First Legion, Ltd.
Item Number: KUR020
German Panther, D5 company 3 platoon 53 PzBat 39 PzReg--Attached to Großdeutschland Division, The Battle of Kursk--tank with Metal Working Tracks and Suspension
We are pleased to present you our first vehicle for our new Battle of Kursk series, KUR020 German Pz.Kpfw. V Ausf D at the battle of Kursk.
At the Battle of Kursk in July 1943, the Panther Ausf. D tanks attached to Panzer-Regiment Großdeutschland were intended to serve as the division’s primary armored spearhead during the southern pincer of Operation Zitadelle, leading the breakthrough of heavily fortified Soviet defenses and engaging T-34 formations at long range using the superior firepower and frontal protection of the 75 mm KwK 42 gun and sloped armor; concentrated in a temporarily attached Panther battalion. They were expected to open the way for following Panzer IVs and infantry as Großdeutschland advanced toward Oboyan, but in practice, their role was severely constrained by catastrophic mechanical unreliability, with large numbers breaking down or catching fire before or shortly after entering combat, forcing the surviving Panthers to be used in reduced, piecemeal groups that nonetheless demonstrated strong tactical effectiveness when operational, destroying Soviet tanks at distances beyond effective return fire, while contributing less to the overall offensive momentum than German planners had intended.
The model is made from a mixed media (resin, metal, plastic, brass, photo etch, etc...) and has the following features:
- Indivdiually linked metal tracks
- Fully functional suspension
- Opening & Closing Hatches
- Fully Rotating Turret
- Gun Barrel Raises and Lowers
- Full Hull Shurtzen Skirts that are fully configurable - use some or all, your choice!
- Extremely realistic weathering and superb sculpting and painting
THE BATTLE OF KURSK
The Battle of Kursk, fought from July 5 to August 23, 1943, was a pivotal engagement during World War II and marked the largest tank battle in history. Located in the Kursk salient in western Russia, it involved massive confrontations between the Soviet Red Army and Nazi Germany's Wehrmacht. The battle began with a German offensive, Operation Citadel, aimed at encircling and destroying Soviet forces. However, the Soviets, forewarned and heavily fortified, repelled the attack with a robust defense and counterattacks. The battle saw the largest concentration of tanks, with thousands on each side, and was marked by fierce combat and extensive use of artillery and aircraft. The Soviet victory at Kursk not only thwarted the German strategic ambitions, but also marked the beginning of a sustained Soviet offensive that would eventually push the Axis forces back towards Berlin.
First Legion Toy Soldiers are hand painted collectibles that contain various metals including lead and are therefore not suitable for children. Further, as each figure is hand painted, slight variations may exist between the figure shown in the photo and the actual figure received.
Please note that the tracks may be a bit stiff or tight at first, but will loosen up with use.
60mm 1/30th Scale Hand Produced Vehicles for collectors from the World War II product range.
Due to be released in FEBRUARY 2026.
