• 1/35 scale German Empire Krupp 420mm Big Bertha plastic model kit by Takom (Kit No. 2035)
• Represents the legendary 42cm M-Gerät Big Bertha, one of the most famous heavy siege howitzers of World War I
• Developed by Friedrich Krupp AG for the Imperial German Army before the outbreak of WWI
• Known in German as the Dicke Bertha, meaning Big Bertha
• Designed to destroy heavily fortified defensive positions, concrete fortifications and military strongholds
• Features the distinctive massive 420mm gun barrel, heavy recoil mechanism and substantial artillery carriage
• The original weapon had an enormous 420mm (16.5-inch) calibre, making it one of the largest mobile siege artillery weapons of its era
• The M-Gerät was designed as a more mobile alternative to Germany's earlier heavy siege artillery systems
• Unlike the larger Gamma-Gerät, the M-Gerät could be dismantled into transportable loads for movement by road
• Developed to support German military operations against the powerful fortifications protecting strategic European cities
• Entered service in 1914, shortly before the outbreak of World War I
• Became internationally famous during the German invasion of Belgium in August 1914
• Used during the sieges of Liège and Namur, where heavy German artillery played an important role in overcoming fortified defensive positions
• Also employed against French fortifications during the early stages of WWI
• The weapon could fire extremely heavy high-explosive and concrete-piercing projectiles
• Its shells weighed up to approximately 820kg, depending on ammunition type
• Designed to penetrate and destroy reinforced concrete structures through the enormous explosive power of its projectiles
• The original M-Gerät had a maximum firing range of approximately 9–12.5km, depending on ammunition
• The massive recoil system was essential for controlling the forces generated by firing such heavy projectiles
• Required specialised crews, logistical support and transport equipment for deployment and operation
• The original weapon weighed approximately 42 tonnes in firing position, depending on configuration
• Big Bertha became a symbol of German industrial engineering and the destructive power of modern siege artillery
• The weapon demonstrated how advances in metallurgy, explosives and heavy engineering transformed warfare during the early 20th century
• Although highly effective against some early-war fortifications, improvements in defensive construction and changing battlefield conditions reduced the advantages of super-heavy siege artillery
• The Krupp 420mm howitzer remains one of the most recognisable artillery weapons associated with World War I
• Represents an important chapter in Imperial German military history, siege warfare and heavy artillery development
• 1/35 scale provides an impressive display size for this enormous artillery subject
• Ideal for collectors of WWI German artillery, Krupp weapons, heavy siege guns and Imperial German Army equipment
• Excellent companion to German WWI artillery tractors, ammunition transport vehicles, field equipment and Imperial German soldier figures
• Suitable for 1914 Belgian fortress sieges, German heavy artillery positions, Western Front and WWI military engineering dioramas
• Offers excellent opportunities for historically inspired Imperial German artillery finishes and period-appropriate military colours
• Ideal for realistic metal wear, grease staining, dust accumulation, chipped paint, rust effects and operational weathering
• The enormous barrel, complex carriage and heavy mechanical components provide excellent opportunities for detailed painting and highlighting
• Particularly appealing to modellers interested in large-calibre artillery, military engineering and unusual historical weapons
• A distinctive centrepiece for any collection of World War I military equipment, German siege artillery and historic artillery models
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for experienced modellers aged 14+
