German Elefant tank destroyer

A plastic model of a self-propelled anti-tank gun from the Second World War was made in 1:35 scale from the Italeri set. The model was enriched with a copper line and metal tracks from the Friulmodel.

In 1943, 90 self-propelled anti-tank guns were built, which were given the name Ferdinand. The vehicles were built using Porsche chassis, originally intended for Tiger tanks. Because of another company won the competition to build the Tigers, it was decided to use the Porsche chassis for the construction of anti-tank guns.

After the Battle of Kursk in 1943, the 48 guns that survived were modified and renamed Elefant.

The Elefant was a well-armored vehicle with an 88 mm (3.47 in) cannon capable of penetrating the armor of any armored vehicle of the Allies that existed at that time. The disadvantages were the unreliable drive and steering system.

Some technical data:

• Powerplant: 2 gasoline engines and 2 electric motors,
• Length: 8,14 m (26.7 ft),
• Width: 3,38 m (11.1 ft),
• Height: 2,97 m (9.7 ft),
• Mass (Ferdynand): 65 t (UK-64 tons, USA-71.65 tons),
• Mass (Elefant): 70 t (UK-68.9 tons, USA-77.2 tons),
• Speed: 20-30 km/h (12.4-18.6 mph),
• Crew: 6.

Armament:

• 88 mm (3½ in) gun,
• 7.92 mm (0.31 in) machine gun (only Elefant).

Source:

• https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elefant

2020 May 03