Churchill Tank WWII – Bolt Action Plastic Model 28mm
Churchill Tank WWII
Bolt Action Plastic Model 28mm – The Indomitable British Heavy Infantry Tank
🔥 "Blood, Toil, Tears and Steel" – The Prime Minister's Namesake 🔥
The grinding roar of the Churchill tank's engine cut through the morning mist as Captain Richards surveyed the Italian terrain ahead. The incline before them was steep—almost impossibly so for most armored vehicles—but the Churchill's caterpillar tracks and low center of gravity made it uniquely suited for this challenging landscape. His crew had affectionately named their tank "Bulldog," a fitting nickname for a vehicle as tenacious and unyielding as the Prime Minister it was named after.
"Driver, advance," Richards ordered, and the massive infantry tank lurched forward, beginning its climb. Though slower than its American counterparts, the Churchill's thick armor had saved their lives more than once. Just last week, they'd taken a direct hit from a German 88mm that would have torn through a Sherman like paper. The crew of "Bulldog" had survived to fight another day. As they crested the hill, exposing the tank's distinctive silhouette with its multiple small wheels and boxy design, Richards couldn't help but smile. The Churchill may not have been the most elegant tank on the battlefield, but in terms of sheer survivability and cross-country performance, there was nothing else he'd rather be commanding.
"The Churchill tank was a bit like the Prime Minister after whom it was named: tough, stubborn, pugnacious, and a survivor. Though not pretty, it carried the day when no other tank could manage the terrain."
The Indomitable Infantry Tank 🔰
Bolster your British armored forces with the legendary Churchill tank, one of the most successful and famous British tanks of World War II. This new plastic kit from Warlord and Italeri allows you to build THREE complete Churchill tanks with an astounding SEVEN different turret variants, giving you unprecedented flexibility for your Bolt Action forces.
The Churchill was the quintessential British Infantry Tank, adhering to a doctrine that separated vehicles into fast, lightly armored 'Cruiser Tanks' and slower, heavily protected 'Infantry Tanks' designed to support troops in breaking through enemy defenses. Though slower than contemporary tanks, the Churchill boasted thicker frontal armor than even the feared Tiger I and possessed extraordinary cross-country mobility that allowed it to tackle terrain that would stop other tanks in their tracks.
Though it initially suffered from being under-armed—a defect common to most British armored vehicles of the period—the Churchill was beloved by its crews. Its exceptional terrain-handling capabilities made it invaluable in the difficult battlefields of Italy, and it earned a reputation for survivability, being less inclined to "brew up" from a direct hit than the Sherman. Named after Winston Churchill, who had been involved with tank development since World War I, this iconic vehicle served with distinction from North Africa to the final push into Germany.
✨ Key Features:
- Incredible Value - Build THREE complete Churchill tanks from this single box
- Unmatched Versatility - SEVEN turret variants allowing for multiple battlefield roles
- Historical Accuracy - Authentic details for all Churchill marks from MkIII to AVRE
- Tactical Flexibility - Standard gun tanks, close support, and engineering variants
- Combat Evolution - Follows the Churchill's development from 6-pounder to 75mm main gun
- Multi-Game Use - Compatible with both Bolt Action and Achtung Panzer! games
📦 Box Contents
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete Tanks | Enough plastic parts to build THREE complete Churchill tanks |
| Turret Options | SEVEN different turret variants (MkIII, MkIV, MkV, MkVI Cast, MkVI Welded, NA 75, AVRE) |
| Weapon Options | 6-pounder gun, 75mm gun, 95mm Howitzer, 290mm Petard Mortar ("Flying Dustbin") |
| Hull Variants | Multiple hull configurations appropriate to each mark |
| Instructions | Detailed assembly guide covering all variants |
Seven Unique Variants - One Incredible Kit
Churchill MkIII
Armed with the 6-pounder (57mm) gun, the MkIII offered a significant improvement in anti-tank capability over earlier marks. This variant saw extensive service in North Africa and Tunisia, proving the Churchill's worth after a troubled introduction.
Churchill MkIV
Featuring a cast turret while retaining the 6-pounder gun, the MkIV was one of the most widely produced Churchill variants. The new turret design was simpler to manufacture while maintaining the same level of protection.
Churchill MkV
A close support variant equipped with a 95mm howitzer, the MkV was designed to provide high-explosive firepower to support infantry advances. Particularly effective against buildings and fortifications.
Churchill MkVI (Cast Turret)
Upgrading to the more effective 75mm gun while retaining the cast turret design, the MkVI provided improved anti-tank and high-explosive capability, making it more versatile on the battlefield.
Churchill MkVI (Welded Turret)
An alternative production method for the MkVI using a welded turret construction. Armed with the same 75mm gun, it offered identical combat performance to the cast turret version.
Churchill NA 75
A field modification first performed in North Africa (hence "NA"), replacing the original gun with the superior 75mm gun from damaged Sherman tanks. This hybrid proved highly effective and was later officially adopted.
Churchill AVRE
The Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers variant, equipped with the devastating 290mm Petard Mortar (nicknamed the "Flying Dustbin" due to its enormous projectile). Specialized for demolishing fortifications, clearing obstacles, and supporting engineering operations.
Churchill Tank Technical Specifications
⏳ Churchill Tank Combat Timeline
The Churchill tank enters production, initially as the MkI with a 2-pounder gun. Early models are rushed into service before all mechanical issues are resolved, leading to reliability problems.
The disastrous Dieppe Raid provides valuable but costly lessons. Churchill tanks struggle with the beach terrain, though their climbing ability impresses observers. The experience leads to improvements for future amphibious operations.
Improved MkIII and MkIV Churchills with 6-pounder guns see action in North Africa, where their mechanical reliability is finally sorted out. The Churchill earns its reputation for excellent cross-country mobility in Tunisia's difficult terrain.
Churchill tanks play a crucial role in the Italian campaign, where their excellent climbing ability makes them invaluable in the mountainous terrain. The Churchill's specialized variants like the AVRE also begin development during this period.
D-Day sees the combat debut of specialized Churchill variants, including the AVRE with its devastating 290mm Petard mortar. These "Funnies" (as the specialized engineering tanks were nicknamed) prove crucial in overcoming the Atlantic Wall defenses.
Churchill tanks participate in the Northwest Europe campaign, equipped with improved armament including the 75mm gun. Despite being somewhat outclassed by newer designs, their robust construction and reliability keep them in frontline service.
Churchill tanks remain in British service until the early 1950s. The robust chassis continues to serve as the basis for various engineering vehicles and specialized roles, a testament to the fundamental soundness of the design.
🎮 Gaming Possibilities
These versatile Churchill tanks provide numerous gaming options for your Bolt Action battles:
🏜️ North African Campaign
Field the Churchill MkIII with its 6-pounder gun in Tunisia, where these tanks first proved their worth against Rommel's forces on challenging terrain that other tanks struggled to navigate.
🏔️ Italian Campaign
Deploy Churchills in the mountainous Italian terrain where their exceptional climbing ability made them particularly valuable for supporting infantry advances through difficult countryside.
🏖️ D-Day Landings
Use the specialized AVRE variant with its "Flying Dustbin" mortar to recreate the assault on the Atlantic Wall defenses, demolishing German bunkers and clearing obstacles for advancing infantry.
🔄 Combined Arms
Pair your Churchills with infantry forces to embody the tank's designed purpose - a heavily armored platform to support foot soldiers in breaking through enemy lines while absorbing punishment that would destroy lighter tanks.
🛠️ Engineering Support
Include the AVRE in scenarios focused on overcoming fortified positions or defensive lines, using its specialized demolition capabilities to crack open enemy strongpoints.
🎯 Tank Hunting
Deploy the later Churchill variants with 75mm guns or 6-pounders to engage enemy armor, leveraging the Churchill's exceptional survivability to withstand return fire that would destroy other Allied tanks.
🎨 Churchill Painting Guide
Painting your Churchill tanks offers opportunities to represent various theaters and time periods:
North African/Mediterranean
Use a base coat of Desert Yellow or Light Stone, followed by a wash of Sepia to bring out the details. Highlight with a drybrush of a lighter sand color. Consider adding dust effects around the lower hull and tracks to represent the dusty conditions.
Northwest Europe
Begin with a base of Olive Drab, then apply the standard British camouflage pattern of Dark Green and Black-Brown irregular patches. Weather with mud effects around the tracks and lower hull, and consider adding rust streaks on exhausts and worn areas.
Unit Markings
Add the distinctive British recognition symbols - typically a white star surrounded by a white circle on the turret sides and rear. Individual tank names were often painted on the sides of the turret or hull in white. Divisional markings varied widely and can be researched for your specific unit.
AVRE Specialists
For AVRE variants, consider adding engineering markings and additional stowage like fascines, spare track links, and equipment boxes. These specialized vehicles often carried a wide variety of equipment for their engineering role.
Ready to Deploy Churchill's Namesake?
Add this versatile British workhorse to your collection today and bring the unmatched terrain-handling capability and armor protection of the Churchill to your Bolt Action battlefields!
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