Italeri 96531 - 1:35 Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer

Plastic model kit of the German Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer tank destroyer in 1:35 scale

Italeri 96531 is a model kit of the German light tank destroyer Jagdpanzer 38(t), universally known as the Hetzer. The vehicle was built on the chassis of the Czechoslovak Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) light tank - a proven, cheap and quick-to-produce design - onto which a closed, steeply sloped casemate housing a 7.5 cm gun was mounted.

The model comes with link-and-length tracks, combining individual links with longer runs, allowing a natural sag over the return rollers. The decal sheet covers four marking options - German vehicles and machines in Hungarian service.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, casemate and running gear parts
• Link-and-length tracks: individual links and longer runs
• Decal sheet for four marking options (Germany, Hungary)
• Illustrated instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Catalogue number: 96531
• Manufacturer: Italeri
• Assembled model length: approx. 182 mm
• Skill level: intermediate (link-and-length tracks)

Note: Glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. This kit requires assembly.

Building the model:

The tracks are the most demanding stage - the longer runs go on the straight sections, with individual links around the drive and idler wheels. It is worth taking time to form a natural sag along the upper run, as this noticeably improves the finished model's appearance.

Hetzers wore the German three-colour scheme: a Dunkelgelb base with green and brown patches, frequently applied in the field - hence the wide variety of patterns. Hungarian vehicles carried their own markings. A wash to bring out weld seams and detail works well, finished with a matt coat as is standard for military vehicles. Dust and mud on the running gear can be reproduced with pigments.

To raise the level of detail you might consider aftermarket accessories available separately in our shop - a turned metal barrel or a photo-etched detail set for this kit.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel wash to bring out detail
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle - Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer:

The Jagdpanzer 38(t), also designated Sd.Kfz. 138/2, emerged in the second half of 1943 in response to the need for a cheap, simple to build and effective tank destroyer. Its basis was the chassis of the Czechoslovak Pz.Kpfw. 38(t), built by BMM in Prague - a proven, mature design available in quantity.

On that chassis sat a closed casemate with steeply sloped armour plates, housing a 7.5 cm gun capable of defeating most Allied tanks of the period. The result was a very low silhouette: the Hetzer stood lower than a man, which made it a difficult target and ideally suited to fighting from ambush and prepared positions.

The vehicle entered service in the second half of 1944 and quickly became one of the most numerous German tank destroyers of the late war. Its drawbacks were the gun's limited traverse, cramped interior and thin side armour - the Hetzer was effective when fighting from cover, not in the open. After the war the type continued in production in Czechoslovakia, with some vehicles serving with the Swiss army.

Original vehicle specifications (Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer):

• Combat weight: approx. 15.75 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 7.5 cm PaK 39 L/48 gun
• Secondary armament: MG 34 machine gun on a remotely operated roof mount
• Powerplant: Praga petrol engine, approx. 160 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 42 km/h
• Armour: steeply sloped plates, thickest at the front
• Production: 1944-1945, approx. 2,800 vehicles
• Manufacturers: BMM (Prague) and Skoda

About the manufacturer - Italeri:

Italeri is an Italian model company based in Calderara di Reno near Bologna, founded in the early 1960s by Giuliano Malservisi and Gian Pietro Parmeggiani. Its first kit was a 1:72 Fiat G.55. Over time the company acquired the moulds of Supermodel, Protar and ESCI, greatly expanding its catalogue. Today Italeri offers aircraft, helicopters, military vehicles, ships, trucks, cars and motorcycles. Its 1:35 military vehicle kits are among the longest-running lines in the catalogue. The company designs and manufactures in Italy.