COMET/AUTHENTICAST

UK Army Tank

#5009 CROMWELL III Cruiser Tank

WW2 Metal ID Type model 1/108 scale

(Model has Replacement Barrel made to spec)

This is the Comet-Authenticast Model #5009 of the British Army CROMWELL MK III Cruiser tank produced from1944 to 1945, designed to supplement the earlier Cruiser Tanks as a better compromise of Armour, reliable Engine, Speed and Gun needed.  The desired heavier guns wasn’t available at the time, so the 76mm was fitted.   The CROMWELL went through designs, the A23, A24 and final A27, later known as CAVALIER, CENTAUR and CROMWELL respectively.

 The CROMWELL first saw combat in the Battle of Normandy and was used concurrently with the more prolific M4 Shermans.   Some 3,000 CROMWELLs were produces, as well as 950 similar Liberty engine CENTAUR. Due to the need to be able to challenge PANTHER and TIGER tanks improvements led to the 17 pdr. armed CHALLENGER, then both replaced by the 77mm COMET tank

A few companies of CROMWELLs were used in the Korean War, and some served in the Israeli, Greek and Czechoslovakia.   One was captured by the Communists, then re-captured and operated by the Marines for a short while.

 The CROMWELL MK III weighed some 27(+) tones, and 20’ long.  It came with a 64mmt hull and 76mm turret frontal armour.  Powered by a Rolls Royce Meteor 12 cylinder petrol engine driving it up to 40 MPH.  It was armed with a QF 75mm gun, and two 7.92mm Besa Machine guns, with a crew of five.

  This model #5009 was manufactured under the brand names of Comet or Authenticast from mid-1940’s to 1960’s.  Comet/Authenticast was founded by the Sloman Brothers in New York prior to World War Two.  They went on to produce Metal Ship, Plane and Tank Identification Models for the US Armed Forces during the War.  Post-War, they continued producing their metal models until bought out by Superior Models in the early 1960’s.  Superior sold the Tanks for a limited time.   

This model is made out of white metal and painted Olive Drab and comes completely assembled.  The model is a little over 2 1/2” long body, with a 3/4” gun barrel.  The gun barrel is a replacement measured to the same dimensions as an original.  It weighs about 6 oz.   This model is in Very Good condition, without the original box packaging.  This model has a pretty good paint with a few shiny edges (see pictures). It will be packed and secured safely for transit to you.