Tamiya 89619 - Wespe German Self-Propelled Howitzer WWII  [89619]

Tamiya #89619 - Wespe German Self-Propelled Howitzer

About the German Personal Propelled Howitzer "Wespe"

Whenever German Forces encountered the harsh Russian winter and superiority of Soviet tanks regarding Eastern Front during WW2, they rushed to produce new equipment immediately. As well as more powerful tanks and anti-tank weaponry, completely tracked self-propelled weapons were essential to come with motorized troops. To fulfill this need, a few prototypes had been built up making use of current guns and tracked chassis as interim solutions. One mounted the Type 18/2, 10.5cm L/28 light howitzer on a Panzer II framework. The weapon had been the standard light industry howitzer used by German artillery forces at that time, additionally the Panzer II had been already proven dependable using its cross-country capability. To mount the weapon, the motor needed to be relocated through the rear on middle of this hull. The movable tank turret ended up being replaced with an easy box-shaped steel framework. As its main part ended up being meant to be for infantry help, the fighting compartment had been just gently armored in front and sides, and also the top ended up being left uncovered. The completed weapons system permitted the weapon to elevate 42 degrees and traverse 34 degrees, and had a muzzle brake included with the weapon to lessen recoil. It carried a crew of five with 32 rounds of 10.5cm howitzer ammunition. Formally known as the "Wespe" (Wasp in German), its production began in February 1943, and even though initially meant as a stopgap tool, it stayed in production until September 1944 with 676 produced.