The Vergeltungswaffe 2 (“Retaliation Weapon 2”, or V-2) was one of Germany’s wonder weapons, and it was certainly revolutionary at the time. It holds the distinction of being the world’s first long-range ballistic missile, and rockets were used widely against London and later Antwerp. Indeed, more than 3,000 V-2s were launched from September 1944 onwards, resulting in the deaths of some 7,250 people. The V-2 was also known technically as the A4, and it was the progenitor of all modern rockets. A V-2 could reach a maximum altitude of 88km before beginning its ballistic free-fall trajectory.
One of the key designers behind the liquid-fuelled rocket project was Wernher von Braun. The 12,500kg and 14m-long rockets were constructed by prisoners at Mittelwerk, and they were fired from mobile launchers that proved difficult for Allied aircraft to target.
Orange Box from Cyber Hobby has an astonishing 1/35 scale plastic kit of the famous, or perhaps infamous, V-2 rocket. This is an older Dragon kit but it has stood the test of time well, plus it includes a launch platform. Also, it is many years since Dragon’s V-2 was available, so this Orange Box release allows modelers to again get their hands on this important German weapon of WWII. To make it even more versatile, the set includes a 1/35 scale communications center that is crammed with a variety of radio gear and associated soldiers/radio operators. This set from the Orange Box collection offers unbeatable value for money.
