German SdKfz 184 "Elephant" Tank Destroyer, Ukraine Summer 1944
$435.00

The German SdKfz 184 Elephant Tank Destroyer, originally known as the Ferdinand, played a significant role during the summer of 1944 on the Eastern Front in Ukraine.  Designed as a heavily armored tank destroyer, it was armed with the powerful 88mm Pak 43/2 anti-tank gun, capable of penetrating virtually any Allied armor at long ranges.

During this period, the Elephant was deployed primarily as a defensive weapon, countering Soviet armor in battles such as those around the Brody and Lviv region.  Its thick frontal armor made it nearly impervious to most Soviet anti-tank weapons, allowing it to inflict heavy losses on attacking forces.  However, the Elephant was hindered by its lack of mobility, mechanical reliability issues, and vulnerability to flanking attacks due to its weak side and rear armor.

Despite its shortcomings, the Elephant was a formidable weapon when used in static or semi-static defensive roles, contributing to the temporary slowing of Soviet advances.  However, the growing superiority of Soviet combined arms tactics and the logistical strain on German forces diminished its overall impact.  

Our model has many features including a four figure upcoming crew set on the model and in the hatches.    Though the new crew figures can really work with any tanks for the most part, they were designed with the Elephant/Ferdinand in mind.