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From Hobby Master Diecast this is a 1:72 scale model of the
HG 3104 British Cromwell MK.IV Tank A27M, Western Europe
Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colours 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 Model has a Normandy Cowling
The Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Cromwell (A27M), named after the English Civil War leader Oliver Cromwell, was one of the most successful series of cruiser tanks fielded by Britain in World War II. It was the first tank in the British arsenal to combine a dual-purpose gun, high speed, and reasonable armor. Late in the war, it was the most common British design in use, replacing the Sherman tank for some units. Its design formed the basis of the formidable Comet.
The Cromwell was the fastest British tank to serve in World War II with a top (ungoverned) speed of 40 mph or 64 km/h (the US produced M18 Hellcat tank destroyer could reach 60 mph or 96 km/h on roads). Unfortunately, this speed proved too much for even the Christie suspension and the engine was governed to give a top speed of 32 mph or 51 km/h, which was still fast for its time. Thanks to its Christie parentage, the Cromwell was very agile on the battlefield. The dual purpose 75 mm main gun fired the same ammunition as the US 75 mm gun and therefore it had around the same HE and armor-piercing capabilities as the 75 mm equipped Sherman tank. The Cromwell's armor ranged from 8 mm to 76 mm thick overall but the maximum thickness was later increased to 102 mm with appliqué armor plates which were welded on. This armor compared well with that of the Sherman although the Cromwell did not share the Sherman’s sloped glacis plate. The Cromwell crews in North-West Europe succeeded in the Cromwell with superior speed, maneuverability and reliability outflanking the heavier and more sluggish German tanks. However, the Cromwell was still not a match for the best German armor and British tank design would go through another stage; the Comet tank, before going ahead in the tank development race with the Centurion tank. |
