Equipped with a long-barreled 8.8cm PaK43/1 L/71 cannon, the Nashorn (translated as “Rhinoceros”) was a self-propelled tank destroyer employed by Germany in WWII. The 24-tonne Nashorn was actually an interim solution introduced early in 1943, making its combat debut at the titanic Battle of Kursk. The Nashorn stayed in service until the end of the war, despite being superseded in production by the Jagdpanzer IV and Jagdpanther.

The Nashorn was based on the chassis of the Panzer IV tank, and employed an open-topped lightly armored superstructure to protect the crew. Total production of the Nashorn/Hornisse family amounted to 494 vehicles. They were issued to six individual heavy antitank battalions, and the 8.8cm main armament proved extremely potent. Like just about all of Germany's armored vehicles, a command version with additional radios was built.

With over 700 parts, many of them being the superbly done individual link Magic Tracks, this is another of Cyber-Hobby's highly detailed kits. It is also one of their one-time releases, making it something one needs to get sooner than later. There is the usual small photo etch fret of parts and a nicely done aluminum gun barrel to add to things. The kit can be built either in traveling or firing modes. The list of new mold parts and features is featured below. I should also mention that for all intents, the Nashorn kit itself was newly done just a few months ago.

Instructions are superbly and clearly drawn, showing any modifications needed for the different versions. The kit also includes templates for providing precise parts locations for various bits. Four markings options are provided and are shown above. The box art vehicle and the one in overall Panzer Yellow are from unknown units on the Eastern Front.

This is truly a super kit and most highly detailed. It will not only provide hours of modeling pleasure but reward the builder with a fine model when done.

My thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. You can get yours at your local shop or on-line retailer.

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