UMMT (Ukrainian Models Military Technics) – 709 – German Armored Train PZ-27 (From Trophy Components)

Description:

This 1/72 scale model by UMMT represents the German armored train PZ-27, a unique and battle-hardened vehicle that saw active service on the Eastern Front during World War II. Built in Germany between May and June 1941, the PZ-27 initially operated with the 2nd Panzer Group and later with Army Group “Center.” After suffering heavy losses near Sukhinichi in early 1942, the train was swiftly restored using captured Soviet equipment, most notably two PL-37 armored wagons taken almost intact from the Red Army.

The armored platforms used heavy 50-ton chassis with 20 mm hull armor, offering protection against small arms and light anti-tank shells. Main armament included 76 mm guns (model 1902/30) and multiple Maxim machine guns, installed in turrets and side mounts. The wagons also featured internal heating, lighting, and communication systems, and were operated by a crew of up to 24 men.

After being damaged by a mine in May 1942, one Soviet PL-37 was replaced with another captured armored car – “Voensklad No. 60” – notable for its two riveted turrets and a rotating commander’s cupola with periscopes. The train later received a captured Soviet armored locomotive of type PR-35, heavily modified with 8–10 mm armor and equipped with a twin 7.62 mm anti-aircraft mount and radio station.

Despite repeated battle damage, particularly near Kovel, the PZ-27 was restored multiple times and continued to operate until the final days of the war. This kit offers modelers a chance to recreate one of the rare armored trains that combined German engineering with captured enemy technology, reflecting the improvisation and intensity of the Eastern Front.

Kit consists of two artillery platforms and the armored locomotive with anti-aircraft and command wagon attached. Kit include 3D printed parts, mainly for the turrets in the artillery platforms. As usual in the brand includes a super large amount of PE (photo-etched) parts required to finish the model, not only to enhance it. Locomotive is a PR-35 Soviet type, as UMMT – 688 – Armored Locomotive of Type PR-35. The artillery weapons are rather new due the enhanced 3D printed turrets. One of the wagons is very similar to the one included in UMMT (Ukrainian Models Military Technics) – 704 –  Armored Train No. 15 Of The 1st Armored Division (Basic Version), a PL-37 type wagon.