{"product_id":"takom-1-35-german-empire-krupp-420mm-big-bertha-2035-wwi-imperial-german-army-heavy-siege-howitzer-artillery-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","title":"Takom 1\/35 German Empire Krupp 420mm Big Bertha 2035 WWI Imperial German Army Heavy Siege Howitzer Artillery Plastic Model Kit NZ Stock","description":"\u003cp\u003e• 1\/35 scale German Empire Krupp 420mm Big Bertha plastic model kit by Takom (Kit No. 2035)\u003cbr\u003e• Represents the legendary 42cm M-Gerät Big Bertha, one of the most famous heavy siege howitzers of World War I\u003cbr\u003e• Developed by Friedrich Krupp AG for the Imperial German Army before the outbreak of WWI\u003cbr\u003e• Known in German as the Dicke Bertha, meaning Big Bertha\u003cbr\u003e• Designed to destroy heavily fortified defensive positions, concrete fortifications and military strongholds\u003cbr\u003e• Features the distinctive massive 420mm gun barrel, heavy recoil mechanism and substantial artillery carriage\u003cbr\u003e• The original weapon had an enormous 420mm (16.5-inch) calibre, making it one of the largest mobile siege artillery weapons of its era\u003cbr\u003e• The M-Gerät was designed as a more mobile alternative to Germany's earlier heavy siege artillery systems\u003cbr\u003e• Unlike the larger Gamma-Gerät, the M-Gerät could be dismantled into transportable loads for movement by road\u003cbr\u003e• Developed to support German military operations against the powerful fortifications protecting strategic European cities\u003cbr\u003e• Entered service in 1914, shortly before the outbreak of World War I\u003cbr\u003e• Became internationally famous during the German invasion of Belgium in August 1914\u003cbr\u003e• Used during the sieges of Liège and Namur, where heavy German artillery played an important role in overcoming fortified defensive positions\u003cbr\u003e• Also employed against French fortifications during the early stages of WWI\u003cbr\u003e• The weapon could fire extremely heavy high-explosive and concrete-piercing projectiles\u003cbr\u003e• Its shells weighed up to approximately 820kg, depending on ammunition type\u003cbr\u003e• Designed to penetrate and destroy reinforced concrete structures through the enormous explosive power of its projectiles\u003cbr\u003e• The original M-Gerät had a maximum firing range of approximately 9–12.5km, depending on ammunition\u003cbr\u003e• The massive recoil system was essential for controlling the forces generated by firing such heavy projectiles\u003cbr\u003e• Required specialised crews, logistical support and transport equipment for deployment and operation\u003cbr\u003e• The original weapon weighed approximately 42 tonnes in firing position, depending on configuration\u003cbr\u003e• Big Bertha became a symbol of German industrial engineering and the destructive power of modern siege artillery\u003cbr\u003e• The weapon demonstrated how advances in metallurgy, explosives and heavy engineering transformed warfare during the early 20th century\u003cbr\u003e• Although highly effective against some early-war fortifications, improvements in defensive construction and changing battlefield conditions reduced the advantages of super-heavy siege artillery\u003cbr\u003e• The Krupp 420mm howitzer remains one of the most recognisable artillery weapons associated with World War I\u003cbr\u003e• Represents an important chapter in Imperial German military history, siege warfare and heavy artillery development\u003cbr\u003e• 1\/35 scale provides an impressive display size for this enormous artillery subject\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for collectors of WWI German artillery, Krupp weapons, heavy siege guns and Imperial German Army equipment\u003cbr\u003e• Excellent companion to German WWI artillery tractors, ammunition transport vehicles, field equipment and Imperial German soldier figures\u003cbr\u003e• Suitable for 1914 Belgian fortress sieges, German heavy artillery positions, Western Front and WWI military engineering dioramas\u003cbr\u003e• Offers excellent opportunities for historically inspired Imperial German artillery finishes and period-appropriate military colours\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for realistic metal wear, grease staining, dust accumulation, chipped paint, rust effects and operational weathering\u003cbr\u003e• The enormous barrel, complex carriage and heavy mechanical components provide excellent opportunities for detailed painting and highlighting\u003cbr\u003e• Particularly appealing to modellers interested in large-calibre artillery, military engineering and unusual historical weapons\u003cbr\u003e• A distinctive centrepiece for any collection of World War I military equipment, German siege artillery and historic artillery models\u003cbr\u003e• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled\u003cbr\u003e• Glue and paint not included\u003cbr\u003e• Recommended for experienced modellers aged 14+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"takom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52102461882614,"sku":"2035","price":118.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/3227\/7238\/files\/2035.jpg?v=1793594406","url":"https:\/\/www.imaginefleet.co.nz\/products\/takom-1-35-german-empire-krupp-420mm-big-bertha-2035-wwi-imperial-german-army-heavy-siege-howitzer-artillery-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","provider":"Imaginefleet Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}