AFV Club 35S52 – British Tank Churchill Mk.VI w/ordnance QF 75mm Mk V Gun

The AFV Club 35S52 Churchill Mk.VI is a 1/35 scale model kit representing the Churchill Mk.VI, a late-war version of the British infantry tank known for its heavy armor and adaptability on the battlefield. The Churchill series of tanks played a vital role during WWII, excelling in difficult terrain and supporting infantry in key operations. The Mk.VI variant was armed with the 75mm gun, offering improved firepower over earlier models. AFV Club’s kit brings this tank to life with remarkable detail and precision, making it a standout choice for modelers interested in WWII British armor.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1/35, suitable for detailed standalone models or diorama settings.
• Accurate Representation of the Churchill Mk.VI:
• Captures the unique design features of the Mk.VI variant, including the updated turret and armament.
• The hull reflects the Churchill’s iconic boxy shape and thick armor plating.
• Detailed 75mm Gun:
• The main armament is accurately reproduced, with a detailed breech and barrel.
• The gun can be elevated or depressed for versatile posing.
• Highly Detailed Tracks and Suspension:
• Features the Churchill’s distinctive track system with individual track links for realistic assembly.
• Suspension components are finely molded, capturing the complex bogie setup.
• Photo-Etched (PE) Parts:
• Includes PE components for elements such as engine grilles, light guards, and other fine details, enhancing realism.
• Optional Open or Closed Hatches:
• Hatches can be modeled in open or closed positions, allowing for interior detailing or crew figure integration.
• Realistic Hull Detailing:
• Includes weld seams, rivets, and textured surfaces to replicate the Churchill’s rugged construction.
• Clear Parts for Lights and Optics:
• Clear components for headlights, periscopes, and gunner optics provide a lifelike finish.
• External Accessories and Stowage Options:
• Includes optional tools, spare parts, and stowage items to customize the tank for combat or supply roles.
• Decal and Marking Options:
• Offers markings for multiple British units, allowing modelers to represent specific campaigns, such as the Normandy invasion or battles in Northwest Europe.
• Instruction Manual:
• Detailed and easy-to-follow instructions with clear assembly diagrams and painting guides for accuracy.

Historical Significance:

The Churchill Mk.VI saw action in late WWII, where its upgraded firepower and heavy armor proved effective in supporting infantry and breaching fortified positions. Its adaptability made it a reliable asset in operations across Western Europe.

The AFV Club 35S52 Churchill Mk.VI is a highly detailed and historically accurate kit, perfect for modelers who enjoy British WWII armor. Its intricate parts and realistic features make it a rewarding project for enthusiasts aiming to recreate one of the Allies’ most iconic tanks.

Churchill Mk.V:

The Churchill Mk.V was a British heavy infantry tank introduced during World War II as part of the Churchill series. Renowned for its robust armor and adaptability, the Mk.V variant was developed to fulfill a specialized role: providing close support to infantry and dealing with fortified positions. It replaced the standard 6-pounder gun of earlier Churchill models with a 95 mm howitzer, making it an effective weapon for assaulting enemy fortifications and supporting ground troops with high-explosive firepower.

Design and Armament

The primary feature distinguishing the Churchill Mk.V from other variants was its 95 mm howitzer, mounted in the turret. This weapon was designed for short-range fire support, delivering high-explosive rounds capable of neutralizing enemy bunkers, pillboxes, and entrenched positions. While the howitzer lacked the anti-tank capabilities of the 6-pounder, its explosive shells provided invaluable assistance in assault scenarios where suppressing infantry and fortifications was the priority.

The Churchill Mk.V retained the core features of the Churchill series, including its thick armor and emphasis on protection. With frontal armor up to 102 mm, the tank was well-protected against most anti-tank weapons of the time. The armor’s vertical arrangement sacrificed sloping for simplicity in manufacturing but offered substantial resilience in battlefield conditions. Additionally, the tank was equipped with a coaxial 7.92 mm Besa machine gun for defense against infantry.

Mobility and Engineering

The Churchill Mk.V was powered by the reliable Bedford 12-cylinder engine, producing 350 horsepower, which allowed for a maximum speed of around 24 km/h (15 mph). Though slower than many contemporaries, the Churchill was designed for rugged terrain and excelled at climbing steep slopes, crossing obstacles, and navigating the muddy or uneven ground typical of battlefields in Western Europe. Its wide tracks provided excellent weight distribution, further enhancing its off-road capability.

The tank’s size and weight, however, limited its strategic mobility, requiring careful planning for transport and deployment. Despite this, its performance in combat zones justified its logistical challenges.

Operational Role and Legacy

Deployed primarily in 1944 and 1945, the Churchill Mk.V was used by the British Army in operations such as the Normandy Campaign and the advance through Northwest Europe. Its ability to deliver effective fire support made it a valuable tool for infantry assaults and breaching fortified enemy defenses.

Although overshadowed by more versatile vehicles later in the war, the Churchill Mk.V remains a testament to British ingenuity in tank design, emphasizing protection, adaptability, and close cooperation with infantry. Its role in achieving Allied success in key battles highlights its significance in the evolution of armored warfare.