Code: HM-HG3503 Quantity in Basket: none Status: NOV 2008 PRE-ORDER Click "Add to Basket" to pre-order this item now or Request to be notified when this item is in stock Price: $22.99
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Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series HG3503 Centurion Tank Diecast Model British Army, Suez Canal, Operation Msketeer 1956 1:72 Scale     Length     Width Centurion     3.75"     1.75" PLEASE NOTE: This item has a planned release date of November 2008 and is only available for PRE-ORDER at this time. Orders are not shipped until complete. If you wish to receive in-stock items prior to pre-ordered items, you must place separate orders. Release dates are subject to change. Consider them to be estimates as manufacturers frequently revise them. Credit Cards are not billed until time of shipment. Check or PayPal payment (not recommended) is required at time of order. In October of 1956 an Anglo-French invasion of the Egyptian Suez Canal region was launched when the Egpytian Government decided to nationalize it. This waterway was a vital link for international shipping and made it easier for the British to maintain their interests in the region. The action was called “Operation Musketeer” and coincided with an Israeli armor push into the Sinai. Leading the British tanks was Captain Pratley whose job it was to support the 40 and 42 Commandoes. The invasion began October 31st and the 6th RTR (Royal Tank Regiment) landed west of the canal in support of the Royal Marines and by noon managed to link up with French paratroopers moving from the east. The British and French troops met pockets of stiff resistance where they called upon the the 6th RTR and French tanks to route the Egyptian defenders. The Suez Canal was captured in a relatively short period but the Egyptians had managed to sink several ships and other obstacles making the canal unusable. Under pressure from possible Russian military intervention, an oil embargo by Saudi Arabia, lack of support from other Commonwealth countries and a threat by the US to devalue the British Pound the British declared a ceasefire without telling the Israeli or French Governments. This unilateral action by Britain eventually lead to France withdrawing from NATO and both Britain and France withdrew their troops by the end of 1956. Ultimately this damaged the prestige of Britain and France and increased Arab hostilities toward them. President Nasser of Egypt came out of the conflict with greater power and respect by other Arab nations and ultimately retained control of the canal. Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series The Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles. Hobby Master "1:72 Ground Power Series" diecast vehicles feature: Diecast metal and plastic construction. Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull. Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on 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. [See more Hobby Master 1:72 Ground Power Series products] Centurion [See more Centurion products]