Dragon Military Models 1/35 leFH18/40/2 (Sf) Gun on GW PzKpfw III/IV Tank Kit
Germany designed a number of different self-propelled howitzers during WWII, but not all of them reached production. One of the more interesting types was the le.FH.18/40/2 auf.Pz.III/IV Sfl. With a name as convoluted as this, unsurprisingly it isn’t widely known! However, Dragon gave this weapon carrier an enormous popularity boost by being the first manufacturer to create a 1/35 scale plastic kit of the weapon system! Basically the 25-ton vehicle mounted a 10.5cm le.FH.18/40/2 infantry gun in a fighting compartment, although it also carried gun trails and wheels on the rear of the hull so that the howitzer could be removed and used as a towed howitzer too.
Alkett/Rheinmetall-Borsig completed a prototype in March 1944 in direct competition to Krupp’s Heuschrecke 10. It was eventually decided that it would be based on a Geschutzwagen IV (Hummel) chassis, and it was designed to carry 80 ammo rounds and operate with a five-man crew. Production was scheduled to commence in February 1945 but no vehicles ever eventuated.
This was a unique design, and Dragon has given it very special treatment. The only parts in common with current kits are the road wheels, Magic Tracks and some OVM items – all other parts are brand new! Dragon is most certainly in the vanguard by being the first company to offer the le.FH.18/40/2 auf.Pz.III/IV Sfl. as a plastic kit. The le.FH.18 howitzer installed in the open-topped fighting compartment is a brand new creation. If they wish, modelers have the choice of assembling this infantry gun as a towed howitzer with its wheels and trails attached. The fighting compartment is full of detail – the gun mount, ammo storage racks and stowage bins are all there. The lower hull is made as one piece by slide mold. This is a stunning Smart Kit of a novel vehicle, and its appearance and unusual function are bound to draw admiration and invite curious questions from viewers!
Alkett/Rheinmetall-Borsig completed a prototype in March 1944 in direct competition to Krupp’s Heuschrecke 10. It was eventually decided that it would be based on a Geschutzwagen IV (Hummel) chassis, and it was designed to carry 80 ammo rounds and operate with a five-man crew. Production was scheduled to commence in February 1945 but no vehicles ever eventuated.
This was a unique design, and Dragon has given it very special treatment. The only parts in common with current kits are the road wheels, Magic Tracks and some OVM items – all other parts are brand new! Dragon is most certainly in the vanguard by being the first company to offer the le.FH.18/40/2 auf.Pz.III/IV Sfl. as a plastic kit. The le.FH.18 howitzer installed in the open-topped fighting compartment is a brand new creation. If they wish, modelers have the choice of assembling this infantry gun as a towed howitzer with its wheels and trails attached. The fighting compartment is full of detail – the gun mount, ammo storage racks and stowage bins are all there. The lower hull is made as one piece by slide mold. This is a stunning Smart Kit of a novel vehicle, and its appearance and unusual function are bound to draw admiration and invite curious questions from viewers!
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