Zvezda 6169 1/72 (Snap-Fit) British 40mm Anti-Tank Gun Ordnance QF 2-pdr with Crew

This is a plastic snap fit model kit, which comes unassembled and unpainted. So model paints and other basic modelling tools are additionally required. This "snap fit" model can be assembled without glue.

This kit includes one plastic model British artillery piece with two soldier crewmen.

Commonly known simply as the "2 pounder gun", this 40mm cannon was originally designed to serve as the tank gun for the Vickers Cruiser Tank Mk. I. For economic and standardization reasons, the British government decided to use it as the standard anti-tank gun as well. Thus, in 1936, the "Ordnance QF 2 pounder Mark IX on Carriage Mark II" was born. The gun carriage, designed by Woolwich Arsenal, could be used to tow the gun or converted into a firing platform with 360 degree traverse by removing the wheels.

The 2 pounder gun was more powerful than other anti-tank guns of the time (which were typically 20mm to 37mm). But, this added power came at the price of a much greater weight and a high profile that made it easier for the enemy to locate and target the gun. As tank armour improved over the course of the war, however, it quickly became clear that the 2 pounder was not strong enough, and after 1941 it was gradually replaced by more powerful 6 pounder guns. The 2 pounder was never issued high explosive ammunition, which further reduced its effectiveness against unarmoured targets.