Hobby Master Archive

The British Cruiser Tank A34 “Comet” was designed to correct some of the problems with the Cromwell Tank as well as providing better anti-tank capability for their squadrons. The Comet was late entering WWII so it wasn’t involved in any major battles but with its new main gun it could take on Germany’s large tanks. After WWII the Comet saw combat in Korea and remained in the British inventory until 1958. The Comet was sold to 5 other countries and some even operated until the 1970s.

The British Army 11th Armoured Division was formed in 1941 and became known as the Black Bulls. On June 13, 1944 the Division landed on Juno Beach and took part in several major operations. On September 4, 1944 the Division captured Antwerp and headed towards Germany. The 11th AD was held in reserve until March 28 and then crossed the Rhine taking Gescher on the 30th. On March 31st the 3rd RTR (Royal Tank Regiment) struck out to capture Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on April 15th 1945.

Specifications for the A34 Comet Type - Cruiser Manufacturer - Leyland Motors Ltd.

In British Service - 1944- 1958 Other Operators - Cuba, Finland, Ireland, South Africa and Myanmar (Burma)

Crew - 5 (Commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver)

Dimensions Length Including Gun Barrel - 25.13 ft. (7.66 m) Height - 8.79 ft. (2.68 m) Width - 10.1 ft (3.04 m)

Weight - 68,343 lb. ( 31,000 kg)

Performance Engine - 1 X Rolls-Royce Meteor Mk. III V-12 600 hp. Fuel Capacity - Approximately 120 Imperial gallons Maximum Speed - 32 mph (51.5 km/h) Maximum Range - 123 miles (198 km)

Armament Main Gun - 1 X 77 mm HV Mk. II L/49 with 61 rounds Secondary 1 X 7.92 mm BESA general purpose machine gun in coaxial mount 1 X 7.92 mm BESA general purpose machine gun in bow mount 7.92 mm 5,175 rounds

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG5201 British Cruiser Tank A34 “Comet” “Cobra”, 3rd RTR, 29th Armoured Brigade 11th Armoured Div., North Germany March 1945

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Weathering and insignias Turret turns Main gun elevates Metal chassis, turret and main gun Realistic tracks Tracks replicate real track droop

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