German tank destroyer Jadgpanzer 38 (t) HETZER COBI 2669 - Limited Edition WW II 1:28

Did you know:

• Although this tank destroyer is generally considered a German product, it was in fact developed and manufactured in Czechoslovakia in the Protectorate territory, specifically at ČKD plants in Pilsen and Prague.
• Czech engineers attempted to sabotage or slow down the vehicle’s construction, but were punished by German supervision.
• The first vehicles rolled off the production line in March 1944.
• The high-quality chassis from the LT vz.38 tank, low silhouette, good mobility and a 75 mm cannon made the Hetzer a very successful and dangerous vehicle.
• A major drawback was the remotely operated machine gun, which had to be reloaded from outside the vehicle after leaving the relative safety of the fighting compartment—a weakness that Allied soldiers knew how to exploit.
• Allied forces tried to attack the tank destroyer from the right side, where the Hetzer had a blind spot.
• A total of 3,185 units were produced in various versions.
• Several vehicles were captured by Czech patriots during the Prague Uprising in May 1945.
• On August 2, 1944, members of the Polish Home Army also captured one vehicle, which was given the name “CHWAT”.
• After the war, the manufacturer ČKD supplied 286 vehicles to the Swiss Army, where they remained in service until 1973.
• Many Hetzers were deployed during Germany’s last desperate attempt to repel Allied forces, known as the Battle of the Bulge.
• Against the backdrop of this battle, fighting took place around the salient involving special German commando units as part of Operation Greif.
• The SS-led operation, intended to sow confusion among Allied ranks and disrupt communications, was personally commanded by Otto Skorzeny.
• German soldiers wearing American uniforms and using American equipment managed to infiltrate Allied units and caused chaos in command structures and mistrust among troops.
• However, the diversionary groups were soon uncovered and, despite initial success, had no decisive impact on the outcome of the battle.
• A well-known incident occurred on December 26, 1944, when an American Sherman M4A3E2 tank commanded by Charles Boggess broke through German defensive lines and advanced toward Bastogne. At one crossroads, the tank crew encountered a group of American soldiers engaged in friendly conversation. Boggess stopped the tank to ask for directions. The soldiers willingly pointed the way, and the tank continued on. Suspicion that they had encountered a diversionary group was confirmed shortly after rear units arrived.
• The German soldiers in American uniforms could have easily destroyed the tank, but did nothing. They were well aware that the battle was lost and had no desire to continue fighting.

Technical specifications:

• Dimensions: length 6.25 m, width 2.63 m, height 2.1 m
• Weight: 15,750 kg
• Armor: frontal 60 mm, side 20 mm, top 8 mm
• Powerplant: gasoline 6-cylinder 7,754 cc Praga AE 2800 engine producing 160 hp
• Maximum speed: 42 km/h (25 km/h off-road)
• Fuel tank capacity: 320 l
• Operational range: 180 km (130 km off-road)
• Main armament: 75 mm Pak 39 L/48 cannon (ammunition supply 40 rounds, later up to 45)
• Secondary armament: remotely operated MG 34 machine gun, 7.92 mm
• Sights: Zielfernrohr 3×8°
• Firing accuracy at 1,000 m: dispersion 30–40 cm
• Crew: driver, gunner, loader, commander

From the memoirs of Charles Boggess:

“I remember December 26, 1944 very clearly. It was a freezing day, with temperatures around −7°C, and we were slowly and cautiously advancing at the head of the column toward the town of Bastogne. The houses we passed all seemed the same and rather dull. When we reached the Sibret/Bastogne crossroads according to the map, it was unclear which way to go. Today you would see direction signs there, but at the time there was nothing to help us determine the route. At the side of the road stood a group of about six American soldiers. It seemed suspicious—none of our units had advanced that far yet. Nervously, we kept our fingers on the trigger. The driver poked his head out of the hatch and asked for directions. One of the soldiers replied with a strong Texas accent and pointed the way. We all felt that something was wrong. Later that evening, it was confirmed that we had encountered a German diversionary group. I think they were thoroughly fed up with this foolish war.”

About the COBI building set:

• COBI building set 2669 is made from 900 high-quality ABS pieces
• Great War collection 1:28
• Pad printed – no stickers
• Faithful and accurate design
• Made in the EU
• Limited Edition