Sora Art 1:35 Dora 80 cm — The Ultimate Super-Heavy Railway Gun Model Kit

 

Sora Art 1:35 Dora 80 cm — The Ultimate Super-Heavy Railway Gun Model Kit

The 80-cm German railway gun known as Dora remains one of the most extreme expressions of industrial warfare ever realised. Conceived at the end of the 1930s and constructed by Krupp, the weapon was designed to overcome fixed fortifications considered impervious to conventional artillery. In 1:35 scale, Sora Art translates this colossal machine into one of the most ambitious plastic model kits ever released.

This is not a conventional armoured vehicle build. It is a monumental, long-term modelling project that prioritises historical presence, engineering scale, and display impact over speed or simplicity.

View the Sora Art 1/35 Dora 80 cm WWII German Super Heavy Railway Gun Model Kit at Hobbies (affiliate link)

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Historical Context: Engineering at the Absolute Limit

The 80 cm K (E) railway gun programme was initiated following German assessments of the Maginot Line and similar reinforced defensive systems. Conventional artillery lacked the penetration required to neutralise deep concrete and steel fortifications. Krupp’s response was unprecedented in scale.

Completed in 1941, Dora was capable of firing a 7-tonne shell over distances approaching 40 km. The weapon’s sheer mass—approximately 1,344 tonnes— required specially prepared dual railway tracks to distribute weight and maintain stability during firing. Deployment was an operation in and of itself, involving thousands of personnel, extensive logistical preparation, and days of assembly on site.

Operational use was limited. During the Siege of Sevastopol in 1942, the gun was most notable for its deployment against heavily fortified Soviet positions. Despite the ongoing debate over the military value of such an extreme weapon, Dora stands as a symbol of wartime engineering that surpasses practical limits.

The Model: Scale as the Central Experience

Sora Art’s 1:35 kit does not attempt to simplify the subject. Instead, it embraces the full physical presence of the original machine.

Once completed, the model exceeds 1.2 metres in length and includes approximately 2 metres of track bed. The barrel alone measures around 60 cm, giving the finished build an unmistakable architectural quality more akin to a museum exhibit than a standard scale model.

With more than 3,000 parts, the kit prioritises structural accuracy and mechanical complexity. The inclusion of a 40-page instruction manual, featuring historical background and archive photography, reinforces the educational and documentary nature of the project.

Build Complexity and Practical Considerations

This kit is intended for experienced modellers only. The part count, physical dimensions and assembly time place it well beyond casual or intermediate builds.

Paints and adhesives are not included, requiring the modeller to plan materials in advance. Given its scale, careful workspace organization is essential. Storage during construction and long-term display space should be considered before purchase.

Shipping is handled via courier due to the box size, and surcharges may apply depending on location.

Who This Kit Is Suited For

This model is suited for:

• Advanced modellers seeking a long-term, immersive project

• Collectors focused on large-scale WWII engineering subjects

• Display builders with dedicated space for museum-scale pieces

• Modellers interested in historical artillery and railway-based systems

It is not suited for:

• Beginners or casual builders

• Modellers with limited workspace or storage

• Those seeking quick or compact builds

Specifications Snapshot

• Scale: 1:35

• Subject: German 80 cm K (E) Railway Gun “Dora”

• Length (completed): Over 1.2 m

• Track bed: Approx. 2 m

• Barrel length: Approx. 60 cm

• Parts count: 3,000+

• Instruction manual: 40 pages with historical content

• Manufacturer: Sora Art Workshop

A Model Defined by Intent, Not Convenience

The Sora Art 1:35 Dora is not designed to be efficient, economical or easy. It exists to capture the full contradiction of the original weapon: immense capability paired with extreme logistical burden. As a modelling project, it offers a rare opportunity to engage with history at a scale that few kits attempt — or could realistically sustain.

For those prepared to commit the time, space and attention required, it represents one of the most distinctive and uncompromising large-scale model kits currently available.

View the Sora Art 1/35 Dora 80 cm WWII German Super Heavy Railway Gun Model Kit at Hobbies (affiliate link)

This article may contain affiliate links. Purchases may earn a commission at no extra cost.

Image Credit

Hobbies / Sora Art

Accuracy Disclaimer

This article is based on research and publicly available information provided by the manufacturer and retailer at the time of writing. Please verify details on the official retailer’s website.

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