The Rye Field Model 5035 Sturmtiger RM61 is a highly detailed 1/35 scale model kit of the German Sturmtiger assault gun, armed with the massive 38cm RW61 rocket launcher. Originally developed as an urban assault vehicle for close support, the Sturmtiger was designed to destroy fortified structures and heavily defend positions. Its formidable armament and heavy armor made it one of the most iconic German armored vehicles of WWII. This kit by Rye Field Model captures the Sturmtiger’s imposing presence with impressive accuracy and detailed parts, making it ideal for advanced modelers and WWII enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Scale: 1/35, offering detailed parts and compatibility with other 1/35 military kits for realistic dioramas.
- Detailed 38cm RW61 Rocket Launcher: The massive 38cm rocket launcher is intricately detailed, featuring a fully textured barrel interior and exterior, breech details, and shell-loading apparatus. This weapon was designed for launching short-range, high-explosive projectiles, and the model captures this feature with precision.
- Interior Detail: The kit includes parts for a detailed interior, featuring the shell storage racks, floor plates, loading mechanisms, and other internal equipment. This is ideal for modelers who want to display the interior of this unique assault vehicle.
- Photo-Etched (PE) Parts: Includes PE parts for fine details, such as engine grilles, fender supports, and other thin components, enhancing precision and scale accuracy.
- Individual Track Links: The model features individual track links for a realistic look, allowing natural sag and flexibility. The tracks are detailed and durable, perfect for diorama setups on rough terrain.
- Highly Detailed Suspension System: The kit includes detailed suspension with accurately molded bogies, road wheels, and return rollers, capturing the Sturmtiger’s heavy-duty structure.
- Clear Parts for Periscopes and Viewing Ports: Clear parts are provided for periscopes and other vision ports, adding depth and a realistic look to these details.
- Optional Open or Closed Hatches: The kit includes parts for open or closed hatch configurations, enabling modelers to display the vehicle in a way that best fits their vision, including potential crew figure additions or showing off the detailed interior.
- Shell and Stowage Options: The model includes stowage options like shells for the 38cm launcher, additional tools, and spare parts, allowing modelers to depict a fully armed and combat-ready vehicle.
- Multiple Marking Options: The kit provides decals for several marking options, reflecting different units and time periods, giving flexibility for personalization and historical accuracy.
- Instruction Manual with Detailed Diagrams: The manual includes step-by-step instructions and painting guides, ensuring a smooth assembly process. It also offers guidance on assembling the complex parts, including the interior components and the launcher system.
The Rye Field Model 5035 Sturmtiger RM61 is a highly detailed and historically accurate model that brings to life one of WWII’s most unique armored vehicles. With its detailed interior, customizable features, and precision parts, this model is perfect for serious modelers looking to capture the power and uniqueness of the Sturmtiger in their collection.
Sturmtiger:
The Sturmtiger was a German World War II assault gun designed for urban warfare and the destruction of heavily fortified positions. Officially designated the 38 cm RW 61 auf Sturmmörser Tiger, the Sturmtiger was built on the chassis of the Tiger I heavy tank and was armed with a massive 380 mm rocket-propelled mortar. Developed in response to the challenging urban combat of battles such as Stalingrad and the need for powerful close-quarters support weapons, the Sturmtiger offered a unique blend of firepower and armor, though it was produced in very limited numbers.
Design and Armament
The Sturmtiger’s most striking feature was its 38 cm Raketenwerfer 61 rocket launcher, a naval-origin rocket mortar adapted for land combat. This weapon fired a 1.5-meter-long, 351-kilogram projectile that could penetrate reinforced structures, bunkers, and even demolish entire buildings. Each projectile contained a warhead capable of immense blast effects, which made the Sturmtiger highly effective in urban and fortified area assaults. The rockets had an approximate range of up to 6,000 meters, but the primary use of the Sturmtiger was in short-range, close-quarters assault scenarios where heavy fortifications needed to be destroyed.
The Sturmtiger could only carry 14 rounds due to the enormous size and weight of the ammunition. To handle these massive shells, the vehicle was equipped with an internal crane to load rounds into the weapon. Reloading was a slow process, making the Sturmtiger less suited for rapid engagements and better for pre-planned assault operations.
Armor and Survivability
The Sturmtiger’s armor protection was formidable, even by late-war standards. Retaining the Tiger I’s original thick armor, the Sturmtiger had 150 mm of frontal armor and heavily armored sides, which provided significant protection against most anti-tank weapons, especially in close-quarter urban combat where ambushes were frequent. This level of armor allowed the Sturmtiger to withstand substantial punishment, which was critical for its role as a front-line assault weapon. However, its heavy armor and weapon contributed to a high weight, impacting mobility.
Operational Role and Legacy
The Sturmtiger’s role was specialized: it was primarily used to support infantry assaults on fortified areas, particularly in urban environments. Its first combat deployments were during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, where it demonstrated its destructive power against strongholds and barricades. However, its operational deployment was limited due to slow production and the specific logistical challenges of its massive ammunition.
Only around 18 Sturmtigers were built, making it a rare but memorable weapon on the battlefield. While its tactical role was limited, the Sturmtiger left a lasting impression due to its sheer firepower and unique design. As a weapon of engineering ingenuity combined with battlefield necessity, the Sturmtiger stands as a distinctive example of German heavy assault vehicles, representing both the strengths and limitations of specialized wartime innovations.
