Mk.I Male British Tank (Gaza Strip Modification) 1:72 Model Kit by Master Box

Model Features

• 1:72 scale plastic model kit
• Accurately represents a British Mk.I Male Tank with Gaza Strip modification
• Finely detailed early tank hull and armoured sponsons
• Realistic 57mm Hotchkiss cannon armament
• Detailed riveted armour plates and external fittings
• Authentic early British tank design features
• Precision-moulded plastic parts
• Waterslide decal sheet included
• Illustrated assembly instructions
• Ideal for World War I military displays and historical diorama projects

Specifications

• Brand: Master Box
• Scale: 1:72
• Subject: British Mk.I Male Tank (Gaza Strip Modification)
• Material: Injection-moulded plastic
• Skill Level: Suitable for intermediate modellers
• Paint & Glue Required: Yes (sold separately)
• Recommended Age: 14+

What's in the Box

• Plastic sprues
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

History of the Original Vehicle

The British Mark I tank was the world's first operational tank and represented a revolutionary development in military technology during the First World War. Created to overcome the challenges of trench warfare on the Western Front, the vehicle was designed to cross trenches, crush barbed wire obstacles, and provide direct support to infantry forces attacking heavily defended positions.

The Male variant of the Mark I was distinguished by its heavier armament compared with the Female version. It carried two 57mm Hotchkiss 6-pounder naval guns, mounted in large side sponsons, which allowed it to engage enemy machine-gun positions, fortifications, and opposing armoured vehicles. Additional machine guns provided further capability against infantry targets.

The Gaza Strip modification refers to adaptations made to early British tanks for service in the Middle Eastern theatre, where vehicles operated in very different conditions from the muddy battlefields of France and Belgium. These modifications aimed to improve reliability, practicality, and suitability for desert operations while retaining the core design of the original Mark I.

The Mark I first entered combat during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette in September 1916, part of the Battle of the Somme, becoming the first tank ever used in battle. Although the vehicle suffered from mechanical limitations and slow speed, its introduction changed military thinking and marked the beginning of armoured warfare.

The Mark I Male tank represents a landmark moment in military history, bridging the gap between traditional infantry warfare and the mechanised conflicts that would define the twentieth century. Its unique appearance and historical importance continue to make it a popular subject for scale modellers and military historians.

Historical Snapshot

• Country: United Kingdom
• Entered Service: 1916
• Role: Infantry Support Tank
• Manufacturer: Metropolitan, Fosters of Lincoln, and others
• Crew: 8
• Primary Armament: Two 57mm Hotchkiss 6-pounder guns
• Secondary Armament: Three 7.7mm Hotchkiss machine guns
• Engine: Daimler 6-cylinder petrol engine
• Top Speed: Approximately 6 km/h (3.7 mph)

Please Note

This is an unassembled plastic model kit. Paint, glue, and modelling tools are not included. Recommended for ages 14 and over.