PzKpfw Der Kriegermeister (Warmaster)
and
PzKpfw Der Totenmacher (Deathmaker)

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Super-Heavy German Tanks

Technical Specifications

Liftwood and ether flyers are not the only advancement made in the late 1800's. The development of juggernaut "landships" may revolutionize land warfare as much as liftwood flyers have changed naval menuvers. To this end, in 1886 Germany began the design of two classes of super-heavy land juggernauts dubbed PzKpfw (Panzer Kampfwagen or Armored Battle Wagon) Der Kriegermeister and c. These beheamoths are designed to give the German Army the same advantage on the ground that liftwood flyers give aerial units.

By early 1888 (on order from Chancellor Bismark), construction of special facilities in Bavaria to build these juggernauts had begun. These facilities would not only build the hulls, but would construct special railroad cars to enable them to be deployed rapidly (the facilities include a railroad spur) and coal trailers that can feed directly into the landships (via auger) to increase range.

Production began in early 1889, with the first of each line to be finished by late March. After this, production is to speed up as the crews become used to their jobs. Crews have already begun training on the prototype landship.

Armor: 3 hull, 1 running gear
Power Plant: 4 (FD)
Move: 2
Coal: 8 tons
Endurance: 2 days
Tonnage: 120
Cargo: 0 ton
Price: f17,830
Crew: 15 or 11

Armament:

Totenmacher
(1) 6" Cannon
(2) 1" Gatling guns in for and aft cupolas
(2) Hale rocket batteries
(1) Tether mine

The Kriegermeister was designed as a multi-purpose mobile fortress. It carries a formidable armament and can transport a group of ten soldiers. They can exit the vehicle from heavy armored doors in both the front and rear. Four 1" gatling guns on roof cupolas provide cover fire, as well as some capability to attack flying targets. The anti-aircraft ability of the Kriegermeister is bolstered by a bank of Hale rockets and a tether mine.

The Totenmacher was designed to support the Kriegermeister, and therefore will be built in fewer numbers. This vessel provides long range fire support to batter enemies and destroy protected targets (bunkers, other juggernauts, etc.) with its 6" cannon. Two gatling guns provide some anti-infantry and anti-flyer capability.

Both classes of landships share common chassis, engines, and other parts. This was done so that the production of spare parts and the training and division of engineering crews would be easier. Super-heavy landships will provide the German Army the capability to create an impenetrable rolling-front from which infantry and artillery can move behind.

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