 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Arms and Equipment / Military - 6mm to 49mm
- Review |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Displaying Reviews: 1 - 1
|
Average Reviewer Rating:
Number of Reviews:
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Setting the standard for artillery in miniature!
|
Reviewer
Rating:
|
|
Reviewed by Antar Howarth (info@totalmodel.com) May 04, 2006
In the world of military miniatures the line between models destined for the display cabinet and those intended for the wargaming battlefield is often clearly defined. Most wargamers do not crave the accuracy and attention to detail demanded by collectors and serious model makers. The result is that most wargaming miniatures, especially vehicles, are sometimes pale imitations of the real thing. There are, however, a small number of companies whose products are admired on both sides of the divide. The AFVs from MMS and Milicast, in particular, are always worthy of a mention. In terms of personnel you need look no further than AB Figures. Their range of of 1:76th scale "men in miniature" is second to none and often the first choice of armchair generals and diorama builders alike.
As the range expands, AB have started to explore other avenues. Their catalogue now boasts an impressive Bailey Bridge set and even a Bren Gun Carrier. There's also an emerging line-up of artillery pieces and anti-tank guns. At the time of writing this review the company have unveiled several pieces for both axis and allied forces, including a US 155mm Howitzer M1 and the ubiquitous British 25-pounder. This 15cm Nebelwerfer is the smaller of two variants recently launched by AB. The larger 21cm variant is identical in almost every other respect bar caliber.
It may surprise some people to learn that rockets are one of the oldest forms of artillery on the battlefield. The Chinese harnessed the power of these weapons long before the first cannon ever made an appearance. However, it was only after the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles that rocket systems would - quite literally - take off. Under the Treaty, Germany was prohibited from developing heavy artillery. Unfortunately, the Treaty made no provision for rockets! This encouraged the Reichwehr to explore the efficacy of such weapons - which would ultimately lead to the creation of the Nebelwerfer.
The weapon entered service in 1941. It had a maximum range of just over 7,000 yards and could deliver a highly destructive payload over a relatively small area. This could have a devastating effect against dense troop or vehicle concentrations. Such was the ferocity of the blast that even large AFVs were known to have been severely damaged during attacks. True to its name, the Nebelwerfer could also fire smoke shells to provide a blanket smokescreen.
Despite its tiny size, this is a kit in every sense of the word! It contains many small components, all cast in white metal, which can be seen by clicking the thumbnail image above. The real weapon was mounted atop the old PAK 35/36 gun carriage. This has been reproduced in extremely fine detail (given the scale). Even the stabilizing "jack" appears to have been modelled complete with a stowage latch! The rest of the weapon, down to the smallest component, is rendered equally well. I was particularly impressed with the distinctive launch-tube assembly which is crawling with cables and other features. The kit also contains spare rockets and empty munitions cases.
The entire Nebelwerfer kit is very clean with hardly any flash to mention. The pieces can be prepped for assembly in no time at all. Everything fits together neatly and, once complete, will provide the model maker (or wargamer) with an extremely good representation of the real thing - albeit in 1:76th scale! After raising the bar with their figure range, AB are now setting the standard for artillery in miniature.
|
|
6
out of
6
people found this review helpful
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Reviews powered by Magpie v1.06t for www.totalmodel.com
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
Tell a friend about this item!