Description
• 1/35 scale German Sd.Kfz.184 Schwerer Jagdpanzer "Elefant" plastic model kit by Tamiya (Kit No. 35325)
• Represents the legendary Elefant heavy tank destroyer, one of Germany's most heavily armoured and powerfully armed fighting vehicles of World War II
• Developed from the earlier Ferdinand tank destroyer, which first saw combat during the Battle of Kursk in July 1943
• Based on the chassis originally designed by Ferdinand Porsche for the unsuccessful Tiger (P) heavy tank project
• Features the distinctive massive box-shaped fighting compartment, long 88mm anti-tank gun and heavy tracked chassis
• The Elefant was an upgraded version of the Ferdinand, incorporating improvements based on combat experience
• The modernised vehicles were officially redesignated Elefant in 1944
• Designed primarily for long-range anti-tank warfare, defensive operations and the destruction of heavily armoured enemy vehicles
• Equipped with the formidable 8.8cm Pak 43/2 L/71 anti-tank gun, one of the most powerful German tank guns of WWII
• The long-barrelled 88mm gun was capable of penetrating the armour of most Allied tanks at considerable distances
• The weapon's high muzzle velocity and excellent armour penetration made the Elefant particularly dangerous in long-range engagements
• The original vehicle carried approximately 50 rounds of 88mm ammunition
• Unlike the original Ferdinand, the upgraded Elefant incorporated a bow-mounted MG 34 machine gun for improved close-range defence
• The addition of the hull machine gun addressed one of the operational weaknesses identified during the Battle of Kursk
• The Elefant also received a commander's cupola, improving observation and battlefield awareness
• Other modifications included improved ventilation, maintenance-related changes and additional protective equipment
• The upgraded vehicles featured Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine paste applied to selected exterior armour surfaces
• The Elefant retained the Ferdinand's exceptionally heavy armour protection
• Featured frontal armour reaching approximately 200mm in thickness, providing substantial protection against contemporary anti-tank weapons
• The vehicle's heavy armour and powerful gun made it highly effective when deployed in suitable defensive positions
• Weighing approximately 65 tonnes, the Elefant was among the heaviest armoured fighting vehicles deployed during WWII
• Powered by a distinctive petrol-electric transmission system developed for the Porsche Tiger chassis
• Equipped with two Maybach HL 120 TRM petrol engines driving generators that supplied electricity to the traction motors
• The petrol-electric drive system was technologically unusual for a WWII armoured fighting vehicle
• The complex drivetrain contributed to the vehicle's demanding maintenance requirements
• The Elefant had a maximum road speed of approximately 30km/h, depending on operating conditions
• Its enormous weight restricted mobility on soft ground, weak bridges and difficult terrain
• The vehicle's long-range firepower was most effective when supported by infantry and other armoured vehicles
• The original Ferdinand tank destroyers were first deployed with schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilungen 653 and 654 during Operation Citadel
• The Battle of Kursk demonstrated both the Ferdinand's exceptional anti-tank firepower and its operational limitations
• Mechanical breakdowns, difficult recovery conditions and close-range threats created significant challenges for the heavy vehicles
• Surviving Ferdinands underwent a major rebuilding and improvement programme during late 1943 and early 1944
• The upgraded Elefant incorporated modifications intended to improve battlefield survivability and operational effectiveness
• Elefant tank destroyers served with German forces on both the Eastern Front and Italian Front
• A small number of upgraded vehicles were deployed to Italy in 1944, including operations around the Anzio front
• Other Elefants continued serving on the Eastern Front during the later stages of the war
• The Elefant was particularly effective when used in prepared defensive positions with clear fields of fire
• Its powerful 88mm gun made it a formidable opponent for Soviet and Allied armoured vehicles
• However, its large size, heavy weight and limited mobility reduced its effectiveness in rapidly changing battlefield conditions
• The vehicle's fixed fighting compartment required the entire hull to be repositioned when targets moved outside the gun's limited traverse
• Only 91 Ferdinand tank destroyers were originally completed, making the vehicle family exceptionally rare compared with mass-produced German armoured vehicles
• Approximately 48 surviving Ferdinands underwent the major rebuilding programme associated with the Elefant designation
• The Elefant became one of the most recognisable German heavy tank destroyers of WWII
• Its imposing silhouette and massive armour protection make it a popular subject among military historians and scale modellers
• The vehicle represents an important chapter in German heavy armour development, anti-tank warfare and experimental drivetrain technology
• 1/35 scale provides an impressive display size for recreating the Elefant's massive fighting compartment and distinctive chassis
• Ideal for collectors of WWII German tank destroyers, Wehrmacht armoured vehicles, Porsche Tiger chassis variants and heavy anti-tank weapons
• Excellent companion to Ferdinand, Jagdpanther, Jagdtiger, Tiger I, Tiger II and other German heavy armour models
• Suitable for Eastern Front defensive positions, Italian Campaign scenes and late-war German armoured vehicle dioramas
• Offers excellent opportunities for recreating historically inspired German Dunkelgelb camouflage with Olive Green and Red Brown patterns
• Suitable for historically researched Elefant unit markings and late-war German camouflage schemes
• The large vertical armour panels provide excellent surfaces for practising camouflage painting, colour modulation and realistic paint fading
• Ideal for detailed Zimmerit painting, chipped paint effects, rust streaks, dust accumulation and operational weathering
• The long 88mm gun barrel provides a striking focal point for a realistic WWII anti-tank vehicle display
• The heavy running gear and tracks offer opportunities for mud buildup, worn metal effects and realistic battlefield dirt
• Suitable for creating a dramatic German heavy tank destroyer defensive position with infantry and battlefield equipment, available separately
• The large superstructure and distinctive armour layout make the Elefant an impressive centrepiece for a WWII German armour collection
• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of German tank destroyers, WWII Eastern Front warfare, Porsche military engineering and heavy armoured fighting vehicles
• A distinctive addition to any collection of Tamiya Military Miniature Series kits, WWII German armour and 1/35 scale tank models
• Brand: Tamiya
• Kit Number: 35325
• Scale: 1/35
• Subject: Sd.Kfz.184 Schwerer Jagdpanzer "Elefant"
• Vehicle Type: Heavy Tank Destroyer
• Main Armament: 8.8cm Pak 43/2 L/71 Anti-Tank Gun
• Secondary Armament: 7.92mm MG 34 Machine Gun
• Chassis: Porsche Tiger (VK 45.01 P)
• Combat Weight: Approximately 65 Tonnes
• Historical Period: World War II / 1944–1945
• Operator: German Wehrmacht
• Country: Germany
• Category: WWII German Tank Destroyer Plastic Model Kit
• Series: Tamiya Military Miniature Series
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for modellers aged 14+
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