Tamiya 89619 - Wespe German Self-Propelled Howitzer WWII 田宮軍事模型1/35軍事製品 雙星孖星  [89619]

Tamiya 89619 - Wespe German Self-Propelled Howitzer

Concerning the German Self Propelled Howitzer "Wespe"

Whenever German Forces encountered the harsh Russian wintertime and superiority of Soviet tanks regarding Eastern Front during WW2, they hurried to produce brand new equipment immediately. In addition to more powerful tanks and anti-tank weaponry, completely tracked self-propelled weapons had been necessary to come with motorized troops. To fulfill this need, several prototypes were accumulated making use of current weapons and tracked chassis as interim solutions. One mounted the kind 18/2, 10.5cm L/28 light howitzer on a Panzer II chassis. The weapon was the conventional light industry howitzer employed by German artillery forces during the time, while the Panzer II had been already proven reliable along with its cross-country ability. To mount the gun, the motor needed to be relocated through the rear toward middle of hull. The movable tank turret had been replaced with a simple box-shaped steel framework. As its main part was meant to be for infantry support, the combat compartment ended up being just lightly armored in front and edges, together with top had been left uncovered. The finished tools system permitted the weapon to raise 42 levels and traverse 34 degrees, and had a muzzle braking system put into the gun to lessen recoil. It carried a team of five with 32 rounds of 10.5cm howitzer ammo. Officially known as the "Wespe" (Wasp in German), its production started in February 1943, and although originally meant as a stopgap gun, it remained in manufacturing until September 1944 with 676 produced.