Forces of Valor - German Hetzer - Ardenes 1944 1:72 85068

Based on a pre-WWII Panzer tank chassis, the "Hetzer" (Troublemaker) was one of the most successful German tank systems of the war. Compact, highly mobile and equipped with a powerful 75mm PaK 39 artillery gun, the Hetzer was also armoured with a thick, slope-sided hull designed to deflect incoming missiles. The Hetzer became the main German tank destroyer towards the end of WWII.

Designed as a light tank destroyer based on the Panzer 38(t) chassis, the Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer (or "Baiter") entered production in April 1944. By using a proven chassis, the design was more cost-effective than the Jagdpanther and Jagdtiger designs. In contrast to the earlier Marder and Nashorn tank destroyers, the Hetzer was heavily armored, featuring a 60mm front armor plate, sloped at a 60 degree angle. The orginal Jagdpanzer 38(t) carried a 75mm cannon but later variants used a 150mm howitzer, while others were outfitted with a flamethrower and redesignated Flammpanzer 38.

Forces of Valor's 1:72 Hetzer tank is constructed with both upper and lower portions of the hull in diecast metal. The top of the hull features a separately applied engine exhaust muffler and a variety of battlefield equipment such as spare tracks, a jack and shovel. Additional spare tracks and simulated a tow cable are found at the rear. The vehicle's track system features rolling rubber tracks and wheels and leaf spring suspension that is clearly seen through vehicles tracks. Other fine details include a top-mounted, rotating, shielded machine gun, a pivoting metal cannon that correctly swings slightly left and right, a hand-painted commander figure and a wire antenna.

Skoda Sd.Kfz.138/2 Hetzer Diecast Model

German Army, #211, Ardennes, Belgium, 1944

1:72 Scale

Forces of Valor Armored Fighting Vehicles

The "Forces of Valor" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles.

"Forces of Valor" diecast vehicles feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
• Moving tracks on detailed rotating wheels.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.