Cruiser Tank Mk. I, A9 Mk. IA

Plastic kit for a British Cruiser Tank Mk. I, A9 Mk. IA tank.

• Scale 1:35
• including interior fittings (except engine)
• with photo-etched parts
• single link tracks + assembly aid
• hatches can be shown open or closed
• including figure
• 6 marking options
• unbuilt/unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The design of the A9 dates back to the period between the two world wars. As a close support tank it was intended to accompany the infantry and as a cruiser tank it was intended to enable deep penetrations into enemy terrain. It was one of the first tanks with a hydraulic system and a boat-shaped hull that provided some mine protection.

At around 12 tons it was lightweight, but due to its design with three towers it was operated by six men. The main armament was a 2-pounder cannon, which was located in the main turret alongside an axis-parallel 7.7 mm Vickers machine gun. To the left and right of the driver's bay were auxiliary turrets, also equipped with 7.7 mm Vickers machine guns, which had a limited range of action to the front and sides.

Between 1939 and 1941 it was successfully used by the 1st, 2nd and 7th Armored Divisions of the British Armed Forces in France and North Africa due to its 2-pounder cannon against Italian tankettes and light German tanks, but offered little protection due to the light armor for the crew.