Product Description

The Elefant heavy tank destroyer is a modified version of the Ferdinand heavy tank destroyer, featuring modifications such as a machine gun mount, a commander's cupola, modified intake and exhaust grilles, and altered tracks.
It is estimated that around 45 vehicles were refurbished.
Four of these vehicles were equipped with a split hatch at the rear of the fighting compartment, which opened to the left and right.
All of the Elefant tanks, including these four, were assigned to the 653rd Heavy Tank Destroyer Battalion.

* 653rd Heavy Tank Destroyer Battalion: Unit emblem featuring the waves of the Danube River and the Sword of the Nibelung.

[Kit Specifications]
- Full interior specifications, reproducing the distinctive fighting compartment, power generation engine, and motor section.
- The top surfaces of the fighting compartment and engine compartment are made of clear parts, allowing the interior parts to be viewed even after completion.
- The power generation engine is a single, integrated 3D-printed part with a complex shape.
- Realistic reproduction of Zimmerit coating
- The rear hatch is available in a standard type.
• Includes one resin figure of a soldier reloading ammunition.
• Etched parts included

[Supplementary explanation: 653rd Heavy Tank Destroyer Battalion and Elefant]
The 653rd Heavy Tank Destroyer Battalion was formed in 1943 with 45 Ferdinand tanks.
It was deployed in the Battle of Kursk (Operation Citadel) in July of the same year, achieving significant results, but suffered heavy losses and was withdrawn from the front lines at the end of November.
The tank rested and underwent modifications in Austria until February of the following year, 1944. Its name was also changed from Ferdinand to Elefant before it was delivered.
Of the 45 cars that were reportedly modified at this time, only four were fitted with double-opening rear hatches.
The 653rd Heavy Tank Destroyer Battalion consisted of three companies, but in January 1944, 11 tanks from the 1st Company were deployed to the Italian front (some of the 1st Company's personnel later returned).
The remaining 2nd and 3rd companies returned to the Eastern Front in April with 31 tanks.
In July, the Soviet army launched Operation Bagration, and Germany lost 28 divisions and retreated to the vicinity of Poland.
The 653rd Heavy Tank Destroyer Battalion suffered heavy losses, and by the end of July, only 14 Elefant tanks remained. In August, they retreated and the vehicles were repaired.
The 14 Elephant vehicles that had been repaired were reorganized from two companies into one company, the 2nd Company, due to the number of vehicles they possessed.
In December, the 2nd Company, consisting of 14 Elephant tanks, was renamed the 614th Heavy Tank Company and became independent from the 635th Heavy Tank Battalion.
The Elefant then fought in retreats on the Eastern Front, and in April 1945, four of them were deployed in the defense of Berlin.
The Elefant fought until Germany's surrender.


*Please note that specifications and expected arrival months may change due to manufacturer circumstances.

Product Specifications

Country

Germany

Item code

VICAMU35A057

JAN code

6954248835570

Purchase Information