Meng Model 1:35 - British Heavy Assault Tank A39 Tortoise
MNGTS-002
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In the beginning of 1943, Allied forces were preparing for severe resistance in the planned re-taking of Europe, with the Germans defending from strong fortified positions. As a result, a new class of vehicle was required and entered into development and production, they were called assault tanks. The concept prioritised maximum armour protection over mobility. 25 were ordered for production without prototypes being required but finally the order was reduced to 6 after the war had ended. This design was commissioned in 1943 and 18 variants were prepared by Nuffield Mechanisations and Aero Limited, progressively larger and heavier in concept they were aiming to be ready for the battlefield in September 1945.
Given the structure of the Tortoise it is technically a Self-propelled gun not a tank and had a crew of 7 - a commander, driver, and gunner, with two loaders for the 32-pounder gun and two machine gunners.
The Meng Model British A39 Tortoise Heavy Assault Tank is 293mm long and 111mm wide. The fixed casemate superstructure and weld seams of the fighting compartment make the kit nicely realistic. The 94mm long barrel gun can freely turn and the mantlet is accurate. The travel lock can lock the gun and the machine gun in the front ball mount can freely rotate. Hatches can be open or closed. The four bogies on either side each with two wheels and transverse torsion bar suspension system are faithfully reproduced.
If you are looking for an excellent guide to building and painting this kit please click here.
Dimensions:
Length: 293mm
Width: 111mm
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