|
 The Mk V* ("Mark Five Star") was essentially a lengthened Mk V - which again basically was a Mk IV, but with much improved engine and
control, resulting in a tank both faster and more maneuverable. (The lengthening of the tank was mainly a remedy to the problem of the Germans countering the threat from the tanks by building wider and wider trenches - the same dilemma that was the basis for the
"tadpole tail" Mk IV.) The modification was not very technically
advanced: the tank was cut in two behind the gun sponsons, and and a new armoured
section, 1.83 meters long, was inserted. In this new section two MG positions were
placed, strengthening the already heavy armament of the Mk V. In addition to this a new observation
cupola was fitted to the top, equipped with two more MG:s. The increased internal volume meant that the tank also could be used as a sort of primitive Armoured Personnel
Carrier, ferrying some 20 men or a substantial amount of supplies. The Mk V* has been called "the ultimate version of British mainstream battle tank
development", and was produced in 579 copies. For more info on this
tank, click here!
|
|
Mk V*:s spearheaded the decisive Allied offensive around Amiens on August 8th, 1918 - "The Black Day of the German army. It performed well, although the extra weight reduced speed somewhat, and the lengthened hull reduced manoeuverability considerably. (The modifications were not accompanied by any upgrades to the motor and drive train.) One eye-witness describes the problems of the new tank: "the heavy machines showed a tendency to slip their tracks and also to slide backwards if resting on a slight incline, and owing to this slipping about, their great length and weight, and their quickness in turning, they wrought much havoc, knocking down and crushing many a slender tree, until it looked as if a herd of clumpsy elephants had stampeded through the wood". (Mitchell)
|
|
is made from Cromwells truly excellent resin kit, reviewed on this
site. It portrays a tank in typical camouflage and markings, as it would have appeared in August 1918, including Air Identification strips on the drivers compartment and on the
cupola. The small, upright thing - also painted red and white - behind the rear cupola is a
semaphore, a common feature on all Mk V and Mk V* tanks. The kit has been built straight out of the box, with almost no modifications and additions
necessary.
|
