Waffenträger Tank-hunter Platoon (GBX193) Includes three resin and metal Waffenträger models, including nine crew figures. The 8.8cm PaK43 auf Waffenträger (88mm PaK43 Weapons Carrier) was part of a German program to design light self-propelled mounts for a variety of artillery and anti-tank guns. A design by Ardeltwerke in Eberwalde was settled on in 1944 to carry the 8.8 cm PaK43 gun. Check out the Waffenträger Tank-hunter Platoon in the online store here... Designed by Evan Allen Painted by Aaron Mathie

Berlin: German In January 1945 the German Ardennes offensive in the west failed to force the Allies to the negotiating table. The British and Americans are ready to cross into Germany. The newly-raised Panzerdivision ‘Clauswitz’ and troops from the schools and training battalions are thrown into the fight. Every fighting man is utilised in the defence of the Reich. In the east, the Germans traded ground for time, falling back into western Poland and east Prussia and establishing Festerplatz, or fortress cities. An eerie calm settled in for the first few weeks of the new year as both sides prepare.

The Waffenträger (8.8cm) tank-hunter was loosely based on the Panzer 38(t) chassis, but was wider, with the engine repositioned to the front of the vehicle. The details of the Waffenträger's actual service history are sketchy. Parts to complete 21 were expected in December to be ready by 15 January 1945. No records confirm how many saw action, but some prototypes are supposed to have seen action, most likely in Berlin's western suburbs. At least two are known to have been destroyed in and around Berlin in April and May 1945. A number also saw service with the Twelfth Army’s Ulrich von Hutten Division.

Assembling the Waffenträger (8.8cm) Below, George demonstrates how to assemble the contents of the Waffenträger (8.8cm) Tank-hunter Platoon box set. So let's break out the hobby tools and plastic cement and get started! But before we begin any assembly, let's ensure the entire contents of the Waffenträger (8.8cm) Tank-hunter Platoon box are all present and correct. If you have any problems or issues with the contents of your box set, please feel free to contact our Customer Service team at [email protected].

Tip: When assembling your models it's always a good idea to dry fit your parts before glueing. We recommend that you use good quality Super Glue to assemble resin and metal models.

Assembling the Waffenträger (8.8cm)
Step 1. Begin assembly by attaching the tracks to the resin hull. Ensure the orientation keys line up correctly as shown below.		Step 2. Attach the gun's travel lock to the front of the hull.

Below: The travel lock attached correctly.	Crew: To add a crew figure, carefully remove the base with a pair of sprue cutters. You may prefer to paint the vehicle and the figure before attaching it.

Step 3. Begin assembly of the gun by adding the gunner to the gun mount. Note the small pin, which fits into the hole to help create a secure bond.		Step 4. Attach the shield to the gun mount. Again, note the four small locator pins as shown below.

Step 5. To attach the gun to the gun mount, you must push the gun through the shield. Make sure the gun is the correct way around.	Below: The PaK43 gun attached correctly.

Step 6. Attach the face plate to the gun shield as shown below. Again, make sure it is the correct way around, as shown below.		Step 7. To finish off the gun assembly add the shield extension.

Below: The gun shield extension attached correctly.	Step 8. Add the gun to the hull and you have completed assembling your Waffenträger (8.8cm) Tank-hunter.
Happy Modelling!