In June 1942, Porsche of Stuttgart was ordered by Hitler to start designing a super heavy tank, mounting a 12.8cm gun, and having maximum possible armor. Trials were to commence in May 1943, however, many difficulties arose. For example, the air-cooled motor never materialized, and the V1 vehicle had to be fitted with a modified MB509 aircraft engine, the V2 with a MB517 diesel. The Porsche longitudinal torsion bar suspension had to be abandoned as there was insufficient space for the number of stations needed to carry the continually growing weight. Meanwhile, an order had been placed for a production series of 150, but in October 1943, that was cancelled. The V1 prototype was tested with a simulated turret in December 12943, and with a turret and armament in June 1944. The turretless V2 started tests in September 1944, but the engine was destroyed in an accident and was not replaced until April 1945. Both prototypes were eventually blown up at Kummersdorf.

Pictured here is a Maus super heavy tank with a mock-up turret. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 5-3/4-inches
Width: 2-1/2-inches

Release Date: September 2005

Historical Account: "Test, One, Two..." - For most of its life, the working Maus prototypes were tested around Kummersdorf and at the proving grounds in Boblingen. The V1 and V2 versions were also involved in one known mission in combat that ended in both tanks being overrun and captured by Soviet forces.