Matilda II Mk V (A12)
Bring a celebrated British infantry tank to your collection with this detailed Matilda II Mk V (A12) 3D-printed model. Developed during the Second World War, the Matilda combined exceptionally heavy armour for its time with a compact, purposeful profile, making it an ideal subject for historically themed displays and tabletop collections.
Historical Role
The Matilda II was designed to support infantry during deliberate assaults, advancing steadily while resisting anti-tank and small-arms fire. It became particularly famous during the early North African campaigns, where its armour proved difficult for many contemporary Axis weapons to defeat. Armed with the British 2-pounder gun and a coaxial Besa machine gun, it was effective against early-war armour, although its limited speed and lack of a high-explosive round for the main gun reduced its versatility as the war progressed.
Distinctive Appearance
The Matilda II is instantly recognisable by its narrow hull, heavily cast turret and prominent armoured side skirts covering the suspension. A long, slender 2-pounder barrel, closely spaced tracks and numerous rounded armour forms give it a distinctive combination of compact proportions and imposing protection. These characteristic features create a strong silhouette at every available scale.
Variant Differences
The Mk V developed from earlier Matilda II production standards, particularly the Mk IV, and introduced an improved gearbox while retaining the established 2-pounder gun and Besa machine-gun armament. External changes were subtle, with the familiar hull, cast turret and side-skirt arrangement remaining largely unchanged; the absence of the turret lamp is one useful recognition detail. The variant represented an incremental effort to improve mechanical operation without redesigning the proven infantry-tank layout.
Modelling Uses
This model is well suited to Western Desert dioramas, British Army scenes, model railways, wargaming displays and collections of important Second World War armoured vehicles. Smaller scales complement railway layouts and massed formations, while larger versions provide more presence for painting, weathering and collectors’ displays.
Fun Fact
The Matilda gained the nickname “Queen of the Desert” after its formidable armour helped it earn an impressive reputation during Britain’s early campaigns in North Africa.
Available Scales
1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35.
Finish Options
Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, and Historical Base Colour.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
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