Neubaufahrzeug Nr.3-5 – Trumpeter

Neubaufahrzeug Nr.3-5 - Trumpeter 05529

Development of the Neubaufahrzeug (German for “new construction vehicle”) started in 1933 when the then Reichswehr gave a contract for the development of a Grobtraktor (heavy tractor) to both Rheinmetall and Krupp. Grosstractor was a codename for the development of a heavy tank, Germany being still forbidden to develop tanks under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

The two Neubaufahrzeug designs resembled each other to a great extent, the main difference being the weapons placement. Each had a main turret armed with a 75 mm KwK L/24 main gun and secondary 37 mm KwK L/45. Rheinmetall’s design mounted the second gun above the 75 mm KwK L/24, while the Krupp design had it mounted next to the 75 mm KwK L/24. Both designs had a secondary turret mounted to the front and the rear of the main turret. These turrets were slightly adapted Panzer I turrets, with the standard machinegun armament.

Rheinmetall’s design was designated the PzKpfw NbFz V (‘PanzerKampfwagen Neubaufahrzeug V‘), and the Krupp design the PzKpfw NbFz VI. It was intended that these designs would fulfill the role of heavy tank in the armored forces, but the design proved to be too complex and unreliable for this role. Development nevertheless continued in order for the nascent German military to gain experience with multi-turreted tanks.

Image via Wikipedia

Image by rangermaier11 via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

The Neubaufahrzeug consists of over 1160 parts
the kit w/refined detail
multi-slide moulded lower hull , upper hull and turret
Over 250 individual tracks links
Included Photo-etche
Paint Schemes German Army
Metal gun barrel
Length:192.7 mm Width: 82.87mm