COBI MOC Sturmtiger Series by Ralf Gertzen

COBI MOC Sturmtiger Series by Ralf Gertzen (@pous_Brick)

As January 2023 comes to a close, we thought it would be awesome to highlight some COBI MOC (my own construction) builds that we have been impressed with on Instagram. The whole topic of COBI MOCs is relatively new to us here at Warbricks.com as we typically don’t tear apart our builds seeing they just seem to have an emotionally intrinsic value as a display collectable. But, that may change after seeing this amazing COBI Sturmtiger MOC by Ralf Gertzen via Instagram (check out his other builds here).

January 2024 Update:

COBI recently announced a new version of the COBI Sturmmorser “Sturmtiger” and you can learn more here.

About Ralf’s Sturmpanzer VI MOC Build:

The COBI Sturmpanzer/Sturmtiger MOC build is based on a discontinued COBI 2513 set and unlike his most recent build (we should have a post up when its done) it is not a truly original COBI MOC.

Ralf changed the set from all sand color to a three color camouflage theme and improved some details like the front machine gun (MG) and the added mcs. tools etc not the sides.

The Opus Brick COBI Sturmpazner MOC features working hatches and a working loading crane. It is built entirely from COBI blocks, which are high quality made in Europe military blocks (See all our COBI WWII tanks here).

The great thing about this COBI Sturmtiger MOC is that it is presented in 1/28th scale which allows for some great detail like the engine compartment and the shell loading crane. Furthermore, after seeing these pictures, there shouldnt be any doubt about COBI quality vs a LEGO Sturmpanzer MOC.

Aside from the great build, what really caught our eye was Ralf’s unique style of documenting his work via high quality images.

The Sturmtiger History:

The Sturmtiger, also known as the Sturmpanzer VI, was one of the most iconic armored vehicles to come out of World War II. It saw use by the German Wehrmacht on somewhat limited system due to its extreme cost and lack of operational effectiveness. But what did this whaling beast-of-a-tank truly offer? Let’s find out.

Developed between June 1942 and January 1943, the Sturmtiger was a result of incremental improvements made to preexisting models in order address infantry support needs–particularly against Soviet fortifications like bunkers. The vehicle sacrificed mobility for increased firepower; the impact on battlefield flexibility was considerable but deemed a necessary tradeoff at the time. At thirty tonnes with an overall length of 7 metres and a height of 3 metres (at its highest point), it is considered one of the biggest tank destroyers that ever saw service in any war.

It featured a simplified design, reusing components from existing tanks such as suspension arms from durable Panther tanks and locomotive parts for transmission systems and brakes; this allowed for rapid prototype development before full production began in August 1944. Its main armament was of unique design; it was an enlarged version of existing naval guns dubbed ‘Morser’ (mortar) shells–then reduced to be fitted onto mobile weapons platforms–with 380mm barrels now modified to fit a total length of 630 mm and mated with either PzKpfw III or Tiger I chassis. Its rate fire would vary depending on conditions but intense recoil meant halts were needed after two rounds per minute as barrel cooling had set as secondary factor limiting outright firepower output during sustained working periods.

Early results proved promising: A high degree accuracy combined with substantial armor penetration marked the weapon amongst best artillery pieces available at that time ; its performance versus concrete emplacements in standard infantry actions proved highly satisfactory especially when taking into account relative ease in which crews could reload ammunition quickly reducing delays – estimated 9 seconds average despite heavy protective steel casing for rollers/clamps -creating choice environment for team coordination . Inhibitors such as difficulty cornering when placed into Tank Destroyer roles or atypical user training times attributable longer sized casings remain part primary reasons behind gradual draw back from its assignment duties where eventually Tiger I variant assumed recognition title mid 1943 onward .

The Sturmtiger played an important role in World War 2 combat operations; many regard it as among Germanys most impressive armored vehicles developed during conflict period given combination attributes aesthetic value coupled significant improvement firepower/defense levels over predecessors allowance maneuverability window under contested environments challenge enemies personnel morale positions speak louder than words these respect outlets often coupled recollections collective memories sporadic presence local theaters could influence large numbers audience small mobilized platform delivering seemingly unlimited benefits being shared people generation view historical significance

About Ralf Gertzen (COBI MOC designer)

Ralf Gertzen is a 43 year old German LEGO/COBI fan who was first exposed to COBI military blocks during Christmas of 2021.

According to Ralf, he purchased a COBI King Tiger set which he gifted to himself. Subsequently, Ralf started purchasing some other COBI block sets and was primarily impressed with the military aspect of the sets which Lego has avoided.

When building his MOCs, Ralf primarily uses COBI bricks but isn’t afraid to use other parts from LEGO or other brands to obtain a historical accurate replica.

Currently, Ralf is only presenting his builds on Instagram under the user name @Opus_Bricks and uses his channel to meld his passion for photography and building things.