1:35 Trumpeter 00373 Heuschrecke IVb Grasshopper – 10.5cm leFH 18/1 L/28 auf Waffenträger IVb – German Howitzer Plastic Model kit

The 1:35 Trumpeter 00373 Heuschrecke IVb Grasshopper is a distinctive plastic model kit of a German self-propelled howitzer from the Second World War. This Static Armor model is ideal for modellers looking for a technically interesting prototype, a rare German artillery vehicle and a striking subject for a realistic WWII diorama.

The German High Command wanted a self-propelled howitzer that retained the ability to dismount the cannon and use it as towed artillery. Several firms worked on this concept over a number of years, but none of the solutions were considered true successes. Krupp’s attempt involved mounting a 10.5 cm light field howitzer on a heavily modified Hummel chassis. The engine and cooling system were moved to the rear of the vehicle, in positions similar to the Panzerkampfwagen IV. A new glacis and superstructure were fabricated by Stahlindustrie and installed by Krupp.

The Heuschrecke IV remained a prototype and never entered mass production. The first prototypes were built in 1941, followed by three more Sd.Kfz. 165/1 prototypes in 1943. The vehicle was armed with a 105 mm leFH18/1 howitzer and powered by a 300 hp Maybach HL 90 engine. Due to its complexity, the inefficiency of serial production and the fact that the Wehrmacht already used 150 mm self-propelled artillery, this vehicle remained a fascinating but rare chapter in German artillery development. Order today from Most-Models.com and benefit from fast delivery, excellent customer service and a strong range of Trumpeter model kits, German howitzers and 1:35 military scale models.

Features:
– Trumpeter 00373 Heuschrecke IVb Grasshopper 10.5cm leFH 18/1 L/28 auf Waffenträger IVb plastic model kit in 1:35 scale
– Static Armor model of a German WWII self-propelled howitzer
– Prototype vehicle intended to allow the gun to be removed and used as towed artillery
– Krupp design with 10.5 cm light field howitzer on a heavily modified Hummel chassis
– Engine and cooling system were moved to the rear, similar to the Panzerkampfwagen IV layout
– New glacis and superstructure were fabricated by Stahlindustrie and installed by Krupp
– Heuschrecke IV prototypes were built between 1941 and 1943 and the vehicle never entered mass production
– Armed with a 105 mm leFH18/1 howitzer and powered by a 300 hp Maybach HL 90 engine
– Model consists of 674 parts with 16 sprues, one-piece slide-molded lower hull, slide-molded upper hull, slide-molded turret and vinyl tracks
– Includes 672 light grey plastic parts, 2 full length vinyl tracks, 1 fret of photo-etched parts and metal chain
– Small decal sheet with four black and white Balkenkreuz markings to represent the vehicle in field gray
– Built model measures 195 mm long, 85 mm wide and 75 mm high

Add the 1:35 Trumpeter 00373 Heuschrecke IVb Grasshopper German Howitzer to your cart now at Most-Models.com and build a rare German prototype with technology, history and strong diorama value.