German Sturmpanzer IV (Early version) (Tristar)

This is the Tristar 35038 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German Sturmpanzer IV – Early version’.

German Sturmpanzer IV

History

The Sturmpanzer (also known as Sturmpanzer 43 or Sd.Kfz.166) was a German armoured infantry support gun based on the Panzer IV chassis used in the Second World War. It was used at the Battles of Kursk, Anzio, Normandy, and helped to put down the Warsaw Uprising.

It was known by the nickname Brummbär (German: “Grouch”) by Allied intelligence, a name which was not used by the Germans.

Just over 300 vehicles were built and they were assigned to four independent battalions.

Source: Wikipedia

Manufacturer

Where I got it

  • Hobbymesse 2013

German 15 cm s.IG.33 (Sf) auf Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf. B (Dragon)

This is the Dragon 6259 kit in 1/35 scale, of the ‘German 15cm s.IG.33 (Sf) auf Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B’, sometimes referred to as the Sturmpanzer I Bison.

German 15cm s.IG.33 (Sf) auf Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B

History

The Panzer I formed the nucleus of Germany’s embryonic tank formations, but its light armor and light armament meant it was outdated by the start of WWII. Despite being made redundant as a gun tank, the chassis of the Panzer I was utilized in a number of alternative roles, including that of a self-propelled howitzer.

It was recognized early on that mobile artillery could provide invaluable fire support to tank units, so the mounting of a 150mm s.IG.33 infantry gun resulted in a vehicle known as an s.IG.33 (Sf) auf Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.B. The gun was mounted in a tall, boxy superstructure, though the chassis of the Panzer I was overstressed by the extra weight. The armored shield was only 10mm thick and could only offer front and side protection, plus there was no space for spare ammunition to be carried.

Ultimately, this ungainly and top-heavy artillery piece wasn’t a great success and only 38 were converted in February 1940 by Alkett. These guns served in the Battle of France and beyond, though as the war progressed, the 150mm s.IG.33 gun would be mounted on alternative chassis too.

Source: Dragon Models website

Manufacturer

Where I got it