To provide armored units with artillery support on an armored fully-tracked chassis, the Waffenamt (Ordnance Department) had proposed that the 10.5cm leFH cannon be mounted on the PzKpfw III and IV chassis. On July 25th, 1942, it was decided to mount the larger 15cm sFH gun on the PzKpfw III and IV chassis, since the PzKpfw II chassis was acceptable as a mount for the leFH cannon. Alkett was entrusted with the development of the vehicle, and subsequently presented a prototype to Hitler in October 1943. The Hummel ("Bumble-Bee") was to be a mere 'Zwischenlosung' (interim solution) until a chassis designed specifically as a self-propelled gun platform could be developed and mass produced. By May 12th 1943, 100 Hummel were to be built for use in the planned summer offensive against the Red Army, code-named "Operation Zitadelle". Besides the Hummel, 157 Munitions Fahrzeuge (ammunition carriers) were produced to provide ammunition for the Hummel batteries.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a late production German Sd. Kfz. 165 Hummel self-propelled heavy howitzer that was attached to the Pz.Art.Rgt.19, 19.Panzer Division, then operating on the eastern front during 1944. Comes with bunker, ammunition case and spent shell. Sold Out!

Vehicle Dimensions:
Length: 4-1/2-inches
Width: 1-1/2-inches

Release Date: June 2008

Historical Account: "When the Siren Sings" - Formed from the 19.Infanterie-Division in November 1940, 19.Panzer Division took part in the invasion of the USSR and fought on the central sector of the Eastern front until December 1942 when it was transferred south. It was pushed back though the Ukraine and Poland ending the war in Czechoslovakia in mid 1945.