1:72 scale diecast metal tank by Hobby Master. Russian KV-2 captured, PzKpfw KW II 754, Panzerkompanie (z.b.v.) 66 Malta invasion force, 1941.

Length 4 inches
Width 2 inches

Features:
* Diecast metal and plastic construction.
* Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
* Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks on detailed non-rotating wheels.
* Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
* Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
* Clear acrylic display case to protect model.

Looking at the KV-2 now one might say �what were they thinking�. But at the beginning of WWII this monster of a tank was a fearsome sight on the early battlefields. There was nothing else like it and the heavy armor made it almost impenetrable by any tank the Germans had at the time. As the war progressed, the Germans developed better tanks with greater firepower. The large KV-2 became an easy target and because of it being under powered for its size it was slow moving. Another drawback was it was designed as a break-through tank and was deployed in small units. One of the most costly factors for the KV-2 was the inability of the Russians to keep these machines supplied with fuel and ammunition. As a result many were just abandoned by their crew when they realized re-supply wasn�t coming.

During the Spring of 1941 Germany was debating whether to attack the British stronghold of Crete or Malta. Newly acquired tanks captured from Russian forces were going to be used for the operations. T-34s and KV-2s were combined into a special company designated (z.b.v.) 66. This company was to be used specifically for the invasion of Malta where the KV-2s would make perfect bunker busters. In March of 1941 in preparation for the Malta invasion the captured KV-2s were painted in tropical camouflage schemes of Gelbraun (yellow-brown) and Graubraun (grey-brown) along with a small Balkenkreuz (black cross � national symbol) on the side of the turret. Another modification made to the KV-2s was the addition of a PzKpfw III Commander�s cupola.The decision was made to assault Crete first and on May 20, 1941 Germany launched an airborne assault on the island. This assault was the first attempt to capture a large area using only airborne forces instead of using them to support the Wehrmacht. Crete was defended by Greek partisans and Allied forces and along with the geography this attack became very costly for the Germans. Because of the high cost during Operation Merkur the invasion of Malta was cancelled. In August of 1942 these same KV-2s were assigned to fighting around Demyansk.