Novak 6475 1/35 Pz.Sfl.IVb 10.5cm le.FH18/1 Sd.Kfz.165 Ausf.A

Early in WWII, German units relied on towed howitzers like the 10.5cm le.FH.18. Various proposals were made for a self-propelled version, with Krupp offering one based on a modified Panzer IV chassis. Named the Pz.Sfl.IVb or Sd.Kfz.165/1, its open-topped turret contained a 10.5cm le.FH.18 howitzer that was capable of only a 70° traverse by hand. A test series of eight vehicles was produced in November 1942 and they were combat tested in Russia. However, production was eventually cancelled because the administration decided they wanted carriages with all-round traverse. In the event, the le.FH.18 was successfully mounted on a Panzer II chassis in the well-known Wespe variant. Dragon has produced a fine new 1/35 scale kit of this rare and novel self-propelled howitzer. Just as the original prototypes were especially constructed, so Dragon’s scaled-down kit has a preponderance of brand new toolings. Of special note is the correctly shaped turret. This was based on detailed research so as to reproduce it with the correct proportions and dimensional accuracy. Though the lower hull and running gear look similar to that of a Panzer IV, they are in fact heavily modified. For instance, the Pz.Sfl.IVb has six enlarged road wheels each side. This kit fully represents the nuances of this unusual artillery piece, and no effort was spared on creating this kit. For those modelers wishing to have an accurate Pz.Sfl.IVb 10.5 cm in 1/35 scale, Dragon is the only name in the game!Models are supplied unpainted and assembly is required.

• Metal etched detail parts
• Detailed tank tracks