German Army SdKfz 164 Nashorn Anti-Tank Gun Carrier.

Work on a new tracked self-propelled gun for the Germany Army began at Altmärkische Kettenwerke in September 1941. The design combined the Panzer III Ausf J engine and drivetrain with the Panzer IV suspension, while the chassis was lengthened and the engine moved to the centre to make room for a rear-mounted gun. In 1942, the formidable 8.8 cm Pak 43 was selected for installation. Because of weight limits, only thin armour plates could be fitted, giving the crew minimal protection. The prototype was completed in February 1943, and production models entered service in May as the SdKfz 164 Hornisse (Hornet). Further refinements to the hull were made in early 1944, and the updated version received the name Nashorn (Rhinoceros). Despite the open fighting compartment, light armour, and lack of a machine gun, both Hornisse and Nashorn proved highly successful. The Pak 43 could penetrate any Allied tank in service, and the vehicles remained in production until March 1945, fighting until the final months of the war.

Features: Individual track links. Photo-etch parts included. L: 528.0 mm, W: 183.5 mm, Total parts 1900+.

Box code: 00954.
Box description: German Sd.Kfz.164 Nashorn.

1:16 scale plastic model kit from Trumpeter, requires paint and glue.