In an effort to get sizable numbers of tank destroyers into service along the Eastern Front, the Waffenant embarked upon a series of hurried improvizations throughout 1942-43. Eventually, a special weapons-carrier vehicle based on the PzKpfw IV chassis was developed, which was adapted to take the 8.8cm PaK 43 gun. The first of these so-called Nashorns ("Rhinocerous") entered service in 1943. The Nashorn had an unusually high profile that was difficult to conceal, a problem increased by poor armor with only the driver being fully protected. It was therefore used as a long-range weapon, in contrast to most other tank destroyers. The powerful gun made the Nashorn a potent battlefield weapon, but it was too bulky for its prescribed role and only the lack of anything better kept it on the production line as long as it did. Some 433 were built before production ceased in 1944.

Pictured here is a 1:50 scale replica of a German Nashorn self-propelled tank destroyer that was attached to schwere Panzerjager Abteilung 519, then deployed to the eastern front during 1944. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-inches
Width: 2-inches

Release Date: July 2021

Historical Account: "The Destroyers and the Destroyed" - Schwere Panzerjager-Abteilung 519 was formed on August 25th, 1943, from Arbeitstab Hoppe and was equipped with Hornisse tank destroyers.

In July 1944, it was almost completely destroyed and was withdrawn to Mielau where it was refitted with one company of 17 Jagdpanthers and two companies of Sturmgeschutz III assault guns. In October, it was on the western front under LXXXI Armeekorps. During the fighting it suffered heavy losses and had an average of just three Jagdpanthers ready for action in November and December.