The Cruiser Tank (A34) Comet was the pinnacle of British cruiser tank development, following on from the Cruiser Mk VIII (A27) Cromwell. With its powerful 600hp Rolls-Royce Meteor engine, the Comet retained the Cromwell's speed, but with improved armour protection. Its powerful 77mm gun was a match for all but the heaviest enemy tanks.

Between the world wars, British tank doctrine was divided into two distinct roles: infantry tanks, those meant to help the infantry breakthrough enemy lines, and cruiser tanks that were designed to exploit gaps and cut deep into enemy territory. While the infantry tanks (or I-Tanks) were heavily armoured and slow, the cruisers relied on speed to protect them from enemy fire.

Cruisers were tested in combat from the very beginning of the war, with A9 Cruiser Mk I and A10 Cruiser Mk II tanks in France, 1940. Shortcomings of these tanks were incorporated in the next generations of cruiser, such as the A13 Cruiser Mk IV and the Cruiser Mk VI ‘Crusader’. The Crusader tank achieved great fame in North Africa and underscored the value of having a light tank for exploiting and charging into enemy territory.

Contains:

• 5 Plastic Comet cruiser tanks
• 5 Plastic Tank Commander sprue
• 1 Decal sheet.

This product is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue and paints not included.