Pre-order - Trumpeter 00952 - 1:16 German Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel - Early Production

Pre-order item! Your order will be fulfilled once the manufacturer releases the model. Estimated availability: late October 2026. The delivery date is approximate and may change for reasons beyond our control.

Plastic Model Kit of the Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel Early Production Self-Propelled Howitzer in 1:16 Scale

Trumpeter 00952 is an impressive plastic model kit reproducing the German Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel self-propelled field howitzer in the Early Production variant. With its 1:16 scale and more than 1,400 parts, this kit ranks among the most detailed and largest military vehicle models available – the completed model measures approximately 560 mm in length, making it a spectacular display centerpiece in any collection. The early production version differs from later variants mainly in the shape of the frontal armor plate and the configuration of the gun opening in the gun shield.

The kit includes individual track links for realistic track sag, photo-etched parts for fine details, metal components, and an aluminum barrel for the howitzer. The highly detailed interior of the open fighting compartment makes this model especially impressive even without aftermarket additions.

Inside the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues with hull, fighting compartment, and running gear components
• Individual track links (over 1,400 parts in total)
• Photo-etched detail sheets
• Metal parts (screws, handles, fine details)
• Aluminum barrel for the 15 cm sFH 18/1 howitzer
• Water-slide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:16
• Catalog number: 00952
• Manufacturer: Trumpeter
• Completed model length: approx. 560 mm
• Number of parts: over 1,400
• Difficulty level: advanced

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Building the model:

A 1:16 scale model is a demanding project requiring significant time and experience. Assembling the individual track links is time-consuming but provides the most realistic track sag and alignment. The detailed interior of the open fighting compartment should be painted before attaching the side walls and front armor, as much of the interior equipment will remain visible in the completed model. Photo-etched parts are best bent using a dedicated photo-etch bending tool before installation.

The standard camouflage for an Eastern Front Hummel consisted of Dunkelgelb dark yellow (for example Vallejo 70.978 or Tamiya XF-60) combined with green and brown camouflage applied by brush or airbrush. Dark washes and weathering pigments are recommended for the open fighting compartment and mechanical components to create realistic dirt and rust effects. A matte varnish is recommended as the final finish.

Essential tools:

• Model sprue cutters for removing parts from sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched and metal parts
• Paint brushes in various sizes and precision tweezers
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel) and matte varnish
• Model wash and optional pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel:

The Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel (“Bumblebee”) was a German self-propelled field howitzer developed to provide mobile heavy artillery support for Panzer divisions. The vehicle was based on a modified Panzer IV chassis (the hybrid Geschützwagen III/IV hull) fitted with the powerful 15 cm sFH 18/1 L/30 field howitzer mounted in an open-topped fighting compartment. Production began in the spring of 1943 and continued until 1944 – approximately 714 Hummels and 157 ammunition carrier variants (without the gun) were produced in total.

The Hummel made its combat debut on the Eastern Front during the Battle of Kursk in July 1943 and proved highly effective thanks to its mobility and firepower. With a maximum firing range of 13,325 meters, it was capable of delivering indirect fire support from long distances during both offensive and defensive operations. The early production version differed from the later model mainly in the design of the front armor shield – later vehicles featured a simplified single-piece panel. Surviving Hummel vehicles can still be seen in museums around the world, including the Bovington Tank Museum.

Technical data of the original vehicle (Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel Early Production):

• Length: 7.17 m
• Width: 2.87 m
• Height: 2.81 m
• Combat weight: approx. 23.5 tons
• Crew: 6–8 personnel
• Main armament: 15 cm sFH 18/1 L/30 (18 rounds carried onboard)
• Secondary armament: 7.92 mm MG 34 machine gun (for self-defense)
• Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM, 265 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 42 km/h (road)
• Range: approx. 215 km (road)
• Production: 1943–1944, approx. 714 units built

About the manufacturer – Trumpeter:

Trumpeter (Zhongshan Yatai Electric Appliances Co.) is a Chinese model manufacturer based in Zhongshan, founded in the 1990s, which quickly became one of the major players in the global plastic model market. The company specializes in large and highly detailed warship models (1:200 and 1:350 scales), aircraft kits (1:32 and 1:48), and military vehicles (1:35 and 1:16). Trumpeter is especially renowned for its impressive 1:16 scale kits, featuring extremely high part counts, metal details, and aluminum gun barrels, placing them among the premium offerings of mass-market manufacturers. The company markets products under both the Trumpeter and the related HobbyBoss brand, the latter aimed at less advanced modelers.