1:35 Nashorn

Nashorn 1:35 (Tamiya)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German heavy tank destroyer Nashorn in 1:35 scale from the Japanese manufacturer Tamiya. It is a modern, finely shaped tooling with a high accuracy of fit. The model captures the open armored superstructure with the long 8.8 cm anti-tank gun on a chassis combining the Panzer III and IV; the package contains crew figures and a decal sheet.

The real subject

The Nashorn (Rhinoceros) was a German heavy tank destroyer that mounted the powerful 8.8 cm anti-tank gun (the Pak 43) on a lightly armored self-propelled chassis. The gun was able to destroy Allied and Soviet tanks at long range, before they came within reach of their own guns. The price paid for the firepower was a tall silhouette and the merely thin armor of the open superstructure. The vehicle was at first called Hornisse (Hornet) and from the beginning of 1944 it bore the designation Nashorn; it was deployed on the Eastern and the Western Front.

Building and painting tips

First assemble and paint the running gear and the interior of the open superstructure, including the ammunition stowage - they are clearly visible once the model is finished. Glue the parts with liquid modeling cement for plastic, sand the seams down and apply a primer. The long gun needs to be seated straight; the figures enclosed will bring the scene to life. Bring the tracks and the lower hull to life with washes and pigments for mud and dust effects.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of German armored vehicles of the Second World War in 1:35 scale
• Anyone interested in heavy tank destroyers with an 8.8 cm gun
• Modelers who appreciate accurate and well-fitting Japanese plastic from Tamiya
• Builders of figure scenes (the package includes a crew)

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.