Dragon Models 1:72 Armor Collector Series 60347
Porsche Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant Display Model
German Army sPzJgAbt 654, Eastern Front, Diorama |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Porsche Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant | | 3.5" | | 1.75" |
The street vibrated and shook as the 65-tonne steel behemoth rumbled slowly over the cobblestone road. Dislodged dust and loose stones fell from bombed-out buildings lining the street onto the rubble-strewn ground. The mighty Sd.Kfz. 184 Ferdinand tank destroyer was seeking a new lair from which to use its potent 8.8 cm PaK 43/2 L/71 antitank gun. This is the scene conjured up by Dragon Armor's newest 1/72 scale instant diorama. The vignette with road surface and ruined building façade features a beautifully crafted die-cast Ferdinand grinding along a street. This is a highly evocative scene, and is ideal for display on a desktop, shelf or display cabinet. The ruined building is realistically sculpted and painted, while a lone lamppost adds further interest.
The Ferdinand was based on the "Porsche Tiger" that was never accepted for service, and 91 were eventually built. At best, the large vehicle delivered only a third of a mile to the gallon when driving on roads, while its maximum speed was 30km/h. After an unimpressive debut in the Battle of Kursk in 1943, all surviving vehicles were retrofitted with a ball-mounted MG 34 for local defense. The updated vehicle was referred to as the Elefant. However, Dragon Armor's vehicle shows the original Ferdinand with a true-to-scale coating of Zimmerit already applied on the hull and superstructure. The vehicle has been given the markings and three-color camouflage paint scheme of a vehicle from s.Pz.Jg.Abt.654. The Ferdinand/Elefant achieved an extremely high 10:1 ratio of kills per loss, primarily due to its effective long-range gun and its thick armor when employed in the defensive role, though its sheer weight and mechanical unreliability counted against it. Collectors wishing to own their very own Ferdinand will have to move quick before this appealing item disappears up the road!
Presented to Hitler on March 19th, 1943, the German Panzerjäger or Elefant was originally built under the name Ferdinand, after its designer Ferdinand Porsche. A six man crew operated the 88mm gun mounted on this 70 ton tank. Engines were located in the middle of the hull, which allowed space for the armament at the rear. The Elefant's armor plate was as thick as 8 in. on the front-this helped it flatten obstacles and clear the way for lighter vehicles. The Elefant's extreme firepower/protection ratio gave it an enormous advantage; in "kills per loss," it might have been the most successful "tank destroyer" of the war. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Dragon's 1:72 scale Elefant/Ferdinand tank series includes both early and updated variants, with later versions featuring a machine gun in the front of the hull and a commander's cupola. Models in this series are constructed almost entirely of diecast plastic, which helps to highlight even the smallest details such as welding beads and intricate Zimmerit coatings. Each release features a pivoting 88mm anti-tank cannon with a detailed muzzle break. The model's underside features detailed maintenance access panels and detailed suspension. Separately applied track repair gear provides the extra equipment needed in the battlefield.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military vehicles. Dragon Armor tanks require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box and is 100% true to scale... these don't look like model tanks, they look like tanks!. Color, camouflage and unit markings are carefully researched for Maximum authenticity, marking the difference between and authentic scale model tank and a "toy" tank.
Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" display model vehicles feature:
- Molded plastic construction (some releases include diecast metal components).
- Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
- Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks and detailed non-rotating wheels.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Clear acrylic display case to protect model.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
