Unimax all-new 1:16 scale rendition of Michael Wittmann's Tiger I heavy tank comes with a removable engine, 1:16 scale replica of Michael Wittmann, and numbered collector card. Also comes with diecast ammunition, oil drums, and tank traps. Tank sports a rotating turret, elevating gun and opening hatches and comes slathered with a layer of distressed zimmerit anti-magnetic mine paste just like the real thing! Limited Edition: Only 2,000 pieces produced.
Dimensions:
Length: 25-inches
Width: 9-inches
Height: 7-1/2-inches
Release Date: November 2006
Historical Account: "Mars Triumphant" - On June 13th, 1944, 2 Kompanie of SS Panzerabteilung 101, led by Tiger ace Michael Wittmann, took up positions on a hill overlooking the town of Villers Bocage. Wittmann's orders were to stop the advance guard of the British 7th Armored Division (the famous 'Desert Rats') from advancing through the village, which would throw open the road to the city of Caen. At about 8:00 AM, Wittmann's company attacked a column of British armor travelling along a sunken road near the town. Wittmann himself waited until the British column came within 100 meters of his position before opening fire. Within minutes, his tank destroyed the column's leading and trailing vehicles, thereby blocking the escape route for the rest of the column.
From the cover of a small wood, Wittmann's Tiger tank systematically eliminated the rest of the British column, destroying some 25 Cromwell and Firefly tanks, and laying waste to another 28 vehicles (among them some 14 half-tracks and 14 Bren gun carriers) of the 4th County of London Yeomanry Regiment ("Sharpshooters"), 22nd Armored Brigade. Meanwhile, the other 3 Tigers and PzKpfw IV of Panzerabteilung 101, which were firing in support, destroyed eight more British tanks as they attempted to move into the town proper. In the ensuing street battle, Wittmann's Tiger had its track blown off by a British 6-pounder, forcing the crew to bail out and take cover. Two other Tigers were eventually destroyed by infantry-crewed PIAT anti-tank guns. Despite these losses, however, Wittmann's command succeeded at their task, denying the all-important town from falling into British hands.