Name: British Challenger II MBT 1:48 Model Kit by Hobby Boss
Brand: SCH Models
SKU: HBB84852
Price: 26.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

British Challenger II MBT 1:48 Model Kit by Hobby Boss

£26.99

Model Features

1:48 scale plastic model kit
Accurately represents the British Challenger II Main Battle Tank, the third-generation MBT that has served as the backbone of British armoured forces since the late 1990s
Detailed representation of the standard production Challenger 2 fitted with its distinctive angular turret and advanced armour protection
Highly detailed hull and turret featuring realistic armour panels, anti-slip surface texture, weld lines, and external fittings
Accurately reproduced 120mm L30A1 rifled main gun with detailed barrel and mantlet assembly
Detailed turret featuring commander’s cupola, gunner’s sights, smoke grenade launchers, and machine gun mounts
Realistic engine deck with cooling grills, access panels, and rear hull details
Detailed suspension system with accurately reproduced road wheels, drive sprockets, and idler wheels
Link-and-length track sections included for realistic track sag and display positioning
Includes detailed side skirts and rear storage equipment
Fine surface moulding for modern armoured vehicle detailing
Precision-moulded parts suitable for detailed painting and weathering
Waterslide decal sheet featuring authentic British Army markings
Ideal for modern British armour collections, NATO displays, or contemporary military diorama projects.

Specifications

Brand: Hobby Boss
Scale: 1:48
Subject: British Challenger II Main Battle Tank
Material: Injection-moulded plastic
Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate modellers
Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
Recommended Age: 14+
Kit Number: 84852
Vehicle Type: Main Battle Tank
Crew: 4
Main Armament: 120mm L30A1 rifled tank gun
Secondary Armament: 7.62mm machine guns
Parts: Approximately 190–209 parts
Track Type: Link-and-length tracks included
Model Length: Approximately 235mm
Model Width: Approximately 76mm
Photo-Etched Parts: Not included

What's in the Box

Plastic sprues
Detailed upper and lower hull components
Challenger 2 turret assembly
120mm L30A1 main gun components
Suspension and running gear parts
Link-and-length track sections
Side skirts and external vehicle equipment
Machine gun components
Waterslide decal sheet with British Army markings
Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Vehicle

The Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank is the primary armoured fighting vehicle developed for the British Army to replace the earlier Challenger 1, providing improved protection, accuracy, and battlefield capability for modern armoured warfare.

Development of the Challenger 2 began during the late 1980s, with Vickers Defence Systems creating a heavily improved design based on experience gained from the Challenger 1 programme. Although the two vehicles share a similar appearance, the Challenger 2 introduced a completely redesigned turret, upgraded armour protection, improved electronics, and enhanced fire-control systems.

The Challenger 2 entered British Army service in 1998 and quickly became one of the most capable tanks in NATO service. It was designed around three key principles: crew survivability, precision firepower, and battlefield reliability. Its advanced Dorchester armour system, derived from Chobham armour technology, provides a high level of protection against modern battlefield threats.

The tank’s primary weapon is the unique 120mm L30A1 rifled gun, making the Challenger 2 one of the few modern Western tanks to retain a rifled main armament. The gun is capable of firing a range of ammunition types, including armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and high-explosive ammunition.

Powered by the Perkins CV12 diesel engine, producing around 1,200 horsepower, the Challenger 2 combines strong mobility with excellent reliability. Its hydropneumatic suspension system allows the vehicle to maintain stability while firing and operate effectively across challenging terrain.

The Challenger 2 saw its most significant combat deployment during Operation Telic in Iraq in 2003, where British armoured units used the tank in urban and open-terrain operations. The vehicle demonstrated exceptional survivability, with its armour protection proving highly effective against battlefield threats.

One of the Challenger 2’s most notable achievements occurred during combat operations in Iraq, where a Challenger 2 survived numerous enemy hits while protecting its crew. This reinforced the vehicle’s reputation as one of the most heavily protected tanks in service.

Throughout its service life, the Challenger 2 has received numerous upgrades to improve armour, communications, sensors, and battlefield effectiveness. Variants such as the Theatre Entry Standard (TES) introduced additional protection and equipment for operations in harsh environments.

The Challenger 2 has also been operated by the Royal Oman Army and has become an important export success for British armoured vehicle design. More recently, vehicles have been supplied to Ukraine as part of international military assistance.

Although produced in smaller numbers than some other NATO main battle tanks, the Challenger 2 has developed a strong reputation for accuracy, protection, and crew safety. Its distinctive appearance, rifled gun, and British design heritage make it one of the most recognisable modern armoured vehicles.

For modellers, the Challenger 2 offers an excellent modern armour subject, combining complex armour shapes, detailed equipment, and realistic camouflage possibilities. This 1:48 Hobby Boss kit provides a compact yet highly detailed representation of one of Britain’s most important military vehicles.