Hummel late Production - Sd.Kfz.165

Plastic model kit of a late-production 15 cm sFH 18/1 on Geschützwagen III/IV (Sf) Sd.Kfz. 165 Hummel

• 1:35 scale
• Includes photo-etched parts
• Metal gun barrel with rifling
• Buckets and jerrycans included
• Figure not included
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The Hummel was a German, fully tracked heavy self-propelled howitzer used from 1943 onwards to provide mobile artillery support for Panzer divisions. Its official designation was essentially "15 cm sFH 18/1 auf Geschützwagen III/IV (Sf)," with the vehicle number Sd.Kfz. 165. The name "Hummel" (Bumblebee) was initially a nickname or suggestive name used by the troops; its official use was discontinued in February 1944.

The vehicle was based on the specially developed Geschützwagen III/IV, which combined components from the Panzerkampfwagen III and IV. The suspension and key parts of the hull were derived from the Panzer IV, while the drive system, transmission, and drive sprockets utilized Panzer III components. The engine was positioned in the center of the vehicle, creating space at the rear for a large, open-topped fighting compartment.

Its main armament was the 15 cm heavy field howitzer 18/1 (sFH 18/1) L/30. It utilized the upper carriage of the sFH 18 and was designed for indirect fire. The gun could be traversed approximately 15° to the left and right. The Hummel carried only 18 rounds of ammunition, necessitating the use of specially developed ammunition carriers based on the Hummel chassis to resupply the guns.

The crew typically consisted of six men. The fighting compartment was only lightly armored and open at the top. The armor was designed primarily to protect against infantry weapons and shrapnel, rather than for combat against enemy tanks. The hull featured armor ranging from approximately 15 to 30 mm in thickness, depending on the section, while the gun superstructure was only about 10 mm thick.

The Hummel was powered by a 300 hp Maybach HL 120 TRM V12 gasoline engine. With a combat weight of approximately 24 tonnes, it achieved a top speed of around 42 km/h. The vehicle measured approximately 7.17 m in length, 2.97 m in width, and 2.81 m in height.

The first Hummels reached the front in 1943 and were deployed primarily within the armored artillery battalions of the Panzer divisions. They saw their first major combat action during Operation "Zitadelle" in the summer of 1943. Their combination of high firepower and adequate off-road mobility enabled this heavy artillery to keep pace with armored formations even during mobile operations.