203mm Stalin's Sledgehammer B-4 1:72 ACE 72599

Plastic military model for assembly: 203mm Stalin's Sledgehammer B-4 1:72 ACE 72599

We present a plastic model for assembly in 1:72 scale, which replicates one of the most impressive and powerful howitzers used by the Red Army during World War II – the 203 mm howitzer model 1931 (B-4), also known as "Stalin's Sledgehammer." This model is an excellent proposition for military history enthusiasts and modelers interested in artillery equipment from the World War II era.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: ACE
• Catalog number: 72599

History and use of the B-4 howitzer: The 203 mm model 1931 (B-4) howitzer was one of the heaviest field guns used by the Red Army during World War II. Designed by F. F. Lender, it was part of the modernization of Soviet field artillery that took place after World War I. Production began in 1933, and by the end of the war, a total of 871 units were produced.

The B-4 was unique due to its tracked chassis, which allowed it to move across difficult terrain inaccessible to wheeled guns. Although the maximum towing speed was only 15 km/h, the tracks enabled transport over snow and mud, which was crucial on the Eastern Front.

During the war, the howitzer was used to destroy heavily fortified enemy strongholds, such as bunkers and fortifications. Its shells weighed 102.75 kg, and the maximum range was up to 16 km. The B-4 was also used as armament for self-propelled field guns SU-14 and S-51.

In the initial phase of Operation "Barbarossa," many of these howitzers were captured by German forces and incorporated into their arsenal as 20.3 cm H 503(r). The Wehrmacht used them on all European fronts.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement) are needed. The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.