Tamiya 35285 - 1:35 Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer Mid. Production

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the German Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer tank destroyer (mid production)

Tamiya 35285 reproduces the Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer – a compact German tank destroyer built on the proven Czech Panzer 38(t) chassis. Its sloped 60 mm frontal armour and powerful 75 mm gun in a fixed casemate were packed into an exceptionally low hull, making the vehicle hard to spot and an effective opponent from its introduction in the summer of 1944.

The model is developed from all-new tooling, capturing the features typical of the mid-production series. The distinctive “Saukopf” gun mantlet and its cover are carefully reproduced, and the remote-controlled MG34 machine-gun mount on the casemate roof is built from precision parts so that it rotates after assembly.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull, casemate and fittings
• 75 mm Pak 39 L/48 gun with “Saukopf” mantlet and cover
• Remote-controlled MG34 mount (rotates after assembly)
• Gun sight, periscopic binoculars, jack and on-board tools
• Two track types: individual links and vinyl belt
• One standing commander figure
• Decal sheet for four marking options
• Illustrated instructions with a full-colour painting guide

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Item number: 35285
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 182 mm (with gun)
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-by-link tracks)

Note: This kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

Thanks to the excellent part fit typical of Tamiya, the model is approachable even for less experienced builders. The link-by-link tracks require patience, and reproducing their sag along the straight runs is worthwhile – the vinyl belt tracks offer a faster alternative.

For painting, the palette typical of late-war German vehicles is recommended: a Dunkelgelb base with green and brown patches depending on the chosen option. The instructions give paint codes for the four schemes. Military vehicles are usually finished with a matt varnish, and the detail benefits from a wash.

Tools you'll need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue-gate marks
• Polystyrene cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optionally: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer:

The Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer was created in response to a 1943 German order for a cheap, mass-produced tank destroyer to replace earlier interim designs. The well-established Czech Panzer 38(t) chassis was used as the basis, carrying a low, fully enclosed casemate with sloped armour.

The vehicle was armed with a 75 mm Pak 39 L/48 gun in a fixed casemate with a limited traverse, supplemented by a remote-controlled machine gun on the roof. The low silhouette and sloped armour gave good protection and made the vehicle hard to detect, although the cramped interior and limited field of fire reduced the comfort and effectiveness of the four-man crew.

The Hetzer entered service from the summer of 1944 and fought on both the Eastern and Western fronts. After the war, production continued for the Czechoslovak and Swiss armies, contributing to its long service life. Around 2,584 examples of various versions were built in total.

Original specifications (Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer):

• Length: approx. 6.38 m (with gun)
• Width: approx. 2.63 m
• Height: approx. 2.17 m
• Combat weight: approx. 15.8 t
• Crew: 4
• Main armament: 75 mm Pak 39 L/48 gun
• Secondary armament: remote-controlled 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun
• Powerplant: Praga petrol engine, approx. 160 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 42 km/h
• Armour: up to 60 mm (casemate front)
• Production: 1944–1945, approx. 2,584 examples

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the heart of the Japanese model industry. The company initially traded in timber, but from the late 1940s it produced wooden models, and in 1960 it launched its first plastic assembly kit. The brand is renowned for exceptionally precise injection moulds and excellent part fit, which is why its kits are favoured by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which the Hetzer belongs, comprises hundreds of items and is considered one of the most comprehensive 1:35 catalogues of military vehicles in the world. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling supplies: paints, glues, tools and brushes.