OB-3 Gun Car (Soviet)

Description

The Soviet OB‑3 armoured train was a compact but formidable fighting machine developed during the Second World War, designed to provide mobile firepower, anti‑aircraft protection and infantry support along vulnerable rail corridors. Built on the reliable OB‑class steam locomotive, the train was heavily clad in armour plate and configured to operate close to the front, where its combination of guns and mobility made it a valuable asset during the early defensive campaigns and later counter‑offensives.

At its core was the armoured OB‑class locomotive, enclosed in angular steel plating to deflect small‑arms fire and shrapnel. One of its most distinctive features was the quadruple Maxim anti‑aircraft mount installed on the locomotive’s tender or an adjacent platform. This battery of four machine guns provided a dense curtain of fire against low‑flying aircraft, a constant threat on the Eastern Front.

Behind the locomotive, the OB‑3 typically carried a dedicated twin anti‑aircraft gun car, often equipped with paired 37 mm automatic cannons. This car offered far greater reach and stopping power than the Maxims, enabling the train to defend itself from dive‑bombers and strafing runs.

The train’s primary offensive punch came from its turreted gun car, mounting a medium‑calibre artillery piece—commonly a 76.2 mm gun—housed in a rotating turret similar to those used on Soviet armoured vehicles. This allowed the OB‑3 to engage enemy positions, armour and strongpoints with surprising flexibility for a rail‑bound platform.

• Original file: DeweyCat Productions
• Painting: MarDav Miniatures
• These models are designed for modellers and collectors. They are not toys and are not suitable for children.
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly.
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown.
• Photos and dimensions are at 28mm unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request.
• Models supplied at scales smaller than 20mm may be an alternative design more suitable for small scale prints. These are designed by Bergman or TigerAce1945