CORGI

WORLD WAR II Collection Series 1

CC60001 – Sd.Kfz. 7 Krauss Maffei Semi-Track. Self-propelled 2cm (20mm) Quad AA (antiaircraft gun)

Kursk 1943

LIMITED EDITION
MSRP is $55.99
Currently retails up to $80.00
Detailed Die-Cast Scale Models For The Adult Collector.
Scale 1:50 / O gauge, Size 5.5” x 2”
Model is brand new, stock received from a manufacturer

This is RARE first release of Corgi WW II series 2cm Quad AA model.

This particular variant is a difficult to find one and retails at or about its MSRP.  Corgi first releases usually became a rare collectible pieces and appreciate in price.

ABOUT A MODEL:
*This product represents a subject from a specific period in history. It may contain details, equipment, uniform and / or vehicles that include insignia or marking that some could find offensive. All insignia and emblems are included to maintain complete historical accuracy. The inclusion of these insignia and emblems / markings is no way an endorsement or approval of the activities associated with the subject matter at any time or manner. **Age over 14 collectable item.

Keeping that in mind I can say that this is a beautiful model indeed; attention to small details; clear, sharp, historically accurate imprints; battle-weary, mud-splattered finish.
A model featured heavier mud finish compare to a prototype model that you can see in a catalog and /or on ebay. In addition, tools are added on both sides of a truck.
Truck featured photo etched parts; real looks tracks are made of high quality plastic, could move; detailed underbody. Model came in attractive box with COA, Some information about this military workhorse is printed on a box.
Quadruple 20 mm antiaircraft gun that comes with the model is die cast, very detailed model that could easily have a price tag around $20.00 if sold separately. It based on its own frame, doesn’t attached to a truck, guns elevates, while off truck it rotates 360 degree.
The battle of Kursk was one of major battle of WWII. After Kursk Hitler’s Army had no strategic successes on Eastern Front until the end of the War.
According to Corgi (description in 2003 catalog) this type of camouflage (gray base color with stripes) “was seen on many of the vehicles used in the Belgorod area in August 1943 (Russian city south of Kursk and it was at the south flank of the battle). Furthermore, this type of self-propelled antiaircraft gun “used exclusively by the Luftwaffe armored division” ??? As you know Luftwaffe was the name for German Airforce during WWII, in other hand armored division is usually associated with tanks.
At the battle of Kursk was the largest concentration of armored divisions from both sides and the largest tanks battle in the history of wars occurred.

ABOUT THE VEHICLE
Though, the most coming application of this semi track was towing the most effective antitank/antiaircraft gun of WWII it was big and strong enough to carry duty as a tank recovery tow truck, and as we can see as a platform for self propelled antiaircraft guns not only for 20 but 37 and 50 mm guns. Though the flack version were built with a special super-structure which formed an adequate platform for all-round traverse if the sides were folded down. Ammunition was carried on a special single-axel trailer
Full name of this one is: 2cm Flakvierling 38 auf Fahrgestell Zugkratwagen 8t (Sd Kfz 7/1). Other designation KMm11, HLm11, Saurer 11.
Was built by Krauss-Maffei, Borgward and from 1943 Saurer
319 pcs of 2 cm FV38 produced until October 1944
Crew: 10. Weight: 11.55 t. Length: 6.85 m. Width 2.4 m. Height: 2.62 m. Engine: Maybach HL62TUK. Speed 50 km/hr (31 mph). Armament: One 2 cm Flakvierling 38 1/112.6 Traverse 360 degree (hand). Elevation: -10 degree + 100 degree.
From latte 1943 some vehicle featured light armour on an engine compartment and a driver’s cab
Interesting enough the pictures of this vehicle that I was able to find clearly show that the flak was mounted directly on the track be.

A great addition to a military models collection, could display great on O gauge railroad diorama. Same size as Solido/Varem or Tank Museum models but in my opinion better detailed, undoable better paint job with imprints (no decals, you know a headache to put them on, than they change its color with age, falling off and so for) and Corgi military models are at or below price of Varem models.
As you probably know there no other model of this self-propelled gun.
The model will display great next to 1/48 aircraft models from Armour / Franklin Mint planes collection

Not suitable for children under 14 (it is not a toy), but perfect for one who over 30.