Tamiya 35367 - 1:35 German Heavy Self-Propelled Howitzer Hummel Late Production

1:35 scale plastic model kit of the German heavy self-propelled howitzer Hummel (late production)

The Hummel is one of the most recognisable vehicles of the German armoured artillery — a 15 cm sFH 18/1 howitzer mounted in an open superstructure on the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis. Tamiya 35367 depicts the late-production version, identified by its enlarged driver's compartment integrated into the superstructure. The kit is based on tooling created in 2019.

The superstructure, chassis and running gear are finely reproduced. The gun elevation mechanism uses a metal shaft, so the elevation angle can be adjusted smoothly even after the model is finished. The tracks are of the link-and-length type: longer runs for the straight sections and individual links around the drive and idler wheels. Three crew figures in M43 uniforms are posed loading a shell, allowing the model to be built as a small scene straight from the box.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts for the chassis, superstructure and equipment
• Link-and-length tracks
• Metal shaft for the gun elevation mechanism
• Three crew figures in M43 uniforms posed loading a shell
• Decal sheet for two marking options, including shell stencils
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35367
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: approx. 190 × 84 mm
• Skill level: beginner/intermediate (link-and-length tracks, extensive stowage)

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

Building the model:

Thanks to the excellent parts fit typical of Tamiya, the kit is approachable even for less experienced modellers. The link-and-length tracks call for the most patience — it is worth taking time over their run across the road wheels. Because the open fighting compartment stays visible, painting the interior before closing it up pays off, and the figures are best finished separately and added at the end.

For painting we suggest a Dunkelgelb base (e.g. Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow) with green and brown camouflage patches, depending on the chosen option; the instructions give Tamiya paint codes for both schemes. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps avoid silvering, and a matt varnish makes a suitable final finish. A wash brings out the detail, while pigments reproduce dust and mud. If you would like even crisper detail, the Tamiya 12688 metal barrel is available separately — it is not part of 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)
• A wash to emphasise detail and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Hummel (Sd.Kfz.165):

The Hummel answered a simple need: the panzer divisions required heavy artillery able to keep up with the tanks during a fast advance. The solution was to mount the 15 cm sFH 18/1 howitzer in an open superstructure on the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis, which combined elements of the Panzer III and Panzer IV. The result could fire 43.5 kg shells to ranges of over 13 km.

The Hummel saw its combat debut at Kursk in the summer of 1943 and remained in production until the end of the war, with around 700 built. The vehicles served in the heavy batteries of armoured artillery battalions, accompanied by dedicated ammunition carriers on the same chassis.

The late-production version depicted here received an enlarged driver's compartment integrated into the superstructure, improving crew conditions and simplifying manufacture. It was this variant that fought during the final period of the war on both the Eastern and the Western Front.

Original vehicle specifications (Hummel, late production):

• Length: approx. 7.17 m
• Width: approx. 2.97 m
• Height: approx. 2.81 m
• Combat weight: approx. 24 t
• Crew: 6
• Main armament: 15 cm sFH 18/1 howitzer
• Shell weight: 43.5 kg
• Range: over 13 km
• Engine: Maybach HL120TRM, approx. 265 hp
• Production: approx. 700 vehicles; combat debut at Kursk in 1943

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in timber and wooden models, and in 1960 it released its first injection-moulded plastic kit. Two years later came the 1:35 tank that established the scale as a worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise moulds and outstanding parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases and is one of the most comprehensive catalogues of 1:35 military vehicles anywhere. Alongside kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today the company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.