I've gone Cuckoo

[Centurion3RTR]

Hi all

By T.J.M. Schers, The Netherlands In the aftermath of the failed Arnhem offensive the British 6th Guards Tank Brigade was engaged in heavy fighting to gain control of the small Dutch village called Overloon. It was during these fierce battles that tankers of the 4th Armoured Battalion - Coldstream Guards, one of the 2 tank battalions in the brigade, entered a large barn, only to find a Panther tank of the PanzerAbteiling 2, Panzer Brigade 107.

After some adjustments were made to the appearance of the vehicle (more about that later) this Panther was used to help the artillery barrage on the Geijsteren castle, just north of Venlo, on the Meuse River. The tank was christened “Cuckoo”, which seems to be an appropriate name for such a strange “bird”

In the artillery bombardment on the castle, Cuckoo proved to be a worthy newcomer. After an infantry attack at the castle failed, the decision was made to bombard the castle with artillery. “ The 95mms were a great success, but “Cuckoo”, [………], did best of all, hurling its shells through selected windows with unfailing precision.”

Later, during operation “Blackcock” (In an area to the south of Venlo) Cuckoo was deployed again, now to join in on an attack on the German town called Waldenrath. Cuckoo preformed very well again, it’s mobility was especially noticeable.

The historian wrote; “The road conditions were abominable all day, but whereas the Churchill’s and the Crocodiles, with no ice bars, slid into ditches at every possible opportunity, “Cuckoo” the Panther, eight tons heavier, trundled merrily along with no difficulty at all.”

The next theatre of operations for the 6th Guards Tank Brigade,and the Panther was during operation "Veritable", better known as the battles for the Reichswald. Here Cuckoo's career ended in a sorry way. When heading towards the east of Kleve in Germany the fuel pump broke down, and due to lack of a spare pump the tank had to be abandoned

What i've done here though is built it as if it didn't breakdown, the Coldstream Guards got some more spares and it went on to the end of the war. Plus i had the idea of doing "Cuckoo" half way through the build lol. Right, the kit. Tamiya Panther "G" fitted with Eduard photo etch zimmerit and Airwaves engine grills. I wanted to have the weight on display so cut all the tabs off the hull so the suspension could be shown working. Anyway, i'll shut up and let you have a look.

Have fun, John

View attachment 33650View attachment 33651View attachment 33652View attachment 33653View attachment 33654View attachment 33655View attachment 33656View attachment 33657View attachment 33658View attachment 33659View attachment 33660View attachment 33661View attachment 33662View attachment 33663View attachment 33664View attachment 33665

View attachment 38321

View attachment 38322

View attachment 38323

View attachment 38324

View attachment 38325

View attachment 38326

View attachment 38327

View attachment 38328

View attachment 38329

View attachment 38330

View attachment 38331

View attachment 38332

View attachment 38333

View attachment 38334

View attachment 38335

View attachment 38336

 

[spanner570]

John, this is one cracking story and an even more crackinger model.

Really nice job.

I love the expression and pose of the tank Commander......"For heavens sake, make your mind up, just which window do you want me to lob the next round through?"

Big 5 for sure.

Keep having fun,

Ron

 

[noble]

What a beauty five stars.

scott

 

[Gern]

Wonderful stuff John. It makes a change seeing German armour in British colours. *****

Gern

 

[papa 695]

Avery good build and history lesson as well thank you John

 

[Centurion3RTR]

Thanks everyone, very much appreciated. Doing this one like i have has given me some good ideas for future projects, but i'd best get the bench cleared first.

Thanks again. Have fun, John

 

[Armorbuilder65]

Very cool! Always nice to see something different. And a neat story, to boot!

Robert