DRAGON

This model advertised as ‘1^st Hummel in our Armor Series’.  However, a couple of Hummel late production models were released by dragon in late 2006

This is highly detailed model with fully detailed fighting compartment, guns rotates and elevates.  Hornisse/Nashorn and Hummel models even after latest price increase on other Dragon Armor Series models still have 27% higher dealer cost.

“Main Features:
- Includes a detailed open-top fighting compartment
- Newly tooled 150mm gun and cradle
- Includes display case
- True to 1/72 scale
- Fully accurate Hummel mold
- Detailed three tone camouflage from PzArtRgt 73 of the 1. PzDiv operating in Greece in 1943

About the Sd. Kfz. 165 Hummel:
When a 150mm sFH18/1 L/30 howitzer was combined with a Panzer IV chassis and hull, the resulting hybrid was a vehicle christened the "Hummel" (German for Bumble Bee). The purpose of this combination was to give armoured units much needed mobile artillery support.” Source www.dragonmodelsusa.com

15cm Schwere Panzerhaubitze auf Geschutzwagen IV (Sf) (Sd Kfz 165)

Other Designation – Hummel (Bumble-bee), Gerat 807

Manufacturer Alkett, Deutsche-Eisenwerke

Crew – 6

Weight – 24 tons aprx. 57,700 lbs

Dimensions – L 7.17 m, W 2.97 m, H 2.81 m

Speed – 42 km/h / 25.5 mph

Range – 215 km / 130 miles

Armament – 15 cm sFH18/1 L/30 w 18 round of ammunition and one loose MG34 with 600 rounds of ammunition

Armor [Front; Side; Rear; Top (mm/degree)] – Hull 10/37; 10/16; 10/10; Open.  Superstructure 30/20; 20/0; 20/10; 15/90.  Gun Shield 10/37.

This battle vehicle is a Self-propelled heavy howitzer on an armored fully-tracked chassis was designed in order to provide artillery support to armored units.   In summer 1942 Alkett received the order to design the vehicle and in October a prototype was presented to Hitler.  The vehicle was designed as interim solution until chassis designed specifically as self-propelled gun-platform could be developed. 

The 15 cm sFH was mounted on Pz III and Pz IV chassis, Pz IV lengthened hull was used as basic design but the engine was moved to center position.  Suspension was of Pz IV but different spacing between components.   The open top fighting compartment was constructed of slanted armor plates bolted to the hull.  The glacis plate was extended and a compartment for the driver was fitted on it.   This war redesigned on “late” production models produced from early 1944.  The crew compartment for a driver and radio operator was built in form similar to Pz IV superstructure.  The vehicle has very high silhouette due to its 15 cm sFH18/1 haubitze (howitzer) was mounted in a middle above the engine.   The ammunition carrier / Munitions Fahrzeuge was manufactured along with Hummel.   The vehicle was the same design but no gun with armor plated bolted over the front where the gun should be, and internal stowage was different.

The Hummel were issued to the heavy batteries of the armored artillery detachments of Several Panzer Divisions most of each had a single battery of six Hummel and two ammunition carriers.   Hummel started to reach battle units in early 1943 and first saw combat at Kursk (German 1943 Summer offensive).  In latter periods of the war some divisions received a second Hummel equipped battery.