Zvezda WW-II 1/100 German ‘Maus’ Tank Model Kit

This was, by far, the heaviest battlefield monster to have ever been built. In the Panzer tree line, it was meant to be number VIII. The Maus was in line with the German trend of making bigger and bigger tanks, and another good example is the heaviest AFV in service during WWII, the Jagdtiger, based on the Königstiger chassis. The latter was quite impressive, with its 71-ton weight and 128 mm (5.04 in) gun.

But the VK 100.01 Porsche Typ 205, as it was known, was a project drawn as early as 1942, and suggested to Hitler by Ferdinand Porsche in June that year. As it perfectly matched the Wagnerian visions and obsessions of Hitler, it was immediately approved and the contract granted, with the objective of building the first operational machine by March 1944. However, this was really a monster of a tank, stretching all previous technological achievements to the very edge. Thanks to Porsche’s enthusiasm and despite the great skepticism of the Wehrmacht, the first prototype, the type-205-1 (V1) Maus, was ready in 1943.

The first V1 prototype was at first dubbed “Mammut”, but this was changed, in derision to the ironic name “Maüschen” (little mouse), and then simply “Maus”. The main project was based around the impressive KwK 44 L/55 Kanone 128 mm (5 in) gun, which was also used by the Jagdtiger tank-hunter. With a sheer weight of 100 tons, power and track requirements soon imposed special measures. A diesel engine was fitted, coupled with a huge electric generator, which took one-third of the total length of the hull, causing the turret to be pushed back to the rear of chassis. More after this link.

KIT HIGHLIGHTS

• Manufacturer: Zvezda Models
• Stock Number: ZVE 6213
• Scale: 1/100
• Material: Styrene Plastic
• MSRP: $6.99
• Street Price $4.99+ USD (Approx)

This is the Zvezda 1/100 German Super Heavy Tank ”Maus”. At this scale is obviously targeted to gamers from the
Art of Tactic. Even at this scale, the model is slightly larger than many German tanks I have built in 1/72 scale. The part count is very low and although it is marketed as ‘snap together, it does require cement and of course, painting. No decals are provided with the model. It does come with a unit flag which was nowhere to be found in the box.

For the price, you can have plenty of these painted in your favorite German WW-II camouflage pattern. That’s of course if you don’t need to be 110% historically accurate. For this piece, I chose the following colors from our wonderful sponsor
Mission Models US.

MMW-003 Transparent Light Rust
MMW-002 Light Rust-1
MMP-013 German WW-II RAL 3009 Red Oxide

All weathering was achieved using the wonderful products from Ammo by Mig.

Even if you’re not into the scale, I highly recommend building one (or 2 or 3).

Sample courtesy of my thin moths filled wallet.