Welcome to our on-line store. Here you will find our DDR border range of models in both H0 scale 1/87 and 1/35 scale, as well as a range of mugs. Please feel free to browse.
“Let me introduce you to our range of models of the border towers”
B Towers B-Turm, short for Beobachtungsturm) was a type of tower used by the DDR border Guards, both in Berlin and the full length of the border.
These towers were built to a standard design by the VEB Zentrales Entwurfs- und Konstruktionsbüro Berlin and made of pre cast concrete sections and referred to by the abbreviations “BT 4×4”, “BT 9” or “BT 11” – the older Type 11 was cylindrical; the later Type 9 had a square floor plan, as did the Type 4×4. These numbers referred either to the height of the tower (e.g. 9 or 11 metres) or its floor plan (e.g. 4 x 4 metres). They varied in height depending on local circumstances and were accessed through a steel door that was usually hidden from the direction of the border. Offset metal ladders led via two or three intermediate corrugated steel floors to the top. The main observation deck was equipped with seating, rifle racks, an air filter system, signaling equipment, log book, mapping material, dedicated communications to the border reporting net, electric heating and emergency and rescue equipment including abseiling kit. It had room for 4-5 soldiers who, usually, formed the “Warning Group” (Alarmgruppe). The roof terrace was protected by a steel pipe railing and could be accessed through a lockable, airtight steel hatch. On the roof was a movable, remotely operated searchlight.
The BT 4×4 was characterized by its square shape with dimensions of 4 by 4 meters,which was a control centre for other towers. The type (BT-9) had more slender dimensions of 2 x 2 meters. The other visual key difference between the two types are the windows on the top floor: The windows of the BT 4×4 do not run the full width of the tower whereas the windows in the BT-9 do.
Other common abbreviations for the BT 4×4 are BTv 4×4 (“Beobachtungsturm viereckig, 4×4”) or FüSt (“Führungsstelle”). The tower has the following levels:
Click for a larger view
- Basement
- Ground floor with arrest cells
- 1st floor with sleeping compartments for a half squad, with two small windows per side, suitable as a firing hole
- 2nd floor with observation platform, and alarm and signalling equipment. Four windows face each of the four sides.
- Roof, with railing and search light.
Our models faithfully reproduce the towers in both 1/87 (H0) and 1/35 scale. Models can be supplied ready made or in kit form. A full interior is also an option. The models are both printed plastic and resin. Both original plans and photographs were used in the construction.
Our BTv 4×4 Tower in 1/35 scale.(Please click on the image for a larger view).
The price of this Tower is €28.00 ready made and primed, or €20.99 in kit form. Both are plus postage which is €7.00 within Europe.To order this or other items in the range please send your details via our contact page, and we will send you a PayPal invoice. Please note it can take up to 28 days to send your model(s) as models are individually made to order. For models with a full interior please ask for a quote with your requirements.
BTv 4×4 in 1/87 (H0) scale. Note the wire fence and wall sections can also be supplied, in both 1/35 and 1/87 scale Click on the image for a larger view.
The price of this Tower is €14.99 ready made and primed, or €12.99 in kit form. Both are plus postage which is €7.00 within Europe
A section of the fence from the Harz area. Our model fence sections are true copies.(author ‘s collection)
BT9 & BT6 Towers in 1/87 H0 scale. Both of these towers are also available in 1/35 scale (Click on the image for a larger view)The price of these Tower’s in 1/87 is €14.99 ready made and primed, or €12.99 in kit form. Both are plus postage which is €7.00 within Europe