• 1/72 scale German Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant Heavy Tank Destroyer plastic model kit by Trumpeter (Kit No. 07204)
• Represents the formidable Panzerjäger Tiger (P) Elefant, one of Germany's heaviest and most heavily armoured tank destroyers of World War II
• Developed using the chassis of the unsuccessful Porsche Tiger VK 45.01(P) heavy tank project
• Originally introduced in 1943 under the name Ferdinand, honouring its designer Ferdinand Porsche
• The surviving Ferdinand tank destroyers underwent significant modifications during late 1943 and early 1944
• The improved vehicle was officially renamed Elefant in February 1944
• Features the distinctive rear-mounted armoured fighting compartment, long 88mm cannon and massive tracked chassis
• Armed with the powerful 8.8cm PaK 43/2 L/71 anti-tank gun, capable of defeating heavily armoured Allied vehicles at considerable distances
• The long-barrelled 88mm gun was among the most effective German anti-tank weapons of WWII
• Equipped with frontal armour reaching approximately 200mm in thickness
• Designed primarily for long-range anti-tank engagements and heavy defensive fire support
• The Elefant's exceptionally thick frontal armour provided substantial protection against many contemporary anti-tank weapons
• The original Ferdinand first entered combat during the Battle of Kursk in July 1943
• Operated by German heavy tank destroyer units, including schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 653
• The Ferdinand demonstrated formidable anti-tank firepower but suffered from mechanical reliability problems and limited close-range defensive capabilities
• The 1944 modernisation programme introduced a bow-mounted MG 34 machine gun for improved defence against enemy infantry
• The upgraded vehicles also received a commander's cupola, improving battlefield visibility
• Zimmerit anti-magnetic mine coating was applied during the refurbishment programme
• Additional improvements included changes to vehicle protection and operational equipment
• The resulting Elefant retained the original vehicle's powerful armament and substantial frontal armour
• Powered by a distinctive petrol-electric transmission system developed for the Porsche Tiger chassis
• Two petrol engines drove electrical generators that supplied power to the vehicle's electric drive motors
• This unusual drivetrain arrangement was mechanically complex and contributed to the vehicle's maintenance challenges
• The Elefant weighed approximately 65 tonnes, making it one of the heaviest German armoured fighting vehicles deployed during WWII
• Its considerable weight limited mobility on soft ground and placed substantial strain on its mechanical components
• Despite these limitations, the Elefant remained a dangerous opponent when deployed in suitable defensive positions
• Elefant tank destroyers served on both the Eastern Front and Italian Front during 1944
• Some vehicles participated in operations around Anzio, Italy, where their heavy armour and powerful guns were valuable in defensive combat
• Other vehicles continued fighting Soviet forces on the Eastern Front
• A small number remained operational into the final months of World War II
• Only 91 Ferdinand/Elefant tank destroyers were completed from Porsche Tiger chassis, making the vehicle a relatively rare German armoured fighting vehicle
• The Elefant remains one of the most recognisable examples of German heavy tank destroyer engineering
• Trumpeter 1/72 scale plastic model kit recreating the upgraded Elefant configuration
• Features the distinctive angular superstructure and long 88mm PaK 43/2 gun barrel
• Includes detailed plastic components for the hull, superstructure and running gear
• Reproduces the characteristic Porsche Tiger-derived suspension and tracked chassis
• Includes track components for recreating the vehicle's heavy tracked running gear
• Features the distinctive front-mounted machine gun position and commander's cupola associated with the Elefant
• Includes waterslide decals for German military markings
• Supplied with assembly instructions
• Compact 1/72 scale makes the model ideal for smaller displays, collections and battlefield dioramas
• Completed model measures approximately 114mm in length, depending on assembly configuration
• Ideal for collectors of WWII German tanks, heavy tank destroyers, Wehrmacht armoured vehicles and Porsche military designs
• Excellent companion to Ferdinand, Jagdpanther, Jagdtiger, Tiger I, King Tiger and Panther tank models
• Suitable for Eastern Front 1944–1945 and Italian Campaign military dioramas
• Offers opportunities for recreating historically appropriate German Dunkelgelb, camouflage green and red-brown colour schemes
• Ideal for realistic mud accumulation, dust effects, chipped paint, track wear and exhaust staining
• The large armoured superstructure provides excellent opportunities for practising camouflage painting, panel washes and weathering techniques
• Suitable for displaying alongside compatible 1/72 scale German infantry, military trucks and battlefield accessories, available separately
• Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of German WWII armour, rare heavy fighting vehicles and long-range anti-tank warfare
• A distinctive addition to any collection of Trumpeter military models and 1/72 scale WWII armoured fighting vehicles
• Brand: Trumpeter
• Kit Number: 07204
• Scale: 1/72
• Subject: Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant
• Alternative Designation: Panzerjäger Tiger (P)
• 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
• Armour: Up to Approximately 200mm Frontal Protection
• Combat Weight: Approximately 65 Tonnes
• Crew: 6
• Historical Period: World War II, 1944–1945
• Country: Germany
• Category: WWII German Military Armour Plastic Model Kit
• Material: Plastic
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for modellers aged 14+
