Barcode: 0 89195 86402 4
Case Pack: 20
Box Size: 9.6" x 15" x 3.5"
At first glance, the German Panzer IV tank of WWII doesn’t look like an amphibious
tank. That’s because it wasn’t designed as such! However, as Germany contemplated
Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of Great Britain, a number of Pz.Kpfw.IV tanks
were converted into Tauchpanzer (literally, “diving tank”) mode. The plan was
for these watertight tanks to be launched from ships off the coast of England,
and to drive along the seabed until they emerged on beaches. Although these
“amphibious” tanks weren’t used against Great Britain, they did see combat in
the invasion of Russia - for example, the crossing of the River Bug in 1941.
Dragon has previously offered modelers a 1/35 scale model of a Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.D
Tauchpanzer, but now the choices available have just doubled. Emerging from
Dragon’s design studios is a new Panzer IV Ausf.E Tauchpanzer! While most diving
tanks were converted from Ausf.D vehicles, some Ausf.E were similarly treated.
This 1/35 scale kit is based on Dragon’s superb Panzer IV E, but it includes
all the necessary modifications like sealed openings, snorkel tube and exhaust
valve to make it into a swimming tank. For added convenience for modelers, separate
parts with and without waterproof covers are provided. Another key aspect of
this kit is the addition of a Betriebsstoffanhanger, a fuel trailer. Like the
tank itself, this small two-wheel trailer with fuel drums has been reproduced
in extremely fine detail. For modelers looking for something a little different,
and for those looking for fuel to take their panzer collections further, this
interesting combination is the answer! This mix of tank and trailer is sure
to cause a splash!
