2. German military strategists realised that buildings could stymie conventional artillery and therefore a heavy howitzer capable of delivering devastating explosive shells was required. The Sturmtiger's sole purpose was clear: to excel in urban combat and demolish whole buildings and defensive structures.
3. On August 5th, 1943, after previous other high-angle gun ideas on tank chassis fell short, Hitler gave the order for development to begin. Amazingly, the Sturmtiger debuted before Hitler at Ayrs Training Camp, East Prussia, less than three months later.
4. Despite the rapid protype development, mass production was delayed until mid-1944 due to Tiger I manufacturing constraints. With Tiger I production taking precedence, Sturmtiger assembly was deferred. Meanwhile ongoing prototype testing and trials continued.
5. By May 1944, the Sturmtiger prototype underwent extensive trials, yet
production remained stalled, risking the concept's abandonment. Instead
of halting Tiger I production, Hitler directed the conversion of
battle-damaged Tiger I chassis into Sturmtigers. In total, 18 Sturmtigers were built.
6. Sturmtigers were organised in pairs, forming a Zug (Platoon). They could launch massive projectiles up to 5,600 metres and fought in the Warsaw Uprising, the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Reichswald.
7. On 26th February 1945, during action at Duren, one Sturmtiger was knocked out when the vehicle got stuck in a ditch during a retreat from the town. Hit at least three times by a Sherman tank, its crew survived, but one member was killed by infantry. Recovered by the 464th Ordnance Evacuation Company in March 1945, it was sent to Great Britain for evaluation. While the vehicle was scrapped, its gun is now exhibited at the Tank Museum, Bovington.
4. Despite the rapid protype development, mass production was delayed until mid-1944 due to Tiger I manufacturing constraints. With Tiger I production taking precedence, Sturmtiger assembly was deferred. Meanwhile ongoing prototype testing and trials continued.
5. By May 1944, the Sturmtiger prototype underwent extensive trials, yet
production remained stalled, risking the concept's abandonment. Instead
of halting Tiger I production, Hitler directed the conversion of
battle-damaged Tiger I chassis into Sturmtigers. In total, 18 Sturmtigers were built.
6. Sturmtigers were organised in pairs, forming a Zug (Platoon). They could launch massive projectiles up to 5,600 metres and fought in the Warsaw Uprising, the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Reichswald.
7. On 26th February 1945, during action at Duren, one Sturmtiger was knocked out when the vehicle got stuck in a ditch during a retreat from the town. Hit at least three times by a Sherman tank, its crew survived, but one member was killed by infantry. Recovered by the 464th Ordnance Evacuation Company in March 1945, it was sent to Great Britain for evaluation. While the vehicle was scrapped, its gun is now exhibited at the Tank Museum, Bovington.
Stats
- Weight: 65 tonnes
- Dimensions: Length: 20ft 7in, width: 11ft 9in, height: 9ft 4in
- Crew: 5 (commander, driver, gunner and two loaders).
-
Speed: 40 km per hour.
For more detailed information about Sturmtigers visit the Online Tank Museum.
COBI's Limited Edition Sturmtiger
To give you an idea of the finished model, below are some photos of the Limited Edition kit. Please note, some details will differ from the standard edition but you'll get the idea. Thanks to Zacharias Fox for the photos.
Hope you enjoyed this week's blog and let me know any feedback in the comments. Have a good week.
Warmest wishes,
Zoë
Warmest wishes,
Zoë
Mark C
The tanks all look great, but there’s not a lot in the pipeline for we military aviation enthusiasts. :(
Ah well, it will save me some money at least! :)