Cromwell Cruiser Tank WWII – Bolt Action Plastic Model 28mm
Cromwell Cruiser Tank WWII
Bolt Action Plastic Model 28mm – The Speedy Backbone of British Armored Divisions
🔥 "Speed is the Essence" – Britain's Cruiser Champion 🔥
Lieutenant Thomas Parker peered through his commander's vision port as the Cromwell tank's powerful Meteor engine roared to life. The Normandy hedgerows had proven a formidable obstacle to the Allied advance, but their new Culin hedgerow cutters—affectionately known as "Rhino devices" by the crews—would hopefully change that.
"Driver, advance!" Parker ordered, and the 27-ton Cromwell surged forward, its 600-horsepower Rolls-Royce engine giving it a power-to-weight ratio that left American Shermans in the dust. The tank's front-mounted prongs slammed into the dense hedgerow, tearing through the centuries-old barrier that had given German defenders such an advantage. As they breached through, Parker spotted a Panzer IV in the field beyond. "Gunner, AP, Panzer IV at 11 o'clock!" he called. The 75mm gun swung smoothly into position—another benefit of the Cromwell's design. The loader slammed a round into the breech, and seconds later, the superior mobility of Britain's premier cruiser tank had translated into a tactical advantage. It might not match the Panthers and Tigers in a head-on slugging match, but in the right hands, the Cromwell's speed and reliability made it a formidable predator on the battlefield.
"Cromwell gave us what we needed most—speed. When you could outrun and outmaneuver the enemy, you didn't always need the biggest gun or thickest armor. And that Meteor engine! Pure Rolls-Royce engineering. You knew it wouldn't let you down when it mattered."
Speed and Firepower Combined 🏎️
Add the most produced Cruiser tank of the European theater to your British forces with this highly detailed plastic model kit. The Cromwell represented the perfect balance of British tank design philosophy, combining impressive speed with a potent 75mm gun that made it more than a match for the venerable Panzer IV!
With its exceptional cross-country performance and reliable Rolls-Royce Meteor engine (derived from the legendary Merlin aircraft engine), the Cromwell was the mainstay of the 7th Armoured Division and the armoured reconnaissance regiments of the Guards and 11th Armoured Divisions. Even the 6th Airborne armoured reconnaissance regiment acquired about 8 Cromwells in Normandy and kept them during the Winter fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.
This comprehensive kit includes an optional Culin Prong hedgerow cutter ("Rhino device") for those wanting to burst through the Normandy bocage! It also comes with a full-colour waterslide decal sheet offering numerous options for British, Canadian and Polish units, allowing you to accurately represent the diverse Allied forces that operated this iconic tank.
✨ Key Features:
- Authentic Details - Accurately represents the most widely produced British cruiser tank
- Optional Additions - Includes Culin Prong hedgerow cutter for Normandy scenarios
- Multinational Options - Decals for British, Canadian and Polish units
- Tactical Flexibility - Perfect for armored divisions and reconnaissance regiments
- Historical Accuracy - Represents the standard British tank organization with 3 Cromwells and a Firefly per troop
- Multi-Game Use - Compatible with both Bolt Action and Achtung Panzer! games
📦 Box Contents
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Kit | Detailed 1/56 scale (28mm) Cromwell cruiser tank plastic model |
| Special Equipment | Optional Culin Prong hedgerow cutter ("Rhino device") for Normandy campaigns |
| Decals | Full-color waterslide decal sheet with options for British, Canadian, and Polish units |
| Instructions | Detailed assembly guide |
Multiple Nation Options
The Cromwell served with several Allied nations, all represented in the included decal sheet:
Cromwell Tank Technical Specifications
Cromwell vs. Contemporaries
See how the Cromwell stacked up against both Allied and Axis tanks:
| Tank | Weight (tons) | Main Gun | Max Armor (mm) | Top Speed (mph) | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cromwell | 27 | 75mm | 76 | 40 | Excellent speed, reliability, cross-country performance |
| Sherman M4 | 30 | 75mm | 76 | 30 | Easier maintenance, greater numbers |
| Panzer IV | 25 | 75mm KwK 40 | 80 | 26 | Slightly better AP performance |
| Panther | 45 | 75mm KwK 42 | 120 | 34 | Superior armor, gun penetration |
| Churchill | 40 | 75mm | 152 | 15 | Heavy armor, obstacle climbing |
⏳ Cromwell Combat Timeline
Development of the Cromwell begins as part of the British cruiser tank program. The A24 Cavalier and A27L Centaur serve as interim designs while waiting for the Rolls-Royce Meteor engine to become available.
Full production of the Cromwell begins with the powerful Meteor engine, a modified version of the famous Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engine. The tank finally achieves the right balance of speed, armor, and firepower.
Cromwells see their first major combat action during the D-Day landings and subsequent Normandy campaign. They equip the 7th Armoured Division (the "Desert Rats") and serve as reconnaissance tanks in several other formations.
Cromwells are equipped with Culin hedgerow cutters ("Rhino devices") to overcome the difficult bocage terrain of Normandy. The tank's excellent speed and cross-country mobility prove valuable in the advance across France.
Cromwells participate in the Battle of the Bulge, with some even serving with the 6th Airborne Division's armoured reconnaissance regiment. Their speed and reliability prove valuable in the difficult winter conditions.
Cromwells continue to serve through the final campaigns in Germany. Though increasingly outclassed by heavier German tanks, they remain effective when used in coordination with Sherman Fireflies, which could engage German heavy tanks at longer ranges.
🎮 Gaming Possibilities
The Cromwell tank offers numerous tactical options for your Bolt Action battles:
🏎️ Fast Flanking
Use the Cromwell's exceptional speed to outflank enemy positions, exploiting gaps in defensive lines and attacking from unexpected directions.
🌿 Normandy Bocage
Equip your Cromwells with the included Culin hedgerow cutters to recreate their role in breaking through the dense hedgerows of Normandy during the summer of 1944.
👁️ Reconnaissance in Force
Field your Cromwells as part of a reconnaissance regiment, using their speed to probe enemy lines and gather intelligence while having enough firepower to engage if necessary.
🇵🇱 Polish Armour
Use the included Polish decals to field Cromwells as part of the Polish armoured units fighting alongside British forces in Northwest Europe.
🪂 Airborne Support
Recreate the 6th Airborne Division's armoured reconnaissance regiment with their acquired Cromwells during operations in Normandy and the Ardennes.
🏹 Tank Troop
Build a historically accurate British tank troop with three Cromwells supported by a Sherman Firefly, combining the Cromwell's speed with the Firefly's tank-killing power.
🎨 Cromwell Painting Guide
Painting your Cromwell tank offers opportunities to represent various units and campaigns:
Standard British Scheme
Begin with a base coat of Olive Drab. Apply the standard British camouflage pattern of irregular Black and Khaki patches over the base color. Finish with a light dry brush of a slightly lighter green to highlight details and edges.
Normandy Invasion Markings
Add invasion stripes to the turret sides and rear deck - alternating black and white bands. These were applied to Allied vehicles to aid in aircraft recognition during and after the D-Day landings. Use the included decal sheet for accurate unit markings.
Desert Rats Insignia
For the famous 7th Armoured Division "Desert Rats," add their distinctive jerboa (desert rat) insignia to the sides of the tank. The included decal sheet provides these markings. Consider adding some mild weathering with dust effects to represent the tank's field service.
Winter Scheme (Battle of the Bulge)
For tanks that fought in the Ardennes during winter 1944-45, consider a whitewash over the standard scheme. This was often hastily applied in the field, so leave some of the base colors showing through in recessed areas and corners.
Ready to Command Britain's Fastest Tank?
Add this versatile Cromwell to your collection today and bring the speed and firepower of Britain's premier cruiser tank to your Bolt Action battlefields!
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