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 Comet tank went into battle during WWII and in Korea where it sometimes fought next to what would be its replacement, the Centurion. The Centurion was based on the Comet design but was much heavier. The Comet continued to be used by British forces until the late 1950s and then began to be offered for sale to other countries. In 1954 South Africa began to acquire 26 Comet Tanks and over time converted some into armored battlefield maintenance and repair vehicles. Several Comets can be found in South African museums.

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 HG5206 A34 Comet British Cruiser Tank South African Defense Force, 1960s

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