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 Comet tank first appeared in Hong Kong in 1949 with the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment. From 1951 to 1955 they were used by the 7th RTR and from 1955 to 1957 the Comets equipped the 7th Queen’s Own Hussars. The last British regular regiment to use the Comet in Hong Kong before the new Centurion tanks arrived in 1959 was the 1st RTR. A major base for the British Army in Hong Kong after WWII was the Sek Kong Camp.

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 HG5203 British A34 Comet 20ZR71 SFAX 1st RTR Sek Kong Camp Hong Kong, mid 1950s

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