Special Hobby Czech Hedgehog WWII Anti-Tank Barrier (P72007 & P48008) 1:72 & 1:48

[Mike]

Czech Hedgehog WWII Anti-Tank Barrier (P72007 & P48008)

1:72 & 1:48 Special Hobby

 

 

Tank barriers are important aspects of any defensive line of the 20th century onwards, and they are intended to stop tanks in their tracks to prevent their advance, and therefore leave any infantry without their mobile heavy weapons support.  Various designs have been used over the years, and we’re looking at the type fielded by the Czechs during WWII, which was nicknamed Hedgehog, or rozsocháč in Czech, for fairly obvious reasons, as it’s a prickly customer.  Made from large metal angle beams that are bolted together at right-angles, forming a similar shape to a jack from the game of the same name.  The lower ends dig into the ground under their own weight, and if a tank rubs up against it, there is a good chance it will become snagged on the obstacle, stopping it from advancing any further.  There were notches near the ends of the arms to accommodate barbed wire entanglements, which would make the chances of stopping the enemy even greater.  Similar style obstacles are still in use today.

 

Both sets arrive in clear-fronted vacformed boxes, with the header card and instructions at the rear, whilst the 3D printed orange resin parts inside are safely stored inside a cocoon of dark grey foam.  There are four Hedgehogs in the smaller 1:72 set, while the larger 1:48 set has two Hedgehogs due to the extra size, and they are all printed very close together, supported by fine tendril-like supports that are simple to cut away.

 

 

1:72 (P72007)

 

 

 

 

 

1:48 (P48008)

 

 

 

Conclusion

The detail is excellent, and will be a boon to anyone building dioramas in smaller-scales.  Once removed from their printing bases, all you need to do is apply some metallic or rusty paint shades.

 

Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of