Dragon 1/35 Military - 1/35 Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel Initial Production - D6430

The Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel ("Bumblebee") paired a 15cm sFH18/1 heavy field howitzer with the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis, a purpose-built hybrid running gear combining Panzer III and Panzer IV components. Entering service in 1943, the Hummel gave German panzer divisions their own tracked, armoured self-propelled heavy artillery, capable of keeping pace with advancing armoured formations while delivering powerful indirect fire support.

This Dragon kit depicts the initial production version of the Hummel, reproducing the early hull features such as the distinctive open-topped fighting compartment, driver's front plate arrangement, and running gear specific to the first vehicles off the production line before later simplifications were introduced. Slide-mould technology captures the complex, multi-angled superstructure plates and the long recuperator housing of the sFH18/1 barrel in crisp detail.

The kit includes individual workable track links, a full set of stowage and tools for the crew compartment, and decals covering Eastern Front service.

A substantial, imposing build that pairs a heavy gun with a busy fighting compartment full of ammunition and equipment detail, this kit will appeal to modellers who enjoy building and detailing German self-propelled artillery.