Barcode: 0 89195 14503 1
Individual Box Size: 12"x8"x1.1"
1/144 German Railway Gun 28cm K5(E) "Leopold" (with Straight Track)
:
Length: Approx 9"
#Parts: 71 pieces
This new German 1/144 kit series features the big gun: The "Leopold"!
Each kit is super detailed and includes photo-etched parts, figures, aluminum
barrel, ammunition, railway track piece and decals by Cartograf.
About the Leopold Railway Gun:
The 'Leopold' and and its twin the 'Robert' were of the 28cm K5(E) design. The
Leopold had an unconfirmed range of 11 miles and fired a pre-engraved projectile
weighing approximately 550 pounds. It is fired from a turntable affording a
360 degree traverse.
The Leopold is currently on display at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen,
Maryland. The following excerpt detailing how the Leopold fell into Allied hands
was taken from the Aberdeen Proving Ground brochure.
"It is hard to imagine that the Germans could conceal a weapon capable
of firing a 550-pound shell. The German Leopold Gun was the largest weapon which
lobbed shells at American troops at "Anzio Beach". An aura of mystery
surrounded the employment of the gun. To the bewilderment of allied officials
who knew the approximate location of the Leopold, the gun could not be silenced.
Repeated bomber and naval attacks failed. It wasn't until the Allies broke out
of the "Anzio Beachhead" and sent the Germans scurrying that the secret
was revealed. The Leopold supported by 24 railcar wheels, was mounted on railroad
tracks which led in and out of mountain tunnels. When not firing, the gun was
rolled back into the tunnels out of the sight of Allied reconnaissance. Because
bombs had destroyed Italian rail systems, the Germans were forced to leave the
Leopold and its twin gun "Robert" behind. Although both guns had been
extensively damaged, Allied forces were able to salvage the Leopold and after
reconstruction of the railway, moved the gun to Naples for shipment to the United
States. "Anzio Annie" as the gun was known to the Allied troops at
Anzio, is the only German railroad gun known to have survived World War II."
Courtesy: www.strategyplanet.com
Courtesy: www.apg.army.mil
Special Features:
- Easy model kit assembly
- Decals by Cartograf
- Super detail in 1/144 scale
- Photo-etched parts included
- Color painting guide and instructions
