MAUS super heavy tank
GAS50084
GAS50084
MAUS super heavy tank complete kit in 1/48th scale
The kit contains:
- Resin parts
- Brass rods
- Assembly instructions with parts list and color photos: Download instructions
You can also contact us to have this model assembled and painted with the camouflage of your choice.
History of the MAUS super heavy tank
In June 1942, Adolf Hitler and Armaments Minister Speer asked Ferdinand Porsche to study a tank capable of fighting with a cannon of more than 120 mm and a coaxial 75 mm cannon. The Porsche model was accepted by the Führer in January 1943. Two of the three qualities of the tank were favored: firepower and protection to the detriment of mobility. Designed under project number 205, this prototype represented the tank of all superlatives. He was ironically named “Maus”, mouse.
The Porsche firm manages the project and controls the assembly, Krupp supplies the body and the turret, Alkett makes the running gear, Skoda also participates (mechanics and 1.10 m wide tracks), Daimler-Benz (engine) and Siemens (electrical equipment).
Six crew members had to operate this vehicle with exceptional characteristics. A total mass of 188 tonnes, 10.10 meters long, 3.67 meters wide and a height of 3.66 m. are the main measurements of Maus. With extraordinary dimensions, exceptional armor: this reached 240 mm of rolled steel for the front face of the turret which alone weighed 50 tonnes. The armament consisted of two cannons: a 128 mm and a 75 mm supplied with 68 and 200 rounds respectively. A 12-cylinder Daimler-Benz MB 509 engine developing 1080 HP allowed a maximum speed of 20 km. 3200 liters of fuel gave a range of 180 km at best.
The Maus test campaign began on June 9, 1944 and continued successfully. The production of 150 copies is planned. At the end of the war, the two prototypes tested in Kummersdorf were destroyed just before the arrival of the Soviet armies.