Plastic model of the Archer tank destroyer

The diorama was made in a 1:35 scale. The modeller took pattern on the photos of the vehicle taken during the Second World War which was published in the book "Artyleria samobieżna w Polskich Siłach Zbrojnych" by Zbigniew Lalak. The model shows the self-propelled anti-tank gun used to service by the 7th Anti-tank Regiment of the Polish II Corps.

The plastic model of the gun was built from the Hobby Boss set. The ammunition also comes from this company. Photo-etched parts were used from Voyager firm set.

The Archer self-propelled anti-tank gun is a British-made weapon. It was built with the chassis of the Valentine tank and a 76.2 mm (3 in) gun. 567 vehicles were produced between 1944 and 1945.

A curiosity is that the cannon is placed rearward facing. Hardly anyone will guess it by looking at the vehicle from the side. During the shooting, the driver had to leave his seat in order to not to be hit by the retreating lock of the cannon.

Specifications:

• Length: 6.54 m (21 ft 5½ in),
• Length with barrel: 6.68 m (21 ft 11 in),
• Width: 2.76 m (9 ft ¾ in),
• Height: 2.25 m (7 ft 4½ in),
• Armour: 10-20 mm (⅖ – ⅘ in),
• Mass: 16 300 kg (35 935 lb),
• Maximum speed road/terrain: 32/16 km/h (19.89–9.95 mph),
• Fuel consumption per 100 mi road/terrain: 66.32/79.92 gal,
• Fuel supply: 227 l (60 gal),
• Supply of missiles: 52,
• crew: 4 .

Sources:

• „Artyleria samobieżna w Polskich Siłach Zbrojnych”, author: Zbigniewa Lalak, Publishing house ZP, 2009.

10 Apr 2020

Modeller: Artur Stańczyk

Photographer: Ender

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