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.

“A” Company, Heavy Section, Heavy Machine Gun Corps took part in WWI and in 1939 was renamed the 1st Royal Tank Regiment. The British 7th Armoured Division earned the nickname “Desert Rats” for its action in North Africa. They took part in the Siege of Tobruk, Battle of El Alamein, moved to Italy and then Normandy. The Comet was a late arrival in WWII and took part in the advance into Germany. Iron Duke IV belonged to Lt. Col. Pat Hobart who was CO of 1 RTR, 7th Armoured Div in 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 HG5207 British A34 Comet “Iron Duke IV” T335104, HQ, 1st RTR, 7th Armoured Division, Germany 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