CMK Concrete Hedgehog WWII Anti-Tank Barrier (8066 & 2062) 1:48 & 1:72

[Mike]

Concrete Hedgehog WWII Anti-Tank Barrier (8066 & 2062)

1:48 & 1:72 CMK by 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, or render them immobile and vulnerable to artillery fire.  Various designs have been used over the years, and we’re looking at the concrete type fielded during WWII, which was nicknamed Hedgehog for fairly obvious reasons, as it’s a prickly customer.  Made from cast concrete with metal reinforcement within, 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.  The rebar projects from the ends of the arms in a pig-tail curl 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 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 cast on individual blocks with narrow attachment supports reducing the amount of clean-up on the underside.  You’ll need to find some wire to create the pig-tail curls at the ends of the arms, and there are pictures on the instructions that will help you in this regard.

 

Concrete Hedgehog x 2 (8066)

 

 

 

Concrete Hedgehog x 4 (2062)

 

 

 

Conclusion

These sets are great for the diorama modeller, and their level of detail is excellent, down to the fine concrete texture and the tiny holes to accept the wire tails.  Minimal clean-up of the parts further sweetens the package.

 

Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of