Takom 1/35 WWII German Super Heavy Tank Maus V1 Plastic Model Kit

The Panzerkampfwagen VIII Maus was a German World War II super-heavy tank prototype. It is the heaviest fully enclosed armoured fighting vehicle ever built. Five were ordered, but only two hulls were completed before the testing grounds were captured by the Allies. They were never equipped with their armament.

This giant vehicle of doubtful military value was to weigh 207 tons, combat loaded.

The Mouse is an amazing vehicle, with spectacular characteristics. The glacis plate up front is approximately 200 mm thick. Since it is sloped at 35 degrees to the vertical, the armor basis is therefore 14 inches. Side armor is 180 mm thick, with the rear protected by plates 160 mm thick. The front of the turret is protected by 240 mm of cast armor, while the 200 mm thick turret sides and rear were sloped so as to give the effect of 230 mm of armor.

Overall, Maus was an interesting design but it would be of limited combat value because of its poor mobility and heavy weight making it more of a mobile fortification rather than a super tank. One fully assembled example (V2 turret mounted on V1 hull) was tested in Russia in the 1950s and can be seen today in the Museum of Armored Forces in Kubinka near Moscow.

Features:

• Photo-Etch parts included
• 3 markings variants
• Scale thickness armor plate
• Workable wheels and tracks
• Detailed static display plastic model