Neubau-Fahrzeug Nr.1

German’s initial attempt at creating a heavy tank began in the early 1930s. Known as the Neubau-Fahrzeug (“New Construction Vehicle”), it was not a success, however. Slow-moving, boasting multiple turrets and requiring six crewmen, it wasn’t well suited to the type of rapid, mobile warfare that blitzkrieg tactics required. For this reason, only five Neubau-Fahrzeug heavy tanks were built by Rheinmetall-Borsig (Rh-B). The first two 23.41-ton prototypes (numbers 1-2) were manufactured in 1934 out of mild steel so they were not suitable for combat. Instead they were used by the tank training school at Putlos until 1940. The design featured a 3.7cm KwK L/45 cannon, a 7.5cm KwK L/24 main gun and two 7.92mm machine guns.

Dragon has already produced a fine 1/72 scale kit of the Neubau-Fahrzeug tanks that served in Norway in 1940, and now another model is being offered in the same scale in the Armor Pro collection. This kit features the very first prototype that was built in 1934. Although it bears strong similarities with the Nr.3-5 kit, this Neubau-Fahrzeug uses mostly brand new parts. In keeping with the prototype’s construction, it has a brand new main turret and two machine gun turrets. The main Rh-B turret with curved profile is distinguished by having the two main armaments mounted one above the other. These turrets, as well as the detailed upper hull, are all made from slide molds. There are also new hatches and fenders, as well as the frame antenna fitted around the main turret. With the convenience of modelers in mind, the intricate road wheels are assembled as one piece, while the tracks are made of DS. As well as the vehicles that saw combat in Norway, modelers can now depict the original version of this monstrous tank!

Models are supplied unpainted and assembly is required.