[chascbv]

Here it is, the second Su-100 by Dragon, and it is every bit as good as the first version, again with those incredibly realistic, conforming tracks. Not much to say on this accurate replica, except... Buy it!

This second Su-100 by Dragon represents a vehicle with the inscription "20 years of Soviet Uzbekistan" that fought among the ranks of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps during January 1945. The first, whitewashed Su-100 by this manufacturer brought memories of Operation Konrad I, a failed German attempt to relieve the besieged city of Budapest. The Germans made a second attempt, and then a third attempt - Operations Konrad II and Konrad III.

Konrad III was launched from the South on January 17, and was intended to encircle ten Soviet divisions using IV.SS-Panzerkorps and III.Panzerkorps. The fighting was desperate and extremely tough on both sides, and despite heavy losses to swampy ground, Soviet guns and hunters, and mine fields, the German spearheads managed to capture Budapest airport. However, the cost had been too high, and the Soviets fought hard for every inch of ground. German troops were exhausted, and the Soviets mobilized one of their elite units in reserve, namely the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, and within this unit was our Su-100. Even though the Germans held their ground almost heroically, the brave counteroffensive by the Red Army managed to totally neutralize the attackers' momentum. Operation Konrad had finally stalled and died in some sort of stalemate between two titans, but fatigue and supply issues, with no proper rearguard, eventually forced the surviving German units to withdraw. Budapest would not be saved.

It looks like the "2" in tactical number "23" is not complete on the port side (it is on the starboard side!); I could not find a picture of the actual vehicle to confirm whether this is correct or a fault. Any clues, Berkut76? Other members?