A Modern Great

Design work began in 1942 on the Archer, a self-propelled anti-tank gun intended as a stopgap until a full-time solution could be found. Mounting the gigantic 17 pounder gun on the relatively small Valentine infantry tank chassis was a challenge which the Archer's designers met with an unusual solution - installing the gun back-to-front, with the fighting compartment taking up the front of the vehicle. Using armour-piercing rounds, it could defeat 192mm of armour at 914 meters, enough to pose ample threat to any German armour of the day. Production began in 1944, and Archers were delivered to the British Army's Armoured and Infantry Divisions, who began using it from October.

About the Model

This is a 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 191mm, width: 78mm

Tamiya designers studied an actual Archer in depth, and the result is this unerringly accurate depiction of the SPG's form

The lengthened and modified Valentine chassis and its welded armour are accurately captured

Features a realistic rendering of the 17 pounder with breech details and more

Open-top fighting compartment shows off great detail inside, such as shell racks, machine gun and accessories

Comes with 3 figures, which depict commander, gunner and loader in action pose

2 marking options are included, offering the chance to recreate 7th Anti-Tank Regiment and 3rd Canadian Infantry Division vehicles

Paint and glue not included