It’s about time I finished something. I do much better at starting projects…[xx(]
I started this kit for the Kursk GB this summer, but as usual, I got bogged down in detailing and getting the perfect amount of weathering. After a week of finishing touches, I’m finally pronouncing it done.
This model represents Ferdinand #231 of 2/653, commanded by Oberfeldwebel Otto Hecker. He was one of the highest-scoring Ferdinand commanders during the Kursk offensive, with 27 confirmed kills.
All told, Ferdinands of the 653rd Heavy Panzerjager Battalion scored a whopping 320 kills during the Kursk offensive, especially impressive considering the horrible employment of super-heavy tank destroyers as infantry-support assault guns. Hecker’s crew was driven to desperate straights trying to assault trenches full of infantry in a 75-ton vehicle with no MG and only ten rounds of HE ammo! Like many, his crew resorted to firing an MG-42 from the pistol ports, and even down the main gun barrel while the gunner attempted to follow infantry with the massive 88mm KwK 43. 231 was one of the few Ferdinands to survive the Kursk debacle, but was destroyed in the Soviet counter offensive in September.
The SdKfz 184 Ferdinand also holds the distinction of holding the longest probable tank kill in history, supposedly destroying a T-34/76 from the amazing distance of 4.6 miles! Although it’s an uncomfirmed kill and the official longest goes to a British Challenger I forty years later, it is nonetheless a testament to the awesome power of this vehicle, when employed properly and in the hands of a skilled crew. Even in the final days of the war, the Ferdinand remained the one vehicle that the Soviets found nearly impossible to deal with, it being the only German vehicle the heavy IS-II and ISU-122 could not knock out unless they were under 100 yards away.
If anyone (with fast internet) wants ultra-high resolution 4000x3000 pictures, I can upload a few[;)]
To think I was about to scold you for wanting to join another GB, when I recall that this bad-boy wasn’t in the hopper yet. Well just beautiful. Your weathering just put this dude over-the-top. I like the little touch of the MG sticking out the port-hole. If I had one critique, is that this was the Ferdy’s first foray and your camo looks like it’s been in the field for years. Other than that I really love it. Though you’re a tad late, I still think you earned your badge with all the assistance and support you gave during our Kursk GB.
Hopefully, you’ll join me in the next one: “Hunters GB”.
Wow Hermes! Great work on this brute!! Top notch on the paint and weathering, especially the mud and dirt on the lower hull! Looks like the real thing! I luv the MG42 poking out the rear gun port!![tup]…must have been crazy trying to shoot at infantry with very little visibility! I know you mentioned this in the Kursk GB, but what is the purpose of the red rectangle/square on the rear? Is it some type of ID panel?
Thanks tigerman! I’ll wear the badge with pride[^]
The weathering is based off the only photo of 231, taken in late August, and by then it was pretty faded and dirty. But yeah, if it was a July 5th vehicle, it would need to be cleaner.
Bufflehead, thanks! The Ferdinands used the colored rectangles for indentification; **1 was a plain colored rectangle, **2 had a diagonal white bar through the rectangle, **3 had a white X, and **4 had a white cross. 1/653 used yellow, 2/653 used red, and 3/653 used (IIRC) blue.
that is simply beautiful Hermes, like the others I think the weathering is awsome.
Also if you dont mind I have a question, I have that same kit and want to build *113 of 1 Kp. 653. I was reading what you posted and got a little confused, is the solid white rectangle the correct marking? If not what is and would you happen to have any pics of any Ferdinands from any company of the 653? thanks and again great build[:D]
