Tamiya 35200 - 1:35 Sd.Kfz.124 Wespe German Self-Propelled Howitzer

Plastic model kit of the German Wespe (Sd.Kfz.124) self-propelled howitzer in 1:35 scale

Tamiya 35200 depicts the Wespe (Sd.Kfz.124) – a German self-propelled howitzer of the Second World War. The vehicle was created by combining a 10.5 cm field howitzer (the leFH18/2) with the proven chassis of the Pz.Kpfw.II tank, giving a mobile fire-support platform. The open-topped fighting compartment housed the gun and its crew. The model faithfully captures the vehicle's shape and includes crew figures.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, running gear and fighting-compartment parts
• 10.5 cm howitzer with a reproduced breech and crew
• Crew figures
• Tracks and road wheels
• Decal sheet and illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35200
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 137 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate

Note: glue, paints and modelling tools are not included. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

As a Tamiya-tooled kit it features good parts fit. It is worth painting the open fighting compartment in stages, before closing the structure, to keep access to the gun and interior. Emphasise the final finish with a wash and subtle weathering.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes and modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel-line wash to emphasise detail, plus dry-brushing
• Pigments and paints for weathering effects (mud, dust, rust)

About the vehicle – Wespe (Sd.Kfz.124):

The Wespe was created to give the German armoured divisions mobile artillery that could keep up with fast-moving units. Using the Pz.Kpfw.II chassis allowed production to start quickly. These vehicles entered service in 1943 and served on many fronts as effective fire support.

Original vehicle specifications:

• Length: approx. 4.8 m
• Width: approx. 2.3 m
• Height: approx. 2.3 m
• Combat weight: approx. 11 t
• Powerplant: Maybach petrol engine, approx. 140 hp
• Max speed: approx. 40 km/h
• Armament: 10.5 cm leFH18/2 howitzer; machine gun
• Crew: 5
• Feature: howitzer on the Pz.Kpfw.II chassis, open fighting compartment

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of Japan's model-making industry. It launched its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960 and soon set a global benchmark for quality thanks to precise tooling and excellent parts fit. The 1:35 Military Miniature series is one of the most highly regarded military model lines in the world. Beyond plastic kits in many scales, the company offers a full range of accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. Tamiya operates in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.