| HOBBY MASTER COLLECTOR |
| Hobby Master 1/56 Tech Power Series R/C HT0115 - Tiger I Early Production, sPzAbt. 101, S04 Michael Wittmann, Russia, Jan. 1944 |
Hobby Master HT0115 Tiger I
Hobby Master has added so much detail
to this model that while you inspect it you
will envision yourself riding along with
Michael Wittmann. Skillfully painted in an
Eastern Front winter scheme this work of
art bares all the markings of this famous
tank, right down to the 88 kill rings on the
gun barrel. Each kill ring, every number,
masterfully applied exactly as it
appeared over sixty years ago. Hobby
Master gets better with every model
produced and so far this is the crowning
jewel in their 1/56 scale Tiger Is. Michael
Wittmann, the top tank ace of WWII, the
famed Tiger I and Hobby Master, put
them all together and you have what will
become the most sought after die-cast
piece of 2006.
Features:
Die-Cast Model
True to Scale (1:56) Size: 114.3mm not
including cannon - 152.4mm including
cannon x 66.04mm x 53.54 mm (4.5in.
not including cannon - 6in. including
cannon x 2.6in. x 2.1in.)
Highly detailed features
Weathering, cables, tools and insignia ·
Expertly painted
Tampo applied markings
Fully assembled
Rubber tracks
Individual moving wheels
Turret turns manually
Main gun can elevate manually
Tank comes with two micro motors, so
the two tracks can be controlled
separately, just like real tank steering.
They perform actions like running
forward/backward, turning and climbing
inclines.
Three frequencies are available:
27, 40, 49Mhz.
Batteries: Requires 3 x AAA, 1 x 9 volt.
These action models will bring you hours
of fun.
Hobby Master has added so much detail
to this model that while you inspect it you
will envision yourself riding along with
Michael Wittmann. Skillfully painted in an
Eastern Front winter scheme this work of
art bares all the markings of this famous
tank, right down to the 88 kill rings on the
gun barrel. Each kill ring, every number,
masterfully applied exactly as it
appeared over sixty years ago. Hobby
Master gets better with every model
produced and so far this is the crowning
jewel in their 1/56 scale Tiger Is. Michael
Wittmann, the top tank ace of WWII, the
famed Tiger I and Hobby Master, put
them all together and you have what will
become the most sought after die-cast
piece of 2006.
Features:
Die-Cast Model
True to Scale (1:56) Size: 114.3mm not
including cannon - 152.4mm including
cannon x 66.04mm x 53.54 mm (4.5in.
not including cannon - 6in. including
cannon x 2.6in. x 2.1in.)
Highly detailed features
Weathering, cables, tools and insignia ·
Expertly painted
Tampo applied markings
Fully assembled
Rubber tracks
Individual moving wheels
Turret turns manually
Main gun can elevate manually
Tank comes with two micro motors, so
the two tracks can be controlled
separately, just like real tank steering.
They perform actions like running
forward/backward, turning and climbing
inclines.
Three frequencies are available:
27, 40, 49Mhz.
Batteries: Requires 3 x AAA, 1 x 9 volt.
These action models will bring you hours
of fun.
History for Michael Wittmann
The number of events in this mans life are so many that the only way to record them is with a time line.
SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann was the most successful and famous German tank commander of World War
II.
He received driver training on Sd.Kfz.222 (a four-wheeled light armored car) and then Sd.Kfz.232 (a six-wheeled
heavy armored car) and proved to be an excellent driver.
1939, SS-Unterscharführer Michael Wittmann commanded an Sd.Kfz.232 of the reconnaissance elements of LSSAH
and took part in the Polish Campaign.
In October of 1939, Michael Wittmann joined the 5th Panzerspähkompanie (the depot company of the
Leibstandarte) based at Berlin (Lichterfelde), which was an assault gun "academy".
In February of 1940, Wittmann was transferred to the newly formed SS-Sturm-Batterie (assault gun battery -
Sturmartillerie) of LSSAH, equipped with Sturmgeschutz Ausf A assault guns.
In late 1940, Michael Wittmann started his true panzer combat career in the Balkans (Yugoslavia and Greece). While
in Greece, Wittmann was in command of the platoon of Sturmgeschutz III Ausf As (part of LSSAH SS-Sturm-Batterie)
and fought there until mid 1941.
On June 11th of 1941, Wittmann along with LSSAH was transferred to the east, in preparations for the upcoming
operation "Barbarossa", which started on June 22nd. LSSAH was ordered to advance into southern Russia.
On July 12th of 1941, Michael Wittmann received an Iron Cross (Second Class) for destruction of Soviet tanks.
Some time later, Wittmann was wounded in combat, but remained with his unit and received a badge for his action.
On September 8th of 1941, he received Iron Cross (First Class) followed after fighting in the Rostov area by the
Panzer Assault He received another badge, this time for destroying six Soviet tanks in single engagement. Wittmann
was also promoted to the rank of SS-Oberscharführer.
On June 5th of 1942, because of his outstanding service Wittmann was accepted as a cadet for the officer training
in the SS Junkerschule in Bad Tölz (Bavaria).
On September 5th of 1942, Wittmann left Bad Tölz school as a Panzer instructor (SS-Panzerausbildungs und
Ersatz-Abteilung).
Toward the end of January of 1943, "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" was transferred to the Eastern Front.
On December 21st of 1942, Wittmann was promoted to the rank of SS-Untersturmführer and on December 24th, he
joined the 13th Kompanie of Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.
Wittmann was put in the command of Panzer III Ausf L/M platoon of Tiger company.
In the early spring of 1943, Wittmann joined the Tiger company, and left his Panzer III support section.
On July 5th of 1943, Wittmann started his combat career on Tiger Is during the Operation Citadel (Zitadelle).
On the first day of action, Wittmann destroyed two anti-tanks guns and thirteen T-34s, while saving Helmut Wendorff's
platoon, which ran into trouble.
On July 7th and 8th, Wittmann destroyed two T-34s, two SU-122s and three T-60/70s.
On July 12th, Wittmann destroyed eight Soviet tanks, three anti-tank guns and one gun battery.
This operation finished on the 17th of July 1943, and included the battle of Kharkov and Kursk along with other
engagements. During this time Wittmann's Tiger destroyed 30 Soviet tanks along with 28 guns.
On July 29th of 1943, 13th company was used to form schwere SS Panzer Abteilungen 101, which was then
attached to LSSAH.
In August of 1943, LSSAH was transferred to Italy.
In October of 1943, 1st SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" was reorganized as 1st SS
Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler".
Also in October of 1943, after the start of Soviet Autumn Offensive, LSSAH was transferred back to the Eastern
Front (Kiev area).
On October 13th, Wittmann's Tiger destroyed twenty T-34s along with twenty three infantry and anti-tank guns.
On January 13th of 1944, Michael Wittmann received the Knight's Cross for his outstanding service to the
Fatherland.
From July of 1943 to the beginning of January 1944 he has destroyed 56 enemy AFVs, including T 34s and super
heavy SPGs.
On January 8th and 9th he and his platoon halted and destroyed breakthrough attempts of a Soviet tank Brigade,
and in that battle he destroyed a further ten vehicles.
On January 13, he destroyed nineteen T 34s and three super-heavy SP guns. His total then stood at 88 tanks and
SPGs.
On January 20th, 1944 Wittmann was promoted to the rank of SS-Obersturmfuhrer.
January 30th 1944, Wittmann received the following telegram from Adolf Hitler himself: "In thankful appreciation of
your heroic actions in the battle for the future of our people, I award you as the 380th soldier of the German
Wehrmacht, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Adolf Hitler.”
On February 2nd of 1944, Wittmann received the Oak Leafs to his Knights Cross from the Führer personally. The
88 white rings (kills) were painted on the barrel of his tank for the occasion and the picture was taken.
During the period from February 29th to March 2nd of 1944, the larger part of the company was transferred to
Mons in Belgium. At the time of the transfer, Wittmann received the command of 2nd Kompanie of sSSPzAbt 101 of
LSSAH.
On March 1st, Michael Wittmann married Hildegard Burmester. Wittmann had become a national hero and traveled
the country boosting morale.
In May of 1944, Wittmann re-joined the sSSPzAbt 101 of the LSSAH, which was stationed in the area of Lisieux in
Normandy, France.
On the June 6th of 1944 (D-Day), Wittmann got a new late production model Tiger I #205.
From June 6th to 12th sSSPzAbt 101 moved to the invasion front in Normandy. On their way, Wittmann's 2nd
Kompanie was reduced to six Tiger Is by Allied air attacks.
On June 13th, the battle began near Bayeux area and Wittmann's company destroyed the entire 4th County of
London Yeomanry Regiment traveling on the road No.175 to Villers-Bocage, at the Hill No.213.
His orders were to stop the advance of the 22nd Armored Brigade of the British 7th Armored Division (the famous
'Desert Rats') from advancing through the township.
Wittmann attacked the British column destroying a Sherman Firefly and Cromwell IV, and headed south to attack the
rest of the enemy transport column. After knocking out 8 half-tracks, 4 Bren Carriers and 2 6 pounder anti-tank
guns, Wittmann reached the crossroad with the road to Tilly-sur-Seulles.
At the crossroad, he destroyed 3 Stuart tanks from a recon unit and reached the outskirts of the town of Villers-
Bocage.
While in town, Wittmann destroyed 4 Cromwell IV tanks and a single half-track and turned his tank onto Rue Pasteur.
Following up the street, he knocked out a Cromwell IV and a Sherman OP tank, reaching the main street of Villers-
Bocage. At the end of Rue Pasteur, Wittmann's Tiger was hit by Sherman Firefly from B Squadron and he decided to
turn back as being too far forward without any infantry support and in a build-up area.
On his way back, Wittmann's Tiger was attacked by another Cromwell IV, which he destroyed as well.
Back at the Tilly crossroad, British soldiers from 1st Rifle Brigade opened fire at Wittmann with their 6 pdr anti-tank
gun, immobilizing his #205 Tiger. Wittmann and his crew managed to escape on foot towards the Panzer Lehr
positions 7km away near Orbois.
On July 22nd, after his success at Villers-Bocage, Wittmann received the Swords for his Knight Cross with Oak Leafs
and at the same time he also received the rank of SS-Haupsturmfuhrer.
During July of 1944, Wittmann fought near Caen area until August. At this time Wittmann received a new Tiger #007.
On August 8th of 1944, a new battle began near Cintheaux. It would prove to be Wittmann's final battle, his Tiger
was destroyed and its entire crew killed.
There are many who claimed to have destroyed this legend and his tank, a British Firefly was said to have done it
from 800m. Also there were claims that an RAF Typhoon armed with high explosive rockets had accomplished what
so many before had failed to do. The 1st Polish Armored Division, 4th Canadian Armored Division and the 33rd
British Independent Armored Brigade all laid claim to the kill. Finally, it was proven that Wittmann's Tiger was
destroyed by fire from a British Firefly from "A" Squadron of Northamptonshire Yeomanry. It has been said that
Wittmann didn’t know there were Fireflies in the area because if he had he would have approached the attack
differently.
The number of events in this mans life are so many that the only way to record them is with a time line.
SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer Michael Wittmann was the most successful and famous German tank commander of World War
II.
He received driver training on Sd.Kfz.222 (a four-wheeled light armored car) and then Sd.Kfz.232 (a six-wheeled
heavy armored car) and proved to be an excellent driver.
1939, SS-Unterscharführer Michael Wittmann commanded an Sd.Kfz.232 of the reconnaissance elements of LSSAH
and took part in the Polish Campaign.
In October of 1939, Michael Wittmann joined the 5th Panzerspähkompanie (the depot company of the
Leibstandarte) based at Berlin (Lichterfelde), which was an assault gun "academy".
In February of 1940, Wittmann was transferred to the newly formed SS-Sturm-Batterie (assault gun battery -
Sturmartillerie) of LSSAH, equipped with Sturmgeschutz Ausf A assault guns.
In late 1940, Michael Wittmann started his true panzer combat career in the Balkans (Yugoslavia and Greece). While
in Greece, Wittmann was in command of the platoon of Sturmgeschutz III Ausf As (part of LSSAH SS-Sturm-Batterie)
and fought there until mid 1941.
On June 11th of 1941, Wittmann along with LSSAH was transferred to the east, in preparations for the upcoming
operation "Barbarossa", which started on June 22nd. LSSAH was ordered to advance into southern Russia.
On July 12th of 1941, Michael Wittmann received an Iron Cross (Second Class) for destruction of Soviet tanks.
Some time later, Wittmann was wounded in combat, but remained with his unit and received a badge for his action.
On September 8th of 1941, he received Iron Cross (First Class) followed after fighting in the Rostov area by the
Panzer Assault He received another badge, this time for destroying six Soviet tanks in single engagement. Wittmann
was also promoted to the rank of SS-Oberscharführer.
On June 5th of 1942, because of his outstanding service Wittmann was accepted as a cadet for the officer training
in the SS Junkerschule in Bad Tölz (Bavaria).
On September 5th of 1942, Wittmann left Bad Tölz school as a Panzer instructor (SS-Panzerausbildungs und
Ersatz-Abteilung).
Toward the end of January of 1943, "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" was transferred to the Eastern Front.
On December 21st of 1942, Wittmann was promoted to the rank of SS-Untersturmführer and on December 24th, he
joined the 13th Kompanie of Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.
Wittmann was put in the command of Panzer III Ausf L/M platoon of Tiger company.
In the early spring of 1943, Wittmann joined the Tiger company, and left his Panzer III support section.
On July 5th of 1943, Wittmann started his combat career on Tiger Is during the Operation Citadel (Zitadelle).
On the first day of action, Wittmann destroyed two anti-tanks guns and thirteen T-34s, while saving Helmut Wendorff's
platoon, which ran into trouble.
On July 7th and 8th, Wittmann destroyed two T-34s, two SU-122s and three T-60/70s.
On July 12th, Wittmann destroyed eight Soviet tanks, three anti-tank guns and one gun battery.
This operation finished on the 17th of July 1943, and included the battle of Kharkov and Kursk along with other
engagements. During this time Wittmann's Tiger destroyed 30 Soviet tanks along with 28 guns.
On July 29th of 1943, 13th company was used to form schwere SS Panzer Abteilungen 101, which was then
attached to LSSAH.
In August of 1943, LSSAH was transferred to Italy.
In October of 1943, 1st SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler" was reorganized as 1st SS
Panzer Division "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler".
Also in October of 1943, after the start of Soviet Autumn Offensive, LSSAH was transferred back to the Eastern
Front (Kiev area).
On October 13th, Wittmann's Tiger destroyed twenty T-34s along with twenty three infantry and anti-tank guns.
On January 13th of 1944, Michael Wittmann received the Knight's Cross for his outstanding service to the
Fatherland.
From July of 1943 to the beginning of January 1944 he has destroyed 56 enemy AFVs, including T 34s and super
heavy SPGs.
On January 8th and 9th he and his platoon halted and destroyed breakthrough attempts of a Soviet tank Brigade,
and in that battle he destroyed a further ten vehicles.
On January 13, he destroyed nineteen T 34s and three super-heavy SP guns. His total then stood at 88 tanks and
SPGs.
On January 20th, 1944 Wittmann was promoted to the rank of SS-Obersturmfuhrer.
January 30th 1944, Wittmann received the following telegram from Adolf Hitler himself: "In thankful appreciation of
your heroic actions in the battle for the future of our people, I award you as the 380th soldier of the German
Wehrmacht, the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Adolf Hitler.”
On February 2nd of 1944, Wittmann received the Oak Leafs to his Knights Cross from the Führer personally. The
88 white rings (kills) were painted on the barrel of his tank for the occasion and the picture was taken.
During the period from February 29th to March 2nd of 1944, the larger part of the company was transferred to
Mons in Belgium. At the time of the transfer, Wittmann received the command of 2nd Kompanie of sSSPzAbt 101 of
LSSAH.
On March 1st, Michael Wittmann married Hildegard Burmester. Wittmann had become a national hero and traveled
the country boosting morale.
In May of 1944, Wittmann re-joined the sSSPzAbt 101 of the LSSAH, which was stationed in the area of Lisieux in
Normandy, France.
On the June 6th of 1944 (D-Day), Wittmann got a new late production model Tiger I #205.
From June 6th to 12th sSSPzAbt 101 moved to the invasion front in Normandy. On their way, Wittmann's 2nd
Kompanie was reduced to six Tiger Is by Allied air attacks.
On June 13th, the battle began near Bayeux area and Wittmann's company destroyed the entire 4th County of
London Yeomanry Regiment traveling on the road No.175 to Villers-Bocage, at the Hill No.213.
His orders were to stop the advance of the 22nd Armored Brigade of the British 7th Armored Division (the famous
'Desert Rats') from advancing through the township.
Wittmann attacked the British column destroying a Sherman Firefly and Cromwell IV, and headed south to attack the
rest of the enemy transport column. After knocking out 8 half-tracks, 4 Bren Carriers and 2 6 pounder anti-tank
guns, Wittmann reached the crossroad with the road to Tilly-sur-Seulles.
At the crossroad, he destroyed 3 Stuart tanks from a recon unit and reached the outskirts of the town of Villers-
Bocage.
While in town, Wittmann destroyed 4 Cromwell IV tanks and a single half-track and turned his tank onto Rue Pasteur.
Following up the street, he knocked out a Cromwell IV and a Sherman OP tank, reaching the main street of Villers-
Bocage. At the end of Rue Pasteur, Wittmann's Tiger was hit by Sherman Firefly from B Squadron and he decided to
turn back as being too far forward without any infantry support and in a build-up area.
On his way back, Wittmann's Tiger was attacked by another Cromwell IV, which he destroyed as well.
Back at the Tilly crossroad, British soldiers from 1st Rifle Brigade opened fire at Wittmann with their 6 pdr anti-tank
gun, immobilizing his #205 Tiger. Wittmann and his crew managed to escape on foot towards the Panzer Lehr
positions 7km away near Orbois.
On July 22nd, after his success at Villers-Bocage, Wittmann received the Swords for his Knight Cross with Oak Leafs
and at the same time he also received the rank of SS-Haupsturmfuhrer.
During July of 1944, Wittmann fought near Caen area until August. At this time Wittmann received a new Tiger #007.
On August 8th of 1944, a new battle began near Cintheaux. It would prove to be Wittmann's final battle, his Tiger
was destroyed and its entire crew killed.
There are many who claimed to have destroyed this legend and his tank, a British Firefly was said to have done it
from 800m. Also there were claims that an RAF Typhoon armed with high explosive rockets had accomplished what
so many before had failed to do. The 1st Polish Armored Division, 4th Canadian Armored Division and the 33rd
British Independent Armored Brigade all laid claim to the kill. Finally, it was proven that Wittmann's Tiger was
destroyed by fire from a British Firefly from "A" Squadron of Northamptonshire Yeomanry. It has been said that
Wittmann didn’t know there were Fireflies in the area because if he had he would have approached the attack
differently.
Historical Background of the Tiger I
The Tiger I was Germany’s response to the Russian T-34. With
it’s thick front hull and turret armour plate - in some places up to
100mm thick - and powerful 88mm L/56 KwK main gun, this was
a formidable beast when Allied forces came in contact. The
88mm was a deadly killer at extremely long range when used in
the open flat landscape of Russia. A convertion of the famous
88mm Flak gun, the Tiger’s cannon could fire a selection of
projectiles. They were armor piercing, high explosive or high
explosive anti-tank rounds and each Tiger was able to carry up
to 92 rounds of which usually 50% were armor piercing. These
Aps could rip through 112mm of steel at an astonishing
distance of 1400 metres. To contend with ground forces or light
vehicles the Tiger had two 7.92mm MG34 machine guns.
While the Tiger I could kill at 1400 metres, the Allied tanks
would have to get extremely close just to score a hit that might
have the slightest chance of doing any harm. However most
times the round would bounce off the frontal armor without
doing any damage.
Once the war shifted to the west the Allies started to exploit the
Tiger’s weaknesses, it’s relatively thin hull top plate and rear. It’
s slow turning turret would also play a big factor in the Tiger’s
defeat, this meant that Allied tanks had a chance to circle
behind the Tiger and fire at its weak rear before the Tiger could
turn to counter the approaching tank. In the west the Tiger didn’
t have the wide open expanses like they did in the east, too
many hedgerows, trees and hills usually made it close in
fighting. This meant that the ability to kill at 1400 metres was
lost and added to the difficulty of maneuvering the huge
machine. The weak upper hull plate and rear soon became the
target of Allied aircraft like the rocket carrying Typhoon.
The Tiger I was Germany’s response to the Russian T-34. With
it’s thick front hull and turret armour plate - in some places up to
100mm thick - and powerful 88mm L/56 KwK main gun, this was
a formidable beast when Allied forces came in contact. The
88mm was a deadly killer at extremely long range when used in
the open flat landscape of Russia. A convertion of the famous
88mm Flak gun, the Tiger’s cannon could fire a selection of
projectiles. They were armor piercing, high explosive or high
explosive anti-tank rounds and each Tiger was able to carry up
to 92 rounds of which usually 50% were armor piercing. These
Aps could rip through 112mm of steel at an astonishing
distance of 1400 metres. To contend with ground forces or light
vehicles the Tiger had two 7.92mm MG34 machine guns.
While the Tiger I could kill at 1400 metres, the Allied tanks
would have to get extremely close just to score a hit that might
have the slightest chance of doing any harm. However most
times the round would bounce off the frontal armor without
doing any damage.
Once the war shifted to the west the Allies started to exploit the
Tiger’s weaknesses, it’s relatively thin hull top plate and rear. It’
s slow turning turret would also play a big factor in the Tiger’s
defeat, this meant that Allied tanks had a chance to circle
behind the Tiger and fire at its weak rear before the Tiger could
turn to counter the approaching tank. In the west the Tiger didn’
t have the wide open expanses like they did in the east, too
many hedgerows, trees and hills usually made it close in
fighting. This meant that the ability to kill at 1400 metres was
lost and added to the difficulty of maneuvering the huge
machine. The weak upper hull plate and rear soon became the
target of Allied aircraft like the rocket carrying Typhoon.
