German Lafette Tripod for MG34 and MG42
Available now in 1:16 and 1:18 Scale
The Battleground Lafette Tripod available in both 1:16 and 1:18 scale replicates many details and features of the original. Though the original Lafette came in two different models, the Lafette-34 and the Lafette-42, to hold the MG-34 and MG42 machine guns respectively, Battleground designed this to hold both. MGz40 Optical sights as well as the asbestos pads used by the gunner's assistant to change overheated barrels are included. The tripod comes in two pieces with the lower leg portion and upper mount for the gun. To rotate the gun, the upper portion can be attached to the lower portion using a small brass hobby screw and nut to facilitate the same rotation as the original. As an alternative, the upper gun mount can be glued with CA or superglue to the base for a static use.
The Battleground Lafette Tripod was designed to fit a number of existing 1:16 and 1:18 scale MG34 and MG42 machine guns including: The MG34 or MG42 from the 21st Century Toys Ultimate Soldier line, the MG42 from Forces of Valor's Bravo Team line, and the MG34 from Marauder John's "Gun Runner" line.
The Lafette tripod, first used in 1934, was designed to provide a stable firing platform machine gun squads in the German army and was used in the years leading up to and throughout World War 2. The tripod was very adjustable. The Lafette could be collapsed and carried like a backpack. It also had adjustable legs so it could sit at several heights depending on how height of the cover around the gun and crew. Though capable of some horizontal rotation, it was meant more as a fixed firing platform. Choke points like doorways, alleys, narrow streets or gaps in the terrain were scouted ahead of time. The gun was then fired at the location to ensure it would hit and a screw handle was used to tighten and lock the gun into place. These choke points were known as murder holes and were devastating to infantry due to the accuracy and rate of fire.
