TW32EQ01 – MG08 machine gun

Tommy’s War is the leading brand of 1/32 scale World War One model figures, designed for modellers to build, paint and display.

The MG08 (short for Maschinengewehr 08) was a German heavy machine gun widely used during World War I. It was based on the Maxim gun, which was one of the first fully automatic machine guns. The MG08 became a standard heavy machine gun for the German army and played a crucial role in trench warfare.

Key Features:

1. Design and Mechanism:
   • Operated on the recoil principle.
   • Fed by a 250-round fabric belt.
   • Water-cooled with a prominent water jacket around the barrel, which helped sustain continuous fire by preventing overheating.
2. Caliber:
   • Chambered for the 7.92×57mm Mauser cartridge, the standard German military round.
3. Rate of Fire:
   • Around 500–600 rounds per minute, depending on the version and conditions.
4. Mounting:
   • Typically mounted on a sled mount (Schlitten) for stability and ease of transport.
   • Some versions were adapted for use on aircraft or as anti-aircraft guns.
5. Weight:
   • Heavy: The gun itself weighed approximately 27 kg (60 lbs), and the water-filled cooling system added more weight.
   • Required a crew of 4–6 soldiers to operate efficiently.
6. Deployment:
   • Often emplaced in defensive positions during trench warfare.
   • Its sustained fire capability made it highly effective at suppressing enemy advances.

Variants:

• MG08/15: A lighter, air-cooled variant designed for more mobility, introduced later in the war. It was still cumbersome compared to modern light machine guns.
• MG08/18: Another lighter version but less common due to the end of the war.

Historical Impact:

• The MG08 was instrumental in shaping the brutal and static nature of trench warfare. Its devastating firepower contributed significantly to the high casualty rates on all sides.
• Post-WWI, the MG08 saw limited use but was largely replaced by more modern designs, such as the MG34 and later the MG42 during World War II.

The machine gun is 1/32 and is digitally sculpted and 3D printed. You can find details of building 3D printed kits here

We also produce a digitally sculpted Vickers Medium Machine Gun, which you can find here

Please note the following:

• Figures and equipment in the Tommy’s War range are 1/32 scale and sometimes described as 54mm in height. However, the figures measure approximately 56-58mm foot to eye, so they may not be compatible with other figure or vehicle ranges. If you have any questions regarding scale then please don’t hesitate to email darren@tommyswar.com.
• The machine gun is cast in polyurethane resin and is supplied unpainted and unassembled. The kit requires cleaning and assembly and is not suitable for children under the age of 12. Please always take care when working with resin. Work in a well ventilated room or wear a face mask as protection from resin dust.
• Any scenic base shown on the box art is NOT included with the figure.