Plastic model of the Sturmtiger mortar

The diorama was built on the basis of the photo, which was found on the Internet. It represents a damaged armored infantry support vehicle equipped with a rocket propelled mortar.

The diorama was made in 1:35 scale. The model Sturmtiger vehicle was made of plastic and enriched with photo-etched parts. In the construction of the model, a separate set was used to make the interior of the vehicle. Lighting was made at the same points as in the real vehicle (photo no 9).

The Sturmtiger was intended for urban combat, as a vehicle to support infantry in conquering fortifications, bunkers and buildings. It was heavily armored to survive in fight at short distance. The front plate of armor was 15 cm (5.91 in) thick and the side armor was 8 cm (3.15 in). The chassis of the Tiger tanks, which were damaged during the fights, were being used to build the vehicles. The Sturmtiger vehicles were heavier than the Tiger tanks by 11 tons due to the thickness of the armor.

The vehicle's cannon fired missiles, just like a traditional mortar. But while the projectile was still moving in the barrel, the rocket engine being started, giving additional acceleration. The projectiles were 1.5 m (4.9 ft) long and weighed about 350 kg (772 lb). For this reason, in order for the crew to cope with loading ammunition, the vehicle was equipped with a small crane, which is visible in the photos on the rear of the superstructure. The missile was able to penetrate 2.5 meters (8⅕ ft) of reinforced concrete.

Only 18 of these vehicles were built. All the Sturmtigers were built in August and September 1944.

One of the four mortar companies took part in suppressing the Warsaw Uprising in 1944.

Specifications:

• Width: 6.27 m (20.57 ft),
• Length: 6.28 m (20.6 ft),
• Hight: 2.85 m (9.35 ft),
• Ground clearance: 0.47 m (1.54 ft),
• Mass: 68 t (UK 66 tons, USA 75 tons),
• Maximum speed-road: 40 km/h (24.86 mph),
• Supply of missiles: 14,
• Maximum firing range: 5600 m (6124 yd) ,
• Crew: 5.

Sources:

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

14 Sept 2019