1:35 Sturmtiger 3.8cm RW6-1 L/5.5 Assault Gun

Sturmtiger 1:35 (AFV Club)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the German Sturmtiger heavy assault vehicle in 1:35 scale by the AFV Club brand. The model captures the massive enclosed armored superstructure on the chassis of the Tiger I heavy tank with its characteristic short, thick-walled RW61 rocket launcher. The box contains parts for the hull, the running gear, the superstructure and the launcher barrel, along with a decal sheet.

The real subject

The Sturmtiger (also Sturmmörser Tiger) was a conversion of the Tiger I heavy tank into a heavily armored assault vehicle for fighting in built-up areas. Its main weapon was the RW61 rocket launcher of 38 cm caliber, originally derived from a naval depth charge launcher; it fired a giant rocket projectile capable of bringing down a whole house or a fortified position. Only a few dozen were built; they were committed toward the end of the war, among other things in the suppression of the Warsaw Uprising and in the defensive fighting in the west and the east.

Building and painting tips

Assemble and paint the running gear and the front of the hull first; the heavy tracks and wheels of the Tiger I are worth careful work. Glue the parts with liquid modeling cement for plastic, sand the joints and lay down a primer. The large flat superstructure is a rewarding field for color modulation, filters and shading of the rivets; dirty the launcher muzzle and its surroundings with smoke and dust effects. Apply washes and pigments to the underside and the tracks for a muddy patina.

Who the model is for

• collectors of German heavy armor of the Second World War in 1:35 scale
• anyone interested in assault and engineer vehicles on the Tiger I chassis
• modelers who want a large area for advanced weathering
• builders with experience of conventional injection-molded plastic

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